Clockwork Mage

Clockwork Mage is a scenario for character levels 2-5. A war of practical jokes between two wizards gets out of hand and backfires on the wizards. The heroes must make their way through the magicians' trick-filled manor to recover the items to put things aright.[1]

In Clockwork Mage, the player characters get in the middle of a long-standing battle between two aging wizards who annoy each other with elaborate practical jokes. [2]

Clockwork Mage was written by Susan Stone and M.E. Allen, with a cover by Janny Wurts, and was published by Mayfair Games in 1985 as a 32-page book with a center-bound map screen.[1] The adventure module was part of the Role Aids line.[2]

Rick Swan reviewed the adventure in The Space Gamer No. 76.[2] He noted how the Role Aids line had been gradually improving up to that point, saying how "Clockwork Mage is another terrific effort, one that'll give a lift to all but the most jaded AD&Ders."[2] Swan commented on the adventure's plot, stating "if that's not enough to hook you, wait'll you meet the Sims, a new class of creature that's sort of a cross between a robot and Pinocchio. I won't give any more away, but will add that it's unlikely your group has ever played an adventure quite like this."[2] He continued: The practical joke aspect of Clockwork Mage is so much fun, I wish the designers had done more with it. You'll find yourself wanting more jokes and 'unconventional' obstacles. [...] The style of the adventure begs for a grand, solid twist at the end; where's the slam-bang battle with an army of Sims or the final joke-to-end-all-jokes? The reward at the end is unbelievably skimpy, but you'll see an easy – and obvious – solution to that problem when you read the module."[2] Swan concluded his review by saying, "It's not often you run across a module with a sense of humor. It's rarer still to find a module for AD&D that, after all these years, can still make a claim to originality. Clockwork Mage can claim both. Add great graphics, a clear presentation, and a striking cover, and you've got one of the best fantasy supplements of the year."[2]

• Game News #6 (Aug., 1985)