Realms of Twilight: Lycan’s Bane
Lycan’s Bane is an adventure module for the epic fantasy setting Realms of Twilight (powered by Pathfinder Roleplaying Game) written by Daniel Marshall and published by Silver Crescent Publishing.
By Aaron T. Huss
Lycan’s Bane is an adventure module for 4 – 6 characters of 5th – 7th Level set in the Realms of Twilight setting for Pathfinder. It is a simple questing adventure with a lot of setting flavor. In addition, a section of the publication is dedicated to providing source material for the wastelands of Illuria. The setting flavor is not only written into the adventure but is a key part of the storyline. Lycan’s Bane is an excellent representation of the Realms of Twilight setting.
CONTENT
I won’t share much about the adventure as it would surely spoil it. I will let on that the adventure is a straight-forward quest with several GM options. The mission is time-sensitive giving the GM motivation to keep things moving forward and not allow the PCs to drag their feet. Additionally, it leaves open many future opportunities for the PCs to be a part of the nations involved (Illuria and Valinite) in either a positive or negative way (as long as it leads to grand adventures!).
Once the adventure resolves, Lycan’s Bane is handed over to providing source material concerning the Illurian wastelands, primarily the Nightlings within the wastelands. This includes a grouping of NPC stat blocks, a small narrative of a Nightling hunting group, and a look at the teachings of their Goddess Elvaril. While this is information for running the adventure, it also works for future encounters and possible storylines.
OVERALL
Lycan’s Bane is not an introduction to Realms of Twilight considering it’s designed for characters of 5th – 7th Level. Without this consideration, the storyline is directly connected to the setting and introduces the Illurian wastelands, Illuria, and Valinite to those who have never experienced them. Oddly enough, it could make a perfect starting point for a long campaign but also fits in well with those who travel the world trying to bring back the sun.
RATINGS
Publication Quality: 7 out of 10
The overall layout for Lycan’s Bane has some high-points and low-points. The bulk of the adventure’s layout could benefit from changes to font size and use of white space. There are no illustrations other than maps within the adventure, although plenty of beautiful illustrations in the source pages. Additionally, the layout of the source material near the back looks much cleaner with a smoother presentation and a much better use of white space. The font issue is a result of changes for what appears to be the purpose of fitting a certain block of text on a single page. While it’s extremely minor, the result is an odd appearance to the pages with the smaller font. Other than that the quality is generally clean.
Storyline: 9 out of 10
The storyline in Lycan’s Bane is a definite strong point. Not only does it progress at a good pace following the adventure, but it ties in directly to different aspects of the Realms of Twilight setting and does an excellent job of representing what this forever-twilight epic fantasy setting is about. It’s not dark fantasy but is definitely a darker side of epic fantasy. Another key element to the storyline is how it builds upon the content already presented in the setting descriptions within the core rulebook. GMs and players get a deeper look at the Illurian wastelands along with Illuria and Valinite nations.
Desire to Play: 10 out of 10
Lycan’s Bane is a well constructed adventure module with interesting combat encounters that tie directly into the storyline and setting. Not the Realms of Twilight setting as a whole but the Illurian wastelands setting described further in the back pages. There are few role-playing opportunities, but the encounters give the players a taste of what the setting is all about.
Overall: 9 out of 10
If you play within Realms of Twilight, Lycan’s Bane is a definite publication to get. Not only does it have a good quality adventure, but it also contains excellent source material for the Illurian wastelands focusing on the Nightlings of the wastelands. The storyline is solid and represents the Realms of Twilight setting wonderfully.
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