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Message: <blockquote data-quote="M.T. Black" data-source="post: 9612939" data-attributes="member: 6782171">Dragon Publishing released Dragon #91 in November 1984. It is 116 pages long and has a cover price of $3.00. This issue features the Nine Hells, realistic character statistics, and a treasure trove of magic items![ATTACH=full]399664[/ATTACH]The cover is by Dean Morrissey and depicts a strange naval vessel that appears just as capable of sailing the skies as the seas. It feels very steampunk, though that term was yet to be coined. Interior artists include Roger Raupp, Bob Maurus, Jeff Butler, Dave Trampier, Richard Tomasic, Joseph Pillsbury, David Hutton, and Larry Elmore.This month's special attraction is "Treasure Trove," a collection of new magical items for AD&D from various authors. It follows in the tradition of "Bazaar of the Bizarre" and offers a rich array of enchanted objects to surprise players who think they've seen it all. The selection includes weapons, potions, wondrous items, and even a few cursed surprises. Many of the items are a little prosaic, such as the potion of frost resistance. It is no surprise that the most colourful items come from the pen of Ed Greenwood, including the censer of thaumaturgy, the goblet of glory, and the trumpet of doom. I also want to draw attention to the rod of many things by Andrew Dewar, which is now a staple of the game.Gary Gygax brings us "The Goristro Revealed," introducing this massive, stupid, but very dangerous demon that was mistakenly omitted from the Monster Manual II. Gygax makes up for it with full stats and a robust description of their role in the Abyss. It's a shame there is no matching illustration."Realistic Vital Statistics" by Stephen Inniss presents an alternative system for determining character height and weight based on geometry. It's a well-thought-out mathematical approach, but one wonders whether the realism is worth the additional complexity. Inniss previously published two detailed articles on familiars and would publish another dozen articles with Dragon over the next few years.Ed Greenwood offers another stellar entry in the "Ecology" series with "The Ecology of the Leucrotta." The article takes a deep dive into this grim and unsettling creature, known for mimicking human voices to lure victims to their doom. It is good to have this series back after an absence of several months.Greenwood also expands on some earlier work in "Nine Hells Revisited," providing details on outcast devils, hidden treasures in the infernal realms, and diabolical deals. His follow-up article, "Eight Devilish Questions," answers reader queries about the Nine Hells and the role of devils in the game. This compelling look into fiendish lore is imaginative, detailed, readable, and highly gameable. It is Dragon at its best."Chronicles: A Novel Idea" previews the upcoming Dragonlance Chronicles series--a significant milestone on TSR's march into the world of fiction. The article showcases the beautiful Larry Elmore cover for "Dragons of Autumn Twilight" and hints at the sweeping scope of the story and its connection to the Dragonlance game modules.Penny Petticord makes her Dragon debut and provides some Top Secret insight with "Spies' Advice," tackling a score of reader questions about the rules. TSR recently hired Petticord as a "games questions expert," and she went on to edit Polyhedron and administer the RPGA Network. She later married Skip Williams."The Rune and the Dragon" by Lawrence Watt-Evans is a short story about three adventurers who, after stumbling upon a mysterious golden rune, find themselves pursued by an enigmatic dragon. The central mystery is engaging, and the resolution is satisfying, but the story suffers from uneven pacing and shallow characters. Watt-Evans published many novels and stories and later became president of the Horror Writers Association.There are several game reviews in this issue. Shogun by Shipps Ltd is an engaging card game blending elements of five-card stud poker with the popular James Clavell novel. The gameplay is quick to learn but sufficiently complex for repeated play. Paul Smith concludes, "the strategies are delicate enough to intrigue and challenge the most experienced game-player."Ken Rolston reviews several mystery-themed games. Mercenaries, Spies, & Private Eyes by Flying Buffalo is a simple espionage RPG emphasising speed over realism and offering limited background material. Rolston rates the game merely "adequate," though many now believe it is a minor classic. Death in Dunwich by Theatre of the Mind Enterprises is an engaging Call of Cthulhu scenario that blends mystery, investigation, and horror. Rolston judges it "an excellent adventure and an example of what good role-playing mystery should be." The Vanishing Investigator by TSR is a Gangbusters mystery module with exceptional organisation and detailed presentation. Rolston declares it "a first-class product, both as a model of RPG mystery design and as an effective and exciting adventure."Rolston also shares several capsule reviews:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Dragons of Despair by TSR is an unconventional AD&D adventure with a strong plot, thematic depth, and a rich atmosphere.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Marvel Super Heroes by TSR is an engagingly straightforward superhero RPG that is particularly accessible for younger gamers.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The Mountain Environment by Gamelords, Ltd. is a highly detailed supplement for wilderness adventures in mountainous terrain.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Bree and the Barrow Downs by Iron Crown Enterprises is an immersive Middle-earth setting module with meticulously developed cultural and geographic detail.</li> </ul>The ARES section rounds out the issue with 14 pages of sci-fi and superhero content:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">"Does anyone here speak Aslan?" by Joseph Benedetto covers language skills in Traveller.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">"The Day of the Juggernaut" by William Tracy is a Star Frontiers scenario.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">"The Marvel-Phile" by Jeff Grubb provides statistics for the mysterious Cloak and Dagger.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">"Careers in Star Law" by Alex Curylo offers more details on this Star Frontiers organisation.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">"Don't Leave Home Without 'Em!" by Scott Hutcheon describes new equipment for Gamma World.</li> </ul>And that's a wrap! It was a substantial issue, with Greenwood's "Nine Hells Revisited" the obvious standout. There was some discussion in <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/dragon-reflections-90.711960/" target="_blank">Dragon Reflections #90</a> as to whether the magazine was in decline by this point. I'd say not yet, but there are warning signs ahead. Gygax's creative contributions will ramp up over the coming months, then cease altogether as he is eased out of the company, with veteran Dragon editor Kim Mohan following soon after. Grognardia identifies this year as the moment D&D moves from its Golden Age to its Silver Age, with the product overly influenced by second-rate epic fantasy and a decadent concern with fantasy realism and dramatic coherence. I'm sure my commentators will have views.Next month, we have lots on clerics, the ecology of the Ettin, and the return of Pages from the Mages!</blockquote>

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