Back In Print Project

[Halaster Blackcloak]

Well, some good news!

First, I just wrapped up the writing of the Areas of Interest for the sub-level being included in this release. It's in the proofers' hands now. I'm also plowing through the core rooms for the sub-level so that should be wrapping up shortly.

The map for the sub-level is finally completed, after several (ummm...like 5 ) re-draws and re-designs. Had to get it just right.

So, very soon I'm on to Level 8 and then a release date!


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The Back In Print Project - Where AD&D Lives Forever!

[Tawnos76]

Will be waiting to give it a try with my group. They are currently on level 3 of undermountian and I was about to go into Undermountain II with them..
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IXOYE

[Doirche]

[Halaster Blackcloak]

Amen Doirche!

RoUII was an abomination of sloppiness and unimagination. It failed on every level. It was unfaithful to the original. It was phoned in. At best.

So yeah, we're gonna re-do it the right way!

I'd say keep them on Level 3 until we get out some new material, or expand on your own. Almost nothing from RoUII was worth using, and putting them through the written material of that crap box set will simply ruin the excitement of Undermountain for them. For example:

When they come across the lesbian druidess who's chasing her undead husband around hoping to beg his forgiveness for her having killed him...

I shit you not. It's in there.
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The Back In Print Project - Where AD&D Lives Forever!

[Tawnos76]

Then I will hold off on Undermountain II from TSR. I have the Skullport module so once they reach there in Level 3 I will start that which will keep them going for a while. Then I will probably go into Dragon Mountain before coming back to Undermountain.
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IXOYE

[Beowulf]

Cool! I'm eager to see your progress.
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RIP E. Gary Gygax- The DM's DM!

[Halaster Blackcloak]

The Areas of Interest for the sub-level are done being proofed!

I'm finishing off the core rooms now. I expected them sooner, but my "vacation" sucked so bad it was worse than not being on vacation! Long, sad story! Anyway, I had planned on finishing all of the sub-level during my vacation but that didn't happen. But I'm cranking out rooms every few nights, so it should be done soon.

What takes so long is not just room writing, but often having to tweak the map (ie re-draw entire sections) to fit what I see in the room. Sometimes rooms are too complex or too large, sometimes too small or not complex enough for what I'm writing. When you guys finally see the map, you'll understand why re-doing rooms or sections on this particular level is such a nightmare. Trust me on this!

But it keeps Doirche on his toes!
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The Back In Print Project - Where AD&D Lives Forever!

[Beowulf]

[Halaster Blackcloak]

Doirche is gonna have a freaking fit when he sees all the changes I had to make to the sub-level map.

What I hate most about doing dungeon designs backwards (by this I mean drawing a map first, then writing it, instead of writing it first, then drawing it to the plot) is that things have to change often. Sometimes extensively. I'm trying to keep changes to a minimum though, if only to spare Doirche's sanity.

Wait till you guys see the sub-level. I mean, really, I can't wait to see the reactions. Any PCs who can accurately map this level and who manage not to get lost should be awarded 100,000,000 xp simply for being that good at mapping. It makes a minotaur maze look easy. I don't want to reveal too much, but it's just completely and insanely chaotic and convoluted. Directions are absolutely meaningless. It branches off Level 8, as we've mentioned before, so it has to be deadly and tricky. But let me tell you, most PCs who find themselves in this level will probably just slit their own throats and get it over with. Its that nasty.
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The Back In Print Project - Where AD&D Lives Forever!

[Beowulf]

Sounds evil! I can't wait to see it.
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RIP E. Gary Gygax- The DM's DM!