Drums on Fire Mountain

Drums on Fire Mountain

Code	X8
Authors	Graeme Morris and Tom Kirby
First published	1984
Linked modules
X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12, X13, XL1, XSOLO, XS2

Drums on Fire Mountain is a 1984 adventure module for the Basic Rules of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.

Plot summary

Drums on Fire Mountain is a scenario describing a jungle island, and the ancient tunnels beneath its volcanic mountain.^[1]

This scenario is set southeast of a major empire, on a volcanic island geographically isolated and unrelated to the other powers in the world. The player characters are given a full briefing by the Master of the Seafaring Merchants Guild, and then set off to face a vicious tribe of green-skinned demi-humans who worship a pig "god".^[2]

Publication history

X8 Drums on Fire Mountain was published by TSR in 1984 as a 32-page booklet with an outer folder, and was written by Graeme Morris and Tom Kirby, with art by Brian Williams.^[1] The module features additional artwork by Paul Ruiz.^[3] The scenario was written for the Expert Rules.^[2]

Reception

Graham Staplehurst reviewed Drums on Fire Mountain for White Dwarf, and gave it 8/10 overall, calling it "Another welcome addition to the range of D&D scenarios".^[2] Staplehurst noted that Graeme Morris and Tom Kirby are designers from TSR UK (and that Graeme's name is misspelt on the front cover). He felt that the module "has a mainly Polynesian flavour, with a hint of Amerind and African overtones", making the setting "ideal for translation into any on-going campaign".^[2] Staplhurst felt that the module "contains a lot of thoughtful detail and plenty of attention has been paid to the society, history and the whole atmosphere of the island. There are many exciting (and even humourous [sic]) encounters and players and DM alike should find the scenario very satisfying."^[2] He concluded the review by stating that "Intelligence has been used in developing the scenario's rationale and balancing it in favour of player skills and enjoyment. Highly recommended."^[2]

According to Lawrence Schick, in his 1991 book Heroic Worlds, the scenario "Includes a magic-using devil-swine, so how can you beat it?"^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Schick, Lawrence (1991). Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games. Prometheus Books. p. 149. ISBN 0-87975-653-5. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Staplehust, Graham (October 1985). "Open Box: Dungeon Modules" (review). White Dwarf (Games Workshop) (70): 14. 
3. ^ Morris, Graeme, and Tom Kirby. Drums on Fire Mountain (TSR, 1984)