The duvet, titled “Lethal Encounter,” is by David Martin and depicts an adventurer battling a fierce harpy. This was Martin’s debut piece for Dragon, and he would observe it up with a controversial cowl for Difficulty #114. Inside illustrations are by Larry Elmore, Roger Raupp, Dave LaForce, Marsha Kauth, Jerry Eaton, Joseph Pillsbury, Timothy Truman, Jim Holloway, Dave Trampier, Edward Wagner, Tony Mosely, and Richard Tomasic.
This month’s particular attraction is “Creature Catalog III,” the newest instalment in Dragon’s periodic compendia of latest AD&D monsters. As with earlier catalogs, this entry compiles submissions from a number of contributors, starting from low-level curiosities to highly effective apex threats. The standard varies enormously, with sturdy items by veteran designers Ed Greenwood, Roger E. Moore, and Scott Bennie. Of the monsters listed, solely the burbur, mantimera, and orpsu had been included in later hardcover compendiums.
“Replace from the Chief” is a usually bullish article by Gary Gygax, which discusses the overwhelming fan assist for a D&D function movie, the success of Unearthed Arcana, and upcoming tasks resembling Oriental Adventures, The Temple of Elemental Evil, and the brand new Greyhawk novels. Gygax additionally fires again on the “baseless accusations” being leveled towards D&D within the media—referring to the Satanic Panic, which was in full swing.
Roger E. Moore presents “All concerning the Kender,” an intensive exploration of Krynn’s beloved pilferers. This text is similar to the sensible “perspective” sequence that Moore wrote a few years prior. He has an excellent knack for turning simplistic stereotypes (”kender steal stuff”) right into a nuanced cultural portrait. He additionally shares many useful ideas for kender as PCs. General, a superb article which includes a terrific drawing by Larry Elmore.
“Plan it by the Numbers” by Frank Mentzer outlines a mathematical system for designing balanced encounters, enabling DMs to foretell encounter issue with extra precision. The system was initially written for the D&D Grasp Set, however was changed resulting from its heavy mathematical focus. I can’t communicate to the accuracy of the system, however such fashions are frequent in current variations of the sport.
“For King and Nation” by Paul Suttie argues that AD&D’s absolute alignment system doesn’t swimsuit the complexity of contemporary campaigns, creating contradictions that constrain characters reasonably than information them. Suttie suggests changing alignment with a mannequin by which beliefs come up from tradition, faith, politics, and private values, permitting characters to behave logically inside their world reasonably than based on ethical absolutes. For instance, a paladin’s code would movement from the expectations of his king and god reasonably than from an summary definition of “lawful good,” enabling two paladins of opposed cultures to battle each other with full conviction. I keep in mind this text properly, and I discovered it so persuasive that I successfully eradicated alignment from my recreation. I’ve come full circle and am way more in favour of the standard alignment system as of late, although I believe it wants some nuance. This seems to be Suttie’s solely RPG publication.
“Charging Isn’t Low cost” by Peter Johnson outlines lore-rich procedures for recharging rods, staves, and wands in AD&D. He expands the sparse steerage on this matter within the Dungeon Masters Information with components, rituals, and experimental penalties. There may be some beautiful flavour textual content across the recharge rituals, which might be an excellent boon on the proper tables. This text was Johnson’s solely RPG publication.
“And Adventuring To Go…” by Brenda Gates Spielman follows 4 younger would-be adventurers whose first foray into the broader world proves way more perilous than any of them imagined. The motion is vivid and the social gathering dynamics partaking, however the story leans closely on exposition, and the payoff is a bit weak. Spielman revealed a small variety of novels in addition to the Umbar sourcebook for Iron Crown Enterprises.
There’s a single recreation evaluate on this subject. DC Heroes RPG by Mayfair Video games is an formidable, lavishly produced superhero role-playing system whose clear guidelines and powerful theming reward these prepared to embrace its complexity. The detailed fight choices and wealth of ready-made heroes provide a sturdy toolkit, however the a number of books, conversion tables, and demanding character creation make it removed from beginner-friendly. Nonetheless, reviewer Jeff Grubb states, “that is one of the best product I’ve but seen from Mayfair Video games.”
John C. Bunnell opinions the newest fantasy and science fiction novels:
- The Future Cube by David Bischoff is an ingenious multiverse story that sadly feels very incomplete.
- The Isle of Glass by Judith Tarr is a considerate, character-driven alternate historical past that blends intrigue with a wealthy examine of identification.
- Cats Have No Lord by Will Shetterly is a witty, riddle-layered quest full of attraction and memorable personalities.
- Ladyhawke by Joan D. Vinge is a fascinating novelisation of a popular fantasy movie.
- The Sword of Calandra by Susan Dexter is a well-built, conventional fantasy quest with sturdy characters and a satisfying conclusion.
- Dayworld by Philip José Farmer is a fast-paced, idea-rich thriller a couple of man juggling seven identities in a divided future.
The ARES Part returns, presenting a couple of dozen pages of science-fiction and superhero gaming materials. It contains six articles:
- “Starships and Star Troopers” by Roger E. Moore appears to be like at miniatures wargaming in a science-fiction type.
- “Sorry, Flawed Dimension!” by Mike Manolakes introduces concepts for dimensional journey in superhero gaming.
- “The Marvel-Phile” by Jeff Grubb options Beta Ray Invoice and Girl Sif for Marvel Tremendous Heroes.
- “Out of the Solar…” by James M. Ward and Roger Raupp unveils the Man-Machines in Gamma World.
- “The Empire of the Solar” by Roger E. Moore describes the house of the Man-Machines.
- “The Stellar Diocese” by Michael Brown explores the function of clergy within the Traveller universe.
And that’s a wrap! I think about this a really stable Dragon subject, and I loved it completely – way more than the vaunted one hundredth subject. The strongest article was little doubt Moore’s therapy of kender, although there was lots else to take pleasure in right here. Subsequent month, we have now gully dwarves, a brand new AD&D journey, and Gygax on gaming kinds!
