''Book of Challenges'' is a supplemental rulebook for the 3rd edition of the ''

Dungeons & Dragons ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. (TS ...

'' role-playing game that presents a number of ready-made

dungeon A dungeon is a room or cell in which prisoners are held, especially underground. Dungeons are generally associated with medieval castles, though their association with torture probably belongs more to the Renaissance period. An oubliette (from ...

encounters that a Dungeon Master can insert into a scenario.

The encounters in the ''Book of Challenges'' include straightforward traps (such as a domed room with a hinged floor that serves as the hidden lair for a beholder). It also includes challenging logic puzzles, riddles and even role-playing encounters where combat or mechanics skills play a secondary role. All are categorized by challenge ratings (shortened as "CR") and run from CR 1 to CR 22. The book includes advice for DMs on constructing similar traps to the ones presented including tutorials on basic logic puzzles.

Description of sample traps

All of the Treasure, None of the Traps—A series of already-sprung traps in a spiral corridor that automatically reactivate once the players reach the center. Fire and Water—A logic puzzle that connects the pulling of colored levers with musical tones to prevent the players from accidentally unleashing either lava or rushing water. Curse of Iron—A magically-locked door that bears a riddle, the solution to which is the only sure means of entry. Medusa's Traveling Casino—Not a trap ''per se'', but a series of gambling games meant to part the PCs and their gold. (the segment is rated at CR 12, only as the potential combat NPCs equal that.)

Publication history

The book was published as a

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edition by

Wizards of the Coast Wizards of the Coast LLC (often referred to as WotC or simply Wizards) is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for games. It is currently a subsidia ...

in June 2002. It was authored by Daniel Kaufman, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel,

Mike Selinker Mike Selinker is an American game designer, puzzle maker, and the founder and president of Lone Shark Games. Credits Selinker's design credits include ''Pirates of the Spanish Main'' and ''Fightball'' with James Ernest, ''Axis & Allies Revised E ...

, and Skip Williams. Cover art was by

Todd Lockwood Todd Wills Lockwood, (born July 9, 1957 in Boulder, Colorado, United States) is an American artist specializing in fantasy and science fiction illustration. He is best known for his work on the role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'', and for his ...

, with interior art by David Day and

Wayne Reynolds Wayne Reynolds is a British artist whose work has appeared in comics and role-playing games. Early life and education Wayne Reynolds was born in Leeds, UK. He attended art college in Dewsbury and Middlesbrough. Games Wayne Reynolds has continu ...

. Mike Selinker was the lead designer.

Add-ons

The reviewer from ''

Pyramid A pyramid (from el, πυραμίς ') is a structure whose outer surfaces are triangular and converge to a single step at the top, making the shape roughly a pyramid in the geometric sense. The base of a pyramid can be trilateral, quadrilat ...

'' noted that for the ''Book of Challenges'', Wizards of the Coast put up one preview encounter with a logic puzzle on its website, and provided two web enhancements dealing with useful equipment and scrolls used for gaining information in a dungeon, plus a bonus encounter for when a lone scout goes ethereal.

Reception

James T. Voelpel of mania.com commented, "This new supplement has whatever a dungeon master needs to properly confound any adventuring party if you need an encounter on short notice. The book is 127 pages of black and white, however, and this is where a problem come into play. The artwork and maps are average at best, and although it is of a good length, the price ($21.95) is somewhat unreasonable for the format. If you are willing to fork over this somewhat large amount, the contents are a must-have for a veteran or rookie dungeon master."

References

External links