Ink Blot
Eye of Pain by Thomas M. Reid
AD&D Monstrous Arcana Adventure
TSR, Inc - $7.95 (Can $10, UK 4.99)
"Eye of Pain" is the first in a series of three AD&D modules that revolve around the I, Tyrant Sourcebook. As suggested by the title, this adventure module features the deadly beholder.
The module consists of a 32-page black and white adventure booklet, surrounded by the standard separate artwork cover with colored maps on the inside.
Artwork throughout the module is rather good, even though there is the usual small amount of repetitive stuff from the I, Tyrant book. The maps inside the covers are rather well done, looking especially good in color. There were a few minor details on these maps that were slightly confusing, but nothing that couldn't be overlooked. The only other map in the book was done in black and white, which is good since it's advisable to copy it for use by the players.
The overall layout of the module itself has that 90's look to it. Background graphics and attractive, if somewhat space-wasting, text layouts are an overall improvement over stuff from a few years ago. Other little touches, like a large grayscale page number at the beginning of each individual section of the module and a repetitive drawing at the top of most pages, add to the look. However, in my opinion, many of these additions are just a waste of space, and we would be better off with a module that had slightly fewer pages at a slightly lower cost. I've said it before and I'll say it again--quantity sold, not price, brings in the bucks.
On the subject of content, though, Eye of Pain has a rather interesting adventure setting. I've personally always been a fan of the Beholder, and was looking forward to this module. I was not too disappointed. The plot was rather well worked out, with a good introduction and many workable main goals and diversions to keep the characters guessing. I won't go into details so as not to spoil the fun for potential players. One note, though, for DMs--if you like a module with most of the NPCs listed in detail, including minor ones, you'll find that most of this detail has been left to your design. Only major NPCs and villains are fleshed out in the end of the module.
One other thing to note. There are a few flaws in the module itself as far as typos, including one spot where a section of text is obviously cropped off in mid-sentence. However, these do not take away from the enjoyment of the adventure as a whole. Definitely a module to buy, especially for fans of the dreaded eye tyrants.
(review (c) 1996 / David Flemming)