Handbook of Traps and Tricks, The (3rd Printing)

The contents of this handbook are drawn largely from the Murex Manuscript of the Defensive Compendium of Master Humphrey Tappercoom (also called 'The Blue Book of Hengist' or 'Master Humphrey's Blue Book').

The handbook describes over 100 traps, detailed in a standard format and ready to play, which are compatible with most fantasy role-playing games. Also this book includes notes, tables and other aids for construction and play. Traps included are of all types of construction: magical, mechanical or techno; simple, skliled or super-high.

No 'instant-killer' type traps are included. Escape is possible from all of these traps, but escape requires brains, not Monty-Haul hardware. The editors believe that there are two legitimate purposes a trap can serve in the game: it can be a time-pressure emergency, as exciting as a melee or it can serve as a rest from urgency, allowing the players to use their time to solve a puzzle or to interact with each other in an interesting situation.

Since the presence of danger and the amount of danger are optional, most of the traps in this book are suitable for all levels of play. A 'time/total' chart is provided for ready reference to help adjust the danger of each trap and the time required to play out, according to the strength of the party.

Most of the traps in the handbook are of the non-urgency sort. Danger can be added if the DM wishes but the traps are sufficently interesting without.