Issue #217 Vol. XIX, No. 12 May 1995

Publisher TSR, Inc.

Associate Publisher Brian Thomsen SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

Editor-in-Chief Boons & Benefits — Larry Granato Kim Mohan 10 Compensate your PCs with rewards far more

Associate editor valuable than mere cash or jewels. Dale A. Donovan Behind Enemy Lines — Phil Masters Fiction editor 18 The PCs are trapped in hostile territory with an Barbara G. Young entire army chasing them. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Editorial assistant Two Heads are Better than One — Joshua Siegel Wolfgang H. Baur 22 Michelle Vuckovich Split the game master’s chores between two people.

Art director Class Action — Peter C. Zelinski Larry W. Smith 26 How about a party of only fighters, thieves, clerics, or mages? Production Renee Ciske Tracey Isler REVIEWS Subscriptions Janet L. Winters Eye of the Monitor — Jay & Dee 65 Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. U.S. advertising Cindy Rick The Role of Books — John C. Bunnell 86 Delve into these faerie tales for all ages. U.K. correspondent and U.K. advertising Carolyn Wildman

DRAGON® Magazine (ISSN 1062-2101) is published Magazine Marketing, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, monthly by TSR, inc., 201 Sheridan Springs Road, Middlesex UB7 7QE, United Kingdom; telephone: Lake Geneva WI 53147, United States of America. The 0895-444055. postal address for all materials from the United States Subscriptions: Subscription rates via second-class of America and Canada except subscription orders is: mail are as follows: $30 in U.S. funds for 12 issues DRAGON® Magazine, 201 Sheridan Springs Road, sent to an address in the U.S.; $36 in U.S. funds for 12 Lake Geneva WI 53147, U.S.A.; telephone (414) 248- issues sent to an address in Canada; £21 for 12 issues 3625; fax (414) 248-0389. The postal address for all sent to an address within the United Kingdom; £30 for materials from Europe is: DRAGON Magazine, TSR 12 issues sent to an address in Europe; $50 in U.S. Ltd., 120 Church End, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 funds for 12 issues sent by surface mail to any other 3LB, United Kingdom; telephone: (0223) 212517 (U.K.), address, or $90 in U.S. funds for 12 issues sent air 44-223-212517 (international); telex: 818761; fax (0223) mail to any other address. Payment in full must accom- 248066 (U.K.), 44-223-248066 (international). pany all subscription orders. Methods of payment Distribution: DRAGON Magazine is available from include checks or money orders made payable to TSR, game and hobby shops throughout the United States, Inc., or charges to valid MasterCard or VISA credit Canada, the United Kingdom, and through a limited cards; send subscription orders with payments to: number of other overseas outlets. Distribution to the TSR, Inc., PO. Box 5695, Boston MA 02206, U.S.A. In book trade in the United States is by Random House, the United Kingdom, methods of payment include Inc., and in Canada by Random House of Canada, Ltd. cheques or money orders made payable to TSR Ltd., Distribution to the book trade in the United Kingdom is or charges to a valid ACCESS or VISA credit card; by TSR Ltd. Send orders to: Random House, Inc., send subscription orders with payments to TSR Ltd., Order Entry Department, Westminster MD 21157, as per that address above. Prices are subject to U.S.A.; telephone: (800) 733-3000. Newsstand distribu- change without prior notice. The issue of expiration of Printed in t.he U.S.A. tion throughout the United Kingdom is by Comag each subscription is printed on the mailing label of

2 MAY 1995 Role-playing Reviews — Lester Smith 92 Join Les with his big mess of fun stuff. Through the Looking Glass — Bob Bigelow 118 Try something new: "modular" reviews. FEATURES First Quest — Jean Rabe 8 Hear a Tale of Frodyne the Fearless, and wish Jean a fond farewell. En-psycho-slade-ica Magica — slade 32 Presenting the random generation tables for all the magical items in the ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICA™ books

The Game Wizards — Dale A. Donovan 77 Introducing the concept of character points for the AD&D® game from the PLAYER’S OPTION™ Skills & Powers book. Sage Advice — Skip Williams COVER 82 Skip plumbs the depths of the AD&D game rules This issue's cover painting, “Boarding multiverse. Party,” by Michael Scott reflects this month's theme quite well. The reveling Rumblings — The Staff that is depicted belies a darker intent; by 98 Catch on all the latest news and gaming industry drawing in more merrymakers, these “creative” characters are actually luring gossip. their prey closer to them. “Welcome to our parlor,” one of the carousers was heard to quip. DEPARTMENTS 4 Letters 110 Dragonmirth 6 Editorial 112 Gamers Guide 103 Forum 124 TSR Previews 107 Convention Calendar

each subscriber’s copy of the magazine. Changes of Guidelines, c/o DRAGON Magazine, as per the above rights to the contents of this publication are reserved, address for the delivery of subscription copies must be address; include sufficient American postage or and nothing may be reproduced from it in whole or in received at least six weeks prior to the effective date of International Reply Coupons with the return envelope. part without first obtaining permission in writing from the change in order to assure uninterrupted delivery. In Europe, write to: Writers’ Guidelines, c/o DRAGON the publisher. Material published in DRAGON® Maga- Back issues: A limited quantity of back issues is Magazine, TSR Ltd; include sufficient return postage zine does not necessarily reflect the opinions of TSR, available from either the TSR Mail Order Hobby Shop or IRCs with your SASE. Inc. Therefore, TSR will not be held accountable for (201 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva WI 53147, Advertising: For information on placing advertise- opinions or mis-information contained in such material. U.S.A.) or from TSR Ltd. For a free copy of the current ments in DRAGON Magazine, ask for our rate card. All ® designates registered trademarks owned by TSR, catalog that lists available back issues, write to either ads are subject to approval by TSR, Inc. TSR reserves Inc. ™ designates trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. Most of the above addresses. the right to reject any ad for any reason. In the United other product names are trademarks owned by the Submissions: All material published in DRAGON States and Canada, contact: Advertising Coordinator, companies publishing those products. Use of the name Magazine becomes the exclusive property of the TSR, Inc., 201 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva of any product without mention of trademark status publisher, unless special arrangements to the contrary WI 53147, U.S.A. In Europe, contact: Advertising should not be construed as a challenge to such status. are made prior to publication. DRAGON Magazine Coordinators, TSR Ltd. ©1995 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All TSR char- welcomes unsolicited submissions of written material Advertisers and/or agencies of advertisers agree to acters, character names, and the distinctive likenesses and artwork; however, no responsibility for such sub- hold TSR, Inc. harmless from and against any loss or thereof are trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. missions can be assumed by the publisher in any expense from any alleged wrongdoing that may arise Second-class postage paid at Lake Geneva, Wis., event. Any submission accompanied by a self- out of the publication of such advertisements. TSR, U.S.A., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: addressed, stamped envelope of sufficient size will be Inc. has the right to reject or cancel any advertising Send address changes to DRAGON Magazine, TSR, returned if it cannot be published. We strongly recom- contract for which the advertiser and/or agency of Inc., 201 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva WI mend that prospective authors write for our writers’ advertiser fails to comply with the business ethics set 53147, U.S.A. USPS 318-790, ISSN 1062-2101. guidelines before sending an article to us. In the forth in such contract. United States and Canada, send a self-addressed, DRAGON is a registered trademark of TSR, Inc. stamped envelope (9½” long preferred) to: Writers’ Registration applied for in the United Kingdom. All

DRAGON 3 What did you think of this issue? Do you have a question about an article or have an idea for a What gives? Dragonet revisited new feature you’d like to see? In the United States and Canada, write to: Letters, DRAGON® Dear Dragon, Dear Dragon, Magazine, 201 Sheridan Springs Rd., Lake When I heard that issue #215 of DRAGON Geneva WI 53147, U.S.A. In Europe, write to: I’ve read with interest your plans to put TSR Magazine had a list of cards for the BLOOD and DRAGON Magazine on-line. However, as a Letters, DRAGON Magazine, TSR Ltd., 120 WARS™ card game, I checked and voila! There it Church End, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 long-time subscriber to the magazine, I would was! Oh frabjous joy! hope that you never make an article or a fea- 3LB, United Kingdom. If you wish your letter to However, upon perusing the list of Battlefields be published, you must sign it. We will not ture of the magazine available on-line before the I noticed that four of them: The Ship of Chaos, publish anonymous letters. We will withhold magazine itself reaches subscribers. This would Shra’kt’lor, Soot Hall, and the Spawning Stone be a great disservice to the readers who do not your name if you request it. are duplicated. So what gives, folks? have access to the Internet. Via the Internet Peter D. McMullen via the Internet

Well, I tracked down the author of the article in TSR agrees with you totally, Peter. While it issue #215 (and designer of the BLOOD WARS would be impossible to wait for every subscriber game), Steven E. Schend, and asked him that very to receive the magazine before we upload the files question. He said the error was simply a mistake in (after all, we have subscribers all over the world), copying the card titles into the list. (Don’t feel bad, we currently wait until the 25th of the month Steven—Z missed it too.) Steven assures me that, prior to the cover date of the issue to upload. We with those four exceptions, the list in issue #215 is think this allows most of our subscribers to receive complete. There are no cards missing. As proof, their magazine before the issue’s features appears Steven provided the following breakdown of cards on-line. If any of our readers feel that this is too from the game and the first escalation pack to long a period to wait for the upload, or too short a check the list against: period of time for you to receive your magazine, Dear Dragon, There are 100 Battlefield cards. let us know. While we can’t affect how quickly the This spring, TSR will release new versions of the There are 54 Warlord cards. Post Office handles your magazine, we could Player’s Handbook the DUNGEON MASTER® and There are 56 Fate cards. change our upload date without trouble. This is Guide. Your catalog states that these will include There are 90 Legion cards. your magazine, so tell us what you think. —Dale corrections and additions, but is not a 3rd edition There are 34 “chase” cards. of the AD&D® game. Is this actually so? This totals up to 334 cards, the number of cards Also, I’m wondering about the spells and in the list in issue #215. In order to correct the list Oop Ack! magical items from the Tome of Magic. Will they in the magazine, simply cross out one of the two be included in the new PHB and DMG? Back in issue #214, we credited the entries for each card mentioned above. —Dale Paul Jurgens artwork on page 10 “Elven Glade” to via the Internet artist Daniel Horne. Unfortunately for us, the artist who created that painting is Nigel D. Findley David Horne, not Daniel. We apologize for Quite a number of people have contacted TSR Passes Away any confusion this horny problem may recently concerning the new printings of the have caused. PHB and DMG. Let me state for the record that Game designer, author, and editor Nigel these new printings do not represent a 3rd D. Findley passed away suddenly on Feb- Edition of the AD&D game in any way, shape, ruary 19, 1995, at his home in Vancouverr or form. (Even just mentioning a new edition of British Columbia. Born in Venezuela in the game makes a lot of people around here 1959 and raised in Spain, Nigeria, the start to tremble, fidget nervously, and consider U.S.A., and England, Findley settled with extended vacations.) Seriously, a new edition of his family in Vancouver in 1969. After the game would be a tremendous amount of work, and before we undertook such a monu- schooling and a brief business career, he mental task we’d certainly seek the input of you, chose to write full-time in 1990. Findley the gamers who play the AD&D game, just as produced over 100 products in his career, TSR did when developing the game’s 2nd Edi- including 12 novels. He wrote for most tion in the late 1980s. every game company in the industry in- The new printings serve one simple purpose: cluding TSR, but is perhaps best known to make our game books (and the game itself) for all his work—both game products and Want the latest news? look much more The new printings attractive. fiction—for FASA’s SHADOWRUN* game. have easier-to-read layouts and include much Here it comes! more full-color art throughout. He will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and readers everywhere. Do- Wondering what games and supple- As they are only new printings of the standard ments TSR is about to release next? 2nd Edition game books (with corrections, fewer nations in Nigel Findley’s name may be Turn to this issue's “TSR Previews” typos, etc.), no material from other sources, includ- made to the charity of your choice. and find out! ing the Tome of Magic appears in them. —Dale

4 MAY 1995

Rewind & Fast-forward

Let me say right up front that I hate AL-QADIM®, RAVENLOFT™, DARK SUN®, making up something from scratch if you sappy farewells. Long, drawn-out speech- and PLANESCAPE® AD&D® game cam- can just borrow an idea from history, es, overviews, monologues, retrospectives, paign settings, plus the conversion of fiction, or even another game? —yuck! These I consider worse than MYSTARA® campaign, pulled over from My all-time favorite short story pub- the relatives who’ve overstayed their the D&D® game. And soon, these will be lished while I was on staff: “A Prayer for welcome and whom you just can’t joined by the BIRTHRIGHT™ campaign. the Dead” by Deborah Millitello in issue get out the damn door. They have their (Look for articles on this in upcoming #162. That story has it all: anger, compas- coats on and are standing in the open issues—plug, plug.) sion, pathos, revenge, a budding romance, doorway, but they just won’t stop talking Random highlights and anecdotes from plus moral dilemmas and the conse- and waving. You hate to be rude and sim- the magazines themselves include: quences inherent in attempting to resolve ply slam the door in their faces, but it’s l Issue #154, which was ready to go to such dilemmas. I’ve read that story a mighty tempting. printer on deadline—except for the fact dozen times, and it still gets to me today. Why, you might ask, is he talking about that two vital pieces of color art, including farewells? Well, it’s been hinted at and the cover, hadn’t arrived yet. I have more than five years’ worth of bandied about in the pages of this maga- l My picking up the mantle of Jeff memories that I could relate, but rather zine for a few months now. Yes, my trans- Grubb and others when I started writing than continue this slipshod rambling down fer to TSR’s Games Department has finally The Marvel-Phile column, until Steven memory lane, I’ll get to the point. I’ve met, come through, and this is the last issue of Schend kindly took it off my hands. (He known, and worked with a lot of people in DRAGON® Magazine that I will edit. Hence even got paid for writing them.) the last five-plus years, and I’d like to the column’s title—looking back and look- l The Princess Ark column (and later, thank each one here and now. Some are ing ahead. Since this is my farewell, I’m The Known World Grimoire) by Bruce contributors, some are artists, some are feeling compelled to do a sappy retrospec- Heard: possibly the most underappre- colleagues, but you’re all my friends. tive of the time I served—I mean was ciated, most creative column the magazine Thanks, guys. I cannot praise too highly all privileged to work on—DRAGON Maga- has run in years. Go back and look at all the people who’ve worked with me on this zine. I’m trying to resist, really . . . but . . . the adventure ideas Bruce crammed into magazine. You folks are a class act, and I feel, myself . . . weakening . . . Oh, no . . . each installment. I’ve been privileged to work with and

I told the thrilling adventure story l The cover of issue #203: TSR’s Fred learn from you all. (yawn) of how I found myself employed by Fields and freelance illustrator Tim Brad- I hope this isn’t the last you’ll see of me TSR in the fall of 1989 back in the “gang street blew us all away (pun intended) in these pages. In my new duties as a game editorial” of issue #200, so I needn’t repeat with their painting, “Nailed to the Gun,” designer (wahoo!), I sincerely hope to it here. The first issue of the magazine to which is unlike any other piece ever to return to these pages with some new ideas bear my alliterative name was #151. Doing appear on the magazine’s cover. for your game, or maybe a preview of an a little math in my head, that means I’ve l The theme sections on players’ advice, upcoming project that I happened to work contributed my two cents’ worth in the DMs’ advice, science fiction, and each on (just like “The Game Wizards” column last 67 issues of this magazine. That’s just October’s horror theme: these were my in this very issue. Wow, just imagine the over five and one-half years’ worth. I’ve favorite themes to work on because they odds of that happening. It beggars the worked on DRAGON Magazine longer than always inspired me in my own games. mind.) Anyway, have fun and take it easy I’ve done anything else in my life. (I have Variety truly is the spice of life, especially on my successor in this editorial hot seat, no idea what that says about me.) in games where far too many campaigns Mr. Wolfgang Baur, formerly of At TSR, there are other ways to mark are completely interchangeable. I hope DUNGEON® Adventures. I’ll let him ex- the passing of time: the number of depart- these themes reduced the number of such plain the arcane series of events that led to ments you’ve worked for, the number of campaigns. this domino-like shuffling of personnel bosses you’ve had, and the number of l The yearly magazine seminars at the some other time. I’ll see you at the GEN times they moved your office are three GEN CON® Game Fair: these were my one CON Game Fair this August. Stop by the favorites. Let’s see: I (and DRAGON Maga- guaranteed opportunity to chat with the demo tables in the castle and say hi. Now, zine) have been in three departments since readers of this magazine, the devoted, in the immortal words of Dennis Miller, 1989, I’ve had at least three publishers, intelligent gamers who are constantly “I am outta here!” maybe four (all those guys in shirts & ties looking for new ways to enliven and en- look alike to me), and I’m typing this in my rich their game campaigns. third office—easily the best of the lot. Of l Issue #189: The issue had an “Exotic course, soon after I finish this column, Cultures” theme that I’m very proud of. they’ll boot me out to regions unknown The material on Africa and India opened a and office #4. (I just hope there are places lot of eyes (I hope) to the diversity of histo- to hang my prints by M.C. Escher and ry and mythology we can draw from for fantasy artist Ruth Thompson.) our games. These articles, and the others As far as game products go, I’ve seen the published since, have served to illustrate a introduction of the SPELLJAMMER®, basic gaming tenet of mine: Why bother

6 MAY 1995

FIRST QUEST is the title of TSR, Inc.'s Audio CD Introduction to Role-playing Game. This series is a feature where veterans of role-playing describe their first experiences in the hobby. Avoiding Happy Hour with Frodyne the Fearless

by Jean Rabe

Frodyne the Fearless. Ah, she was truly clattering on the ground. The cacophony few doors down in the dorm. We got to be an impressive lass—decked out in shining made the evil wizard mad, and he went friends because of a mutual interest in armor and wielding an even more impres- after the rest of the adventuring group, science fiction, and Star Trek in particular. sive enchanted long sword. Nothing scared too—who had just rounded the corner and One night she invited me to go “dungeon- her. No one could stop her from risking spotted him. ing” with her and Chuck and some guys her life by delving into deadly dungeons. I’m not sure how all the characters made on the fourth floor. Intrigued, I said okay, And no power in the kingdom could keep it out of the dungeon that night. I suspect not knowing that evening would eventu- her from protecting innocent citizens the DM was being kind and didn’t want to ally propel me to Wisconsin and to a dif- endangered by vicious monsters. Of waste the rest of the evening with us ferent career than I had intended. course, along the way Frodyne was not rolling up new heroes. (How ya doing, And all because of a role-playing game. above acquiring a good amount of trea- Chuck?) So the characters went back to Our group of weekend warriors got to sure. One had to be compensated for town—angry at Frodyne. She bought a be fast friends—meeting in each other’s random acts of derring-do. new set of armor—while she profusely rooms to “dungeon” between study assign- Frodyne was my first AD&D® game apologized to her companions. Everyone ments and part-time jobs. We either played character and my first experience with a returned to the very same dungeon, but in Chuck’s world or Laura’s, and our ad- role-playing campaign. this time the characters chose a path away venturing party grew as more of our I was attending Northern Illinois Univer- from the black-robed man, and Frodyne friends discovered the game. When college sity in Dekalb, Illinois, (and majoring in didn’t walk in the lead. ended we parted company, promising to journalism so I could be a great, crusading Chuck was my first DM. He was a tall, keep in touch, and Chuck gave me his reporter). Frodyne was a werehawk. Yeah, bookish genius who lived on the fourth wonderful map with the undiscovered I know, a non-standard character race, but floor in my dormitory. Somehow between railroad. back then—okay, it was roughly 17 years all his studies he found time to invent I moved to Quincy, Illinois, to be an ago if you’re that curious—there weren’t fantastic adventures centered in a world education reporter for a daily newspaper as many rule books and non-standard he had created. He had this detailed map there. I didn’t know anyone in town, and it characters seemed the norm. sketched out on graph paper, with the seemed the only activities the reporters Anyway, Frodyne was stupid. major continent looking vaguely like an engaged in were softball (men only) and I didn’t do very well rolling the dice the upsidedown Australia. There were rail- weekend parties filled with kegs of beer night she was born, so she had single-digit road tracks running around much of it, (how enchanting). Looking for a hobby Intelligence and Wisdom scores that when but our group never found them or the and a way to make some friends, I trotted added together just barely reached double train. We did find lots of villains, beasties, over to a bookstore two blocks from the digits. But she was cute, and she could fly, and piles of gold coins, though. We got newspaper offices. The store sold the and that latter skill was useful in getting together once a weekend, usually on a AD&D game, and I put a notecard on the her out of trouble. Friday or a Saturday night, and sometimes bulletin board announcing I was looking She found trouble often. both. We’d play all evening, occasionally for a campaign. For example, one evening we were “dun- into the proverbial wee hours of the A few days later I started getting phone geoning,” as we used to call it, and Fro- morning, with Neil Diamond tunes run- calls, and my weekend nights were soon dyne had taken the lead. She seemed ning in the background. It was great. And filled with wilderness expeditions and pretty tough and fearless in her armor, it kept us out of the bars. dungeon crawls. Gee, I love this game. and being somewhat short she insisted on In fact, avoiding alcohol is how I discov- Once again I became fast friends with a walking in the front of the group so she ered role-playing. I was never one for wonderful group of people (and I eventu- could get a better look at the surround- “going out drinking,” as college kids are ally married Bruce, one of the DMs). The ings. Turning a corner, she spied a black- notorious for doing. So shortly after the gaming club grew to about 60 people, and robed man who looked evil. I guess she fall semester began I started looking for a we met once a week in a large hall at the made a little too much noise in that nice weekend pastime that didn’t involve traips- Illinois Veterans’ Home, a retirement com- armor, because the black-robed man turn- ing from bar to bar for their two-for-one munity. There, I adopted a grandfather, a ed, pointed a bony finger at her, and whis- specials. I’ll admit a lot of my college 92-year-old staunch Republican named pered, “Die.” Well, Frodyne wasn’t fearless friends were into the American version of Ralph. One of us had to adopt a grand- for the first time in her imaginary life. pub-crawling, and I’m sure they had a father so our gaming group could use the Being a little too young to depart the here good time, but the scene wasn’t for me. hall free. Being the president of the club, I and now so quickly, she instantly shifted Enter Laura. volunteered. Gaming once again was re- to her hawk form, leaving her armor She was an education major who lived a Continued on page 122 8 APRIL 1995

by Larry Granato

Artwork by Doug Shuler

Players in AD&D® game campaigns ice because of a single unfortunate usually think of rewards in terms of encounter can hamper the party for money and magic because that’s what months or years in game time. they get experience points for. They Rewards in social advancement use them to defeat monsters. Defeat- should be made useful in adventuring, ing more monsters gives them more Not all rewards rather than just another rating to keep magic and more money, which is used need be C.O.D. track of, so the players will want to to defeat more monsters, ad nauseum. gain these types of rewards. Being However, in a well-developed cam- able to meet important NPCs who can paign there are many ways a creative help the party, not with gold or magic, Dungeon Master (DM) can reward but with information and influence, is without shoveling out the platinum very worthwhile. But, beware who and +3 swords. For instance, the you befriend! NPCs are often mem- DMG, on page 80, mentions other The exquisitely dressed Lord Bri’on bers of cliques who have enemies who valuable treasures including lands Chumley looked on as the group of will criticize the party’s association and titles. adventurers stood before his noble with them. Social status, land, property, busi- Duke. “Indeed,” the Duke said approv- Powerful NPCs have influence they nesses, titles, and special privileges are ingly from his throne, “as you have can use on behalf of PCs. PCs also can beneficial to all player characters proved your mettle by defeating the acquire influence by becoming well (PCs). It gets them more involved in evil sorcerer who has been plaguing known. In game terms, influence gives the campaign setting and can lead to my realm, it is in my mind to grant favorable reaction roll modifiers. The exciting political adventures, such as you a boon.” He gazed at the company more influence, the greater the modi- those in Jan Berrien Berends’ article before him, just a hint of a smile on fier or important the NPC who can be “The Greatest and Most Honorable his face. swayed. It doesn’t take much influ- Adventure” in DRAGON® Magazine “Well,” said a brawny, but not-too- ence to impress a butler, but a Duke issue #196. smart-looking fighter, “We could sure would require a great deal. The DM These rewards also require the ad- use 50,000 gold pieces. And, uh, do should modify influence by such venturers to be more careful in deal- you have any magic wands . . .?” things as the PC’s social status, titles, ing with nonplayer characters (NPCs), Chumley snorted as he watched the offices, organizations he belongs to, and thus pay attention to their role- Duke’s face grow hard. The rudeness reputation, gifts, bribes, his relation- playing. The DM also must take care and greed of the party was even more ship with the NPC, and, most impor- to develop NPCs as more than stock distasteful when Chumley thought of tantly, how well the situation is caricatures who stand around with the many richer rewards that were role-played. their hands out. Some players disdain available to them—such as member- Influence is used to get favors. cultivating NPC contacts, thinking they ship in the Duke’s elite Order of the When an NPC shows a positive reac- can just bribe their way out of any Lion; his own membership had served tion, he may grant the PCs a favor. problem. Money can’t buy everything. Chumley very well for he had been Naturally, the NPC only can grant a So, the DM should have NPCs react able to meet so many accomplished favor that is his to give; the stable- negatively when PCs put everything in wizards, priests, and warriors . . . sweeper can’t get the PC an audience terms of “How many gold pieces?” with the king no matter how good his As an example, the party could vi action roll is. Favors come in man, a royal official in hopes of gaining forms. A favor can be used to have information. While waiting endlessly something done in the fastest and in anterooms and corridors, paying off Although the party may have had most efficient way rather than follow- lackeys and being shuffled from one some fabulous adventures, if no one ing the usual bureaucratic routine. It underling to another, they see NPCs has heard about them or they don’t also could be used in making special ushered right through to the official. have irrefutable proof, their claims requests that normally would not be When they ask why, they can be told are likely to be met with skepticism. considered. Favors can get people jobs that the others have the right contacts (“So you defeated the giants of South (or prevent someone else from getting at court or belong to prestigious orga- Dorking Woods?” the doorman said the job), get the party out of trouble, nizations. They worked their way up dryly. “Sorry, I never heard of them. get audiences, acquire privileged in- the social ladder and have earned Please be on your way.“) When dealing formation, affect the outcome of trials certain rights and privileges, and the with NPCs who don’t know the party, have legislation passed (or blocked), PCs can, too. an undeserved reputation for coward- and help them deal with all the intrica- DRAGON 11 cies of courts and government. merchant, organization, or guild for but disdain for them. To a certain extent, favors are trans- some deed the PC’s accomplished. It Feudal Fiefs are given by a king or ferable from one person to another. isn’t always for killing monsters; writ- overlord to vassals who swear fealty However, most NPCs expect that the ing an excellent poem, song, or book to them. Fiefs not only include land, PC asking for a favor will do them a (especially one that praises the ruler), but legal rights over the tenants who favor in return. This is a matter of settling a difficult case, solving a per- reside there. The PC is the judge and honor, and characters who do not plexing mystery, or hosting a special chief executive of his fief. He can im- reciprocate will find they quickly lose event are all good reasons. pose taxes and duties. In return, he whatever influence they had. There Wealth is straightforward. Business must protect the people with his mili- are many cases in medieval legend and benefits are more complex, and vari- tary forces. A PC must be at least a in history of people having to follow ous types are listed in Table #6. Some, gentleman or squire to receive fiefs through on promises they made like shares in a ship, can lead to cara- #l-3, a knight for #4-5, a noble for #6- against their best interests, simply van adventures. However, in some 9, and a high-ranking noble for #10 or because they’d given their word, and lands, it is considered bad form for higher. Most PCs will wish to create to renege would be dishonorable. knights and nobles to engage in busi- their own freeholds, and it would not The following boons and benefits ness, unless they act as a “silent be unusual for a ruler to grant them a are arranged in order of increasing partner.” fief along a border or wilderness area desirability. Although they are num- Employment is a tricky proposition that is largely undeveloped. Fief- bered, DM should not roll dice to see since the fun in role-playing is in ad- holders may gain additional fiefs be- what kind of reward a PC gets, but venturing, not holding down a regular cause of service to the crown. should rather choose the most appro- job. Therefore, most jobs are present- Table #ll is to be used with those priate benefit, i.e., not only what the ed as being part-time or seasonal, and who have connections with the royal character deserves, but something his can be done between adventures. If court or leaders in the government. interests lie toward. For example, a this doesn’t work, the PC can be ap- Table #l2 should be used only when barbarian would not be a good candi- pointed as a special assistant or con- the PC has developed a long-term, date for election to office, while mem- sultant who sets his own hours. If the close relationship with the monarch bership in the “Fraternal Order of PC is high-level, he can give the job to or an important nobleman. Mages” would be fitting for an up-and- a follower. Finally, no examination of benefits coming wizard. Some benefits are Real Estate (Table #4) can be given would be complete without a list of more applicable to fighters than only by a great magnate or a king, misfortunes that accompany public priests or wizards. It also is important typically for services rendered person- life. Once a PC becomes well-known, that PCs should earn their benefits. ally, rather than general adventuring. there always will be adversaries, jeal- Some of the benefits that PCs may Table #8, #9, #10, and #12 are bene- ous rivals, meddlers, and gossips who receive include nonweapon proficien- fits that can be granted only by a king try to bring him down. Table #13 cata- cies (NWPs). The DM decides if the PC or other great lord. These should be logs the possible tribulations the DM gets a “free” NWP slot or uses one that used sparingly. can inflict on a PC who blunders, tries would be available at a higher level. It Elite Employment includes presti- to cover up something in his past, or takes 1-12 months to learn the new gious full-time jobs. These are suitable runs afoul of the wrong people. proficiency. for high-level PCs involved in political DMs should take care to make these Table #l “Honors,” Table #5 “Employ- campaigns. Otherwise, the PC can be a rewards an active part of the cam- ment” and Table #12 “Miscellaneous” “minister without portfolio” who paign. Court intrigue, favors owed, are best used for low level characters. works between adventures. and reputations to be upheld have Moderate level PCs could receive Table The acquisition of a title (“ennoble- spawned many an adventure. As you #3 “Wealth,” Table #4 “Real Estate,” ment”) is extremely rare for common- read the lists below, consider what Table #2 “High Honors,” or Table #7 ers, although they are sometimes adventures could be built around each “Business.” High level types might re- granted to members of the knightly boon or benefit. These benefits also ceive “Titles” from Table #8, “Feudal class. It is not unusual for members of may be granted to entire adventuring Fiefs” from Table #9, or “Elite Employ- the nobility to gain additional titles. parties where applicable. ment” from Table #6. The term “titled noble” suggests that Honors, from Table #l, usually are there also are untitled nobles, who as Table #1 : Honors given to a PC (or a party) who has a matter of courtesy, are referred to 1. Recognition or Mention: The distinguished himself for a particular as “Lord” or “Lady,” but have no spe- PC’s good deeds are acknowledged by deed, or for reliable service over a cific title. a person of standing, or his name is long period of time. In general, they There may be nations where titles printed in a bulletin or official publica- are of local value only, and if the PC can be bought, but the DM should tion. He gets a +1 reaction modifier travels far from his home they will be consider that in those places titles are for 1-3 months. of little use. probably rather common and not held 2. Honorary appointment/ Table #2’s High Honors make the PC in high regard, e.g., after spending degree: the PC is appointed to an famous over a wider area. A favorable thousands of gold to become a count, honorary position, such as “High Pro- reaction modifier is very likely, and a PC finds out his coach driver is a vost of the Harvest Festival,” or gets a the DM should allow the PC a small prince. (A visitor to Czarist Russia “Doctor of Humane Philosophy” de- amount of influence over the under- early in this century found his taxi gree. He gets a +1 reaction modifier lings and lackeys he must deal with. driver indeed was a prince!) Also, the for 3-6 months. Table #3, #6, and #5, are typically old-blood nobility know very well who 3. Decoration/award: The PC bestowed by a ruler, noble, town, the parvenus are, and have nothing receives a medal, trophy, ribbon,

12 MAY 1995 prize, testimonial, keys to the city, gold pieces (gp). He must present him- erty, whether a business, real estate, plaque, or certificate suitable for self at court annually. or valuable item. He may not sell the framing in an official ceremony. He 3. Elite decoration, honor, or property, but any revenue it provides gets a +1 reaction modifier for 6-12 epithet: The PC gets a fancy medal is his to keep. months. like “the grand cherub with triple oak 6. Loan: A low- or no-interest loan 4. Membership in civic organi- leaf clusters.” He can hobnob with of up to 20,000 gp is granted to the zation: The PC is inducted into some- other recipients of the decoration, and character. thing like the “Most Loyal and has a +1 reaction modifier for life. Worshipful Guild of Fishmongers.” He Alternatively, he is permitted to add Table #4: Real Estate becomes known as “pillar of the com- an impressive style to his name such 1. Rural land: Unimproved fields munity,” and will be on good terms as “Sir Coroman Gramel, Crusher of and meadows suitable for agricultural with local leaders and officials, getting the Hill Giants, Hero of Dimbar, and purposes are given to the character. a permanent +2 reaction modifier Drow-buster.” 2. Country estate: Essentially a when dealing with them. 4. Name commemorated: A large farm with workers is granted to 5. Minor religious office: The PC street, building, town, organization, or the PC. is asked to serve in his temple as an geographic feature is named after the 3. Townhouse: The PC receives a usher, sacristan, secretary, bellringer, PC. He doesn’t get a reaction modifier, good-sized ordinary building in a chorister, etc. (Priest-class PCs are but everyone knows who he is, and he town. appointed assistants to the high can smugly say, “That’s my mountain.” 4. Mansion: The PC receives a priest). This puts him in good standing 5. Renowned hero: The PC be- large, fancy house. with others of the same faith (auto- comes known far and wide for his 5. Tower: A small fortified building matic favorable reaction). The work exploits and gets a +2 reaction modi- that can be located almost anywhere does not take much time and there is fier for life, in addition to regular is given to the PC. no salary. invitations for speaking engagements, 6. Palace: An opulent structure in 6. Arbitrator/Advisor: The locals parties, openings, etc. a city, requiring some 300-600 gp per respect the PC’s opinion so much that 6. Select knighthood: The char- month upkeep is granted to the PC. he is asked to settle disputes. People acter is admitted into an order of pow- often come to him for help and advice. erful and wealthy knights, like those Table #5: Employment This situation may lead to adventures. described by Mike Easterday in DRAGON 1. Job: As a clerk, overseer, bailiff, 7. Squireage: The PC is allowed to issue #125’s “Code of Chivalry” or guard, justice of the peace, tax collec- add the title “esquire” after his name issue #195’s “To All a Good Knight” by tor, etc. It’s part- to full-time. Pay is and display his coat of arms. People Tom Griffith. He must follow the rules 5-20 gp per month. tip their hats to him in the street. He’s of the order. The knights can help him 2. Sinecure: A job requiring little invited into the social life of the local hire followers, establish a freehold, or no work. Pay is 10-60 gp a month. gentry and is considered a militia and meet important people, etc., but they The PC can hire a lackey to take care community leader. Note that this is also are involved in political intrigues of everything. different from the type of squire who and military ventures. Alternatively, 3. Promotion: If the PC already is a knight’s assistant. Essentially, an the PC is made a banneret, a senior has a job, he gets a promotion to man- esquire is a junior member of the knight in charge of 5-20 other knights. agement at double salary. If not, he knightly class, a gentleman who’s not gets a plum of a job that pays 75 gp been officially knighted. Table #3: Wealth per month and requires little or no 8. Knighthood: The PC is knighted 1. Gift: Jewelry, fancy clothes, ex- work at all. in a special ceremony. Knighthood pensive furniture, a work of art, a fine 4. Minor government office: gives the recipient many advantages, horse, ceremonial arms, etc., is given Such as a mayor, guild leader, village but requires service as well. The PC to the PC. If the stuff is sold, the giver council member, etc. The work is part- should observe the code of chivalry. will be insulted. time and the salary is 25-100 gp per Knights often are asked to slay mon- 2. Cash grant: The amount (l,000- month. sters, right wrongs, vanquish evil- 4,000 coins of appropriate denomina- 5. Junket: The government will doers, disperse bandits, rescue tion) should not be excessive. pay the PC’s expenses for one journey, damsels, and so on, without asking for 3. Pension: A yearly stipend of during which time he is expected to a reward, as it is unchivalrous to quib- l,000-6,000 gp, as long as the ruler do some nominal work. ble about money. lives and the PC serves him. When a 6. Spy/Informer: The PC is asked change of ruler takes place, the bene- to snoop, either while he’s out adven- Table #2 : High Honors fit lapses. turing or just around town. The 1. Triumph/banquet/monument: 4. Benefice: This benefit usually is amount he’ll be paid is based on the The PC leads a triumphal parade, is given to priests who have a superviso- information he ferrets out. esteemed at an impressive feast, or has ry responsibility in their church. The a monument constructed in his honor. PC is given fiscal control over the Table #6: Elite employment He gets a +2 reaction modifier for l-3 extra revenue generated by a religious 1. Committee: The character is years. establishment. How the PC spends the appointed to a royal committee which, 2. Appointment to the royal money is up to him, but it will be no- for example, is investigating the snuff house: The character receives an ticed if it’s not used for charitable shortage or examining proposed regu- honorary job at court, such as “The purposes. lations on the length of men’s pointy Superintendent of the Royal Soup 5. Property guardian: The PC shoes. The committee meets 1-4 times Spoon,” with a yearly salary of 50-200 becomes a trustee for a piece of prop- a year for 1-8 days at a time. For each

DRAGON 13 meeting attended the character gets to his inn. Alternatively, he can invest 3. Count/Earl/Graf/Captal/ 10-100 gp. up to 10,000 gp as a “silent partner” in Magnificio. 2. Stewardship: The PC is placed a company that’s profitable. 4. Viscount. in charge of a royal town, forest, or 3. Business holdings: Shares in a 5. Marquis/Margrave/ manor. the salary is 100-400 gp/month. company. If it is profitable, the PC will Landgrave/Palsgrave/Count The actual operation of the property receive yearly dividends of 1,000-4,000 Palatine. can be left to someone else, but the PC gp. The shares also could be worth- 6. Prince: The title of prince is will be held accountable for anything less, of course. granted to rulers of great lands in that happens. 4. Share of ship: The PC gets cargo their own right, but is different from 3. Castellany/Constableship: space on a merchant ship. He may rent a royal prince (a close relation of the The PC is placed in control of a castle out the space for 500-3,000 gp per monarch). and the surrounding lands. His salary voyage or invest up to 30,000 gp in 7. Duke starts at several hundred gp per merchandise to be traded. Profits on 8. Grand Duke/Grandee. month (DMs decide exact amount), regular trips of 2-8 months are 5-40% plus whatever funds are allocated for with a small possibility of the ship be- Table #9: Feudal fiefs upkeep and pay for the garrison. He ing lost. Profits on voyages of l-3 years 1. Manor: The smallest of feudal can range up to several times the may appoint a seneschal to manage holdings, essentially a farm with work- amount invested, but there is a good the place in his stead, but he is ulti- ers. The manor house is nothing more chance of the ship not returning. mately responsible. than a larger-than-average building. 4. Envoy: An ambassadorship to a 5. Franchise/Merchant factor: A 2. Village: A village of some l-400 foreign land. Salary is 200-600 gp a merchant group gives the PC the right peasants attached to a manor. month plus expenses. A train of ser- to market their products or services in a 3. Knight’s holding: A typical vants and assistants are provided. particular area, as a semi-independent knight’s allotment, with lands, a vil- Permanent embassies are rare; the representative running his own busi- lage, and castlet or fortified manor work lasts l-12 months. ness. The merchants provide know-how house. 5. Religious hierarchy: The PC and materials at a discount. They are 4. Honour: A combination of gets a prestigious job in his church. well-organized and their wares are in several manors. Non-priestly characters can be ap- demand. 5. Lordship/Seignory: A large pointed as church elders, advisors, or 6. Subsidy: The PC gets a sum from holding with a castle. even to religious offices that don’t the government to operate an enter- 6. Freehold/Barony/Demense: require them to cast priest spells. prise that it deems essential, such as The freehold as described in the DMG. Priests get special positions like super- mail delivery or arms-making. This 7. Regional holding: A large vising several small temples, assisting guarantees profits of 20% as long as the barony. at a big cathedral, or serving a leader business is operated competently. 8. County/March/District/Forest: in the upper hierarchy. The work is 7. Monopoly: A highly lucrative An extensive area composed of several part- to full-time and the salary ranges benefit granted by the king. Profits baronies. from none to substantial. from monopolies (such as salt, spices, 9. Town/Port: Population: l,000- 6. Business leader: A position on or silk) start at 50%. If the PC abuses 10,000. a guild council or company board of his monopoly he will become a de- Duchy/Province: An area directors paying 50-300 gp/month. A spised figure among the common folk, 10. composed of numerous baronies, few meetings must be attended each as well as encouraging smuggling and counties, and towns. year. a black market. 11. City: Population 10,000+. 7. Important office: Such as 8. Hold fair: The PC has the right 12. Duchy or County Palatine: county sheriff, magistrate, governor, to hold an annual merchant fair and As #8 or #l0 above, except that the PC general, captain of the royal guard, receives a small (1%) tax on all mer- holds the land in direct place of the etc. The job’s full time and pays sev- chandise sold at the fair in addition to sovereign, and has all the powers that eral hundred gp/month. a fee (10-100 gp) for each vendor. The the ruler would normally enjoy. 8. High office of the realm: Lord PC must make arrangements for a Marshal, Grand Constable, Royal Stew- large open area for booths to be set Table #10: Court benefits ard, Lord Chamberlain, Chancellor, up, provide police, judicial, sanitary, 1. License for castle or other High Justice, Warden of the Marches, secure storage, accounting, water, stronghold: Permission to build a etc. Salary is 1,000 gp month, but the food, and other needs. The profitabili- castle. This avoids the normal delays job is full-time. ty of the fair will depend on the mer- and fees. Most kings limit castle- chandise, number of vendors and construction to prevent individuals Table #7: Business buyers, transportation net, weather from becoming too powerful. Alterna- 1. Business opportunity: The PC conditions, etc. tively, a license is granted for some has a chance to “get in on the ground other enterprise. floor” of a new venture. He may invest Table #8: Titles 2. Special privilege: The PC is up to 20,000 gold. Many businesses 1. Baronet/Vavasour/Thane/ given leave to do something that no lose money in the first years. After Lord: Titles appropriate for the most one else can do, like wearing his hat at that, typical profits are l-20%. minor of the nobility. Sometimes, court, having armed bodyguards, or 2. Commission/Partnership: there is no actual title at all, just a getting to hold the king’s coat. These The PC gets a percentage or fee from noble ranking. privileges are highly sought after and a business. For example, an innkeeper 2. Baron/Seigneur/Burgrave/ give the PC a +2 reaction modifier might pay him for steering customers Peer. when dealing with courtiers.

14 MAY 1995 3.Royal charter: The PC is grant- they can provide much help, they time favor. The VIP will resent it if the ed a charter allowing him to carry out have their own interests in mind, and PC asks for too much, but usually will some specific deed for the benefit of will treat the PC accordingly. keep his word. If the PC is greedy, himself and the crown; such as devel- 3. Court influence: The PC is word will get around and he won’t get oping a freehold, founding a new welcome at court and can get small any more favors. town, opening up a trade route, or favors from courtiers and servitors 6. Transport: A horse, coach ride, exploring new lands. without the usual waiting and bribery. ship passage, or even a magical steed 4. Tax exemption: The PC is re- In addition, each year the PC may or transport, is available for a one- leased from paying certain taxes. This propose one idea which will be consid- time, one-way trip when the PC needs is usually done when the PC promises ered by the king for action. it. This can be more useful than it to invest his money for the benefit of 4. Adoption: The PC is adopted sounds. Remember “My kingdom for a the community. If he starts to acquire into a noble family (who may not have horse”? too much money, the DM always can an heir) and receives all the benefits 7. Letters of introduction: Offi- impose “new” taxes not covered by the thereof, including titles, estates, ser- cial documents which introduce the exemption. vants, eccentric relatives, pressure to bearer as a person of good character. 5. Favorable legal judgement: If conform to family traditions, feud Useful at nobles’ castles and foreign the PC is involved in a legal case, he enemies, etc. courts. gets a verdict in his favor. 5. Royal pardon: The monarch 8. Included in will: The PC 6. Given command of troops: A pardons the PC for crimes he has stands to inherit money and property, military force, provided by the King, is committed. but only while he stays in favor with placed under the PC’s control. The 6. Entrusted with secrets: The the NPC who’s making the will (usually King will provide pay and food for the PC is taken into the monarch’s confi- a relative). He must wait for him to men; the PC must provide living dence. The king won’t be pleased if die, of course. arrangements. the information leaks or is used for 9. Good word: An influential NPC 7. Arranged marriage: The PC the PC’s personal advantage (see Dis- will put in a good word for the PC if has an advantageous marriage ar- favor, on Table #13 below). The bene- needed. This may not solve the prob- ranged, in that he can marry into a fit is double-edged, as enemies of the lem, but could help considerably. wealthy and powerful family. There is king may try to get the secrets from 10. Club: The PC becomes a mem- no guarantee the intended spouse will the PC in unpleasant ways. ber of an exclusive club. Influential be young, attractive, or good-natured; 7. The king’s ear: The king will people can be met there, where busi- arranged marriages are often the take suggestions from the PC. How- ness and political deals are made. opposite. ever, if the advice is bad, the PC will However, the club rules are strict and 8. Exchange/Ransom: If the PC is suffer the monarch’s wrath (see Dis- the PC will be ejected if he causes a taken prisoner, the king will see to it favor, below). disruption. that he is returned by paying the nec- 8. Royal favor: The PC can do no 11. Education: A scholarship to an essary price. wrong in the king’s eyes. This makes institution of higher learning. The PC 9. Hostage/Ward guardian: The him an enemy of everyone opposed to (or a follower) can acquire an academ- PC is given charge of an important the king, his policies, or who’s just ic NWP such as history, languages, or hostage or underage noble heir. The jealous. Royal favor is often capri- religion. hostage must be treated with the ut- cious, and can be withdrawn as quick- 12. Sponsorship/Apprentice- most respect and allowed freedom ly as was is bestowed. ship: An NPC will sponsor the PC in within a certain area, but must not either proposing him for membership in escape. The PC controls the ward’s Table #12: Miscellaneous some organization the PC wants to join, estates and fortune until he comes of benefits or by teaching him a craftsmen NWP age. There undoubtedly are other 1. A pat on the back: Sometimes such as blacksmithing, gem-cutting, or relatives of the heir who would bene- there are no tangible rewards for pottery in his spare time. fit greatly if he died prematurely. achievement. 13. Religious initiate: The PC is 10. Patronage: An important per- 2. Contacts: The PC acquires con- initiated into a special religious group, son will back the PC by providing tacts for mostly reliable rumors and generally a branch of his own faith. money, influence, equipment, fol- other information (a favorable modi- He becomes a lay member of the or- lowers, etc. He also will expect the PC fier on die rolls for these types of der (or if already a priest, becomes a to do his bidding whenever he desires. encounters). member of an “inner circle”). Mem- Alternatively, the PC may acquire a 3. Popular acclaim: The PC is bers of the sect will hold him in high court-type NWP such etiquette, her- hailed by the commoners and earns regard. The DM might allow a non- aldry, dancing, musical instrument, their gratitude. He gets free meals, priest PC to learn a minor bit of priest- animal handling (falconry), hunting, discounts on merchandise, and is gen- ly magic, or a priest PC to acquire a riding, singing, or artistry. erally well-liked by regular folks. The special spell. nobility, however, does not share in 14. Safe conduct pass: A guaran- Table #11: Special benefits this admiration. tee of passage safely through areas of 1. Royal intervention: If possi- 4. Introduction: The PC is intro- conflict. Evil persons often fail to rec- ble, the king will bail the PC out of any duced to an NPC of his choice. This is ognize the validity of such documents. trouble he’s in, once and only once. a good way to meet someone impor- 15. Letter of marque: Permission 2. Alliance with noble family: A tant without the usual red tape or to fit out an armed ship as a privateer, clan of aristocrats sees an opportunity bribes. attacking enemy shipping during war- in joining itself with the PC. While 5. Favor: A VIP owes the PC a one- time. The king gets a cut of any loot, DRAGON 15 usually 25-50%. like the gift enough, further gifts are 12. Infamous: The PC becomes 16. Train of servants: A retinue demanded. exceedingly notorious, and receives a of 4-16 well-trained grooms, butlers, 5. Demotion: The PC’s job is down- -6 reaction modifier wherever he maids, or coachmen, costing 20-80 gp graded; he even may be fired. If he is goes. Merchants close up shop, par- per month. Room and board must be unemployed, he is conscripted into the ents lock up their children, bureau- provided. king’s service. crats roll out the red tape, and town 17. Secret society: The PC is ad- 6. Legal disputes: The PC is sued guardsmen harass him mercilessly. All mitted into a secret society which has by disgruntled followers, ex-lovers, his followers, except those of the a code of conduct, secret handshakes, and townspeople for real or imagined worst character, desert. funny hats, and so on. Some impor- injuries. Alternatively, he is investi- 13. Rivalry: The PC is challenged tant people are also members. It costs gated by a government commission to a duel by a spiteful and powerful 50-300 gp a year for dues and regalia for violations of various obscure laws. enemy. If he wins, his opponent will and at least two meetings a year must The case will take 7-12 months to do everything in his power to cause be attended. Society members always come to court and costs l,000-6,000 him trouble the rest of his life. If he help each other if possible. (Historical gp in legal fees. If the PC loses, he can kills the enemy, he will be faced with note: Santa Anna avoided a firing expect an additional penalty of at least an unending stream of challenges, squad after being captured at the the same amount. assassination attempts, overt and cov- Battle of San Jacinto by flashing a 7. Troops quartered: The PC has ert attacks by the enemy’s henchmen, secret Masonic distress sign, which to board a group of rowdy soldiers. friends, and relatives seeking revenge. was recognized by General Sam Hous- Their numbers will be appropriate to 14. Unfavorable benefit: This ton, who also was a Mason. the size of the PC’s abode, but will appears to the PC to be one of the 18. Priestly or magical tend toward the maximum possible. benefits listed in the charts above, but assistance/Mentor: The PC can call The voracious troops each devour 10 has something wrong with it. For on a high-level priest or wizard for gp of food and drink a month each, example, the PC might get a haunted one-time help with spells or informa- and will rudely annoy his family, fol- castle, or his land might turn out to be tion. Alternatively, a mentor will teach lowers, and friends, spy on the PC, a stinking, monster-infested swamp, him a NWP of the PC’s choice. and cause l-20 gp worth of breakage his gift might be cursed, his business 19. Candidate for election: A and pilfering every week. venture a total failure, his new posi- political faction backs the PC as a can- 8. Creditors: People who are owed tion subjects him to an endless stream didate, by providing funds, campaign money by the PC make intensive efforts of beggars, moochers, and cranks, or workers, and publicity. The PC may to recover their money. This involves the favor of the king turns out to be spend his own money as well. Wheth- legal action and the hiring of collection that the monarch refuses to let the PC er he gets elected will depend on the agents and even thieves to acquire his out of his sight and requires him to PC’s actions, but he will be beholden valuables. If the PC doesn’t owe any play parchesi 20 times a day. to his backers in any event. Most local- money the DM should arrange for him 15. Shotgun marriage: The PC is level elected positions are part-time to be involved in a failing business ven- forced or tricked into marriage with a jobs that pay 50-200 gp/month. ture that’s deep in the red or inherit lying scoundrel or a whining shrew; 20. Refuge: A noble, a temple, or massive debts from a relative. the new in-laws are abominable, of foreign ruler will provide political 9. Forced loan: The PC must lend course. They plot to gain his money asylum and a hiding place for the PC if the King l,000-10,000 gp (or more). and his possessions. he gets in deep trouble. There’s a 40% chance the loan will be 16. Feud: A hostile noble family paid back in 2-24 months, a 25% enters a state of war with the PC. In Table #13: Misfortunes chance for 2-5 years, a 20% chance the city, sudden attacks by family 1. Object of ridicule: The PC for 6-11 years, and a 15% chance for members can be expected. In the becomes a figure of fun to the locals. never being paid back. The King rare- country, large bands of their armed Any idea he proposes is met with riot- ly pays interest, either. retainers will be on the lookout for ous laughter. It is impossible for him 10. Forced duty: The PC is re- the PC. If he owns a fief, raids and to recruit NPCs. quired to perform some unpleasant full-scale assaults are possible. 2. Bad reputation: The PC acquires duty for the King, such as foreclosing 17. Disfavor: the PC has dis- a bad name. Reaction rolls have a -2 on widows, collecting taxes from desti- pleased the king or queen. While he’s penalty. Insulting rumors about him are tute elderly people, running orphans not formally accused, he’s next in line constantly circulated. In addition, the out of town, etc. This does nothing for for the chopping block. Everyone gentry are offended, and no person of his prestige. avoids him. Any other PCs who associ- the noble class will have anything to do 11. Tax audit: The PC’s tax pay- ate with him suffer the effects of “bad with him. ments up to seven years back are reputation” (#2 above). 3. Mandatory host: At the King’s checked. If the PC has been scrupu- 18. Dishonored/Disgraced: The command, the PC must play host to lous about paying taxes, there is a 40% PC is stripped of his titles, rank, and 2-8 arrogant nobles who make exces- chance of the auditor finding a minor wealth in a formal ceremony, and sive demands for gourmet food, ser- problem that results in a 100-600 gp becomes “infamous” (#l2). vants, entertainment, and so on. They fine. If the PC has given normal atten- 19. Exiled: The PC is forced out of stay 1-6 months and incur expenses of tion to his tax payments, there’s an the country, under penalty of death. 100-400 gp/month each. 80% chance of a l,000-6,000 gp fine. If 20. Outlawed: The character be- 4. Required gift: The PC must he’s been lax about paying his taxes, comes a wanted criminal, with a boun- provide a gift costing l,000-6,000 gp to there will automatically be a l0,000- ty on his head. his overlord. If the overlord doesn’t 40,000 gp fine plus possible jail time.

