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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Alphastream" data-source="post: 6069984" data-attributes="member: 11365">I've updated the first post to reflect information on the latest seasons of Lair Assault (<a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Event.aspx?x=dnd/4new/event/dndlairassault" target="_blank">Temple of the Sky God</a>, already in progress) and the upcoming Encounter season (<a href="http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Event.aspx?x=dnd/4new/event/dndencounters" target="_blank">Against the Cult of Chaos</a>). Temple of the Sky God is interesting in that it provides flying mounts as part of what PCs bring into the session. That's a neat element to add to the challenge. Encounters seems to continue to innovate, which is actually a pretty impressive accomplishment given the format. While not every aspect works perfectly, enough changes each time that gamers are getting different experiences. A <a href="http://dungeonsmaster.com/2012/12/dd-encounters-war-of-everlasting-darkness-report-card" target="_blank">review of the previous season at Dungeons Master</a> is worth reading. War of Everlasting Darkness was a very different season and experimented with longer sessions that were far more than the typical 'setup and then fight' norm. An interesting aspect of both LA and Encounters is that recent seasons have been accompanied by comics on the D&D site that provide humor around each session.This upcoming season has another first. Against the Cult of Chaos is the first to support play with either 4E or the D&D Next edition (using the <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDNext.aspx" target="_blank">current D&D Next playtest packet</a>). The option is up to the table. If the table wants to try the new edition the DM can download a conversion sheet made available shortly before the season begins. The season's description below suggests this adventure speaks to one or more classic adventures:[sblock="Adventure Background: Against the Cult of Chaos"]An ancient evil stirs in the Caves of Chaos, chipping away at its prison, while the forces of chaos converge on the nearby town of Hommel Lane. Monstrous raiders, marauding bandits, and missing villagers portend a terrible fate for Hommel Lane, and the world, if unchallenged.This D&D Encounters season takes inspiration from classics such as Village of Hommlet and Against the Cult of the Reptile God. Not only does this new story feature characters and locations from beloved past adventures, but there's another compelling reason to participate.Two Ways to Play: Of course, there are a great many players who enjoy playing D&D 4th Edition, as well as players excited about the D&D Next Playtest. And so, this upcoming season of D&D Encounters will support both D&D 4th Edition and D&D Next, with conversion rules! This means that during the first week (sometimes known as Session 0) when players typically make their characters, they’ll also need to decide which version of D&D they want to play.Check back soon for more information and conversion material.Against the Cult of Chaos is a Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying Game adventure designed for the D&D Encounters official play program. This season presents you with the opportunity to play out the elements of the story in a sequence that you and your players determine. In this sort of arrangement, the adventurers have more control over their choices during the season, and you have more freedom in tailoring Against the Cult of Chaos to maximize the fun. The season takes characters from levels 1-3.[/sblock]Dungeon's Master has set up pages providing a gallery of map images from all the maps for <a href="http://dungeonsmaster.com/2012/09/dd-encounters-map-gallery/" target="_blank">D&D Encounters</a> and another for <a href="http://dungeonsmaster.com/2012/10/lair-assault-map-gallery/" target="_blank">Lair Assault</a>. Excellent for DMs that have these or for folks who want to see what they are missing. I love these maps and use them often in my home games. They are a really nice judge benefit.And, one last bit. If you want to try out some of the best organized play has to offer, come to the <a href="http://wintfan.baldmangames.com/Events/events.html" target="_blank">Winter Fantasy convention</a>. Formerly called D&DXP, this convention is one of the best places to play and hang out with top Wizards of the Coast and Paizo staff. And, it will feature the end of the Ashes of Athas campaign. A massive battle interactive on the Sea of Silt will end the campaign with a serious bang as the PCs at all tables work together to end the threat of an awakening primordial. Living Forgotten Realms will feature an interactive, special, and adventures revisiting classic story arcs. Living Divine will provide new adventures. Pathfinder will also be there. And, the convention needs judges - volunteer and they cover your room and badge!</blockquote>

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