Review of Sanctum of the Stone Giant Lord by RC Pinnell
I’ve always been a really big fan of the 1st Edition AD&D G series modules. As a kid, they pretty much summed up everything that excited me about AD&D. And I’ve always felt that along with demons, devils, and dragons, giants are pretty damn kick ass antagonists. It was with a bit of surprise when I came across Sanctum of the Stone Giant Lord by R.C. Pennell. Not aligned with any of the clones, this module aims to be the next installment for AD&D G series modules. Weighing in at twelve pages with a monochrome cover (note, this is the Advanced Fantasy Adventure module labeled GS1 not the later G4 version), it certainly has the right looks and feel of the early printings of the giant series. The Later G4 version (I have the 1st anniversary edition) weighs in at 16 pages. In the original series, the individual modules themselves were small in page count but packed with giant bashing goodness. While both versions cover the same ground for the most part, there are definitely some notable differences that should be pointed out (and will be here).
Unlike the earlier modules, the giants involved are Stone giants which are not evil but fall in the area of morally neutral. In the GS1 version, no real reason is given (until the end – read on) to go on a killing spree in the sanctum, in fact, it seems that it would be rather reprehensible to do so. There is a note from the author at the end of the GS1 version entitled Concluding the Adventure in which the author states that such behavior is not sanctioned. However, it is stated that the chief shaman is consumed by madness and intends to summon a “sleeping demon” that he feels he can control to benefit the tribe. Even still, this would present some ethical quandaries for good characters to just go about slaying these otherwise neutral giants. It would seem wise that the DM spread this madness to the other members of the tribe. The G4 version DOES make this connection at the beginning of the module, indicating that the giants have been attacking the townsfolk in the valley below. Again, just a point of difference between the two versions. G4 version details the ascent from the valley below via either a Easterly route or a westerly route. Both being hazardous with encounters including hill giants, owl bears, and even a red dragon. The GS1 version does not detail the ascent to the sanctum of Taal-dir in as much detail, but is still well handled with random encounter tables listed.
The author notes that this module is hard and should only be attempted by experienced adventurers, not simply players handed character sheets with characters in the listed level range of 10-14. It would seem that dwarven and ranger characters would be especially useful here. I’d even think a druid would be useful as well due to some encounters with cave bears and the like. The creatures within are not static props waiting to be slaughtered. The author makes note of this and gives movement patterns for the denizens of the sanctum. This further adds to the challenge. This module can be played stand alone, but it is very much intended to be a continuation of the giant series of AD&D modules. The overall tone of the module is very much in line with that earlier series and does not feel out of place. Mr. Pinnell states that this module was a labor of love and homage to Gary Gygax and it very much shows.
There are some challenging encounters presented within. Indeed, there is even a chance that the stone giant god Rockfist Rockheart will make an appearance! Of course, if this is the case, it in all likelihood mean certain death for the party as Rockheart is not to be trifled with. It is interesting to note that in the GS1 version, Rockheart had 480 hp, while in G4, he has 300. GS1 has a point where a +5 Holy Avenger can be obtained. In G4, this was changed to a +3 vorpal long sword. There are further examples for such changes. In general, things seemed to have been toned down from GS1 to G4.
Later in the adventure, the characters are likely to encounter a drow emissary sent to the giants in order to build an alliance. This further strengthens the ties to the earlier G-D-Q series of modules.
All-in-all, this was an excellent module no matter which version you have. I like things about each. I like the blue map on the original along with the trade dress better, but think the expansion of the back story and the toned down nature of the G4 version is better suited to my own preferences. I give this 4 ½ stars out of five and heartily recommend that you go here: http://stores.lulu.com/worldofthorkhammer and pick up a copy. Enthusiasts of the giant series and new comers alike will be very glad you did.
Unlike the earlier modules, the giants involved are Stone giants which are not evil but fall in the area of morally neutral. In the GS1 version, no real reason is given (until the end – read on) to go on a killing spree in the sanctum, in fact, it seems that it would be rather reprehensible to do so. There is a note from the author at the end of the GS1 version entitled Concluding the Adventure in which the author states that such behavior is not sanctioned. However, it is stated that the chief shaman is consumed by madness and intends to summon a “sleeping demon” that he feels he can control to benefit the tribe. Even still, this would present some ethical quandaries for good characters to just go about slaying these otherwise neutral giants. It would seem wise that the DM spread this madness to the other members of the tribe. The G4 version DOES make this connection at the beginning of the module, indicating that the giants have been attacking the townsfolk in the valley below. Again, just a point of difference between the two versions. G4 version details the ascent from the valley below via either a Easterly route or a westerly route. Both being hazardous with encounters including hill giants, owl bears, and even a red dragon. The GS1 version does not detail the ascent to the sanctum of Taal-dir in as much detail, but is still well handled with random encounter tables listed.
The author notes that this module is hard and should only be attempted by experienced adventurers, not simply players handed character sheets with characters in the listed level range of 10-14. It would seem that dwarven and ranger characters would be especially useful here. I’d even think a druid would be useful as well due to some encounters with cave bears and the like. The creatures within are not static props waiting to be slaughtered. The author makes note of this and gives movement patterns for the denizens of the sanctum. This further adds to the challenge. This module can be played stand alone, but it is very much intended to be a continuation of the giant series of AD&D modules. The overall tone of the module is very much in line with that earlier series and does not feel out of place. Mr. Pinnell states that this module was a labor of love and homage to Gary Gygax and it very much shows.
There are some challenging encounters presented within. Indeed, there is even a chance that the stone giant god Rockfist Rockheart will make an appearance! Of course, if this is the case, it in all likelihood mean certain death for the party as Rockheart is not to be trifled with. It is interesting to note that in the GS1 version, Rockheart had 480 hp, while in G4, he has 300. GS1 has a point where a +5 Holy Avenger can be obtained. In G4, this was changed to a +3 vorpal long sword. There are further examples for such changes. In general, things seemed to have been toned down from GS1 to G4.
Later in the adventure, the characters are likely to encounter a drow emissary sent to the giants in order to build an alliance. This further strengthens the ties to the earlier G-D-Q series of modules.
All-in-all, this was an excellent module no matter which version you have. I like things about each. I like the blue map on the original along with the trade dress better, but think the expansion of the back story and the toned down nature of the G4 version is better suited to my own preferences. I give this 4 ½ stars out of five and heartily recommend that you go here: http://stores.lulu.com/worldofthorkhammer and pick up a copy. Enthusiasts of the giant series and new comers alike will be very glad you did.
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