2 3 till SPAEE GAmER WHY SCIENCE FICTION DRIFTS: progress or innovations after coming FEEDBACK ON YOUR FEEDBACK AN EDITORIAL under control of its non-gaming credi­ The feedback on issue #1 TSG arti­ tors. SPI, that's James Dunnigan, Anyone who's been a s-f fan for a cles showed a few things we didn't Issue #2 BO~ started big in 1970, and has made all quite expect. It's clear that at this number of years is aware of the limited the real change and growth in the con­ range of products for the science fic­ time the main differen-e between our flict gaming hobby for five years. readers is science fiction versus game THE SPACE GAMER is published tion enthusiast. Since s-f is a signi­ Conflict gaming went, SPI still is, quarterly by Metagaming Concepts, ficant, imaginative aspect of many peo­ interests, not game inexperience versus through two periods of rapid progress game experience, as we'd supposed. As Austin, Texas. ple's lives, the limited material is when dominated by two entrepreneurs who ~ a serious frustration. S-f fans have can be seen in the tabulation, the four Copyright 1975@by were themselves deeply involved in the game-related items rated highest and Ccn::eps. All rights reserved. little more than a few magazines, an hobby. Science fiction, despite con­ occasional movie, and books for their had a markedly lower number of 1,2, Printed inU.S.A. siderably broader appeal, has drifted and 3 scores. The non-game material enjoyment. And for those with suffi­ and languished. The difference, I cient commitment, time and money there had significally more low scores which think, is in the people who run the shows a definitely favoring of game­ CONTENTS are conventions. Events like "Star product production. No s-f fan con­ Trek" and "Space 1999" are welcome mass related material on the average. But, trols a s-f literature company, so the note in the table that the Eldon Tan­ 2 ..• Why S-F Drifts: An Editorial t.v. fare, but sporadic. And that's s-f hobby drifts; while two indivi­ the way it's been for several decades-­ nish fiction piece had the second high­ 3 ... Feedback on Your Feedback duals deeply involved in conflict est number of "g" scores. And, Letters science fiction drifts as the hobby of gaming account for two periods of 4 ••• Where We're Going a small minority. and Wantads were necessarily weak in 6 .•• S-F /F Game Ratings rapid growth and change. the magazine's first issue. A large Why? The reasons are absurdly I believe a s-f oriented magazine 7 ... S.-F Gaming News/Plugs simple. S-f products, almost entirely could achieve a one million circulation minority of readers do like both 9 ..• Reviews of Dungeons & Dragons printed words, come from firms for with promotion and innovation. It science fiction and science fiction 10.• From You••. which s-f is only a portion of the games. Another, slightly smaller, could be done by an entrepreneur of minority like games, s-f or not, and n .. Wantads business. ANALOG, the s-f magazine ability and money who enjoys s-f him­ with widest circulation at 110-120,000 definitely don't like s-f. One reader 14•. A Diversion: Eldon Tannish self. None of the existing publishers said, "I feel that sci-fi short stories accounts for a minescule fraction of can hire an s-f editor, put up a bank­ 18. • The Intangibles Headache Conde Nast's total revenue. One page etc. should be left to magazines and roll for promotion and do it. ANALOG's books, not a gaming sheet, which of advertising in Conde Naste's VOGUE circulation might be doubled, but must bring in more than all ANALOG's probably-$ums up that point of view employees can't achieve what an indi­ pretty well. ads for ayear. ANALOG is a smallsi de vi dua 1, persona lly commi tted to the activity to them even though it's big For us the issue is clear. We hobby, can. Science-fiction is the need both s-f gamers and games-only in the world of science fiction. GAL­ hobby of imagination about the future AXY is just another pulp magazine in fans to survive. The problem lies Editor: Howard Thompson and alternative existences. Yet, with the fact that s-f fans will find Contributors this issue: the UPD stable. THE MAGAZINE OF FAN­ science-fiction's powerful, imaginative TASY AND SCIENCE FICTION is somewhat TSG more enjoyable with science fiction Tim Waddell concepts have been scratched in no pieces and perhaps man-in-space type different in that it's apparently owned more than a drab, commercial fashion. Andy Pudewa by a family firm with some interest science articles. The games-only group S-f as a big-time experience is an clearly finds s-f games an enjoyable Thomas Drake in the hobby, but FANTASY AND SCIENCE alternative future who's time may never FICTION has been a small operation for extension of their gaming, but have come in our worldline. But, it's a no liking for science fiction. It may Cover: Black and white repro­ years. potentiality that has to dazzle the Book publishers tend to see s-f as be that different or better-written duction of the new Stellar Conquest imagination of frustrated science fic­ science fiction will strike the games­ cover sheet by Kelly Freas. a modest, if profitable, part of their tion fans. business. Donald Wollheim, Roger El­ only group less negatively, but we rea­ wood and a few other editors are making l ize that for the mas t pa rt they'd some headway in establishing separate prefer the space be devoted to more lines of s-f books, but are operating game material. Subscription Information: more as upgraded profit centers for a 6 issues for $3. $4 after larger general publisher. 12/30/75. Subscription Thus, science fiction products for U. S., Canada, A. P. O. , are controlled by people who view s-f as a type of fringe-appeal and not be TSG Issue #1 Feedback Results (242 responses) F. P.O. only. those who've had the s-f experience themselves. Book and magazine editors, Article Rati ng #1, 2, 3's !L2.2. the most influential people in s-f who have an s-f involvement, with the S-F Gaming News/Plugs 7.26 4 53 FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION exception, Where We're Going 6.90 3 24 are employees of larger organizations. SC Strategy 6.83 g 37 When you compare the growth of S-F Gaming Survey 6.80 8 26 conflict gaming to science-fiction, A Diversion 6.32 31 45 the evolution has been totally dif­ Editorial 5.90 24 14 ferent. Avalon Hill, that's really Hugo for Games 5.87 19 15 Charles Roberts, the founder, started Letters 5.51 29 5 the whole hobby which grew rapidly Wantads 5.39 40 16 until Roberts lost control in the ear­ ly sixties due to a financial liquidi­ ty crisis. The company made no real II 5 I This type of dichotomy is inevi­ 4 For the future, we hope to go to Some name suggestions appear in our table when trying to blend two dif­ WHERE WE'RE GOING bi-monthly publication as soon as we questionnaire. One option for us is ferent pastimes into an enjoyable have sufficient volume of material. A to get permission to use the name whole. We will continue with s-f ma­ The first order of business is a quarterly schedule is appropriate for "Dragon Masters" that went with the terial because our whole effort folds big THANK YOU to all those who have learni ng the "how to" of thi s type of Jack Vance novel that originally used if we lose our s-f fans. If we lose subscribed to THE SPACE GAMER. Within venture, but more frequent is better. the Gaughan illustrations. The game our games-only group we fold too, so the first six weeks TSG was out we The number of subscribers enters into is only loosely related to concepts in we need some understanding from both received the minimum number of sub­ this consideration, since economies the novel, but a s-f novel may be a sides. We aren't asking that you scribers to survive. And, it looks of scale are involved. Suffice it to way of insuring greater sales. There score high an article you don't like. like the number of potential sub­ say, we can do many more things with will be some preview information on If you don't like our s-f pieces, or scribers is large enough to insure an 2-3,000 paid subscribers than with the game next issue after we get the any piece for that matter, score it expansion of our quality and quantity 500. These early issues will be THE YTHRI successfully launched. low. But understand that many may of s-f gaming material for several somewhat experimental to give us a Our big news this time is, of enjoy it and we need their support. years. That potential puts the burden feel for what you like and what we can course, THE YTHRI, as detailed in our We'll do our best to increase the qua­ of growth on us, right where it learn to do best. Before committing advertisement. It should be well lity of all material and continue to belongs. If we don't grow, it means resources to making TSG bigger, we worth the money for anyone new to expand our size so both gamers and we're failing to deliver the fun s-f have to be sure our content is appro­ gaming or those that often want a science fiction fans will get more of gamers want, not that there aren't priate in subject matter and quality. fast-moving, two-player game. It's what they enjoy. enough of you to support s-f gaming As long as you keep giving us strong experimental in several ways, and if And, by the way, thanks to all of as a separately identifiable hobby. feedback, TSG can make a positive successful should go a long way to you who took the time to answer our The response we've had shows that contribution to the growth and enjoy­ boost s-f gaming. feedback questionnaire. We want to know word-of-mouth publicity is a big ment of s-f gaming. Since the essence of s-f gaming your opinion--your responses are the factor. A significant proportion of Some have asked, justifiably, about is the games, we'r~ moving as rapidly foundation of our efforts, so keep our subscribers heard about us from TSG's publication schedule. Small as we can in that di recti on. Our game sending the input. you. One eager fan even asked us to gaming and s-f zines have been known discount policy has been very popular send sample issues to six of his to fold, and this issue is several and we've extended it to our own friends, which we did, and three weeks later than we'd hoped. Final games plus adding more titles this bought games or