Beyond the Crystal Cave: Difference between revisions
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|type=Adventure | |type=Adventure | ||
|code=UK1 | |code=UK1 | ||
|edition= | |edition=First edition | ||
|author=Dave J. Brown, Tom Kirby, and Graeme Morris | |author=Dave J. Brown, Tom Kirby, and Graeme Morris | ||
|first published=1983 | |first published=1983 | ||
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|class=canon | |class=canon | ||
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'''''Beyond the Crystal Cave''''' is | '''''Beyond the Crystal Cave''''' is an adventure for first edition. It is unusual among ''Dungeons & Dragons'' adventures in that it encourages a non-violent approach (mainly parleying and true role-playing tactics) to achieving the adventure's goals. It is set in an old English milieu on [[Sybarate Isle]] in the [[Hold of the Sea Princes]]. First published by TSR UK division in 1983, this adventure was written by [[Dave J. Browne]], [[Tom Kirby]] and [[Graeme Morris]]. | ||
==Plot summary== | ==Plot summary== | ||
''Beyond the Crystal Cave'', is in adventure in which the PCs are hired to save a recently eloped couple from the Cave of Echoes after they fled there.<ref name="HW"/> The heroes must resolve the secret of the Crystal Cave to enter Porpherio's Garden, a magical place located on the island of Sybarate, where it is summer all year long. Experience points are gained by resolving with encounters intelligently without unneeded violence.<ref name="WD48"/> | ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'', is in adventure in which the PCs are hired to save a recently eloped couple from the Cave of Echoes after they fled there.<ref name="HW"/> The heroes must resolve the secret of the Crystal Cave to enter Porpherio's Garden, a magical place located on the island of Sybarate, where it is [[summer]] all year long. Experience points are gained by resolving with encounters intelligently without unneeded violence.<ref name="WD48"/> | ||
==Publication history== | ==Publication history== | ||
''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' was written by British designers [[Dave J. Browne]], Tom Kirby, and [[Graeme Morris]], and published by TSR in 1983 as a 32-page booklet with an outer folder.<ref name="HW">{{cite book|last=Schick |first=Lawrence|author-link=Lawrence Schick|title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games|publisher=Prometheus Books |year=1991|isbn=0-87975-653-5 |page=116}}</ref> | ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' was written by British designers [[Dave J. Browne]], Tom Kirby, and [[Graeme Morris]], and published by TSR in 1983 as a 32-page booklet with an outer folder.<ref name="HW">{{cite book|last=Schick |first=Lawrence|author-link=Lawrence Schick|title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games|publisher=Prometheus Books |year=1991|isbn=0-87975-653-5 |page=116}}</ref> | ||
=== Updates === | === Updates === | ||
{{Italic title}} | {{Italic title}} | ||
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|image = [[File:Beyond the Crystal Cave02.png|250px]] | |image = [[File:Beyond the Crystal Cave02.png|250px]] | ||
|caption = The cover of the ''D&D Encounters'' 4e version of ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' (2011), art by Alexey Aparin. | |caption = The cover of the ''D&D Encounters'' 4e version of ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' (2011), art by Alexey Aparin. | ||
|type = | |type = Adventure | ||
|code = | |code = | ||
|edition = D&D 4e | |edition = D&D 4e | ||
| Line 42: | Line 39: | ||
|class = Officially published content | |class = Officially published content | ||
}} | }} | ||
In 2011 ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' was adapted to the "D&D Encounters" program for fourth edition by Steve Townshend.{{cite dragon|211|63}} That adaptation was later reprinted in [[Dungeon]] #211 (February 2013).{{cite dragon|211|63}} | In 2011 ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' was adapted to the Wizards of the Coast "D&D Encounters" program of pre-made adventures for fourth edition by Steve Townshend.{{cite dragon|211|63}} That adaptation was later reprinted in ''[[Dungeon]]'' #211 (February 2013).{{cite dragon|211|63}} | ||
The ''[[Quests from the Infinite Staircase]]'' anthology (2024), updates ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'', bringing it forward into fifth edition.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bernier |first=Mike |title=Quests from the Infinite Staircase: Six Remastered Adventures from D&D's First Edition |url=https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1687-quests-from-the-infinite-staircase-six-remastered |format= |work=DnDBeyond.com |publisher=[[WotC]] |date=Mar 21, 2024 |accessdate=6 April 2024 |}}</ref> | |||
