Bradford C Walker:

Get outside. See what three and six miles looks like first-hand. Use those drones to get aerial shots if you can so you can get a good idea of what a bird’s eye view of that is in the world. Kingdoms are not as big as we’d like them to be, which means that the tales of heroes and rogues like Conan, Fafhrd & The Gray Mouser, Locke Lamora, etc. make a lot more sense in a far more localized milieu where you could escape the undesirable consequences of one’s actions just by skipping town and heading to the next one over.

It worked in the Old West. It will work for you. This also justifies the presence of high level characters in what we wrongly presumed was too dense an area. No, it’s not, and it’s entirely believable when you consider how closely the Sheriff tracks with the Lord.

When Classic adds hex rules, it’s going to be 6 miles. It just makes too much sense:

• it takes two hours walk on a flat road - I do an 8.5 km walk most mornings, it takes me 90 minutes. 120 minutes for a 9.7 km is leisurely when walking on a paved path.

• you can barely make out things 6 miles away, and make out things 3 miles away. This assumes a straight unobstructed line of vision, in reality it will be much less because of trees etc, unless you’ve climbed a hill or something. So from the centre of a hex, you can kinda see what’s in the next hex. In the picture at the beginning of this post, the building on the hill is 3.5 mile away.

• it maths nicely: 1 hour gets you 3 miles. 4 Watches (2 hours each) gets you 24 miles (which is on the high end, but OK). This is the best you can do: it will scale down as the terrain gets worse.

• Movement in D&D tends to involve 3s. In AD&D, an unarmored human moves 12”, so we can say 12” = 3 miles / hour in this hex system. In 5e, it’s 30 feet / turn, so we can just say “divide by 10 to get mph”. In Classic base movement is 30, so divide by 10 again to get miles per hour. Divide by 30 to get Hexes per Watch.

• Teddy Roosevelt wanted his officers to walk 50 miles in 20 hours over three days. We’re doing 48 miles in 16 hours, a bit more aggressive but our PCs are not sitting at a desk all day.

• As per the quoted text above: you’re basically less than a day away from new adventures and easily escaping your sins.

The very high level view of “1-1 time keeping” is that when time passes in the real world, the same amount of time should pass in the game world also. Here’s a better explanation. The origin is (if you squint sufficiently) in the original Gygax AD&D rules, but the real “this is the way” push for it was from Jeffro Johnson and the BROSR people: some history here. Alternatively, “West Marches”-style campaign play does not demand exact 1-1 time, but does want time to progress between sessions.

And I apologize if you’ve never seen all these references before, this is a decade of theory with its own lingo, etc.. Keep reading anyway,

These are some worked through examples for idea exploration reasons. As with many things, it is not necessarily finished but not necessarily not finished either.

TL;DR

The reasons you would use 1-1 time as a DM are:

• to coordinate DMing many different players / groups over time in the same campaign world,

• to create time pressure on players so they show up whenever a session is being played.

The major outcomes of using 1-1 time are:

• sometimes PCs will not be available to players because their characters are “in the future”; they can use alternate PCs in this case

• sometimes - very rarely if managed properly - places will not be available to PCs to visit / interact with. Stricter DMs believe this should never happen.

• because things are always happening, you should resolve things happening between sessions “off stage” via emails or Discord

Single Party Examples

These are less interesting, but set the baseline.

Example 1 - Single Party, in Town, little game time passes

They play one session on January 1. It starts game time June 1 and ends the same day.

Two weeks pass and they play again on January 15. The game time is now June 15.

14 days passed in the real world, and they automatically pass in the game world too. This is the only “surprising” change for Single Party examples, everything else will work the way you’d normally expect.

Example 2 - Single Party, In Dungeon, little game time passes

They play one session on January 1. It starts game time June 1 and ends the same day. The party is still in the dungeon.

Two weeks pass and they play again on January 15. The game time is still June 1.

1-1 time assumes that players should not be staying in dungeons overnight, and this should be highly discouraged. If there was another party, the dungeon could be mysteriously not enterable until the first party resolves its situation.

My understanding of the BROSR people is: this scenario should not be allowed - they leave, one way or another. The actual reason why can be worked out on Discord / email, or can just be by DM decree.

Example 3 - Single Party, in Town, a lot of game time passes

They play one session on January 1. It starts game time June 1 and they do training and research for 4 weeks, and so ends July 1.

Two weeks pass and they play again on January 15. The game time is now July 1.

Nominally we’d expect the game time to be June 15, but since everyone is in the future, we can just jump the clock ahead to then. (I’m not sure if the stricter versions of 1-1 time allow for this, but it would be pretty boring if your PCs are taking a Slowboat to Alpha Centauri).

Multiple Party / Open Table Examples

This is where it gets more interesting / relevant.

Two Parties - in Town

Party A plays on January 1. The game time is June 1 and it ends the same day.

Party B plays on January 8. The game time is June 8 and it ends the same time. Although Party A is not playing, they are nominally on June 8 also.

Party A plays again on January 15. The game time is June 15, and nominally Party B is June 15 also.

Straight forward enough!

Two Parties, one (in a) Dungeon

Party A plays on January 1. The game time is June 1 and it ends the same day but the party remains in the dungeon.

Party B plays on January 8. The game time is June 8. If they go looking for the dungeon, they cannot find it nor can they find party A.

Party A plays on January 15. The game time is June 1 (nominally the past). When they leave the dungeon, they find suddenly a need for rest & relaxation and the time jumps ahead to June 15. Party A and Party B have reached time parity.

Note that 1-1 (again) strongly doesn’t like players jumping out of time by being in a dungeon. Ideally, they would leave that session, or a session with Party A would be held as soon as possible to resolve the situation, or maybe at some point the DM will just say “Party A left the Dungeon”.

A party in a dungeon between sessions needs to be resolved ASAP to stop time management problems.

Two Parties, a lot of time passes

Party A plays one session on January 1. It starts game time June 1 and they do training and research for 4 weeks, and so ends game time July 1.

Party B plays on January 7. The game time is June 7. Let’s say they finish the same day.

The players from Party A want to play again on January 14, which would be June 14 game time. They cannot use the Party A characters - they are not available because June 14 is before July 1. They can roll up alternative characters if they want to play today.

Sorry for the lack of posting, I can actually do things or I can write about doing things, so for the last week I’ve been doing the former! I plan to conclude this series on AI and Character Generation with a video demonstrating Classic d20 generating a Character, hopefully for next Wednesday’s update.

In this week’s Professor DM, he talks about using AI to generate characters for a Tomb of Horrors campaign, and then goes further about using it generate an entire 10 room dungeon. (Link should be to about 6:53 in the video)

Transcript of the important bit, with my highlighting:

But, there is an Achilles’ heel. So, those AI tools that [Hasbro’s] Chris Cox is talking about that he uses for his own D&D game.

I recently ran Tomb of Horrors again for a few friends this summer, and I had to pre-generate a bunch of 14th level characters for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, and I used Gemini AI to do it. And within seconds he was able to create a 14th level fighter, 14th level cleric, magic user, and thief complete with appropriate magic items. Not too many, not too few. All the stats and the figures worked out.

I remember doing this kind of thing way back in the ‘80s on orange character sheets, and it would take hours to make a high-level character. Now it can be done in seconds, and I’m sure it could be done for D&D 5.5. So, the question becomes, why do you need a character generator on D&D Beyond? …

I remember third edition, it came with this disc in the back of the books and you’d have to upload it on your computer and use that to make characters and I thought it, “Wow, this is so great. It’s just so It makes onboarding new players and just creating new characters such a snap.” But, you don’t need a disc anymore. The computer will just do it for you.

And that’s on the player’s side. On the game master’s side, I put in this prompt, “Create a 10-room isometric view dungeon.” And boom, it created this. Right down to the spider webs and sources of illumination.

And it includes traps and multiple paths. That’s something I’ve always recommended on this channel. If you’re going to do a dungeon, you got to have multiple paths that the players can take so that they feel like they’re in control. And without even being told to do it, Google Gemini already knew how to do that.

And I’m sure if I wanted to, it could fully stock the dungeon with appropriate monsters for the character’s level in my party, which could potentially put many dungeon cartography tools out of business.

My position on this is very clear: I’m a huge proponent of using technology (especially AI) to assist the Dungeon Master (and players). I don’t believe it should be used to replace the Dungeon Master: the whole point of the game is to get people sitting around a table playing the game.

The issue (in a broad sense, not personally) with how Professor DM is using the tool is its “one and done” nature. I push the button and generate the character. I push the button and generate the dungeon. But he gets there in the last paragraph.

I think AI slots in where we use dice and random tables. Creating dungeons and characters (especially NPCs) needs to be a conversation between the AI and the DM.

Classic d20 doesn’t use AI for character generation, we just have lots of tables of name parts, and which spells are offensive, defensive or miscellaneous.

Many players have come to believe their character needs something called a “backstory” - the life story of what one’s PC was doing before Session 1, his motivations and desires, why he’s getting out of bed early at a foreign inn and trekking down past the Old Mill into the hills with a just-met group of adventurers into the strange tunnels discovered by a passing merchant last week who mysteriously got ill and died the next morning.

“Backstories” are not an entirely new phenomenon, though anyone exposed to Critical Role or Stranger Things or D&D 5.5e probably believes these are a necessary step.

There’s a similar belief amongst some Old School-type gamers. It doesn’t involve explaining the midnight visits from “Uncle Billy” so much as agonizing over minute character sheet details. Here’s a response (appropriately named) Gelatinous Rube (I left out the insults, he’s not very talented at it) made to a simple comment I made on automated character creation:

Just as a spider builds its web one thread at a time, connections between a new npc become apparent through the process of building it. You could endlessly cycle a fresh random NPC generator and (potentially) never acquire a connection with your ongoing campaign. Why? Because nothing in an endless menu of ready-made menu of finished NPCs is contingent on your campaign. It’s no different—no, worse in fact—than mining a hundred modules for your next campaign character. A high strength score naturally fits into the king or wizard’s bodyguard, a character you didn’t know existed until you sat down to roll.

Sound familiar? This is just backstory with extra steps … and less creativity. No one cares why you chose an 11’2” pole over a 10-foot pole, it’s not that fascinating that you chose Feign Death over Gust of Wind, no one cares you carry a Glaive instead of a Longsword.

The only thing that matters is game play. Your PC is interesting because of choices you made during gameplay. Nothing else. That is where the story comes from.

Likewise, your NPC is interesting because he co-evolved with your players in your campaign, not because of whether you agonized over the 17 should be on DEX or STR. Until the game is played, your NPC is scribbles on paper. I’m not saying put zero effort into it, but one NPC is as a good as another - you never know what’s going to happen until you’re at the table and the players start making choices.

D&D 3.5

You always hit on a Natural 20, and you always Save on a Natural 20. Skill checks are not affected.

Skill Checks: a natural roll of 20 on the d20 is not an automatic success

Automatic Misses and Hits: A natural 20 is always a hit.

