Dragon Publishing released Dragon #85 in May 1984. It is 100 pages long and has a cover price of $3.00.
This month's cover is by Susan Collins and is called "The Innocent Power." Interior illustrations are by Kurt Ericksen, Jeff Busch, Denton Elliott, Roger Raupp, Robert Lilly, Lora Louise Freeland, Nick Smith, Jeff Easley, Larry Elmore, and Dave Trampier.
The special attraction is "The Twofold Talisman: Adventure Two" by Roger Moore, Philip Taterczynski, Douglas Niles, and Georgia Moore. Having recovered the Heart of Light, the characters must now seek out the Ebon Stone, which lies in a mountain fortress. The dungeon is combat-focused and has fewer clever tricks and traps than you often find in tournament modules of this era. The monster selection is good, though, and some employ interesting tactics. It always surprises me how much content was in these tournament adventures—players must explore 30 locations in 4 hours!
There is a collection of three articles focused on the cleric. "Here's to Your Health" by Kim Mohan examines the mechanics and significance of healing spells, exploring their function, limitations, and impact on gameplay. "Special Skills, Special Thrills" by Roger E. Moore suggests granting clerics unique abilities based on their deities—such as clerics of Odin gaining the use of spears. "Clerics Must Be Deity-Bound" by Fraser Sherman argues that clerics should base their actions on the characteristics of their deities, not just their alignments. For example, a cleric of Thor might feel compelled to charge into battle eagerly. Sherman wrote several articles for Dragon around this period.
"PBM: Problems by Mail" by Michael Gray discusses the frustrations faced by players in the play-by-mail gaming industry due to unreliable companies, highlighting instances of lost money and unresponsive services. He describes efforts to clean up the industry by establishing a PBM Moderators Association and notes several quality games worth investigating.
"The Ecology of the Ixitxachitl" (pronounced 'ick-zit-sah-chitl') by Ed Greenwood explores the behaviour, society, and impact of this race of evil, manta ray-like creatures. Presented as an excerpt from the sage Nenemith's ramblings, the article delves into the creature's demonic worship of Demogorgon, aggressive hunting tactics, and complex interactions with other underwater races. Greenwood once more adds gaming mechanical information via footnotes, allowing him to stay in character for the narration. It's a terrific entry in this series.
"Valkyrie Settlement" by Susan Shwartz is a Norse-inspired tale about a queen's struggle with duty, loss, and empowerment. The story features rich imagery and strong character development. However, the pace occasionally slows due to extended descriptions and internal monologues. Shwartz published many short stories and novels, including several Star Trek adaptations.
"Three Cheers for Beowulf" by Robert Cooke, Roger E. Moore, and Kyle Gray presents three interpretations of the legendary hero Beowulf for use in an AD&D game. Each author offers a distinctive portrayal: Cooke emphasises Beowulf's wisdom and sense of responsibility, Moore presents a proud and courageous hero, while Gray focuses on his mighty power and readiness for battle.
"Modules: What We're Hunting For" by Kim Mohan provides guidelines for aspiring authors who wish to submit modules to Dragon Magazine. Mohan emphasises the importance of originality, adherence to game rules, logical consistency, and proper presentation. Common pitfalls to avoid are illogical encounters, inappropriate content, overused themes, and overpowered elements that disrupt game balance.
"A Stone's Throw Away" by Roger E. Moore is a light-hearted story about Tasslehoff Burrfoot, a curious kender who embarks on an unexpected journey involving a mysterious ring and dark magic. While the narrative crafts a vivid setting and maintains an engaging pace, it falls short in character development and struggles to move beyond fantasy cliches.
There are several game reviews:
This month's cover is by Susan Collins and is called "The Innocent Power." Interior illustrations are by Kurt Ericksen, Jeff Busch, Denton Elliott, Roger Raupp, Robert Lilly, Lora Louise Freeland, Nick Smith, Jeff Easley, Larry Elmore, and Dave Trampier.
The special attraction is "The Twofold Talisman: Adventure Two" by Roger Moore, Philip Taterczynski, Douglas Niles, and Georgia Moore. Having recovered the Heart of Light, the characters must now seek out the Ebon Stone, which lies in a mountain fortress. The dungeon is combat-focused and has fewer clever tricks and traps than you often find in tournament modules of this era. The monster selection is good, though, and some employ interesting tactics. It always surprises me how much content was in these tournament adventures—players must explore 30 locations in 4 hours!
There is a collection of three articles focused on the cleric. "Here's to Your Health" by Kim Mohan examines the mechanics and significance of healing spells, exploring their function, limitations, and impact on gameplay. "Special Skills, Special Thrills" by Roger E. Moore suggests granting clerics unique abilities based on their deities—such as clerics of Odin gaining the use of spears. "Clerics Must Be Deity-Bound" by Fraser Sherman argues that clerics should base their actions on the characteristics of their deities, not just their alignments. For example, a cleric of Thor might feel compelled to charge into battle eagerly. Sherman wrote several articles for Dragon around this period.
"PBM: Problems by Mail" by Michael Gray discusses the frustrations faced by players in the play-by-mail gaming industry due to unreliable companies, highlighting instances of lost money and unresponsive services. He describes efforts to clean up the industry by establishing a PBM Moderators Association and notes several quality games worth investigating.
