The Ghost Tower of Inverness was written in 1980 as part of the “Competition Series” of modules and is set in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting. The adventure takes place in the ruined and haunted tower of Inverness, which is located near the town of Blasingdell. The tower was once home to the powerful wizard Galap-Dreidel, who disappeared many years ago. The module revolves around the exploration of the tower, as well as solving puzzles and overcoming traps and challenges.
The main objective of the module is to recover the fabled Soul Gem, which is said to grant great power. The players must navigate through multiple levels of the tower, encountering various monsters, magical guardians, and the ghost of Galap-Dreidel himself. The module provides a detailed map of the tower and descriptions of each room, along with guidelines for running the adventure.
The Ghost Tower of Inverness is known for its challenging puzzles and non-linear structure, requiring players to think creatively and employ problem-solving skills. It incorporates elements of exploration, combat, and role-playing, providing a well-rounded adventure experience.
The module received positive reviews for its engaging storyline, intricate design, and unique gameplay. It has become a beloved classic in the AD&D community and remains a popular choice for dungeon masters looking to run a memorable and challenging adventure.
The module begins with the players receiving a challenge or invitation to explore the tower. They are given limited time to complete the quest, which adds a sense of urgency to the adventure.
The tower itself is presented as a multi-level dungeon with various themed areas and encounters. Each level has its own unique challenges and inhabitants, including traps, puzzles, monsters, and NPCs. The design encourages exploration and rewards careful observation and interaction with the environment.
One of the notable aspects of the module is the inclusion of the Wandering Ghost mechanic. As the players progress through the tower, the ghost of Galap-Dreidel haunts them and can appear randomly, posing threats or offering clues. This adds an additional layer of suspense and mystery to the adventure.
The module also features pre-generated characters called “tournament characters” that were originally used for competitive play. These characters were provided to ensure fairness and balance among different gaming groups participating in tournaments.
In terms of the lore, the tower of Inverness is part of the wider World of Greyhawk campaign setting. It is located in the Duchy of Geoff and ties into the history and mythology of that region.
The module is often praised for its intricate design, challenging gameplay, and its ability to immerse players in a mysterious and atmospheric setting. It offers a mix of combat encounters, puzzles, role-playing opportunities, and a compelling story to engage players.
I really hope you get a chance to play this module.
An adventure for those seeking inspiration, but you can easily flip this PDF to any D&D version or game system. If you need help on conversion, I created this page for such an occasion: Convert Old Dungeons and Dragons Adventures
