Dragon Magazine 186
Dragon Magazine 186
Editor
Roger E. Moore
10 50 Castle Hauntings Michael Gabriel
You dont want a mere ghost to scare the heroes. You
Fiction editor
14 Mission: Impossibly Dangerous! Gregory W.
Detwiler
Barbara G. Young How to darken the future (and the characters lives)
Editorial assistant in GDWs DARK CONSPIRACY game.
20
Wolfgang H. Baur
The Dragon's Bestiary Spike Y. Jones
Art director Three new undead: one good, one evil, and one thats
Larry W. Smith rather shocking.
Production staff
Gaye OKeefe Tracey Zamagne
Dawn K. Murin REVIEWS
Subscriptions
Janet L. Winters 32 Role-playing Reviews I Lester Smith
Some lessons in horror from small-press game companies.
U.S. advertising
Cindy Rick 96 Role-playing Reviews II Rick Swan
More ghastly games, newly edited and fresh from the
crypt.
U.K. correspondent
and U.K. advertising
Wendy Mottaz 112 Through the Looking Glass Robert Bigelow
The dead in lead: figures of horror in miniature scale.
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FEATURES
26 Welcome to the Neighborhood! James R. Collier
Hows the night life in the necropolis? Make cities sparkle
in AD&D® campaigns.
DEPARTMENTS
cure light wounds spell to use against
the vampire landing on his back. Tom
was able to prove to the editors
satisfaction that chain mail pants did
4 Letters 92 Forum exist.
6 Editorial 102 Dragonmirth
52 Sage Advice 104 Twilight Empire
58 TSR Previews 108 Gamers Guide
76 Convention Calendar
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DRAGON 3
What did you think of this issue? Do you have cities, so they can post them for you in their mutant able to transport itself from plane to
a question about an article or have an idea for a own local hobby stores and whatnot (possibly plane might appear in a dungeon and confound
new feature youd like to see? In the United even giving them out to the people in their everyone it meets with its peculiar powers).
States and Canada, write to: Letters, DRAGON® gaming groups). —“Unidentified Gaming Objects” had a brief
Magazine, PO. Box 111, Lake Geneva WI 53147, note on page 30 about the possibility that in
U.S.A. In Europe, write to: Letters, DRAGON
Dying breed?
certain campaigns the derros, a degenerate
Magazine, TSR Ltd., 120 Church End, Cherry dwarven race in the AD&D game, might de-
Hinton, Cambridge CB1 3LB, United Kingdom. velop magical or technological flying saucers, if
Dear Dragon, not other horrible devices as well, which they
I play only the AD&D® 2nd Edition game. I would use in an attempt to conquer their world.
think of myself as a simple DM. I dont use the
Old issues, big
This would make a particularly wild (and per-
SPELLJAMMER® set. I dont use psionics. I dont haps frightening) fantasy campaign.
use the Nordic or Charlemagne supplements. I
bucks?
—The race of araneas, from “The Voyage of
dont play in the RAVENLOFT®, DARK SUN, or the Princess Ark, could be adapted from the
FORGOTTEN REALMS® settings. D&D® game to the AD&D game and placed in
Dear Dragon, I do follow the rules. I use all the options dungeons and ruins, Heroes might find these
I currently have in my possession a collection printed in the Player’s Handbook and Dungeon spiderlike creatures to be especially horrible
of DRAGON Magazines dating back to issue #95, Master’s Guide. I use the classic modules, such opponents, given their poisonous, spell-using,
with the exception of three issues missing. I as the G-D-Q series[ the “giants, drow, and spider-summoning, and shape-changing abilities.
have often seen back issues selling for more Queen of the Demonweb Pits series, revised Araneas could give even drow a run for their
than the cover price, and I was wondering if my and reprinted in 1986 as GDQl-7 Queen of the money.
collection has any special value. Thank you. Spiders]. I play in the WORLD OF GREYHAWK® —“The Vikings’ Dragons” provides numerous
John Buhrmann setting. And I run a damn good campaign, if I do all-new dragons that can be used outside of
Winsted CT say so myself. Ive been the DM of the same Norse campaigns. The monster known as
group for three years. We started with 1st-level Corpse Tearer could appear as a unique under-
We don’t have “official” figures on the value of characters in module U1 [The Sinister Secret of ground threat, ruling its own subterranean
old issues of DRAGON Magazine or DUNGEON® Saltmarsh] and are now about to leave module grotto full of undead humans and monsters.
Adventures, though the TSR Mail Order Hobby G3 and start Dl. Low-level heroes might meet only a few of
Shop has prices available for the older issues it I received DRAGON issue #183 a while back. I Corpse Tearer’s undead assistants, not the beast
sells. You might be able to use these figures in looked at the table of contents, then I looked itself.
determining the relative worth of your own through the rest of the magazine. What I found —Maybe I’m just perverse, but wouldn’t it be
collection, To get the current price list for back was that most of the magazine offered nothing I interesting to make up statistics for an AD&D
issues of DRAGON Magazine, DUNGEON Adven- could use. Tell me: Am I among the last of a game mutant or magical character like Kylun,
tures, and POLYHEDRON® Newszine, write to: dying breed? When I first started reading detailed in “The MARVEL®-Phile” on pages 80-82
Mail Order Hobby Shop, PO. Box 756, Lake DRAGON Magazine, it seemed to be tailored to of issue #183? He would make a fascinating
Geneva WI 53147, U.S.A. folks like myself. Now Im reduced to Dragon- NPC, perhaps having crossed universes once
If you want to sell your old issues, here are mirth. more in some comic-book plot, or else being a
some suggestions: Listen, I know the gaming industry is chang- native of the AD&D world just as Vincent was a
1. Advertise them at your local hobby shop by ing, but how about remembering those players native of the tunnels beneath New York City in
giving the shopkeeper a list of the issues you who have been with you for years and helped the TV series “Beauty and the Beast.”
have and their prices, then asking if he can post get the gaming industry where it is today? —“Forum” carried a number of letters from
the list in a prominent place in the shop or have Victor Roy Gonzalez readers on creative campaign design and player/
it on hand if anyone asks. Los Angeles CA referee tips that can be used by almost anyone
2. Place a notice in a gaming magazine (we in any game campaign.
don’t do this for DRAGON Magazine and The central theme of issue #183 was on com- —“Sage Advice,” of course, answers important
DUNGEON Adventures, but RPGA™ Network bining magic and technology in role-playing questions about the AD&D® game, and every
members can do it in POLYHEDRON Newszine). games, so we knew it wouldn’t appeal to every- campaign can use it.
3. Place a notice in a local shopper’s newspa- one. Nonetheless, there were a number of —“TSR Previews,” “The Game Wizards,” and
per, preferably one serving a metropolitan area articles in that particular issue that we hoped advertisements in the magazine offer informa-
with lots of people or having a college campus AD&D game players would enjoy and use: tion on new products that can enhance your
or military base. —The editorial discussed using plot, place, and campaign.
4. Advertise on computer bulletin boards character ideas from modern fantasy fiction in We will certainly work harder to give AD&D
devoted to gaming. your role-playing campaign. Any number of game players a large dose of the kinds of arti-
5. Put up a small notice (with permission) at a these ideas could be fitted into a “traditional” cles they want, and we hope this issue turns out
local grocery store or library, if a bulletin board AD&D campaign with ease. (The “techniques of to be one of those highly useful ones. It is im-
is available. terror” from the RAVENLOFT boxed set and the portant, however, to look past the labels that
6. Bring your issues, carefully bagged and “Game Wizards” column in issue #162 would articles have, such as which AD&D campaign
marked, to a game convention featuring a work wonders in a subterranean campaign such world or even which role-playing game they are
games auction. The GEN CON® games fair has the one in the old G-D-Q series.) meant for, and to dig out the elements that you
an auction each year in which such items may —“Magic & Technology Meet At Last!” detailed can use in your own game campaign. Often,
be sold. ways to mix the GAMMA WORLD® and AD&D only a minor amount of tinkering can produce a
7. Make up handouts describing your collec- games, which could take place on a limited basis whole new set of wonders and horrors for
tion and give them to gaming friends in other in otherwise “normal” fantasy campaigns (e.g., a gaming use.
4 OCTOBER 1992
The Game Fair That Ate Milwaukee
Wed been having meetings here at TSR and immediately discovered that the bill- cityscape mural for its SHADOWRUN*
about the 1992 GEN CON®/ORIGINS game ing was, if anything, understated. The game that was two stories high and twice
fair for over a year before it happened, sight of the three-story TSR castle taking as long; the Steve Jackson Games booth
but it had always been a sort of academic up most of a city block brought home the had full-size laser cannon models (non-
thing, like having a round-table discussion fact that this convention was going to functional mock-ups, I assume), as well as
on how squid reproduce¹ or whether the outdo them all. (This same megalithic a huge replica of an Ogre (the supertank
sun will go nova in a billion years. The structure, dubbed Fortress TSR, later kind, not the giant humanoid kind). Most
game fair became a reality for me on won five satirical Critics Choice Awards, booths also had extensive miniatures set-
Tuesday, August 18th, when I took my son which I took to mean that the display was ups to showcase their games, with R.
to Margaret Weiss house for the Pre- greatly envied and admired.) Talsorians CYBERPUNK* system, Steve
Convention Warm-Up Party and found her Dale Donovan and I spent Wednesday Jackson Games OGRE* miniature rules,
hosting what I first took to be the Coali- afternoon setting up the Periodicals sec- Milton Bradleys BATTLEMASTERS* game,
tion forces from Operation: Desert Storm, tion for DRAGON® Magazine, DUNGEON® and FASAs SHADOWRUN and BATTLE-
but which turned out to be only lots and Adventures, and AMAZING® Stories, plac- TECH* rules coming to mind. Many small-
lots of convention-going gamers. ing my adopted son Bud on a stool in a press companies presented dozens of new
My son John, of course, ran off to help niche of the castle to sell our magazine- and intriguing systems for gamers to try,
the Minneapolis gamers set up tents in logo T-shirts. (For more on Bud, see such as a set of Aztec-style mecha -combat
Margarets back yard while Margaret, DUNGEON issue #33, page 76.) All went rules, and almost everyone had new
Tracy Hickman, and several hundred other well until our publisher Jim Ward found products to show off.
confused people rehearsed for their the mallet for the huge brass gong in the As with every game fair for the last few
DRAGONLANCE® play. Everyone, even the AL-QADIM demo area and began to bang years, every sort of item was for sale as
Canadians, had already heard from Marga- away with glee every few seconds. The well, such as rainbow-colored T-shirts,
ret that I allegedly threw a paper airplane mallet was soon accidentally lost or stolen, Celtic harp music on cassettes, chain-mail
off the balcony at the downtown Milwau- and a sorrowful Jim could be seen wan- headpieces, real gems and jewelry, brass
kee Hyatt several conventions ago, a dering from booth to booth asking, goblets, fluorescent paints, Cthulhu him-
charge that to this day I completely deny. Wheres my banger? or words to that self in miniature, dice the size of your
Worse, they convinced my seven-year-old effect, but no one had the slightest idea of foot, Star Trek and Dirty Pair stick-pins,
son that I had done it, and he told every- where it went, particularly not myself, books on every battle from Hastings to the
one hed seen me do it, which was impos- Karen Boomgarden, or five other people Persian Gulf war, and even baseball caps
sible since he wasnt there and he would whose names I wont mention. After- with propellers. Computer and on-line
have been only two or three at the time, wards, many of the exhibitors and TSR game booths captured the attention of
and besides I didnt do it anyway. The crew went to the Safe House, that famed many, especially the Origin computer-
evening wound up with me lending my Milwaukee espionage bar and eatery, and game booth with its Wing Commander
house to the Canadian armed forces for many events occurred there of a nature game, which I first mistook to be an actual
the night, while I stayed in Milwaukee. that cannot be discussed in this magazine, movie. The art show had to be moved
Wednesday morning, I dragged myself or at least so Ive heard. I didnt go this upstairs to make room for the castle and
into MECCA to see what sort of amuse- year, preferring to go home and crash as dealers in the main hall. (I hear the art
ments were brewing for what had been quickly as possible. show was outstanding, but I couldnt get
extensively billed as the greatest role- Thursdays dawn found the staff and up to see it. Rats.) Jim Ward found the
playing, board, computer, and miniatures exhibitors at their stations, and at 10 A.M. gong mallet again, then tragically lost it for
gaming convention in the history of hu- the gamer hurricane began. You couldnt a second time, a sad event that brought
manity.² I walked into the exhibition hall see the floor through the feet. FASA had a tears of joy to many. Spider-Man joined us
at the TSR castle, and Margaret Weis and even David O. Miller, an artist buddy from up my son, then be a vegetable and have
Tracy Hickman were present in their own Louisville who played AD&D® games with some fun. And maybe I dont have any
booth with their Minneapolis and Canadi- me a decade ago, with his very charming M&Ms, but I did get a couple of Butterfin-
an fans. When the day was over, the ex- fianceecongratulations! ger bars for lunch, and they helped. My
hibitors and TSR crew again went off to Saturday, we . . . actually, I dont recall thanks to the Canadian military for not
the Safe House, where many more events much from Saturday, as there were so wrecking my house, and to Gail for not
occurred that cannot be discussed here many gamers rushing into the halls at leaving me after she saw what I really do
without my having to consult an attorney opening time that some TSR staffers were for a living. See you next month.12
first. I helped with a SPELLJAMMER® nearly trampled. The surge of gamers
seminar, then went home.3 built for hours throughout the day, hardly
Friday was much like Thursday, except letting up. I was called to run a D&D®
for starting with the excellent RPGA game demo in place of Bruce Heard, who
Network breakfast. I met gamers who had was sick, and our group discarded the
flown over from Japan, Finland, Great rules and played Destroy All Monsters
Britain, and Israel, and I even met a man for two hours.8 Many open demos at the
from the FBI (led over by Margaret Weis) TSR castle included huge models and
who asked me about the paper-airplane dioramas of things like a DARK SUN
incident.4 My fiancee Gail, who is not a gladiatorial arena, a DRAGONLANCE fly-
gamer and doesnt read this magazine, ing castle with dragons, and a huge
came over as well to get an idea of exactly SPELLJAMMER asteroid base with three Footnotes
what Ive been talking about all this time. large 25-mm ship models (all models and 1. I dont want to know.
She seemed to enjoy her exhibition-hall dioramas were one of a kind only, not for 2. Since the Roman Colosseum fell apart,
tour despite the amazed looks on her face sale). I noticed a tall drow princess and anyway.
after seeing a particularly outlandish Galadriel among the costumed convention- 3. Thursday was the only day during
booth display or gamers costume. goers, as well as many fencers, barbarians, which I got some M&Ms; they disap-
As for the rest of the day, our staff gave and scantily clad dancing girls. There was peared rapidly, and no one brought
seminars, sold more magazines and T- markedly less male and female skin visible more.
shirts, and once in a while got time off to at this convention than at the last two GEN 4. He really was from the FBI, but he was
wander the hall. The Cthulhu for Presi- CON game fairs, perhaps because of the a gamer, so he was okay. And I didnt
dent campaign 5 was in full swing at the air conditioning. Bleary-eyed exhibitors, do it.
Chaosium booth, and David Brazil, who fresh from a night at the Safe House, 5. Slogan: Why settle for the lesser of two
wore the sandwich sign for the campaign, would mumble the words Spys Demise evils?
made absolutely sure that I wrote down and nod their heads knowingly. I wouldnt 6. Smart money says it will be Thailand.
his name for mention in this column. The know anything about that, because I went 7. It had nothing to do with the gong.
Chain Maille Fashions booth awarded me home early and crashed with no M&Ms.9 Dont ask.
with a special gift that at first I hid in Sunday was the day that exhausted 8. I faked the stats for Supertroll. I hope
embarrassment because I thought it was a exhibitionistsah, I meant exbibitors— none of the survivors minded that.
chain-mail loincloth or codpiece, but dragged themselves in for a final day of 9. I hereby apologize to Margaret Weis for
which my art director Larry Smith has riotous fun, fresh from the Safe House. It trying to strangle her in the TSR castle
just informed me is actually a bracelet (ha, had gotten noticeably cold in the hall, while she was telling Karen11 and Vince
ha, I knew it all along, and no, I didnt try thanks to the air conditioning, and in the about my alleged exploits in the Hyatt. I
it on except as a bracelet). I also watched air hung the sounds of the gong (rung also thank Karen11 for not breaking my
the Milton Bradley BATTLEMASTERS with great glee by Jim Wardwhere were arm when she immobilized me.
video so many times that I could visualize you, Karen B.?), bleats from Bruce Heards 10. It looks like a flat, triangular banjo. I
it perfectly late at night when I didnt rams horn, and the slow, steady boom, knew you would ask.
want to think about anything game-related boom, boom of bone-rattling footsteps 11. This is not the same Karen as was
at all. A long line of eager gamers wound from the GEnie booth's BATTLETECH mentioned earlier. This one has a black
through TSRs castle for book signings by simulator (are mecha pilots deaf?). A mino- belt in Okinawan karate.
Bob (The Legacy) Salvatore and the Marga- taur in red robes gave me an orange 12. I forgot to mention Ray Norton, an old
ret & Tracy show, among many others. stone, my son John came in with his mom Army buddy who gamed with me in
The gong mallet stayed out of Jim Wards and stepdad to see the video games, and a West Germany a decade ago and has
hands. Game designer Allen Varney passed Swedish gamer complained to me about now turned up as a hobby-shop owner
out copies of the itinerary for his upcom- the appearance of a Swedish city as a in Janesville, Wis. I especially want to
ing world tour, and we made bets on Soviet airbase in the RED STORM RISING thank the guys from Fayetteville, N.C.,
which country hed be in when he ran out game (The only Soviet jets that came to who brought much-appreciated greet-
of money.6 Sweden were the ones that wanted to be ings from the wonderful Al and Feliet
The TSR-sponsored game-industry party shot down, he told me). Another gamer of the Hobbit Hobby Shop, right next to
Friday night was a gala event capped off gave me a dozen photographs of some Ft. Bragg. Hi, Al and Feliet. You people
by the arrival of Jim Ward wearing a stringed musical instrument as part of a are the greatest.
tuxedo, a sight that caused religious hyste- correction he wished us to make in the
ria among many TSR staff members. I met AD&D 2nd Edition Complete Bard’s Hand- ORIGINS is a trademark owned by the Games Manufac-
an incredible number of people, some of book (Now, this is what a balalaika really turers Association. It was good to see you folks
whom I actually remembered from past looks like!).10 By the end of the day, the RED STORM RISING is a trademark owned by and used
conventions, and my fiancee had a great only TSR staff member who looked as under license from Jack Ryan Enterprises Ltd. and
discussion with Jim Ward, who was hap- fresh as on the first day was Bud, still Larry Bond. ©1988 Jack Ryan Enterprises Ltd. and
pily threatening me with disgrace, torture, sitting on his stool and smiling as only a Larry Bond. All Rights Reserved.
banishment, and worse because of a mi- cloth mannequin can. Hes wearing my * indicates a product produced by a company other
nor but amusing incident earlier in the convention T-shirt even now, slouching in than TSR, Inc. Most product names are trademarks
day.7 I saw Warren and Caroline and Mar- my office chair. owned by the companies publishing those products
garet and Ahmed and Mike and Mike and Its Monday now, the convention is over, The use of the name of any product without mention
of its trademark status should not be construed as a
Mike and Lisa and Gregory and Ann and and my Geo Storm has been recalled. challenge to such status
David and Newt and Allen and Liz and Tonight, Im going to pick up my car, pick
DRAGON 7
Your new castle may already have residents
with ideas of their own.
by Michael Gabriel
Artwork by Mark Poole
Almost every castle in Gothic literature 50% chance that it is a vengeful haunt that
has its ghost. When player characters slowly takes possession of the character in
inherit or capture an existing castle or order to harm some enemy.
build a new castle on the site of an old 9One room of the castle contains a
one, they might discover that a ghost skull hidden in the stonework. Another
comes with the property. This spirit may room contains a headless skeleton, similar-
be malevolent or benign, appearing only ly hidden. If the skull and its body are
on certain occasions such as the anniversa- reunited, the skeleton returns to life as a
ry of its death or appearing every night. lich (it can do nothing in its current form).
Fifty hauntings are presented here. Any The original owner of the castle (if not a
AD&D® game DM who wishes to haunt PC) defeated the lich and had its remains
a castle can use the ideas listed here to roll so buried to prevent it from returning; the
up an interesting encounter or deliber- bones cannot be destroyed by any non-
ately flesh out a spirit to provide an magical means.
amusing or chilling long-term guest in a 10A forgotten prisoner died in chains
PCs abode. Roll 1d10, then consult the in the castle dungeon. The sound of rat-
chart below to determine the nature of tling chains can still be heard there. Exor-
the haunting. cism lets this spirit rest in peace.
11A bricked-up room contains an
1d10 Haunting emaciated vampire, too weak to do any-
1-4 Undead thing but scratch at the walls. Breaking
5-8 Curse into the room frees it. Any type of vam-
9-0 Phantom shift pire (including RAVENLOFT® setting vari-
eties) could be used.
The DM should roll 1d20 if a curse or 12A small child is frequently seen
undead haunting has been indicated, or playing in the halls of the castle. If the
1d10 if a phantom shift has come up, to child is spoken to, the apparition vanishes.
determine which haunting is taking place This harmless spirit considers the castle
according to the text that follows. safe. An exorcism removes it.
If the DM wishes to determine randomly 13A number of rusted suits of plate
the frequency at which the haunting oc- mail stand in a display hall in the castle. At
curs, roll ld6: 1 = Nightly appearances; 2, times, clanking noises and the sounds of
3, or 4 = Appearances every night of the cannot be seen or exorcised while any movement can be heard from this hall.
full moon; 5 or 6 = Annual appearances. members of the lords family live. If all This is caused by a poltergeist that resides
To determine how many hauntings a members of the family die, the ghostly in one of the suits of armor and periodi-
castle should have, roll ld6: 1, 2, 3, or 4 = canine is never heard again. cally takes it for a walk. In a RAVENLOFT
One haunting; 5 = Two hauntings; 6 = 4An invisible drum sounds from the campaign, this is a Doomguard, left by a
ld4+1 hauntings. battlements whenever the castle is about long-dead owner, going on a patrol. It does
to be attacked. This is caused by the spirit not attack unless it is attacked first.
Undead hauntings of a long-dead guard. 14The ghost of a dead paladin stands
1A coach appears in the castles court- 5An ancestors ghost guards the build- before the castles treasure vault. It fights
yard. If any character (PC or NPC) gets in ing it died in. Any undead that attempt to anyone not a member of his order who
the coach, it heads off down the road at enter must first battle this protective approaches the vault. It has the statistics it
breakneck speed. The driver and its two spirit. It has the statistics it had when had in life. If all the treasure is removed
passengers (not including any characters) alive, and it can be hit only by magical by one of its order, it vanishes forever.
slowly turn into skeletons as the coach weapons (being magical, its weapons count 15A powerful sorcerer was buried
rumbles toward the cliff it plunged over as magical in combat as well). It does not near the castle after his hands were cut
years before. The skeletons do not attack reappear if defeated in combat. off for his many magical crimes. One still-
their living passengers, though the fall off 6Footsteps are heard in the night, and living hand prowls the estate, looking for a
the cliff may kill anyone who remains in doors creak and slam, but nothing is ever way to uncover and reanimate the rest of
the coach. seen. This area is haunted by a weak the body.
2This haunting appears to a random poltergeist that does not attack. It might 16A headless horseman rides the road
PC in a dream, taking him for a walk have some connection with an ancient outside the castle, seeking to take other
through the castle that ends at a spot on crime, its actions revealing something peoples heads. Treat this haunting as a
the wall or in the courtyard. If the charac- about the events that took place. ghost, except that it has 6 HD and does
ter later digs at this spot, a murder vic- 7The ghost of a dead sergeant walks 1d8+2 hp damage with its sword. Anyone
tims body (50% chance of hidden the battlements. Any guards who carouse, slain by the horseman is found later with-
treasure) is found. Giving the body proper sleep, or drink on duty are beaten in repri- out a head. This ghost always returns,
burial and seeking out its murderer ends mand by this protective spirit. It has the even if defeated, unless someone can
this haunting. Treasures may be kept if statistics it had in life and can be hit only locate and return its original head to it.
vengeance is completed; otherwise, a new by magical weapons. 17A poet is buried in the castle grave-
haunting begins, focused on the thief. 8The eyes of a portrait seem to follow yard. A ghostly figure leaves flowers here
3A ghostly watchdog howls in the a character. The painting can speak to him from time to time. This is the harmless
kennels whenever a member of the castle or her if it chooses. There is a 50% chance spirit of a long-dead admirer who does
owners family faces death. It is still carry- that this is a harmless spirit that may have nothing more dangerous than steal
ing out its guard duties as it did in life. It useful information for a character, and a flowers from the castle flower beds.
