Thursday, January 24, 2013

Now that you've read B1 for the first time...


Simplified map of the upper level of B1, cartography by Mike (original drawing) and Arzon (blue map) of Dragonsfoot. The full-sized map can be found linked in this post.

...thanks to the free pdf from Wizards, take a look at the B1 page on the Zenopus Archives website for trivia and links to resources for use with it, such as the simplified map of the upper level made by Dragonsfoot members (for use if tricky mapping drives you and your players crazy) and the not-to-be-missed B1 sourcebook assembled by paleologos (link on B1 page). I've just made some new revisions & expansions to the B1 page, motivated by the new pdf availability. You can also click on the B1 tag below to see previous posts I've written about B1 trivia & artwork.

11 comments:

  1. Hi,
    I just got B1 (along with Moldvay Basic, B2 and B4) from dndclassics.
    Thanks Zenopus!!!
    This post and the links / history provided are GREAT first steps to fully enjoy the module!
    Cheers,
    Ivan

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  2. Great stuff! I was happy to find a copy of that map on the DF forums-so much more practical. What a great resource page you have put together for this!

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  3. That map is a great addition to a great module.

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  4. I found this so helpful that I reposted it.

    http://frothsof4e.blogspot.com/2013/01/get-most-out-of-your-free-copy-of-b1.html

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    1. Thanks for reposting. That is where I found a link to this wonderful site.

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  5. Thank you for posting that B1 page. That will be handy.

    (Good grief, that original map of the upper level is a nightmare!)

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  6. Awesome!

    Yeah, Iike the new map too. No more random mazes.

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  7. Your B1 page is the definitive internet gateway for appreciating this iconic module!

    I like your notes on the changes between the two versions. It was a pretty sloppy conversion, actually (the henchmen/hireling/retainer section, the character stats, some of the spell lists at the end were still based on the Holmes rules, etc.)

    In fact, the arrows that were added to the one-way secret doors in the entrance alcoves are pointing in the wrong direction (they were used for defenders to ambush invaders, and were designed as one-way to prevent invaders from using them, presumably)

    I personally love the original map, but really admire Mike and Arzon's version - using it as a "false map" to give players in the library (a "false map" is included in the treasure list) but the original map could just as easily be used as the "false map" if a DM chooses to go with Mike and Arzon's version for the actual dungeon...

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    1. Thanks for taking a look at the changes list, paleo Good observation on the secret doors! I'll put a note in about that. I'm going to make another post in about the changes list after I look over it again.

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  8. HAHA! This was already in my binder for Quasqueton Undermountain in my S&W Waterdeep game. I think the original map was my least favorite thing about B-1, so I was happy when I discovered this one.

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  9. Thanks for all of the positive comments! I hope the B1 page proves useful.

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