Blast From the Past: Reavers of Harkenwold

Today is our final Blast From the Past post on the great adventures of yesteryear, and we've reached the problematic, polarizing Fourth Edition era. I spent most of this period DMing Druid Cycle and Torchlight adventures, but I did run a couple of published modules, including the first D&D Encounters adventure and the surprisingly fun Revenge of the Giants, which I adapted for the Druid Cycle setting. Overall, I found the Fourth Edition adventure modules to be far too formulaic and linear -- a mind-numbing slog through overly long combat encounters.

Reavers of Harkenwold (2010) stands in stark contrast to the rest. Included in The Dungeon Master's Kit -- the DM-focused product that was part of the short-lived Essentials line -- this brief adventure (contained in two thin booklets) is refreshingly open-ended. The characters' choices drive the plot, which focuses on their involvement in a revolt against the cruel marauders who have taken over a peaceful little province. I haven't participated in this adventure either as a player or as a DM, but I'd have to say that it ranks first on my list of adventures I'd love to run.