The first contribution by Douglas Niles, who would go on to contribute a number of modules for AD&D as well as co-create the Dragonlance setting, and write a whole bunch of D&D novels, including the first Forgotten Realms novels (the Moonshae trilogy), this was a pretty good calling card.

This module successfully walks the tightrope between being too sandboxy and too railroady. It gives players plenty to do by themselves as they investigate the opening town of Orlane but directs them inexorably to the titular Reptile God’s headquarters. There are some really fun roleplay mechanics here, taking into account that the small rural village of Orlane has been progressively taken over by Cultists who have either converted, kidnapped or charmed villagers into being loyal to the cult of the reptile god, with just a few remaining untouched by the nefarious influence. 

The investigation in the village is the most original part of the story and as the story goes on we do get to a kind of meat-grinder final dungeon where you either need a powerful NPC to tag along with you or you’ll become a red smear on the walls… or just a wisp of smoke, seeing as your 1st level party will have to fight a boss that starts off by shooting a fireball at you as an appetizer. Still, with a bit of DM tinkering there is much fun to be had here, and this is a classic module for a reason.