DRAGON 11
18Each time the family vault is 4A noose hangs in an empty cell in the its current occupants and a 50% chance
opened, it is found that the stone coffins castle dungeon. Any evil character who that it is hostile. It is controlled by a spirit
within have been moved and rearranged. remains in the cell for more than one day whose body was buried under one of the
There is a 50% chance that this is caused must save vs. death magic every day there- castle gates as a guardian. Removing this
by a harmless poltergeist, and a 50% after or die from the oppressive atmos- body to consecrated ground ends this
chance that a nest of ghouls is using this phere of death present. This is a very haunting.
vault as a gathering place. powerful curse and requires exorcism to 13A huge hell hound appears outside
19Evil PCs are awakened by chained end it, followed by burning the rope with the castle walls from time to time, seeking
spirits who take them on an astral journey magical fire. to devour members of the castle owners
to their own futures, to show them what 5The castle chapel contains the power- family as punishment for some long-
fate awaits them if they do not change ful spirit of a past priest. Anyone who hidden crime. The hound ceases to return
their ways. attempts to defile the chapel is touched by only if the crime is made known and jus-
20The castle library contains relics the flaming hand of this haunting. If a save tice is done.
brought from an Egyptian-like area by a vs. spells is not made, the victims flesh 14A beautiful black horse approaches
now-deceased collector, including a mum- catches fire from this touch and slowly the castle gates. If it is approached, it
my and a scroll with hieroglyphs. Legend burns, until the victim is reduced to ashes. turns into a nightmare. The horse appears
has it that this mummy has been seen to Damage is 1 hp the first hour, 2 hp the because the castle was built on an ancient
walk the castle hallways. Reading the second hour, 3 hp the third hour, etc., evil unholy spot. Exorcism may (50%
scroll aloud in front of the mummy may until the victim dies or receives a remove chancel stop its appearances.
(10% chance per level of the reader) actu- curse spell. This haunting can be exorcised 15If anyone is murdered in the castle,
ally activate the mummy. The reader then or allowed to remain as a guardian. In a the victims ghost follows the killer
has the same 10% chance per level to RAVENLOFT campaign, the guardian is a around, though no one but the killer can
control the mummy. An uncontrolled greater mummy with this same special see the haunting. Bringing the killer to
mummy attacks all living beings. In a attack. justice allows this spirit to depart. It has
RAVENLOFT campaign, treat this haunting 6The former owners favorite room has no powers or abilities.
as a greater mummy. the owners shadow on the wall. Anyone 16The castle has no mirrors, because
who dies in the castle has his or her shadow every time a person in the castle looks in a
Curses appear there as well. The shadows do noth- mirror, the face of a hag is reflected in
1A former castle occupant who was ing unless attempts are made to remove place of his own. This is the result of a
an inveterate gambler made one last bet them, at which time they attack as real curse by a still-living haglike monster (e.g.,
on his deathbed. He lost, and a minor shadows. They can be exorcised. an annis) who was once insulted by one of
death still appears from time to time to see 7The stuffed animal heads in the the people in the castle. It is necessary to
if there are any new wagerers. It appears trophy room occasionally return to life, find the hag in order to compel her to lift
in a characters room and challenges him inflicting bite damage on anyone they can this curse.
or her to a game of cards or chess (50% reach. Moving the trophies to another 17A statue in the castle weeps or
chance of each). If the character refuses to room ends this haunting. bleeds from its wounds. If the tears or
play, it vanishes. If the character plays and 8A passage links the castle to a ruined blood are collected, they act as holy water.
wins, the minor death vanishes and the evil underground temple. Anyone who 18Blood or slime drips down the castle
characters natural lifespan is increased by spends more than a few hours down there wall for no discernible reason. This blood
l-5 years, or he or she gets one special must save vs. spells or gradually become or slime, if collected, acts as unholy water.
chance to avoid death at some point in the evil over the next 2-5 weeks. Nothing can 19One of the trees on the estate is
future. If the character plays and loses, remove the evil of this accursed place, and planted on the grave of a murdered man.
the minor death attacks to kill. It has the sealing it off is advised. Atonement re- At times the tree takes on the form of a
same statistics as a death from a deck of moves the effect it had on any characters. hangmans tree. If it is cut down and
many things: AC -4, 33 HP, strikes with 9The castle was built on the site of an burned, it does not regrow.
scythe for 2-16 hp damage, never misses, ancient graveyard, causing the entire 20The spirit of a woman who froze to
always strikes first, uses weapon speciali- castle to become attuned to the spirit death outside the castle attempts to entice
zation only if the character does. No one world. Any spell used in the castle that characters outside in winter to share her
else will be able to see or attack the death. involves speaking with or animating dead fate. Those who follow her out have a 5%
In a RAVENLOFT game, treat this spirit as has double effectiveness. Efforts to turn chance per round of becoming lost in the
a grim reaper. undead have only half normal snow. This is the result of a curse placed
2A group of murder victims are bur- effectivenesshalf normal chances to on the castle by an aggrieved relative who
ied in the castle cellar, put there by some succeed, plus half normal number of un- was a wizard. It is necessary to track
past villainous occupant. Any living being dead turned. down this wizard in order to break this
who goes down there is pelted with flag- 10Any dead buried in the castle grave- spell.
stones (ld6 hp damage) hurled by 3-30 yard return as ghouls. This effect is
skeletons who rise through the floor to caused by a strange meteorite buried in Phantom shifts
attack. If the victim flees, the room again the graveyard. If this is found and re- lUpon entering a room, a character
resumes its normal appearance. The skele- moved, the effect ceases, and the meteor- finds himself in the castles past during
tons reappear if destroyed, but reburying ite can be forged into 1-3 evil magical some chilling event, such as a murder or a
them in consecrated ground ends this swords of +3 power. battle. When the character leaves the
curse. 11The castle stands on an ancient room, it returns to normal, but any items
3Three skeletons stand around an elven holy spot. Elves who discover this the character may have picked up and any
empty grave in the castle graveyard, wait- may wish to protect the site (50% chancel damage he received remains. This is a
ing for the return of the one who mur- or level the castle to return the place to its powerful form of a poltergeists phantom
dered them. The grave is for the prehuman appearance (50% chancel. shift.
murderer. They are not interested in Efforts to turn undead here have double 2A character finds he can step into a
attacking anyone else. Destroying the normal effectiveness. large wall tapestrys scene. This may func-
skeletons cannot end this haunting; they 12The castle itself is alive by some tion as a teleport spell 50% of the time or
will just return. Their murderer must be magical means and can operate all the a plane shift 50% of the time. If the
found, executed, and buried in this grave gates, doors, and artillery unassisted. RAVENLOFT setting is available, the tapes-
to end this haunting. There is a 50% chance that it is friendly to try features a frightening landscape scene
12 OCTOBER 1992
that leads to the Domains of Dread. 6A door has been painted on one of with some other-planar books if the DM
3The castle has a gallery of waxwork the walls. On a 10% chance per day, a wishes. If a character removes one partic-
statues of famous people of the past, in- phantom shift causes it to open to a ran- ular book from the library, the polter-
cluding famous criminals. When the phan- dom dimension; something will come geists phantom shift takes place, causing
tom shift begins, these statues are through. If the RAVENLOFT set is availa- the character to vanish and become a
replaced by the living people they repre- ble, this door opens to another door there. character in the pages of that book. The
sent (50% chancel or cause the viewer to 7A dead werewolf is buried in the vanished character can return to our
appear with them in their time (50% castle graveyard. Every morning, fresh world only by completing the challenges in
chance). This effect wears off after one claw marks appear on the headstone. If the book. If he cannot do this or is killed
night. the grave is left alone, nothing more hap- in the attempt, he remains permanently in
4An old, covered well in the castle pens. If the grave is opened, the gravedig- the book. The castle has a reputation for
cellar is sealed with a large stone cap. The gers trigger a phantom shift that takes having its guests disappear after a night of
bodies of several murder victims were them back to the time when the werewolf reading in the library. A close examination
hidden here in the years when this place terrorized the area. They must find and results in many of the missing being found
was used as the headquarters of a cult of a slay the werewolf, then bury it in this as storybook characters.
god of death. A phantom shift occasionally grave to return to their own time.
takes place here that allows spirits to 8A hidden desk drawer contains a long- If the DM discovers that the players like
escape from the underworld into our lost letter from a dead castle occupant. If their castles haunted, he or she can keep
world. The seal was put here to prevent another letter is placed in the drawer, it is these unnatural inhabitants around and
their escape. If the seal is broken, one delivered to the dead person in his or her use them to add color to the campaign. In
spirit may escape each day. Treat the es- own time. Limited communication between this case, any defeated monster vanishes
caping spirit as a shadow. the centuries is thus possible. when killed but reappears, ready for
5One tower room that belonged to a 9A room in the castle was home to a action, when the next haunting time rolls
long-dead wizard has a strange stained long-dead sorcerer who was fascinated by around. If the players dislike these uninvit-
glass window. Staring at it triggers a phan- dinosaurs; strange roars sometimes come ed guests, the PCs can simply arrange to
tom shift that causes a portal to open to a from this chamber. The wizards spirit still have the place exorcised after the mon-
random dimension. There is a 50% chance haunts this room in poltergeist form, sters have been defeated. The details
that something will step through. Undead causing phantom shifts that animate the required for a successful exorcism vary
guardians, perhaps the wizard himself, are dinosaur skeletons in the room (50% and are left to the DMs imagination. A
likely to be present, along with traps. If chancel or cause a large mirror in the successful exorcism should provide perma-
the RAVENLOFT boxed set is being used, room to act as a portal to a land or age of nent spiritual fumigation until the DM
treat this as a one-way portal leading to dinosaurs (50% chance). rules otherwise.
the demiplane. 10The castle has an extensive library,
DRAGON 13
Modern-horror adventure hooks for
©
1992 by Gregory W. Detwiler
M ission:
might rate air cover, getting the U.S. Air
Force involved. If the crew is too small or
spacecraft as well as aircraft, so the astro-
naut is as prominent a class in this adven-
untrained to handle weapons well, it ture as the commercial pilot. Air Force
might be backed up by shipboard marines, personnel could also be aboard a space-
soldiers, or police of some sort, depending craft, as might other government agents.
on the value of the vessel or its cargo. If Professors, mystics, and paraphysicists
the ships captain or owner has suspicions could be present to make tests and con-
of paranormal phenomena being involved duct experiments, with psychic test sub-
in the disappearances, he might actively jects and cyborg escapees (including some
seek out or advertise for mystics, paraphy- who havent escaped yet) being some of
sicists, professors, or even clergy. Psychic the subjects. Even environmentalists could
test subjects, cyborg escapees, martial be conducting some experiments of their
artists, and bodyguards are other classes own, and with all that high-tech equip-
that might be pressed into temporary ment, mechanics and computer operators
service just by being in the wrong place at will be a must.
G DW's DARK CONSPIRACY* system is a
game of high-tech horror set in the near
the right time.
Some classes other than the merchant
Some UFOs may make spaceship-
snatching a habit. If a pattern can be dis-
future. Players have a wide variety of marine will have natural reasons to be cerned, NASA may try the Q-ship gambit,
character classes to choose from, each of onboard. Any sizeable ship would have, either by sending up an explosives-laden
which may become involved in an adven- mechanics, while large craft would have drone or by replacing the cargo and part
ture or campaign in a different way. This their own medical doctors and even clergy of the crew with a team of heavily armed
article suggests some adventures in which (ships chaplains). A manager might be commandoes. When the alien boarding
the games various classes are most likely along on a commercial trip to keep an eye party opens the doors, the troops return
to get involved, making it easier for game on the merchandise, a journalist might be the shipnapping favor. Mercenaries and
masters to get the action underway. assigned to a vessel to cover the story of Army and Marine troops are best for this
disappearing ships, and drifters, the home- type of operation, though explosives and
Anti-piracy less, and rebellious proles might sign on as weapons heavier than small arms may be
This category involves activity by both extra hands. Given the nature of maritime ruled out because of the threat of every-
humans and Dark Minions (the evil aliens conditions, a captain might have a hard one being killed by a hole blown in the
of the game), and it consists of attacks on time conning enough regular sailors into hull. Martial artists and similar fighters
shipping and aircraft. The motives include going along. Bounty hunter and criminal might be used, both to avoid a messy,
simple criminal activities such as robbery types might then be hired in a revival of decompressive death and to take prisoners
and extortion, as well as terrorist acts and the good old press gang, scouring the for questioning.
Dark Minion searches for food or slaves. streets for whatever human material is
The merchant marine class listing states available. A private or government investi- Corporate espionage
that piracy and simple disappearances of gator could even sign on as a sailor for This is another perennial favorite among
merchant vessels are on the rise in the cover while trailing a lead. campaign themes. The DARK CONSPIRACY
DARK CONSPIRACY game world. It also Some rich corps might even maintain a world features giant megacorporations
mentions that sailors on many ships con- few cruise ships. If this is the case, any whose personnel (at least the high-ranking
duct target practice daily, and some crews character class might be on board as a ones) are among the handful of people on
are even mounting big guns on their ves- passenger. This is a good niche for enter- Earth who live lives of luxury in the time-
sels. Unless the sailors involved are ex- tainers and members of the nomenklatura, honored tradition of R. Talsorians CYBER-
Navy men, they are not likely to know and politicians and gamblers will be PUNK* and FASAs SHADOWRUN* games.
how best to use big guns, so riding shot- among the other frequent passengers. Indeed, the DARK CONSPIRACY game is a
gun on a merchant ship thus armed is Some classes could even prove to be unex- variant on the themes of those two games,
good employment for mercenaries who pectedly useful. If the GM decides that with the emphasis on supernatural horror
served in the Navy. For that matter, some some disappearances are due to Dark rather than hardware. The huge corps are
shipments of goods could be so vital (or Minions based on the mythical sirens, a enemies of the common people and the
the corp (corporation) owning the ship good entertainer could save the day by government, both of whom have people
could have such political pull) that the keeping the passengers from jumping working openly or clandestinely against
vessel in question gains itself a naval es- overboard or keeping the crew from steer- them. The corps are also at odds with each
cort. This convoy-duty type of adventure ing the ship onto the rocks. Conversely, a other. Finally, some of the corps have been
is likely to be the most common one for a bad entertainer might have everyone infiltrated by the Dark Minions, or at least
party composed of Navy personnel. wearing earplugs as a matter of course. have members influenced by the latter.
Other classes could be involved, too. If Skyjacking is another variant on the Espionage takes several forms. Govern-
the ship is in an area where UFOs are piracy theme. With the existence of UFOs ment agents, federal and local law-
reported (such as the Bermuda Triangle), it in the game, thefts of this type include enforcement officials, journalists, and
14 OCTOBER 1992
private investigators all snoop into corpo- tion to reveal things such as where hidden Demongrounds. Many farmers and small-
rate business as a matter of course. A areas and heavily constructed storerooms town residents either cannot afford to
computer programmer can go the hacker are located. Theoretically, commercial and move to the city or refuse to (a wise move,
route to dig up dirt from the companys military pilots and astronauts also could considering the state of those urban areas
own electronic files. Mystics, paraphysi- pick up much information on fly-overs, that are now playgrounds for the
cists, psychic test subjects, and some pro- assuming they had legitimate reasons to be wealthy). Beset on all sides by greedy
fessors and cyborg escapees may try more passing over the building site in the first corporations, criminals, and Dark Minions,
exotic means of investigation. place. country folk need all the help they can get.
Politicians and nomenklatura might not There is also the reverse side of the coin: The farmer and local law-enforcement
do the actual spying, but they might be counter-espionage and security. The same classes are the ones most likely to be used
bankrolling those who are. Street people people who spy would be good at sniffing in a campaign concentrating on a rural
such as drifters, proles, and the homeless out spies as well, while computer pro- communitys efforts to survive on its own.
may keep a watch to see who goes in and grammers could devise special electronic Clergy, mechanics, and medical workers
out the gates, and gangers could do the security systems for the firms electronic are other good local characters to use. An
same. Finally, people whose jobs require files. For physical security, bodyguards entire campaign could be constructed
them to visit a company or work there all and mercenaries are quite useful, as are around the residents day-to-day survival
the time, such as truckers, medical doc- policemen and military personnel for mid- efforts (such as the farmers trying to keep
tors, paramedics, attorneys, mechanics, to high-security projects. On the other their machinery going) while fighting off
managers, factory workers, and security hand, a secret headquarters may be in the wild animals, Dark Minions, criminals, and
guards (bodyguards, mercenaries, or most run-down part of town, guarded corporate takeovers, not to mention the
soldiers at a military base), may be planted only by the local gangers, homeless, and occasional storm, drought, or cloud of
to obtain inside information. proles. The theory here is that a place that radioactive fallout for variety.
A psychiatrist could subtly pump a corp is unimpressive from the outside will not Other character classes may have good
employee for information during the need a big security force because it is less reasons for visiting the small towns, aside
course of therapy; if that doesnt work, likely to attract attention, as opposed to a from checking on friends or relatives. A
various tell-all drugs could be used during place surrounded by tanks and artillery journalist could be doing a series on how
the course of the patients treatment. pieces, which would practically scream Americas small towns are faring in these
Other employees could let something slip Secret base! to the world. Finally, some hard new times. A trucker could be deliver-
while talking to some idol (an athlete, research labs could be in space, manned ing supplies, as could a commercial pilot or
entertainer, politician, or clergyman). and protected only by astronauts, scien- merchant marine in some circumstances.
Some public employees, such as mail carri- tists (professors, paraphysicists, etc.), and Drifters, the homeless, and construction
ers and garbage men, visit a companys possibly Air Force personnel. workers often roam about, looking for
headquarters on a regular basis, becoming work. Environmentalists could be checking
such a familiar sight that they might get Protect the pioneers conditions, while a bounty hunter, private
away with certain liberties that would get This Old West scenario works surpris- or government investigator, or a state or
a perfect stranger tossed in the slammer. ingly well in the world of the near future. federal law-enforcement type could show
For real inside information, consider the One look at the map of the U.S.A. on page up on the trail of criminals. A manager
opportunities when a new corporate head- 66 of the DARK CONSPIRACY rulebook could be sent in to see if the local town has
quarters is built. The civil engineer might shows that a sizeable part of the country the work force and facilities for setting up
be persuaded to show off the plans of the is now out-law country, where the only a plant or warehouse.
new building. If not, the plans can be law is the occasional state police patrol on Even athletes and entertainers might
briefly stolen from him or copied. Con- the interstate. Things get worse when the tour the countryside in the DARK CON-
struction workers are also in a good posi- area in question is close to the so-called SPIRACY games version of Farm Aid, and
politicians could do the same to show the
rural folks that they are not forgotten.
Celebrities need security such as body-
guards, mercenaries, martial artists, and
gangerseven military or police person-
nel, in the case of VIPs or particularly
lawless areas (like the neighbors of a De-
monground area). Last, but not least,
criminals and cyborg escapees could show
up on the run, looking for refuge that they
might not find.
If a small town or rural community is
being besieged by wild animals, criminals,
corporate thugs, or Dark Minions, its
people will need substantial help to sur-
vive. At the very least, this means arms
shipments and other supplies, thus provid-
ing employment for truckers, commercial
pilots, merchant marines, and the security
types who guard the supplies. With ship-
ments of arms or machinery, a business
manager might even be required to come
along with his wares, to teach the locals
how to handle the stuff.
In many cases, outsiders will be neces-
sary as fighters in the front lines if the
locals are not to be annihilated. Merce-
naries and bodyguards are naturals here,
though other fighter types such as gangers
16 OCTOBER 1992
and martial artists can be used. Environ- ture, as suggested in the first section), the ions wherever they appear, the bulk of the
mentalists of the DARK CONSPIRACY adventuring would consist of traveling all party will be composed of fighter types,
world are already in the habit of fighting over the country and perhaps the world, whether military personnel or civilian
to prevent further ravaging of the land, delivering supplies while fighting off crimi- classes such as mercenaries, bodyguards,
and the various investigator classes will be nals and Dark Minions, dealing with suspi- gangers, and martial artists. A few intellec-
pressed into service in an emergency. In cious local law officers, and adapting to tual types such as private investigators,
areas near Demonground, paraphysicists, local customs before lynch mobs show up. professors, paraphysicists, and mystics
professors, psychic test subjects, and This would be the equivalent of the will also be along to provide the brains
mystics will be drawn to investigate; their science-fiction campaign where the PCs that direct the brawn, and the more mysti-
talents will be useful against supernatural pilot a spaceship as a freighter, or a cam- cal types can also fight foes that cannot be
foes. paign based on West End Games TORG* defeated by gunfire alone.
In extreme cases, to be used mainly by game centered on the realm runner and Some classes will be more involved on
combat-happy players and GMs, a newly profiteer character templates. the fringes of this type of adventure than
discovered resource could make the gov- A variant on this is to form a marauding others. Politicians and nomenklatura are
ernment decide the local grounds are band of PC raiders (criminals and gangers) good candidates for masterminds who
valuable enough to fight over; a preemp- and rampage around, but the lack of a finance the teams efforts and give them
tive strike may even be made against the secure source of supplies and equipment, their marching orders. Journalists and
local Demonground. In either case, large- particularly guns and ammunition, does private investigators may do no more than
scale employment of police or military not make this a good option for a long- uncover traces of the presence of Dark
forces will be used. Anyone who saw the term campaign. Minions and point the team in their direc-
movie Aliens will know the potential for tion. It is even conceivable that high-
conflict inherent in such a scenario. Quick-reaction force profile figures like athletes, entertainers,
If you really like government and mili- This is another DARK CONSPIRACY politicians, and members of the clergy
tary involvement in such cases, try an game favorite, with the PCs working to- may receive pleas for help from desperate
adventure where the beleaguered commu- gether as a team that runs down leads admirers because the latter have no one
nity is a NASA or military base on the concerning the activity of the Dark Min- else to turn to.
moon, or a space station. This is even ions, and takes action against them when Fans of other horror RPGs will be most
more like Aliens than the above examples, they appear. familiar with this type of adventure, as it
and it provides plenty of opportunities for Most PC teams are composed of civilian is a standard set-up for Chaosiums CALL
shooting it out with ray-gun-wielding ETs free-lancers, who can be of any class, but OF CTHULHU* (CoC) game. DARK CON-
(extraterrestrials). Some Dark Minions official forces composed of police, govern- SPIRACY game PCs with psychic powers
could appear as lone, powerful extrater- ment agents, or military personnel could dont have nearly the same abilities that
restrial monsters, such as the Monster easily be created. In fact, if the real world CoC spell-casters have, but the Dark Min-
from the Id in the movie Forbidden Planet. started turning into its DARK CONSPIR- ions arent nearly as powerful as Cthulhu
(Well, if you can use tabloids to provide ACY game counterpart, you can bet that and his cohorts. In fact, DARK CONSPIR-
ideas for adventures in this game, why not government-sponsored teams would be ACY game players will have an easier time
SF and horror movies?) created. SWAT teams, groups of FBI of it, as they have more high-tech weapon-
For a novel spin, you could have a cam- agents, and military commandos on the ry, and the bulk of the monsters in the
paign that combines this category with the order of the Green Berets, SEALS, SAS, game are perfectly vulnerable to ordinary
first one. In it, the PCs would be members and Spetsnaz would all be turned on the or modified weapons (such as ultraviolet
of a truck convoy or the crew of a mer- problem, probably long before things got lasers).
chant ship or cargo plane, or are the mili- as bad as they are in this game world.
tary or security types guarding them. In Since the primary purpose of the quick- Explore the ruins
this campaign (as opposed to a lone adven- reaction team is to destroy the Dark Min- This adventure sounds more suited to
TSRs D&,D® and AD&D® games than the
DARK CONSPIRACY game, but in fact it is
quite appropriate. The rulebook makes it
clear that there are many ancient sites on
earth where the Dark Minions can come
out into the normal world. Caves, moun-
tain peaks, and the sites of old Native
American villages are all good places to
investigate. In fact, the PCs could go to
these places even without knowing the
Dark Minions are there. A professor could
lead an expedition there to do mundane
research, with a heavily armed party
along due to the unsettled nature of the
times. This is the best type of adventure
for introducing new Dark Minions based
on the creatures of myth and legend.
In the DARK CONSPIRACY world, of
course, not all ruins are ancient. Many
small towns have been abandoned, as the
inhabitants have been kicked out by cor-
porations, have abandoned the hard life
and moved to the city, or were wiped out
by the Dark Minions. Most of the ruins the
PCs investigate will be what the rulebook
refers to as the Demonground. The desig-
nated spots on the map on page 66 of the
Continued on page 86
18 OCTOBER 1992
DRAGON 19
by Spike Y. Jones
Artwork by Scott Rosema
DRAGON 21
As the memento mori is far from being
the most powerful of undead, it uses in-
timidation to augment its combat abilities.
When confronted by potential tomb-
robbers, the memento mori appears in
front of the body it guards and warns the
robbers away from their goal. If they do
not immediately flee when confronted by
the memento mori, it causes a strong
static-electric charge to play over all stand-
ing within 20 of either the body or the
memento mori. This charge is non-
damaging, but makes the victims hair
stand on end and causes an unpleasant
tingling to play across their skin. The
memento mori, now surrounded by a blue
nimbus of crackling electricity, then warns
the intruders that worse effects are in
store if they should persist.
If the thieves continue to advance, or if
they attack either the memento mori or
the body it protects (damaging the body
wont harm its guardian, but will anger it),
it attacks, being careful to avoid harming
its body or treasure.
At the time of its creation, a memento
mori is invested with a limited amount of
energy that can be expended by touching
a target with its hand. The effect is like
that of the shocking grasp spell. For each
attack, it decides how many dice of dam-
age it will do; and upon a successful hit
that amount of damage is done to the
victim and is subtracted from the memen-
to moris total energy forever.