subscribed. That's work on THE YTHRI was given priority, issue. We plan to publish two major one way to get some people to play which we felt was justified. Issue games next year. The spring game with if there aren't many gamers #3 is scheduled for mailing in Novem­ wi 11 be "Hymenoptri a," sure to be around. So, te11 someone about us. ber, so you have time to send in renamed, with the fall game scheduled It'll help the hobby and probably *Notice* orders before Christmas. February and as the winning game of our game design get some more gamers in your area. May, 1976, are the next two dates contest. If your friend wants a "freebie" OVERPAYMENTS: Occasionally a cus­ after that. Depending on how circula­ We may also try prototype games as tomer overpays us by a small amount. copy of TSG, send us his/her name tion and contributions go, we will try an experiment. This would be a and we'll mail an issue. Most to "get-ahead" of our 1976 schedule, limited edition game emphasizing do­ W-en this happens, we will try to give successful gaming groups grow from you something rather than refund 25¢ if time is available. We will try to it-yourself components for a low this basis, and being involved in a give firm dates for the next issue production cost. It would most likely or 50¢. If you ordered a game we may group is the best way to enjoy gaming. return it by fi rst cl ass mai 1. If each time. Regular reliability is be a non-staff design with the purpose that isn't possible, we may enter you You will note non-staff articles very important and we don't want to of giving our most avid gamers more in this issue are few. We hope that give the impression we aren't con­ variety, and testing a design's appeal for an extra issue of TSG. If you 50-70% of all material we publish have SC, we may send along some extra cerned about target dates--we are. before publishing it in a professional, will eventually be generated by non­ Our problem is that Metagaming and wide-distribution format. Hopefully Player Record Sheets. If all else staff people. Articles about s-f fails, it will show up on your records TSG are moving from what has been we would be able to publish several gaming by active hobby members should more of a super fun hobby into a prototype games per year, the best for possible later credit. So, if provide the bulk of the words and you get something you didn't expect, small business. Just the volume of of which would go on to wider publi­ this is the reason. should be of most interest. TSG will order processing and record-keeping cation. Only a few hundred of each of necessity be a "house organ" type has reached the point where further would be printed with prices in the of zine, but we really mean it when $1 TSG SAMPLES: Some of our ads growth will require additional labor $3-$4 range. Anyone who bought one we say we want to give the hobby a and service. A small computer would would get a hefty bonus discount on offered sample TSG issues for various forum. That means you don't have to prices to see what was most effective. help, but we'd also have to find time any re-publication in more expensive agree with our policies or products to design and write programs, even form. Response to the prototypes The $1 price worked worst, so we to have your say. entered everyone who sent $1 for an if we could afford a computer in the would determine the design's future. extra issue of TSG to give them their Some do distrust a company publi­ next twelve months. At this time, the prototype idea money's worth. cation. One unsigned letter accused Subscribers will note this issue seems a good one to us, and it will us of writing all the complimentary came in an envelope and was third­ probably be tried at least once. It CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you do STELLAR CONQUEST letters--. We hope class mail. Third class costs 3.9¢ has the advantage of providing more, move, let us know fast, so you don't that time will prove our credibility. per issue more to mail, but is two cheaper games for hard-core gamers miss TSG or an ord~ Returned mail Just because we have the time and weeks faster than bulk mailing on the while testing and de-bugging what just about kills any chance of a money to publish our say doesn't mean average. The envelope will insure may eventually become a best seller. profit on your order--so notify us we're always right or see things from that your copy will get to you in Since our time is constrained, any­ of any address change immediately. all sides. Fortunately, our sub­ better shape. The questionnaire asks thing that spreads the 'testing and scribers, that's YOU, aren't charac­ about third-class versus bulk mailing de-bugging effort helps us. Yes, terized by timidity or herd instincts. to see if subscribers would prefer an that means the game won't be too good You clearly delineate what you take extra four pages of magazine or the for novices because of less complete issue with. We certainly won't have faster mailing service. We'll see. rules and play aids. But the proto­ the luxury of being blind to our own There was a lot of response to a types should be great for gamers who faults. new name for our "Hymenoptria" game. end up re-designing games to suit 6 7 themselves anyway--and there are a lot time, we don't know if the survey will S-F GAMING NEWS/PLUGS Rd., Taylors, SC 29687. This is a of those. Any comments on prototypes­ be maintained by him or not. However, massively detailed game that's at in addition to the feedback question ratings seem important to you, and us, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, September, 1975; least five years old. Earlier versions will be appreciated. so we've decided to maintain a s-f & $1.50. were published in SPARTAN. Ivan says, Several people have asked about f game rating ourselves on our own "the game is really more of a hobby publishing s-f/f games they've time, or until we get a qualified Not a game, obviously, but an than a game, so whatever you say, designed. Metagaming will be publish­ volunteer. Ratings from the previous entire big issue devoted to summariz­ don't tell 'dabblers' and 'di11etantes' ing non-staff designs next year, so survey will be incorporated with ones ing the latest scientific knowledge to write me. The 'game' takes a great it's a real possibility. However, we received since then, and our question­ of the solar system. Anyone even I deal of time, but is very rewarding ... " can't tell you that we'll publish your naire will rate games on a continuing mildly interested in astronomy owes Since copies are hard to come by, be game without ever seeing it. The best basis. The up-dated ratings below himself the pleasure of having this prepared to pay for xeroxing rules thing to do is briefly describe the exclude games with too few ratings to compact reference. The lead article and a self-addressed, stamped envelope game to us, so we can respond to the be meaningful. Games with an asterisk by Carl Sagan is followed by separate should facilitate response. general concept. If it sounds like had enough ratings to include, but articles on the inner planets and the something we'd publish, if well the statistical variability still will moon with articles on the outer KELLY FREAS REPRINTS designed, we'll ask you to send us a be great. It should be emphasized planets, smaller bodies (Titan is complete copy for evaluation. We that even STARFORCE and STELLAR very intriguing), and solar fields. Kelly Freas, Rt. #4, Box 4056A, gain no right to your game and no CONQUEST with the most responses still Almost as interesting as Black Holes, Vi rgi ni a Beach, VA 23457. When we had promise of publication or remuneration had few enough votes for their scores which have been the subject of fasci­ the STELLAR CONQUEST cover done, Kelly is implied in an evaluation. It's to change significantly with more nating articles in recent issue of passed on a flyer, a beauty in itself, just a necessary step to determine input. SCIENCE, for those with the bug. for six reproductions of full-color whether or not we want to negotiate To clarify our ratings terminology, cover illustrations. Included are for publication rights. When dealing hours refers to the time needed to TUNNELS AND TROLLS ANALOG covers for 2/75 ("Lifeboat") with any publisher we advise having complete an average game. Complexity and 6/74 ("Stargate") and for DAW the draft of a game notarized as your refers to the game system and play. From Flying Buffalo Inc., Box books: "Conscience Interplanetary," property and design before mailing. Physical quality refers to the game 1467, Scotsda1e, AZ 85252; $3. Ken "The Mind Net," "Zenya," and "Warriors What about the "Game Design components and production, and over­ St. Andres, designer. This is a of Dawn". They are 12t" by 19", Contest"? The contest is mainly a ~ reflects the players genera~ke "Dungeons and Dragon's" type game, without type on white, museum quality publicity vehicle to gain attention or dislike for the game. Complexity, but shorter and simpler. We don't paper. A full set is $19.95, signed for our desire for outside game physical quality, and over-all are have a review copy yet, so we don't $29.95. Single prints are $4.00, design. Details for the contest will rated on a 0-10 scale, with 0 being know much about it personally, but signed $6.00. Postpaid and mailed in be in issue #3 of TSG and any design the simplest/poorest and ten being commentary so far is favorable and a sturdy tube. (Virginia residents, received before its ending date will most difficult/best. the illustrations have been mentioned add 4% sales tax.) be eligible for prizes. Prizes will To the best of our knowledge, as better than those in D& D. essentially be cash advances on royal­ GORGAMELLA and SPACE HUK are game LASER BOOKS ties that are non-refundable if mastered, play-by-mail games. They STAR RAIDER royalties aren't sufficient to cover were rated in Thomas' survey, but we Roger Elwood is editing a new the advance. That means, you keep received no additional votes on them. From David Casciano, 314 Edgley series of s-f paperback books that the prize even if the game is never We'd appreciate hearing from anyone Avenue, Glenside, PA 19308; $5.99. emphasize people/action in stores. published