''Puppets'' is an

adventure module An adventure is a playable scenario in a tabletop role-playing game. These can be constructed by gamemasters for their players, and are also released by game publishers as pre-made adventure modules. Different types of designs exist, including l ...

published by TSR in 1989 for the

fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...

role-playing game A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Several different editions of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') fantasy role-playing game have been produced since 1974. The current publisher of ''D&D'', Wizards of the Coast, produces new materials only for the most current edition of the ga ...

''.

Plot summary

The module details a linear, cross-country, convoy-guard adventure. ''Puppets'' is a two-part scenario, in which the

player character A player character (also known as a playable character or PC) is a fictional character in a video game or tabletop role-playing game whose actions are controlled by a player rather than the rules of the game. The characters that are not control ...

s first encounter an evil

leprechaun A leprechaun ( ga, leipreachán/luchorpán) is a diminutive supernatural being in Irish folklore, classed by some as a type of solitary fairy. They are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. I ...

while in the Gnarley Wood, and then must investigate tiny burglars in the Free City of

Dyvers Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...

. This small-town adventure takes place as the PCs hunt for clues to the plot's central mystery.

Publication history

WG11 ''Puppets'' was the 11th scenario in the ''

World of Greyhawk Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arnes ...

'' adventure line, adapted from two scenarios previously run as

RPGA The RPGA (also called the Role Playing Game Association and the RPGA Network at various times), was initially part of the organized play arm of TSR, Inc and later of Wizards of the Coast. From 1980 to 2014, it organized and sanctioned role-playing ...

(Role Playing Game Association) tournaments. It was written by

Vince Garcia Vince is a given name, it is the anglicisation and shortened form of the name Vincent, as well as a surname. It may refer to: Given name People * Vince Agnew (born 1987), American football player * Vince Cable (born 1943), British politici ...

and Bruce Rabe, with artwork by

Clyde Caldwell Clyde Caldwell (born February 20, 1948) is an American artist. Self-described as a fantasy illustrator, he is best known for his portrayals of strong, sexy female characters. With his work at TSR in the 1980s, he is considered one of the artis ...

, Allen Nunis, and David Sutherland III and cover art by Clyde Caldwell, and editing and development by Jim Lowder. It was published by TSR in 1989 as a 32-page booklet with an outer folder.

Reception

In the June 1990 edition of ''

Games International ''Computer Games Magazine'' was a monthly computer and console gaming print magazine, founded in October 1988 as the United Kingdom publication ''Games International''. During its history, it was known variously as ''Strategy Plus'' (October 19 ...

'' (Issue 15), the reviewer pointed out that this adventure "is adapted from two tournament modules, and it shows. If you like the kind of scenario where you can tell what's going to happen by reading the back of the module, you'll love this." The reviewer also noted that "it is more cerebral than combat." In the July 1991 edition of ''

Dragon A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...

'' (Issue 171),

Ken Rolston Ken Rolston is an American computer game and role-playing game (pen and paper), role-playing game designer best known for his work with West End Games and on the computer game series ''The Elder Scrolls''. In February 2007, he elected to join th ...

declared both scenarios "competently presented and playable", saying their primary appeal comes from three very good ideas that he felt could be freely exported into other scenario and adventure settings. He called the adventure designs "sound and reliable, easily scanned and presented by experienced DMs." Rolston concluded by stating, "These make a pair of very good adventures that are easily adapted to other settings, with nifty plot and encounter elements, abundant opportunities for clever play, and plenty of juicy character roles for the DM."

Reviews

*''

GamesMaster International ''GamesMaster International'', or GMI, was a roleplaying game magazine in the UK published by Newsfield Publications starting in July 1990. It was subtitled the Independent Fantasy Gaming Monthly. The magazine featured the same editorial team ...

'' Issue 1 - Aug 1990

References

Greyhawk modules Role-playing game supplements introduced in 1989 {{D&D-stub