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Disclaimer: I've read and prepped this adventure thoroughly, and run half of it once. It's playable -- but an experienced DM will get frustrated at the "behind the scenes" structural problems. I've not DMed the whole module.Although this is a fine "introductory" adventure for 14 yr- olds, this module lacks the consistency and plot necessary to make it a good adventure for my group. After playing through about half of it with some friends, I decided that when I brought this to my regular gaming group, I needed to substantially revise the maps, plot threads, and encounters.The large playing maps are nice, and the quick-start rules do their job. If you're playing: Just don't think too hard, and you'll be fine.except when you meet IronTooth. Then you'll be dead.
Good product.Don't need the intro sections anymore, now all the core books have come out.Design and layout are very usable.
The storyline feels flat and linear and the encounters are so basic, even for a first adventure, that boredom set in for some players in my group quite quickly. There are positive and negative things one can say about the 4th edition rules, but I'm baffled how anyone can be impressed with "Keep on the Shadowfell". The included maps to cover the key encounters are a nice addition, but the adventure itself is sophomoric and thoroughly uninspiring. In an attempt to introduce everyone to the mechanics of 4th edition, I was left feeling that the author had taken a purely clinical approach to the encounter designs, leaving artistic concerns, such as character/world development and plot nuance, completely out of the picture.I've purchased the second adventure and hope that it reanimates my excitement for pre-written 4th ed. adventures.
Having started with a new group, this is a very user friendly way to start. The quick start guide and pre-made characters helped introduce several new players to Dungeons and Dragons. Some of the drawbacks have been mentioned before, the largest being the end-game encounter is on the unprotected back page of the adventure book. That being said, as a way to introduce new or returning players to 4.0 it is an excellent way to go.
I bought this adventure for the purpose of trying 4th Edition. It was easy enough to use and saved me from having to spend more money on 4th Edition books only to find out that I don't like 4th Edition.
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