or makes little money. The who is in either of these games or Includes 320 hand-illustrated, light­ They have distinctive Kelly Freas best design received will be has detailed knowledge about them. weight, die-cut counters, 23" by 35" covers and are available in book­ published. Your ratings are needed to improve star map in black, red, and yellow on stores. Why mention it? Well, they validity. It helps other gamers heavy cardstock; 99 star description aren't bad and with few bargains in SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY decide how to ration their game cards al ready cut; an 8-page 6" by 9" s-f these days, the 95¢ price should GAME RATINGS dollars for the most enjoyment, so typeset rules booklet; and comes in be encouraged. give them a hand and stick in your a "zipper bag" with a black and white Last issue we published science two cents worth! cover sheet. The rules are about a GREY HAWK fiction and fantasy game ratings as fifth as long as STELLAR CONQUEST's compiled by Thomas Galloway. At this and hand illustrated. The rules have This is the new supplement to some flaws such as Basic and Advanced DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS. $5 from TSR game versions are mentioned, but never Hobbies, Box 756, Lake Geneva, WI Physical appear. Also, movement rules appear 53147 or $4.25 from us for TSG sub­ Hours Compl exity Qual ity Over-a 11 in two separate places on the same scribers. Sixty-three pages chock­ page under separate "Movement" head­ full of new material. The content *Gorgame 11 a NA 6.35 7.35 8.71 ings. This one is probably best for relates directly to the content and *Space Huk NA 7.33 7.50 8.50 those with previous experience on format of the original three D&D Dungeons & Dragons NA 7.68 7.88 8.39 conflict simulation games. Despite booklets. Basically, you have new Stellar Conquest 6.50 7.08 7.21 8.39 the rules, the game may play well and rules, additions to existing rules, *Star Probe 8.50 7.75 7.63 we'll have more comment after some and suggested changes. The supple­ *Lensman 9.80 7.98 6.88 7.48 playtesting. There are innovative ment is to be used with the first *Star Lord 3.20 4.83 6.50 7.33 wrinkles and brief rules which leave three books, so don't order it by Tri p1anetary 4.25 5.73 7.46 6.89 room for working out problems yourself itself. *A 1ien Space 3.20 4.67 5.83 6.83 without continuous reference. Starforce 4.18 6.31 7.65 6.59 EMPIRE OF THE PETAL THRONE *4000A.D. 2.50 3.10 5.80 6.10 SPACE CENTURIONS, revised Hel us Deep 2.64 4.97 5.66 5.59 $25 from TSR (see address above) *Rige11ian Wars 4.10 3.10 3.13 3.50 Information from the designer or $21.25 from us for TSG subscribers. Ivan Travnicek, 205 Walker Springs Designed by Professor M.A.R. Barker. 9 8 The first book is Men and Magic. Includes three full-color maps, 8·l-" by unknown to anyone player at game start. REVIEWS OF DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS More information can be obtained by This basically tells about getting a 11" rules booklet and is boxed. Billed character, equipping him, and getting as "Fantasy Adventure on the World of buying (or otherwise acquiring) maps. o &0 is the ultimate fantasy game. Scattered throughout the board are off to a start. Magic and clerical Tekumel," the game will surely become Players start as a Fighter, Magic-User, spells are listed and described for an obsession of the hard-core fantasy treasure boards, magical weapons, etc. Cleric, or Thief. They may choose to etc. in much detail. Rulers, Hecos, reference whenever needed. With gamers and Tolkein fans. It must have be a human, elf, dwarf, half-elf, or these spells, magic-users and clerics been designed for love--with that much and wlzards are the three main types of even a hobbit. They must decide to be players and their characters vary can make people, monsters, things, effort, shining shoes would have to lawful, neutral, or chaotic. There is and objects, do anything from sleeping pay better by the hour. More in later greatly. Invention and imagination are never any winner. In a good campaign important and players add to the game to serving them or dying. With rules issues; reviews solicited. players start in a town. First, they for developing your own new spells, within the basic framework. Thomas' must get a room at one of the several current game was full at about 30 and the sky's the limit. I feel that PRELUDE TO ARMAGEDDON inns. Then, they usually go to a book II, Monsters and Treasure is the there was a waiting list as of June. general store to pick up some equip­ Rules are $1 and the game zine, most interesting book of all. This Glen Taylor, 6908 Buchanan St., ment such as rope, sacks, etc. If book describes all the mean, nasty, Landover Hills, MD 20784, and the presumably with continually up-dated they have any money left, they'll information, is 25¢ per issue. and horrifying creatures that the rest of the Axis Wargaming Company, go to a tavern, have a drink, and try players get to fight. Then, when moderates PRELUDE TO ARMAGEDDON, a to hire some men. How well they fare WAR OF WIZARDS they are finished fighting, this book very complex tactical space-war game. at this is determined by charisma, describes many rich treasures and Turns are sent to a non-playing moder­ one of the abilities. The other countless magic items, to aid the ator about every three weeks, and he From TSR also (see address above) abilities are intelligence, strength, for $7.50 or from us at $6.50 for TSG players in finding more and better correlates all the happenings of the wisdom, dexterity and constitution. loot. Volume III, The Underworld and turn and sends the results back to subscribers. This is a complete board­ They'll then begin to ask towns people game of a duel between mighty wizards. Wilderness Adventures is probably the the players in the form of a printout. about the surroundings, about any most important book, because it tells At the start of the game all players Lots of spells, magic, chants, con­ legends, etc. The next day bright starti~g juring, and assorted skull-duggery. how to go about playing the game, in are equal except for posi­ and early they'll pack up and set out either of two settings. Dungeons must tions, with the player deciding the Not as time-consumin9 as many fantasy down the road. If they have bad luck, games, since it's meant to be played be mapped out by the referee in number, type, and equipment for all sometimes they even have to get a advance, and care taken to detail. hi s sh i ps. The game represents purely to completion with a winner. Reviews job to keep from starving! All this solicited. The wilderness is rather a do-it­ space-war--no planets are involved. takes a lot of work and time for the as-you-go- situation. This book The mapboard is three-dimensional and referee, but it's more than worth it! THE THIRD MILLENIA INC. also includes ways to spend your infinite. The game is won by damaging The most stimulating part of the game treasure, and other interesting and destroying opponents' ships. is the fact that anything can happen. things such as; Castle construction, Intelligence is limited with the This company which published a few Nothing' is impossible. Even when you s-f games about two years ago and is Naval combat and adventures, Baronies, players knowing only the general area are standing between a cliff and a and much more. where each opponent is located at the now defunct to the best of our knowl­ troll, there is still hope, perhaps edge. (We'll retract on hard informa­ There are drawbacks to the game start of the game. During the game Levitation boots! Over a hundred however; as there are in any game. your knowledge is only what your tion, but they seem dead.) Some of monsters are provided for, from their games are still available from 0&0 cannot even begin to get sensors (which are directional and trolls, orcs, zombies, werewolves, interesting in less than 20 hours limited in range) can pick up. The Lou Zocchi, 1513 Newton Drive, Biloxi, vampires, dragons, gargoyles, rocs, MS 39532. It's probably best to playing time. Hundreds of hours of weapon types are High-Energy Laser and giant purple worms, to hell work must be done ahead of time by (which can be fired in a tight or write Third Millenia first before hounds, rust monsters, giant slugs, investing money. the referee, and it takes a fairly wide-angle beam), Short Range Battle and even tyranosaurus rexes and giant long time to prepare on the part of Canon which fire grapeshot, Nuclear At this time, we have little tics. Whether you're exp 1ori ng the information on the games below, other the players. Warheads (which can have proximity or depths of the dungeons, roaming in In this game there is no victor as timed fuses), Ion Bullets (which are than the name and source. More infor­ some forsaken wilderness, or being mation is being requested and reviews such, but the object is to gain exper­ very destructive but have a very small pursued by an evil wizard in an intri­ ience (by finding treasures and beat­ blast radius), propulsion systems and are welcome. A self-addressed, stamped cate castle, I'm sure you'll be having envelope will probably get information. ing up on monsters) and become more Energy Potential. There are formulas one heck of a good time! powerful and gain more possessions. for acceleration, true-distance, and Tim Waddell computing combat odds for the various BATTLE OF HELMS DEEP, $3 from Staying alive is a big part of the Richard Jordison, 8834 McNulty Dr., game, as there are always monsters weapons. Most combat results depend that hate you, lurking in the gloom. on chance. Inter-player diplomacy St. Louis, MO 63114. BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES, $4.50 from But, if you should happen to die, plays a very important part as you If you took everything possible or don't worry; you can always start try to persuade the other players to Larry Smith, 2525 Via Campesina #203, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274. impossible that you ever dreamed again. attack someone other than you without about, read about, or imagined; put giving any hint where your ships are, LENSMAN, $5 from Spartan, Box If more complexity is desired, the 1017, Bellflower, CA 90706. it in a