This energy total may be considerable.
An average memento mori will have from
1-100 hit dice of energy remaining to it.
Some few will have more than that, others
will have used all they were provided
with. As their energy level drops over time
due to encounters, a memento mori tries
Memento mori brance of a dead person, and as an ever- to conserve energy wherever possible,
vigilant guardian over its body. giving opponents ample opportunity to
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any A memento mori takes the form of a flee and never attacking retreating rob-
FREQUENCY: Uncommon or very rare translucent image of the deceased as it bers. Thus, while a particular memento
ORGANIZATION: Solitary appeared when the spell that created it mori might have a store of 50 hit dice of
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any was cast. In extreme circumstances, this electrical energy, it would not expend this
DIET: Nil could mean that the memento mori has in one or two high-damage attacks. In-
INTELLIGENCE: Average (9) the horrible appearance of a mangled and stead, it would make a preliminary attack
TREASURE TYPE: See below partially rotted corpse, but usually the using only one or two dice of electricity,
ALIGNMENT: Neutral creating spell is cast only after the body and after scoring a hit, would pull back
NO. APPEARING: 1 has been properly readied for internment, and warn its opponents to leave or suffer
ARMOR CLASS: 3 and so the memento mori will present the worse. If this fails to dissuade the tomb-
MOVE: 18 appearance of a person as fine and lifelike robbers, it will escalate the attacks while
HIT DICE: 4 as the skill of the funeral arranger could continually entreating its victims to with-
THAC0: 17 ensure. draw.
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1 Combat: A memento mori has no mate- As the memento mori has no purpose
DAMAGE/ATTACK: See below rial body and can be hit by only magical but to protect its body and treasures, it
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil weapons, with these doing damage equal will not refrain from using every hit die
SPECIAL DEFENSES: See below only to their applicable pluses on hits (e.g., left to it to prevent even a single attack if
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil a long sword +1, +2 against undead that is necessary. A memento mori with no
SIZE: M would do two points of damage to a me- remaining energy will still behave like one
MORALE: Fearless (20) mento mori on a successful hit). Most with damaging power, threatening poten-
XP VALUE: 10 per hit die of attacking spells do not affect them, except for those tial robbers with its static charge and
energy when encountered specifically targeting undead (such as letting the charred remains of any pre-
invisibility to undead), those that affect the vious robbers speak for themselves.
While most undead are evil parodies of dead (such as raise dead, which kills the A memento mori does not differentiate
life, one type of undead has an entirely memento mori if successful), and those between its body and its treasures, so
different origin and purpose. A memento that affect magical creatures (such as deals threatening to endanger one in favor
mori is created by a priests spell (see dispel magic, which causes damage equal of preserving the other will not be accept-
below) to serve as an everlasting remem- to the casters level). ed. If some part of the treasure is stolen,
22 OCTOBER 1992
the memento mori will stay to protect the ther divorced from the greater ecology of Tymher-haid
greater portion remaining. the world than most evil undead.
If the majority of what it guards is de- CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any inhabited
stroyed, either by action of intelligent Create memento mori (Necromantic) FREQUENCY: Rare
beings or by decay, the memento mori Priest 3 ORGANIZATION: Swarm
focuses its attention on whatever remains, Sphere: Necromantic ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
even if that involves traveling to a distant Range: Touch DIET: Nil
land, unerringly seeking some small item Components: V, S, M INTELLIGENCE: Semi- (2-3)
of value that was stolen decades before. Duration: Permanent TREASURE TYPE: Nil
When it finds its treasure, it guards it Casting Time: 2 hours, plus 1 hour for ALIGNMENT: Neutral evil
wherever it happens to be, as it has no every die of energy imparted NO. APPEARING: (10-100 “sparks”)
body with which to move the item. Area of Effect: Body touched ARMOR CLASS: 3
Habitat/Society: Because of the prepa- Saving Throw: See below MOVE: Fl 18 (A)
rations required for the ritual that creates HIT DICE: See below
a memento mori, they are almost never The casting of this spell on a dead body THAC0: See below
found in wilderness areas far from the causes a sliver of the soul that once inhab- NO.OF ATTACKS: 1
place they called home in life. They are ited the body to return to the Prime Mate- DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1/10 of a point
common in inhabited regions where ances- rial plane and become a memento mori, SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
tor worship, mummification, and other standing guard over its body. Only one SPECIAL DEFENSES: Immune to fire,
forms of preserving or remembering the memento mori can be made from each psionics, and illusions
dead are practiced, for memento mori persons soul, as a loss of a greater num- MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
means remembrance of the dead. In ber of soul-slivers would be detrimental to SIZE: T (1” sparks)
these areas, no memento mori roam the the soul wherever it now rests. In addi- MORALE: Steady (11)
streets, but are found in tombs or tion, a memento mori cannot be created if XP VALUE: Half basic XP value (as per
shrines where their bodies have been laid the body of the deceased is not present, DMG, Table 31) for its hit dice
to rest. nor if the body or soul of the deceased has
The body that a memento mori guards already been turned into some other form When powerful evil people or creatures
will usually be adorned in the finest fu- of undead. Unlike other spells that create are slain, there is a chance that they will
neral garb and funerary gifts the family undead, this use of create memento mori return to plague the living as undead, such
could afford, and it is these things that is not considered evil if, when he was as wights, spectres, and ghosts. Weaker
make up its treasure: anything from a few alive, the person who becomes the me- and less evil creatures usually do not
art objects and gaudy trinkets (the spell mento mori was part of a culture believing suffer this fate, but if a large number of
creating the memento mori is itself an in this practice as an accepted custom. them are killed at one time and place, and
expensive gift to the memory of the de- Each memento mori is able to cause a if they dont receive proper funerary rites,
ceased) to a princely sum such as treasure mild, static-electric effect that they use to they may return as an exceedingly minor
types B or E. defend their bodies against cowardly form of undead, called collectively a
As a memento mori is formed from a pests, and most are also imbued with tymher-haid, or ghost-swarm.
part of the soul of the dead body it guards, electrical energy they can use in combat. A tymher-haid is both beautiful and
it retains the memories it possessed in life. The material component for this spell is horrible to behold. The individual mem-
This provides mourners with an opportu- a collection of herbs, spices, oils, and bers appear as small, multicolored sparks
nity to be comforted by speaking with the precious substances that are placed in or in a loosely defined mass, forming a bril-
departed, and in some cultures, new gen- about the body as it is prepared for intern- liant display in the air. The only thing that
erations are introduced to the memento ment. The cost of these stuffs is 500 gp, disturbs this image is the fact that a
mori of revered ancestors who died before with an additional 25 gp worth of these tymher-haid reserves its most dazzling
they were born, hearing the family history things being required for every hit die of displays for attacking any living creatures
from the lips of those who actually lived it. electrical energy the memento mori is to it comes across. Swooping and diving in
A memento mori is perfectly willing to be imbued with (e.g., a memento mori to intricate arcs, a tymher-haid gradually
converse with anyone, even a nonrelative, be imbued with two hit dice worth of stings its victim to death.
who makes no attempt to disturb its trea- energy would cost 550 gp, while 1,000 gp Combat: When attacking, a tymher-
sures or body. would produce a memento mori with 20 haid descends on its victim like a swarm of
Unfortunately, the memento mori has no hit dice available to it). These oils and such wasps, singeing its prey with every fiery
lasting memory of events that occur after are all incorporated into the body when touch. A spark does only a tenth of a
its creation, nor does it have any more the spell is cast and are not recoverable. point of damage each, but the sheer num-
personality than a video-recording would ber of spark stings (up to one hundred per
have. Thus, each encounter it has with a round) will eventually overwhelm most
person, whether loving relative or avari- any victim not resistant to fire. Each spark
cious tomb-robber, is treated as if it were attacks by swooping down at its victim
the first such, and even if a familys tomb and giving it a minute burn upon contact.
complex contains more than one memento As it gains speed on its approach, its color-
mori these shades will not conduct conver- ation becomes more intense and grows
sations among themselves, as none has any brighter, building up the energy it will
desire or ability to benefit from discus- deliver to its victim before dulling back to
sions with equally dead souls. As a corol- its normal appearance after striking. Thus,
lary, if tomb-robbers threaten the for someone not in the midst of an attack,
treasures of one memento mori, but stay the kaleidoscopic patterns and colors of
more than 20 from all the goods of an- the mass attacks are beautiful to behold.
other memento mori-protected body, the A tymher-haid attacks as if it were a
second undead will do nothing to assist its single creature, dividing the total number
fellow, even if they were related in life. of sparks it contains by 10 (always round-
Ecology: A memento mori eats nothing, ing down) to determine its effective hit
produces no byproducts, and as does not
actively hunt the living, and is even fur- Continued on page 84
24 OCTOBER 1992
by James R. Collier
Artwork by Dan Frazier
26 OCTOBER 1992
Inns and shops. Inns and shops. Im so nessman.) A character looking for an item gers; lesser undead; and minor vermin.
tired of inns and shops. Between dungeon stolen from him could check the various Wealthy families might take precautions
expeditions, your PCs go to town. There, shops. In fact, characters can find just against grave robbers, both living and
they stay at the inn, sell their treasures at about anything they want if they look long undead, with such things as golems,
a shop, buy supplies at a shop, and go to enough and are willing to pay handsomely guardian daemons, and rot grubs.
an inn where they meet a stranger. . . . Im for it. Believe it or not, there are reasons that
so, so tired of inns and shops. Characters who look will find an endless characters might want to visit the cata-
Even a medieval city can cover several supply of small shops, secreted in ruined combs, other than to clean it out.
square miles. Theres enough space for or dilapidated buildings. Eighty percent of Clerics who know the speak with dead
trade streets, cubbyholes, libraries, and these are fences, carrying small supplies of spell can save themselves the cost of a sage
mausoleums. A human city will have a stolen or illegal items. The other 20% are by consulting a recently dead expert on
section where sizable populations of elves trash dealers, those who have sorted the subject, or even a long-dead expert if
live among their own kind, according to through the garbage of the citys rich for the priest is of sufficiently high level.
their tastes. Similarly, humans will have items to sell to the citys poor. Wares in- Mages, fighters, and rogues cannot
their section in an elven metropolis. The clude rags, bent or broken items that have speak with the dead normally, but they
poor will be separated from the rich, the been mended partially, bits of wood or might be able to speak with undead, if
caravan yards from the candle shops. metal such as rusty nails, and barely edi- they knew the creature in life, and if it
This article explores different areas of a ble food. retains the same fondness (or fear) for the
campaign city, and details how adding The character wanting to find a hard-to- characters that it did formerly.
these neighborhoods to an urban cam- locate person also would search this area. Particularly brave characters might take
paign can enliven adventures. Many parts Assassins, specialist thieves, spies, inform- advantage of certain long-range possibili-
of a medieval fantasy city have been cov- ants, and smugglers all live, work, or meet ties. A lich could guard your treasure
ered in detail in other articles, so I wont here, and any character who wishes to forever, for example, and do it much bet-
bore you by describing the thieves employ such a person seeks him here. ter than a bank!
guildhouse, any local inns, or the kings Wizards on the run, fighters in hiding, and
castle. priests of a forbidden sect will all be found Ethnic neighborhoods
in the old quarter. Any city that has a large group of non-
The old quarter humans living nearby can expect to have a
Like the Casbah in Casablanca and the The necropolis conclave of them within the city. Not only
Maze in Sanctuary, some cities have areas This area may also be called the cata- demihumans but humanoids who want or
that the law has abandoned. Here, thieves combs or the city of the dead. It is an need to deal with the city dwellers will
come and go, fence their loot, and make underground cemetery, covering several have small neighborhoods of their own.
their sordid deals. Think of it as a guildhall blocks, consisting of tunnels lined with The buildings may be of human design at
that covers several square blocks, full of niches and the occasional crypt. It is here times, but there will be distinctive signs to
narrow, winding streets and alleys, small that the dead live. those able to recognize them, revealing
hole-in-the-wall shops, dirt, smells, and Many kinds of undead could reasonably who lives in them.
burned-out buildings. Suspicious charac- function within a city. A lich, especially
ters are always hanging around, and the one who only recently achieved such Halflings
occasional furtive stranger can be seen status, might want to continue his contact Halfling neighborhoods tend to be found
skulking to a meeting. with society. After all, what good is im- away from the bustle of commerce and
Thieves are not alone in calling the old mortality if you cant enjoy it? A necropolis industry, and surrounded by human, elf,
quarter homethe poor, the homeless, could contain a powerful lich served by or dwarf settlements. Halfling neighbor-
and the useless also live here. This is the zombies, blackmailing influential citizens hoods can be recognized by their kept
slum of an AD&D game worlds city. Beg- with the threat of their becoming part of gardens and swept streets. Litter is care-
gars come to its alleys after a day of cadg- his personal staff after death. fully picked up. Childrens laughter is
ing alms in better neighborhoods. A vampire, too, might prefer to work common here, and there always seems to
Runaway slaves, criminals, and those who within society, performing assassinations be a party going on. Houses clump close
fear for their lives never leave the area. to earn his daily blood, and making him- together, with narrow alleys weaving
There are several reasons that charac- self useful enough to certain people so as between them. A careful ear will detect
ters might visit the old quarter. If a thief to shift the attentions of the local paladins scurrying within them whenever a stran-
character wishes to dispose of stolen elsewhere. A crypt might turn out to be ger approaches; halflings take their secu-
items, this is the place. In addition, the well furnished and almost homey if it rity seriously, especially when surrounded
only moneychangers who might accept werent for the skeletal servants, lack of by nonhalflings. Law is enforced by half-
coins from a hostile nation will be found mirrors, and an undead owner. ling sheriffs, with perhaps a squad of
here. Poisons and cursed items can be Other potential residents of lesser im- humans or dwarves on hand for the rough
bought and sold here. (A person wishing portance include wererats, competing customers. Incidents are handled as qui-
to acquire a cursed item to give to an with the vampire for control of the local etly as possible.
enemy would not go to a legitimate busi- rats; carrion crawlers and other scaven- Characters will find the small shops in
DRAGON 27
the area useful. They stock everyday items, Dwarves invasions and as places of business. There
groceries, and common things that an adven- Dwarves are clannish and stick to their will be several little neighborhoods, bro-
turer might use. The alehouses are friendly, own. Their neighborhoods often adjoin ken down into shop neighborhoods and
once you become a regular, and they are as the blacksmiths street, and grow as neces- trade neighborhoods.
clean and quiet as any you will find. sary. (Dwarves plan over long periods and Gnome shops are two-story buildings,
tend to be wealthier than elves). with the shopkeeper living over the shop.
Elves Dwarven neighborhoods feature all- They can be found on or near streets that
Elven neighborhoods tend to be scat- stone buildings, built to last, with wooden specialize in jewelry, gold and silverwork,
tered; a block here, a block there. They shingles replaced by those of slate. Clever and art objects. Although decorated by
often congregate near parks and city ironwork in the form of decorations, gnomes, they usually arent constructed by
gates; the former due to their beauty, the gates, and fences show up here and there. them, and as a result are less gnomish in
latter so that they can come and go as they All buildings are tightly locked when no appearance than true gnome dwellings.
wish. one is at home, and elaborate security Gnomish trade neighborhoods, where
Elves are absentee landlords. They pre- devices are the rule. Noise levels high, masons, troubleshooters, and stonecarvers
fer the forest and consider their city even at home, as dwarves are always live, abound with small wooden houses
dwellings to be vacation cottages. Being working. They are also thrifty, they do not and small mammals. Lawns appear over-
excellent long-range planners, elves often litter, and any garbage brought in is col- grown at first, but careful examination
buy up land in advance of city expansion, lected and recycled. Watchmen patrol the will show that they have been elaborately
so a search of the records will show that neighborhood day and night, and the law, trimmed and evened. Bird and animal
they own much of the citys property. both civil and dwarven, is meticulously feeders, all carefully built and decorated,
They usually make sure that their neigh- enforced. can be found in most yards.
borhoods have a lot of park land and quiet Outsiders are unwelcome in this neigh- Gnomes make good neighbors. In either
or like-minded neighbors. borhood. Characters find the few stores type of neighborhood, laughter will be the
Elven houses are elaborately decorated, are run by suspicious clerks who are most common sound during the day, and
with carvings, statues, and murals, as deliberately unhelpful. They sell only song during the night. Laws are tempered
appropriate to a people who can spend things like groceries, and tell those looking with justice, and certain mild behavior
centuries on fixer-uppers. Most yards for mail or axes to go to the blacksmiths might be winked at. Nonetheless, violence
have one or more large trees. Soft music street. and crime are not tolerated, and the multi-
seems to come from everywhere. On the other hand, dwarves and known classed illusionists in the local watchs
Elves conduct their affairs in the market- friends of dwarves will find the area a safe ranks make gnomish neighborhoods the
place. Their homes are for relaxing. There sanctuary. Assassins and thieves think only ones with invisible cops.
are no shops or taverns in the area. Small twice about invading dwarven territory. Characters who wish to buy or sell
grassy lots serve as meeting areas, and The moneychangers are scrupulously fair, jewelry should go to gnomish shops first.
infrequent parties will be held there, too. and the local banks are always safe places Prices are good, quality is better, and the
Characters willing to keep the noise for the characters valuables, whatever his owners are friendly. Gnomes are also
down find one excellent reason to visit. alignment. famous for their little curio shops: some-
Elves love to sing songs and tell stories, thing like a fences shop, but legal. Here a
especially about magic, unusual creatures, Gnomes character might find gimmicks like a stone
and exotic treasures. A careful listener Like elves, gnomes like to live in the with continual light or magic mouth cast
may save himself the price of a sage, and outdoors, and buy city houses as long- on it.
receive a good meal to boot. term investments, insurance in case of
Hobgoblins
Hobgoblins will live anywhere, if theres
profit in it. They tend to be miners or
mercenaries, although many trade in
slaves or captured loot. They tend to live
near the old quarter, the barracks (de-
tailed later), or the slave market, if there is
one. They will not be found near demi-
human neighborhoods.
Hobgoblin neighborhoods are free of
growing things. Roads and yards are
paved in stones. Although not swept like
halfling neighborhoods, their streets are
free clean of litter. They live in row
houses, like barracks. The watch is always
in evidence, marching in perfect step, and
criminals are shown no mercy.
Their houses are geometrically centered
in their lots, which in turn are equal in
size, down to the inch. Each house and
yard is walled in, like a small fortress.
Hobgoblin neighborhoods are quiet.
There are neither stores nor taverns in
the area. Hobgoblins drink in each others
homes and get food from the food mar-
kets. Females and children seldom leave
their dwellings while in the city.
There are two reasons characters might
visit a hobgoblin neighborhood. One is to
hire help. Guards are always available for
hire; even non-mercenaries will hire on as
28 OCTOBER 1992
fighters, if the right offer comes along. pense low-level spells, poisons, and other Only a town famous for its weapons
Weaker hobgoblins perform manual labor concoctions for a fee. Furs and other would have a Warriors Row separate from
for less pay than humans or demihumans. natural materials are also available here at Blacksmiths Street, and only a city of
The other reason is trade. A lot of races cut-rate prices; other than humans, orcs chandlers would have a Candle Street
make things better than hobgoblins do; are the only large-scale, for-profit hunters. separate from the Market.
dwarves make better weapons, humans
better magic, and so on. Only in a city can Others The caravan yards
the hobgoblins expect to obtain these A few other races also may reside within The caravan yards are also called a trade
things without fighting their owners to the the city in their own special neighbor- street or area. These are large fields, usu-
death. As a result, party members can hoods. Aquatic creatures, such as mermen ally fenced in, where beasts of burden are
trade virtually anything here, even things and locathah, may maintain small com- laden with goods destined for other cities.
that other shopkeepers wont touch. Bar- munities in the harbor of a trading port. Warehouses and stables surround the
ter is more common than cash sales, but at Advanced lizard men, selkies, and yards, each owned by a different mer-
least the goods are better than those in the advanced bullywugs bringing trade goods chant house.
old quarter. to markets would stay in huts outside the Beasts are not the only thing housed
city wall. here; wagons and carriages are also
Goblins Many monsters are listed as living in housed. Regular runs may be made be-
Like hobgoblins, goblins may be found secret among men, such as kenku, yuan-ti tween certain cities, carrying passengers,
living in a human city in small numbers. and wererats. Their communities are messages, and goods.
They congregate in small areas, all too usually under the city, made up of tunnels In a fantasy world, beasts of burden are
aware of the hatred many of their neigh- and rooms burrowed a few yards under not restricted to mules and camels. Flying
bors feel for them. Goblins are too wary of the surface. Entrances will be hidden, or caravans may be possible, using enlarged
humans and demihumans to stay in hu- in remote and unsavory places such as homing pigeons, carpets of flying, rocs,
man cities for long though, even as merce- dark alleys, garbage pits, cellars, and hippogriffs, or even subdued dragons.
naries. They are transients, come to trade ruined buildings. After all, somebody must have bought
their slaves or sell their swords. Their those dragon eggs, right? Each type of
neighborhoods, reflecting this, are found Trade streets beast of burden will have its own yard,
near a city gate, beside the barracks and Even in todays cities, there are streets but only trade centers will have more than
near the slave market, and always down- dedicated to a particular trade or three yards.
wind. activity-Wall Street, for example, or Swimming creatures also can be used
Goblin communities are slums as far as Broadway. A campaign city will have many for caravans, either by mermen or other
humans are concerned. Filth and garbage is streets specializing in meat, cloth, magic, sea dwellers, or by land dwellers with the
everywhere, and there is a terrible stench. weaponry, and metalworking, both of means for lengthy water breathing.
Dwellings, such as they are, are mostly precious and of common metals. The DM
underground, with little hovels on top. A might want to make up street names of his The docks
small yard surrounds each dwelling, but its own, such as The Shambles, Goldsmiths The docks also fall under this heading.
size changes with the importance of its Row, or The Spicery (these names were Each wharf will have a separate owner,
owner. A goblin trader who loses out in a used in real medieval cities). and thus a separate specialty. One may
business deal will find half his yard claimed A description of different streets would belong to a consortium of cloth mer-
by his neighbors the next day. be superfluous, but it should be kept in chants, and the ships that tie up at this
Manual laborers are about the only mind that specializing will only go so far. dock unload bales of cloth and clothing,
things that characters should come look-
ing for in these communities, other than
trouble.
Orcs
Orcs congregate in the same areas
where hobgoblins live. In addition to the
reasons hobgoblins live in cities, orcs
whose tribes have been all but wiped out
also live there, in order to escape tribal
feuds.
Orc. neighborhoods give the impression
of being chaotic, despite their alignment.
Houses are surrounded by fenced-in
yards, the size of which varies with the
status of the owner. Neighbors on the edge
of orc neighborhoods are always involved
in property disputes, since orcs are always
trying to encroach on other lots. Garbage
is disposed of by throwing it into the yard
of a weaker orc. Grass grows tall and
conceals traps and pits designed to keep
out intruders. At any given time there will
be 1-3 fights going on, with appropriate
yelling and cheering from the spectators.
The city watch is noticeable by its ab-
sence, often having been bribed to watch
elsewhere.
Characters looking for a cheap spell-
caster might look up an orc witch doctor.
The rare one that lives in a city will dis-
DRAGON 29
dyes, raw wool, and similar cargoes. An- companies, chivalric orders, and merchant in the barracks.
other wharf may specialize in spices; yet houses all maintain large complexes. This area will take different forms in
another in animals. All these buildings and complexes can be different cities. It might be a central cita-
Both caravan yards and dockyards will found randomly scattered about the city, del, surrounding and protecting the rulers
be subject to theft, smuggling, and press with a few exceptions. A city based on one of the city. It could be the various gate-
gangs. Characters who want anything the of them, such as a religious center, a uni- houses and arsenals, or the small
authorities consider illegal should look versity town, or a capital, will have the stronghouses of the city watch.
here first. With fewer hands to pass appropriate complex (temple, college, In any case, the barracks are often un-
through, there is a better chance of get- castle) in the center of town, with a few safe for adventurers or casual intruders.
ting large quantities (relatively speaking) smaller buildings here and there. Most of their inhabitants will have no use
for lower prices. In addition, little things The character who has a major project, for humans and will slay anyone whose
like a tuft of wool or a button are easier to requiring many craftsmenbuilding a death they can justify.
acquire here, since they are available in castle, for examplewill come to one of These mercenaries may supplement
such large quantities that small losses are these places to do his hiring. Special jobs, their wages by extorting money from
difficult to notice and invariably expected. like reproducing a captured gnomish those leaving or entering the city, by sell-
On a more honest note, characters who steam-powered catapult, or strange jobs, ing protection, and by hiring out as body-
want a large quantity of some particular like analyzing wood from another plane of guards. There may be special groups
item also will want to look here. Once split existence, also require the massive chosen for special jobs, as well-putting
up among the various stores, merchandise amounts of help that only these complexes out fires, for instance. These groups will
becomes fiendishly expensive to buy, and can provide. be very close-knit and even more likely to
shopkeepers seldom sell their entire stock extort money.
of an item to one customer. Caravansaries, Barracks Nonetheless, there are good reasons to
though, always do. A city can be considered lawful neutral get to know the barracks and those who
in alignment: If the law is obeyed, an live there. In the first place, where else
Big buildings activity is considered acceptable. For this are you going to hire 50 pikemen?
