Before starting the adventure, each
Player should have the AD&D PLAYERS HANDBOOK,
a set of dice, and a 1st or 2nd level
character (the group including at least 1
of each of the 4 major classes). The
DM needs the AD&D
DUNGEON MASTERS GUIDE, scrap paper,
and dice. The 3 books of AD&D
game monsters can also help greatly <(MM, FF, MM2)>. Also
before the game, the DM should read and
become roughly familiar with the entire
adventure. Skip minor detail, concentrating
on the overall themes and their connections
in the different locales. If an encounter
includes special notes which will apply
before a party can react, highlight or mark
such passages as a reminder, so you are sure
of properly including each detail.
    DM, if you start the adventure before reading
the whole, limit the 1st game session to
Hommlet itself. Then read at least enough in
advance to keep ahead of the players.
    Appendix A gives a list of deities found in
the WORLD OF GREYHAWK setting.
The DM should review those notes with the
players either before starting or at some
time early in the characters' careers.
    Now have one player read the following
Players' Background to the rest, supplying
Map #1 for their reference. The background
is a bit lengthy--but the road ahead is a long
one, as well.

>> PLAYER'S BACKGROUND >>