medieval setting, and heaped in case of a backstab. This game is it all into one set of rules for a supplement GREYHAWK adds outstanding not for novices and should contain STARSHIP COMBAT, $4 from Gary improvements, and many more ideas. McGrath, Box 1245, Lafayette, IN 47902. game, you would have created DUNGEONS many surprises. Rules 35¢, game fee & DRAGONS. As a game, 0&0 is a fan­ Also, the Strategic Review, a TSR 20¢ per turn. (by Glen Taylor) THE SIEGE OF MINAS TIRITH, $5 from newlestter has some good things. Fact and Fantasy Games, Box 1472, tastical outlet for the imagination. It has the quality of being infinitely Andy Pudewa MIDGAARD 2 Maryland Heights, MO 63043. WORLD OF THE WORLDS II, by flexible, and with it comes the reality of impossibility. Thomas E. Drake, Rt. 10, Box 294­ subscription only from RAND, Box 1776, Liberty Corners, NY 07938. What you get when you buy 0&0 are K, Cookeville, TN 38501. MIDGAARD 2 three booklets, filled with basic is primarily a fantasy game and guidelines for a fantasy campaign. secondarily a medieval wargame. The large majority of the board is 11 lO FROM YOU ..... I thought the basic ideal behind "A we have a math course which includes the bas is than "my game's better than yours", then we can start bucking for a Hugo. Diversion" sound. But get a good writer. Having seen a few "fanzines," I found playing and designing of such games. What you might want is a story along yours rather interesting. It had a great Enclosed are some scoring sheets that Norman S. Howe, Winnipeg, Manitoba the lines of a game. A sort of STELLAR deal of hard information than compared to have developed here to assist the players. CONQUEST come to life, so to speak. some with "soft chit-chat" about nothing. It is interesting to observe the develop­ Got your first issue. Looks decent, Incidentally, your title HYMENOPTRIA sounds ment of the strategies used by players as Rickey Allen, Columbus, GA like a disease that affects female virgins. they become more experienced. They usually you may have something going though there is no telling really. SF garners are not This reminds me that back when Avalon are as follows: ... a short critique of SC. Basically, Hill was working on an Auto Racing game, it 1. Learning mechanics. get a DN and your run of the mill wargamers (who aren't human anyway) so I have no way to I question whether or not a cohesive inter­ was called tentatively-Grand Prix. That just fight. stellar governmental system would be pos­ was changed when someone helpfully pointed 2. Pure development, avoid all battles judge. sible when messages travel at the speed of out what a non-French speaking saleswoman for 7-8 production years, builds On your ratings, you left out one thing, and that is price. For example, light and transport is slower. But as a might call it. strong battle fleet late in game. game I think its great, though there should 3. Exploration-send out weak fleets STARFORCE sells for $B (6 in bunches) which gives you .87 (1.16) points per be some optional rules (on 3-dimensionality, Merle Grabhorn, Tunkhannock, PA to "claim" as many worlds as pos­ etc. ) sible to prevent others from dollar. TRIPLANETARY used to sell for $6.80 and is now $8, which gives you 1.13 Thank/you for the copy of THE SPACE defendi ng them. Michael Striley, Independence, MO GAMER. In addition I would like to com­ 4. Raiding-build a DN and ATK and (now .96) points per dollar. RIGELIAN WARS, so low in your ratings would be 1.4 pliment you on your decision to go ahead then develop industry. The ships I have been into wargaming for some time and develop HYMENOPTRIA. Of the games are used to attack an opponents points per dollar, about the highest of the bunch (I don't know all the prices). now. Although I enjoy it very much, it has described in your first flyer, I felt that home base at a crucial time in his/ always seemed to lack something. The some­ that one, more than either of the others her development. Properly done While you get what you pay for, there is the law of diminishing returns. Note thing it lacks of course is the science took full advantage of the possibilities the victim is not a factor in fiction aspect. I have been reading for new and innovative concepts that seems the remainder of the game. that the scale (1.4--1.16--.96) is opposite of the ratings. Might make an interesting science fiction since I learned to read, to.me to be one of the major strengths of No effective defense against the last and it is almost a second life for me. So, SC1ence fiction gaming. A planethead technique has been developed as yet. A article if the other prices fit the line. I was told once that D&D sold for 16, needless to say, I think your company is assault, despite the obvious differences sure defense tends to restrict development. definitely worth watching. in scope, locale, and weaponry, is still which puts it down to 157, but I am just not sure of that price. 1nescapably related to the concept of Amberse M. Banks, Fred C. Beyer HS Norman Apperson, New York, NY the beachhead assault of contemporary Mathematics Department, Modesto, CA Steve Cole, JagdPanther Publications wargam1ng. The basis situation and goals Re TSG: I don't see how you could are the same. In HUMENOPTRIA, however one Re your editorial. my dislike of it arises Amarillo, TX really want a game Hugo. As with the other i~ dealing with a premise almost totaliy from feeling that you are too defensive Hugos, they would be thrown off quite often w1thout contemporary or historical prece­ about your hobby. We are game freaks. we (D&D is $10 from TSR--Ed.) by people who don't relaly know what's dent. This should allow the player the enjoy games, do we really give a damn if going on--the local fringe fans or non­ maX1mum amount of freedom to exercise his other people look down their noses at us? May I be but among the first to extend my heartfelt appreciation to you and yours fans. This is especially painful in the imagination and test his ability to deal ~f you want to meet a really wierd minority case of the film Hugos, since quite a few with new and alien concepts. This, after 1n th1S country, play duplicate bridge for for the enormous contribution you have made to the Science Fiction Gaming hobby fans themselves don't see a whole lot, all, is what science fiction is all about. a few years. even BNF's (Big Name Fans). And what With all this in mind, then, I was with your first issue of THE SPACE GAMER. In THE SPACE GAMER I have found with the prices involved. I would suspect frankly very surprised to read that the William F. Schiring, Burlington, VT very few fans, even ones that were "into" majority of reactions to HYMENOPTRIA were inspiration. I have found the succinctly unambiguous raison d'etre for designers the hobby, would get a good idea of all negative. Who more than science fiction Your editorial strikes a familiar chord in the games around. Just the well-known fans should normally be expected to be my mind. Most of my friends are science­ and players alike. The future of Science Fiction gaming well-advertised one. Why not peer awards wi 11 i ng to accept new and unusual ideas. fiction addicts, and strangely enough the insetad, like the Nebulas of the FAAn I hope that this reaction is not indicative most dedicated of them are also wargamers. is in good hands. The gauntlet has been thrown; so let the play begin. awards? Then you could hit all the way of a streak of conservatism in the science Unfortunately, the world of hard core war­ across the field. Best game (perhaps sf fiction gaming community. The insistance gamers, we are regarded as strangely aber­ Brett A. Tondreau, Galaxy 2, Northridge, CA and fantasy separated for this, too), best on only familiar or traditional game con­ rant imbeciles, more to be pitied than designer, contribution to the field, etc. cepts could prove extremely detrimental ridiculed. (Make the distinction between amateur and to science fiction gaming's attempt to A Hugo for games? I doubt it, at least At first I was just going to fill out your questionnaire, but then I decided, what pro, too). Then you would have an award provide a viable and unique alternative to for the present. The SF awards arose from that would actually mean something about contemporary and historical wargaming. the realization that mainstream fiction had the hell, I'll send you a letter too. I enjoyed your editorial. There's a the game. Consequently, I feel that your decision to an award for outstanding authorship, and I think a problem with many sf games develop HYMENOPTRIA despite the negative that Science Fiction was never recognized. lot of good healthy belligerent anti­ socialism in there. You laid it on a bit is that they are merely "conventional" rea~tion is a very healthy one, coming, Hugos are extended to movies and TV shows wargames in spaceman's clothing. An example as 1t does, from a company placing itself because of the Oscars and Emmies which by­ heavy with the justification and apologia, tho, escapism and/or entertainment needs which comes to mind readily is STARCRUISER. in the forefront of science fiction gaming. passed them (2001 was a notable exception). The starcruisers and torpedos could just as Before we can expect a Hugo, we have to no other justification than it is none of anyone else's business how you get your easily be aircraft carriers and kamikazi Marco Alpert, West Los Angeles, CA get games (in general) recognized as a planes. Perhaps a question the readers legi tirnate artform, and organize some jollies. could respond to would be just what makes Our gaming group at Beyer HS has regular awards for excellence in presenta­ I was very disappointed to learn that you were dropping your plastic map sheets. an sf game an sf game? Is it having enjoyed playing STELLAR CONQUEST for tion, clarity of rules, originality, spaceships and radioactivity-produced several months now. It is easily our fidelity of simulation (of a historical or This was a big plus in your game, and it will hurt the sales of your subsequent mutations and bug eyed monsters, or is it most popular multi-player game in our literary event transformed to a game), art­ having something that can be offered in no library of some 20 games. Our group work, p1ayabil i ty, and