M1 Into the Maelstrom is a 32-page sourcebook for Basic Dungeons & Dragons released in October 1985. It is intended for four to eight characters of between 25th and 30th level, and uses the Master Rules (BECMI) (1985).
It is part of a series of modules which would follow: M2 Vengeance of Alphaks (1986), M3 Twilight Calling (1986), M4 Five Coins For A Kingdom (1987), and M5 Talons of Night (1987).
- Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers for an adventure module.
Official synopsis[]
Alphatia, the most ancient empire, land of arcane and obscure secrets. It has grown for centuries and its might now overshadows the cauldron of civilization. Some say the Alphatians come from elsewhere, but no one knows for sure.
Beyond the scope of mortals broods an evil mastermind, still in darkness. Once a betrayed emperor of ancient Alphatia, now an entity of the Sphere of Entropy, he seeks revenge on the greatest empire and on the race of man. His plots brought a deathly fog on all of Norwold. Perhaps it will extend to the southern nations.
The matter is grave, so much that lords of the spheres have now to show their might. For them, it is time for mortals to intervene. Man defends his cause for him to earn divine favor.
A great armada has been raised and able commanders must be found. Prove your worth, and the eternal portals of the spheres may open for you.
For four to eight characters of levels 25-30.
Plot[]
Background[]
Centuries ago, the despotic Alphatian emperor Alphaks was overthrown in a revolt that nearly destroyed their civilization. After achieving immortality, Alphaks returned with plans to enact revenge on his former nation. To do this, he constructed a volcano spewing toxic fumes which spread across the land, then sent a false flag ultimatum to King Ericall of Norwold, pretending to be from Baron Norlan of Qeodhar. King Ericall has fallen for the ruse, and his kingdom prepares for war.
Meanwhile, the immortals Koryis, patron of peace, and Vanya, patron of conquerors, have quietly begun affecting events behind the scenes to achieve their own goals.
Synopsis[]
This adventure module is divided into four chapters.
In Chapter 1: Into the Maelstrom, the party joins a naval raid on Qeodhar with the plan to capture Baron Norlan.
In Chapter 2: Flight to the Star Kingdoms, the immortal Vanya opens a great whirlpool in the sea and the ships are sucked into a void of outer space, a place breathable air between the ruins of planets long abandoned by the Alphatian empire. Here they find themselves exploring a mysterious island inhabited by a primitive society.
In Chapter 3: For the Glory of the Warlords, the party explores space by ship and seeks to cross the Magic Mists to return to their own world.
In Chapter 4: Back Into the Maelstrom, the armada of ships fights the Dreadnoughts of Death, the undead fleet of Alphaks, and must defeat Alphaks.
Development and release[]
Development[]
Into the Maelstrom was written by Beatice Heard and her husband,[1] Bruce A. Heard. Cover art was provided by Jeff Easley, interior art by Valerie Valusek, and cartography by Dave LaForce.
It is the first adventure module in a series of five released for use with Frank Mentzer's "BECMI" Master Set: M2 Vengeance of Alphaks (1986), M3 Twilight Calling (1986), M4 Five Coins For A Kingdom (1987), and M5 Talons of Night (1987).
The code M1 had previously been used for the solo adventure M1 Blizzard Pass (1983).
The map of Alphatia resembles modern-day Scandinavia, with the cities of Aasla, Sundsvall, and Trollhatan resembling modern-day Oslo, Sundsvall, and Trollhättan. Influence is also drawn from Homer's Odyssey.[1]
Release[]
Into the Maelstrom was released by TSR in October 1985 for $[missing data] US or $[missing data] Canadian.
On April 26, 2016, it was re-released in digital format. It is currently available on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $4.99.
Reception and influence[]
The concept of sailing through the stars on ships would later appear in the Spelljammer product series for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.
Critical reception[]
As of 2023, Into the Maelstrom reached the rank of Gold seller on DriveThruRPG.
Influence on other works[]
External links[]
- Into the Maelstrom on DriveThruRPG
- Into the Maelstrom on Dungeon Masters Guild
- M1 Into the Maelstrom at Adventure Lookup