Dungeon Module B1

In Search of the Unknown
"How do we play this new game anyway?" "This isn't like anything else we have ever done." "How do I know I am doing it correctly?" B1 was written by Mike Carr (who designed Fight for the Skies when he was just 16), as an instructional module to help players figure out this revolutionary game and answer questions like these. The module is pure dungeon crawl and players will have to wait until B2 Keep on the Borderlands for their next lesson involving wilderness and a bit of urban adventure. B1 has a unique design approach where-in the referee must populate the dungeon with monsters and treasure drawn from a list of possibles. I suppose this technique gives the adventure some improved replayability as the monster and treasure locations can be switched around.
The map is designed to give players experience in mapping both easy tunnels and more difficult caverns. The Mr. Carr states the monsters are somewhat easier in B1 than would normally be encountered in a dungeon for levels 1-3, but should be challenging for novice players learning the system. A variety of challenges are presented within the dungeon so that more than combat ability is tested. Advice and suggestions for both referee and players are included in the module and I find the player advice particularly noteworthy.
The Tips for Players section includes advice to the player to be organized regarding the character sheet. Mr. Carr points out that in the game the referee makes the final decision and should be respected, and that cooperation is the way to fun and success. Further advice is given to pay attention to pace within the session, progressing neither too slowly, nor hastily through the dungeon and suggests avoid arguing - it attracts wandering monsters who carry little treasure and deplete party resources. Included is some advice on role-playing, to be on your guard as not everyone encountered is what they appear to be, to treat your hirelings and henchmen fairly as it pays off in their loyalty, and to have fun playing your character's role, immersing yourself in the game. Final advice is given to know your limits and when to run away. Mr. Carr adds, that many goals can be accomplished without resorting to combat; shrewd judgement and logical deduction are as much a part of the game as strength of arms and magic.
If I have played B1 as a player I don't recall it. I'm pretty sure I have not run it, but the module looks fun. I think it's real value is as a teaching tool and although I have been at this hobby some time, I find the player and referee advice good reminders. For a first-time player and referee, a product such as this would be very helpful. B1 was for a time packaged with the Basic Set and that seems a good choice. I believe it was replaced in that role by B2, which of course adds elements outside the dungeon and is effectively a starter campaign.