Into the Border Kingdoms is a two-hour adventure for level 1-2 characters by Dave Zajac, and the first of the DDAL-adventures produced by GameHole Con in the Border Kingdoms region of the Forgotten Realms. The plot is relatively simple: the adventurers are in a tavern interacting with locals when it’s attacked by undead, then they go to the source of the undead and deal with that.

While the plot is simple, the adventure is brilliant. There’s a lot to be said about executing a simple idea well, and this does it very well indeed.

As the first of a series of adventures in the Border Kingdoms, it makes sense for the players to learn stuff about where they are. That happens in this adventure: there’s a small selection of villagers in the tavern. The players can interact with them. Each is detailed nicely, so that the players can get a hint of their personalities and learn of problems in the region – not only the squabbles between the various principalities but the rumours about undead on the rise.

Both battle scenes make good use of terrain (and have good maps) which enhances miniatures play. Yes, you could run this one theatre-of-the-mind, but it’s one for which I happily used miniatures. The combats could be difficult, but not overwhelming. Having a cleric may make them a lot easier, admittedly.

Once you discover the villain of the piece, his motivations make sense and link back to details the players can learn in the tavern. Another threat is also introduced, which I trust will appear in later adventures.

A final bonus scene allows the players to solve a puzzle to find some additional rewards. Again, this follows from previous interactions and helps reinforce the lore of the setting.

The formatting, maps and art are very nicely done. I found it easy to read and run.

Overall, this is a superb adventure. Highly recommended!