16 MAY 1995

by Phil Masters

A game campaign about simple survival Background However, the Greek soldiers found (Xenophon himself was a colorful The inspiration for this article be- new leaders from amongst their num- character, an Athenian whose sympa- gins in ancient history. In 401 B.C.; a bers, including an officer named thies for Sparta, Athens’ enemy, Persian prince named Cyrus, brother Xenophon, who had originally joined earned him exile from Athens for of the King of Kings, Artaxerxes II, the expedition as an observer. The some years. He wrote books on mili- attempted to take over the whole Per- “Ten Thousand” then executed a bril- tary theory, politics, and on estate sian Empire from his brother. To en- liant fighting retreat on foot, over management; he was an intelligent, hance his military strength, he hired hundreds of miles of unknown coun- monarchistic, opinionated soldier- 13,000 Greek spearmen—some of the try, some of it mountainous, in the thinker.) best mercenary troops going. face of local resistance during winter Cyrus was a skilled general, but this weather. They eventually found safety Game relevance did not save him from the occupation- in the independent city-states of the Something very like the “March of al hazard of all soldiers in war; he was Black Sea coast. Xenophon, who also the Ten Thousand,” could be used as killed in action at Cunaxa, near Baby- was a writer and historian, told the the basis for a limited role-playing lon. His Greek troops mostly survived story in a book called The Anabasis; campaign. Just have a bunch of PC the battle, but were left leaderless in not surprisingly, it fascinated Greeks heroes stranded deep in hostile terri- the heart of a hostile empire. To sur- of the time, as it showed a vast empire tory, and offer them the simple choice: render would have meant slavery or that could find no answer to deter- get back to friendly territory, or face worse for them, and when their offi- mined Greek warriors. Later, Alexan- slavery or death. cers tried to negotiate with the vic- der the Great may have remembered The PCs could be soldiers, merce- tors, they were treacherously taken this lesson when he led a Greek army prisoner. to conquer Persia.

18 MAY 1995 naries, or simply be on a quest or stances, the PCs also would need to of the empire from which the PCs are other mission that takes them into protect the noncombatants. In any to escape should not be too vengeful, unfriendly territory. Apart from com- event, player characters tend to be dangerous, or clever. After all, she bat and wilderness survival problems, pretty good at sneaking and dodging; might bring a vast army against the they could find themselves dealing they often can get through dangerous PCs, and if it’s well led, that could with neutral locals, who might let country by avoiding contact with the mean a rather short and messy cam- them pass in exchange for favors or enemy. If they have to escort a large paign. The opposition the PCs face trade with them—provided that the group with them though, they have to should be serious, but not unbeatable. PCs’ pursuers could be distracted. use different tactics and make harder The success of the Ten Thousand was Their route home might lead them decisions. impressive, but perhaps Artaxerxes through all sorts of mysterious coun- was almost as happy to see them es- try, perhaps taking in encounters with Making the idea fit cape as to enslave them; after all, they local creatures, weird NPCs, magical The main things that a game world were a problem that went away if he monsters, and strange sites in the needs to allow this campaign idea to ignored it for long enough! wilderness. (This could be an excellent work are a relatively large, strong The other thing needed to make the campaign to mix role-playing with nation or empire with some internal campaign work is, of course, the right table-top war-gaming; PC leaders and conflict or a powerful enemy state players with the right characters. heroes have to deal with some prob- (which could be a nation or just an They must be interested and willing to lems personally, and also must direct area heavily infested with monsters take on a tough mission in which the the rest of the group when faced with and dangerous creatures such as hu- main objective is survival rather than the need to do battle.) manoids, fiends, dragons, giants, etc.) glorious conquest; point out that Obviously, it is possible to place PCs and some limitations with transport. It “mere” survival against this sort of in such a situation on their own, and wouldn’t do for the PCs simply to odds is glorious. Furthermore, the PCs this can make for an interesting cam- unroll their carpet of flying and soar must be committed to saving their paign, with the tiny PC group sur- home in a matter of hours. Magical entire force, including NPCs; if the rounded by thousands of enemies, modes of travel should be severely players are too inclined to run self- having to think their way out of trou- restricted or totally unavailable. (Ob- serving, egocentric characters, they ble. If the PCs are leading a large taining such a means of transport may decide to sneak away from the group though, they also must coordi- could be one of the PCs’ goals—so they others one night, and use stealth to nate the group’s movements, forage don’t have to walk all the way home.) escape from the hostile territory while for food, and attempt to find shelter One thing to bear in mind; the ruler the NPCs get slaughtered. This can be for the group. The group need not be discouraged by emphasizing that the an army; the PCs could be escorting a best safety, in this situation, is in num- “wagon train” through hostile territo- bers, or by threatening the PCs with ry, guarding a merchant caravan, or the revenge of any NPCs who survive protecting refugees. In such circum- such treachery. It is up to the GM to ensure that the PCs have the right attitudes. (Good-aligned characters should work to prevent any such PC defections if their players are good role-players anyway.) Handling combat When battles must be played out, note that some role-playing systems (such as the AD&D® game) have addi- tional rules for mass combat (the BATTLESYSTEM® rules), some games such as the WARHAMMER* rules are closely tied up with dedicated war game systems, and some have been provided with simple, abstract sys- tems for quickly handling such things. For SJG’s GURPS* system, seek out the various supplements and magazines containing the official mass battle rules; for the FANTASY HERO* game, see the Fantasy Hero Companion. For this particular campaign idea, having use of a good set of table-top rules and the figures to use with them, is a very good idea; in fact, some groups may choose to regard this as a war game campaign with role-playing elements, rather than the reverse

DRAGON 19 Historical and fantasy them out of their predicament and For one thing, they will probably be settings carry them home. (Even then, the remembered, respected, and admired In an ancient-style fantasy setting, dash for the airport can make an ex- by the people they led to safety. Hav- the story of The Anabasis can be re- citing scenario.) Even if an airlift isn’t ing the friendship of a large band of created more or less in one piece, with available, a few good trucks or ar- NPCs is nothing to complain about in as many extra, fantastic complications mored personnel carriers can cross any RPG. This doesn’t mean that these as the GM wishes. It even could be most modern nations in a few days NPCs will follow the PCs blindly and run as a complete, carefully re- (which could make for a Road Warrior unpaid into further dangers, but occa- searched recreation of the original style “running fight” scenario.) How- sional requests for assistance will be events. ever, that’s assuming that the stranded looked on favorably, and the odd offer (Also—GMs of time-travel campaigns PCs can get hold of reliable transport of interesting work, with payment could send PCs back to ancient Persia of one sort or another. deferred, might be treated with more to observe the details of the original A group of superheroes or spies respect than usual. events. This could lead to adventures could be trapped with a group of im- Secondly, following the story of the as the PC observers become entangled portant NPCs (aliens, defectors, etc.) original Anabasis, the PCs can become with the Ten Thousand’s running bat- they intended to rescue. An infantry famous. Aside from the chance to tles. Alternatively, time meddlers squad, caught deep in enemy territo- obtain free drinks at inns by recount- could try to intervene at various ry, can have a hard trek on their ing the tale to appreciative audiences, points, perhaps to save Cyrus and give hands, with many potential incidents they may be pursued by people who him the victory after all, perhaps to along the way. GDW built all their want to know more about the practi- see the Greeks wiped out and The early TWILIGHT 2000* game sce- cal details of their success. The PCs Anabasis never written—which could narios around this basic idea. have proven that they can defeat the have all sorts of tricky, perhaps cata- enemy’s armed forces, secret police, clysmic effects for subsequent Greek SF games wizards, psionicists, etc., despite des- and Persian history.) A high-tech SF game can open up perate odds; their tactical ideas could For a medieval fantasy campaign, the whole question again—not because be worth borrowing. imagine re-casting a stock low-level transport is necessarily slow or un- Of course, this cuts two ways; the AD&D game party as junior members available, but because distances to enemy they escaped from may regard of a unit—line soldiers or guards cover can be so much greater. One them as an embarrassment, a target (fighters), young wizards who tagged possibility is to have the PCs stuck on for revenge, and a danger for their along with their mentor who was a fairly low-tech planet, with little knowledge of the enemy’s weaknesses. providing magical support and protec- transport; perhaps the planet has a A few run-ins with summoned mon- tion (mages), scouts (thieves), and single starport, considered “neutral sters or hired assassins should keep chaplains and spiritual advisors (cler- ground” under strict interstellar law— the PCs on their toes. ics). Now have these people elected to but that’s thousands of miles away. This in turn might encourage the lead the survivors out of trouble when (This idea has been used in some sce- characters to take an interest in a their high-level officers are captured narios for GDW’s TRAVELLER* RPG logical follow-up adventure. Seven or killed. They must pick an escape before now.) decades passed between Xenophon’s route and use their previously theoret- Alternatively, the PCs already may expedition and Alexander’s conquest ical knowledge of strategy and plan- be aboard a ship—but the enemy terri- of Persia, but a game world could see ning in the face of all manner of tory around them consists of hun- something similar happen much quick- opponents, monsters, and practical dreds of star systems, and the Enemy er; an invasion of the enemy by a problems. Perhaps their pursuers can, has a strong navy. (See Return of the rising power (perhaps one the PCs can by threatening or closing off one es- Jedi for relevant ideas.) Or, the mecha- be convinced to support with prom- cape route but leaving another open, nism that allows starships to cover the ises of riches, land grants, etc.). In that sucker the PCs’ group into marching vast interstellar distances (jump drive, case, the PCs would be in line for across “haunted ground,” and the PCs warp-speed engines, etc.) is damaged employment as military advisers, intel- must resolve the mystery of some beyond the PCs’ ability to repair while ligence experts, and perhaps, even enigmatic ruin before superstitious the vessel and its occupants are deep generals. fear destroys the group’s morale (a inside enemy space. good excuse for a quick dungeon- Sources bash). Most important of all, the PCs Afterword The story of The Anabasis is men- have to keep the group together and If the “Anabasis campaign” is set up tioned in most history books that deal in good spirits—which could be quite a as a short-term, “closed” campaign, with the ancient Greek period, and role-playing challenge, given that the then it ends when the PCs and their Xenophon’s own book, The Anabasis, NPC members of the group may well (surviving) followers reach safety— has been translated more than once. be less competent or experienced than friendly or neutral territory—and go GMs wanting to research the historical the PCs. home to write their memoirs. How- events in detail should be able to find ever, the same plot could be inserted something in any good-sized public or Modern settings into an open-ended campaign, at the university library; casual readers It’s a bit harder to fit this idea in a beginning or somewhere in the mid- might well find enough in a decent modern-era game; the PCs have less to dle. If this is done, the PCs will gain encyclopedia. worry about if they can, for example, more from the ordeal than the usual get hold of a transport plane to lift experience points and plunder. * indicates a product produced by a company other than TSR, Inc.

20 MAY 1995

by Joshua Siegel

The adage that serves as this arti- diverse roles of every NPC encoun- Two GMS equals cle’s title, while not true in all cases, tered, and still make sure the players certainly applies to the fine art of are having fun! Being a GM definitely being a game master (GM). The GM is a labor of love, but sometimes the half the work must not only prepare the adventure, workload can become too much for but also must keep track of the char- one person. There are times when a and twice the fun acters’ actions, look up rules, play the second GM can be a lifesaver. Benefits Have you ever wondered why so many novels are created by writing partners? It is because two minds working together more than doubles the output of creativity. Working alone, a GM (or author) may have a limited perspective on how characters may react to certain challenges and may not realize the full spectrum of possibilities. Partners can toss ideas back and forth to decide which are the best and put them to use. New traps and puzzles can be tested on one’s partner to discover whether they are actually as challenging as thought. Partners also can discover weak areas or mistakes in the adven- ture (or story) that otherwise could go unnoticed. Split parties often are a headache for a GM. Fret no more! With a little coordination, a separated group can be run easily by two GMs. As long as the two GMs keep each other informed of the characters’ actions, all will go well without one GM having to run back and forth between player groups. Combat scenarios also can move along much faster with two GMs. Each one can work with a smaller group of players, so no one has to sit bored while waiting for her turn to roll the dice. The post-battle Co-GMS excitement level also is raised as each In this type of partnership, the player enthusiastically describes the GMs take equal roles. All responsibilities action from his character’s perspective are divided equally and neither part- to players in the other group. ner takes precedence over the other. What happens when the GM cannot This can be the most difficult form of make it to the game session? Normally, GM partnership, especially if both Assistant GMs the game is cancelled or someone else people are headstrong individuals. The Although he usually has as much has to prepare a quickie fill-in adven- partners should be good friends who responsibility as a Co-GM, the Assist- ture. Not if there are two GMs. work well together. They also should ant GM tends to take a back seat dur- For example, Rob remembers that spend plenty of time together. The ing actual play. While not running the he has a big term paper due Monday best pairs of Co-GMs might be either game, the assistant still has plenty of and doesn’t have time for tonight’s roommates or spouses. The toughest responsibilities to keep him busy. If a game. He calls his GM partner, Gina. part of being a Co-GM is alternating question about one of the rules arises Gina and Rob talk for a few minutes who actually runs the game during during play, the game does not have to about the adventure they had pre- that particular game session and who come to a halt while the GM searches pared, then Gina takes their notes and takes a lesser role. One way to do this through her notes and books for the goes to the game. After Rob has fin- is through “tag teaming,” in which the answer. Instead, the Assistant GM can ished his paper, he visits Gina to get GMs alternate running the game sev- look up the rule in question while the caught up on the game’s events and eral times during one session. How- action continues. Rules lawyers often they begin to work on the next week’s ever, this can be confusing to the relish this role, as it gives them a adventure. players as well as the GMs! A better chance to show off their expertise. GMs can work together in different method may be to let one GM give Another task for the Assistant GM is ways. For convenience, I have divided descriptions and do the various dice- the control of “special effects.” He can the type of GM partnerships into three rolling, while the other plays essential create fun sound effects and pop an categories: Co-GMs, Assistant GMs, NPCs and looks up rules questions. Co- appropriate soundtrack into the stereo and Apprentice GMs. In actual play, GMs can create wonderful situations, when the real action starts. Thus the the functions and roles of these differ- such as letting the player characters GM/DJ is born! An Assistant GM also ent types cross over and the bounda- resolve an argument between two should be given the chance to play ries can blur. NPCs, each played by one of the GMs. NPCs, guide split parties, and run the

DRAGON 23 game when the regular GM cannot seek as much input from the appren- back to using a single GM. If a GM make it. Remember, it is still a partner- tice as possible and let her look up partnership doesn’t work for your ship! The assistant is an equal in most rules, even if they are already known. group, then don’t use it. It’s as simple ways, especially during the game’s These drills will help to boost the ap- as that. creation. One of the most helpful prentice’s confidence, as will letting Also to be avoided is the use of more things an Assistant GM can do during her run short side-bar adventures. It than two GMs. Remember, too many a game is to take notes on the adven- is imperative that a GM remembers cooks can spoil the soup. If your gam- ture, both for posterity and for creat- that his partner is an apprentice in ing group is so big that you feel you ing future adventures. name only. She is not someone to need more than two GMs, it would sweep the floor or fetch popcorn for probably be better to split the group Apprentice GMs the gaming group! Treatment like that into different campaigns. The games Sometimes a player will decide that can quickly lose you a friend. The can still cross-over with each other, she would rather run a game than apprentice is in no way inferior to the and things should be much less con- play a character but feels that she is regular GM, simply less experienced. fused. A second GM probably is not a not quite ready to run a game on her good idea unless a group has more own. Maybe she is a new player that Problems than five players. It can still be a bene- does not yet know all of the essential GM partnerships can add much variety fit, but there is no real need for one. rules, or perhaps she just lacks self- and excitement to your game, but there Besides, who wants more GMs than confidence. Either way, the best way are a few things to be careful about. As in players? to prepare for a career as a solo GM all relationships, conflicts can arise be- might be to work with someone who tween the two GMs. These disagreements A partnership between two GMs can is more experienced and comfortable can be caused by details as minor as an be a very rewarding experience, both with the role. The “apprentice” works NPC’s name or something as important as for players and GMs. It is surprising with the experienced GM in much the the campaign’s continuing theme. The just how much more can be accom- same way as an assistant would, but most logical way to resolve a conflict is plished and how much is added to the with an emphasis on learning and through compromise. However, diplomacy game. So try a GM partnership in your working toward full mastery of the does not always work. If the argument campaign and I think that you will role. The GM should take the time to comes to a point at which it disrupts the agree that two heads really are better answer any questions from the ap- game or threatens a friendship, it should than one. prentice during the game or creation be taken care of immediately. Either get of an adventure. The GM also should both parties to drop the issue, or go

24 MAY 1995

by Peter C. Zelinski

Artwork by Dave Miller Designing AD&D® game adventures for one PC class

Dungeon Masters often are frus- esting. This article discusses breaking durability (both in hit points and in trated by experienced AD&D® game with one very prevalent tradition, that availability of healing spells), while at players. Such players have a decade or of party composition. Specifically, this the same time represents all of the more of experience with the AD&D is an article about designing and run- classes so that the skills of each are game, and in that time they have per- ning adventures or campaigns for parties available should they be needed. This fected drills for dealing with nearly whose members are all of the same class. also is the combination that is as- every trap, magical item, and band of The most effective class “mix” for an sumed by most game modules, and low-level monsters imaginable. Given adventuring party is about 40% war- the combination that groups of play- this, DMs must be willing to break riors, 30% priests, 20% wizards, and ers, in general, are most used to play- with traditions to keep their adven- 10% rogues. This combination stresses ing. The party of uniform class tures and campaigns novel and inter- combat effectiveness and character therefore represents a profound

26 MAY 1995 break with tradition; most tried-and- items their characters find will be with high Strength will engage in me- true adventuring tactics will have to potions, say, and 30% will be scrolls, lee, those with high Dexterity will hurl be revised, and many unconventional then they may sense the hand of the missiles, and those with the very high- strategy questions will have to be DM if suddenly 70% of the magical est Wisdom will pray for the few answered. Consider, for example, a items are potions just because now the spells the party chooses that are not party consisting solely of low-level characters are all warriors who would related to combat. mages. What fraction of this party not care for scrolls. On the other Of course, rerolling until the mini- should memorize sleep spells before hand, presenting the players with a lot mum is achieved becomes an endur- beginning the adventure? How many of magical items their characters can- ance test for players rolling Charisma of these spells should be cast when not use, or even figure out, can be for paladin characters. Since there is the first band of goblins is encoun- distracting as well as unrewarding. only a small chance of rolling a 17 or tered? Is a frontal assault with staves The DM should operate somewhere higher on 3d6, it would be absurd for and daggers ever a good idea? If not, between these two extremes. This is the entire group of players to con- what can be done to avoid this situa- particularly true of potions of healing. tinue rolling until each one met the tion? The challenge to the players in a For a party of non-priests, the success requirement. Therefore, for generat- one-class adventure lies in answering of the adventure may depend on a ing paladins’ Charisma, the following questions exactly like these. few of these “priests in a bottle” falling statistically equivalent method may be The DM is faced with her own set of into their hands. However, awarding used: each player rolls 1d4, only those challenges in designing such an adven- too many of these may be the equiva- who roll a “4” have characters with 18 ture. After all, the DM probably is just lent of actually giving the party a Charisma; all others have a measly 17. as unfamiliar with one-class parties as priest. Remember that the purpose of The four character class groups are the players are, so the creation of an one-class adventuring is to challenge considered individually as candidates effective adventure will require an the players by changing the composi- for a one-class adventure. Sample above-average amount of reflection tion of the party of PCs that they send scenarios are given that justify the and experimentation on her part. into the world, while keeping the real- existence of a one-class party for each Essentially, the challenges to the DM ities of that world constant. of the four groups. The scenarios are are twofold. First, she must contrive a meant to describe single adventures, logical scenario that will both explain Generating PCs but each may serve as a springboard how the adventuring party came to Of course, the random rolling of for a one-class campaign. If such a be, and prevent the party from enlist- ability scores is unlikely to result in a campaign is attempted, the DM will ing the help of members of other group of characters who all qualify have to decide how rigidly she will classes. Second, the DM must tailor for some desired class, so the inter- enforce the one-class-and-one-class- the encounters of the adventure to the vention of the DM is necessary here. It only condition. It might be best not to particular class of the party, being is recommended that character ability enforce it at all, so that if the players mindful of the power level and the scores be determined using one 3d6 decide they prefer to return to a more range of abilities of the class in ques- roll for each of the six scores, in order, traditional campaign, then character tion. While the first challenge can be but that players be allowed to reroll death, PC retirement, and dual classes met only through the DM’s ingenuity, every ability score that does not meet for humans can be the mechanisms the second challenge is best met the desired class’s minimum require- that make this transition possible. through trial-and-error. Monsters, ment for that ability. I have participat- especially, can be pre-screened—the ed in many campaigns where the DM Warriors DM simply runs through a likely battle allowed players to decide the classes Of the four character groups, a between the party and the chosen of their characters before rolling any party of warriors is the easiest to jus- monster to determine if the power dice, then tailor their ability scores by tify. Even in our own world, people of level of that monster is appropriate. rolling them in order and raising to similar professional training tend to This is an important step, because the the minimum requirement any scores form restrictive groups, and the most possible one-class parties represent a that fell short. restrictive of these groups is soldiers. vast range of combat ability. A group In a one-class party, this option Furthermore, a party consisting solely of first-level fighters, for example, means a greater similarity in the abili- of warriors is the one-class party that could easily dispense with a lone orc, ty scores of the characters, which in is most similar to a typical adventuring but a lone orc with maximum hit turn means less difference between party, because warriors generally points could prove a formidable oppo- the characters themselves. In a one- comprise the greatest fraction of a nent to a group of first-level mages class party, small differences in ability party by class. who have run out of spells. scores become very important. Since A party of fighters or paladins may In choosing treasure, the evaluation the characters all have essentially the be part of a standing militia in the procedure is not so well-defined. same repertoire of class-related abili- service of some lord or temple. In While all classes greet the discovery of ties, and since equipment and magical such a case, an adventure would likely gold or gemstones with equal enthusi- items are interchangeable, the only take the form of a mission given the asm, the same can not be said of magi- distinguishing characteristics that party by its superiors. However, even cal items. Should the placement of remain between characters in a one- if the players prefer their characters magical items be tailored to the class class party are racial abilities, non- to be free of any permanent employer of the party? Yes and no. If the players weapon proficiencies, and ability or master (as most do), there is still and the DM have played together in scores. Consider an adventuring party some justification needed for exclud- the past, and the players have come to of all clerics, for example. Such a par- ing non-warriors from the party. The expect that about 40% of the magical ty might decide that the members characters may be a group of merce-

DRAGON 27 naries or crusaders who have adven- were left for dead by the hobgoblins will advise the characters to use them tured together several times in the after their ambush. These men also sparingly. past; true, spell-casters and lock- say that the hobgoblins did not seem If the party successfully overcomes pickers may be useful at times, the to recognize the prince as a member the monsters it meets in the forest, fighters’ thinking might go, but these of royalty; he was shackled and led then it will reach the hobgoblin keep types have to be protected in combat, away like the rest of the retinue and in two days. Allowing one day to find and our opponents are just too dan- will probably be kept alive only until and liberate the prince and two days gerous to allow time for babysitting. he ceases to be useful as slave labor. for the return trip leaves the party Note that a party of rangers could be The player characters either are two days to hide in the brush just “free agents” of the sort mentioned members of the kingdom’s standing inside the forest and recover. above. army, or independent warriors who The ruined keep will be mostly de- In general, a party of warriors will have volunteered to help the army in void of adult males when the party be more combat effective than a this mission. Either way, they are arrives, except for those who are re- mixed party of the same number and friends of the prince and know him to cuperating in the crude infirmary. level. However, the difficulty level of be a just and worthy leader who de- Careful examination of the keep from the monsters should not be increased serves a better fate than to be the within the forest will allow the charac- in accordance with this. The reason prisoner of hobgoblins. ters to notice that the few remaining for this is that every battle, even the The hobgoblin base is a ruined keep uninjured adult males seem to be reg- ones that the heroes are relatively sandwiched between two obstacles: a ularly visiting the keep’s sole tower, certain to win, will cause injury to dense, labyrinthine, and evilly en- exactly as if they are guards rotating members of the party. Like a party of chanted forest to the west, and a dan- shifts—this must be where the slaves wizards or rogues, a party of warriors gerous mountain range to the east. are kept. Elves in the party also may can recover lost hit points only Only two long, narrow passes be- spot a secret door in the wall of the through the nonweapon proficiency tween these obstacles, one to the keep that allows access to the tower Healing, which is usable once per day north and one to the south, allow without having to pass through the on each character, or through some access to the keep. The queen’s army infirmary, so that the party may at- means of temporarily foregoing the has split in two and engaged the hob- tempt to dispose of the guards quickly, adventure, either by resting or by goblins simultaneously in both passes, before they can sound an alarm. Un- returning to town to receive the atten- thus preventing the hobgoblin leaders fortunately for the party, the hobgob- tion of an NPC priest. Unlike wizards from taking their slaves and fleeing lin leader has stayed behind, and he and rogues, however, warriors have the region. Unfortunately, both the will happen upon the party before it no readily available skills or abilities organization and the ferocity of the can escape. The party will then have that allow them to avoid combat. For a hobgoblin resistance has exceeded all to defeat him, or else the heroes will party of warriors, often the only way expectations. The prognosis of the wind up as slaves themselves—slaves to get past a monster is to defeat it. commander of the kingdom’s forces is who will certainly be better guarded This is not to say that warriors not good; neither half of the army is in the future. should not be encouraged to use strat- gaining any ground, and at present egy or clever deception in fighting rates the dwindling supplies and Wizards monsters, but the cumulative effects mounting casualties will necessitate a In contrast to warriors, wizards are of damage inflicted balance any in- full retreat in seven more days. The the most difficult characters around crease in fighting ability over the commander shares this information whom to design a one-class adventure. course of many direct-combat en- with the player characters because he Unless they are lucky enough to own counters. An exception to this might has a mission for which he wants an offensive magical item or two, wiz- be made for paladins, whose “laying them to volunteer. While the army ards derive all of their combat effec- on hands” and the ability to purchase keeps the hobgoblin warriors occu- tiveness from spells, and these spells the Healing proficiency at normal cost pied, the player characters are to are quickly depleted. Even the offen- combine to give them a slight edge in make a covert assault on the hobgob- sive magical items generally possess a recuperative ability. The monsters lin base to locate and rescue the finite number of charges. It is because faced by a band of paladins probably prince. Since the mountain range is wizards must so conserve their ener- should be a little tougher, but bands of unpassable for travelers in metal ar- gies that they deliberately travel with fighters or rangers should be forced mor, the characters will approach the bands of warriors and priests who can to battle only extremely challenging base by way of the forest, where the do their fighting for them; this allows monsters when the encounter is soon principal danger is the evil monsters wizards to use their few spells for less to be followed by an opportunity to who lurk within it. If the player char- wasteful pursuits. A party of unac- recover. acters are fighters, they were chosen companied wizards therefore would because they have experience with be rare indeed, and could be the re- Scenario: The prince this sort of heroic mission. If they are sult only of unusual circumstances. The distraught queen of a small and paladins or rangers they were chosen The most important thing the DM peaceable kingdom has declared war because their protection from evil or should remember in designing an on a tribe of hobgoblins living in the woodland skills respectively will serve adventure for a party of wizards is wilderness to the north because she them well in the forest. The party will that this class derives all of its power recently learned that these hobgoblins be completely cut off from the army from rest periods. For warriors, rest have captured her only son. This dire while it is “behind enemy lines,” but periods are necessary only for recov- news was reported to the queen by the commander does have two potions ering hit points. For wizards, however, members of the prince’s retinue who of healing he will give the group. He they assume the added significance of

28 MAY 1995 being the only means by which they hands, so they have retrieved it from spells available that approximate the can “restock” the magical arsenal on the college’s library, and now it falls to spells of wizards and the skills of which they are so dependent. There- them to smuggle the book to safety. rogues. For this reason, priests merit fore, an all-wizards adventure should Fortunately, there is a way to do this, the least commentary. be structured so that opportunities to but it will be very dangerous. It is worth noting, however, that a rest and study spells are regularly The college has long known of an- party of priests, particularly clerics, available. The number of encounters cient catacombs deep beneath the city, easily is the most resilient of the possi- in one adventuring day should be kept catacombs that are connected to a ble one-class parties, and this is due of small enough so that a party that intel- series of natural caverns that extend course to the large number of healing ligently budgets its spells will have a far outside of town. Unfortunately, the spells that the party has available. At spell or two remaining to use against catacombs are inhabited, both by un- higher levels, the difference in fight- the last monster. While it may be dead and by a handful of creatures ing ability between warriors and amusing to have the party run out of who have migrated from the caverns. priests is significant, but at lower spells and be forced to engage a mon- The caverns have not been mapped, levels this difference is small enough ster in melee, such an attack probably but it is believed that they exit near a that the healing ability of a party of is doomed to failure unless the oppo- stretch of rocky hills outside of town. priests makes them at least competi- nent is very weak. The DM should run A journey through these hills will be tive with their warrior counterparts. a practice battle involving spell-less slow and quite difficult, but it is un- In populating a dungeon for a party of wizards to gain a realistic idea of how likely that the invaders will choose to priests, the DM need not be overly meager their fighting abilities are. patrol here. Beyond the hills is a l00- conservative. Beyond this, the abilities of the party mile trek through largely uncleared The principal challenge for the DM may vary widely, according to what wilderness to the keep of the nearest will be in justifying both the associa- spells are written in the party spell good-aligned lord who can be trusted tion of a large group of priests, and books, The adventure should be tai- to provide sanctuary to the characters the fact that they must embark on a lored to reflect these abilities, and the and the spell book. The characters dangerous adventure without the monsters should be weak enough to know the location of the secret en- assistance of any warriors or wizards. reflect the lack of warriors. However, trance to the catacombs. Therefore, if If the priests all worship the same at least a few of the encounter areas they leave quickly, they can begin deity, this may be easy enough to do. should be challenging enough that the their run for safety without the in- However, the adventure stands to be wizards are forced to use their spells vaders knowing where they have much more interesting if the priests in untraditional ways, or in imagina- gone. The characters may be able to serve different deities. tive combinations to which they learn some of the spells in the book would never have resorted had there they are carrying, but most will be too Scenario: The temple been warriors and priests available to high-level for their comprehension. There is a large and fairly wealthy protect them. This adventure will be a long one, temple that has long been thought to but it is composed of several short be the ideal location for the uninter- Scenario: The spell book episodes, and there is no time limit (as rupted worship of a certain good- A desperate messenger has brought long as the invaders do not discover aligned goddess. However, for the past terrible and unexpected news to the them and give pursuit), so the party several months, a sinister band of city. Two dozen miles away, the war can take as many rest periods as their fiend worshipers has been secretly that has raged for the past year has provisions allow. If the party clears carving out their own temple beneath been utterly lost; the invaders are the catacombs, it can rest safely be- that of the goddess. Two days ago, the marching in victory toward the city, fore entering the caverns. If it clears fiend worshipers penetrated the god- and will arrive within the day. One of the caverns, it can rest safely before dess’ temple from below, and drove the many treasures the invaders hope emerging into the hills. From there, out all of its clerics, Now they have to find within the city is the Spell Book the party can expect a significantly corrupted the temple with their evil, of Tross, the private tome of a de- lower frequency of encounters, say and it is believed that they are en- ceased archmage containing powerful 0-3 per day at the very most. These gaged in unearthly rituals aimed at spells of his own invention. The in- wilderness encounters will be much opening a permanent gate to the vaders wish to find it so they can de- more challenging than the under- Lower Planes. liver it to the mage who leads them ground encounters—some even may The aura of evil about the temple is and thereby increase his power. require the characters to cast nearly so strong that any non-evil being who The player characters are wizards, all of their spells to defend themselves. attempts to enter it becomes so racked either mages or specialists. They are However, the party always has the with pain as to be unable to continue. the graduate students, instructors, or option of seeking out a natural hiding Protection from evil spells are useless temporary guests of the city’s College place and waiting quietly for the to combat this effect. It is felt that of Magic who, for one reason or an- chance to memorize more spells be- perhaps a paladin would be able to other, have neither joined the war- fore traveling any farther. withstand the aura sufficiently to riors, priests, and able-bodied men in enter and retake the temple; paladins battling the invaders, nor attempted to Priests therefore have been summoned, but bribe their way across the enemy lines A party of priests is the one-class the closest ones are six days’ ride like the city’s thieves’ guilds. They party that suffers the least for the lack away. It was one of the temple’s dis- recognize that the Spell Book of Tross of the other classes. The combat abili- placed residents who discovered the could be a tool for great evil and de- ty of priests is second only to that of defense: a good-aligned cleric wearing struction if it fell into the invaders’ warriors, and priests have several a silver holy symbol around his neck

DRAGON 29 can enter the temple unharmed. It unknowing foes), but unlike wizards, that, not a well-organized militia. This was decided, therefore, that since the thieves in general are not able to use is what will give the player characters fiend worshipers have to be dealt with magic to make up for this shortcom- the edge they need. Since all of the immediately, there is no time to wait ing. The typical AD&D game adven- guild members consider themselves for the paladins. The player charac- ture that relies heavily on direct above sentry duty, for example, hired ters are the good-aligned clerics who combat is probably least appropriate men-at-arms will be keeping watch. have been assembled to foil the fiend for thieves, because thieves have no These will be somewhat alert, but all worshipers and take back the temple special talents that are applicable to in all fairly easily disposed of, hope- if possible. Some of the characters are this situation (and backstabbing one’s fully before they can sound an alarm. former residents of the temple, but way through an entire adventure It is the trapped entrance corridors most are clerics who worship good quickly would grow tiring). An all- that the guild most relies on for secu- deities who are allies of the goddess of thief adventure probably would have rity, and these should give the party this temple. to be an urban adventure requiring some trouble (negative modifiers on The party will find the temple infest- stealth and guile, or a dungeon adven- the PCs’ skills for particularly intricate ed with chaotic evil allies of the fiend ture relying on mechanical traps more traps is possible). Once inside, the worshipers, some of them undead, heavily than monsters (such as a tomb party will be confronted with a large most of them living (else the party or crypt). chamber wherein most of the lower- might have it too easy—they could just ranking guild members will be drink- turn undead through the entire ad- Scenario: The city ing and loudly carrying on. This venture). Resistance will be fierce, but For over a decade, the city has had crowd is drunk enough that the party because of the chaotic nature of the only one resident thieves’ guild, and should be able to contrive some means enemy it will be disorganized. Former this is the guild to which the player of sneaking through without attract- residents of the temple may know the characters belong. The guild is neutral ing undue attention. Beyond this location of hidden clerical scrolls, or in alignment, and its longevity is due chamber, however, the party will en- similar useful items. If the party is in part to a secret agreement it has counter the guild officers, and these able to find these items, they may with the city guard: in exchange for will be much more wary. The party come in handy against the fiend wor- restricting its burglaries to business- even may have to resort to bargaining shipers. If the fiend worshipers have men who are known to be corrupt, with one of these officers, offering to found these items, however, then the the city guard makes only a haphaz- help the officer kill the guild leader if evil priests will use them against the ard attempt to arrest the burglars the officer can lead them to him. If party in the final battle. who are guildsmen. Recently however, such a bargain is struck and the guild Note: If the temple is replaced with a large, evil thieves’ guild has come to leader is engaged in battle, then when a sacred forest, then this becomes a the city and is attempting to take the the leader is weakened the player scenario for a band of druids. city for its own. Assassination is the characters may have to defend him means by which they hope to accom- against the officer so that the officer Rogues plish this; in the past four nights, four does not strike the killing blow. If they Since it is difficult to imagine an of the player characters’ fellow guilds- do not, then they must attempt to kill adventuring party consisting solely of men have been ambushed and slain— the new leader immediately after he bards, this will be a discussion of one- something must be done at once. has killed the old one. Either way, this class adventures for thieves (perhaps Unfortunately, appeals to the city will make for a confusing battle, but with a bard or two tagging along). guard have been largely ignored; mercurial loyalties are to be expected. The most obvious justification for a while the agreement between the two After all, there is no honor among party of thieves is a thieves’ guild of organizations has been helpful in the thieves. which all the characters are active past, the guard will not shed blood for members. Such organizations are thieves. The guild is on its own. Conclusion understandably secretive, and an ad- What is known about the evil guild Of course, the preceding analysis venture involving only thieves could is that its base is a bunker outside of was brief. This article was intended to simple be “guild business” that need town. The base is well-fortified, and be illustrative as much as instruction- not involve outsiders. Unfortunately, the entrance is laden with intricate al, to show how far beyond the tradi- such an adventure could be difficult traps. Leadership in the evil guild is tional AD&D game norms it is possible for the DM to design; in all likelihood achieved through the assassination of to go while still playing the game en- the adventure would take place within existing leaders; the present leader is a joyably. For this reason it was deliber- an urban environment, and if this high-level chaotic evil human thief ately extreme; a mixed party of clerics urban environment is the city that is who has managed to remain in power and druids would not go against the home base to the guild, then the char- for five months now. The mission of spirit of this article, nor would a party acters logically would be quite familiar the player characters, therefore, is to of fighters, paladins, and rangers. Nor, with it, and the DM would have to end the threat to their own guild in for that matter, would a party of impart a great deal of information the most straightforward way possi- thieves that included multi-classed before the adventure began. ble, by infiltrating the evil guild’s base, members who also were warriors, Indeed, where all-wizard adventures killing the leader, and assuming con- priests, and wizards. When it comes are the most difficult to justify, all- trol. Of course, this is somewhat eas- to deciding what sorts of parties can rogue adventures are the most diffi- ier said than done. find adventure in an AD&D campaign cult to create. Thieves surpass only The DM should remember that the world, the rules are exactly as accom- wizards in combat ability (except for opponents in this scenario are a band modating as the DM who uses them. that very handy ability to backstab of thieves, probably chaotic ones at

30 MAY 1995

Magical-item tables for the ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICATM tomes

Those of you who’ve seen the new ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICA books know from a glance that each of its volumes contain thou- sands of magical items. These items are culled from every issue of DRAGON®, DUNGEON®, Imag- ine, and The Strategic Review Magazines, each issue of the POLYHEDRON® Newszine, and from every module, accessory rule book, boxed set, and flipbook produced by TSR from 1974 through the end of 1993. This is variations (including both weapons approximately 1,600 pages worth and miscellaneous gear) listed in of stuff in a compacted, yet read- the pages of the four volumes of able type size. the series. To select magical items Volume IV, released to distribu- randomly, roll on Table 1 below. tors in November, 1995, contains This table directs the DM to the two very important appendices. specific categories listed in Tables A through T. Table 1 is almost The first is an extensive index for DMG, those looking for a specific item identical to Table 88 in the except that it includes an entry for but can remember only part of its humorous items and one for name or an item created by a artifacts and relics. Please note, specific individual. (Originally, the however, that Table T, the table index was going to cover magical containing the complete list of effects as well, but the index, then, artifacts, does not have an entry would be a volume in itself, and on Table 1. This is due to their that wasn't an option.) unique nature and power. Arti- The second and probably the most important appendix in Vol- facts should never be given out ume IV is the Random Determina- randomly as treasure. Table T, though, is included in order to tion Matrices. It's unfortunate that Elixir the tables—the all-important link give the DM a list of the artifacts 008-009 of Additional Weaponry available in the ENCYCLOPEDIA Once the general category is between the volumes and the DM determined, the DM can choose a 010-011 of All-Purpose Healing MAGICA volumes. divvying the magic out—couldn't specific item from the tables given 012 Distillate of Wolfsbane 013-014 be included in the first volume Glitz & Klax’s Table 1: Magical Items below. Each item on the tables is 015-016 of Health d100 Reference given a number so that the DM 017-018 of Heroic Action Because the random tables are Roll Category Tables can select items randomly, if this 019-020 of Kindness in Volume IV, players and DMs 01-20 Magical Liquids A method is chosen. 021-022 of Life alike must wait until December, 21-35 Scrolls B The die rolls for these tables are 023 of Luck 1995, before the volumes can used 36-40 Rings C d1000. This means the DM must 024-025 of Madness 41 to their fullest capacity. In order to Rods D roll three lo-sided dice, coming up 026-027 Nerve Tonic 42 Staves E 028-029 alleviate this problem, we are with a number from 001 (one) to Nodozze 43-45 Wands F 030-031 of Obscurement giving you, the reader of DRAGON 46 Miscellaneous: 000 (1,000). It is suggested that the 032-033 of Photosynthesis Magazine, the unique privilege of Books G DM use three different colored 034 Physical Enhancement seeing a prepress edition of the 47-48 Miscellaneous: dice to make the rolling easier. For 035-036 Quirks* random tables. Gems & Jewelry H instance, if a red, white, and a 037-038 Rainbow Bridge The prepress release of these 49-50 Miscellaneous: blue die are used, the DM would 039-040 of Reduction tables are timed with the release Clothing I use the red for the hundreds 041-042 of Revivication 51-52 Miscellaneous: of the third volume in the series. place, the white for the tens digit, 043-044 of Sanity Boots & Gloves J They weren't given before this and the blue die for the ones. 045-046 Skunk Water 53 Miscellaneous: 047 of Sunlight Resistance time because about half of the Girdles & Helms K Several items listed on the tables 048-049 of Weakness items listed in the tables were yet 54-55 Miscellaneous: Bags have an asterisk after the name. If 050-051 of Youth undefined. Now with the release & Bottles L this result is rolled, the DM is 052-053 of Zorbo Fingers of Volume III, most of the items 56 Miscellaneous: Dust encouraged to roll again on that 054-055 Essence of Darkness are detailed and are readily availa- & Stones M table, combining the entries into a 056-057 Ichor of Intoxication ble for the DM. Anything rolled 57 Miscellaneous: unique item. This can be done any 058 Liquid Iron that's yet to be described either Household Items N number of times, but the DM may 059-060 Liquid Road 58 Miscellaneous: 061-062 Mist of Rapture can be invented for the time being Music Instruments O wish to limit the number of rerolls or simply rerolled. 59-60 Miscellaneous: to, say, three. Oil When possible, the DM should Weird Stuff P 063-064 Absinthe select the magical items to be 61 Miscellaneous: Table A: Magical Liquids 065-066 of Acid Resistance 1 067-068 given out in the campaign. Some- Humorous Items Q Roll Item African Ju Ju times, however, the DM has more 62-77 Armor and Shields R 001 Enchanted 069 of Agelessness Enhancements* 070-071 Allspice pressing matters to worry about, 78-00 Weapons S Artifacts & Relics T 002-003 Arcane Formulae for a 072-073 Allspice II and a series of magical item ran- Dracolich 074-075 Anger 1 domizing charts can help tremen- This result can be rolled again if the 004-005 Arcane Formulae for a 076-077 Animation dously, especially with the DM refrains from humorous items in Lich 078-079 Anise hundreds of thousands of magical her campaign. 006-007 Cordial of the Dryad 080 Aphrodisia 32 May 1995 Potion 464-465 of Absorption 466-467 341-342 of Unlocking of Advanced Meditation 468-469 343-344 Verbena of Agility 470-471 345 of Vibration of Ageing 472 346-347 Virgin Olive of Alternate Profession of High John the Conqueror 473-474 212-213 348-349 of Vision of Ambrosia Arabian Nights 214-215 Hindu Grass 475-476 081-082 350-351 of voodoo Amalgamous Type I 083-084 of Aries 216-217 Honeysuckle 477-478 Amalgamous Type II 352-353 of Will Power 218 of Horridness 479-480 Amalgamous Type III 085-086 of Armor 354-355 Wintergreen Hypnotic 481-482 087-088 of Armor II 219-220 356 of Wishing of Animal Control 221-222 Hysspo 483 Antidote 089-090 Attraction 357-358 Witch’s 091-092 Attractiveness 223-224 of Immovability 484-485 of Anti-Magic 093 Bard’s Aphrodisiac 225-226 of Impact 359-360 Xyz 486-487 361-362 Ylang Ylang Anti-Sleep Inspiration 227-228 Invisibility 488-489 363-364 Zodiac of Arcane Comprehension Bats’ Blood 229-230 of Invulnerability 490-491 094-095 365-366 Zula Zula of Archmagedom 096-097 of Beauty 231 Jamaica 492-493 of Black Sight 098-099 Bendover’s 232-233 Jannis’ Aroma of Night- Ointment 494 of Blending 100-101 Bergamot’s mares 367-368 of Blessing 495-496 of Blindness 102-103 of the Black Arts 234-235 Jazper’s of Permanent 369 Courtesan’s Cream 497-498 of Bouncing 104 Bottom #20 Etherealness 370-371 of Far Seeing (Ashen) 499-500 of Bubbles 105-106 Bruno’s Curse 236-237 Jezebel 372-373 of Far Seeing (Black) 501-502 of Chameleon Power 107-108 Buddha Type I 238-239 of Jinx Removing 374-375 of Far Seeing (Blue) 503-504 of Childishness 109-110 Buddha Type II 240-241 Jo’s Liquid Road 376-377 of Far Seeing (Bluish) 505-506 of Clairaudience 111-112 Buddha Type III 242 Kludde 378-379 of Far Seeing (Clear) 507 of Clairvoyance 113-114 of Bug Repellence 243-244 Lavender 380 of Far Seeing (Copper) 508-509 of Clarity 115 Bull's 245-246 of Life 381-382 of Far Seeing (Golden) 510-511 Clay 116-117 of Buoyancy 247-248 of Lighting 383-384 of Far Seeing (Gray) 512-513 Clean and Dry 118-119 Caloric Shield 249-250 of Lightning Bolts 385-386 of Far Seeing (Silver) 514-515 Clearwater 120-121 Carnation 251-252 Lily of the Valley 387-388 of Far Seeing (White) 516-517 of Climbing 122-123 Chocolate 253 of Lorn 389-390 of Flying 518 of Controlling Damage 124-125 Citronella 254-255 of Luminescence 391 of Healing 519-520 of Cold Resistance 126 Civet 256-257 Magnolia 392-393 of Healing II 521-522 of Confusion 127-128 Cleo May 258-259 of Manpower 394-395 Keoghtom’s 523-524 of Contact Disruption 129-130 of Cloaking 260-261 Maybel’s Insect Charm 396-397 of Mage Smelling 525-526 of the Corrosive Touch 131-132 of Commanding 262-263 of Mercury 398-399 Poison 527-528 of Craftsmanship 133-134 of Concentration 264 of Metal Fatigue 400-401 of Recovery 529 of Creation 135-136 of Confusion 265-266 Mojo 402 of Scar Removal 530-531 of Cure Disease 137-138 of Conquering Glory 267-268 of Monster Repulsion 403-404 of Scarring 532-533 of Curing Lycanthropy 139 Controlling 269-270 Moon 405-406 of Second Sight 534-535 of Danger Detection 140-141 Crab Apple 271-272 Musk 407-408 of Soothing 536-537 Dark Draft of the Voodoo 142-143 of Crossing 273-274 Narcissus 409-410 Tanning Masters 144-145 Cumin Seed 275-276 of Neutral Scent 411-412 Padriac’s Portable 538-539 of Deafnesst 146-147 Cypress Seed 277 of New life Purveyor 540 of Defense 148-149 of Damnation 278-279 Nine Mysteries 541-542 of Deftness (Dex 17) 150 Dendan 280-281 Obeah Perfume 543-544 of Deftness (Dex 18) 151-152 Desire Eme’s 282-283 of Obedience 413-414 Aroma of Dreams 545-546 of Deftness (Dex 19) 153-154 of Dexterity 284-285 Olibanum 415 Curdled Death 547-548 of Deftness (Dex 20) 416-417 Elyas 155-156 of Disenchantment 286-287 of Permanent Disenchant- 549-550 of Deftness (Dex 21) 418-419 Essence of Darkness 157-158 Doas Isay’s ment 551-552 of Delusion 159-160 Double Cross 288 of Petrification 420-421 Murdock’s Insect Ward 553 of Digestion 161 of Dragon’s Blood 289-290 of Phosphorescence 422-423 Starella’s Aphrodisiac 554-555 of Digging 162-163 of Dream 291-292 of Phosphorus 556-557 of Diminution Philter of Direction 164-165 of the Dryad 293-294 of the Pickpocket 424-425 Aleese’s of Overwhelming 558-559 560-561 of the Dracolich 166-167 of Elasticity 295-296 of Power Love 168-169 of Elemental Invulnerability 297-298 of Preservation 426 of Beauty 562-563 of Dragon Breath 170-171 of Enchantment 299 Primrose 427-428 of Drunkenness 564 of Amethyst Dragon Breath 172 of Enchantment II 300-301 Reptilla’s Curdled Death 429-430 of Drunkenness II 565-566 of Black Dragon Breath 173-174 of Eternal Fire 302-303 of Reversibility 431-432 Durimal’s Merry Blend 567-568 of Blue Dragon 175-176 of Etherealness 304-305 of Romance 433-434 Durimal’s Potent Draft 569-570 of Brass Dragon Breath of Bronze Dragon Breath 177-178 Eucalyptus 306-307 Rosemary 435-436 Durimal’s Sovereign Tonic 571-572 179-180 of Eve 308-309 Rue 437 of Glibness 573-574 of Brown Dragon Breath 181-182 of the Evil Eye 310 of Rust Proofing 438-439 of Love 575 of Cloud Dragon Breath of Copper Dragon Breath 183-184 Excisement 311-312 Sandalwood 440-441 of Persuasiveness 576-577 185 of Exodus 313-314 of Scents 442-443 Quirks* 578-579 of Crystal Dragon Breath 186-187 of the Feasts 315-316 of Scribes 444-445 of Stammering and 580-581 of Deep Dragon Breath 188-189 of Feather Falling 317-318 of Scrying Stuttering 582-583 of Emerald Dragon Breath 190-191 of Fiery Burning 319-320 of Sharpness 584-585 of Gold Dragon Breath 192-193 of Fire Stilling 321-322 of Slipperiness Pigment (Paint) 586 of Green Dragon Breath 194-195 Five Finger Grass 323 Snake 446-447 Bell’s Palette of Identity 587-588 of Mercury Dragon Breath 196 Frangi Pani 324-325 Solomon’s 448 of Blackmoor (Red) 589-590 of Mist Dragon Breath 197-198 of Fumbling 326-327 Spikenard 449-450 of Blackmoor (Blue) 591-592 of Red Dragon Breath 199-200 Galangale’s 328-329 Spirit 451-452 of Blackmoor (Green) 593-594 of Sapphire Dragon Breath 201-202 Gardenia 330-331 of Stillness 453-454 of Blackmoor (Black) 595-596 of Shadow Dragon Breath 203-204 Getaway’s 332-333 of Stone Passage 455-456 of Blackmoor (White) 597-598 of Silver Dragon Breath 205-206 Grape 334 of Sulfur 457-458 of Blackmoor (Brown) 599 of Steel Dragon Breath 207 of Great Devotion 335-336 of Time 459-460 of Longevity 600-601 of Topaz Dragon Breath 208-209 of Hair Replacement 337-338 of Timelessness 461 Nolzur’s Marvelous 602-603 of White Dragon Breath 210-211 of High Conquering 339-340 Trinity 462-463 Yellow Kohl 604-605 of Yellow Dragon Breath

