The quilt is by Clyde Duensing III and exhibits an adventurer stumbling upon what is likely to be a lich. As far as I can see, it was Duensing’s solely cowl for Dragon, although he did another illustrations for TSR. Inside artists embody Stephan Peregrine, Roger Raupp, Jim Holloway, Larry Elmore, Timothy Truman, Jeff Easley, Joseph Pillsbury, Dave Trampier, and the Marvel Bullpen.
This month’s particular attraction is “Treasure Trove II,” and is a follow-up to the wonderful function in Dragon #91. I discovered the gadgets a tad extra pedestrian this time and considerably verbose, though I did like Ed Greenwood’s catstaff. The article is accompanied by “A pointy system for swords” by Pete Mohney, which expands upon the magic sword technology tables within the Dungeon Grasp’s Information. It was the final of three articles Mohney wrote for Dragon.
“The impartial perspective” by Stephen Inniss claims that AD&D’s guidelines closely emphasise good and evil alignments whereas leaving the impartial alignments poorly supported. The article suggests increasing present mechanics—similar to turning and cleric spells—to provide impartial alignments equal weight, thereby bettering sport steadiness. I used to be just a little dissatisfied, because the title led me to count on a dialogue on the philosophy and roleplaying of neutrality. Inniss printed many articles with Dragon, typically with an emphasis on mechanics and simulation.
“Tables and tables of troops” by James Yates argues that the AD&D guidelines for fighter followers are too slim, producing almost equivalent forces, and proposes a brand new system that accounts for terrain, lordly character, alignment, stage, charisma, and race. The concept is sweet, although the troop tables are simply totally different assortments of sunshine, medium, and heavy infantry and cavalry. I want there had been extra color for every choice – maybe the desert cavalry put on sun-bleached leather-based jerkins and vibrant veils, for instance. This text was Yates’s solely publication.
“The ecology of the Will-o-Wisp” by Nigel D. Findley is a grim story of doomed adventurers who come upon an historical elven manuscript revealing the true nature of will-o-wisps. The article recounts how these lethal marsh lights developed from boggarts, reproduce in triads, wield telepathy and electrical energy, and lure prey with false treasure. It’s well-written and imaginative, and a worthy addition to this sturdy sequence. Findley was a gifted and prolific RPG creator, taken from us too younger.
“That is life within the huge metropolis” by Kevin Anderson and Kristine Thompson gives Dungeon Masters sensible steerage for designing plausible medieval cities, emphasising inhabitants, geography, fortifications, and the gritty realities of city life. The article grounds its recommendation in historic examples, highlighting priceless particulars such because the gatekeeper’s quiet authority and the distinctive risks that emerge in metropolis streets after darkish. Thompson printed nothing else for RPGs, however I am unsure if Anderson is similar creator who later wrote for Savage Worlds.
“Historical past of a sport that failed” by David F. Godwin opens with the overpowered Lord Arrogo versus a hapless pink dragon as an example how careless distribution of magic gadgets can wreck a marketing campaign climax. Drawing on his personal early errors, Godwin gives hard-earned recommendation: fudge cube when wanted, tailor modules, be stingy with magic, and at all times do not forget that the DM runs the sport. There are some good suggestions, together with others I do not take care of. Nevertheless, I at all times take pleasure in articles that take the attitude of “here is what did not work.” It’s one among two items that Godwin printed with Dragon.
“Genuine companies, half III” by Merle and Jackie Rasmussen concludes their sequence on real-life espionage organisations to be used within the High Secret sport. This time, the main focus is on Communist intelligence teams such because the KGB, GRU, and CCI. It is a superb sequence for these operating an genuine Chilly Conflict–period spy marketing campaign.
“Dennim and the Golem” by Robert S. Babcock follows a intelligent thief whose seek for treasure in a mountain cave results in a fateful encounter with a mysterious steel guardian. It is a strong story with a vivid protagonist and a pleasant twist, though held again by inventory villains and extreme exposition. It seems to be Babcock’s solely story.
There’s a single sport evaluate. Gems for Dying by The Companions is a richly detailed, system-neutral journey module that builds pressure via layered scenes, practical NPCs, fiendish traps, and a dynamic villain timeline. Reviewer Arlan P. Walker concludes, “This one’s excellent, people. Do not miss it.”
John C. Bunnell returns with a round-up of all the most recent speculative fiction:
- Crewel Lye by Piers Anthony is a pun-filled Xanth journey that is “assured to entertain.”
- Stormwarden by Janny Wurts is a weather-magic fantasy with vivid characters and tangled plotting that’s “a close to miss that is nonetheless price studying.”
- Witchdame by Kathleen Sky is a story of sorcery, politics, and future that is “a bit higher than common for an alternate-England novel.”
- Enchanters’ Finish Recreation by David Eddings is the epic conclusion to the Belgariad, which is “prone to discover itself shelved someplace between Tolkien and Donaldson as one of many commonplace sequences within the area.”
- Speaking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede is a witty fantasy quest filled with humorous characters and conditions, and is “cheerful, exuberant enjoyable.”
- The Magic Cup by Andrew M. Greeley is a Grail-like Irish quest that’s “intensely plausible and absorbing studying.”
Lastly, ARES presents a few dozen pages of science fiction and superhero materials:
- “Tanks a Lot” by Alex Curylo introduces automobile fight to Star Frontiers.
- “Psybots and Battle Mechs” by Michael Breault previews Proton Hearth, a robot-based RPG that was by no means launched.
- “The Marvel-Phile” by Jeff Grubb shares stats for numerous Soviet-aligned heroes, similar to Vanguard.
- “Hazard on a Funds” by Bruce Humphrey suggests some nasty surprises lurking within the ruins of Gamma World.
And that is a wrap! It was a strong problem, with my favorite article being Findlay’s ecology. Subsequent month, we’ve got the landmark problem #100!
