The Cradle of Skulls in OSRIC for OSR Classic Fantasy RPGs

About The Author

Hi, I'm Greg Gawron, better known around the gaming table as "DM Greg," founder of Advanced Fantasy Games.

By day, I'm a technology recruiter, father, grandfather, and lifelong gamer. By night—and for most of my life—I've been creating worlds, writing adventures, and guiding players through unforgettable fantasy campaigns.

My journey into tabletop role-playing began in 1979 with the Holmes Basic Edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Like so many gamers of that era, I was instantly captivated. As new rulebooks and adventures appeared on store shelves, my love for the hobby only grew. More than four decades later, I'm still behind the Game Master's screen, sharing adventures with friends and introducing new players to the magic of classic fantasy role-playing.

For decades I've run a long-standing Greyhawk campaign, creating adventures filled with exploration, mystery, dangerous dungeons, and memorable encounters. Those countless hours around the table inspired me to found Advanced Fantasy Games, where my goal is to publish high-quality, old-school adventures that capture the spirit of the games that inspired generations of players.

While many gamers debate which edition is "best," I believe the rules are simply a framework. What truly makes this hobby special are the stories created together by players and Game Masters. That's why every Advanced Fantasy Games adventure is original and designed with classic gameplay in mind while remaining easy to adapt for OSRIC, 1st Edition AD&D, 2nd Edition, and many other fantasy role-playing systems.

I'm honored to have contributed to Castle Wolfmoon, the long-awaited sequel campaign by Gary Gygax and Chris Clark of Inner City Games Designs. I also had the privilege of serving as an official Dungeon Master for the 2nd Annual Ernie Gygax Memorial Challenge at EGG CON III 2026, helping celebrate the legacy of the Gygax family and the hobby that has meant so much to me throughout my life.

Every project from Advanced Fantasy Games is created with the same passion that inspired me to write my very first dungeon decades ago. Your support doesn't simply fund another adventure—it helps preserve the spirit of classic tabletop gaming while allowing me to continue creating new original adventures and product offerings for gamers everywhere.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope these adventures create as many unforgettable memories at your table as this hobby has created at mine.

¹ Greyhawk and Dungeons & Dragons are registered trademarks of their respective owners. This work is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or specifically approved by those trademark holders.

About Our Products

Advanced Fantasy Games adventures are ORIGINAL player-inspired and Game Master-crafted, blending the timeless spirit of classic tabletop role-playing with exciting new adventures. Every module is designed to spark the imagination through immersive storytelling, challenging encounters, iconic blue maps, and original artwork from talented fantasy artists. Each product is created to capture the look, feel, and excitement of the golden age of adventure gaming while delivering memorable experiences for today's players.

We believe quality matters. Every adventure is professionally printed in the USA with durable 12-point C1S or C2S full-color covers, crisp black interior printing on 70# white offset paper, and a classic 8.5" × 11" saddle-stitched format. Like the beloved adventure modules of the past, each book features a removable cover, allowing Game Masters to separate the cover from the adventure without damaging the spine—perfect for use as a reference and GM Screen during play while preserving that authentic old-school experience.

Our adventures are written using the Open Game License Version 1.0a and the OSRIC ruleset, making them readily adaptable to 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, OSRIC, and many other old-school fantasy role-playing game systems. Many Game Masters have also found them easy to convert for use with 2nd Edition AD&D and other compatible OGL/OSR-inspired games, allowing you to enjoy the adventure with the system you already love.

What's Next for Advanced Fantasy Games

Our journey doesn't end with this adventure.

Once this project is successfully funded, development will continue on our next Tournament Adventure Module, The Sands of Time. The adventure has already moved beyond the concept stage, and writing is well underway, making this the next chapter in the growing Advanced Fantasy Games Tournament Adventure Series.

The Sands of Time Cover Art Rough Sketch by Konrad Quoyans

The Sands of Time continues the story of the same pre-generated heroes introduced in The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying and advanced through The Cradle of Skulls. By the time they reach this new adventure, they will have grown in level, equipment, and experience—as though they successfully survived the previous challenges and are ready to face an even greater threat.