This group includes institutions that are reason, a city might employ mercenaries A few friendly contacts, such as war-
neighborhoods in themselves. Colleges, for that most humans of good alignments riors who can claim friendships within the
instance, often span blocks and are made would not associate with. In fact, many outfit or who used to be members, can be
up of several buildings. Guildhouses, espe- racial enemies of mankind might be em- used to the partys advantage. Once these
cially those of large and powerful guilds, ployed just for that very reason: They will contacts have been established, the party
take up their own block. Temple com- not hesitate to enforce the law, and they will find few places unsafe in the city.
plexes may consist of as many as 20 build- will show no favoritism or mercy to any They will be told all the best places to
ings. Large organizations like mercenary group. These mercenary guards will live sleep, to eat, to buy, and to sell. Their
friends can be counted on to lean on
anyone the characters want leaned on.
There are no safer hiding places than
the barracks if the soldiers are on your
side. They also make great banks; few
people rob soldiers. For a few spare coins,
soldiers are instant bodyguards for special
jobs, expert hirelings in their fields, or
witnesses for an alibi.
Soldiers are great gamblers: A clever
thief who doesnt win too much can sup-
plement his income here. Excess weapons
can be disposed of quickly and quietly, and
an old veteran may know more about the
history of a magical sword than 10 bards.
In addition, magical weapons may be
made available, as well. A well-connected
warrior could get the loan of a sword +2
for use against a creature unaffected by
normal weapons, if he is willing to repay
the watch later.
Citadel
There is always an area of last resort
within a city, where the rulers and army
can make a last stand. This edifice is a
major castle in its own right, supplied and
often manned as such. In peacetime, this
citadel is used as a prison, an arsenal, a
vault for state treasures, or perhaps even
as a hotel for visiting dignitaries.
The characters might make the acquaint-
ance of this structure for many reasons. A
person they need to see might be staying
within, either as guest or as prisoner. The
characters themselves might be prisoners.
If the party has been officially relieved
Continued on page 68
30 OCTOBER 1992
©
1992 by Lester Smith
Spirits bright and dark: a Halloween game parade
32 OCTOBER 1992
There is an old joke that goes, There an unseen figure (the murderer is still only 10 professions given, and each is
are two kinds of people in this world: alive during the boys vision). Moments fairly stereotypical, but together they
those who believe that there are two kinds later, she struggles with unseen hands cover a fairly broad range of vocations.
of people, and those who dont. To my choking out her life, finally to fall lifeless People who wish to play characters out-
mind, not only is that line a clever word to the floor. The effect thus far is decided- side that range will have to extrapolate
play, but it also reflects an essential ten- ly eerie, but when her limp body rises and from those provided.) The profession
sion were caught in as humans. That is, is carried back through the door, I break chosen defines the characters initial
definitions and characterizations are in- out in goose flesh. By the same token, I get Power, base rating for each Base Skill (to
credibly useful things, but in using them a pleasurable chill when, in the film Ghost, which a die roll will be added for variety),
we run the risk of stereotyping, mistaking the subway haunt knocks newspapers a list of Specialties, and basic gear (ecto-
the image weve built for the object that from subway riders hands, and when Sam plasmic replicas of real things the charac-
image represents, and so becoming blind (as a spirit) writes BOO in the steam of a ters had in life). Powers are special skills
to other possibilities. bathroom mirror, frightening the wits out with limited uses per day, such as Intuition
With that danger in mind, Id nonethe- of the man who killed him. for the Average Joe/Josie and Mythic Ref-
less like to make a two kinds division of That sort of haunting is exactly the erence for the Arcane Scholar. Base Skills
garmers for the moment. There are lots of theme of the LOST SOULS game. In this are what most role-playing games would
such divisions possible: role-players and game, players take the roles of people who call attributes, and each is given on the
board gamers, science-fiction fans and have died before their time, then have character sheet with four related second-
fantasy fans, cinematic players and real- come back to take care of unfinished ary skills. Specialties are those secondary
istic players, or lovers of detail and lovers business. The problem is, being made of skills a profession ranks as equal in nu-
of simplicity, just to name a few. For my ectoplasm, the PCs cant physically affect merical value to their related Base Skills.
present purposes, Id like to propose a the world of the living. Fortunately, they All nonspecialties are at half the related
slightly different pairing. The first type each have special ghostly powers that Base Skill rating. Suffice it to say, then,
consists of those who fall in love with an allow them to interact with it. that the Profession chosen determines
individual game, collect everything written The LOST SOULS game is packaged as a those skills with which a character is
about it, and play it nearly to the exclusion spiral-bound book, a format that makes it strong or weak. Similarly, the gear a char-
of all others. The second type consists of very easy to use but is certain to make it acter begins with is appropriate to the
those who play a smorgasbord of games, less visible on most store shelves. It is Profession. Each Profession also has its
moving regularly from theme to theme done entirely in black and white, even the own Cause of Death table, which is where
and genre to genre. cover. Surprisingly enough, thats not the hilarity of character creation begins;
Im definitely of the latter sort. While immediately obvious, as the black and causes of death include such things as
there are certain favorite games that I white motifeven the cover illustration Average Joe/Josie: Dropped radio into
return to with some regularity, I enjoy the suits the ghostly subject so well. Only two bathtub while soaking, Explorer: Run
sense of discovery that comes from trying interior illustrations are in the entire over by bus while looking for a post of-
new things, and that has an effect on how book: a pair of small clip art ghosts on the fice, and Guinea Pig: Carried white flag
I write reviews. Im not looking for the title page, and a reproduction of a towards menacing robot. Each death type
one perfect game of games to tell you medieval-looking carving of Death on page is also listed with its own Specialties (typi-
about. Rather, I wish to point out particu- 104. One page is devoted to maps for the cally ironic, such as the aforementioned
larly interesting dishes from the selec- sample adventure included. Again, this Explorer gaining Dodge and Memory) and
tion available to us these days (particularly scarcity of illustrations is not something gear, further fleshing out the character.
those that are typically overlooked), dis- that draws attention to itself, largely be- Players next generate their characters
cuss the elements that give each its fla- cause the books text is laid out quite at- backgrounds. Beginning Karma is marked
vor, and consider whether or not the end tractively in two-column format, with (all characters begin with one point, suffi-
result is satisfying, and to what degree. large, airy type and a clear hierarchy of cient for reincarnation as pond scum), and
For this issue, then, Ive selected a truly headings. Defense is calculated. Four interests (hob-
unique horror role-playing game, a foreign In terms of textual content, the LOST bies, etc.) are chosen or rolled for, yielding
fantasy role-playing game that would be SOULS game is an odd but ultimately further Specialties. Then players choose or
sure to horrify many Americans, and an appealing mixture of both serious and roll for ghost type. There are 21 different
American card game that will horrify as humorous material. The broadest example types of ghosts in this game, plus five
well. Together, these games may reveal of this is revealed in comparing character types of mediums (for those whod rather
something about us as players and about generation to actual play: Character crea- play the living), each with an additional
our attitudes toward monsters and the tion is riotously funny, with serious under- two Specialties and a collection of distinc-
supernatural. tones; actual play is seriously horrific, tive Powers. The Powers are evocative,
with moments of comic relief. from the Banshees Shriek, to the Specters
Character creation: Character crea- Charnel Breath, to the Phantasms Halluci-
LOST SOULS * game tion in this game is fast enough to provide nation. (At this point, players begin to get
120-page Rule Book characters within a few minutes, yet de- really excited about what their particular
Marquee Press $12.95 tailed enough to make those characters characters can do.) Also, the game con-
Design: Joe Williams and Kathleen Wil- distinctive. To generate a LOST SOULS tains concise yet evocative descriptions of
liams character, you first choose or roll for each ghost type and power, so players
Cover: Rob Alexander background details of sex, heritage, age, know what their ghost types are like and
Interior Art: Treasury of Fantastic and height, weight, eye color, hair color, hair are primed to play them.
Mythological Creatures (Richard Huber) style, a distinctive feature, and two per- Finally, players make six rolls on the Life
sonality traits. This is fairly straightfor- & Death tables to generate details of their
There is a particular scene in a movie ward, though strict random rolls can of characters histories and pieces of business
called The Lady in White that gives me the course result in some unworkable combi- left unfinished. Again, the results range
shivers. In it, a young boy is locked in a nations (e.g., Chinese with amber eyes and from the silly (e.g., a pet hamster was left
grade-school cloakroom overnight, where blond dreadlocks). The distinctive feature to cruel children, or a desire for a last date
he secretly witnesses the ghost of a little and personality traits, in particular, pro- with the Polanski twins) to serious, fearful
girl reenacting her murder. She enters the vide individuality. subjects, such as the need to save your
cloakroom through the locked door, her Next, you choose or roll for the profes- children from their sadistic guardian.
lips moving in a silent conversation with sion your character had in life. (There are Game play: The ghostly Powers point
DRAGON 33
the way toward the serious horror of play, them but also had the means to harm That should suffice to give you a good
and the sample adventure provided dem- them. idea of what the rest of the mechanics of
onstrates it quite effectively. In this adven- Mechanics and presentation: The the LOST SOULS rules are like. From the
ture, the central player character is an dice mechanics in the LOST SOULS game examples above, it should be evident that
Average Joe who was electrocuted in the are different enough to warrant a note. the game plays quickly and simply. The
bathtub by a dropped radio, but the radio Skill rolls are made on percentile dice, and designers have done a commendable job of
didnt merely fallit was tossed in by the each character sheet contains an ART creating a fast and flexible system that
characters wife. Now, the character must (Action Results Table). On this table, skills remains fairly transparent, thereby en-
leave Limbo and go back to Earth to solve are ranked in rows from 1-25, and results hancing role-playing.
the mystery of why she would do such a are arranged in 10 columnsfive Fail Summation: In all, the LOST SOULS
thing. The other characters go along as ratings and five Succeed ratingsrunning game is an extremely satisfying product.
volunteers, hoping to gain Karma as a from Catastrophic to Awesome, respective- Its premise is unusual, its characters excit-
result. While the adventure is fairly ly. For example, a skill rating of 10 would ing, and its mechanics fun. There are
straightforward for the referee, it holds score Failures of Catastrophic on a roll of some minor problems, mainly involved
lots of horrific surprises for the players, 1-6, Pathetic on 7-14, Feeble on 15-24, with the games unusual nature. For exam-
and lots of chances to use their ghostly Inferior on 25-36, and Poor on 37-50; ple, the game mentions that there are
Powers. Because each ghost type has dif- Successes of Passable on 51-64, Good on entire towns built out of ectoplasm and
ferent powers, with limited duration and 65-76, Great on 77-86, Super on 87-94, and populated by ghosts, but nowhere does it
number of uses per day, and because the Awesome on 95-100. The abilities of NPCs explain how those towns survive daylight.
material world is otherwise so immune to are rated by the column names, so only In fact, the whole premise of ectoplasm
ghostly manipulation, the players are the players roll dicethe referee neednt being fully affected by the material world,
driven to cooperate not merely to accom- bother. Imagine, for instance, that a foe in but not the reverse, raises some thorny
plish their goals but even for survival. combat had a defense rating of Poor but questions. For instance, one death type
For example, the characters begin play an attack rating of Good. In this case, a provides an ectoplasmic car, but what
in the motel room where the central char- player would have to score only a Poor happens if that car collides with a rabbit?
acter died. Their first problem is in figur- attack to overcome the foes defense, but A moth? A mosquito? A dust mote? How
ing out how to go anywhere else, as their he would have to make a Good defense to does it stand up to the wind of its own
ectoplasmic bodies cant even open the avoid being hit in return. Furthermore, passage? Similarly, ghosts cant pass
outside doora ghostly Power must be every extra column gained yields addition- through walls without using a Power, but
used. Next, they find that travel anywhere al effects, with many skills or weapons what about through water? If not water,
is troublesome: They can walk, hoping to having a multiplier. For instance, the Time why air? Such things are left to the ref-
get where they need to go before the sun Stop Power lasts for a number of game eree to explain.
rises and boils them away; or they can use turns determined by a Passable vs. Fate Some may find the job of refereeing the
a ghostly Power to hitch a ride on some roll, so a result of Poor or less means the LOST SOULS game daunting as well, be-
material conveyance, being careful to Power failed to operate, while a Passable cause of the unusual position it puts play-
avoid being stepped on, sat upon, or other- yields one turn, a Good two, a Great three, ers characters in. PCs are dead, and they
wise injured by the oblivious living. Haunt- and so on. By the same token, a baseball get chances to haunt the living, but they
ing the living can be great fun, but it bat does x 3 damage, so a foe with a Good still arent the monsters in the game.
typically yields terrified flight rather than defense rating would take no damage on a Instead, there are all sorts of evil beings,
any sort of aid. roll of Passable or less, but would suffer some natural and some supernatural, that
In my own play, the characters first use three points on a Good roll, six on a Great, the PCs must face. The game book lists a
of a ghostly Power was to frighten the nine on a Super, and 12 on an Awesome. number of supernatural creatures
wits out of the motel rooms latest tenant Speaking of damage, every character in barghests, chain rattlers, cowled gibberl-
but they were severely burned when she this game begins with exactly 20 WTL ings, crypt lurkers, ghouls, hell hounds,
fled outside, leaving the door standing (Will To Live) points. Some supernatural Hitler, Jack the Ripper, night hags, night-
open with sunlight streaming in. Their creatures may rise above that by draining mares, talking mongooses, skeletons, and
second Power use was to close the door other creatures of their WTL. zombiesas well human foes such as
Telekinetically, so that they could safely A few other game mechanics are worth cultists, demonologists, mad scientists, and
come out from the shadow beneath the mentioning. Combat turns are roughly six necromancers; it also mentions other
bed. After the sun had set, a Doppelganger seconds long. Ranges are brawling, planes of existence. However, the work of
used a Power to take physical form as a thrown, missile, and too far away. Skill fleshing out the details of this supernatu-
wolf, then wrestled the door handle with checks can get column adjustments or skill ral world are left pretty much up to the
her mouth so that they could get outside. adjustments, but dice adjustments are referee.
Rather than plod on foot to find the place never given. Characters who run out of Fortunately, the game gives some strong
they had decided to investigate, they had a WTL points must roll vs. Stamina to avoid direction on how to put together and run
Poltergeist member cast temporary Me- reincarnation. A result of Good or better adventures, and the sample adventure in
chanical Failure on a passing car to stall it means they are merely unconscious and the book stands as a solid example of what
so that they could enter and ride; when may be healed; Passable to Poor means to do. (There is another sample adventure
the car reached their destination, he cast it they are called back to Limbo (unless they by the designers, in issue #8 of a small-
again so that they could exit safely. The have an uncompleted Vowsee belowin press magazine called The Scroll, if you
players gained much amusement in the which case they are reincarnated); Inferi- can find it, and an adventure by yours
puzzled frustration of the driver, whose or or below means they are reincarnated truly in issue #65 of GDWs Challenge*
auto had stalled twice without rational immediately. A Reincarnation Table tells magazine.) Also, the player-character
explanation. Much later, a Banshee in the what such characters are reincarnated as, backgrounds provide rich material for
group Shrieked in a villains ear, forcing based on current Karma, from Pond Scum seeds of adventures. In my opinion, the
the villain to run panicked far out into the at one Karma, to a Higher Being at 60. game is just so appealing and fun to play
woods; the Banshee pursued him until he (The results are quite funny, with pond that any effort the referee makes is well
had stopped, then Shrieked in his other scum giving way to intestinal parasite, worth it.
ear and chased him all the way back! After then bread mold, amoeba, worm, etc., and Ive mentioned that the game is a mix of
such encounters with the living, the PCs ranking human lawyer just one point hilarity and horror. As Ive mused about
were suitably horrified when they ran into above chimpanzee and two points below that mix, Ive wondered from time to time
another adversary who could not only see human born in abject poverty.) if it was intentional or not. Reading
34 OCTOBER 1992
through the book for the first time can be fronted with a different culture. That components listed and instructions given
disconcerting. After laughing at all the confrontation can be an irritation, or it for how to combine them while preparing
death types and the ironic comments can bring us to both recognize our native the spell. The first listed serves as a good
scattered throughout, the horror of the cultures limitations and appreciate its example: It is a Sexual Attraction oint-
sample adventure is something of a shock. beauties to an extent not possible before. ment, requiring specific named compo-
But the proof is in the play. The hilarity of Our role-playing is a reflection of our nents that are to be heated in a stone
character generation keeps people inter- culture, and in the interest of making our oven, ground and mixed until they become
ested and makes that part of the first role-playing less transparent, I offer this a greasy powder, then applied to the ob-
session not only fun but quick enough to review of the AQUELARRE game. ject of the seducers love. The next few
leave plenty of time to play the sample Problems: The problem with this spells include a metal-corrosion ointment,
adventure. And Ive had no problems with game, from an American publishers point an unbreakable-armor ointment, a lamp of
players shifting gears from the humor to of view, is evident from the very first. The finding, and a potion to heighten knowl-
the horror (getting into the spirit, if you very title means a ceremony for invoking edge. All are written in the same style as
will). The only thing I still find jarring is major demons, often by means of a Black the first. As the power and Irrationality of
the Reincarnation table. Its funny, but I Mass. If that werent bad enough, the the spells increase, so too does the offen-
think it somewhat cheapens the passing-on subtitle translates as The demoniacal siveness of the components. Perhaps the
of PCs who lose all their WTL, then fail Medieval role-playing game. Actually, in worst is the Invocation of Shadows, which
their Stamina rolls. this regard, the title and subtitle are mis- requires the performance of a Black Mass
Because character generation is so much leading. In truth, only 50% of the game is involving a detailed human sacrifice
fun and takes relatively little time, and about such things as demon summoning; pretty grim stuff, and not standard Ameri-
because the game mechanics are so the other 50% details a straightforward can role-playing fare.
straightforward and easy, the LOST medieval role-playing setting. In reflection Note, however, that this is not the publi-
SOULS game will serve well as an occa- of this, one of the most significant statis- cation of some small, off-the-wall press,
sional diversionwith brand-new charac- tics for characters in this game is their Instead, it is the work of one of Spains
ters each time, should you so desire. On Rationality/Irrationality ratio. Characters major role-playing companies, one that
the other hand, each character comes with a high Rationality rating are skeptical does considerable business in the Spanish
with enough background to prompt at of the supernatural and thereby fairly translations of American games. The prob-
least two or three adventures, which immune to it. Characters with a high lem, I think, is that the AQUELARRE game
means that a group of five could conceiv- Irrationality score are not only able to sets out to recreate the feel of medieval
ably serve as the basis of a campaign for at manipulate the supernatural but are also Spain with some historical accuracy, in-
least 15 sessions. highly susceptible to it. On one side, then, cluding the historical attitude that magic is
In case it hasnt been obvious thus far, I exists the world of the dayof light, Good, satanic. Unfortunately, it does its job all
heartily recommend this game, and I and Rationality; on the other stands the too well for the tastes of the American
greatly hope for more adventures from world of nightof darkness, Evil, and gamer.
the Williamses. Irrationality. The illustrations in the book The usual stuff: That isnt all thats
show this same sort of dichotomy, with worth talking about concerning the
about half depicting typical Medieval war- AQUELARRE game. It is instructive to
AQUELARRE* game riors, merchants, bards, etc., and the consider its physical components and
96-page rule book other half depicting nude witches, phan- game systems as well, comparing them to
JOC Internacional Price n/a tasms, basilisks, demons, and the like. standard American games.
Design: Ricard Ibáñez Another stumbling block for American To this point, every game product I have
Cover: Arnal Ballester publishers, in regards to the art, is occa- ever seen from Spanish publishers is hard-
Interior art: Montse Fransoy and Arnal sional full frontal nudity, both female and bound. Im told that this is not coinci-
Ballester male (though the male examples are all dence, but rather reflects the Spanish
doglike demons, and our culture has less game-buying public. The AQUELARRE
An American publisher once asked me trouble with canine nudity). Lest I give game, like all the others Ive seen, is excel-
to analyze this Spanish role-playing games you the wrong impression, let me hasten lently bound, with a very durable cover,
suitability for translation and publication to point out that the medieval look is such and is sure to last a long time. The book
in the U.S.A. In reading through the game, that the artwork comes across as art and has a nice appearance, too. As mentioned
I quickly came to the opinion that the not as pornography. To cite two examples before, all of the artwork has a medieval
AQUELARRE game is not suitable for the of American game art that have something woodcut look to it, with the sorts of per-
American market. In part, the reason is of the same feel, let me point to the succu- spectives and size distortions common to
that it presents such a strong medieval bus on page 230 of TSRs AD&D® 1st Edi- the period; it serves well to evoke an
Spanish feel, one that would leave most tion Dungeon Masters Guide, and the atmosphere appropriate to the game. The
American readers cold, I think. More obviously male gargoyle on the cover of text is laid out in an easy-to-read fashion,
important, the AQUELARRE game ap- the first printing of Metagamings old with headings numbered as well as sized
proaches fantasy in a way that many MELEE* game. Nonetheless, the nudity in by importance, and with tables boxed off
Americans would find offensive. this games artwork is another strike to clearly delineate them from the bulk of
I think it valuable to consider the whys against it, where the American market is the text. Whats more, the tone of the text
and wherefores of that. As anyone who concerned. is a personable one, though without un-
has studied a foreign language knows, our As a final death blow to the game, let me necessary digressions. In all, it is a nice
native language is transparent to us until talk a bit more about the magic system. package.
we have some other by which to compare. (This is somewhat out of sequence, I real- The game system is pretty standard
In other words, our native language seems ize, as I havent even mentioned more fareno surprise mechanics or
as natural to us as breathing; when we basic game mechanics yet, but let me deal innovationsbut the whole is smoothly
study another language, however, we with all the offenses first.) The magic executed. A character chooses a class at
come to see just how arbitrary many of system reads like a primer for Black Mag- the start, and from it gains a number of
our own language structures are, and ic, with some alchemy thrown in. Spells skills. The skill ratings are based largely
consequently we understand them much come in five types (talisman, potion, oint- upon a characters attributes. Skill checks
better. ment, curse, and invocation); each is ar- are made on 1d100; positive or negative
Similarly, our own culture is pretty ranged by level of difficulty and is written modifiers are added to adjust for difficulty.
much transparent to us until were con- in recipe style, with essential material Combat turns are 12 seconds long, during
36 OCTOBER 1992
DRAGON 37
which time each character can perform Artwork: Helen Dunsmoir and Elisa and add it to the applicable scores, with
two actions, mixing and matching among Merdith the high scorer winning. If the invader
Move, Attack, and Defend. Initiative is loses, it is dead; otherwise, it now has a
1d10 plus Agility. Weapon damages are Speaking of demons, here is another chance to strike back at the guardian, each
rated by the number and type of dice little game that some people may find combatant again choosing the most appro-
rolled, ranging from 1d3 to 1d10+1d4. offensive. It is something like a fantasy priate combat type. Combat continues in
Armor is rated by how many points of version of Flying Buffalos NUCLEAR this way until the invader is dead, the
damage it will stop in one blow, and by WAR* card game. In the PENTACLE game, defender is dead, or the wizard spends a
how many points of stopped damage it can players are wizards, holed up in their own point of Psyche to bypass an attack on her
accrue before being ruined. There are individual towers and trying to kill one or him personally.
many other details of the mechanics that I another. To this purpose, they employ Summoning demons is somewhat
wont go into that demonstrate the rules such things as golems and familiars, but chancy. To do so, you play a summoning
unity of the game. mostly they use magic spells, and the card and hope that the level of the demon
The book also has a lot of solid back- majority of the attack spells are ones that drawn is equal to or less than that of the
ground material, including essays on life in summon demons to attack enemy mages. summoning spell cast. Otherwise, the
the Middle Ages, four sample adventures The mechanics of the PENTACLE game wizard must spend a point of Psyche to
(one solitaire), a list of pregenerated char- are quite nice. Pretty much all of the be- gain control of the thing. Once controlled,
acters, and a nicely laid out character ings that show up in the game, including the demon is sent to attack someone elses
sheet. A companion volume (Lilith) con- the mages themselves, have three simple stronghold.
tains 13 more adventures (including an- numerical ratings: Attack, Defense, and Players continue until each ones particu-
other solitaire), plus an article on military Psyche. Some things, like golems, have no lar wizard has died (foolishly accepting a
orders and a set of mass-combat rules. Psyche rating (theyre impervious to psy- physical attack, rather than delaying it by
Conclusion: I find myself wanting to chic attack); others, like elementals, have expending a Psyche point) or gone mad
like the AQUELARRE game. The smooth- no Defense (theyre immune to physical (the usual state of affairs, considering how
and-simple game system is very appealing, attacks). Combat consists of having the often Psyche points are spent). Mad wiz-
and I have a strong interest in the back- guardian closest to your tower door, if ards are allowed one final turn with every
ground. But the magic is just too brutal . . . youve laid any out, attack the first invader spell in their hand, rather than the normal
at least for this American. But then, I dont at the door, assuming that you havent limit of two per turn. It is even possible
like the idea of bullfights, either. managed to take the invader out with a for a mad wizard to regain sanity thus, by
booby-trap card or a magical barrier. leeching away a Psyche point from some-
Sometimes the lines of waiting invaders one else. The last living, sane wizard in the
PENTACLE * game get pretty deep. You choose whether an game is the winner. Sometimes, there are
Two rules sheets, six player sheets, and attack will be physical or psychic, depend- no winners.
