party – foes – spells – gear – maps – Guide
Proving grounds of the mad overlord was not the name given by Trebor. Once merely power-hungry, Trebor spiraled into madness after encountering the immense powers of a legendary amulet. This artifact, steeped in lore and might, was poised to elevate him to unparalleled dominion. His was mind was full of ambitious machinations of domination and determination. Yet, in his moment of triumph, a profound fear usurped his confidence, the amulet blinked from his grasp. The architect of his despair was none other than Werdna, his formidable foe, wielding magic dark and deep.
Swiftly, their conflict transformed as Werdna, utilizing the amulet’s might, crafted a daunting fortress maze beneath Trebor’s castle. This labyrinth, spanning ten levels and teeming with malevolent creatures, became Werdna’s sanctuary and research ground to spite Trebor. Such events drove Trebor into the depths of paranoia, bent on revenge also compelling him to reclaim his lost power.
Proving Grounds
Notwithstanding, Trebor ingeniously declared these labyrinthine depths, the proving grounds, as a training arena for his guards and to retrieve the amulet. Trebor grinned as he considered, yet again, the irony of his deception. In any case, adventurers lured by the promise of glory and power now navigate this perilous maze. They aim to uncover its secrets, defeat its guardians, and secure the amulet.
This, then, is the situation your characters are thrust into. With a little luck, they will map the Maze, maul the monsters, make off with some of the goodies, find the Amulet, and only get killed a few times while doing it!
Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord can be unforgiving and brutal. Death is sometimes permanent, mapping is required, and character development strategies are key for a long journey. Characters will be expected to transfer to games 2 and 3 in the trilogy.
How to obtain a copy of this game:
eBay link – Ultimate Wizardry Archives PC CD-ROM version (1998), includes Wizardry 1-7
eBay link – SNES cartridge version (translated)
GOG link – PC Reboot by Digital Eclipse