The quilt is by Dean Morrissey and depicts a wierd naval vessel that seems simply as able to crusing the skies because the seas. It feels very steampunk, although that time period was but to be coined. Inside artists embrace Roger Raupp, Bob Maurus, Jeff Butler, Dave Trampier, Richard Tomasic, Joseph Pillsbury, David Hutton, and Larry Elmore.
This month’s particular attraction is “Treasure Trove,” a set of recent magical gadgets for AD&D from numerous authors. It follows within the custom of “Bazaar of the Weird” and gives a wealthy array of enchanted objects to shock gamers who suppose they’ve seen all of it. The choice contains weapons, potions, wondrous gadgets, and even a number of cursed surprises. Most of the gadgets are somewhat prosaic, such because the potion of frost resistance. It’s no shock that essentially the most vibrant gadgets come from the pen of Ed Greenwood, together with the censer of thaumaturgy, the goblet of glory, and the trumpet of doom. I additionally need to draw consideration to the rod of many issues by Andrew Dewar, which is now a staple of the sport.
Gary Gygax brings us “The Goristro Revealed,” introducing this large, silly, however very harmful demon that was mistakenly omitted from the Monster Guide II. Gygax makes up for it with full stats and a sturdy description of their position within the Abyss. It is a disgrace there is no such thing as a matching illustration.
“Practical Very important Statistics” by Stephen Inniss presents another system for figuring out character top and weight based mostly on geometry. It is a well-thought-out mathematical strategy, however one wonders whether or not the realism is definitely worth the extra complexity. Inniss beforehand revealed two detailed articles on familiars and would publish one other dozen articles with Dragon over the following few years.
Ed Greenwood gives one other stellar entry within the “Ecology” collection with “The Ecology of the Leucrotta.” The article takes a deep dive into this grim and unsettling creature, recognized for mimicking human voices to lure victims to their doom. It’s good to have this collection again after an absence of a number of months.
Greenwood additionally expands on some earlier work in “9 Hells Revisited,” offering particulars on outcast devils, hidden treasures within the infernal realms, and diabolical offers. His follow-up article, “Eight Devilish Questions,” solutions reader queries in regards to the 9 Hells and the position of devils within the sport. This compelling look into fiendish lore is imaginative, detailed, readable, and extremely gameable. It’s Dragon at its greatest.
“Chronicles: A Novel Concept” previews the upcoming Dragonlance Chronicles series–a vital milestone on TSR’s march into the world of fiction. The article showcases the attractive Larry Elmore cowl for “Dragons of Autumn Twilight” and hints on the sweeping scope of the story and its connection to the Dragonlance sport modules.
Penny Petticord makes her Dragon debut and supplies some Prime Secret perception with “Spies’ Recommendation,” tackling a rating of reader questions in regards to the guidelines. TSR not too long ago employed Petticord as a “video games questions skilled,” and she or he went on to edit Polyhedron and administer the RPGA Community. She later married Skip Williams.
“The Rune and the Dragon” by Lawrence Watt-Evans is a brief story about three adventurers who, after stumbling upon a mysterious golden rune, discover themselves pursued by an enigmatic dragon. The central thriller is participating, and the decision is satisfying, however the story suffers from uneven pacing and shallow characters. Watt-Evans revealed many novels and tales and later grew to become president of the Horror Writers Affiliation.
There are a number of sport critiques on this situation. Shogun by Shipps Ltd is an interesting card sport mixing parts of five-card stud poker with the favored James Clavell novel. The gameplay is fast to be taught however sufficiently complicated for repeated play. Paul Smith concludes, “the methods are delicate sufficient to intrigue and problem essentially the most skilled game-player.”
Ken Rolston critiques a number of mystery-themed video games. Mercenaries, Spies, & Personal Eyes by Flying Buffalo is a straightforward espionage RPG emphasising velocity over realism and providing restricted background materials. Rolston charges the sport merely “enough,” although many now consider it’s a minor basic. Dying in Dunwich by Theatre of the Thoughts Enterprises is an interesting Name of Cthulhu situation that blends thriller, investigation, and horror. Rolston judges it “a wonderful journey and an instance of what good role-playing thriller needs to be.” The Vanishing Investigator by TSR is a Gangbusters thriller module with distinctive organisation and detailed presentation. Rolston declares it “a first-class product, each as a mannequin of RPG thriller design and as an efficient and thrilling journey.”
Rolston additionally shares a number of capsule critiques:
- Dragons of Despair by TSR is an unconventional AD&D journey with a robust plot, thematic depth, and a wealthy environment.
- Marvel Tremendous Heroes by TSR is an engagingly easy superhero RPG that’s significantly accessible for youthful players.
- The Mountain Surroundings by Gamelords, Ltd. is a extremely detailed complement for wilderness adventures in mountainous terrain.
- Bree and the Barrow Downs by Iron Crown Enterprises is an immersive Center-earth setting module with meticulously developed cultural and geographic element.
The ARES part rounds out the difficulty with 14 pages of sci-fi and superhero content material:
- “Does anybody right here communicate Aslan?” by Joseph Benedetto covers language expertise in Traveller.
- “The Day of the Juggernaut” by William Tracy is a Star Frontiers situation.
- “The Marvel-Phile” by Jeff Grubb supplies statistics for the mysterious Cloak and Dagger.
- “Careers in Star Legislation” by Alex Curylo gives extra particulars on this Star Frontiers organisation.
- “Do not Depart Residence With out ‘Em!” by Scott Hutcheon describes new gear for Gamma World.
And that is a wrap! It was a considerable situation, with Greenwood’s “9 Hells Revisited” the apparent standout. There was some dialogue in Dragon Reflections #90 as as to whether the journal was in decline by this level. I would say not but, however there are warning indicators forward. Gygax’s artistic contributions will ramp up over the approaching months, then stop altogether as he’s eased out of the corporate, with veteran Dragon editor Kim Mohan following quickly after. Grognardia identifies this 12 months because the second D&D strikes from its Golden Age to its Silver Age, with the product overly influenced by second-rate epic fantasy and a decadent concern with fantasy realism and dramatic coherence. I am certain my commentators may have views.
Subsequent month, we’ve got heaps on clerics, the ecology of the Ettin, and the return of Pages from the Mages!
