Module Review - B1 In Search of the Unknown

Title: In Search of the Unknown
Code: B1
Author: Mike Carr
Rule Set: D&D
Year: 1978
Pages: 32
Number of characters: 3 to 6
Levels: 1-3
Rating: ★★★☆☆

In Search of the Unknown is a classic dungeon crawl, the true value of this module is in the open ended nature and guided tour aspect of the adventure. The DM is provided with rooms and descriptions but no monsters. The opening Notes for the Dungeon Master are masterful, great advice for every DM every when and where. The notes cover everything from background to hirelings. The last 7 pagers are for players, including henchmen, hirelings, sample characters and tips.

This is a rough module, no monsters are provided, nor are there any thematic clues as to what sort of beings should be found. This is great for someone who has a preset world, the module is ready to be plugged in. However, as a stand alone product the lack makes running the adventure cumbersome for the DM. Additionally, the upper level map is weird. It reminds me of Zork’s “you are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike”. Player mapping is often a disaster, thanks to the twists, turns and goofy angles scattered around the upper level.

All and all, this module ranks a solid 3 stars of 5.

Where to buy:
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Rosewell Park

Roswell Park has been here all my life. It something you don’t think about, like the former child star living next door. Until you see it, until you need it.

Roswell Park is truly a Wonder of New York.

Fixtures of Life

If you grew up in Western New York in the 80’s, you must have visited New World Records, The Towne Restaurant, Amy’s Place, Record Theater or The Continental. Maybe all of them in one day.

I am happy to report that 3 of the five are still here and I managed to hit two of them – Record Theater and The Towne, in one day.

The food is still excellent at The Towne, the staff at Record Theater are still knowledgeable and friendly as they were in the 80’s.

Style changes, class doesn’t.

Solhaven

Many years ago, I worked at the Electric Tower in downtown Buffalo.

One of the most amazing things I have ever experience was watching thunderstorms race in off the lake from the 11th floor. The nickname for the building is "The Power Tower", but the second you get up high enough to get a sense of how big a thunderstorm is, the name pales. On many occasions, I have seen lightning at extremely close range from that vantage point. It is mind-blowing to be in an edifice that is engineered to take direct hits from lightning yet know even the lightning is tiny compared to the storm outside.

Awe-Invoking doesn't cover it.

There is a tiny Cafe in Solhaven that has managed to capture this effect. You can sit with with warm beverage and enjoy the atmospheric effects through the windows, all warm and dry.

File under Nostalgia - The Tower of Power

Many years ago, I worked at the Electric Tower in downtown Buffalo.

One of the most amazing things I have ever experience was watching thunderstorms race in off the lake from the 11th floor. The nickname for the building is "The Power Tower", but the second you get up high enough to get a sense of how big a thunderstorm is, the name pales. On many occasions, I have seen lightning at extremely close range from that vantage point. It is mind-blowing to be in an edifice that is engineered to take direct hits from lightning yet know even the lightning is tiny compared to the storm outside.

Awe-Invoking doesn't cover it.