5E Mini-Dungeon: Thelamos (5e)

This pdf clocks in at 2 pages and is a mini-dungeon. This means we get 2 pages content, including a solid map and all item/monster-stats hyperlinked and thus, absent from the pdf, with only deviations from the statblocks being noted for the GM. Big plus: This mini-dungeon comes with a key-less .tif player map as well as a high-res GM map for VTT-use – kudos!

Since this product line’s goal is providing short diversions, side-quest dungeons etc., I will not expect mind-shattering revelations, massive plots or particularly smart or detailed depictions, instead tackling the line for what it is. Got that? Great!

This being an adventure-review, the following contains SPOILERS. Potential players may wish to jump to the conclusion.

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Still here?

All right!

The complex herein would best be situated under a major settlement, where the existence and new occupancy of such a place would make most sense. By means of a winding staircase, the PCs can enter a place that, ultimately, is woefully disgusting – so pervasive is the stench, that from the get-go, we have a chance to be poisoned….and yes, there are traps, for this place is the new base of the Sons of Arratoi, a notorious band of thieves – which, coincidentally, also consists of wererats! Exploring the complex is btw. less of a cakewalk than you’d assume – while it is very much possible that capable PCs can catch the perpetrators unaware and asleep, they will need to be good: Beyond traps and a serpent swarm, dungeon hazards and the like, a well-hidden true treasury, accompanied by a “proper” boss can be found – who btw. is pretty cool in the 5E-version!

Conclusion:

Editing and formatting are very good, I noticed no significant glitches. Layout adheres to a beautiful 2-column full-color standard and the pdf comes sans bookmarks, but needs none at this length. Cartography is full color and surprisingly good for such an inexpensive pdf, and the inclusion of a key-less map and VTT-capable options is a big plus for me.

Jonathan Ely’s Thelamos is a generally challenging, fun little sidetrek. The obstacles are diverse enough to render it interesting and the pdf employs challenging terrain, fun foes and a reward for particularly diligent PCs. It is, as a whole, a nice, easily inserted and challenging module for anyone looking for a somewhat icky little sub-dungeon. Kyle Crider managed to translate it pretty well, though the Stealth-aspect could have used some playful variation with 5E’s passive perception rules…but that may just be me. The dungeon’s leitmotif is slightly less pronounced in its focus on rats, though. Barring serious complaints, this receives a final verdict of 4.5 stars, rounded down for the purpose of this platform.

You can get this solid module here on OBS!

Endzeitgeist out.

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