so on. Once an games. Do try and get back to plastic maps (and, maybe, die-cut plastic counters, other format? Like if you have a planet inc1udes faculty as we 11 as students and objective standard of performance exists, that just sits there in space, you can and players can compare games on a better too?) real soon. l2 a conflict of position; boardgames l3 change your spaceships into oceangoers involve both, with the addition of an and that planet an island/continent. WANTADS Wanted ... Wanted ... Wanted But get that planet to orbit around its abstracted putative reality system. None of t~em are particularly useful. sun ...and it's an s-f game without a I would like to contact anyone interes­ The Space Gamer wants articles and doubt. Nor is an Escher dry point. ted in playing s-f games in the Des Thus we come to it. MC knows it Moines area. Clay Webb, 7604 Wilden material for publication. For issue is in the publishing business. Does it Dr., Urbandale, Iowa 50322 276-8995. #3 we are goin9 to a l¢ per word K. Allen Bjorke, Minneapolis, MN know it is in the art business? Or payment basis rather than the award­ maybe that's not quite right, but let the by-feedback-rating basis. At your One bit of advice based on my question hang for a moment. If you will option, you may take 2¢ per word in experience with your SC rules, I think you STEllAR CONQUEST Tournament and Match goods instead. All submissions should underestimate the value of examples. reca 11 the ferti 1e sixties, you may Game Rating Service--For information, remember commercial hypes like found art send $1.00 and SSAE to layout Design be typed double-spaced with your name Sure, all the information is there but and assemblage art. Interestingly, on each sheet. If you have a very I have yet to have anybody read the rules Specialists, P. O. Box 485, Glenview, neat printing o.k., but type it if at though, there was also an unbound book Illinois 60025. and understand them perfectly. There which came in a box, so written that all possible. seems to be some common misconceptions We need reviews of Star Probe, that new players fall into that a couple every page was a unit. Read the pages as they came and you got one story; shuffle Star lord, Tunnels and Trolls, Star good examples could help eliminate. For Edward Cooper, 6350 Cinnabar Dr., Raider, War of the Worlds II, Battle the pages and you got another; shuffle } Riverside, CA 92509 wants to get in instance, some new players don't under­ them again and you got yet another, and of Five Armies, Siege of Minias Tirith, stand that each planet has a separate touch with all STEllAR CONQUEST play­ Battle of Helms Deep, Alien Space, economy. so on. Well, sir, thatis also a boardgame, ers in this area. Phone 714-684-7335. or what a boardgame does. Sorcerer (when out), and The Ythri Boardgame stories vary between two (when published), plus other games William J. Denholm III, Menlo Park, CA not mentioned. Our desire is to have literary forms--the novel and the play, Will moderate STEllAR CONQUEST on non­ corresponding roughly to the two-player full reviews done by readers rather First, congratulations on your new ven­ profit basis, mu1ti- and two player than staff. and the multi-player structure respec­ ga~e' ture. A magazine is the only way MC can 9ames. Want. to be sure the s We need narratives of STEllAR CON­ tively. likewise, there are opposite played "straight?" I will be lmpar­ stave off the demographic monster long breeds of player which, for the sake of QUEST games. Concise, descriptive enough to suceed or fade gentee1y. May tial. Send stamp for details of PBM narratives by players won't be easy, symmetry, can be called the novelist and system (and reduced 8 1/2 by 11 it be the former. the actor. (Hmm--this has gotten more but we have lots or requests for such The premier TSG prompts a few turnsheets available). KEllY MOOR­ material. extended than I'd like). The novelist MAN, Box 7235, Monroe, lA 71201. thoughts on gaming and MC's direction in is the fiddler, the solitaire player who Science fiction gaming strategy, it. The idea of complex board games--1 ike news, and s-f gaming activities are SC, Pb1itz, or what haveyou--achieving works out his private fantasies by destroying chips of cardboard with the 3D STAR MAP KITS &plans. Build a all potential areas for publishable the respectability of fully balanced effortless malice of an avenging god. articles. conflict games like chess or go doesn't 3 in./parsec accurate 3D Star Map Unused submissions will be returned seem impossible to me. All you need is The actor, on the other hand, seizes upon using this complete kit. Everything a portion of the theme of a game and you need but a screwdriver. All if accompanied by a self-addressed some nicely potty person willing to spend adopts it as a characterization--thus envelope with sufficient postage. a few million for organization and prizes. stars within 6 parsecs (80 + stars). S-f and s-f conflict art is needed After seeing how much mileage you can get the ridiculous accents which flow around A massive 3 ft. square frame supports a Diplomacy board. This assumed character the stars which form a sphere of for our word-heavy pages. We pay up out of putting balls in holes, hoops, and exists to divert attention from the fact to $5 for an illustration (for a over fences, I'll believe anything. But space below. Stars glow proper cover) or with issues of TSG or credit baord simulations will never be on the that the purpose of multi-player games is colours by a black light included. to provide scope for cruelty. You can toward purchases. Help our appear­ same level of competition as chess, say, Computer printout of data and the 3D ance and send us some illustrations! because the operation of all those little devastate your opponent in a two-player coordinates included along with front counters is aesthetically clumsy, and game; you get to humiliate him in a multi­ view key. $30ppd. A map like this because the opporunity for great and player work, because other people see what will really help you get the hang of dramatic single moves is dissipated by happens. (I don't mean to suggest that an interstellar game. Computer data graduated counters and a continuum of people are all one breed or the toher, gives G1iese #, Star Name, Absolute conflict resu1ts--which, along the map, are but they do have preferences.) Magniture, Distance, Spectral Type, the collective heart of that which we all Now there is a one-way street to Top View in Polar (G,p) and Rectangu- enjoy. consider. The actor can play the lar (x.y) coordinates, Front View in As I see it, the quality of competi­ novelist's game, but the novelist cannot Rectangular-all in Parsec Units. ,,_!_. I I solitaire a multi-player game, particu­ i tion among boardgamers is a matter of con­ Six Parsec list only, $3 post paid. -1- "o]~J • - A'CO -i- -j- larly where the shift of alliances is Also available is the entire G1iese vG- 's-r E I • cern for the same folk who buy 1iferafts in case the polar caps met1 soon and crucial and/or force secrecy rules operate. Near Star Catalogue translated as t§J -i- believe that von Daniken is forthright. SC effectively rules itself out for the above, over 1900 stars. Build a I it Or perhaps worse, because they are closet solitaire player. And yet I think there GIANT 3D Star Map! or make one heck I• ~.& ~ ~ are many more solitaire players than not, of a game. Complete computer output -!-. -j- ~nIi-I. _!_ moralists, and words like fun or game if only from lack of opportunity to be send them racing to the nearest plain only $20. Make Cheques payable to ~ ~' I brown wrapper store to get a quick societal otherwise. If you are out of high school Theta Enterpri ses, 114 N. McKi nney ':;;;--00 .r- - i- fix. Jeepers! If I can sensitize the and college, and do not belong to a club, ~R..:.ic.:..:h~a..:.r_ds:.:on.:...,_T_X_7_5_0_80_.______!_ I' . _!_ synapses learning the directional system the chances are ni 11, as you've poi nted out. That being so, do you have to wonder -;- _!_ • I -.- • I _ fI!)I in Starforce, think what a flash I'd be Wanted: science fiction games and o after figuring out nine-place logs. But further as to why SC has not sold as waregames. A twenty-five game want list. I don't do that. Even the cutest logarithm well as you thought? Careful reading of Send me a list of the games you would your own advertising sheet convinced me like to sell and your asking price. Also is not thematic, and that is what our kind Mark Norton of boardgame is all about. Chess is not to buy it, even though the money is send a s.s.a.e. to James DeCook, 2877 about a conflict of motion; go involves at my finger-tips. (I do intend to buy Bellwood, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Hymenoptria despite the six-player threat, because of the unusual subject matter.) lynn Willis, San Francisco, CA 14 15 and leaving. Eldon had learned to be di fference between warm tropi cal surface the current standing to a bare sixth. It DIVERSION: ELDON TANNISH far more specific in defining game water and cool deeper water. The present would look worse for the next few game alliances. Bulmar had done exactly as plant didn't bring up water from a deep months but with a bit of luck on timing, (El don is a rapi dly deve 1opi ng novi ce enough level to get a significant upwel­ competing in NORCON, the annual North promised and still managed to get Eldon it should break his way close enough to taken out. You couldn't be too careful. ling of bottom, mineral-heavy water. game end to prevent effective counter Ameri can tournament of The Game. "The But, it could be done even if it meant Game" is a super-sophisticated realistic Early crowds were already moving moves. He began feeding his new decision reduced net electrical output from the values to the computer early to leave as computer simulation of the not too into the spectator areas. Today's atten­ power plant. distant future. Eldon has survived dance would be maximum for the first games much time as possible for negotiating. of master level competition. Eldon had Eldon quit pacing and sat. He began His weakening position would make some second round qualifying and next com­ working rapioly on his personal computer, pletes with ten other