The Keep on the Borderlands (B2) is a Dungeons & Dragons module by Gary Gygax, first printed in December 1979. It is designed for use with the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set. Although also available for separate sale, it was included in the 6th to 11th printings (1979-1982) of the Basic Set.[1] The cover of the first printing included the notation, With minor modifications, it is also suitable for use with ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS; this was removed from later printings. A novelized version of the adventure was published in 1999.

The module's cover features artwork by Jim Roslof and notes it is especially designed to help beginning players and Dungeon Masters (DMs). Tips for running encounters appear throughout the text to assist beginning DMs.[2] The module also provides rudimentary rules for wilderness adventures as these were not included in the Basic D&D set. The structure of the "dungeon" as a series of separate caves allows for segmented playing sessions for beginners.

The Keep on the Borderlands was ranked the 7th greatest Dungeons & Dragons adventure of all time by Dungeon magazine in 2004, on the 30th anniversary of the Dungeons & Dragons game.

Player characters are expected to arrive at the titular Keep and base themselves there before investigating the nearby Caves of Chaos, a series of closely-placed caverns teeming with multiple species of vicious humanoids. Plot twists include a treacherous priest within the Keep, hungry lizardmen in a nearby swamp, and a mad hermit in the wilderness. It typifies the dungeon crawls associated with beginning D&D players, while permitting some limited outdoor adventures.

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BackGround
The Realm of mankind is narrow and constricted. Always the forces of Chaos press upon its borders, seeking to enslave its populace, rape its riches, and steal its treasures. If it were not for stout few, many in the realm would indeed fall prey to the evil which surrounds them. Yet, there are allows certain exceptions and brave members of humanity as well as similar individuals among its allies (dwarves, elves and halflings) who rise above the common level and join battle to stave off the darkness which would otherwise overwhelm the land. Bold adventurers from the Realm set off for the Borderlands to seek their fortune. It is these adventurers who, provided they survive the challenge, carry the battle to the enemy. Such adventurers meet the forces of Chaos in a testing ground where only the fittest will return to relate the tale. Here, these individuals will become skilled in their profession, be it a fighter, or a magic user, cleric or thief. They will be tried in the fire of combat, those who return, hardened and more fit. True, some few who do survive the process will turn from Law and Good and serve the masters of Chaos, but most will remain faithful and ready to fight chaos wherever it threatens to infect the realm.

Ahead, up the winding road, atop a sheer-walled mount of stone, looms the great KEEP. Here at one of civilization's strongholds between good lands and bad, you will base yourselves and equip for forays against the wicked monsters who lurk in the wilds. Somewhere nearby, amidst the dark forests and tangled fens, are the Caves of Chaos where fell creatures lie in wait. All this you know, but before you dare adventure into such regions you must become acquainted with the other members of your group, for each life will depend upon the ability of the others to cooperate against the common foe. Now before you enter the grim fortress, is the time for introductions and an exchange of information, for fate it seems to have decreed that you are to become an adventurous band you must pass through many harrowing experiences together on the path which leads to greatness.

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Please sign up here if you wish to play this adventure, a great way to start at the Realms, to learn how to play ADnD and to pass on guidance if you are experienced.

This is the first adventure for the Site and will be catalyst for how future adventures and of course the main Campaign are run, so be patient if things don't go exactly to plan.

I'll play, it sounds like this will be very interesting. I'm looking forward to finally learning this game.

I'll Play I've got a world to conquer

Standing before you is a Grey Elf wrapped in a travel cloak... You can see that he wears a finely "knit" chainmail suit of armor under his cloak. At his left side you see a long slender sword and on his right you see a short sword, across his back you see a Elven Long Bow and a quiver of arrows. You also see a back pack and bed roll

Lets get this game started...You guys need to talk to one another, work out what you are doing and how you are doing it. Other players may join...it is important to read what is written, to look for clues as to what you should do during your turn. My roll is to narrate and DM this adventure (if you have questions you need to ask them)

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You have travelled for many days, leaving the Realm and entering into the wilder area of the Borderlands. Farms and towns have become less frequent and travellers few. The road has climbed higher as you enter the forested and mountainous country.

You know move up a narrow, rocky track. A sheer wall of natural stone is on your left, the path falling away to a steep cliff on the right. There is a small widening ahead, where the main gate to the KEEP is. The blue-clad men-at-arms who guard the entrance shout at you to give your names and state your business. All along the wall you see curious faces peering down at you - eager to welcome new champions of Law, but ready with crossbow and pole arms to give another sort of welcome to enemies.



Ahead of you is seen the Main Gate. Two towers 30' high with battlements flank a gatehouse 20' high. All have holes for bow and crossbow fire. The flanking towers have four cross bowmen with crossbows cocked and ready to fire atop each. Each crossbowman is clad in chain mail. A deep crevice in front of the place is spanned by a drawbridge (which is currently up). There is a portcullis at the entry and large gates at the far end of the passage. As you approach the drawbridge it is lowered and the portcullis is raised.

Two Men-At-Arms approach, each is clad in plate mail and carry a pole arm. Again the ask "Give your names and state your business"

My name is Xypher I am a Ranger for higher and I am here to offer my sevices.

My name is Dustin I'm a half Orc warrior I'm looking for a fight to test my abilitys and increase my skill.

Well met Dustin, From wense have you come.

I am from the world of Greyhawk, White Plum Mts.

"Well Met to you both" says the larger of the Men-At-Arms, "please go through the gates, beware our laws and your stay shall be peaceful"

The smaller of the two says to you as you begin to pass the gates, "if an adventure you be after I would recommend the tavern as a starting point, it's next to the Travellers Inn"

As you walk through the gates you come to the entry yard, this narrow place is paved. Several lackeys stand waiting to assist those who enter, taking their horses to stables etc. With them is the Corporal of the Watch, he is dressed in plate mail and carries a shield, he also wears a sword and a dagger at his waist.

A lackey comes up to you and say, "Well met! My name is Pintle, I am here to take you to the Travellers Inn. Do you have any horses or can we go now?"

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To make the adventure run smoothly could you please discuss who is 'leader' of the group who will tell me (the DM) what each person is doing. The tavern is a good place to start and a good base to return to, to sell items, purchase new supplies, hear rumours about the surrounding Caves of Chaos etc.

Well met I am a local from the southern realms near shadowdale, I hesitate to mention it but this will be my first quest and because of that I would recommend that you take the lead as you clearly seem more versed in the ways of this world then I.

I am adverse to learning I am Half orc after all, while we may both be inexperienced I still feel you are the better suited to lead 116 may be young for your kind but it still means you have far more experience then one such as me.

Very well if you insist I will lead we head to the tavern for drinks, food and 'jobs"

just lead the way.

The lackey takes you to the Suds & Spuds Tavern....

You turn left to follow the lackey, as you walk you see to the right the stable and warehouse. 70ft on the lackey turns right around the building and you follow. To the left you can see the large Bailiff's Tower, obviously the corner fortifications of this large keep. To the left following the wall is what looks like a series of private apartments, obviously if you could afford it you would probably stay here in some comfort.
Some 80ft on passing to the right you see the Smithy/Armourer, the provisioner and the trader. All good places to remember when you need to buy or sell.
Passing through a narrow alleyway the trader on the right and what looks like a loan bank on the left you to a small courtyard approx. 50ft square, in the middle of the courtyard is a lovely fountain. Behind the fountain you can see the Travellers Inn and the Tavern.

Looking at the sign I just shake my head and chuckle "The Suds & Spuds ok I believe I've seen it all... corse I am still young."