Automatic [Saving Throw] Failures and Successes: A natural 20 is always a success.

AD&D 1e

AD&D isn’t a d20 system, so the mechanics are a little different to talk about.

Skill checks in AD&D don’t really map to d20 skill checks. They have their own table, and we won’t discuss further.

Saving throws involve rolling a d20 and beating a number that’s dependent on your class and level, and nothing else. 20 always succeeds, but there’s nothing special about it per se.

Combat is a little more interesting, and I’ve excerpted the appropriate parts at the bottom of this article. 20 does not always hit, but if you roll it, it will hit a much better armour type than progression would imply. It does this by repeating the number 20 six times before continuing counting upwards.

So, for example, a Cleric rolling an 18 will hit AC 2; rolling a 19, AC 1; but rolling a 20 will hit AC 0 through -5. Then 21 hits a -6 and so forth. (If you’re not familiar with AD&D, the smaller the number, the better the armour - the opposite of d20 systems).

This section and post were inspired by a DM Angelo video on YouTube.

Classic d20

My thinking for Classic d20 is quite simple: for attacks and skill checks, add +5 to your roll on a Natural 20. This is less generous than 3.5, but mimics nicely AD&D’s progression of 20s. Jaime Lannister shouldn’t be vulnerable to every peasant who throws a rock at him, but a Hedge Knight should at least have a chance.

Example: You’re attacking a creature with AC 25. You have a +2 sword and a +1 STR bonus. You roll a Natural 20. Normally, this would be a total 23 - a miss. But you now get a +5, letting you hit anything up to AC 28.

I do like 3.5’s “automatic success” for Saving Throws: it makes sense, and Classic d20 will retain it.

I don’t like Critical Hits, as they’re more likely to hurt a PC than a Monster. Classic d20 does not have them.

Appendices

AD&D DMG page 74

Note the blocks of six 20s.

AD&D DMG page 82

Gygax proposes an alternative system: the extra 20s have to be Natural 20s.

Last week I wrote a five-part series on modernizing The Village of Hommlet (links at the end). However: my goal isn’t really “modernizing” anything, my goal is to make a fantasy role-playing game that’s really easy to play / DM and yet feel like it’s from 1980. I’ve called this substack “Play in Five” because that’s what I want - you should be able to start playing Classic d20 with 5 minutes of prep.

I believe the way to make this happen is to move the rules of the game from paper books into software. Software is great at accounting; software is great at jumping to a related reference; software (thanks to AI) is great at answering questions and great at customizing things for your own campaign.

The pitfalls I am attempting to avoid:

• software should not be a trap for players: everything done in software should be doable on paper, the software is there as an aid just like paper, pencil and a calculator are.

• the game is at the table: I am not making an MMORPG or World of Warcraft. I want people sitting around a table eating Cheetos and rolling dice.

• not try to wring $5 a month out of everyone at the table: when you spend money, you should get real value. And like in D&D and FRPs in general, likely the DM will be the one spending cash and the players not at all.

• Play in Five. Not a pitfall. I think anyone should be able to start playing in 5 minutes, DMs should be able to jump into a new module with 5 minutes (not 5 hours) of review, and generally there should be no friction between wanting to know something and finding it out.

Here’s the Village of Hommlet links. The next steps for me are to turn this into a playable module in Classic d20 and start playtesting.

Part I - Background, Hooks, Rumours and Factions
Part II - Major Places
Part III - Other Places
Part IV - NPCs
Part V - Monsters

(I also wrote a post on “What is AD&D Feel”)

My entire subjective list, from someone who started playing in 1980. I will update whenever I have ideas.

Definitely important

• Dungeons

• STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHR

• HP, XP

• Polyhedra dice

• The phrase “Dungeon Master”

• Players describe what their characters do rather than “just roll”.

• Fighters get to roll a d100 if they have a 18 strength

• Spell memorization

• Advancement is via Class (not Feats or Skills)

• Cool abilities come from Magic Items

• Class and Race are independent

• Race limits Class

• Limited Races and Classes

• Fighters, Thieves, Magic Users,

• Paladins, Rangers, Druids, Monks

• Rangers get 2d8 Hit Points at first level

• Slow advancement

• Generous treasure

• Unfair monsters that take treasure

• 9 Alignments

• Time management

• “Levels” everywhere

• Retainers at higher levels - higher levels somewhat confer social status

• Rules for building castles

• Training and paying to gain levels

• Humanoids that are not playable

• Half-Orcs

• Players map dungeons from DM descriptions

• Players identify with their PCs

• Being stupid can be deadly, playing well much less so

• Sparse Black & White Illustrations

• Campaign Driven

• Modules

Somewhat important

• Dragons

• Three books, one for the DM, one for the Players, and one full of Monsters

• Miniatures

• Turning Undead / Holy Symbol

• Race limits Stats

• Stats limit Class

• Money gives Experience

• Platinum and Electrum Pieces

• Assassins, Illusionists

• Multiclassing

• Armour gets better as the number gets lower

• Lots of looking rolls up in tables

• Random Encounters in Dungeons

• Infravision

• Planes

• Halflings

• Campaign Settings

Not important

• Psionics

• Barbarians

• Ultravision

• Gnomes

• Color illustrations

My advice in any case: Evolve or Die. Once you slide into mediocre or templated design it is very hard to crawl out of it and specifically because it has a very low entry bar. So, pay no attention to people who say, “I can do that too,” as do a thousand or more others, but do extoll and encourage those who break the mould and create their own models by separating themselves from the pack.

The paths in design are either form or formula. Choose wisely, because we are currently mired with a very large percentage of formulaic designs. In fact, I believe that board game designers, who work within a much more constrained realm of abstraction compared to RPG designers, are currently making more headway than the latter. Since the fantastic is a contingently infinite realm of possibilities, then the above realization, IMO, becomes a flashing red light. IOW and IMO, the current crop of RPG designers are not, on the main, leveraging the unknown (FORM) but are recycling the known (FORMULA).

As Orson Scott Card once noted: “How can we create the literature of the strange if we stay in well-mapped lands?”

Most of the interview is about the rewriting of the history of D&D to put the founders in a very very bad light. It is worth your time to read.

Part I - Background, Hooks, Rumours and Factions
Part II - Major Places
Part III - Other Places
Part IV - NPCs
Part V - Monsters

MONSTERS

BATS

A huge colony of bats roosts in the ruined Moathouse. Usually harmless, but disturbing them fills the chamber with a chaotic cloud of flying animals.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse.

• Behavior. Flee when disturbed rather than deliberately attacking.

• Special. The swirling bats obscure vision and create confusion while they escape.

Noncombatant; AC 12.

BRIGANDS

Armed outlaws using the upper Moathouse as a base. They are alert to intruders and considerably more organized than the wildlife occupying the ruins.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse.

• Behavior. Guard their quarters and challenge or attack intruders.

• Tactics. Fight as an organized group under their leader, using a mixture of melee and missile weapons.

Fighter 1 CE; HP 1d10; Sword, Spear, Bow; AC 14–16 leather armor, some with shields.

BUGBEARS

Large, stealthy goblinoids serving the forces beneath the Moathouse. They are dangerous melee fighters and clever enough to use surprise and cooperation.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Found. Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Hostile to anyone unable to demonstrate that they belong.

• Tactics. Attempt to surprise intruders and overwhelm them at close range.

HP 3d8+1; Morning Star; AC 15.

GHOULS

Flesh-eating undead lurking among the dungeon’s burial crypts. They wait for living creatures to approach before attacking.

• Found. Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Aggressive and hungry.

• Tactics. Rush living opponents and rely on their paralyzing touch to disable them.

• Special. Their attacks can paralyze living creatures.

HP 2d8; Claws, Bite; AC 14.

GIANT CRAYFISH

A huge freshwater predator concealed in the dungeon pool. It attacks anything entering or lingering near its water.

• Found. Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Territorial ambush predator.

• Tactics. Remains concealed in the pool until prey approaches, then strikes with its claws.

HP 4d8+4; Claws; AC 16.

GIANT FROGS

Huge amphibious predators lurking in the marsh surrounding the Moathouse. Nearly invisible among the vegetation until they strike.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse.

• Behavior. Ambush creatures that attack animals or travelers moving through their territory.

• Tactics. Attack suddenly from concealment and attempt to seize prey with their tongues.

HP 2d8; Bite; AC 13.

GIANT LIZARD

A large reptilian predator inhabiting the ruined Moathouse. It has claimed part of the abandoned structure as its hunting ground.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse.

• Behavior. Attacks creatures entering its territory.

• Tactics. Charges into close combat and relies on its powerful bite.

HP 3d8+1; Bite; AC 15.

GIANT RATS

A large pack of filthy, aggressive rats nests among the Moathouse’s refuse and stores.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse and Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Swarm intruders who enter their nesting areas.

• Tactics. Attack in numbers, surrounding isolated targets where possible.

• Special. Their bites may transmit disease.

HP 1d4; Bite; AC 13.

GIANT SNAKE

A large poisonous snake concealed among the ruins. It relies on concealment and a sudden venomous strike.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse.

• Behavior. Attacks when prey comes within reach.

• Tactics. Strikes from concealment.

• Special. Venomous bite.

HP 2d8+1; Bite; AC 14.

GIANT SPIDER

A huge hunting spider lurking in the broken tower. It uses the ruined structure as cover and attacks creatures entering its lair.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse.

• Behavior. Ambush predator.

• Tactics. Attacks suddenly from concealment.

• Special. Venomous bite.

HP 4d8+4; Bite; AC 16.

GIANT TICK

A bloated blood-feeding parasite concealed within the ruins. It waits motionless until a warm-blooded creature approaches.

• Found. Ruined Moathouse.

• Behavior. Ambush predator.

• Tactics. Attaches itself to a victim and drains blood.

HP 3d8; Bite; AC 17.

GNOLLS

Hyena-headed humanoid mercenaries quartered beneath the Moathouse. They serve Lareth’s growing force but are motivated more by reward than devotion.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Found. Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Guard their quarters and obey the Moathouse leadership.

• Tactics. Fight together with weapons, but are intelligent enough to assess whether a battle is worth continuing.

HP 2d8; Sword, Spear; AC 15 armor, shield.

GREEN SLIME

A seemingly harmless patch of green growth clinging to the dungeon ceiling. It drops onto creatures passing beneath it and consumes living flesh.

• Found. Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Motionless until living prey passes beneath.

• Special. Contact causes the slime to consume flesh and transform its victim into green slime if not quickly removed.

HP 2d8; Touch; AC 11.

GUARDS

Human soldiers forming the disciplined core of Lareth’s force. Unlike the monsters elsewhere in the Moathouse, these men are part of an organized military operation.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Found. Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Guard entrances, barracks, and Lareth himself.

• Tactics. Fight under sergeants and officers, raise the alarm, reinforce nearby positions, and use coordinated defenses.

