over art this month has been rendered for us by long-time

contributor Dean Morrissey. Inspiration for Dean’s painting

came from this month’s adventure of Niall of the Far Travels,
“The Cube from Beyond” by Gardner Fox. Title page and
interior art are also courtesy of Dean’s talented hand. Gar will
have further accounts of Niall in upcoming issues of The Dragon, so don’t go
’way.

This month The Dragon welcomes game designer, advertising agency ex-
ecutive, and new publisher/editor of The Space Gamer, Steve Jackson.
Steve (in my opinion) makes the game he designed even greater with his
variant “Stellar Conquest for Two.” It is our hope that Steve will find
time in his busy schedule to contribute to The Dragon again in the future. FEATURES
The Cube from Beyond— Gardner F. Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Up on a Soapbox this month is Larry DiTillio. Larry examines an aspect Up on a Soapbox Larry DiTillio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
of D&D not integral to the game, but important nonetheless, as his article Sorcerer’s Scroll— Gary Gygax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
“Painted Ladies and Potted Monks” relates to the older player/younger
player relationship that has been discussed under “Out on a Limb” over the
Sage Advice— Jean Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
past few months. Readers should also examine Dragon Rumbles as an Honorable Samurai Designer Speaks!— Dan Campagna . . . . . . 14
introduction to Larry’s piece. Leomund’s Tiny Hut— Lenard Lakofka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The History of Immer— G. Arthur Rahman . . . . . . . . . . . 20
There’s a little something for everyone in this month’s issue. Samurai fans The Dragon #36½ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
can get the lowdown on the game from the designer, Dan Campagna. Fantasysmith’s Notebook— Skeleton Crew . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Divine Right players can check out this month’s installment of Glenn Giants in the Earth— L. Schick&T. Moldvay . . . . . . .. . . 36
Rahman’s Minarian Legends, where we get the history of Immer. Histori- Simulation Corner— John Prados . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
cal researcher extraordinaire Michael Kluever gives us some background The DM’s Right-Hand Man (?) —Roy Earle . . . . . . . . . . . 42
on the Mongols of the 13th century.
The Electric Eye— Mark Herro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
DM’s will want to read From the Sorcerer’s Scroll, where Gary Gygax Dragon’s Bestiay— Todd Lockwood’s Krolli . . . . . . . . . . 63
details Conan a la our Giants in the Earth series. Speaking of GITE, the Wormy— Tramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
dynamic duo of Schick and Moldvay this month give us Rafael Sabatini’s
Captain Blood, H.P. Lovecraft’s Richard Upton Pickman, and Thomas VARIANTS
Burnett Swann’s Silver Bells. Stellar Conquest for Two— Steve Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Squad Leader Scenario #1— Bryan Bullinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Also of interest to D&D players will be Bill Fawcett’s article on experience Experience Points to Ponder— William Fawcett . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40
points. Those of you with a taste for the Old West will enjoy The Fastest The Fastest Guns That Never Lived, Pts. I-IV—
Guns that Never Lived— Boot Hill characters from the Lone Ranger to
Clint Eastwood.
A. Hammock, B. Blume, G. Gygax & T. Kask . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

A new column debuts this month with the first of Bryan Bullinger’s Squad HISTORY/BACKGROUND
Leader scenarios. Go to most any convention, and you’re likely to find The Mongols— Michael Klueuer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1
Bryan there playing or running a Squad Leader tournament. I’ve lost count “MacLankhmar”: A Compromise Game— F.C. MacKnight . . . . 46
of all the titles he’s won.
REVIEWS
And, continuing our regular features, we have Sage Advice from Jean Starship Troopers— Michael Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Wells: Len Lakofka discusses high-level AD&D pantheons in Leo- Mech War 2 —Roberto Camino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
mund’s Tiny Hut; The Fantasysmith has a “skull session” in his Note-
book; John Prados examines game complexity in the Simulation Cor-
Trek-80 —Michael Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
ner; and Mark Herro gives us another lesson in computers in The Electric
Eye. NEWS/VIEWS
Dragon Rumbles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Next month, it’s module time! We’ll be presenting the 2nd place IDDC Out on a Limb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
entry (and detailing the rules for the 2nd International Dungeon Design Convention Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Contest, as well—those of you who missed the first contest, or have new Rides Needed/Rides Offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
dungeons to submit, here’s your chance). Also on tap for next month is the
Mapping the Dungeons DM listing update, and the debut of a new
illustrated fantasy adventure strip, “Jasmine,” by Darlene Jean Pekul,
better known as Darlene.

And (for the record), for those of you who are reading The Dragon for the
first time this month, and might be wondering about pages 23-30, Happy
If your mailing label says TD 36
April 1!—Jake this if your last issue . . . resubscribe
1
 Vol. IV, No. 10

game . . . 3c: a situation that in-

volves contest, rivalry, or struggle; depended upon the individual involved, on
esp: one in which opposing interests a case-by-case basis. The exuberance of Vol. IV, No. 10 April, 1980
given specific information are al- youth and the stodginess of maturity have
lowed a choice of moves with the never been good bedfellows. It has always Publisher
object of maximizing their wins and been necessary to seek some acceptable E. Gary Gygax
minimizing their losses. . . . middle ground. The game club that I was
Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary involved with at the University was not im- Editor
mune to the problems under discussion. Jake Jaquet
The foregoing definition says many There were perhaps half a dozen younger
other things as well, but that portion is most members who were made welcome; their Assistant Editor
germane to our style of gaming peers were not. We made our decision on Kim Mohan
Nowhere in any of the definitions of the basis of the individual’s maturity and
“game” is there any age specification. behavior. If he was continually loud and Circulation & Sales
Therefore, there is no inherent connotation disruptive, he wasn’t welcome. By the same Corey Koebernick
that games are for juveniles, any more than token, when an older player showed the
games are for adults. same traits, he was given the same choice as This month’s
When considering mainstream games, the younger: Clean up his act or leave. A contributing artists:
the parlor type beastie, if you will, there couple of the youngsters became known as
have been few games, other than those “characters” in the behavorial sense, along Dean Morrissey Ken Mitchroney
utilizing cards, that were specifically aimed with a couple of their older counterparts. Roger Raupp Gavin Marmolejo
at adults. There have been hundreds of To this day, whenever any of the “old L. Jeffrey Lanners Dave LaForce
games aimed directly at juveniles over the gang” get together at GenCon or some Kenneth Rahman Todd Lockwood
years the balance has long been in their other con, and we get to swapping re- Jeff Dee Sandy Kahn
favor. memberances of adventures past, those
There has been, either by design or ap- same youngsters are in the thick of the con-
peal, any number of games that have had versation, having been an integral part of THE DRAGON is published monthly by TSR
appeal to both juveniles and adults over the our group. I’m delighted we had them, as Periodicals, a division of, TSR Hobbies, Inc.,
years—MONOPOLY being perhaps the they often brought in fresh insights and P.O. Box 110, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147.
Phone: 414-248-8044
prime example. Other games. such as ideas from young minds unsullied by con-
chess. require either an adult mind or a vention and “the real world.” THE DRAGON is available at better hobby
rather precocious juvenile mind. Unquestionably, some younger players shops and bookstores, or by subscription. The
Traditionally, wargames have been do not fit into the scheme of things in some subscription rate within the U.S. and Canada is
somewhere in that grey area in between. $24 for 12 issues. Outside the U.S. and Canada,
older groups. That same enthusiasm rates are as follows: To European locations, $50
While designed for more mature thought mentioned earlier can sometimes damn per 12 issues for surface mail, $82 for 12 issues
processes they could be enjoyed by pre- them. air mail, or $45 for 6 issues air mail; To Australia,
cocious juveniles such as I once was. Beyond the concerns of group compati- $40 per 12 issues for surface mail, $70 for 12
Along came D&D® which made the issues air mail, or $39 for 6 issues air mall. The
bility, there exist other considerations to jingle-copy price, for the current issue or back
grey area murkier. Originally designed for this apparent problem. For one thing, issues. is 75 cents plus cover price ($2 through
miniatures buffs, who at that time were young minds are more impressionable than TD-31, $2.50 or more for each issue thereafter).
mostly adults it became the focus of fasci- older minds, both consciously and All payments must be made in advance in U.S.
nation for all ages. currency or by international money order. The
subconsciously. issue of expiration for each subscription is coded
Some months back, we started a discus- This month, we are printing an article on each subscriber’s mailing label. Changes of
sion through OUT ON A LIMB that ad on one of these more inconspicuous con- address must be filed 30 days prior to the mail-
dressed the problems encountered with the siderations on page 8, under the Up On A ing date of the issue when the change is to take
wide disparity of ages of players in D&D effect.
Soapbox head. I hope that everybody sees
AD&D®. Sadly, it sort of petered out and and reads it, as the author has treated a very All material published in THE DRAGON be-
some of the more Interesting aspects were provocative topic quite interestingly. comes the exclusive property of the publisher
only skimmed over or neglected entirely. Every one of us who does or has run a unless special arrangements to the contrary are
made.
The camps are sharply divided, with a campaign should consider the author’s
form of “age-chauvinism” drawing the points. While THE DRAGON welcomes unsolicited
boldest lines. We are hoping that article will revive material, such cannot be returned unless ac-
One side, older players, wants nothing some discussion on this problem that has companied by a stamped return envelope, and
no responsibility for such material can be as-
to do with “kids” whatsoever The other no easy answers. If you form an opinion on sumed by the publisher in any event. All rights
side, younger players, wants to know why the topic, please share it with us, so that we on the contents of this publication are reserved,
they are being discriminated against and may share some of them with all the and nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part
looked down upon. Without going into readers. without written permission of the publisher.
Copyright 1980 by TSR Hobbies, Inc.
specifics. both sides have their points, both
pro and con. There is a large middle- Second class postage paid at Lake Geneva,
ground group that manages to mix. Wisconsin 53147
I have always felt that age preference
2
April, 1980

opened—it had arrived and was already sold out!!

Finally, two suggestions: first, the “news from
the college” approach in Clerics take note—no
swords means NO swords was an idea well worth
continuing. Would you show me some more such
looks into the training of characters?
Secondly, an idea for TSR Hobbies: publish a
set of booklets on character classes. These would
contain selected information on the class, with
clarifications and guides to roleplaying the class.
But not spell explanations, please! Keep the price
numerous fictions—not to mention 1,001 one- more or less equal.
They don’t exist? shot greats like “Where the Orcs Are” in TD30. Ken Hughes—Ann Arbor, MI
Congratulations.
To The Editor: But why the #%$&@¢ did you have to drop Ask and ye shall receive! Actually, it’s not quite
After reading Bert Calfee’s letter in TD #32, I Giants in the Earth when it was one of the best that simple-in fact, we already had Giants in the
decided to throw in my two cents’ worth concern- things to ever happen to player-reader-DMs like Earth scheduled to return to the magazine before
ing Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser in your “Giants in me?? You haven’t run out of subject matter-or we received Reader Hughes’ letter There was
the Earth” column (TD #27). You report Gray- readers—yet. How about something from Gor, never any intention to drop Giants in the Earth
wand as a +2 sword, and Scalpel and Cat’s Claw Sword of Shannara, more Jack Vance, Moorcock, permanently, it was merely suspended for a while
as +1 weapons. Actually, there is no Graywand, or the ever-popular Tolkien? Your last was the best for space considerations. Rest assured, it will be
Scalpel, or Cat’s Claw. I refer to the quote in “The ever, but also the last. Thought you’d wind it up around on an “as-regular-as-possible” basis for
Prince of Pain-Ease” (Swords Against Death): with a bang, huh? The only bang you’ll get is when some time.
“. . . they habitually stole their possessions, even my friend the wizard drops a Meteor Swarm in DD&DD premiered in TD #34 (February) and
their swords and daggers, which they always through the window! This is not hate mail —I hope! will be continuing as long as interest and submis-
named Graywand and Heartseeker and Scalpel I just want to break your necks for—never mind. sions continue. And, yes, Ken, we’d be happy to
and Cat’s Claw, no matter how often they lost them As Dastardly Deeds &Devious Devices is com- look at any DD&DD material you care to send
and pilfered replacements. . .” ing, and you gave us “ample” warning when you That goes for the rest of you with devious and
I do not mean to be picky or snobbish, but I am introduced it, I am not mad at you on that. I have dastardly ideas, too.
certain that most DM’s would like to be accurate if sent in three of my best to that and am eager to The “my local hobby shop sells out of
they use these two characters. send more. Do you want them? And my new ones magazines too quickly” complaint is, unfor-
By the way, why wasn’t “Giants in the Earth” are a lot better balanced. tunately, a common one. We’ve tried to help out by
in TD #32? It is my favorite column in your excel- The Dragon is getting better all the time! At one telling the retailers that they can return, for full
lent magazine. point I called at my local hobby shop and found credit, any unsold copies of The Dragon—we can
Matt Lussenhop—Minneapolis, MN that it wasn’t in. The next day—10 minutes after it (Turn to page 58)

Mr. Lussenhop has a good point, but receives

an answer similar to Mr. Calfee’s. I called one of the
authors of Giants in the Earth, Lawrence Schick,
for an opinion, and he explained that the plusses
were given to the weapons to represent their effec-
tiveness as they are used in the world of Nehwon.
Rationale? Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser could steal
magical weapons, couldn’t they? The point is, the
plusses were necessary to have Fafhrd and the
Mouser exhibit their superiority over “normal”
D&D and AD&D characters. The same effect could
have been obtained by giving the pair plusses to hit
with their normal weapons. But it is easier to ration-
alize a benefit due to magic than an arbitrary “plus
to hit” given to one character and not to another of
the same level.
Mr. Schick also reminded me that Giants in the
Earth is subject to interpretation, just as are all the
variants/NPC’s for D&D and AD&D. That doesn’t
mean characteristics can be changed indiscrimin-
ately without affecting play balance, but it does
mean if you don’t like one rationalization for a
given effect, you may interpret things differently, so
long as the effect is constant.—Jake

‘Congratulations’
Dear Editor:
I have just bought TD33 and have decided to
subscribe. My reasons are not primarily those of
Mr. Pickett, but rather the price changes! But you
must admit the flattery (#30) is true.
You have, admittedly, dropped your best ar-
ticle and postponed what would (a touch of Divina-
tion there) be equally good until only those fanatics
like me would remember it existed. You have also
started/returned/continued some articles/tradition
that make The Dragon stand out as well as its
namesake in a 40x40 room. I speak of: Bazaar of
the Bizarre, Dragon’s Bestiary, Finieous, Wormy,
Leomund’s Tiny Hut, Sage Advice, and your
3
 Vol. IV, No. 10

4
April, 1980

wrappings and bound up the cube inside them. Ropes were knotted all
1. about the hides, and then the whole thing was lifted onto a cart.
“We’ll take it back to Urgrik with us,” Niall growled. “I don’t want it
Sword in hand, Niall of the Far Travels raced down the long palace unguarded or unattended at any time. If Thavas Tomer comes up of
corridor. All around him in this city of Bar Gomal, rising and falling in it—by some devil’s trick—run your spears into him.”
cadence, were the sounds of battle. As general of the armies of Lurlyr He detailed men to watch the cube, standing about the wagon. No
Manakor, lord king of Urgrik, he was leading his men against the one was to be allowed near the cube, under pain of death for the men
stronghold of Thavas Tomer, magician-king of this strange land which watching it. He had the king-mage in his grasp, and Niall was not about
threatened the safety of Urgrik itself. to let him go.
For three weeks, his army had besieged the high walls of Bar Gomal. For a full week he remained in Bar Gomal, razing the city and
For three weeks Niall had hurled the might of his army against those scattering salt on the gardens which had furnished it with food. When he
walls. Only this morning, under shelter of a storm of war arrows, had he finally gave the signal to march back to Urgrik, Bar Gomal was only a
been able to mount to the top of a scaling ladder and lead his men to the memory.
ramparts. Niall rode at the head of his troops, the captured mercenaries, the
Now Thavas Tomer was a doomed man. He had fled down the halls women and children. Everything worth taking that had been in Bar
and corridors, seeking sanctuary—where no sanctuary was to be found. Gomal was being brought back with him. From time to time Niall stood
At his heels had come Niall, his great sword Blood-drinker in his hand, in his stirrups and directed his gaze at the farm cart which held the
seeking to make an end to this magician-king who had slain and raped strange cube. It was still wrapped as he had seen it wrapped. There had
and robbed all those against whom he had sent his mercenaries. been no sign, no hint of Thavas Tomer.
Now the end was close. They came into Urgrik to the singing of the crowds watching as he
A flutter of a cape, a brief glimpse of a sandal, and Thavas Tomer rode at the head of his armed columns. Music blared everywhere,
was gone around a corner. Where was the man heading? To throw mingled with the shouts of the populace. They screamed in delight as
himself from the top of a tower? Now he was mounting a curling the captives swung past, at the sight of the vast treasures that had been in
stairway toward the very topmost part of the palace. the city of Bar Gomal.
Niall went after him, grinning wolfishly. Already the sounds of battle “Thavas Tomer,” they screamed.
had died down. The mercenaries in Thavas Tomer’s employ did not “Where is he?”
want to die for the man who had hired them. Seeing that the battle had There was no reply to that, and Niall made none. Only to Lurlyr
turned against them, knowing that their commander had fled, they Manakor would he make answer, and he did not know whether or not
would be throwing down their arms. he would be believed. In one way, his failure to bring the king-mage
Up the staircase Niall went, always upward. back in chains spoiled his sense of triumph.
He came at last into a small room, the windows of which looked out Yet when he stood before the king and made his report, he knew
over the city and the plains stretching in all directions beyond it. Thavas that he was being foolish. Lurlyr Manakor came down from the throne
Tomer was standing beside a large blue cube dotted with a myriad of and put both hands on his shoulders, smiling at him.
bright little specks that looked like imprisoned stars. “You have done what no other man could do, Niall. You have
The magician-king was tall, almost as tall as Niall. He was broad of destroyed Thavas Tomer, you have made him flee into some magical
shoulder and lean of waist; he looked more like a warrior than a place where—we hope—he shall remain forever.”
magician. There was a cunning smile on this thin lips. Niall shook his head. “You are too kind, majesty. I fear such a man
“No more, Niall,” he rasped. “I flee no further.” as Thavas Tomer. I doubt that he’ll be content to stay lost inside that
“Then surrender.” cube. I mean to find a way to bring him to justice.”
Thavas Tomer laughed: harsh, mocking laughter it was, as he drew Lurlyr Manakor shrugged. “The cube is yours. Do with it as you like.
himself to his full height. “You can never make me surrender, general. But for now, forget everything but the victory celebration. There are
Na, na. I have a way to get away from you, even here and now, with you many of my noblemen who wish to congratulate you.”
so close.” Niall brought the cube to his little palace and set it up in an otherwise
His laughter rang out as Niall started forward. With the ease of a empty upstairs chamber, cutting away the ropes that bound the hide to
trained athlete, Thavas Tomer leaped upward to the top of that big it. For hours he would stand and study that cube, and he noted that the
cube— and began to sink into it. tiny white dots moved, that they followed a set pattern, swinging
Niall rasped a curse as he too leaped upward. His warboots landed through the blue spaces of the cube as do the stars on which he looked
on top of the stone, and remained there. Surprised, Niall stared down- every night from a balcony of his palace.
ward at the cube. It was hard, adamantine. There was no answer to his problem.
How in the name of Emalkartha of the Eleven Hells had the For a time he lost himself in the feasts and banquets which Lurlyr
magician-king disappeared inside it? For he had gone into it, Niall had Manakor held to honor him. He listened as men made much of him, and
seen that much. With the sharp point of his steel sword, Niall jabbed at he smiled as the lovely women of the court flattered and flirted with him.
the stone. It resisted his every effort. Always at the back of his mind was the strange cube and the man it held
He sprang back onto the carpeted floor, paced around the queer in its grasp.
cube, eyeing it suspiciously. He replaced the sword in his scabbard, put Then on a warm spring night, he had his servants carry the cube
both big hands to its edge and tilted it. The cube was heavy, but it moved down to the courtyard and place it in a cart. He himself took the reins of
under the pressure of Niall’s great muscles. the big draft horse and urged the horse and cart through the city streets
There was no trapdoor under it, just the thick rug. until he came to a section of the city that was close to a hundred
Obviously, then, Thavas Tomer was inside the cube. Ah, but how centuries old.
could that be? Here the houses leaned against one another, weak with age, and the
Magic, of course. There was no other answer. windows were narrow and small. There were slops in the street here,
A sound swung Niall around. Half a dozen of his men were crowding and ordure, and Niall told himself that only for one reason would he
into the room, weapons in their hands. Niall grinned at them wryly. come to these haunts.
“He’s inside that,” he growled, gesturing at the cube, “by some trick He came down off the cart and knocked at a narrow doorway.
of an evil god. Pick it up, carry it back down to the ground. I’ll take it back When the door opened, he saw no one there, but in the flickering light of
to Urgrik with me. Thavas Tomer isn’t going to escape from me that a fireplace, he saw a stout old man wrapped in richly ornamented robes,
easily.” lying back in a vast chair.
He watched as the burly man bent to their task. He walked with The old man chuckled and waved a hand. “Enter, Niall of the Far
them, supervising their carrying of the cube. His eyes never left its blue Travels. What brings you to my humble abode?”
surface, never turned away from the tiny white stars imprisoned inside it. Niall moved into the vast room with his pantherish stride and came
Out in the sunlight, he watched as other men came with hide (Turn to page 48)
5
 Vol. IV, No. 10

(Editor’s note: Stellar Conquest, one of the classics among science This is Liparia, commanding Ceti Base. Now report.”
fiction games, is bound to become even more popular now that a The answer came back immediately, like all such messages, trans-
boxed version of the game is on the market. One of the “drawbacks” to mitted through n-space with no detectable lag.
Stellar Conquest, howver, is that it is generally only playable by four “Bootis Control to unauthorized transmitter. Identify yourself at
people. once. There is . . .” The voice broke, and resumed in a less formal tone:
Steve Jackson, who designed the game, offers the following solu- “Ceti base? Where the hell are you?’
tion to that problem: a two-player scenario for Stellar Conquest, which The general looked at the operator; the operator looked back.
he has entitled “The Perseid War.”) Then the general spun, shouting an order over his shoulder: “Keep
talking! Whatever you do, don’t lose that contact! And don’t say
Steve Jackson anthing!”
The lieutenant was much less disturbed by the contradictory orders
“Ceti Control to scout Arday. Come in, Arday.” The radio opera- than by the fact that, for the first time in his six years of military life, he
tor’s voice was weary. He had been repeating that call since his shift had seen a general running.
began. * * *
“Still nothing, sir. They should be in Pherda system by now, but The Perseid War is a two-player scenario for Stellar Conquest. It
there‘s no answer.” assumes that two colonies, each unknown to the other, have been
“Well, keep tying, lieutenant. Draw on emergency base power established in the Perseid Cluster, far distant from any other human-
and increase your cone a half-minute. They may be investigating an occupied areas. Discovering each other by accident, they become quite
outer planet.” perturbed.
The operator complied and began his chant again, without much * * *
hope. There were any number of things which could keep a scoutship “This cluster is ours, and we’ve got a right to it!”
from finishing a hop in the expected time. Most of them were fatal. And Thank you, sir. And now back to our studio.”
there was no way for the scoutship—or anything else—to transmit or The interviewer’s voice vanished from the vision set, to be replaced
receive an n-space message without a mass of at least planetary size by that of a commentator: “To recap, then: The seeds of the current
nearby. A Thompson unit that could function in unstressed space was crisis were sown nearly two hundred years ago, when our colony ships
theoretically possible, but in practice. . .no way. Which meant that a took the Big Jump from Alphacent. We may never know what colossal
ship between stars was totally out of touch. And it looked as though the mistake caused two nearly identical colony expeditions to be sent to the
Republic scout Arday, which should have arrived at the blue star same cluster—but it happened. Our own fleet left on March 3, 2606,
Pherda two days ago, would never arrive at all. and made landfall here on Diphda on July 34, 2788. But a year after
“Well, carry on, lieutenant. Call me if you What’s that?” But the we left, the colonial fleet of the Comarchy Project jumped from Terra
lieutenant, blessed with quicker reactions and his own set of ear- for this same cluster—and, because the ships made a closer breakout,
phones, was already in action. A reply was coming in! As the operator set down two years before we did. They colonized the world of Dubhe
adjusted dials, a flickering light burned steady green, and a thin gabble IV, and have since planted thriving colonies around the suns of Scorpii
became a whisper, and abruptly, a voice. and Bootis—just as we have colonized Ceti and Canis.
“. . . restricted channel. This is a Comarch restricted band. Identify “Now, space is big, and certainly we can work something out in
yourself at once.” time. But right now, both governments—and both peoples—are up in
The operator shook his head in puzzlement and started to reply, but arms. There seems to be no doubt that the Comarchs honestly believed
the general behind him had already grabbed the mike. that they were setting out for an unclaimed cluster—and they attach
“What do you mean, restricted band? Cut the clowning, Arday. great importance to the fact that they got here first. Of course, our claim
6
April, 1980

