This was an AD&D event in which the players took on the part of wizards. In particular, they were students pursuing advanced degrees at the Thane College of Magics, which had seen much tragedy of late. Its Chancellor having died of natural (or were they?) causes, the election among the Professors of the various Schools to choose a successor is about to take place. In the past week, however, the Vice Chancellor of the School of Invocation was killed in a freak accident (apparently a new spell he was testing was much more explosive than anticipated). Even worse, yesterday the Vice Chancellor of the School of Enchantment was attacked by a hideous sort of undead shadow creature and nearly slain. As school officials have taken stock of the situation it has come to light that the Vice Chancellor of the School of General Magics has not been seen in over a week. While this might not be considered too unusual for the eccentric fellow, recent events had the Board of Directors most concerned.
The party assembled to investigate whether the Vice Chancellor of the School of General Magics is dead, missing, or merely taking a long sabbatical represented most of the Schools within the College. They were advanced students, as the Vice Chancellor's home (like that of any arch mage) was known to be protected by powerful wards, and less knowledgable students would likely be killed. The party's assignment was to enter the Vice Chancellor's home, determine if he had been the victim of foul play, and return with details. There was no time to lose, as the election of a new College Chancellor is scheduled for this very evening. The Vice Chancellor of each School is eligible for the job, but must be present to be elected. Thus it was critical to find out whether the School of General Magics needs to appoint a new Vice Chancellor, so that they could have a candidate for the upcoming election.