I've got some new players starting the game next week, and they liked the hook "(try to) take over the abandoned keep and make the area safe for resettlement". On rereading "The Outpost on the Edge of the Far Reaches" (https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/89988/The-Outpost-On-The-Edge-Of-The-Far-Reaches (https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/89988/The-Outpost-On-The-Edge-Of-The-Far-Reaches)) I'm not sure I want to use it - any recommendations for other sites in the same genre?
Bryce's review boils down to "Vanilla done right" (https://tenfootpole.org/ironspike/?p=2015 (https://tenfootpole.org/ironspike/?p=2015)), and there's nothing wrong with that.
Vanilla? I'd say check BFRPG, you'll probably find a free adventure that fits your needs. I've been using them a lot.
https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2023/12/in-praise-of-basic-fantasy-bfrpg.html
"If you need a Castle by the Sea or a Dark Temple, you can check the respective modules... Each has half a dozen options for each, with a single map but different contents, levels, etc."
Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands (Free Version)
From Raging Swan Press
The free version is for Pathfinder1E, but there are paid versions for other systems.
https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/100664/shadowed-keep-on-the-borderlands-free-version
I'm a fan of Raging Swan products. Filled with conetent, with no nonsense. Reccomend the "Dread Thingnomincon." It's a bit expensive, but they coccasionally have it on sale.
https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/406161/the-dread-thingonomicon
I've used the Mysterious Manor from Echoes from Fomalhaut #1 as an early adventure and it worked really well. I reduced the number of monsters a bit because it's designed for levels 2-4. Basic baddies like orcs, goblins, ogres and more, and a LOT of hooks for future adventures. Plus the zine also includes the Beekeeper adventure that is pretty amazing (https://tenfootpole.org/ironspike/?p=4194) so you have a second adventure waiting right there.
(edit: technically I didn't use it as a starter, but the party was level 1.)
Quote from: Eric Diaz on January 11, 2024, 08:40:52 AM
Vanilla? I'd say check BFRPG, you'll probably find a free adventure that fits your needs. I've been using them a lot.
https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2023/12/in-praise-of-basic-fantasy-bfrpg.html
"If you need a Castle by the Sea or a Dark Temple, you can check the respective modules... Each has half a dozen options for each, with a single map but different contents, levels, etc."
The BF-RPG site has an impressive amount of support material, hacks, and mods! It may become my OSR game of choice (with some house rules, of course.)
I'll second Shadowed Keep from Raging Swan, I ran it twice with some new monsters and it is a great short adventure as the free version, with room for expansion.
BFRPG stuff is free in pdf and worth checking out. I like Fortress of the Iron Duke for an inhabited keep.