was duly registered with Colony Central on Alphacent. . .but until This also tends to be a positional game. (For a much more posi-
somebody builds a transmitter that can talk to the home worlds from tional variant, try, playing without the USR development. Forcing ships
here, we have to work it out between us. Or take the next ship home. to stay within 8 hexes of a friendly colony throughout the game will
Ha-ha. change things radically. )
“After all, we speak the same language, and our governments In general grab as much territory as you think you can hold on to;
aren’t too dissimilar. And naturally the original colony groups were try to keep your opponent off balance, and force him to use his ships to
almost identical. Once all this furor dies down, we should be able to defend what he has already. If he beats you to several good worlds and
cooperate with the Comarchs in building up our cluster.” starts building PFSs, you’re in trouble: Unless you’ve been spending
* * * your time building up a technological advantage . . .
SETUP * * *
The sides have very similar opening positions. The Republic of “So we’re besieged. So what? The relief force is only a couple of
Diphda has a TR-80 (80 million people) at Diphda, a TR-60 (40 million years away, and we can spend the time building up industry. The
people) at Ceti, and another TR-60 (40 million people) at Canis. No Commandant knows what he’s doing.”
Star Cards are drawn for those stars; there are no other usable worlds at “Well, I still don’t like it.” A thumb-gesture over the shoulder,
any of them. In addition, the Diphda player may immediately jabbing at the strangely glimmering sky. “They tell us that thing’s
“scout” —that is, pull Star Cards for—the stars of Ross, Lalande, Mira, invulnerable. I don’t feel invulnerable. Twelve Archie ships up there,
Luyten, Kapetyn, Ophiuchi, Rastaban, Indi, Eridani, Sirius, and just waiting. What if we get a saboteur or something?”
Deneb. This information is not given to the Comarchy player. The “Not twelve. Sixteen. Didn’t you see the news? They ran in a bunch
Republic has already scouted these stars in order to plan for further of new ones, and some of the old batch left. Last night, it was. Big article
colonization, but has no people there yet. in the fax this morning.”
The Dubhe Comarchy has a TR-80 (80 million people) at Dubhe, a “Yeah, I remember reading they’d picked up drive-traces coming
TR-60 (40 million people) at Scorpii, and a TR-60 (40 million people) this way. More little friends, eh? Great.”
at Bootis. The Dubhe player may immediately pull Star Cards for “Not so little. A couple of them look like something new. Com-
Barnard, Kruger, Mirach, Wolf, Arcturus, Hamal, Polaris, Procyon, mandant’s office isn’t saying anything, but anybody with a scope can
Wezen, Vega, and Altair. The Diphda player does not receive this see them. Bigger than colony ships, and kind of egg-shaped.”
information. “Well, that’s just great. We may be here a long time. If . . .” A flash
Each player starts with ten scoutships (some, no doubt, being and crack interrupted his words. “What’s that? Lightning? We never
quickly converted cargo ships) located anywhere on his three colonies. get storms this time of year! Will you LOOK at that!”
Neither player begins the game with Bonus IUs or military force of any A massive display lit the sky from horizon to horizon. Lightning
kind; they both started with planned, peaceful economies. But when danced from cloud to cloud and struck the earth in a dozen places at
those worlds start cranking out warships . . .look out. once. An aurora appeared, faint at first, then brighter. The watchers
* * * gaped in awe.
“Although ‘arbitration’ talks continued until 21.79.4 (early AD “Powers above! Come on. Let’s get to a shelter.”
2830), both sides had long since begun to gear for war. The inability of “Huh? What for? Lightning?”
the two governments to agree on either a cooperative arrangement or a
simple division of territory has been laid to many causes, but the most
probable explanation is simply the feeling of “manifest destiny” dis-
cussed in earlier chapters. Simply put, neither the Republic nor the
Comarchy was willing to cede its “own” territory—and most citizens
on both sides, from the man-in-the-street to Rossaka and the Council,
felt that their own group was the rightful owner of the whole Cluster—
and that the others were interlopers, pure and simple. Conflict was
inevitable.
The first shots of the Perseid War were fired on 21.93.9, when an
Escort-class Republican ship, the Tara, fired on a Comarchy scout
entering the Sadir system. S-102 (captained by Harv Tel-Masso, who
commanded a dreadnought at the Third Battle of Aurigae [q.v.] and
received the Order of Extreme Merit there) aborted its scouting mission
and escaped undamaged. Two months later, a Comarchy attack
squadron struck Lyrae, destroying two of a group of ten Republican
CTs orbiting Lyrae II and forcing the rest to flee. Matters went downhill
from there. . .
—Lubayoff, History of the Perseid Cluster, d. 13/99
***
SUGGESTIONS FOR PLAY
The Perseid War invites—nay, demands!— a style of play rarely
seen in standard games of Stellar Conquest —the “General Motors.”
Both players start out with a tremendous amount of production, and
the ability to increase it rapidly. By the second production turn (Year 8) “Look! The screen’s gone. I bet those new Archies did it.”
each player should have mapped most of his side of the board, and “But it’s theoretically impossible . . .” A fireball boomed on the
discovered and colonized at least a couple of NM planets. It is not quite horizon.
possible to build a Dreadnought on the first production turn; on the “And we’re going to be theoretically dead if we don’t find cover.
second, it’s easy. DN fleets will dominate the game, but players will find Those ships are bombarding, and our missile bases are going to be
Escorts and/or Attacks (depending on personal preferences) useful shooting back, and I’m getting out of here. Come on!”
also . . .as cheap distracters, occupation forces, behind-the-lines raid- * * *
ers, and general nuisances. NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS
This is definitely a game of production; you can always roll your None of these devices are necessary to the play of the game, but all
enemy back by sheer force of numbers. Most players dream of building add interest to either Perseid War or a standard Stellar Conquest
a couple of DN groups every turn—of having ALL the technological scenario.
developments—of piling RIU on RIU. It doesn’t happen in regular Weapons Systems Sequence, Level 3 (SMB): The Super Missile
games. In this one, it can and does. (Turn to page 57)
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 Vol. IV, No. 10

plish, but the resultant play left me with some rather heady food for
thought, and this nourishment prompted me to share some conclusions
with some of you older DMs out there.
As we all know, a large percentage of those who enjoy fantasy
gaming are youngsters between the age of 12 and 16. They appear in
gargantuan hordes at every con, madly seeking games in a fashion that
is best described as True Chaotic. DMs in their 20s 30s and 40s often
shun these kids as players, or patronize them contemptuously, attitudes
I find distasteful to say the least.
Younger dungeon-delvers bring a fresh, uncynical viewpoint to the
game that augments the fun of it, and if in their exuberance they tend to
talk all at once this is understandable. Any adult DM who can’t control 5
or 6 prepubescent lads by means other than the Instant Balrog Gambit
should check out his own means of relating to people. Besides, there are
plenty of players out of their teens who can be just as obnoxious (or
even more so). By the same token, there are certain stumbling blocks
inherent in DMing for younger players, particularly if you are as fond of
role-play as I am.
Take, for example, that scarlet-hued room with the black carpet.
When the party entered, my friends were instantly delighted, but the
players I had “picked up” sat there with mouths agape. There were five
of them, the oldest about 14, and it was painfully apparent that not one
of them had ever encountered a dungeon room where outright sensual
activity was offered. Ferocious monsters they could deal with, traps that
sliced off limbs they could face jauntily, but painted ladies beckoning
absolutely stunned them. There were a few nervous giggles and one kid,
Painted Ladies playing a Paladin, reacted with extravagantly Paladinish shock, cover-
ing his eyes to blot out the “filth” on the walls.

& Nevertheless, a few moments later when a mage and a fighter (both
played by my adult pals) essayed the shimmering portals to glean what,
uh, “information” they could from the ladies within, this same Paladin
grew extremely interested. I could see a struggle taking place within the
Potted Monks lad, and sure enough, after a while he inquired if partaking of the
“delicacies” would be against his alignment. His pals giggled some
more, but the question floored me. I suddenly realized that here I was,
Larry DiTillio 31 years old, the product of a, shall we say, “liberated” New York City
youth, and this 14 year-old was asking me if an act of sex was evil.
“The room is illuminated by light of a provocative, scarlet hue. The For one frightening moment I was in a situation of responsibility that
air is musky, smoky, honey-sweet. A luxurious carpet of thick, black fur related to more than just a game of D&D.
covers the floor and in the center of it is a pedestal which has a golden Think about it, you adult DMs. Think how your fantasy activity
bowl affixed to it. The four walls are adorned with lurid reliefs of men, touches your real life, then consider yourself at 14 when everything you
women and other creatures locked in all manner of sensuous embrace. did loomed large in the way you continued to live. If you’d been a D&D
An unseen voice speaks as the party of adventurers enters. ‘Seek Ye fanatic at the time, I would guess many of your attitudes toward right
Fulfillment?’, it asks . . . ” and wrong would have been molded by your game experience, even if
This room is one of thirteen which constitute the first level of a only subconsciously. It flashed through my mind that in some way my
dungeon adventure I call The Inn of Ootah. The purpose of it should be answer would have an influence on this youthful Paladin and his friends
clear to even a hobbit-sized imagination. Once a party enters, the as well, not in their game lives but in their actual growing up. Gad, save
unseen voice offers them a choice of delicacies and if the heroes and vs. responsibility!
heroines care to view these, then shimmering, colored forceportals The answer I finally gave wasn’t profound but it was honest. I told
open in the walls. Behind these portals exotic women and men (The him if he considered sex evil it was, though in my opinion it wasn’t. He
E.R.A. already passed in my world) beckon seductively. If a character is thought about it, still a tad nervous. He asked if perhaps he could go into
interested, he or she renders payment to the golden bowl, there is a one of the portals and not do anything. I allowed as he could, if he
spurt of obscuring gas and in place of gold is a heart-shaped talisman wanted to blow 40 gold pieces.
that permits a single party member entry through the forceportal opted At about this time the fighter and mage appeared back in the room,
for. Once through, the portal closes and the hardy soul is left quite alone both professing to feel “weaker” though both had had a “real good”
with the delicacy of his choice. What occurs then is strictly between me time. The Paladin begged off and not one of the other kids had even
and the character who has entered, though of course he or she has the dared to consider such goings-on, so the party left the room. The
option to kiss and tell, IF and when he/she returns. encounter, however, roamed around my greymatter for the remainder
I originally constructed the Inn of Ootah as a personal campaign of the convention. I was having thoughts about D&D that had never
game. The participants in my campaign are all adults, well past the age occurred to me previously.
of consent and fairly sophisticated in their approach to play. The room I In the same game another incident occurred, again with that same
have just described would cause them no shock or embarrassment, Paladin player. This one involved a mysterious monk smoking a sub-
they’d simply take it as it was and “seek fulfillment” according to their stance from a hookah which he offered to certain party members. My
mood. friends accepted somewhat overeagerly, while the Paladin again asked
Recently, however, I carted the Inn along on a trip to GrimCon, a me that question. Was smoking a drug against his alignment? Now, I’m
fresh addition to the West Coast fantasy-gaming scene. I intended to run not a junkie, nor do I think drugs are of any benefit to teen-agers (no
it for three friends who moved north from L.A. to San Francisco and high is as good as your own natural openness to things at that age), but I
who are all devoted D&Ders without a campaign to play in. My idea was have had a good deal of experience with a whole gamut of conscious-
to use my friends’ campaign characters as a core group and recruit other ness-altering substances and would be hard pressed to declare them
players from those attending the con. This was easy enough to accom- categorically evil.
8
April, 1980

I therefore opted for the same answer regarding drugs as I had given
regarding sex, namely, if he thought they were evil then they were. I
myself did not consider them so. He obviously feared drug use less than
he did sex (natural for a 14-year-old), because he took the toke offered.
The result was a three-turn zombieized state during which he enjoyed
some vivid, though not unpleasant, hallucinations regarding holy sym-
bols and the like. Of course, he had to be walked around during this time
and wasn’t of much help when the party was attacked by two doombats
shortly after.
“That’ll teach you to get stoned on an expedition,” said one of his
friends self-righteously, but it didn’t faze him. I think he actually enjoyed
his pseudo-high, and this fact really set my brain machinery in gear. I
had begun with a nice, amiable kid who seemed to hold the belief that
sex and drug use were inherently evil things and in the course of our
mutual gaming I opened his head to the POSSIBILITY that this was not
always so. My personal moral viewpoint had been passed on in an
unthreatening manner to a boy who might very well be influenced by it
at such time as those areas crossed his life.
I fully realize that my Paladin friend is intelligent enough to make his
own decisions in these matters; nevertheless, I can’t help feeling that our
role-playing interaction will have an effect on those decisions. In D&D
we PLAY a character, but invariably that character contains elements of
our own selves. For adults, those selves are already firmly fixed; for
younger players those selves are still being shaped by EVERY experi-
ence they have, INCLUDING D&D. The game becomes not only a
leisure activity, it becomes a teaching instrument as well.
A young man or woman running through an adventure charted by
an adult is open to picking up attitudes of that adult in regard to certain
activities. The most evident of such activities is killing. Every melee
involves killing, generally in a black-and-white manner, i.e. those orcs
are evil and deserve to die and besides, they’ll slay us if we don’t slay
them. Fine, no problem. Most young players will never have to face a
need to kill in real life, assuming that the powers that be are not insane
enough to start another major war. Despite this, a DM should stress that
killing is the least preferable solution to conflict, avoiding the tendency to
glorify life-taking.
On the other hand, these young players will in real life face sexual
encounters, drug use, racial prejudice, religious crisis, political corrup-
tion and numerous meetings with other human beings who may very
well be of “evil” alignment. At the moment of such confrontations, all
their experiences will carry weight, fantasy experiences as well as real.
The more open-minded a DM is in providing such real-life simulations in
a dungeon, the more his players will pick up reasonable attitudes toward
the very real evils of life. Role-playing is meant to do this and D&D is a
legitimate arena for espousing the good.
I don’t mean you should forego the thrill of fang, talon, claw and
sword, I only suggest you balance it with good role-play of a SIGNIFI-
CANT nature. One good-aligned helpful character who happens to be
gay can change a passel of bigoted attitudes that have no basis. Adding
racial strains that are not lily-white to your world goes a long way in
telling an impressionable youngster that black, brown, yellow, red and
even blue-skinned people are not all that different and shouldn’t be
feared or hated. (If you think I emphasize this too much, take a gander
around you at the next convention and see how many races other than
Caucasian are present.).
Having the belief in a God or Goddess be the key factor in sustaining
a player’s life goes a long way in showing that religious faith can be of
real value in the world. Use of a drug that addicts a character with
horrible consequences says more than any dry lecture about the real
dangers of drug abuse.
I am not saying you should go heavy-handed on this. Nobody’s
looking for a message in every dungeon room. The point is, a message
can be delivered, light-heartedly and subtly, and it can HELP a person
who has yet to go through what you already have faced.
We older DMs didn’t have D&D when we were that age, but the
generation following us does. They will learn from us, if we dare to
teach. The result will be better, more imaginative gaming for all of us,
and just possibly we might even build a real world where dice are the
only means of killing and hatred is only vented on Evil High Priests. The
power to promote weal exists. I intend to use it and have fun in doing so.
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 Vol. IV, No. 10

omitted this weapon from the list of those he uses with proficiency, that
is a glaring error! Read on and enjoy!
Notes Regarding Ability Statistics:
Strength shown indicates Conan’s development from early man-
hood through old age. The transitions are, of course, gradual over the
years shown.
Intelligence shown is that developed and used, the figure in paren-
theses is the potential, and until later life it was used only insofar as
linguistic ability was concerned.
Dexterity is indicated at a peak during the earlier years when Conan
exercised his thieving ability more frequently.
Constitution shown reflects only additional hit points; see also the
section hereafter dealing with Saving Throws.
Charisma, being a reflection of personality and other factors in
addition to physical appearance, often shows two ratings: The first of a
dual rating is Conan’s charisma effect upon males, the second shows his
effect upon females. All ability statistics are based on the assumption that
Conan was a prime example of the physically and mentally superior
individual, maturing late, retaining peak form for a long period, and
living longer than average as well. (Although REH never said anything
about Conan’s lifespan, I can not conceive of it being under a minimum
of 100 years—barring something untimely, shall we say . . . )
Fighting Ability: The skill levels shown are matched, more or less, to
the adventures Conan had during the period. He gained expertise more
slowly between 20 and 30 years of age because of his practice in
thievery at that time. The drop-off in level in later years is meant to reflect
the effects of advancing age, and while hit points might drop off more,
skill level would not drop below 9th level—say until 100 years of age,
Conan! perhaps, and possibly not even then.
Weapons Proficiency: Conan’s weapons are:
E. Gary Gygax© UP TO AGE 20 —axe, battle; axe, hand; dagger; spear; sword, long
20 TO 24 —add bow, long; sword, broad
The Schick-Moldvay treatments of fictional characters from heroic 25 TO 29 —add bow, composite; scimitar
fantasy and swords & sorcery have interested quite a number of adven- 30 TO 39 —add javelin; sword, short
ture gaming enthusiasts, including this one. Having picked up a batch of 40 & after —add flail; lance; mace
new “Conan” books recently, I could not resist rating this “Giant in the Thieving Ability: Conan has the climbing and moving silently abili-
Earth” in the same manner (or nearly so anyway) that Messrs. Schick ties of a 10th-level Thief at age 15. As soon as he attains 1st level of
and Moldvay have treated like characters. thieving ability, the climbing ability increases by 1 level (to 11th) and so
Please be aware, gentle reader, that this rating is strictly subjective on until attaining 17th level of climbing ability (at 7th level of thieving
and done to the best of my current recollection; I have not gone back ability); this skill is never lost. Conan’s penchant for fighting and wea-
through all of the “Conan” books and re-read them to prove my pons prevents him from picking pockets and opening locks. His high
accuracy. Nonetheless, I feel that the parameters are correct, and I hope dexterity gives him +10% additional bonus per point of dexterity over
you will be satisfied after reading them. Please let me know if you detect 18, however, for moving silently and hiding in shadows. (See Special
any glaring errors—and notice I emphasize the word glaring; I don’t Abilities notes below for additional details. )
particularly care if you rate him as a 14th-level Thief or a 22nd-level Armor Class: Until his later years, Conan scorned body armor and
Fighter, for there is no profit in quibbling over this sort of detail. For shield most of the time. However, in battle or perilous situations where
example, if Conan used a sling with skill in a story, and I have, in fact, protection was available, he would usually don some simple protection
Conan At Age —
15 20 25 30 40 50 60 70
Strength 18/76 18/91 18/00 19 18/00 18/91 18/51 18/01
Intelligence 12( 18) 14( 18) 15( 18) 16(18) 17( 18) 18 18 18
Wisdom 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Dexterity 18 19 20 19 19 18 17 16
Constitution 18 18 18 18 18 17 16 15
Charisma 15 15/16 15/18 16/18 18 18 17 17
Fighter Level 4 8 12 16 24 20 16 12
Thief Level — 4 8 12 12 12 10 8
AC-Bonus +4 +5 +6 +5 +5 +4 +3 +2
Move Base 18” 21” 21” 21” 18” 15” 15” 12”
Hit Points 52 108 132 143 167 144 123 104
No. of Att. 3/2 2/1 5/2 3/1 3/1 5/2 2/1 3/2
Damage/Att. +4 +5 +6 +7 +6 +5 +3 +3
Spec. Att. See Below
Spec. Def. See Below
Magic Resist. See Below
Alignment Chaotic Neutral (towards good)— Chaotic Good (neutral leanings at times)
Psionics Latent: Animal telepathy, detection of magic, precognition, mind bar
10
April, 1980

such as leather armor or a chainmail shirt. Conan would wear “Elfin Grappling: Bonuses for slowed do not apply here, unless the condi-
Chain,” but he would scorn wearing magic armor. In his Aquilonian tion actually exists. Treat Conan’s effective height as 7’, and his effective
period, Conan certainly wears full plate armor and uses a shield as well. weight as 350#. When at 19 strength, he receives a 10% strength
Number of Attacks: Conan’s native ability and barbarian upbringing addition. All grappling damage scored on the opponent is normal
give him a great edge in combat, and this is reflected in the number of damage.
attacks per round he receives. He will always attack first in a melee Overbearing: Conan is always considered to be rushing leaping to
round, and, if applicable, at the mid-point and end of the round as well. attack (15% bonus). At 19 strength level the 10% additional strength
Damage Per Attack: In addition to the damage shown (the standard bonus applies. Effective height and weight are the same as for grappling.
strength bonus), Conan’s swordsmanship enables him to wield a sword All overbearing damage socres is normal.
as if it were magic, even though he never willingly uses a magic sword. Weaponless Combat: Conan may elect to attack any opponent with
Below 8th level, the sword is treated as +1 for bonuses to hit and his bare hands. Hits are scored as if he were attacking with a club, and
damage, from 8th to 12th levels it is treated as +2, and at 13th and damage is likewise determined, adding the appropriate strength bonus
above it is treated as +3. (This includes ability to hit those creatures to each successful hit in any given round. In such cases, there is no
subject only to magic weapons. ) See also Special Attacks below. option as to whether damage stuns or is normal.
Special Attacks: Gaining experience rapidly, Conan becomes a I do not recommend that you rush to include Conan in your
deadly opponnent—well beyond the average Fighter of the same level. campaign for whatever reason—except, perhaps, to slay one or two
Therefore, if he scores a hit which totals 21 or better after adjustment, he brash characters who are too far out of line to accept gentle reproof.
scores double weapon damage. Note that this does not apply to a blow NPCs such as this are nice, though, for occasional encounters and as
struck from behind (which is unlikely for Conan, of course). Also, due to “heavy artillery” in case of extraordinary need.
his early training and experience, Conan is able to hide so as to be 75% As a word of further caution, remember that Conan will surely be
undetectable in underbrush or woodlands. Indoors or in the dungeon or greatly displeased if anything should happen to his star pupil, and then
similar setting he operates as a 4th-level Thief, even before becoming perhaps a Conan from a parallel world would have to be brought into
one, with respect to hiding in shadows. (See Thieving Ability above.) yours-for real. (If you can swallow that, you probably play D&D!)
Due to all of this, Conan will surprise opponents 50% of the time, when * * *
such determination is necessary. The hardcore Robert E. Howard buffs will probably blast me for
Special Defenses: There is only a 1 in 20 chance (50%) that Conan saying this, but the new series of Conan books (Bantam) is well worth
will be surprised, even by creatures normally having a much higher reading. The books are not REH, but they have sufficient flavor to be
probability for surprise (see Psionics below). Conan’s saving throws are “Conan stories.” After all, we all have slightly different personalities at
always made at +4 on the die, and poison can not kill him, even if he times-as Conan does in these works. There are at least four titles
fails the saving throw—he will take damage to within 1 hit point of death available now, all prominently displaying the name, CONAN, in bold
and fall unconscious. Finally, Conan regains hit points at twice the letters, so you can’t miss them. Seeing as how I had to buy my copies, I
normal rate, with 10 hit points being recovered after a single day of rest. won’t give their titles and so on (if Bantam wants reviews in The Dragon
He is also able to regain lost hit points without rest, but he does so only at they can ship freebies to us!).
the normal rate, not double normal with a first-day bonus.
Magic Resistance: See Special Defenses above and Psionics below.
If Conan is aware of magic being used against him, he gains a 25%
magic resistance. He will always move to slay the foul mage daring to try
such witchery against him!
Psionics: All of Conan’s psionic abilities are latent. He does not
understand he has them, and he never consciously attempts to use
them. They only operate in stress situations or when he is in danger.
Animal telepathy operates at 14th level of mastery, but it actually allows
Conan to at best sense the emotions of the creature concerned, so it is
more an empathy. He can, in turn, send his own emotions back to the
creature 50% of the time. Detection of magic does not determine the
type of spell. Precognition operates only in a “sixth sense” feeling of
unease when something threatens Conan’s life or freedom. Mind bar
functions only against spell attacks. He can not be attacked psionically,
as the talent is latent. Conan can not expend more than 30 psionic
strength points per day.
Special Abilities: Besides those noted heretofore, Conan has the
special ability of being able to fight equally well with either hand. He
seldom uses two weapons at once, but if he does, this does not increase
the number of attacks per round; it simply allows him to parry one
opponent attack per round. It does not reduce his attacks per round.
Conan can move at a trot all day long without becoming tired. In
woodlands, Conan is able to conceal his trail so that it is 75% undetect-
able to the average woodsman (use 50% of normal Ranger chance and
adjust accordingly). His vision and hearing are 50% above normal.
Secondary Skills: Hunter/fisher (at age 15); navigator (after age 25),
sailor (after age 20); shipwright, boats (after age 25); teamster (after age
20). Conan can also determine the relative worth of any weapon by age
20 and the relative value of gems and jewely by age 25.
Pummeling, Grappling, etal.: Conan always gets a score of 6 on his
variable die. Other differences are:
Pummeling: Conan’s power and ability are such that any opponent
is treated as slowed and a 10% bonus is always applicable. Conan’s fist
is treated as mailed when bare, as a metal pommel when mailed or using
a wooden butt, and if actually using a metal pommel, he receives a 15%
bonus. Conan can choose to make his pummeling attacks cause full
damage.
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 Vol. IV, No. 10

from Jean Wells

Question: Must all characters that can use magic record Answer: Any items that are rechargeable have to have one charge
their spells on books or scrolls in order to remember them? left in them to be recharged. To recharge them, you cast spells at them.
Answer: If the characters are spell casters, yes; some of them must One major problem with such items is that one is never sure how many
record their spells on books. Only Clerics and Druids get theirs each day charges they have.
through prayer and meditation. Magic-Users and Illusionists must keep * * *
one or more spell books. Some people like the idea of all spells being Question: If you keep using a Ring of Invisibility, will you
contained in one book, while others, including myself, like the idea of slowly become invisible forever?
one book for each level of spells. How many spell books you will have Answer: My stars, no! That would make the ring too powerful. For
and what size they will be is up to the DM of the game you play in. something to bestow permanent invisibility to a character is making it
* * * much too powerful. Just go around doing anything you want without
Question: Can a Paladin put someone to death if the victim ever being seen? No, no?
is severely scarred and doesn’t want to live? * * *
Answer: Absolutely not! The Paladin would try to find a reason for QUESTION: If a party comes across a magic item, should
the person to live, if not with the world, then shut away doing religious one tell them it is magic? Would it feel magical?
work where those who benefit from the aid would not care what he ANSWER: Only tell the party that something is magic if they throw
looks like. The Paladin would also do all that he could to see that the a Detect Magic spell on it. The only other way to find out is to pick it up
character did not succeed in taking his own life. and try it out. That might be dangerous, but that’s the way it goes
* * * sometimes. Never, NEVER, tell them, “Oh gee, it feels like a +2
Question: I am a 12th-level Paladin and I want to start a sword.” Make them work to find out what it is, never just give anything
lineage. Is this possible? Can my Paladin get married, and if away.
so, can he have children? * * *
Answer: Well, most believe that Paladins practice celibacy. I firmly QUESTION: We had a bit of trouble last week with this
uphold this belief and will not allow my Paladin, Guinivere, to marry. problem: A lawful good Ranger was in our party and we came
This is a personal decision, or it can be made by your DM for you. Even if across a wounded Wyvern. He and the DM said he had to
they don’t marry, I am quite sure that Paladins are capable of having protect it from the rest of the party until it attacked him. What
children. happens now?
* * * ANSWER: I don’t see what the problem is. If your DM said that the
Question: How does a first-level Magic-User get spells in Ranger will protect the Wyvern, then I guess he will. All you can do is
his first-level spell book? Also, what obligations does he have wait and see if the Wyvern attacks him or anyone else in the party.
to his master for his spell book? Simple matters similar to this are the sole responsibility of DMs. If a DM
Answer: A first-level Magic-User gets his spells placed in his spell writes and asks this question, then I would give him an answer slightly
book by himself or his mentor by way of a Write spell. This is the way he different from yours. Otherwise, the DM is the final word in matters of
places all his spells in his spell books. As to his obligations to the his or her own campaign.
Magic-User who was his master, that is between them. I myself am * * *
cleaning up after a 10th-level Magic-User’s young black dragon twice a Question: Does the spell Resurrection require a Constitu-
week in return for a book of third-level spells. tion percentage roll? If so, does the character lose a point from
* * * his Constitution?
Question: Why can’t demi-humans be Sages? Also, en- Answer: Yes, to both. However, some DMs don’t make you lose the
closed is a check for an order. point. They only want you to keep track of how many times you have
Answer: Demi-humans can be Sages. However, they are not as raised, and once you have been raised as many times as you have
readily available as humans. Demi-humans are especially not interested Constitution points you can no longer be raised. This way, you don’t
in answering adventurers’ questions. As for the check for the order: DO lose the benefit of extra hit points if you have a high constitution.
NOT SEND ME ANY ORDERS OR MONEY. I may work for TSR * * *
Hobbies, but I don’t handle any money. If you have an order for The Question: Why can’t half-orcs be raised, especially if
Dragon, send it to TD at POB 110, Lake Geneva VJI 53147. If it is an they are 90% human as the Players Handbook says?
order for The Dungeon Hobby Shop, send it to 772 Main Street, Lake Answer: The Players Handbook does not say that half-orcs are
Geneva WI 53147. 90% human. It says that 10% of them (from which player characters
* * * are drawn) resemble humans enough to pass for one under most
Question: In the Dungeon Masters Guide it says that re- circumstances. Genetically, a true half-orc is always 50% human.
chargeable items can be recharged and yet it says elsewhere Half-orcs cannot be raised simply because they do not have
that once they are used up, they can’t be recharged. Please souls. I went right to the top for the answer to this one, and according
clear this up for me. to Gary Gygax himself, “Half-orcs cannot be raised-period.”
12
April, 1980

