The Assassin's Knot

DnDmodule| module_title = The Assassin's Knot
module_

module_code = L2
module_rules = AD&D
module_character_levels = 2 - 4
module_campaign = Generic or Greyhawk
module_authors = Lenard (Len) Lakofka
module_first_published = 1983
series = L1 L2 L3

"L2 The Assassin's Knot" is a Fantasy Adventure Module or "module" for the "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" roleplaying game. It comes with a double cover (module booklet nested inside two covers of maps).

It is a sequel to L1 The Secret of Bone Hill and as stated on the cover the second module in the Lendore Isle series. This series was originally planned to be five modules. The sequel to L2, L3 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 [cite web
last = Lakofka
first = Lenard
title = Lendore Island modules
url=http://www.pen-paper.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=665
accessdate = 2008-01-08 ] . A subsequent threaded discussion on the Dragonsfoot forum gives the title of L4 as "Devilspawn" [cite web
last =
first =
title = L4 Bonehill sequel
url=http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20770
accessdate = 2008-01-08 ] .

The Assassin's Knot module is different from most, almost unique at the time in that it contained no dungeon or even "dungeon like" area. 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. From the module teaser on its back cover:

"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.

"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 [cite journal
last =Mona
first =Erik
authorlink =Erik Mona
coauthors =James Jacobs, et al.
title =The 30 Greatest D&D Adventures of All Time
journal =Dungeon
volume =
issue =Issue 116
pages =72
publisher =Paizo Publishing
year =2004
month = November
url =
issn =0265-8712
accessdate = ] . 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 was lacking in an evocative background. [cite journal
last =Morris
first =Dave
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Open Box: Dungeon Modules
format = review
journal =White Dwarf
volume =
issue =Issue 55
pages =18–19
publisher =Games Workshop
year = 1984
month = July
url =
issn =0265-8712
accessdate = ] . 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 [cite book
last = Schick
first = Lawrence
authorlink = Lawrence Schick
title = Heroic Worlds
publisher = Prometheus Books
date = 1991
pages = 103
doi =
isbn = 0-87975-652-7 ] .

References

*cite book
last =Lakofka
first =Lenard
authorlink =Lenard Lakofka
coauthors =
title =The Assassin's Knot
publisher =TSR
date =1983
location =
pages =
url =
doi =
isbn =
*cite web
last =Rateliff
first =John D
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Introduction to L2. The Assassin’s Knot
work =
publisher =Wizards of the Coast
date =
url =http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20001229b
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-06

External links

* [http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20001229b L2 Assassin's Knot] full module as a PDF file from the Wizards of the Coast website.