DDA1 - Arena Of Thyatis

System: Dungeons & Dragons

Code: #9284

Type: Adventure

Levels: 1-3

Author: John Nephew

Year: 1990

Publisher: TSR

Format: 32-page book w/tri-fold cover

DDA1 - Arena of Thyatis is a module that introduces players to the capital city in a way that fits the city - through intrigue and politics. The module itself is well-written and well-organized. However, there are a couple of places where the "DM should allow the characters to explore and 'make it up'". The thing is, I buy modules so I don't have to do that. I'd prefer being given a set script which I can then change as I want. But overall the module is decent enough. This module also leads into DDA2 Legions of Thyatis.

What changes would I make to this module? Well - as a DM I scripted up the "open" parts of the module so that I could just guide the players through. I just want to make it as easy on myself as possible - that's all. Also, it is easy to expand or edit the dungeon area and make that into quite a long adventure if you want. I didn't do that myself, as I spent my DM juice on scripting the open parts of the module, but the option is there. However, since this leads into a follow-up module, I didn't find it necessary to change anything too much - simply because I didn't want to affect the playability of the follow-up. This is a very interesting module, one with a lot of role-playing and intrigue if the characters are into that.