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| Illustration by David S. LaForce (DSL) from one of the the original A-series modules |
Next summer, Wizards is releasing a hardback compilation of the A-series of modules and as a bonus it will include a new introductory module, A0 Danger at Darkshelf Quarry.
"Added to the collection is an all-new fifth adventure -- A0: Danger at Darkshelf Quarry -- that you can use to kick off an AD&D campaign that pits a group of adventurers against the evil Slave Lords! Module A0, designed for levels 1-3, sets the stage for events that unfold throughout the remainder of the "A" series.""
According to the product page, the compilation will include the original modules (rather than the later A1-4 supermodule), and is "complete with original black-and-white interior art" (like the picture shown above). If we are lucky, perhaps A0 will feature some new work by the original artists such as DSL, Dee or Otus.
A1 is for levels 4-7, and the sequels are for increasing levels up to 11 (see this chart at the Acaeum), so this is a smart marketing move on the part of WOTC, as it allows them to sell a single AD&D product for levels 1-10+. And probably with the hope that everyone that bought the reprints from this year will buy the new compilation.
As far as I know, this is the first "new" 1E AD&D module to be released by TSR/WOTC since L3 Deep Dwarven Delve in 1999 as part of the Silver Anniversary Set. Hopefully it is the first of more! It feels as if AD&D is back in print and being supported.
Thanks to Echohawk at the Acaeum for bringing this to my attention. He also mentioned that the Unearthed Arcana reprint will include the errata from Dragon Magazine, giving a second reason to buy it (the original having notoriously poor binding).
That is the best news I've heard in ages.
ReplyDeleteNice. I think it's nice that WOTC finally realized they are sitting on a huge pile of intellectual property they could sell all over again. If they do all of it, I could fill in a few little gaps in my collection. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat news indeed.
ReplyDeleteZA, did you see on the Wizards' website that they're also releasing a hardback compilation of the S-series modules, Dungeons of Dread?
ReplyDeleteI did, but I should have mentioned it here as well. Thank you. So far it doesn't look like it will contain any new material.
ReplyDeleteI hope that they'll release L3 to a larger audience, at last...
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised as they may already have it in electronic form because it was produced much more recently. Although they might wait to release it as an L1-3 compilation.
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