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Arena of Thyatis is an adventure module published in 1990 for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. This module is linked with Legions of Thyatis.
 | |
| Code | DDA1 |
|---|---|
| Rules required | AD&D |
| Character levels | 2-3 |
| Authors | John Nephew |
| First published | 1990 |
| ISBN | [[Special:Booksources/0-88038-839-8 |0-88038-839-8 ]] |
Plot summary
Arena of Thyatis is a scenario for use with Dawn of the Emperors, in which the player characters become involved with a Thyatian senator and end up fighting in the Coliseum of Thyatis.[1] The senator's mansion and the Coliseum are described and mapped, and the module includes brief guidelines on the Thyatian system of justice.[1]
Publication history
DDA1 Arena of Thyatis was written by John Nephew, with a cover by Brom, and was published by TSR in 1990 as a 32-page booklet with an outer folder.[1] Editing is by Jon Pickens.[2]
Reception
Ken Rolston reviewed Arena of Thyatis for Dragon magazine #171 (July 1991).[2] He reviewed Arena of Thyatis and Legions of Thyatis together, and called them "two ambitious and original approaches to low-level D&D adventures", noting gladiators as the theme, and calling the setting "a D&D-game version of ancient Rome".[2] He praised the "open-ended, improvisational role-playing", noting that "the DM is out there all alone with a package of loosely linked episodes, lots of strong NPCs, and myriad plot threads blowing in the wind" without any "hackneyed, predictable plot elements".[2] He did, however, feel that this adventure may not be suitable for players' first D&D campaigns, due to a first-time DM simultaneously trying to master the mechanics and rhythm of refereeing an FRPG and the subtle dramatic and manipulative techniques of open-ended scenario presentation. He recalled that the module Treasure Hunt, "a much more linear and predictable scenario than these two adventures", has a two-page appendix entitled "If Things Go Wrong", and felt that sort of commentary and advice would be even more critical in open-ended settings like Arena of Thyatis and Legions of Thyatis.[2] He felt that "the ancient Roman city" of Thyatis "doesn't mix comfortably with heroic, D&D-game, action-adventure roleplaying". He noted that the impact of spell-casters doesn't seem to have been considered.[2] Rolston concluded the review by stating: "My first response was impatient and unforgiving; only my persistence in trying to appreciate Nephew's good intentions gave me a reserved affection for the most appealing features of these modules. Give them a split grade: four stars for originality, charm, role playing potential, and right-mindedness. Two stars for quality of DM staging, plot support, and suitability for D&D-game-style play. I do not recommend them for beginning DMs, but as an earnest and moderately successful approach to designing a module for open-ended, improvisational role-playing for the D&D game. They may inspire you to experiment with this difficult but rewarding style of FRPG adventure."[2]
References
- ^ a b c Schick, Lawrence (1991). Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games. Prometheus Books. p. 139. ISBN 0-87975-653-5.
- ^ a b c d e f g Rolston, Ken (1991). "Role-playing Reviews". Dragon (#171). Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: TSR: 83.
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