DRAGON 33 606-607 of Dragon Control 770 of Mind Dampening 933-934 of Tongues 391-400 of Protection from Acid 608-609 of Dragon Control II 771-772 of Mind Focusing 935-936 of Toughening 401-410 of Protection from Air 610 of Dragon Control III 773-774 of Mind Restoration 937-938 of Tragic Heroism 411-420 of Protection from Baatezu 611-612 of Dragon Sight 775-776 Mirage 939-940 of Treasure Finding 421-430 of Protection from Cold 613-614 Dragon’s Blood 777-778 of Mirrored Eyes 941-942 of Truth 431-440 of Protection from 615-616 of Dreaming 779-780 of Missile Protection 943 Truth Drug Divination 617-618 of Dreamspeech 781-782 of Monster Creation 944-945 of Ugliness 441-450 of Protection from Dragon 619-620 of Drunkenness 783 of Neutralization 946-947 of the Undead Breath 621 of Elasticity 784-785 of Noxious Resistance 948-949 of Undead Control 451-460 of Protection from Earth 622-623 of Elasticity II 786-787 of Nutrition 950-951 of Underground Awareness 461-470 of Protection from Electricity 624-625 of Elemental Control 788-789 Odrovir 952-953 of Useful Appendages 471-480 of Protection from 626-627 of Elemental Form 790-791 of Open Mind 954 of Vampirism Elementals 628-629 of Enlightenment 792-793 of Opposite Alignment 955-956 of Venom 481-490 of Protection from Felines 630-631 of ESP 794 of Pain Suppression 957-958 of Ventriloquism 491-500 of Protection from Fire 632 of Ethereality 795-796 of Perception 959-960 of Visions 501-510 of Protection from Gas 633-634 of Explosions 797-798 of Pestilence 961-962 of Vitality 511-520 of Protection from Genies 635-636 of Explosions 799-800 of Petrification 963-964 Wallac’s of Speedcasting 521-530 of Protection from Heat 637-638 Vial of Explosions 801-802 Phase 965-966 of Water Adventuring 531-540 of Protection from Illusions 639-640 of Extra-Healing 803-804 of Plant Control 967 of Water Breathing 541-550 of Protection from Lycan- 641-642 of Fire Breath 805 of Plant Growth 968-969 of Water Breathing II thropes 643-644 of Fire Resistance 806-807 of Poison 970-971 of Water Breathing III 551-560 of Protection from Magic 645 of Fire Vulnerability 808-809 of Poison Negation 972-973 of Water Movement 561-570 of Magical Weapons 646-647 of Fluidness 810-811 of Polymorph Self 974-975 of Wizardry Protection 648-649 of Flying 812-813 of Wizard Power 976-977 of Worm Calling 571-580 of Nonmagic Weapons 650-651 of Forewarning 814-815 of Priest Power 978 Zak’s of Invulnerability Protection 652-653 of Forgetfulness 816 of Rogue Power 979-980 Zombie Blood 581-590 of Protection from 654-655 of Forgetfulness II 817-818 of Warrior Power 981-982 Zombie Broth Paralyzation 656 of Fortitude 819-820 Pox 591-600 of Protection from 657-658 Foul Water 821-822 of Protection from Salve Petrification of Far Seeing 659-660 of Freedom Immiscibility 983-984 601-610 of Protection from Plants 985-986 of Healing 661-662 of Fresh Air 823-824 of the Pseudo Treant 611-620 of Protection from Poison 987-988 of Scar Removal 663-664 of Fright 825-826 of Psionic Ability 621-630 of Protection from 989 Sea Dew 665-666 of Frost Resistance 827-828 Psionics Boosting (Gray) Possession 667 of Fur Growth 829 Psionics Boosting (Green) 990-991 Sovereign Glue 631-640 of Protection from Shape- 668-669 of Gaseous Form 830-831 Psionics Boosting (Red) 992-993 Universal Solvent changers 670-671 of Genius 832-833 Psionics Boosting (Silver) Water 641-650 of Protection from Spirits 672-673 of Ghostliness 834-835 Psionics Boosting (Violet) 994-995 Blessed 651-660 of Protection from Tanar’ri 674-675 of Giant Control 836-837 Psionics Boosting (White) 996-997 Golden 661-670 of Protection from Traps 676-677 of Giant Control II 838-839 Psionics Boosting (Yellow) 998-999 Holy 671-680 of Protection from Mechan- 678 of Giant Strength 840 of the Psychotic Killer 000 Wine of Eternity ical Traps 679-680 Glitz & Klax’s* 841-842 of Pursuit 681-690 of Protection from Magical 681-682 of Gluttony 843-844 Quirks* Table B: Scrolls Traps 683-684 of Golden Silence 845-846 of Rage Roll Item 691-700 of Protection from All Traps 685-686 of Good Humor 847-848 of Rainbow Hues 001-010 Enchanted 701-710 of Protection from Undead 687-688 Gray Slumber 849-850 of Recall Enhancements* 711-720 of Protection from Water 689-690 of Greensprouting 851 of Reflection 721-730 of Questioning 691 of Growth 852-853 of Regeneration Paper 731-740 Quirks* 692-693 of Healing 854-855 of Regeneration II 011-020 of Forms 741-750 of Recovery 694-695 of Heroism 856-857 of Rejuvenation 021-030 of Writing 751-760 of Repetition 696-697 Horn of Plenty 858-859 of Rest 761-770 of Return Parchment 698-699 of Housecat Control 860-861 of Restoration 031-040 of Looping 771-780 Rhialle’s 700-701 of Human Control 862 of Resuscitation 041-050 of Monster Holding 781-790 Sand 702 Hummingbird Nectar 863-864 of Reverse Ventriloquism 051-060 of Selective Reading 791-800 Sea 703-704 of Immunity 865-866 of Rogue Wisdom 061-070 Self-Protecting 801-810 of Seeing 705-706 of Immunization From 867-868 of Safe Consumption 071-080 of Spell Stealing 811-820 of Seven Druid Spells Lycanthropes 869-870 of Scent Neutralization 821-830 of Seven Wizard Spells 707-708 of Infravision 871-872 of Scrying Scroll 831-840 of Shelter 709-710 of Inner Strength 873-874 of Seeing 081-090 of Animal Growth 841-850 of Six Priest Spells 711-712 of Insulation 875 of Sensory Enhancement 091-100 Ballant’s 851-860 of Six Illusionist Spells 713 of Intensity 876-877 of Shadow 101-110 of Communication 861-870 of Six Wizard Spells 714-715 of Invisibility 878-879 of Sharp Eyes 111-120 of Creation 871-880 of Six Wizard Spells II 716-717 of Invulnerability 880-881 of Sight 121-130 Curate’s 881-890 Sorcerer’s 718-719 of Iron Handedness 882-883 Singing 131-140 Cursed 891-900 of Spell Catching 720-721 Istar’s Truth 884-885 Skeletal 141-150 Cursed II 901-910 of the Stellar Path 722-723 Kanzaz 886 of Sleep Bestowing 151-160 Cursed of Amber 911-920 of the Stellar Path II 724 Kur’s Drink 887-888 of Sleep Breathing 161-170 of the Death Servant 921-930 Suggestion 725-726 of Language Learning 889-890 Sleeping 171-180 of Delay 931-940 Tattoo 727-728 of Lethargy 891-892 of Sleepy Breath 181-190 Domination 941-950 of Transmutation 729-730 of Levitation 893-894 of Snake Crawling 191-200 of the Efreeti 951-960 of Trapping 731-732 of Lichdom 895-896 of Sobriety 201-210 of Equipment 961-970 of Truth 733-734 of Life Stealing 897 of Soul-Chilling 211-220 of Erasing 971-980 of Wind Magic 735-736 of Life Suspension 898-899 of Speech 221-230 of Five Priest Spells 981-990 Wizard 737 of Lightning Form 900-901 of Speed 231-240 of Five Priest Spells II 991-000 of Wizards 738-739 of Longevity 902-903 of Spelljamming 241-250 of Five Wizard Spells 740-741 Love 904-905 of Spirit Binding 251-260 of Flame Magic Table C: Rings 742-743 of Luck 906-907 of Spirit Flight 261-270 of Four Illusionist Spells Roll Item 744-745 of Lycanthropy 908 of Stone Form 271-280 Glyph 001-003 Enchanted 746-747 Mage Wine 909-910 of Strength 281-290 of Ha Rahni Enhancements* 748 of Magic Blocking 911-912 of Superhealing 291-300 of Illumination 004-007 Admundfort of Leadership 749-750 of Magic Enhancement 913-914 of Superheroism 301-310 of Mapping 008-011 of Affliction 751-752 of Magic Peas 915-916 of Superheroism II 311-320 of Mapping II 012-014 of Amasis 753-754 of Magic Resistance 917-918 of Superior Animal Control 321-330 of Mixed Priest Spheres 015-018 of Animal Control 755-756 of Magic Resistance II 919-920 of Superior Healing Spells 019-022 Animal Friendship 757-758 of Magic Shielding 921 of Sustenance 331-340 Mondasso’s Automated 023-025 Animal Magnetism 759 of Magnetism 922-923 Sweet Water Spell 026-029 Annulment 760-761 of Magnification 924-925 of Swimming 341-350 Nether 030-033 Anything 762-763 of Master Thievery 926-927 Teleportation 351-360 of Portals 034-036 of Apathy 764-765 of Merging 928-929 of Thievery 361-370 Priest of Mixed Spheres 037-040 of Appearance 766-767 of Metal Immunity 930-931 of Thinness 371-380 Priest of Mixed Spheres II 041-044 of Aquatic Depth Location 768-769 of the Midas Touch 932 Toad Skin 381-390 of Priest Spells 045-047 of Arachnid Control

34 MAY 1995 048-051 Armor of Eelix 362-365 of the Air Hierophant 521-523 of Magic Detection 657-660 of Smoke Paraelemental 052-055 of Armoring 366-369 of the Fire Hierophant 524-527 of Magic Resistance Command 056-059 of Avian Control 370-372 of the Water Hierophant 528-531 of Mammal Control 661-664 of Phantom Form 060-062 Awareness 373-376 Hoinbee’s of Truth 532-535 of Many Wishes 665-667 of the Phoenix 063-066 Bard’s 377-380 of Holiness 536-538 of Marking* 668-671 of the Pomarj 067-070 of Beauty 381-383 of the Holy Slayer 539-542 of Materialization 672-675 of Projection 071-073 Berronar Truesilver’s Silver 384-387 Horned 543-546 of Memory 676-678 of Projection II 074-077 of Detect Lies 388-391 of Human Control 547-549 Message 679-682 of Protection 078-081 of Thief Negation 392-394 of Human Influence 550-553 of Mind Shielding 683-686 of Protection from 082-084 Bladeturning 395-398 of Hunan Influence 554-557 Moodarvian of Sight Charming 085-088 Blink 399-402 of Ice 558-560 Moodarvian of Smell 687-690 of Protection from the 089-092 Blinking 403-405 of Icebolts 561-564 Moodarvian of Sound Elements 093-095 of Boccob 406-409 of Immunity 565-568 Moodarvian of Taste 691-693 of Protection from Stone 096-099 Bone 410-413 of Impersonation 569-571 Moodarvian of Touch Guardians 100-103 Browdow’s of Weapon 414-416 of Infravision 572-575 Mordmorgan’s of Warmth 694-697 of Protection From Undead Harm 417-420 of Infravision Negation 576-579 of Movement 698-701 Pyros’ of Spell Storing 104-107 Burbul 421-424 Intier’s of Shooting Stars 580-583 Mud 702-704 of Ash Quasielemental 108-110 of Bureaucratic Wizardry 425-428 of Invisibility 584-586 of Multiple Wishes Command 111-114 of Cantrips 429-431 of Invisibility Negation 587-590 of Nature’s Love 705-708 of Dust Quasielemental 115-118 Cat’s Eye 432-435 of Invulnerability 591-594 of the Necromancer Command 119-121 of Chameleon Power 436-439 of Izmur 595-597 of Neutralization 709-712 of Lightning Quasielem. 122-125 of Cirulon 440-442 of Jasmine Odor 598-601 of the Nibelungen Command 126-129 Cilidarius’ of Wizardry 443-446 Jhessail’s Silver 602-605 of Night 713-715 of Mineral Quasielem. 130-132 of Clairaudience 447-450 of Jolting 606-608 Noora’s of Djinn Command 133-136 of Clear Thought 451-453 of Jumping Summoning 716-719 of Radiance Quasielem. 137-140 of Cloaked Wizardry and 454-457 of Keys 609-612 Nuggin’s Cursed of Command Invisibility 458-461 of Kings Armoring 720-723 of Salts Quasielemental 141-143 of Clumsiness 462-464 Laduguer’s 613-616 of Oak Command 144-147 of the Comet 465-468 of Languages 617-619 Onyx of Negative Plane 724-726 of Steam Quasielemental 148-151 Command 469-472 Lanolin’s of Power Protection Command 152-154 of Continual Churning 473-476 Lantern 620-623 of Opposition 727-730 of Vacuum Quasielem. 155-158 of Contrariness 477-479 of Life 624-627 Orbus +1 Command 159-162 of Coolness 480-483 of Life Protection 628-630 Orbus +2 731-734 of Quick Action 163-166 Corkitron’s of Human 484-487 of Light 631-634 Orbus +3 735-738 of Quickness Influence 488-490 of Lighting 635-638 of Plant Control 739-741 Quirks* 167-169 of Courtly Etiquette 491-494 of Lighting Resistance 639-642 of Plant Control II 742-745 of the Ram 170-173 Crius 495-498 of Limited Telepathy 643-645 of Plant Control III 746-749 of Randomness 174-177 Cursed of the Great 499-501 of Liquid Identification 646-649 of Ice Paraelemental 750-752 of Range Extension Kingdom 502-505 of the Little People Command 753-756 of Rapid Regeneration 178-180 of Curses 506-509 of Lolth 650-653 of Ooze Paraelemental 757-760 of Readiness 181-184 Dalamar’s of Healing 510-512 of Lore Command 761-763 of Regeneration 185-188 Dart 513-516 Lucky of the Wild Coast 654-656 of Magma Paraelemental 764-767 of Remedies 189-191 of Delusion 517-520 of Lycanthropy Command 768-771 of Resistance 192-195 of Depetrification 196-199 of Disguise 200-202 of Distraction 203-206 of Dizziness 207-210 of Djinni Summoning 211-214 Draupnir 215-217 Draupnir II 218-221 of the Drow 222-225 of the Eagle 226-228 of the Ear 229-232 of Eelix 233-236 of Eelix II 237-239 of Elemental Adaptation 240-243 of Elemental Command 244-247 of Earth Command 248-250 of Air Command 251-254 of Fire Command 255-258 of Water Command 259-261 of Elemental Metamorphosis 262-265 of Energy 266-269 of ESP 270-273 of Faerie 274-276 Famulus 277-280 of Fashion 281-284 of Fearlessness 285-287 of Feather Falling 288-291 of Fire Resistance 292-295 of Fire Starting 296-298 of Flying 299-302 Flynn’s of Fire 303-306 of Folly 307-309 of Fortitude 310-313 of Free Action 314-317 of Freedom 318-321 of Gargoyles 322-324 of Genie Summoning 325-328 of Glyphs 329-332 Gold Seal of Al-Kalim 333-335 Golden of Healing 336-339 Gordon’s Magic 340-343 of the Grasshopper 344-346 Halaster’s Teleportation 347-350 of Harmlessness 351-354 of Health 355-357 of the Hierophant 358-361 of the Earth Hierophant

DRAGON 35 772-774 of Resistance to Breath 273-287 Diviner of Life 216-222 of the Couatl Weapons 288-303 of Divining 223-230 of Curing 775-778 of Reversion 304-318 of Dominion 231-237 of Curing II 779-782 of Reversion II 319-333 of Electrification 238-244 Damh’s 783-785 of Reversion III 334-348 of Elemental Fire 245-251 of Devotion 786-789 of Rhyming 349-363 of Entrapment 252-258 Dionysus’ 790-793 Rocckoe’s of Bureaucratic 364-378 of Equestrians 259-266 of Disjoining Wizardry 379-393 Excellent of Engineering 267-273 of Dispelling 794-797 of Safety 394-409 of Expeditious Transport 274-280 of Displacement 798-800 Samander’s 410-424 Extendable Hand of 281-287 of Divergence 801-804 Saurian Enjoyment 288-294 Diviner of Life 805-808 of Seeing 425-439 of Flailing 295-301 Dolmar’s of Withering 809-811 Serten’s Spell Immunity 440-454 of Generalship 302-309 Druid 812-815 of Servitude 455-469 of Glyph Creation 310-316 of the Druids 816-819 of Shape Changing 470-484 of Health 317-323 of an Element 820-822 of Shapechanging 485-499 of Indestructibility 324-330 of the Elements (Air) 823-826 Sherry’s of Animal 500-515 of Inertia 331-337 of the Elements (Earth) Friendship 516-530 Iron of Parn 338-345 of the Elements (Fire) 827-830 Shield 531-545 of Justice 346-352 of the Elements (Water) 831-833 of Shocking Grasp 546-560 of Leadership 353-359 of the Elements: Air 834-837 of Shooting Stars 561-575 Lightning 360-366 of the Elements: Fire 838-841 of Silence 576-590 of Lordly Might 367-373 of Ethereal Action 842-845 of Silence II 591-606 Malice’s of Reincarnation 374-381 of the Fates 846-848 of Spellbattle 607-621 of Many Things 382-388 Fiend 849-852 of Spell Eating 622-636 of Melting 389-395 of Flames 853-856 of Spell Holding 637-651 Monadic Deva 396-402 Fraz-Urb-Iuu’s 857-859 of Spell Storing 652-666 of the Monolith 403-409 of Fury 860-863 of Spell Turning 667-681 of Onnwal 410-417 Geb’s Quarterstaff 864-867 of Stone 682-696 of Orbs 418-424 of Glyphs 868-870 of Strength 697-712 of Parrying 425-431 of Gnatmarsh 871-874 of Survival 713-727 of Passage 432-438 of Harming 875-878 of Sustenance 728-742 Quirks* 439-445 of Healing 879-881 of Sustenance II 743-757 Ranike 446-452 of Hornwood 882-885 of Swimming 758-772 of Rastinon 453-460 Idun’s 886-889 Tasslehoff’s Magic Mouse 773-787 of Resurrection 461-467 Ixtlilton’s 890-892 of Telekinesis 788-802 of Rulership 468-474 Jizo 893-896 of Teleportation 803-818 of Security 475-481 of Kitsyrral 897-900 Thal’s of Mind Shielding 819-833 Segojan Earthcaller’s 482-488 Kuan Yin’s Quarterstaff 901-904 of Three Wishes 834-848 of Singing 489-496 K’uei Hsing’s 905-907 of Three Witches 849-863 of Smiting 497-503 K’ung Fu-tzu’s 908-911 of Thunder 864-878 of Smiting II 504-510 Kura Okami’s 912-915 Tika’s 879-893 of Splendor 511-517 Ky Trencha Ukang 916-918 of Tongues 894-909 of Terror 518-524 Lao Tzu’s 919-922 of Trobriand 910-924 of Victory 525-532 of the Magi 923-926 Throbriand’s Master of the 925-939 of Weaponry 533-539 Magical Quarterstaff Scaladar 940-954 of Welkwood 540-546 of Magius 927-929 of Truth 955-969 Whisper’s Lesser of 547-553 of Magius II 930-933 of Truth II Transportation 554-560 of the Magius 934-937 of Truthfulness 970-984 Whisper’s Greater of 561-568 Meriadar’s Quarterstaff 938-940 of Truthlessness Transportation 569-575 of Miracles 941-944 of the Valiant 985-000 of the Wyrm 576-582 Mirandos’ of Insect 945-948 of Vapors Command 949-952 Varlo’s of Feather Falling Table E: Staves 583-589 of Mishakal 953-955 of the Vizier Roll Item 590-596 of Mishakal II 956-959 of Warding 001-007 Enchanted 597-603 Monkey’s 960-963 of Stoneskin Enhancements* 604-611 of the Moonglow 964-966 of Warmth 612-618 of the Necromancer 967-970 of Water Adaptation Cane 619-625 of Night 971-974 of Water Walking 008-014 of Age 626-632 of the Ninja 975-977 of Water Walking II 015-021 of Armament 633-639 Oberon’s 978-981 of Weakness 022-028 of Blindness 640-647 of Oceans 982-985 White Copper of Fire 029-035 of Detection 648-654 0-Kuni-Nushi’s 986-988 of Windwarding 036-043 of Stiffness 655-661 of Osiris 989-992 of Winter 044-050 Wemick’s of Striking 662-668 Osmal’s of the Woodlands 993-996 Wizzo’s of Compulsions* 669-675 Panzuriel’s Quarterstaff 997-000 of X-Ray Vision Gaff 676-683 Pharaoh’s Ruling 051-057 of Docking 684-690 of Power 058-064 of Gaffes Table D: Rods 691-697 of the Priest Kings 065-071 Gnomewrecker Roll Item 698-704 Quirks* 072-079 Pharaoh’s Crook 001-015 Enchanted 705-711 of Raket Enhancements* Staff 712-719 Ranike 080-086 of Air and Water 720-726 of Recording Moto Moto Rod 727-733 Reptilla’s of the Serpent 016-030 of Beguiling 087-093 Alar Ch’Aranol’s 734-740 Rheddrian’s 031-045 of Concealment 094-100 of Aquatic Wizardry 741-747 Rilantaver’s 046-060 of Strength 101-107 Arctor’s of Swarming 748-754 Rohalan 061-075 of Thundering Compliance Insects 108-115 Aric’s of Power 755-762 of the Sands Rod 116-122 of Battle 763-769 of Savona 076-090 of Absorption 123-129 of Battle II 770-776 of Scrivening 091-106 of the Aerdi Sea 130-136 Blackstaff 777-783 of the Sea 107-121 of Alertness 137-143 Caduceus 784-790 of the Serpent 122-136 Bample’s of Distortion 144-150 of Caracanomnos 791-798 Shang-ti’s 137-151 of Beguiling 151-158 Catstaff 799-805 Lesser of Shock 152-166 Blackstick 159-165 Catstaff II 806-812 Greater of Shock 167-181 of Blind Walking 166-172 Centeotl’s 813-819 Shou Hsing’s Walking Stick 182-196 of Building 173-179 of Cirulon 820-826 of Silence 197-212 of Cancellation II 180-186 of Human influence 827-834 of Skulls 213-227 of Climbing 187-194 of Mammal/Animal Control 835-841 Skull-Staff of Hepmonaland 228-242 of Death 195-201 of Plant Control 842-848 of Slinging 243-257 Diplomacy of Furyondy 202-208 of Commanding 849-855 Snake 258-272 of Distortion 209-215 of Conjuration 856-862 Snake II

36 MAY 1995 DRAGON 37 863-869 of Spell Focusing 556-563 of Metal Detection 070-072 of Destruction 354-356 Blessed Book of Cures 870-877 of Spheres 564-572 of Metal and Mineral 073-076 of Evaluation 357-360 Book of the Blind 878-884 Staff-Mace Detection 077-080 of Gainful Conjuration 361-364 Bosero the Drunkard’s 885-891 Staff-Spear 573-580 Mirynda’s Wand of 081-083 of Golems 365-367 Bowgentle’s Book 892-898 of Striking Polymorphing 084-087 Cursed of Golems 368-371 Bricks of the Spiritual 899-905 of Striking and Curing 581-589 of Misplaced Objects 088-091 Gollum Construckzion Fortification 906-913 of Stunning 590-597 Mistletoe 092-094 Grimoire of Archaic 372-374 Briel’s Book of Shadows 914-920 of Surprises 598-606 Mystic Alchemy 375-378 Book of the Bright Ages 921-927 of Swarming Insects 607-614 Nabil’s of Magic Missiles 095-098 of Identification 379-382 Brother Richard the Flying 928-934 Thoth’s 615-623 of Negation 099-101 of Ineffable Damnation Monk’s 935-941 of Thunder & Lightning 624-631 Nidus’ of Endless Repetition 102-105 of Keeping 383-385 Spellbook of Cabalistic 942-949 Ushas’ 632-640 of Obliteration 106-109 of Lawful Good Legends Protections 950-956 of Vision 641-649 of Ochalor’s Eye 110-112 of Lawful Neutral Legends 386-389 Caddelyn’s Workbook 957-963 War of Nyrond 650-657 Odin’s Rune 113-116 of Lawful Evil Legends 390-393 Chambeeleon 964-970 of the White Well 658-666 of Orcus 117-120 of Neutral Good Legends 394-396 971-977 of the Winds 667-674 Orgel’s of Earth Passage Chief Shaman’s Spellbook 121-123 of Neutral Legends 397-400 Book of Clouds and Fog 978-985 of Withering 675-683 of Paralyzation 124-127 of Neutral Evil Legends 401-404 Collapsing Spellbook 986-992 of Wizardry 684-691 Phandore’s of Fire 128-131 of Chaotic Good Legends 405-407 of the Woodlands 692-700 of Polymorphing Components of Phosphorus 993-000 132-134 701-708 of Portraiture of Chaotic Neutral Legends 408-411 Cosmogony of Magnetic 135-138 of Chaotic Evil Legends Fluids Table F: Wands 709-717 of Prime Material Pocket 139-141 Libram of the Planes 412-414 Book of the Covenant Roll Item 718-725 of Revealing 142-145 Mhzentul’s Runes 415-418 Creation and Modification 001-008 Enchanted 726-734 Robin Goodfellow’s 146-149 of Ravenloft Golems of Matter Enhancements* 735-742 Runestick 150-152 of Recording 419-422 Cudzu’s 009-017 Almen's of Illumination 743-751 Rust 153-156 of Silver Magic 423-425 Cursed Tome 018-025 of Animal Location 752-760 of Salt 157-160 of Study (Charisma) 426-429 Daimos’ 026-034 of Animation 761-768 Sathallarin’s of Wonder 161-163 of Study (Constitution) 430-433 Book of the Dark Ages 035-042 Anything 769-777 Scant of Storms 164-167 of Study (Dexterity) 434-436 043-051 of Arc Lighting 778-785 of Secret Door Detection Dark Sides of the Memory 168-171 of Study (Intelligence) 437-440 Deep Fears of Humanity 052-059 of Armory 786-794 of Secret Door & Trap 172-174 of Study (Strength) 441-444 Detho’s Libram 060-068 of Armory II Detection 175-178 of Study (Wisdom) 445-447 Displacements and 069-076 of Banishment 795-802 of Secret Door and Trap 179-182 of Tedium Modeling 077-085 of Beauty and Ugliness Location 183-185 of Teleportation Arches Bisselite of Peace 803-811 of Size Alteration 448-451 Dissimulation and 086-093 186-189 of Thoth 094-102 Boneward 812-819 of Sleep Obscuration 190-192 of Translation 452-455 Doors and Passages Parallel 103-111 Buckler 820-828 of the Squid 193-196 of Twelve Seals Worlds 112-119 of Burdening 829-836 of Steam and Vapor 456-458 Dylan Longbranch’s 120-128 of Cluny 837-845 of the Sun Manual Spellbook 129-136 of Cold 846-854 of Teeth 197-200 Grim Grimoire 459-462 Echo & Resonance of Great 137-145 of Color 855-862 Thithion’s of Fire 201-203 of Puissant Skill at Arms Void 146-153 of Conjuration 863-871 Titania’s 204-207 of Stealthy Pilfering 463-465 Epic Saga of the Great 154-162 of Continual Light 872-879 of Trap Detection 208-211 of Stratagems Conjurers 163-170 of Corridors 880-888 of the Underdark 466-469 171-179 Dalamar's of Lightning 889-896 of Viscid Globs Map Evolution of Arcane Will 470-473 Exalted Book of Ethnic 180-187 Dark of the Sulhaut 897-905 of Warding 212-214 Dane’s Version Mountains 906-913 of Water-Finding 215-218 of Distortion Humor 474-476 Extreme Powers of 188-196 of Darkness 914-922 of Whips 219-222 of Illusions Observation 197-204 of Death 923-930 Witch 223-225 of Illusions and Secret 477-480 205-213 of Defoliation 931-939 of Wonder Doors Eyes Vision and Arcane Sight 214-222 of Displacement 940-947 of Wonder II 226-229 of Illusions and Traps 481-484 223-230 of Earth and Stone 948-956 of Wonder III 230-232 of Magic Fiendomicon of Iggwilv 485-487 231-239 of Element 957-965 of Wonder IV 233-236 of Magic and Illusions Forgotten Arts Oratorv Transmogrification 966-973 of Wonder V (Alternate) 237-240 of Magic and Secret Doors Magnetism 488-491 Foundations 240-247 of Enemy Detection 974-982 of a Wonder 241-243 of Magic and Traps of Secret Authority 248-256 of Eyes 983-990 of Wondrousness 244-247 of Mapping 492-495 Galadaster’s Orizon 257-264 of Fear 991-000 Yatil of Zooming 248-251 of Mapping and Illusions 496-498 265-273 of Feathers 252-254 of Mapping and Magic Gazette of the Norse Climates 274-281 Fire of Suloise Table G: Books 255-258 of Mapping and Secret 499-502 Glandar’s Grimoire 282-290 of Fire Several names listed in this Doors 503-505 Glanvyl’s Workbook 291-298 of Fireballs 259-262 of Mapping and Traps section are shortened to fit the 506-509 299-307 of Fireballs II 263-265 of Misleading Glyph Spellbooks tight format. The item can easily 510-513 Great Paravisual 308-315 of Flame Extinguishing 266-269 of Navigation be found by using the index or Emanations 316-324 of Fog 270-273 of Secret Doors searching the section in the 514-516 Hand of Helm 325-333 of Fog Control 274-276 of Secret Doors and Traps 517-520 334-341 of Force ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICA Volumes 277-280 of Traps History of Evil Mages 342-350 of Freshness applying to that type of item. Apprentices Spellbook 521-524 History of Good Mages 351-358 of Frost 281-283 The Alcaister Roll Item Apprentices 359-367 Gremlin 284-287 Alokkair’s 001-003 525-527 Book of Hopeful Deeds 368-375 of Hammerblows Enchanted 288-291 Alterations of the Intrinsic 376-384 of Highfolk Enhancements* 528-531 Idioms & Rare Absolutes Cryptographs 385-392 of Ice Storms Book 292-294 Alterations of Tangibles 532-535 393-401 of Illumination Inexplicable Reflections 004-007 of Binding Souls 295-298 Ancient Cryptomancy 536-538 Influence on Solid Corpus 402-409 of Illusion 008-010 Disks of Mishakal 299-302 Anishta’s 539-542 410-418 Iron Influences and Suggestions 011-014 Disks of Mishakal II 303-305 Arcanabula of Jume 543-546 Intelligence Intuitive 419-427 Karelia's of Illusion 015-018 306-309 Arcane Manipulations of 428-435 of Knock of the Enlightened Gods Domination 019-021 Entourage 436-444 of Light of Exalted Deeds 547-549 Irid Newleaf’s 022-025 of Golems 310-313 Arcane Puissance of 550-553 Jaluster’s Orizon 445-452 of Lightening 026-029 of Mystical Equations Memory 554-556 453-461 of Lightning Korr’s Book of Infinite 030-032 of the Planes 314-316 Arcane Resistance of Spells 462-469 of Lightning Bolts 033-036 Dwarves 557-560 470-478 of Lightning Bolts II Ravenloft Golem Laeral’s Libram 037-040 317-320 Architecture 561-564 479-486 Lightwand with Ring Thuba’s of Vile Darkness Laeyndr’s Book of 041-043 of Twelve Seals 321-323 Art of Communications and Metamorphoses 487-495 Lightwand without Ring 044-047 Sigils 496-503 of Lolth of Vile Darkness 565-567 Lareth’s 048-050 Contracts of Nepthas 324-327 Ashakar’s 568-571 of Lathintel 504-512 Mace/Wand of Lightning 328-331 Aubavreer’s Workbook 572-575 513-520 of Magic Detection Legendary of Great Arms Libram 332-334 Avran Greenstrider’s 576-578 Legendary of Phantoms 521-529 and of Magical Mirrors 051-054 Analect of Magic 335-338 Barrik’s and Ghosts 530-538 of Magic Missiles 055-058 of the Black Heart 339-342 Bashal’s 579-582 Lexicon of Spirits 539-546 Meriadar's of Size 059-061 Boccob’s Blessed Book 343-345 Book of Bats 583-586 Life of Nature Its Secrets Alteration 062-065 Codex of the Infinite Planes 346-349 Bigby’s 587-589 Lord Yaras’ 547-555 of Metal Command Text 066-069 of Constructs 350-353 Book of Black Circles 590-593 Lore of Fiendkind 38 May 1995

594-596 Lore of Subtle 838-840 Theory of Occult Visual 061-062 of the Hero 216-217 Pin of Communication Communication 063-064 of Holy Turning 218-219 of Shielding 597-600 Luminescence Shock 065-066 of Hunting Coloration 841-844 Theories on Perception 067-068 Cursed of Hunting Cameo 601-604 Mad Dog of the Desert's 845-848 Book of Thorns 220-221 of Appearance 069-070 of Immunity to Charm 605-607 of a Magic-User 849-851 Book of Time 222-223 Equus 071-072 of Inescapable Location 608-611 The Magister 852-855 Tomorast’s 224-225 of Incompetence 073-074 of Insect Repellency 612-615 Magnetic and Electric 856-859 Trance of the Intellect 075-076 Kaleen’s Undead Stone Waves 860-862 Transcendental Charm 077-078 of Lathander 616-618 Manor's Manual of Sight Impenetrabilities 226-227 of Boot Restoration 079-080 of Leadership 619-622 Manual of Powers Beyond 863-866 Tymessul’s Enchiridion of 228-229 of Distraction 081-082 of Life Protection Life Travel 230-231 of Favor 083-084 of Magic Resistance 623-626 Mental Impressions 867-869 Book of Unicorns 232-233 Hunting 870-873 Unique Mageries 085-086 of Metaspell Influence 234-235 Luck Retina 087-088 of Neutrality 627-629 Minds of The Unknown 874-877 Universal Astronomy 236-237 of Open Doors 089-090 Noseeum 630-633 Mordenkainen's Spellbook 878-880 Unknown Movements of 238-239 of Pest Protection 091-092 Orcish 634-637 Multiple Application Universe 240-241 of Protection from Disease Perceptomancy 881-884 Vaerendroon’s Ineffable 093-094 Cursed Orcish 242-243 of Protection from Fire 095-096 Palm Sign 638-640 Mylsibis' Codex of Enchants 244-245 of Protection from Spirits 097-098 of the Papyrus Scepter Contention 885-888 Vampire Book* 246 of Protection from Theft 099 of Perpetual Youth 641-644 Nathlum 889-891 Variations on the Visual 247-248 Rabbit’s Foot 100-101 of Perpetual Youth and 645-647 Nchaser's Elyromancia Perception 249-250 of Resource Inexperience 648-651 Nonsubstance 892-895 Weapons of the Ether 251-252 of Sympathetic Heating 102-103 Phelthong’s Encyclopedia 896-899 White’s Codicil 253-254 Tree Climbing 104-105 of the Planes 652-655 Book of Lum the Mad 900-902 Wizard’s Workbook 255-256 Wolfspaw 106-107 of Power 656-658 Oerthmagik 903-906 Book of the Wyvernwater 108-109 of Proof vs Detection and Crown 659-662 Occult Magnetism Circle Location 257-258 Black of Aerdy 663-666 Occult Observations on Tome 110-111 of Protection 259-260 of Blackmoor Fluids 907-910 of Bodily Health 112-113 of Protection vs Alignment 261-262 of Corruption 667-669 Ordinary Necromancy 911-913 Canon of Changes Change 263-264 Dark 670-673 Origins of Hour Glass 914-917 Canon of Changes II 114-115 of Protection vs Crystal 265-266 Emperor’s Symbology 918-920 of Clear Thought Balls 267-268 Hooded 674-677 Orjalun's Arbatel 921-924 of Dogmatic Methods 116-117 of Protection 269-270 of Imperium 678-680 Peregrin's Treatise on Fixed from Good 925-928 of Dogmatic Methods II 118-119 of Protection from Sleep 271-272 Iron of the Bandit Kingdom Portals 929-931 E’soa Ho-chi 120-121 of Protection from Turning 273-274 of Leadership 681-684 Planes of Antimatter 932-935 of the Fool 122-123 of Psionic Interference 275-276 Normal Naga 685-687 936-939 of Gainful Exercise 124-125 of Psionic Reflection 277-278 Altering Naga 688-691 Powers of the Spiritual Will 940-942 of Garden Flowers 126-127 of Psychic Protection 279-280 Teleporting Naga 692-695 Raistlin's 943-946 of Glowing Pages* 128-129 of Recall 281-282 of Rulership 696-698 Raistlin's II 947-950 of Hopeful Deeds 130-131 Shakti 283-284 Scorpion 699-702 of Rathdaen 951-953 of Hopeless Deeds 132-133 Shell of Protection from 285-286 Silver of Veluna 703-706 Red Book of War 954-957 of Humorous Perspective Sharks 287-288 Sorona 707-709 Repertoire of Illustrious 958-960 of Immoral Sanity 134-135 Shield 289-290 of Souls 710-713 Repertoire of Subconscious 961-964 of Infinite Spells 136-137 of Sleeplessness 291-292 of Souls II 714-717 Representations of Sentient 293-294 of Stars Plane 965-968 Juia Lo’tanu 138-139 of Spinecastle 969-971 of Leadership and Influence 140-141 of the Spirit 295 of the Stars 718-720 Riggby's 972-975 of Psionic Interaction 142-143 Thet of Ptah 296-297 of Summation 721-724 Runes of Norzahk 976-979 of Quickness of Action 144-145 of Timekeeping 298-299 of the Unicorns 725-728 Runes of Possession* 980-982 of Saintly Sanity 146-147 of Transformation 300-301 Velvet 729-731 Sabirine's Specular 983-986 of Seven Fingers 148 Two Fingers 302-303 of the Void 732-735 Scalamagdrion 987-991 of Understanding 149-150 of Undersea Friendship 304-305 of Yarus 736-738 Science of 992-995 Vacuous Grimoire 151-152 of Vadarin Metaenchantment I 996-00 Trimia’s Catalogue of Crystal 739-742 Science of 153-154 Vulture 306-307 Abelaat Artifacts 155-156 Metaenchantment II of Weakening 308-309 of Awareness 743-746 Selvar's Ineffable Ankh 310-311 of Death Scrying Table H: Gems and Jewelry 312-313 of the Ebon Flame Conjurations Roll Item 157-158 of Life 314-315 Phasing 747-749 Sakatha's 001 Enchanted 159-160 Nithian (Ixion) 316-317 Signaling 750-753 Serpin Lexicon Enhancements* 161-162 Nithian (Kagyar) 754-757 Senshock's 163-164 Nithian (Pflarr) Earring 758-760 Serinda's Amulet 165-166 Nithian (Rathanos) 318-319 of Alignment Detection 761-764 Seven Skies of The 002-003 of the Abyss 167-168 Nithian (Valerias) 320-321 of Burrowing Universe 004-005 Against ESP & Crystal Balls 169-170 of Power 322-323 of Defense 765-768 Shadowtone 006-007 Against Disease 171-172 Ra’s 324-325 Equus 769-771 Shandaril's 008-009 of Amiability 173-174 True 326-327 of Paralysis 772-775 010-011 of Arachnid Control Spellbook of Shangalar the 328-329 of Protection Black 012-013 Silver of the Beast Badge 330-331 of the Sea 776-778 Book of the Sighted 014-015 Ivory of the Beast 175-176 of Freedom 332-333 of Seamanship 779-782 016-017 of the Cairn Hills 177-178 of Monster Control Book of the Silver Talon 334-335 of Understanding 783-786 018-019 Cartographer’s Sir Celedon Kierney's Bracelet 336-337 787-789 020-021 of Caterpillar Control Eidolon of Khalk’Ru Sir Olwyn Forestfriend's 179-180 of Charms 790-793 Slack's Seamless* 022-023 of Charm Resistance 181-182 Copper Eye Spells Written in Code* 794-797 024-025 of Charming 183-184 Dalamar’s 338-339 of Accuracy 798-800 Spherogenesis of the 026-027 of Cheetah Speed 185-186 Equus 340-341 of Arik Multiverse 028-029 of Communication 187-188 of Hog-Tying 342-343 Assassin’s 801-804 Studies of the Fourth 030-031 of Dragon Warding 189-190 344 Beady Dimension Ivy 032-033 of Dramatic Death 191-192 Medegian of Lost Ships 345-346 Black Opal 805-808 Subconscious 034-035 Draskilion’s of Life 193-194 Ivy of Scaly Command 347-348 Black Opal II Repercussions 036-037 of Elemental Command 195-196 Ivy of Wishes 349-350 of Cegilune’s Hag 809-811 Sublimated Oneiromancy 038-039 of Emotions 351-352 of Charming 812-815 Sulphur Influence and 040-041 of Extension Brooch 353-354 of Donoagi Actions 042-043 of Far Reaching 197 Abbor Alz’s of Warning 355-356 Dragon’s 816-819 Talel el Hareidhin's 044-045 Fiend 198-199 of Begoing 357-358 of the Eagle 820-822 Tasso's Arcanabula 046-047 of Finding 200-201 of Bones 359-360 of the Immortals 823-826 Tharadodus' 048-049 Furyondy’s 202-203 Equus 361-362 of Infravision 827-829 Thesis on Conditional 050 of the Golden Collar 204-205 of Falling 363-364 of Leviathan Ruptures 051-052 Greenstone 206-207 of Imog 365-366 of the Leviathan 830-833 Theories on Converging 053-054 Hands of the Healing Spirit 208-209 of Imog II 367-368 Magical Transitions 055-056 Hardwater 210-211 Lunar 369-370 Mellifleur’s Left Gem 834-837 Theory of the Invisible 057-058 Health 212-213 of Number Numbing 371-372 Mellifleur’s Right Gem Forces 059-060 Cursed Health 214-215 of Obsidian Shattering 373-374 of Minute Seeing

40 May 1995

375-376 of Night 530-531 of Kazgaroth 377-378 of Petrification 683-684 Tusmit’s Battle Crescent 532-533 Lion 379-380 of Traldar 685-686 Medicine Bundle Scarab 534-535 Royal 830-831 Benson’s of Uncertain 381-382 of Vecna 536-537 Shekinester’s Crystalline 383-384 Winking Monocle Friendship 538-539 of Stone 687 Fire-Eye 832-833 of Death Eyeglasses 688-689 of Magic 834 of Deception Holy Symbol 385-386 of Arcanist 835-836 of Enraging Enemies 540 of Greyhawk Necklace of Arcanist II 837-838 Equus 387-388 541-542 Larmacian 690-691 of Adaptation 389-390 of Arcanist III 839-840 of Golem Protection 543-544 Celestian’s 692-693 of Air Breathing 391-392 of Enhanced Vision 841-842 of Insanity 545-546 Fharlanghn’s 694-695 of Almor 393 of Sight 843-844 of Life 547-548 Lathander’s 696-697 of Alteration 394-395 of True Seeing 845-846 Mark’s of Protection 549-550 Paladine’s 698-699 of Bad Taste 396-397 Eyepatch of Tenh 847-848 Mazrikoth’s of Death 551-552 Silvanus’ 700-701 Cosette’s 849-850 Mortos’ Golem 553-554 of Ravenkind 702-703 of Elegance Gem 851-852 of Pest Protection 555-556 of Ravenkind II 704-705 Frigga’s Black Opal 398-399 of Atonement 853-854 of Protection 400-401 Bimbomushi 706-707 Glittering Icon 855-856 of Protection II of Brightness 708-709 of Greed 402-403 557-558 of Chemosh 857-858 Cursed of Protection II Bupu’s Emerald 710-711 of Harmonia 404-405 559-560 of the Raven 859-860 of Uncertainty Blue Cindergem 712-713 of Lilith 406-407 561-562 of Truth 861-862 of Venom 714-715 Marv’s of Memory 408-409 Green Cindergem 563-564 of Truth II 410-411 Indigo Cindergem Displacement Scepter 565-566 Iron Pin of the Icy Sea 412-413 Orange Cindergem 716-717 of Memory Enhancement 863-864 Blast 567-568 Jacinth of Inestimable 414-415 Violet Cindergem 718-719 of Missiles 865-866 Beauty of Defense 416-417 Yellow Cindergem 720-721 of Mystic Eidolons 867-868 of Entrapment 569-570 Kura the Darkness 418-419 of Curing 722-723 of Night Seeing 869-870 of the Forgotten City 420-421 of Delusion 724-725 Noj’s of Not-so-Smart 871-872 Jade of Defending 422-423 Clear of Detection Leaf Missiles 873-874 Jade of Defending II 424-425 Deep Red of Detection 571-572 Book 726-727 of Petrification 875-876 of Life 426-427 Pale Blue of Detection 573-574 of Colors 728-729 of Prayer Beads 877-878 of Light 428-429 Pale Green of Detection 575-576 of Crumbling 730-731 of Protection +1 879-880 Plague 430-431 Pale Lavender of Detection 577-578 Enchanted 732-733 of Protection +2 881-882 of Power 432-433 Pearly White of Detection 579-580 of Convik Tree 734-735 of Protection Against 883 of Truth 434-435 Pink and Green of 581-582 of His Tree Charm Detection 583-584 of Kemis Tree 736 Snake Scope 884-885 436-437 Pink of Detection 585-586 of Mis Tree 737-738 of Strangling of Celestial Analysis 886-887 438-439 Scarlet and Blue of 587-588 of Pajon Tree 739-740 of Strangulation Red Air Quality Lens 888-889 Detection 589 of Falling 741-742 Syranita’s Opal Yellow Ambient Tempera- 440-441 Vibrant Purple Prism of 590-591 New 743-744 of Ugliness ture Lens 890-891 Detection 592-593 of Warmth 745-746 Vergadain’s Blue Sentient Life Lens 892-893 442 of Drusion 747-748 of Water Breathing Scope of Seeing 894-895 443-444 Elvenstar Lens Shard of Shielding Pearl 445-446 Fire 594-595 of Activity Detection 896-897 Spyglass 596-597 of Blinding 749-750 Black 898-899 Star of the Bright 447-448 of Foresight 598-599 of Charming 751-752 Dragon Desert 449-450 Gamalon’s of Infravision 600-601 of Detection 753-754 of the Ebbing Tide 451-452 of Ideas 602-603 755-756 of Entrancement Talisman 453-454 of Income of the Eagle 604-605 757-758 of Flying 900-901 Badger Beast 455-456 of Insight Eye of the Eagle 606-607 759-760 Giant Black 902-903 Brown Bear Beast 457-458 Ionian Master Evelyn’s of Speedreading 608-609 761-762 Gold 904-905 Deer Beast 459-460 Ionian Normal of Far Seeing 610-611 of Lighting 763-764 Kathena’s of Wisdom 906-907 Eagle Beast 461-462 Jewel of Attacks 612-613 of Minute Seeing 765-766 of Power 908-909 Lynx Beast 463-464 Jewel of Attacks Upon the 614-615 of Petrification 767-768 of Power II 910-911 Porcupine Beast Owner 616-617 of Petrification II 769-770 of Protection from Fire 912-913 Skunk Beast 465-466 Jewel of Flawlessness 618-619 of Reflection 771-772 Red 914-915 Wolf Beast 467-468 Jewel of Neverwinter 620-621 of Remote Viewing 773-774 of the Rising Tide 916-917 of the Beast 469-470 Jewel of Obsession 622-623 of Seeing 775-776 Serpent Spirit 918-919 of Chaos Supreme 471-472 Karathoth’s Jewel 624-625 of Speed Reading 777-778 of the Sirines 920-921 of the Chimera 473-474 Karma 779-780 Storm Rider’s 922-923 of the Cockatrice 475-476 of Life 626-627 of Subtitles 628-629 of Transformation 781-782 Traveler’s 924-925 of Dreams 477-478 of Magic Missile Protection 630-631 of Ultravision 783-784 of Ultimate Wisdom 926-927 of Elemental Travel 479-480 of Musing 632-633 of Valuation 785 of Wisdom 928-929 of the Faerie 481-482 Nightjewel 786-787 Cursed of Wisdom 930-931 Fiend 483-484 Opal of Olfactory Illusion Locket 932 Fiend II 485-486 of Protection 634-635 of the Great Kingdom Pendant 933-934 Fire Pepper 487-488 Purple of the Vesve Forest 636-637 of Love 788-789 Equus 935-936 of the Amber Golem 489-490 of Retaliation 638 of Natasha 790-791 Rahasia’s 937-938 of the Bone Golem 491 of Returning 939-940 of the Bronze Golem 492-493 of Scroll Reading Medallion Periapt 792-793 of Foul Rotting 941-942 of the Obsidian Golem 494-495 of Seeing 639-640 of the Arctic 794-795 of Health 943-944 of the Wood Golem 496-497 of Shielding 641-642 of Defense 796-797 of Proof Against Poison 945-946 of the Griffon 498-499 Soul 643-644 of Empathy 798-799 of Proof Against Sound 947-948 Hwesta’s of Memorization 500-501 Khan-Pelar Star 645-646 Equus 949-950 of Lawfulness 502-503 Mo-Pelar Star 647-648 of ESP 800-801 of Prophecy Protection 802-803 of Protection vs Vampiric 951-952 Medicine Bundle 504-505 Shah-Pelar Star 649-650 of EST 953-954 of Memorization 506-507 of Wishes 651-652 of Faith Ixitxachitl 804-805 of Wound Closure 955-956 Mire 653-654 Holy of Almor 957-958 Modified of Zagy Glass 655-656 Locke’s of Thought 508-509 Enlarging Phylactery 959-960 Monkey Head Projection 806-807 of Bravery 961-962 of Orcus 510-511 of Distant Vision 657-658 of Malog 512-513 Joal’s of Preserved Words 808-809 of Faithfulness 963-964 of Pure Good 659-660 of the Mirror 810-811 Haroistem’s of Faithfulness 965-966 of Rahasia 514-515 Loupe of Cormac 661-662 of Missile Attraction 812-813 of Long Years 967-968 Sacred Bundle 516-517 of Preserved Words 663-664 Pax’s of Spell Exchange 814-815 of Monstrous Attention 969-970 of the Sphere 665-666 of Projection Goggles 816-817 of Righteousness 971-972 of the Crystal Statue 667-668 Soulsearcher 518-519 of Underwater Sight 973-974 of the Iron Statue 669-670 Soulsearcher II 520-521 Troppenribb’s Prism 975-976 of the Rock Statue 671-672 Species Enemy 818-819 of Distraction 977-978 of Tongues Heart 673-674 of Spell Exchange 820-821 of Greyhawk 979-980 of Ultimate Evil 522-523 Beating 675-676 Star of Celene 822-823 of Kushk 981 of Zagy 524-525 Chicken 677-678 of Steadiness 824-825 of Light Splitting 526-527 of Hearing 679-680 of Thought Projection 826-827 Sim’s of Light Splitting Torc 528-529 Iron 681-682 of Time 828-829 Psychometron of Nerad 982-983 Belenus’