highly-rated finished breakfast, watching from an happy but others might help. Not help from upper level walkway where ~e was.likely setting up decisions for the next turn. commaraderie, but the tougher his decline players. The computer generates a Each player had his own computer that different scenario for each game to meet a few gamers. Solltude 1mme­ was for Bulmar and his friends, the less diately before a game gave him an optimal supported personally developed analytical time they had to worry about others. played. The only constant is six ho~rs programs and i nforma ti on. The persona 1 of intense interaction with the termlnal, mental set by the time he went to the Others would help Eldon fight their cubicle for the fifteen minute scenario computers were each player's tool in the battles and the surprise he had in store trying to master a new situation: ,Wide briefi ng. yame. The better you were in using your would be too late for them to realize knowledge, intelligence, and dec1s1ve­ computer, the more you could do in the ness are all that's needed to win.) ************** tney'd been aiding a real threat, not a Eldon stood and stretched while the game. floundering player barely able to stay in An hour-old sun cast morning shadows Early resul ts from the previ ous turn over Eldon's calm form. Slow, three per computer processed his latest input the game. Eldon could finish fourth of decisions. He slowly paced three were coming back, but Eldon's furious con­ eleven and third wasn't out of reach. Not minute breathing was barely perceptible centration ignored them. More money for as he stretched on a hotel balcony cramped steps in the space.behind his. bad when at least four of the others chair while watching the vldeo sltuat10n immediate research into suitable oceanic clearly out-rated him . lounge. Ten minutes of Alpha.meditation life-forms. Cost estimates for a tem­ cleared his mind before startlng the display. Too many people, just too many in the game, to be able to.feel safe con­ porary 1,000 foot downward extention of dual-hemisphere theta induction exer­ th~ the power plant's huge intake ducts. A cises. Eldon wasn't a cognicept ad~pt, trol of any situation. Despite fact he was doing better than expected ln check into the simulated off-world com­ but he was proficient in focused brain modity market to see how deep his oppo­ exercises. The night's emotional barely holding his own, he felt uncom­ fortable at the mercy of continued nego­ nents had bought into algae food futures in releases had fully de-cathected his ego­ expectation that his poor crop would drive states, leaving minimal sub-conscious tiations and shifting alliances. It was a one planet game scenario with prices up. A feasibility study on avail­ disturbance. Thirty minutes later he able mercenary groups who might disrupt was fully clothed and ready to start each player controlling a co~porate state fighting for developmental r1ghts. The 8ulmar's surface energy reception stations a steak, egg, and avocado breakfast. , to reduce his energy available for High energy and high living, but mornlng struggle was quasi-economic ~ith le~s than full-scale military actlon. W1th the weather control. Eldon checked detail was his time and he knew to make the after detail to build a plan of action best of it for competition. game two-thirds gone, Eldon's full ability and some luck had left him in the mlddle that would make him look helpless, but "That's a bit much even for a wonder­ turn the tables at the last minute with boy, don't you think," intruded ?n,his of the pack. He'd ~ecome a major sup­ porter of one of the strongest players, large, unexpected supplies of fish protein. morning calm. "With luck maybe lt 11 His opponents were helping by already anti­ put you to sleep by eleven," continued helping take the edge off hi~ loner's.v~l­ nerability, but the diplomatlc necess1tles cipating their success in the commodity Bulmar Denholt. markets. Their buy-up of algae futures at "Ah, Master Denholt," Eldon said as chaffed. Pressure was building on his ocean­ low prices was perfect. There would be a he rose deferentially, "a pleasure to see fooo algae shortage, but a surplus of fish NOTICE: NAME FOR HYMENOPTRIA you." Bulmar was noted for his gratlng farming/resort complex. BUlma~ was.surely behind the change in weather w1th h1S protein would keep algae prices at normal personality, but it was u~eless.to , rates since it was a preferable substitute. We recei ved many well thought out sug­ respond in kind. That he d be ln today s orbital energy satellites. Cooler cloud cover hurt the resorts as well as algae The initial analysis looked good enough for gesti ons for a name with some pi zazz for game with Eldon was of interest to both. Eldon to begin selling his own company's Hymenoptria. If we eventually select a "Just wanted to see if you'd checked production rates. His patron ally seemed to be exerting less than full effort to stock short; its price would drop in the name from those sent, the lucky subscriber the computer assignments mix-up," said simulated stock market when news of the will get a copy of the game free, plus an Bulmar, standing. "No doubt you'd guessed back Bulmar off. His patron, a truly gifted master at the Game, wouldn't let weather problem became known to all additional six issues on his/her TSG sub­ the error." players. He a1so began buyi ng up hi gh­ scription. They will also get special "Error?" queried Eldon, "not sure I him be crippled, but he would try to keep Eldon from being more than a dependent priced fish protein futures since he would mention and notice, ta ta, in TSG. If we follow." . be able to deliver at much lower prices go with Jack Vance's THE DRAGON MASTERS "Oh, you were over-matched, being 1n ally. Cold weather, was there an advantage? later. for a name, thanks to everyone and hope with us. I'm sure it's been corrected Minor military action against Bulmar you buy the game. now." Bulmar grinned, daring the issue. The exploration data of the computer­ simulated planet so far revealed generally was called for and his own security teams "we novices do occasionally move-up, needed more hovercraft and patrol boats. you know," Eldon said. "Even if it'sjust earth-like ecological systems. On earth cold upwelling water near Antarctica sup­ Submarine attack on the power plant would to keep the masters anxious about thelr be likely. The extra force could also ratings." Bulmar knew Eldon wouldn't fall ported high populations of krill, a small, high-protein, shrimpish crustacean. The step up the level of clandestine pirate for it, but he'd tried anyway. No harm raids on coastwise shipping at the nearest done either way, but it did show ln~lf­ upwelling brought nutrients to the warmer upper water levels where the krill could continent. That would make it seem like ferent aggression consistent with h1S his response to the current threat would reputati on. . survive. The cooler weather spawned by Bulmar's satellites was killing the be military. A military move would please '" As I recall, you fa i red badly Wl th his opponents since they knew he was too me last NORCDN," said Bulmar, an under­ tropical algae strains, but it might create excellent conditions for some other weak to succeed. statement considering he'd done most to The results of last turn were now in. knock Eldon out of the tournament. kind of edible sea life. Eldon already had a thermal power Cooler weather, weakening stock prices, "I haven't forgotten such a valuab~e more guerilla attacks on farm teams, and lesson," Eldon said as Bulmar was nodd1ng plant for his food processing/resort comp 1ex that functi oned on the temperature fewer tourists dropped him from fifth in 16 STELLAR CONQUEST UPDATE wealth in a four player game, it means 17 players are missing opportunities to Units, Planetary Force Screens, and habit­ production cost to get it may just leave With comments from several hundred capture colonies and aren't keeping able Natural Metallization planets. If a you in an expensive cage. gamers now in hand, it's apparent which each other off balance. player is fortunate enough to find one of Many have written in with extensions aspects of STELLAR CONQUEST are giving the few habitable NM planets early in of the technological sequences. There's most trouble. Many who've become exper­ SHORT GAME VARIATIONS the game, he can dump all his population much interest in anti-PFS developments and ienced have suggested a number of varia­ The length of STELLAR CONQUEST isn't on the plaNet and concentrate on building new planetary missles, beams, and such tions and extensions that add greatly to so much a problem but a matter of up industry. The doubling of output that can actively attack warships in a your enjoyment. But, some others are preference for many, especially experi­ effect combined with no need for Controlled star hex instead of waiting to be attacked. having problems. The commentary below enced, players. Slow development Environment Technology results in an When SC was designed we deliberately should be taken as a general help and increases variety in each player's position industrial build up other players can't avoided optional rules and scenarios. All guide where needed. If you've adapted and gives more control over differing match. If the player also develops RIU's the effort went into a clean basic game. the game to your own likes and enjoyment, approaches. The game achieves that goal his industrial base becomes entirely We had a hunch that gamers would devise so much the better. but it is hard to play in one sitting freed from population constraints. If their own variations and do a better unless you really know the rules and . PFS is also acquired, the planet becomes job of it than we had time for. That's PLAY BALANCE don't have players who dither and dally an unconquerable base. turning out to be the case, which STELLAR CONQUEST is best for four. to the nth degree over each miniscule We've had a number of letters about encourages us to stick to basic game The total game resources are in balance decision. One thing we've used in post this and most players have devised various with the game system when four players play testing is a time limit on turns strategms for resolving the issue. Use d"igo. ~.:, have a 40-60 year game. If there are two according to whether its a Production of NM inhabitable planets is a problem, players, only half the board should be Year or not. The time 1imit effect puts but with four experienced players it's ~ used to achieve an equivalent balance of a realistic decision making pressure on hard to get away with. The other players ~0i\:", I .