X13: Crown of Ancient Glory

X13 "Crown of Ancient Glory" (1987) by Stephen Bourne is a D&D adventure for character levels 7-10.

X13 "Crown of Ancient Glory" (1987) by Stephen Bourne.  Cover illustration by Keith Parkinson, (originally used as the cover illustration for AD&D Adventure Gamebook #7 "Sceptre of Power" (1986) by Morris Simon)

The adventure begins in Norrvik, the capital of the Kingdom of Vestland, in the Lands and Environs of the D&D Wilderness, where the PCs are summoned to a monastery.

The party is asked to assist in a succession crisis by finding the lost heir to the throne of Vestland.  They must first seek the Sorona Crown, which leads to the prince.

About the Author:

Bourne also wrote "Throne of Evil" (1984) for Mayfair Games, set in 12th century England.  His first work for TSR was module N3 "Destiny of Kings" (1986) for AD&D 1e (generic setting).

His other work for the BECMI line was X11 "Saga of the Shadow Lord" (1986).

The Adventure:

At 64 pages, "Crown of Ancient Glory" is double the length of most other modules in the X series.

The adventure is divided into five parts:

I. A Kingdom for a Crown

II. Journey to the Outlands

III. All the King's Men

IV. The Briny Ocean Toss

V. The King's Return

X3 "Curse of Xanathon":

Duke Stephen of Rhoona, from X3 "Curse of Xanathon" is mentioned several times and appears towards the end of the adventure.

X13 "Crown of Ancient Glory" therefore serves as a fitting sequel to module X3,* especially as part of a broader campaign set within the Northern Reaches.

*I would suggest using the pregens from X11 "Saga of the Shadow Lord" in module X3 (the pregens in X11 are levels 6-7, and X3 is for character levels 5-7)

Location:

Kingdom of Vestland and Environs as depicted in X13 "Crown of Ancient Glory" (1987)

Vestland

Vestland's king is a high king, as with medieval kingdoms in Great Britain and Ireland, although its lesser nobles are referred to as dukes and counts,* not lesser kings.

*likely a reflection of the dominion hierarchy as presented in the Companion Set rules

The adventure begins five years after the disappearance of High King Maramet in the Heldann Freeholds, followed soon afterwards by the death of his son, Thendel.

Fiefdoms mentioned include the Duchy of Rhoona, the Duchy of Estine, and the County of Darien.

The PCs may be granted the Duchy of Estine, the Barony of Gallma, the Barony of Krenholme, the Viscounty of Finhagen, the County of Vander Plett, the Barony of Darnen, the Viscounty of Glenfork, or the Barony of Brinforth

Gallma, Krenholme, Finhagcn, Vander Plett, and Darnen are all west of Norrvik, near the Ethengar Khanate border.  Glenfork is at the southern tip of Vestland, and Brinforth is the peninsula area northeast of Norrvik.

Heldann Freeholds

The module includes additional details on the Heldann Freeholds.

The coastal city of Freiburg is introduced, described as a lawless base for smugglers and thieves.

The Redraven:

The Redraven, a typical, Viking-style longship

The Redraven is a typical Viking-style longship, although quicker than most because she is designed to have less drag on the keel.

The captain and crew are detailed on pg. 49.

Gylgarid:

A chaotic barbarian god* of uncertain origin, worshipped by many northern tribesmen.  His symbol is the minotaur.

*referred to as a god, not an immortal, despite the module being released a year after the D&D Immortals Set (1986)

New Monsters:

Lochnar; Undead King

(Crab, Giant; Squid, Giant; Whale, Sperm)*

*different from the versions described in the Expert Set(s)

Artifacts:

The Harp of Spirit Restoration

A rosewood instrument, decorated in gold and silver inlay, capable of restoring lost vitality to those of chaotic alignment.

The Sorona Crown

An oval circlet of gold, studded with rubies, the Sorona is dominated at the forehead by a brilliant, red star gem.

The Throne of Transformation

A large, throne-like chair.  Anyone sitting in the chair will be transformed (polymorphed) into another form.

Pregenerated Characters:

Allonrik (F8); Kavien (T9); Miridor Feadiel* (E8); Renia** (F9); Mirva (C8); Rannulf (M9); Dreago (D8); Sergeant Burrows (H9)

*a member of the Feadiel clan from CM7 "The Tree of Life" (1986)

**see Renia from X11/X13 as a pretender to the Thyatian throne

These fully-fleshed characters first appeared in X11 "Saga of the Shadow Lord".

Portraits for Allonrik, Kavien, Mirva, and Dreago are recycled from T1-4 "Temple of Elemental Evil" (1985); portraits for Renia and Rannulf are recycled from WG6 "Isle of the Ape" (1985).