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Message: <blockquote data-quote="GreenPiece" data-source="post: 2009135" data-attributes="member: 6439">A Lion in the Ropesby Stephen ChenaultPublished by Troll Lord GamesISBN: 1931275130Stapled softcover, 24 pages, 22 pages gaming contentPrice: $6.95'A Lion in the Ropes' is a location-based adventure module for the d20 system for 4-8 characters of levels 2-4. It is set in the world of Erde, but it can easily be adapted to any d20 fantasy campaign setting. It is also well scalable to fit characters of higher levels. Cover and interior art are fine and correspond very well with the very moody descriptions. The maps are clearly readable and error-free, but no great pieces of art.WARNING: If you plan to play 'A Lion in the Ropes' as a player, don't read on! The following part contains SPOILERS!The Plot: Old Lord Galveston has a problem. His lands have seen better days, from the five villages that once existed only three are left, and a mysterious series of gruesome murders spreads fear across his land. Being 101 years old, Lord Galveston has become feeble, so all he can do is to hire some mercenaries to take care of this mystery.As the characters reach the village of Capendu , they are told that a Charon Fiend, a diabolical beast, has been seen around a couple of days ago. Without a trace of a doubt, this fiend must be responsible for the murders which occur about once a week. Most of the missing villagers have vanished without a trace but some victims have been found by the near river, horribly mutilated. The latest victim is Master Adelton, deacon of the local church.Trying to find the beast, the PCs stumble across numerous plots that seem to be linked to each other, but in fact they are not. The beast that was taken for the Charon Fiend is in fact a tame lion that has escaped from a wandering circus. A group of bandits who attack Lord Galveston's stronghold are only out to collect some quick protection-money from the villages but have nothing to do with the murders.Confused and somewhat frustrated, the PCs become ear-witnesses of another murder. One of the local temple's novices has been killed and tracks lead to the temple's roof. How can that be? After some investigations, the party may find out that the temple was built upon the foundation of and old castle that once belonged to an infamous and brutal warlord. Examining the cellar they find a chamber that has remained hidden for centuries. Some poor souls have been left to die in this portion of the dungeon when the warlord had to leave his castle in a hurry and fled. Without a proper burial, they turned into undead spirits, able to take possession of objects and animate them. The murders started when the clergy of the temple started to bury their dead next door to the now enraged spirits. Taking control of some gargoyle statues they took revenge. Once properly laid to rest, these souls finally find their peace and the mystery is solved.This module is very moody and offers a wide variety of role-playing opportunities. The party will have to travel from village to village, solve the murder-mystery by exploring a small dungeon, defend the lord, and catch a lion. I was forced to run the whole adventure in a single session, as my players insisted on going on and on. It took them almost seven hours of playing time, but everyone was happy with the outcome. There wasn't much money to make, but a grateful Lord, who proclaimed the party his heirs, was a great reward for all players. Much better than a pile of gold pieces!I really liked running this adventure. It is very well written and almost runs itself. The DM can mostly lean back and enjoy. It is rather short, but taking the price of $ 6.95 in account, it is very well worth its price. I would even go so far as to call this one a true classic. It stresses very much what role-playing is all about. Very good work, very recommendable.</blockquote>

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