Hârn has a rich history and convoluted politics, and this adventure, written by two Germans, Oliver Kappa and Frank Bohnsack, uses both to great effect. The adventure tells of a secret meeting between the representatives of rival factions from the kingdoms of western Hârn, in order to plan for the political stability of the region. They are to meet in a Laranian Abbey in Kanday, in the coldest months of the year, and the PCs just happen to get snowed in with them. Soon, the murders start; but who is doing them, and why do the bodies keep disappearing? The answer can only be found with an understanding of the convoluted politics of the region and the strange beliefs within the Church of Larani and its long-time enemy, the Church of Agrik.
The book is divided into two parts; the first being a 16-page description of the Laranian Abbey of Chendy. It's done in the usual Hârn style, with history, colour map of the area, detailed floor plans of the abbey, descriptions of the major NPCs etc. Anyone who hasn't got Gods of Hârn will probably be a bit lost among the strange ecclesiastical titles, though there is a glossary at the back of the supplement. As usual, it goes into great detail, and mentions things which are unlikely to be of use in the present adventure, but might be brought into play by the GM on future visits to the abbey. There's much on the economics of the abbey, and the daily round of the monks' life, which could be used as the basis for other Laranian abbeys in Hârn.
The adventure itself draws on the material of the previous chapter, adds a description of the politics surrounding the secret meeting, begins with a murder, and then throws it all open for the GM to get on with. This is not a simple adventure for beginners (neither GMS nor players). The PCS can do any number of things, and its up to the GM to deal with the various factions and their reactions to the events. If the players aren't on their toes, they could easily find themselves accused of the murders themselves.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 3 (Average)