Fighter 1 CE; HP 1d10; Sword, Spear, Crossbow; AC 15–17 armor, shield.

ZOMBIES

Animated corpses packed into the old dungeon cells. Mindless and relentless once disturbed.

• Found. Moathouse Dungeon.

• Behavior. Remain inactive until intruders trigger them, then attack without fear or self-preservation.

• Tactics. Advance directly and overwhelm enemies through numbers.

HP 2d8; Slam; AC 12.

Part I - Background, Hooks, Rumours and Factions
Part II - Major Places
Part III - Other Places
Part IV - NPCs
Part V - Monsters

Major NPCs

BURNE

Magic-user and local power. Intelligent, cautious, and established enough to be building his own castle beside Hommlet.

• Faction. Burne and Rufus.

• Wants. Protect Hommlet, complete his stronghold, and identify threats before they become dangerous.

• Knows. A great deal about the region, adventurers, magic, and the struggle against evil.

• Does. Watches newcomers, evaluates their intentions, and can provide substantial assistance against a genuine threat.

• Resources. Magic, money, soldiers, a fortified tower, and an extensive collection of equipment.

• Connection. Rufus’s partner and one of the principal secular powers around Hommlet.

Magic-User 8 LN; HP 30; Dagger; AC 10.

CANON TERJON

Senior priest of St. Cuthbert. Stern, capable, and experienced. The real power behind the newly established Church of St. Cuthbert in Hommlet.

• Faction. Church of St. Cuthbert.

• Wants. Strengthen the Church of St. Cuthbert and oppose the return of evil.

• Knows. The history of the region and the threat represented by the Temple.

• Does. Provides clerical assistance when circumstances warrant it.

• Connection. Senior figure in the Church of St. Cuthbert and one of Hommlet’s most powerful defenders.

Cleric 6 LG; HP 41; Mace; AC 18 plate mail, shield.

ELMO

Apparently drunken farm boy. Friendly, rustic, and seemingly none too impressive. Will happily drink with adventurers and may offer to accompany them.

• Faction. Village of Hommlet.

• Wants. Travel with the party while concealing how capable he really is.

• Does. Plays the drunken bumpkin, asks the party to provide equipment, and deliberately understates his abilities.

• Secret. An experienced ranger, much tougher and more competent than he pretends.

• Connection. Brother of Otis, another ranger who is currently away.

Ranger 4 NG; HP 41; Battle Axe, Longbow; AC 15 chain mail.

GREMAG

Trader and Temple agent. Rannos’s partner; outwardly another merchant, but more violent and less restrained than his associate.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Wants. Protect the Temple’s operation and eliminate serious threats.

• Does. Helps gather information about adventurers and is willing to resort to violence when necessary.

• Secret. A committed servant of the Temple.

• Connection. Works with Rannos Davl; together they gather intelligence and arrange action against troublesome adventurers.

Assassin 7 NE; HP 39; Sword; AC 15 leather armor.

JAROO ASHSTAFF

Druid of the Old Faith. Reserved, observant, and considerably more powerful than most inhabitants of Hommlet. Lives at the Grove and watches events in the village carefully.

• Faction. The Old Faith.

• Wants. Determine whether the Temple’s evil has truly been destroyed.

• Knows. The surrounding region, the Old Faith, and the history of the struggle against the Temple.

• Does. Questions credible adventurers about what they’ve encountered and aids those working against evil.

• Secret. He was sent to Hommlet specifically to investigate whether evil is returning.

• Connection. Leader of the local Old Faith and broadly allied with the other forces opposing the Temple.

Druid 7 N; HP 33; Staff; AC 16 leather armor, shield.

LARETH THE BEAUTIFUL

Charismatic young cleric and master of the Moathouse. Handsome, intelligent, ambitious, and utterly committed to evil. Commands the organized force beneath the ruins.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Wants. Rebuild the power of the Temple and eventually restore it to its former glory.

• Does. Recruits humans and humanoids, gathers money and supplies, and builds a military force from the Moathouse.

• Tactics. Prefers survival over a glorious death. If defeated, he bargains, lies, offers information, and attempts to escape.

• Resources. Guards, humanoid troops, considerable wealth, spells, and magical equipment.

• Secret. The apparent bandit and monster problem around Hommlet is part of something larger: Lareth is deliberately rebuilding the Temple’s power.

• Connection. Principal antagonist of the adventure and the link between the Moathouse and the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Cleric 5 CE; HP 44; Staff; AC 16 bracers of defense.

RUFUS

Veteran fighter and castle-builder. Practical military partner to Burne and commander of the fighting men at their Guard Tower.

• Faction. Burne and Rufus.

• Wants. Complete the castle and keep the surrounding territory secure.

• Does. Commands the garrison and provides the martial strength behind Burne and Rufus’s position.

• Resources. Mercenary captain, lieutenant, men-at-arms, weapons, armor, and a highly defensible tower.

• Connection. Burne’s partner; together they form an independent military and political power in Hommlet.

Fighter 6 NG; HP 32; Battle Axe; AC 18 plate mail, shield.

RANNOS DAVL

Prosperous trader and secret Temple agent. Outwardly helpful and businesslike; sells adventurers almost anything they might need.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Wants. Identify dangerous newcomers, learn their plans, and protect the Temple’s interests.

• Does. Talks freely with customers, gathers information, keeps track of transactions, and uses other agents when direct action is required.

• Secret. Serves the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Connection. Partner of Gremag and part of the Temple’s intelligence network inside Hommlet.

Thief 10 NE; HP 42; Sword; AC 17 leather armor, ring of protection +1.

ZERT

Mercenary fighter at the Welcome Wench. Presents himself as another adventurer and potential companion.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Wants. Learn what adventurers are doing and ensure dangerous discoveries don’t reach the wrong people.

• Does. May join a party, observe its activities, and report what he learns.

• Secret. Works for the evil forces operating in the area.

• Connection. Another layer of the Temple’s surveillance of adventurers in Hommlet.

Fighter 2 CE; HP 11; Longsword; AC 16 shield, chain mail.

MINOR NPCS

CALMERT

Assistant priest of St. Cuthbert. Young, dutiful, and considerably less formidable than Terjon; handles much of the church’s everyday business.

• Faction. Church of St. Cuthbert.

• Wants. Serve the church and its senior priest faithfully.

• Knows. The church, its services, and the people who regularly come through it.

• Connection. Assistant to Canon Terjon.

Cleric 3 LG; HP 14; Mace; AC 16 chain mail, shield.

BLACK JAY

Retired warrior and grieving widower. Quiet, withdrawn, and embittered by the deaths of his wife and children.

• Faction. Village of Hommlet.

• Wants. Mostly to be left alone.

• Knows. The surrounding countryside and the older history of Hommlet.

• Does. Keeps to himself unless given a reason to become involved.

• Connection. A veteran of the battle against the Temple’s forces.

Fighter 2 NG; HP 16; Sword; AC 10.

FURNOK OF FERD

Professional gambler and adventurer at the Welcome Wench. Friendly and useful company, but considerably less honest than he appears.

• Wants. Money, preferably obtained without excessive risk.

• Does. Gambles with guests and may join an adventuring party.

• Secret. A thief who cheats at gambling and may steal from companions if he believes he can get away with it.

• Connection. Potential hireling or party member encountered at the inn.

Thief 4 N; HP 18; Sword; AC 13 leather armor.

KOBORT

Large, imposing fighter staying at the Welcome Wench. Looks more impressive than he actually is and follows the lead of his companion, Turuko.

• Wants. Adventure, wealth, and direction.

• Does. Provides the muscle while Turuko makes most of the decisions.

• Connection. Traveling companion of Turuko; the two may attach themselves to an adventuring party.

Fighter 2 LN; HP 20; Sword; AC 16 chain mail, shield.

LUBASH

Ogre guarding the Moathouse dungeon. Huge, brutal, and motivated principally by food and loot.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Wants. Food, treasure, and the rewards promised for serving the Moathouse’s masters.

• Does. Guards his assigned area and attacks intruders who cannot provide the proper sign.

• Connection. Lured into Lareth’s service with promises of fresh meat and other rewards.

Ogre CE; HP 15; Club; AC 15 hide.

MOATHOUSE LIEUTENANT

Veteran fighter commanding Lareth’s human guards. Disciplined and considerably more capable than the ordinary soldiers around him.

• Faction. Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Wants. Protect Lareth and maintain control of the Moathouse garrison.

• Does. Commands the guards and remains close to his liege when trouble threatens.

• Connection. Lareth’s principal military subordinate.

Fighter 4 CE; HP 22; Sword; AC 16 chain mail, shield.

NIRA MELUBB

Moneychanger and sometime thief. Pleasant, careful, and completely pragmatic; interested in business rather than ideology.

• Faction. Village of Hommlet.

• Wants. Make money and preserve the stable conditions that make his business profitable.

• Knows. Money, gems, valuables, and the financial dealings of adventurers passing through Hommlet.

• Does. Exchanges currency, evaluates valuables, and quietly practices thievery when opportunity permits.

• Secret. A skilled thief, although not a Temple agent; the return of evil would actually be bad for his business.

Thief 3 N; HP 12; Dagger; AC 12 leather armor.

OSTLER GUNDIGOOT

Innkeeper of the Welcome Wench. Friendly, talkative, and well connected; one of the people most likely to hear what is happening around Hommlet.

• Faction. Village of Hommlet.

• Wants. Keep the Welcome Wench prosperous, respectable, and peaceful.

• Knows. Local gossip, travelers, merchants, and much of what passes through the village.

• Does. Talks readily with guests and is an excellent conduit for information.

• Connection. Sergeant in the village militia.

Fighter 2 NG; HP 17; Sword; AC 10.

BROTHER SMYTH

Village blacksmith. A huge, powerful man and enthusiastic follower of St. Cuthbert. Friendly to adventurers who appear to be on the right side.

• Faction. Church of St. Cuthbert.

• Wants. Support worthy adventurers and oppose evil.

• Knows. Weapons, armor, and the practical affairs of the village.

• Does. Makes and repairs equipment and can help adventurers obtain arms and armor.

• Connection. Important local supporter of St. Cuthbert.

Fighter 3 LG; HP 24; Hammer; AC 10.

SPUGNOIR

Young magic-user staying at the Welcome Wench. Quiet and cautious, but intensely interested in acquiring more magic.

• Wants. Find scrolls and spellbooks and increase his magical knowledge.

• Does. May accompany adventurers if doing so offers a reasonable chance of discovering magic.

• Connection. One of several potential adventuring companions available at the inn.

Magic-User 2 N; HP 4; Dagger; AC 10.

THE VILLAGE ELDER

Elderly farmer and civic leader. Wealthy by village standards and responsible for much of Hommlet’s secular administration.

• Faction. Village of Hommlet.

• Wants. Preserve the peace and prosperity of Hommlet.

• Knows. The village, its inhabitants, militia, and local affairs.

