X13: Destiny of Kings? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

X13: Destiny of Kings?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Cthulhudrew
Nov 11, 2006 5:56:20 I just noticed something while looking up old D&D modules:

X13: Crown of Ancient Glory wrote:
#2
agathokles
Nov 11, 2006 6:47:25
These plots sound awfully similar to me (and were written by the same author, Stephen Bourne). Does anyone own N3, or recall what exactly the plot of that module is, and if it is similar (if not outright the same as) the plot to X13?

IIRC, Destiny of Kings has the heir to the throne captured and imprisoned by a traitorous vassal, who is in league with the king's brother. The king is then murdered, and his brother becomes regent, since the prince is missing. The evil regent also has the crown jewels stolen, as a further measure to ensure that the new king is not crowned.

I don't know if X13 has a similar plot, though.
#3
Cthulhudrew
Nov 11, 2006 19:14:09 Okay, that's a bit different from X13. In that module, the king is killed while leading troops into battle against barbarian invaders, and his crown is lost. His heir is likewise slain, leading an expedition to find the crown. There is a hidden twin heir, who the PCs have to find and shepherd to his coronation (as well as finding the lost crown).

The two sounded very similar in a lot of ways- kings lost (to hunting/war), crown prince seeking his coronation, the rest of the land in chaos (plots and treason abound), and a loyal advisor to the old king being the instrument of justice in the land.

Good to know they're not identical, though Bourne seems very interested in these sorts of royal plots (X13, N3, X11: Saga of the Shadowlord). He's quite good at them, though.
#4
twin_campaigns
Nov 16, 2006 2:34:16 I liked the module, and it was fun to GM. Bourne writes excellent plot backgrounds.

But: especially X13 was very straightforward, even linear, when it came to actual gameplay. Although the background was complex and full of social intrigue, there was essentially only one way to run through the adventure. If one wanted to run the module more open-ended, it would have to be written all over again.

Go to the shrine - get vision - get the crown - learn of treason - fight the duke's men - get the information... Can anyone say "Sierra Quests"?

Don't get me wrong, sometimes it is fun to play adventures like this. But I remember being frustruated about the way Bourne threw away resources for a complex adventure.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Cthulhudrew Nov 11, 2006 5:56:20	I just noticed something while looking up old D&D modules: X13: Crown of Ancient Glory wrote:
#2 agathokles Nov 11, 2006 6:47:25	These plots sound awfully similar to me (and were written by the same author, Stephen Bourne). Does anyone own N3, or recall what exactly the plot of that module is, and if it is similar (if not outright the same as) the plot to X13? IIRC, Destiny of Kings has the heir to the throne captured and imprisoned by a traitorous vassal, who is in league with the king's brother. The king is then murdered, and his brother becomes regent, since the prince is missing. The evil regent also has the crown jewels stolen, as a further measure to ensure that the new king is not crowned. I don't know if X13 has a similar plot, though.
#3 Cthulhudrew Nov 11, 2006 19:14:09	Okay, that's a bit different from X13. In that module, the king is killed while leading troops into battle against barbarian invaders, and his crown is lost. His heir is likewise slain, leading an expedition to find the crown. There is a hidden twin heir, who the PCs have to find and shepherd to his coronation (as well as finding the lost crown). The two sounded very similar in a lot of ways- kings lost (to hunting/war), crown prince seeking his coronation, the rest of the land in chaos (plots and treason abound), and a loyal advisor to the old king being the instrument of justice in the land. Good to know they're not identical, though Bourne seems very interested in these sorts of royal plots (X13, N3, X11: Saga of the Shadowlord). He's quite good at them, though.
#4 twin_campaigns Nov 16, 2006 2:34:16	I liked the module, and it was fun to GM. Bourne writes excellent plot backgrounds. But: especially X13 was very straightforward, even linear, when it came to actual gameplay. Although the background was complex and full of social intrigue, there was essentially only one way to run through the adventure. If one wanted to run the module more open-ended, it would have to be written all over again. Go to the shrine - get vision - get the crown - learn of treason - fight the duke's men - get the information... Can anyone say "Sierra Quests"? Don't get me wrong, sometimes it is fun to play adventures like this. But I remember being frustruated about the way Bourne threw away resources for a complex adventure.