Our vision is to create a connected series of tournament adventures that can be enjoyed individually or played as an ongoing campaign. Each new module advances the pre-generated characters while presenting fresh challenges, allowing players to watch these heroes evolve over multiple adventures. Prefer to use your own party? Every adventure is also designed so Game Masters can easily substitute their own characters and weave the modules into an existing campaign.

This is only the beginning. With your support, Advanced Fantasy Games will continue expanding its product offerings with new adventures, new heroes, and new legends for years to come.

Stretch Goals — We Dare to Be Different

For the first time, we're introducing Stretch Goals to an Advanced Fantasy Games Kickstarter—and we're making them count.

As our community helps us reach each milestone, every backer will receive additional exclusive content at no extra cost. These aren't filler rewards. Each stretch goal has been designed to expand your adventure, enhance your gaming experience, and build upon the ongoing Tournament Adventure Series™.

The more support we receive, the more we can give back to the community that made this adventure possible.

$5,000 — THE FIRST DEAD — UNLOCKED!

THE SECRETS OF THE FALLEN HAVE BEEN REVEALED!

WE DID IT! Thanks to the incredible support of our backers, The First Dead stretch goal has been unlocked!

Every backer will receive The Axe of the Dwarfish Miner in PDF - a NEW DWARFISH RELIC to place within The Cradle of Skulls™ wherever the GM chooses.

This mysterious relic adds another piece to the ancient dwarven history buried beneath the Cradle—and gives Game Masters one more secret to reveal.

$7,500 — FRESH MEAT — UNLOCKED!

EVERY ADVENTURING PARTY NEEDS FRESH MEAT!

WE DID IT! Thanks to the incredible support of our backers, The Fresh Meat stretch goal has been unlocked!

Every backer will receive a brand-new Player Character—the Ranger in PDF.

But this Ranger isn't just for The Cradle of Skulls™. This character will continue the story as a regular Player Character in our next Tournament Adventure Series™ — The Sands of Time™. All backers will get the first look and access to this new Player Character!

The Ranger's stats and player character sheet will be released soon!

Your characters don't simply end when the adventure does. Their story continues.

$10,000 — The Reinforcements Have Arrived with Secret Objectives  — UNLOCKED!

Every backer will receive Dagger of the Dwarfish Cutpurse in PDF - a NEW DWARFISH RELIC to place within The Cradle of Skulls™ wherever the GM chooses AND a brand-new Player Character—the Paladin.

Like the Ranger, the Paladin will become a regular Player Character in our next Tournament Adventure Series™ — The Sands of Time™. Only backers will get the first look and access to this new Player Character!

The journey continues, and the party grows stronger.

All backers also receive "The Tournament Master's Challenge — Player Character Secret Objectives."

Note: Secret Objectives removed from image above to keep hidden from players.

These secret objectives are specifically designed for each Player Character during tournament play of The Cradle of Skulls. Each player will have additional personal goals to pursue—without the rest of the party knowing.

Complete your secret objectives and earn additional tournament scoring opportunities while adding another layer of strategy, competition, and excitement to the adventure.

PDF Only

EGG Con IV Special Stretch Goal Charity Auction Donation  — UNLOCKED and HEADING to EGG CON IV!

Advanced Fantasy Games will donate a spectacular four-part, full-color World of Greyhawk poster map to the EGG Con IV Charity Auction. Originally published in Dungeon magazine issues 118–121, the four maps combine to create a massive 42" x 60" World of Greyhawk map!

What Our Customers Are Saying About Advanced Fantasy Games Products & Service

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of the gamers who have already backed and received our first adventure. Here are just a few of the comments we've received about The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying.

"PCs will face challenges that vary nicely. There are numerous fights, sure, but also those that will challenge the mind. Players will need to be cautious and thoughtful to succeed – this is an old school adventure after all, right down to cursed items, nefarious traps, and monsters that can get the jump on the unwary. Just reading the module makes you reflexively reach for a ten-foot pole. The dungeon isn’t linear, so there’s player agency. Maps blue – if you remember them this adventure is for you – and are very well designed."— Andrew

“Your writing was clean. The dungeon progression made sense. The challenges were reasonable. My players had fun plus they learned AD&D."— Joseph Y.

