However first, a minor correction. Ever since subject #39, Dragon Journal has been printed by Dragon Publishing, a division of TSR Inc. Nevertheless, as of subject 93, Dragon Publishing has disappeared, and the journal lists TSR Inc. because the publishing entity. This modification undoubtedly displays some inside reorganisation, however I am not conscious of any broader significance.
The quilt is by Dennis Kauth, and it’s most uncommon. As a substitute of a portray, Kauth created and photographed a paper sculpture depicting a faerie dragon gliding over a stream. It is a daring and distinctive picture, and I believed it was fairly beautiful on the time. I am undecided the digital copy does it justice.
There are a number of particular points of interest on this subject. First is Gary Gygax’s brief story, “At Moonset Blackcat Comes,” which introduces readers to Gord of Greyhawk, the protagonist in Gygax’s upcoming debut novel, Saga of Outdated Metropolis. This little story may be very a lot written in a basic swords-and-sorcery model, with apparent nods to each Fritz Leiber and R.E. Howard. Gygax’s fiction has undoubtedly improved for the reason that materials he printed within the early problems with Dragon, although I discovered this story slightly sluggish to get going.
“The Metropolis Past the Gate” by Robert Schroeck is an AD&D journey set on Earth. The get together seeks the legendary Mace of Saint Cuthbert and is distributed by way of a portal to trendy London. As they scour town, they have to cope with cultural clashes, know-how, and the extreme limitations positioned on their magic. It is a wonderful premise and may very well be a number of enjoyable, however there are issues with the design. The journey presents a broad overview of a number of data however would not give the DM a lot assist in gamifying the weather. One of many random encounters, for instance, is solely “Truant officer”. The DM might want to work out the way to make that enjoyable.
In the identical vein, the journey consists of an correct flooring plan of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and particulars 100 places inside, most of which aren’t very fascinating or related. For instance, “20. Hall shows: A. Chinese language and Japanese lacquerwork and furnishings; B. Ivories and leatherwork; C. Chimney items; D. Musical devices; E. Plaster casts (sculptures).” Nonetheless, with a bit of labor, a DM may flip this into an pleasurable night’s leisure. Schroeck went on to write down a number of GURPS books for Steve Jackson Video games.
The ultimate particular attraction is Dragonchess, additionally by Gary Gygax. This sport is a 3D chess variant performed throughout three boards, representing air, earth, and the subterranean realms. The foundations are intensive however clearly defined, and the sport is totally playable. Though it seems extra like a thought experiment than something, Dragonchess has had an extended afterlife, with folks constructing units and enjoying the sport to today.
On to the opposite options! “Rating one for Sabratact” by Forest Baker describes a brand new out of doors martial sport wherein gamers, carrying armour and wielding pre-modern weapons, rating factors by breaking small goal cups mounted on their opponents. It’s team-based, with an emphasis on techniques and co-operation. It seems there was a current revival of curiosity on this sport, with a small documentary launched a number of years in the past.
Frank Mentzer’s “All Concerning the Druid/Ranger” tackles the principles ambiguity across the druid/ranger multiclass mixture, which Gygax formally authorised in subject #96. Many readers identified that AD&D druids have to be True Impartial in alignment, whereas rangers have to be some variant of Good. Mentzer declares that druid/rangers have to be Impartial Good after which spends half a web page justifying why. All of it appears a lot ado about nothing.
Ed Greenwood returns with “Pages from the Mages V,” including extra magical tomes to the Forgotten Realms. This month, now we have Sabirine’s Specular, Glanvyl’s Workbook, The Crimson Ebook of Battle, and The Alcaistar. To Greenwood’s credit score, he retains arising with new and compelling concepts for these books.
In “The Probability of a Lifetime,” Doug Niles presents a quick retrospective on the creation of the Battlesystem miniatures sport, highlighting the challenges posed by scale, formations, and spell results. And in “From First Draft to Final Gasp,” editor Michael Dobson shares his perspective on the identical design course of.
The ARES Part returns, presenting a couple of dozen pages of science-fiction and superhero gaming materials. It consists of 5 articles:
- “Artistic Conjuring” by Eric Walker presents a variant Marvel Tremendous Heroes magic system.
- “Champions Plus” by Steven Maurer provides new abilities and powers to Champions.
- “Charisma Counts” by S. D. Anderson expands charisma guidelines for Villains & Vigilantes.
- “Defenders of the Future” by William Tracy introduces the Guardians of the Galaxy to Marvel Tremendous Heroes.
- “The Marvel-Phile” by Jeff Grubb particulars the Defenders Ensemble, additionally for Marvel Tremendous Heroes.
And that is a wrap! A number of massive articles dominated this month, solely certainly one of which actually me (the journey). A lot of the different options felt like filler. Total, it was a disappointing subject for such an necessary milestone, particularly given the upper value. Subsequent month, now we have a special strategy to alignment, magic merchandise charging, and a brand new Creature Catalog!
