Review of It Came from the Cellar

It Came from the Cellar is a brief 5e adventure for levels 1-3, the latest in the Tabletop Outfitter line of single-evening scenarios. It represents the best and most ambitious release in what was already a solid collection.

Not long ago, the town of Dawnfell was destroyed by a minotaur war party. Residents of nearby Duskmire worry that their community may be next. The danger they face, however, is from within. An attempt by a young wizard to conjure a magical guardian for Duskmire has gone awry, resulting in a monstrous blend of rat and centipede that quickly snapped loose of its creator's magical control. This beast - the ratipede so evocatively displayed on the cover - emerges from its subterranean lair at night to hunt. Thus far, the beast has sated his appetite on cats, dogs, and barnyard animals, but its only a matter of time before its hunger is turned on the people of Duskmire. The PCs are charged with determining what stalks the village at night and putting a stop to its depredations.

The adventure is pleasantly deep for a mere 13 pages (the balance of the 27 pages consists of supplemental material). It involves some investigation and roleplaying, and a side trip to a nearby farm being preyed on by a monster that turns out to be a red herring beast. Then, when the PCs are enjoying the atmosphere of the local tavern - perhaps celebrating what they think to be the end of the adventure - a terrifying scream emanates for the basement. A barmaid has been taken by the ratipede, leading the PCs into a subterranean on a desperate rescue mission.

Beyond the giant ratipede, It Came from the Cellar includes three new monsters: the horrific and always hungry aethergeist; a tiny but nonetheless deadly ooze called a dipsa; and doppelrats, which can create duplicates of itself to overwhelm foes. There are also new magic items suitable for low level characters, the standout of which is the filthbane ring which grants protection from disease and poison, advantage to perception and investigation checks in sewers, and ability to communicate with sewer vermin.

Production quality is excellent. There are also seven beautifully rendered maps of the town, cellar tunnels, the inn, and other key locations.

The title suggests something that would have lingered on the back shelf of the schlocky horror section of a 1980s video store. But It Came from the Cellar is far better than that. If you've toyed with the notion of running a sidetrek for their party, It Came from the Cellar may just what you're looking for.