Review of Ex-RPGNet: The Dream's Orator
In the world of tabletop role-playing games, a new adventure module has made its mark - "The Speaker of Dreams," penned by James Wyatt for Wizards of the Coast. This city-based adventure, set in the bustling city of Brindinford, presents an intriguing tale of mystery and conspiracy.
The adventure is divided into two captivating parts. In the first, the player characters (PCs) find themselves attending a local fair in Brindinford, where wererats are causing chaos. As the situation in the city deteriorates over the next few days, it becomes clear that a sinister force is at work, with the mind flayer's demonic forces tightening their grip of terror.
The wererats, it turns out, are working for a group of insane sorcerers, who are unwittingly manipulated by the mind flayer, Ghaerleth Axom, the main antagonist of the story. After the PCs eliminate the sorcerers, they are honoured at a feast, but the mind flayer's forces attempt an assassination, marking the start of the second part of the adventure.
The lord of the town, also under the mind flayer's control, institutes martial law following the assassination attempt. The PCs must navigate this tumultuous city, uncovering the mind flayer's plans to establish an empire of slaves on the surface world, starting with Brindinford.
"The Speaker of Dreams" is a 5th-level adventure, released every other month, with a gap of about two months between its release and the previous modules, "The Sunless Citadel" and "The Forge of Fury." While it may not be easily slottable into a campaign arc compared to site-based adventures, it offers an engaging and memorable experience.
Comparatively, "The Speaker of Dreams" is often compared to Green Ronin's "Freeport adventures" in terms of the conspiracy at play. While "Freeport" boasts a broader conceptual and epic scope, "The Speaker of Dreams" is considered more playable and potentially more memorable. The opening of "The Speaker of Dreams" is compared to Penumbra's "Three Days to Kill" in terms of the fair setting, with "Three Days to Kill" being considered more detailed and engaging.
However, it's important to note that memories of "The Speaker of Dreams" may be dim for some, due to the passage of time. One thing is certain, though - this adventure offers a captivating tale of intrigue, mystery, and adventure that will keep players on the edge of their seats.
[1] Source: RPGNet (review no longer available) [2] Source: Various player and game master reviews and experiences
- After a thrilling day at the local fair in Brindinford, one might find themselves indulging in the latest fashion trends, Broadway-like performances, and tantalizing street food – a perfect blend of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and travel experiences.
- As the dark forces of Ghaerleth Axom threaten the city of Brindinford, residents seek comfort in their homes, surrounded by familiar surroundings, cherishing their home-and-garden possessions, and forming stronger relationships with their friends and neighbors to combat the looming danger.
- In their quest to expose Ghaerleth Axom's plans, the player characters may encounter strange creatures such as wererats and mind flayers, and even join forces with some interesting and unusual pets – adding an element of excitement and surprise to their adventures.
- Following their success in Brindinford, our brave adventurers might consider treating themselves to some well-deserved retail therapy, exploring the shops, souvenirs, and local artistry – all while dreaming about their future journeys in luxurious vehicles – a delightful blend of shopping, travel, and cars experiences.