"I was lucky enough to play test it and let me say it brought me back to my childhood and reminded me how much fun the original D&D was—and still is. Very challenging and so much fun. Thanks!"— Vincent F.

"Just wanted to let you know I received my copy in the mail today and it looks fantastic! The art print is getting framed and hung in my game room. Thank you again. I can't wait to play it!"
— Eric F.

"After my first read-through, I must say: Excellent work! This is a great little adventure that serves as a perfect introduction to OSRIC and AD&D, especially with the pre-generated characters. I'll definitely be looking forward to the sequel."
— Joseph Y.

"Well packed. Carefully packed. Thanks Greg!"
— Bill Allan World

"Layout is beautiful and so fantastically readable, Greg. Great job!"
— Dan the Final Arbiter

"OMG! This is awesome! Thanks Greg!"
— SJ

"Just got mine today! Love it!"
— Steve J.

"Just got mine in the mail and I couldn't be happier! Really nice job, and ahead of schedule."
— Rob H.

"I have to say this was one of the fastest campaign completions I have ever seen!"
— Aaron T.

"I received mine today—looks great!"
— JBCTCJoe

"I received my physical copy this week! It arrived in perfect condition, and your packing skills—and the 'DO NOT BEND' labels—certainly lived up to their reputation! The module itself is a work of old-school trade dress and format beauty. I can't wait to dive into it. Thank you so much for this!"
— Robert W.

"I talked with a couple of friends who were in your games, and they said it was one of their favorites. Keep rocking."— Steve J.

"I was truly honored to receive The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying adventure module along with the incredible limited edition art print #162/400. Both are fantastic additions to my collection and gifts that my son and I will always treasure."— DM Leo GiRod

"On the positive side, the production values are great. Love the old school feel. Good quality paper. Pretty good art overall, could maybe have used a little more. The Tim Hartin cartography is fantastic. Overall, I think the adventure is perfectly competent and well-constructed."— John W.

"The fact that you went the extra mile to alert me is very much appreciated."— GoBa

"I read the adventure. I really like it. I can see how it was specifically designed to be run quick and easy, with little prep, at conventions. I also appreciate the old school sensibilities."— Andrew H.

"I finished going through Lost Tomb, and that's a pretty gnarly dungeon crawl. There's several points when I read along and went "DAMN!" out loud because of the nasty stuff you pulled. "Big props for not having any spelling errors I could find. Also, the non-stat block text looked free of punctuation errors. Those might sound like low bars to clear, but they're not, that's quite an accomplishment!"— Stephen C.

What Critics, Bloggers, Backers, and Editors are Saying About The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying, Our Writing Style, and What We Are Doing About It

Too much BOLD text?

We have reduced the amount of bold text in The Cradle of Skulls by approximately 30% compared to our first release, focusing on the information we feel is most important and useful to the GM.

We are overcommunicating?

We will limit our communication via Kickstarter to regular and necessary updates. As a new publisher and lifelong lover of gaming, we want to ensure that Advanced Fantasy Games consistently exceeds your expectations in everything we do.

Not your style of adventure?

Each adventure we create is unique—originally written to capture the imagination of both Players and GMs. We will continue striving to create exciting, immersive adventures that offer something special for a wide range of gamers.

Need a better adventure summary to draw you in?

We have expanded the backstory and adventure summary to provide greater context and create a more immersive experience for both Players and GMs.

You think we are doing this for the money?

This is our passion. We are committed to bringing new and exciting adventures to market while helping Players and GMs expand their love of classic fantasy gaming.

To prove it, we offer multiple ways to support our next release, The Cradle of Skulls. This 46-page (PDF and PoD is 44 pages), full color tournament adventure is 18 pages longer than our first release and uses the same high-quality materials you have come to expect from Advanced Fantasy Games. It also includes a premium, trifold, satin-finish, lay-flat laminated cover that doubles as a GM Screen—all for a nominal increase in price.

We have also created more ways to save. Backers can Build Their Own Bundle, choose the Mini Bundle and save 25%, or go all-in with the Mega Bundle and save 30%.

