Mystery & Suspense ctober traditionally ushers in a horror-themed issue of Naturally, we also present several of our regular depart- DRAGON® Magazine but this year we’re taking a slightly ments and columns. Let us know what you think of all of them different approach to what has sometimes become an all- by dropping us a note. As you might notice by the structure of undead monster review. While charging through catacombs to this issue, we’re moving the furniture around somewhat, and hack at ghouls and zombies has a certain visceral appeal, now is a great time to tell us what you’d like to see soon. Note slowly creeping up a squeaky staircase is what makes real ter- our new postal and email addresses in this month’s “D-Mail.” ror possible. With this thought in mind, we present a more sub- tle array of October articles this year. Goodbyes & Hellos In our lead feature, we present a rich survey of Medieval After leaving Wisconsin, we bid a fond farewell to Michelle and other historical period detective fiction. This is the sort of Vuckovich, who plans a return to college for her Master’s article I like to call an “idea-generator,”since it creates many degree. We won’t say goodbye to Lizz Baldwin, since she has starting points for your own adventure ideas. For 101 more moved only about 10 feet away to join the TSR book depart- ideas on starting your own mystery plotline, see this issue’s ment as assistant editor. “Dungeon Mastery” column, which makes a fine companion Upon arriving in our new offices here in Renton, WA, we’ve piece to “The Murder Medieval.” added a few new members to our team. Our new editorial Next we examine a thieves’ guild allied with the shadiest assistant is Jesse Decker, an eight-year veteran of the AD&D church in Cerilia. These Quick Fingers don’t flinch from the more game and GURPs* fantasy. Also joining the magazine staff is brutal methods of most thieves’ guilds, but they prove that a former English teacher Chris Perkins, better known to readers secret can be more dangerous than a knife. Located in the of DUNGEON® Adventures as that magazine’s most prolific BIRTHRIGHT® campaign setting “Ela’s Quickfingers Guild” could contributor, now its editor. appear in most any AD&D® game setting. Along with Chris and Jesse, much of the staff of The Duelist If you like a plot-based adventure or, like me, want any has come to our assistance. We’re delighted to count among excuse to break out the old Tarokka deck, check out “Saga of our extended family Wendy Noritake, Bob Henning, Sharon the Mists.” Even if you never play anything but the AD&D Whiting, Denise Stewart, and especially Judy Smitha, who might game, the card mechanics offer a new and illuminating view just know everything after all. They and everyone at Wizards of of the moral and supernatural laws of Ravenloft. the Coast have made us feel at home in our new lair. Explore the final resting place of the divine dead in “Mysteries of the Dead Gods.” Perfect for fans of the PLANESCAPE® setting, this article also works just fine for any AD&D game planewalkers. Dave Gross Publisher Editor Associate Editor Art Director Pierce Watters Dave Gross Chris Perkins Larry Smith Advertising Manager Editorial Assistant Advertising Director Subscriptions Manager Jesse Decker Bob Henning Judy Smitha Sharon Whiting Printed in the USA DRAGON #240 3 October 1997 Volume XXII, No. 3 Issue #240 The Murder Medieval Jon Pickens Detective fiction throughout the ages can inspire many a mystery for AD&D® game sleuths. Page 18 Mysterious Cities James Wyatt The Red Death spreads its subtle fingers farther across the glob of Gothic Earth. New source material for any 1890s horror campaign. Page 28 Goddess of Shadows, Guild of Thieves Sue Weinlien Cook and slade Ela’s Quick Fingers Guild: a new church and thieves’ guild or players of the BIRTHRIGHT® campaign or any AD&D world. Page 38 Saga of the Mists Matthew L. Martin Use the story-driven SAGA™ System to drive the mysteries in your RAVENLOFT® campaign. Page 48 Mysteries of the Dead Gods Monte Cook Care to visit the graveyard of the gods? A new mystery for planar travelers to explore. Page 56 4 OCTOBER 1997 Ecology of the 3 . The Wyrm’s Turn™ Nymph A slight departure from our usual October Johnathan M. Richards programming. The Monster Hunters learn a harsh 6 . D-Mail™ lesson after their past hunt. Your kind words and corrections, and a few Page 70 words about dungeon crawls. Wyrms of the North 8 . Forum Dice vs. cards, plus the continuing debates on Ed Greenwood magic and multi-classed human PCs. Gaulauntyr the thief dragon is a subtle schemer. 