Archive Version


D&D Adventure Contest

This contest was held by Eric Noah back in 2000/2001.  This page is an archived version.  It is near identical to the original as it was, but with the links updated and a few legacy formatting issues (related to ads or expired graphics) removed.





I am pleased to be able to announce the winners of my adventure design contest! All results from all five categories have come in.

Before we get to the goods, I want to offer my sincere thanks to the volunteer judges. The judges included Kevin "Piratecat" Kulp, Geoff "Galfridus" Speare, Rick "RBB" Blair, Ian "the Mad" Urbina, Bill "wsmith" Smith, Todd "Satori" Roybark, and KarinsDad, and two very special guest judges -- Jason Kempton and James Bell of Fiery Dragon Productions. The judges scored and commented on almost 40 adventures, and without them this contest would simply be an impossibility. Next time you're on the message boards be sure to say thanks for a job well done.

Please Note: I'm presenting the adventures exactly as written, with the exception of cleaning up some formatting so they will look nice on a web page. You may find rule errors, inconsistencies, and so forth -- that's all part of the charm! :)

And now, the winners...

Temple: Grand Prize [map]

"The Lost Temple of Pelor" by Andrew Hay (320kb .pdf)*
For 5th-7th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • ...on par with the quality of Dungeon Magazine adventures.
  • This adventure has a phenomenal backstory, and superior completeness.

* For some reason, some people report that .pdf files downloaded from this site don't appear in the browser window. No, I don't know why. To save the file instead of viewing it in the browser, right-click and choose "Save Target As" [Internet Explorer], or SHIFT-click the link [Netscape].

Temple: Runner Up [map]

"Uncle Albrecht’s Lab" by Dale Roberts
For 4th-6th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • The language is clear and precise, the stat blocks are thorough and useful, and best of all there is great role playing potential.



Old Tower: Grand Prize [map]

"The Old Tower" by Dennis O’Brien
For 1st level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • I appreciate the investigative nature of this adventure.
  • ... the perfect balance of roleplaying and "buttkicking for goodness!"
Old Tower: Runner Up [map]

"Undying Agonies" by Dylan Brooks
For 5th-7th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • ... refreshing ...
  • ... a memorable experience ...



Volcano Fortress: Grand Prize [map]

"The Burning Sage’s Demense" by Spencer "The Sigil" Cooley (150kb .pdf)*
[html version]
For 3rd-5th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • ... this adventure is amongst the most creative I've seen.
  • Excellent and original idea, with a good balance of roleplaying and combat (with some excellent roleplaying encounters).

* For some reason, some people report that .pdf files downloaded from this site don't appear in the browser window. No, I don't know why. To save the file instead of viewing it in the browser, right-click and choose "Save Target As" [Internet Explorer], or SHIFT-click the link [Netscape].

Volcano Fortress: Runner Up [map]

"Rubies of the Black Flame" by David Morgan
For 12th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • ... an exciting an interesting adventure, with a fundamentally good design.
  • Very clever and deadly.
  • This adventure must have been written under light emanating from a coal ember from hell.


Secret Graveyard: Grand Prize [map]

"Peaceful Silence" by Johnathon Walls
For 8th-12th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • The amount of organization and preparation that went into theadventure is exceptional.
  • This is a fascinating event-based adventure, with vividly developed NPCs, setting, and backstory. The pacing and details are on target, and the module provides deep roleplaying and an exciting climactic battle.
Secret Graveyard: Runner Up (tied) [map]

"The Ritual of Rebirth" by Tyson Neumann
For 4th-6th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • I think there are some decent roleplaying opportunities in this one, and if handled by a strong GM, will reward players who think before they act and enjoy great PC-NPC interaction.
Secret Graveyard: Runner Up (tied) [map]

"Nymar's Tears" by Bob Geis
For 3rd-5th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • This adventure contains mostly roleplaying scenarios, with detailed NPC knowledge and motivations.
  • Demonstrates an excellent knowledge of some of the more difficult non-physical skills to work into an adventure, such as Sense Motive, Diplomacy and Intimidate.


Haunted House: Grand Prize [map]

"The Soulscape Paintings" by Doyce Testerman
For 3rd level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • ... humorous anecdotes for the DM ... incredible attention to map detail ... great use of XP for returning personal effects to extended family
  • A solid, well written adventure, with excellent detailing and description of the house and its residents.
Haunted House: Runner Up [map]

"The Legacy of Threehills" by Corey Reid
For 4th-6th level characters
Comments from the Judges:

  • Well thought out and described. The opportunities for roleplay are numerous.
  • ...lots of tension in this adventure for both the players AND the DM.
  • ...excellent balance of roleplaying, problem solving and combat.


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