- time, space, and resources. If two players players and avoids the problems of slowing gang up on you if they decide that's what use the whole board, too much time is given down the game with attempts at optimizing you're doing. It's more a problem if there -~~T for development and production. Too many each and every minor aspect of play. SC are less than four experienced players. Sivad Chung years will pass before players are in a is a strategic game that should be won and For ex amp 1e, if t\% P1aye rs use the whole posi tion to contact and combat each other. lost at that level. Society leaders don't star map, the first one to find a NM Each player will then likely have a large try to control minor details in an optimal habitable planet does have an advantage industrial base and most of the techno­ fashion, they set general policy and because he has no immedi ate th rea t. As ide logical developments which destroys the control the larger movements. A player from that, the information in some letters Notice----Notice production/expansion/technology/conflict who isn't doing a good job on strategy leads us to believe that part of the prob­ stands little chance of winning anyway. Designers who want us to evaluate balance You aren't supposed to be able lem lies in actually playing the game their games for possible publication to achieve everything available during the A workable short game scenario cuts wrong. When someone speaks of having 30 should: game. The closeness of opponents should the time between production years to or 40 ON's by the 24th year, it's hard l. force you to choose only a few things to do three turns and starts each player off with to see how that is possible. Maybe some Have the rules notarized as a colony already established on a Terran are having production every year instead the product of your effort. in a four player game. If you use only 2. Send the game as certified half the map in a two player game, the Planet. All the G class star cards with of every fourth year. mai l. While learning the game it may be basic balance is sustained and your oppo­ either 60 or 80 million population limit 3. Have the rules typed double­ nent again becomes a major problem. Terran type planet are shuffled together best to playas if habitable planets spaced. Three player games are probably the and each player in the game is dealt one. don't have NM. We have begun to play 4. hardest to balance. Using the whole map Players then choose a star from the ones with only the MT planets habitable since Include all components, coun­ provides a bit too much maneuver-room, but listed. Four player games use Scorpii, the ST habitables offer even more advan­ ters, maps, play-aids, etc. in Bootis, Ceti, and Canis. Three player tage. That way there's less worry about a complete ready-to-play form. it is still playable. Starting points (i.e. counters cut out, etc.) should be 1, 2, and the map edge hex near games can use Diphda, Aurigae, and Tauri the whole game being distorted by one 5. Mizar or 3, 4, and the map edge hex near or any other combination of three that factor. If you are familiar with the Hand-drawn and lettered compo­ Zosca. The gas clouds around Mizar and gives reasonable development chances to game and playing balanced scenarios, it nents are acceptable, but be isn't too hard to off-set a player who neat. If it can't be read, it Zosca should be ignored when those hexes each player. Two player games use Ceti and can't be evaluated. are used in starting. A three player Canis or Scorpii and Bootis and ignore the looks as if he's gone for a habitable NM. 6. game using only half the map with the other half of the board. Each player Constant probes force him to divert pro­ Include self-addressed return envelope with sufficient post- third player starting in the middle has should start with a colony of 40 mi 11 ion, duction for defense. His population age. provided competitive play in some brief lIT, 3!'1A, ATK, 6 ESC, 10 CT, and 6 SCT. >lOn't grm'i radpily, so he can be confined testing we've done. A three player, half­ Each of the colonies initially inhabited to the one colony. And, if you play it We will try to return your game board game using the short scenario (des- by a player should be considered to have right, you can conquer the habitable NM within 60 days with an·initial state­ 'cribed below) with the third player a population limit of 80 million, even in before production is diverted for defense. ment of our interest. Games of starting at Draconis provided an active, those cases where 60 million is the limit If a player begins putting up PFS's he interest will most likely be returned short game that ~eemed to maintain excel­ shown on the Star Card. may be hurting himself. PFS can't be for suggested revision. If a game lent balance. If you're short a fourth The short scenario will cut about 25% built for a colony with less than 20 IU's has no chance of making our publishing player and some time, it's worth investi­ from the game time and even more if players of output and they aren't cheap to schedule, we will so state with sug­ gating. want to drop one production year and develop or build. Few of our players gestions for possible alternative When developing your own variations, shorten the game all the way to 27 years. even bother much with them any more except publishers. All submissions are keep the concept of balance uppermost. The scenario will still be reasonably in longer games. The PFS fallacy sinks eligible for the game design contest The game design is a good base for adding balanced within the framework of the home fully when you have a powerful awards. We will publish games byout­ changes, but balance is the key to a com­ ori gi na 1 rul es though the deve 1opmenta1 colony with PFS and a weak fleet and it side designers in 1976. Here's your petitive variant. Two things that will aspect is compacted. becomes neutral i zed. A fai rly strong chance for fame and fortune--well, tip you to poor balance arelack of inter­ fl eet can dri ve off your weak cover then maybe a few bucks anyway. action between players and achievement THE RIU, NM, PFS HASSLE leave a single warship to neutralize the of too many technological developments. The nearest thing to a functional whole colony. The colony can't launch a Player's strategies may lead to the same weakness in STELLAR CONQUEST relates to ship or attack the warship with missles symptoms. If there's too much productive the interaction of Robotic Industrial for as long as it remains in the star hex. A PFS has its uses, but the research and 18 19 morale and effectiveness of the THE INTANGIBLES HEADACHE design problem is abstracting moti­ capita labor capitalization and moti­ Communist cadre system. Asian cational factors into meaning ful rules vation of work force thus sidestepping Communist societies have an im.por­ About the most frustrating proliem mechanics. The problem cannot be issues of which system is inherently tant nucleus of loyal, dedicated poli­ a game designer faces is trying 10 sim-­ attacked without making some assurrp­ most productive. Each player can tical cadres that control/motivate the ulate intangible factors. You're o. k. tions about how loyally motivated cadre then select the socio-economic sys­ rest of the society in war. The North in abstracting combat factors to re­ groups are created. The assumptions tem he desires for his society and Vietnamese cadres prosecuted the present unit strengths even though the selected will vary according to diJ£er­ know the game is still in competitive political nature of war far beyond our effectivene s s of combat units would ent value systems. balance. ability to endure, despite the fact that realistically vary in different situa­ A capitalist/democratic value sys­ The subject is obviously larger their society absorbed all the material tions. Various type s of movement tem will say people are motivated by than a few pages, but hopefully this damage. rules over abstracted maps are, a­ freedom to acquire material rewards. will serve to set those interested in A conflict game puts you in the gain, not very realistic, but are ac­ A communist value system might say game design to thinking. The de­ role of leader of certain forces in con­ ceptable representation of reality. people are motivated by right thinl

Please rate each of the following The game idea I'd most like to see articles on a scale from 1 (low) to 9 you publish _ (high). Each article is to be rated in­ / r :z. dependently, so several may have the I same score. A s a rating guideline, Any comments, complaints about 1 our publication'- _ 112 ' would mean I'didn't like article," < /'l7'~ l'SIt would mean "generally acceptable,ll r J / .... and 1'8'1 would mean "liked article , / _/r;;! , very much. 11 I J ;'!U' r , Please rate these suggested names \ I I __Editorial for Hymenoptera on a scale of I to 9 as you did the articles. Additional .- M b5 1.o NM S:ST20 . • U'ubl

- ""1lr1"-fllllIJll _D&D Review: Andy Pudewa 8 6 7 8 J' G • 7 8 8 8 , 8 , __SF /F Game Ratings __War of the Hives M .:IIl.IO NM o:MT.20 4:Tl.ID .,Ml.4(J Ult.IO .. 5:811·20 NM ':MI.IO ):sT4lO 5,MT·211 Nt.! $:Ml.wl NV _Wantads __Weapon Nests __Letters __Dragon Lords ., , 8 F , __SF Gaming News/Plugs __Spawn of Chitin M ~;~.~" NM 71 +.sf.... " " " " " '. Swarm Mutants l·MV· _SC Up-date __Eldon Tannish #2 Death Hives __Issue #2 Over-all __Hymenoptera~'

.. .. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,. ~ ,. r- no ~'Raymond Pouliot pointed out our ~ .:: .:: .:: ::; ~ The TSG improvement I'd like most ." . . ._ ... ~ ,~ ~ ~ ~ misspelling of this word, but too late ...... ::; .. ., to see _ . m m m ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . .. for us to correct it in the body of the .. .. ,...... : . .. · ~ ~ .. . .. If text. This is the proper spelling. " · ~ .':'~ ..- ~ ~ : .