42 May 1995 Bracer 984-985 of Craftsmanship War (AC 3) 342-346 of Archery 451-456 of Stars Type II 914-919 of the Goddess 920-925 War (AC 4) 347-352 of Attraction 986-987 457-462 of Stars Type III War (AC 5) 353-358 of Blasting 988-989 of the Gods 463-468 of Strength 926-931 990-991 of the Gods II 932-937 War (AC 6) 359-364 of the Blinding Strike 469-475 Sumpko’s Mantle 365-370 of Brachiation 992-993 of the Gods III 476-481 of Survival 994-995 of the Gods at the Tor Stocking 371-376 of Brandishing 482-487 of Symbiotic Protection 938-943 of Elf Summoning 377-382 of Cleanliness 996-997 of Stability 488-493 Tiger of Chalyik 998-000 Vainamoinen’s Tear 944-950 of Mystery 383-388 of Defense 494-499 Theodolus’ of Arachnida 951-956 Tabard of the Mystics 389-393 of Defenselessness 500-505 of Warmth 394-399 of Deflection Table I: Clothing Tunic 506-511 of Weather 400-405 of Invulnerability Roll Item 512-517 Wings of the Rakers 957-962 of Glory 001-006 Enchanted 963-968 Wizard’s 406-411 of the Mermen 518-523 White of Charming 412-417 Noj’s of Brandishing Enhancements* 969-974 Veil of X-ray Vision 524-529 Wolf of Wegwiur 418-423 Phandoorl’s 530-535 Zinzerena’s Cape Vest 007-012 of Disguise 975-980 of Attraction Claw Cloth 424-429 of Magic Stealing 013-018 of Good Hope 981-986 of Missile Protection 536-542 of Cleanliness 430-435 of Nezram 019-024 of the Hornet 543-548 Merchant’s Vestment 436-441 Noj’s of Magic Exchange 025-030 of Horns 549-554 of Perfect Fit 987-992 Greater of Power 442-446 Talon of the Danse Macabre 031-036 Iuz's 555-560 of Polishing 037-042 of Protection 993-000 Lesser of Power 447-452 Talon of Zaltec 561-566 of Polishing II 453-458 misted 043-048 of Reeking 567-572 Shekinester’s Table J: Boots and Gloves 459-464 Cleats of Gripping 049-054 Shadow 573-578 Steel 055-060 Chaplet of Creature Roll Item Collar 001-005 Enchanted Recognition Coat 465-470 of Change 579-584 Fare’s of Protection Enhancements* Cloak 471-476 of Charisma 585-590 Invulnerable of Arn 477-482 of Disguise 061-066 of Appearance Invulnerable of Arnd Anklet 591-596 006-011 Equus 483-488 of Protection 067-073 of Arachnida 597-602 of the Seas 074-079 Artemus’ of Displacement 012-017 of Growth 489-493 of Stiffness 080-085 Atmospheric Dress 018-023 of Hobbling 494-499 of Strangling 086-091 Baravar Cloakshadow’s 603-609 of Amazement 024-029 of Levitation 500-505 of Tusmit 092-097 of the Bat 610-615 of Protection 030-035 of Sinking 506-511 Wolf 098-103 Battle 036-041 of Sure Footing Fur 042-047 of Walking Gauntlet 104-109 Bear of the Sulhaut 512-517 Claw of the Bear Mountains 616-621 Anagakok Armband 518-523 Clawed of the Beguiler 622-627 of Elsewhere 110-115 048-052 of Comfort of Sleep 524-529 Climbing 116-121 of Blackflame 628-633 of Warmth 634-639 Zambi’s of Warmth 053-058 of Death 530-535 of Dexterity 122-127 Bolder’s of the Rogue 059-064 of Healing 536-540 of Dexterity II 128-133 Chameleon 065-070 of Salutation 541-546 of Entrapment 134-140 Changeling Gown 071-076 of Snake Changing 547-552 Fire Claws 141-146 Cheetah of Amedio 640-645 Loriell’s 077-082 of Strength 553-558 Fjalar’s of the Clouds 646-651 Sehanine’s 147-152 083-088 Trueheart’s Warding 559-564 of Fumbling 153-158 of Comfort 652-657 Nemean Lion Skin 089-094 of Variable Strength 565-570 Glim-Gauntlet 159-164 of Delight Robe 571-576 Hand of Remote Action 165-170 Displacer 658-663 Aba of the Desert Band 577-582 of Heat 171-176 of Displacement 664-669 Aba of Displacement 095-099 of the Arachnid 583-588 of Holding 177-182 Black Dragon 670-675 Aba of Protection 100-105 of Bird Restraint 589-593 Iron of Urnst 183-188 Blue Dragon 676-682 Evil of the Archmagi 106-111 of Denial 594-599 of Might 189-194 Brass Dragon 683-688 Good of the Archmagi 112-117 Familiar Protection 600-605 of Moander 195-200 Bronze Dragon 689-694 Neutral of the Archmagi Enhancement 606-611 of Ogre Power 201-207 Copper Dragon 695-700 of Blending III 118-123 Iron of Bilarro 612-617 of Ogre Power II 208-213 Gold Dragon 701-706 Caftan of Protection 124-129 of Might 618-623 of Polishing 214-219 Green Dragon 707-712 Diirinka’s 130-135 of the Serpent 624-629 of Proficiency 220-225 Red Dragon 713-718 of Drying 630-635 Razor Claws of Chakyik 226-231 Silver Dragon of Eyes Boot 719-724 136-141 of Attraction 636-640 of Specialization 232-237 White Dragon 725-730 Ghastrobe 142-147 of Balance 641-646 of Sticking 238-243 of Echoes 731-736 of Holding 148-152 of Carrying 647-652 of Super Strength 244-249 Elven H’Veyk’s of Immediate 737-742 153-158 of Cleanliness 653-658 of Swimming and Climbing 250-255 Elven II Access 159-164 of Cloudwalking 659-664 of Tamus 256-261 of Elvenkind 743-749 Jellaba of Concealment 165-170 of Comfort 665-670 of the Valorous 262-267 of Etherealness 750-755 Jellaba of Eyes 171-176 of Concealing 268-274 Fangs 756-761 Jellaba of Scintillating Glove 177-182 Cyria’s Winged 275-280 Firebane Colors 671-676 Black Hand 183-188 of Dancing 281-286 of Flame Kaftan of Ogrishness 677-682 Claws of Raking 762-767 189-194 Deceptor’s 287-292 Gargoyle Marion’s of Blending 683-687 Cosmetology 768-773 195-199 Elven 293-298 Guarding Mellifleur’s of Stars 688-693 of Evasion 774-779 200-205 Elven II 299-304 of Healing of Powerlessness 694-699 of the Feline (LG) 780-785 206-211 of Elvenkind 305-310 of the Hellfurnaces 786-791 of Protection 700-705 of the Feline (LN) 212-217 of Feather Falling 311-316 Kaldair Swiftfoot’s 792-797 of Repetition 706-711 of the Feline (LE) 218-223 Featherweight 317-322 KalnaKaa’s Black 798-803 Rock 712-717 of the Feline (NG) 224-229 of Gentle Thievery 323-328 of Lathandar 804-809 of Scintillating Color 718-723 of the Feline (N) 230-235 of Gentle Thievery II 329-334 of Lordliness 810-816 of Scintillating Colors 724-729 of the Feline (NE) 236-241 of Jogging 335-341 of the Manta Ray 817-822 of Serration 730-735 of the Feline (CG) 242-246 of Levitation 342-347 of the Manta Ray II 823-828 of Stars 736-740 of the Feline (CN) 247-252 Loki’s 348-353 Mantle of Celestian 829-834 Stone 741-746 of the Feline (CE) 253-258 Midnight Slasher’s 354-359 Mantle of Mist 835-840 Sulmish of Magical 747-752 Fist 259-264 Moccasins of Free 360-365 Mantle of the Mundane Enhancement 753-758 Golden Movement 366-371 of Many Colors 841-846 Tvashtri’s Golden 759-764 Helping Hand 265-270 of the North 372-377 Midnight Slasher’s of Useful Items 765-770 of Interception 847-852 271-276 of Pinching 378-383 Mummy’s Cloak 853-858 of Useful Items II 771-776 of Lightning 277-282 Runjoye’s Winged 384-389 of the One Plume 859-864 of Useless Items 777-782 of Missile Snaring 283-288 Shalandain’s of Starstriding 390-395 of Passage 865-870 of Vanishing 783-787 of the Octopus 289-294 of Speed 396-401 of Plenty 871-876 of Veluna 788-793 Reglar’s of Freedom 295-299 Spider’s of Stealth 402-408 of Poisonousness 877-883 of Vermin 794-799 Reglar’s of Freedom From 300-305 of Star Striding 409-414 of Protection 884-889 of Warmth Magic 306-311 of Stomping 415-420 of Reflection 890-895 Wizard’s 800-805 of Thievery 312-317 of Striding and Springing 421-426 Rhun’s Horned 896-901 Yama’s 806-811 Thor’s Magical of Power 427-432 Shadowcloak 318-323 of Tracks 433-438 Shaman’s Mantle Shirt 324-329 of Traveling and Leaping Hand 439-444 of the Shield 902-907 War (AC 1) 330-335 of Varied Tracks 812-817 Balacer’s 445-450 of Stars Type I 908-913 War (AC 2) 336-341 Winged 818-823 of Harrowing

DRAGON 43 824-829 Helping 239-244 Golden 709-714 of Disguise 099-102 of Plenty 830-834 Holy of Bane 245-249 Golden of Greyhawk 715-720 of Disguise II 103-106 Protection Pouch 835-840 Tomorast’s Left 250-255 of Psionic Enhancement 721-726 Faceless 107-110 Pouch of Accessibility 841-846 Tomorast’s Right 256-261 of Underwater Speech 727-732 Fanged 111-113 Pouch of Holding 847-852 of Vecna 262-267 of the Wyrm 733-737 Greenmask with Eyes of 114-117 of Returning 853-858 Wonderful 268-273 Cowl of Warding Charming 118-121 Pouch of Security 859-864 Heel of Reunion 738-743 Greenmask with Eyes of the Girdle 122-125 Seed Satchel 274-278 of Back Defense Eagle 126-129 Silent Purse Pegleg 744-749 Greenmask with Gaze of Immurk the Invincible 279-284 of Dwarvenkind 130-133 Skain’s Satchel 865-870 Reflection 871-876 of Walking 285-290 of Femininity/Masculinity 134-137 Sleeping Bag of Armor 291-296 of Freshness 750-755 Normal Greenmask Nullification Shoe 297-302 of Gender Alteration 756-761 Horned 138-141 of Teleportation 877-882 of Fharlanghn 303-307 of Giant Strength 762-766 of Jealousy 142-145 of Transmuting 883-887 Hefiz’s Superb Shiny 308-313 Golden of Urnst 767-772 Johydee’s 146-149 of Traveling 888-893 Iron of Vidar 314-319 Kerisis’ of Femininity 773-778 of Knowledge 150-153 of Tricks 894-899 Sandals of Speed 320-325 of the Lions 779-784 Kyrie’s of Disguise 154-157 of Useful Items 900-905 of White Bronze 326-331 of Many Pouches 785-790 of Light 158-161 of Vanishing 906-911 Woodland 332-336 of Priestly Might 791-795 of Lycanthus 162-165 of Wind 796-801 Magemask 166-168 Wind Pouch Slippers Hat 802-807 of Magic 169-172 of the Woodlands 912-917 Bahija’s of Spider 337-342 of Command 808-813 Magical 173-176 Zadron’s Pouch of Wonders Climbing 343-348 Conical 814-819 of Memory 177-180 Zagyg’s Spell Component 918-923 of Dancing 349-354 Cyclocone 820-825 Mirror Pouch 924-929 Dragon 355-360 of Difference 826-830 Monster 930-934 of Drinking 361-366 of Disguise 831-836 of Night Barrel 935-940 Ebomara’s of Spider 367-371 of Disguise II 837-842 of Protection 181-184 of Hiding Climbing 372-377 of Disguise III 843-848 of Scowling 185-188 Itzpixc’s Collapsible 941-946 Glass 378-383 Fez of Disguise 849-854 of Silence 189-192 Neverending of Grog 947-952 of Kicking 384-389 of Fools 855-859 of Silence II 193-196 Neverending of Salt Pork 953-958 Ruby 390-395 Gnaash’s of Stupidity 860-865 Skull 197-200 of Poverty 959-964 Ruby II 396-400 of Hairiness 866-871 Skull II 201-204 of Rolling 965-970 of Slowness 401-406 of Hairlessness 872-877 of Smiling Basin 971-976 of Soft Movement 407-412 of Headlessness 878-883 Spirit 205-208 of the CG Angel 977-981 of Spider Climbing 413-418 of Holding 884-888 of Stealth 209-212 of the LG Angel 982-987 Snowshoes of Speed 419-424 of Imprisonment 889-894 of Stealth II 213-216 of the NG Angel and Traveling 425-429 of Occupation 895-900 of Tragedy 217-220 of Hidden Dangers 430-435 of Stupidity 901-906 of Trickery Socks 221-224 Basket of Devouring 907-912 of Twilight 988-993 of Dryness Headband 913-917 Veil Beaker 994-000 of Sweating 436-441 of the Corusk Mountains 918-923 of Winds 225-227 of Cures 442-447 of the Jotens 924-929 of Winds II 228-231 of Plentiful Potions Table K: Girdles and Helmets 448-453 Headdress of Peaceful 930-935 Winged 232-235 Bedroll of Dryness Roll Item Contact 936-941 Winged II 001-005 Enchanted Bottle Helmet 942-947 of the Wraith Enhancements* 236-239 Brazen 454-458 of Alignment Change Sash 240-243 of Containment Belt 459-464 Athena’s 948-952 of Fire Resistance 244-247 Efreeti 006-011 Arcane 465-470 of Blonding 953-958 of Heat Endurance 248-251 of Evaporation 012-017 Black Elk Clan Ceremonial 471-476 of Brilliance 959-964 of Immolation 252-255 Eversmoking 018-023 Blue Elk Clan Ceremonial 477-482 of Cirulon 965-970 Shimmering 256-259 of Fireflies 024-029 Golden Elk Clan Ceremonial 483-488 of Comprehending 971-976 Scarf of the Dry 260-263 Graffiti 030-034 Green Elk Clan Ceremonial Languages Steppes 264-267 of Pleasant Odors 035-040 Red Elk Clan Ceremonial 489-493 of Creation 268-271 of Preservation 041-046 White Elk Clan Ceremonial 494-499 of Darkness Turban 272-275 of Refreshment 047-052 of Goblinoid Protection 500-505 of Disguises 977-981 Feather 276-279 Safety 053-058 Golden Serpent 506-511 of Dragons 982-987 of Multiplication 280-282 Temperature 059-063 Lemmikainen’s 512-517 Dragonhelm 988-993 of Silence 283-286 Thought 064-069 Meginjarder 518-522 Enlil’s 994-000 of Tusmit 287-290 Thuba’s Efreeti 070-075 Serpe’s of Swimming 523-528 Golo’s of Telepathy 291-294 of Trapping 076-081 Serpent 529-534 Griffon Mane Table L: Bags and Bottles 295-298 Undead 082-087 Snake 535-540 Harrowhelm Roll Item 088-092 Udo’s of Flying 541-546 of the Insect 001-003 Enchanted Bowl 093-098 Vainamoinen’s 547-551 Joukahainen’s Golden Enhancements* 299-302 of Blood 099-104 Zoster of Zeal 552-557 of Liaison 303-306 Calabash of Plenty 105-110 Zoster of Zoophobia 558-563 of Light Seeing Bag 307-310 of Commanding Water 564-569 of Opposite Alignment 004-007 Backpack of Holding Buckle Elementals 570-575 of Reading 008-011 of Beans 311-314 of Delicacies 111-116 of Armor 012-015 576-581 of Seabreathing of Beans II 315-318 of Ship Sinking 117-122 of Faulty Lockpicks 016-019 Beltpouch of Disappearance 123-127 of Lockpicks 582-586 of Underwater Action 319-322 of Watery Death 587-592 020-023 of Bones 128-133 of Opening of Selnor 593-598 of Sensory Protection 024-027 Bucknard’s Everfull Purse Box 134-139 of Protection 028-031 of Devouring 323-326 Burglar Detection 140-145 of Weaponry 599-604 Shukenja 605-610 Skull of Death 032-035 Devouring Pouch 327-330 Dead 036-039 of Duplication 331-334 of Delightful Transports Cap 611-615 of Subterranean Sagacity 146-151 of the Beguiler 616-621 of Telepathy 040-043 Ever-Full of Seeds 335-337 Dido’s Flatbox 152-156 Cursed School 622-627 of Teleportation 044-047 of Eyes 338-341 Face of Xenous 157-162 Dream of Veluna 628-633 of Underwater Action 048-051 Feedbag of Plenty 342-345 Flatbox 163-168 of Evil 634-639 of Underwater Vision 052-055 Food Pouch 346-349 Goerl’s Tackle and Portable 169-174 Healing of Veluna 640-644 of Valor 056-058 Henry’s Carpetbag of Canoe 175-180 Nightcap of Sleep 645-650 of Waterdeep Holding 350-353 of Heating 181-185 Nightcap of Vision 651-656 of 40 Watt Brilliance 059-062 Heward’s Handy Haversack 354-357 Ice 186-191 School 657-662 of Weaponry 063-066 of Holding 358-361 of Many Holdings (1 X 1 X 1) 192-197 of Sleep 663-668 Wyrmhelm 067-070 of Infinite Wealth 362-365 of Many Holdings (2 X 2 X 2) 198-203 of Teleportation 669-673 Hood of Servitude 071-074 Jasper Thunderhand’s 366-369 of Many Holdings (3 X 3 X 3) 204-209 of Vision Haversack 370-373 of Many Holdings (4 X 4 X 4) Mask 075-078 Kangaroo Pouch 374-377 of Many Holdings (5 X 5 X 5) Circlet 674-679 Air 079-082 Khalid’s Pouch of 378-381 of Message Sending 210-214 of the Adder 680-685 of Attractiveness Accessibility 382-385 Money Changer 215-220 Coronet of Communication 686-691 of Combat 083-086 of Many Bags 386-389 Mystical Brown Coating 221-226 Dalvan’s 692-697 of Comedy 087-090 Nithian Saddlebags 390-393 Ohm’s Black 227-232 Diadem of Disenchantment 698-703 Death 091-094 Noj’s of Misplacing 394-396 of Preservation 233-238 Diadem of Doom 704-708 Death of Ptah 095-098 Pictish of Fiends 397-400 of Preservation II

44 MAY 1995 Scabbard Chest 401-404 Rudra’s of Cloning 920-923 of Holding 669-672 of Drawers 405-408 Strongbox of Immobility 924-927 of Poison 673-675 Foot Stool 409-412 Tamate-Bako 676-679 Oyster Sheath Brazier 680-683 Quartermaster’s 928-931 of Frogs 413-416 of Commanding Fire 684-687 of Sieges 932-935 of Smallness Elementals 688-691 Cursed of Sieges 936-939 Zadore’s Poison 417-420 Hu’i Wing 692-695 of Zorathus 940-943 Sleeping Bag of Armor of Sleep Smoke 421-424 Coffin Nullification 425-428 Bucket of Fire Snuffing 696-699 Casket of Furyondy Tub Cabinet 700-703 of Creation 944-947 of Fat 429-432 of Air Restoration 704-707 Crystal 948-951 of Lard H’Veyk’s Cavernous 433-436 Container 952-954 Bathtub 437-440 of Ministering 955-958 of Sailing 708-711 Fireproof 441-444 of Security 959-962 Taryn’s 712-715 Watertight 963-966 of Washing Cage 716-719 Crucible of Melting 445-448 of Carrying 720-723 Cup of Wine Urn 449-451 of Entrapment Decanter 967-970 of Ashes 452-455 of Shelter 971-974 of Awakening Carrague’s of Endless Steam 456-459 String 724-727 975-978 of Curses 728-730 of Endless Water 979-982 of Hindsight Can 731-734 of Endless Water II 983-986 of Water Purification of Cant 735-738 Disintegration 460-463 987-990 Vampire Sheath of Moonlight Chamber 464-467 991-994 Vial of Durance of Preserving 739-742 Extradimensional Safe 468-471 995-000 Waterskin of Pouring 472-475 of Spinach Flagon 476-479 of worms Table M: Dust and Stones Zwann’s Irrigation 743-746 of Dragons 480-483 Roll Item 484-487 Zwann’s Watering 747-750 of Diminution 751-754 Zagyg’s Flowing 001-002 Enchanted Canister Enhancements* Flask 488-491 of Condiments Air Spores 492-495 of Curses 755-758 Copper 759-762 of Curses 003-004 Air Spores Canteen 763-766 Iron 005-006 Chandrasakar’s 496-499 of Coolness 767-770 Iron of Tuerny the Apple 500-503 Erdlu Merciless 007-009 of Bragi of Purification Vapor 504-506 771-774 010-011 of Chaos Case Goblet Bead 507-510 of Compression 775-778 of Glory 012-013 of Accuracy 511-514 Exalted Component 779-782 of the Great Kingdom 014-016 515-518 of Document Transmission 783-786 Leomund’s Eye 017-018 of Dew 519-522 of Scroll Holding 787-789 Manas of Sleep 019-020 of Force 523-526 Tenser’s Portmanteau of 790-793 Manas of Death 021-022 Glass Frugality 794-797 Manas of Fixation 023-025 of Oblivion 798-801 Hold of Holding Cask 026-027 Pearl 527-530 Everfull Horn 028-029 of Atonement 531-534 of the Wind Spy 802-805 Cornucopia 030-032 of Damnation 806-809 Ngona of Fire Resistance 033-034 of Hindrance Cauldron 810-813 Ngona of Silent Moving 035-036 of Karma 535-538 of Ambrosia 814-817 Ngona of Underwater 037-038 of Response 539-542 Archdruid Breathing 039-041 of Succor 543-546 of Blindness 042-043 of Prayer II 547-550 of Creatures Jar 044-045 Bean of Ooze, Slime 551-554 of Doom 818-821 Borieflin’s of Steam and Jelly 555-558 of Entrancement 822-825 of Comprehension 559-561 of Foretelling 826-829 of Preserving Berry 562-565 of Fresh Water 046-048 Fireberries 566-569 of Healing Jug 049-050 Magical of Heating 830-833 Alchemy 570-573 Bone 574-577 Iubadan’s 834-837 Amorpha 051-052 of Animation 578-581 Mordom’s of Air 838-841 Red of Dyeing 053-054 of Bruising 582-585 of Plenty 842-844 Blue of Dyeing Clapper 586-589 Potion 845-848 of Jade 055-057 058-059 Hatchling Dragon 590-593 of Restoring Freshness 849-852 of Jesting Very Young Dragon 594-597 Warming 853-856 Louie Dulama’s Alchemy 060-061 Young Dragon 598-601 Cegilune’s Iron Pot 062-064 Kettle 065-066 Juvenile Dragon Censer 857-860 of Breathing 067-068 Young Adult Dragon 602-605 of Conduct 861-864 of Drumming 069-070 Adult Dragon 606-609 of Controlling Air 865-868 Everbountiful Soup 071-073 Mature Adult Dragon Elementals 869-872 of Fish 074-075 Old Dragon 610-613 of Controlling Air 873-876 Mithryl’s Everbountiful 076-077 Very Old Dragon Elementals II soup 078-080 Venerable Dragon 614-617 of Summoning Hostile 877-880 Leomund’s Labile 081-082 Wyrm Dragon Elementals Locker 083-084 Great Wyrm Dragon 618-620 of Thaumaturgy Mug 085-087 of Slaying 088-089 of Turning 881-884 Leomund’s Chalice 090-091 Buttercup’s Bouquet 621-624 of Colors 885-888 of Plenty 625-628 of Continual Water 889-892 of Warming Candle 092-093 Black 629-632 of Detection Pitcher 094-096 Blinking 633-636 Eucharistic 893-896 of Blending Holy Grail 097-098 Blue 637-640 897-899 of Continuous Water 099-100 of Brilliance 641-644 of Identification 900-903 Portable Hole 645-648 of Irreversibility 101-103 of Charming 649-652 of Liquid Food Prison 104-105 Convocation 653-656 of Planar Travel 904-907 Castellan's Magical 106-107 Darkness 657-660 of Poison 908-911 Genie 108-109 Defense 661-664 of the Shield Lands 912-915 of Zagig 110-112 Disruption 665-668 Silver 916-919 of Zagyg 113-114 Divination

DRAGON 45 115-116 of Everburning 305-306 of Mature adult Dragon 475-476 Deep Red Sphere 667-668 Excisement 117-119 of Evocation Breath 477-478 Flickering White Snowflake 669-670 Exodus 120-121 Exploding 307-309 of Old Dragon Breath 479-480 Gold Ellipsoid 671-673 Five Finger Grass 122-123 Fireball 310-311 of Very Old Dragon Breath 481-483 Green Sphere 674-675 Frangi Pani 124-125 Flame 312-313 of Venerable Dragon Breath 484-485 Incandescent Blue Sphere 676-677 Galangale’s 126-128 Flame Arrow 314-316 of Wyrm Dragon Breath 486-487 Light Blue Prism 678-680 Gardenia 129-130 Flame Blade 317-318 of Great Wyrm Dragon 488-490 Maroon Star 681-682 Getaway’s 131-132 Gold Breath 491-492 Orange Cube 683-684 Good Taste 133-135 of Invocation 319-320 Dreamhold 493-494 Pale Green Ellipsoid 685-687 Grape 136-137 Methven 321-322 Egg of Fascination 495-496 Pale Lavender Spindle 688-689 Powder of the Hero’s Heart 138-139 Noora’s of Propitiousness 323-325 Flame 497-499 Pale Yellow Lozenge 690-691 High Conquering 140-141 of Powerlessness 326-327 Fog Cloud 500-501 Pearly White Prism 692-693 High John the Conqueror’s 142-144 of Propitiousness 328-329 Golden 502-503 Pink Ellipsoid 694-696 Hindu Grass 145-146 of Protection 330-332 Gold of Ghastar 504-506 Pink & Green Ellipsoid 697-698 Honeysuckle 147-148 of Protection II 333-334 Obsidian of Ghastar 507-508 Puce Cube 699-700 Hypnotic 149-151 Purple 335-336 Gold of Ghastar 509-510 Pulsing Red Star 701-703 Hysspo 152-153 Pyrotechnic 337-338 Silver of Ghastar 511-512 Pure White Octahedron 704-705 Powder of Images 154-155 Red 339-341 Gray 513-515 Rainbow Ellipsoid 706-707 Jamaica 156-158 Reflection 342-343 Guardian 516-517 Rainbow Spindle 708-709 Jezebel 159-160 Sanctuary 344-345 Hard-Boiled 518-519 Scarlet & Blue Sphere 710-712 Jinx Removing 161-162 Shielding 346-348 Imprisonment 520-522 Silver Rod 713-714 Kludde 163-164 Smoke Detection 349-350 Incubalum 523-524 Silver Sphere 715-716 Lavender of Spells 165-167 351-352 Khenel’s Philosopher’s 525-526 Silvery Mirror Cube 717-719 Life Survival 168-169 353-354 Mishakal’s Token 527-528 Soft Black Rectangle 720-721 Lily of the Valley 170-171 of Transference 529-531 355-357 Multicolor Yellow Sphere 722-723 of Magic Detection 172-174 Unfailing Light 532-533 358-359 Philosopher’s Kulver-Tam’s Fruit of 724-725 Magnolia 175-176 of Vapors 360-361 of the Phoenix I Healing 726-728 Manpower 177-178 Visibility 729-730 Mercury 362-364 Pink Marble 179-180 Yellow 731-732 Mojo 365-366 of Reason 534-535 Cat’s Eye 733-735 Moon 367-368 Rotten 536-538 Cheese of Cleanliness 736-737 Musk 181-183 of Odors 369-370 of Shattering 539-540 Granite 738-739 Narcissus 184-185 of Vile Odors 371-373 Shell of Protection 541-542 of Quarry 740-741 New life 186-187 Coal of Warmth 374-375 Shell of Protection vs Birds 543-545 Warp 742-744 Nine Mystery 376-377 Shell of Protection vs 546-547 Sweet Onion Dust Dragons 745-746 Obeah 188-190 of Absorption 378-380 Shell of Protection vs Evil Pie 747-748 Oak-in-Acorn 191-192 of Adhering 381-382 Shell of Protection vs 548-549 of Four-and-Twenty 749-751 of Obsession 193-194 Allergy Fiends Blackbirds 752-753 Olibanum 195-196 of Appearance 383-384 Shell of Protection vs Good 550-551 of Raspberries 754-755 Power 197-199 of Blandness 385-387 Shell of Protection vs 552-554 Rhubarb 756-757 Primrose 200-201 of Piquantness Humanoids 555-556 Plumastone 758-760 Purification 202-203 of Blending 388-389 Shell of Protection vs 761-762 Puchezma’s of Edible Powder 204-206 Decoy Humans Objects 557-558 Absinthe 207-208 of Disappearance 390-391 Shell of Protection vs 763-764 Purwuvok’s of the Hero’s 559-561 African Ju Ju 209-210 of Dryness Lycanthropes Heart 562-563 Allspice 211-212 of Dullness 392-393 Shell of Protection vs 765-767 Quirk* 564-565 Allspice II 213-215 Feather Planars 768-769 Reversibility 566-567 Anger 216-217 Fertilization 394-396 Shell of Protection vs 770-771 Rosemary 568-570 Anise 218-219 Fodder Scalekind 772-774 Rue 571-572 Aphrodisia 220-222 of Forgetfulness 397-398 Shell of Protection vs 775-776 Sandalwood 573-574 Arabian Nights 223-224 Green Sleeping Undead 777-778 Smoke 575-577 Attraction 225-226 of Illusion 399-400 Soft Boiled 779-780 Snake 578-579 Bats’ Blood 227-229 Leech 401-403 Stinging Cloud 781-783 Solomon’s 580-581 Bendover’s 230-231 Malto’s of Mind Dulling 404-405 Turquoise 784-785 Spikenard 582-583 Bergamot’s 232-233 of Mind Dulling 406-407 of Wonder 786-787 Spirit 584-586 Black Arts 234-235 of Opposition 408-409 Eternal Peanut 788-790 Time 236-238 Paralyzation 587-588 of the Black Veil 791-792 Trinity 239-240 Revealing Feather 589-590 Bottom #20 793-794 Verbena 241-242 Rust 410-412 Feathertoken 591-593 Bruno’s Curse 795-796 Vibration 243-245 of Sleeping 413-414 Lapland 594-595 Buddha Type I 797-799 Virgin Olive 246-247 Sleep 415-416 Plumalitter 596-597 Buddha Type II 800-801 Vision 248-249 Small Bird Repulsion Dust 417-419 Quaal’s Tokens 598-599 Buddha Type III 802-803 Voodoo 250-251 Sneezing 420-421 Quaal’s Mystical Token 600-602 Bull’s 804-806 Will Power 252-254 Sneezing II 603-604 Carnation 807-808 Wintergreen Finger 605-606 Chocolate 809-810 Wishing 255-256 of Sneezing and Choking of Commanding 422-423 607-609 Citronella 811-812 Witch’s 257-258 Sparkling 424-425 of the Master Thief 610-611 Civet 813-815 259-261 of Tracelessness 426-428 Thumb of the Master Thief Xyz of R-ail Dispersion 612-613 Cleo May 816-817 Ylang Ylang 262-263 429-430 Fingernail of Rending 264-265 Violet Dindower’s of 614-616 of Coagulation 818-819 Zodiac 431-432 Four-Leaf Clover Disappearance 617-618 of Comeliness 820-822 Zula Zula 433-435 Gas of Dreadful Sleep 619-620 Commanding 823-824 Puppy Putty 436-437 Grains of Discomfort Egg 621-622 Concentration 825-826 Rakasta Tea 623-625 266-267 Antimagic Incense Confusion Rock 268-270 Apprentice’s 438-439 of Meditation 626-627 Conquering Glory 827-828 Death of the Darad S’tin 271-272 Black 440-441 of Obsession 628-629 Controlling 829-831 Kereenyaga 273-274 Cloudkill 442-444 Shahpesh’s of Obsession 630-632 Crab Apple 275-277 of Desire (Black) 633-634 Crossing 832-833 Pet 278-279 of Desire (Bone) Ioun Stone 635-636 Cumin Seed Rose 280-281 of Desire (Crystal) 445-446 Balian’s Yellow 637-638 Cypress Seed 834-835 of Eternal Slumber 282-283 of Desire (Golden) 447-448 Blue-Green Spindle 639-641 Damnation 836-838 Wreath of Roses of Eternal 284-286 of Desire (Scarlet) 449-451 Brass Lozenge 642-643 DesirE Eme’s Slumber 287-288 Disintegration 452-453 Bright Silver Cylinder 644-645 Doas Isay’s 839-840 Bush of Roses of Eternal 289-290 of Distraction 454-455 646-648 Bright White Rectangle Double Cross Slumber 291-293 of Hatchling Dragon Breath 649-650 456-458 Brown Rhomboid Dragon’s Blood 841-842 of Ravenloft 294-295 of Very young Dragon 459-460 Cerulean Blue Rhomboid 651-652 Dream 843-845 of Forgetfulness Breath 461-462 Clear Pink Sphere 653-654 Dypshez’s of the Black Veil 846-847 Sand of Truth 296-297 of Young Dragon Breath 463-464 Clear Prism 655-657 Elixir 298-299 of Juvenile Dragon Breath 465-467 Clear Sphere 658-659 Enchantment Seed 300-302 of Young adult Dragon 468-469 Copper Rectangle 660-661 Eucalyptus 848-849 Dragon Lily Breath 470-471 Deep Black Sphere 662-664 Eve 850-851 Enchanted Cherry Pits 303-304 of Adult Dragon Breath 472-474 Deep Purple Prism 665-666 Evil Eye (Brown)

46 MAY 1995

Apron 852-854 Enchanted Cherry Pits 010-011 of Comfort (Gold) 012-013 Flandal Steelskin’s Candle Snuffer Fishing Pole 855-856 Enchanted Cherry Pits 014-015 Leather 148-149 of Death 283-284 of Angling (Red) 016-017 Arabel’s Huggable Bear 150-151 of Dousing 285-286 of Exaggeration 857-858 Fireseed 018-019 Armor Bath 152-153 of Exploding 287-288 of Levitation 859-861 of Growth 154-155 Remote 289 of Monster Fishing 862-863 Damage Curing Art 156-157 of Serving 290-291 of Rescue 864-865 Disease Curing 020-021 Blue on Bronze 292-293 of Treasure Fishing 866-867 Normal 022-023 Dragonnel-by-the-Cliff Carpet 294-295 Forge of Metal Protec- 868-870 Sun 024 The Gladiators 158-159 Accursed tion 871-872 Trollflower 025-026 Glorindel’s Gates 160-161 of Diving Fork 873-874 of Wealth 027-028 Glorindel’s Living Painting 162-163 of Fighting 029-030 Igraine’s Portrait 164-165 of Flying 296-297 Planar Smoke 031-032 Norval’s Timely Portrait 166-167 of Frying 298-299 of Travel 875-877 of Fire Quenching 033-034 Pigments of Longevity 168 Leonardo’s of Flying 300-301 Gauze of Appearance 878-879 Sleep 035-036 Portraiture by Magic 169-170 Rug of Mothering Gavel 171-172 Rug of Smothering Soap 037-038 The Watchers 302-303 of Auctions 880-881 of Abrasion 039-040 Widow’s Walk 173-174 Rug of Welcome 304-305 of Authority 175-176 Self Cleaning 306-307 of Order 882-883 of Washing Awl 177-178 Solomon’s Magic 308-309 041-042 Full Gem Cutter’s Tools of Stone 179-180 Carving of Restful 043-044 Sunndi 884-886 Beauregard’s Beautiful of Hole Punching Sleep Bauble 045-046 Inn Grappling Iron 887-888 Bimbomushi 047-048 Mess Chair 310-311 Enchanted 889-890 Bloodstone of Fistandantilus 181-182 of Amnesia 312 Gargoyle Balance/Scale 183-184 of the Ancestors 891-893 Chardalyn 049 of Conversion 313-314 Griffon’s Claw 185-186 of Extra Seating 315-316 894-895 of Cold Immunity 050-051 of Harmony of Luckless Returning 896-897 of Continual Light 187-188 of Helplessness 052-053 of Judgment Hammock 898-899 of Controlling Earth 189-190 of Relaxing 054-055 of Power 317-318 of Entrapment Elementals 191-192 of Retrieval 319-320 Layne’s 900-902 Coruskian Banner 193 of Seeing 321-322 of Protection 903-904 Cursed Well 056-057 of Attraction 194-195 of Travel 196-197 of Ugliness 905-906 Dream 058-059 of Bravery Handkerchief 198-199 Couch of Comfortable 907-909 of Everburning 060-061 Cursed 323-324 of Length Seating 910-911 Finder’s 062-063 Dragon Flag 325-326 of Sneezing 912-913 Glowstone 064-065 of Ferocity 200-201 Cloak Clasp of Holding 914-916 of Good Luck 066-067 Flag of Untrue Colors Harness Cord 327-328 of Seker 917-918 of Gul and Thiondar 068-069 Flying 202-203 of Binding 329-330 Spider 919-920 Honing 070-071 of Friendship 204-205 of Ekbir 072 Holy 921-922 Myste’s of Mixed Luck 206-207 Faithful Knot Hasp 073-074 of Insults 923-925 of Mysterious Sounds 208-209 Kybal’s 331-332 of Locking 075-076 Law’s 926-927 Nanorion 333-334 of Reloading 928-929 Oval of Tzolo’s Guardian 077-078 Magic Shield Cot 930-932 Philosopher’s 079-080 Pennant of Bravery 210-211 of Entrapment Hinge 933-934 Philosopher’s II 081-082 of Privacy 212-213 of Restlessness 335-336 of Opening 935-936 of Sampling 083-084 of Protection 214-215 of Suspension 337 of Shrieking 937-938 of Shielding 085-086 of Protection II 338-339 Hook of Adherence Curtain 939-941 of Silence 087-088 of Renown 216 of Death 942-943 Spongestone 089-090 of Terror Hourglass 217-218 of Scenery 340-341 944-945 Travel 091-092 Zen’s Auquhol’s Type I 219-220 of Spying 342-343 946-948 Wardstone Auquhol’s Type II Beholder Mouthpick 221-222 Cushion of 344-345 949-950 Warfu Auquhol’s Type III 093-094 Beholder Fangpick Regeneration 346-347 951-952 of Warmth Brindletople’s Time Bomb 095-096 Absorbing 348-349 of Fire and Ice 953-954 of Weight Desk 350-351 Obedient 955-957 of the Well 223-224 of Restudying Bellows 352-353 of Seeing 958-959 Tanglefoot 097 of Breath 225-226 of Studying 354-355 Timeglass of the Wizard 960-961 Tanglevine Root 098-099 of Breezes 227-228 Dicerion of Light and 356-357 of Timekeeping 100-101 of Roaring Darkness Tart Inkwell 962-964 of Accusation Door Bench 358-359 of Concealment 965-966 of Enticement 102-103 of Encumbrance 229-230 Magical 360 Everfull 967-968 of a Summer’s Day 104-105 of Levitation 231-232 Aruthir’s Living 361-362 of Scrollmaking 969-970 Thorn of Sleep 106-107 of Ramming 233-234 Back 108-109 Black Wall 235-236 Black Crystal Irons Tooth 237-238 of Disappearance 363-364 of Imprisonment 971-973 of Dahlver-nar Blanket 239-240 of Displacement 365-366 of Opening 974-975 Dragon 110-111 of Comfort 241 Front 367-368 of Steam 976-977 Sweet 112-113 of Devouring 242-243 of Guarding 369-370 Throwing 114-115 of Protection Wax 244-245 Revolving 371-372 of Transference 116-117 Silk Coverlet of Warmth 978-980 of Careful Hearing 246-247 Lesser of Teleportation 373-374 118-119 of Sleeping Kaylan’s Wooden Tray 981-982 Ceiling 248-249 Greater of Teleportation 983-984 of Fabrication 250-251 of Terror Key Broom 375-376 Courier 985-986 of Hearing 120 252-253 Trick of Animated Attack 377-378 Dowsing 987-989 Sealing 121-122 of Blindness 254-255 Drawer of Easy 379-380 of Entrance 990-991 of Waning 123-124 of Flying Retrieval 381-382 Grave 125-126 of Serving 256-257 Ema of Wishes Weed 383 of Inquiry 127-128 of Sweeping 258-259 Epox’s Iron Rations 992-993 Rapture 384 129-130 of Sweeping II 260-261 Everclean Towel Map 994-996 of the Witch 262-263 Everdamp Sponge 385-387 of Opening 997-000 Zwieback of Zymurgy Brush 264 Faithful Knot 388-389 of Quinarost 131-132 of Colors 390-391 of Quinarost II Table N: Household Items 133-134 of Detangling Fan 392-393 of Quinarost III Roll Item 135-136 of Grooming 265-266 of Charming 394-395 of Reunion 001 Enchanted 137-138 Vladium’s Fabulous Equine 267-268 Club 396-397 Rogue’s Enhancements* 269-270 Cooling 398-399 Saddle 002-003 Abacus of Calculation Button 271-272 of Dancing 400-401 Shapeshifter 139-140 of Blasting 273-274 Fanfare 402-403 of Silence Anvil 141-142 of Confusion 275-276 Fanning 404-405 Silver of Portals 004-005 High of the Dwarves 143-144 Discus 277-278 Five Fire 406-407 of Sirdan 006-007 Iron of the Armies 145 of Fastening 279-280 Wind 408 Skeleton 008-009 of the Lortmil Mountains 146-147 of Rosy Vision 281-282 Fishing Lure 409-410 Skeleton II 48 MAY 1995

Not-So-Funny Funhouse 559-560 696 Grappling Hook 411-412 Spider 561-562 Nura D’Agor’s of Life 834-835 of Mixing 697-698 Musical Minstrel 413-414 of Storage Trapping 836-837 Murlynd’s 415-416 of Translation 699-700 Piton 838-839 Musical 563-564 of Opposition 701-702 Weaponblack 417-418 of Unlocking 565-566 of the Past 840 of Sticking 703-704 Whetstone 419-420 Wizard’s 567-568 of Portals 841-842 of Stirring 843-844 of Stirring II 569-570 Reading Quill Pen Ladder 845-846 of Sugar 421-422 of Balance 571-572 of Recall 705-706 of Copying 573-574 423-424 Benhi’s Express Red 707-708 of Erasing Stair 575-576 425-426 of Climbing of Reflecting 709-710 of Forgery 847-848 of Ascending of Retention 427-428 of Inestimable Length 577 711-712 Kuroth’s 849-850 of Breaking 578-579 of Reversal 713-714 of Law 851-852 Cold Ladle 580-581 of Seeing 715-716 of Longwriting 853-854 of Descending 429-430 of Candlemaking 582-583 of Sending 717-718 of Necromancy 855-856 Endless 431-432 of Curing 584-585 of Simple Order 719-720 Porcupine 857-858 of Judgment 433 of Drinking 586-587 of Sophistication 721 of Pyrophilius 859-860 of Slipping 434-435 of Duplication 588-589 Spell 722-723 of Scribbling 590-591 of Spirit Seeing 724-725 of Scroll Creation String Lamp 592-593 of Travel 726-727 of Swift Writing 861-862 of Attachment 436-437 Bashal’s Tendrilight 594-595 of Truth 728-729 of Transcription 863-864 of Lashing 438-439 Byubo’s of Audacity 596-597 of Vanity 730-731 of Truth 865 of Pearls 440-441 of Continual Light 598-599 Yefar’s Magic 732-733 Windscribe 866-867 of Shackles 442-443 Shuttered of Continual 600 Yin-Yang 734-735 Wondrous Writing Set 868-869 Tangle of Light 736-737 Zellot’s of Law 870-871 of Warding Mortar and Pestle 444-445 of Darkness 738-739 Rag of Drying 872-873 Stylus of Scribing 446-447 Dragon 601-602 Everproducing Rice 448-449 Floor 603-604 Lorloveim’s Obsidian Rake Sundial 450-451 of the Four Winds 605-606 Music Box 740-741 of Climbing 874-875 of Direction 452-453 of the Genies 742-743 of Iron 876-877 of Timekeeping Muzzle 454-455 Goldmane’s Dazzler 744 of Retrieval 607-608 of Lycanthrope Control Table 456 of Greyhawk 745-746 Ship 609-610 of Mauling 878-879 of Banquets 457-458 of Honesty 747-748 of Smoothing 611-612 of Training 880-881 of Contents 459-460 Hurricane 749-750 of Tracking 882-883 of the Elements 461-462 of Ignition Nail 884-885 of Plenty 463-464 Illag’s Abominable Beacon Razor 613-614 Blast Spike 751-752 Baltron’s 886-887 Writing 465-466 of Infinite Burning 615-616 of Building 753-754 of Close Shaving 467-468 Krillus’ Blazer Tablecloth 617-618 Death 755-756 of Truth 469-470 of Lighting 619-620 Finger 888 Augricrone’s 471-472 of Long Burning 621-622 of Pointing Rope 889-890 of Feasting 473-474 of Long Burning II 623-624 of Securing 757-758 of Climbing 475-476 Magic Tablet 625 of Silence 759-760 of Constriction 891-892 Myrkul’s of Fate 477-478 Malthrox’s Shadowcaster Ten-Penny 626-627 761-762 of Entanglement 893-894 of Spirit Summoning 479-480 Messakk’s Eye 763-764 Hrulgin’s of Entanglement Needle 481 of Multichromaticism 765-766 Infinite Tapestry 482-483 of Plant Growth 628-629 of Death 767-768 Tallin’s Tightrope 895-896 of Disease Warding 630-631 of Lively Tattoos 484-485 Shadow 769 Salver of Growth 897-898 of Ekbir 486-487 of Spying 632-633 Magical Darning 899-900 of Folded Existence of Repair 488-489 of Summoning 634-635 Saw 901-902 of Rooms 490-491 Thessall’s Wayguider 636-637 of Sewing 770-771 of Cutting 492-493 of Timed Lighting 638-639 of Sewing II 772-773 of Mighty Cutting Tea 494-495 Lizardskin Bed 640-641 Nefradina’s Identifier 774-775 of Snoring 903-904 Magical Rakastan 642-643 Nefradina’s Improved 776-777 Scale of Weighing 905-906 Zhakar Lock Identifier 907-908 Teaset of Skill and Seal 496-497 Nolte’s Locks and Bolts 644-645 Oven of Heating Grace 498-499 Skie’s Locks and Bolts 778-779 of Deception Pan 780-781 of Vigor Telescope Log 646-647 of Cooking 782-783 Seat of Bane 909-910 of Fantastic Vision 500-501 of Burning 648 of Spicing 911-912 of True Vision 502-503 Combination Shaker 504 of Floating Pen 784-785 Eternal Salt Tent 505-506 of Ramming 649-650 of Excellence 786-787 Hugrin’s Spice 913 of Captivity 507-508 of Repetitive Burning 651-652 of Swift Writing 914-915 Dew Shovel 509-510 of Rolling 653-654 of Truth 916-917 of Luxury 788-789 of Animation 511-512 of Snoring 918-919 Mist Pick 790-791 of Digging 920-921 Polychromatic 655-656 of Earth Parting Match 792 Cursed of Digging 922-923 Poor 657-658 Cursed of Earth Parting 793-794 of Gravedigging 513-514 Magical 924-925 of Shelter 795-796 of Internment 515-516 of Many Lights 926-927 of Standing Pill 797-798 Spade of Colossal 928-929 of Warning Mirror 659-660 Desalination Tablet Excavation 661-662 930-931 X 517-518 Baltron's Hand of Hangover Relief 799-800 Slate of Identification 663-664 of Plentiful Water 519-520 Barlithian's Mystical Thread 665-666 Pillow of Regeneration Smoking Pipe 521-522 Black 932-933 of Aging 667-668 801-802 Aromatic 523-524 Blue Pipe of Heated Wind 934-935 of Commands 525-526 Crystal 803-804 Bubble Plate 936 of Embroidery 527-528 of Curing 805-806 Charged Eversmoking 669-670 Book 529 807-808 Elminster’s Eversmoking Throne of Duplication 671-672 of Counterfeiting 530-531 Emperor's 809-810 Permanent Eversmoking 937-938 of Death 673 Dinner 532-533 of Enlightenment 811-812 Halfling 939-940 Hlidskialf 674-675 Leomund’s 534-535 813-814 Lasting 941-942 of Incineration Evem's of Enviable Image 676-677 Platter of Purity 536-537 815-816 of Puckering 943-944 of Power of Fear 678-679 Platter of Purity II 538-539 Flaming of Tenh 817 Self-Lighting 945-946 of Summoning 540-541 of Flattery Poker 818-819 of Smoke Rings 947-948 of Transformation 542-543 Hsssthak's of Sight and 680-681 Draw 820-821 of Smoking Toolset Sound 682-683 of Fire Control 822-823 of Snake Summoning 949-950 Gemcutter’s of Sunndi 544-545 684-685 of Searing of Images Spinning Wheel 951-952 Thieves’ of Stealth 546-547 of Summoning of Improved Travel 686-687 824-825 Cursed 953-954 Woodworker’s of Dyvers 548-549 of Lakes 688 Pot of Plant Protection 826-827 Spinning Wheel 550-551 of Life Saving 689 Prismal’s Useful Torch 552 of Life Trapping Enchanted Gear Spoon 955-956 of Continual Fire 553-554 Malto's of Retention 690-691 Block and Tackle 828-829 Birth 957-958 Continual 555-556 of Mental Prowess 692-693 Fish Hooks 830-831 of Eating 959-960 of Control 557-558 Murky 694-695 Flint 832-833 of Medication 961 Gruumsh’s Everburning

