S5E37 - B5 Horror on the Hill
Summary
In this episode of Between Two Cairns, hosts Yocha, Brad, and Sam review the 1983 Basic D&D module B5 Horror on the Hill. They discuss the adventure’s structure as a straightforward dungeon crawl with wilderness elements, noting its similarities to Keep on the Borderlands and its role as a potential replacement for B2. The hosts also address a listener’s question regarding the utility and limitations of skill systems in TTRPGs, comparing various approaches from Mothership to Into the Odd.
Topics discussed
Intro and technical difficulties
Laundromat and washing machine design rant
Story of a self-published author's book
Personal tidbit about parents' relationship
Dreams and childhood memory of walking home
Mood Sack introduction
Discussion on TTRPG skill systems
B5 module overview and TSR history
Fort Guido and the Hill setting
Wilderness map and dungeon structure
Author background and module purpose
Art, layout, and digital scan quality
Critique of cover art and color palette
Brad's review: dungeon and encounters
Critique of story cohesion and missed opportunities
Yocha's review: zones and town development
Deep dive: Hobgoblins, Dragon, and NPCs
Deep dive: Mechanics, morale, and inconsistencies
Final thoughts and realism of dungeon ecology
Outro and sponsor read
Final joke about new underwear
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