• Does. Acts as Hommlet’s principal civic authority and commands the militia when necessary.

• Connection. Works with Burne and Rufus and the village’s other influential figures.

Fighter 3 LN; HP 18; Sword; AC 10.

TURUKO

Unprepossessing monk and schemer. Physically unimpressive beside Kobort, but clearly the brains of the pair.

• Wants. Wealth and advancement.

• Does. Looks for opportunities to join adventurers and profit from them.

• Secret. Plans to eventually murder and rob Kobort once his companion is no longer useful.

• Connection. Kobort’s companion and effective leader.

Monk 3 LE; HP 11; Unarmed; AC 14.

OTHER VILLAGERS

Prosperous Farmer. A retired farmer lives here with his wife, two grown sons and their wives, and eight grandchildren. The household is prosperous and well established; the farmer and his sons are members of the militia.

Woodcutter. A local woodcutter lives here with his wife and three young children. He has a concealed iron pot containing 28 electrum pieces buried beneath the floor.

Well-Kept Farmer. A farmer lives here with his wife and five children. The farmer and his eldest son serve in the militia.

Prosperous Farmer. A wealthy farmer lives here with his wife, two grown sons and their wives, four grandchildren, and several laborers. He and his sons serve in the militia.

Leatherworker. The village leatherworker lives and works here with his wife, three children, and an apprentice. He makes boots, harnesses, belts, scabbards, leather armor, and similar goods, and knows the value of good leatherwork.

Stableboy. The young stableboy at the Welcome Wench sleeps in the smith’s shed. He is secretly an aspiring druid and acts as a messenger between the inn and Jaroo at the Grove. This actually makes him more useful than most of the people in this section.

Weaver. A bachelor in his thirties who runs a successful weaving business. His elderly mother and several servants live with him. He is a follower of St. Cuthbert.

Tailor. A bachelor in his twenties who makes and repairs clothing. His widowed mother and two younger sisters live with him. He is a follower of St. Cuthbert.

Farmer. A typical local farmer living with his wife and children. Like many of Hommlet’s farmers, he is part of the militia when the village is threatened.

Leatherworker. A second village leatherworker, living above his workshop with his family and apprentices. He produces the usual range of leather goods and equipment.

Teamster. A prosperous wagoner who owns several carts and draft animals and makes his living hauling goods through the region.

Cabinetmaker. A skilled woodworker producing furniture and other fine wooden goods. His household includes his family and apprentices.

Potter. A busy craftsman producing pottery for Hommlet and the surrounding countryside. His family assists with the business.

Braumeister. The village brewer operates a substantial brewery and employs several workers. His beer and ale supply the Welcome Wench and much of Hommlet.

Cowherd. Tends much of the village’s cattle. He lives with his family in a cottage beside a large barn.

Mytch. Hommlet’s miller, operating the mill beside the stream. He is a druidical follower and keeps an eye on activity around the waterways and countryside.

Recluse. An antisocial farmer, fisherman, and trapper who lives alone. He keeps several vicious dogs and has little interest in visitors.

Herdsman. Keeps a large herd of sheep and cattle with the help of his family. His household contributes several men to the village militia.

Wheelwright. Makes and repairs wheels, carts, and wagons. His family lives with him and assists in the business.

Carpenter. A prosperous carpenter whose household includes his family, journeymen, and apprentices. Much of his current work is connected with Burne and Rufus’s castle construction.

Stonemason. A skilled mason whose household includes his family and workers. He is heavily involved in construction of the new castle.

Castle Laborers. Several dozen workers and their families occupy temporary shelters near the castle works. They are mostly laborers brought in for Burne and Rufus’s construction project rather than permanent Hommlet residents.

Part I - Background, Hooks, Rumours and Factions
Part II - Major Places
Part III - Other Places
Part IV - NPCs
Part V - Monsters

The Village of Hommlet

A prosperous farming village at a crossroads, growing rapidly after years of peace following the defeat of the Temple of Elemental Evil. Hommlet looks ordinary—farms, workshops, families, livestock—but nearly every household is described in enough detail to become part of play. Many villagers belong to the militia, several conceal unusual abilities or allegiances, and Temple agents are already operating in the community.

1. PROSPEROUS FARM COTTAGE

Farm: Large barn, healthy animals, well-kept cottage. A prosperous farming family lives here.

• Family. Farmer, wife, children, servants, and farmhands.

• Militia. The farmer and some of his household can help defend Hommlet.

• Treasure. The family has accumulated money and valuables, some carefully hidden.

• Character. A normal-looking farm that is described down to weapons, livestock, jewelry, and concealed savings.

2. MODEST FARMHOUSE

Farm: Smaller and less prosperous than its neighbor. Barn, livestock, family, and hired help.

• Family. Farmer, wife, children, and workers.

• Elmo. The farmer’s apparently drunken son is actually a capable ranger.

• Otis. Elmo’s older brother is also a ranger but is currently away.

• Secret. Elmo deliberately appears less capable than he really is and may accompany adventurers.

3. COTTAGE

Home: Small cottage occupied by a local family.

• Residents. Ordinary villagers with their own occupations, possessions, and connections.

• Militia. As elsewhere in Hommlet, apparently ordinary residents may be armed and capable of helping defend the village.

4. WELL-KEPT FARM

Farm: Prosperous, orderly farmstead with livestock and cultivated land.

• Family. Working farm household.

• Militia. Members of the household contribute to the village’s defense.

• Treasure. Savings and valuables are hidden around the property rather than sitting conveniently in a chest.

5. PROSPEROUS FARMHOUSE

Farm: Large, successful household with family, servants, animals, and equipment.

• Residents. Extended farming family.

• Wealth. Better off than many of their neighbors.

• Militia. Armed residents can respond if Hommlet is threatened.

6. LEATHERWORKER

Shop: Working leather shop attached to the family’s home.

• Leatherworker. Makes and repairs leather goods.

• Family. Wife and children live here.

• Trade. A practical source for adventurers needing leatherwork or repairs.

• Militia. Another tradesman who can become part of the village’s defense.

7. INN OF THE WELCOME WENCH

Fully mapped and described separately below.

8. OPEN SHED AND HOUSE

Home: House, shed, animals, and ordinary village possessions.

• Residents. Working villagers.

• Livestock. Animals and equipment reflect the agricultural economy of Hommlet.

9. NEW BUILDING

Home: Recently constructed residence belonging to newcomers.

• Residents. A family that has arrived as Hommlet expands.

• Growth. One of several signs that the village is becoming more prosperous and populous.

10. WELL-KEPT DWELLING

Home: Orderly house occupied by a village family.

• Residents. Skilled villagers rather than anonymous peasants.

• Religion. Like many households, its occupants have identifiable religious loyalties.

• Militia. Armed members can join the village defense.

11. COTTAGE

Home: Residence and workplace of a local craftsman.

• Trade. Another component of Hommlet’s unusually complete local economy.

• Family. Household members have individual possessions, beliefs, and capabilities.

12. AVERAGE FARM BUILDING

Farm: Typical Hommlet farm with barn, animals, family, and workers.

• Residents. Farming household.

• Old Faith. The family’s religious allegiance connects them to the traditional druidic community.

• Militia. Able-bodied residents can respond to trouble.

13. TRADERS’ ESTABLISHMENT

Shop: Hommlet’s principal general trading house. Almost anything adventurers need can be bought or sold here.

• Rannos Davl & Gremag. Friendly, capable merchants—and secret agents of the Temple.

• Goods. Adventuring equipment, weapons, armor, food, animals, and miscellaneous supplies.

• Information. The traders pay close attention to newcomers and their activities.

• Danger. Successful adventurers may find themselves watched, followed, or betrayed.

• Secret. The most important enemy infiltration inside Hommlet.

14. CARTER

Home & Barn: Wagons, horses, harness, and equipment for transporting goods.

• Carter. Provides hauling and transportation.

• Services. Useful to anyone moving substantial quantities of equipment or treasure.

15. MONEYCHANGER

Shop: Secure business handling coins, gems, and valuables.

• Nira Melubb. Hommlet’s moneychanger.

• Services. Exchanges currency and deals in gems and valuables.

• Security. Guards and precautions protect a surprisingly large amount of wealth.

• Interest. Nira wants peace because instability is bad for business.

16. CABINETMAKER

Shop: Woodworking shop and family residence.

• Craft. Produces furniture and fine woodwork.

• Family. Household lives alongside the business.

• Militia. Another craftsman integrated into Hommlet’s defenses.

17. MODEST COTTAGE

Home: Residence of a local craftsman and family.

• Trade. Productive household contributing to the village economy.

• Religion. The residents’ religious affiliation is specifically noted.

18. IMPOSING STONE BUILDING

Brewery: Substantial stone structure belonging to the local brewer.

• Brewer. Produces drink for the village, including the Welcome Wench.

• Business. One of Hommlet’s more prosperous commercial operations.

• Household. Family, workers, equipment, and accumulated wealth.

19. MODEST COTTAGE

Home: Residence of an elderly veteran.

• Veteran. Apparently retired, but far more experienced than an ordinary villager.

• Equipment. Keeps weapons and possessions from his former career.

• Defense. Another example of Hommlet containing unexpected reserves of fighting ability.

20. CHURCH OF ST. CUTHBERT

Fully mapped and described separately below.

21. COTTAGE AND LARGE BARN

Farm: Cowherd’s home with substantial livestock facilities.

• Residents. Family and workers involved in tending cattle.

• Livestock. Another reminder that Hommlet’s prosperity is primarily agricultural.

22. MILL

Mill: Working mill with attached residence.

• Miller. Processes local grain.

• Business. Essential service for the surrounding farms.

• Residents. Family and workers live at the site.

23. FARM COTTAGE AND SMALL BARN

Farm: Small farm occupied by a somewhat reclusive farmer and family.

• Residents. Less socially connected than many of their neighbors.

• Farm. Livestock, tools, and modest accumulated possessions.

24. THE GROVE

Fully mapped and described separately below.

25. LARGE BARN AND CONNECTED HOME

Farm: Large agricultural household with substantial barn and livestock.

• Residents. Farmer, family, and workers.

• Militia. Able-bodied members contribute to village defense.

• Old Faith. The household maintains traditional religious connections.

26. BARN-LIKE HOUSE WITH WHEEL

Workshop: Wheelwright’s home and business.

• Wheelwright. Builds and repairs wagon wheels and related equipment.

• Trade. Important to a village sitting on a major road.

• Family. Household occupies the same building.

27. VILLAGE ELDER’S HOUSE

Home: Large, well-established residence of Hommlet’s principal civic leader.

• Village Elder. Secular leader and respected local authority.

• Council. Works with the village’s religious, military, and commercial leaders.

• Politics. A natural place for decisions concerning threats to Hommlet.

28. CARPENTER

Workshop: Large building displaying a saw and hammer.

• Carpenter. Produces and repairs wooden structures and equipment.