12 . Page 76 Sage Advice The answers to your questions about rogues and magic. Dungeon Mastery Steve Berman 96 . Cons & Pros™ More than one hundred little Coming soon to a convention center near you. mysteries for the DM to develop. Page 82 108 . Role-Playing Reviews Rick Swan surveys some of the best horror Bazaar of the supplements of the past year. 120 . The Current Clack™ Bizarre The latest on the game industry, including the Brian P. Hudson Origins convention and the GEN CON® Game Fair. Need a hand? How about a leg? Page 88 Other Material 98 ................ Knights of the Dinner Table 100 ........................... DragonMirth 102 . Gamer’s Guide 104 . Floyd 116 ..................... TSR Previews 62 True Power Ron Collins At what price does the apprentice become a master? DRAGON #240 5 to agree with Steve Shawler’s comments a lot of depth and detail. Playing through made in DRAGON Magazine #237: noth- the Randal Morn modules, I was ing beats a good dungeon crawl. They impressed at how the designers worked are what keep both DMs’ and players’ to test the characters in every way possi- skills sharp and hungry for more adven- ble. With the new proficiencies and kits, tures. I also agree that there is a short- the characters can do much more than age of products that feature this type of just cast spells and swing their swords. adventure, which was what it all There is room for every type of module, revolved around in the beginning. though, and a reviewer shouldn’t be I agree also with Steve that Mr. allowed to influence the future of the Swan’s review (of Undermountain: The game. Lost Level, in issue #234) was a little less Keep up the great work! The amount than on the mark, as we “adult” and of detail and realism that you offer to “veteran” gamers can attest, and these the game is greatly appreciated. two letters are proof of that. We design David Aquadro and make our own modules featuring Bratt, UT the dungeon crawl. Other gaming styles are fine if that is what you want to play, For the Dogs lf you have a comment, opinion, or but campaigns such as the BIRTHRIGHT®, Dear DRAGON Magazine, question for the staff of DRAGON® Magazine, RAVENLOFT®, and DARK SUN® settings are Your article “Man’s Best Friend” (in write us a letter. We’d love to hear from you. not the same as the original AD&D® issue #237) raised some hackles in my In the United States and Canada, send crawl, in which you find the bad guys household, so I felt compelled to com- letters to “D-Mail,” DRAGON Magazine, through clues, traps, and puzzles, then ment on a few canine inaccuracies. It is 1801 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, WA 98055, try to clobber them in the hack-n-slash dangerous to tread on the toes of dog U.S.A. You can also send email to us at style of combat. It just is not the same! lovers’ views of breeds and training. [email protected]. After 12 years of crawling in and Since my husband is a veterinarian and Please use regular mail for change of around dungeons, l—and also Steve and I have been involved in dog obedience address notices or subscription orders. Send his crew—must be doing something right training for 10 years, I hope I can speak them to: DRAGON Magazine, P.O. Box to keep the game going. with. some competence. 459086, Escondido, CA 92046-9107. Well that is my two copper pieces on As far as breeds are concerned, I the subject. High fives to Steve and his cringe at the notion of putting the Saint crew-our crawlers are with you. Bernard in the war dog category. Several Welcome Back Long live the crawl! giant breeds—including the Great Dear DRAGON Magazine, Ed Bradshaw Pyrenees, New Foundland, Saint I was shocked to have finally House Springs, MO Bernard, and Anatolia—are guardian received issue #237 about six months dogs. These are bred to help and protect after the last one-and was very glad to . Or Not To Crawl helpless individuals, such as people lost see it. I had received my first subscrip- Dear DRAGON Magazine, on mountains, drowning victims, and tion issue in October. Wow! I thought my subscription had lambs. Don’t expect a lot of help from The first things I read are “Floyd,” been lost. What a great surprise to receive these breeds in a fight unless someone “Knights of the Dinner Table,” and “Sage issue #237! The new format is really they‘ve been trained to protect is down Advice.” I think many fans will find issue good, but I do miss “Forum.” It is always and helpless.