50 MAY 1995 Utensil Stringed Instrument 962-963 of Cleanliness 275-279 Fochlucan Bandore 691-695 Courage Flute 964-965 of the Cultured Palate 280-283 Biwa of Calming 696-700 Cymboli’s Pipes of Sounding Astrolabe 966-967 of Etiquette 284-288 Biwa of Charming 701-704 Damh’s Flute 037-038 Celestial 289-293 Biwa of Discord 705-709 Damh’s Pipes 039-040 of Henrik Vane 294-297 MacFuirmidh Cittern 710-714 Danger Flute 041-043 of Entrapment 968-969 Greater of Location 298-302 Dugal’s Musical Instrument 715-718 Deafness Whistle 970-971 Lesser of Location 303-307 Anstruth Harp 719-723 Death’s Head Horn Ball 308-312 Azler’s Harp 724-728 Dismissing Flute 044-045 of Avian Attraction Window 313-316 Bragi’s Harp 729-733 Djinn Nay 046-047 Base 972-973 Display 317-321 Bragi’s Harp of Calm 734-737 Dolphins Horn 048-049 of Cosmetology 974-975 of Dressing 322-326 Broken Harp 738-742 Doom Pipes 050-052 Cue 976-977 of Opacity 327-331 Harp of Charming 743-747 Doom Trumpet 053-054 Elemental (Air) 978-979 of Peeping 332-335 Harp of Charming II 748-752 Dragon Whistle 055-056 Elemental (Earth) 980-981 of Spying 336-340 Harp of Charming III 753-756 Droning Bagpipes 057-059 Elemental (Fire) of Visiting 982-983 341-345 Damh’s Harp 757-761 Dugal’s Bagpipes of Fear 060-061 Elemental (Water) 984-985 of Endless String Xylograph 346-350 Defender’s Harp 762-766 Dugal’s Musical Instrument 062-063 351-354 Harp of Discord 767-770 Faerie Flute 064-065 Foot Yoke 066-068 Onyx of Boar Harnessing 355-359 Dove’s Harp 771-775 Fear Bagpipes 986-987 069-070 of Power 988-990 of Flight 360-364 Esheen’s Harp 776-780 Feline Attraction Bagpipes Harp of Fingerbreaking 991-993 of Irritation 365-368 781-785 Fog Horn Balloon Fochlucan Harp 994-996 of Obedience 369-373 786-789 Fog Horn II 071-072 Air Harp of Gold 997-998 Practical 374-378 790-794 Gas Pipes 073-074 Carnivorous 999-000 of Underwater Action 379-383 Handharp 795-799 Gateway Whistle 075-077 of Containment Harp of Healing 384-387 800-804 Gjaller 078-079 Hot Air 388-392 Jhantra’s Harp Table 0: Music Instruments 805-808 Goodness/Evil Horn 080-081 Poison 393-397 MacFuirmidh Harp Item 809-813 Hard Hearts Horn 082-083 Rust Roll Marks Harp 001-004 Enchanted 398-402 814-818 Haunting Pipes 084-086 Soap 403-406 Methild’s Harp Enhancements* 819-823 Headaches Bagpipes 087-088 of Traveling Murlyn’s Harp of Charming 005-009 Eartrumpet 407-411 824-827 Herding Whistle 089-090 Word 010-014 Larynx of Deafening 412-416 Nithanalor’s Harp 828-832 Horn of the Gray Waste 417-420 Ollamh Harp 833-837 Kantele Beacon Percussion Instrument 421-425 Questing Harp 838-841 Luck Flute 091-093 Arcane 015-018 Bell of Alarm 426-430 Rhingalade’s Harp 842-846 Pain Pipes 094-095 Thayvian 019-023 Bell of the Ball 431-435 Harp of Spirit Restoration 847-851 Pan Pipes 024-028 Bell of Calling 436-439 Storm’s Harp of Methild 852-856 Panic Pipes Bison Skull Totem Bison Skull Totem 029-033 Choir Bell 440-444 Throbbing Harp 857-860 Peace Shakuhaci 096-097 Kolkis’ Evil 034-037 Church Bell 445-449 Valarde’s Harp 861-865 Playing Flute 098-099 038-042 Cow Bell Zunzalor’s Harp 450-454 866-870 Plenty Horn Boat 043-047 Bell of Discord 455-458 Lyron’s Harpsichord of 871-875 Rat Whistle 100-102 Airboat 048-052 Bell of Doom Commanding 876-879 Recording Recorder 103-104 Canoe of Portage 053-056 Bell of Freedom 459-463 Building Liar 880-884 Reviving Bugle 105-106 Canoe of Travel Golden Bell of Blasting 057-061 464-468 Cool Hand Lute 885-889 Sacred Grove Horn 107-108 Desert 062-066 Bell of Lament 469-473 Doss Lute 890-893 September Horn 109-111 Small Folding 067-070 Pavlov’s Bell 474-477 Lute of Loot 894-898 Sewers Pipes 112-113 Large Folding 071-075 Bell of Protection 478-482 Singalong Lute 899-903 Sewer Pipes II 114-115 Folding Coracle 076-080 Bell of Ringing 483-487 Skywalker Lute 904-908 Shattering Bagpipes 116-118 Frog 081-085 Bell of Treachery 488-491 Woodwalking Lute 909-912 Shoo Horn 119-120 Goerl’s Portable Canoe 086-089 Bell of Warning 492-496 Building Lyre 913-917 Signaling Horn Tackle Box 090-094 Bell of Warning II 497-501 Canaith Lyre 918-922 Silver Flute 121-122 Hasty Barge of Nyr Dyv 095-099 Alexander’s Chime of 502-506 Cli Lyre 923-927 Sleeping Bugle 123-124 House Opening 507-510 Dorus’ Lyre 928-931 Sounding Pipes 125-127 Ice 100-104 Featherchime 511-515 Doss Lyre 932-936 Speaking Pipes 128-129 Joukahainen’s 105-108 Chime of Hunger 516-520 Fu Hsing’s Lyre 937-941 Stopping Whistle 130-131 Joukahainen’s II 109-113 Chime of Interruption 521-525 Loquacious Lyre 942-946 Summoning Whistle 132-133 Mistboat 114-118 Chime of Opening 526-529 Lyre of the Spheres 947-950 Training Whistle 134-136 Portable Canoe 119-122 Sebastian’s Chime of 530-534 Lyre of Wounding 951-955 Triton’s Horn 137-138 Quaal’s Mystical Feather Opening 535-539 Canaith Mandolin 956-960 Uncontrollable Striding Token 123-127 Chime of Time 540-543 Cli Mandolin Horn 139-140 Semekhtet Barge 128-132 Chime of Visitors 544-548 Pick of Propitiousness 961-964 Valhalla Horn 141-143 Smuggler’s 133-137 Chime of Warning 549-553 Pick of Strumming 965-969 Valor Horn 144-145 Storm Rider of the Gearnat 138-141 Cymbal of Crashing 554-558 Qanum of Quiet 970-974 Vast Swamp Horn Sea 142-146 Cymbal of Symbols 559-562 Qanum of the Spirits 975-979 Voices Horn 146-147 Theon’s Folding 147-151 Bass Drum 563-567 Rababah of the Dao 980-983 Waking Bugle 148-149 Tub of Sailing 152-156 Drum of Deafening 568-572 ‘Ud of the Marids 984-988 War Horn 150-152 Undersea 157-160 Lei Kung’s Drum 573-577 Extreme Violin 989-993 Water Pipes 153-154 Underwater 161-165 Drum of Menace 578-581 Game Violin 994-000 Wind Dancing Flute 155-156 Vainamoinen’s 166-170 Native Drum 582-586 Saxon Violin 157-158 Xiphoid Xebec 171-175 Drum of Panic 587-591 Unnecessary Violin Table P: Weird Stuff 159-161 Brass Horseman 176-179 Drum of Silence 592-595 Violin Rack Roll Item 180-184 Snare Drum 596-600 Zither of Speed 001-002 Enchanted Bridle 185-189 Tabele 601-605 Zither of Zombie Control Enhancements* 162-163 of Acquiesce 190-193 Drum of Thunder 606-610 Zither of Zombie Protection 164-165 of Control 194-198 Dugal’s Percussion 611-614 Takht of the Jann Anchor 166-167 of Control II Instruments 003-004 Aerial 168-170 Golden 199-203 Butler Summoning Gong Wind Instrument 005-006 Aerial II 171-172 of Listening 204-208 Chain Gong 615-619 Airolis’ Shining Horn 007-009 Fishing 173-174 Plane Shifter 209-212 Gong of Dispelling 620-624 Amplification Horn 010-011 Hold Fast 175-177 of Soaring 213-217 Gong of Earthquakes 625-629 Animal Attraction Pipe 012-013 Man 178-179 of Speaking 218-222 Gong of Fishing 630-639 Animal Calls Horn 014-015 Seafaring 180-181 of Taming 223-227 Ricking Gong 634-638 Axewood Whistle 016-018 Cursed of Staying 182-183 of Wings 228-231 Gong of Stunning 639-643 Azure Sea Horn 019-020 Greater of Staying 184-186 Carrague’s Iron Golem 232-236 Gong of Summoning 644-648 Barrier Peaks Horn 021-022 Lesser of Staying 237-241 Gong of the Whirlwind 649-652 Baubles Horn 023-024 of Weight Cart 187-188 of Convenience 242-245 Gourd of Travel 653-657 Black Ivory Horn 025-027 Antennae of 189-190 of Decks 246-250 Rattle of Death 658-662 Blasting Horn Triangulation 191-192 Mouse 251-255 Rattle of Exorcism 663-666 Bone Flute 028-029 Apparatus of Kwalish 667-671 Bubbles Horn 256-260 Rattle of Shaking and Castle Rolling 672-676 Collapsing Horn Arm 030-031 of Doom 193-195 cloud 261-264 Rattle of Summoning 677-681 Command Horn 032-034 Silver of Ergoth 196-197 cloud II 265-269 Rattle of Youth 682-685 Confusion Bagpipes 035-036 Silver of Ergoth II 198-199 Celestial Planisphere 270-274 Riqq of the Efreet 686-690 Copper Pipes DRAGON 51 Device Chain 538-540 Grand 200-202 Daisy 377-379 Passage 693-694 Dragon 541-542 Ki- 203-204 Danleor’s Dungeon 380-381 Time Journeying 695-696 of Dragonkind (Hatchling) 543-544 Lifejammer 697-699 of Dragonkind (Dragonette) 205-206 of Transport Dice 545-547 Orbus 700-701 of Dragonkind (Dragon) 382-383 of Certain Wagering Chariot 548-549 Pool 702-703 of Dragonkind (Great 384-385 of Chancelessness 207-208 of Flames 550-551 Pump Firedrake) 552-553 Radiant 209-211 Franklyn’s Incredible Disk 704-705 of Dragonkind (Eldest 554-556 Series 212-213 Hover 386-388 of the Azure Sea Worm) 557-558 Major 214-215 Myl’s Mouse 389-390 Displacer 706-708 of Golden Death (Smoky) 559-560 Minor 216-217 of Ra 391-392 of History 709-710 of Golden Death (Carnelian) 561-562 Ultimate 218-220 Underwater 393-394 Tenser’s Tantalus 711-712 of Golden Death (Garnet) 221-222 of Vix 395-397 Dome of Shapes Horseshoe 713-715 of Golden Death (Aquama- Chess Game 398-399 Dragonisle‘s Harbor 563-565 of Fleetness rine) 223-224 Fextree Chains 566-567 of Flying 716-717 of Holiness 225-227 Khas 400-401 Dunhill’s Spelljamming 568-569 of the Gray Waste 718-719 of Law 228-229 Magical Apparatus 570-572 bf Luck 720-721 of Radiance 230-231 Marbol’s 402-404 Dynamo of Flying 573-574 Obsidian 722-724 of Remote Action 232-233 Chilling Snare 405-406 Edu’sascar 575-576 of Petrification 725-726 of the Silver Dragon 407-408 Elemental Compass 577-578 of Speed 727-728 Orrery of the Inner Coin 579-581 of a Zephyr Planes 234-236 of Almor Figurehead 237-238 Bloodcoin 409-410 of Blessing Hut Pedestal 239-240 Copper 411-413 Cursed 582-583 Baba Yaga’s 729-730 Diamond of Blyphian 241-242 Cursed Copper Piece 414-415 of Protection 584-585 Spirit 731-733 Gold of Blyphian 243-245 Eight Diagram 416-417 of Protection II 734-735 Plank 246-247 Electrum 418-419 of Wondrous Power Idol 736-737 Plumalitter 586-587 Carnelian 248-249 Equus (Attacks) 420-422 of Wondrous Power 588-590 of Lolth Pool 250-251 Gold 738-740 (Disguise) 591-592 Quentin’s Dimensional 252-254 of Luck 741-742 Golden 423-424 of Wondrous Power (Speed) 593-594 Internal Conjuration 255-256 Penny of Luck 743-744 Mellenea’s Portal 257-258 Platinum Engine Figurine 595-597 Ipsissimo’s Black Goose 745-746 of Tears 259-261 Raistlin’s Cursed Money 425-426 Alabaster Griffon 747-749 Portable Bridge 262-263 Returning Penny 427-429 Amber Monkeys Kite 750-751 Portable Shadow 264-265 Silver 430-431 Cat of Felkovic 598-599 of Lightning 752-753 Portable Spring 266-267 Cone of 432-433 Coral Dragon 600-601 of Reconnaissance 754-755 Prosthesis Communication 434-435 Doris Obsidian Steed 602-603 of Signaling 268-270 Continual Light 436-438 Emerald Frog 604-606 Lapland Wool Rudder 756-758 Reflector 439-440 Jade Snake 607-608 Larder of Holding of Guidance 271-272 Control Doll 441-442 Moonstone Rabbit 609-610 Lighthouse 759-760 of Guidance II 761-762 of Maneuverability 443-444 Onyx Panther 611-612 Lithocentric Pendulum Crystal Ball 763-764 of Maneuverability II 445-447 Opal Cats 273-274 I Locator 765-767 of Propulsion 448-449 Silver Carp 275-276 II 613-615 Portal 768-769 of Propulsion II 450-451 Tourmaline Turtle 277-279 III 616-617 Planetary 770-771 of Speed 452-454 of Wondrous Power 280-281 IV 618-619 Machine of Lum the 282-283 avec Clairaudience Fire Mad Saddle 772-774 of Flying 284-286 Hypnosis 455-456 Cold 620-621 Magestar 775-776 of Secure Riding 287-288 Eye of the Gods 457-458 Dark 622-624 Magic Missile Device 289-290 Moredlin’s 777-778 of the Spirit Horse 459-460 Fire Gyregam 291-292 Mast 779-780 of Stability Crystal Parrot 461-463 Folding Boat 625-626 Half 781-783 of Riming 464-465 Flying Rockinghorse Crystal Warrior 627-628 Portable 784-785 Torloch’s of Comforts 293-295 Diamond Fountain 629-631 Masthead of Durability 296-297 Glass 466-467 Lasko’s Magical Sail 298-299 Jade Mice 786-787 Black of Schnai 300-301 Porcelain Alternate World Gate 632-633 Amazing 788-789 Invisible 302-304 Ruby 468-469 Blackjack 634-635 Magic 790-792 of Maneuverability 470-472 Laser Pistol 636-637 Mighty Servant of 793-794 Sargasso Detector Cube 473-474 Lute Leuk-o 795-796 Shade of the Shadow 305-306 of Abilities 475-476 Medal 638-640 Mill of Sampo 307-308 Bullion Ship 477-478 Pocket Tool 641-642 Minyan 309-310 of Calling 797-739 Earth and Sea 479-481 Star Mobile 311-313 Cubic Foot 482-483 Violin Case 800-801 Frey’s 314-315 Cubic Gate 643-644 Diamond and Silver 802-803 Galley of the Gods 484-485 Gateway of Symmetry 316-317 Cubic Yard 645-646 Onyx and Steel 804-805 Halruan Skyship 486-488 Ginzani’s Riding Tack 318-320 Daern’s Instant Fortress 647-649 Ruby Turquoise and 806-808 of Pearl of Flight 321-322 of Disabilities Emerald 809-810 Phaseship 489-490 Glitterlode’s Blessed 323-324 of Farce 811-812 -in-a-Bottle Skyhooks Nest 325-326 of Force 813-814 Ship’s Wheel of 650-651 of Eyes 327-329 of Force II Globe 652-653 of Invulnerability Maneuverability 330-331 of Frost Resistance 491-492 of Battleshroud Gas 654-656 of Life 332-333 Glow 493-494 of Cirulon Skull 657-658 Nithian Monolith 334-335 Ice 495-497 Glowing 815-817 Ebon 659-660 Nithian Standard 336-338 Khurgorbaeyag’s Copper 498-499 Glowing II 818-819 Mezin’s 820-821 Singing 339-340 of Liquid Cooling 500-501 Mervic’s Gaseous Oar 822-824 Spirit 341-342 of Luck 502-503 of Purification 661-662 Ether 825-826 Talking 343-345 of Sweetness 504-506 Samzinna’s of Putrification 663-665 of Rowing 507-508 of Serenity Sledge Deck of Cards Oracle 509-510 Vision 827-828 Joukahainen’s Golden 346-347 of Chance 511-513 of Wisdom 666-667 Blue of Greyhawk 348-349 Daffy 829-830 Vainamoinen’s 514-515 Goldbug 668-669 Brown of Greyhawk 350-351 of Decking 831-833 Sounder 516-517 Golden Floor 670-671 Green of Greyhawk 352-354 Fortune Telling 834-835 Spelljammer Detector 518-519 Guardian Tail 672-674 Orange of Greyhawk 355-356 of Illusions 520-522 Gravitic Stabilizer 675-676 Red of Greyhawk Sphere 357-358 of Illusions II 677-678 Violet of Greyhawk 836-837 of Annihilation 359-360 Janean’s of Many Things Spelljamming Helm 679-681 Yellow of Greyhawk 838-839 of Darkness 361-363 of Many Things 523-524 Bardic 840-842 of False Calling 364-365 of Many Things II 525-526 Alarm Beacon Orb 843-844 Gax’s of Annihilation 366-367 Quarter 527-528 Cloaking 682-683 of Alignment 845-846 Glain’s Crystal 368-370 Sun 529-531 Death 684-685 of the Black Swamp 847-848 Karnrohb’s Airy 371-372 Tarot of Many Things 532-533 Forge 686-687 Crystal 849-851 Mierest’s Starlit 373-374 Tracer 534-535 Furnace 688-690 of Distant Viewing 852-853 Thaddigren’s Glowglobes 375-376 of Wondrous Power 536-537 Gnomish 691-692 of Draconic Influence 854-855 of Warning

52 May 1995 856-858 Spiderwalker 184-204 Blowgun of Wild 859-860 Springerie Emotions +2, or any number of 861-862 Standing Stone plate mail 205-224 Bottle of Boos possibilities, instead of generic Statue Blashphor’s Baby Care Products armor +2. 863-864 Boli 225-244 Magical Diapers 865-867 Corellon’s Crystal 245-265 Crib of Pushing Table R1: Generic Magical Armor 868-869 Golden 266-285 Blashphor’s Cradle 001-491 Armor 870-871 Old Salt of Power 286-306 Blashphor’s Diapers 492-527 Barding 872-873 Scorpion Ward 307-326 Blashphor’s Nursery 528-539 Bonnet 874-876 Singing 327-346 Brassier of Defense 540-576 Caparison 877-878 Singing II 347-367 Batting Cage 577-952 Shield 879-880 Stone Horse (Courser) 368-387 Handkerchief of 953-000 Special (Roll on Table R3) 881-883 Stone Horse (Destrier) Flirting 884-885 of Substitution 388-408 Holy Terror Hockey Armor Class Adjustment for Armor 886-887 Xanthippe of Annoyance Stick AC XP GP 888-889 Stick of Standing 409-428 Hoop of the Roller Roll Adj. Value Value 890-892 Stirrups of Hoopers l-2 -1 - +0 Horsemanship 429-448 Liar of Building 3-10 +1 +500 +5,000 893-894 Timberbane’s Chopper- 11-14 +2 + 1,000 + 10,000 Merty’s Marvelous Marketplace Ripper 15-17 +3 +1,500 +15,000 Magical Markers 449-469 18-19 +4 +2,000 +20,000 Transportation 470-489 Magnificent Mattress 20 +5 +3,000 +30,000 895-896 Chemcheaux Teleport Pad 490-510 Marvelous Marble 897-898 Teleportation Chamber 511-530 Masculine Macho-Musk Roll Item 899-901 Transporter Pad Masterful Muffler 531-550 001-006 Enchanted 902-903 Trap-springer Miraculous Mistmaker 551-571 Enhancements* Tree 572-591 Mud Masque 592-612 Multiplanar Mushroom Arm of Valor 904-905 Great Munificent Match Gauntlet of Valor 906-908 of Malice 613-632 007-012 Musical Menagerie Vambrace of Valor 909-910 of the Ravenous 633-652 013-018 Mysterious Mug Couter of Valor 911-912 of Unending Lamentation 653-673 019-024 674-693 Mystic Mustard Rerebrace of Valor 913-914 of Venom 025-030 694-714 Mythic Muskmelon 031-036 Pauldron of Valor Turret 715-734 Omelet of the Planes 037-042 Rerebrace of Valor 915-917 Light 735-754 Minionion of Set 043-048 Vambrace of Valor 918-919 Medium 755-775 Ring of Spell “Turning” Armor 920-921 Heavy 776-795 Robe of Blending 049-054 Abbathor’s 922-923 Tvashtri’s Pinwheel 796-816 Robe of Blending II of Absorption* 924-926 Tsolo’s Guardian 817-836 Rod of Cancellation 055-060 of Acidic Secretion* 927-928 Unseen Ship Crew 837-856 Hill Seed 061-066 Anything 857-877 Mountain Seed 067-072 Aquatic* Well 878-897 Skates of the Roller 073-078 Aquatic With Free Action* 929-930 of Dreams Hoopers 079-084 931-932 of Many Worlds Arcane 898-918 Staff of Striking II 085-090 Arvoreen’s Chain 933-935 Sumbar Oracle 919-938 Sweatsuit 091-096 097-103 Aslyferund’s 939-958 Sword of Babette Wheel 104-109 of Blackflame Maelstrom 936-937 of Burning 110-115 of Blending* 938-939 Fairy’s 959-979 Sword of Underwear 116-121 Blue of the Crystalmist Snatching 940-942 of Fire Mountains 943-944 of Floating 980-000 YO-YO of Fate 122-127 Bradlie’s Leather 945-946 of Fortune Table R: Armor and Shields 128-133 Callarduran Smoothhands’ 947-948 Hasty Chain 949-951 of Keening To randomly choose a piece of 134-139 of Charm* 952-953 of Lighting armor, roll against Table R1 to 140-145 of Comfort* 954-955 of Maneuverability determine the type of armor 146-151 of Command* 956-957 of Misfortune acquired. If Special (Roll on Table 152-157 of Concealed Wizardry* 958-960 Square is not received, roll on Table 158-163 of Continual Cleanliness* 961-962 Wind Fire R3) R2 to find the bonus (or penalty) 164-169 of Coolness* Winch of Power 963-964 170-175 of Cure Wounds* 965-967 Wind Howdah allocated to the armor. If on Table 176-181 of the Desert Evening R1, Special (Roll on Table R3) is Wing 182-187 Dragonarmor obtained, roll on Table R3 to 968-969 Dragon 188-193 Eastern Wooden determine the special type of 970-971 of Flying 194-199 of Eelix armor found. In many cases, the 972-973 Sigh Danovitche’s of Flying 2OO-206 of Electricity description of a special piece of 207-212 Elven Chain Wo-ha Ui-jung armor rolled on Table R3 gives the 213-218 of Energy Drain* 974-976 Standing Monkey item a predetermined bonus. If 219-224 of Ethereality* 977-978 Squatting Toad this is not the case, the DM should 225-230 of Etherealness 979-980 Sitting Monkey of Etherealness II roll on Table R2 to find a magical 231-236 981-982 Sitting Bull 237-242 White Dragon bonus or penalty to the item when 983-985 Sitting Dog- 243-248 Black Dragon 986-988 Standing Bear used in defense. Even if the item 249-254 Green Dragon 989-991 Leaping Fish has a predetermined bonus or 255-260 Blue Dragon 992-994 Laughing Hare penalty, the DM can roll on Table 261-266 Red Dragon 995-997 Dancing Hart R2 anyway in order to achieve 267-272 of Fear* 998-000 Coiled Dragon true randomness and uniqueness. 273-278 of Fear II of Flight * Whether the armor is generic or 279-284 Table Q: Humorous Items 285-290 of Gaseous Form* special, the DM is encouraged to Roll Item 291-296 Gnarldan’s 001-020 Enchanted turn to the section in the ENCY- 297-303 of Haste’ Enhancements* CLOPEDIA MAGICA that details 304-309 of Healing* 021-040 Apparatus of Spikey that type of weapon. There, he 310-315 Heimdall’s owns will find a random chart that 316-321 Heimdall’s White 041-061 Ardraken’s Refresh- names other types of that particu- 322-327 of Horus Ilneval’s Red Chain Simulacrum lar armor. For instance, if the DM 328-333 Armband of Music 334-339 Indra’s Golden 062-081 rolled 404 on Table R1 and 14 on 082-102 Arrow of Sleighing 340-345 of Invisibility* Table R2, +2 is found. 103-122 Awl of the Above armor 346-351 Keolish Plate of the Seas 123-142 Awl Out Now, if the DM turns to page 69 352-357 Kumakawa 143-163 Bowling Ball and roils again, the DM could give 358-363 Laeral’s storm 164-183 Barrel of Monkeys the player lorica segmenta +2, 364-369 Lemmikainen’s

DRAGON 53 370-375 of Missile Attraction * 388-404 Lance 062 of Multiplicity 861-866 of Medusae 376-381 Mourner’s 405-440 Mace 063 Nilbog 867-872 Missile Attractor 382-387 Oyori of the Unknown 441-442 Mattock 064 Oberon’s of Subduing 873-878 Missile Deflector Warrior 443-473 Net 065 Oberon’s of Slaying 879-884 Noj’s Missile Attractor 388-393 Plate of Solamnus 474-505 Polearm 066 of Paralyzation 885-890 of Olynthos 394-399 of Possession* 506-513 Quiver 067 of Penetrating 891-896 Petrified* 400-406 of Presence 514-522 Sickle 068 of Penetration 897-902 of Proof Against 407-412 Quirk* 523-526 Sling 069 of Perseverance 903-909 of Proof against Cold 413-418 of Rage 527 Sling Bullet 070-071 of Piercing 910-915 of Proof against Electricity 419-424 Rainbow 528 Slingstone 072 of Polymorphing 916-921 of Proof against Fire 425-430 Raji’s of the Desert Evening 529-555 Spear 073 of Pursuit 922-927 Quirks* 431-436 Red of the Hellfurnaces 556-559 Spelljamming Ram 074 Quarrel of Biting (Acid) 928-933 Raji’s of the Holy 437-442 Red Dragon Scale 560-958 Sword 075 Quarrel of Biting (Normal) 934-939 of Reflection 443-448 of Reflection* 959-960 Throwing Stars 076 Quarrel of Biting (Poison) 940-945 of Remove Curse 449-454 Remove Curse* 961-974 Whip 077 Red 946-951 Reptar’s Wall 455-460 Scale of Horus 975-000 Special (Roll on Table S3) 078 of Refilling 461-466 Skoriaan’s Drow Chain 952-957 Shoon’s Buckler 079 of Returning 958-963 Sticky 467-472 of Solamnia Attack Adjustment for Weapons 080 of Rock Piercing 964-969 Thurbrand’s Protector 473-478 Surtr’s Iron Sword XP Wpn XP GP 081 of Roping 970-975 Tortoise 479-484 of Swimming* Val Adj Val Val 082 of Scent Detection 976-981 Thillonrian of Berserking Roll Adj 485-490 of Temperature Control * l-2 -1 - -1 - +0 083 of Screaming 982-987 White 491-496 Tulen’s Plate of 3-10 +1 +400 +1 +500 +5,000 084 of Screaming II 988-993 Etherealness Wood-Iron* 11-14 +2 +800 +l +500 +5,000 085 of Seeking 994-000 Yondalla’s 497-502 of the Undead 15-17 +3 +1,400 +2 +1,000 +10,000 086 of Seeking II 503-509 of Underwater Action* 18-19 +4 +2,000 +2 +1,000 +10,000 087 of Set 510-515 Voice of Heroes Table S: Weapons 20 +5 +3,000 +3 +2,000 +20,000 088-089 of Signaling- - 516-521 of Vulnerability* To randomly choose a weapon, 090 of Silence 522-527 of Vulnerability II* roll against Table S1 to determine Roll Item 091 of Sinking 528-533 of Warmth* the type of weapon acquired. If 001 Enchanted 092 of Slaying 534-539 White of the Griff Special (Roll on Table S3) is not Enhancements * 093 of Slaying II Mountains received, roll on Table S2 to find 002 Weapon 094 of Slaying III Enhancements * 095 of Slaying IV Barding the bonus (or penalty) allocated to 003 Accelerator 096 Snake 540-545 of Deceptive Travel the weapon. If on table S1, Special 097 of Speaking 546-551 of Easy Travel (Roll on Table S3) is obtained, roll Arrow 098 Stun Bolt 552-557 of Flight on Table S3 to determine the 004 Abaris’ 099 of Stunning 558-563 Magical special type of weapon found. In 005 Acid 100 Stirge’s Bite 564-569 of Missile Protection many cases, the description of a 006 of Aggravation 101 of Teleporting 570-575 Morgan’s Horse special weapon rolled on table S3 007 Antimagic 102 of Transporting 008 Apollo’s 103 Wooden Bonnet gives the item a predetermined 009 of Attraction 576-581 Horn 104 of Wounding bonus. If this is not the case, the 010 of Biting 582-587 War 105-106 Arrowhead of Marking DM should roll on Table S2 to find 011 Black of Iuz Axe Caparison a magical bonus or penalty to the 012 of Blinding 588-593 Armored item when used in combat. Even if 013 of Blinking 107 Agni’s Red 594-599 of Comparison the item has a predetermined 014 Bolt of Lightning 108 Ama-Tsu-Mara’s Vorpal 600-606 of Enslavement bonus or penalty, the DM can roll 015 of Bow-Breaking 109 Arumdina 110 Azuredge 607-612 of Protection on Table S2 anyway in order to 016 of Burning 017-018 of Charming 111 Brihaspati’s 613-618 of Silence achieve true randomness and 619-624 of Sustenance 019 of Charming II 112 of Brotherhood uniqueness. 020 of Clairaudience 113 Callarduran Smoothhands’ Shield Whether the weapon is generic 021 of Clairvoyance 114 Cursed Battle 625-630 Abbathor's or special, the DM is encouraged 022 of Climbing 115 of Cutting 631-636 of Absorption to turn to the section in the 023 of Connection 116 Deathstriker 637-642 Aegis ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICA that 024 of Curing 117 of the Dwarvish Lords 643-648 Aegis II 025 of Darkness 118 of Enchantment 649-654 Athena's details that type of weapon. There, 119 Frostreaver he will find a random chart that 026 of Detonation 655-660 of Blow Turning 027 of Direction 120 Garl Glittergold’s Battle 661-666 of Charm names other types of that particu- 028 of Disarming 121 Gnarldan’s Battle 667-672 of Concealed Wizardry* lar weapon. For instance, if the 029 of Disintegration 122 Hastseltsi’s Hand 673-678 Copper DM rolled 352 on Table S1 and 15 030 of Dispelling 123-124 Hastsezini’s Hand 679-684 of Cure Wounds on Table S2, a hammer +2 was 031 of Distance 125 of Hurling 685-690 Death Watch Beetle found. Now, if the DM turns to 032 of Draconian Slaying 126 Lortz’s Battle 691-696 Discus page 551 and rolls again, the DM 033 Elven 127 Maglubiyet’s 697-702 of Dragon Protection 128 Might of Heroes could give the player a mallet +2, 034 of Enchantment 703-709 Dragonscale 035-036 of Explosions 129 Molydeus’ 710-715 Dragonshield a spiked-back zagnal +2, or any 130 Motopua number of possibilities, instead of 037 of Extended Range 716-721 Dzance's Guardian 038 Faerie Fire 131 Nanna Sin’s Black 722-727 of Electricity just a generic hammer +2. 039 of Fire 132 Nomog-Geaya’s Hand 728-733 of Energy Drain 040 Fire Seed 133 Pickaxe of Piercing 734-739 of Energy Drain II Table S1 : Generic Magical Weapons 041 Fire Trap 134 Rocksplitter 740-745 of Ethereality Roll Weapon 042 Flaming 135 Sampsa’s Golden 746-751 Fire's 001-097 Arrow 043 of Flying 136 Shag’s Battle 752-757 of Fly 098-100 Quarrel (Bolt) 044 of Force 137 Sulward’s 758-763 of Gaseous Form 101-102 Arrowhead 045 of Harm 138 Thor’s Kiss 764-769 Goblin of Pomarj 103-143 Axe 046 of Holding 139 Throwing 770-775 of Greyhawk 144-146 Ballista 047 of Holding II 140 Thumb Height Man’s 776-781 Grimjaw 147-148 Battering Ram 048 of Ice 141-142 Torshorak 782-787 of Haste 149-151 Blowgun 049 of Illumination 143 Tunnelrunner’s 788-793 Hastsezini's 152 Bombard 050 Illusory Missile 144 Withering Pickaxe 794-799 Hawkstone's Bulwark 153-206 Bow 051 of Justice 145 of the Woodsman 800-805 Holy 207-213 Crossbow 052-053 of Law 146 Zebulon’s of Leaving 806-812 of the Holy 214-216 Catapult 054 of Light 147 Zzzzzz’s of Snoring 813-818 of Huma 217-223 Club 055 of Lighting Ballista 819-824 of Invisibility 224-302 Dagger 056 of Lightning 148 Heavy 825-830 Kirith-Kanoi 303-332 Dart 057 Lycanthrope Slayer 149 Light 831-836 Laduguer's 333-343 Flail 058 Maglubiyet’s Wounding 150 Medium 837-842 Laeral's Spell 344-372 Hammer 059 of Misdirection 843-848 of Lorin 373 Harpoon 060 Missile Weapon of Accuracy Battering Ram 849-854 Magical Defense 374-380 Javelin 061 Missile Weapon of 151 Bigby’s Demanding 855-860 Medicine 381-387 Jettison Distance* 152 Magical 54 MAY 1995

Blowgun 335-336 of Teleporting 153 of Accuracy 242 Chih-Nii’s 416 Hastsezini’s Lance of 337 of Transporting 154 of Distance 243 Chill Blade 417 Izanagi’s 338 of Wounding 155 Hawk 244 of Concealment 418 Lesser Footman’s 339 Discus of 156 Bombard 245 of Defiance Dragonlance 246 Dolphins’ Bane Disenchantment 419 Lesser Mounted Bow 247-248 of Doomwarding Dragonlance Explosive Devices 157 Aasimon 249 Dragon Fang 340 Dimensional Mine 420 of Piercing 158-159 of Accuracy 250 Dragonfang 341 Dimensional Mine II 421 Puchan’s Golden 160 Ajagava 251 Elven 342 Ellister’s Dimensional Mine 422 Tribal 161 of Anshan 252 of the Evil Eye 343 Helm Bomb 423-424 True Dragonlance 162 Black 253 Eviscerator 344 Spelljamming Mine 425 Venom 163 Brihaspati’s 254 Fang 345 Wethilion’s Time Bomb 426 Winds 164 of the Centaurs 255 Fang of the Nosferatu 165 Corellon’s Long 256 Flying Flail Weapon Mace 166 Crossbow of Accuracy 257 Flying II 346 Bael’s Morning Star 427 Astral Deva 167 Crossbow of Angling 258 Freya’s Fiery 347 Bargrivyek’s 428 Bael’s Morning Star 168 Crossbow of Distance 259 Frigga’s 348 Battle Star 429 Berronar Truesilver’s 169 Crossbow of Enchantment 260 Golemblight 349 of the Desert Kings 430 Black 170 Crossbow of Klee 261 Grimwald’s 350 Dragonflail 431 of Crushing 171 Crossbow of Multiplication 262 Guardian Blade 351 Fleeting 432 of Darkness 172 Crossbow of Speed 263 Hastseltsi’s Throwing 352 Morning Star of Detection 433 Diamond 173 Crossbow of Speed II 264-265 Hecate’s 353-354 Multiple Rod of Dancing 434 of Disruption 174 Cursed 266 Hornblade (Knife-sized) 355 Osiris’ Royal 435 Driver 175 of Distance 267 Hornblade (Dagger-sized) 356 Pharaohs 436 Expeller 176-177 of Doubling 268 of Illusory Metal 357 Gnomish Sweeper 437 Great Golden of the North 178 Eagle 269 of Impaling 438 Great Holy Icon 179 of Enchantment 270 Iyarim’s Flying Hammer 439 Hruggek’s Morning Star 180 Firebow 271 Jump 358 Aegis-Fang 440 Ironstar 181 Fire Teeth 272 Kiaransalee’s 359 Air 441-442 Mace-Wand 182 of the Forest 273 Knife of Continual 360 Colgomere’s of 443 Memnor’s Morning Star 183 Gem Sharpness* Thunderbolts 444 Muamman Duathal’s 184 Goblins’ Bane 274 Knife of Sharpness 361 Delzoun’s Fist 445 Nebelun’s 185 Hastsezini’s 275 Koalinth Slayer 362 Dwarf Thrower 446 Nightbringer 186 Hawk 276 Loki’s Envenomed 363 Dwarf Thrower II 447 of Pain 187 Heartseeker 277 Longtooth 364 Flandal Steelskin’s 448 Raiden’s 188 of Heartseeking 278 Mageslayer 365 Gaerdal Ironhand’s 449 Shadowcaster 189 of Vampire Slaying 279 of the Magius 366 Goibhniu’s War 450 skull 190 Heracles’ 280 Mervic’s 367 Hephaestus’ 451 of Spellwarding 191 Hiatea’s Long 281 Nut’s Black 368 Kostchtchie’s 452 of St. Cuthbert 192 Ice Fang 282-283 of Quickness 369 Kostchtchie’s II 453 of St. Cuthbert II 193 Illusory 284 Rabbitslayer 370-371 of Life 454 of St. Cuthbert III 194-195 Indra’s 285 Random Target 372 Mallet of Luck 455 Staff-Mace 196 Iron of Gesen 286 Resource 373 Maul of the Titans 456 Storm Star 197 Joukahainen’s Crossbow 287 Rust Blade 374 Mjolnir II 457 Tadrond’s 198 Last Shot 288 Rutterkin Sling Blade 375 of Nailing 458 Undeadbane 199 of Levitation 289 Sahuagin Dolphin 376 Nai No Kami’s 459-460 Undeadbane II 200 of Lir 290 of Set 377 of Penetration 461 Varuna’s 201 of Marksmanship 291 Soma’s 378 Runehammer 462 Warstar of the Manticore 202 of Neverending Arrows 292 379 of Silence of Sounding Mattock 203 Oberon’s 380 Storm 293 Speaking 463 Dumathoin’s 204 Odin’s 381 Stronmaus’ of Thunderbolts 294 Spider Fang 464 of the Titans 205 Phantom 295 Sung Chiang’s 382 of Thunderbolts 206 Rudra’s 296 of Throwing 383 of Vengence Net 207 Sarnge 297 of Throwing II 384 of Vitroin 465 Ashley’s of Entrapment 208 Shichi’s Daikyu 298 Throwing of Returning 385 Whelm 466 Drag 209 Solonor Thelandira’s 299 Tooth of Torm 386 Winged 467 of Entrapment 210 of Speed 468 of Fishing 300-301 of Truth Harpoon 211-212 Underwater Crossbow 469 Hare 302 Tufala’s Jambiya 387 Magical 213 of the Unicorn 303 Tyashtri’s 470 Hiatea’s of Weakness 214 Valis’ 304 of Vengeance Helmseeker 471 Hiatea’s of Feeblemind 215 of Vampire Slaying 305 of Venom 388-389 Accelerator 472 Hiatea’s of Petrification 216 of Warning With Curse 306 Werebane 390 Ballista 473 of Landing 217 of Warning Without Curse 307 Xochiquetzal’s 391 Bombard 474 Loyal of Restraint 308 Yama’s 392 Catapult 475 of Plenty Catapult 393 Great Bombard 476-477 of Profit 218 Light Dart 394 Greek Fire 478 Safety 219 Medium 309 of Biting 395 Jettison Medium 479 of Snaring 220 Heavy 310 of Blinking 480 of Snaring II 311 of Branding Javelin 481 of Sneering Club 312 of Charming 396 Cursed 221 Aegir’s 482 of Spirit Snaring 313 of Climbing 397 of Distance 483 Webnet 222 Bronzewood Cudgel of Curing 398 Hruggek’s of Lightning 223 Daghdha’s 314 484 Webnet II 315 Death 399 Huitzilopochtli’s 485 of Worth 224 Druid’s Cudgel 400 of Lightning 225 Fire’s 316 Death II 486 Noisome Spirit Chaser 317-318 of Disarming 401 of Piercing 226 Great Stone 402 Sunbolt Paddleboard 227 Grolantor’s 319 of Dispelling 320 of Flying 487 Magical 228 Crutch of Lightning Jettison 321 of Homing 488 of Wondrous 403 Light Magical Transformation Dagger 322 of the Hornets’ Nest 404 Medium Magical Illusory Missiles 229-230 Abbathor’s 323 405 Heavy Magical Pellet 231 Alignment Detection 324 of Light 406-407 Light Magical II 489 Flash 232 Aphrodite’s 325 of Lighting 408 Medium Magical II 490 Flash II 233 Armor Piercing 326 of Penetrating 409 Heavy Magical II 234 Baravar Cloakshadow’s 327 of Refilling Polearm 235 of Blackflame 328 of Screaming Lance 491 Baphomet’s Bardiche 236 Blade of Banishing 329 of Seeking 410 Anhur’s 492 Belial’s Military Fork 237 Bladestar 330 of Sinking 411 Copper 493 Blessed Trident 238 Brandobaris’ 331 of Slaying 412 Death 494-495 of Commanding Water 239 Buckle Knife 332 of Speaking 413 Footman Dragonlance Creatures 240 Buckler Knife 333 of Stunning 414 Mounted Dragonlance 496 Fisher’s Trident of Fish 241 Ceremonial 334 Svirfnebli 415 of Fire Command

56 MAY 1995

497 Fork of Jabbing 574 of Paralysis 665 Cursed II 758 of Giant Slaying 498 Fork of Travel 575 Returning 666 Cursed Berserker 759-760 of the Giants 499 Lacedonbane 576 Sharksbane 667 Cutter 761 Githyanki Knight’s Silver 500 Mephistopheles’ Fork 577 Smokespear 668 of Cymrych Hugh 762 Githyanki Leader’s Silver 501 Niord’s Great Trident 578 Sparkling 669 Cyric’s 763 Glorius 502 0-Wata-Tsu-Mi’s Jade 579 of Vix 670 Dale 764 Goblinvolent Trident 580 of Yang 671-672 of Dancing 765 of the Golden Gulf 503 Persana’s Trident 581 Zeus’ 673 Dancing of Bronze 766 Golembane 504 Pitchfork of Penetration 674 Dancing of Lightning 767 Gram Spelljamming Ram 505 Poseidon’s Trident 675 Darius’ 768 Grankhul’s 582-583 Blunt 506 Reptilebane 676 Death-to-Monsters 769 Graz’zt’s 584 Grappling 507 Rutterkin Polearm 677 Deep Sashelas’ 770 Greenswathe 585 Piercing 508 Saw-Toothed Glaive 678 Defender 771 Gregory’s Holy Avenger 509 Trident of Elemental Death Sword 679 Desert Blade 772 Grinthane 510 Trident of Fish Command 586 Aasimon 680 Dragonbait’s Holy Avenger 773 Guardian Blade 511 Trident of Fish Control 587 of Abhorrence of Shape 681 Dragon Claw 774 Hachiman’s 512-513 Trident/Military Fork Changers 682 Dragon Crippler 775 Hades’ 514 Trident of the Oljatt Sea 588 Adjatha the Drinker 683 Dragon Slayer 776 Harmonizer 515 Trident of the Phlogiston 589 Albruin 684 Dragonslayer II 777-778 Harpo’s Orcslayer 516 Trident of Submission 590 Amatsu-Mikaboshi’s 685 of Dragon Slaying 779 Hawksblade 517 Trident of Warning 591 Anduvar 686 Drain Life Energy 780 Heart of Stone 518 Trident of Yearning 592 Angurvadal 687 Draxalon Defender of 781 Heartseeker 519 Uluth’gak’s Gythka 593 Annacon Feminine Virtue 782 Heimdall’s 520 Water Elemental Slayer 594 Ansanther 688-689 Dreamsinger 783 Hel’s 521 Wave 595 Answerer 690 Dugmaren Brightmantle’s 784 Ho Masubi’s 522 Zezen Washio’s Trident 596 Answerer II (Rebutter) Broadsword 785 Hofud 597 Answerer III (Scather) 691 Durandan 786 Holy Quiver 598 Answerer IV (Replier) 692 Dyerwaen 787 Holy Avenger 523 of Arrow Storing 599 Answerer V (Retorter) 693 of the Ebon Flame 788 Holy Revenger 524 Black 600-601 Answerer VI (Squelcher) 694 Ebonbane 789 of Honor 525 of Ehlonna 602 Answerer VII (Backtalker) 695 The Edge 790 Hornblade 526 Frief’s Magical 603 Anton’s Vorpal Blade 696 of Efreeti Slaying 791 of Horus 527 Never Empty 604 of Arak 697 Elkhorn’s 792 Ice Claw 528 of Returning 605 Arbane’s of Agility 698 Elqillar 793 Ilbratha (Mistress of Battle) 529-530 of Wrong Returning 606 Ar’ondight 699 Elven 794-795 Ilneval’s Broadsword 531 Rutterkin Snap-Tong 607 Arvoreen’s 700 Elven II 796 Ilyana 608 of Arvoreen 701 Emperor’s 797 Indra’s Flaming Shot 609 of Assassination 702 Enchanted of Sylaire 798 of Insanity 532 Elmarin Cannon Call (Dust) 610 Aziza’s Scimitar of Dancing 703 Equalizer of Gran March 799 of Intercession 533 Elmarin Cannon Call (Ring) 611 of Azor’alq 704 Everstriking 800 Ironfang 534 Elmarin Cannon Call (Snow) 612 of Backstabbing 705 Evil Wyrmslayer 801 Jaysen’s Magebane 535 Elmarin Cannon Call II 613 Balisarda 706-707 Evithyan’s Blade 802 Joyeuse (Shatter) 614 Balmung 708 Excalibur 803 Justicer 536 Elmarin Cannon Call II 615 Balor 709 Excalibur II 804 Kabal (Skunk) 616 Bamboo Scimitar 710 Excalibur III 805 Kaldair Swiftfoot’s 537 Elmarin Cannon Call II 617 Bane of Enchanted Beings 711 Farrinae 806 Kali’s (Termite) 618-619 Bane of the North 712 Fate’s Promise 807 Karali’s Silver 538 Elmarin Cannon Call III 620 Barnus’ Gnomebane 713 Fiendbane 808 Kirren’s Frostbrand (Warp) 621 of Bast 714 Final Word (Answerer) 809 Kullervo’s 539 Elmarin Cannon Call III 622 Belenus’ 715 Final Word (Back-talker) 810 Kura (The Darkness) (Shrapnel) 623 of the Believer 716 Final Word (Concluder) 811 Kusunogi no Tsurugi (Grass Benn Griff’s 717 Final Word (Lastquip) Quelling) Sickle 624 Berserk Dancing 718 Final Word (Rebutter) 812-813 Lafarallinn’s 540 Ahto’s 625 719 Final Word (Replier) 814 Lancelin’s 541 Black 626 Black Black Flame 720 Final Word (Retorter) 815 Laprov 542 Cronus’ 627 721 Final Word (Scather) 816 Lassiviren’s 543 Gaea’s Black 628 Blackflame 722 Final Word (Squelcher) 817 Lemmikainen’s 544 Golden 629 of Blackflame Blackjammer’s Cutlass 723 Finder 818 Life Saver 545 of the Harvest 630 724-725 Fionnghuala’s 819 Life Stealing 546 of Lycanthropy 631 Blackrazor Blade of Black Ice 726 Fist of Odin 820 Life Taker 547-548 Scythe of Pain 632 633 Blade of Corusk 727 Flamberge 821 of Light 728 Flame Blade 822 Lightning Blade Sling 634 Blade of Lathander 729 823 549 Blacksling 635-636 Bladeless Flame of the North Locate Object 730 550 Bolas of Sunlight 637 Blood Drinker Flame Tongue 824 Elven of Luck 731 551 Finniginn’s 638 Bloodletter Flames on Command 825 Luck Blade 732 552 of Seeking 639 Bloodsword Flaming 826 Lydia’s Broadsword 640 Blue Dragon Bane 733 Flaming II 827 of Lyons Brightblade 734 828 Malign 553 Sling Bullet of Impact 641 Floating Blade of Shin Lu Caeren-Uroth 735 829 Madoc’s 554 Sling stone of 642 Flying Scimitar of Tusmit Pulverizing 643 Calathangas 736 Foebane 830-831 Mamluk of Obedience 644 Canopa’s 737 Foefinder 832 of Mammal Slaying Spear 645 Captain’s 738 Forseti’s 833 Mantooth 555 of Accuracy 646 Casterbane 739 Frey’s 834 Mantooth II 556 Ares’ 647 Celestial Fury 740 Frey’s II 835 Maroon 557 Athena’s 648 Chainsword 741-742 Frey’s Two-Handed 836 Mayonaka’s Silver Katana 558 Backbiter 649 of Charm Person 743 Frey’s Two-Handed II 837 Melior 559 Black Kumade 650 Chopping 744 Freya’s Frost Brand 838 Meredin’s Luck Blade 560 Demeter’s 651 Clamorour 745 of Friendship 839 Mimung 561 Gae Bolg 652 of Cleaving 746 Frost Brand 840 Mitra’s of Light 562 Goibhniu’s 653-654 Colada 747 Galanti 841 Monster Slayer 563 Gruumsh’s 655 of Cold 748 Gemsword 842 Moon Blade 564 Gungnir 656 Companion 749 Genie Slayer 843 Morglay 565-566 Gungnir II 657 Corellon’s 750 Genies’ Bane 844 Movanic Deva 567 Hadrion’s 658 Corthalis 751 Genies’ Bane (Dao) II 845 Naesowen (Ghost Blade) 568 Heartseeker 659 Courtain 752 Genies’ Bane (Djinn) II 846 Nagelring 569 Heartseeker II 660 of Cowardice 753 Genies’ Bane (Efreet) II 847-848 Namara Neversleep 570 Heartwood 661 Crusader 754 Genies’ Bane (Marid) II 849 Neekar 571 Hiatea’s 662 Crysomer 755 Genieblight 850 Nepanth 572 of Obliteration 663 Cuprumbane 756 Geniescourge 851 of Night 573 of Panic 664 Cursed 757 Giant Slayer 852 Nightwatcher

58 MAY 1995

Nightwind 530-535 of the Firedrake 853 947 Timesweep 106-111 Claw of Mighty 854 Nine Lives Stealer 948 Token 536-540 of the Gold-Hoarder Nine Steps Draining Simurgh 541-546 of the Great Serpent 855 949 Tri-Entity 112-117 Codex of the Infinite 856 Nomog-Geaya's Broadsword 950 Troll’s Bane 547-552 of the Hatchling Oberon's Planes II 553-558 of the Scaled 857 951 Twinkle 118-123 Coin of Jisan the 858 of Odin 952 Tyr’s of Sharpness 559-564 of the Serpent Odin's Bountiful 565-570 of the Wyrmkin 859 953-954 Undead Slayer 124-129 Comb of the Korrigans 860 of Olynthos 955 Uranus’ 571-576 of Lawful Evil 861 Owen's 956 Vainamoinen’s Crown 577-582 of Lawful Good 862 Paramel 957 Vainamainon’s II 130-135 of Chaotic Evil 583-588 of Lawful Neutral 863 Partisan 958 Vampiric Regeneration 136-141 of Chaotic Good 589-593 of Neutral 864 Peacemaker 959 Vanya’s Wrath 142-147 of Chaotic Neutral 594-599 of Neutral Evil 865-866 Peregrin's 960 Vasgo 148-152 of Lawful Evil 600-605 of Neutral Good 867 Phantom 961 Vergadain’s Broadsword 153-158 of Lawful Good 606-611 Ortnit’s Lance of Doom 868 Philippan 962 Vhaeraun’s 159-164 of Lawful Neutral 612-617 Peaceful Periapt of Pax 869 Piercer 963 Vorpal 165-170 of Neutral 618-623 Pileus 870 Plak's 964 Vorpal II 171-176 of Neutral Evil 624-629 Porpherio’s Garden 871 of the Planes 965 Warbringer 177-182 of Neutral Good Pool 872 Poisonsword 966 Warlord Blade of the Shield 183-188 Crystal of Light 630-635 Pyramid Energy 873 Porpherio's Lands 189-194 Crystal of the Ebon 636-640 Queen Ehlissa’s 874 Purta Blue's 967 Weasel Flame II Nightingale 875 of Quickness 968 Whirlwind Blade 195-199 Cup of Al’Akbar 641-646 Queen Ehlissa’s 876 Ratri's 969 White 2OO-205 Daoud’s Wondrous Nightingale II 877 Red Death 970 of the Wild Coast Lanthron 647-655 Queen’s Eye 878 Red Robin 971-972 Willow Wand 206-211 Death Rock 656-662 Rainbow Scarf of 879 Red Sabre 973 of Wishes 212-217 Diamond Orb of Tyche Sinbad 880 Redeemer 974 Woodhold 218-223 Ebonbane II 663-669 Red Chariot of Agni 881 Rel Astran 975 of Wounding 224-229 Egg of the Phoenix II 670-676 Regalia of Might 882 Ren's of Dancing 976 Wyrmcleaver 230-235 Eye of Vecna II Reptilian Legionnaire Regalia of Might II 883-884 977 Wyrmsbane 236-241 Fiery Brand of 677-682 Crown of Evil 885 Retaliator 978 Wyrmsbane II Masauwu Retaliator II 683-687 Crown of Good 886 979 Wyrmslayer 242-246 Fountain of Time 688-693 Crown of Neutrality 887 Rutterkin Flatchet 980 Wyrmsvenin 247-252 Fountain of Tomorrow of the Sands 694-699 Orb of Evil 888 981 Xiphoid Xebec 253-258 Girdle of Armida 700-705 Orb of Good 889 Sauvagine 982 Yondalla’s 259-264 Girdle of De ‘Rah Savitri's 706-711 Orb of Neutrality 890 983 Zenchoo Katana 265-270 Golden Circlet II 712-717 Scepter of Evil 891 Scale Cleaver 984 Zinzerena’s 271-276 Hammer of Gesen Scales of Justice 718-723 Scepter of Good 892 277-282 Hammer of Kharas 724-729 Scepter of Neutrality 893 Scalebane Throwing Stars 283-288 Hand of Vecna II Schakha 985 of Ojy-do 730-735 Rift Spanner 894 289-294 Helmet of Halav 736-740 Ring of Gax 895 Scimitar of Speed 986 of Returning 295-299 Helmet of Petra Scorbane 741-746 Ring of Gaxx 896 Whip 300-305 Herald of Mei Lung 747-752 Rod of Seven Parts 897 Scourge of Regenerators 306-311 Heward’s Mystical Serpent Slicer 987 of Amatar 753-758 Rod of Seven Parts II 898 988 Balor Organ 759-764 Rod of Teeth 899 Sess'innek's Two-Handed 312-317 Heward’s Mystical Sess'innek's One-Handed 989-990 of Feathers 765-770 Sacred Grove Horn 900-901 991 of Frost Fire and Fear Organ II 902 Seventh Blade 318-323 Holy Grail II Scepter Shadowsword 992 Furies’ (Alecto’s) 903 993 Furies’ (Megarea’s) 324-329 Horn of Change 771-776 of Chaotic Evil Shalandain's Holy Avenger 904 Furies’ (Tisiphone’s) 330-335 Humbaba’s Glaring Eye 777-782 of Chaotic Good of Shame 994 905 995 Khurgorbaeyag’s 336-341 Hymir’s Steaming 783-787 of Chaotic Neutral 906 Sun Blade, Sh'arien Cauldron 788-793 of Lawful Evil of Sharpness 996 Moloch’s 907 997 Purpose 342-346 Icon of Halav 794-799 of Lawful Good 908 Shazzellim 347-352 Icon of Petra 8OO-805 of Lawful Neutral Shichi's Katana 998 of Summoning 909 Tar's Chaotic Creature 353-358 Invulnerable Coat of 806-811 of Neutral Shimmering Blade of Shin 999 910 000 of Zeif Arnd II 812-817 of Neutral Evil Ginsen 359-364 Iron Bow of Gesen II 818-823 of Neutral Good 911 Shina-Tsu-Hiko's Table T: Artifacts 365-370 Iron Flask of Tuerny II 824-829 of the Sorcerer-King Shock Blade 371-376 Ivory Chain of Pao 830-834 912 This is simply a list of artifacts Seal of Jafar al-Samal 913 Shu's 377-382 Ivory Plume of Maat 835-840 Shadow Belt 914 Sif's available in the ENCYCLOPEDIA 383-388 Jacinth of Inestimable 841-846 Shadowstaff 915 Singing MAGICA Tomes. They are not Beauty II 847-852 Shard of Sakkrad 916 Siva's Scimitar designed to be given out as ran- 389-393 Johydee’s Mask II 853-858 Sibylline Book 917 of Skewering dom treasure. Their power and 394-399 Kuroth’s Quill II 859-864 Silencer of Bodash 918-919 Slayer corruption are far too great, and 400-405 Libram of Zargos 865-870 Stone Scepter of Shih 920 Snakebane 406-411 Mace of St. Cuthbert IV 871-876 Surya’s Chariot Snoop their admission into a game will 921 simply destroy any long-lasting 412-417 Machine of Lum the 877-882 Sword of Kas 922 Snow on the Mountain Mad II 883-887 Sword of Kas II Soulblade campaign. 923 418-423 Mask of Bachraeus 888-893 Talisman of Al’Akbar of Souls 924 424-429 Master Plan 894-899 The Apparatus Soulseeker Roll Artifact 925 430-435 Mighty Servant of 900-905 The Gauntlet Special 001-005 Acorn of Wo Mai 926 Leuk-o II 906-911 The Sentinel Spectral 006-011 Al-Azid’s Ghostly Palace 927 436-441 Milenian Scepter 912-917 Throne of the Gods Spellbinder 012-017 Alchemist’s Apparatus 928 442-446 Mirror-Shield of Rhed- 918-923 Throne of the Gods II Spellblade 018-023 All-Knowing Eye of 929 drian 924-929 Timepiece of Klorr Stalker Yasmin Sira 930 447-452 Mjolnir 930-934 Tome of Ssu-Ma Starfall 024-029 Apparatus of Dreadful 931 453-458 Monkey Fist of Ha’chao 935-940 Tooth of Dalhvar-nar II Stonefist Construction 932 459-464 Monocle of Bagthalos 941-946 Tree of Life Stormbringer 030-035 Armet by Wayland 933 465-470 Necklace of Ulutiu 947-952 Tree of Life II 934 Sun Blade 036-041 Artifurnace 471-476 Obsidian Man of Urik 935 Sunsword 042-047 Asmodeus’ Ruby Rod Triad of Betrayal 936-937 Surtr's Flaming 048-052 Axe of the Dwarf Lords Orb 953-958 Circlet of Betrayal 938 Sury's of Light 053-058 Axe of the Emperors 477-482 of Chaotic Evil 959-964 Coin of Betrayal 939 Susanoo's Blue 059-064 Baba Yaga’s Hut II 483-488 of Chaotic Good 965-970 Dagger of Betrayal 940 Susk 065-070 Blackjammer’s Cutlass 489-493 of Chaotic Neutral 971-976 Verthandi's Invincible 941 Sylabra 071-076 Book of Amon 494-499 of Dragonkind II Hourglass 942 Syrar's Silver 077-082 Book of Zargos 500-505 of the Dragon 977-981 Well of All Heals 943 Taragarth 083-088 Book With No End 506-511 of the Dragonette 982-987 Wife of Ilmarinen 944 Tarl Vanovitch's Sun Blade 089-094 Bringer of Doom 512-517 of the Drake 988-993 World-Shield Ore 945 Tefnut's 095-099 Calvan’s Bell 518-523 of the Elder Wyrm 994-000 Ye'Cind's Recorder 946 Tideripper 100-105 Carven Oak 524-529 of the Eternal Dragon 60 MAY 1995

Imitations: flattering and faulty

Dee: Welcome back! We’d like to thank you for joining us again, and we encour- age you to write with your comments on our reviews, or with suggestions for ©1995 by Jay & Dee games for us to look at, as John Brock and Pete Cobb have recently done. Jay: Let’s start off this month by shar- ing the letter from John, which was all about Space Hulk and our review thereof. Dee: John liked the game a lot, and wanted us to make sure that we were giving it its due. He writes: “I like the way you folks present your column. However, I felt that your review of Space Hulk . . . did not do the game justice, and I think it may be because you didn’t realize some things Dee: John says: “If your trigger finger is due to an incompatibility problem) is es- about the game. Of course, I know about used to the arcade routine, you are capa- sential to good play. these things because I did like the game, ble of firing much faster than your men Jay: We stand by our review with one played it for hours on end, and am still are . . . This means that any time you have caveat: if you’re a fast-action player who playing it months after I bought it. (I’ve someone who is in a tight situation, if loves Doom, say, and you’re looking for gone through the entire campaign game at you’re not in monitor view in his body, Doom with multiple squad member view- least twice.)” frantically pulling the trigger, he’s proba- points and a little more strategy... you Jay: That’s a ringing endorsement right bly a dead man. If you are there, the hall might try checking out Space Hulk. there, and should be enough for you bor- is going to have a lot of genestealer Dee: But remember: it was John who derline cases and fans of the board game corpses—if you don’t screw up!” sent you, not us. to ignore us completely. Jay: Well, that’s pretty much what we Jay: And many thanks to John for his Dee: John goes on to say: “The key point said; I think we’re in violent agreement fervent yet polite letter. We don’t mind if you seemed not to understand is that you about how the game works, we just di- people disagree with us, so if you have are your squad’s command points, and verge in our ability to pile up genestealer comments of your own on any of the these command points can be used only in corpses—and to enjoy piling them. If that games we review, please write to us in monitor view . . . when their weapons jam, sort of thing floats your boat, then fine. It care of DRAGON Magazine. And thanks to the odds of successfully unjamming are didn’t do much for me, and I found it Pete Cobb as well, who brought a particu- much higher when you are personally frustrating that my trigger finger wasn’t lar game to our attention that he feels is supervising that squad. . . . up to snuff. worthy of review. Feel free to do the Jay: If you’ll remember, one of our Dee: Here’s John’s kicker argument: same! [Editor’s note: Also see Lester complaints was that the board game me- “This is why the game is one of the most Smith’s “Eye of the Monitor”guest review chanics were not recreated to our liking, tense I have ever played: to win the more of Space Hulk in DRAGON® issue #214 for and that it was impossible to get our interesting scenarios, monitor view in real a viewpoint much like John’s. squads to do anything meaningful in run- time is a must—but it requires perfect, —Dale] time view. lightning-quick reactions, and while you’re Dee: Now to our regularly scheduled there, you can’t keep track of what’s going program. This month’s feature reviews Jay & Dee’s ratings at a glance on around you. Freeze time is needed as include SimTower from Maxis Software, much to give yourself a chance to breathe Game Jay Dee D!Zone, published by WizardWorks, and SimTower 3½ 3 (and massage the cramps out of your Heretic, created by Raven Software and firing hand!) as to give orders.” He goes on D!Zone 1 1½ published by id Software. So as not to Heretic 2 3/5 to explain how he wins even the toughest have our Sega Genesis users feel too let Landstalker 3 4 of scenarios. He also mentions that sound down, we’ll also talk about Landstalker (which we were forced to play without from Climax.

