Issue #190 SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS Vol. XVII, No. 9 February 1993 In Poseidons Lair Publisher 9 Theres another world to seeas close as the nearest James M. Ward shore. Editor Monsters of the Deep Gregory W. Detwiler Roger E. Moore 10 Half the danger in adventuring in the ocean involves Associate editor the unfriendly inhabitants . Dale A. Donovan Deep Beneath the Waves Bryan K. Bernstein Fiction editor 16 And the other half of the danger lies in the Barbara G. Young environment itself. Editorial assistant Wolfgang H. Baur REVIEWS Art director Larry W. Smith The Role of Computers Hartley, Kirk, and Patricia 55 Lesser Production staff The art of warfarecomputer warfare, that is. Gaye OKeefe Tracey Zamagne Dawn K. Murin Role-playing Reviews Rick Swan 66 From one game system, many genres: Steve Jackson Subscriptions Games GURPS® system. Janet L. Winters Through the Looking Glass Robert Bigelow U.S. advertising 112 In space, theres only one race of real Aliens! Cindy Rick U.K. correspondent FEATURES and U.K. advertising Wendy Mottaz The Ecology of the Actaeon Aidan Doyle 26 Another good reason to be nice to Mother Nature. Divide and Conquer William J. White 33 Never split the party-but if you do, heres how to do it right. DRAGON® Magazine (ISSN 0279-6848) is published tion throughout the United Kingdom is by Comag monthly by TSR, Inc., P.O. Box 756 (201 Sheridan Magazine Marketing, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Springs Road), Lake Geneva WI 53147, United States Middlesex UB7 7QE, United Kingdom; telephone: of America. The postal address for all materials from 0895-444055. the United States of America and Canada except Subscriptions: Subscription rates by second-class subscription orders is: DRAGON® Magazine, PO. 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Order Entry Department, Westminster MD 21157, Prices are subject to change without prior notice. The U.S.A.; telephone: (800) 733-3000. Newsstand distribu- issue of expiration of each subscription is printed on 2 FEBRUARY 1993 The Known World Grimoire Bruce A. Heard 41 Back to basics: more on the economics of the D&D® game world. The MARVEL®-Phile Steven E. Schend 47 Whaddya know? A MARVEL SUPER HEROES Sage Advice column. Novel Ideas TSR Books Department 72 On the horizon-shelves of great reading from TSR! The Game Wizards Ed Greenwood 81 A guided tour of Waterdeep with your (untrustworthy) host, Volo. Sounds of Wonder & Delight Jeff Grubb 84 What music is played during those long Arabian nights? Unique Unicorns Michael John Wybo II 90 A stableful of all-new species for every land and clime. Too Bizarre to be Magical Matthew Michael Patrick 96 Schutt The portrait that ruled a nation, and other psionic devices. COVER Ah, there's nothing like an ocean cruise to help an adventurer relax. DEPARTMENTS Kevin Ward, our cover artist, has painted an encounter between a 4 Letters 76 Sage Advice sailing ship and one particularly 6 Editorial 102 Dragonmirth interesting (as in dangerous) specimen 30 Convention Calendar 104 Twilight Empire of aquatic fauna. 50 TSR Previews 108 Gamers Guide 62 Forum the mailing label of each subscriber’s copy of the stamped envelope (9½” long preferred) to Writers’ Registration applied for in the United Kingdom. All magazine. Changes of address for the delivery of Guidelines, c/o DRAGON Magazine, as per the above rights to the contents of this publication are reserved, subscription copies must be received at least six address, include sufficient American postage or and nothing may be reproduced from it in whole or in weeks prior to the effective date of the change in order lnternational Reply Coupons with the return envelope part without first obtaining permission in writing from to assure uninterrupted delivery. In Europe, write to. 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In Europe, write to: Letters, DRAGON A version of the item spell that appeals to tide of replies this letter generated. Magazine, TSR Ltd., 120 Church End, Cherry toddlers, this spell transforms average, live, Several readers took the time to point out that Hinton, Cambridge CB1 3LB, United Kingdom. free-willed people and monsters into small dolls. we were overdue for another DRAGON Maga- Each such doll resembles the former being in zine index. See the next letter for details. David most respects and gives off no magical aura Howery took the time to point out that thendar whatsoever. The plush stuffing of the doll ap- wear stupid hats. Thanks. About Yamara peals to family pets with an urge to gnaw and worry.