Both adventures specifically place Porpherio's Garden (Eternal Garden) accessed from [[Sybarate Isle]] as being in the [[Feywild]]. | |||
=== Other versions === | === Other versions === | ||
In 2005, Kenzer and Company published a ''HackMaster'' | In 2005, Kenzer and Company published a ''HackMaster'' adventure based on the adventure named ''Porpher's Enchanted Garden''. It was originally solicited as ''Yonder Crystal Caverns'', but was changed due to substantial lateness in gaining authorization from [[Wizards of the Coast]]. The new version required less talking and more action, making it more typical of the game system. The adventure was hacked by James Butler, a freelance writer from the United Kingdom. | ||
== Reception == | == Reception == | ||
Doug Cowie reviewed ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' favorably for ''Imagine'' magazine.<ref name="Imagine5">{{cite journal | last = Cowie|first = Doug| title =Game Reviews | type = review | journal = Imagine | issue = 5| pages =18 | publisher = TSR Hobbies (UK), Ltd. |date=August 1983}}</ref> He liked the clear layout, lucid descriptions and good maps and found it | Doug Cowie reviewed ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' favorably for ''Imagine'' magazine.<ref name="Imagine5">{{cite journal | last = Cowie|first = Doug| title =Game Reviews | type = review | journal = Imagine | issue = 5| pages =18 | publisher = TSR Hobbies (UK), Ltd. |date=August 1983}}</ref> He liked the clear layout, lucid descriptions and good maps and found it an adventure that tries to emphasize diplomacy and intelligence over force and is "more successful than most in achieving this aim".<ref name="Imagine5"/> Cowie thought that it is possible to go through the adventure "without drawing a sword" and that the main setting, Porpherio's Garden, is "highly original and well thought out".<ref name="Imagine5"/> His only criticism was that some of the denizens of the garden are too prone to random attack, but he felt that was a minor point, easily altered by the DM. Overall, according to Cowie, UK1 is a "refreshing change" which "gives the talkative sort of character a place in the limelight all too often filled by the brutish fighter or the powerful MU".<ref name="Imagine5"/> He concluded the review by calling it "a good package" and suggested readers should "try it for a relaxing change".<ref name="Imagine5"/> | ||
Receiving 9 out of 10 overall, the | Receiving 9 out of 10 overall, the adventure was positively reviewed in issue No. 48 of ''White Dwarf'' magazine. The reviewer, Jim Bambra, noted that ''Beyond the Crystal Cave'' was "an interesting and thought-provoking adventure" more appropriate for characters level 3–6.<ref name="WD48"/> Bambra mentioned that players would be "treated to a lot of interesting encounters and puzzles" after reaching Porpherio's Garden, and felt that the authors have sought to reward thoughtful solutions to dilemmas rather than hack-and-slash ones. He noted how the authors set out to discourage players from attacking everything they encounter, concluding that this adventure "makes a refreshing change from the more normal combat orientated adventure for its emphasis is very much on role-playing and problem solving".<ref name="WD48">{{cite journal | ||
| last =Bambra | | last =Bambra | ||
| first =Jim | | first =Jim | ||
| Line 62: | Line 63: | ||
| issn =0265-8712 }}</ref> | | issn =0265-8712 }}</ref> | ||
[[Lawrence Schick]], in his 1991 book ''Heroic Worlds'' felt that the '''UK''' series of | [[Lawrence Schick]], in his 1991 book ''Heroic Worlds'' felt that the '''UK''' series of adventures "are typically heavier on atmosphere than their American-designed counterparts, though they do like to use those ridiculous monsters from the ''Fiend Folio''."<ref name="HW"/> | ||
==Reviews== | ==Reviews== | ||
| Line 97: | Line 98: | ||
{{index}} | {{index}} | ||
[[Category:Adventures]] | |||
[[Category:Canonical sources]] | [[Category:Canonical sources]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:03, 21 June 2025
| Beyond the Crystal Cave | |
 |
|
| Type: | Adventure |
|---|---|
| Code/Abbreviation: | UK1 |
| Edition: | First edition |
| Author(s): | Dave J. Brown, Tom Kirby, and Graeme Morris |
| First Published: | 1983 |
| Class: | canon |
Beyond the Crystal Cave is an adventure for first edition. It is unusual among Dungeons & Dragons adventures in that it encourages a non-violent approach (mainly parleying and true role-playing tactics) to achieving the adventure's goals. It is set in an old English milieu on Sybarate Isle in the Hold of the Sea Princes. First published by TSR UK division in 1983, this adventure was written by Dave J. Browne, Tom Kirby and Graeme Morris.