• Work. Particularly busy because of Hommlet’s expansion and the castle construction.

29. STONEMASON

Workshop: Stoneworking business and residence.

• Stonemason. Skilled craftsman.

• Construction. Benefits from the substantial building activity around Hommlet.

• Castle. Connected economically to the new fortress project.

30. CASTLE CONSTRUCTION SITE

Castle: Foundations and works of a major new stronghold being built beside Hommlet.

• Burne & Rufus. Future lords of the castle.

• Workers. Large numbers of laborers and craftsmen are employed here.

• Growth. The project is one of the principal reasons Hommlet is booming.

• Power. Signals that Burne and Rufus are becoming permanent regional authorities.

31. GUARD TOWER

Tower: Existing fortified residence of Burne and Rufus beside their unfinished castle.

• Burne. Powerful magic-user.

• Rufus. Experienced fighter.

• Garrison. Mercenary soldiers defend the tower.

• Details. Fully mapped and described separately.

32. TENTS AND WATTLE HUTS

Camp: Temporary shelters clustered near the castle works.

• Laborers. About a dozen workers and their families live here.

• Construction. Most are employed building the castle.

• Growth. Hommlet’s expansion is happening faster than permanent housing can accommodate.

33. OVERGROWN TRACK

Road: Faint trail leaving Hommlet through rough hills, thickets, and bogs.

• Destination. Leads about a league to the Ruined Moathouse.

• Transition. Marks the point where the social village portion of the adventure gives way to wilderness and dungeon exploration.

The Sacred Grove

A secluded stand of ancient trees on the western side of Hommlet, across the stream from much of the village. The Grove is the local center of the Old Faith and home of Jaroo Ashstaff, a powerful druid quietly investigating whether the evil of the Temple has truly been destroyed.

Grove: Huge old trees, carefully tended undergrowth, quiet paths, and a small cottage. The place feels deliberately preserved rather than wild.

• Old Faith. The Grove serves as Hommlet’s local center of druidic worship.

• Jaroo Ashstaff. The resident druid and spiritual leader of those villagers who follow the Old Faith.

• Purpose. Jaroo was sent to Hommlet to watch for signs that the Temple of Elemental Evil remains active.

• Information. He is therefore particularly interested in reports of evil creatures, strange activity, or discoveries connected with the old Temple.

• Aid. Characters who earn his trust can gain advice and assistance from a considerably more capable figure than his quiet surroundings initially suggest.

• Politics. Jaroo represents the traditional religion of the region, while the newly established Church of St. Cuthbert represents a growing competing faith. Both, however, oppose the return of the Temple.

• Cottage. Jaroo lives simply within the Grove; the module does not turn his home into a separately keyed mini-dungeon.

Part I - Background, Hooks, Rumours and Factions
Part II - Major Places
Part III - Other Places
Part IV - NPCs
Part V - Monsters

Areas Overview

The most interesting places initially for the party with be The Inn of the Welcome Wench and the Moathouse.

• The Village of Hommlet — A prosperous crossroads village recovering from the wars against the Temple of Elemental Evil. It is the social centre of the adventure: the characters can find lodging, equipment, information, allies, religious assistance, and enemies hiding in plain sight. The Inn, Church, Grove, Traders, Guard Tower, farms and workshops are all part of this single major location.

• The Inn of the Welcome Wench — Important enough to call out separately despite being inside Hommlet. It is the principal meeting place for locals and travelers and effectively serves as the adventurers’ base of operations. Many of the module’s useful, suspicious, and potentially recruitable NPCs can be encountered here.

• The Grove — The local centre of the Old Faith and home of the druid Jaroo Ashstaff. It gives the characters access to one of the principal figures investigating whether the old evil is returning.

• The Church of St. Cuthbert — The other major religious centre in Hommlet, led by Canon Terjon and Calmert. It represents the newer religious power in the village and another organized opponent of the Temple.

• The Guard Tower / Castle — The stronghold of Burne and Rufus. A tower is already occupied by their soldiers while a much larger castle is being constructed nearby. Together they represent the principal military power around Hommlet.

• The Ruined Moathouse — The adventure’s principal hostile location, about a league from Hommlet along an overgrown track. Once an outpost of the Temple of Elemental Evil, it now appears abandoned but is occupied by brigands, monsters and other creatures.

• The Moathouse Dungeon - Beneath the ruins is a substantial dungeon containing humanoids, undead, guards and ultimately Lareth the Beautiful, who is secretly rebuilding an organized force on behalf of the old evil.

The Inn of the Welcome Wench

The social center of Hommlet and the most likely base for visiting adventurers. Ostler Gundigoot runs a busy, prosperous inn serving locals, merchants, travelers, and adventurers. It is also one of the module’s main information hubs: strangers can meet potential companions, hear gossip, and unknowingly come into contact with agents of the Temple.

FIRST FLOOR

1. COMMON ROOM

Room: Bright, cheerful taproom. Long tables, benches, stools, a fireplace, and the constant traffic of villagers and travelers.

• Crowd. Farmers, merchants, laborers, travelers, and adventurers gather here, especially in the evening.

• Rumors. The natural place to ask about Hommlet, the surrounding countryside, and recent trouble.

• Food & Drink. A substantial menu of meals, beer, ale, mead, wine, and stronger drinks.

• NPCs. Many of the module’s transient NPCs can be encountered here.

• Opportunity. Characters can find companions, gather information, make contacts—or attract the attention of people watching newcomers.

2. PRIVATE ROOM

Room: Small private dining and meeting room away from the common-room crowd.

• Use. Available to guests wanting privacy.

• Meetings. A natural location for confidential conversations, negotiations, and private meals.

3. PRIVATE ROOM

Room: Another private chamber for meetings and dining.

• Use. Similar to Area 2.

• Privacy. Allows groups to conduct business away from the main taproom.

4. BAR

Bar: The working heart of the inn, with drink stores immediately at hand.

• Ostler Gundigoot. Usually nearby and well positioned to know what is happening in his establishment.

• Drinks. Beer, ale, wine, spirits, and other beverages are stored and served here.

• Money. The inn’s daily business means considerable coin passes through this area.

5. KITCHEN

Kitchen: Large fireplace, cooking equipment, work tables, and constant activity.

• Staff. Gundigoot’s household and servants prepare meals here.

• Supplies. Food and kitchen stores sufficient for a busy inn.

• Access. Connected to the working portions of the building and the cellar below.

UPPER FLOOR

The upper story contains guest rooms ranging from simple accommodations to relatively comfortable private chambers.

1. PRIVATE ROOM

Room: Comfortable guest chamber with several beds and normal furnishings.

• Lodging. One of the better rooms available to travelers.

• Guests. Occupants vary as people pass through Hommlet.

2. PRIVATE SUITE

Suite: More spacious and expensive accommodations.

• Furnishings. Better appointed than the ordinary guest rooms.

• Guests. Intended for wealthier travelers or those wanting greater privacy.

3-11 PRIVATE ROOMS

Room: Guest chamber containing several beds.

• Lodging. Standard private accommodations.

• Security. Guests are responsible for their possessions.

12. SERVING WENCHES’ ROOM

Room: Shared quarters for two of the inn’s serving women.

• Residents. Two members of the inn staff sleep here.

• Furnishings. Simple personal possessions and ordinary bedroom furniture.

13. GUNDIGOOT’S CHILDREN’S ROOM

Room: Bedroom shared by the Gundigoot children.

• Residents. The innkeeper’s children.

• Character. A domestic detail reinforcing that the Welcome Wench is also the Gundigoot family’s home.

14. GUNDIGOOT’S CHAMBER

Room: Private bedroom of Ostler Gundigoot and his wife.

• Residents. Ostler and Goodwife Gundigoot.

• Possessions. Personal belongings and the accumulated property of a successful innkeeper.

• Security. Important family valuables are kept away from the public portions of the inn.

15. PARLOR

Room: Comfortable private sitting room for the Gundigoot family.

• Furnishings. Heavy furniture and household possessions.

• Purpose. Private family space rather than guest accommodation.

CELLAR

1. STORAGE AREA

Cellar: Sacks, barrels, boxes, and bulk supplies stacked beneath the inn.

• Supplies. Flour, grain, foodstuffs, and other necessities needed to keep the inn operating.

• Traffic. Staff regularly move between here and the kitchen.

2. SUMMER KITCHEN

Room: Secondary kitchen used when appropriate.

• Purpose. Keeps heat and heavy cooking away from the main living areas during warmer weather.

• Equipment. Hearth and ordinary food-preparation equipment.

3. LOCKED STORAGE

Room: Secure storage for valuable provisions.

• Contents. Better foodstuffs and other goods worth protecting.

• Security. Kept locked against casual theft.

4. LOCKED STORAGE

Room: Secure wine storage.

• Wine. Better bottles and reserves kept away from ordinary cellar traffic.

• Security. Locked because the contents are valuable.

5. MAIN CELLAR

Cellar: Large storage space dominated by barrels, casks, and the inn’s drink supplies.

• Beer & Ale. Much of the inn’s working stock is stored here.

• Wine & Spirits. Additional drink stores supplement the common-room bar.

• Scale. The quantity of provisions reinforces how busy and prosperous the Welcome Wench is.

6. HUGE CASK

Feature: An enormous cask among the cellar’s drink stores.

• Appearance. Looks like another oversized piece of the inn’s brewing and storage equipment.

• Secret. More significant than it initially appears; careful investigation reveals something unusual about it.

7. ASHPIT

Area: Ash and waste from the inn’s fireplaces and cooking fires.

• Purpose. Mundane disposal area serving the kitchens and hearths.

• Search. Not somewhere ordinary guests have much reason to investigate.

8. DISUSED SECRET ROOM

Room: Concealed chamber associated with the cellar.

• Hidden. Not part of the inn’s normal public or working space.

• Contents. Old equipment and items remain from earlier use.

• Discovery. Rewards characters who investigate the cellar rather than treating the inn merely as a menu and a place to sleep.

The Church of St. Cuthbert

MAIN FLOOR

1. HALL

Hall: Bright, cheerful entrance. Walls decorated with paintings depicting St. Cuthbert.

• Doors. Several entrances lead into the church proper and adjoining rooms.

• Traffic. The normal entry point for parishioners and visitors.

2. PROCESSIONAL

Passage: Formal approach into the main worship area.

• Decor. Religious ornamentation and furnishings.

• Purpose. Used for processions and movement into the main church.

3. ALTAR AND SANCTUARY

Sanctuary: The religious heart of the church. An altar stands beneath the symbols and teachings of St. Cuthbert.

• Altar. Decorated with religious objects and sacred furnishings.

• Message. The church prominently displays St. Cuthbert’s practical teachings.

• Security. Valuable religious objects make this one of the more carefully protected areas of the building.

4. STUDY AND AUDIENCE CHAMBER

Room: Office and meeting chamber used by the clergy to receive visitors and conduct church business.