128 cards, in an 8½ x 11 zip-lock bag ing upon the ratio of the guardians com- Physically, the PENTACLE game defin-
Morning Star Games $10.00 bat strength to the invaders. The players itely shows its small-press origins. The
Design: Tim Carleton controlling the combatants each roll 1d6 cards come as perforated sheets of uncoat-
ed cardstock, which means that they are
somewhat difficult to shuffle and quite
prone to wear. The art on them is primari-
ly clip art (commendably, the game in-
cludes a full list of sources for it all), with
some modest original line art in the mix as
well. Three-quarters of the cards are
printed black on white; the rest are print-
ed red on white. The cover sheet is solid
black cardstock printed with a prismatic
silver pentacle and titles. Its back sheet is
parchment-colored stock printed with
black ink and decorated primarily with
sample cards arranged around a bit of
back text. Each player sheet (tower) is also
parchment-colored stock printed with
black ink, decorated with a simple stone-
work pattern around the edges of its play
area (and with a graphic of a welcome mat
at the door). The rules sheet and card
reference sheet are simply white stock
with black print. Overall, the game ap-
pears to be carefully produced but with a
definite eye toward minimal expense.
The PENTACLE system is a fast-moving
game, with a lot of atmosphere. I very
much recommend it. If you cannot find it
at your local hobby shop, you can write to
the producers at Morning Star Games, 418
Vliet Boulevard, Cohoes NY 12047.
* indicates a product produced by a company other
than TSR, Inc. Most product names are trademarks
owned by the companies publishing those products.
The use of the name of any product without mention
of its trademark status should not be construed as a
challenge to such status.
38 OCTOBER 1992
creatures swooped by. I thought at first
these were dragons, but the unusual silver
color made this improbable. They looked
more like wyverns. One of them suddenly
released a lightning bolt at us. No, they
werent wyverns either.
Another flew past us and spat a second
bolt just before disappearing into the
storm clouds. Its bolt shattered a mast and
scorched much of the rigging. Luckily, no
one was hurt. The boltmen released their
anger and their wands at the wyverns,
but their bolts did not seem to hurt the
creatures much. Perhaps they had some
immunity to lightningit would make
sense.
More of the creatures attacked. The
crew was better prepared now and met
the assault with determination. The magi-
cal fire of the light ballistas traced graceful
arches through the dark, forcing the crea-
tures to jink and roll before diving on the
Princess. One got its wing caught in a
heavy ballistas magical web, screeched,
and tumbled down into the clouds. An-
other vanished instantly as it ran afoul of
the catapults devastating magic. Berylith
defeated several others in her path, but
by Bruce A. Heard Amphimir 17, AY 2001: Three days the attacks continued, unrelenting.
have passed since we left the gator mens It became clear that the attacks were not
Artwork by Terry Dykstra Bayou. All that talk of Alphatia and Thyatis meant to destroy the Princess Ark. The
was a troubling matter. I found the Wizard creatures were directing their assaults at
This series chronicles the adventures of King of Heraths ability to send dreams to masts, sails, and other unoccupied areas.
an Alphatian explorer and his crew as people extremely disquieting, and I asked Despite damage and utter chaos on deck,
they journey across the D&D® Known my old friend Talasar for a special prayer no one aboard had been hurt thus far.
World in their skyship. The information that would protect us. I could not run the I took a gamble and ordered a cease fire.
herein may be used to expand D&D cam- risk of having any of my officers minds The creatures swooped a few more times,
paigns using the Gazetteer series. affected in such a treacherous fashion. I observing, then disappeared into the dark
was deep in my thoughts when the snap clouds. I still had no clue as to why the
of thunder shook the Princess Ark. What attack took place, other than something or
now? I heard Talasar sounding the alarm someone wanting to disable the ship. The
on the upper deck, and squads of boltmen Princess showed damage serious enough
running up to their battle stations. This that repair was required at once. When
was no ordinary storm. I rushed topside. the storm ended, we would descend to
The Princess was climbing to get above the land below, and mend the masts and
some big thunderheads when three silvery rigging.
DRAGON 41
42 OCTOBER 1992
Amphimir 18, Haldemar from a Amphimir 18, Haldemar from a The tribesman sat nearby, fixing embers
later account: We found a secluded later account: Alas, I had to leave the in his campfire, probably to roast me.
clearing in the forest. The Princess slowly forest after running into several unsavory Lizard or not, it was time to act. I swung a
descended to the treetops, and the crew critters with cravings for lizard flesh. I few times at the end of my tail, leaped,
fastened lines to hold her steady. The plan discovered I could frighten smaller ani- and ended up perched on the branch.
was to acquire several good quality logs mals by stretching out my frill and stand- That caught the tribesmans attention.
for the masts, but this would expose the ing up menacingly. This was useful since I I stood up, pointed a little reptilian fin-
crew as they would no longer benefit couldnt cast any magic in my current ger at my captor, and then down at the
from the Princess’s invisibility Xerdon and shape. I also discovered I could run quite offending string still at my tail. The tribes-
Nyanga returned after a few hours from fast as well. Ive done a lot of that lately. man took a few steps back in amazement.
their scouting mission. They had seen no I was north of the forest, in open grass- He scratched his head, then regained his
one in the woods. All seemed peaceful. land. I must admit Id lost my way in the composure. He approached and removed
Work began immediately. tall grass, with no possibility of reaching the string, watching me carefully.
When I was convinced all safety mea- the ship. This could be trouble. He considered me for an instant, then
sures had been taken, I left the ship to Some sudden noise in the grass got my stirred up his campfire again. Embers
oversee repairs. I had to pick the trees attention. A tribesman squatting nearby, crackled and sparks rose above him as he
needed for the masts. I was best qualified observed me silently. He must have had began chanting. This was a shaman per-
for this, because of the enchantments that some lizardkin blood, judging from the haps, who knew magic to talk to lizards.
would be needed eventually. The raucous very fine scales covering his skin. He He said he was Gagidju, a walkabout medi-
laughter of a bird echoed strangely some- otherwise seemed almost human. I looked cine man.
where in the forest. Moments later, the him in the eyes, hoping perhaps to com- Ooh, he said. You are gondaman.
crew began cutting down a majestic tree. I municate. Barramundje cursed you.
sat on a mossy rock next to a pond, as the Friend . . . Help . . . I thought very Whos that, and why was I cursed? I
tree trunk creaked and groaned in its fall. hard. asked.
Some time went by as Raman and the He began aiming his spear at me. Well, She Spirit Mother of Wallara. She pro-
crew examined the log for any splinters or that didnt work. Time to run! tects land, water in the billabongs, trees in
irregularities. Satisfied, he turned toward I ran until I ended up in a dead-end, at the outback. Should listen to kookaburras
me and began, This ones perfect, Your the base of a large rocky monolith. Drat! I call when you hear it. You angered Barra-
High . . . Admiral? He turned around tried to use the frill thing to intimidate my mundje. Unwise . . . said Gagidju. Now,
several times, apparently not seeing me. pursuer. The tribesman, raised an eye- you gondaman.
Hands on his hips, he added Well, by brow, pulled a curved piece of wood and Well, can you break the curse? I asked.
Yiggureth, where is he now? hurled it at me. It spun in the air and flew Ooh no. Very unwise. Only great spirit
How could he not see me? I just sat right past my head. Ha! I thought. breaks Barramundjes curse. We can go to
there, amazed. I walked up to him. Missed me! Thats when the wooden dreamstone. There, the Eagle Spirit will
Strangehe seemed twice as tall as he missile suddenly came back and hit me in help, answered Gagidju. He then added
used to be. Indeed, I could barely reach the back of the head. That was it. I Maybe.
his belt. Perhaps this place was magical. I thought I was to end up as some tribes- Amphimir 20, Xerdon: We reached a
tugged on his belt. mans dinner after all. What a pity. All small town in the rocky hills. It looked like
Eh, whats this? Shoo! Out of my way, went dark. an ancient archeological site. Judging from
you, Im busy. said Raman. He shoved me Amphimir 18, Xerdon: We followed their architecture, the buildings must have
off to the side, into a bush. Boltmen, the small native hunting party. They had been erected centuries ago by some
ordered Raman, sound the alarm, the no prisoners, nor any way in which to advanced civilization. They had fallen in
admiral is missing. conceal them. We were about to give up ruins at some point, and the tribesmen
I tried to call, but only a faint squeak the observation when all 12 tribesmen had taken over the site. They tried to
came out. A squeak? I realized with horror suddenly vanished from the path. They rebuild some of the structures, using mud
that I had somehow transformed into were nowhere to be seen. and straw, but clearly none of the original
some lizard with a big, scaly frill around Later in the night, the tribesmen re- work was theirs. They religiously cleaned
my neck. A lizard? Me!? Who could have turned. They quietly entered our camp- up the older structures and revealed long
dared try such insolent trickery? site, without any warning. Nyanga, who forgotten runes that their medicine men
The crew stepped aboard the lifeboat. I was on watch at the time, saw no telling studied at length.
rushed to get on board, but a boltman sign of their arrivalthey just appeared They called the place Risilvar, the lost
grabbed me by the tail and tossed me off next to us. city. Our arrival caused some agitation.
the lifeboat. Hey! Get off, you. Go away, Fortunately, these tribesmen were Medicine men looked at us and said,
shoo! peaceful and simply curious about who we Balandasevil spirits From then on, no
Now what do I do? were. They tossed a strange creatures one would speak to us. Even the tribesmen
Amphimir 18, Talasar: I fear the carcass, which they called a roo, onto the who had led us here shunned us. We were
worst may have happened to the Admiral. campfire and roasted it. One of the so-far free to go about Risilvar as we pleased, but
None of our search parties have revealed silent tribesmen spoke after the roo feast. everyone kept their distance.
his whereabouts. So far, Ive discounted They knew nothing of the admirals fate. Lady Abovombe had seen this kind of
the possibility of wild animals or monsters. We were the first people of our kind that behavior among the tribes in her nation.
No traces of combat were found, nor any they had met. The leader of the tribesmen She believed we had stepped right into
remains. I suspect he was abducted. Why, said he knew some magical place farther these medicine-mens beliefs. They associ-
I do not know yet. south where we could find out about ated us with some ancestral enemy in
Native tribesmen have been sighted many things. Perhaps the medicine men their mythology. We had to prove our
leaving the forest, south of our position. there would help us. We agreed and decid- peaceful intentions.
They could have had something to do with ed to leave the next day at dawn. She later found a wounded tribesman in
the admiral. I sent Xerdon and Nyanga to Amphimir 19, Haldemar from a one of the ruins. Fortunately, she had
observe them. Lady Abovombe decided to later account: I woke up with a throb- brought an ointment of soothing that she
join their party. I will remain to oversee bing headache. I thought it all had been a put to good use. A medicine man called
repairs. Ive doubled boltmen patrols in bad dream, but I had no such luck. I hung Kapurugi was watching and appreciated
the vicinity. No one is to be alone at any from a branch, with my tail tied to a the act. He later agreed to help to us.
time until this mystery is unveiled. string how discouraging. Lady Abovombe explained, We are
DRAGON 43
strangers in this land, Kapurugi. We never Amphimir 21, Talasar: Xerdon finally Glantrianscame from the sinister crea-
meant harm to anyone here. We are seek- returned from his mission. At the idea of tures I had met several days ago, namely
ing a lost friend. Those who had led us the admiral being turned into a lizard, I the Neh-Thalggu or the Wizard-King of
here thought that the mystery of our prayed all night for all manners of remov- Herath¹. Perhaps I had indeed met with
friends disappearance could be solved ing curses. A long day lay ahead of us. The the Immortals. With a chill I recalled the
here in Risilvar. task of hunting down every frilled lizard vision of Sésékumbo, the Prophet of
Many secrets can be unveiled in the lost in the region was both ludicrous and Yavdloms brother², when he died in Jaibul
city, said the medicine man, but first we daunting, but nevertheless seemed crucial. six months ago. The empire was in danger,
need a corroboree. Where could the admiral be? and we had to warn Her Majesty at once.
He called upon a few of his friends, and I sent out the crew in small hunting
they built a fire in one of the alleyways parties with nets and bags, and the hunt 1. See Princess Ark episodes 30 & 32,
and began dancing and chanting around it. began. Xerdon, Abovombe, and Nyanga DRAGON® Magazine #183 & 185.
Strange colors appeared on their skins, would ride their emus, scouting the grass- 2. See Princess Ark episodes 16 & 17,
and kept changing as the corroboree went lands for signs of the admiral. Meanwhile, DRAGON® Magazine #169 & 170.
on. Sparks and smoke rose from the fire. I would examine each and every one of
In the flames there appeared a fish, then a those lizards. Perhaps I could discern To be continued. . .
strange lizard with a frill. Finally a great which was the admiral.
eagle appeared and took the lizard away Hours later, some of the teams began The Land of Wallara
into a mountain. returning with bags full of lizards. Soon Land of WallaraCapital: Risilvar
Your friend is alive. But hes a gonda- the deck was rampant with runaway (pop.: 9,500 chameleon men); ruler: Baka-
man, a cursed one. He roams the outback frilled lizards, goannas, and other unre- loo Sunskin, son of Woy The Dreamer;
now, said Kapurugi. lated animals. Later in the night, natives patron: The Rainbow Serpent.
What do you mean, hes cursed? asked began following the crew to the Princess Chameleon men descended from the
Lady Abovombe. Ark, gleefully selling anything they could Wallaras, a native race of hunter-
He is a lizard. You must leave him alone. lay their hands on, including amazing gatherers, possibly one of the oldest races
He caused a quarrel between the Spirit creatures that delighted Raman. The deck on Mystara. There was a time in the past
Mother and the Eagle Spirit. This is bad. became a racing track for platypuses, when the Wallaras walked side by side
You must leave the lost city now. spiny anteaters, flying squirrels, dingoes, with the spirits that created them. They
This wasnt much help at all. There must koala bears, wombats, and kangaroos. were in tune with the land, so much so
have been some mountain somewhere in This happy crowd was soon returned to that Wallaras equated their life and well-
the grasslands north from here. Perhaps the ground below so I could concentrate being to that of the earth and its wealth.
we would find the admiralor a lizard on the remaining frilled lizards at last. The Wallaras viewed themselves as the
there. This was rather bizarre. We had to Amphimir 21, Haldemar from a protectors of nature with which their
return to the Princess Ark and report all later account: Gagidju had already left creators had entrusted them. They built a
this to Talasar. Kapurugi met us at the gate when I awoke from the magical dreams. small city, Risilvar, in the hills where the
of Risilvar. He held three very large, flight- Gagidjus dreams were truly amazing. I link between them and their Immortal
less birds. He handed us their reins and saw the eagle that Gagidju had spoken of. patrons was the greatest. From there, they
mimicked the position of a horseman. It had risen from the furtive shadows of flourished and learned much about the
Take emus. You will need them to travel the cavern and turned into a man with universe.
the outback. Good luck. small flames coming out of his eyes. At his These were very wise people, a race that
Amphimir 20, Haldemar from a feet sat the silvery thunderheads. the could pierce mysteries that other races did
later account: After a days march creatures that had attacked the Princess not even suspect existed. Although a small,
across the outback, Gagidju and I arrived Ark during the storm. They seemed very peaceful people, Wallaras soon attracted
at the Wallabong dreamstone. The great small next to him. An hourglass appeared the enmity of the Herathians who had
stone monolith rose straight up from the in his hand, and he hurled it against the many dark secrets to hide. The Wallaras
grass. On our way to the top, I noticed ground, shattering it. He finally said Be- knew of the aranean nature of the
several ancient paintings, and finally the ware of the mountain wizards. They bring Herathian wizards, but saw it not as a
entrance to a large cavern with a small the doom of your world. Finally, a fish threat but as just another incarnation of
billabong. approached the edge of the caverns pond. nature. Alas, Herathians did not follow
Gagidju set up camp in a sandy corner. I It transformed into an elven maiden with this thinking, As years passed, the discom-
had ample opportunity to observe this a gem in her forehead. She waved her fort of believing their concealment was at
medicine man during our journey. The hand at me and I regained my former risk grew unbearable to native araneas.
very fine reptilian scales covering his body human shape. Mist then rose in the cavern This situation caused a frightening psycho-
had a tendency to change colors slightly, and I lost consciousness again. sis with which araneas did not know how
depending on the surrounding or the light, Upon my awakening, Lady Abovombe to deal. At greatest risk were the older
very much like a chameleon. The skin had appeared at the caverns entrance, riding a creatures, often the most powerful ones.
a shimmering quality that unnerved me strange bird. I thought for a moment I was Thus, the greatest wizards created a spell
several times. still dreaming. After my companions that would remove all knowledge of the
Gagidju lit a small fire, and he carefully arrival in the cavern had finally dispelled araneas true identity from the mind of the
livened the embers. This time he pulled my confusion, we gathered near the pond Wallaras. Alas, the mental uneasiness
out small chips of opal and played with and spoke at length about what had oc- prevailing among Herathian wizards at the
them for some time. He then tossed hand- curred. I could have talked at length about time caused them to miscalculate the
sized pieces of painted bark into the fire all I had experienced lately, but it was severity of their spells effect.
and began chanting. The ceremony lasted clear that we had to return to Alphatia The result was catastrophic. In removing
hours, until well after sunset. The flames without delay. knowledge of the araneas from the minds
were casting odd moving shadows against Far too many clues about an ominous of the Wallaras, the spell backfired and
the caverns vault. At times I could see the future had kept surfacing in our path. kept altering the memory of Wallaras.
shadows of birds among the rocks. Mes- They could no longer be ignored or dis- Herathians were at a loss to halt the spell,
merized, I began seeing images in the missed as mere coincidences. Neither was and the hapless Wallaras civilization fell
shadows, as if I were dreaming. Soon my there any evidence that my dream of the back to the stone age. Only obscure mem-
mind was lost in the pattern of moving hourglass symbol and the new mention of ories and legends of their past survived in
dark shapes. mountain wizardspresumably their minds.
44 OCTOBER 1992
This tragedy caused the Great Onethe Many returned to their nomadic ways, and back to peace.
immortal patron of Wallarato seek re- while others decided to settle in small The gator men are another story (see
venge. A plague of dragons attacked villages in the grassland outback. episode #32, issue #185). In order to pre-
Herath. Araneas were experienced and Today, chameleon men are slowly re- serve peace, chameleon men managed to
organized enough to survive the wrath of learning their past, and shreds of their make the dangerous gator men believe
the Great One, though at a dreadful cost to ancient civilization are starting to reap- that the grasslands belong to their Immor-
their nation. Herath faced such horren- pear. The remainder of the hills, mostly tal patron. On the other hand, they main-
dous devastation that Korotiku met with south of the Forbidden River, are still tained a curious trading system with the
the Great One and explained the error of taboo. No one is to enter them for fear of unwitting gator men. Only the wiser
his aranean followers. It cost The Trickster evil spirits living there. Wallara medicine tribesmen may enter the Wallaroo Grass-
dearly to convince the Great One to cease men have gotten messages from the sky lands bordering the Bayou, and always
the attacks, in addition to a promise of that beyond the river lay the land of the under the guidance of medicine men.
Herath never to interfere with the Wal- balandas, evil spirits that steal peoples Gator men occupy a very special place in
laras again. The message got through to souls. In truth, this refers to Herathians. the chameleon mens mythology. For Wal-
the aranean clerics, and soon Herathians The Wallaras havent gotten as close to laras, gator men are an embodiment of
began rebuilding their nation. The the Immortals as they used to be. Immor- Genjoo, the Crocodile Spirit. Because of
Herathian clergy also destroyed all traces tals are convinced that this was not neces- this, they must be respected.
of the despicable spell of forgetting, and sarily a good thing for mortals. After all,
forever banned further research on its this closeness turned out to be the Wal- Flora and fauna: The land is mostly a
effects for fear that someday it might be laras undoing. Chameleon men are still a long, temperate plain covered with tall
used against Herathians. wise people, but they no longer have the grasses and small clumps of forests. Occa-
Meanwhile, the Wallaras remained prim- curiosity to see through mysteries. Their sionally, a lonely boab (baobab) offers
itive nomads, seeking the secrets of their special wisdom applies mostly to their land some shade in the middle of the grassland
past. They believed that, indeed, spirits and their people. outback. The light forest bordering the
once walked this land, but it was a Time of The Land of Wallara is at peace nowa- Forbidden Highlands is mostly eucalyptus
Dreams, the time when the Immortals days. Other than Herath, chameleon men trees, with acacias, mosses, and ferns
created them. They thought for a long have two other neighbors, the gator men where the woods grow thicker. Some
time that the spirits lived in the rocky of Gurrash at the northeastern end of the vegetation struggles to grow in the rocky
hills, and no one was allowed to go there. outback, and the Phanaton people at the hills of the highlands, including patches of
Centuries later, walkabout medicine men western edge of Wallara. The latter are porcupine grass, saltbushes, and rare,
seeking knowledge of their past entered friendly, and some trade exists among the stunted trees. The Forbidden River takes
the Forbidden Highlands and discovered two races, mostly opals, quartz stones, and its source in salted grounds. Its muddy,
the Lost City of Risilvar. There they found animal pelts being traded for phanaton brackish water remains inadequate for
old runes and symbols that told ancient goods. A large battle took place once, just consumption. The Forbidden Highlands
stories of spirits, sky heroes, and Immor- after the Herathian spell wiped the are mostly sandstone, with many
tals. This became a hallowed place that all chameleon- mens memory, but since then, forgotten caverns of the ancient Wallara.
tribes could visit freely, and many did. the Wallaras have returned to their senses To keep with the overall feel of the Wal-
lara wilderness, here are some creatures
common to the region, and their game
Table 1: Chameleon Man Levels
statistics:
Level XP HD Special abilities
-1 -2000 1d8
Saltwater crocodile: Common in the
0 0 2d8 Vanish
1 2,000 3d8 Forbidden River and on the Great Billa-
2 8,000 4d8 bong shores (Trident Bay), these large
saurians are the true bane of the Wallaras.
3 17,000 — Mimic
4 34,000 5d8 AC 3, HD 6 (L), MV 90 (30) on land or
5 72,000 6d8 water, AT 1 bite, D 2d8, NA 0 (1d4), Save
6 144,000 7d8 F3, ML 7, TT Nil, Int 2, AL N, XP 275.
Dingo: These wild dogs are commonly
7 300,000 — Dream
8 600,000 8d8 found in the hills or in the grassy outback.
9 900,000 * +2 hp** They normally hunt in packs. Lonely
Level XP HD 1 2 3 4 5
1 -3,000 1d8
0 0 2d8 1
1 3,000 3d8 2 — — —
2 12,000 4d8 2 1
3 24,000 2 2
4 48,000 5d8 2 2 1
5 96,000 6d8 2 2 2
6 192,000 7d8 3 2 2 1
7 380,000 3 3 2 2
8 680,000 8d8 3 3 3 2 1
9 980,000 * +2 hp** 3 3 3 3 2
* +300,000 XP per extra level
* * + 2 hp per level, constitution bonus no longer applies
Note that constitution bonuses should be added only when the PC is created and every time it gains a new level, up to level 8.
DRAGON 45
Wallara medicine men often keep tame phanatons for 2-12 cp each (or equivalent verns in the Forbidden Highlands after
dingoes as companions. AC 7, HD 2 (M), barter value). AC 5, HD ½ (S), MV 120 heavy rains. These dangerous creatures
MV 180 (60), AT 1 bite, D ld6, NA 0 (3- (40), AT 1 bite, D 1d4, NA 0 (l-20), Save are cause for alarm and local chameleon-
18), Save F1, ML 6-8, TT Nil, Int 3, AL N, F1, ML 7, TT Nil, Int 2, AL N, XP 5. man tribes will hunt them down; AC 4, HD
XP 20 (AC9, page 14). Kangaroo: A common herbivore of the 4 (M), MV 180 (60), AT 1 bite, D 2d8, NA
Spiny anteater (Echidna): An egg- grassy outback and lower hills outcrop- 2-8 (4-24), Save F2, ML 7, TT Nil, Int 1, AL
laying mammal that burrows under the pings, this marsupial forms an important N, XP 75.
ground, this nocturnal anteater uses its component of chameleon men diet. Skins Wild turkey: Another common ele-
long, sticky tongue to catch insects. Be- can be sold to phanatons for 2d6 silver ment of the chameleon-mens diet; AC 9,
ware of its giant cousin: AC 5, HD 9* (L), pieces (or equivalent barter value). AC 8, HD ½ (S), MV 120 (40), AT 1 beak, D 1-2,
MV 90 (30) or 60 (30) when burrowing, HD 2 (M), MV 240 (80), AT 1 hind leg, D NA 0 (2-12), Save F1, ML 6, TT Nil, Int 2,
AT 1 tongue, D 3d6/rd, NA 1-2 (0), Save F5, 1d8, NA 0 (3-60), Save F1, ML 7, TT Nil, Int AL N, XP 5.
