The Forgotten Vault of Ard
My Latest Design Project
This week I got to help work on bringing a TTRPG adventure to life that was written by my buddy, Chuk Replogle. “The Forgotten Vault of Ard“ was an adventure that was specifically designed to complement an actual play series on our joint YouTube channel, Table Top Rocks (TTR). Our buddy Nate, the third member of TTR, helped out with edits to this adventure and getting this thing published on itch.io.
Gritty, Yet Organized
One of the aspects that immediately drew me to "The Forgotten Vault of Ard" was its gritty Old School Renaissance (OSR) style. Chuk's storytelling transported players into a world shrouded in mystery and intrigue. As I began working on the layout design and cover, I aimed to capture the essence of this adventure. Inspired by the layout and organization of the "Rotblack Sludge" adventure in the Mörk Borg book, I sought to create a clean and organized structure that would enhance the experience for a GM running the game.
The Tale of a Lost Kingdom
"The Forgotten Vault of Ard" revolves around the great kingdom of Ard, once renowned for its wealth and power. Over time, it faded from existence, becoming nothing more than a distant legend. Many tales whispered of a vault that safeguarded the kingdom's most precious treasures. The location of this secret place was believed to have perished with Ard's last supreme leader, leaving it hidden from the world. It is within this enchanting backdrop that players venture forth, ready to uncover the secrets within.
System-Agnostic Flexibility
While the adventure was originally written for the “Mazes” system, Chuk crafted the adventure to be easily modified and adapted to any game system. As the game master, this flexibility grants you the freedom to assign stats to monsters, traps, and obstacles according to your personal preferences. This adaptability allows players to transform the adventure into their own unique vision by modifying creatures, traps, and elements or even creating new ones entirely.
Ready to Play, Minimal Setup
One of the key strengths of this adventure is its ability to captivate players from the moment they sit down at the table. Chuk and I wanted to eliminate tedious setup and ensure that the excitement begins right away. "The Forgotten Vault of Ard" thrusts players into danger right from the entrance, with pressure mounting on the group. Additionally, the adventure is designed for characters who already know each other, fostering strong motivation to enter the vault. Whether you choose to run it as a one-shot or incorporate it into a larger campaign, the adventure seamlessly accommodates your preferences.
Collaborating on "The Forgotten Vault of Ard" with Chuk and our friend Nate was an immensely enjoyable experience. The blend of Chuk's captivating storytelling and my design work resulted in an adventure that offers a thrilling journey into a forgotten kingdom. Its gritty OSR style, combined with its adaptable and organized structure, ensures that both players and game masters will find immense delight in exploring its depths. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to TTRPGs, "The Forgotten Vault of Ard" promises an unforgettable adventure.