• Audience. Visitors seeking substantial assistance or consultation may be received here.

• Business. Donations, church affairs, and religious matters are discussed here.

• Clergy. Calmert or Terjon may meet adventurers depending on the importance of their business.

5. VESTRY

Room: Clerical preparation and storage room adjoining the sanctuary.

• Contents. Vestments and other materials used during services.

• Purpose. Working area for the church’s priests.

LOWER FLOOR

6. CHURCH KITCHEN

Kitchen: Large working kitchen serving the clergy and church household.

• Supplies. Food, cooking equipment, and ordinary household stores.

• Activity. Used regularly rather than abandoned or ceremonial.

7. MEDITATION ROOM

Room: Quiet chamber set aside for prayer and contemplation.

• Atmosphere. Sparse, peaceful, and deliberately secluded.

• Use. Clergy and worshippers may withdraw here for private devotion.

8. EXERCISE ROOM

Room: A place for physical training.

• Training. Used regularly for exercise.

• Character. A very Cuthbertine detail: the clergy aren’t presented merely as contemplative priests.

9. SACRED TROPHIES GALLERY

Gallery: Displays religious relics and trophies connected with the church and its history.

• Displays. Sacred objects and commemorative items.

• Value. Some objects are materially valuable as well as religiously significant.

• Security. Theft here would bring the full attention of the church.

10. CELL

Room: Small, plain sleeping chamber.

• Furnishings. Bed and a few simple personal possessions.

• Occupant. Used as clerical quarters.

UPPER FLOOR

11. CHURCH LIBRARY

Library: Religious books, records, and reference works.

• Books. Theology, church writings, and other scholarly material.

• Research. Potential source of information for characters investigating religious or supernatural matters.

• Value. The collection itself represents considerable wealth and knowledge.

12. UPPER HALL

Hall: Landing and passage connecting the private rooms upstairs.

• Access. Leads to the clergy’s quarters.

• Privacy. Visitors aren’t normally wandering through here without permission.

13. ASSISTANT CLERIC’S CHAMBERS

Room: Private quarters for Calmert.

• Calmert. Priest of St. Cuthbert and the church’s energetic fundraiser.

• Furnishings. Comfortable clerical quarters with personal and religious possessions.

• Money. Church donations and funds may pass through his hands, making him unusually concerned with contributions.

14. CHIEF PRIEST’S CHAMBER

Room: Private quarters of Canon Terjon.

• Terjon. Senior priest of St. Cuthbert in Hommlet; experienced and considerably more formidable than Calmert.

• Possessions. Personal equipment, religious items, and valuables appropriate to a successful adventuring cleric.

• Security. Important possessions are protected rather than casually left available.

15. BALCONY

Balcony: Upper gallery overlooking the church below.

• View. Provides a clear view into the main worship area.

• Access. Connected to the private upper floor.

The Guard Tower / Castle

The Guard Tower is the fortified home of Burne and Rufus, two experienced adventurers overseeing the construction of a new castle beside Hommlet. Unlike the Moathouse, this is not really an adventure dungeon: most keyed areas establish the strength, resources, personalities, and defenses of two powerful potential allies.

1. MAIN HALL

Hall: Entry level of the tower. Guarded, military, and well maintained.

• Guards. A guard is always on duty here.

• Defense. The tower’s doors, shutters, arrow slits, and construction make it a serious fortification.

• Residents. Men-at-arms occupy and defend the tower under Rufus and Burne.

2. LOWER LEVEL

Level: Functional lower portion of the tower, occupied by guards and supporting the garrison above.

• Guards. Armed men are quartered throughout the tower.

• Equipment. Weapons and military supplies are readily available.

• Response. Trouble inside the tower quickly brings armed assistance.

3. DUNGEON / CELLAR

Cellar: Horses are sometimes stabled here. Stored provisions and supplies support the tower’s inhabitants.

• Supplies. Food and other stores sufficient for the garrison.

• Animals. Space can be used for horses.

• Purpose. Primarily practical rather than a prison or monster-filled “dungeon.”

4. HALL AND ANDRÉ’S ROOM

Room: Living quarters associated with the tower’s household.

• André. One of the people attached to Burne and Rufus’s household.

• Furnishings. Comfortable but practical; this is an occupied residence, not an abandoned stronghold.

5. RUFUS’ CHAMBER

Room: Private quarters of Rufus, the warrior half of the partnership.

• Rufus. Experienced fighter and military leader.

• Room. Furnished with the possessions and equipment of a successful adventurer.

• Treasure. Personal wealth and valuables are kept here.

• Security. Rufus is no careless novice; his valuables are protected accordingly.

6. BURNE’S CHAMBER

Room: Private quarters and working space of Burne, the magic-user.

• Burne. Powerful magic-user and one of the most influential people in Hommlet.

• Magic. Books, magical equipment, and the possessions expected of an experienced wizard.

• Treasure. Considerable personal wealth.

• Defense. Burne has taken magical precautions against thieves and intruders.

• Clue. His resources make clear that Burne and Rufus are adventurers of a completely different order from beginning PCs.

7. HALL

Hall: Upper circulation area leading toward the tower’s defenses.

• Access. Connects the private portions of the tower with the parapet above.

• Defense. Anyone reaching this point during an attack is entering increasingly defensible ground.

8. MERCENARY CAPTAIN’S ROOM

Room: Quarters of the officer commanding the tower’s mercenary soldiers.

• Captain. Veteran fighter responsible for the garrison.

• Equipment. Arms, armor, and military possessions.

• Role. Provides professional leadership if the tower is attacked.

9. MERCENARY LIEUTENANT’S ROOM

Room: Quarters of the captain’s second-in-command.

• Lieutenant. Experienced fighter and officer.

• Equipment. Personal weapons, armor, and possessions.

• Response. Helps organize the men-at-arms during trouble.

10. TOP LEVEL OF TURRET

Turret: Upper defensive position with weapon racks and fighting space.

• Weapons. Polearms and other weapons are stored ready for use.

• Purpose. Defenders can rapidly arm themselves during an attack.

11. TURRET ROOF

Roof: Highest fighting position on the tower.

• Weapons. Heavy spears are available for defenders.

• View. Excellent observation over the surrounding countryside.

• Defense. A strong final position if the lower tower is assaulted.

PARAPET

Battlements: The tower’s exterior fighting platform, protected by crenellations and firing positions.

• Defense. Provides excellent cover for missile troops.

• Access. Reached from the upper portions of the tower.

• Purpose. Makes even a relatively small garrison formidable against attackers.

THE MEN-AT-ARMS

The tower contains a substantial body of mercenary troops, individually detailed in the original module by armor, shield, armor class, missile weapon, melee weapon, and hit points.

• Leadership. Rufus, a mercenary captain, and a lieutenant provide the military command.

• Troops. A mixture of armor and weapons rather than identical soldiers.

• Readiness. The garrison is equipped and organized to defend the tower.

• Character. Some are neutral, some chaotic neutral, but Burne and Rufus will not tolerate genuinely evil men in their service.

THE NEW CASTLE

Construction: A much larger fortress is being built immediately beside the existing tower.

• Purpose. Burne and Rufus intend this to become their permanent stronghold.

• Workers. The project employs many laborers, explaining some of Hommlet’s recent growth.

• Politics. The construction demonstrates that Burne and Rufus aren’t merely adventurers staying in Hommlet—they are becoming established regional powers.

• Status. The castle is still under construction and isn’t presented as another keyed adventure site.

The Ruined Moathouse

The ruined upper works of the Moathouse are surrounded by marsh and approached across a decaying drawbridge. The place looks abandoned, but brigands and dangerous creatures have made homes among the wreckage.

The important contrast with the dungeon below is that the Ruined Moathouse initially feels like an abandoned place reclaimed by nature and opportunists: frogs, spiders, rats, bats, a snake, a tick, a lizard, and brigands. Finding the stairs down changes the character of the adventure—the dungeon contains increasingly deliberate defenses and organized forces.

1. GIANT FROGS

Marsh: Reeds, stagnant water, mud. Movement in the vegetation near the approach.

• Giant Frogs. Six.

• Ambush. Attack creatures approaching through their hunting ground.

• Terrain. Marshy ground and water make the encounter more dangerous than the frogs alone suggest.

2. ROTTING DRAWBRIDGE

Bridge: Ancient timbers cross the moat to the ruined gatehouse. Obviously decayed, but still apparently passable.

• Danger. The bridge is structurally unsound.

• Crossing. Weight and movement can cause sections to give way.

• Moat. Falling from the bridge puts characters into the foul water below.

3. BROKEN GATES

Entrance: Ruined gates stand open beneath the remains of the gatehouse.

• Tracks. Evidence of recent traffic contradicts the appearance of complete abandonment.

• Clue. Someone—or something—is regularly using the ruins.

4. COLLAPSED TOWER

Tower: Rubble, broken masonry, and the remains of an old defensive tower.

• Huge Spider. One, concealed among the ruins.

• Ambush. Waits motionless until prey comes within striking distance.

• Terrain. Rubble and confined spaces make spotting and fighting the spider difficult.

5. LITTERED STEPS

Steps: Rubble and debris cover the approach into the surviving portions of the Moathouse.

• Signs. Tracks and disturbed debris show that the ruins are inhabited.

• Noise. Careless movement over loose stone can announce the party’s arrival.

6. GREAT HALL

Hall: The largest surviving chamber. Once impressive, now wrecked and filled with ruined furniture and debris.

• Creatures. Rats and other vermin move through the rubbish.

• Search. The debris conceals remnants of the Moathouse’s former occupants.

• Atmosphere. The destruction here makes clear how thoroughly the outpost was sacked.

7. BLACK CHAMBER

Room: Soot-darkened, filthy chamber occupied by armed men using the ruins as a hideout.

• Brigands. Eight, plus their leader.

• Tactics. Organized and wary. They fight together and react to signs of intrusion elsewhere in the ruins.

• Treasure. The brigands have accumulated loot from their activities.

• Clue. These aren’t isolated monsters—the Moathouse is being used by organized human enemies.

8. STAIRWAY UP

Stairs: Damaged stone stairs climb into the ruined upper structure.

• Condition. Broken and partially obstructed.

• Danger. Loose masonry and unstable footing make movement difficult.

9. LITTERED ROOM

Room: Broken furniture, rubbish, and remnants of the Moathouse’s former occupation.

• Search. Most of the contents are worthless.

• Signs. Recent disturbance shows creatures have passed through.

10. EMPTY BEDCHAMBER

Room: Ruined sleeping chamber. Broken furnishings and the remains of old bedding.

• Empty. No permanent inhabitants.

• Search. Little of obvious value remains.

11. SALON

Room: Once a comfortable chamber, now abandoned and decaying. The ceiling and rafters are alive with movement.

• Bats. Scores roost overhead.

• Disturbance. Loud noise or intrusion sends them swarming through the room.

