Vault of the Drow is a 32-page adventure module for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition released in [missing data]. It is for characters of levels 10 to 14.
Official synopsis[]
This adventure provides a complete setting for play using the ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS™ rules. Contained herein is background information, a large-scale referee's map with a matching partial map for players, referee's notes, special exploration and encounter pieces, a hex map detailing an enormous cavern area, a special temple map, encounter and map matrix keys, and additional sections pertaining to unique new creatures for use with this module and with the game as a whole.
This module can be played alone, as the conclusion to module D1-2 DESCENT INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE EARTH), or as the third module in a series that forms a special extended adventure (G1-G3 AGAINST THE GIANTS, D1-2, and Q1 QUEEN OF THE DEMONWEB PITS).
Content[]
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Development and release[]
Development[]
The book was written by Gary Gygax. Art was provided by David C. Sutherland III, David A. Trampier, Jeff Dee, David S. LaForce and Erol Otus.
The module was designed to allow the DM to expand upon it.[1]
Gygax ran a number of playtest groups through the module, including his own group, TSR playtest groups, and at convention tournaments.[2] None of the groups ever met Nilonim, an NPC inserted to test if the group was in a recklessly violent mood before progressing further into a module where non-violent solutions were possible.[3]
Release[]
Vault of the Drow was released by TSR in 1978 for $[missing data] US.
The first printing had a monochrome purple cover, which would be retained until the fifth printing. The six and seventh printings used a new full color art by Erol Otus. UK and Australian printings were also made with the monochrome cover.[4]
On January 22, 2013, it was re-released in digital format. It is currently available on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $4.99.
Reception and influence[]
Critical reception[]
The combined GDQ1-7 Queen of the Spiders (1986) was rated #1 in 30 Greatest Adventures, Dungeon #116 (Nov 2004).
As of 2023, Vault of the Drow reached the rank of Mithral seller on DriveThruRPG.
Influence on other works[]
The entire G-series, D-series, and Q1 were compiled into GDQ1-7 Queen of the Spiders (1986).
The black ship in the module made a reprise in Kingdom of the Ghouls, Dungeon #70 (Sep/Oct 1998).
The titular Vault appeared in Planescape sourcebook Dead Gods (1997), and later in Wrath of the Abyss, Dungeon #119 (Feb 2005). The Vault was explored in detail in Vault of the Drow, Dragon #298 (Aug 2002), p.73-87, and in the same, issue Exiles from the Vault, and Drow of the Underdark (3e) (2007).
External links[]
References[]
- ↑ Q&A with Gary Gygax, page 221. ENWorld, Aug 31, 2005.
- ↑ Q&A with Gary Gygax, page 9. ENWorld, Sep 7, 2002.
- ↑ Q&A with Gary Gygax, page 37. ENWorld, Jan 28, 2003.
- ↑ Drow Series (D1 - D3) - The Acaeum