ML 8, TT Nil, Int 2, AL N, XP 1,600. The 2, AL N, XP 20. The kangaroo can leap up Wakaleo: These marsupial lions are
giant echidna lashes at its prey with its to 60. rare creatures dwelling in the heavier
sticky tongue, sweeping a cone-shaped Koala: This marsupial herbivore in- forested areas. They climb trees and wait,
area equivalent to a standard dragons habits the eucalyptus forests of Wallara. hiding in the leaves, for unsuspecting
breath. All small- or medium-sized crea- Legends say it is the incarnation of a for- preys. AC 5, HD 2 +2 (M), MV 150 (50),
tures within this area must save vs. drag- est spirit, and thus is taboo for hunters. AT 2 claws/l bite, D 1d2/1d2/1d4, NA 1-2
on breath or be stuck on the tongue. The Medicine men sometimes use koalas as (1-4), Save F1, ML 9, TT Nil, Int 2, AL N, XP
giant echidna then pulls its victims into its familiars. AC 8, HD ½ (S), MV 30 (10), AT 25. Can surprise victims on a roll of 1-4 on
mouth, causing 3d6 points of damage per 1 claw, D 1d4, NA 0 (l-2), Save F1, ML 7, a 1d6.
round to each of them. At the end of each TT Nil, Int 3, AL N, XP 5.
round, victims can pull free if they suc- Kookaburra: This kingfisher-like bird Immortal patrons of Wallara
ceed a Strength check. is well-known for its raucous, laugh-like Agundji, The Rainbow Serpent
Emu: This is a 6-7 tall, flightless bird call. As with the koalas, kookaburras are (alias the Great One). Agundji is the chief
similar to the ostrich. Chameleon men of rumored to be incarnations of spirits who Immortal of the Wallara pantheon. Chame-
the grassy outback use large emus as use their call to warn the travellers of leon men are an ancient subspecies of
mounts. AC 8, HD 2 (M), MV 240 (80), AT impending dangers, or to mock their igno- dragons, which explains their magical
1 beak, D 1d6, NA 0 (2-12), Save F1, ML 6, rance of the land. AC 7, HD ½ (S), MV 360 abilities (vanishing and mimicry at higher
TT Nil, Int 2, AL N, XP 20. Load: 750 cn at (120) flying or 30 (10) swimming, AT Nil, levels). Most Wallaras honor Agundji as the
full speed; 1,500 cn at half-speed. Barding D Nil, NA 0 (l-2), Save F1, ML 6-8, TT Nil, lord of all creatures and the patron of sky
Multiplier: x 1. Int 3, AL N, XP 20. heroes. Agundjis sphere of interest in-
Goanna: This iguana-like lizard often Termite: Termite mounds can be found cludes the sky, the element of air, colors,
ends up as prime ingredient of Wallara throughout the grassy outback. Occasion- and mimicry. Separate individuals occa-
dinners. The skins can be sold to the ally, giant termites will emerge from ca- sionally honor other dragons rulers, de-
* Charisma applies only between chameleon men; otherwise, penalize Charisma by -1 when dealing with other humanoids, -2
when dealing with demihumans or humans.
46 OCTOBER 1992
©1992 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Cartography by John Knecht DRAGON 47
pending on their alignments, local cus- times, they will bring a distressed medi- tures are restrained in some manner.
toms, and circumstances. For example, cine mans prayers to Genjoo and return Medicine Men: Chameleon men of
those working in the Forbidden Highlands with a message. Wallara have their own types of spell-
mines of opal often are followers of the Warruntam, The Eagle Spirit(alias casters, called medicine men. These gifted
Sun Dragon. Wallaras know the lesser Ixion). Warruntam is the patron of people are identified at birth by other
dragons rulers as the Sun Spirit, the Moon hunters, speed, and bravery. His area of medicine men. They learn their first spell
Spirit, and the Star Spirit. Most chameleon interest in Wallara is the element of fire. when they become adults (level 0), Medi-
men believe their souls join their Immortal Chameleon men have rarely invoked War- cine men can cast clerical and druidic
patrons after dying on Mystara. runtam as a patron of war, since they are spells, but cannot turn undead. In order to
Sky Heroes: The goal of these servitors a peaceful people, but the Eagle Spirit cast a spell, medicine men need a small
of Agundji is to teach the chameleon men among all Immortal patrons would come piece of quartz or opal that is consumed
stories of their forgotten past. They also closest to this role, should an actual con- when the spell is cast. Supplies of these
act as Agundjis eyes and ears on Mystara flict ever occur. Legends say that those minerals can usually be acquired in ca-
in times of trouble. These beings often who die from the skys lightning have been verns, near great rocks, or in the Forbid-
appear as lonely, walkabout medicine men. claimed by Warruntam and become his den Highlands. They must perform a
They do not reveal who they are and only servitors. corroboree (fire ceremony) to recover
stay for a limited time with a tribe, from a Namarkons: These servitors of War- their spells.
few weeks to a couple of years at most. runtam are also known as lightning men. Medicine men also can use their dream
They are mortal creatures whose life They ride the storm clouds, bringing rain ability to imitate the effects of the druidic
forces return to the Rainbow Serpents and wind. Their fire destroys that which is control weather or creeping doom spells.
home plane upon their death. In addition ill and weak. Namarkons are incorporeal, Medicine men can always sense if a place
to typical Wallara medicine-man aptitudes, invisible spirits that sometimes materialize is often visited by spirit servitors of their
sky heroes have the innate ability to travel on Mystara as silver-colored, lawful- chosen Immortal patron (60' radius). As an
between Mystara and Agundjis home aligned thunderheads (AC9, page 79). option, adult medicine men also acquire
plane, once per full moon. Namarkons can otherwise take the shape special clerical powers specific to their
Barramundje, The Mother(alias of medicine men with the same number of chosen Immortal patron, as described on
Calitha Starbrow). Barramundjes main hit dice. page 13 of the Codex of the Immortals in
concern in Wallara remains that of rivers the Wrath of the Immortals boxed set. If
and billabongs in general, and fertility in Chameleon men as PCs the Star Dragon is the chosen patron, give
particular. Her sphere of interest includes Chameleon men are distantly related to the medicine men a permanent protection
the element of water and all that grows, dragons. From them, they inherited sev- from evil rather than a +2 bonus to turn
such as trees and grass. Her symbol eral innate magical powers. An adult undead.
among Wallara medicine men is a fish. tribesman has the ability to vanish, which Miscellaneous: Chameleon men were
One who harms her forests, abuses the is roughly equivalent to the dimension originally described in AC9 Creature Cata-
wealth of her rivers and billabongs, and door spell. The difference lies in its short- log, pages 33-34. Chameleon men are poor
befouls the land runs the risk of being er range (120 instead of 360). Also, be- swimmers (requiring a skill slot to learn
cursed and of becoming a gondaman, a cause it is a racial ability, chameleon men how to swim). Chameleon men do not
frilled lizard condemned to wander the never accidentally materialize into solid have infravision and their natural armor
outback and perish under the hunters objects. However, for game balance, this class is 9 like humans. They strongly dis-
boomerang. ability counts as a full action and should like armor as it cancels both their ability
Guwarris: These are Barramundjes require an Intelligence check every time it to vanish and to mimic. They use stone or
spirit servitors. Guwarris sometimes take is used. bone daggers, spears with stone edges,
the shape of a fish, a platypus, or a kooka- At 3rd level, a chameleon man can truly clubs, andfor the typical Wallarathe
burra to watch over rivers and billabongs. mimic its surroundings. The chameleon boomerang. Chameleon men have racial
Guwarris have the game statistics and man effectively turns invisible as per the modifiers to their game statistics, as
abilities of nixies. Medicine men say it is mage spell. Although the chameleon man shown in Table 4.
bad luck to disturb waters known to be can use this ability at will, any number of Language: If you havent caught on by
inhabited by guwarris. times in a day, he must remain absolutely now, the best way to imitate Wallara lingo
Genjoo, The Crocodile Spirit(alias quiet and motionless when doing so (he would be to pick a good map of the land
Ka). Genjoos sphere of interest for Wallara cannot cast spells, talk, attack, dodge, down-under, and check for native names.
lies in the earth, the land, and magical move, vanish, etc). Chameleon men have Grab a bunch, shake well, and there you
places. Chameleon men say that the rocky perfected the ability to remain motionless have itbut beware! You might very well
outcroppings of the Forbidden Highlands for extended periods of time (up to an end up creating true words with ludicrous
and the olgas, great monoliths dotting the hour per experience level). Mimicry only meanings!
outback, are the scaly warts on Genjoos fools other raceschameleon men can Chameleon men also can use the chang-
back. Great rocks are thought of as places always see one another. ing colors of their skin to show feelings.
of great magic, and entrances to Genjoos At 7th level, a chameleon man can Proper usage of shades and hues is a sign
world. Paintings left by the ancient Wal- dream. Once this ability has been used, it of wisdom and social status among chame-
laras can often be found there. Medicine cannot be used again for seven days. The leon men.
men who honor Genjoo often come to dream allows the chameleon man to tap
these places to meditate. Legends also say into mystical knowledge of Wallara spirits. Chameleon men: AC 9, HD 2*, MV
that when one dies in the jaws of a great At the chameleon mans option, the dream 120 (40), AT 1 weapon, D by weapon,
saltwater crocodile, it is that Genjoo has can imitate the effects of one of the follow- Save as F2, ML 7, TT (Q + S) E, AL Neutral
claimed ones soul and requested it to ing clerical spells: speak with animal, (any for PCs), XPV 25. Size: 7 tall.
become his servitor. speak with the dead, speak with plants, Thunderheads: AC 0, HD 16** (or 8
Neemes: The neemes are rock spirits, commune, or speak with monsters. outside storms), MV 30 (10), 180 (60)
servitors of Genjoo. Their task is to teach Dreaming requires the chameleon man to flying, AT 2 claws or lightning bolt, D 2d6/
chameleon men how to become more meditate for 1d6 rounds, plus the time 2d6 or 5d6, NA 0 (1-3), Save as F16 (or F8
attuned to the land and how to protect spent communicating. The meditation outside storms), ML 9, TT Nil, Int 5, AL L,
nature. They are incorporeal and invisible, requires live embers (from a small camp- XP 4,050 (or 1,750 with 8 HD). Load: 3,500
speaking to the medicine men only fire for example). Dreams cannot be used cn at full speed; 7,000 cn at half-speed.
through dreams and meditation. Some- against hostile creatures unless such crea- Barding Multiplier: x 3.
48 OCTOBER 1992
Boomerang: This is the fabled weapon obstacle (like a tree). The boomerang may
Wrath of the Immortals
of the Wallara. It is a curved wooden hit that target on the returning segment of boxed set errata
missile that returns to its owner if it hits its flight only, with a -2 attack penalty (no
neither target nor obstacles. With an enc. back attack advantage here). On page 69 of Book Two (The Immor-
of 50 cn, a good boomerang can be worth Boomerangs are made specifically for a tals’ Fury) in this set, the title “lmmor-
many wallaroo pelts (say 10 gp worth in user of a given strength and height. If a tals Showdown” should appear just
the game). boomerang is picked up by someone with before the last paragraph at the bot-
Wallara medicine men can enchant a different Strength score or a different tom of column one.
boomerangs as +1 weapons. A magical size, attack rolls should be penalized by
boomerang flies in a figure-eight when it is -2. Finally, a boomerang can be used to
thrown. If it misses the target and does light a fire by rubbing its hard edge on a
not hit anything else, the magical boomer- dry log.
ang will take a second pass at the target at Note: Dont forget to apply the Hit Roll
the end of the round. If the target is un- bonuses from the table on page 76 of the
aware of the boomerangs return, the D&D Rules Cyclopedia. Stun is explained
boomerang then gets a +2 attack bonus on page 81 of the same book.
for a back attack.
If a boomerang does not hit anything Shields: Chameleon men do not nor-
during the round, it then returns to the mally carry shields. However, quarrels do
owner. If not distracted (by attacks from occur at times and medicine men allow
foes for example), the owner can catch his two forces with an equal number of cha-
returning boomerang automatically. With meleon men and comparable armament to
a successful Dexterity check a distracted do battle to settle their dispute. Shields are
owner can catch a returning boomerang. used at that time. They are medium-sized
Opponents cannot catch an incoming shields, made of wood and bark, offering
boomerang unless they have a higher the usual AC protection. Shields +1 exist
mastery level than the boomerangs owner, that match the owners mimicry ability.
and they roll a successful Dexterity check. Tribal leaders are likely to own one. Note:
This all assumes that either or both the Nonmagical shields do hamper a chame-
owner of the boomerang and the target leon mans vanishing and mimicry abilities.
remain within the boomerangs flight path Chameleon men are otherwise free to use
during the entire round. any magical protection other than armor
Boomerang users of Expert Skill or bet- to improve their AC.
ter can aim at a target hiding behind an
50 OCTOBER 1992
by Skip Williams
ate a mock fire elemental 2 wide, 2
long, and 24 high?
If you follow the description to the let-
ter, area of effect for Control Flames re-
fers to the two-dimensional area covered
by the fires fuel. The mock fire elemental
in your example would be possible only if
the fuel covered 10 square feet or less and
the flames were 24 high, which might be
possible if there were some sort of forced
draft fanning the fire. When faced with a
very large fire, say a multifloor building
aflame, the psionicist can control only the
flames erupting from a 10-square foot
area. Note that 10 square feet is not a very
big areaits 5 by 2 or 2½ by 4, or some
combination of dimensions that can be
If you have any questions on the games Yes, he can. The only limitations on these multiplied together to equal 10. Compare
produced by TSR, Inc., Sage Advice will powers are the PSPs available to the char- this with a standard 10x10 square on a
answer them. In the United States and acter and the power check, which gets dungeon map, which is 100 square feet. To
Canada, write to: Sage Advice, DRAGON ® more difficult as the distance to the loca- make this devotion more useful, you might
Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Lake Geneva WI tion to be scryed increases. The DM want to increase its area or give it a cubic
53147, U.S.A. In Europe, write to: Sage should use some common sense when area, say anything from 25 cubic feet
Advice, DRAGON Magazine, TSR Ltd., 120 allowing the character to choose an area (5x5x1) to 100 cubic feet (10x10x1).
Church End, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge to be scryed. For example, the character
CB1 3LB, United Kingdom. We are no cannot just declare he is eavesdropping on Is the power score for the Create
longer able to make personal replies; the wizard Drawmijs library unless he Sound devotion Intelligence -7, as
please send no SASEs with your questions actually knows where that library is, ei- stated in the description, or is it
(SASES are being returned with writers ther through personal knowledge or by Intelligence -2, as stated in the
guidelines for the magazine). making an educated guess. On the other summary on page 125?
hand, the character can monitor an area It is Intelligence -7. The -2 modifier in
The sage continues exploring the untold just by describing it in general terms. For the summary is an obvious typo when you
reaches of optional material for the example, the character can declare that he consider that the power score for the very
AD&D® 2nd Edition game. This month, we is scrying the spot exactly 10 miles to his similar Control Sound Psychokinetic devo-
have a short look at psionic powers. Un- west, or the topmost room in a tower he tion is Intelligence -5.
less otherwise stated, page numbers refer has seen.
to The Complete Psionics Handbook. According to the description of the
Does a three-pound weapon suffer Disintegrate science on page 40, an
a -1 penalty to THAC0 when used Inertial Barrier protects against
Does the initial cost of a psionic with Telekinesis? psionic disintegration. Does an Iner-
power cover the maintenance cost No. Although the formula for calculating tial Barrier also protect against mag-
of the power for the first round? a characters THAC0 when attacking with ical disintegration? Does an Inertial
How about the first turn or hour, a telekinetically controlled weapon is equal Barrier protect against magic mis-
for powers with maintenance costs to the weapons power-score penalty sile spells, fire, or breath weapons?
measured in turns or hours? (weight in pounds divided by three), ob- An Inertial Barrier protects the user
A character never has to pay both a jects weighing three pounds or less have against disintegration from any source.
powers initial and maintenance cost; its no power-score penalty and therefore no The rules dont explain why, but heres my
one or the other. Although the rules are THAC0 penalty. best guess: Disintegration destroys matter
not completely clear on the point, the text by setting up a vibration that causes ob-
on page 14 that details maintaining powers Is the modifier for Animate Object jects and creatures to break into micro-
leads me to believe that any power that is subtracted from the psionicists scopic pieces and fly apart; an Inertial
maintained turn by turn or hour by hour Intelligence score, as listed in the Barrier dampens the vibration and dis-
requires PSP expenditure by the turn or power description, or from the rupts the effect.
hour rather than by the round. In these power score? The missiles created by a magic missile
cases, the initial PSP expenditure keeps The modifier is made to the power spells are purely magical and are not
the power going for the first turn or hour. score, The Ability Score Modifier head- affected by Inertial Barriers. While an
However, the DM is free to assume that ing in the powers description is a typo. Inertial Barrier does not confer fire resist-
the initial cost can sustain the power for ance, it can foil most fire-based attacks by
only the first round, and can require that Is Control Body a science? It is keeping flames from reaching the user.
maintenance costs be paid starting the listed as a devotion, but its descrip- That is, the user is protected against
next round. The former interpretation tion says its a science. Life Draining fireball spells, but still can get burned if he
requires fewer PSPs than the latter, but is listed as a science, but its text walks into a burning building or pool of
since maintenance costs by the turn or describes it as a devotion. molten lava. As explained in the devotions
hour are fairly low, it doesnt make much Control Body is a Psychokinetic devo- description (see page 46), Inertial Barriers
difference which way you decide to do tion. Life Draining is a Psychometabolic can be effective against some breath weap-
things as long you treat all powers the science. ons, but not all. Breath weapons that are
same way. composed of pure heat, light, cold, elec-
How tall can a fire animated with tricity, or other forms of energy are not
Can a character using Clairaudi- the Control Flames devotion be? For affected. Gas, acid, or flame breath weap-
ence or Clairvoyance scry a place example, since the area of effect is ons and any breath weapon that involves
not personally known to him? 10 square feet, can a character cre- hurling or projecting some kind of matter
52 OCTOBER 1992
are affected. When dealing with very that can be absorbed; this includes magical power-score penalty, since it might be
powerful breath weapons, such as dragon diseases such as mummy rot but not lycan- difficult to focus ones inner energies with
breath weapons, I suggest that you allow thropy (which also is a curse). a nose and mouth full of quicksand; I
the Inertial Barrier user to roll only the suggest an additional -1 to -4. In this
basic dice, not dice plus bonuses. For Does the Cell Adjustment devotion case, the character will simply bob to the
example, if an adult red dragon breathes cure one point of damage when surface of the water or quicksand, where
through an Inertial Barrier, the defender initiated if there is no disease to he probably can swim or slither to safety.
rolls 12d10 vs. the dragons 12d10+6. cure? Can the psionicist immedi- Actually regaining ones feet and walking
Assume that the plus represents the intrin- ately spend 20 PSPs to cure four on the surface after being submerged and
sic power (heat, acidic potency, etc.) of points of damage during the first popping up like a cork would require
what part of the breath does penetrate the round he uses the power if there is considerable luck and dexterity.
Inertial Barrier. no disease to cure? A falling character using Body Equilib-
The psionicist can use the initial five rium certainly could use Control Wind to
Why would anyone bother to learn PSPs to cure one point of damage if the influence where he lands. However, it
the Absorb Disease devotion when Cell Adjustment recipient doesnt have a would be quite difficult to slow a fall or to
Cell Adjustment can cure diseases disease. However, the psionicist must lift a grounded character using Control
more quickly, with lower PSP ex- spend one round getting the power estab- Wind, as the character must have an up-
penditure, and without recourse to lished before he can start healing a lot of draft to lift him. This would be impossible
the Complete Healing science? Why damage. Basically, the psionicist needs a in still air. If the character found a strong
would anyone absorb a magical minute or so to assess the patients condi- thermalon a sunlit hillside, for example
disease when Complete Healing tion before he can start making extensive he might be able to increase and control
cures only normal diseases? repairs. the naturally occurring updraft enough to
It is true that Cell Adjustment cures lift him, then glide to a landing some dis-
diseases faster and cheaper than the Can a character use Body Equilib- tance away. Note that such a feat would
Absorb Disease/Complete Healing combi- rium to keep from sinking once he require ideal conditions; the character
nation. However, sometimes a character has fallen into water or quicksand? probably would have to be outside during
isnt free to choose his psionic powers. It is possible for a character to use a sunny day and on terrain that can create
Characters with wild talents, for example, Body Equilibrium along with Con- rising currents of warm airopen fields,
have to take what they get. Also, even trol Wind to levitate or fly? rocky areas, and the like. Bodies of water
though the Complete Healing description Since Body Equilibrium can be activated dont generate thermals at all, and forests
mentions only normal diseases (see page while the psionicist is falling (see the devo- create very weak ones. This feat might
50), the text in the Absorb Disease descrip- tions description on pages 55-56), I dont also be possible indoors in chimneys,
tion on page 54 strongly implies that Com- see any reason not to allow its use while ventilation shafts, and other places where
plete Healing should handle any malady sinking. The DM might choose to impose a there is a lot of rising air.
54 OCTOBER 1992
This September sets a milestone for he slays the great green dragon Verdilith, Verdilith. From the books conception to
fantasy games and novels from TSR. With the scourge of Penhaligon. The Tainted the typesetting of its final page, The Taint-
the launch of The Tainted Sword, the first Sword tells of Flinns search for honor, an ed Sword’s characters leapt from the
book in the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS adventure fraught with lightning-quick pages and took on lives of their own.
novel line, millions of avid D&D® game swordplay, arcane magicks, deadly mon- When asked about the source of these
players will have fantasy novels written sters, and, of course, a dragon. strong characters, author D. J. Heinrich
specifically for them. As the first novel in the new D&D novel replied, The characters are me. Good or
What a launch it will be! The Tainted line, The Tainted Sword embodies the bad, I have been each of those characters
Sword features a gatefold back cover, two ethic and direction of the whole D&D line. at some point in my life. Kind of schizo-
flyleaf spreads with full-color art by Larry D&D novels target the same genre that phrenic, I knowscary, too, especially
Elmore, and three pages of full-color, made the D&D game the most popular when my face and hands start physically
hand-painted maps. In addition, The Taint- role-playing game in the world: high fanta- expressing what Im writing.
ed Sword kicks off not only a new novel sy. Stories of high fantasy feature the Whereas the first book in the Penhaligon
line, but also the first D&D novel trilogy: conflict between good and evil, the heroic Trilogy focuses on the quest of Flinn the
the Penhaligon Trilogy, named after the battle against overwhelming odds, the Mighty, the second book, The Dragon’s
region of the D&D Known World where value of virtue and honor, the mystery of Tomb, traces Johaunas search for knight-
the novel takes place. magic, the wonder of communing with hood. Heinrich responds whimsically to
In The Tainted Sword, author D. J. strange creatures, and the power of drag- questions about the characters destinies
Heinrich tells the tale of Johauna, a young ons. The Tainted Sword exhibits the sort in The Dragon’s Tomb: They all jump off a
woman seeking to become a squireand of desperate optimism that marks all cliff and plunge to their deaths three
eventually a knightin the chivalrous works of this genre, most notably the thousand feet below. Really, how should I
Order of the Three Suns. She meets an work that began it all: The Lord of the know what happens to them? Their lives
embittered knight, once Flinn the Mighty Rings. arent all mapped out for them. They live
but now Flinn the Fallen. Jo tries to con- Although it embodies the elements of whatever they go through on the day I
vince Flinn that his glory can be reattained classic high fantasy, The Tainted Sword is write about them. Theyre real people to
through pursuit of the Quadrivial, the four fundamentally a story about people and me. When Jo lashes out in anger, I do, too.
knightly virtues. The fourth of these vir- beings: Jo, Flinn, the wild boy Dayin, the When Karleah cackles aloud at some joke
tues, Glory, can be attained by Flinn only if wizardess Karleah, and the green wyrm shes just made at Braddocs expense, I do,
56 OCTOBER 1992
TSRs oldest game becomes its newest book line!
too. When Dayin cries over his bastard of knows its bounds. Heinrich says, Though landscapes and peoples, many like those in
a father, I do, too. All I can say is this: The I like Taylor Caldwell, I dont draw much real-life history and in history the way it
characters will live.” inspiration from anyone, except maybe could have been. The Known World has
Heinrich describes the process of writ- from me. Most everything I write about countless stories waiting to be told.
ing The Tainted Sword in the way that at least the feelings, the tears, the terror, TSR has been talking with fantasy-fiction
others describe a tax audit. Every word and the loveis something Ive experi- heavy-hitters Doug Niles and Troy Denning
was pure agony, Heinrich said, laughing. enced firsthand. to get them to tell some of those stories in
Take note, would-be authors: Writing a Geographical features, like characters, trilogies that will follow on the heels of the
book is harder than . . . well. harder will feel the heavy tread of destiny. Taking Penhaligon books. Niles, fresh from writ-
than anything Ive ever done. I had two place just prior to the world-shattering ing the Druidhome Trilogy for the
editors on The Tainted Sword, and Im events in the Wrath of the Immortals FORGOTTEN REALMS® shared world, is
sure both privately thought I was loony. boxed set, The Tainted Sword does no hungry for new territory in a high-fantasy
But with their help, the book survived its irreversible damage to the landscape, setting. Denning, meanwhile, has spent his
author! though Heinrich established a few villages, last five books in the forbidding climes of
Perhaps the difficulty of writing a novel orc encampments, and notable mountain Athas, the DARK SUN world. Rumors say
is what made Heinrichs favorite author, peaks for the express purpose of destroy- hes uncovered some mythical beasts in his
Taylor Caldwell, write the morose, mor- ing them. Athasian research that hes just itching to
bid, and depressing novels Heinrich en- write about.
joys most. Although Heinrichs novel is far In books to come For now, we have the fanfare and glory
from morose, morbid, and depressing, The Penhaligon Trilogy is the auspicious of The Tainted Sword (released in October
Caldwells dogged persistence in writing beginning of the D&D novel line. Bruce 1992), The Dragon’s Tomb (April 1993),
800-page novels and apparently using the Heard, guru of the D&D game at TSR, and The Death of Magic (September 1993).
whole dictionary in each one inspired notes, The Known World is perhaps the The next D&D novel trilogies are pleasant
Heinrich to success. richest, most diverse fantasy setting TSR foretastes of what else is to follow from
However, even Caldwells influence has. These lands contain scores of unique TSR book lines.
naess. This product contains two 96-page books LNQ1 Slayers of Lankhmar
NEW PRODUCTS FOR and two full-color maps to completely update AD&D ® 2nd Edition module
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®
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Forbidden Lore boxed set HR3 Celts Campaign Sourcebook heroes in stories from Weis & Hickman, Michael
AD&D ® game RAVENLOFT ® set AD&D ® game accessory Williams, Roger Moore, Jeff Grubb, and other
by Bruce Nesmith & William W. by Graeme Davis esteemed DRAGONLANCE® saga authors.
