Wizard's Challenge

HHQ2 Wizard's Challenge is a 32-page adventure module for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition released in July 1992. It is intended for a single character of level 2 to 5.

Official synopsis[]

The village of Northbank was once a haven for mages of all talents and a magnet for hopeful apprentices. Its wizards' guild was a respected center for instruction, study, and research. But mysterious circumstances caused the sudden demise of the guild several years ago and resulted in the deaths of some important guild members. And a ghostly figure now threatens the few surviving members of the guild.
Wizard's Challenge is an ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® adventure designed for a single character or a party of up to three members. It allows a wizard to be the center of the adventure and offers many role-playing oppurtunities such as spell research, component gathering, and forging important relationships with other wizards. This adventure is perfect for the wizard who needs experience, is looking for something more than crawling through dungeons, or is seeking a student or mentor.
Is your character ready to accept the challenge? Intrigue and danger await!

Content[]

Backstory and plot[]

Nine years ago, the Northbank wizards' guild dissolved. Its former leader Kyristan sought the secrets to become a lich, taking the moniker of the Dead King. His apprentice, the spectral wizard Surrisk, named the Ghost Prince, has taken up residence in a tower. Now he seeks to recruit wizards into the service of his master, and won't take no for an answer.

The book contains the magic items ring of cantrips, proficient staff, ooze, slime, and jelly beans, and magical bathtub; and the spell undead familiar. It also features the spectral wizard monster, along with the spell create spectral wizard.

Development and release[]

Development[]

The book was written by Tim Beach. Cover art was provided by Eric Olson, and interior illustrations by Karl Waller.

Release[]

Wizard's Challenge was released by TSR in July 1992 for $6.95 US, $8.50 Canadian, and £4.50 UK.

On April 9, 2013, it was re-released in digital format. It is currently available on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $4.99.

Reception and influence[]

Critical reception[]

As of 2023, Wizard's Challenge reached the rank of Electrum seller on DriveThruRPG.

Influence on other works[]

External links[]

References[]

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition
Core rules
Player's Handbook • Dungeon Master Guide Monstrous Compendium Volume One • Monstrous Compendium Volume Two • Monstrous Manual First Quest • Introduction to Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Game • The Complete Starter Set • Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Game
Optional core rules
Player's Option: Combat & Tactics • Player's Option: Skills & Powers • Player's Option: Spells & Magic Dungeon Master Option: High-Level Campaigns • Campaign Option: Council of Wyrms
Supplement lines
Player's Handbook Rules Supplement • Dungeon Master's Guide Rules Supplement Monstrous Compendium Appendix • Monstrous Compendium Annual Encyclopedia Magica • Historical Reference • The Magic Encyclopedia • Monstrous Arcana • Priest's Spell Compendium • Wizard's Spell Compendium
Other supplements
Bastion of Faith • Book of Artifacts • Castle Sites • Chronomancer • City Sites • College of Wizardry • Country Sites • Den of Thieves • Dungeon Builder's Guidebook • Guide to Hell • Legends & Lore • Rogues' Gallery • Shaman • Tome of Magic • The Vortex of Madness and Other Planar Perils • Warriors of Heaven • World Builder's Guidebook
Adventures
The Apocalypse Stone • Axe of the Dwarvish Lords • Cleric's Challenge (II) • The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga • Destiny of Kings • Die Vecna Die! • Dragon Mountain • Dungeons of Despair • Fighter's Challenge (II) • The Gates of Firestorm Peak • A Hero's Tale • Labyrinth of Madness • The Lost Shrine of Bundushatur • Moonlight Madness • The Murky Deep • Night Below: An Underdark Campaign • A Paladin in Hell • Return to the Tomb of Horrors • Reverse Dungeon • Road to Danger • The Rod of Seven Parts • The Shattered Circle • The Silver Key • Swamplight • Tale of the Comet • Tales of Enchantment • Temple, Tower, & Tomb • Thief's Challenge (II) • TSR Jam 1999 • Wizard's Challenge (II)