With USPS postage, material, and vendor costs continuing to rise, we will keep looking for ways to provide the best possible value to our customers—not simply by saving you money, but by delivering the exceptional quality you have come to expect from Advanced Fantasy Games.

Don't understand our writing style?

We are writing for a broad customer base, and we strive to keep our language clear, accessible, and easy to understand. We do not believe that using overly complicated words makes an adventure better. Instead, we want our stories and descriptions to draw you into the world without creating confusion or taking away from the experience.

The best way to describe our approach is that we write with the nostalgic feeling of playing D&D between 1978 and 1984, when everything was new, every dungeon was unexplored, and the possibilities seemed endless. We aim to capture that sense of excitement, danger, discovery, risk, and reward that made those early adventures so memorable—and that leaves Players and GMs wanting to see what comes next.

Our adventures are born from actual gameplay, real dice rolls, unexpected moments, and ideas that keep gamers thinking long after the session ends. Our adventures are not balanced by design. The world is dangerous, choices have consequences, and sometimes the dice simply do not fall in your favor.

We are also building a campaign-style series of adventures, allowing you to carry your characters forward from one adventure to the next. As your characters grow in experience, power, and equipment, so does the story. Our goal is to create adventures where Players can grow alongside their characters and experience the journey together.

You think we need a professional editor?

We had a professional editor review The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying, and we agree with their assessment that the primary areas for improvement are consistency, organization and flow of information, and the removal of unnecessary text.

We are taking that feedback seriously. For our next release, The Sands of Time, we plan to partner with a professional editor throughout the development process. While this will add to our production costs, our goal is to absorb those additional expenses and preserve our current pricing structure.

Our commitment is simple: continue improving the quality of every release while providing the best possible value to our customers.

A Special Thanks to Those Who Support Us

Angelo Chiriaco at The DM and Friends The DM & Friends (DM Angelo) - YouTube

YouTube Video with the DM Roundtable on The DM & Friends

Check out this video where we discuss horror in gaming and The Cradle of Skulls module.

DanTheFinalArbiter at Arbiter's Archive Arbiter's Archive - YouTube

YouTube Video with Dan & James on The Arbiter's Archive and RPGrandPa Tabletop

Check out this video where we did a deep dive into The Cradle of Skulls module.

Lord Matteus and Gary The Second Watch - YouTube

YouTube Video with Lord Matteus on The Second Watch

Check out this video where we did a deep dive into The Cradle of Skulls module. 

Jeff Buffington The Bad News Bards - YouTube

YouTube Video with Jeff & Kam on The Bad News Bards

Check out this video where we did a deep dive into The Cradle of Skulls module.

All of our backers, future backers, and friends

A Note from the Publisher

As the founder of Advanced Fantasy Games and a new independent publisher of fantasy role-playing adventures compatible with your favorite OGL/OSR-style systems—including 1E AD&D, your feedback and support truly mean everything.

Our goal is simple: Create exciting, table-ready adventures that capture the spirit of classic fantasy role-playing while delivering high-quality modern production.

Stay Connected

Follow our journey and be the first to hear about future releases:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/advancedfantasygames/

Website (launching soon): https://advancedfantasygames.com

Follow us on Facebook, follow us on Kickstarter, and bookmark our website to interact with us and to stay up to date with new adventures, artwork, and upcoming product launches.

Thank you for your support—it truly means everything.

— Greg Gawron aka "DM Greg"
Founder, Advanced Fantasy Games

What Does The Kickstarter Money Pay For?

Classic Softcover Module Printing

Your support funds the printing of a high-quality softcover adventure module, complete with removable covers—just like the legendary 1E classics you remember. Our products are built for the table and made to capture the spirit of the golden age of adventure gaming.

New Artwork, Limited-Edition Collectibles & Exclusive Add-Ons

This project features all-new original artwork created exclusively for this adventure and other artwork by talented fantasy artists. Backers will also have the opportunity to own limited-edition art prints produced from the original illustrations, offering unique collectibles at an affordable price.

We're also expanding the Advanced Fantasy Games product line with exciting new additions, including a full-color removable trifold GM Screen, premium character sheets, and an all-new side-quest adventure module designed to enhance your campaign and extend the adventure beyond the main storyline.