DRAGON 65 As you graduate in star ratings, more tools become available to you For example, at two stars you can build hotel rooms and service elevators. Jay: The changing complexity makes it feel like a game: trying to earn the next star rating is a challenge, and you defin- itely feel satisfaction when you finally make it. Dee: You begin by using your starting money and initial tools to lay down a lobby and some income-producing units: offices interspersed with some fast-food joints, or a big floor full of fast food with stacks of condos. Jay: Everything is shown in cutaway view, as if you’ve peeled away the front wall of your building. Once you click or drag to build something, little men start working on scaffolding and in no time at all, your unit is finished. If you’ve provid- ed the proper access with stairs or eleva- tors, spaces get rented and the tower starts to fill up: offices with furniture, fast- food joints with customers, condos with tenants, and so forth. Dee: These are not actually animations, but set drawings that have several states, so it looks like animation. The restaurant has several pictures, for example, depend- ing on its fullness threshold. Jay: It was fun to watch, anyway. And the little people silhouettes actually are animations. Dee: Yes, though they don’t do much except stand and wait for elevators. Jay: And turn first pink and then red with anger while they wait! It’s kind of adorable watching them change color, until you realize that it means you’re not handling your transportation system very well. Dee: That seems to be a major focus of the game: making the elevators run on time. Carefully placed stairways can tem- per your tenants’ frustrations, but the Simtower (Maxis) main puzzle seems to be deciding which are the key floors on which to buy eleva- snuff and that it’s the tinkering that’s the tor cars, and which cars should be set to Reviews fun part of their products. direct-to-floor, which direct-to-lobby, and Jay: But “not up to snuff” is a loaded so on, at what times. SimTower phrase. There is no gameplay because Jay: There’s more detail in what you for Macintosh there is no game. You can gain both recre- can do with the elevators than in any Maxis ation and enjoyment from the tools they other part of the game. The designer’s Requires: 68030 or higher, color monitor, give you and the results you can achieve. notes make it clear that elevators were the 8-bit (256 color) graphics, 4MB RAM, Criticizing SimTower’s gameplay for being inspiration for the game; he even talks hard drive, System 7.0 or higher “not up to snuff” is like saying that the about how he called an elevator company gameplay of a G.I. Joe doll is lacking be- and was told that information on elevator Jay: Now, this is the kind of thing that cause he just lies there. scheduling and management was “secret.” captures my attention: no guns, blood, Dee: Okay, so we’re reviewing it that Dee: Hard to believe, but it certainly is rapid firing or death anywhere. way. Resolved: SimTower is a toy that you difficult to keep everyone happy while Dee: Certainly Maxis is known for its play with in the same way you play with expanding and making more money. Inci- Sim line, which hardly ever includes de- Barbie or G.I. Joe. dentally, on my normal Macintosh SI capitation and death—except, of course, Jay: Considering it as a toy, I enjoyed screen, there’s a vicious bug having to do for SimAnt. SimTower You start with a simple toolbar with the elevators. Jay: Which, if I remember correctly, and an empty stretch of world with a faux Jay: Yeah. When the elevator display you weren’t very fond of. city background. Your toolbar lets you box comes up, the bottom two inches or so Dee: That’s right. Maxis calls all their build lobby, office, condominium, fast extend below the screen. And the box is so products “computer toys” or “recreational food, elevator and stair units. That’s it. tall that it can’t be lifted any higher to software,” and not games. They feel, I Dee: Seems kind of limited, and it is— bring those two inches into view. There’s suppose, that the gameplay is not up to this toolbar is for “one-star” towers only. probably a sizing button in the bottom-

66 MAY 1995 right box corner, but we can’t reach it. Dee: And those bottom two inches contain the bottom three floors of infor- mation, so you can’t make certain settings for those floors. You also have to guess that pressing “return” will dismiss the box, since the OK button is not visible. Jay: Did they have bigger monitors in playtest? Or are we missing something obvious? Dee: Dunno. Maybe an astute reader, or someone at Maxis, will write and tell us. Meanwhile, that appears to be the only bug in the game. Jay: So anyway, the elevators are a key to success; at the higher star ratings you can build express and service elevators. Service elevators are for maids (and only maids). Maids need access to clean your hotel rooms so they don’t get infested with roaches. Express elevators shoot up 15 floors at a pop. Dee: At even higher ratings, you can D!Zone (Wizardworks) build escalators, which can handle an infinite load of passengers without keep- ing anyone waiting. I haven’t yet gotten a and buy some more. Sooner or later way to get your entertainment, doing high enough rating to build one. you’re at the next star rating, and you take work until the “timer” rings and then Jay: I have, and they’re cool! Which another half hour exploring all the new playing for a bit and then going back to do brings us to an interesting point: to get to cool things you can do. Then you leave more work. If that sounds cool to you, those higher star ratings, where more and your tower purring contentedly to itself, you’ll love SimTower. I guess for me the more stuff becomes available, takes time— and work on other things again. bottom line is that I’m not running it in the a lot of time. Dee: We’ve left it on while we went out background any more; some of the thrill is Dee: Even in fast mode, it may take half shopping, or even overnight. When you gone. But I’ll still rate it a * * *. an hour to get to a two-star rating and come back from an extended absence, another hour or two to get to three stars. you’ve accumulated a terrific amount of D!Zone Jay: I bet you’re thinking, “Two and a money. for IBM PC & compatibles half hours isn’t that long a playing time Jay: It’s only very rarely that a disaster WizardWorks when you’re earning an advancement to has happened in your absence. In fact, Requires: Registered version of Doom new resources. Lots of strategy games only twice in all the hours we left the 1.666 or Room II 1.666; 486 or higher, take that long to develop.” Well, you’re game running did something bad happen. 4MB RAM, DOS 3.3 or higher, CD ROM right—but in those games there’s usually I found one of my condo units had drive, VGA/SVGA graphics card, mouse, something to do while you’re developing, burned—probably a terrorist attack, but I Sound Blaster Pro card or compatible like making the decisions that will bring wasn’t there, and there’s no message log to you to the next stage. check back through. Fortunately, I had Dee: Hey, why do so many computer Dee: SimTower, on the other hand, runs pretty good security forces, because only companies and products have capital out of things to do at the low level rather the one unit burned. The manual warns letters in the middle of their names? quickly. In fact, you can spend the entirety that your whole tower could go, and you Jay: Dunno, but they do, don’t they? of your initial funds in about 10 minutes. might need to call in chopper rescue . . . Like DeluxePaint and WordPerfect and Then you have to wait for money to come hmm, actually, that could have been kind MicroProse. Anyway, D!Zone is a “third- in to afford more stuff; buy, then wait, of interesting. party” utility by WizardWorks for owners buy, wait, buy, and finally you’re in a Dee: Yup, more of a thrill than when I of Doom or Doom II. For those of you new position to go to the next rating. got some cockroaches because I didn’t set to software jargon, the original publishers Jay: So here’s the gimmick, and you up my maid service right. It wasn’t diffi- are the first party—in this case, id Soft- have to decide if you think this is cool or cult to fix, though. ware; you, the consumer, are the second stupid: Spend your money, get things set Jay: So there you have it: It’s a game! It’s party; and anybody else who gets into the up the way you like them, turn off all a background tool! It’s two products in act is a third party. You can buy third- sounds except for special events, then one! If you want something that won’t party manuals, hint books, and add-ons work on something else. If your Mac has take a billion hours to play, and you like for a lot of software, not just games. enough memory, you can use another the idea of setting things up and letting Dee: Sometimes these outside guys have piece of software while SimTower is run- them run while you go do other things, a unique perspective, or a particular fea- ning. Read a book, pet the dog, whatever— checking back only occasionally to tweak ture they thought could be improved. In but stay next to the computer. and build, then this product is like nothing almost all cases, you need to own a legiti- Dee: Then, when you start hearing the else you could find. It’s fun, exciting when mate copy of the original to take advan- cash-register sound, you know the next you’re actually building things, progresses tage of the third-party utility, and that’s fiscal quarter has started—or whatever it to new levels of challenge, and looks great. true of D!Zone. You must have either takes to get income. You flip back to Sim- I enjoyed it, and I give it * * * ½. Doom or Doom II (version 1.666 or later) Tower, spend your new money, check to Dee: I can’t decide how I feel. It’s ab- to play D!Zone. see if you’re close to the next rating, and sorbing while you’re doing it, and I did Jay: You might think that all this empha- flip back to whatever else you were doing. enjoy the thrill of flipping back when I sis on having a legitimate copy of Doom Jay: Twenty minutes or an hour later, heard the cash coming in to see what was means that id Software is making some you hear the ka-ching again, and go back happening, but it seems like a very strange money from the sales of D!Zone, but in

DRAGON 67 monsters “stuck” in areas too small for them to move, just striding in place. Some- times “impassable” objects are randomly dropped where they block you from com- pleting a level. And sometimes things are randomized not to be too lethal, but too dull. Play balance pretty much goes out the window. Jay: But randomization is just that: random. It’s hardly fair to judge play bal- ance using such a too—so the question is whether the predesigned levels are any good. Dee: Bottom line? No. Jay: I suspect the folks at id Software spent more time designing and playtesting their levels than the many designers of D!Zone’s endless wads. If you want some hints on what’s in each segment, don’t rely on the “description” button—not one of the wads I checked had a description. I just kept getting the “no description” mes- sage over and over. D!Zone (Wizardworks) However, the shell programmers have thoughtfully included on your CD what fact, they have nothing to do with it. Dee: The online documentation is very look like Internet reviews of some of the That’s not always the case with third-party skimpy, and I felt like I was pretty much options. These reviews by no means cover products; some are licensed or authorized, on my own. It does carefully reproduce all the wads, but they’re a start. and have some legal connection to the the screens you’ll see in D!, the “shell” that Dee: And, like the rest of this product, original publishers. D!Zone is an unauthor- lets you muck around with monsters and quantity rather than quality is the ized add-on. id Software, as the box says, maps and things. But the manual is bogged buzzword. The reviews had an awful lot will not provide technical support for down by typos and programmer-speak, of “Not such a good level” and “The design- these “improvements.” and it assumes you, too, are intimate with er really fell down on this one” type stuff. Dee: The box says it has over 900 new the innards of pwad files. Jay: Are we being too harsh on these levels, new sounds, utilities, music, graph- Jay: What was all that about loading guys? They say in their notes that they’re ic add-ons, game layouts, and maps. partial wads? I don’t even know what a just trying to earn money to finish college. Sounds great! The box hype also uses the wad is, although I’m guessing its a chunk Dee: It’s not “Simply Silly Software,” the phrase “and much more” at least twice. of programming that defines a particular actual developer, that I have a real beef Jay: That’s a bad sign. So what do you episode of the game. Doom has cute with: it’s WizardWorks, a pro company actually get? Well, when you boot up names for each episode, such as “Knee that packages and distributes this. They’re you’re in an interface screen that looks Deep in the Dead,” but wads are limited to asking us to pay around $30 for something like a programmer designed it—by which I eight characters just like regular DOS files. that isn’t as smooth as a lot of the share- mean that “graphics” and “user-friendly” We just chose a named wad, and started it ware I’ve bought. Downloading some net are not concepts that were given serious up. noodlings is one thing, but D!Zone comes thought. Dee: To be exact, we tried to choose packaged in a box just like a real game. Dee: It was pretty dry, wasn’t it? But three wads from the huge list, but that And it’s far from that. look at all the options! The screen’s full of prompted an error message. The docu- Jay: We should mention that once again, them! mentation warned us against loading too we called the support number to ask Jay: Yes, but what do they all mean? many wads simultaneously, but we didn’t about D!Zone. There’s a little flier in the Dee: Actually, it’s kinda hard to tell. think three was such a big number. Appar- box that trumpets a contest to design new D!Zone, at least the CD version, comes ently it is. So we loaded one. levels for Doom, using the editing tools with a single-sheet “Quick Start Guide” Jay: If you’re expecting purple dino- also included on the D!Zone CD. I’m al- (Okay, so it’s printed on both sides of the saurs and exotic scenery, you’ll be disap- ways interested in contests, but there page, but the “page” is only 5½” by 8½“, pointed. wasn’t any info on how to go about “in- and all the rest of the documentation is Dee: It looked like the regular game, cluding new graphics, music, characters, online. gray walls and stairs and corridors and all. backgrounds, etc. . . .” I wanted to know: Jay: They’re saving lots of trees—given It was a different map, though. We didn’t Do I have to be a programmer to enter? how phenomenally popular the Doom know what monsters to expect, or where. Oh, no, I was told, just copy DEU521 series has become, this product is proba- Jay: D!Zone claims to be useful for first- into your Doom directory on your hard bly selling like hotcakes. And you never time Doom players as well as seasoned drive. Again, all the documentation is on have to worry about misplacing the man- veterans, but I think a first-timer is likely disk. ual when you can just press F1 to scroll to have a hard enough time with the de- Dee: Yeah, and the first sentence of that through it. signers’ original levels of lethality without documentation points out that DEU sup- Dee: I guess you’re right about that. But randomizing monsters, making them re- ports boolean logic. . . . a consumer needs to know where to spawn after you’ve finally killed them, or Jay: Boolean logic? Aaaiieeee! I do have look—the Quick Start only mentions cryp- setting them on turbo-speed so that they to be a programmer! tically, “The DOCS directory contains come at you in double-time. These fea- Dee: It’s not quite that bad, but it is documentation files.” tures strike me as much more interesting extremely difficult. The DEU tool is not Jay: “Documentation” is computer- to fanatics who’ve “learned” all the levels something created by Simply Silly to be speak for “the manual.” I’ve always called they have and are panting for more. easily usable to craft Doom levels—it’s a myself an editor, but in a computer com- Dee: True. Unfortunately, the randomi- complex editor that was somewhere on pany, I’d be a documentation specialist. zers are only so good—I saw plenty of the net, and WizardWorks “thoughtfully”

68 MAY 1995

provided it with the package. Again, it’s Heretic Dee: The first thing that we noticed was not for first-time users. And don’t anyone for IBM PC and compatibles the art: nice, atmospheric sky, good stone try to tell me that “Doom doesn’t appeal to id Software walls, torches, statues. Many of Doom’s first-time users, so that’s okay.” Requires: 486/33 or higher, 4MB RAM, tricks, including teleporting platforms and Jay: To summarize, D!Zone didn’t im- Sound Blaster card or compatible secret doors, enliven the scenery. press us a lot. It’s not user-friendly, it’s not Jay: Though your weapons are ethereal at all a beginner product—despite packag- Dee: In fact, there is an authorized arrows and a wizard’s wand, they function ing claims to the contrary—and although Doom variant out there, and it’s called so similarly to Doom items that I heard the there’s a lot of stuff crammed onto the Heretic. Raven Software developed it, and guys in the office declaiming, “Oh, yeah, disk (over 1000 levels of varying, often id Software publishes it, which means that’s pretty much the chain gun. Have dubious quality; level editors; buttons for they’ve given it a going-over, and it gets you found the BFG yet?” all kinds of special effects), it seems awful- their stamp of approval. Dee: But there are new toys as well. If ly slipshod for the price. Jay: Heretic doesn’t go in for a lot of you find Inhilicon’s Wings of Wrath, you Dee: It could, in fact, turn a new user documentation, either, but it doesn’t really can fly temporarily, and if you get Tyket- sour on Doom, which is unfair to the folks need a lot. There’s a page and a half of not to’s Tome of Power, all your weapons are at id Software. They spent a lot of time particularly inspired story outlining the upgraded in power and awesomeness. putting out a quality game. D!Zone is situation so far—but you don’t play this Jay: The descriptive text for the weap- dragging those coattails as it’s riding them. game for the story line. ons is very Doom-like, using terms such as If you’re a fanatic who is willing to put up Dee: You’re a Sidhe, one of the last “bone-crunching” and “Watch ‘em scream with D!Zone’s rough spots because you members of an ancient elf race nearly and burn—it’s great!” I thought they were gotta have a new level, and you gotta have annihilated by the three Serpent Riders. somewhat inappropriate, and made it it now—well, there’s plenty of new stuff Disparil, the last Rider, is camped out in obvious that this is just a Doom clone. here. From me, it gets a rating of * ½. the City of the Damned, and you’re going Dee: True to a great extent. Raven Soft- Jay: If you want to increase your fun-to- in after him. If you don’t, “the earth shall ware was obviously trying to appeal to the frustration ratio, check out an authorized be forever lost to the Abyss.” For humani- same players by using the same mood and Doom variant instead. I’ll call this a *. ty’s sake, your mission is to kill everything much of the same tactical appeal in the in sight. setup of Heretic’s levels. The game’s not Jay: The rest of the folded booklet likely to grab fantasy fans who didn’t like shows you your weapons, your goodies Doom, just because it has a fantasy setting. (items and artifacts), and your foes. On the Jay: So the question is, is it a good back side is a full-color poster, mage vs. monster.

70 MAY 1995 DRAGON 71 Doom clone, or a bad Doom clone? Dee: We don’t want to mislead you, Dee: Once again it was customer service Dee: I think it’s good. Some of the new though. Despite one or two brand-new time: The helpful folks on the other end of items actually change the feel of the game effects, Heretic is in fact exactly like Doom. the line informed me that there are some a little by changing the tactics you employ. Jay: Almost every Doom player I know serious bugs in the saved games, and that The best example of this is “Delmintalitar’s has discovered the best way to stay alive is a patch would be available soon. In the Time Bomb of the Ancients” (*sigh*) which to charge around the screen at full bore, meantime, they offered me two cheat sounds stupid but is very useful: it’s a time holding that forward arrow key or throt- codes to get me quickly back to the level I bomb that goes off one second after you tling up the joystick so that you whip in had been. slap the Enter key. and out of rooms before the monsters get Jay: The problem with cheat codes is Jay: So now, if you know a room is full a good target lock. Heretic is no different. that once you know them, it’s hard to of monsters, or that a hoard will be re- In fact, after playing through the first two avoid using them. Also, it’s a bit tedious to leased when you grab some item, you can levels, I realized I was slightly nauseated replay levels even with all the weapons drop a Time Bomb and skedaddle. from motion sickness. and items available. However, we will Dee: Exactly! You dash forward to trig- Dee: Just wait till we review Descent! share one of the two codes with you (you’ll ger whatever beasts you’ll face, back out Jay: I’ll have to go to the other room. have to learn about the other one some- of the room while slapping Enter, and Dee: Some of the new features in Here- where else, since we don’t want to give there’s the *crump* of an explosion fol- tic don’t seem to have been worth the away all of id’s secrets). lowed by several monsters’ screams of effort. I spent a lot of time at first tilting Dee: Skip Jay’s next paragraph if you agony. It’s very satisfying, not to mention “my head” up and down but quickly real- don’t want to know a cheat. something you cannot do in Doom. It ized that, at the earlier levels at least, Jay: From the initial options screen requires timing and judgment as well, so there was nothing on the floor or ceiling (New Game, etc.) type ENGAGExy (where it’s not just a gimme. actually worth looking at. x and y delineate the episode and level of Jay: One of my favorite differences Jay: What about those cool skulls hang- the episode you want). You can go directly from Doom can be used in a one-player ing from the ceiling? to any level in the game. Of course, you game, but is most effective during multi- Dee: You can’t affect them in any way— start with just the wizard staff and miss player networked games, which Heretic they’re just decoration. Therefore, they’re out on any weapons and goodies that you supports just as Doom does. not worth the effort. Maybe there’s some might have picked up in between. Dee: It’s called Torpol’s Morph Ovum, really good reason to tilt your head in and when you use it— later levels. Jay: An incredulous shout rises from a Jay: Another problem with Heretic is nearby cubicle, “I have a beak!? What did the saved games. We saved a game, came you do to me?” back the next day, and the saved game was corrupted.

72 MAY1995

Dee: Yeah, and when you die, the game choose what to say (a choice between yes monsters quivered before I slashed at doesn’t automatically pop up the ability to and no, at best). them. I found it difficult to use the con- restart that level. Not a great cheat, but Jay: In other words, don’t look for role- trols effectively, and the game was a little nice for sightseeing. playing. The game is about moving your too heavy on the arcade action, but all in Jay: So our advice is, register your little isomorphic 3-D sprite around the all enjoyable. I rate it a * * *. copy! That way, you’ll get the patch when rooms, swinging at monsters and solving Dee: I wanted to buy it after playing it, it becomes available. At least, you should. little puzzles, gaining gold and buying new and I still want to keep playing it. There’s Dee: Corrupted saved files is a pretty items and weapons. nothing much new and there are some ferocious bug, but it doesn’t happen every Dee: Considering what we’ve just said, I frustrating parts, but mostly it’s clever, time and the game is otherwise plenty could see why you all might have the well balanced, forward-going—and just engaging and fun—for me, more fun than impression we didn’t like Landstalker. In plain fun. For me, it’s a * * * *. Doom (I like the extra touches and the fact, though, we did. monsters). I give it a rating of * * *, but if Jay: We came across it while browsing Jay: Gosh, look at the time! Look at the you loved Doom, you’d call this a * * * * *. through the Sega section of our local word count! As usual, we’ve burbled over Jay: It’s just another fast-action shooter Blockbuster store, and took it home for a our limit and we haven’t finished review- to me. It’s more amusing than Doom in weekend just to review it. ing all the games we were going to de- some ways (especially going chicken hunt- Dee: After returning it (with about six scribe for you. ing), and a little prettier. I give it * *. hours of playing time logged), I starting Dee: All right, we’ll just have to wait till feeling antsy. I wanted to get those cool next time for Warcraft, and I guess we still Landstalker magical items I saw in the saved games owe everyone a Battlebugs review. We’ll for Sega Genesis that were on the rental cartridge (the also take a look at the AL-QADIM® setting Climax previous renter had played for 21 hours!). game and one or two others. See you in Requires: Sega Genesis I wanted to know what was in the next two, and keep those letters coming! town. I wanted to see what other mon- Dee: On to another fantasy game, this sters and puzzles were in store. . . . I one for the Sega Genesis system. It’s called wanted to buy Landstalker for myself! Landstalker, and it owes its allegiance to Jay: So we rushed down to our local toy Legend of Zelda, Ultima, and all other store and purchased a copy. It was that computer “fantasy role-playing games.” By addictive and interesting. which I mean that there’s not much that’s Dee: Sure I’ve played the same kind of new here. game a million other times, but there are Jay: But within itself, the story and just some things about Landstalker I really puzzles and activities are lots of fun and liked. extremely addictive. Jay: You can pick things up and carry Dee: In the game, you’re Nigel, a thief them around the screen; you also can put who gets recruited by the fairy Friday to them down wherever you want, which hunt for the lost treasures of King Nole. can be amusing when you put them on top Friday hangs out in your backpack as you of other characters’ heads (and they walk go wandering about the game screens. If around with them). This ability also leads you’re unfortunate and lose enough hit to several interesting puzzles involving points to die, Friday revives you with placing crates as stepping- (or jumping-) doses of a plant called Eke-Eke (at least, stones, or blocking Indiana Jones-like she does as long as you’ve got some spare rolling bails that would crush you. doses on you). Dee: There are teleport mazes and Jay: As with other Sega games, an insid- hidden stairways, buttons onto which you iously sprightly “walking” tune burbles must jump—these open secret doors or lift along with your every move, interspersed platforms for you to ride—plenty of mon- with ominous dungeon dirges and event sters, and lots of other nice touches. music. When you can’t stand it any more, Jay: Some of the puzzles involve split- turn your sound off. It’s not necessary second timing and good manual reflexes. unless you’re solving a time-sensitive puz- These were an interesting blend of com- zle, and you need to hear the chime of a puter role-playing and arcade action, but button as it triggers some door or effect. not one I personally liked. Dee: One annoying thing about the Dee: Neither did I. A couple were exces- game is the set pieces of information sively frustrating, and I only managed to dumping. There’s one very early on in solve them after trying over and over which you try to run through a waterfall. again. As far as we can tell, you can’t succeed in Jay: But you did solve every one, right? jumping across the chasm . . . and when Dee: Well, yes. And I keep going back you fail, the game takes over for a whirl- for more. wind tour of several screens’ worth of Jay: Even after your saved game got scenery you cannot affect (the equivalent corrupted when you yanked the cartridge of a computer game’s opening animation). out without first turning off the Sega. Jay: Of course, being a Sega game, the Dee: Yup. I was actually willing to start text bar where conversations are recorded over again. Important Safety Tip #1: Don’t is very small. Any character who gives you ever yank out a cartridge without turning a lot of information or a long conversation off the machine first. Tip #2: Use the has to spread his speech over several “Copy” feature to copy your saved game screens’ worth of text bars, which can be four times. tedious. Jay: Bottom-line time again: I enjoyed Dee: The conversations aren’t particu- playing Landstalker and watching Dee larly inspired, and you don’t often get to play. I especially liked the way the bubble

74 MAY 1995

PLAYER’S OPTIONTM rules preview, Part II: Skills & Powers excerpts by Dale A. Donovan

Last issue, DRAGON® Magazine pre- l As the PC develops during the cam- reroll a failed attack, saving throw, profi- viewed the upcoming PLAYER’S OPTION paign, character points can be used to ciency check, or even a low damage roll. rules Combat & Tactics book by printing increase proficiency scores. One character Spending character points in this manner an excerpt from the Critical Hits chapter. point typically improves a proficiency does not insure success, just another This month, we’re bringing you two ex- score by a +1 permanent bonus. This chance to succeed. cerpts from the second PLAYER’S OPTION allows PCs to “practice” certain skills and For example, Jennifer chooses to save 2 book: Skills & Powers. improve them over time. character points after creating her fighter For those who may be unaware, the character. During a game, Jennifer’s fight- PLAYER’S OPTION books each are 192- l Character points are spent to acquire er tries to strike an ogre. The attack roll page hardcovers, packed full of variant racial abilities for demihuman PCs, such as fails. However, the ogre strikes the fighter, and optional rules for the AD&D® game. infravision, which most demihuman races wounding her badly. In the next round, Where the Combat & Tactics book concen- possess or the elven attack bonus with fearing for her fighter’s life, Jennifer trated on encounters in the game, the swords or bows. Humans have no racial declares—before she rolls any dice—that Skills & Powers tome (written by Doug abilities and can spend their “racial” char- she will spend character points if this Niles and myself) expands—and in some acter points in other ways. This rule attack misses. The roll indeed fails, and cases redefines—the character-creation brings more diversity to the demihuman Jennifer now spends a point and rerolls process for the game. Look for the Combat races; now not every elf in the PC party the attack. If this attack roll succeeds, the & Tactics book in July and the Skills & need have exactly the same racial abilities. first roll is ignored and Jennifer’s fighter Powers book this August. (Of course, this applies to demihuman has struck the ogre. If the reroll failed, The most important feature of the book NPCs as well.) An excerpt from the “Races” Jennifer’s character still misses and play is known as character points. Below is an chapter follows in the next section of this continues. excerpt from the first chapter listing all article. Regardless of any reroll’s success, any the uses character points serve in the character points spent are lost. Players PLAYER’S OPTION system. Following that l PCs can spend character points on can continue to spend points as long as is an excerpt from the Races chapter to acquiring the abilities of their chosen class they declare to do so before rolling any serve as one example of how character (or classes if multi-classed), such as the dice—and as long as they have points to points are used. paladin’s capacity to lay on hands, or a spend. This mechanic allows characters a ranger’s tracking ability. Players cannot second chance to accomplish important buy abilities from any class (or race, for tasks or to achieve feats vital to the story. Character points that matter) for their PCs, but only from Every character begins play with a num- the class (and race) they choose for their Races ber of character points determined by his characters. Each race [sic] detailed below receives a race and class. Further, every time a char- number of character points that can be acter advances a level, he gains 10 charac- l Priests and wizards can spend charac- spent on racial abilities. This lets players ter points. The character point system is a ter points to gain extra spells. Only one personalize their characters—no longer new concept for the AD&D game. The additional spell per spell level can be pur- need every dwarf have exactly the same points serve numerous purposes, and chased in this way. Of course, priests and racial abilities, skills, and bonuses. It is still these are briefly summarized below. wizards cannot purchase higher level possible to purchase the standard racial spells than they currently can cast. abilities as outlined in the Player’s

l Character points are used to purchase Handbook—these are featured in ability weapon and nonweapon proficiencies, l Character points can be spent to im- packages in each race’s description. Two replacing the current proficiency “slots”. prove a character’s roll for additional hit exceptions to this are the half-orc and half- points when advancing a level. For every 2 ogre hybrid races, which do not appear in l Character points also are used to pur- character points spent, the player can roll the PHB. chase traits, and bonus character points one additional die when determining new are awarded for taking disadvantages. hit points, taking the highest single result Racial variants Traits are minor advantages that help flesh of the dice rolled, not the total of all dice Numerous off-shoot races can be used as out a PC. Some traits include acute hear- rolled. player characters. For example, a player ing, light sleeper, and lucky. Disadvantages fond of dwarven characters could choose are minor impediments that also serve to l Character points also can be used in from the hill, gray, or deep varieties. Play- define a character while providing a few the course of the play, not just during ers who select such a character can pur- additional character points for the player character creation or between adventures. chase the standard abilities of the parent to spend. Sample disadvantages include During a game session, a player can spend race or buy from the list of abilities spe- allergies, poor vision, and a number of saved character points to give her charac- cific to the racial variant selected. For phobias. ter a second chance to accomplish a feat, example, a player of a deep dwarf charac-

DRAGON 77 ter could choose his character’s skills from abilities are added together, and the dwarf farther underground than their hill or the list under the “Dwarf” heading and fighter has a 90’ infravision range. mountain relatives. They prefer the secu- from the list under the “Deep dwarf” Abilities indicated with a cost 5 charac- rity and the isolation that living far be- heading. DMs may wish to limit some of ter points when purchased individually. neath the earth provides. the races available as PCs. The typical deep dwarf is 4-4½’ tall and l Language package: Dwarves have weighs 120 pounds. They are large-boned, Dwarves contact with other subterranean races, but thinner than their cousins who live Dwarves are a short, stocky race, aver- giving them the opportunity to learn the closer to the surface, and they can move aging about 4-4½’ tall. They have ruddy languages of these peoples. The base list of easily through the narrow tunnels they dig complexions, dark hair, and piercing, dark languages for dwarven PCs includes: com- in the bedrock. eyes. The natural lifespan for a dwarf is mon, dwarf, gnome, goblin, kobold, and Deep dwarves seldom have contact with about 350 years. They are a serious lot, orc. Some dwarven off-shoots have access creatures from the surface—few such given rarely to frivolity. They prefer a to additional languages. creatures can reach remote underground good, hard day’s work. Though sometimes l Magic resistance: Dwarves are natu- places—and the deep dwarves feel no need considered dour or taciturn, few doubt rally nonmagical and can never use wizard to dig tunnels to the surface. Most deep the dwarves’ bravery. They have little spells. This natural resistance to all things dwarves are neutral, lawful neutral, or talent for magic, but excel at fighting, magical grants dwarves a bonus to saving chaotic neutral. Players may choose any warcraft, and arts such as engineering. throws vs. magical wands, staves, rods, alignment for their deep dwarf characters. Dwarves typically live in hilly or moun- and spells. It also applies vs. any poisonous tainous regions, enjoying the strength of or toxic substances that a dwarf could Special abilities the earth and rocks that make up their encounter. This bonus is determined by The following racial abilities are availa- underground homes. Dwarves mine the the dwarfs Health sub-ability score [sic]. ble to deep dwarves at the cost of 5 char- earth for precious metals and gems, and For every 3½ points of Health, the dwarf acter points each. No ability on this list can they are fond of gold in particular. receives a +1 bonus. These bonuses are be purchased more than once. Because of their resistance to magic, summarized on the chart below. dwarves have difficulty using enchanted Health Saving Throw Bonuses l 30’ of infravision, due to the deep items. All magical items not specially suit- dwarves’ extensive time spent in the dark ed the dwarfs character class have a 20% Score Bonus underground. chance (on 1d100 roll) to malfunction. A 4-6 + 1 check for malfunction is made every time 7-10 +2 l +1 attack bonus with the war ham- the dwarf attempts to use the item. If the 11-13 +3 mer, as the deep dwarves use such items check is passed, the item works until it is 14-17 +4 in digging their tunnels. turned off, put away, or its duration ex- 18-20 +5 pires. If the check fails, the magical quali- l Melee combat: Dwarves have a +1 l +1 attack bonus with any crossbow, ties of the item cannot be called upon, bonus to their attack rolls vs. orcs, half- as dwarves are practiced in the use of though the item might function normally orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins. Further, these weapons. Hurled weapons’ ranges the next time the dwarf tries to use it. when ogres, half-ogres, ogre magi, trolls, are limited in tunnels and other bows Malfunction checks apply to magical giants, or titans fight dwarves, these ag- require large pieces of wood. wands, rods, staves, rings, amulets, po- gressors suffer a -4 penalty on all attack tions, horns, and jewels. The checks do rolls because the dwarves have defensive +1 bonus to saving throws vs. magic, not apply to dwarven clerics using clerical l tactics against these large foes. due to their nonmagical nature. magical items, and to weapons, shields, armor, gauntlets, and girdles. If a dwarf l Infravision: Dwarves have infravision Because they are especially hardy, they possesses a cursed item and it malfunc- l to 60 feet—the ability to see heat patterns can gain an additional +1 bonus to saving tions, the dwarf recognizes the nature of given off by living warm-blooded crea- throws vs. poisonous and toxic substances. the item and is able to safely dispose of it. tures in the dark. A dwarven character might choose to be Underground skills: Dwarves are skilled l A Constitution score bonus of +1 a fighter, cleric, or thief. A dwarf also can miners, and when they pass within 10’ of be multi-classed as a fighter/cleric or a a particular phenomenon, they can: because the deep dwarves are accustomed fighter/thief. l Detect any grade or slope in the pas- to the cold and often damp Underdark. Dwarven abilities sage they are passing through, 1-5 on 1d6. Players who choose dwarves for their l Language package: Deep dwarves can characters have 45 character points to l Detect new tunnels, passages, or un- speak their own racial dialect, gray dwarf, spend on racial abilities. Following are the derground construction, 1-5 on a 1d6. illithid, troglodyte, deep gnome, and unde- basic racial abilities, as per the PHB—these rcommon (the trade language of all Under- can be purchased as a package for 40 • Detect any sliding or shifting walls or dark races). character points, or individually for 5 rooms, 1-4 on a 1d6. character points each. Racial variant char- Racial penalties acters cannot purchase the basic package, l Detect any stonework traps, pits, or All deep dwarves suffer a -1 penalty to but must buy skills individually from the deadfalls, 1-3 on a 1d6. all rolls when in bright sunlight or within basic list and the list that corresponds to the radius of a continual light spell. Light their race. l Determine the approximate depth spells and all other light sources have no For example, Jennifer wants to create a underground, 1-3 on a 1d6. effect on a deep dwarf. deep dwarf fighter, and she has 45 points Dwarves must consciously use these to work with. She chooses the determine abilities. For example, a dwarf could not Gray dwarves depth underground, detect sliding or automatically detect a pit in the corridor Also known as duergar, gray dwarves shifting walls, and infravision abilities ahead unless the dwarfs player stated that live far underground—at times even be- from the basic skills. These cost 15 points. the character was actively searching for yond the deep dwarves. Since they occa- With 30 points left, she chooses six deep such things. sionally reside near each other, gray and dwarf abilities, one of which is a 30’ infra- deep dwarves can come into conflict over vision range. Because the infravision abili- Deep dwarves the resources of the Underdark. ty has been selected from both lists, the As their name implies, deep dwarves live An average gray dwarf is about 4’ tall

DRAGON 79 and weighs 120 pounds. The thinnest of ous and toxic substances. Special abilities the subraces, gray dwarves almost appear l A Constitution score bonus of +1 Hill dwarves can choose the following emaciated. Most are bald, and those who because the deep dwarves are accustomed abilities at the cost of 5 character points are not usually shave their heads. Their to the cold and often damp Underdark. each. The abilities on this list cannot be beards are white or a dingy gray. Gray purchased more than once. l Language package: Gray dwarves dwarves rarely venture above ground, as begin with their own tongue, deep dwarf, they find sunlight painful to their eyes. dark elf, illithid, kuo-toa, troglodyte, and l +1 bonus to attack rolls with hand or Most gray dwarves are lawful evil in undercommon. battle axes. alignment, with neutral tendencies. Player +1 bonus on attack rolls with the war character gray dwarves can be of any l Racial penalties hammer. alignment. Gray dwarves suffer a -2 penalty on all rolls when exposed to bright sunlight or l +1 bonus to attack rolls with military Special abilities continual light spells. Other light sources picks.

The following abilities are available to do not impair them. l +1 bonus on attack rolls with the gray dwarves at the cost of 5 character Other dwarves distrust duergar, and as footman’s mace. points each. No ability from this list can be such, duergar suffer an initial -2 penalty +1 bonus to attack rolls with short purchased more than once. to reaction rolls from their cousins. l swords. +1 attack bonus with the military l +1 bonus to attack rolls with any pick, due to the gray dwarves’ practiced Hill dwarves l crossbow. use of such items in digging tunnels. Hill dwarves live in areas of rolling hills, often dwelling underground, though they l +1 bonus to saving throws vs. magic. l Because dwarves favor crossbows, have outposts on the surface. they gain a +1 attack bonus with any A typical hill dwarf stands 4’ tall and l +1 bonus to saving throws vs. poison- crossbow. Hurled weapons are limited in weighs about 150 pounds. He is well- ous or toxic substances. tunnels, and other bows require large muscled and stocky, with tan or brown l +1 bonus to their Constitution score. pieces of wood that are not available. skin, dark hair, and bright eyes. Hill l Language package: Hill dwarves can -1 penalty applied to opponent’s dwarves prefer earth tones and seldom l select any six tongues from among those surprise rolls, because gray dwarves are wear jewelry. They are the most common listed in the various dwarven language stealthy. of all the dwarven varieties, as they adapt packages. well to life above and below ground. Most l +1 bonus to saving throws vs. magic hill dwarves are lawful good, but player Racial penalties because of gray dwarves’ resistance to characters can be of any alignment. Hill dwarves suffer no particular penal- enchantments. ties other than those mentioned in the

l +1 bonus to saving throws vs. poison- basic dwarves listing above.

80 MAY 1995

by Skip Williams

If you have any questions on the games 15% to the cost and weight to account for 6,000 7th (monster summoning VII) produced by TSR, Inc., “Sage Advice” will the creatures’ humanoid foreparts. So answer them. In the United States and chain mail would cost 575 gp and weigh The numbers above are maximum val- Canada, write to: Sage Advice, DRAGON® 80 pounds. If the armor normally grants ues; if a creature’s experience value ex- Magazine, 201 Sheridan Springs Rd., Lake an armor class better than the character’s ceeds the listing for a given level it belongs Geneva WI 53147, U.S.A. In Europe, write natural armor class, the character gets the in the next higher category. Feel free, to: Sage Advice, DRAGON Magazine, TSR better one, AC 5 in the case of chain mail. however, to adjust things a little bit when Ltd., 120 Church End, Cherry Hinton, Otherwise, the character’s armor class building summoning tables of your own. Cambridge CB1 3LB, United Kingdom. We improves by one; for example, a bariaur in The creatures listed on the monster sum- are no longer able to make personal re- leather would have an armor class of 5. A moning tables in the MONSTROUS plies; please send no SASEs with your shield improves a bariaur’s or centaur’s MANUALTM, Book for example, don’t al- questions (SASEs are being returned with armor class by one, but only against at- ways match this table. writer’s guidelines for the magazine). tacks coming from the front. This month, our sage unravels mysteries Just what abilities do player char- from all corners of the AD&D® game I have a bariaur paladin character acter specialty priests of the deities multiverse, from how amulets of life pro- in my PLANESCAPE campaign who from the Legends & Lore tome get? tection really work to where deities live. is rapidly approaching the level Specifically, priests of Tyaa get thief where the character is allowed a abilities. Which thief abilities? An amulet of life protection works bonded mount. Now bariaurs might Priests of Odin or of the Valkyries against all sorts of potent mental have a little difficulty riding horses must meet fighter requirements, attacks, but how does its second or anything else for that matter. does this mean they get warrior power, the ability to hold the wear- What should I do? abilities such as multiple attacks er’s psyche for up to seven days You might consider allowing the charac- and ability to roll for exceptional before it departs to the plane of its ter to meet and win some kind of animal Strength scores? A priest of Horus is alignment, work? A raise dead spell companion or perhaps a follower, such as a paladin, but how much of a can help a person who has been rangers gain. paladin? dead longer than seven days, so If the deity’s description says specialty what’s the point? Can a psionicist stack defense slots priests get particular abilities, then PC If one assumes that at death a charac- to increase his power score in the specialty priests get those abilities. Make ter’s psyche departs to the plane of its same way the character can for nor- sure you understand what you’re reading alignment, then the amulet’s second power mal sciences and devotions? before handing out extra character abili- becomes obvious. It prevents the charac- Yes. A psionicist can improve a defense ties, though. ter from dying until seven days have mode’s power score by devoting an extra For example, priests of Odin must meet passed. If “killed” the wearer remains at 0 slot to it instead of choosing a new defense the qualifications for fighters (Strength 9) hit points (or -10 hit points if you use the mode when the character qualifies for in addition to the requirements for priests Hovering at Death’s Door optional rule) one. A character with access to the telepa- (Wisdom 9), but gain no other fighter until the character’s hit points are brought thy discipline also can improve a defense abilities beyond what is listed on page 175 back into positive numbers by magical mode’s power score by devoting a telepa- of L&L (one extra hit point per level and a healing or until seven days pass, in which thy slot to a defense mode he already fighter’s THAC0 once the character reach- case the character really dies and must be knows. es 10th level). Priests of the Valkyries have raised or resurrected (if that is possible). the same requirements, but always use the Most DMs also will allow a character Is there an easy way to determine warrior combat and saving throw tables. with an amulet of life protection to be a monster’s level for the purpose of In both cases, the characters are still raised or resurrected even if the charac- constructing my own tables for priests; they use the priest experience ter’s body has been destroyed, as long as monster summoning spells? tables and gain no other warrior abilities. the amulet survives. In any case, the wear- The original AD&D game used a crea- Priests of Tyaa literally are thieves with er can be raised or resurrected even after ture’s experience point value to determine spell-casting abilities. They use the rogue being killed by a death spell or a demilich its level for purposes of random encounter combat and saving throw tables but the or by any other special attack that would and summoning tables. Here’s something priest experience tables. They gain the full otherwise slay the victim irrevocably. similar for the current game: slate of thief abilities, are limited to leather armor, and have six-sided hit dice. How does one deal with armor for XP value Monster level Priests of Horus function as paladins bariaur characters from the 35 1st (monster summoning I) except that they cast spells as priests and PLANESCAPE™ setting? How much 120 2nd (monster summoning II) turn undead as priests five levels lower does the armor cost and how does it 270 3rd (monster summoning III) than their actual levels. Priests of Horus work? 650 4th (monster summoning IV) use the paladin combat, experience, and I recommend treating armor for a ba- 1,400 5th (monster summoning V) saving throw tables. To maintain game riaur or centaur as horse barding, but add 4,000 6th (monster summoning VI) balance, you might want to give them

82 MAY 1995 eight-sided hit dice instead of l0-sided hit be taken away (even temporarily) by force them into gaseous form until they dice and you might also want to limit their a dispel magic spell? can regenerate the damage. Also remem- bonus hit points from high Constitution A dispel magic removes magical effects, ber that fire shield spells turn physical scores to +2 per die. not magical abilities. A spell-caster or attacks into magical zaps that inflict just as magical creature can’t be magically neu- much damage on the attacker as the at- Just how much stuff can a charac- tralized by a dispel magic spell the way a tacker inflicts on the target. So every time ter carry? I mean, how many things magical item can. The spell, however, can the character hits for mega-damage she can you cram into a backpack or disrupt a spell while it is being cast just also suffers mega-damage. belt pouch before the thing bursts like an attack can. An innate ability can’t No, to really “scare” me you’d have to and how many weapons can a char- be disrupted the way a spell can, it could add a ring of vampiric regeneration, ar- acter stash on his body before he be dispelled the moment it takes effect if mor of etherealness, and a cloak of dis- become immobile? the initiative roll is right, placement to the tactical nuke. Now A character can carry as much equip- there’s a character that could make the ment as his encumbrance limit allows (see In an old issue, you said a charac- tarrasque think about retiring and taking PHB, Table 1, page 14). Capacities for com- ter using a magical war hammer and up collectible card games. mon containers are given in the PHB as wearing a girdle of giant strength The moral of the story is DMs should be well (see Table 50, page 78); a backpack and gauntlets of ogre power would careful when handing out magical trea- holds 50 pounds and a large belt pouch gain all the attack and damage bo- sures, especially girdles of giant strength holds 8 pounds. nuses from the two Strength- and magical war hammers (even war Technically, a character can carry any enhancing items, actual Strength hammers +1). If you find that your play- number if items if the items’ total weight score, the magical weapon, and spe- ers have used their characters’ magical does not exceed the character’s encum- cialization, if any. What were you items to create killing machines that really brance limit. The DM can, however, im- thinking? A character with a 17 scare you, it’s time to start thinking about pose a little common sense if a player Strength score, a war hammer +2, a what might scare the killing machines. starts going over the top. Generally speak- girdle of hill giant strength, and (What would happen to the PCs if the ing, a character can carry one size M gauntlets of ogre power would gain spell-casting vampire had two or three weapon (such as a long sword or a battle a +9 attack bonus and a +16 dam- hasted pet rust monsters and had dropped axe) on one hip, and a size S weapon (such age bonus. Kind of scary, don’t you a few phase door spells in strategic as a hand axe or short sword) on the other think? If the character is a fighter locations?) hip. A bandolier over a man-sized charac- and also drinks a potion of fire giant ter’s torso can hold about three size S strength do the bonuses rise to When an item or special ability weapons, and a character who really +12/+25? allows a damage multiplier, exactly wants to be armed to the teeth probably This is an old one, but I had two ques- what gets multiplied? can carry two or three very compact size tions about it this month, so here goes: Generally, only the damage dice roll gets S weapons, such as daggers, strapped to What was I thinking? Why, I was think- multiplied; bonuses from Strength, magic, each leg (bulkier weapons such as short ing about what the rules say. In the both etc. get added after the multiplier. Check swords and war hammers can’t be this versions of the AD&D game, a character the item or ability description, if it doesn’t way if the character wants to walk nor- who has a magical war hammer of any specifically say that bonuses are multi- mally). kind, any girdle of giant strength, and plied, then only the damage dice are. Two-handed weapons such as long bows, gauntlets of ogre power gains the ability to pole arms, and two-handed swords really do the Thor routine and really smash up What special abilities does the can’t be carried anywhere but in a charac- the opposition by adding up the combat caster gain when using the ninth- ter’s hands. One two-handed weapon can bonuses from all the items and the charac- level wizard spell shapechange? For be strapped across a man-sized character’s ter’s normal Strength score bonus to boot. instance, the character changes into back, but the character is going to have a The fateful line of text that makes this a drow to sneak past a drow patrol. very hard time getting at it quickly. You possible can be found on page 145 of the What happen to the caster if she is can figure the character is going to blow a original DMG and on page 170 of the cur- killed while in an assumed form? whole round getting the weapon loose, rent DMG. Bonuses from a potion of giant According to the spell description (PHB, and that is possible only if the character strength are never added into this bo- page 196). The caster gains all the assumed has taken the care to lash it carefully and nanza of combat bonuses (a potion being form’s abilities except those dependent on provide some kind of snap or hook at the neither girdle nor gauntlet, nor normal). intelligence, innate magical abilities, and shoulder so that the weapon can be pulled Note that a character must have all three magic resistance. In your example, the sha- loose quickly. Without such precautions, items, girdle, gauntlets, and war hammer, pechanged character gains a drow’s superior the character probably will have to spend to get the super bonus. So, if the DM only infravision and that’s all. If killed in an as- two rounds getting the weapon ready or give out two of three items, no PC in the sumed form, the caster remains in that form stand still for a round while a companion game can get the combined bonuses. until the spell expires. The spell description undoes all the knots. Are the combined bonuses scary? Well, mentions that dying in an assumed form Of course, a character can cram 50 scary is a relative term. Even your might make revivification difficult, but the pounds of weapons into his backpack, +9/+16 tactical nuke on legs is likely to assumed form is not permanent, and can provided that all the weapons are no more take pause if she meets something that just interfere with attempts to raise or resurrect than three feet long, but getting to them in doesn’t care about how much damage an the character only while the spell lasts. a hurry is a real problem—out of the ques- opponent can inflict. A vampire wizard tion if the character also has a two-handed using a fire shield spell might just ruin the It seems to be a lot easier for weapon strapped to his back. tactical nuke’s day, even if the vampire priests to enchant items than it is only gets to stick around for a round or for wizards. I mean, any high-level The dispel magic spell description two before being forced into gaseous form priest can just plop a sword on an says that it removes spells and spell- or being turned by the party priest. altar and after a few dozen days he’s like effects from devices and innate In case you’re not quite following me got a holy avenger while the poor abilities. Does this mean that the here, remember that vampires just don’t wizard is still out there trying to get spell can remove or suppress a crea- care much about damage that doesn’t a decent sword made. Why are the ture’s magical ability? For instance, come in the form of sharpened stakes in rules set up this way? can a drow’s ability to cast darkness the heart; other forms of damage just They aren’t. A priest prays over an item

DRAGON 83 to enchant it, not to manufacture it. The Any wizard character can read any Hey! When are you going to list item can go onto an altar to be enchanted wizard spell from a scroll (although there Tome of Magic priest spell spheres only if it is an appropriate vessel for the might be a chance for failure if the charac- for the deities in Monster Mythol- deity’s power. An item becomes an appro- ter reading the scroll isn’t of sufficient ogy? How about home planes for priate vessel only after the priest has gone level to cast the spell). these deities? through all the steps to make it suitable I recommend that you allow specialist If you look carefully at the entries in for enchantment, just as a wizard must do. wizards to use freely any items that can be Monster Mythology you’ll see that spheres used by all character classes, even when from the Tome of Magic are included. How do specialists who can’t cast they duplicate effects from their opposi- Unless stated otherwise in the descrip- enchantment/charm spells recharge tion schools. This includes the majority of tion (or in a PLANESCAPE product), a magical items? (The enchant an item potions, and most rings and miscellaneous deity’s primary residence is on the outer spell is an enchantment/charm.) magical items. Any item, however, that can that reflects the deity’s alignment. For Technically, they can’t. If this bothers be used only by wizards, or only by wiz- example, Corellon Larethian makes his you, go ahead and add enchant an item to ards and priests, is off-limits to a specialist abode on Arborea, along with the rest of the evocation/invocation school as well as if it duplicates an effect from the charac- the elven pantheon (although elven deities the enchantment/charm school. If you do ter’s opposition schools. Any character, for who are not chaotic good probably have so, you’re saying that magic can be in- example, can use a potion of healing, even formal residences on their alignment voked into an item (which is what priests an illusionist. An illusionist also can use a planes and only have modest residences do anyway) as easily as it can be enchant- wand of magic missiles, but the character on Arborea). ed into an item. Since creating and re- must make attack rolls when firing the charging magical items is something of a missiles, just as a non-wizard does. class ability for wizards, game balance in your campaign won’t suffer. Would a character die if she viewed a symbol of death through a Can specialists use scroll spells wall of force (assuming she had 80 Having a convention? from their opposing schools? The hit points or less)? Yes she would. While a wall of force text on page 145 of the DMG seems If you’re having a gaming convention, blocks spells, it doesn’t block vision. Spells to say that they can. Also, just how why not tell the world about it? Check that have visual triggers, such as symbols far does the prohibition against our address in this issue’s “Convention and illusory script work on characters specialist wizards using magical Calendar” and send your announce- who see them, walls of force not with- items from their opposing schools ment to us—free of charge! go? Can an illusionist use a potion standing. Gaze attacks also work this way. of healing, which is pretty clearly a necromantic item?