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"I would like to tell you that I have IN A NUTSHELL ... Rate the other three categories shown on a scale of zero (low) to . SOON the stars will be ours. Most really enjoyed playing the game early pioneers face harsh deaths under . that's it. An absorbing challenge in ten (high), similar to the TSG article ratings. Rate only those games and find it a mentally stimulating alien suns. Some hardy breeds will space conflict for mature, intelligent you own or have played. pastime. The first weekend I had found great empires. shaping man's gamers. If you like strategy or have any future history. Leadership is the crucial it, I played 3 games." other strategic space game you'll Components D. Carter factor. The future will be chronicles of always regret missing this. Hours Complexity Quality Over-all Ontario, Canada bold men for all seasons struggling . rather advanced compared Send name, address, zip code and $ 9 against nature and man's implacable us (SOrt extra for 1st class return) to: enemy ~ man. to some of the simple-minded DUNGEONS & DRAGONS science fiction games on the STELLAR CONQUEST formulates market today." STAR PROBE these struggles into a sophisticated, F. E. Stolper mETRGRmmG COnCEPTS LENSMAN multi-factor game format. YOU control New Jersey Box 15346 a complete interstellar society. You Austin, Texas 78761 STAR LORD direct exploration for Terran type BUT, CAN YOU DO IT? TRIPLANETARY planets. You guide research, spur Let's be honest. STELLAR CON­ industrialization, command space­ QUEST isn't for the head-on 'let's fight ALIEN SPACE fleets in battle. You play the 'Soldier­ - roll the dice', garners! Immature Satisfaction or refund policy. STAR FORCE King' role for a future stellar nation. gamers who only relish the fight get BATTLE OF HELMS DEEP Genius isn't needed to master the rules. lost in the strategic interplay. 5C is for It does take decisive confidence to win. the subtle generalist, the thinker whose 4000A.D. And, leading nations is always more victories seem lucky to the persistent Now with cover sheet GORGAMELLA challenging than a mere battle. loser. So be frank. if you're saying, by Kelly Freas. Letters from numerous happy fans tell "whadda they mean", to yourself right SPACE CENTURIONS us that STELLAR CONQUEST is now then DON'T BUY STELLAR RIGELLIAN WARS CONQUEST, You'll only be confused. something special. Comments like SIEGE OF MINIAS TIRITH these are gratifying: We like sales but feel it only fair to warn plodders. BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES STARSHlP COMBAT STELLAR CONQUEST

This page and the order form on back may be cut from the magazine for return mailing. Information may also be entered on a separate sheet of paper. A full listing of games we sell will be included on a separate bro­ chure with TSG #3. 22

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For each item(s) you wish to purchase, enter the appropriate price on the line provided at the right. All items are mailed third class unless you add the first class mailing charge for an item. If the item does not have a first class mailing charge indicated, it will be mailed third class only. The numbers in parenthises after each item indicate in order the non-TSG subscriber price, the TSG subscri­ ber price, and the first class mailing charge (if applicable). Be sure to take THE your discount if you're a subscriber. This order form and the feedback question­ naire on back can be cut from the magazine for your convenience. The Terran Empirels invasion of the Human/Ythri society of Avalon, based THE YTHRI ($8/ $ 6. 80/500 The two player game that recreates the Terran on the Hugo -nominated novel THE Empire's invasion of Avalon, horne of the bi- racial Ythri /Human society. PEOPLE OF THE WIND by Based on Hugo-nominated novel THE PEOPLE OF THE WIND by Poul Anderson, "HRI Poul Anderson. the game's fairly simple format and fast action is ideal for novices or beer and pretzel play by experts. Two maps, 288 counters, rules booklet and record When the ..L"crran Lr.1pire decides to lladjust11 its border with the Domain of sheets. Ythri, Avalon is a prime objective. Home of the successful bi-racial Human/ STELLAR CONQUEST ($9/$8/500 Now in zip-Ioc plastic baggie with a fantastic Ythri culture, Avalon becomes the pivotal battle of the war. Now the novel by cover illustration by Kelly Freas. This society-level game for 2-4 players has Poul Anderson is translated into a game scenario by Metagaming Concepts. technological research, exploration, demographics, industries, colonies, and Abstraction is a basic premise of the game. THE YTHRI does not attempt to space fleet combat. You lead a complete society in what is already a classic follow the book blow by blow, but extracts the basic situation into a system in s-f game. Six-color plastic star map, 400 ship counters, rules folder, star which each player can win. The game system is significantly less complex than cards, record sheets, data sheets. Stellar Conquest, making a faster-playing, easier to learn game. THE SPACE GAMER, six-issue subscription (no more than six, please). THE YTHRI utilizes a space map with Avalon's moon Morgana and space $ 3. Start with # forts in orbit. All space ship movement and combat occurs on the space board. 80~. TSG, #2, (#1, sold out) A second map of Avalon is designed to facilitate planetary/space combat inter­ RECORD SHEETS for STELLAR CONQUEST, $1 for 20. actions. The Avalon lnap has a ltmegahex" grid for atmospheric movement and STAR PROBE ($6/$5.10/500 (TSR) The game of space exploration in detail. cDmbat super-imposed on a standard small hex grid for combat. Movement and The first booklet available in the $6 price covers exploration, combat, alien combat are kept simple and attrition of forces will be substantial as play races, etc. Later supplements will be offered by TSG and will expand on the progresses. empire, inter-player contact aspect. Low interaction among players makes The three basic types of units are space ships, atmospheric craft, and this the best solitaire s-f game around. 2000 star map in black and white, 36­ 1 ll "bounce ! troops. All "bounce troops are actually airborne with anti-gravity u­ page rules booklet in a zip-Ioc baggie. nits or self-powered Ythri units. Because the "boW1ce ll units are much less mo­ DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS ($10/$8.50/--) (TSR) The fantasy game of sword and bile than atmospheric units and operate at lower altitudes, they function much sorcery adventure for many players. Played with miniatures or paper and pen. like ground troops but with greater mobility. Three rules booklets, boxed. The Terran Empire player has to sweep the smaller Ythri fleet quickly out GREYHAWK ($5/4.25/300 (TSR) Supplement I for DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS. of the way, disembark planetary combat units, and neutralize Avalonian ground . You need D&D to use the supplement. installations. THE YTHRI player uses his limited space and planetary force to WAR OF WIZARDS ($7.50/$6.40/--) (TSR) Board game of magic dueling between impose maximum delay in the invasion to allow time for help to arrive. Victory wizards. Boxed. conditions allow either player a clear-cut win, unlike the novel. DUNGEON! ($12.50/$10.75/- -) (TSR) Another fantasy adventure in boardgame The combat system smoothly integrates the different types of forces into a version, boxed. unified interaction of two players. It is unlike any existing historical Or space EMPIRE OF THE PETAL THRONE ($25/$21. 25/--) The long-awaited fantasy game simulation, being created uniquely for THE YTHRI. Gamel's who revise adventure game by Prof. M. A. R. Barker. The fabulously detailed world of games for their own enjoyment may even find it provides a single planet combat Tekumel is depicted in three full-color maps, 8 1/2" by 11" rules book, and addition for strategic, multi-star games like Stellar Conquest. boxed. Comp.onents include *planetary space map "'288 half die-cut space ship and SHI:? TO: NAME _ Total Amount *full-color map of Avalon planetary combat counters *sample record sheets *example-oriented rules booklet ADDRESS _ Texas residents add 40/0 sales tax Available for shipping on 10/15/75. ______ZIP _ $8.00, unboxed ($6.80 discount ffiETA6Affim6 COnCEPTS TOTAL DUE price for TSG subscribers). Send Box 15346 --TH your name, address, and zip code Austin, Texas 78761 to the SF&F games people.••..•• Make check for the TOTAL amount payable to the SF &F mETAGAmmG COnCEPTS 1'.0. Ho.\ 15.146-th games people•.••• Auslin. Tc.'(us 7~752