• Chaos. The bats aren’t a serious combat threat, but can obscure vision, cause confusion, and interfere with light.

12. GIANT SNAKE

Room: Debris and darkness provide excellent concealment for a large predator.

• Giant Snake. One.

• Ambush. Remains hidden until prey approaches closely.

• Tactics. Strikes suddenly from concealment.

13. STOREROOM

Room: Old storage chamber filled with rotting containers, rubbish, and accumulated debris.

• Giant Rats. Thirteen.

• Behavior. Nest among the refuse and attack intruders.

• Danger. Their numbers allow them to overwhelm isolated characters.

• Exit. Stairs here descend to the Moathouse Dungeon.

14. EMPTY TROPHY ROOM

Room: Remnants of what was once a display or trophy chamber.

• Empty. Its valuables were stripped away long ago.

• Details. Surviving fittings hint at the Moathouse’s former wealth and importance.

15. EMPTY ROOM

Room: Bare, damaged chamber with little remaining furniture.

• Empty. No current inhabitants.

• Search. Nothing immediately valuable or threatening.

16. DESERTED KITCHEN

Kitchen: Broken tables, ruined cooking equipment, old hearths, and decades of grime.

• Giant Tick. One, concealed among the debris.

• Ambush. Attaches itself to an unwary victim.

• Clue. Another example of the wildlife that has colonized the abandoned portions of the ruins.

17. PARTIALLY COLLAPSED CHAMBER

Room: Rubble fills much of the chamber. Broken stone creates numerous cracks and hiding places.

• Giant Lizard. One.

• Ambush. Concealed among the rubble until prey approaches.

• Terrain. Collapsed masonry restricts movement and gives the creature excellent cover.

The Moathouse Dungeon

1. GREEN SLIME

Stairs: Damp stone descending from the Moathouse above. Ceiling: Green slime clings overhead.

• Green Slime. Two patches drop on creatures passing beneath them.

• Danger. Easily mistaken for ordinary damp growth until it falls.

2. ARMORY

Room: Old armory, dusty and disused. Weapon racks and military debris remain.

• Equipment. Assorted old arms and armor remain, mostly mundane.

• Clue. The room suggests the Moathouse was once a properly equipped military outpost.

3. WEAPON STORE

Room: More stored weapons and equipment, remnants of the Moathouse’s former garrison.

• Weapons. Various usable weapons remain among the neglected stores.

• Search. Careful examination turns up equipment of greater value than the room initially suggests.

4. CELL CORRIDOR

Corridor: A row of old prison cells. Rot, stale air, and the smell of death.

• Zombies. Twelve lurk in the cells.

• Behavior. Initially confined and easily overlooked. They attack when characters expose themselves or open the cells.

• Tactics. Their numbers are the danger; the narrow corridor can quickly become clogged.

5. TORTURE CHAMBER

Room: Ancient instruments of torture, chains, restraints, and the remains of the Moathouse’s former prisoners.

• Atmosphere. Particularly grim evidence of what occurred here when the Temple controlled the place.

• Search. The old equipment and remains reward careful examination.

6. LITTERED STOREROOM

Room: Broken junk, discarded equipment, rubbish, and old supplies.

• Search. Mostly worthless debris, but the clutter conceals useful material.

• Noise. Searching thoroughly is slow and noisy.

7. OGRE CHAMBER

Creature: A large, filthy chamber occupied by Lubash, an ogre serving the new masters of the Moathouse.

• Lubash. Ogre. Brutal, dangerous, and part of the organized force below the ruins.

• Tactics. Attacks intruders who cannot demonstrate that they belong here.

• Clue. His presence is one of the clearest early indications that this is more than a monster-infested ruin.

8. OGRE’S PANTRY

Room: Prisoners are being kept here as future meals.

• Prisoners. Two humans and a badly beaten gnome.

• Information. Rescued prisoners can provide information about the inhabitants and activity in the dungeon.

• Connection. Lubash (Area 7) intends to eat them.

Note to self - here’s a good place that could be used to expand future play.

9. TRAP

Passage: An apparently ordinary section of dungeon passage conceals a dangerous mechanism.

• Trap. Triggered by creatures moving through the area.

• Release. A separate mechanism can disable or release it.

• Clue. Careful examination can reveal that the passage has been deliberately prepared.

10. BUGBEAR CHAMBER

Creatures: Six bugbears quartered here as part of the Moathouse force.

• Bugbears. Six.

• Tactics. Organized defenders rather than wandering monsters. They react to alarms and activity elsewhere in the dungeon.

• Clue. Their presence reinforces that someone is assembling humanoid troops here.

11. FALSE DOOR

Feature: A convincing-looking door that doesn’t lead anywhere useful.

• Purpose. Misdirection and delay.

• Danger. Characters spending time investigating it risk attracting attention from nearby inhabitants.

12. GNOLL CHAMBER

Creatures: Nine gnolls occupying a foul, crowded chamber.

• Gnolls. Nine.

• Tactics. Part of the organized force being gathered at the Moathouse.

• Noise. Fighting here can alert nearby areas.

13. GIANT CRAYFISH POOL

Pool: Dark water fills much of the chamber. Something large moves beneath the surface.

• Giant Crayfish. One.

• Ambush. Remains concealed underwater until prey comes within reach.

• Danger. Its claws can seize characters and make fighting near the water hazardous.

14. BURIAL CRYPTS

Crypts: Old burial chambers containing coffins and the dead.

• Ghouls. Four.

• Behavior. Hide among the crypts and attack living intruders.

• Danger. Paralysis makes even a small number of ghouls extremely dangerous to an inexperienced party.

15. ESCAPE PASSAGE

Passage: A concealed route leading away from the main dungeon.

• Purpose. Provides the dungeon’s occupants with an emergency escape.

• Clue. Its existence shows that the current inhabitants have prepared for attack rather than merely squatting in the ruins.

16. GUARD POST

Guards: Armed men stationed here protect the approach to the dungeon’s inner area.

• Men-at-Arms. Six guards and a sergeant.

• Tactics. Organized, disciplined, and able to raise an alarm.

• Clue. From here onward the dungeon feels increasingly like a functioning headquarters.

17. GUARDS’ BARRACKS

Room: Living quarters for Lareth’s human troops. Weapons, equipment, bunks, and personal possessions.

• Guards. Twelve men-at-arms, two sergeants, and a lieutenant.

• Tactics. Reinforce nearby guards if alerted. Their numbers make a direct assault dangerous.

• Organization. These are paid/recruited troops under a chain of command, not bandits who happen to be living underground.

18. CHAMBER OF THE NEW MASTER

Chamber: The headquarters of Lareth the Beautiful, the “New Master” of the Moathouse.

• Lareth. Cleric, charismatic leader, and principal antagonist of the adventure.

• Purpose. Recruiting and organizing humans and humanoids into a new force associated with the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Reaction. Intelligent rather than suicidal. He may talk, deceive, recruit, bargain, or fight depending on circumstances.

• Treasure. Considerable wealth, equipment, and magical resources accumulated to finance his operation.

• Revelation. Lareth confirms the central mystery of the adventure: the evil associated with the Temple is organizing again.

Part I - Background, Hooks, Rumours and Factions
Part II - Major Places
Part III - Other Places
Part IV - NPCs
Part V - Monsters

The Village of Hommlet (henceforth TVoH) was the first “official” AD&D module I ever played, way back in 1980. We afterschoooled a lot of D&D before that, but that was all home-brewed campaign material (which is still remains my preference). I’ve bought a number of campaign worlds and modules after that, but I’ve really never enjoyed DMing them. It’s never quite clear to me how do deal with all the words on the page - am I supposed to study for this stuff like a test, or do I desperately flip through the pages and hope I hit the right section in the middle of a game.

Just as a fun exercise, I thought we’d take TVoH and rewrite / restructure it in a more modern style, such as is used by Shadowdark. The core idea of modern dungeon style is that actionable information is brought forward so the DM can use it immediately. Contrast this to that of TVoH, where how much extra you pay for a chair and table in your PC’s room competes with clues about the presence of brigands in the Moathouse.

Admirably - it should be noted - TVoH is very open play. It’s not on rails; there’s no story or plot that the players have to follow. Compare this to the awful 5e Hoard of the Dragon Queen, where the players just execute scenarios in the plot created by WotC.

When this is implemented in software - Classic d20 - this will even be better. Being able to click on a NPC’s name and see all the info about them beats the hell out of flipping through to an index. The other thing software will allow you to do is to customize the scenario for your own campaign. TVoH is very Greyhawk, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to easily rename “St. Cuthbert” to “Our Lady of Perpetual Justice” or “The Temple of Elemental Evil” to “The Caverns of the Red Wizard” if that more suits what you’re doing.

I have shamelessly used AI (ChatGPT 5.6 Sol) in doing analysis and some of the writing. I am not made of time!

Background

The Village of Hommlet grew up around an important crossroads and became prosperous through trade. Years ago, however, evil forces established the Temple of Elemental Evil nearby and brought banditry, monsters, and chaos to the region. The Temple’s forces were eventually defeated by an army raised by the surrounding realms, and the Temple itself was besieged and sealed. Hommlet subsequently returned to peace and prosperity, although the nearby Moathouse, once an outpost of the Temple, was left abandoned.

Recently, troubling signs have begun to appear again. Bandits and evil creatures are returning, strangers are moving through the area, and there are indications that the Temple’s influence may not have been completely destroyed. Hommlet has consequently attracted adventurers seeking opportunity, while several local powers—including the Old Faith, the Church of St. Cuthbert, and Burne and Rufus—watch for evidence of renewed evil. Unknown to them, agents of the Temple are already operating within the village and at the ruined Moathouse.

Hooks

Hommlet has begun experiencing renewed trouble after years of relative peace, and adventurers are coming to the village because of rumors of bandits, evil creatures, and the possible resurgence of the forces once associated with the Temple of Elemental Evil. .

Once the party is in Hommlet, the following things may happen depending on where they go:

• Investigate the Moathouse — rumors and local information point toward the ruined outpost as a source of trouble.

• Temple activity — evidence gradually suggests that the old evil may not actually be gone.

• Local authorities/religious figures — Jaroo, Terjon, Burne and Rufus all have reasons to be interested in evidence of renewed evil.

• The spies in Hommlet — Rannos Davl, Gremag and Zert take an interest in capable newcomers, creating the possibility that the adventurers become targets before realizing why.

• Joining other adventurers — several NPCs can potentially accompany a party, providing another route into the adventure.

Rumours

These can be learned as they interact with people in Hommlet.