84 MAY 1995

THE ARMLESS MAIDEN Terri Windling, ed. Tor 0-312-85234-7 $22.95 Much effort has been devoted of late to rediscovering and reinventing the fairy tale for modern audiences. Some editions of the Brother's Grimm, we're told, were adapted to avoid unduly frightening young readers, and "politically correct" bedtime stories have made best-seller lists. Now veteran editor and folklorist Terri Win- dling presents a gathering of socially con- scious fairy tales focusing on childhood and child abuse. While the stories are compelling and clever, the anthology's © moral agenda often gets in the way of the 1995 by John C. Bunnell contents. There's a certain irony to this affliction. Photography by Charles Kohl Windling has gathered powerful stories full of angst and subtext, largely but not universally dark in tone. What she over- looks is that such fiction speaks most eloquently on its own behalf. Just as the best way to enjoy Shakespeare is in the theater, the best way to appreciate these tales is to read the stories. Windling's fervent introduction and often-pointed individual comments are well-meant but counterproductive. Likewise, her account of her own difficult upbringing distracts attention from the fiction rather than accenting it. The stories themselves are at least as graphic, if not more so. Particularly shock- ing are Jane Yolen's “Allerleirauh” and a “Sleeping Beauty” recasting from Tanith Lee. Horror novelist Peter Straub contrib- utes an opaque but equally unsettling contemporary tale, while Charles de Lint’s entry is quieter and more intimate yet still tragically plausible. Though most of the stories recast classic European tales, there's a certain amount of ethnic diversity. Most notable in this re- gard are a rite-of-passage story by Ellen Steiber with an Amerindian flavor, and a Hans Christian Andersen tale skillfully transplanted to Japan by Kara Dalkey. Nor, fortunately, is the mood of the anthology entirely dark. Dr. Annita Harlan's “Princess in Puce” is one of sev- eral Cinderella retakes, this one a sardonic modern version. Steven Gould’s “The Session” telegraphs its punch line a touch too soon, but gets to it wittily enough to make the trip worthwhile. Ellen Kushner‘s straightforward ghost story offers a satis- fying resolution, and Joanna Russ provides the volume’s one genuinely nostalgic tale. A liberal sprinkling of poetry also ap- pears, mostly smooth but not memorable. The exceptions are a perceptive lyric from Emma Bull and “Reading the Brothers Grimm to Jenny” by Lisel Mueller; these two, especially Bull’s “Stepsister’s Story,” evocatively balance thoughtfulness and craft. Of the similar scattering of personal essays, most can be ignored, although Tappan King’s and Ellen Steiber’s com- ments on their own stories are cogent and readable. The volume is best not read in one great

86 MAY 1995 gulp, even if one wisely concentrates only uncluttered title typography, which shows oddly light at times. Erde and her new-met on the fiction. Windling’s contributors admirable restraint in a genre crowded companions, the dragon Earth and rogue craft a frequently disturbing portrait of a with ornate series logos and banner de- knight Hal Engle, must find the source of a child’s universe, one that’s best taken in signs. The overall effect is a distinctiveness siren-like summons that only the dragon modest doses over time. This too is curi- rare in the genre and well-matched to can hear. Their search takes on an almost ous in a way, for in fairy tales, storytellers Taylor’s narrative. Yellow Brick Road-like character, complete often possess the power of creation, the In a legitimate sense, Cat’s Paw accu- with a hidden valley populated by people means to reshape the world as we might rately can be called a very old-fashioned entirely too nice to survive in the outside wish it to be. Strange, in that context, that novel, with qualities of politeness and world. a book advocating humane treatment of formality that contrast sharply with the A further problem is that while Earth is children (many contributors’ payments, brash irreverence typical of modern hu- undeniably and dramatically real, there’s says Windling, were donated to such morous fantasy or cyberpunk SF. But little back story explaining his history or causes) should dwell so persistently on the there’s also a fierce intimacy in Taylor’s presence. The dragon himself has no inhumane. prose, and the virtues of her tale and its memory of his origins (and doesn’t learn to Yet Windling’s eye for quality fiction is heroine are themselves qualities worthy of “speak” till the very end of the book), and keen. The Armless Maiden includes much being preserved and emulated. neither do most of the characters possess unnecessary baggage, but among the folklore or legend as to Earth’s nature. contents are more than enough gems to THE BOOK OF EARTH This degree of mystery is out of step with justify its existence. Marjorie R. Kellogg logic; Kellogg has dropped her dragon into DAW O-88677-574-4 $ 4.99 the milieu with no corresponding body of CAT'S PAW Marjorie R. Kellogg creates sophisticated myth, however thinned by time, to de- L. A.Taylor characters, portrays the medieval Church scribe his role in it. Ace 0-441-OO181-5 $4.99 with better-than-average complexity, and It is, at least, a consistent failing. The A lighthouse-keeper’s reserved wife goes puts a reasonably interesting spin on her Book of Earth raises any number of chal- in search of her missing husband. Some dragons. But The Book of Earth confuses lenging ideas and intriguing situations, but folk in authority lend quiet support, some more than it satisfies, and no small part of Kellogg really never explores any of them. display profound disinterest, and others the problem is that while Kellogg’s ideas The result is like adding a jar of chili pow- urge her to abandon her hunt. But Miran- are generally good, she packs too many of der to a pot of chili and then forgetting to da persists in studying newspapers, talking them into a relatively tight, narrowly stir it properly—one gets very bland chili to innkeepers, eluding genteel pursuers, focused narrative. with little clumps of spice that burn out and denying charges of witchcraft, all the One major puzzle involves the setting. one’s taste buds. while taking good care of her recently The prologue implies the existence of Kellogg has the virtue of ambition; it’s a acquired stray cat. For there is, she well many Worlds as it describes the creation major technical challenge to stage-manage knows, no such thing as magic. . . . of one in particular, accomplished by the a novel whose protagonist can’t talk most The world of L. A. Taylor’s Cat’s Paw is a work of four elemental dragons. These of the time. But it’s mostly unrealized lightly sketched yet oddly convincing cues suggest a typically anonymous high ambition; the best readers can hope for is realm that is neither quite English nor fantasy. Yet the text later refers to Germa- that the promised sequels prove more quite Victorian, though there are strong ny and Rome by name, and the Church of capably executed than this initial offering. echoes of both in the descriptions. Taylor’s the novel’s World clearly is of the Roman rural village of Gwynnhead and bustling Catholic persuasion. This implies historical DOC SIDHE town of Bierdsey are altogether cheerier milieus, especially as the ecclesiastical Aaron Allston and fresher, for instance, than the London descriptions suggest significant research Baen O-671-87662-7 $5.99 streets familiar to readers of Charles Dick- on Kellogg’s part. But the dragons and With his novel, Galatea in 2-D, veteran ens or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. On the magical elements of the unfolding story game designer Aaron Allston demon- other hand, they’re definitely cousins of follow no historical parallel or mythologi- strated the ability to take an exotic the various almost-Englands invented by cal pattern, and the mix of the authentic concept—fantasy art brought to life—to its British fantasist Diana Wynne Jones, if and the wholly imaginary is odd and dis- ultimate conclusion in logical and thor- rather calmer and less exotic than most of tracting. oughly entertaining fashion. Doc Sidhe Jones’ settings. This first novel of a planned quartet is applies a similar principle to an even weir- Taylor spins a story that is part mystery the story of Erde, daughter and only child der premise: suppose that pulp hero Doc and part character study, and which plays of the moderately important Baron von Savage was real—and that he was an elf, both roles skillfully. Though Miranda’s Alte. Erde is a complicated young woman pointy ears and all? progress frequently seems slow to nonex- in a difficult household; the widowed That’s the idea behind Allston’s new novel, istent, little that happens truly is without Baron has kept only a loose eye on her and it’s carried out with a style and panache purpose or relevance. Readers may well upbringing, and she is thus both better- that combines the classic machine-gun action discern certain key points long before educated and more physically active than of the original pulp adventures with a slight- Miranda does, but even that knowledge most girls of her age and station. So when ly irreverent, up-to-date wit. Where the won’t spoil the suspense. The pleasure of circumstance brings a fiery, Armageddon- recent series of new Doc Savage yarns from the tale lies as much in watching Miranda preaching monk to the Baron’s castle just Bantam kept firmly to the period and tone of gradually find and assert her own brand as Erde’s hormones kick into high gear, the original novels, Allston gives his twist on of self-confidence as in unraveling the disaster ensues and Erde must flee for her the concept a neat double-backspin that various puzzles woven around her hus- life. Worse, one shocking piece of news allows him to both emulate that tone and band’s disappearance. steals Erde’s voice from her in the course incorporate a more modern worldview. This also is one of the rare cases in of the escape. The ’90s viewpoint comes from small- which the novel’s packaging and design Kellogg channels the viewpoint firmly time kickboxer Harris Greene, whose deserve special mention. Gary Overacre through Erde’s thoughts and perceptions, career has taken a nosedive of late despite provides striking cover art, in which un- and the combination of her heroine’s Harris’ prior Olympic success. A series of usually sized elements combine with as- psychological struggles and Brother Guille- incidents involving his sometime fiancee tute color selection to create an image that mo’s powerful witch-hunter’s theology Gaby propels Harris from present-day stands out among fantasy covers while promises serious emotional and philosoph- Earth into a semi-parallel realm, where remaining true to the book’s intimate, ical conflict. What we get, however, is a technology runs fifty-odd years behind down-to-earth tone. Equally startling is the surprisingly pedestrian quest story that is ours, elves and humans dwell side by side,

DRAGON 87 and magic works far more effectively than future SF should find more than adequate- a thoughtful web of speculation involving does traditional science. ly dangerous for their tastes. the nature of time and reality. In that world, Harris is found and taken Writer John Vornholt has chosen a plot We begin in 1594, with a country in by the aides of one Desmond MaqqRee, that builds smoothly on recurring ele- masque staged by one Wicked Kit Arun- known to friends and foes alike as the ments of the series, then extends them del. It’s Kit’s hope that the creation of a brilliant and enigmatic Doc Sidhe. Doc into areas unlikely to be explored in the “perfect“ music will unlock the secrets of comes complete with a personal sky- televised episodes. Thus the novel’s major ultimate knowledge, allowing complete scraper, a fleet of classic cars, an assort- adversarial slot is filled by oily and danger- understanding of the universe’s workings. ment of exotic weapons, and a small cadre ous Psi Corps investigator Bester, reluc- But what he unlocks instead are the gates of associates nearly as capable and eccen- tantly assisted by civilian psi agent of Faerie, whereupon the Queen of Faerie tric as he is. Yet Doc Sidhe isn’t quite a Harriman Gray. Vornholt effectively cap- binds him to her service and returns to ringer for Doc Savage; his elven origins tures the genteel nastiness B5 watchers her own realm, taking Kit with her. make him a more openly mystical figure, have seen Walter Koenig bring to Bester’s Cut to 1994, where we meet expert com- and he’s a bit less aloof than his pulp pred- character, and Gray’s romantic interest in puter programmer Ellen Ainsley. Once a ecessor. Then, too, one of his aides is mar- B5 second-in-command Susan Ivanova is student and performer of Renaissance mu- tial artist Noriko Nomura, who’d give likewise on target. sic, she’s turned away from it after a series Emma Peel of The Avengers a solid work- Center stage, though, goes to B5’s resi- of unsettling experiences, but reluctantly out; in this sense, Allston’s Doc is a good dent telepath, Talia Winters, who finds returns to the subject when she and several deal more enlightened than the Doc Sav- herself cleverly framed for a bombing that friends are offered the chance at a trip to age of yore. nearly kills Bester and threatens to esca- England for a special performance—a revival One of Doc’s old enemies, it develops, late a conflict on Mars into open warfare. of a masque once staged by Wicked Kit has launched a complex plot to alter the In a frantic effort to clear her name, she Arundel. nature of the binding that links Doc’s flees the station and races to Earth itself, There is, of course, more to the offer world with ours. If successful, he’ll ac- searching for the true culprit. Prickly B5 than is initially evident, and more to Ellen quire the wherewithal to control both security chief Garibaldi doesn’t believe the as well. Once Wicked Kit’s beloved realms, but first he must eliminate Gaby frame, but is forced by circumstances to Eleanor, her musical abilities are an inte- and Harris, whose very presence in Doc’s go after her, and must accept Gray as a gral part of the magic capable of bridging “fair world” renders the scheme impos- partner in the investigation. the worlds. Kit himself appears before sible. Nor can Doc himself be allowed to The lengthy visit to Earth is crisply long, making a bid for freedom from the survive, for reasons that only Duncan narrated and consistent with what viewers Queen’s timeless court. But Ellen isn’t Blackletter knows—until Gaby, in the have picked up from the series, and certain of her own memories, Kit is unset- course of mastering hitherto unsuspected Vornholt effectively balances Talia’s flight tled to discover just how long he’s been in gifts, manages to unravel the secret. with Garibaldi’s pursuit. Once back on exile, and the Faerie Queen’s own plans Allston keeps the pace lively, the repar- terra firma, both searchers rapidly discov- might well bring time itself to a permanent tee brisk, and the goon squads well- er unexpected dimensions to the conspir- standstill. populated, but he tempers the violence acy behind the attack, and before matters Ball brings the Elizabethan half of her with a bit more conscience than existed in are resolved once and for all, the players tale a convincing sense of period and style, the original pulps. While this is clearly must travel to Mars and reveal the truth incorporating songs of the day (many fantasy rather than SF, he offers a remark- behind a prior bombing. quoted in full in a useful appendix) and a ably well-developed cosmology for the The foray to Earth and the insights into subplot laced with entirely credible court twinned universes that cleverly explains, Talia’s character are both welcome ad- intrigue. Likewise, Ellen’s computer exper- more or less, why elves would want to juncts to B5’s televised episodes, in which tise is portrayed with smooth plausibility, build office towers of checkered green time and budget prevent journeying too and proves unexpectedly relevant to the and white marble. far from the station itself. One might wish, twin tasks of rescuing Kit and preserving If there’s a flaw in Doc Sidhe, it’s that the in this first book-length adventure, that mortal reality from Faerie’s incursions. novel’s focus is slightly diluted; Doc is the more of the show’s large cast made note- The blend of romance, suspense, and mist- title character while Harris is the protago- worthy appearances; we really don’t see edged magic also is adept and astute. nist, and Allston occasionally allows the much of the alien ambassadors or of sta- That makes No Earthly Sunne a thor- point of view to slip briefly into various tion commander John Sheridan. What we oughly successful tale, light without being other players’ heads. This sometimes do get, however, is entirely in character, unintelligent and literate without being makes the combat choreography a touch and Vornholt gets in several good comic pretentious. Those who enjoy Elizabethan unwieldy, but on the flip side, it makes for bits involving supporting personnel. adventures will find it a more than pleasant stronger characterizations than usually In general, though, the Babylon 5 uni- diversion, and those new to the period will found in Doc Savage’s exploits. verse is darker and less friendly than most find the novel an enjoyable introduction. Indeed, Allston has created both a skill- of its cousins on the small screen, with ful homage to pulp adventures and a re- shadowy enemies and multi-layered con- Recurring roles freshing twist on the subgenre. And he’s spiracies an ever-present component of Two titles from Bruce Coville top the tall left the way open for more adventures life in the interstellar community. It’s an stack of books worth noting this time out. starring the redoubtable Doc Sidhe and his intriguing and welcome contrast, and it’s a The first is Bruce Coville’s Book of Night- fearless band of sidekicks. One definitely pleasure to add novels about B5’s denizens mares (Scholastic Apple, $3.50), fourth in hopes that another outing is in the works. to the SF lists. his series of anthologies marketed for children but readable by anyone looking VOICES NO EARTHLY SUNNE for a good scare. As usual, there’s not a John Vornholt Margaret Ball misfire anywhere in the book, but two Dell 440-22057-2 $5.50 Baen O-671-87633-3 $5.99 stories stand out. Michael Mansfield’s “Toll I admit I’ve been, at best, an erratic The spine says that Margaret Ball’s latest Call” makes a chilling point in a very short follower of the syndicated Babylon 5 tele- novel is fantasy, which is no surprise in a space, and Steven Prohaska’s contest- vision series. But whether one is a dedi- novel featuring authentic Elizabethan winning “Halloween Party” is as polished cated fan of the show, an occasional music, the courts of Faerie, and a romance and clever as any tale in the collection—no viewer, or a newcomer to the B5 universe, spanning four centuries. But it’s also an small achievement for an eighth grader this first novel set in that world offers a odd sort of legitimate science fiction, be- matched with writers of Joe Lansdale’s breakneck adventure that fans of dark- cause overlapping the magical elements is and Jane Yolen’s caliber.

88 MAY 1995

The second Coville book is Operation For more reliably lively adventure, Anne more than enough revelations on other Sherlock (Pocket Minstrel, $3.99). This Logston has yet to disappoint. Dagger’s fronts to keep things lively. Meanwhile, in first volume in a trilogy about the “A.I. Point (Ace, $4.99) continues the adven- 1920s Hollywood, actress Chrysanda Fla- Gang” first saw print nearly ten years ago, tures of Jaellyn, niece to the notorious mande has been chosen as the Bride of the but Coville has revised the material since thief Shadow and a clever lass in her own Rat God (Del Rey, $5.99) in one of Hambly’s its previous appearance, and what was a right, this time embarking on a long and darker tales to date. An ancient Chinese lively YA thriller then positively crackles unpredictable trek in search of her fa- demon is loose in movie-land, and until it’s now. (Alert readers may recall that the ther’s people and the missing half of her stopped, neither Chrysanda nor any of her series ran to four books in its prior incar- own soul. Logston’s craft gets smoother entourage will rest easily. nation; the additional volume, written by and more assured as she goes, and this On the Star Trek front, works by K. W. Jim Lawrence, isn’t a part of the repub- outing adds further depth to what is be- Jeter and Melissa Scott are among recent lished series.) coming a large and intriguing fantasy highlights. Jeter’s Warped (Pocket, $22) Popular TSR authors Elaine Cunningham world. finds Deep Space 9 the target of a harrow- and R. A. Salvatore both have new books The High Queen (Del Rey, $5.99) com- ing scheme involving addictive holosuite out; Cunningham’s, The Unicorn Hunt pletes Nancy McKenzie’s duology about technology with dangerous side effects, (TSR, $3.95) is part of TSR’s new young- Arthur and Guinevere, and confirms what while Scott’s Proud Helios (Pocket, $5.50) adult fantasy line. As such, it’s more tradi- the first half of the saga promised. The has Sisko and his crew coping with pi- tionally plotted than Cunningham’s two two books together form a strong, readily rates, some nasty and some merely ro- tales set in the FORGOTTEN REALMS® accessible account of Arthur’s life and guish. The DS9 series continues to be the world, but Cunningham lends vivid enthu- reign, making a good introduction to mod- Trek franchise’s single most reliable source siasm to her story of a young man’s search ern Arthurian tales for the general reader. of quality storytelling, with these latest for unicorns, healing magic, and other There are more sophisticated Arthurian two tales matching the standards set by things. chronicles, and more unusual ones, but previous volumes. Less successful, on the whole, is The few short of Rosemary Sutcliff are more Under the Healing Sign (Ace, $4.99) is Sword of Bedwyr (Warner Aspect, $18.95). smoothly told than this. Nick O’Donohoe’s sequel to last year’s The The combat sequences are detailed and Moving toward the dark side of the Magic and the Healing. The storytelling brisk in solid Salvatore style, but for a fantasy lists, we find welcome new titles skill and compelling characters are still book billed as high-energy swashbuckling, from P. N. Elrod and Barbara Hambly. there, and though the new book doesn’t it’s oddly flat and over-narrated. Tech- Elrod’s Death Masque (Ace, $4.99) con- quite match the impact of the first, niques that work in recounting the often tinues the adventures of Colonial-era vam- O’Donohoe is still one of the most thought- angst-ridden deeds of Drizzt Do’Urden are pire Jonathan Barrett, although the scene ful novelists in Ace’s stable. less effective in what should be a faster- shifts to England for this entry in the moving yarn, and certain plot points seem series. While little progress is made on too conveniently staged. Jonathan’s chief personal quest, there are

90 MAY 1995

Usually, I try to build around a particular theme when writing a role-playing game review column. (As do my fellow RPG reviewers in this magazine, I note.) Often, the comparisons among products this al- lows provide added insight into the individ- ual products. And a theme gives an article a sense of identity and personality that it would not have otherwise. But this time around, I can’t afford to do a themed column. The products I want to talk about are far too disparate to fit un- der any one heading. So let’s just consider this a multi-media barrage and plan on a return to the sane structure of a theme in my next column. I hope. ©1995 by Lester Smith THEATRIX * game 136-page rule book, shrinkwrapped with 11 loose sheets A big mess o’ fun Design & writing: David Berkman, Travis Eneix, Andrew Finch, Anthony Gallela, Brett Hackett Development & editing: David Berkman, Derek Boain, Travis Eneix, Andrew Finch, Anthony Gallela, Aaron Long, Brett Hackett Art: Aaron Long

Backstage Press $21.95 P.O. Box 5000 San Francisco CA 94117

Were I to baldly tell you the premise of this game, you likely would say, “That’ll never work.” That was certainly how my friends reacted when I told them, and most of them have been employed in the game industry for years. But professionals that they are, they agreed to give the game a try, and the results were surprising. Be warned, then: What I’m about to tell you may sound ludicrous at first. But give me a chance, and you should end up convinced of the game’s validity. The THEATRIX game is a virtually dice- less approach to role-playing, based upon the premise that in each scene of an ad- venture the GM not only sets ahead of time the goal for that scene, but also de- cides beforehand whether the PCs will succeed or fail at that goal. Much like ancient Greek tragedy, all that remains to be discovered during play is exactly how the characters go about getting to that Role-playing games' ratings preset end, and how well they succeed or how poorly they fail. Not recommended I warned you. With that premise in mind, there isn’t Poor, but may be useful much need for dice. As a matter of fact, the only time they are ever called for in the game is when the GM—called the Fair Director in this product—can’t decide ahead of time exactly how difficult to Good make a particular task. But given the game’s emphasis on Director pre-scripting, Excellent even that need isn’t likely to arise often. Now, before you get too riled up about The best lack of player ability to influence the course of a story, let me hasten to note that PCs can use a limited number of

92 MAY 1995 personal points called “Plot Points” to For one thing, the initial concepts are so spending your seven dollars elsewhere. change the outcome of a particular event. unusual that most readers will do a fair Why am I reviewing the book in a games The book gives an example of a spy story, amount of head scratching in the early column? Because the book reviewer has for instance, in which a male PC is chapters of the book before catching on. not reviewed it, and in response, the clubbed by a woman who the Director has Even after the book has been digested, the book’s author argued that the riddles decided makes the attack with some re- work left to be done is considerable. While included at the beginning of each chapter gret, but who needs to incapacitate the PC the game allows for role-playing in any make it a resource for role-playing adven- long enough to steal an item and escape. genre, it does so by defining only the tures. Consequently, each game reviewer The player, however, decides to spend a framework, leaving the specifics of com- got a copy too. Given the stew of things Plot Point to activate his character’s “De- posing skill lists and definitions, attribute I’m including in this particular review, I scriptor” of “Lady’s Man,” and the Director ranges, and so on to the GM (though the figured it was now or never. approves the expenditure because it seems creators plan to release genre-specific What’s so bad about Runes & Riddles? dramatically appropriate, so the woman source books in the future). And, of Let’s see. Where to start . . . changes her mind at the last moment, course, you may have some trouble con- Well, for one thing, the riddles are really remaining for a romantic interlude rather vincing players to give the game a try— inane, and the poetry they’re cast in is than taking the item and leaving. Of especially if you introduce it the way I even worse. Consider the following exam- course, now the Director will have to have in this review. ple from the book’s cover: revise the larger plot of the adventure to In all, though, the THEATRIX game de- Silent as a mouse, account for the change, but that’s part of finitely is a good value. While I don’t agree Never needing a house, the enjoyment. with its designers’ claim that it is the next Clad in plate, Most of the time, however, players sim- evolution in role-playing (it is still fun to Always late. ply feel their way through the unfolding play games with dice; and my players felt Literature it ain’t. And this is one of the story, using their characters’ skills to dis- less mortal danger for their characters better pieces. cover how much or how little the odds are with prescripted scenes and without the Then there’s the quality of the text itself. currently stacked against them. In a fanta- element of luck), I whole-heartedly recom- The prologue has a fellow stabbed with a sy story, for instance, if the characters mend it as both an entertaining change dirk, then “helplessly [sink] to the floor—a investigate a cave and discover an ancient from the vagaries of dice and an admira- dagger tip protruding from his posterior:” dragon inside, clever skill use will get ble training course in the creation of dra- Ouch. It’s bad enough to have one pro- them out alive with the least amount of matic adventures. Were I were to teach a trude from your back (which I can only damage, but without dice rolls there is no college course in role-playing, this game assume was the author’s intention); to chance of a lucky strike killing the thing. would be required reading. have one protrude from your fanny must Instead, they will have to explore other be exceptionally painful. The rest of the scenes of the adventure to discover just text abounds with such careless or igno- what they need to do to overcome the THE EMPIRE OF ELWOLF: rant misuse of the English language (one threat. RUNES & RIDDLES * book woman archer in the book can poke a This approach to role-playing may be 378page, 5½” X 8½” novel goblin’s eye out from a hundred paces unusual, but it works. The fact of the Author: F. J. Carradine away—what a reach!) married to an equal matter is, playing the game is fun. mix of triteness on one hand and ludi- The THEATRIX game has more to recom- Royal Fireworks Press $7.00 crously overblown verbiage on the other. mend it to role-players. The tone of the First Avenue Characters in this book whirl dramatically writing throughout is applaudable, and the Unionville NY 10988 in preparation for an exit, then scamper visual presentation—both layout and art— down the hall. They smile their words, or is quite good. The text is well organized, Normally, I avoid reviewing things I crackle them (yes, “crackle”), or groan with lots of aids for the reader, including a don’t like. Personally, I’d much rather tell them, or propose them, or inject them, or healthy number of clear examples, plus people about cool things than about things even step into the conversation, rather end-of-chapter summaries and glossaries. that honk. The fact of the matter is, I’m than simply speaking. They pound their Given the unusual nature of what the typically loaded down with enough things fists against wagons in frustration. They game teaches, those last two are especially to review (and short enough on time) that have silly names like Blak, and Crimbor, helpful. Furthermore, in keeping with its it makes sense to concentrate on only the and the Ewtar goblins of north Rabivor, theatrical approach to role-playing, the best of products. and (my personal favorite) King Blasteem product teaches a remarkable amount But on occasion, I feel obligated to warn Baltamax. (Okay, Okay. Taken alone, any about scripting stories as if they were people away from something that might one of these names might work—though I dramas. That information alone makes the otherwise suck them in. I don’t want the think “Blasteem Baltamax” is ridiculous no book a valuable resource for game mas- bad karma that comes from people spend- matter what—but real names arise out of ters. Finally, the game includes a set of ing their hard-earned money on an awful history, culture, and language, which cardstock flowcharts to train a novice product because it looks interesting or means that taken all together, they look THEATRIX Director in how to relate the because someone has been pushing it, and sound like they spring from the world effects of the PCs’ successes and failures. when I could have warned them but to which they belong. Fantasy names (Seldom is a result blatantly successful or didn’t. should follow the same model, rather than transparently failed: such as attempting to Which brings me to the Runes & Riddles seeming to pop willy-nilly from some start a car on a cold day, most require novel. Sigh. Recently, another magazine random syllable computer program.) some careful handling and tenacity for published a relatively favorable review of The one good thing about the book is final success, or cautious experimentation this product. Though the review itself is that you can open it to nearly any page, to become certain of failure without caus- sufficiently poorly written to undermine begin reading, and—within a paragraph or ing additional trouble.) Those sheets are its own credibility (as one example, the two—be driven to groans of disbelief or extremely helpful when first running the reviewer says the book’s first few chapters gales of laughter. As unintentional comedy, game, though they quickly obsolesce them- are “cumbersome to read” because they it is great. selves by making the adjudication process are “chalked [sic] full of adjectives and And that is sad. It’s sad because a living second nature for the game master. adverbs”; and what an image that con- person put his heart into writing this stuff, Prospective Directors should be warned, veys), I still feel an obligation to disagree and now he has to read this terribly nega- however, that getting started in a THEA- with it publicly, in order to make perfectly tive review. I’m sorry to be the bearer of TRIX campaign usually takes some time. clear that you would be much better off bad tidings, but it’s time for a reality

DRAGON 93 check. The reality is that Runes & Riddles soft things that scream and bleed,” and its terrain not normally stopped at in this is awful. description runs exactly as follows (errors portion of the magazine. First a novel, and and all): “In most cases, theres no art to now a computer game. But as an indirect HOL* game the deadly games of sword and knife play. result of my guest shot at the “Eye of the 140-page perfect-bound book Just push it in and pull it out. Reapeat til Monitor” in DRAGON® Magazine issue Design: Todd Shaughnessy, Daniel Thron, dead.” Other skills get the same sort of #214, I came across this product, and it & Chris Elliott treatment, but you get the idea. One of my appeals to my role-playing side sufficiently Editing: “I do not exist.” favorite things about the game is the fact for me to want to tell you about it. Cover Art: Simon Kono that weapons are rated by both damage In this game, you play the role, primarily, Interior art: Daniel Thron & Chris Elliott and “anguish factor.” The “Anguish Factor of the Crimson Tape, a stalwart superhero Equivalencies” chart is a hoot. There we with the power to create organizational Black Dog Game Factory $14.95 learn that anguish factor 1 is equivalent to charts and graphs, and leader of the not-so- 780 Park North Blvd., Suite 100 “Stapling your finger,” 2 to “Ripping your terribly-impressive Superhero League of Clarkston GA 30021 toenail on a brick,” 9 to “Folding your Hoboken, New Jersey, in a comical yet dead- elbow the wrong way,” and so on. My ly post-apocalyptic setting. As the opening Fair warning: If the HOL game were a personal favorite is 15, “Being caught in screen of the game says, “The future ain’t movie, it would be rated R for adult lan- the gears of a ferris wheel.” what it used to be.” By visiting the league’s guage, graphic violence, and sheer, over- While these few examples of text may lunch room, you can add other members to the-edge insanity. This book is definitely serve to whet your appetite, I can’t do your party, heroes such as Tropical Oil Man, not for kids. (As a matter of fact, while justice in this column to the sheer weight whose power raises the cholesterol level of White Wolf Game Studio—a company with of lunacy that is this book taken in total. opponents, and Madame Pepperoni, who a reputation for mature themes in its The designers poke merciless fun at can see the toppings on a pizza through the products—currently owns the rights to gamers, the hobby in general, related very box! (Granted, that power is helpful publish the HOL game, it is releasing it hobbies, other games (I love the jumpslugs when one of the toppings is dynamite.) Each under a new, even more mature imprint, entry, guys), corporate America, and even hero comes equipped with wondrous weap- Black Dog Game Factory.) But if you aren’t themselves. (After all, they’re related to all ons (such as Zaniac’s sharpened toothpick, offended by a bit of foul language, grue, those other entries in one way or another.) or the Caped Cods slinky of death) and and irreverent humor, then the HOL game Is there an actual game here? Yes. But I protective gear (from King Midas’ deflector may be just your cup of tea. haven’t played it yet; I’m still laughing my crown to Toastbuster’s smart gloves), with The premise of the game is that in the way through the book. As I said earlier, I even sillier and more powerful items to be distant future there is a garbage/prison hardly think the game’s the point. How- found during missions. planet far, far from the rest of the galaxy, ever, if you are lunatic enough to run Missions are what the game revolves a world where undesirable individuals are adventures on a world where—among around. The league begins with five mis- dumped. The very letters “HOL” stand for other things—robot cameras attach them- sions to perform: at the initial level of play “Human Occupied Landfill.” In the HOL selves to PCs’ heads to broadcast their you must defuse a limburger bomb hidden game, players take on the role of one of 10 adventures back to the galactic core but in the trunk of an abandoned car, drive off pregenerated characters trapped on this punish offensive sights by exploding, a flock of rabid sheep terrorizing a village, horrible world. That’s right, you have to which means—among other things—no fix the computer of a faltering religious play one of the characters in the book— potty breaks for the afflicted characters, sect (they’ve a magnet too close to the guys like Eugene Spinkler (geek gamer), then you will find sufficient rules in the monitor), keep a warehouse full of jala- Captain Wacky (whose special abilities are book to allow you to run those adven- peno peppers from polluting the water “megayodel” and “can turn tongue upside tures. Besides, the text repeatedly encour- table, and finally defeat a plot by the evil down”), and “The man with no NAM” ages Holmeisters to make things up as Doctor Entropy to dominate the world (complete with pot-belly stove lid armor)— they go, and to cheat indiscriminately. with his mind-control ray. Success at all of but it really doesn’t matter that you can’t I will warn one more time, though, that them means that the league is promoted design your own, because I doubt that there is much in this book to offend those and given a new set of five missions, as anyone plays this game anyway. Few peo- who find profanity, vulgarity, and black well as a gift of money, and likely the ple in all creation are weird enough to humor offensive. The HOL game is not for addition of another superhero come to serve as a “Holmeister” (game master), and everyone. share in your growing fame. While travel- besides, the real point of the HOL game is But I have to admit that I find it ing across the map to the site of each reading it. thoroughly enjoyable. mission (and secondary sites along the The HOL game is a shockingly, breath- way, to gain items necessary for comple- takingly hilarious read. Like some de- SUPERHERO LEAGUE OF tion), your band of heroes encounters all sorts of strange, bio-mechanical, mutant ranged underground comic book, the game HOBOKEN* nasties, creatures such as McMutant, who game is entirely hand written, which boxed computer game; requires hard disk, causes the text to blend with the artwork 2 MB RAM, 386-20 MHz, DOS 5.0 or may squirt you with a damaging special sauce, Steroid Man, or the Samurai Weld- in ways that normally typeset products do higher, mouse, and VGA graphics card er. Defeating these foes lends your charac- not. The resulting loose visual effect Design: Steve Meretzky ters experience, translating into improved matches perfectly with the darkly wacky Cover art: Francesco Santalucia abilities in both combat and use of second- content of that text. In a way, reading this Art: Kinetic Arts (Cindy Kovalck, Peter ary super powers. game is like perusing some demented Calabria, Tanya Isaacson), Paul Mock, The silliness of these examples matches game master’s notebook, complete with Anne-Marie Cox, Mark Poesch well the jolly nonsense of the mission doodled arrows to important points, Music: Arfing Dog, Eric Heberling, Mike solutions, but that is exactly what is so blotted-out errors, and marginal illos Verdu much fun about the game. You are driven crammed in hither and yon. Sound effects: Duane Beck Let’s consider a few examples of text, to think creatively in order to defeat the beginning with the description of a skill Legend Entertainment Company plots, and the toughness of the combats $59.95 along the way, as well as the applaudable that most games would call something like PO. Box 10810, 14200 Park Meadow Drive graphics (a good blend of realistic detail, “fencing,” or “bladed combat,” or even the Chantilly VA 22021 prosaic “sword.” In the HOL game, this humorous imagery, and engaging anima- tion), combine to produce entertaining play. skill is called “Making sharp things go thru As I said, this month’s column visits

94 MAY 1995 The primary thread that holds the over- game, and shortly thereafter to the human “centipede” made of six murdered all adventure together is the recurring AD&D® game. Again I felt the awesome bodies merged end to end. (The monsters threat of Dr. Entropy. Having been left for wonder of being transported back to these characters fight are even more terri- dead in a junkyard years before, the fel- fantastic worlds I had grown up in. In a fying.) low was rescued by a deranged repair heartbeat, I was hooked, my fate as a Character creation is simplicity itself. robot, who used nearby parts in rebuild- gamer (and later, as a game designer) was The first, and hardest, step is simply envi- ing him. As a consequence, Dr. Entropy sealed. sioning the central concept for your char- now looks like a demented jack-in-the-box, As the years have passed, I have found acter. You needn’t know anything about which explains his mad desire to revenge many movies and games enjoyable. But the game mechanics at this point. As a himself upon the world at large. But the only a few have satisfied in such a visceral matter of fact, I’ve begun adventure after adventure also is unified by the fact that way. As a fan of the movie, I was thrilled adventure at conventions by simply de- items encountered early in play become to find West End Games’ STAR WARS* scribing a few previous character concepts important to solving later missions. The game (especially the first edition) just as and then asking the players for their ideas. end result is a game that allows you to much a classic. Its mechanics are so well Invariably, as soon as one player begins play for a while, accomplish a minor goal, wedded to the setting that they become describing something, it spurs the others get back to your real life, and return to its virtually invisible during play, something to creativity, and within minutes everyone zany lure later. that relatively few games can claim. Some is ready to begin translating their descrip- Some people may find a few aspects of years earlier, I was introduced to tion into game mechanics. the game tasteless: In order to solve one Chaosium’s CALL OF CTHULHU* (CoC) That concept-to-mechanics process is mission, for instance, you absolutely have game through the pages of the now- extremely easy. Each player begins by to dicker with the madam of a brothel. But defunct SPACE GAMER* magazine, and dividing 22 points among four basic attrib- these elements are minor—much less again, I was hooked. The setting is so well utes, as fitting the character’s description. central than in other of Virgin’s products, envisioned, and the game mechanics re- (The number of points spent in each deter- such as the SPELLCASTING 101: SORCER- flect it so smoothly, that the game has mines how many six-sided dice you roll ERS GET ALL THE GIRLS* game. become a milestone by which others are when using that attribute during the In all, then, THE SUPERHERO LEAGUE measured. game. As in playing the YAHTZEE* game, OF HOBOKEN computer game provides I hope it won’t sound audacious for me you look for the highest total of matched quite a bit of entertainment. Its unique to say that I think the CoC RPG finds its numbers when making a roll. Spending a characters, captivating missions, overarch- match in the WHISPERING VAULT* game. point of “karma”—characters start with ing story line, and engaging details of play While the original, pre-press, “Black Book” 5—lets you reroll any number of the dice, result in a satisfying sense of role-playing. edition of the WHISPERING VAULT game as well, also as in the YAHTZEE game.) I wouldn’t skip an RPG session to play it, (reviewed in DRAGON® MAGAZINE #208) Subsequent character creation steps are but it sure makes satisfying filler for the was a bit rough around the edges, it tanta- just as simple, and there are only a hand- times in between. lized with its unique vision of horror and ful, each flowing naturally from the initial its impressive grasp of effective and inven- character concept. (For more details, see tive game mechanics. I am happy to say the aforementioned review of the “Black WHISPERING VAULT* game that the subsequent full version of the Book” edition.) Finally, players each envi- 142-page perfect-bound book game delivers on the promise of that origi- sion the other-worldly realm their charac- Design: Mike Nystul nal book. This game touches in me that ter creates in which to spend time Illustrations: Pat Coleman, Mark Ernst, same deep sense of awe that the AD&D, between adventures. As an extension of Earl Geier, Daniel Gelon, Jeff Lauben- STAR WARS, and CoC games have. I can- the character, the realm provides a haven stein, Anson Maddocks, Larry Mac- not give any higher a recommendation whose nature matches the character’s Dougall, Dave MacKay, Jim Nelson, than that. completely. For instance, the aforemen- Mike Nielsen, Mark Tedin Nonetheless, “You always hurt the ones tioned Victorian alchemist occupied a you love.” It has something to do with realm that incorporated an English sitting Pariah Press $20.00 knowing them better than anyone else, and room/alchemical laboratory into the interi- 5744 Irving Park Road with wanting them to excel. In the para- or of a crypt, in the middle of a run-down Chicago IL 60634 graphs that follow, then, as a true aficio- cemetery. His servitors were corpses that nado of the game, I take pains to point out would claw their way up from their I was 20 years old when Star Wars first both its strengths and weaknesses. Just graves when he needed tea served, or hit the big screen. Prior to that time, remember that any “complaints” I make in suchlike. The thunderbird spirit dwelt in a science-fiction and fantasy were pretty the process are not evidence of any dissatis- deep cloud atop a mountain and was much treated seriously only in books; faction on my part, but rather are intended served by the spirits of forest creatures. movies of those genres were typically to make your use of the game as satisfying Adventures in the game are largely cheesy fair. There was the occasional as possible. formulaic: Basically, the characters are exception, of course—as in the case of The In the WHISPERING VAULT game, play- summoned back to the realm of flesh by Day the Earth Stood Still—but society at ers take the role of characters who were some mortal or another in dire need; they large just didn’t seem interested in such once human, but whose investigations into investigate to determine just how the fanciful things, and it showed. Conse- the supernatural have led them to tran- realm is being invaded and corrupted quently, I remember sitting in awe as Star scend the flesh and become other-worldly (usually the invader is a renegade “god” Wars opened and a star destroyer slid guardians of reality. In the transition from whose lust for its own creation leads it to endlessly across the top of the screen, flesh to “essence,” their most elemental invade, which inevitably results in the firing at the fleeing rebel transport; I nature is revealed: I’ve run adventures for corruption of that creation); the PCs su- remember being filled with emotion at the a Native American turned thunderbird pernaturally “mend” the corruption and haunting double sunset of Tatooine as spirit, a flame-headed Puritan preacher bind the renegade, then haul it back to the Luke scanned the horizon for the run- from colonial Salem, a 1970s smiley face realm of essence, to toss it into the Whis- away R2D2. In these scenes and others, sphere of gold with a razor-sharp mo- pering Vault, an otherworldly prison for the film touched all the wonder of my hawk, a shadowy 1930s detective who “gods” who have fallen. This formulaic boyhood spent in other worlds through appears only in black and white, and the nature is great for providing structure for the magic of books. walking corpse of a Victorian alchemist, one-time adventures, but it begins to feel A few years later, a friend introduced just to name a few; and I’ve played as PCs confining to most players in a campaign. me to the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® a werewolf/motorcycle “centaur,” and a To be fair, I must point out that the game

DRAGON 95 has some wonderful suggestions for open- don’t need the DANGEROUS PREY book to ing quite a bit of strategy in both construc- ing up that structure (I really want to run play the WHISPERING VAULT game, the tion and use of the combatants. The price a campaign of Watchers, for instance, who material it provides will definitely enhance of the game seems a bit steep considering maintain a stronghold in a particular time a campaign. I highly recommend it. the quality of the components: The game and place of the fleshly realm, where they comes in a CD jewel case, and consists of a act as location-specific guardians, with an Short & sweet 24-page, 4½” X 5” rules book, a folded occasional jaunt to another time and place THE GREAT DALMUTI game* by 8¼” X 9½” map sheet, several character when someone’s need is truly great), but Richard Garfield. Wizards of the Coast, sheets, six fold-over figures, and two tiny most players seem to get hung up on the PO. Box 707, Renton WA 98057-0707, dice. All of the paper components are in default structure. Prospective GMs should $7.95. simple black and white, with the exception be prepared for this and take steps to For those who might be wondering, this of the figures, which are black on six deflate the problem before it arises. card game has absolutely nothing to do different colors. While the figures in par- The book’s presentation is excellent, with the MAGIC: THE GATHERING* game. ticular look chintzy, the fact that they nearly flawless (except for some typos, Unlike MTG, it isn’t collectible—from four stand up does elevate them above flat such as virtually no apostrophes). The to eight players play right out of the single counters (pun intended), which I think a attitude projected by both text and art is box. And, truth be told, unlike MTG, it good decision on the designers’ part. The uniformly dark, brooding, and extremely isn’t original: Many players will recognize rules are nicely designed and clearly writ- strange. The end result is a virtually seam- it as a slight variant of another game ten; there are no “iffy” areas for debate less presentation of Nystul’s vision of hor- played with a regular deck of playing during play. They make me itch to build a ror (except for Talon, a sample PC at the cards, under the name of “Jerk,” “Fool,” or 3-D arena and paint up some robots for very back of the book, whose premise and (from an Australian friend) “Presidents play at conventions. If you judge a product art I didn’t think fit the rest in the original and [insert pluralized name of a lower by the component materials, this one will book, and who seems even more out of sphincter here],” or somesuch. But, regard- probably disappoint you. But if you don’t place in this version; but hey, that’s only less of its origins, the game is fun. Players mind forking over $11 for sheer play one character sheet). And that unique try to empty their hands of cards as quick- value, I definitely recommend this game. vision is both shockingly strange and yet ly as possible by discarding matching sets universal in scope. of cards with increasingly lower face VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE* : MINI Some potential buyers might be put off values. If the lead player discards three BLOOD POINTS* (Shield Games, PO. Box by the price of the game relative to the nines, for instance, the next player has to 211053, Columbus OH 43221, $6.00). thickness of the book. Don’t let this be discard three matching cards numbered If you play the JYHAD* game (Hi. I’m you. This product is pure, distilled horror, eight or lower, and so on around the table. Lester, and I’m a Jyhadaholic.), this is a with some of the most concise yet effec- Players who can’t discard must pass. As- wonderfully useful item to have. It con- tive mechanics ever published; its relative suming a five-player game, the first player sists of 30 small red glass beads and five slimness simply means that you’ll digest to run out of cards becomes the Greater black ones to keep track of your blood the game more quickly initially, and refer- Dalmuti for the next hand; the second expenditure (the blacks count as five blood ence it more easily during play. Just be- becomes the Lesser Dalmuti, the third the each), together with a miniature IV trans- cause White Wolfs horror games are Merchant, the fourth the Lesser Peon, and fusion bag to carry them in. The bag padded with meandering angst (come on, the fifth the Greater Peon. (Larger groups makes a great “edge” token, fully in keep- admit it, we all know it’s true, and I run a result in more merchants.) At the begin- ing with the spirit of the game (and be- weekly VAMPIRE* game campaign), that ning of each hand, the Dalmutis each give cause its tubing is fastened in a circle, the doesn’t mean all horror has to be present- a lousy card or two to their respective truly pretentious can wear it as a sort of ed that way. Give the WHISPERING VAULT Peons (one for the Lesser Dalmuti and two charm bracelet). It also can carry the game a try, and you’ll see what I mean. for the Greater), and the Peons have to beads, though they’re a bit difficult to get give their best card or cards in exchange. into it, and they have a tendency to spill DANGEROUS PREY * book Unless you use an optional victory-point out the mouth if you’re not careful. Fortu- 110-page perfect-bound book rule, there is no fixed end to the game. nately the package includes a resealable Pariah Press $15.00 Play just continues from hand to hand, plastic bag for back-up. Design: Nigel Findley, William Spencer- with players trying to hold the best posi- Hale, Kevin Hassall, Aaron Loeb, tions for as long as possible. New players Lester Smith is a game designer at TSR, Andrew Lucas, Geoff McMartin, Bryan can join the game between hands by Inc., and has worked on projects for vari- Nystul, Mike Nystul, and Chris Pramas entering the merchant ranks. ous other game companies in the past. He Editing: Aaron Loeb, Bryan Nystul, Dawn People who purchase this game expect- makes something of a hobby of collecting Nystul, and Mike Nystul ing another Garfield masterpiece are likely new, small-press products, particularly Front cover art: Larry MacDougall to be disappointed, especially if they’ve RPGs, which explains the focus of his Back cover art: Jeff Miracola played a version of it before with regular periodic review articles in this magazine. Interior art: Pat Coleman, Earl Geier, Dave playing cards. But the art is good; the MacKay, Jeff Miracola, Mike Naylor package is nice; the rules are well written; and play is enjoyable. This first supplement for the WHISPER- ING VAULT RPG is an excellent addition to BATTLEBOTS* game (by Adam Loper the game’s mythos. It contains expanded and Peter Spahos, Snarling Badger Games, material about the renegades that the PCs PO. Box 1744, Oshkosh WI 54902-1744, hunt, including new information concern- $10.95). ing their powers and lairs, plus further Reminiscent in many ways of the old details of the minions that serve them, as MELEE* and WIZARD* games from Meta- well as numerous adventure hooks and a gaming, the BATTLEBOTS game allows 19-page adventure. players to custom-design fighters and have The art and text carry on the tradition them battle to the death on a hex-grid of the original game, resulting in another arena map. But in this case, the fighters

book that is refreshingly concise, and just are robots, and the rules are a bit simpler l indicates a product produced by a company other as darkly horrific. While you certainly than those earlier games, while still allow- than TSR, Inc.

96 MAY 1995

News of people & events in the gaming industry TSR publishes “lost” GREYHAWK® The ‘zine scene DRAGON Magazine alum, and published manuscript electronically Finally available direct in the United States author Lisa Smedman, the ‘zine contains TSR, Inc., uploaded its first fully elec- is Australian Realms Magazine. Brought to adventures and only adventures for your tronic game release to AOL in March; Ivid you by compatriots of those who gave you favorite RPGs. The first issue’s highlights the Undying for the WORLD OF Mad Max, Crocodile Dundee, and Priscilla, were adventures for FASA’s SHADOWRUN, GREYHAWK® setting is available in the Queen of the Desert, Australian Realms is a Atlas Games’ OVER THE EDGE*, and download area of TSR Online. Designed by top-notch bimonthly magazine for devoted Chaosium’s CALL OF CTHULHU* games. Carl Sargent and previewed in DRAGON® lovers of role-playing games. Features in- The 80-page second issue has adventures Magazine issues #204, 206, and 208, Ivid clude “how-to” advice articles, historical for Pariah’s WHISPERING VAULT*, R. covers the horrors, politics, characters, perspectives, a running series on the role of Talsorian’s CASTLE FALKENSTEIN*, West and unique monsters of the Great King- women in role-playing, coverage of all the End’s STAR WARS *, and Chaosium’s dom of Aerdy, a region plunged into civil major role-playing games on the market, NEPHILIM* games, among others. The war and mayhem during the Greyhawk plus regular features of its own generic price is $4.95 U.S. Wars. If published conventionally, it would dark-fantasy campaign world of Unae, news, Pariah on Crusade run to almost 200 pages. Though the for- reviews, and the funniest comic strip to Pariah Press has a new fantasy role- mat does not support maps and artwork, appear in any magazine. Issue #21 of Austra- playing game in the works (as we men- the Great Kingdom can be used in any lian Realms is available now. You can contact tioned in issue #216) and, not surprisingly, high-level GREYHAWK campaign. the magazine directly at: Australian Realms, it’s going to be very different. What that PO. Box 220, Morley, Western Australia, means is anyone’s guess, but Pariah head- WotC buys Andon 6943. Voice: +619-375 1537, Fax: +619-275 man Mike Nystul says, “It’s a big change of In the past two years, Wizards of the 2828, email: [email protected]. pace for us.” The characters are called Coast has gobbled up chunks of White In other ‘zines news, issue #18 of Shadis Changelings and have mysterious super- Wolf (the ARS MAGICA* game), Nightfall Magazine mentions that their circulation natural abilities. After the war of the gods, Games (the SLA INDUSTRIES* game), Atlas now is over 20,000 copies. We congratu- the Changelings form an order of knights Games (the TALISLANTA* game, for a late editor-in-chief Jolly R. Blackburn and during the twilight of the gods—a strange while), and most of Pagan Press (The Un- the whole Alderac Entertainment Group time indeed. Even the god of death is speakable Oath). Now they have added on their success and wish them even dead, and undead war machines walk the Andon Unlimited to their list of trophies more! land. for a “more than adequate” sum. Andon, We’ve just seen issue #2 of Edmund This is the setting of the fantasy game run by Gary Smith, runs several major Shaw’s The Familiar, the ‘zine “for gamers called CRUSADE*, which will be available conventions every year, including Three with a brain.” This 64-page ‘zine has arti- late this year. A preview edition that in- Rivers Con in Pittsburgh, Cruisecon in the cles from Jim Cambias, Lisa Steele, Paul cludes everything needed to play, but Caribbean, Andcon in Toledo, Ohio, the Lidberg, and the first part of a two-part describing only a limited portion of the ORIGINS* convention in Philadelphia, and overview on the Pulp genre by Brian Mis- world setting is expected to be ready for the GAMA Trade Show in New Orleans. iasek, plus six pages of capsule reviews. the GEN CON® Game Fair. However, some Smith plans on moving to Renton, Wash., You can contact The Familiar at: PO. Box portions of the game will be available only by April; He has plans to add one more 2752, Chapel Hill NC 27515; or phone/fax in the preview version. In addition, some staffer soon, and looks forward to work- to: (919) 967-9173. details of the setting will be previewed on ing closely with the Duelist Convocation Speaking of second issues, Adventures America Online in the Online Gaming team. Andon will retain a large degree of Unlimited #2 should be on sale by the time Forum (keyword: OGF), in the Game Com- independence. you read this. Headed by freelancer, pany Support folder.

