Assistant Site Manager Posts: 2319 Joined: 12 Nov 2002 | Module 4 Preview of Gianthold Tor
Module 4 Preview of Gianthold Tor
Tim "Delmar Wynn" Turner
I recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at part of the upcoming Module 4 and the Gianthold Tor adventure. We logged in with our new level 14 characters, with new spells and abilities ready to go. First order of business was setting up my enhancements using the new enhancement system and getting my hotbar in order for battle. Our guide Narrel led us into the new wilderness area where we took a short tour of the area, gaining XP as we explored (one of the feature of the new landscape technology). We also ran across a few of the residents of the wilderness area and quickly made short order of them.
 After the quick tour of the new massive wilderness area we entered the grand entrance to Gianthold Tor. The DM instructed us to activate the great portals in the large room ahead of us in our attempt to locate the dragons. Once we activated the portals, an ambush of massive magnitude was upon us. Did I mention massive? Yes, enormous giants were swinging their clubs and great axes at us from all angles. Wave after wave of giants came pouring out each of the portals until finally the last portal closed when we defeated the final fire giant captain. As the ambush cleared we were presented with a portal. At last, dragons! Well not quite, nothing is ever that easy when hunting for dragons.
 We had made it into the room of the gatekeeper, now it was just a matter of summoning him. Piece of cake! Right! Well no. The gatekeeper had presented us with a rather challenging puzzle to solve before moving on. Looking at this puzzle, we thought no problem! Send one person over to the right and one person over to the left and the rest of us can hang out in the middle, and get ready for the gatekeeper. Well, let me just say that is NOT how you solve this puzzle! Immediately, a large barrier blocked us from helping our two companions as they were attacked by large undead soldiers. After a raise dead spell we were able to bring our companions back from the beyond to try to figure out another plan of attack. Eventually we solved the puzzle and summoned the gatekeeper, but I will hold that surprise for you to figure out on your own.
The gatekeeper is a rather large skeleton with a mean two-handed sword. He was joined by a few of his skeletal friends and we battled long and hard until they were defeated and the gate finally opened into the dragon area. As we wandered the halls in search of the dragons we were presented with a wide variety of monsters on the prowl. Apparently, everything from gnolls to giants all worship these dragons. By this time we were in dire need of a rest shrine, especially as we knew we had to be getting close the dragons. What we didn't know was where a shrine was. Then, almost out of nowhere, our ranger spotted something odd. An entrance...but where would it lead us to? It wasn't a typical entrance and was well hidden. Of course we checked it out and what a welcome site it was. A shrine! Fully rested we ventured off to find our dragons. 
The first dragon we came across was in a frigid room with small pathways in between frozen patches of water. As we entered the dragon and her master awoke and were immediately upon us. The battle was rough; I still don't know which was worse: the dragon's breath and tail attacks, or the stone giant's club knocking me down constantly. The fight continued long and hard for our party as we battled the effects of the cold in the room and the constant barrage of attacks from both the white dragon and the stone giant. Walking on the icy water was no easy feat and there were constant trip checks against falling on our butts. As a paladin I switched to my crossbow and fired from a distance in hope to avoid the frontal attacks of the dragon and the giant. That worked most of the time but I had to switch back to my sword and shield after running through all my bolts - so make sure to stock up!
 After we finally defeated the white dragon we made our way into the treasure room. The floors were lined with gold and jewels and in between all this were chests for our looting pleasure. The spoils of battle were well worth it. It was now time for us to head on to find the next dragon. We first went looking for a shrine in hopes to recoup our energy. If the next dragon was anything like the first, we were going to need all of our strength and spell power. Our time was running short and we decided to just get the tour of the next two dragons. They were both incredible and deadly with their rooms matching the powers of each dragon. A small word of advice - don't forget the protect spells and/or potions.
Our time had come to an end with this sneak preview and I thanked our tour guide and made a note to be ready to visit the new wilderness area and Gianthold Tor when they were released in Module 4 as I can't wait to finish the battle with these dragons and to see the final room. If I am lucky I might be able to get a sneak peek of the final (raid) battle in Gianthold Tor before the release of Module 4. The new wilderness area was quite impressive to wander and the Gianthold Tor holds many challenges and rewards.
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Module 4 Preview of Gianthold Tor
Module 4 Preview of Gianthold Tor
Tim "Delmar Wynn" Turner
I recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at part of the upcoming Module 4 and the Gianthold Tor adventure. We logged in with our new level 14 characters, with new spells and abilities ready to go. First order of business was setting up my enhancements using the new enhancement system and getting my hotbar in order for battle. Our guide Narrel led us into the new wilderness area where we took a short tour of the area, gaining XP as we explored (one of the feature of the new landscape technology). We also ran across a few of the residents of the wilderness area and quickly made short order of them.
After the quick tour of the new massive wilderness area we entered the grand entrance to Gianthold Tor. The DM instructed us to activate the great portals in the large room ahead of us in our attempt to locate the dragons. Once we activated the portals, an ambush of massive magnitude was upon us. Did I mention massive? Yes, enormous giants were swinging their clubs and great axes at us from all angles. Wave after wave of giants came pouring out each of the portals until finally the last portal closed when we defeated the final fire giant captain. As the ambush cleared we were presented with a portal. At last, dragons! Well not quite, nothing is ever that easy when hunting for dragons.
The gatekeeper is a rather large skeleton with a mean two-handed sword. He was joined by a few of his skeletal friends and we battled long and hard until they were defeated and the gate finally opened into the dragon area. As we wandered the halls in search of the dragons we were presented with a wide variety of monsters on the prowl. Apparently, everything from gnolls to giants all worship these dragons. By this time we were in dire need of a rest shrine, especially as we knew we had to be getting close the dragons. What we didn't know was where a shrine was. Then, almost out of nowhere, our ranger spotted something odd. An entrance...but where would it lead us to? It wasn't a typical entrance and was well hidden. Of course we checked it out and what a welcome site it was. A shrine! Fully rested we ventured off to find our dragons.
The first dragon we came across was in a frigid room with small pathways in between frozen patches of water. As we entered the dragon and her master awoke and were immediately upon us. The battle was rough; I still don't know which was worse: the dragon's breath and tail attacks, or the stone giant's club knocking me down constantly. The fight continued long and hard for our party as we battled the effects of the cold in the room and the constant barrage of attacks from both the white dragon and the stone giant. Walking on the icy water was no easy feat and there were constant trip checks against falling on our butts. As a paladin I switched to my crossbow and fired from a distance in hope to avoid the frontal attacks of the dragon and the giant. That worked most of the time but I had to switch back to my sword and shield after running through all my bolts - so make sure to stock up!
After we finally defeated the white dragon we made our way into the treasure room. The floors were lined with gold and jewels and in between all this were chests for our looting pleasure. The spoils of battle were well worth it. It was now time for us to head on to find the next dragon. We first went looking for a shrine in hopes to recoup our energy. If the next dragon was anything like the first, we were going to need all of our strength and spell power. Our time was running short and we decided to just get the tour of the next two dragons. They were both incredible and deadly with their rooms matching the powers of each dragon. A small word of advice - don't forget the protect spells and/or potions.
Our time had come to an end with this sneak preview and I thanked our tour guide and made a note to be ready to visit the new wilderness area and Gianthold Tor when they were released in Module 4 as I can't wait to finish the battle with these dragons and to see the final room. If I am lucky I might be able to get a sneak peek of the final (raid) battle in Gianthold Tor before the release of Module 4. The new wilderness area was quite impressive to wander and the Gianthold Tor holds many challenges and rewards.
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