Connors The barbaric Celtic tribes occupied most of $4.95 U.S./$595 CAN./£3.99 U.K.
The time has come to learn more about the Europe. They constantly fought on the Roman TSR Product No.: 8348
Demiplane of Dread. This boxed set contains borders. They sacked and burned Rome several
five books, each containing a wealth of material times. Their culture was rife with mysteries and The Ring of Winter
designed to make your RAVENLOFT® game adventure, druids, the Wild Hunt, raids, and The Harpers, Book Five
adventures more terrifying than ever before. tribal warfare. This 96-page source book is all by James Lowder
Read about psionics on the demiplane, expand- you need to introduce the Celts into your game Adventurers have sought the fabled Ring of
ed rules on curses, secret societies both good or start an all-Celtic campaign. Winter for centuries. The ring is rumored to
and evil, the secrets of Vistani, and magical lore $15.00 U.S./$18.OO CAN./£8.99 U.K. possess the magical might to make its wearer
from Strahd Von Zarovich himself. Also includ- TSR Product No.: 9376 immortal and bring a second Ice Age down
ed are Vistani fortune-telling cards and a set of upon the FORGOTTEN REALMS® world of Toril.
runic dice. FRQ2 Hordes of Dragonspear Artus Cimber knows where the ring is hidden.
$20.00 U.S./$24.00 CAN./£11.99 U.K. AD&D ® game FORGOTTEN REALMS ® After discovering its location, Cimber sets off to
TSR Product No.: 1079 module fulfill the quest that has devoured a decade of
by William W. Connors his life, a quest that takes him to the steamy
CGR1 Complete Spacefarers Handbook This high-level adventure explores an area of jungles of Chult.
AD&D ® game SPELLJAMMER ® set the FORGOTTEN REALMS® campaign setting $4.95 U.S./$5.95 CAN./£3.99 U.K.
by Curtis Scott that has not been addressed in a module to date. TSR Product No.: 8493
Out of the depths of wildspace come astonish- This 32-page adventure will thrill experienced
ing new ideas for the SPELLJAMMER® cam- player characters with exciting new challenges The Radiant Dragon
paign setting. Now you can create player and new information on some old (favorite) The Cloakmaster Cycle, Book Four
characters from the nonhuman races of the giff, monsters. by Elaine Cunningham
dracons, scro, grommams, and more. Outfit $6.95 U.S./$8.50 CAN./£4.50 U.K. Teldin Moore is searching for the great ship,
your characters with character kits like the TSR Product No.: 9369 Spelljammer: A radiant dragon holds the key to
Corsair, the War Mage, and the Aperusa. Then commanding the great vessel, but needs Moores
add some new space-oriented proficiencies and AC1010 Poor Wizard's Almanac help to take control. Meanwhile, the elves seek
equipment, enlist your character in a space- D&D ® game accessory his assistance in the second Unhuman War, a
faring organization, and head off into the void by Aaron Allston group of elf-hating monsters trades with the
in search of fantastic space adventures. The first in a new series of products, this goblinoids for a secret weapon to use against
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CAN./£8.99 U.K. handy pocket guide provides general informa- the elves, and a member of Moores inner circle
TSR Product No.: 2130 tion on the world of Mystara, updating players pulls them all toward battle.
and characters on the aftermath of the events $4.5 U.S./$5.95 CAN./£3.99 U.K.
From the Ashes boxed set described in the Wrath of the Immortals set. TSR Product No.: 8033
® ®
AD&D game WORLD OF GREYHAWK Geographical, political, and historical informa-
accessory tion, plus a whos who and a full years worth
by TSR staff of world events for the year AC 1010 in this Unless otherwise noted:
®
Ravaged by the events described in the 240-page book.
designates registered trademarks owned by TSR, Inc.
™ designates trademarks owned by TSR, Inc.
GREYHAWK® Wars set, this product details the $9.95 U.S./$11.95 CAN./£5.99 U.K. ©
1992 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
new political boundaries, military alliances, and TSR Product No.: 9372
the all-important balance of power in the Fla- LANKHMAR is a trademark of Fritz Leiber and is used with
permission.
58 OCTOBER 1992
Artwork by
by Kevin Troy Lissanne Lake
66 OCTOBER 1992
DRAGON 67
Welcome to the Libraries and museums Hospices
In a fantasy setting, libraries and Many inns are reluctant to rent rooms to
Neighborhood! museums are one and the same, and injured or sick characters, for fear of
Continued from page 30
usually privately owned. Powerful sages, plague or lawsuits. A character who
wizards, nobles, magic guilds, and temples staggers into town missing a few hit points
of their weapons and gear, they might
are the most likely owners. Characters will find quicker service at a hospice.
have to break in to retrieve them. Who
who want to learn a little about their These institutions are maintained by
knows, the characters might even be after
world would be advised to cultivate these priests of the gods of healing. They consist
the crown jewels!
people or organizations in order to gain of a number of rooms, each with a bed
entry to their collections. One good way and the same conveniences you would
Embassies
would be to make contributions. Magical find in an inn. The conditions and service
Any foreign governing body that
items, potion ingredients, tomes and there are excellent, comparable to the
interacts with the city is likely to have an
scrolls, and even monster descriptions finest inns, and there is no rent (though
embassy there in order to protect its
would be appreciated by library owners. appropriate donations are always
interests. A nearby dragon might maintain
a building and staff to collect its tribute or accepted). The difference is that they are
Estates reserved for the sick. Note that those
to serve as a summer home. A knightly
Powerful NPCs do not always live in requiring healing spells go to the temple.
order could maintain a hostel. Friendly or
castles out in the wilderness. Those who The hospice is reserved for those whose
neutral cities will maintain a large building
like company and pleasant conversation ills can be cured by a few days of rest.
and contingent, filled with spies and
will maintain residences in town, suitable Characters who wish to make use of this
surrounded by counterspies.
to their importance. These stately homes, facility should make steady contributions
These buildings are the best places for
villas, or estates surround the city. They to the temple for a few months prior.
the characters to get information on
are staffed with servants and perhaps a
foreign lands, customs, and maps.
few men-at-arms. An estate building is not Courts
Contacts in these places can be established
a fortress, nor is it designed to be The PCs are bound to end up in the
(Rogar sent me!) and jobs obtained
defended. It will contain the nobles courthouse one day, after a brawl, crime,
(Weve been having orc trouble up
showier treasures (protected against or other injustice committed by them,
north.).
thieves), the nobles family, guest rooms, against them, or in their presence. The
Certain expert hirelings might be found
garden, and a few other amenities. courthouse will be a large, imposing
through embassies, as well. A nation might
Characters who want to meet with an building, with a large central room and a
be famous for its masons, weavers, or
important NPC call here, rather than at his miniature dungeon. This is where fines
illusionists. A party looking for such a
fortress. In these civilized surroundings, will be paid, inquiries made, and criminals
master artisan should check an embassy to
the noble will not challenge the party to a held before sentencing.
see if any of their citizens are in the
duel or any such nonsense, and topics of
neighborhood and, if not, how one may be
mutual interest may be discussed. Conclusion
reached.
A city, even a medieval one, is a complex
tapestry of neighbors and neighborhoods,
each with their own function in the
running of the city. The character should
find a place for everything, in a
neighborhood all its own.
Bewildered in the
wilderness?
Got a question about one of TSR’s role-
playing games? Turn to “Sage Advice”
to find out the answers!
68 OCTOBER 1992
70 OCTOBER 1992
by James Lewder
76 OCTOBER 1992
an art show and auction, videos, RPGs, panels, a STARCON 92, Oct. 31-Nov. 1 WI LAGACON 15, Nov. 7-8 PA
game show, and workshops. Dealers are wel- This convention will be held at the Union This convention will, be held at the Eagles
come. Registration: $5/adults, $4/teens, and $3/ Station in Neenah, Wis. Events include demos, Club in Lebanon, Pa. Events include role-
children. Write to: VALLEYCON, P.O. Box 7202, tournaments, an art show, special guests, a playing-game and board-game tournaments,
Fargo ND 58109. miniatures contest, and dealers. Write to: STAR- with other game events. Dealers will be present,
CON ’92, 1112 N. Lake St., Neenah WI 54956; or and food will be available. GMs are welcome.
SAINTS CON 92, Oct. 17-18 MN call: (414) 722-6448 or (414) 725-2555. Write to: Lebanon Area Gamers Assoc., 806
This gaming convention will be held at the Cumberland St., Lebanon PA 17042; or call:
Atwood Center Ballroom on the campus of St. CON*STELLATION XI, Nov.6-8 AL (717) 274-8706.
Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn. This SF convention will be held at the Hunts-
Events include role-playing, miniatures, and ville Hilton in Huntsville, Ala. Guests include ROCK-CON XX, Nov. 7-8 IL
board games. Other activities include a minia- Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean Wesley Smith, This gaming convention will be held at Rock-
tures competition and tournaments. Registra- Michael Flynn, Stephen Hickman, and Mike ford Lutheran High School in Rockford, Ill.
tion: $2. Door prizes will be awarded. Write to: Glicksohn. Registration: $22. Send an SASE to: Guests include Darwin Bromley, James M. Ward,
SAINTS CON, c/o Joe Becker, 1404 12th St. SE, CON*STELLATION XI, c/o Scorpio, P.O. Box John Olson, and Lou Zocchi. Activities include
St. Cloud MN 56304. 4857, Huntsville AL 35815-4857. role-playing, board, war, sports, and family
games, with open gaming, demos, and tourna-
TACTICON 92, Oct. 17-18 CT NOVACON 92, Nov. 6-8 ments. Also featured is the 1992 International
This convention will be held at the Ramada This convention will be held at the Halifax EMPIRE BUILDER* tournament. Registration:
Inn in Stratford, Conn. Events include role- Holiday Inn in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Guests $5. Write to: ROCK-CON, 14225 Hansberry Rd.,
playing and miniatures games, with open gam- include Dave Ducan. Activities include Star Trek Rockton IL 61072.
ing. Other activities include dealers, movies, and events, a medieval market, a costume contest
a miniatures contest. Registration: $15 preregis- and ball, 24-hour games and videos, an art show GAME FAIR XV, Nov. 13-15 IL
tered; $20 at the door. Write to: TACTICON 92, and auction, panels, and dealers. Registration: This convention will be held at the Illinois
c/o Jim Wiley, 100 Hoyt St., Stamford CT 06905; $25 (Canadian)/weekend. Single-day rates are Central College main campus in East Peoria, Ill.
or call: (203) 969-2396. available. Write to: Kendi Crawley, P.O. Box 1282 Events include role-playing, board, and minia-
Main, Dartmouth NS, CANADA B2Y 4B9; or call: tures games, with dealers, an auction, and open
WIZARDS GATHERING III (902) 462-6796. gaming. Registration: $5/weekend; $3/day. Write
Oct. 17-18 RI to: GAME FAIR XV, P.O. Box 308, Groveland IL
This convention will be held at the Days Hotel SHAUNCON V, Nov. 6-8 MO 61535; or call (evenings): (309) 387-6233.
in Providence, R.I. Events include role-playing This convention will be held at the Rodeway
and miniatures games, with dealers, a Inn in Kansas City, MO. Events include many BATTLECON 92, Nov. 14-15 CA
miniatures-painting contest, a costume contest, first-run RPGA Network tournaments. Other This convention will be held at the Fabulous
awards, and a raffle. Registration: $25/weekend activities include role-playing and board games, Inn on Hotel Circle in San Diego, Calif. Events
or $15/day at the door. GMs are welcome. Write with dealers and contests. Dealers are welcome. include games and tournaments based on World
to: WIZARDS GATHERING, c/o SMAGS, P.O. Box Write to: SHAUNCON, c/o Role-playing Guild of War II. Registration: $16/weekend preregis-
6295, So. Sta., Fall River MA 02724; or call: (508) Kansas City, P.O. Box 7457, Kansas City MO tered; $20/weekend or $10/day at the door.
324-4717. 64416; or call: (816) 455-5020. Dealers are welcome. Write to: Dan Huffman,
Continued on page 83
WARP III, Oct. 23-25 OK
This convention will be held at the Trade
Winds Central Inn in Tulsa, Okla. Guests include
L. Neil Smith, Ron Dee, and Randy Farran.
Activities include role-playing, miniatures, and
board games, plus a costume contest, dealers,
an art show and con suite, videos, music, par-
ties, and open gaming. Registration: $8 preregis-
tered; $14 at the door. Write to: WARP, 415 S.
66th E. Ave., Tulsa OK 74112.
RUDICON 8, Oct.30-Nov.1 NY
This convention will be held on the Rochester
Institute of Technology campus in Rochester,
N.Y. Events include role-playing and war games,
miniatures painting and art contests, historical
miniatures gaming, dealers, an auction, and a
con party with a costume contest. Registration:
$5/weekend preregistered. Write to: RUDICON,
c/o Student Govt., 1 Lomb Memorial Dr., Roch-
ester NY 14623.
84 OCTOBER 1992
Mission: Impossibly all the time if the publication in question adventure isnt mere sport, nor is it just
Dangerous! was a science-oriented one. Archaeology- another term for a search-and-destroy
Continued from page 18 minded members of the nomenklatura mission that the exploration and quick-
rules just show the major areas; smaller could finance expeditions, and the more reaction adventures specialize in. Rather,
spots can show up anywhere, with more jaded characters might even go along. the purpose of the hunt is to either cap-
large and small sites showing up all the Drifters, homeless characters, rebellious ture a specific beast and bring it back alive
time. proles, and even gangers might sign on to for study, or to kill it and use its body
Many role-players would get a particular do the more physical work, just to get parts as either research materials or ingre-
kick out of adventuring in scenarios set in spending money. Construction workers dients for something special. In short, the
their real-life hometowns or neighbor- and civil engineers could also get involved, PCs in this adventure are the DARK CON-
hoods. In the DARK CONSPIRACY game, both in the actual excavation work and in SPIRACY games equivalents of the suppli-
you can base an entire campaign there. constructing shelters for the research ers of spell components in fantasy RPGs
See your hometown converted into De- team. The transport classes (truckers, like the D&D, AD&D, and SHADOWRUN
monground, where you must stalk commercial pilots, merchant marines) games.
through the homes and businesses you are could take the team to the site and make Consider all the reasons for bringing
familiar with and root out the sources of regular supply runs. back creatures or their body parts. Did
evil. Conversely, your community could be An entertainer might consider a location alligators turn into dragons as the result of
an average struggling community in the with exotic ruins to be a great place to radiation, or was it a mutation caused by
new world order. In that case, you can shoot a video or movie. Politicians with genetic experimentation? If the latter, then
fight to keep your hometown from becom- dollar signs in their eyes might want to whose experiments were they, humans or
ing Demonground, as well as fighting off turn the ruins into a tourist attraction (as Dark Minions? Lesser vampires and moss
packs of wild animals, bandits, and corp- if anyone could afford vacations any more, zombies are living humans who were
sponsored thugs. You could even fight to or dared travel). Once the attraction was infected by diseases or parasites, so cap-
get shipments of supplies through to all official, public employees might be as- turing them or taking samples of their
the communities in the general area. The signed to run it. If hired help is scarce, blood and tissues could be vital in finding
possibilities are endless. local authorities might have a chain gang a cure for their conditions. Of course,
The fighter and investigator types must of convicts do the digging. Any sizeable there is always the knowledge for knowl-
be more closely balanced in this type of expedition will need a doctor and at least edges sake scenario. This is particularly
adventure than in any other. Espionage one mechanic along. Even an environmen- true when the quarry is a Dark Minion
adventures favor investigators, while all talist might invite himself along, just to pet kept over from prehistoric times,
the rest rely mainly on combat specialists. make sure that all that digging doesnt such as the sabre-toothed cat.
Aside from the standard types of both, the upset the local balance of nature. Nearly all the character classes involved
more exotic classes can come into play at in the exploration of ruins can be used
times. A journalist could cover a particu- Big-game hunting here, either during the hunt itself or as
larly important expedition, or could do it Despite the title, the purpose of this employees at the facility where the crea-
tures finally end up. This is a great sce-
nario for the GM to introduce new
beasties. Not only will a new creature be
an unknown quantity, but its existence will
be the reason for the expedition in the
first place. Fighting unknown monsters is
always hard, and a bring em back alive
expedition where the use of lethal force is
prohibited makes it that much harder. If
the PCs wind up killing the creature for
selfish reasons like self-defense, they
might find themselves unemployed (not to
mention unpaid).
There is the reverse of this adventure,
too, where humans are the prey, and the
hunters are ETs or other Dark Minions.
Aside from the simple kidnapping of lone
travelers in the country or on a deserted
city street, this scenario has been covered
in the chapter on piracy and skyjacking.
As can be seen, there is a multitude of
possible adventures in the DARK CON-
SPIRACY game. Whether youre shooting
at giant squids with shipboard-mounted
tank-breaker systems, stalking bloodkin
trolls in Kentuckys Mammoth Caves, or
lobbing mortar rounds on the local garage
to kill the slither thats taken up residence
there, youll find plenty, of action and
adventure in this science-fiction world of
the near future.
86 OCTOBER 1992
Bills guide to villainy unbounded
by William W. Connors
History is filled with villains. Some are Actions speak louder than words Lets get motivated
real, like Adolf Hitler or Al Capone; others This, of course, is an important part of One of the best ways to decide the
are fictional, like Professor Moriarty or characterization in general. It serves the actions and personality of a villain is to
Sauron. Whatever their origins, there are purposes of a fiction writer as well as a understand his motivation. Nobody will
certain things that go into making a truly game master. become a truly great villain without some
good (i.e., evil) villain. This article will take In fiction, we say show, dont tell. If the motivating factor in his background. It
a brief look at some of these elements and villain is upset at something, he doesnt say might be that this circumstance will make
introduce you to some ways that you can Gosh, this is really making me mad. No, the heroes feel sorry for the bad guy. As
make the villains in your games more he pulls out his gun and blasts the nearest they say, This doesnt excuse his actions,
malevolent than ever. person or takes some other action to show but I think now we understand him better
his anger. As a rule, there is some trade- Many such villains have no such circum-
Bigger is better mark associated with every good villain; stance however, but that doesnt mean
All good villains have some aspect that something that heroes can instantly iden- that every one of them is out to conquer
makes them larger than life. To illustrate tify as their nemesis calling card. Dracula, the world, galaxy, universe, etc. Thats
this, lets look at Darth Vader, one of the for example, leaves the telltale bite marks trite, and your players have heard it one
best-known villains in modern fiction, on the necks of his victims. while Darth hundred times already. Vader, for example,
Physically, of course, Vader is an impos- Vader seems to leave a trail of suffocated does what he does because he serves his
ing figure. Hes tall and powerfully built, Imperial Navy officers behind him. Emperor (and the Dark Side).
hides behind a frightening mask, and This trademark should be reflected in
speaks in a rasping, synthetic voice that every aspect of the villains personality. Ill get you for this.
cannot help but be remembered. By this Vader, for example, has an utter disregard Many classical villains are simply out for
alone, Vader has shown himself to be a for those around him. He is not sadistic, revenge. In some cases, we might not
noteworthy fellow. merely uncaring. He has his own set of consider these people evil, except that
Of course, theres more to the Sith Lord goals, and whatever course is best for they do things as bad, if not worse, than
than just his looks. Hes got a special accomplishing these objectives is the one the wrong that was done to them in the
abilityhis control over the Dark Side of that he will take. Does the beautiful prin- first place. Also, villains like this often seek
the Forcethat sets him apart from those cess have information that she wont give revenge for an imagined wrong.
around him. We never find out what Va- up? Okay, torture her until she talks. Has A good example of this type of villain
der is truly capable of, but we always the Grand Admiral failed in his mission? can be found in the familiar cloak and
assume that its pretty fearsome. That So be it, dispose of him and replace him cowl of Batman. Sure, Batmans a good
mystery also helps to maintain Vaders with another, more competent officer. guy, but lets just make a few very minor
mystique. changes in the character and youll see
Artwork by Jason R. Coleman
DRAGON 89
how great a villain he could become. The Dramatic narration
entire reason for his nocturnal war A final point to keep in mind about
against crime is revenge: He saw his par- villains is the way in which theyre pre-
ents killed, and he vowed to take his loss sented. Mood, pacing, and even the choice
out on criminals in general. of words used in descriptions is vital here.
In the real world of DC comics, Bat- If, were introduced to Darth Vader as he
man draws the line at killing. He may kick sits around a conference table vowing the
the you-know-what out of the bad guys, destruction of the Rebel Alliance, we learn
but he leaves them alive for the police to that he is evil and see him as the villain of
drag off to prison. Its not hard to imagine the story. However, if our first impression
Batman taking things a step further and of him is as a looming black figure against
becoming a one-man justice system. If he an almost utterly white background, he
starts snuffing the bad guys, he becomes a become even more menacing and danger-
homicidal maniac, not a hero. In this case, ous. Thus, make the entrances of your
hes just as bad as the criminals he hunts. villain dramatic.
Narrative technique is important as well. A
The greater good good villain doesnt stand in the background,
Of course, the world isnt cast in black he lurks in the shadows. Even better, he
and white. There are always shades of might be described as looking as if he were
gray. In many cases, a villain might not be an aspect of the very darkness that sur-
truly responsible for his crimes or might rounds him. It takes a little longer to say,
simply be taking a dark path toward an and you have to spend a bit more prepara-
ultimately honorable goal. tion time making notes of dialogue and
Consider the case of Ozymandius in the descriptions, but in the end its worth it.
DC Comics Watchmen series. In most Pacing is a vital consideration as well. If
cases, hes a good guy. He has come to the villain just appears on the scene and
recognize that the world is on the brink of vaults into combat, he loses a great deal of
nuclear annihilation and has resolved that impact. Villains should be presented in a
only he, the smartest man on the planet, context that highlights their power and
can save it. Taken as it is, this is an admira- the evil that they can do.
ble goal. Of course, the fact that he plans
to do so by destroying New York City Hitting close to home
makes him a villain, even if one agrees A very good way to emphasize the role
with his final goal (and who doesnt?) of the villain in your story is to tie him to
the past actions of the heroes, and the
Out of control stronger the tie, the better.
Another type of sympathetic villain is As an example, let me toss out an exam-
represented by someone like the Wolfman of ple from a VILLAINS &, VIGILANTES*
Universal Pictures fame. Larry Talbot is a campaign that I once ran. The heroes had
fine example of a villain who doesnt mean defeated one of their greatest enemies, a
to be evil, it just kind of happens to him. fellow that they had fought countless
Hes a nice guy on the surface. In fact, times. This time however, they were able
you just cant help but like him. The only to shatter the magical crystal that was the
problem is that he freaks out when the source of his power. The thing went Ka-
full moon comes up. As a werewolf, he is boom! and the villain went Thud!
utterly unlikable. He maims, kills, and The heroes were proud of themselves.
probably digs up flower gardens. How- But I saw the seeds of a future villain. One
ever, we all know that he doesnt do this of the fragments of the crystal struck one
on purpose. Stopping a villain like this can of the innocent bystanders. To him, it was
be rough, because you dont really want to nothing more than bit of glass. In time
hurt him. however, the crystal turned him into a
nasty villain. When he showed up, wield-
Obsession ing the same powers that the original
As Ive said, villains need to have a style fiend had, the heroes were instantly inter-
or trademark that heroes can instantly ested in finding out what was going on.
recognize. This consideration lends itself
very well to the villain who is obsessed. As Closing arguments
soon as the heroes learn about the obses- In the end, youll find that the time you
sion, it becomes a trademark. Think about spend in setting up a good villain is well
villains like the Riddler. Find a riddle at the spent. The more color and life you breathe
scene of a crime? At whom does the finger into your NPCs, especially villains, the
of suspicion point? more likely the players are to respond and
Obsessions can take on many forms. turn out role-playing performances the
Although the traditional obsession might likes of which you've never seen.
well be the fellow who always commits
crimes along a similar theme, there are * indicates a product produced by a company other
than TSR, Inc. Most product names are trademarks
countless varieties. Consider the mad owned by the companies publishing those products.
scientist. His obsession isnt generally for The use of the name of any product without mention
anything material, its knowledge that hes of its trademark status should not be construed as a
after. challenge to such status.
