The Assassin's Knot

Greyhawk Source

The Assassin's Knot
Type:	Adventure module
Code/Abbreviation:	L2
Edition:	1st edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons
Author(s):	Lenard Lakofka
Series:	L1 L2 L3
First Published:	1983
Class:	Canon

The Assassin's Knot is a module for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. It comes with a double cover (module booklet nested inside two covers of maps).

The Assassin's Knot is a sequel to The Secret of Bone Hill and is the second module in the Lendore Isle series, thus bearing the module code "L2." This series was originally planned to be five modules. The sequel to L2, Deep Dwarven Delve, was only available as a limited release as part of the Dungeons & Dragons Silver Anniversary Collector's Edition set released in 1999. In 2006, Lakofka announced on the Pen & Paper website that he will be releasing L4 and L5 through Dragonsfoot, introducing additional material and adventures set in the Lendore Isles.[1] A subsequent threaded discussion on the Dragonsfoot forum gives the title of L4 as Devilspawn. [2]

The Assassin's Knot is different from most modules of the period, in that it contained no dungeon or even "dungeon like" areas. It is a murder mystery set in a village. The longer the players take to find the murderer the more unfortunate events occur in the village.

Blurb

From the module teaser on its back cover:

{quote|"If you want someone murdered, go to Garrotten." It is a common saying in Restenford. The small, peaceful town of Garrotten is rumored to be the headquarters of a deadly band of assassins. Perhaps there is nothing to this talk. Perhaps it is true. There has never been any reason to find out. Until now...

The Baron of Restenford is dead.

The first day following his death, Restenford was a hornet's nest of activity. No one was allowed to enter or leave. The castle itself was sealed to outsiders as soon as the murder was discovered. Wild rumors hinted that the body was left in a condition that made magical restoration impossible. That evening came an urgent summons from the reclusive sorcerer, Pelltar, whose council continued late into the night.

By midmorning of the next day, you were well on your way to Garrotten. Three slender clues are all that remain - three possible chances to unravel the tangled web of intrigue that doomed the Baron of Restenford. The sun is warm, and the land around you is full of life. By nightfall, you will arrive.}}

Reception

The Assassin's Knot was ranked the 29th greatest Dungeons & Dragons adventure of all time by Dungeon magazine in 2004, on the 30th anniversary of the Dungeons & Dragons game.

Receiving 7 out of 10, the module received a fairly positive review in issue 55 of White Dwarf magazine. It was noted to be fun, though lacking in an evocative background.

In his description of L2 in Heroic Worlds, Lawrence Schick makes light of the module by noting the obviousness of the murderers being from a town named Garrotten.

External links

• The Assassin's Knot at the Wizards of the Coast website.
• A short review of The Assassin's Knot at Steve's Gamer Blog.
• The Assassin's Knot at the TRS Archive.
• The Assassin's Knot at the Dungeon Masters Guild.

References

Bibliography

• Lakofka, Lenard. The Assassin's Knot. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983. TSR9057
• Mona, Erik, James Jacobs, et al. "The 30 Greatest D&D Adventures of All Time." Dungeon #116. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2004.
• Morris, Dave. "Open Box: Dungeon Modules." White Dwarf #55. London: Games Workshop, 1984.
• Rateliff, John D. "L2. The Assassin's Knot." Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2004. Available online: [3]
• Schick, Lawrence. Heroic Worlds. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 1991.

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.

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