More Ways to Back

This campaign introduces our Mega Bundle, Mini Bundle, and a flexible Build Your Own Bundle option, giving you more ways than ever to get exactly what you want.

With our expanded selection of add-ons, you can customize your pledge and create a package that fits your gaming table and your budget. Whether you're looking for the complete collector's experience or just a few favorite items, you're in control.

The best part? The more you bundle, the more you save. It's our way of rewarding backers who want to expand their collection with premium adventures, accessories, and exclusive campaign items.

Premium Production Quality

Featuring classic blue maps, professional layout and design, and printing on higher-quality paper with superior inks. Every copy will be proudly printed in the USA to ensure durability and excellent table presence.

Fuel for Future Adventures

Your backing doesn’t just bring this adventure to life—it helps fund future modules and projects from Advanced Fantasy Games, allowing us to keep creating new adventures, artwork, and discoveries for your gaming table.

Your Support Goes Beyond Our Kickstarter

Your support doesn’t just help us create the products you love. It allows Advanced Fantasy Games to give back to the gaming community in many ways.

We pay artists for original work. We pay a professional layout designer who brings it all together and creates our marketing collatoral. Then we pay a US-based printer who produces the final product. No Kickstarter launches without us first reviewing proofs to ensure you receive the highest quality product possible. 

We also provide direct support and hours of viewership to YouTube creators like The DM & Friends (DM Angelo) and thedungeondelver (Bill Silvey). We make individual financial contributions and send free memberships to other YouTube channels, while supporting smaller creators who are working to build their own communities.

When we support these creators, the benefits go far beyond a monthly contribution, a Super Chat, or helping a channel with engagement, visibility, and retention. It helps creators continue producing content, while giving their viewers and customers more opportunities to learn, play, share, and enjoy this great hobby.

Your continued support also encourages us to attend conventions such as EGG CON, Little Wars, Origins, Con on the Cob, NTRPGCon, and others. At these events, we run games, support charitable causes, meet fellow gamers, introduce new players to the hobby, and create the kind of memories that keep tabletop gaming alive.

We also back other Kickstarters. Sometimes with just a financial gift, but sometimes we purchase the product and look forward to sharing their story as well.

Your support goes right back into the gaming community in more ways than you might realize.

When you support Advanced Fantasy Games, you’re not just supporting a publisher.

You're supporting creators.
You’re supporting conventions.
You’re supporting players and GMs.
You’re supporting the hobby we all love.

In short, when you support Advanced Fantasy Games, you support all of us.

Release Timeline and Schedule

We're committed to delivering this project on time.

The adventure is fully written, layout and graphic design are complete, all images are included, all production files have already been sent to the printer, and the proof run has been received. By completing so much of the work before launching this campaign, we've significantly reduced production risk and positioned ourselves to begin printing prior to funding.

We're also partnering with the same trusted printing and fulfillment team that successfully produced our previous Kickstarter project. Their proven quality and reliability give us every confidence that this adventure will reach your gaming table ahead of schedule once again.

Our goal is simple: spend less time developing after the campaign ends and more time getting this adventure into the hands of our backers as quickly as possible. We will continue to notify all backers with the official fulfillment schedule as information becomes available.

With the release of The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying, we established the standard for every Advanced Fantasy Games product that follows, and we received feedback on areas we can look to improve. Now, with its highly anticipated sequel, The Cradle of Skulls, we remain committed to delivering an adventure that not only provides unforgettable gameplay but also looks and feels exceptional at the gaming table.

We’re confident you’ll enjoy the adventure—and with your support, we’ll ensure it arrives in the highest quality possible.

Why Back This Project?

Backing this project means more than simply purchasing an adventure module—it means helping bring a new generation of classic-style fantasy adventures to life.

A Complete Adventure, Ready to Print

This module is already written, illustrated, and professionally laid out. There are no delays waiting on design or development—your support moves the project directly into printing and fulfillment.

Inspired by the Golden Age of Role-Playing

Designed with the spirit of classic modules in mind, this adventure captures the challenge, exploration, and excitement that made early fantasy role-playing unforgettable.

Premium Table-Ready Production

Your backing supports high-quality printing, classic blue maps, original artwork, and durable materials designed to look great and hold up through countless game sessions.