13
 Vol. IV, No. 10

Dan Campagna
Designer of Samurai
Samurai is a game of grand strategy covering the vast sweep of
history in feudal Japan. As such it was necessary to reduce generations
of conflict into the abstract to make the finished product both playable
and fast-moving. Centuries of endless warfare and political machina-
tions were compacted into a 20-turn, four-clan simulation of the in- suicide. And a backfired assassination attempt is one of those cases.
credible era of warrior supremacy represented in the bakufu (military Yet hari-kari is really the least of your worries. If you set sail on the
government). It is a game of civil wars, clan treacheries, tidal waves, high seas, you can be sunk by tidal waves, intercepted by pirates, or
pirate raids, warrior monks, and sieges. The purpose of this article is trapped by bad weather in some obscure port As if all this isn’t tough
fourfold: to describe the basic structure of play, explain the game’s enough, you may find your armies surrounded outside Kyoto because
overall design, outline the major historical events, and suggest some of a “call to arms” issued by the defenders within. A call to arms enables
strategies for play. the occupant of Kyoto to levy troops in surrounding provinces and thus
There are three main islands, Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu, and cut off besieging forces from an easy withdrawal. Samurai armies, by the
five off-islands, Tsushima, Iki, Awaji, Sado, and Oki, located on the way, are divided into six categories; swordsmen, mixed weapons, light
map. The major islands are divided into approximately 65 provinces archers, heavy archers, horse archers, and ronin. Obviously, some have
and numerous minor fiefdoms (indicated by dotted white lines). A higher offensive punch than others. A player’s cumulative troop
player must maneuver one of the four clans, Taira, Minamoto, Hojo, or strength is not revealed until the moment of combat.
Fujiwara, across these far-flung provinces and capture two of the im- Separate charts are available to each clan for allocating troop
perial articles. If you can hold onto two of the four articles (Kyoto, counters, holdings, etc. Losses due to combat or siege are calculated by
Emperor, Heir, and Regalia) until game’s end, you win the coveted title a percent or fraction of the whole. Therefore, no single battle can result
of Shogun (literal translation-“sent against the barbarians”). in total annihilation of the opposition unless he sticks around to slug it
The order of play is simple. A die is thrown and the event table out until the bitter end. This also places a heavy burden on the attacker.
consulted for the possible effects of famine, earthquakes, Mongol inva- While he is occupied in a lengthy siege, for example, enemy reinforce-
sions, and so forth. Then movement and combat take place, followed ments may arrive on the scene in time to sweep him away. Timing and
finally by a draw from the “fate cup” by which new holdings are proper execution are everything, plus an appreciation for random
acquired. The player battles his way through a maze of alliances, inevitability, i.e. peasant uprising.
assassinations, and catastrophic natural events while striving to avoid The sequence of play, then, can be summed up in two sentences.
the attrition/extinction of his clan. You only receive ten nobles per clan. Each player controls a clan whose principal objective is to seize and hold
If at any time all your nobles are rubbed out, you’re subsequently the imperial articles until game’s end. If you can withstand the tides of
eliminated from play. Dead nobles reappear in the fate cup as offspring
of the previous generation, but it could be a while before you draw one.
Attrition of clan strength in pointless engagements is the road to ruin.
Sprinkled across the board are locations in the form of castles,
monasteries, cities, and port cities, each with its own intrinsic garrison
strength. There are only three terrain types to contend with-seas,
mountains, and open areas. Crisscrossing the major islands are trunk
roads or highways that facilitate movement through the provinces.
Combat consists of normal battles, sieges, and personal challenges.
Each noble possesses a samurai ability rating which fluctuates according
to his success or misfortune in one-on-one swordplay with other nobles.
Happy is the player who remembered to sharpen his blades before
stepping onto the battlefield because in Samurai it’s difficult to sort out
the good from the bad guys.
There are rules for ninja (cult assassins), Buddhist warrior monks,
defection, ronin (freelance samurai), pirates (wako), and others. The
faithful ally of yesterday may prove to be tomorrow’s traitor.
In playtesting, the game turned into a seesaw struggle. On one
occasion three players of almost equal strength had survived until turn
17. However, the Taira and Minamoto clans tried to simultaneously
assassinate each other and both failed. Which brings me to the next
curious point— hari-kari (seppuku). Under certain circumstances a
player is compelled to order one or more of his nobles to commit ritual
14
April, 1980

fate and fortune, you’ll emerge as Shogun. osophy, the code of Bushido—better to die with honor than live without
Feudal Japanese history is a complex affair. Scholars disagree fre- it. The available titles and offices, i.e. General of Invasion, are by no
quently on specific dates and incidents. Plus, the terminology itself is a means comprehensive and many of them were often ceremonial. I
bit baffling. To help put the game in perspective it is useful to provide an selected only those that normally contained some troop strength and
encapsulated version of some of the more significant events and people neglected the rest.
in feudal Japan. Neither are the four clans representative of all the families. I picked
those four due to their dominant role in Japanese politics and warfare.
Heian Period (794-1185) Future rule revisions could incorporate such clans as the Ashikaga and
The Fujiwara established a strong central government after a pro- Tokugawa. A second reason for keeping to four families is that it tends to
tracted struggle for political supremacy with the Emperor. A military speed up play.
class began to develop during the reign of the Fujiwara regents because The provisions for the use of ninja were perhaps the most difficult to
of the need for self-protection in distant provinces and the appointment balance into the design. Ninja assassins did not play a dramatic part in
of imperial family members (Taira and Minamoto) to provincial admini- the shaping of history but their presence and their esprit de corps were
strative posts. too attractive to omit, so I have introduced three such killers into the
Internal strife among the Fujiwara and challenges by the Cloistered game. Castles and fortified cities were given alternating garrison sizes
Emperors culminated in armed conflicts within the capital. A ferocious depending on their relative value and location.
civil war ensued between the Taira and Minamoto. Led by Kiyomori, The three ingredients which make Samurai a tough game to domi-
the Taira triumphed in 1160. After assuming possession of Kyoto, the nate are hari-kari, natural events tables, and the combat resolution
Taira continued the Fujiwara’s state policies while the Minamoto re- tables. The first can offset the most grandiose of ambitions. The second
grouped for a final confrontation. Under Yorimoto, the Minamoto
succeeded in killing off the Taira during the Gempei War (1180-1185).
Finally in 1185 the Taira boy emperor and a substantial host of Taira
warriors were drowned and defeated in a major sea battle at Shiminoski
Strait. It was Yorimoto who in 1190 created the bakufu, the title given to
the shogunal government in the province of Kamakura.

Kamakura Period (1185-1333)

Minamoto Yorimoto emerged as Shogun, leaving the emperor
installed in Kyoto while establishing the real seat of government in
Kamakura. The Mongol invasion armadas of 1274 and 1281 were
repulsed by the kamikazi or “divine winds” (actually a fortuitous ty-
phoon). Post-invasion discontent among the clans resulted in a bid for
restoring imperial power by the emperor Go-Daigo. The subsequent
struggles produced a split court with Go-Daigo ruling in the south and
General Ashikaga Takaiji reigning in Kyoto.

Ashikaga or Muromachi Period (1336-1573)

Warfare between the rival courts continued for over fifty years.
Go-Daigo was defeated at the Battle of Minatogawa (1336). The
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu Shogunate (founded from 1368-1394) reunited
the two courts. Disputes regarding Yoshimasa’s successor led to the
Onion War (1467-1477) and the devastation of Kyoto. Lack of central
control gave rise to new provincial forms of fighting, the growth of
fortified towns, and an epidemic of piracy in the 1550s. Oda Nobunaga
eliminated the Ashikaga Shogunate and assumed power in Kyoto until
his death in 1582. It was Oda’s troops who, in 1571, leveled the
Enryakuzi Buddhist temple at Mt. Hei.

Tokugawa Period (1573-1600)

In 1575 Nobunaga used guns against the Takeda clan. Assassinated
in 1582, he was succeeded by General Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi
attempted to expand his dominion into mainland China by way of
Korea. The invasions of 1592 and 1597 were unsuccessful, resigned is uncontrollable and frequently devastating in its effects. The third is
after initial victories to defensive positions outside Pusan. Tokugawa more predictable but prohibits any sort of staggering losses due to
Ieyasu succeeded Hideyoshi after his demise in 1598, assuming total battle. Twenty turns is sufficient to force the most cautious player to
authority after Ishido’s defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). Ieyasu strike hard. For tournament play I would recommend no more than
exterminated the remainder of Hideyoshi’s offspring at Osaka Castle thirty turns. If you can’t win by then, you never will.
(1615). Ieyasu was proclaimed Shogun and the capital moved to Edo Comparisons of Japanese and European warfare are inevitable but
(Tokyo). Consolidation of the Tokugawa bakufu resulted in almost 250 misleading. After all, it’s hard to imagine the cream of French nobility
years of internal harmony. ripping open their abdomens in despair after the debacle at Agincourt.
Obviously, I have omitted a mass of details relating to individual The fatalistic attitude of the samurai stands in stark contrast to the rules
incidents, the bakufu structure, and so forth. Samurai deals specifically of war observed by their dashing Occidental counterparts in their iron-
with only these four periods beginning with the dissolution of the laced costumes. By and large, Japanese warfare was far more brutal and
Fujiwara government and ending with Ieyasu’s accession. The historical cold-blooded. Keep this in mind when you play.
sequence of events listed in the rules booklet is a bit disarranged, but The fourth and final area to be discussed is strategy, and the hints
that is entirely my fault. The preceding outline should straighten out any and suggestions are aimed primarily at the novice. Samurai requires a
inequities and give you a general impression of the flow of activities as radically different frame of thinking in order to win. And since this is a
they relate to playing the game. role-playing game of sorts, a player should start off in the proper mood.
Movement back then was a ponderous affair, so each noble is First, put on a silk kimono. Then sharpen your family swords and knives
restricted to moving only 4 areas per turn. Personal combat was in- (Japanese model preferable—razor sharp). Next, turn on some soft
cluded because it represents the spiritual core of the samurai phil- atmosphere music (lots of bells and flutes). Lastly, uncork a bottle of
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 Vol. IV, No. 10

sake and pour a liberal dose into everyone’s porcelain tea cup. After a advances or retreats. A controlled location on each main island is a
fervent toast or two to the emperor’s health, you’re ready to play. convenient nest for hoarding imperial articles and for regrouping, other-
Success lies in audacious planning and fortuitous plotting. There are wise known as a place to keep one’s head when everyone else is losing
three key elements of play: positioning, assassination, and the O-ban. theirs.
Positioning means knowing where to move and strike so as to achieve Properly built, the O-ban is more than mass in motion. It is a
maximum long-term benefits. By game turn 3 or 4 a player should veritable juggernaut capable of wreaking havoc wherever it travels. But
consider making the following geographic dispositions: what do you do with it? Ignore Kyoto during the opening rounds. Try
1. By guile or force, create a buffer zone of provinces and locations Lidell Hart’s “indirect approach.” Use the O-ban to seize key road
around your most potent noble(s). Few opponents will be eager, sections (Yami to Miyazu, Kotmatsu to Sakata, Yamaguichi to Himeji).
patient, or strong enough to punch their way doggedly through a ring of Split the Great Guard temporarily to assault small garrisons in neglected
hostile outer territories just to hit at the interior. The attrition rates are too provinces while keeping a careful eye on the geographic utility of the
high. This buffer zone is your power base. province. Always ask yourself—what will I get in return for my efforts? If
2. Try to link key sections of highway together by controlling those you’re not entirely satisfied with the answer, look elsewhere for a more
locations (i.e., castles) situated on roads, especially the vital stretches tempting target. Every attack consumes time and troops no matter how
running along the coastline. This is an added bonus in terms of rapid feeble the defense.
movement. The O-ban is a standard around which your clan can rally in times of
3. Samurai is more than a game of territorial ownership. It’s being at dire need. Don’t overburden it. You end up with a lump of samurai
the right place at the right time with the bigger battalion. Use your troops meandering across the board like a typhoon gone astray. If misfortune
to hem in weaker enemy nobles by blocking their access to other areas. hits that ungainly mass you’ll have to begin anew. The O-ban is a
Appreciation of the terrain, in other words, is worth extra strength in the compromise between overwhelming strength en masse and a disjointed
long run. confederation of clan nobles.
4. Raise the clan banner anywhere that is relatively safe from Position the Great Guard so as to isolate enemy forces located in
immediate retaliation. Devour unguarded provinces and lightly manned extreme island tips. Block roads and force combat. Unless there’s a
locations. This maneuver is of enormous value in later efforts to outflank grand alliance dedicated to your demise, you should meet with success.
or envelop unwary opponents and serves as a secondary power base in Strike at perimeter provinces surrounding Kyoto, with the ultimate goal
the event of future catastrophes. of a massive offensive on the capital if need be. Don’t forget that if you
The trick with positioning is to move swiftly, strike hard and often acquire two imperial articles early in the game you’ll spend the rest of
and rely on the threat of force to intimidate weaker clans. Assassination, your turns fighting off all comers.
though, is meant to cover a spectrum of political options as they arise Be resigned to inevitable losses and remember that alliances were
during the course of play: made to be broken. Be prepared to pamper your worst enemies and to
1. Alliances—Unless there is a clan threatening your immediate slaughter your gentler relatives. This is not a game for the timid, and
survival, begin negotiations early with an eye for future deals made later there is more than one road to Kyoto. Be unorthodox. As you sit sipping
from a position of power. Offer weaker nobles as hostages and pay your sake, ponder on that ancient Japanese proverb—the passive
particular attention to potentially dangerous clans that are open to noble who sits quietly contemplating the stars may well be a legendary
compromise. Alliances serve several useful functions. They establish samurai simply waiting for his sword to return from the shop. Good luck.
your credibility as a trustworthy ally. Alliances enlarge your supply of
potential resources (why waste your men in sieges when your ally will do P.S.: For those of you who have read James Clavell’s book Shogun
it for you?). They also reduce temporarily the number of clans you must it may interest you to know that the English navigator was a real-life
worry about Of course, you break any alliance if it’s to your distinct character by the name of Will Adams. Washed ashore in 1600 near
advantage to do so. Kyusu, Adams spent the rest of his life as a personal advisor to Leyasu.
2. Ninja—Save the ninja assassins as your trump card in case things
get desperate for you. Make sure a minor lord is assigned the use of ninja
to keep bungled assassination losses to a minimum.
3. Ships—If you’re fortunate enough to own a navy of any size, try
exercising some good, old-fashioned “gunboat diplomacy” along the
off-islands. The threat of amphibious invasion will often deter lesser
lords from sallying forth from their island strongholds. If nothing else,
your maritime muscle will be a factor in other player’s plans.
The last ingredient is the O-ban or Great Guard. I refer to the O-ban
here as a principle of play. It represents the construction of a mobile and
highly lethal military force intended to withstand attrition, natural
events, and player mistakes. Its components are:
1. A noble with a samurai rating of at least +4.
2. Two ships located on either side of the major islands.
3. A composite field army strength of 125-175 points, not including
the ronin, who are subject to recall.
4. Control of at least one imperial article.
5. Control of at least one province within four moves of Kyoto.
6. Control of either a castle, city, or major port on each of the major
islands.
7. One extra noble to absorb losses, act as hostage, etc.
The +4-rated noble is essential to insure successful combat by
challenge. Ships are the mother lode, so to speak. Without them a
player is restricted in movement and his bargaining powers reduced. A
ship acts as a hedge against a terrible turn of events by giving you a
back-door escape to the sea. An army of 125-175 points is large enough
to lay siege, offer battle, perform garrison duty, and serve as a subtle
threat to reluctant allies—“iron fist in a velvet glove.” Control of a
province within four moves of Kyoto permits a player to pounce on the
capital city when the time is ripe, and is a handy place to plot strategic
16
April, 1980

“My 52nd-level Fighter/43rd-level Magic-User/27th-level Thief has acter is 30th-plus-level (the concept of a 25th-plus-level player char-
the Wand of Orcus in one hand, the Rod of Asmodeus in the other and acter is ridiculous anyway, but I’ll leave that for another article).
carries the Staff of Zeus between his legs! Besides that, I have just On the other side of that coin, the farther removed a character gets
acquired the heads of all the Polynesian Gods, had them shrunken, and from the Prime Material, the less his/her/its power. Therefore men are
now they are this necklace I’m wearing! I can hardly wait for The Dragon strong Magic-Users and Clerics on the Prime Material but lose some of
to print another pantheon so that my best character can kill them off!!” that power on other planes.
Sound like a Jim Ward article? Alas, just about every player in what Again, let’s make that into rule form. A protection device, including
I’d like to call “Circus D&D” has all of these trophies, and more! scrolls, rings, cloaks, etc. will not function at all on the outer planes. Thus
Why does it happen? For a few reasons. The DM is too much of a a Protection from Demon Princes Scroll is not worth the parchment it is
nice guy. The DM does not give the Deity all of his/her/its powers. The printed on in the Abyss. (You might wish to reduce this slightly by saying
players abuse the books and spells and the DM lets them get away with it offers the reader a magic resistance of not more than 30% on that
it. The magic items available are too powerful and too easily acquired, other plane!) In no case will it prevent bodily contact.
and so on. Thus, players can not trip off to the outer planes with a few scrolls
I hope in this article to set things aright! Cheer up, Gods, it’s your and wreak havoc on the Gods/Demons/Devils! Magical items that have
turn to get even! a plus to hit, to defend or to damage are also reduced. On the other
I will begin by defining a Deity-Ranked Figure. Obviously, all Gods inner planes they are -1, on the Astral -2 and on the outer -3. Items
are Deities. However, you may go so far as to say that unless a God that convey an ability or power might lose it totally on another plane,
passes one of the following tests, he/she/it is only a minor God with less e.g. a Cystal Ball is useless on the Elemental Plane of Air; A Girdle of
than full powers: Fire Giant Strength might be reduced to a Girdle of Stone Giant
A. Has 180 or more hit points Strength on the Ethereal plane; a potion of any type might be destroyed
B. Can cast some spell or has some power that is at 20th-level by taking it to another plane (i.e. give it a s.t. versus magical fire or it is
ability destroyed, for each plane passed through!)
C. Can fight or perform acts as a 20th-level Lord or 20th-level Thief You might go so far as to forbid some spells on some planes, like Fire
Those of lesser abilities are not “Deities.” Thus, Baal, Orcus, Tiamat Spells in the Abyss or Hell, Cold Spells in the Negative Material, Cause
and Bahamut are “deity ranked” but Juiblex, Ki-rins, and Yeenoghu Disease in Heaven, etc. In this way Deities have real power in their own
are not (though the three latter figures are certainly not to be taken plane and the extra experience for killing them on their own plane has
lightly). The differentiation will become important when the powers of meaning. Furthermore, Deities should have increased chances to sum-
Deities are discussed hereafter. No Demigod is a Deity, though their mon on their own plane, but enough said on this subject.
powers are also formidable. The Dungeon Master must become the Deity. To this end he/she
The difference between Deities, lesser beings and men (and other must realize that a Deity acts according to four major principles: align-
spell-casting creatures) is the basis of their power. Deities gain their ment, intelligence, ego and power. To begin with a Deity will not tolerate
abilities from the outer planes. Men and creatures of the Prime Material some punk getting smart with him/her/it regardless of alignment similar-
gain their powers, abilities and spells from the Inner Planes or from ity! A God’s ego should make a player character’s dim by comparison!
Deities. Lesser beings like Devils, Demons, Angels, Demigods, etc. Simply do not take any garbage from smart players when you are
might have some access to “Astral Power” (i.e. power from the outer playing a God! At the very least, just leave and give them nothing for
planes) but it is limited both on the outer planes and on the Prime their trouble! Even if Gated in, a Deity need not stay around and take
Material. Thus, when the basis of Astral Power is understood the abuse from a player character.
method of playing these creatures is also cleared up. A Deity almost always has an intelligence of 17 plus, and usually it is
A Deity-Ranked Figure has the greatest power on his/her/its own 20 or more. Thus he will not do something meaningless or stupid when
plane of existence. There his power is supreme and he is difficult to it comes to fighting. He/she/it will select his/her/its best power or ability
challenge. The reverse is also true. On the other outer plane his power is and manifest it at once. Even if this means wholesale slaughter of player
less, on the inner planes it is lower still and it is least of all on the Prime characters. Either the character shows respect (or a healthy fear), or
Material. Thus, while Deity-Ranked figures are powerful on “earth” he/she can go to Hell—perhaps very directly! A Deity will never forget its
they are super beings on their own plane. ability to teleport away without error and will not hang around when
In game terms this can become the following rule. A Deity on some player is beating it to within an inch of its Prime Material Life! If a
his/her/its own plane has full magic resistance (plus full benefit of any Deity cannot win, it will escape.
immunities) regardless of the level of the creature casting a spell at A Deity will remain true to his/her/its alignment in all dealings. Thus
him/her/it! This Magic Resistance includes the powers of items (like a if a player wins a granted wish from Asmodeus, that player had better
vorpal blade, artifact, relic, staff of the Arch Mage etc.) as well as breath phrase that wish with unparalleled caution! Thinking you have a Deity
and gaze weapons. In his home a God is supreme! “by the short hairs” is an unbelievable mistake! Remember, these
If the Deity goes to another of the Outer Planes, his/her/its magic beings do not “die” in the classic sense, and almost all will have allies
resistance is measured against a Mage instead of a Wizard, i.e. versus who will help them escape given a proper period of time or beings who
16th-level magic instead of 11th-level magic. Within the Inner Planes will bring them back to the Prime Material by evoking them at a later
including the Prime Material, his/her/its magic resistance is standard, i.e. date. Enmity between a player and a Deity can be the kiss of ultimate
measured versus an 11th-level base. This rule prevents players from death. Even a lawful good Deity will seek to get back at an evil character
going to the Abyss, Hell, The Happy Hunting Ground etc. and totally who has forced something from him/her.
negating the magic resistance of a resident creature because the char- With all of this to consider, how can a player create a pantheon or a
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new Deity? If an entire pantheon is required, it is a great aid to write out a For a Thief I’d stop at these limits on ability: Pick Pockets 140%;
detailed creation myth. This interrelates the Gods (Devils/Demons) and Open Lock 99.9% (regardless of race), with the exception of complex
makes it possible to understand what their powers might be. At that locks whose limit might be 80%; Find/Remove/Place Trap 99.9%/
point it is necessary to decide what various powers and abilities are 99.9%/100%; Move Silently 99.9%; Hear Noise 55%; Climb Walls
unique and appropriate to the pantheon and what abilities are inherent 99.9%; Read Languages 90%.
in the being’s characteristics.
It has been established in the Monster Manual that beings exist with For Constitution, the following might be considered:
a Strength of 30 (cf. MM page 44, Giants). Thus the most powerful God Reaction to
in a pantheon might have that strength or even 31 or 32. (See editor’s Score Plus to Hit Points System Shock Poison/Regeneration
note below. ) The DM Guide (cf. page 145, Girdle of Giant Strength) 19 +2 (fighter +5) 99.2% + 1 vs poison,
gives some idea of what those numbers translate into. A logical exten- regain hit points by healing
sion might be along these lines: 25% faster
Rating To Hit To Damage Open Doors Weight Bend Bars/Gates 20 +2 (fighter +5) 99.3% +2 vs poison,
25 +6 +13 96 in 100 +13,000 100% regain hit points by healing
26 +7 +14 97 in 100 + 14,000 100% 50% faster
27 +7 +15 98 in 100 + 15,000 100% 21 +3 (fighter +6) 99.4% +3 vs poison,
28 +8 +16 99 in 100 + 16,000 100% regain hit points by healing
29 +8 +17 99 in 100 +17,000 100% 75% faster
30 +9 +18 99in100 + 18,000 100% 22 +3 (fighter +6) 99.5% +4 vs poison,
Note the MODERATE increase to prevent too much abuse. Re- regain hit points by healing
member that Giants themselves have a built in hit point range and “to 100% faster
hit” is partially assumed in their increased chance to hit due to their 23 +3 (fighter +6) 99.6% +5 vs poison,
higher number of hit dice. regenerate 1 point/turn
(Editor’s note: The Monster Manual has been amended, 24 +3 (fighter +7) 99.7% Immune to poison,
changing the strength range for giants to 19-24 instead of regenerate 1 point/round
21-30. This makes the giants’ characteristics conform to the 25 +3 (fighter +7) 99.8% Immune to poison,
statistics listed in the Dungeon Masters Guide for the various regenerate 1 point/round,
Girdles of Giant Strength. Rather than alter the text of this Immune to disease
article to conform to the revised figures, we attach only this
word of caution: The intent of Mr. Lakofka’s article is that no Charisma:
being should have strength greater than 1 or 2 higher than a Score Henchmen Loyalty Special
Storm Giant, i.e. 25 or 26. Limiting a being’s strength to 26,
19 20 +50% Charms cast by this figure at -1 from s. t.
25 or even 24 would fall well within reason, since the author
20 25 +60% Charms, suggestions at -2 from s.t.
projects no other ability higher than 25.)
21 30 +70% Charms, suggestions at -3 from s. t.
As Intelligence goes up to 19 or 20 or beyond it is necessary to
22 35 +80% Charms, suggestions at - 4 from s. t.
decide what powers might go along with it. For example:
23 40 +90% Charms, suggestions at -5, those under
Rating Know Spell Minimum# Maximum# Abilities 5 H.D. stand in awe
19 95% 10 all Inherent short-range 24 50 +95% Charms, suggestions at -5, those under
ESP (20’) 10 H.D. stand in awe
20 96% 12 all Increased ESP (50’ )
21 97% 14 all ESP 50’ plus creation With the parameters defined, it is easier to assign abilities. Here
ability of a Djinni but follows a format for such Deity creation. You may think of items to add.
usually permanent Make up a blank character sheet outlining these items, not necessarily in
(objects only) this order, and creation of a pantheon is easy.
2 2 98% 15 all ESP 75’ plus creation ***
ability of an Efreeti
but permanent (ob- Name, Title, Type
jects only) Experience Level as Fighter (Ranger, Paladin)
23 99% 16 all Clairvoyance 75’ plus Magic-User (Illusionist)
creation of short- Cleric (Druid)
term life (under 2 Thief (Assassin) Monk
H.D.) (I strongly recommend a limit of 30th level, even for gods, with
24 99% 17 all Clairvoyance 120 players not allowed to rise above 25th. )
plus creation of self- Strength Dexterity
sustaining low level Intelligence Constitution
non-intelligent life Wisdom Charisma
(under 2 H.D.) Extra Abilities Gained from Above:
As Wisdom goes up the saving throw against mental attack in- Armor worn Adjusted AC
creases, but nothing else. At Wisdom 22 (+8 adjustment), immunity (Note: An unarmored God might have a base AC of 8,5,2 or even
from mental attack might come into being. 0, while unarmored men have a base AC of 10.)
As Dexterity goes up, Reaction Adjustment goes up, Defensive Hit Points
Adjustment goes down and the number of attacks goes up. For example: (I’d limit this to 500 or so. )
Score Reaction Adj. Defensive Adj. Number of attacks No. attacks per round
19 +4 - 5 2/round, Fighters 5 every 2 rounds Bonuses to hit: Magic S t r e n g t h
20 +5 - 6 2/round, Fighters 5 every 2 rounds Bonuses to damage: Magic ____ S t r e n g t h _ _ _ _
21 +5 - 6 Z/round, Fighters 3 every round Weapon(s) carried
22 +6 - 7 5 every 2 rounds, Fighters 3/round Basic Damage/Attack range of weapon
23 +6 - 7 5 every 2 rounds, Fighters 3/round (Note: Magic and strength bonuses, if any, are recorded above and
24 +7 - 8 5 every 2 rounds, Fighters 3/round not here. This space should include the unadjusted range of dam-
18
April, 1980

