Dungeon 170: Monument of the Ancients

[Wrox]

Wizards posted a new Forgotten Realms adventure today over on D&D Insider Dungeon 170: Monument of the Ancients.

What’s particularly cool about the adventure IMHO is that it’s set in Phlan – you know the city from the old SSI gold box computer game Pool of Radiance. Though it’s not a sequel to that storyline, the adventure does describe a compatriot of Tyranthraxus, a primordial called Maram of the Great Spear. In addition to an updated map of Phlan, there is also a regional map of the Moonsea North covering little before described areas of the Forgotten Realms like The Ride and the Tortured Lands. FR fans should definitely check it out.

Here is the intro text:

Panicked refugees are pouring into the port city of Phlan, fleeing from barbarian attacks in the Moonsea North. Something ominous and ancient drives the horse nomads to attack their neighbors. Poised to shatter the ancient monument keeping him from Faerûn, a "lost god" from Toril's past sends an agent from the Elemental Chaos to herald his long-prophesied return… "Monument of the Ancients" is an adventure for 13th-level characters.

If myth and legend are to be believed, the antediluvian monument defends a region of Faerûn where the boundary between the world of Toril and the Elemental Chaos is weakest. At the monument's heart lies the Anchor of Chaos, an arcane bulwark sealing a cosmic fissure between the planes. Were the enchantment powering the Anchor to fail, the Moonsea North would stand defenseless against a full-scale invasion by forces of elemental evil. Unbeknownst to the citizens of Phlan, that day is nearly upon them.


About the Authors
Brian R. James is a freelance game designer living in the Seattle area. His works include The Grand History of the Realms, Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, Open Grave: Secrets of the Undead, Dragon Magazine Annual, and Underdark. Follow Brian online at Brian R. James (brianrjames) on Twitter.

Matt James is a disabled combat veteran, having earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart from his recent service in the United States Army. When not exploring the fantasy worlds of Dungeons & Dragons, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Dawn and two Chihuahuas, Peanut and Sammy. Follow Matt online at Matt James (matt_james_fr) on Twitter

 

[Wycen]

Is Maram of the Great Spear the "lost god"? If not, who is?

 

[Derulbaskul]

I really like what I've read so far. It's definitely something that could be 'ported into other settings as well. I like how it showcases Realmslore as something other than a straitjacket.

 

[hailstop]

Yeah, I'm trying to think of how I might shoehorn that into Eberron. Not a lot of opportunities for barbarian attacks. Maybe in Aundair near the Demon Wastes or Xen'drik with Stormreach filling in for Sharn.

 

[hailstop]

Another option could be Breland near Droaam.

 

[D'karr]

Another option could be Breland near Droaam.

Make the barbarians goblinoids and you've got a hook, set it near Graywall.

 

[Shroomy]

I really like what I've read so far. It's definitely something that could be 'ported into other settings as well. I like how it showcases Realmslore as something other than a straitjacket.

At times, I almost think there is too much lore in the adventure, as it's backstory assumes that you'll already be familiar with some of it, even though its not in the 4e FRCS or explained within the adventure. While reading it last night, at certain points, I definitely felt like I was missing something. I guess its great for existing Realms fans (or maybe those who played the Pool of Radiance), but less so for those without an extensive library from past editions to refer to.

 

[Daern]

I dig on all the historical detail. I think it serves to create a sense of deep history and wonder, but I don't feel its necessary to fully know or understand it. In game play its basically great trivia to have NPCs throw out in conversation. But then, I don't DM in FR, so being super consistent doesn't matter to me.
Cool adventure. Like all the different locations and flying about. It feels 'paragon' for sure.

 

[Shroomy]

I dig on all the historical detail. I think it serves to create a sense of deep history and wonder, but I don't feel its necessary to fully know or understand it. In game play its basically great trivia to have NPCs throw out in conversation. But then, I don't DM in FR, so being super consistent doesn't matter to me.
Cool adventure. Like all the different locations and flying about. It feels 'paragon' for sure.

Despite my earlier reservations, I do have to agree with you here. Its a really good adventure. BTW, are there any easily accessible resources out there that would fill my perceived gaps in Realmslore?

 

[Keia]

Wonder if it would be mixed into the Revenge of the Giants module? Of course, then I would have to think about moving everything to Greyhawk . . . just for flavor.

Keia