Plot summary
Beyond the Crystal Cave, is in adventure in which the PCs are hired to save a recently eloped couple from the Cave of Echoes after they fled there.[1] The heroes must resolve the secret of the Crystal Cave to enter Porpherio's Garden, a magical place located on the island of Sybarate, where it is summer all year long. Experience points are gained by resolving with encounters intelligently without unneeded violence.[2]
Publication history
Beyond the Crystal Cave was written by British designers Dave J. Browne, Tom Kirby, and Graeme Morris, and published by TSR in 1983 as a 32-page booklet with an outer folder.[1]
Updates
| Beyond the Crystal Cave | |
 |
|
| The cover of the D&D Encounters 4e version of Beyond the Crystal Cave (2011), art by Alexey Aparin. | |
| Type: | Adventure |
|---|---|
| Edition: | D&D 4e |
| Author(s): | Steven Townshend |
| Editor(s): | Kim Mohan |
| Cover Artist(s): | Alexey Aparin |
| Interior Artist(s): | Jeremy Jarvis, De Leuw, Warren Mahy, Ben Wooten, and Jason A. Engle (cartography) |
| Publisher: | WotC |
| First Published: | 2011 |
| Class: | Officially published content |
In 2011 Beyond the Crystal Cave was adapted to the Wizards of the Coast "D&D Encounters" program of pre-made adventures for fourth edition by Steve Townshend.[3] That adaptation was later reprinted in Dungeon #211 (February 2013).[3]
The Quests from the Infinite Staircase anthology (2024), updates Beyond the Crystal Cave, bringing it forward into fifth edition.[4]
Both adventures specifically place Porpherio's Garden (Eternal Garden) accessed from Sybarate Isle as being in the Feywild.
Other versions
In 2005, Kenzer and Company published a HackMaster adventure based on the adventure named Porpher's Enchanted Garden. It was originally solicited as Yonder Crystal Caverns, but was changed due to substantial lateness in gaining authorization from Wizards of the Coast. The new version required less talking and more action, making it more typical of the game system. The adventure was hacked by James Butler, a freelance writer from the United Kingdom.
Reception
Doug Cowie reviewed Beyond the Crystal Cave favorably for Imagine magazine.[5] He liked the clear layout, lucid descriptions and good maps and found it an adventure that tries to emphasize diplomacy and intelligence over force and is "more successful than most in achieving this aim".[5] Cowie thought that it is possible to go through the adventure "without drawing a sword" and that the main setting, Porpherio's Garden, is "highly original and well thought out".[5] His only criticism was that some of the denizens of the garden are too prone to random attack, but he felt that was a minor point, easily altered by the DM. Overall, according to Cowie, UK1 is a "refreshing change" which "gives the talkative sort of character a place in the limelight all too often filled by the brutish fighter or the powerful MU".[5] He concluded the review by calling it "a good package" and suggested readers should "try it for a relaxing change".[5]
Receiving 9 out of 10 overall, the adventure was positively reviewed in issue No. 48 of White Dwarf magazine. The reviewer, Jim Bambra, noted that Beyond the Crystal Cave was "an interesting and thought-provoking adventure" more appropriate for characters level 3–6.[2] Bambra mentioned that players would be "treated to a lot of interesting encounters and puzzles" after reaching Porpherio's Garden, and felt that the authors have sought to reward thoughtful solutions to dilemmas rather than hack-and-slash ones. He noted how the authors set out to discourage players from attacking everything they encounter, concluding that this adventure "makes a refreshing change from the more normal combat orientated adventure for its emphasis is very much on role-playing and problem solving".[2]
Lawrence Schick, in his 1991 book Heroic Worlds felt that the UK series of adventures "are typically heavier on atmosphere than their American-designed counterparts, though they do like to use those ridiculous monsters from the Fiend Folio."[1]
Reviews
Fantasy Gamer #1 (1983)
External links
Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.
- Beyond the Crystal Cave at the Dungeon Masters Guild.
- Beyond the Crystal Cave at the TSR Archive.
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ a b c Schick, Lawrence (1991) Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games, Prometheus Books, p. 116 ISBN: 0-87975-653-5.
- ↑ a b c Bambra, Jim (December 1983). "Open Box: Dungeon Modules". White Dwarf (48): 10. Games Workshop. ISSN 0265-8712.
- ↑ a b Dragon #211 (Nov 1994), p.63.
- ↑ Bernier, Mike. Quests from the Infinite Staircase: Six Remastered Adventures from D&D's First Edition. DnDBeyond.com. WotC, March 21, 2024. Retrieved on 6 April 2024.
- ↑ a b c d e Cowie, Doug (August 1983). "Game Reviews". Imagine (5): 18. TSR Hobbies (UK), Ltd..
Bibliography
- Browne, Dave J., Tom Kirby, and Graeme Morris. Beyond the Crystal Cave. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983. TSR9066
- Townshend, Stephen. "Beyond the Crystal Cave". Dungeon #211. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, Feb 2013.
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Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK1 Beyond the Crystal cave | Adventure | Located in: Sea Princes, | UK1 Beyond the Crystal Cave | All |