age for automatic weapon hits to which a God may be entitled Summon aid on Prime Material
because of “to hit” bonuses. For instance, a fighter with strength 18 Summon aid on Inner and Outer Planes
(00) has a +3 to hit If he has a sword which is +3 to hit, he scores (Number and type of followers, chance to summon successfully)
automatic damage on every hit within the damage ranges for a long Summon aid on home Plane
sword, i.e. 1-8 vs. S & M and 1-12 vs. L. If the sword also has a plus Symbol(s) of Deity
to it or damage against a particular monster or alignment, that Basic alignment, tendencies (if any)
would be listed here. ) Character types or alignments which pray to this Deity
Special powers of weapon
(e.g. vorpal, paralyze, disintegrate, charm) Spells grantable/disallowed by Deity to His/Her/Its clergy
Move (walk/fly/swim/teleport )
Special Attacks Highest level of spell grantable to clergy
Special Defenses Psionics: Ability A t t a c k m o d e s D e f e n s e m o d e s
Magical Items carried Carried Treasure
Immunities, Magic Resistance on: Treasure trove contents
Prime Material Plane (It is very wise to have a list Every God does not own one, at least,
Home Plane of everything!)
Spells, spell-like abilities available each round * * *
Once you have defined a format, you will know what your Deities
Innate Powers can and cannot do. Remember, if played properly the Planes will limit
(Infravision, ultravision, extraordinary hearing, etc. ) what a man and a Deity can do, and these limitations will make the
Spells available less often than each round (and frequency) Deities much more potent and believable at the same time.

Other special abilities

Can cast limited wishes? (Next in Leomunds Tiny Hut: An instructive and enter-
Full wishes? Make decrees? ____ taining demonstration of how to create a pantheon: Len
(A decree is equivalent to a 10th-level spell, which no player can Lakofka, with thanks and apologies to Jim Ward, presents his
ever cast. It is a more powerful form of wish which can alter ability Monty Haul Pantheon. You have to read it to believe it.)
scores, hit point totals, or perhaps experience level-temporarily.
Even a Deity cannot raise a player more than one experience level
on a permanent basis. )
General Apperance
(Height, weight, coloring, clothing, carried items)
Plane of principal existence
Can travel to which planes?
Can teleport in segments

19
 Vol. IV, No. 10

late, as far as Minarian histories go, but in- of luxury. However, they resisted the ex-
The History ternal evidence argues that Nabuna worked
from a tradition both written and oral reach-
ample of Pennol and did not build permanent
towns of stone.
of ing back several centuries. Moreover, the
early Vidarnas are often mentioned in the
The slow progress of Vidarnan culture
was in part the result of the conservative

Immer chronicles of their Muetarian neighbors, as

well as the annals of the Invisible School of
Thaumaturgy—where dwelled the Eaters of
triple-goddess religion that the tribe ob-
served. This cult, led by a complex hierarchy
of virgin priestesses, was closely related to
G. Arthur Rahman Wisdom from ancient times. other matrilineal cults of the barbarian north.
Before the destruction of the Lloroi Nabuna states that the parent stock of the Such worship developed naturally from the
Empire, the land destined to rise as the king- Vidarna tribe dwelt south of the Well of conditions of the early post-Cataclysm,
dom of Immer remained undeveloped taiga, Lered. About five centuries after the Cata- when the fertility of the clan was the over-
only nominally subject to the emperor’s clysm, a portion of these people was forced riding factor in its survival. Its Dionysian
agents, who ruled from a cold and lonely by famine to migrate from the rugged lands of nature was ill suited to the Apollonian arts of
fortress called Agada. A small native popula- their nativity. The clan leaders drew lots and an advanced, ordered society.
tion roamed the northlands herding snow ox the losers were enjoined to lead their kin in By the mid-tenth century the old tradi-
or hunting wild game. search of new hunting grounds. tions started to erode and the Vidarnan vil-
After the Cataclysm, what had been arctic Says Dur Nabuna: “Therefore that sec- lages began to resemble in some degree the
borderland overnight became a temperate tion to which fate had assigned the abandon- Pennolite towns on the other side of the lake.
zone of hot summers and cold winters. Game ment of their native soil and the search for This process of cultural assimilation was
multiplied and men adjusted to a new, easier foreign fields—after two leaders had been painfully interrupted by the catastrophic inva-
way of life. These first inhabitants of proto- appointed over them, to wit: Authari and sion of Minaria by what is called “the abomin-
Immer developed into several large tribes, Euin, who were brothers in the bloom of ations of the land and the horrors of the air.”
called by the general term of “Conodras.” As youthful vigor and more eminent than the These titanic monsters, surging up the River
much as possible they continued the peaceful rest-said farewell to their own people, as Deep and overwhelming Lake Lorimer, fell
ways of their ancestors, although more and well as their country, and set out upon their ferociously on the shore villages. Neither the
more often invasion by Goblin tribes and sav- way to seek for lands where they might dwell Vidarnan warriors nor the priestesses could
age men forced them to fight. and establish their abodes. They were sprigs defend their homes and shrines. The
But the Conodras remained rather primi- of the noblest clan of their warrior nation, and Vidarnas survived only by a retreat into the
tive and were not destined to found a civilized Darnu, from whence their followers took the wilderness of Immer—a term [Im Mer] that
state upon their ancestral hunting grounds. name of ‘Vidarna’ [Vi-Darnu, ‘Of Darnu’].” meant in the language of the Vidarna, “The
That would be the work of a foreign people The aggressive Vidarnas gradually dis- North. ”
called the Vidarnas. placed the earlier inhabitants of the north In withdrawing, the vidarnas rallied at
As with most tribal peoples, the origin of shore of Lake Lorimer. For the next several their northernmost village, the town of
the Vidarnas is cloaked in mystery. Dura generations they maintained a canoe-borne Muscaster. They hurriedly raised ramparts
Nabuna, their first important chronicler, com- trade with the young market town of Pennol, around the hill where Muscaster stood. Forti-
pleted his Kings of the Vidarna in the twelfth furnishing furs, honey and amber in ex- fied in Muscaster, the Vidarnas withstood the
century after the Cataclysm. This is rather change for metal tools, armor and a few items drift of abominations from the south—until
20
April, 1980

the monsters’ momentum was lost and their

numbers began to decline.
The abominations eventually vanished,
leaving only some terrifying legends along
Lake Lorimer (afterwards called “Lake
Carth”).
Cautiously the Vidarnas advanced to the
limit of their old range. But there was no hope
of returning to the past Pennol had fallen into
ruin before the abominations and the Vidar-
nans were impoverished by the loss of its trade.
Within the same generation, Pennol also
succumbed to the aggressions of Muetar.
Only a decade after that, the Vidarnans too
found themselves the target of Muetarian in-
vasion. Defeated, the Vidarnans retreated to
Muscaster for the second time in less than a
century. The Muetarians annexed the north
shore of Lake Carth, but their subsequent
attacks were sporadic and half-hearted. The
milder climate of Hothior drew most of their
aggressive fury southward.
Vidarnan history becomes murky in the
eleventh century. Internal strife distracted the
chroniclers of Muetar, while Dur Nabuna
seemingly had to fall back on mythic and
legendary material for his account. For earlier
times he had depended on the sacred notes
preserved by priestesses of the goddess cult;
these ceased in the eleventh century due to
the turmoil then current in Vidarnan religious
matters.
In the context of these days, Nabuna gives
a long and fanciful report of the life of Tere-
don, the son of the god Anshar, relating his
innumerable combats and miracles. From the
more prosaic testimony preserved in the In-
visible School of Thaumaturgy, Teredon
emerges not so much a warrior and a magi-
cian as a thoughtful man of philosophy.
His role looms large in bringing patriar-
chal worship to the Vidarnas. His real father
as a chieftain, not a god, who sent him to the
Invisible School during the invasion of the Castle Altarr from the illuminated manuscript, Book of Vierdi
abominations. There he studied theology,
only returning to his people when he saw Later scholarship makes different sense In the wake of the religious revolution, the
them defeated by the Muetarians and in need out of this heroic myth. Dur Nabuna, who Vidarnans reorganized swiftly. Anshar-
of a new faith. told it, may not have realized that “Lubar” worship provided a model of a modem king-
One myth involving Teredon merits was a variant name for the inner priestess- ship. A man named Kharkem of the clan
special interpretation. Shortly after leaving hood of the triple goddess. The story recalls a Shirpur was acclaimed king, behind whom
the house of his divine father Anshar, says the violent assault led by Teredon against the the warleaders, angered by foreign inva-
myth, Teredon journeys toward the town of supporters of the outworn old religion, re- sion, willingly rallied.
Muscaster. On the road he encounters a fabu- moving the ceremonial devil masks from the Kharkem and those who succeeded him
lous creature with three devil-heads and a priestesses (the Lubar’s “heads”) and burn- maintained the Vidarnans’ borders and even
feathered body, called the Lubar. The Lubar ing their shrines (the feathered body- avenged themselves on the Muetarians—
endeavors to slay Teredon, but he gets the representing the sacred bird of fertility). who were then weakened by internecine
better of the creature and severs all three of its “Zikia” was not originally a girl’s name, but a strife-by many punishing raids. Meanwhile,
heads, afterward putting the body to crema- title of high rank within the religious hier- there developed a gradual expansion of the
tion. archy. Neither was “Elhalyn” a human ruler, frontier northward through military coloniza-
The victorious hero continues on to but describes the triple goddess in her aspect tion. Frontier life was much to the advantage
Muscaster, where he finds a beautiful girl as “matron.” of a new-fashion warleader. These Vidarnan
staked out before the town in chains, as a prey Apparently, after Teredon’s overthrow of dukes followed the paths of hunters and trap-
for wild beasts. She is Zikia, the daughter of the old cult, zealous followers and/or disillu- pers into the fair lands beyond the borders,
Elhalyn who rules in Muscaster, disposed so sioned old-believers attempted to do violence driving out the Conodras tribes who occupied
in accord with a prophecy that the survival of to the female clergy. Teredon, desiring no northern Immer. The initiative lay with the
the Vidarnans demands such a sacrifice. innocent blood to fall, prevented cruel repri- dukes who, with their armed bands (thargals),
Teredon announces the death of a Lubar, sals and found protectors and husbands for wrested the land from its inhabitants and pro-
which had been menacing Muscaster, and is the unfortunate woman, probably marrying tected the agrarian settlers, to whom they
acclaimed by the town. Subsequently, he re- one or more himself (legend credits him with granted the privilege of occupation. Thus the
moves Zikia’s chains and takes her to wife. fifty sons). conditions under which these new principali-
21
 Vol. IV,No. 10

his path. Upon reaching the frontier, he found now subjects of Immer—a name that now
the Conodras—now banded together in a officially designated the kingdom-these
confederacy—drawn up within the ancient raids were clearly against the peace of the
Lloroi fortress of Agada, which they had state. But the elderly regents surrounding the
crudely repaired. child-king—often in the pay of different
Even in ruins, the fortress loomed majesti- baronial factions—could neither agree to
cally over the forest and the natives defended support the dukes nor to oppose them.
their stronghold manfully. But at long last By this time the Elven kingdom of Neuth
they succumbed to Mesilim’s more dis- had grown hostile to the developing state on
ciplined armies and the cunning magic of the
Eaters of Wisdom. It was the 1209th year
after the Cataclysm.
Even in triumph, Mesilim continued to
defer to the wise counsels of the wizards. He
received the surrendering confederacy lead-
ers with mercy and justice. His clemency im-
pressed the Conodras, who were more
accustomed to the blades of the ruthless thar-
gals. After having established good terms with
the natives, the king transferred his capital
from Muscaster—a town too isolated and
tradition-bound to properly serve his govern-
ment-to the fortress of Agada. Mesilim re-
named Agada “Castle Altarr”—after the
altarrwood that grew abundantly around it, a
tree holy to the god Anshar.
Throughout the last part of his reign,
Mesilim sought to set matters right in the
north. To those tribes who submitted to his
authority, he extended royal protection—
limiting to some degree the predatory, self-
serving march of the Vidarnan dukes. He
admitted the sons of the Conodras’ leaders
into a university which the Eaters of Wisdom
helped him establish in Castle Altarr. By this Example of Conodras pottery
and other means at his disposal, he sought to
accomodate the Conodras to Vidarnan civili-
—An urn depicting Conodras
zation—not an impossible leap, as the young way of life
kingdom was still half-barbaric. Before his
death, many parts of the north were war- its borders. Shedding their customary isola-
dened by Conodran dukes and native levies. tion, the Elves moved troops into several dis-
Mesilim had the misfortune of being pre- puted border areas and deliberately pro-
deceased by both of his sons. His throne voked the Immerite government. The high
Finely wrought golden passed to a young grandson, Pisiris. The prince of Neuth, Etirun, hoped to occupy the
sacrificial dagger used by Vidarnan dukes, long resentful of Mesilim’s vacillating regents with the threat of war until
the Lubar Priestesses restrictions on their ambitions, recommenced the dukes’ power grew too great to be curbed.
their attacks on the Conodras. By this policy, the Elves hoped to fragment
ties grew tended to enhance the position of As the Conodras of the frontier were by (Turn to page 58)
the duke and fostered in the aristocracy a
power that—locally, at least—was more tan-
gible than that of the king himself.
At this point, the early thirteenth century,
the Eaters of Wisdom intervened. The wiz-
ards had been studying the problem of aristo-
cratic independence, disturbed by examples
of its misuse in Muetar and Hothior. They
judged that royal power had to take a decisive
hold in the northland or the Vidarnan state
would be doomed to impotence and civil war
for many generations to come.
They approached the reigning king in
Muscaster, whose name was Mesilim, and
prevailed upon him to marshal his forces for a
thrust northward. As the Shirpur Dynasty of
Muscaster was well disposed to the Eaters of
Wisdom since the days of Teredon, the young
prince yielded to their persuasion, going so
far as to allow the Eaters to lead his
expedition.
Moving northward, Mesilim impressed his Tapestry represents the popular legend of Etirun captured
authority upon the dukes whose land lay in unawares in his tent
22
 Vol. IV,No. 10

DRAGON
GRUMBLES
Boy, did you ever stop to think what it takes to put out a listening to giggles and remarks about Parcheesi.
magazine? The deadlines, the phonecalls, the typing, the editing, the Well, enough is enough! Today we clean out the bank account
layout, the paste-up, the shipping, the . . . People calling up: “I want (“used bills in small denominations, please”), sell the company car
a copy of #1. ” “Why didn’t you print my article?” “When do I get to Cousin Sid, make arrangements for the Midnight Office Supply
paid?” . . . And doing it all for tiny little paychecks that don’t even Co. to liquidate our typewriters and desks, and buy our tickets to the
keep up with inflation . . . And having people ask you what you do Bahamas. Good-by, office; hello, beach!
for a living and telling them you put out a game magazine and then It’s been real . . . .
I say that’s ridiculous. Things printed in if I want to. It makes me feel really good
The Dragon are just supposed to be used by when I get a chance to save my little dwarf
people if they want to use them. Besides, if friend, Bebe, from the clutches of Truth
everyone used every variant, campaigns and Honesty.
would be so cluttered up with rules that Also, while I think of it, would you
they would be unplayable. people be interested in some of my ideas
So, now that you know both sides of the for DD&DD? I have a couple of old CIA files
story, who’s right? that would take your dragon’s breath away.
Billy & Bobby That’s all for now. May you always
Billy is. —Editor make your saving throw vs. Democrats!
Dick’s Dungeon
The chief thief
Dear Dragon: Crazy about us!
Who’s right? Life has been pretty dull for me for the Dear Dragon:
Dear Dragon: last few years—until recently, when I dis- I first saw your magazine several
My brother and I are having an argu- covered D&D. Let me just say this about months ago in my doctor’s office. The last
ment about your magazine that I hope you that: Dungeons &Dragons has changed my issue was so wonderful that I decided I
can settle for us. He says that every article in life, and I thought your readers would be couldn’t wait any longer to write to you and
The Dragon is an official rule addition for interested in my thoughts on the game. tell you what a terrific magazine you have.
D&D, and every one of your variants and Let me make one thing perfectly clear: I I’m hard at work at the present time on a
other changes are supposed to be used in am not a crook! But I am a Thief—and a module which I think you will be very in-
everyone’s campaigns. Otherwise, he says, good one, too. Hiding in shadows and terested in printing. It’s all about a dungeon
why would a magazine print all that stuff? If listening at doors reminds me a lot of my where all the walls are covered with some
The Dragon didn’t want people to use the last full-time job. And in the specially de- sort of mysterious padding . . .
official material, why would The Dragon signed dungeon at our house, I can van- Stu Tumeny
print it in the first place? quish the great Congressmonster every day State Hospital for the Harmlessly Insane

Mah Jongg/Gamma World

Far East meets the Far Future —Gary Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Gamma World/Strip Poker
Far Future meets the Far Out —Jim Jaquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tekumel Scrabble
New “zwz” strategies —A’tukkaa Torisekiitrkewloc . . . . . . . . 81
FEATURES
Adding Nuclear Realism to AD&D— Edward Strangelove . . . . . 86 BACKGROUND
Random Generation of Random Numbers Randomly— The Great Spud Battle of Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Phi/Fluke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Picking Numbers by Choice— “Slim” Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 REVIEWS
My Wife and Role-Playing— Ralph Latchbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Sheepherders & Cattle Ranchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Outdoor Adventures and the EPA— Ralph Nader. . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Students&Guard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
AD&D and the IBM System 370 Lasers&Rocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
The Ultimate $13.9 Million Playing Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Spitballs & Paperclips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

VARIANTS NEWS/VIEWS
Solo D&D for Two— Jack “Schizo” Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 TheWayISeeIt —KimMohan.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
“By the Rulebook” AD&D If You Ask Me— Corey Koebemick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Novel new approach to AD&D — E. Gay Gygax . . . . . . . . . . . 76 They Took All the Good Titles— Jake Jaquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
24
April,1980

Enjoying Your Dragon

BarryFowkes
So you own a dragon! Congratulations! You’ve made a wise choice Rewarding your dragon for good behavior should be equally swift
of a pet. Whether you bought him from your local dragon-broker or a and sure. Dragons love to be patted, talked to and generally pampered.
relative who came home from an adventure dragging a very large Remember at all times, though, that you own a BABY dragon and that it
carcass and a few dragon’s eggs, your dragon can be a useful, loyal and is FRAGILE. You needn’t be over enthusiastic when patting your
loving pet of the family. (NOTE—For the purposes of this article, it is dragon—a good uppercut and a few roundhouse swings should suffice
assumed that you own a baby dragon. If your dragon has grown to any to give your dragon a feeling that you love him.
respectable size —six feet at the shoulder is a reliable rule—you are A dragon will eat anything you will—and quite a few things you
reading the wrong article. You should be reading “How to Survive a won’t. Dragons do, however, have certain basic requirements that must
Disaster.”) be met. A few head of cattle, 30 or 40 gallons of water, and one or two
You mustn’t expect your dragon to be any good to you, however, if buckets of assorted spices will last for about a week. Your dragon also
you’re not good to him. You must show him that you are loving but firm, needs a supply of coal, which, obviously, you must provide. You must
stem but fair. A well-trained dragon is a joy in any household, serving as also keep a close watch on your dragon’s diet. Given half a chance, a
a first-rate guard dog, cleaning crew, and fireplace lighter. A poorly dragon will do nothing but eat until it quite actually explodes. Not only
trained dragon is a nuisance, and a neglected one is a menace. does this kill the dragon it can make a real mess of your dining room,
You must start by giving your dragon a name. Giving your dragon a and so is to be avoid.
name gives him a sense of belonging, of being somebody. DO NOT, Which brings us to our next subject—cleaning up after your dragon.
however, name your dragon after a flower or some such item—the F o r s o m e r e a s o n unknown to science, dragons are hatched house-
other dragons will tease him, beat him up, and eat him. Also, names like broken. Thus, all you have to do is show your dragon a spot of his own
“Killer” or “Napalm” are to be avoided, as the dragon tends to take and teach him how to open the doors of your house. He will let himself
them too seriously. “Irving” is a good, respectable name for a dragon. out and go to his spot if he has to. (A point of interest—dragon
As in any relationship, there must be a few ground rules, and droppings are probably the most potent acid known to man, and can eat
punishment for breaking the rules must be swift but not overly harsh. If, through a foot of stone in almost no time. Therefore, don’t plan on
for example, a noble from a nearby castle is visiting and your dragon growing anything near your dragon’s privy for about 200 years.)
sneezes at the guests leg, it isn’t good practice to ignore it by saying “You Dragons do have one rather bad habit—they tend to spontaneously
don’t use that foot anyway, my lord,” because the dragon won’t know belch. Unfortunately, when they do, objects around them tend to
he’s done anything wrong and will very likely do it again. On the other spontaneously ignite. Therefore, if you see your dragon looking as if
hand, cursing, dragging your crossbow off the wall and giving your he’s trying to hold back an explosion, GET HIM OUTSIDE IM-
dragon 20 or 30 bolts around the head has an equally bad result-a MEDIATELY! If he looks like that, he probably IS trying to hold back an
dead dragon. About the best course of action is to wag the forefinger of explosion, and you’re not helping any by just sitting there and watching.
your left hand in the dragon’s face, saying “No, no—we mustn’t fry That’s just about it Just remember, if you take good care of your
houseguests,” while giving the dragon a few medium blows with a light dragon while he’s a baby, he’ll take good care of you when you’re old
mace. and gray—and he’s still a baby.
25
 Vol. IV, No. 10

New Monsters to Scare You Silly

The DM
Created by Blake Ward

FREQUENCY: Too often!

