Puzzle/Riddle based modules?

Pyrex

First Post
The series of modules I've been using for my group recently is pretty combat-heavy and I'd like to mix it up a bit.

Anyone have recommendations for puzzle/riddle heavy modules/sourcebooks/whatever?
 

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There was a really nifty adventure in an old DUNGEON which centered around a keep which had shifting internal rooms. Sorta like those little puzzle games you had as a kid where you had to shift all the pieces back into the happyface, but you only had one movement slot...
 


Pyrex said:
Tomb of Horrors? From what I heard that's more of "Death by Failed Search Check" than "Win by Using your Brain".

No, it is win by using your brain. sure there are some auto death things in there, but you can remove them and place in things less lethal. I've had smart players go through it, follow the clues and complete the module with few deaths.
 

The desert of desolation series. Pharaoh, and the tomb of martek both have some good puzzles. But arn't just about puzzles and traps.
 

The CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS (or was it Contest of Champions? I forget) was an ongoing adventure series in Dungeon magazine. They were all puzzles, riddles and obstacle challenges with some monsters thrown in as part and parcel. They were a contest for adventurers with prizes for the winning teams.

I used one of them (slightly tweaked) as an initiation ritual for the Zhentarim. The top two winning teams (survivors) then got to fight each other in an arena (map pullout from Dragon's gladiator issue) for the amusement of the Zhentarim. The ultimate winning team then had to fight each other til the last man standing, LOL. That winner got a plum assignment and pick of the litter of prizes. Also there was advanced training offered to the winners (we ended up using the "schooling" system from Fantasy Flight's "Path Of" series to give skill check bonuses for spending XP). Of course, the Zhentarim kept most of the arena contestants alive, or they'd lose a lot of good potential agents. There was a lot of gambling and sabotage involved in the contest and arena battle (both inside and outside the battle), LOL. That really made for a fun way to start a lawful evil campaign (great way to introduce the characters to each other, potential rivals, and superiors within the organization). :cool:
 

If you like watching your players tear their hair out by the fistful, try the Lost Island of Castanamir. Ahhh, not so fond memories.
 

Challenge of Champions (there are now 5 in the series) is the paragon of puzzle adventures. And Gorgoldand's Gauntlet is one of my favorite low-level adventures, stocked with plenty of puzzles and unique encounters. All are by Jonathan Richards, published in Dungeon magazine.
 

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