"The Ecology of the Ixitxachitl" (pronounced 'ick-zit-sah-chitl') by Ed Greenwood explores the behaviour, society, and impact of this race of evil, manta ray-like creatures. Presented as an excerpt from the sage Nenemith's ramblings, the article delves into the creature's demonic worship of Demogorgon, aggressive hunting tactics, and complex interactions with other underwater races. Greenwood once more adds gaming mechanical information via footnotes, allowing him to stay in character for the narration. It's a terrific entry in this series.
"Valkyrie Settlement" by Susan Shwartz is a Norse-inspired tale about a queen's struggle with duty, loss, and empowerment. The story features rich imagery and strong character development. However, the pace occasionally slows due to extended descriptions and internal monologues. Shwartz published many short stories and novels, including several Star Trek adaptations.
"Three Cheers for Beowulf" by Robert Cooke, Roger E. Moore, and Kyle Gray presents three interpretations of the legendary hero Beowulf for use in an AD&D game. Each author offers a distinctive portrayal: Cooke emphasises Beowulf's wisdom and sense of responsibility, Moore presents a proud and courageous hero, while Gray focuses on his mighty power and readiness for battle.
"Modules: What We're Hunting For" by Kim Mohan provides guidelines for aspiring authors who wish to submit modules to Dragon Magazine. Mohan emphasises the importance of originality, adherence to game rules, logical consistency, and proper presentation. Common pitfalls to avoid are illogical encounters, inappropriate content, overused themes, and overpowered elements that disrupt game balance.
"A Stone's Throw Away" by Roger E. Moore is a light-hearted story about Tasslehoff Burrfoot, a curious kender who embarks on an unexpected journey involving a mysterious ring and dark magic. While the narrative crafts a vivid setting and maintains an engaging pace, it falls short in character development and struggles to move beyond fantasy cliches.
There are several game reviews:
- Warhammer: The Mass Combat Fantasy Roleplaying Game by Citadel Miniatures is a game that blends tabletop miniatures warfare with fantasy elements. It offers organised and straightforward rules, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players. While it may lack some detailed wargaming aspects, it provides strong action potential and satisfying fantasy flavour. Ken Rolston concludes it is "a creditable step in the right direction" for those seeking a blend of wargaming and fantasy roleplaying.
- Regular contributor Katharine Kerr also reviewed Warhammer. She was disappointed with its untidy writing and disorganised rules. While the combat and magic systems exhibit potential, character creation needs to be improved. The battle rules are clear, but the system lacks depth and flexibility. Kerr thinks it is "a sloppy, amateurish piece of work that needs rewriting, editing, and extending to be a playable system."
- Reaper: Fantasy Wargame Rules by Table Top Games is a flexible mass combat system designed for fantasy miniatures enthusiasts. While the combat and manoeuvre rules are disorganised and fall short of regular wargaming standards, the magic system stands out with its customisable spell catalogue. Rolston thinks the system's main virtue is "flexibility" and that it offers significant value for dedicated fantasy wargamers.
- Lost Worlds: Fantasy Combat Book Game by Nova Game Designs, Inc. is an engaging melee combat system featuring distinctive characters and vivid illustrations. The game offers easy-to-learn mechanics that allow for fast-paced and tactical battles. Rolston states the game has "atmosphere, action, tension, and strategy," making it a superb minor diversion for quick gaming sessions.
- Cry Havoc by Standard Games and Publications Ltd. is a beautifully crafted medieval skirmish game featuring detailed two-colour maps and 228 illustrated playing pieces. The simple, clearly presented rules allow quick learning and fast-paced, tactical gameplay. Rolston praises "the beauty of its presentation, the charm of its medieval atmosphere, and the appeal of its simple mass combat systems."
- Whispers from the Abyss by Tome is a collection of excellent, dramatic, and sophisticated scenarios for Call of Cthulhu.
- The Snow King's Bride by Chaosium is a state-of-the-art solitaire adventure for RuneQuest that delivers challenge, humour, and atmosphere.
- To Challenge Tomorrow by Ragnarok Enterprises is a roleplaying game covering the past, present, and future with interesting mechanics and ideas.
- Shady Dragon Inn by TSR is a valuable play aid for D&D, containing over 100 pre-generated characters and detailed inn floorplans.
- Palladium Roleplaying Game by Palladium Books is a complete fantasy RPG with attractive combat and magic systems, offering a useful alternative or supplement for campaigns with a D&D flavour.
- "The Federation Guide to Luna" by Dale L. Kemper provides a tourist's guide to the Moon within the Star Trek game universe.
- "Gamma Hazards" by John M. Maxstadt introduces a trio of inventive new monsters for Gamma World: the fungimal, humbug, and jungle lurker.
- "Preventing Complacency in Traveller Gaming" by Roger E. Moore provides referees with practical strategies to keep Traveller campaigns dynamic and unpredictable, such as unusual planetary modifications.
- Finally, "Lions, Tigers, and Superheroes" by Leonard Carpenter incorporates wild animals and animal powers into the Champions game.