• The old Temple of Elemental Evil was defeated, but its evil may not have been completely destroyed. - General village talk; Jaroo, Terjon, Burne

• Something evil is stirring in the area again. - General villagers; travelers at the Welcome Wench

• The ruined Moathouse was once an outpost of the Temple. - Older villagers; Jaroo, Burne, Terjon

• The Moathouse is dangerous and creatures/bandits have been seen around it. - Travelers, villagers, Welcome Wench patrons

• An overgrown track outside Hommlet leads toward the Moathouse. - Any local; the route is explicitly keyed as village location 33

• Burne and Rufus are powerful adventurers building a castle outside the village. - Common knowledge

• Burne is a powerful magic-user. - Common knowledge, although the details of his capabilities aren’t necessarily known

• Jaroo Ashstaff is the local druid and may be able to help with strange or evil happenings. - Villagers / followers of the Old Faith

• Canon Terjon is an experienced priest and a significant enemy of evil. - Church members / villagers

• Elmo looks like a drunken rustic, but there may be considerably more to him than appears. - This is more something PCs can discover than an openly circulating rumor

• Adventurers and mercenaries regularly pass through the Welcome Wench. Some may be willing to join an expedition. - Ostler Gundigoot / inn patrons

• The Traders’ Establishment will buy and sell almost anything adventurers need. -Common knowledge

• Rannos Davl and Gremag aren’t necessarily trustworthy. - Potentially suspicious locals, but their actual Temple allegiance is a secret—not a normal rumor

• Strangers who ask too many questions may attract unwanted attention. - More an emergent fact than an explicit rumor: the Temple’s spies watch newcomers

• The village has a militia and can defend itself surprisingly well. - Common knowledge

• The new castle and influx of workers are making Hommlet larger and more prosperous. - Anyone in Hommlet

Factions

The Old Faith

The traditional druidical religion of the region. Many of Hommlet’s established families follow the Old Faith, with Jaroo Ashstaff at the Grove as its principal representative. Jaroo is actively watching for signs that the Temple’s evil is returning.

Church of St. Cuthbert

The newer organized religion in Hommlet, represented primarily by Canon Terjon and Calmert. It is a growing institutional presence and strongly opposed to the forces of the Temple. It and the Old Faith are broadly on the same side, but remain distinct religious powers.

Village of Hommlet

The civic community: the Village Elder, militia, farmers, craftsmen, merchants, and families. It represents the interests of the settlement itself—maintaining peace, protecting the village, and allowing Hommlet to prosper.

Burne and Rufus

Two powerful adventurers who have established themselves near the village and are constructing a castle. Burne is a magic-user and Rufus a fighter; together they command men-at-arms and constitute an independent military and political force. They cooperate with Hommlet’s authorities and oppose the return of the Temple.

Temple of Elemental Evil

The hidden enemy behind the adventure. Its agents operate secretly inside Hommlet, particularly Rannos Davl, Gremag, and Zert, gathering information and working against potential enemies.

Outside the village, Lareth the Beautiful is the Temple’s principal local agent. From the ruined Moathouse he is assembling guards, brigands, humanoids, and monsters into an organized force. Thus the spies in Hommlet and the forces in the Moathouse are two parts of the same faction: covert infiltration in the village and overt military organization at the Moathouse.

TL;DR: computers are not and should not play D&D for you. But they are going to make it a lot easier to start playing with your friends. The game we’re working on, Classic d20, is about getting people to the table, not to the computer.

Sam Altman (OpenAI) said something very interesting in the latest David Senra podcast:

“Stuff that’s about people, stuff that’s about people’s connection, connection to people and people liking other people, that stuff feels like it gets more valuable in the post[-AI] world, not less.”

“People are still going to be very fundamentally wired to care about other people, to want to be around other people, um, to interact with other people.”

AI is not the thing that is going to make us (most of us) huddle into our own private worlds: AI is going to make human connections vastly more important, partly returning us to the pre-Internet era of connection. Fake stuff will be infinitely free, the human touch infinitely more valuable.

Look what happened with chess. Chess is effectively solved. Watching a modern Chess AI play chess is like watching a god play. And yet there are more chess players than ever and those chess players are better than ever.

AI Chess means that every player has an infinitely patient coach. AI Chess means that you have a definitive answer (more or less) to whether a move was good or not. AI was a benefit to Chess - and it will be an advantage to FRPs also.

Let’s dive into a few possible uses for AI in Classic d20 (and in FRPs in general).

AI Artwork

A Canadian Dungeontuber named Jeremy Pillipow (Black Magic Craft) rewrote a book he had written in 2020 to replace the AI art he had used in the first edition. Here’s the book if you’d like to see it / order it; he has a free PDF version.

This is simply something I don’t feel that strongly about - though I know many people do. One thing for sure is I don’t have (let’s say) $100 x 800 monsters to commission original artwork for every creature in the Monster Manual! I don't even have time to find artists to commission it from.

To bridge this gap, our software is going to allow you to filter out AI art wherever we use it. When there’s human art there in the future, it will show up preferentially.

So what is AI generating? We’re using Google’s Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, AKA Nano Banana 2, and using a prompt (below) to keep it simple and stylistic.

Some of the graphics look quite good IMO. Here’s an Orc:

On the other hand, some results are not quite so good:

For the curious, here’s our prompt:

I still haven’t got Google to draw a picture of a wolverine yet, despite my best efforts in the second last paragraph.

Dungeon Generation

This is something I’m very excited about. It’s also very much a work in progress at this time, but we have a few weeks yet. It’s a collaborative system where, step by step, the AI feeds you suggestions. All suggestions are editable. Subsequent steps - the hooks, the rooms, etc. - all build on the previous steps. You can think of this as random dungeon generation on steroids.

Use a Light Touch

One constant theme of our AI usage is: keep it light as possible. Do not use AI to generate paragraphs of text and detailed images to be read out to the user. The DM and player’s imagination are supposed to do the work, creating a unique session for everyone.

I really like the Shadowdark approach for writing dungeons, where there are as few words as possible. From the Shadowdark sample adventure, The Lost Citadel:

AI as a replacement for Random Tables

One place AI can shine is as a replacement for the random tables found in the DMG (or there are whole books of Random Tables if you’re really into it).

Let’s take everyone’s favourite table in AD&D: the Harlot Encounter Table.

That’s fine but we can just ask the AI to give us a fresh list every time:

That’s still a little wordy for my preference, but that was just typed into ChatGPT.

This is getting a little long, so part II will talk about simulating NPCs, answering questions about rules and previous sessions, and how we used it to actually write Classic d20.

Want to try Classic d20? Subscribe to this Substack and everyone will get an invite when it’s ready. Mail me directly if you’re really keen. Playtesting will begin September.

But this clearly isn’t true - people have been trying to fix AD&D for the last ~50 years! Obviously there’s some itch there to be scratched, and we’re all here to scratch it.

My response was that while the heart of the rules is the right place, but because of the verbose way they are written, because they are spread over several sections and because of inconsistent naming, many rules bring the game to a dead stop when they are needed.

Let’s take “Turn Undead”. Here are the rules (sorry for the length):

I’m using this specific example because it came up a few weeks ago in a game I’m playing in. (“Matrix for Clerics Affecting Undead, et al” wasn’t the most natural thing to think of when looking for this table). Most of us have been playing since the 1970s, but it’s not like D&D is our lives - we play for fun, in a split online / in person session every other week or so. And I’m also interested in this because Classic d20 has not solved this (yet), but as always, I’m trying to get AD&D feel with d20 mechanics.

An X user named The Dungeon Delver says this is quite simply:

• Roll a d20.

• Look at the chart.

• At or over = turned for 3d4 rounds.

• Below = not turned, can never be turned again.

Which is basically it! But then why not just have a section called “Turn Undead” and those four lines?

Here are the 3.5 SRD Turn or Rebuke Undead rules: no real improvement, but it is a d20 mechanic.

What’s the mechanism in Classic d20 going to be? It was open up to discussion, but now I think:

• Make a Cleric Level Check + CHA modifier.

• Compare to the Turn DC of the monster.

A Level Check is just roll a d20 and add your Cleric Level. Things to be decided and probable answers in italics:

• How many are affected? All that are looking at the Cleric or within 60 feet.

• How long? 3d4 minutes.

• what’s the mechanism for Destroying them? Undecided.

• Natural 20s? Will always work, but never Destroy.

Your comments are always welcome. This is a web-only post, you shouldn’t have got an email (I hope!). Normal posting will resume on Wednesday.

I’m two years (I thought it would be three or four months) into a “weekends and evenings” project to scratch an itch I’ve had for at least 15 years. Maybe even 45 years.

Here’s the problem: no one has the time needed to play D&D - so no one keeps playing it. When I was running a 5e campaign several years ago, it would take me about two hours of preparation for every hour of play. Probably excessive but I’m not a gifted storyteller - I don’t like getting stuck and having six people stare at me waiting to figure out what’s going to happen next. It doesn’t matter how many books and copies of Lazy Dungeon Master you have on hand - it takes real boring time to look things up in the middle of a game. It gets even worse when you’re trying to do things like create an NPC, equip characters with spells, and so forth.

So here’s the core idea: Play in Five. Need to set up a new campaign? Getting ready for the next game? Need a new fully equipped NPC? A new character? A mini-dungeon for tonight’s session? It’s there, all under your control, in under five minutes (and usually much less).

Broadly, my design thoughts:

Digital tools, but the experience should be as analog as possible. I’m not trying to create a “Virtual Tabletop” - I want you to use a real table top with your real friends. Your laptop, your iPhone … these should be just tools in the same way your pen and paper are.

More rules doesn’t mean more fun. I’ll do another article about the rules, but let’s say for now we’re using the 3.5 SRD as a jumping off point, but then simplifying back to what rules looked like in 1979. And then simplifying some more (a full combat round should take less than a minute to play at the table).

Different people like different things. Some people like lots of complexity, some people like a lot less. Classic d20 is for the latter, but hopefully will still be fun for the first.

The mistake a lot of games make is they’re trying to be something else - D&D 4e is a Warhammer-like war-game, D&D 5e a video game, GURPS a reality simulator. Games are not reality simulators. It’s OK that Plate Armour changes your AC to 20 and doesn’t absorb damage depending on where it has been hit. It’s cool and has simple rules - that’s the main thing.

Players like their characters. I like heroic (not superheroic) fantasy, not murder-hoboing, grimdark Shadowdark / Deathbringer “your character will last 10 minutes, roll another” gameplay. The rules are written so that you have a reasonable chance of surviving if you’re not an idiot. If.

The DM should know rules the player does not. This was something that AD&D had that later editions dropped. Players should not have access to monster descriptions or full knowledge of how spells work. Obviously players can cheat here, but we won’t make it easy.

The game is not about inclusion nor exclusion. You will not see yourself represented here, any more than you would in Monopoly or Clue. You are not an MU, a Cleric, a Thief or a Fighter. You do not (I hope) bang people over the head with a cudgel and take their gold. On the other hand, if you’d like to create the next Conan adventure, or Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Geralt or Ciri, Red Sonja, this may be your thing.

Want to try Classic d20? Subscribe to this Substack and everyone will get an invite when it’s ready. Mail me directly if you’re really keen. Playtesting will begin September.

Upcoming post: AI and FRPs.