90 OCTOBER 1992
DRAGON 91
One day I was perusing the shelves at my local
game shop when a young man of about 15 began
to stare oddly at me. Finally he got up his courage
and asked, Are you here with your son?
I laughed. No, I said. My sons do play the
D&D game, but Im here for my own stuff.
He looked at me with wide eyes. You mean
someone as old as yousorry, I mean an old lady
plays the D&D game? I meansorrya girl?
Yes, yes, mea girl! I probably have been
playing the D&D game longer than this young
man has lived (although I dont think Im old, by
any means). I think a great truth needs to be
told here: There are a lot of female players out
there, and not just young ones.
Since girls mature faster than boys (some
“Forum” welcomes your comments and opin- What about miniatures? Maybe we run a PG- young male gamers are not exactly noted for
ions on role-playing games. In the United States rated sort of dungeon, but nobody I ever gamed their social skills), young girls find it hard to
and Canada, write to: Forum, DRAGON® Maga- with actually used a figure of a scantily clad watch their male counterparts argue over petty
zine, P.O. Box 111, Lake Geneva WI 53147 U.S.A. fighter as a player character. Sure, you may get gaming points for hours and call it a good time.
In Europe, write to: Forum, DRAGON Magazine, one in a box of figures, and you might even opt They also have a hard time with the idea that
TSR Ltd, 120 Church End, Cherry Hinton, to paint it. But use it? No, because youd have to slashing, burning, looting, then hauling out
Cambridge CB1 3LB, United Kingdom. We ask be Zippy the Pinhead to dress that way in a make-believe treasure is a game worth expend-
that material submitted to “Forum” be either dangerous situation. ing any energy on in the first place. They are
neatly written by hand or typed with a fresh Dont whine, This is only fantasy! Whose looking for a real knight in shining armor, not
ribbon and clean keys so we can read, under- fantasy? Yours, perhaps, but certainly not mine. just a lead figure.
stand, and input your comments. We will print Why is it that for the longest time, D&D® game The time when women become D&D players
the complete address of a contributor if the players were willing to suspend belief in the is when they realize that it is a game where you
writer requests it. real world enough to allow monsters, magic, can be truly liberated and still dress like a
and melee, but not equal strength scores for bimboif only in your imagination.
I am writing in regard to a letter printed in women fighters? Did I miss something here? Elysa Moulding
DRAGON issue #173 from a 15-year-old boy who Dont get me wrong. I love the game. But dont Salt Lake City UT
mentioned that he has never seen girls at role- you think women might have caught on to the
playing games. fact that FRPGs are marketed to an audience Im writing in response to Irate Females
I am a 14 -year-old girl, and Im mad about primarily of young men? It isnt that TSR hasnt letter in issue #177. Maybe its where you live,
role-playing. I have been interested in it for tried. Remember the HEARTQUEST books, the Irate, or maybe youre being too sensitive. I am
about a year. I used to be a DM for an AD&D® series of find your fate novels targeted at a female DM. My present group is evenly di-
2nd Edition campaign for my friends (three girls young women gamers? I know enough about vided between the sexes. Of the last three
and one boy) and recently started going to a marketing to understand that you cater to your groups Ive gamed with, two were all-female (we
role-playing club with my friend (a girl). Every- audience, and if young men are your major didnt plan it that way, it just happened) and the
one else was male, but we still had a lot of fun. I customers, you give them what they want. other was mostly male with two females.
think that one reason girls dont go to role- The problem is that with young women you Ive only seen one other female in my local
playing is they dont really know what it is. Its have missed your target, and the HEARTQUEST gaming shop (she worked there briefly), but Ive
not really a subject that boys think girls are series failed because it reduced young women never been looked at with anything approach-
interested in, because of stereotypes such as to the old girl falls in love and lives happily ing horror. The guys in the shop seem friendly
girls like playing only with dolls. after scenario. The young women I have gamed and helpful, and maybe just a bit shyfemales
Although I appreciate how hard it is to explain with want more out of life than thatnot that in the store do seem to be a novelty. The most-
what role-playing is (I have the same problem), I falling in love isnt desirable, but theyre wise negative thing that ever happened from my
think that people could at least try. If people enough to know that it isnt everything. Even visiting the store occurred when Id given a DM
were more open about role-playing, maybe the name Heartquest drips with gooey conde- my phone number because I wanted to play a
more girls would be interested. scension. No wonder it flopped! game, and he called and asked me out to a
Caroline Bussey If you want to attract young women gamers movie. My husband wasnt thrilled, but it was
Burbage, Hinckley, Leics., U.K. to your product, try treating us with the dignity flattering.
and respect we deserve. Start with your books. Perhaps Irate is thin-skinned and is reading
The issue of sexism in gaming has again If you want to know how it can be done suc- something in peoples expressions that isnt
reared its ugly head. Would that it were as easy cessfully (and it has been) try novels like Jane there, or maybe England is different. Horror
to dispatch as your average monster rearing its Yolens Pit Dragons Trilogy, anything by Ursula and amazement seem extreme to me. I have
ugly head, but no. Ive been a reader of LeGuin, Meredith Pierces Darkangel series, and received a letter from a gamer in Spain who
DRAGON Magazine for more than five years the Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora was surprised to hear of a female DM. He was
and know that the issue surfaces too often. Pierce. Give our fictional counterparts some intrigued but hardly horrified.
Funny how we have no difficulty calling 18- backbone, TSR. These books have. Well, sisters, if you feel the same as Irate does,
year-olds men when they go off to fight in the Who am I to be throwing stones? Well, Im a I suggest you recruit more female players. Drag
Persian Gulf, yet we seem to stutter over the young adult librarian who has been successfully your best friends to the next game, or convince
term women. One of my pet peeves is the term running a fantasy club in various libraries in the the male players to bring their wives.
female gamer. In science classes, female may northeast for almost 10 years. To write this As to your complaint about not seeing enough
be okay for bugs and horses, but whats wrong letter I drew on comments made to me by articles referring to the player as a her, I dont
with calling us women, or just gamers? Why gamers over that time span. In their varied see any problem with this. In my own writings,
qualify it at all? To do so implies that a different ways, over 100 young people have contributed unless Im specifically writing about women, I
set of rules and attitudes applies. Does it? to the writing of this letter. To all those gamers also use he. Its just less cumbersome that
That brings up some major bones of conten- (they know who they are), thanks. I hope I said constantly typing him/her, (s)he, and other
tion. Why did the creators of the AD&D 2nd it well. It needed to be said. such nonsense, which is too much trouble for
Edition books use the masculine pronoun he Donna Beales too little benefit. I figure the reader has enough
throughout them? Yes, I read the explanation. At Childrens Services wit to know that when a writer says he, the
first it even made sense, as I dislike the he/she Pelham Public Library writer means he or she. (However, writing
mish-mash as much as the next lover of the Pelham NH she generally excludes males.) For more on
English language. Yet I have seen other books this issue, see page 8 of the AD&D 2nd Edition
that handle the sticky pronoun problem with This is a reply to the 15-year-old player who Player’s Handbook. Ive also found that the
deft aplomb. Didnt it ever occur to anyone that was wondering why girls dont play the D&D majority of articles in DRAGON Magazine rotate
he could be alternated with she? game (in issue #173). between the sexes when giving examples. This
92 OCTOBER 1992
is enough for me. I dont feel the least bit thank all those authors for their creativity and conventions. At the first couple I went to, I had
excluded. consideration. Each character automatically has a fine time playing and even won some awards.
Nor do I have a problem with the name of merit without regard for gender, which is very Then I was asked to DM at another convention.
Gamesman Magazine. I probably wouldnt even refreshing. I gratefully accepted.
buy a magazine called Gamesperson, as it Ill now move onto my next topic: those pes- However, I was then told that because I was
sounds too self-conscious to be worth reading. I ky younger gamers. My roommates two so young I would have to have a friend help
can figure out that man means human, not childrena boy, 15, and a girl, sevenspend me out. I still agreed. Finally I was told no, they
male, without having it shoved down my summers and school breaks with us, and both didn't need me. I heard later that the writer of
throat. (And swordspeople ruins the flavor, so are rabid gamers. Ryan began gaming with us at the module objected to those *&#$%@*
I hope I dont see that in DRAGON Magazine any 10, and Kim joined in with us this year, after kids running his module. This was an isolated
time soon.) Frankly, if you want to talk about being parked in front of the Nintendo for far incident, and many of the convention organizers
being sexist, why dont I ever see magazines like too long while we played. Kims first question didn't agree with the author. Still, I was quite
Gentlemans Home Journal, Mens World, or each summer was always, When will I be big angry.
Young Mister on the newsstands? Why do enough to play the D&D game? I told her she The second incident of obvious discrimination
publishers assume that men dont care about could play as soon as she could read. Last June was when I was looking through a booklet
child-rearing, their homes, or attracting the she proudly displayed her skill with a mono- describing the events at UBCon, another local
opposite sex? Gamesman is hardly an insult next logue from the Little House on the Prairie convention, when I noticed a odd label on
to that. books, and I capitulated. some of the events: mature gamers only.
Halina Adamski I even created a special adventure for her first thought, okay, Im mature.
Olivebridge NY session. Each PC was a runaway or an orphan, Looking through the rest of the booklet, I
forced out into the cruel world. Kim played the noticed that several events had this label on
I would like to give my response to the Irate pesky (theres that word again) kid sister of them, especially horror games or those marked
Female from England in issue #177. In my another PC, a budding mage. Her weapon of stress on role-playing. Once I got to the end of
experience, yes, female gamers are rare, and choice was her security blanket. Dont laugh! the booklet I realized that mature meant that
thats a shame. She filled it with rocksher own idearolled a no one under 18 could play. I was shocked by
I have been gaming for 13 years, and I have critical hit, and bashed an orc over the head. the idea that a convention might have an official
played with only six females. I have been with At the tender age of seven, Kim is already an policy of discrimination
eight groups (DMing for five of them), and there able gamer. She picked up the combat system a I think I understand the reasons this discrimi-
was no more than one female in any of the lot faster than the rest of us did when we start- nation started. Apparently, the two reasons are
groups. Currently, I know of only one female ed, and she instinctively knows just when to that people under 18 cant handle difficult role-
playingI DM for her. Three of the females I lighten up a serious moment by casting can- playing, and that people under 18 are too imma-
knew in gaming just stopped playing while we trips on her companions: backsides are ture to handle graphic violence. I disagree. I
were in the middle of campaigns! tweaked, hair grows out of noses, just- know many people my age who are excellent
I find it very discouraging when I try to in- captured goblins are suddenly untied again, etc. role-players. Compared to what you see in
volve new women into the game and they say Please take young gamers seriously. These movies like Friday the 13th, horror games are
things like, Oh, I dated a guy once who played young people are the future of role-playing, and pretty tame. According to one study, Ive seen
that game. and thats as interested as they get. they are a great example to skeptical parents of 2,000 murders and 20,000 sexual innuendoes on
You should consider yourself and your group how positive an influence it can be. Ryan once TV, so whats the problem with horror games?
members highly successful (and lucky) in break- hated books and avoided libraries like the Maybe Im overreacting to a couple of isolated
ing away from the pack and going where few plague. Now he enjoys fantasy novels and events. But do other conventions have this rule?
women have gone before. sneaks into the school library for reference Do other conventions prohibit younger people
I congratulate you and only wish there were books on medieval society. Gaming was my from running events? Id like to hear from the
more like yourself here in my gaming area! steppingstone to Renaissance festivals and the convention organizers on this, and if so, hear
Mathew W. Hurd Society for Creative Anachronism. And dont them explain why these barriers were put into
1521 Oneida St. forget the women againfemale gamers see place. I think that that they are extremely unfair.
Utica NY 13501 first-hand that women, especially in the Realms, Frederic Bush
arent wimps. Rochester NY
I have two subjects that Id like to offer my Helaina Martin
comments on, beginning with the English Irate Austin TX I am writing in response to Justin Kellys letter
Female from issue #177. in issue #179. I do agree with his view on the
Ive been a role-player since my teens (Im now Im writing in response to Letters in issue AD&D 2nd Edition game and its effects on the
28) and a DM for five years, and I have to agree #179, where you give much approved support mage class; I speak only from my own gaming
that there is a definite bias against women gamers. to female role-players. Three years ago, I was experience. In my group, however, the changes
I get the same patronizing comments from a lot of introduced to the AD&D game by a group of 10- had a wholly different effect.
(although, in fairness, not most) male gamers when year veteran players. After six months of play- The changes in the rules made me play a very
I meet them for the first time. ing a female cleric, I took over as the groups nontraditional mage. Her name was Dame
But what really drives me into a rage is mod- DM. Two and one-half years later, I am still Michelle Mustard (I will call her the Dame for
ern fantasy art! Im sorry to say that TSR has, heading up campaigns and all my players love short). I think that the majority of the players in
upon occasion, added to this deadly sin. Please the games. Did I forget to mention I am 100% my group will agree that the Dame was one of
guys, retire the studded-leather jumpsuits and female and no one believes me any less capable (if not the most) powerful characters in the
the chain-mail bikinisthose are really rough on than any male player? party, a far cry from the baggage she could
the nipples. They are absolutely ludicrous. Thanks for your support of female players have been. We started out at 3rd level and
Aliass armor, on the cover of Azure Bonds, and DMs. Youd be surprised at how they can clawed our way up to the low teens.
would be utterly useless in a real fight. Her role-play and give fresh, new perspectives. So, On the field of combat, the Dame would give
arms are bare, and her shirt, such as it is, guys, if you want the same old boring cam- suggestions to other characters and, most
leaves a large section of her chest exposed to a paigns, dont invite any women. importantly, would augment the others powers.
skillful sword thrust. The leather pants arent Colleen Fireely As a good example, in one adventure we found
much better. Nova Scotia ourselves on a plane of the Abyss. We had to
I love the find your fate gamebooks, but Ive fight a very powerful fiend who was for the
almost never seen one that features a female Im an experienced game master, having run most part immune to any magicks the Dame
protagonist. The player is automatically as- the AD&D game for about seven years now. I could summon. The other characters werent so
sumed to be male. The only exception is the have played many other role-playing games. I ineffective, however, so she cast enlarge and
HEARTQUEST series, available through the Mail faithfully read DRAGON magazine, and Im an strength spells on the fighters, and used en-
Order Hobby Shop, which is little more than a RPGA Network member, too. Yet, apparently, chanted weapon to give them that extra edge.
set of romance novels. The Indiana Jones game- Im an immature gamer, unfit to run events at a She asked the group clerics to share the bless
books are even worse for chauvinism. convention or even play in certain games where and aid spells as well. I dont think that anyone
The FORGOTTEN REALMS® and there is a stress on role-playing. My problem: went into that battle with less than six spells on
DRAGONLANCE® novels, though, are wonder- Im 15 years old. them. That battle was so simple that the only
ful. Almost all feature strong women characters I had never encountered the grim spectre of reason the DM gave us full XPs was because of
and societies without sexual bias. I want to discrimination until I started going to some local our ingenuity.
DRAGON 93
That was not the only time. Whenever there If this were the case, groups such as the KKK, country may be charming, witty, thoughtful,
was a big battle that we had time to prepare for, organized crime families, etc., would not have and kind with their countrymen. However, once
the Dame was there to cast the spells. Without survived for so long. The individuals involved in exposed to foreigners, they become filled with
everyones cooperation, none of them would these groups share common precepts, but they hatred and seek to dominate or exterminate all
have made it that far. have moral beliefs different from those of most those they see as alien to themselves. No prizes
Alas, that party did end up losing its last of society. Still, they are capable of having for guessing where the inspiration for that idea
battle to another mage. The Dame was the last friends and loved ones, and they remain as loyal came from; while Douglas Adams natives of the
to fall. to their respective groups as others would to planet Krikitt are deliberately over-the-top in
I think that the key to the AD&D 2nd Edition more acceptable organizations. this respect, a more moderate example of the
games mage class is fast, clear, accurate thought The next reasons given are that good guys are same mentality could be easily workable. Per-
on the players part. The mage is not the walk- more interesting than bad guys, and that evil haps they see themselves as somehow superior
ing neutron bomb that it once was. characters dont develop long-term goals, so to all other nations, and believe that in the
The Dame was not without her faults, and we they have less to think about and less to do. natural order of things, foreigners would be-
had plenty of battles that we had no time to What this is based on, I have no idea. In the come slaves to the motherland. Inside the party
prepare for. I think another must for AD&D real world, people are far more intrigued by the there could be complete harmony, as in effect
2nd Edition game mage is the players knowledge evil side of life than the good. People stand and this is essentially a good party working toward
edge of the spells. In our gaming group, we had gawk when a fight breaks out or theres an evil ends. Remember, evil is defined as such by
a tip for spell-casters. Whenever we sat down to accident or fire. The television and movies are others, and it is not always fixed and one-
play, wed look at the lists of spells in our books filled with violence, and how many good guys dimensional.
and would each pick one that we werent 100% are as well known as Adolf Hitler or Charles As a sort of additional comment on alignment
familiar with. Then wed look it up and read it Manson? Also, the goals you set for your in the AD&,D game, I believe that the present
until we were sure we knew it. When the Dame characterevil, good or neutralare limited interpretation of the system is too rigid. It
found a scroll she could use, I would ask, What only by your own imagination. seems to me that the alignment of the character
does it do? not How many dice does it do? The trouble with playing evil characters is when created is what determines his behavior.
A good example of this preparation in play that inexperienced or poor players dont under- With a well role-played PC, I believe the reverse
was Uta and Middian, two mages in a game that stand that the game they are playing in is for should be true: A player should decide on the
I ran for some time. They were about the same the enjoyment of all involved. When they steal personality of his character, then try to fit an
level, and neither should have been more pow- from or slaughter off other PCs by playing a alignment to it. If none fit exactly, it is not the
erful than the other, but this was far from the character who is totally and unrealistically evil, fault of the player but of the system.
truth. Uta was not from the same school of they ruin the fun for their fellow gamers. In life Chris Roberts
thought as the Dame. Uta shot first, then looked there is no black and whitepeople are complex 5 Victoria Road
to see if there were any party members in creatures. Most of us are not as good as we Cirencester, Gloucestershire
melee range, but this mage saved the party should be, but none of us is completely evil. GREAT BRITAIN GL7 1EN
several times and was wanted in the group. The real reason for the answers given in the
Middian went unnoticed literally. I really article are clearly shown by the recent decisions The sages answer to the second question
don't remember a time that he had an effect on made by the present TSR ownership. When (why doesnt TSR have products for evil charac-
a battle, other than the time he let off a light- creating the AD&D 2nd Edition game, decisions ters) in issue #181 was kinder than it needed to
ning bolt in a room that was 5 wide by 12 long, such as the deletion of the assassin class, the be. The person who wrote in was disgusted
and packed with PCs. Why? Because he didn't exclusion of devils and demons and subsequent with the emphasis on good PCs, as well as the
know the spells effects. He didnt understand name changes, etc., show that despite the print- melodramatic theme. The sage replied by
his spells well enough; he read them, but only ing of letters in DRAGON Magazine by gamers describing how good parties are more coopera-
once. Middian cast a lot of spells, but only ones who wish to stand up to the public condemna- tive and interesting. It was kind of him, but the
like stoneskin (on himself in melee) or the afore- tion of the game by the ignorant, TSR is con- answer could have been a lot shorter. TSR does
mentioned lightening bolt at something immune cerned only with the bottom line and cares little not create products for evil PCs because that is
to that attack. Think about it: Would your fellow for the integrity of the game. not the kind of image TSR wants.
adventures be very jolly if they knew that all Michael Thomas Roger Moore and Barbara Young have ex-
you knew about the fireball spell was that it Lee MA plained numerous times in their magazines
made a really big explosion? exactly why there is an emphasis on good-
Overall, I guess my point is the AD&D 2nd I have just finished reading the response in aligned PCs. The issue scarcely needs to be
Edition games mage is weaker if you want to go Sage Advice in issue #181 to the question brought up again, but as the question was posed
head-to-head with monsters, but if that doesnt regarding evil PCs. While I agree with much of in such a virulent tone, it demands an answer.
work, be ready to kick em where it counts. To its content and believe that TSR should continue The writer seems to have an odd view of the
do this, you should know where it counts. its concentration on predominantly good par- RAVENLOFT® campaign setting. The demiplane
Steve Giblin ties, I think Mr. Williams presents a much too is evil, the domain rulers are evil, and the land
Boone CO polarized view of evil. is evil. Why would anyone want to run an evil
To my mind, there is a great deal of scope for PC in such a place, when the land itself is on
I am a DRAGON Magazine subscriber, and one explanations as to why an evil group might stick your side? Theres little challenge in it. Being a
of my favorite columns has always been Sage together. The villains might all be members of a good PC in a RAVENLOFT campaign is a far
Advicethat is, until I read the offering in lawful religion given specific instructions not to greater challenge.
issue #181. Mr. Williams, in the guise of answer- fight among themselves with the threat of The WORLD OF GREYHAWK® setting is a
ing a readers question on why there are no TSR divine retribution to back it up. In the same similar case. With the release of GREYHAWK®
products for evil characters, used the opportu- vein, they could all be members of a disciplined Wars, the forces of evil have won tremendous
nity instead to high-handedly denounce all army or secret task force. This would entail a victories, and the forces of good are in danger
players who choose to play evil characters as rigid hierarchy of command that could work in of extinction. Again, what is the challenge of
fools who just dont know how to play the game a role-playing situation provided the player having an evil PC here, when the balance of
right. The simplistic view of evil expressed in controlling the leader is strict but not cruel. power is in your favor?
the column was based on half-truths, untruths, On a less restrictive level, the members of the Ive always found that the best campaign is a
and wishful thinking reminiscent of Neville party might be friends. But theyre evil, I hear party of good PCs vs. hordes of evil. The forces
Chamberlains view of Europe in the 1930s. you cry! So what? I believe that to suggest that a of good are usually outnumbered, and the PCs
The first reason given for not playing evil group of essentially selfish people could never are a small but elite group. Facing them are the
characters is that they are incapable of working form friendships or bonds linked by honor or vast forces of evil: humanoids, fiends, and the
together on a long-term basis and must eventu- debt is naive in the extreme. Like company is occasional NPC character. It is far more chal-
ally turn on one another. To justify this, the often welcomed, even by those deemed evil by lenging, interesting, and fun to be a good-
article states that only good and neutral charac- more discerning types, and the respect of those aligned underdog than an evil PC.
ters can share common moral or ethical pre- with similar views may grow into something David Howery
cepts and that evil characters are merely selfish more substantial than acquaintance. Logan UT
and concerned only with staying alive. It also Also, imagine a nation of any racial type with
insinuates that only good guys can have friends a distinctive culture. Due to peculiar circum-
and share trust, and that evil groups can only stances (for example, isolation or isolationist
stay together through intimidation. policies by their rulers), the people of this
94 OCTOBER 1992
Is this the golden age of horror role- ACY* game from GDW), new twists on
playing? It seems like only yesterday that traditional themes (White Wolfs VAMPIRE
horror games were as scarce as garlic in, the hobby has experienced a renais- THE MASQUERADE* game), and updates
salesmen at a vampire convention. In the sance in horror, resulting in products for of old classics (such as Mayfairs revamped
early 1980s, we had the CALL OF fright fans of every temperament. Now CHILL* game, originally from Pacesetter
CTHULHU* game from Chaosium, Tri-Tac theres Gothic horror (TSRs RAVENLOFT® Ltd.). If you havent found a game or a
Inc.s STALKING THE NIGHT FANTASTIC* game), contemporary horror (Palladium supplement that gives you gooseflesh, its
game, and not much else. Now, perhaps as Books BEYOND THE SUPERNATURAL* not for lack of product. Heres a sampling
a reaction to the scary times were living game), future horror (the DARK CONSPIR- of some of the best.
DRAGON 113
lip to ensure the two pieces stay together.
The other two mummies consist of a walk-
ing male figure practically right out of the
horror movies and a slender female with
an exposed, aristocratic face, long hair,
and a snake tiara. Her face is pinched and
her cheeks are gaunt, but there are no
signs of other preservation. Her left hand
rests on a pillar with symbols carved on it.
The figures, except for the female, are
slightly over 28 mm. The male mummies
have shallow engraving on their wrap-
pings, so take care when painting them or
the detail may be lost. There was flash on
the two coffin parts and the arm of the
male mummy; careful cleaning is needed
on these and the back mold line on the
male to guarantee the wrappings wont be
marred or the lid damaged. The female
mummy has no flash and is well done, if a
little skinny. The 13 mm pedestal also has
no flash or other detractions. These pieces
are highly recommended for gaming ad-
ventures or dioramas at $3.95 per pack.
RAFM Co.
20 Parkhill Rd E
Cambridge, Ontario
CANADA N1R 1P2