NUMBER APPEARING: Always one too
many!
ARMOR CLASS: Class of 1974, Dwarf Hall
MOVEMENT; Slooooow
HIT DICE: A good-sized box full.
% IN LAIR 100%
TREASURE TYPE: HOARDS (After all,
somebody must have it, and the players
sure don’t. )
NUMBER OF ATTACKS: Your guess is as
good as mine. . . .
DAMAGE/ATTACK: By weapon type (pencil
1-3, ruler 1-2)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Create fear 10’ radius
(sound of dice rolling).
SPECIAL DEFENSES: “I QUIT” or (seemingly never used) door at the end of a Dungeon Master’s voice, “Damn, I hate to
“YOU’RE DEAD” long, dark corridor. The door opens on your lose a perfectly good dungeon. . . . .”
MAGICAL RESISTANCE: 100% first try and what you see inside brings, in the Description: The Dungeon Master almost
INTELLIGENCE: Low to non-existent same moment, both joy and fear to your always appears to be a worn out, somewhat
ALIGNMENT: Anything but neutral!!! heart. At last you meet your dreaded enemy unkempt man. He’s likely to have a worn-out
SIZE: Variable face to face, on your ground. A shout goes up pencil stub and a piece of cold pizza in one
PSIONIC ABILITY: Call it what you want, but from the entire group, “AT LAST. . . hand and a pair of rather dilapidated twenty-
he sure can make the dice perform (in his REVENGE!!!” sided dice in the other. A search of his pockets
favor). Sitting at a table in the center of the room will reveal several more dice of assorted
is a tired young man, his face a visage of shapes, erasers, pencils, pens, rulers, bits of
This, the most hated and feared of all panic. He can barely be heard to whisper, “I scrap paper, and the occasional well-worn
monsters, can only be found lurking in a never thought they’d get this far. . . .” He lead figurine. The DM is best remembered for
secluded shadowy room at the bottom of the quickly begins to sift through the mountains his ability to misplace maps, charts, etc. (He is
deepest of dungeons. He is rarely if ever en- of maps and books on the desk until his especially adept at losing character record
countered, and when he is the encounter is bloodshot eyes come across the sheet he was sheets, strangely enough always the ones be-
always brief but deadly. His powers seem looking for. With a sigh he tears the sheet in longing to the most powerful characters in the
akin to those of a god, and for all intents and two and tosses the crumpled-up pieces into party). Please note that AD&D is an equal-
purposes he can do anything he wants (and his always-handy wastebasket. The last thing opportunity employer: The Dungeon Master
usually does). you hear before the walls come tumbling wandering monster is not necessarily male
Picture yourself breaking down a heavy down around you is a somehwat depressed and is usually not even human.

The Keebler Keeblers are hobbit-sized beings, elven in appearance, and in-
Created by Roger Moore clined to be chubby. As far as anybody can tell, Keeblers orient their
whole lives to cooking and baking, particularly cookies and cakes. They
FREQUENCY: Very rare dress in browns, yellows, and greens, and have a fairly hard-nosed
NO. APPEARING: 1 attitude about work. They are generally carefree and sometimes make
ARMOR CLASS: 7 friends with small children and woodland animals. Their hearing and
MOVE: 18’ eyesight prevent their being surprised. They don’t believe in causing
HIT DICE: 1-4 Hit points mischief.
% IN LAIR: 05% A Keebler may throw each of the following spells up to three times
TREASURE TYPE: Q, S, X (in lair) each day: Create Water, Purify Food & Drink, Slow Poison, Create
NO. OF ATTACKS: 0 Food & Water, Neutralize Poison, and Locate Object (Edible Sub-
DAMAGE/ATTACK: Nil stances). The spells count as if thrown by a 7th-level Cleric.
SPECIAL ATTACKS: See below Keeblers originate from the Great Nabisco Tree, the location of
SPECIAL DEFENSES: See below which is not known to outsiders and is never divulged by a Keebler,
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 60% even under duress. Keeblers can, once a week, bake a special sort of
INTELLIGENCE: High to cookie that causes the eater to save versus magic at -4 or be charmed
Exceptional by a Keebler; the Keebler is likely to have the person then either serve
ALIGNMENT: Neutral (good) as a baking assistant for a couple of days, or, if the victim is evil, tie the
SIZE: S (2½’-3’ tall) victim up and leave him outside a monster’s lair. Keeblers can supply
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil food to parties lost in the wilderness.
26
April, 1980

Keep your
players poor!

THE
TAX
MAN
COMETH
Kristan J. Wheaton The most powerful of these is a super-powerful Confusion spell.
In even the most balanced of dungeons, there comes a time when Used but once a year, it has no saving throw and causes immediate,
the players will, against all odds, beat the monster that couldn’t be severe confusion for 1-12 weeks. In our country, the spell is in the form
beaten and suddenly become fantastically rich. The treasure burns a of a scroll which we call Form 1040.
hole in their psyches, and they find all sorts of ways to put it to use. For The TC’s other major power is the Audit spell, basically an offensive
the next six months, the DM is liable to be plagued with questions like maneuver to be used when all other methods have failed.
“What are the technical aspects of pyramid building?” or “Are war The appearance and employment of a TC goes something like this:
galleys a tactical necessity in desert defense?” TC’s will gate in before a party has time to do anything about it. There
To keep the economic situation from getting out of hand, all the DM will always be at least one more TC than there are members in a party.
needs to do is plug in a new non-player character: The Tax Collector. TC’s will be armed with tridents, which they will poke into their
The Tax Collector (TC) should be played by the DM in the same victims until the hapless taxpayers hand over the amount of valuables
manner as a Ninja (TD #16). But whereas the Ninja (fighting for the required. When this is done, the TC’s are ready to be recalled to their
glory of the DM) clobbers characters for their impertinence, the TC hits temple. In our country, the temple is known as the Treasury Building,
’em where it really hurts—below the belt (in the pocketbook, of course). and the members of the cult are those people who worship the Almighty
TC’s are gated in from their temples whenever a stash of gold, gems Dollar.
or the like changes hands. The particular taxes to be applied can be If the collection attempt fails for any reason, the TC will use his
chosen by the DM, with the following list as a guide: powerful Audit spell. This spell is a combination of Time Stasis (the audit
—The Rich Tax: Used on players who have just come into a sizable starts at 8:00; three hours later, you look at your watch and it’s 8:20),
bankroll. The rate may be somewhere around 75 percent of the wealth Feeblemind (even the most intelligent Magic-User or the wisest Cleric
gained. If a taxpayer complains, tell him the money is an assessment for has no saving throw) and Reduction (because the taxpayer feels about
SEAKOG (Society for the Evolutionary Advancement of Kobolds, Orcs three inches tall when it’s over). The Audit spell is always successful,
and Goblins). unless the player happens to have a Tax Advisor.
—The Poor Tax: Used on players who have just paid the Rich Tax. The Tax Advisor (TA) is a very rare subclass of TC. A TC becomes a
They should be poor now. If they aren’t, you better raise the Rich Tax. TA when he performs acts that cause him to change alignment (all TC’s
—The Tax Tax: Used to pay the TC’s salary and expenses. It is are lawful neutral).
based on the amount of all taxes previously paid, and should always The TA has three special spells: Shelter, which allows a character to
amount to more than the value of a character’s or party’s total wealth. hide his gold and gems before the TC can get to them; Invisible
—The Property Tax: A general tax on all property, real or personal, Deduction, which gives a character bargaining strength when discussing
owned by the character. the “real” reasons why a 1 million g.p. tax is necessary; and Reverse
—The Non-Property Tax: A general tax on all property, real or Audit, which can negate the effects of an Audit spell. The chance of this
personal, not owned by the player. spell working is 10% for every level of experience that the TA is over the
—The Inn Tax: A tax paid by all people sleeping in inns. TC casting the Audit. Of course, good, high-level TA’s are as hard to find
—The Out Tax: A tax paid by all people sleeping anywhere else. as 18/00 strength Kobolds.
—The Carpet Tax: A seldom-used assessment on all players who DM’s don’t need to feel guilty about introducing the TC into a
make bad puns during the course of an adventure. campaign; think of it as reminding the players of their roots in poverty.
The TC has the ability to cast many spells of a magical or clerical And always remember: The only two sure things are death and you
nature, and also has a number of special powers at his disposal. know what.
27
 Vol. IV, No. 10

Meeting Demogorgon Bazaar

Last Great Acts of the
Of Defiance and Cowardice Ordinary
Jeff Spitler and Roger Moore Shoes of Walking— These objects, when placed upon the feet of
their owner, will enable that character to walk through a chilly dungeon
Imagine this: You are on an adventure in the wilderness, everybody without catching cold. These items may be found in the bottoms of
in the party is feeling mellow and you’ve had a good adventure, your closets, in the middle of living-room floors, and on the feet of other
pockets are crammed with gems and gold, and you’re enjoying the characters. There is a 10% chance that a closet with shoes will contain a
sunshine and warm breezes. shoe tree bearing from 7-12 pairs of shoes. Once picked, the tree will not
You happen to be joking around and you carelessly mention the sprout new shoes.
name of a greater demon, and eveyone gives you the eye but nothing
seems to happen so you relax again. Grounds of Coffee —This substance, the byproduct of a process
Your party walks around the bend in the road and THERE HE IS, which produces a popular beverage, is itself inedible. It has no useful-
out of nowhere, complete with tentacles and chicken-feet and evey- ness whatsoever to a player, but those with low intelligence should be
thing, all eighteen terrifying feet of him, standing as far away from you as discouraged from carrying it around for a while just in case. If Grounds
the magazine you’re holding now. In a loud, deep, Doomsday roar he of Coffee are allowed to lie undisturbed for one week, they will lose their
thunders, “WHO CALLS UPON DEMOGORGON, PRINCE OF internal moisture and develop a green mold which is equally harmless
DEMONS, RULER OF THE ABYSSAL, THE INVINCIBLE but much more disgusting than the Grounds themselves. Anyone en-
HORROR?!?!” countering moldy grounds must save vs. nausea (roll Constitution or
What do you do next? lower) or become violently sick for 1-4 turns.
1. Say, “Whoops!”
2. Point to someone else in the party and say, “He did it!” Web of Cob— An artifact found in virtually every comer and
3: Spit in one of his eyes (Paladins only, of course). crevice of even the best-kept dungeon. It will generally go unnoticed by
4. Draw your sword and fall upon it. characters unless an especially large web is blocking a door or window
5. Ask directions to the nearest lawful good Cleric or temple. and must be cleared away. Those with a wisdom of 6 or better will have
6. Cup your hand to your ear and say, “Eh?” the sense to poke at the web with a stick or pole, wrapping it up
7. Pretend he’s not there. cotton-candy style. Anyone who’s a real jerk will do the same thing with
8. Act surprised and say, “What? Do you mean me?’ his bare hands. In such cases, there is a 20% chance that the Cob which
9. Make a joke about his mother: “I heard she was a Red Cross spun the web will still be around. The angry Cob will hide its microscopic
volunteer and passed out cookies to Paladins’ children.” body on the victim and inflict the Curse of Pigpen, which causes the
(There is a 5% chance he will be impressed with your courage character to exude an aura of dirt and dust and lowers his Charisma to 3
and will only maim you. Otherwise . . .) until he touches another Cob web—at which time the Cob will scurry to
10. Snarl and say, “I did. What’s it to ya?” its new home.
11. Grin and say, “I did, ‘cause I’m a wild and craaaazy guy!”
12. Climb the nearest tree (Note: this only delays the inevitable). Caps of Bottling— These are brightly colored, small metal objects
13. Ask him for a present. with a serrated edge. They are encountered amidst other types of waste
14. Convert to his religion immediately. matter, but are one of the few potentially useful things in a typical load of
15. Try to convert him (“Hey, wanna be lawful good?”) garbage. Each pile of refuse will contain 10-40 Caps, and there is a 25%
16. Faint. chance that someone in the party will risk the ridicule of other members
17. Pretent to faint. by collecting them and saving them. One of the most logical possible
18. Attempt to summon a lawful good god; the cry may be short- uses for Caps is as false currency for bargaining with stupid monsters.
ened to, “Good God!” There is a 50% chance that any monster with low intelligence will
19. Offer up one of your companions as an involuntary sacrifice believe, for instance, that three Pepsis are worth 100 g.p., and it will be
(Warning: The group may already be considering you for this glad to trade so it doesn’t have as many pieces of treasure to guard.
honor).
20. Fake amnesia: “Did I do that? Wow, I can’t remember . . .”
21. Pull pin on your Holy (Nuclear) Hand Grenade and release.
22. Run like hell (has same drawback as climbing a tree).
23. Call the Strategic Air Command on that weird artifact of yours
and request an air strike. This Month’s Module
24. Sink into the ground.
25. Apologize for the mistake and ask him to leave. In response to the dozens of requests we’ve received to “print a
26. Go berserk and bite him on the ankle (good option for hobbits module every month,” we’re going to do just that. Here is this
and gnomes). month’s module, ready to play with:
Decide this is a nightmare and try to wake yourself up.
28. Try to knock him down and step on his throat (if you happen to Level I
be into street-fighting). Room 1 (to be read aloud to
29. Assume standard nuclear attack defensive position, and kiss players): When you open the
your behind good-bye. door, you see in front of you what
30. Do all of the above at once. appears to be a 10’ square room
This table may be used to determine random reactions of henchmen with nothing in it.
and hirelings in situations such as this, if the DM so desires. In usual Room 1 (for DM’s information
game situations of this sort, everyone says, “Oh, shoot!” and either they only): In actuality, this is a 10’
go nuts and attempt to attack him or they go to one of the above options. square room with nothing in it.
Either way, it’s still a sure ticket on the Grim Reaper Special, so watch Next month: Room 2—Twice
what you say. the danger!
28
April, 1980

There is a long-overlooked aspect of every player and non-player

character’s persona that should no longer remain shrouded in obscuri-
ty. I refer, of course, to the great lack of information, even in a work of
such scope as AD&D, about a character’s footwear.
According to the Players Handbook, you can buy high or low boots,
hard or soft soled, for anywhere from 8 s.p. to 2 g.p. Boy, how boring
and uncomplicated can you get?
There can be as many different types of footwear in a campaign as
there are feet to put them on, and each particular shoe, boot or glass
slipper can be made to have its own peculiar properties. You can make
the choice of shoes one of the most important moments in the genera-
tion of a new character (as well it ought to be), or you can inject a new
flavor into an existing campaign by suddenly rendering everyone bare-
foot: “You have just set foot on a section of floor coated with an invisible
magic glue. It holds your boots fast, but nothing else will stick to it.”
Players, being the clear-thinking, ingenious lot we know them to be, will
surmise that all they have to do is step out of their boots and leave them
behind. Now you’ve got ‘em barefoot, and when they return to town for
more footwear, you hand ‘em a price list like this:
Shower thongs (5 c.p.)—Good, limited-purpose protection for the
bottom of the feet, but leaves the top of the feet vulnerable to hits on that
part of the body (For more information on hits to the upper part of the
foot, see my upcoming article, “A More Complicated System for De-
termining Where It Hurts.”).
One-owner sneakers (6-10 c.p. )—Barely a cut above the lowly
thong, this piece of footwear will have from 3-18 holes on the top and
sole. It will develop new holes at the rate of 1-4 per week, and will
literally fall off a character’s foot when it accumulates a number of holes
equal to the wearer’s shoe size x 5.
Dimestore loafers (2 s.p.)—These shoes have the look and feel of
footwear costing 10 times as much—until they are purchased and worn
outside the store (so they can’t be returned). There is a 2% chance
cumulative per day that a dimestore loafer will begin to come apart at
the seams (perhaps causing its owner to do the same thing). There is a
base 30% chance that the heel will fall off after a week, modified upward
by .001% for every step the character takes.
(Continued on page 73)

Sage Advice
Question: My recipe for pork sausage seems to have a
mistake in it—it calls for four cups of sage. This amount
seems a little excessive. Could it be a misprint?
Answer: Yes, the recipe should call for four tablespoons of sage.
* * *
Question: I am interested in acquiring large amounts of
sage. Where should I look?
Answer: Try the yellow pages of your phone book. Look under
“Herb dealers—Sage”.
* * *
Question: In the folk song “Scarborough Fair” there is a
line that goes, “Parsley, something, rosemary, and thyme.”
What word am I missing?
Answer: Sage.
29
 Vol. IV, No. 10

A Visit to an Interesting Place

Mark Welch

The despot teacher had finally caught me.

I answered, “You want to hear a story about
an interesting place? I once had a visit to an
interesting place.
“I guess it all started when I got that wish
from the neighborhood Magic-User. He was
at the Wizard’s mart, inspecting some pickles
that were supposedly able to cure all warts,
when one of those killer frogs jumped out of
the pickle barrel, gnashing its teeth on the
Wizard’s shoulder (You with the big nose,
stop that snickering!).
“I quickly pulled out my sword and cut
the frog from the wizard. Luckily, it wasn’t the
kind that had poison glands.
“Well, right after the sorcerer got done
turning the merchant and his family into large
dragon flies, he took me by the shoulder and
said, ‘My son, is there anything I can do for
you?’
“I replied, ‘Sure, doc, how ‘bout a wish?’
“‘Done!’ he said. ‘And what, pray tell, do
you want?’
“‘How about a visit to an interesting
place?’ I said.
“And here I am, in this queer place (I said,
Stop laughing!), and I don’t even know what
you mean by. . .ah . . .homework. I’m not
even from this universe! Really I’m
not . . . . .really.”

Campaign Mixing Sure Stirs Things Up!

cleared, those had proved to be some of the deadest bandits I had ever
Brent Capps encountered. Talk about overkill—some had taken more than 80 hits!
I was beginning to get that dark, foreboding feeling one gets when a
But first, let me introduce the band! On laser rifle, Stacy Clark. On DM lets a player get too powerful. I resolved to try to kill them off quietly.
submachinegun, Harley Willcox and Scott Cloud. On automatic pistol, But quickly, before they wrecked my planet.
Randy Roush. And on automatic rifle, Bryan Ivy. Give them a hand! It was not until they killed two fully grown Tyrannosaurus Rex with
I guess I got the idea from Harley one day, when he was telling me of no appreciable damage to themselves that I decided to give up. I
his Boot Hill solitaire game of the night before. He had hit upon the teleported them to Metamorphosis Alpha. That was ironic, because the
(then) novel approach of having a group of Traveller characters crash SM of our MA game is Bryan Ivy, one of the offending Traveller
on Boot Hill and, having nothing better to do, rob a bank. I really should characters. I took his place on automatic rifle.
have listened to the details of how the starmen proceeded to destroy the We proceeded to destroy with impunity, killing any mutant unfortu-
town. There was only a small greasy spot where a town had once been. nate enough to cross our path. Once we were attacked by five birdlike
But I was too preoccupied with my own plans to listen to him. What if a creatures. After the barrage of firepower we levelled at them, not so
group of characters from my Traveller campaign landed on Phoenix, much as a feather remained. This brings out the advantage the Travel-
my D&D world? Interesting thought! lers possessed. They effectively dispatched the opposition before the
It took several weeks of playing to engineer the feat. Finally, the poor mutants could even get within range. Only once did a mutant get
Travellers, being hotly pursued by ships from a local government, close enough to use a mutation, and even then the mutant was killed
crashed on Phoenix. And then the trouble began. before it went into effect.
They had landed in a desert in a sparsely populated part of the I will not bore you with the details of how we proceeded to virtually
planet. Right away they set out to find civilization. They quickly found a destroy all life on our level. But, as you can guess, we soon grew tired of
group of locals who directed them to the nearest town. They never our sport. So we took to the elevator for fresh game. As I write this little
realized that these locals were their own D&D characters, who were in story, we are still on the elevator, but I fear we may never reach our
the desert on a quest. destination. Bryan is talking about teleporting us to Gamma World, the
Booking passage to a distant city, they joined a caravan. Once the game of Scott Cloud, another player. The monsters are tougher there.
caravan was attacked by a band of thieves and bandits. After the smoke Heaven help the working mutant.
30
April, 1980

Michael Kluever
From the steppe lands of Central Asia in the 13th century rode the
most successful totally warrior society the world has ever known.
Toughened by the rigorous climate, living on horseback, they had to
fight for every piece of ground they occupied. In the end their empire
would stretch from Eastern Europe through China and southward to the
Persian Gulf.
United by Genghis Khan (1162-1227), the Mongol Armies de-
scended upon a world too busy fighting among themselves to unite
against the new danger. The Chin emperors in China were politically
weak and unable to rally a military force sufficient to throw back the
Mongol wave. Europe was beset by a series of wars between the Papal
armies and those of the Holy Roman Empire. Russia and Poland were
subdivided into a series of weak feudal states, so distrusting of each
other that they could not unite even when the Mongols were upon
them. The Islam nations, when not fighting crusaders, fought among
themselves and failed to unite even when the religion itself was
endangered. Typical Mongol helmet
The chief European opponents of the Mongols were the Russian
states and Poland. The armies of the Russian states resembled those of ARMS AND ARMOR
the 8th- and 9th-centuy Franks. Each noble possessed a small retinue The Mongol army was primarily a cavalry force consisting of 40%
of horsemen clad in chainmail and equipped with lance and shield. The heavy and 60% light cavalry. The basic uniform was either a blue or
real nucleus of the army was the infantry, armed with axe and spear. brown tunic (Kalat). The blue kalats were faced in red around all
The bow was never used in great numbers. borders, collars and cuffs. The brown were similarly trimmed in light
The usual Russian battle tactic was to draw up the army in front of a blue. Officers’ uniforms were faced, with gold and silver thread running
palisaded camp, with the cavalry in the center and the infantry on the through the facings. In winter, Kalats were lined and trimmed with fur.
wings and in the rear as a reserve. The decisive blow was struck by a Trousers were usually either grey or blue and lined with fur in winter.
frontal cavalry charge, while the infantry was left on its own. Laced leather boots with no heels completed the uniform.
The Polish army was predominantly cavalry. Free yeomanry, which A coat of mail with a cuirass composed of oxhide or iron scales
was still prevalent in Russia, had practically ceased in Poland. All covered armor consisted of a lacquered leather cuirass or a heavy
landowners, from the humblest who owned but a few acres, to the great quilted kalat, and sometimes no armor at all.
barons who could put hundreds of vassals into the fields, were expected Each Mongol warrior was required to wear a loose, raw silk under-
to ride if danger existed. Predominantly lancers, the Poles had no shirt. The silk would be carried into any wound made by an arrow
archers and little infantry. The rich nobles were equipped with complete without cutting the material. By gently lifting the twisted silk in the
mail and an armored horse. The poorer nobles frequently wore a wound and turning out the arrow along the same route that it had
leather jerkin and had no armor for their nags. The two principal classes entered the body, the wound was kept small, greatly improving the
of warriors were light cavalry and heavy cavalry. wounded man’s chances for survival.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY The battle headgear of heavy cavalry consisted of a conical iron
The Mongol Army was divided into multiples of tens. A division helmet. Chainmail frequently hung down, protecting the neck and the
(Tumen) consisted of 10,000 men. Each tumen was divided into ten sides of the face. A leather helmet of similar shape or a heavy quilted cap
regiments of 1,000 men each (Minghans). A Minghan was subdivided with a thick, firm brim was worn by light cavaly. Design and decoration
into ten squadrons (Jaguns) of 100 men each. The Jagun consisted of of the caps varied by Tumen; the Uighur tumens, for instance, wore
ten troops (Arbans) of ten men each. black velvet with yellow cloaks. Fur trimmings of wolf, fox, badger and
Determination of command was dependent upon unit size. Each monkey skins were worn by officers, in ascending order of rank. The
ten-man Arban selected its own commander. The ten Arban leaders common warrior wore goat or dog pelts.
determined the Jagun commander. Commanders of the Minghans and All warriors carried a shield. The Mongol shield was small and
Tumens were appointed by the Khan and given the title of Noyan. circular, made of wicker covered by thick leather.
A typical army was composed of three or more cavalry Tumens Each cavalyman carried two bows—one for long range, the other
accompanied by several Minghans of artillery and engineers. An Army for short range. The bow was his primary and most deadly weapon. The
was commanded by an Orlok. pull of the bow varied from 100-160 pounds. It had a maximum range
The logistics of the army was the responsibility of the Yurtchis, who of 350 yards (compared to 75 pounds pull and a range of 250 yards for
chose camp sites and organized supplies and communications. The the English Longbow).
Chief Yurtchi was of high rank and was also given the responsibility for The Mongol bow was made from layers of horn and waterproofed
reconnaissance and intelligence. Each Arban was supplied with two or by lacquer. The layer nearest the warrior was composed of horn, the
three Yurts (tents made from felt stretched over a wooden frame and furthest of sinew. Unstrung, its shape was like three-quarters of a circle.
also used as shelter by the warriors), to which food was distributed each Strung, the outer curve of the circle bent towards its center, forming a
day. double-curve configuration with ears at either end bending away from
The recruitment of the army was by a universal conscription system. the archer.
All men over the age of twenty except physicians and priests (of any When released, the horn would snap back to its original shape while
religion) were liable for military service. the stretched sinew would contract, thus propelling the arrow faster and
31
 Vol. IV,No. 10

