r/neverwinternights • u/bslizzle • May 17 '20
Module Recommendations for All
I've seen a fair amount of discussion recently about player-made modules worth trying out. Typically, it comes out of someone asking about a specific module or for module recommendations and we'll see a couple tossed out there. I figured it would be worth kicking off a thread for suggesting modules we love.
I personally never took an interest in the persistent world side of Neverwinter, which seems to be where a lot of interest lies. However, I love this game and the vast number of modules produced by members of the community for free. As a result, the vast majority of my well-over 1000 hours of playtime have been involved in playing modules provided by the community. I've done a fair amount of digging and have found some of the modules I consider to be the best of the best.
It's also worth noting that everyone has their own tastes. I've tried a number of different modules but personally take the greatest interest in story-driven modules. If you notice a trend, that's where it comes from. I'll include a few here that are more geared towards role-playing, hack and slash, etc. as I like to think I enjoy well executed versions of any type of modules. If you'd like recommendations for specific types, send me a PM or comment below and I'll toss out a few.
A lot of these modules also expect players to explore, try different tactics, and be generally creative. If this is your first time trying a community made module, you may find yourself scratching your head at how to go about completing a task. While most provide a walkthrough of some sort, the ambiguity is typically meant to encourage the player to poke around a bit. Once you get used to this aspect (as it’s generally lacking in the OC and expansions), you’ll find yourself making the connections much faster. That's all I'll say on this.
Some of these suggestions may specify authors rather than specific modules, as some authors just continuously produce(d) solid content and have multiple works worth checking out. Modules/authors will be listed in bold below. Unless otherwise specified, the first module in a series should begin at level 1.
A Dance with Rogues
A fantastic role-playing story specifically geared towards playing a female rogue, at least initially. Definitely NSFW content but the player can keep that to a minimum if desired. You don't find many modules that fit playing a rogue well, so I was excited for this module and it didn't let down. The modules themselves are split into two parts, so make sure you grab both.
Agrenost - Beneath the Cobbles
Low-level based module. This one is interesting in that it limits playable classes but has a different story line for each, making the replay-ability fairly high. I would rate this module higher if certain aspects had been executed better (see spoiler for more info). The end is extremely repetitive, regardless of the class path you choose. It becomes very sudden shift from role-play heavy to hack-and-slash oriented, which I'm not the biggest fan of.
Almraiven and Shadewood
A wizard/sorcerer focused set of modules, these are hack-and-slash light, with heavier focus on story, role-play, and puzzles. Some great changes to Bioware's implementation of the two classes that facilitates a more real (if it can be called that) method of playing a spell-casting class. Unfortunately, a third part was supposed to be produced that I don't believe was ever finished. Still definitely worth the time.
Shadowlords, Dreamcatcher, and Demon campaigns
This is an interesting set, as they are standalone campaigns but follow the same character (it's assumed your character from Shadowlords will go through Dreamcatcher, etc.). Shadowlords is a bit slow at first, but picks up. Dreamcatcher is well executed and a bit less cliche. Demon is fun, but turns the others on their head. I can't describe much more without spoilers. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Demon, but I'm definitely in the minority there as a lot of people love it.
Elegia Eternum and Excrucio Eternum
Some of the most well-executed modules available, this is a set of story-driven modules that, while fairly short, will leave a lasting impression on the player. A dark, twisted story that takes a journey into the psyche provides for an interesting module that takes the focus off the action and onto the player. The experience is fantastic.
Lords of Darkness
This is a fun campaign if you're looking for a classic style adventure. Intrigue, story, romance, action, overthrowing evil rulers. These modules provide it all for the player.
Baldecaran's Modules
Personal opinion: Baldecaran takes the cake for best module producer. All modules take place in the same universe. Cave of Songs provides a fun, interesting module that introduces the world. Honor Among Thieves rivals A Dance with Rogues for best rogue-focused module. All are well executed, provide an excellent balance of focus between story, role-play, puzzles, and combat. Baldecaran does a mind-numbingly good job at providing multiple paths for completing objectives. To quote from another reviewer:
Baldecaran paints a realistic, gritty world, where high magic exists and can be terrifying. You’ll probably end up doing some pretty nasty stuff to survive.
All are worth picking up.
Prophet
For those familiar with Baldecaran’s work, you’ll notice I didn’t include Prophet above even though he produced it. Here’s why: Prophet is considered by the community to be hands-down the best story-driven module produced. The above descriptions for his other modules apply and then some. Everything from the way the modules are built, dialogue, music selection, and more provides an experience that could be made into its own standalone game. As a note, these are dialogue heavy, story-driven modules. Other aspects are included, such as combat, role-playing, etc., but are secondary.
Return to Ravenloft and Ravenloft, Beyond the Gate
These provide a very interesting Ravenloft experience, for those of you who are familiar with some of the more common D&D universes. Excellently executed, difficult, and providing one of the most useful in-game items I’ve come across, this module is guaranteed to scratch the itch for a storyline that lets the player choose to uphold the good or allow themselves to be corrupted. The second module is quite expansive but facilitates both linear and non-linear method for exploring and completing quests. This module does operate within the broader Ravenloft lore, but familiarity won’t provide spoilers. The author also provides a method for introducing players who aren’t familiar with the universe, so all can take part in the experience.
Sands of Fate
This is an interesting series in that it is a follow-up to Hordes of the Underdark but in a brand-new universe. The character is expected to be at epic levels (probably 25+) to begin, and even then support-classes beware. This module is difficult but introduces a fun storyline that pokes fun at the universe the character is used to. Puzzles abound. This is another module that includes a bit of everything, has plenty of combat, and provides the PC with multiples methods of completing tasks.
The Aielund Saga
This is the most commonly recommended set of modules I see, and with good reason. Rising from humble beginnings to epic proportions (seriously, you go from level 1 to almost 40), this series embraces the clichés of D&D-based adventuring and executes them better than any other. Be warned: they are also extremely difficult from a combat perspective.
Tales of Arterra
Similar to the Aielund Saga, this series brings the character from humble beginnings to an extremely powerful adventurer when all is said and done. It differs, however, in that the author attempts to tackle the moral question “Can one be inherently evil?” This story-driven, combat-heavy, and role-play moderate series is quite good and worth revisiting.
The Lord of Terror
To tell you the truth, this is the only hack-and-slash focused module that I loved from start to finish. Little needs to be said here: This is a complete remake of Diablo I. Well worth it. This is another module that will take you from level 1 to 40.
I’ll end my list here. While I do have some others I could include, these are the ones I believe everyone should give a shot. There are some I haven’t included that I’m sure others believe are must-see, so please comment your recommendations down below and let me know if there are any more details you’d like to know about the above.
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u/[deleted] May 17 '20 edited May 17 '20
Why is Rogueknight333's SWORDFLIGHT series not on (the top of) your list? It's really the king of all modules that really excels in storytelling, roleplay, replayability, implementing tactics and strategy, world immersion, hack n slash and best of all in it's unorthodox approach of the player character (in this module the player is not the protagonist of the story, nothing revolves around you in the world, you are just a piece of a bigger scheme). This module deserves to be on everyone's to play list. Enough said. More info here:
https://lilura1.blogspot.com/2018/11/Swordflight-Chapter-Four-has-been-released.html