Any advice for a DM about to run Hamlet of Thumble?

[Brandigan]

Picked up this adventure a couple days ago, looks like it will be a lot of fun. I will probably run it next week. Just wondering if anyone has any advice, tips, and/or things to watch out for when running this one. Also some stories from both DMs and players would be cool, things that worked out well and things that didn't. Thanks.

 

[mikedidthis]

Looking forward to seeing the replies on this thread...I put in an order for Hamlet of Thumble almost two months ago on Amazon (I got a gift certificate from a friend), but, sadly, it still hasn't shipped. It did say 1-2 months on the order page, though. I was just hoping it was an exaggeration :\ .

 

[Crothian]

The Hamlet is a nice adventure. I liked it becasue it was very open for the players, not a set series of specific encounters.

I recomend reading it over pretty well and be prepared to just follow the players leads for what they want to do and where they want to go. There are sopme optional encounters in there, I preped them for if I felt the session needed some oomph which is not uncommon for player driven adventures.

 

[Ed Cha]

Hi, Brandigan and Mikedidthis! I just noticed this thread and I tried to PM you, Mikedidthis, but you can't seem to receive private messages.

Anyhow, thanks for your interest in "Hamlet of Thumble"! It is the first in an adventure setting series for "World of Whitethorn".

I'd be curious to hear your experience with the module, Brandigan. Please let me know how it went!

Hairy Minotaur has a great playtest review here:
http://www.enworld.org/reviews/inde...tive&reviewer=Hairy+Minotaur&product=WoW1THoT

There is also a fantastic review and playthrough results posted at Silven Crossroads by Lance Kepner here:
http://www.silven.com/adnd.asp?case=show&id=302

As Crothian suggested, I'd definitely recommend reading the modules thoroughly prior to running them with your players.

Basically, the "Whitethorn" series is a modular, "open world" concept in which players are encouraged to do whatever they want and go wherever they want. At the same time, the DM is able to use parts piece-by-piece as he wishes. Let the PCs take their time and wander around. Sometimes the best adventures happen from side encounters. You'll probably find the "Possible Dialogue" lines helpful when PCs interact with NPCs.

You might want to look at "Village of Oester" ahead of time, if you plan to continue with the series. It was just nominated by the ENnie judges for Best Adventure of 2004!

If you need to order the books at a discount and get free Priority Mail shipping within the U.S., just PM me. I know a retailer who can handle all that.