with more power than a wooden bow. The Mongolian thumb lock (a
stone ring on the thumb) further increased the arrow’s velocity.
Arrows varied in size and shape, depending on use. Three “fast”
arrows, whose tips had been hardened by plunging their red-hot heads
into salt water, proved efficient at piercing armor. Whistling arrows were
used for signalling and identifying targets. Arrows tipped with tiny
grenades were put to good use as incendiary devices.
The Mongol warrior, carrying at least two quivers on his right side,
each containing a minimum of 60 arrows, soon mastered the art of
shooting arrows in any direction at a gallop. He carefully timed his
release between the strides of his horse so his aim would not be affected
by the horse’s hooves striking the ground. The results were as remark-
able as they were deadly.
Weapons supplementing the bow were quite varied. Heavy cavalry
were equipped with a scimitar (a long, curved-blade sword). A battle
axe or iron mace hung from the saddle. A twelve-foot-long lance with a
hook for yanking opposing warriors from their mounts was common. A
horsehair pennant usually hung from the lance. The light cavalry sword
was lighter and shorter. The lights carried two or three javelins. Roth
carried a lasso, used for pulling heavy equipment or roping an enemy
from the saddle. A dagger strapped to the inside left forearm was quite
popular.
SIEGE WARFARE
The Mongols’ inability to take walled cities during their initial incur-
sion into China drove home the need for siege artillery. The Mongols
quickly recognized the potential of the Chinese light and heavy catapults The tools of a Mongol warrior’s trade
and adapted them for their own use.
Requiring forty men (usually prisoners) to create sufficient tension From the Khwarizmians the Mongols borrowed the counterpoise
on the ropes, the light catapult was capable of hurling a two-pound Trebuchet and Ballistae. Operating upon the principle of counter-
missile more than 100 yards. While this limited range could prove weights, the Trebuchet possessed an effective range of 350 yards or
extremely perilous to its crew, the piece had the distinct advantage of more. The Rallistae had the appearance of a giant crossbow and pro-
being easily carried on the back of pack animals and quickly assembled. pelled a huge arrow at ranges exceeding 150 -yards with much greater
The heavy catapult required a crew of more than 100 men. Capable accuracy than either the catapult or Trebuchet.
of launching a twenty-five-pound missile at ranges exceeding 150 The-Mongol use of this artillery was not limited to fortified targets.
yards, these engines were especially effective against fortified gates and Containers filled with burning tar were used to smokescreen troop
walls. movements and confuse enemy concentrations. Grenades and fire
bombs were launched to harass enemy lines. Should an enemy with-
draw to a fortified position, siege engines were brought up. They were
concentrated on specific areas to create gaps for cavalry to exploit, or to
drive the enemy out in the open where the superior Mongol man-
euverability and firepower could be best employed.
Gunpowder was also utilized by the Mongols; the oldest Mongol
cannon dates back to 1332. Rockets made from bamboo wrapped in
leather had range capabilities of more than 1,000 yards. Fired several at
a time from box-like launching platforms, they proved more of a har-
assing weapon than a destructive one.
Most artillerymen were prisoners. The art of range determination
and firing the weapon was often handled by Chinese or Moslem
artillerists.
TACTICS
Entering battle, the Mongols advanced in five single ranks, the first
two heavy cavalry, the last three light cavalry. In front and on either flank
rode separate detachments of light cavalry. One of these would open
the attack Should an enemy advance against one of these units, this
detachment would become the vanguard and while the main body
deployed to join the battle, the nearest light cavalry detachment would
move quickly to protect the exposed flank.
Generally, light cavalry would not directly engage the enemy at
close quarters. Instead, they would ride across the front, showering the
front line with arrows and javelins. If gaps were opened, the light cavalry
would open ranks and the heavy cavalry would charge through. Should
the enemy front line remain firm, heavy cavalry would gallop around
behind the enemy and attack its rear.
Another favorite tactic was the use of the Mangudai, a light cavalry
corps of “suicide troops.” In a maneuver which was more a tribute to
their bravery than a tactical necessity, the Mangudai would charge the
enemy alone, feign confusion, and take flight. Their plan was to entice
the enemy to chase them into a carefully planned ambush which
frequently led to the annihilation of the opponent.
In 1221, on the plain of Khuman where the Berduj meets the Kura,
Coat of mail the Georgian Army of Giorgi Lasha (George IV), of over 70,000 men,
32
April, 1980

morning, a Mongol ambassador rode into the Cuman camp with over
half of the Mongols’ horses and pack animals, laden with all their booty.
Thus bribed, the Cumans betrayed their allies, whose remaining army
was then destroyed by the Mongols
After the battle, the Mongols rode after the Cumans. They caught
them, decimated the army, executed its leaders, and recovered all their
horses and treasure.
At Dnieper, 10,000 Russians held a strongly fortified camp. For
three days, every Mongol attack was repulsed. At last, by offering to
negotiate a surrender and ransom, a Mongol detachment was allowed
into the camp. While the soldiers were off guard, the Mongols struck and
wiped out the camp, taking no prisoners.
When, in 1257,20,000 men of the Caliph of Baghdad rode out to
challenge the Mongols, Mongol soldiers broke dikes along the banks of
the Tigris, flooding their camp, cutting off any line of retreat, and
drowning a good portion of the detachment The few survivors were cut
down by the main attack that followed.
The toughness of the Mongol warrior often determined the outcome
of a battle. In 1221, at the Battle of Indus, the Turkish Army of Jellalud-
din took up an excellent defensive position beside the Indus, its flanks
protected by the mountains and a bend in the river. After being repulsed
in the front, Genghis Khan sent a tumen over apparently impassable
mountains to strike the Turkish flank Struck from two sides, the Turkish
defense collapsed.
Ballistae Having grown soft from the riches of conquest, divided by fighting
among themselves for control of the Khanship, and facing a united Islam
charged the Mongol army. The Mongols’ horses, faster than the Russian and a Europe no longer divided, the Mongols ceased to be a threat to
mounts, kept ahead of the Georgians. Their ranks decimated by Mongol Europe by the year 1290.
firepower, their horses exhausted and their force scattered across the
plain, the Russian Army was vulnerable. After mounting fresh horses BIBLIOGRAPHY
and advancing under a screen of arrows, the Mongols formed a wedge Chambers, James, The Devil’s Horsemen, Morrison and Gibb, Ltd., 1979
which was quickly driven through the Russian forces. All that remained Dupuy, [Link] and Trevor N., The Encyclopedia of Military History, Harper &
Row, 1977.
was the mopping up. Lamb, Harold. The March of the Barbarians, Garden City, 1941.
After gathering another army, George IV rode out to meet the Montgomery, A History of Warfare, World Publishing, 1968.
Mongols again. Thanks to keeping in close order and staying out of Oman, Charles, The Art of War in the Middle Ages, Burt Franklin, 1969.
range of the Mongol arrows, the Russians pushed part of the Mongol
Army into a pass. At that moment the remaining portions of the Mongol
Army, hiding in ambush, appeared and attacked the Russian rear as the
“retreating” Mongol army turned and charged the Georgian front line.
The Russians’ defeat was complete.
When totally outnumbered, the Mongols were adept at negotiating
a way out of difficult situations. Confronted by a much superior army of
Bulgars, Khazars, Alans and Cumans, the Mongols were forced to take
up defensive positions near the Bab al-Abwab Pass. At dawn one

Trebuchet
33
 Vol. IV, No. 10

Skeleton Crew:
Down to
the Bare Bones

Many of the figures you buy for fantasy gaming are not quite in the connected to de neck bone,” but a little more knowledge in this area is
position you want them. As you go further into miniature modelling, this essential to being able to modify miniatures. Skeletal figures will be
will be more and more irksome. Without being able to change your extremely useful in D&D in their own right, since skeletons are fun to
figures, you may have to paint up miniatures that aren’t the way you have around to throw at adventurers that do not have Clerics with them.
want them. All the best families have skeletons in their closets, and you should have
Actually, minor alterations are fairly easily done. This article will a few in your fantasy miniature collection.
discuss basic, simple reanimations that can add to the variety of your The reason behind needing to know skeletons is that any miniature
miniature set, and require no special tools. It will do so in the context of will look ill-proportioned if it doesn’t have its arms, legs, and head in the
the skeletal undead. tight place, at a reasonable angle, and of properly proportionate length.
Skeletons used to be a bit scary to me. Going to museums and If you know “dem bones,” you’ll never make mistakes by proportioning
seeing the bones of great mastodons and reptiles was spooky, even miniatures wrong. This article will use a particular set of miniatures as an
though I knew they couldn’t hurt me. Human skeletons were even example: Grenadier set #W-51, “Skeleton Warriors.”
spookier; they always seemed a bit threatening. Skulls were especially When I first looked at this pack of figures, I was a little disappointed.
weird, with their dark, empty eye sockets and eternal grins. There they were: six figures exactly alike. The minor anatomical prob-
But in order to get to the bare bones of things, you have to under- lems could be easily overlooked—after all, these were fantasy minia-
stand skeletons. Their bones are the basic structure on which all else is tures and were less than 1” tall. But how could anyone live with
hung. Bones give support to the muscles and flesh, and determine regimented undead? ‘Tenshut! Forward, Stagger! (Rattle, shuffle,
balance and proportion. rattle, rattle, rattle)” Those skeletons were much too orderly! They
My own mistrust of skeletons evaporated in a physical anthropology probably didn’t have a brain in their head.
class. There I met a fellow who believed that beauty is much more than Yet the Grenadier figures are close to ideal for alteration. Because of
skin deep. He thought that Marilyn Monroe must have had a particularly their construction of soft metal, and the fact that there was no clothing or
beautiful skeleton. After I stopped laughing, I had to admit that perhaps flesh to give problems, the figures are easily altered. The basic skeleton is
he was right. After all, every beautiful woman I have ever known had a illustrated on the accompanying instruction page-hand to side, sword
skeleton inside her. So do you. raised, jaw open. Not a pretty prospect, but even worse when there are
All art students who wish to draw people must first learn about the six all alike. You only need your hands to modify these guys-but
skeleton, and medical students agonize over the Latin names for your possibly a small metal ruler or pliers will come in handy to increase your
bones. A miniature painter needs only to know that “de head bone’s (Turn to page 60)

The ‘degrees of difficulty’ and what they mean

This article is an introduction to alteration of miniatures, and included. The repairs recommended in the article are similar to
covers reanimation and adaptations. The alterations below are adaptations.
defined as they will be used in future columns. They have not MODIFICATION: Major alteration of figure requiring con-
been defined exactly this way before. This series of definitions siderable cutting, filing, and grinding. Figures are also modified
was needed to differentiate a progressive increase in complication by cutting off limbs and substituting different ones-often from
of operations, and increasing use of tools and skill. The definitions another figure. This method is sometimes accomplished with an
do not include “putting together” kits, but only changing some assist from a power tool, or with specialized hand tools, vises, or
aspects of a standard one piece miniature. jigs. The finished figure will be unique, with those items of the
CONVERSION: Use of one figure to represent another type original casting that are still visible being overshadowed by mod-
of figure. This is normally accomplished by simply painting a ified parts.
figure differently after scraping or filing off some figure details. For SCRATCHBUILT: Rather than an alteration of a figure, this
example, a head of hair can be filed down and painted silver to is actually the production of a completely new figure from basic
produce a helmeted figure. materials. Although some commercially available pieces may be
REANIMATION: Minor alteration of a figure’s appearance included, the major segments of the figure are constructed by the
by bending arms, legs, or equipment into a new position. Minor modeller. Clay, wax, putty, wood, plastic, paper, metal, or other
additions of equipment also fall into this category. Shields, capes, materials are formed and assembled to make a piece specifically
weapons, or other equipment may be easily glued onto the for the purposes of the modeller. Scratchbuilding is most often
figure without use of complicated operations. used for a special display piece or a diorama. This is the most
ADAPTATION: Minor additions and changes to a figure demanding type of modeling and the most advanced. It is in-
made with putty, filler, or solder. Substitution of a head or wea- cluded here for comparison with alterations, and will be covered
pon from another figure that requires drilling and filing also is in some detail in a later issue of The Dragon.

34
 Vol. IV, No. 10

Peter Blood was the son of an Irish medicus in the 17th century.

GIANTS
Following in his father’s footsteps, he achieved his Bachelor of Medicine
from Trinity College, Dublin, at the age of 20. He showed little disposi-
tion to practice the peaceful art to which he was qualified, preferring a
career with a sword to one with a scalpel.
Peter Blood wandered Europe as a mercenary, eventually finding
service with the Dutch under the brilliant Admiral de Ruyter. After the

IN THE EARTH Peace of Nimeguen, he once again served in a variety of armies and
navies until, in 1685, he decided to settle down in England and return to
his medical profession.
CLASSIC HEROES FROM Unfortunately, he ministered to a patient who had taken part in the
Monmouth Rebellion, and he was arrested along with his patient He
FICTlON & LITERATURE was convicted of treason and his death sentence commuted to transpor-
tation and slavey in Barbados.
Lawrence Schick and Tom Mokdvay Peter Blood and several of his friends eventually escaped, capturing
a Spanish ship of war. He was chosen captain and began a life as a
INTRODUCTION privateer and buccaneer. Captain Blood became one of the most famed
The purpose of this article is to add on element of novelty and and feared captains of the Caribbean. His courage and daring, and his
unknown danger to the DM’s high-level encounter table, and to give phenomenal luck, were legendary.
players a chance to actually meet up with heroes from their favorite Peter Blood looks remarkably like Errol FIynn with long hair. He is
fantasy books. The referee is advised to use these characters with one of the Black Irish, dark in coloring, with an occasional burst of
discretion. They are a lot of fun to run, and the players should haue an temper, particularly when he feels an injustice has been done. He
interesting time dealing with them. combines ruthlessness and common sense with magnanimity and a
These heroes are all in some fashion exceptional, and thus they sense of fair play. He hates cowards, cheats, and bullies, and will often
deviate a bit in their qualities and capabilities from standard D&D. Also, champion the underdog. When Peter Blood is mad, or in a sarcastic
most originated in other universes or worlds, and so were not bound by mood, he often reverts to a heavy Irish accent
the same set of restrictions that apply to the average D & D character. Peter Blood carries a brace of flintlock pistols tucked into his belt
Some are multi-classed, for example. This system has been used to Each pistol fires one shot with an effective range of 30 feet (3” in
describe the skills and abilities of the characters as they appear in the dungeons). A pistol ball does 1-20 points of damage. Each pistol takes 4
literature, even though some of these combinations and conditions are segments to reload. Peter Blood is dressed as a Spanish grandee of the
not normally possible. In addition, some minor changes have been 17th century, with long coat and vest, hip boots, and wide-brimmed hat
made in order to bring them in line with the game and to enhance sporting a peacock feather. He is an expert with both the rapier and
playability. knife belted at his side.
Note: For the game purposes of these heroes: Dexterity 18 (00) Peter Blood’s luck is amazing. He is +2 extra to hit and damage,
gives +4 on Reaction/Attacking, -5 Defensive adjustment and three armor class, and all saves. He is a brilliant leader, particularly at sea. In
attacks per round for high level fighters. Constitution 18 (00) gives sea battles, his apprenticeship under de Ruyter, coupled with his intui-
fighters +4.5 per hit die bonus. tion, lead him to almost always make the correct decision, anticipating
the enemy’s moves beforehand.
Rafael Sabatini’s One day in the 17th century, Captain Blood accidentally sailed
CAPTAIN BLOOD through the Bermuda Triangle into the magical universe of D&D. When
encountered, he may (50%) be accompanied by 1-20 members of his
17th level fighter, 10th level crew, each armed with pistol and cutlass. If there are more than 10 crew
thief, 8th level cleric members, one will be 3rd-level and one 5th-level; the rest are all
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic good 1st-level fighters. Peter Blood is seeking to return to his own world, but
HIT POINTS: 89 he is not above a bit of adventure and loot in the meantime.
ARMOR CLASS: 0 BIBLIOGRAPHY: Captain Blood (hardback, Larlin Corp.), Cap-
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2/1 tain Blood Returns (paperback, Ballantine Books), The Fortunes of
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-8 ( + 5) Captain Blood (paperback, Ballantine Books); all by Rafael Sabatini.
HIT BONUS: +4
MOVE: 9”
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil H.P. Lovecraft’s
STRENGTH: 18 (51%) RICHARD UPTON PICKMAN (King of the Ghouls)
INTELLIGENCE: 17
WISDOM: 15 9th level fighter with special
DEXTERITY: 18 (00%) magical ability
CONSTITUTION: 16 ALIGNMENT: Chaotic neutral
CHARISMA: 17 HIT POINTS: 77
ARMOR CLASS: -3
Thieving Abilities: NO. OF ATTACKS: 3/2
Pick Open Locate/ Move Hide in Hear Climb DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-8 (+4
Pockets: Locks: Remove Traps: Silently: Shadows: Noise: Walls: or +1)
95% 87% 75% 93% 78% 30% 99% HIT BONUS: +4 or + 1
Captain Blood cannot read the languages of the D&D universe. MOVE: 6”
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
Clerical Spells: STRENGTH: 14
1st 2nd 3rd 4th INTELLIGENCE: 18 (00%)
Command Detect Charm Cure Blindness Cure Serious WISDOM: 11
Bless Know Alignment Cure Disease Wounds DEXTERITY: 17
Remove Fear Slow Poison Feign Death Neutralize CONSTITUTION: 15
2/ Cure Light Hold Person Poison CHARISMA: 15 (to humans, 19 “Self -Portrait” circa 1929 Arkham Collection.
Wounds to ghouls)
36
April, 1980

Richard Upton Pickman was a Boston painter who disappeared in Thomas Burnett Swann’s
1927. His family was of old Salem stock, and one ancestor was hung as SILVERBELLS
a witch in 1692. Pickman was a noted genius who specialized in painting
the morbid and bizarre. His most famous painting was “Ghoul Forest Minotaur; 15th level
Feeding.” Its disgusting realism was the main reason that the Boston Art ranger, 13th level paladin
Club and all respectable galleries shunned Pickman and his paintings, ALIGNMENT: Neutral good
Richard Upton Pickman’s paintings were realistic for a good reason— HIT POINTS: 105
they were copied from photographs. ARMOR CLASS: 1
When Pickman grew weary of this world, he disappeared through NO. OF ATTACKS: 2/1
one of the many tunnels the ghouls had dug under New England. DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-8 (+9)
Journeying deeper and deeper into the black, dank burrow, Pickman HIT BONUS: +6
eventually crossed through the Gate of Deeper Slumber, into the Realm MOVE: 12”
of Dream. He joined the ghouls in their lairs, slowly devolving into a STRENGTH: 18 (00%)
ghoul himself, though he retains more human features and mannerisms INTELLIGENCE: 13
than is normal among ghouls. WISDOM: 14
Perhaps the remnants of his humanity impressed the ghouls, or DEXTERITY: 18 (09%)
maybe it was his talent for leadership or his artistic genius. For whatever CONSTITUTION: 18 (71%)
reason, Richard Upton Pickman first became a noted ghoulish advisor, CHARISMA: 17
when was chosen as king by one large band of ghouls. He is always PSIONIC ABILITY
accompanied by a bodyguard of 8 ghouls and 4 ghasts. He wears +3 Psionic Strength = 72.
plate armor (no shield) and carries a +1 sword which is +4versus ghoul Psionic Ability = 144.
enemies (most living creatures). Attack & Defense Modes= All
Pickman has acted as a civilizing and restraining influence on his Disciplines
ghoul band, hence the change from evil to neutral in alignment While Animal Telepathy
somewhat temperamental, particularly when he regresses into his more ESP
ghoulish personality, Pickman is still impressed by Victorian and Ed- Teleportation
wardian manners. He may befriend a player character who acts like a
“gentleman.” Richard Upton Pickman will not take it kindly if members Spells:
of his bodyguard are turned away. An evil Cleric can only befriend the Clerical Druidical Magical
ghouls if his charisma (toward ghouls) is greater than Pickman’s. Detect Magic Animal Friendship Spider Climb
Before his devolution grew too extreme, Richard Upton Pickman Remove Fear Locate Animals Feather Fall
painted seven magical paintings which he carries with him in a back- Speak with Animals Barkskin Knock
pack. Each painting is one foot square and has a save versus fire of 10. Know Alignment Trip Detect Evil
Player characters who gaze upon a painting are liable to suffer the Continual Light
magical effect of that painting. Only ghouls from Pickman’s band are
immune, having admired the paintings countless times. Pickman may
display one painting per round, even if he is under attack. He may use a
painting as a shield, flashing it in the eyes of an attacker while slashing
with his own sword. The minotaur race originated on our world at a time when earth was
Richard Upton Pickman’s paintings are: still magical. As human civilization spread, and the areas of wilderness
dwindled, minotaurs retreated further and further until they finally
1. “The Lesson” (“A circle of nameless dog-like things in a church- abandoned the earth for more magical realms. While they lived on
yard teach a small child how to feed like themselves.“) Unless a save Crete, wild minotaurs were hunted for games in the arena. Humans
versus spells is made, the player character is changed into a ghoul. began to breed captured minotaurs and eventually evolved the breed of
2. “Ghoul Feeding” (description self-evident from title). Treat as a chaotic evil cave minotaurs found in the Monster Manual.
Fear spell. The original stock of minotaurs are neutral good. They are the
3. “Subway Accident” (“A flock of vile ghouls and witches clamber guardians and protectors of forest animals and races, particularly
up from some unknown catacomb”). Treat as a Confusion spell. dryads, satyrs, centaurs, naiads, panisci, and the miniature bears sacred
to Artemis. The forest minotaurs hate harpies sphinxes, and lamias, and
4. “Welcome to Innsmouth” (A smiling, ichthyic humanoid holds are feuding with the cave minotaurs. Forest minotaurs are friends with
out a tentacle, as if to shake hands.) A devolution spell. If save versus elves, dislike men (except druids), and are tolerant or neutral toward
polymorph is not made, roll % to determine degree of devolution. For a other races.
normal human, an approximate devolution scale would be 01-25 = Silver Bells (so named because of the bells which adorn his horns) is
half-(sea) orc, 26-50 = lizard man, 51-75 = troglodyte, 76-90 = a “paladin” of the forest folk. To cry “Silver Bells” is to evoke his aid. He
sahuagin, 91-00 = lacedon (sea-ghoul). Modify at DM’s discretion for will rush to help any forest animal or individual who calls upon him.
character race. The DM may wish to give the character a second save Calling on Silver Bells is an instinct in non-intelligent animals, there is a
(versus spells at -4 on die roll) to determine whether or not the 50% chance Silver Bells will recognize the plea. If Silver Bells is not
character’s personality is intact (i.e. whether or not he remains a player physically near, there is still a 50% chance he will psionically hear the cry
character). The character may be restored to normal by a Remove and teleport to the rescue (75% if psionic individual or animal calls for
Curse spell cast by at least a 10th-level Cleric or an 11th-level Magic- help).
User. Silver Bells is usually a reasonable, passivistic individual. He will not
5. “The Silver Key” (a massive silver key engraved with cryptical even attack humans, unless it is obvious they have recently harmed one
arabesques).- Treat as a Maze spell with the victim cast into an astral of the forest folk. He prefers protective action to combat, but will fight
realm. Roll for possible encounters (20 on 1d20) each round spent on ferociously to the death if necessary. He is reasonably cautious but
the astral plane using the Astral Encounter Table (pg. 181, Dungeon somewhat naive and open to trickery.
Masters Guide) Silver Bells was once captured and forced to fight in a Cretan arena.
His reaction to human hunters, trappers, and gladiators is a hostile -2.
6. “The Colour out of Space” (a stone well covered with graying He will attack sphinxes and harpies on sight. He wears a +2 ring of
iridescent fungus). Unless a save versus spells is made, the character will protection and fights with a +3 double-headed axe.
become covered with the fungus in the picture. Death will occur in 10
rounds unless a Cure Disease spell is cast upon the victim by at least a BIBLIOGRAPHY: Cry Silver Bells (paperback, DAW Books) by
10th-level Cleric. Thomas Burnett Swann.
37
 Vol. IV, No. 10

Bryan Bullinger The following scenario will force the development of streetfighting
The Squad Leader gaming system opened new vistas to the WWII skills for both sides. Tactical doctrine for successful streetfighting
boardgamer. The rules have the flavor of miniatures without the ex- depends on the player’s successful use of combined arms (if available).
pense. Like most tactical boardgames, Squad Leader has predesigned Given a situation where only infantry and machine guns (MG’s) are
scenarios to facilitate the learning of the rules. Once the players have available the technique is to cut off, soften up, and smoke ‘em. To cut
become familiar with the rules, however, they are encouraged to design off, one must ensure—through the use of fire lanes—that the target
their own scenarios. However, without considerable time and work, the hexes are not reinforced. The target hexes are then attacked during prep
“design your own” scenario frequently lacks play balance-and by the fire to attempt to break or kill-in-action (KIA) as many enemy units as
time playtests have been completed most players suffer from a severe possible. Also during the prep fire phase, smoke is placed in anticipated
lack of interest. lanes of movement. The movement phase then requires the advance of
The following scenario has been playtested and run by myself in the player’s best available close assault (combat) units adjacent to the
numerous tournaments with excellent results (47 German wins, 49 target hex. The target hex is then taken in the close combat phase.
Russian wins, and 6 draws). I have outlined below some general sugges- One last word of advice: Read the scenario carefully, as the defini-
tions for successful play in this scenario. Next month I will offer a detailed tions of control and the set-up instructions are important to achieving
discussion on tactics for this scenario and have another scenario which play balance. Also, the time length given is approximate and should
will hopefully try your tactical mettle. only be strictly adhered to during tournament play.

