Is Keep On The Borderlands The Goat Module?
Yes, and for many reason.
KotB is a Dungeons and Dragons 1e adventure written by Gary Gygax, cover art by Jim Roslof and interior illustrations by Erol Otus.
If you look at the many Best TSR Adventures lists, Keep On The Borderlands usually ranks in the top 10.
It was ranked the 7th greatest Dungeons & Dragons adventure of all time by Dungeon magazine in 2004. - Wikipedia
Allow me to share 4 reasons why I think it should be number one and why embracing and designing adventures like this , will create E.P.I.C games at your table.
The Sandbox Pioneer
Keep on the Borderlands presented a revolutionary approach to adventure design – the sandbox. Instead of a tightly linear plot, players found themselves in front of a small, fortified village – the Keep – with a vast wilderness ripe for exploration just beyond its gates.
Scarcity is, in my opinion, the key to the adventures success. Give your players a map and let their imagination, and the imagination of their characters, be the compass to adventure. Let your players define the map not the other way around.
Player’s characters had/have the freedom to delve into the Caves of Chaos, filled with monstrous inhabitants, or venture into the surrounding wilds, uncovering hidden lairs and forgotten ruins.
This open-ended structure allowed players true agency and fueled the spirit of exploration.
Gateway to Adventure
Keep on the Borderlands is a masterclass in how to introduce new players to Dungeons & Dragons. The adventure starts with low-level encounters, gradually increasing in difficulty as players wander further from the safety of the Keep.
It gently guides novice Dungeon Masters too, providing well-organized encounters and clear guidelines for handling unexpected player actions.
A World of Possibilities
The module isn't just a collection of caves and monsters. Its setting is rich with implied lore and intrigue.
Why are these monstrous factions co-existing so near the Keep?
What secrets might lie deeper within the caves or surrounding wilderness?
Why was the Keep built here?
These seeds of a world larger than the adventure itself spark the imagination, encouraging players and DMs to expand upon the existing framework.
The Old-School Charm
Nostalgia plays a part, but even today, Keep on the Borderlands carries a unique, old-school charm. Its straightforward premise, clear encounters, and the potential for ruthlessness mirror the formative days of Dungeons & Dragons. It offers a refreshing contrast to the sometimes overly complex narratives of modern adventures.
While other, grander adventures may have appeared over D&D's long history, Keep on the Borderlands holds a special place for me even though it’s been 40 years since I opened my first start set. Keep isn't just an adventure module– it's the prototype for adventure itself.
What do you think? Is Keep on the Borderlands the GOAT adventure? What other adventures do you think offers this type of experience?