This article originally appeared in d20 Weekly
What's That Smell?
Published by WICKed Press
Written by John Wick with Morgan Gray & Thomas Denmark
Illustrated by Thomas Denmark
$10.00
What's That Smell? is a d20 adventure co-written by the irrepressible and opinionated John Wick. Just on the basis of his name alone many readers will expect something interesting; in that way they will not be entirely disappointed. Written for a party of characters of 4th to 7th level, it is what WICKed Press describes as the first "multi-module" for the d20 system. Indeed, it is only the appearance of both the term "multi-module" and John Wick's name on the cover that makes What's That Smell? interesting enough for this book to stand out on the shelf, since the cover is unprepossessing and overly dark.
[SPOILER ALERT!]
So the question is, what is a multi-module? Essentially, it takes a situation and presents several options for the referee to choose from. This allows him to tailor the adventure to his party or even run it again by selecting different options. In the case of What's That Smell? the situation is that of the prosperous halfling village of Nobbletog Grove, which the party finds to be deserted. Exploring further, they discover that the misuse of a spell has opened a portal to a space between worlds and allowed the entry of strange creatures. These are the "Skitzee" and it is they that are responsible for the disappearance of the villagers.
Under the multi-module concept, the DM is given suggestions as to why the party might be traveling . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: August 28, 2002
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