SQUAD LEADER SCENARIO #1 Special Terrain Rules — All hills are considered as wheatfields. Other
terrain in former hill hexes remains unchanged.
Rules used: Scenarios 1-4 and Time period: June 1942
Sec. 54 & 57 German units —A 10-2 plus any two (2) of the groups below.
Group 1—8-1,8-3-8 (x2), 4-6-7 (x6), 2-4-7 (x3), HMG, MMG
Game length: 2½ hours Group 2—9-2, 7-0,4-6-7 (x10), 2-4-7, MMG, LMG (x5)
Game turns: 6 turns Group 3—9-1,8-1, 8-0,8-3-8 (x3), 2-4-7 (x5), LMG
3 BOARD Group 4—9-1, 8-0,4-6-7 (x10), 2-4-7 (x2), MMG (x2), LMG (x5)
Victory Conditions — The Group 5—9-2,8-1, 9-1,4-6-7 (x5), 2-4-7 (x5), LMG (x4)
player who controls the most SETUP Russian units—A 10-2 plus any two (2) of the groups below.
buildings is the winner. Control Group 1—9-1, 6-2-8,4-4-7 (x13), LMG (x5)
is defined as the building being Group 2—8-1,6-2-8 (x3), 4-4-7 (x10), 2-3-7
occupied by an infantry unit Group 3—8-1,4-4-7 (x12), 2-3-7(x3), HMG, MMG, LMG (x3)
(may be broken) such as a Group 4—B-1, 8-0,4-4-7 (x15), 2-3-7, LMG
squad, crew or leader with no Group 5—8-0, 7-0,6-2-8 (x6), 2-3-7 (x2)
enemy units present. Should N
both players control an equal Note: German 8-3-8’s and Russian 6-2-8’s may make unlimited
number, the German wins. smoke.
Player Setup— The Russian player sets up first, the German player Victory Conditions Note: In non-tournament play, both players
moves first. The Russian sets up on row F and north in woods hexes. controlling an equal number of buildings at the game’s end constitutes a
The German sets up on row BB and south in woods or building hexes. draw.
38
 Vol. IV, No. 10

Experience Points to Ponder:

A new system
A System based upon actual Damage Done
Or activities successfully completed Experience point Record
With modifications for the strength of the opponent(s),
As used in the Darlethian Millenium Base
Hit EP Experience Points attained
William Fawcett Monster(s) A.C. Pts value by each player

The heart of this system is a record kept by the DM of the number of

points of damage done in combat by a player. This is done on a
worksheet and is recorded as it occurs.
The advantage of this system is that it rewards efforts in a manner
based upon their degree of success. It proportionally rewards those who
participate in combat without regard to who delivers the coup de grace.
This system also allows for the differences between individuals of the
same type of monster or class. For example, the experience for slaying
in single combat a 2-hit-point Orc would only be 1/3 of that for doing so
to a 6-hit-point Orc. Similarly, a really gigantic Dragon (or powerful
Patriarch) slain would be even more rewarding.
Two further modifications are needed. The first of these is designed Summary of Experience Point calculations:
to take into account the greater risk posed by certain creatures. A For enchanted or magical monsters, players re-
magic-using or enchanted opponent is more dangerous, so the point ceive 10 EP for each point of damage they inflict,
value needs to be greater than for a less formidable opponent with an multiplied by the difference between the monster’s AC
equal number of hit points. Otherwise, a Black Pudding and an Ogre
and 10.
Magi, for instance, could be the same value. Enchanted or magic-using
creatures have a base value of 10 EPs rather than the normal 5 per hit For non-magical monsters, players receive a base of
point. 5 EP per point of damage done, with the same
The second modification takes into account the difficulty that is multiplier.
faced in hitting an opponent with a low Armor Class. The Armor Class is Special Experience for Magic-Users, Clerics:
compensated for by subtracting the class from 10 (treating minus values For spell casting in melee situation, player receives
as such: 10 - 2 = 12). The resulting number is then multiplied by the 10 EP x level of spell.
creature’s base AC to determine the exact number of points awarded For spell casting in hostile environment, player re-
per hit. For example, an AC6 Orc with five hit points is slain by Beowolf ceives 5 EP x level of spell.
Schaefer. The base per point is 5, which is then multiplied by 4 (10 For spell casting in friendly environment, NO
minus 6) for a total of 20 EPs per hit point. Since the Orc had five hit
award.
points, Beowolf gains 100 EPs from the battle.
Later that day, Beowolf is feeling brave and takes on a Troll. Since Party Experience
the Troll has a magical ability (regeneration) it has a base of 10 points. Party Experience has evolved into several different programs in this
This was a big Troll with 34 hit points and AC5. Each point of damage campaign as the sophistication of the players increased. The purpose of
done will be worth 50 points of experience. Beowolf would receive party experience is to compensate lower-level characters for what they
1700 points for singlehandedly slaying the Troll. (It is up to the DM would learn when traveling with more powerful players or from mar-
whether or not to reward experience points for redamaging regenerated ginally participating in battles with creatures that they would individually
hit points. ) be unable to cope with.
Unfortunately, Beowolf was only third level and after a few melee The first system consists of merely totaling the experience gained by
rounds was down to three hit points himself. He chose to flee having all of the characters in the adventure and then dividing it evenly. The
only hit once for six points of damage. At 50 points per hit, he gained individual players then divide their totals by the level they are at.
300 EPs for his efforts. After all, we learn also from failure (he’ll never First-level characters then would receive all, second levels half, third
pick on Trolls again, you can bet). And Beowolf learned something levels a third, etc. This system tends to be a quick boost for players with
about how to fight Trolls again should he be forced to. characters in the lower levels and provides little reward to those who
You can learn from failure, if you live to think about it. It is unrealistic have progressed into levels higher than third. It works best in campaigns
to reward only complete success. Therefore, a player can gain ex- with a large number of new players or in those campaigns that are
perience even if a creature is not slain. If a first-level halfling Thief lives to particularly bloody and so have players rolling up new characters fairly
tell of sticking a Red Dragon with his dagger, he deserves some ex- often.
perience, doesn’t he? The second system also takes into account the total damage done by
The other way in which experience can be gained immediately in the party on the adventure, but requires more bookkeeping in exchange
this campaign is in the use of magic. Successfully using magic does add for a further step towards reality. In this system, each group of players
to the store of experience of a Magic-User or Cleric. This is especially will receive as party experience the total, once again divided by their
realistic in a combat or adventuring situation when rapid decisions level, of all the experience gained by their type of character (Fighters,
would be necessary. To reflect this, the following Experience Points are Magic-Users, Clerics, Monks, etc.) only. This is intended to take into
granted: effect the fact that a Magic-User would learn little from watching some
10 pts x spell level if used during a melee musclebound Fighter pounding on a hapless Orc. The Magic-User then
5 pts x spell level if used when in hostile surroundings would tend to attach himself to parties that contain others of his ilk
0 points at all other times (Turn to page 43)
40
April,1980

To Complicate
or Too Complicated?

Tactics II is one design that should be on everyone’s game shelf. and larger games with increasingly detailed rules, most prominently the
Napoleon at Waterloo, Panzergruppe Guderian, and Air Force are “monster” games with numerous maps and thousands of counters.
others, and they are important to this discussion because each of these DGW made an early impact with its huge Drang Nach Osten, kicking off
designs marked and important advance in the “state of the art” of its Europa series that will eventually encompass all of the European
simulations. Viewed historically, each of the four games is representa- Theater in World War II. Even a tiny company like Martial Enterprises
tive of new trends incorporating detailed types of subsystems in games. was able to get notoriety for its Napoleonic Bataille de la Moscova
Because their game systems featured different elements of the historical simulation of Borodino. Simulations Publications followed the trend
situation, or pictured them in a novel way, the new games provided with a series of multimap games on different subjects ranging from both
more feeling for the historical situation and more interest for the gamer. theaters of World War II to the Civil War.
The notion of a game “state of the art” is worth taking a look at, both “Third generation” games offered the designers an opportunity to
because it furnishes insight on why some things are easier to game than conceive games totally unfettered by considerations of size or rules
others and because “state of the art” has been influenced by the taste of complexity. Of course, not all the games that resulted were huge presen-
consumers. tations. I have picked Air Force as representative of the third generation
The first games were very crude, but they were impressive because games precisely because it included an innovative vision of game action
no such things had been available before. That there was not much rather than a large size format This standard size game furnished a
explicit thought given to modeling in design at that time is apparent from miniatures-like detailed simulation of aircraft-to-aircraft combat at the
the repetition of game system that occurred in the early Avalon Hill tactical level and was quite manageable in terms of variables included
designs. Despite this, the novelty of historical games at that time at- and functions in the game turn.
tracted a large following, and for a very long time AH furnished the In some other games, however, the marriage of scale with level of
complete realm of games available to hobbyists. Only in the last ten detail has not been as happy. Along with the desire for innovation,
years has Avalon Hill been challenged by the appearance of other game basically, there has come something of a sense that the more complex a
publishers, and it is significant that advances in the “state of the art” game is, the better it is as a game. The SPI feedback, for example, is
played a vital role in the challenge. ranked in terms of complexity and helps to reinforce this impression.
Simulation Publications, Inc., brought to games a new attitude Moreover, gamers must believe the highly complex game is realistic
toward design and graphic representation. Even a small touch like in order to justify the level of detail with which they must deal. Conse-
running rivers along hexsides rather than through hexes eliminated a quently, as the games tended to become more complex it was almost as
persistent ambiguity in games. Napoleon at Waterloo established a new if they were deliberately aiming for a feedback rating at the 9.0 level.
tactical battle game standard design. Things reached the point where playing the game inevitably included a
SPI rapidly gained a name for more “realistic” design work than substantial amount of paperwork, where supply as a factor might com-
Avalon Hill. SPI’s Strategy & Tactics magazine, with a game in each prise the use of a number of different types of supply points rather than
issue, was a departure in game publishing practice and was soon given being a single, undifferentiated consideration.
the compliment of emulation by Simulations Design Corporation of Most recently we have seen the beginning of what looks to be an
California. SDC and Gamescience were a couple of members of the even newer trend in game design. Interestingly, the new trend is a
constellation of small game publishers who got their start in the 1969- reversion toward an earlier, simpler vision of what is the game. The
1972 period, which was something of a boon for hobbyists looking for reference is to the increasing poliferation of what are called “micro-
different approaches to game design. games,” simple one-map (or M-map) games of specific situations with
It was at about this time that innovation in design began to be seen as 100 or 200 counters.
an independent value that should be part of a good game. The “state of This is not a brand-new concept—for some years now Excalibre
the art” that was so primitive in 1965 advanced to a second generation Games has been subsisting on designs of this type, and an earlier format
of historical games, in which “realistic” presentation of historical ele- of the “micros” was SPI’s quad games—what is new is the degree to
ments achieved a new level of specificity. Games began to include which the different publishers’ plans have begun to center upon the
explicit treatments designed to show operational methods, mechanized “micros” as the most likely avenue of future game hobby development
movement, unit integrity, leadership, the impact of economics on war- SPI, GDW, OSG, and other companies have moved into the “micro-
fare and other factors. One new company, Game Designers’ Workshop, game” area with great alacrity. Only Avalon Hill seems to hang behind,
actually established itself by means of giving great attention to the new in much the same manner as it has not yet produced any of the grand
realism and to historical research in their games. “monster” designs (although it has had plans for such games on a
Panzerguppe Guderian is certainly a design that is characteristic of couple of occasions).
the second generation games, whose complexity levels measured in SPI For the designer, the two genres, “monsters” and “micros,” are
Feedback crept up from the 5.0-6.0 range to 6.0-7.0. opposite extremes of the design continuum, one game the province of
Once innovation was accepted as a value, the sky became the limit incredible complexity, the other the product of high-level abstraction. If
Some deprecated the trend as merely adding “chrome” to the games, innovation remains valuable in game design, however, these extremes
but out of the past few years has flowed both an extremely sophisticated are the opposite horns of a dilemma. Should the designer complicate his
state of the art and wholly novel forms of game, such as role-playing game system so as to achieve state-of-the-art improvement (with or
games. without “monster” format treatment), or must he recognize that his
In the board wargame field, the trend took the form of creating larger (Turn to page 43)
41
 Vol. IV, No. 10

tables. It is easy to program a random-number generator to simulate any

combination of dice; all the many tables (combat, armor, etc.) may be
stored in the computer. This would speed up melee immensely.
Fourth, the DM is responsible for unintelligent monsters and sub-
servient allies and hirelings. Those monsters and non-player characters
who simply attack, retreat, or follow orders can be controlled by the
computer. (A gelatinous cube does not require much attention from the
DM during an encounter. )
Fifth, the DM operates the intelligent monsters and non-player
characters. When negotiation, trickery, or flexible response are re-
quired, the DM draws on decades of social experience which cannot be
programmed into any computer. Given the numerical information from
the Monster Manual, however, the computer can randomly generate
monsters or henchmen and keep track of their hit points while the DM
directs their behavior. Like other tabular information, the monster
characteristics need only be entered once when the program is written.
Variations can be made at any time at the DM’s discretion, of course.
Sixth, the DM designs the layout of the dungeon and places treas-
ures, traps, and monsters within it All of these can be generated
randomly under constraints imposed by the DM (total size, average
corridor length, average treasure value and monster strength for each
level, etc. ). For the solo player, automatic dungeon creation would be a
real boon. Unfortunately, a machine-created dungeon lacks the fiendish
ingenuity provided by a human DM. In practice, I would expect the DM
to design critical areas and let the computer flesh out the dungeon or to
edit a randomly generated dungeon to create a more interesting setting.
As users of office word-processing equipment know, just having infor-
Roy Earle mation stored in the computer makes it infinitely easier to change
things—especially if you have a video display screen.
In the June 1979 issue of The Dragon (#26), Rick Krebs described Seventh, the DM must create the culture and terrain in which the
a microcomputer-based system designed to assist the DM in the more campaign takes place. Not having read Tolkien, Leiber, or Vance, a
mundane details of running his campaign. He characterized himself as computer can contribute little here besides randomly generated names.
“by no stretch of the imagination a computer scientist, merely a gamer (Computers can tell stories or converse like Freudian analysts, but they
looking for new ways to use technology in gaming.” Let me give you the usually do it by randomly selecting items from their limited store of
viewpoint of one computer scientist who has recently discovered cliches. Just like humans, when they have no real knowledge of a
gaming. subject they resort to b.s. )
The computer is merely a tool. Although it can execute millions of Eighth, the DM is the referee and final arbiter for the campaign. The
instructions each second, it can only perform tasks which have been computer can keep track of monsters killed and treasure gained, but all
explained to it in agonizing detail. It is therefore notably lacking in advancement decisions and player disputes requiring judgment are the
creativity. Almost by definition, anything which we understand well responsibility of the DM.
enough to program into a computer is not creative. (The predictions of a The computer can take over many burdensome and repetitious
super chess-playing program, for instance, have yet to be fulfilled. The housekeeping chores, thereby speeding up play and freeing the DM for
artificial intelligence researchers discovered that we do not know how his more challenging and creative tasks. One interesting possibility is
human experts play championship chess. There are programs which are that with enough help from the computer the DM might be far less
excellent chess players, but the top players are still human.) Those tasks reluctant to let the party split up temporarily. At present it is not really
which we understand fully-especially repetitious clerical tasks—can practical for the DM to run several scenarios at once. There are also very
often be performed more quickly and accurately by the computer than good reasons discussed in the AD&D manuals why splinter groups may
by humans. The computer is the ideal drudge. be bad for the campaign. If, however, those leaving (or cut off from) the
In the realm of AD&D, a computer can perform many dull house- main party are willing to accept less of the DM’s personal attention, the
keeping chores so that the DM may concentrate on the creative aspects computer may be able to keep their part of the dungeon operating until
of his task. Artificial intelligence research has taught us how to organize they are reunited with their fellows.
goal-directed games. Computer simulation techniques used in engi- So why don’t I have all these wonderful aids running in my living
neering and economics allow a changing world to be modeled within room? The answer is money, of course. Rick Krebs somehow managed
the computer. (See “Zork A Computerized Fantasy Simulation Game” to shoehorn his program and tables into a microcomputer with only
in the April 1979 issue of Computer. Zork is like single-player D&D 4,096 characters of memory. His program was written in BASIC, a
without role-playing or campaign background.) Let us consider eight of programming language too weak for an extensive project His micro-
the DM’s tasks and the ways in which standard computer science computer cost a few thousand dollars at most In contrast, artificial
techniques might simplify them: intelligence programs are usually run in a sophisticated language, such
First, the DM describes the players’ immediate environment to as LISP, on a machine having hundreds of thousands of characters of
them. Keeping track of the dungeon map, the players’ positions on it, memory and costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. This means that
and any changes to the dungeon (forced doors, etc.) is trivial for the the sophisticated techniques which are the fruits of decades of research
computer. In fact, a schematic display of the visible room and corridor are not applicable to a machine that the average gamer or group of
layout could be maintained by the computer. gamers can afford.
Second, the DM enforces (or fails to enforce because they are too The situation is improving rapidly, however. The next generation of
much bother) restrictions on time and movement. The inventory of microcomputers will sell for a few thousand dollars but have most of the
items carried by each player and their effect on movement can be capabilities of the previous generation of large computers. Sophisticated
maintained by the computer. Various time-related limitations such as languages such as Pascal and LISP, formerly available only on large
torch consumption, rest periods, healing, and spell duration are easily machines, are now available even on microcomputers. There is a
monitored if the computer is keeping the game’s master clock. growing realization that a microcomputer can do almost anything a large
Third, probabilistic outcomes (combat results, saving throws, wan- machine can do—only more slowly. Since a significant percentage of
dering monsters, etc. ) decided by the DM depend upon dice throws and computer science students have grown up on fantasy and science
42
April, 1980

fiction, you can expect to see some very powerful AD&D aids in the next arises with whether points should be given for gold gained by the
few years. ambush of an NPC or player, above the experience obtained for the
As an example of what can be done now, consider the problem of damage done. Even a deeper Pandora’s box is opened if a Thief is
describing the adventurers’ surroundings to them. Ideally, one might rewarded with the points for gold gained by any of his other thieving
like to display the visible area of the dungeon, the adventurers, and the abilities. Say, for the lock to a chest being picked after the Fighters have
monsters on a color television screen. Realistically, enough resolution to dispatched its guardian. All in all, the problem seems far from resolution.
draw the characters well and enough speed to allow even cartoon-like Once you have moderately experienced players, a minor addition
movement are prohibitively expensive. Painted figures give much more to the system adds a little more spice to the game. This is simply a rule
realism than could be afforded with a fully animated dungeon. that if a character is killed, the shock to his psyche is so great that even if
Nevertheless, available displays do have enough resolution to easily he is raised, all memories will be lost and with them all experience from
depict the rooms and corridors, if not the characters and items within that entire adventure.
them. The Apple II microcomputer, for example, has a simple color
graphics capability. An option allows display on any color television.
Large-screen projection televisions have been available for years now.
Why not place standard painted figures in their marching order on a
table and project the dungeon around them? As the adventurers move
Simulation Comer
through the dungeon, the projection could be made to advance and (From page 41)
turn around the stationay miniatures. Special mounting would be game system is too complicated for the desired design impact? The
needed to direct the projection onto the horizontal surface, but the choice is a difficult one. The most interesting creative involvement lies in
whole system could be bought for less than the price of a car. Its two pressing the frontiers of the state of the art, while the requirement of
major components, the microcomputer and the television, would be getting the message to the gamer imposes limits on how complex one
available for their normal functions. Having a clear visual display of the can make game rules and therefore on how far the state of the art can be
adventurers’ surroundings would enhance the realism of the fantasy. pushed ahead through the rules.
Retaining the use of miniatures would preserve that artistic aspect of If innovation remains a major goal of new game designs while the
gaming, as well as keep the system cost within bounds. trend toward “micro” games simultaneously begins to dominate the
Although we can expect some fantastic playing aids in the near research and development departments of the game publishers, then
future, a note of caution is in order. Since the computer is intended to be the dilemma of complexity becomes an important current issue. With
the DM’s assistant, the interface between DM and computer must be inherent limits on what can be done with a “micro” design, innovation
very carefully designed. If the DM spends all of his time typing data into could slow or come to a complete halt. Perhaps some really interesting
the machine and muttering at his private display screen, the players will historical situations (the Battle of the Alamo, for an example) would be
become bored and leave. The computer must be fast, unobtrusive, and readily adaptable to “micro” presentation, but by and large the vast
completely subservient to the DM. majority of innovative areas for design are here excluded. Probably the
most innovative design work being pushed forward today is in the areas
of command and control modeling, representation of formation status
and combat losses, and in role-playing. Rules of all these types require
Experience Points substantial manuscript space if they are to be used at all, and add
(From page 40) substantial complexity if players must master lists of capability levels in
whom he can observe and copy. The cleric here presented some extra different areas. It is no coincidence that 1979, which saw the emergence
problems since he is a hybrid between the fighter and a more mystical of the “micro,” is already being recalled as a sparse “game year” in
type. Half experience for all points gained by fighters or clerics in terms of new designs.
physical combat was the eventual solution, but was not entirely Looking toward 1980, an important question will be the mix of
satisfactory. “micro” games that are available as opposed to full-scale game treat-
The third system was introduced with the appearance of the DMG. ments of given subjects. It is already apparent that the output of the small
This system involved rewarding party experience only for those crea- games will be quite large, and with a broad range of subjects from almost
tures which were killed in combat with the players. Since the level of all companies to boot.
sophistication of those in the campaign has increased, it is less generous What is less apparent is what impends for large or complex treat-
than the systems used earlier. A side total of 20 points per hit die for ments. It does seem fairly clear that very large “monster” treatments
every creature slain is kept This is easily done in the last column of the have had their day. When Avalon Hill brings forth its huge Normandy
record sheet. Added to this total is the Experience Point value of any game by Randy Reed, this will very likely be among the last designs of its
magic items obtained (and recognized) by the party during the adven- kind. Meanwhile, the outlook for innovation in game design depends in
ture. This total was not divided by any factors. One group uses this part upon the types of games that are produced and also on the number
system with gold also included, but on occasion the result has been an of game companies that survive the current economic crunch.
unwarranted windfall when unusually large numbers of gold pieces
were rolled for wandering monsters. Another Dungeon Master felt the
system was not generous enough and awarded 25 points per die.
An interesting practice evolved as the party experience system
developed. Higher-level characters, whose parties were able to slay
larger monsters and were likely to obtain more treasures, began de-
manding a larger share of the party loot, or their choice of magic items.
This was not discouraged, as it lead to an entertaining degree of realistic
bargaining.
One problem with both the standard system and the alternates that
this writer has dealt with has been the handling of the Thief’s receiving
experience for gold he has stolen. This assumes you don’t reward points
for gold obtained by other character classes. Due to this unique nature, it
seems to be very appropriate to reward experience on the basis of the
success of a Thief’s larcenous actions, but in deciding when this is
appropriate beyond a single picked pocket can lead to confusion.
Where this method is used, many thieves are rewarded for gold only
when they are able to fool or pilfer from the party a larger-than-normal
share. (“Gee, it’s practically empty, fellas.” Clink, clink) A problem
43
 Vol. IV, No. 10

Allen Hammack, Brian Blume, Gamer, Jack Kelly, and Roger Moore in one of the most popular and
Gary Gygax, Tim Kask well-written television shows ever produced. The “tall, dark strangers”
all have Gambler Ratings of 02, and they all prefer talking their way out
This article is a combination of reprints from “The Fastest Guns of trouble to shooting; they will, however, support their friends to the
That Never Lived” articles and some new entries. Since many of the end.
first articles (and the most famous stars) appeared in issues of Strategic Will (Walter Brennan) and Jeff Sonnet were grandfather and
Review and The Dragon that are out of print, it seems logical to reprint grandson, looking for a missing gunslinger (Will’s son and Jeff’s father)
them so that new readers and players of the revised BOOT HILL game on “The Guns of Will Sonnet.” Will claimed the prodigal son was the
could enjoy them. It must be stressed that these “guns” are far stronger third fastest gun in the West. “He’s good, but Jeff’s better—and I’m
than most player characters and will unbalance the game unless cau- better than both of ‘em.” No brag, just fact.
tion is exercised, but special scenarios using one or two of them might Jason McCord was portrayed by Chuck Connors in the TV series
be enjoyable. “Branded.” Every time McCord comes into a town there is a 75%
* * * * chance that someone will recognize him who had a close relative who
Movies and television have given us some of the greatest gun- was killed at Bitter Creek, and will challenge McCord to a gunfight.
slingers of all time. Their abilities are far superior to those of any Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe were the Cartwrights of
gunfighter who really lived, or so it seems from the old shows. Some of “Bonanza,” played by Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker,
those heroes and villains are presented here for the benefit of those and Michael Landon. Little Joe was the only left-handed gun in this
who would like to see what they could do. The ratings correspond to powerful ranching family, and he also had the quickest temper.
terms of TSR’s Boot Hill game rules for gunfights with counters or Don “Red” Barry is probably most remembered for his starring role
miniatures. in the movie series “The Adventures of Red Ryder” from 1940 to
1944. His last starring role was in “Iron Angel” (1969) but he has
appeared constantly in supporting roles in movies such as “Johnny Get
SPECIAL ABILITIES His Gun” (1971) and “Showdown” (1973) since then.
A—½ penalty when shooting from horseback William “Wild Bill” Elliot rose to fame by starring in the movie serial
B—Never surprised “The Great Adventure of Wild Bill Hickok” in 1938. In 1944 he took
C—Double the length of medium range when shooting over the lead of the “Red Ryder” series from Red Barry in 1950 and
D—Shoulder arms are considered as “fast” 1951 he ran the “Wild Bill Elliot” series on the radio. He continued to
E—May “hipshoot” with no penalty make top westerns until the later 50’s.
F—No penalty for giving opponent first move “Hoot” Gibson was one of the first cowboy stunt men. “Action”
G—Treat wounds as one type lower when shot. A “Mortal (1921) began his rise to stardom. During the 1920s. Hoot ranked
Wound” result becomes a “Serious Wound”, etc. second only to Tom Mix as the leading cowboy star. His pictures were
H—½ penalty when shooting at moving target fast, full of action, but mainly nonviolent. By the 1930s Hoot’s popu-
J—Must use Sharpshooting rule, and must fire at “gun arm/hand’ larity declined with the rise of the talkies, but he kept some attention by
only starring in the first of the “Three Mesquiteers’ series (which would later
K—No penalty for “wrong hand” shooting feature such greats as John Wayne and Bob Steele). He later starred in
the “Trail Blazers” series in 1943.
The Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) is probably the premier hero of William S. Hart, probably more than any other of the early western
the western sagas, going back into the days of radio adventures. stars, portrayed the Old West as it really was. Films such as “Tumble-
Together with Tonto (Jay Silverheels), his faithful Indian companion, weeds” (1925, 1939) are now classic westerns. When realism in the
they were a match for any bad men. westerns no longer had box office appeal, Hart retired from his movie
The Rifleman was played by Chuck Connors on TV in the early career. He never made a talkie!
Sixties. Deduct 20 from his chance to hit when he uses any weapon but Tim Holt was a real star. Admittedly, much of the acting, in even the
a rifle. finest of the old western movies, was not top notch. However, Holt
Matt Dillon, the marshal of Dodge City on “Gunsmoke,” was displayed a quality of acting ability far above most of his contempor-
portrayed by William Conrad on radio and James Amess on television. aries. In the late 30’s and into the 40’s Tim was one of the leading box
Paladin (Richard Boone) was the finest example of the paid gun- office draws. In 1946 he made “My Darling Clementine” along with
man. His card read “Have Gun, Will Travel”—which was also the Heny Fonda, Victor Mature, Walter Brennan and Ward Bond which
name of the show. portrayed the events leading up to the famous Gunfight at the OK
Josh Randall was played by Steve McQueen on “Wanted: Dead or Corral. It was a top effort. His career ended in the early 50’s, but he
Alive.” Josh was the perfect bounty hunter; he carried a special hand- appeared as late as the 60’s in a segment of “The Virginian.”
gun which has the effect of a single-action revolver, except that it is Allan “Rocky” Lane achieved cowboy stardom in the mid-40’s. He
“very fast” and has a range that is 2” (or spaces) longer in all categories. developed a character who was neat, kind, pleasant, handsome, quick
Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd) was one of the early TV heroes on the trigger and tough in a fist fight. In 1946, he replaced Wild Bill
of the Fifties. “Hoppy” was the two-gunned champion of justice. Elliot as the lead in the “Red Ryder” series. His career faded out, along
Yancy Derringer (Jack Mahoney) and Pahoo, his Indian sidekick, with most of the other movie cowboys, with the rise of TV in the early
were a tough pair. Yancy has a Gambler Rating of 14. 50’s.
Johnny Yuma was played by Nick Adams on “The Rebel,” a TV Colonel Tim McCoy was most remembered for the series of films in
series of the early Sixties. which he played Lightning Bill Carson. McCoy developed a screen
The Cisco Kid (Duncan Renaldo) and Pancho (Leo Carrillo) wise- character who was “The Detective of the Range.” His character fre-
cracked their way across the television screens of the late Fifties and quently donned disguises during the course of a movie. He starred
early Sixties. “The Cisco Kid” is still in syndication in some areas. from the late 20’s through the early 40’s when he joined the army and
Bret, Bart, and Beau Maverick were played respectively by James attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
44
April, 1980

