This article originally appeared in d20 Weekly
The Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Published by Myriador Ltd.
Written by Jamie Wallis
Illustrated by Martin McKenna
$15.95
Although the solo adventure was not a new idea in 1982, in that year a book was published that would initiate a worldwide phenomenon. The publication of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain was the first of some 59 titles in the Fighting Fantasy series that eventually sold over 15 million copies over their lifetime, as well as leading to countless imitators, such as the Lone Wolf series. For roleplaying games in general Flying Buffalo Inc. produced many titles for the Tunnels & Trolls RPG, while TSR added a new twist to the choose-your-own-adventure format in the scenario MV1, Midnight on Dagger Alley, the text of which remained obscured unless viewed through a magic viewer.
Yet with the cancellation of the Fighting Fantasy series, it would appear that the day of the solo adventure book had passed. As such, it was something of a surprise to see The Warlock of Firetop Mountain and others republished last year. It was an even bigger surprise when a d20 System adaptation of two Fighting Fantasy classic titles were launched at Gen Con Europe this last Easter. Further, these adaptations of both The Warlock of Firetop Mountain and Caverns of the Snow Witch are not solo adventures, but a reworking of each to create an adventure that requires both DM and players.
The Warlock of Firetop Mountain details the dungeon lair of the evil warlock Zagor, located within Firetop Mountain, . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: May 21, 2003
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