98 MAY 1995 * indicates a product produced by a company other than TSR, Inc.

“Forum” welcomes your comments and sonally, I do not wish to play with some- opinions on role-playing games. In the Unit- novice GM who can’t seem to figure out one whose cut-and-dried character has no ed States and Canada, write to: Forum, what the PCs in foreign worlds/areas should name, no identity, no individualism, and DRAGON® iMagazine, 201 Sheridan Springs know and easily be able to figure out. only wants to go out and kill every single Rd., Lake Geneva WI 53147 U.S.A. In Eu- I have tried everything from “You are in solitary living thing in sight. Nor do I wish rope, write to: Forum, DRAGON Magazine, a dark forest totally unfamiliar to you” to to game with someone who overacts, TSR Ltd, 120 Church End, Cherry Hinton, “You are 50 miles west of Corvia, in worries about what the character is wear- Cambridge CB1 3LB, United Kingdom. We Darkon, which is a domain in Ravenloft ing, and sits down to ponder the ways of ask that material submitted to “Forum” be (here’s a map) ruled by . . . ” and have yet existence when that rather large, mean- either neatly written by hand or printed to find a happy medium. looking red dragon decides that the party with a fresh ribbon so we can read and So now I turn to the ranks of veteran would make a rather pleasant addition to understand your comments. You must give GMs, who hopefully can give me a few its evening meal. us your name and full mailing address if you techniques and insights to my problem. In my opinion, the best campaign to expect your letter to be printed (we will not Eric Shearer game in is one in which both aspects are consider a letter submitted anonymously) Parker CO met. Player characters have names, faces, but we will withhold your name if you ask histories, and personalities, and the play- us to do so. We will print your complete I have been keeping track of the role- ers get a chance to role-play. And by the address if you request it. playing vs. hack & slash arguments fea- same token, they also get to take part in tured in DRAGON Magazine for the past great and epic quests, gain fame, get rich, In the four years that I’ve been playing several months. In those past issues, many and, of course, kick butt. the AD&D® game, several house interpre- a person has written in to try to convince Without one, the other is useless. To- tations of the rules have had to be argued the gaming world that one aspect is better. gether they make the game fun to play. out. But recently in a campaign where I But it seems to me that most, if not all, of Apart, they make it out to be old maid. am a player, two rules have been inter- these combatants have forgotten one small Danny Walthall preted in such a fashion that I feel obligat- thing: It is called role-playing, is it not? Highland Springs VA ed to ask if anyone else in the gaming And combat is a part of the role-playing, is community plays these rules this way. it not? What players and DMs have to do is Issue #208 was the first DRAGON Mag- First, the current DM of our game has strive to find a happy mix of the two. azine I have bought in almost 10 years. I ruled that a mage can cast whatever spell I have played and ran campaigns set in was kind of surprised it was still around. he desires. (Of course, it has to be in his each of these aspects. My 11 years of gaming I would like to respond to Rick Under- spellbook and it must fit within the experience have taught me that one is not wood’s letter in that issue regarding criti- amount of spells per level he can cast per better than the other. Playing only one style cal hits. I agree with his statement day.) The mage player in the group obvi- tends to make the game boring, predictable, regarding critical hits adding a dimension ously has no problem with this, but the and easy, i.e., not a lot of fun. of risk to higher level parties, a chance to clerics do. The PHB states that clerics and Now, some loyal role-players and some win for lower-level parties and the ele- mages cast spells the same way; therefore, equally loyal hack & slashers are probably ment of humor into an AD&D game. I also the priests argue that they should not going to disagree and tell me to go to the used to use the system from DRAGON have to state the spells that they have Abyss for spouting such rhetoric. issue #39, but decided that it was too prepared to cast. Advice, anyone? An RPG is a game in which the player specific and often had unreasonable re- Second, my character is a dual-classed takes on a role of a character (much like sults, such as a “helmet slips” for a charac- thief/fighter. She was advancing as a thief an actor or actress) and imagines to be ter who didn’t wear a helmet. In turn, I when something strange happened at 11th living and interacting in a fantasy world. use a system where the chance of scoring level. She got dull, boring, a nuisance to play, To survive in this world, the character a critical hit or fumbling is a percentage a snooze a minute . . . you get the point. The must be proficient in both the ways of war chance equal to the number that was only thing the character could do well was and the ways of the mind. An RPG is rolled higher or lower than the number sneak around and backstab with her sun- meant to combine all of these elements needed to hit. This system was perfected blade. So I went to my DM and asked if I into one, thus making the game enjoyable by a friend of mine who ran an excellent could switch back to advancing as a fighter. and fun to play. Some players may want to campaign until last year, when the con- He said I could, but then mentioned that I’d just roll the dice, jot down some stats, and cerns of the real world negated his time to need nearly a million XP to be able to use go kick some butt, in turn making their play or run a game. Once a critical hit or my thieving abilities again. After much talk- characters one-dimensional and bent on fumble has been scored, I use a d8/d12 combined roll to determine results. The ing, he has allowed me only to need to sur- obtaining only one goal: money. Some pass the amount of XP not levels as a fighter. players, on the other hand, may want to results get more drastic as one approaches I do realize that this situation is disregarding spend countless hours forming their char- the extremes in the range of die rolls. The two of the rules concerning dual-classism, acters’ background, personality, goals, and idea behind this came from the encounter but it seems more reasonable. ambitions. Then they roll the dice, jot generation system presented in the origi- Keith Bidwell down the stats, and go kick some butt, nal AD&D game’s Monster Manual II. The Lewiston ME making their characters boring, boorish, results are generic enough so that a good and kinda lazy. DM can tailor critical hit/fumble results to I wrote this hoping some experienced GMs It seems that some players choose only a specific situation and circumstance with- out there could give me some advice. I am a one aspect and go overboard with it. Per- out violating any rules.

DRAGON 103 On a more personal note. I’ve played the Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a lot Enough is enough! For too long I have AD&D game for 13 years now. I don’t of assumptions about role-playing and perused the pages of the “Forum” to be have time to be a DM any more, but I play role-playing games seem to have been regaled time and again with the assorted in a weekly game run by a DM who’s been thrown out the window. No longer are merits, deficiencies, playability, and—that gaming since the age of disco. I have all players limited to playing only the good ultimate bugaboo of players, game masters the original game stuff, including dozens guys—“boy scouts” as some call them. In and game designers alike—game balance of modules in pristine condition. Recently I the wake of such games as White Wolfs of the various AD&D game player classes went into a game store in my home town. VAMPIRE* and Hero Games’ DARK CHAM- and races. I hadn’t purchased any AD&D game mate- PIONS* setting, a lot of discussion about I understand that such debates often rials for several years and hadn’t been in a dark game or mature RPGs has taken provide the same warm glow one gets game store in a long time. I saw an original place. To me, darkness in an RPG refers to when arguing the results of the latest edition Monster Manual priced at $35.00! I the game’s setting. Consider some of the college football poll with one’s coworkers was quite surprised. It seems that one of RPGs that have used the word dark in and that these arguments are basically a my favorite hobbies has passed me by. I their titles or descriptions: the entire harmless diversion. Unfortunately, too haven’t kept in touch with what’s going subgenre of “dark future” RPGs (the vari- many of these letters end with the as- on. I never considered myself a “veteran” ous cyberpunk games are the best exam- sumption that the game is in dire need of gamer, but judging from other people I’ve ples), DARK CHAMPIONS setting, and drastic rule changes lest the AD&D game met I guess I am. I used to have a couple GDW’s DARK CONSPIRACY * game, among implode due to some grievous and unjust of DRAGON issues numbered in the 50s others. The newest of these, the DARK imbalance created by the powers (or lack and 60s hanging around in a battered CHAMPIONS setting, was released in 1993. thereof) of a particular character class or cardboard box in some closet. I’ve been As you can see, dark isn’t a new concept race. told they could be quite valuable. How to this industry. All these games share a Such wholesale tampering is quite un- strange! Also, while I was idling I found grim, desperate campaign environment. necessary. The AD&D game is over 10 that lead miniatures have become almost However, the type of actions that the years old and shows no signs of such impossible to find. They’re almost all PCs in these games take, the kind of mis- imminent destruction. It matters not one “handcrafted in pewter” and cost an arm sions they accept, and the variety of deeds whit whether the priest is more powerful and a leg. I saw orcish and elvish minia- they perform all tend to be quite similar to than the fighter who is tougher than the tures armed with laser guns. I saw games the actions, missions, and deeds characters wizard who far outclasses the lowly thief and gaming concepts that seemed too far in other RPGs take. You can call the mis- (or any other pecking order to which you out in left field to be viable, yet someone sion a corporate extraction in a dark- might subscribe). Any differences are must be buying them. I think I’m too far future game, but how are the PCs’ mission relatively minor, and how you play your behind to catch up with the gaming world. goals (and the actions they take to achieve character is far more important than any I’ll just keep playing the AD&D game with those goals) different from the goals of advantages or deficiencies, real or per- my thirty-something friends when our real rescuing the princess held captive in the ceived, that are inherent to the class. lives allow us to, using lead miniatures and evil wizard’s tower in a high-fantasy RPG? Who really cares if one character type is out-of-print material bought a decade and All that’s different is the setting. more powerful than another? Does that a half ago. Mature games are defined instead by mean that the lesser archetypes are Stefan Happ their plots. The actions taken by the PCs doomed to extinction because no one will El Paso TX are based on the decisions the players play them? I hardly think so. If 15 years of make for their characters. In a mature gaming has taught me anything (other I am writing in response to Philip game, these decisions are much more than how to survive on a meager diet of Toomey’s letter in DRAGON issue #210, complex than in other RPGs. The world is soda pop and pretzels), it is that the style regarding the parry maneuver. In his not black and white; there are an infinite of play far outweighs the substance. I— letter, he proposed that in order to suc- number of shades of gray—just as in real and many others, I am certain—have a lot cessfully parry an incoming attack, the life. Mature games carry with them stories of fun playing the different classes and defender must roll higher on a d20 than that contain multiple choices with multiple races, even those combinations some his foe’s attack roll. While this is an effec- outcomes. Further, each of these options gamers consider weak or unplayable. As tive solution to the problem of better carries with it consequences that the PCs far as I’m concerned, the challenge to good armor lessening your foe’s chance to par- will have to deal with. What I’m not talk- play that such “unplayable” characters ry, I would like to share my own rule. ing about when referring to mature sub- present just adds to my enjoyment of the In my campaign, when parrying an ject matter is hack & slash gaming. Don’t game. attack, players roll to hit their opponent’s think that you’re playing a mature game Level playing fields rarely exist in reali- modified THAC0, minus ten. Therefore, in just because there are graphic levels of ty; why should they be more common in order to parry the attack of a lst-level violence or sex in your campaign. I’m fantasy? If the campaign or game rules fighter (THAC0 20), one needs to hit AC talking about role-playing here, not indulg- dictate that wizards are more powerful 10, unless the fighter has strength or ing in some festival of lust and gore and than elven fighter/priests, so be it. Why specialization bonuses. To parry a blow calling that mature. Mature games require anyone would want to play the “inferior” from a 9th-level fighter with a strength of complex decision-making by the game’s elf is probably incomprehensible to a 18/25 who is attacking with his specialized players. power gamer, but they are missing out on weapon, a +2 long sword (modified 8 It is, of course, possible to play a mature much of the fun and variety that the THAC0), one would need to hit AC -2 (8 game in an immature fashion (hacking and AD&D game has to offer. THAC0 minus 10). slashing, as mentioned above), just as it’s Jamie Nossal This system, in my view, works better possible to run a mature campaign using 515½ W. Vienna St. than that of using a foe’s normal AC to almost any RPG rules system. It’s up to you Clio MI 48420 determine success of parries. A skilled and your group. Play the game that’s fun swordsman wearing no armor should for you; it is your campaign, after all. Still, In issue #210, Adam Bickford declared have a much better chance to bypass a I wonder what the other readers of this the cleric class “the ultimate Monty Haul foe’s defenses than an unskilled lackey in magazine think about the trend of these incarnate,” while Melody Alder decided in field plate. RPGs. the same issue that it “needs to be expand- Greg Howley Stephen Carter ed.” Are both correct? Yes. But are changes Bristol CT Cleveland OH to the rules for clerics necessary? No. It seems to me that by adjusting the place of

104 MAY 1995 priests in AD&D game society, Melody can exists, greater numbers of that society’s creased capacity to deal with the same get the role-playing options she’s looking members will become priests than in our problems they faced at lower level in for at the same time the cleric advantages own world because the presence of magic service to the narrowly focused concerns that Adam noticed can be justified. would confirm the assumption upon of their patron Power(s). The trouble with clerics is that it’s so which all religious thought is based, that More than any other character type, easy to pigeonhole them in a campaign. As there is more to life than our senses and how a priest develops and matures as a PC the more defensive counterpart to wiz- sciences can perceive. In such a society, depends on how well developed her envi- ards, it’s easy to look upon them as pacifis- priests would naturally gain more influ- ronment is. Cleric characters can grow in tic healers whose “spell capabilities . . . ence than wizards. That is because while many ways. They may find themselves tend to set them in the backdrop of the wizards dabble with the mysterious ener- involved in a power struggle between campaign.” That, despite all the attention gies that their spells could tap, hoping to their orders and an influential thieves they have gotten in recent issues of turn their Art into a rational Science, guild, noble, or necromancer. (Imagine DRAGON Magazine, is exactly where they priests would gain the benefits of spells trying to do that without alienating PC are supposed to be. Clerics (and specialty without having to examine their source, cohorts employed by the above.) They priests) are representatives of the Powers i.e., god(s). They could concentrate on may have to re-win their community’s that the populations they serve worship. serving the needs of their communities or trust in them after an unstoppable event They have to be “mothering” characters, getting involved in secular politics, at the occurs. They may have to struggle to because they tend to be too busy minding same time they kept watch on the experi- maintain their influence in a community the troubles of commoners to become self- ments of mages. when rival or opposing clerics or specialty involved the way non-priest PCs can. Con- That’s where general-purpose clerics priests set up in the area. They would stantly having to aid PCs and NPCs is part come in: They are fighting priests respon- most definitely have to aid commoners in their care against monsters, humanoids, of the job of being a priest. sible for maintaining the status quo be- What Melody and her group should tween their religion, the secular and natural disasters. Imagine trying to do realize, however, is that AD&D game institutions of the warrior and rogue any of this while dealing with your order’s clerics are much more than “walking classes, and the sometimes “blasphemous” internal bickering. Or imagine trying to do bandages.” As Adam pointed out, they are practices of the wizard class. They are any of that while acting as a living embodi- very versatile characters to play (and can such advantage-laden characters, Adam, ment of the ideals that your religion be even more so in the case of specialized because their training, adaptive mindset, preaches to the masses. The cleric is a priests, who, in certain incarnations, gain and divine patronage are needed to make well-balanced “wizard/warrior” class with weapon choices, thief abilities, and wizard them better able to deal with the machina- many growth opportunities in any detailed spells normally the sole province of the tions of the other class types simultane- campaign world. You’ve just got to have a other classes). The reason for the “Monty ously. Their spells are repetitive, Melody, mission. Haulism” of the class is a simple one. because, for the most part, higher-level Jean H. Monday Consider that in a society where magic spells are meant to reflect priests’ in- Milwaukee WI

DRAGON 105

OASIS 8, May 19-21 FL * lndlcates a product produced by a company other than TSR, Inc. Most product names are trademarks owned by the This convention will be held at the Orlando Convention Calendar Policies companies publishing those products The use of the name of North Hilton in Altamonte Springs, Fla. Guests any product without mention of its trademark status should not include Alan Dean Foster, Barclay Shaw, Mark This column is a service to our readers be construed as a challenge to such status Rogers, and Ben Bova. Events include role- worldwide. Anyone may place a free listing playing, board, and miniatures games. Other for a game convention here, but the follow- Important: DRAGON® Magazine no activities include tournaments, an art show and ing guidelines must be observed. longer publishes phone numbers for conven- auction, panels, con suite, dealers, and a charity In order to ensure that all convention tions. Publishing incorrect numbers is al- auction. Registration: $20 preregistered; $25 on listings contain accurate and timely infor- ways possible and is a nuisance to both the site. Write to: Oasis, PO. Box 940992, Maitland mation, all material should be either typed caller and those receiving the misdirected FL 32792. double-spaced or printed legibly on stand- call. Be certain that any address given is ard manuscript paper. The contents of complete and correct. ECLIPSE ‘95 May, 26-28 MO each listing must be short and succinct. To ensure that your convention listing This convention will be held at the Holiday The information given in the listing must makes it into our files, enclose a self- Inn Expo Center in Columbia, Mo. Guests in- include the following, in this order: addressed stamped postcard with your first clude Margaret Weis, Tom Dowd, and John 1. Convention title and dates held; convention notice; we will return the card to Tibbits. Events include role-playing, board, and 2. Site and location; show that your notice was received. You also miniatures games. Other activities include an art 3. Guests of honor (if applicable); might send a second notice one week after show, costume contest, figure painting contest, 4. Special events offered; mailing the first. Mail your listing as early as masquerade show, and charity auction. Regis- 5. Registration fees or attendance re- possible, and always keep us informed of tration: $18 (RPGA® Network members $15) quirements; and, any changes. Please avoid sending conven- preregistered: $20 (RPGA members $18) on site: 6. Address where additional informa- tion notices by fax, as this method has not One day pass is $8. Write to: The Cheshire Cat, tion and confirmation can be obtained. proved to be reliable. 27 N. l0th, Columbia MO 65201. Convention flyers, newsletters, and other mass-mailed announcements will not be DEFCON IX, May 5-7 NJ LEHICON 5, May 26-28 PA considered for use in this column; we This convention will be held at The Ramada This convention will be held at the Allentown prefer to see a cover letter with the an- Inn at Raritan Center in Edison, N.J. Events Hilton in Allentown, Pa. Guests include Ed nouncement as well. No call-in listings are include role-playing, board, and miniatures Greenwood. Events include role-playing, board, accepted. Unless stated otherwise, all games. Other activities include an auction. card, and miniatures games. Other activities dollar values given for U.S. and Canadian Registration: $15 preregistered; $20 on site for include tournaments, demonstrations, dealers, a conventions are in U.S. currency. the weekend. Single day rates available. Write painted miniatures contest, a raffle, and an all- WARNING: We are not responsible for to: DEFCON, 16 Grove St., Somerset NJ 08873. you-can-eat banquet. Registration: $15 for whole incorrect information sent to us by conven- weekend; $10 for Sat; $6 for Fri or Sun only. tion staff members. Please check your FESTEVAL DES VAMPYRE, May 6-7 NV Write to: LEHICON 5, PO. Box 556, Horsham PA convention listing carefully! Our wide This convention will be held at the Silver 19044. circulation ensures that over a quarter of a Nugget Casino Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nev. Spe- million readers worldwide see each issue. cial guest is Mike Tinney. Events include role- GAMESCAUCUS II ‘95, May 26-29 CA Accurate information is your responsibility. playing, board, and miniatures games. Other This convention will be held at the Oakland Copy deadlines are the last Monday of activities include dealers and a tournament with Airport Hilton in Oakland, Calif. Events include each month, three months prior to the on- prizes. Registration: $25. Write to: Festeval Des role-playing, board, and miniatures games. sale date of an issue. Thus, the copy dead- Vampyre, PO. Box 80537, Las Vegas NV 89180. Other activities include dealers, costume con- line for the December issue is the last test, painting contests, a flea market, and mov- Monday of October. Announcements for ROBINSON’S WORLD I, May 6-7 PA ies. Registration: $25 before May 15; $30 North American and Pacific conventions This convention will be held at the Central thereafter. GM registration is $10 before May must be mailed to: Convention Calendar, House Hotel in Beach Lake, Pa. Guests include 15. Write to: TriGaming Associates, PO. Box DRAGON® Magazine, 201 Sheridan artists Glenn Boyd and Al Williamson. Events 27634, Concord CA 94527-0634. Springs Rd., Lake Geneva WI 53147, include role-playing, board, and miniatures U.S.A. Announcements for Europe must be games. Other activities include a karate demon- STRATEGICON ‘95, May 26-29 GA posted an additional month before the stration, a mock skirmish put on by the SCA, This convention will be held at the LAX Air- deadline to: Convention Calendar, DRAG- and a hackeysack tournament. Registration: $5 port Hyatt in Los Angeles, Calif. Events include ON® Magazine, TSR Limited, 120 Church per day plus game fees. Write to: John Robin- role-playing, board, and miniatures games. End, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 3LB, son, 1311 West St., Honesdale PA 18481. Other activities include flea markets, dealers, an United Kingdom. auction, seminars, and demonstrations. Registra- If a convention listing must be changed EAST COAST HOBBY SHOW ‘95 tion: $25 preregistered: $30 on site. Write to: because the convention has been can- May 19-21 PA STRATEGICON, PO. Box 3849, Torrance CA celled, the dates have changed, or incor- This convention will be held at the Fort Wash- 90510-3849. rect information has been printed, please ington Expo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Events contact us immediately. Most questions or include model railroading, radio control games, 3-RIVERS GAME FEST ‘95, May 26-29 PA changes should be directed to the maga- models, die-casts, kites, miniatures, collectibles, This convention will be held at the Pittsburgh zine editors at TSR, Inc., (414) 248-3625 slot cars, and rocketry. Friday, May 19, is for the Greentree Marriott Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pa. (U.S.A.). Questions or changes concerning trade only. Saturday and Sunday, May 20th and Guests include Bill Connors and Peter Bromley. European conventions should be directed 21st, are open to the public. Write to: Scott Events include role-playing, board, card, and to TSR Limited, (0223) 212517 (U.K.). Pressman, East Coast Hobby Show, 4400 North miniatures games. Other activities include Federal Highway, Suite 210, Boca Raton FL RPGA® Network events and an auction. Regis- indicates an Australian convention. 33431. tration: $19.95. Write to: 3-RIVERS GAME FEST, indicates a Canadian convention. Andon Unlimited, PO. Box 1740, Renton WA indicates a European convention. 98057; or e-mail: [email protected].

DRAGON 107 CONMAN 003, June 2-4 NH D-DAY ‘95, June 22-25 CA DRAGON CON ‘95, July 13-16 GA This convention will be held at the Center of This convention will be held at Game Towne This convention will be held at the Westin New Hampshire Holiday Inn in Manchester, N.H. in Carlsbad, Calif. This is the 2nd Annual San Peachtree Plaza Hotel, Atlanta Civic Center, Events include role-playing, board, card, and Diego County Board Game Championships. Atlanta, Ga. Over 200 special guests including: miniatures games. Registration: $18 preregis- Events include tournaments, miniatures gaming, Kevin Anderson, Ben Bova, Harlan Ellison, tered; $23 on site. Prices vary for individual and painting contests, and prizes. Write to: D- Margaret Weis, and Timothy Zahn. Events days. Write to: Jonathan McCosh, 59 Onway DAY, Game Towne, 2933 Roosevelt, Carlsbad CA include role-playing, board, card, computer, and Lake Rd., Raymond NH 03077. 92008. miniatures games. Other activities include workshops, tournaments, dealers, a costume MOBI-CON ‘95, June 9-11 AL ARCHON 19, June 23-25 IL contest, live music, and dancing. Registration: This convention will be held at the Holiday This convention will be held at the Collinsville $55 before June 15. Write to: DRAGON CON ‘95, Inn Downtown in Mobile, Ala. Guests include Gateway Center and Collinsville Holiday Inn, PO. Box 47696, Atlanta GA 30362. Margaret Weis, Don Perrin, and Douglas Niles. Collinsville, Ill. Guests include Jack Williamson, Events include role-playing, card, board, and Doug Chaffee, Sam Moskowitz, First Fandom, MAGNUM OPUS CON 10, July 13-16 GA miniatures games. Other activities include and A.E. Van Vogt. Events include role-playing, This convention will be held at the Callaway tournaments, costume contest, art show, auc- card, board, and miniatures games. Other Gardens Resort in Pine Mountain, Ga. Guests tion, and dealers. Write to: MOBI-CON, PO. Box activities include tournaments. Write to: AR- include: Roger Zelazny, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, 161257, Mobile AL 36616. CHON 19, PO. Box 483, Chesterfield MO 63006. and Bruce Boxleitner. Events include role- playing, board, and miniatures games. Other STAFFCON ‘95, June 11 * VI-KHAN ‘95, July 7-9 co activities include casino night, a masquerade This convention will be held at Stafford Uni- This convention will be held at the Holiday Inn ball, tournaments, and a banquet. Registration: versity in Stafford, England. Events include role- North in Colorado Springs, Colo. Special guest is $40 before June 1; $25 for a day pass. Write to: playing, board, and miniatures games. Other Connie Willis. Events include role-playing, board, MOC-1O, P.O. Box 6585, Athens GA 30604. activities include tournaments. Write to: Chris card, and miniatures games. Other activities in- Grice, c/o SU Office, Stafford University, Beacon- clude dealers, an art show, auction, banquet, a WAR ‘95, July 13-16 GA side Site, Stafford England ST16 OAD. miniatures-painting contest, and a yacht race in the This convention is part of the MAGNUM OPUS hotel pool (using milk cartons). Registration: $15 CON 10. Events include a MAGIC: THE GATHER- BEN CON ‘95, June 22-25 c o preregistered before June 30; $20 thereafter. Write ING* tournament. Registration: $50 in addition This convention will be held at the Sheraton to: VI-KHAN, 1025 Garner St. #10B, Colorado to the registration fee for the host convention. Hotel in Lakewood, Colo. Guests include Marga- Springs CO 80905. Write to: National Assoc. of Professional ret Weis. Events include role-playing, board, and Gamers, PO. Box 6585, Athens GA 30604. miniatures games. Other activities include dealers, an art show, and a blood drive. Write ORIGINS ‘95, July 13-16 PA to: RMBGA, PO. Box 19232, Boulder CO 80308. This convention will be held at the Pennsylva- nia Convention Center in Philadelphia, Penn. Guests include Margaret Weis, James Lowder, and Scott Douglas. Events include role-playing, board, and miniatures games. Other activities include RPGA® Network events and an auction. Registration: $34.95 preregistered. Write to: Andon Unlimited, PO. Box 1740, Renton WA 98057; or e-mail: [email protected].

GRAND GAME CON ‘95, July 15-16 MI This convention will be held at the Godfrey Lee Middle School in Grand Rapids, Mich. Events include role-playing, board, and minia- tures games. Registration: $8 for one day or $15 for both days. Write to: Leon Gibbons, 13910 Olin Lakes Rd., Sparta MI 49345.

QUINCON X ‘95, July 21-23 IL This convention will be held at the Signature Room in Franklin Square in Quincy, Ill. Special guest is Timothy Bradstreet. Events include role- playing, board, and card games. Other activities include an auction. Registration: $12/ weekend. Single day rates vary. Write to: Greg Stille, 1818 Hilltop Drive, Quincy IL 62301.

CONTINUUM IV, July 28-30 IL This convention will be held at the Ramada Hotel in Mt. Vernon, Ill. Guests include John de Lancie, Troy Denning, Todd Hamilton, and Phil Farrand. Events include role-playing, board, and miniatures games. Other activities include dealers, an auction, art show, contests, and a dance. Registration: $30 before May 28; $35 until June 28; $40 thereafter. Gaming only registration available. Write to: CONTINUUM IV, 1617 Lyndhurst, Cape Girardeau MO 63701.

108 MAY 1995

110 MAY 1995 By Barbara Manui and Chris Adams DRAGON 111 112 MAY 1995 DRAGON 113 114 MAY 1995

©1995 by Robert Bigelow

Photographs by Mike Bethke

Geo-Hex 2126 N. Lewis Portland OR 97227 Miniature games are never quite right unless you use scenery. The problem with most scenery, especially buildings and trees, is that you are locked into one size and shape. This means that the buildings are the same game after game and eventu- ally your troops start asking whether they have fought in this “burg” before. Geo-Hex has introduced modular construction to the 6 mm range of games, and that means that a board can be ever-changing. You start with a base unit (MT33a; $6.50) and add a Hospital Helipad (MT-35, Alter- native top with Landing Pad; $6.50). This now provides you with an octagon-shaped hospital, three stories tall with a 2” X 2” base. If you with to expand the Hospital, add a MT-39 Ground Level Extension ($6.50 each). You how have a 4” X 2” city block, complete with sidewalks, for under $20.00. The base has inset windows, multi- door entrances, grates and blank walls for joining to other units. The landing pad has protective ridge rails, collector tiles, doors, stairs, and a number of terraced top open- ings and doors. The unit also has side windows in different configurations, an opening that could be for a cross street bridge (not included) or an air car en- One and one and one can make six! trance. The expansion has an equipment room, more solar collection tiles, and a ground floor loading door. Large ground- This month, parts of the column are the item header as usually is the case. level windows give combat troops access going to be done just a little differently. I also want to thank Chris Foster for his to the outside, and there are a number of Everything you see now is modular, from usual excellent paint job on the Minotaurs pedestrian doors at street level. closet organizers to Clan battlemechs, and Not only will they look good in the If an office compound is more your this is not necessarily a bad thing. Market- column, but the Chaos army has gained a style, you could start with an MT-33 unit ing hobby items this way gives you, the major unit. and base ($8.50), add an MT-39 extension, consumer, a large number of different and on the other side of the base module choices and ultimately saves you money. place an MT-43 Alternate Ground Level For a reviewer, modular products are hard Extension ($6.50). This will give you a to fit into most existing column formats. I 6” X 2” building that makes a fairly im- chose to build an item and then list the pressive structure at under $22.00. These products used, their stock numbers, and pieces have extensive rooftop detailing, prices as I described each piece. In these including equipment rooms and elevator “modular reviews,” the rating will be con towers, so you know that some planning tained throughout the piece rather than in went into the masters.

118 MAY 1995 There are only two complaints that mar an otherwise S-star project. The sidewalk corners are fragile when dropped, but can be reattached with little trouble by most good adhesives. Care should be taken in transportation to conventions or gaming sessions to avoid damage. The other prob- lem is price. It is a shame that there are so many EPA restrictions on resin, or it would be a lot more affordable. As it is, you have to pay a high price (as noted in the column) for the extra possibilities. This is still a good system, and I highly recom- mend it for gaming in the SF genre. Mitic-Maria Studios presents Architectural Treasures 11353 Pyrites Way, Suite 2 Rancho Cordova CA 95670 When you think of castles, most people think of imposing structures with solid stone walls. We tend to lump all the for- tresses, guard towers, keeps and outposts under the same heading. The truth is that few fortifications used in everyday life had “solid” walls, Most walls were sandwiches of packed clay or dirt with stone covering both outside surfaces. Many small cities started out as fortifications placed at a strategic spot, and grew larger over the years by adding walls and posts. The walls were often rough cut and fit together poorly in places, since governments could not afford stonecrafters and masons to work on every project. This modular construction has been available to minia- turists for years, but the product was often expensive and difficult to work with due to restrictions on glues and paints. To fill an open niche in the market, Mitic- Maria Studios has introduced a line of low- fired ceramic pieces that you can blend into any kind of fortification or structure you want. I took the pieces sent for review and designed the early equivalent of a toll booth, meant to restrict traffic on a cer- tain road in a club’s fantasy campaign. I started with the Kings Gate House (#105B, $24.00). The structure is 3¾” wide, 3½” deep, and 7” tall. It come two halves with ceramic floors for each of three stories (not including the ground). The floors and ledges are big enough to The fronts on all wall sections depict fortess was finished using four curtain hold a Games Workshop hex base, and rough stone work with some separation wall corners (#104, $3.00) and accessed by ceilings are tall enough for 28 mm figures where mortar has weathered out. The a curtain wall stair piece (#117, $3.00). except right at the beams. There is room tops show brickwork on each half, but The total cost of this 14-by-10¾” fortress for up to 18 troops to be hidden. The door clearly exhibit the dirt used for the center is $72.00, not including shipping, match- is recessed into the front wall, and the of the wall, sculpted with what look like sticks and balsa wood, and whatever paint arrow loop in the floor will help deny wear paths and slight potholes. The wall is you use. access. The gate opening is 1½” wide and constructed of three #103 curtain walls Low-fired ceramics drink up paint. 2¼” high, allowing a 28 mm mounted (18 scale feet; $3.00 each) which offset the While the folks at Mitic-Maria painted this man to fit through as long as his lance is Horsemen’s Gate (#107; $4.00) in the rear unit to appear to have been well used and not vertical. The back half-floors have trap and the Postern Gate (#106; $4,00) to the abused, it will still absorb almost any paint doors molded into them. Doorways line up left of the Gate House. Each side wall is a or ink made, so you can paint and weather with wall walkways, and you can exit 36-foot curtain wall section (#102; $4.00). to taste. This adds to the versatility of the either side of the tower. The advantage is The wood barding and enclosures were concept. Because the pieces are separately that if the tower is being attacked from produced from a pattern that is available cast and fired, it is inevitable that there both sides, you can separate the halves from the manufacturer (ask for it). The will be some space between wall parts. If and fight each battle separately. The disad- supports are regular kitchen matches you can overlook this, then this is a defi- vantage is that the towers have a slight placed into drilled holes that have been nite 4½ star product, and I highly recom- separation, and you can tell they are squared. The actual boards are sheet balsa mend this line. halves unless you sand the bottom slightly. with the nails and boards drawn on. The

DRAGON 119 back by straps and loops that crush the coarse, curly hair and also act as a support for the groin protection. A girdlelike belt hints at extra power and supports a capped horn. His jewelry consists of a large gem on a thong, metalized horn tips (also good for gouging) and an arm brace- let. This figure looks even more belligerent that the others. The last minotaur easily could be a lead- er. His front is covered in a laced mail, and the detail is so good that you can see the laces if you examine the figure closely. Metal shoulder guards and leather strips give an appearance of a “bullish” Roman, even with the different types of armor present. Straps with buckler cross the chest and secure a knapsack onto the leather rear armor. A sack and a short sword dangle from the ornate belt. His right arm supports a square shield and a thin bracer. The left forearm is encased in wide support and the hand wields a large double-bladed axe with a symbol of the Great Horned God on the center of the axe held our at his side. He is obviously not amused. ornamentation appears to be the gold These figures will work as single mon- Grenadier Models, Inc. bracelet on his left arm and the ring on his sters, as a minotaur unit for WAR- P.O. Box 305 low-slung horns. HAMMER FANTASY,* or extra-large figures Springfield PA 19064 The second minotaur has horns that for an AD&D® scenario. This set is an resemble a goat's. He is armed for battle excellent value at the suggested retail Grenadier Models, UK, Ltd. with a two-handed sword clutched tightly price of $19.00 a box 25 Babbage Road in his right hand. His left hand supports a Deeside, Clwyd CH5 2QB plain oval shield, with the rivet detail on Gren 1575 KILL ZONE* game * * * *½ the supporting straps clearly evident. Both The KILL ZONE game is a miniatures 3006 Minotaurs of the wrists sport bracers, while twin straps combat game based on a war-ravaged, Horned Gods ***** support a small buckler type shield that near future period. The game contains Minotaurs have always been portrayed acts as chest protection. A belt and buckle counter sheets, five six-sided dice, a quick as creatures of power and physical support a loincloth, and his only jewelry reference sheet, rules and ten 28 mm (yes, strength. Ancient legends tell of a mino- appears to be teeth on a throng around his I know the box says 25 mm) luminite taur that controlled the mazes of Crete, neck and an ankle bracelet with spikes. figures with plastic slotted bases packaged while the DRAGONLANCE® books and Muscle detail is excellent, as is a hairy in a 9¾” X 7¾” game box. The counter stories detail their exploits as valuable ridge on his back that will challenge a sheet is a one-sided card stock sheet that allies of the Dark Queen. The six luminite painter and enhance the model. contains 8 multiples of the available game figures in this set personify this power in Minotaur number three appears to be commands, a movement arrow, suppres- their aggressive stances. stepping up to the plate, but his bat is a sion counters (shown as sad faces), and a The figures appear to be scaled for the large spiked club. A studded leather belt bunch of targeting squares for use with larger 28 mm scale now available from supports a brass-tipped, chain-hung horn different weapons, The quick reference most companies, but could easily be used on his left hip and the tattered cloth that sheet is a two-sided card that has explana- as leaders in true 25 mm scale. Each figure hides his groin. Coarse, bristly fur covers tions of commands and weapon hit charts. is between 35 mm and 45 mm in height, the torso and neck, while muscles show in I highly recommend that you copy the depending on how the figure is posed. sharp relief. Decorations include copper- reference sheet, so both sides face you on Each piece has well-muscled humanoid tipped horn ends and rings, a necklace of an 8½” cardboard sheet, and you will not legs that end in cloven hooves. Oval bases teeth, an arm band, and a set of straps by have to flip back and forth. with no surface detail support the figures the right hoof. The rulebook is 30 pages long, and the and allow you to detail each figure to The fourth minotaur waves his studded only illustrations are in the weapon identi- taste. Every minotaur is armed and posi- mace over his head. His body is protected fication section. The game uses preset tioned differently, but all the faces have a by laminated armor over chain in front orders to determine unit or figure move- defiant glare. and torn and tattered chain mail in the ment and actions, and the size of these The first minotaur clutches a trident in back. The waist belt that secures this groups are determined by the organiza- both hands as he moves forward. A strap armor also supports a long thatch of hair. tion list on page two. Terrain, movement with a ring stretches across his chest and His armor is further augmented by the modifiers, cover, line of sight, weapon back and supports a full pack with buckles large oval shield emblazoned with the capacity, and orders all affect the chance from which extends a horn. A smaller raised image of the “Great Horned God,” of hitting. The second half of the rulebook provision sack on his right side is also and a large metal bracer on the right arm. is dedicated to point value charts, weap- anchored to this strap and maybe to the Jewelry consists of a tooth necklace and a ons, scenarios and roster sheet. fleece unevenly draped around the midbo- gold band around the right leg. Our playtesting went well, after every- dy. A sheathed two-handed sword rests on Minotaur number five is a two-handed one stopped using the “stay sharp” com- his back between the back skin and bag. fighter, with a bracer on only the left mand every turn. We fought in the His wrists each have bracers, and the only wrist. The chest plate is supported in the overgrown ruins of an old castle, and it

120 MAY 1995 was hard for the government player to keep his squad together. The government lost one game because it underestimated the distance when using an assault order and could not engage the scavengers. They died almost to the man, with the scavengers losing only one member. The scavengers used “keep down and snipe” to win the next game (the government came to them; we played blind pre-plot, which was not really in the rules). The govern- ment won the last game when they killed the scavenger “leader” and then sup- pressed the rest of the troops until they were on top of the scavengers. The figures in the set provide a good mix for a beginning game. The five troop The second rebel is armed with an assault shades, and he is wearing a chain neck- ers are all dressed identically in fatigues, rifle and is wearing a shirt, sleeveless lace. He is armed with a machine pistol jump boots, knee protectors and a light denim jacket with dog tags, jeans with and is at the ready. The last savage is a armor flak vest. The commander is punch- cuffs, and jump boots. The bill of his cap is scantily clad female carrying a heavy ing orders on a keypad while his assault pointed up to the sky, while greased hair handgun in her left hand, a spiked club in rifle hangs from a sling on his shoulders. sticks our from underneath. His face looks her right hand, and feathers in her hair. Two troopers are firing their assault rifles, a little like Dudley Doright. The savages The game is extraordinarily easy to play, while a fourth trooper triggers off a mis- include a Mad Max-type character who and there were few arguments during the sile launcher, The assistant leader appears could be used as a cyborg, complete with session. These two facts usually point to a to be ready to throw a grenade. All are fuel and control panel in back, a knife in high recommendation for any game. equipped with headsets. his left hand, and a length of biker chain Throw in 10 figures, and the $25.00 price The opposition consists of rebels and clutched in his right hand. We did not play tag is extremely reasonable. My only re- savages. The rebels have a sniper on their him as a cyborg, but it sure would have gret is that the set had no vehicle rules team and he is terribly loaded down with tipped the odds. The next savage sports a (coming later) or hard cover rules (sniping a variety of cups, packs, boxes, weapons Mohawk complete with feathers, a light through slots) for extra protection. All in and knickknacks. He is also wearing shoot- chain groin protector and a sleeveless all, a thumbs up. er’s muffs and a kerchief over his face. leather jacket. His eyes are covered by

DRAGON 121 have numbered hexes front and back, since you can always use an extra set of with the back of each sheet devoid of rules during a large game. terrain for city fighting. The fronts are The mechs included with this set are identical and include woods, hills, rough two VTR-9K Victors, two ONl-M Orions, terrain, a lake, and a small city opening two CN9-D Centurions and a late substitu- done in gray concrete. The two connected tion for the Wolfhound, two JVN-1OP counter sheets are also identical and con- Javelins. Representing the Clan are two tain vehicle counters, Clan elementals, Madcats, two Ullers, two Blackhawks, and, different Inner Sphere infantry including last but certainly not least, two Daishi. anti-mech, buildings of all sorts, and fire These mechs were generally a great im- blocks. New to these sheets are two bridge provement over the mechs found in the counters. I also do not remember the early 3rd Edition BATTLETECH.* The mounted counters from my 1st Edition mechs have some flash along the mold CityTech. The backs of the counters show joints, and you will need to be careful to destroyed versions of the front pictures in remove it all without damaging detail. The black and white. I would immediately take plastic mechs are only about five percent the unpunched counter sheet to a color bigger than the metal kits (except for the copier and make several copies, then place Madcat, which has a much larger nose), the original in a safe place. Over the years, and there is no heavy-duty pain in assem- our club has found that the chits never bly (the feet go which direction?). The stay where you expect them to stay. Re- detail is not quite as sharp as on metal member that these copies can be made for mechs, and the gun barrels do not have personal use only! bores, but detail is present. My main com- The rulebook is 87 pages, with only 72 plaint is with the Ullers, both of which had of them being actual rules. Rules flow in a broken guns. logical manner. The book starts with a This set has some excellent reasons to FASA Corporation brief history, goes through movement into recommend it, even to long-time players. 1100 W. Cermak Suite B 305 combat, introduces infantry and their role The plastic mechs can be used when less Chicago, IL 60608 on the battlefield, flows into vehicles, and coordinated friends come over, and you then into construction. The last pages of can always use maps when building and FASA 1608 CITYTECH the book give technical readouts on the scenery props are not available. The boxed 2nd Edition rules ****½ mechs in the game, and some of the vehi- set has a suggested retail price of $25.00 CityTech 2nd Edition has now officially cles The only fly in this ointment is that and is worth it, considering the compo- replaced the original city fighting rules. by the tenth page you feel like you have nents, especially for BATTLETECH novices. The set contains two six-sided dice, two read it before—and you have. Much of the 22” X 17¾” hex maps, counters, mech rules are taken verbatim from the hard- sheets, a rulebook, and two each of eight cover Compendium, with only the illustra- * indicates a product produced by a company other different plastic mechs. The map sheets tions changed. This is not necessarily bad, than TSR, inc.

It was time for a new job and a new city conventions around the country, and First Quest again. down under. The position afforded me an Continued from page 8 An opening had come up in TSR’s ROLE- opportunity to make friends from the east PLAYING GAMES ASSOCIATION™ Network. I to west coasts—and from Canada, Germa- was a member of the RPGA® Network, and ny, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia. some friends talked me into applying for the But after eight years working for the sponsible for an important part of my life, job. I wasn’t sure I wanted a job in the game leader in the role-playing industry, I decid- as I grew to love the old man, and Bruce industry—I was a crime reporter, covering ed it was time for yet another career and I delighted in taking him out for pizza disasters and murders—but I decided to change, though one that wouldn’t take me and spending hours talking politics. journey to the cool climes of Wisconsin for out of the hobby. I’m a freelance author But Quincy wasn’t forever. Again I an interview. Harold Johnson, now a crea- now, writing novels and game products in moved (with Bruce), this time to take a tive director for the company, ended up a home office with a window that points news bureau position in Evansville, hiring me. toward the dairy farm. Indiana. I continued to write to my gaming I said good-bye to my friends in Evans- I chat with Laura once in a while; she is pals and Ralph—who had managed to get ville, promised to keep in touch, and Bruce still running her AD&D game campaign. I us on the mailing list of every Republican and I moved to the sticks—across from a keep in touch with other friends I met group in the country. In a new city, we dairy farm that gets rather pungent in the through the hobby. (I am thoroughly con- turned to gaming again as a way to meet summer. (Bruce always has been a good vinced the best way to find best friends is people. We trotted down to the hobby sport about moving when I found an inter- around a gaming table.) I make time to fill shop and inquired about local campaigns. esting job. He’s a chemist, by the way, and a few weekends with AD&D games and It wasn’t long before we had our week- he knows more games than I do.) STAR WARS* role-playing sessions, I still ends occupied with AD&D sessions, STAR That move was about eight years ago. use Chuck’s map; my players have discov- FRONTIERS® expeditions, and VILLAINS & Working for TSR was unlike any job I ered the railroad, but not the train. VIGILANTES* slugfests. We discovered the previously had. It was fun, the murders Neil Diamond sings in the background gaming convention scene, as the local club were fictitious, my co-workers were in- from time to time. hosted a convention called Glathricon credibly creative and often-times goofy, And every once in a while I fondly think every June. We found ourselves helping and my office was mine to decorate as I of Frodyne, a dense werehawk who lead with the con, then later running it when desired. (My newspaper editors frowned me on a thoroughly wonderful adventure. the previous coordinator moved to Texas. on my Wookiee glossy and spaceship mo- We’d probably still be involved with the biles.) I had a marvelous time running the RPGA Network, writing tournaments, club and the convention if the newspaper * indicates a product produced by a company other I was working for hadn’t been sold. authoring a few TSR novels, and attending than TSR, Inc.

122 MAY 1995

every magical item ever created for the AD&D® BLOOD WARS™ card game NEW PRODUCTS FOR game. This 416-page volume contains color and Escalation pack #2: Factols and Factions MAY B&W illustrations. A must-buy for all magic by Steven E. Schend aficionados! This new expansion deals with the City of AD&D® 2nd Edition game $25.00 U.S./$32.00 CAN./£15.99 U.K. Doors’ leaders, legions, and the luck of its secret Player’s Handbook TSR Product No.: 2157 societies. If you thought the Blood Wars were An AD&D® game fundamental reference dangerous before, just wait ‘til you meet the by David “Zeb” Cook Sword of the Dales Lady of Pain! Each pack contains 15 cards A new version of the AD&D® 2nd Edition An AD&D® game FORGOTTEN REALMS® drawn from a new BLOOD WARS card set. game rules for players and Dungeon Masters adventure $2.50 U.S./$3.50 CAN./£l.99 U.K. arrives! It contains 320 pages of comprehensive by James Butler TSR Product No.: 1131P tables, charts, and statistics vital to the game. This is the first in a trilogy of 32-page adven- This hardcover handbook features all new art, a tures that takes place in the Dalelands—the The History of the DRAGONLANCE® setting new format for easier reference, and incorpo- heart of the FORGOTTEN REALMS® campaign A DRAGONLANCE® campaign accessory rates all up-to-date corrections. This is a must setting where low-level characters are called to by TSR Staff for all players! aid Randal Morn to fight an evil lich. From the forging of the Lance and the mys- $25.00 U.S./$32.00 CAN/£15.99 U.K. $6.95 U.S./$8.95 CAN./£4.50 U.K. teries and legends of Krynn to the debut of a TSR Product No.: 2159 TSR Product No.: 9484 new generation—all the history of the creation of the best-selling DRAGONLANCE® Saga is told AD&D® 2nd Edition game Circle of Darkness in its entirety for the first time! This beautifully DUNGEON MASTER® Guide An AD&D® game RAVENLOFT® adventure rendered tome contains 100 illustrations and An AD&D® game fundamental reference by Drew Bittner features interviews with saga creators Margaret by David “Zeb” Cook Player characters find themselves recruited Weis and Tracy Hickman and artist Larry This is it—the essential guide for running both by a tanar’ri fiend and the local darklord. Elmore. successful role-playing campaigns and adven- Which of the two evils shall they mark as an $18.95 U.S./$23.95 CAN./£10.99 U.K. tures. This hardcover, 240-page volume contains enemy, and is there a way to thwart them both? TSR Product No.: 8372 new art and a new format for easier access to $9.95 U.S./$11.95 CAN./£5.99 U.K. information during gameplay. This version also TSR Product No.: 9493 includes all up-to-date corrections. $20.00 U.S./$26.00 CAN./£11.99 U.K. A Light in the Belfry Coming next month . . . TSR Product No.: 2160 An AD&D® game RAVENLOFT® audio CD DRAGON® Magazine #218 adventure Cover art by Stephen King Van Richten’s Guide to Fiends by William W. Connors & Dori Hein This issue’s theme is Dragons and includes: An AD&D® game RAVENLOFT® accessory Welcome to Tegeron House, the home of the l An article on dragons using their brains, by Teeuwynn wicked lord Morgoroth, where only the heroes not just their brawn, to defeat PCs. The Dark Domains’ resident specialist on the can shatter the house’s evil curse. The first magical spells used exclusively by supernatural, Dr. Rudolph Van Richten, in- l interactive audio CD adventure for the dragons. structs gamers on the origins, habits, and RAVENLOFT® setting combines a chilling plot Plus all our regular columns such as “Sage powers of those diabolic fiends. This 96-page with audio terrors that shriek, scream, and go Advice,” “Convention Calendar,” and “Forum.” accessory details the hideous creatures from the bump in the night. plus Rick Swan reviews the latest collectible Outer Planes and explains the most effective $15.00 U.S./$22.OO CAN./£11.99 U.K. card games. ways to destroy them. TSR Product No.: 9494 $3.95 U.S./$4.95 CAN./£1.95 U.K. $12.95 U.S./$16.95 CAN./£7.99 U.K. TSR Product No. 8112-06 TSR Product No.: 9477 In the Cage: A Guide to Sigil An AD&D® game PLANESCAPE™ DUNGEON® Adventures #54 A Player’s Primer to the Outlands accessory Cover art by David 0. Miller An AD&D® game PLANESCAPE™ setting by Wolfgang Baur & Rick Swan This issue’s adventures include: audio CD accessory Discover what makes Sigil the hub of the l “Unhallowed Ground” (AD&D® game; by Jeff Grubb & Colin McComb PLANESCAPE™ campaign setting tick and why levels 2-4) by Dan DeFazio. Add an exciting new dimension to your role- its other moniker is the “Cage.” This 128-page “Redcap’s Rampage” (D&D® game; 1-3) playing game with the voices of the Planes. This l accessory includes a full-color, poster-size map by Christopher Perkins. audio CD comes with a 32-page hitchhiker’s illustrating the thoroughfares of the city. “The Witch’s Fiddle” (AD&D game; 2-5) guide to the Outlands, and includes key points- l $15.00 U.S./$19.00 CAN./£9.99 U.K. by Paul Culotta. of-interest, factions, the lands around Sigil, TSR Product No.: 2609 “Fiends of Tethyr” (AD&D game; 6-8) by entrances to various Outer Planes, and the l David Howery. homes of the gods. SPELLFIRE™ Reference Guide: Master of l “Fetch” (AD&D game SideTrek; 3-5) by $15.00 U.S./$22.00 CAN./£11.99 U.K. the Magic Matt Maaske. TSR Product No.: 2610 A SPELLFIRE™ card game accessory $3.95 U.S./$4.95 CAN./£l.95 U.K. by Tim Beach & Bruce Nesmith TSR Product No. 8199-07 This is the complete reference guide for the NEW PRODUCTS FOR SPELLFIRETM card game. Contained within this JUNE 384-page book are the latest edition of the rules Unless otherwise noted: strategies, tactics, rules variations, and tourna- ® designates registered trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. ™ designates trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICA™ book ment rules. Also includes background and ©1995 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Volume III clarifications on all 797 SPELLFIRE cards re- An AD&D® game accessory leased in 1994. by slade $12.95 U.S./$16.95 CAN./£7.99 U.K. The third volume in the series that details TSR Product No.: 1133 124 MAY1995