Elias had hired them, a mysterious stranger from Hargrave who had arrived a few days ago and was seeking a special key that was to be found in the old ruins by the lakeside, over on the other side of Lake Longmere.

Two of the apprentice Mediums of Pelladon, the Chamberlain of Sir Roderick, had been persuaded to take the job. Also along for the journey was a local Veteran fighter and an considerably more shady apprentice that Elias recruited from the Thieves’ Guild.

Hiring one of the fishermen’s boats, the party had made the 12-mile trip across the waters of the lake and disembarked on the sandy shore in the shadow of Darkwood. It was two miles inland to the old ruins, themselves only a mile or so from the eaves of the feared forest.

Elias had told them to look for a hidden stairway set in the middle of the ruins and, lo, they had found it. Clearing away the brush and weeds, they had uncovered the steps downward, lit a torch and begun their descent. All they had to do was find the key…

It’s hard to express the joy that arises when you can take four totally new players and introduce them to this wonderful roleplaying games hobby. Today was a day when I got to do just that… and it was a good feeling.

We rolled up new Level 1 characters together, taking turns around the table to roll the dice and note down the Attributes. They each chose a Class – two Magic-Users, one Thief, one Fighter – and then we equipped them.

Choosing one of the three “fast packs” from the back of B4 “The Lost City”, they then chose weapons and armour. We did the final calculations, rolled Hit Points, jotted down Saving Throws, and off we went.

It was an absolute blast from my point of view and the players all expressed enjoyment, stating they’d like to continue the adventure next week. We’d had a fight in the first chamber, investigated and found a little treasure, and then found their way to the strangely limestoned body of the old Abbot lying face-down in a pool of flowing water.

Was that the key Elias described? It’s in the shape of a skeletal hand, with the key carved from the forearm. The question for next session was simple: what are you intending to do next time? “Well, I think we should take the key but… well… can we look around some more of this dungeon before we head home?”

Game on!