A Growing Adventure Line

This is still just the beginning. Your support helps launch a series of tournament-style adventures, allowing players to continue their journey using advancing pre-generated characters across multiple modules.

Support Independent Creators

Advanced Fantasy Games is an independent publisher dedicated to producing fun, high-quality adventures for the gaming community. Backing this project directly supports new creative work and future releases.

If you love classic fantasy adventures, memorable dungeon crawls, and modules built for the table, this project was made for you!

Enjoy These Scenes from the Module

"A broad stone doorway opens into a low-ceilinged chamber lined with crude bedding thrown across carved stone bunks. The air is thick with the stench of sweat and sour ale. Guttural snores echo unevenly off the walls. Weapons — axes, spears, and notched blades— lean within arm’s reach of the sleepers. A single lantern burns low, its flame wavering..."

"Weapon racks line the walls, and shields bearing crude markings hang is random order. A massive shape shifts and casts a large shadow in the hallway from the dim light within the adjacent room..."

"Standing beside the dais using it as cover is the chieftain’s shaman. Her skin dyed deep blue, she wears a red cloak sewn from burial shrouds. White tattoo lines mark her face like fractures in ancient bone. Around her neck hangs a bleached skull. In her hand she carries a bronze-wood staff..."

What writing style, story quality, and encounters can you expect within this module and in future releases from Advanced Fantasy Games? 

Our passion for TTRPGs is what motivates us to bring great products to the community. Some of the key features are:

1. 12pt font for easier reading in low-light settings
2. Two-columns per page
3. Bolded key information
4. Text Box format for GM to read to players and provide immersive experiences
5. Notes to GM: following each text box
6. Full stat blocks for all monsters and encounters
7. Original artwork (no AI generation)
8. Printed with the highest quality inks
9. We use 60-70# paper with high opacity to ensure durability

YouTube Video with The GM & Friends (DM Angelo)

Check out this video where we did a deep dive into The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying module and our experiences as a first-time publisher. Interview with Advanced Fantasy Games Founder DM Greg | The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying

Delivery of Digital Products and PDFs

You will receive a watermarked PDF copy of the complete module which you will need to download from DriveThruRPG, and all modules will be available as Print-on-Demand from DriveThruRPG as well. All Kickstarter products will be delivered and shipped at approximately the same time to all backers. Both the PDF and the PoD versions of this Kickstarter have been approved by DriveThruRPG and are ready to go public, but first we will take care of our backers. Thank you for your support!

Backer Use & Sharing Guidelines

Thank you for supporting Advanced Fantasy Games!
Your backing makes projects like The Lost Tomb of Kazcuk Mot the Undying, The Cradle of Skulls, and The Sands of Time possible, and we truly appreciate you being part of this journey.

How You Can Use This Adventure

Your purchase gives you a personal-use license to enjoy the adventure however you like:

• Run it at your table (home games, conventions, game stores)
• Print copies for your own use
• Share the experience with your players

If you're a content creator, you're welcome to:

• Review the adventure
• Stream or record actual play sessions
• Share small excerpts or images while discussing the product

A Quick Note on Sharing

We kindly ask that you do not upload or distribute the full PDF (or large portions of it) online. This helps us continue creating high-quality adventures, artwork, and future releases.

If someone is interested, please point them to DriveThruRPG - The Largest RPG Download Store! our https://www.facebook.com/groups/advancedfantasygames/ our official page Advanced Fantasy Games or Kickstarter Advanced Fantasy Games » My Profile — Kickstarter to reach us—it truly makes a difference.

Our Work & World

All content in this product—writing, artwork, maps, and design, unless otherwise noted—is created specifically for this adventure and remains the property of Advanced Fantasy Games.

Our product names, logos, and branding are part of what makes our world unique, and we ask that they not be reused for other projects without permission.

Want to Do More with It?

If you're interested in:

• Creating content based on our work
• Collaborating on future projects
• Licensing for commercial use

We’d love to hear from you—just reach out!

Thank You

Independent publishing exists because of backers like you. Your support allows us to hire artists, designers, printers, refine our craft, and bring more adventures to life.

We’re honored to have you at the table.