Let's write DA5 City of Blackmoor!

[Havard]

DA5 is that legendary module, written by Dave Ritchie, but never published. Let's speculate to what the module might have contained.

I am guessing an updated map of the City, based on the version in the FFC. The map from the Domesday Book may also have been used as a reference, though Arneson stated that the FFC version is more correct. I also expect a more detailed description of the town, including the various buildings.

Secondly, a map and description of Castle Blackmoor would be in there. The FFC has details on the rooms of the Castle and the Town Map gives us at least some idea of what the Castle layout is like.

Thirdly, the Dungeons of Castle Blackmoor. We have already seen this product in the 3E line. Is it possible that this was what DA5 would have been like, perhaps focusing on the 10 levels from the FFC?

Finally, with Ritchie's products we know there would be some overarching story to the module rather than more of a setting product. This may have involved the dungeon of Castle Blackmoor, or perhaps a final confrontation with the Wizard's Cabal (who are evil in the DA version)?

What do you think?

Havard

[Havard]

Although we will probably never get to see DA5 City of Blackmoor, it can be intersting to speculate to what that product may have contained. We do know that it was written by David Ritchie as part of the DA series and that Ritchie used Arneson's notes as a basis.

The title City of Blackmoor is what tells us the most of what this product is about. This would have been an adventure set in Blackmoor Town itself. Looking at the style of the other DA modules, there may likely have been room for more than just an adventure. The other DA modules have plenty of room for backstory, NPCs and additional setting material.

Since Ritchie was working from Arneson's notes, it would make sense to look at items like the FFC which would have been available to Ritchie. As mentioned elsewhere, it is likely that the map of Blackmoor town from the FFC would have been included. Most likely this would have been expanded upon, with more information about the different buildings than what the FFC provides.

The next part from the FFC which might be useful is the description of Castle Blackmoor. The Castle itself is a wonderful opportunity for adventure and the FFC provides alot of information about the different parts of the castle and its inhabitants.

From the castle, the next step would be the dungeons themselves. Dungeons of Castle Blackmoor and the FFC might both include hints on what DA5 may have contained. Most likely, this would have been the main focus of the adventure.

Finally, there is the metaplot. The entire DA series was written to allow PCs from the Known World to travel back in time and adventure in Blackmoor. It seems very likely that the same would be true for DA5. DA5 would also have to take into account that events of the previous DA modules, with the Afridhi having been defeated in DA4 etc. ZG's Dungeons of Castle Blackmoor has one big problem. The idea of a castle in the middle of Blackmoor, the royal residence, sitting on top of a 20 layered dungeon, home of demons and whatnot just does not make sense, does it? However, this was not so problematic in Arneson's own campaign. In his campaign, the forces of good were repeatedly driven out of Blackmoor town by the forces of the Egg of Coot. In this context, it made perfect sense to run a campaign where you were fighting to reclaim the city and the castle.

It is not unlikely that Ritchie would have deviced a similar storyline for DA5. Perhaps, after the Afridhi invasions, you would have a new invasion of the Egg's forces, lead by King Funk. This would basically repeat events from the original campaign, but allow the PCs to venture into the dungeons and defeat the Orc King once and for all. Leaving room to take the battle to the Realm of the Egg in a later DA module?

Any thoughts?

Havard

[Dave L]

Some way of alerting previous visitors to Blackmoor would probably have been included. Heroes who had returned to the present day would certainly be on the list of desired allies in any attempt to retake the castle.

Maybe one of the side-missions would involve travelling to the elven court to ask for assistance.

[Havard]

Some way of alerting previous visitors to Blackmoor would probably have been included. Heroes who had returned to the present day would certainly be on the list of desired allies in any attempt to retake the castle.

Maybe one of the side-missions would involve travelling to the elven court to ask for assistance.

Those are some pretty good ideas Dave!

Like the other DA modules, there would have been different options for who the PCs might be.

The elven option is likely. Perhaps some of the information about the elven lands from the ZG material could be used to get an idea of what such missions as you mention would be like?

-Havard

[Dave L]

We could have the old standby of troubles in the elven lands that need to be dealt with before elven troops can be freed up to assist in the retaking of the castle.

So the main mission (enlist elven help) could be split into sub-sections.

Agents might have been planted in the elven court to sow dissent - giving a diplomatic/detective work element.

Perhaps small teams of Egg forces have infiltrated the elven woods and are tying up a large number of troops in a "search and destroy" effort.

Tracking down these groups would be vital in order to free the troops and safeguard the forest communities.

And what about a completely unrelated event, something akin to the Redwood Scar (probably not that serious though). Nothing to do with the Egg (as far as anyone knows), but something that needs to be dealt with before the troops can march to Blackmoor's aid.

I think that should do it!

[Havard]

We could have the old standby of troubles in the elven lands that need to be dealt with before elven troops can be freed up to assist in the retaking of the castle.

So the main mission (enlist elven help) could be split into sub-sections.

Agents might have been planted in the elven court to sow dissent - giving a diplomatic/detective work element.

Perhaps small teams of Egg forces have infiltrated the elven woods and are tying up a large number of troops in a "search and destroy" effort.

Tracking down these groups would be vital in order to free the troops and safeguard the forest communities.

And what about a completely unrelated event, something akin to the Redwood Scar (probably not that serious though). Nothing to do with the Egg (as far as anyone knows), but something that needs to be dealt with before the troops can march to Blackmoor's aid.

I think that should do it!

I think these are some great ideas Dave. In fact they might almost be worthy of a module of their own. I think a Redwood Scar type scenario might also be a fitting introduction to an Egg Invasion campaign...

Havard