Joel McCrea rose to stardom in the mid-30’s on the strength of some movies starting in 1940. The “Return of the Durango Kid” appeared in
fine non-westerns. His popularity was slipping when, in 1944, he made 1945 and continued until 1952. The Kid would appear from nowhere,
“Buffalo Bill.” After 1945 Joel made mostly westerns, including the save the day and reappear as the mild-mannered nobody.
title role in “The Virginian.” He portrayed various historical figures Bob Steele was probably the fastest draw of all of the old movie
including Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and Sam Houston. In the late 40’s cowboys. He rose to fame in the late 20’s. In the 40’s, he did a series as
and early 50’s, he did the radio serial “Tales of the Texas Rangers” and Billy the Kid and made 20 pictures in the “Three Mesquiteers” series.
in 1959 starred in TV’s “Wichita Town.” He is still active (starring in He also starred in the “Trail Blazers” series. He has continued working
“Mustang Country” in 1975) and is currently the Chairman of the until the present and the younger generation may remember him as
Board of Directors of the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Trooper Duffy on TV’s “F Troop.”
Tom Mix was, before becoming a movie actor, once a U.S. Marshal John Wayne has appeared in a great number of western movies.
and a Texas Ranger. By 192 1 he was the “King of the Cowboys” of the These ratings represent a composite of his various roles.
movie western. His films had lots of action, chases and fight scenes. He Clint Eastwood did appear in westerns on TV, but his career wasn’t
never smoked or drank on screen and usually no one was killed. He did in the “star” category until he played the “man with no name” char-
all of his own stunt work and suffered over eighty injuries during his acter in the “Dollars” movies. Definitely one of the finest gunfighters
professional career. He retired from the movies in 1935 and died in an ever seen, Eastwood has a Gambler Rating of 12.
auto wreck in 1940. Lee Van Cleef is one of the few “bad men” who has made it big in
The Durango Kid (Charles Starrett) rode across the screen in 56 (Turn to page 60)

GUN THROWING SPECIAL

NAME SPEED ACCURACY ACCURACY BRAVERY STRENGTH EXPERIENCE ABILITIES
The Lone Ranger 92 98 78 98 95 11+ A,E,F,G,H,J
Tonto 80 91 96 89 83 9
The Rifleman 90 98 51 91 91 11+ C,D,E,F
Matt Dillon 88 95 45 95 99 11+ E,F,G
Paladin 98 98 80 98 94 11+ A,B,E,H
Josh Randall 91 90 66 91 82 11+ E,F
Hopalong Cassidy 87 86 65 91 79 11+ A,E,F,G,H,J,K
Yancy Derringer 94 97 70 90 77 11+ B,E
Pahoo 90 84 100 90 95 8 D
Johnny Yuma 91 88 65 90 66 11+ E,F
The Cisco Kid 88 96 66 96 67 11+ A,B,E,G,H, J
Pancho 38 66 34 34 76 8 G
Bret Maverick 89 76 47 88 77 8 E,G ,K
Bart Maverick 85 77 45 72 79 8 E
Beau Maverick 85 77 45 72 79 8 E
Will Sonnet 90 99 72 92 58 11+ A,E,H,K
Jeff Sonnet 86 88 76 89 84 5 A,E, H
Jason McCord 88 88 79 92 91 11+ E,G,H,J
Ben Cartwright 75 76 51 92 75 11+ A
Adam Cartwright 86 90 47 94 87 11+ A,E
Hoss Cartwright 70 75 45 92 100 9 A
“Little Joe” Cartwright 81 75 47 92 75 7 A
Don “Red” Barry 92 96 66 98 59 11+ A,B,E,H
“Wild Bill” Elliot 95 90 78 96 84 11+ A,E,F,H,K
“Ho o t” G i b s o n 88 90 81 98 91 11+ B,G,J
William S. Hart 89 90 72 96 77 11+ A,E,F,H
Tim Holt 91 91 48 94 63 11+ A,E,F,H
“Rocky” Lane 97 90 52 95 97 11+ A,B,E,H
Col. Tim McCoy 88 99 69 94 82 11+ A,B,E,H
Joel McCrea 95 94 59 95 77 11+ A,E,F,H
Tom Mix 96 90 88 98 98 11+ A,B,C,E,G,H,J,K
The Durango Kid 97 95 42 96 45 11+ A,B,E,H
Bob Steele 99 96 55 97 59 11+ A,B,F,H
John Wayne 96 96 60 96 97 11+ A,B,C,E,G,H
Clint Eastwood 100 100 96 99 85 11+ A,B,E,H
Lee Van Cleef 98 98 63 99 77 11+ B,E,H
Eli Wallach 95 85 80 60 78 11+ E,F
The Magnificent Seven:
Yul Brynner 92 95 94 98 92 11+ B,E,H
Steve McQueen 91 92 80 98 90 11+ B,C,D,E,H
James Coburn 95 83 100 99 92 11+ B,E,F,H
Charles Bronson 91 89 74 100 91 11+ A,B,D,E,H
Robert Vaughn 88 92 68 15/99 85 11+ E,F,H,K
Horst Buchholz 88 90 62 95 85 11+ A,E,H,K
Juan Mateos 72 80 71 97 77 2 B,H
45
 Vol. IV, No. 10

may reasonably be dispensed with. For instance, dropping a bow to

draw a sword takes no more time than merely drawing the sword. And
in theory a man should be preparing himself against the next onslaught
when it arises.
The straying of animals and drifting of boats has some realism but is
not essential. Beached boats may be moored and animals tethered
when mounted. Only animals that lose their riders in battle and boats
depopulated in open waters need to be considered, and could be
neglected without damaging the game.
The probability tables as given in the Rules for LANKHMAR need
rigorous revision. If the reader has played it the faults will probably have
been noted. Here are some:
There is no distinction between the attacker and the defender.
“MacLankhmar”: Perhaps there should be.
There is no allowance for the weapon the defender has at his
A disposal.
There is no allowance for one man being mounted and the other
being on foot
Compromise There is no allowance for one adversary being wounded. It is
possible for a hero to fail to kill or even wound a wounded or even an
Game unarmed adversary. How is this supposed to happen? Does the hero
have sudden qualms about the sportsmanship of it? Does he recognize
his adversary as a distant cousin by marriage? Or is he suddenly afflicted
by a seizure of some hereditary malady that renders him temporarily
F.C. MacKnight incapacitated?
My conclusion is that while Movement Points are too cumbersome,
Suppose one considers that the probability method of deciding the the LANKHMAR Combat Tables are too simplistic, and my “Com-
outcome of a battle is better than the rigorous, chess-like decisions of promise Game” will require new tables. With this goal in mind I shall
LAHKMAR. Must the defender always win? Normally one would think examine separately the cases of attack at a distance, and attack from an
that the attacker would have a slightly better chance in close combat adjacent space.
(adjacent squares). But in LAHKMAR a horseman with an ax is going to Attacks at a distance: arrows, spears and thrown axes:
be defeated by a standing swordsman upon whom he rushes. Always! One of the more objectionable features of the old LAHKMAR game
So he doesn’t do so unless he has help. was the assumption of the deadlines of attack at a distance. When
Two-on-one between peers is necessary to take out a defender, and Nehwon warriors threw a spear or shot an arrow, they never missed! In
one of the attackers must die, regardless of the logic of the situation. So the execution of their craft they were experts of heroic proportion (led
there must be a more careful attitude toward free-for-all brawls. One by a super-hero who didn’t miss either)! I find this inhuman accuracy a
must try to use spears and arrows at distance to gain an advantage bit hard to swallow, and would prefer to be more realistic about it. At a
before wading in at close quarters, and the victory will go to the more distance of 2 spaces the odds should favor a fatal hit but not mandate it
cautious strategy, as perhaps it should. But there are those who object to Wounding and a clean miss should also be represented on the tables.
this as being out of harmony with the basic, adventurous atmosphere of The dice throw for a hero should be even more favorable to him, even
the game. I was no party to originating LAHKMAR, but if I had been I eliminating the miss at two spaces. And the hero should be given a better
would have advocated the use of dice in deciding the outcome of a chance of surviving a spear throw because, having quick reflexes, he
battle. may dodge or possibly parry the cast with his own sword, pushing it
As I remember some research I did some 40 years ago, the first aside, diverting it or turning an on-target fatal throw into a wound.
advocacy I found of battle decisions by probability, rather than cold Extended probability tables also allow us to consider spear throws at
logic, in wargames was in the era of World War I by an American naval greater distances with less chance of success; even at 4 spaces, though at
officer who advised the use of probability tables and dice in simulated that distance only Fafhrd and Pulgh should be allowed any possibility of
naval engagements played by naval strategists on their large tables with success. The Mouser, for example, might cast an accurate spear, but his
miniature ships. physique would not be adequate to handle a very long cast He should
One cannot be completely confident of position and fire power, he lose his hero rating even at 3 spaces.
argued. There is the chance that something may go wrong even in (Note that I do not suggest the probabilities in actual numbers. I
superior positions. Sometimes the superior fleet loses in actuality, but think the player would be more satisfied to construct his own tables after
never in their theoretical battles, so there should be a guard against bad such discussion as I bring to bear on the subject, and that such tables
luck by allowing the possibility that it could happen. And then, of would depend on how many and what kind of dice he uses. One normal
course, there may be a victory for one side even in positions that seem die as suggested in the LANKHMAR Rules is insufficient to properly
completely equal and should be a stand-off. appraise the probabilities: 2 dice are better. And he may wish to use
So it is in war games like LAHKMAR-LANKHMAR. A warrior might octahedral, dodecahedral or icosahedral dice from a D&D set )
defeat a hero by a lucky thrust even though the chances are 20-1 against To continue, the thrown ax should be only for Norsemen and
it And a rushing horseman should have a better-than-even chance Fafhrd. If others throw the ax they should have a very small probability
against a man on foot. of success. Fafhrd should be allowed a 3-space throw with fair success;
But if you want a probability game, why not just play the new game possibly the other Norse also, but with significantly smaller chances.
as it is? Generally the Northerners should avoid a cast with improbable success
For me there are these reasons. because they are left defenseless unless a corpse is handy from which to
Regardless of how combat is decided, there is a need to “increase” pick up another weapon.
the size of the board by cutting down the maximum movement of men It is with the bow that the probability tables give a definite advantage
and mounts by 2/3 to 3/4 of that allowed in the LANKHMAR rules, as in reasonableness. The three-arrow rule of LAHKMAR may be dis-
argued earlier in this series. pensed with and the holder of the bow may be considered as having a
The Movement Points cost system which includes engaging in com- quiver full of arrows. Probability of success should be high at 2 spaces,
bat, embarking, mounting, changing weapons and picking up weapons and successively less at 3,4 and 5 spaces. Some slight possibility should
(why not disembarking and dismounting, too?) is dismaying to all but exist for a fatal wound at the shorter distances, but the probability of a
dedicated wargame players, I would think I won’t submit to it! All this miss should always be high. It seems doubtful that a hero should have a
46
April, 1980

greater likelihood of avoiding an arrow than anyone else except maybe I think camels would be more of a hindrance than a help and would
the Mouser who is a small man, offering a smaller target. Mouser’s sling favor the foot warrior.
effectiveness should be something like that for an arrow, with perhaps a If both contestants are mounted, the odds for no-decision should be
little more probability of a fatal throw. raised since it will be more difficult for men to get at each other unless
Shooting from a horse or camel should be a shade less effective than they use their spears as lances and run together.
when the archer stands on solid ground, unless one thinks that the Finally, there is the case of a two-on-one combat. Unless the single is
added elevation would compensate for the less certain aim. a hero, there should be no chance for the single fighter. Hero vs. 2
Another benefit of the full-quiver concept vs. the three-arrow rule is warriors is a complex matter and would depend on the weapons used
the elimination of the necessity in LAHKMAR of using arrows taken out and which of the contestants is mounted, if any. By this time the reader
of a dead man. A messy business, pulling them out, since at least one may have decided that the whole thing is too involved and one had best
must have penetrated a vital spot! And we know too that the corpses are stick to the regular LAHKMAR convention! And it should be more
quickly removed from most localities by the Pleistocene Vulture, or the apparent why I prefer to leave the actual making of the tables to the
giant Nehwonian Condor, which would doubtless carry them off, player.
arrows, swords and all, even maybe a protruding spear! An optional It should help if in a game of this complexity there were a third,
rule, then, might be that all fatally thrown spears would be eliminated fourth or fifth party who is not an active player but a referee who would
with the corpse, and the only weapons left for recovery would be the be in charge of such tables, and when a special situation comes up
victim’s own spear, ax or bow which could have been carried rather invents a compromise between two other tables. Or quickly makes a
than worn. Of the death-dealing weapons thrown at the victim, only an new one!
ax would remain after the victim has been flown off to the nearest Such a referee would also be in charge of the cycles of the sinking
mountain. Allow two moves for the giant scavengers to get there. land, and these other responsibilities:
Swords might be left if the victim dies with it in his hand, but since only Be sure the weapons left on the board by a dead man are the right
the Norsemen would need one it isn’t important. ones.
Hand-to-hand combat, at adjoining spaces: Remember how long a body remains on the board before being
This is an even more complex situation. First, take the case of carried off by a giant vulture.
combat with the same weapon. There would be a table for peers and Remember where there might be a sword lying about for a Norse-
one for unequal fights. Between peers there should be the same chance man who has thrown his ax and can’t easily recover it.
for either contestant to kill, wound, or no-decision unless you think that Give out and keep account of geases and rewards; decide if a
the attacker has a slight initial advantage. If there are enough numbers geasman is proceeding most directly on his quest and still in accord with
on the chance-mechanism used, this can be taken care of. It also safety.
assumes that the combat throw (of dice) will be made as soon as the Be in charge of movements of loose boats and animals as per
attacker moves into position, rather than waiting for the defense to directions in LANKHMAR, and animals being called to Movarl.
decide whether to move or fight as in the non-chance LAHKMAR. (I Decide on points that rules don’t cover.
would favor this in the Compromise Game but the other way is equally It should possibly be mentioned that geases are the same in this
possible. ) If a no-decision throw is cast, the “defender” has the option of Compromise Game as in the others.
continuing the fight on his next move or retreating out of range. Finally, I would like to comment on and protest against this state-
The table of hero vs. warrior-or-equivalent should give the hero a ment on the cover of the Rules Pamphlet of the LANKHMAR game:
heavy advantage with a very small probability of anything other than “. . . but while this combat is seemingly on a man-to-man basis, the
total victory. pieces actually represent whole companies of men. . . .”
If the engagement involves one man who is already wounded, I see No! Spell it anyway you like. Lankhmar is a game of single men;
no reason to allow any hope in close combat, and he should be heroes led by super-heroes. Even if it doesn’t make much sense to have
considered eliminated without a throw. 8 men and a leader going out to conquer another citadel, that’s the way
How about disparity of, weapons? Is sword vs. spear an equal it is! To make it otherwise would change the whole game. And the
contest? Sword vs. ax? Spear vs. ax? In sword vs. spear, if each statement is obviously out of harmony with the directions contained in
contestant carries a sword it may be considered that the spearman may the Rules pamphlet, seemingly written by someone, other than the
use his sword if he considers his spear would not give him an equal authors of the Rules, for the benefit of diehard wargame players who
chance, so I see no reason to worry about that If the spearman is a like to think in those terms and are uncomfortable without masses of
Quarmallian that is all he has, but since he is aided by magic he should soldiers. If they can’t adjust, the game is not for them.
be at no disadvantage anyway. LANKHMAR (LAHKMAR) is a game of personal involvement with
So, only if one considers that the spearman has an actual advantage individuals. It is also a game involving verbal banter, bombast and
over the swordsman (which I do not) would one need a special table for braggadocio on the part of the players.
spear vs. sword. As I see it, the only advantage a spearman has is to Some examples:
make a strong cast as soon as he gets just beyond the reach of his At the onset of the game from the Lankhmar player:
opponent’s weapon, and if that is deflected he is beaten before he can “Pulgh is making a statement to his constituents and all enemies:
bring his own sword into action (unless he is ambidextrous!) If he ‘Let it be known that it is my intention and pledge to end the nefarious
chooses not to do this I think the spearman is at a slight disadvantage at existence of that loutish boor Fafhrd. I shall feed his liver by hand to my
least. pet vultures, and hang his dismembered carcass on the walls of
In sword vs. ax, there should be a slight advantage to the ax if the Lankhmar. And as for that disreputable cutpurse and varlet known as
ax-man is on the attack; not otherwise. This is based on the premise that the “Mouser” . . . ’ ”, etc., etc. Or “‘Aided by my honored ally, the
the ax is a long-handled, two-handed type; not the short, one-hand Mouser’’’, if that be the case!
variety Fafhrd holds in his left hand like a parrying dagger on the An intergame conversation:
LANKHMAR box lid. Ax vs. spear may also warrant a slight advantage “That was a dastardly deed truly worthy of your thoroughly corrupt
for whichever is the attacker. regime— to deliberately attack and finish off a heroic wounded warrior
In all these cases the hero should have a great advantage over the to no advantage.”
warrior. “Would you deny that that ‘heroic’ warrior was none other than the
How about a mounted man vs. a peer on foot? I must admit infamous Grotch who vilely and gratuitously slaughtered that group of
ignorance here. How important is the horse? Can it be trained to charge children in your expedition against Ilthmar?”
and strike with the hooves against an armed man? If not, it may be as “What else would you have had him do with the little vipers? They
much a disadvantage as an advantage. It may aid the foot warrior if the would only grow up to be like the rest of those basilisks that inhabit that
horse becomes difficult to manage. And unless the horse is regarded as den of thievery, debauchery and every iniquity! It was a blessing to
an efficient fighting force, a hero should get his usual assist from the Nehwon to dispatch them.”
probability tables even if he is on foot This sort of thing doesn’t go with massed armies!
47
 Vol. IV, No. 10

small room fitted out with thick rugs and a pair of comfortable chairs. He
The Cube From Beyond dismissed the man, went around the cube, just touching it with his
From page 5) fingertips.
to a halt before Danko Penavar. He had no eyes for the golden censers He would not be defeated. He would not let himself be beaten.
and silver athenors, for the chests heaped high with strange and almost “Emalkartha,” he whispered.
unobtainable magical condiments. All his attention was concentrated on She could help him, the goddess of the Eleven Hells. Always she
the old man who sprawled in the big oaken chair. had come to him in his world, to lend her aid. She would not refuse him
Niall began to talk. He spoke of Thavas Tomer and of the manner of now. Or—would she?
his escape. As he talked, he saw that old Danko Penavar seemed She was a wayward goddess, was Emalkartha. Ever since that day
startled, then highly interested. The big old man actually rose up when he had accosted her—in her human guise as the maiden
straighter in his chair that so much resembled a throne, and his eyes Lylthia—she had come to him in his hours of need, to lend her
glistened. assistance-aye, and her love.
Almost under his breath, the old man whispered, “I have heard of it. Niall grinned at his memories. She was a jealous one, was Lylthia.
In very ancient tomes have I come upon faint hints of it, fearful refer- She did not like him to pay attention to any woman other than herself.
ences to that cube.” Ah, but she had kept him alive on a number of times, when he had been
He shook his head until the white hairs of his head and beard beset by demons as powerful as herself.
swayed lazily. “Never did I think to lay eyes upon that thing. I believed it “Maybe I ought to summon a maidservant to me,” he grinned.
lost forever.” “That new girl from the farmland country, for instance. She’s made eyes
“Well, what is it?’ at me, she would come.”
“It was created long and long ago by a great magician. It is a universe “Theres no need for that,” said a cold voice.
unto itself, that cube. It is protected by secret sigils and enchantments Niall swung around.
that have long since been forgotten.” Lylthia was sitting in one of the chairs, arms wrapped about her
“Not by Thavas Tomer, it seems.” knees, scowling at him. She wore a leather garment, much shredded
The old man smiled wryly. “I wonder where he found it? Where he and rent so that he could see her pale white skin through the tears. Her
discovered the way in which to make it work for him?’ long black hair was piled on top of her head, with some of it hanging
“Can I go into it, as Thavas Tomer did?” down past her cheeks.
Danko Penavar scowled. “You would be advised not to. I know “You’re a fool,” she snapped. “Forget Thavas Tomer. Enjoy life.
nothing of what might await you inside that thing-always assuming Why must you always be poking your nose where it will only get you
there is a way into it. For you, I mean. It would be best for you to forget into trouble?”
the cube—and Thavas Tomer.” Niall gave a great shout of delight. He leaped toward her, caught her
Niall scowled. He was not a man to relish defeat, nor to accept it bare arms and yanked her up against him. He kissed her hungrily even
lightly. And Thavas Tomer had defeated him. His gaze went around the while she struggled—but not too hard—to evade him.
room, studying the dusty old tomes that lay on the shelves, tomes that When he had kissed her until she clung to him, he said, “Help me,
held the magic of uncounted centuries. It seemed strange to him that my darling. I want to go into that cube and fetch Thavas Tomer back to
nowhere in all those old archives was a way to enable him to enter the stand trial for his crimes.”
cube after the king-magician. Tears came into her eyes.
“He could stay in there for a century, and then reappear. If he were “I dare not,” she whispered.
not too old,” Niall announced at last.
Danko Penavar nodded. “He could, yes. He would not age in
there, I think. According to the old legends, anyhow.” 2.
The old man sighed. “When Tarj Needal invented that cube-or
created it, rather—it was to act as an escape for him, in case he ever Her palm stroked his cheek tenderly.
needed it to escape the vengeance of some king or emperor. Whether “You big foolish man! Why won’t you be guided by me? I tell you no
he used it or not, I have no way of knowing. No one does, except one—no one!—knows what is inside that cube.”
perhaps Thavas Tomer.” “But you are a goddess! You know—”
Niall stalked up and down the room. He was troubled. He knew the “Yes, yes. I have great powers. But where that cube is con-
evil of the king-magician, knew that if he himself abandoned the quest cerned. . . . sit down, Niall. I want to tell you about it.”
for him, the man would escape, perhaps to return to this world when He drew her with him, onto his lap with his arms locked about her as
everyone now in it was in their graves. she nestled against him. He nuzzled her soft throat, kissing it, until she
If he did that, with his powers he might rule the world. Niall shud- laughed and pushed him back.
dered at that thought, for Thavas Tomer was a cruel, haughty man with “Behave yourself. This is important. Now listen!
no consideration for anything but his own desires. “Long, long ago when Tarj Needal lived and was a mighty magician,
There must be a way. There had to be! he sought the help of the gods to make for him a world into which he
He turned and moved toward the door which opened for him by might go from time to time when dangers threatened him here on this
itself. Framed in the doorway, he turned and regarded the old man. world.
“If ever I find a way into that cube, I shall go,” he growled. “No man “They worked together, did the evil gods, to make the cube. Into it
escapes me when I have marked him for death.” they poured their powers, fashioning it of the stuff of the god-worlds
Danko Penavar said, “Be advised, Niall. I like you. I have always where they lived. They snatched stars from other dimensions and
given you good advice. Leave the cube. Lock it up somewhere. Buy it embedded them within the cube.
in the sea or in the river. Forget it—and live. You are too young to die.” “When they were done, they told Tarj Needal that they had made a
Niall grinned coldly. “We shall see,” he muttered. masterpiece, incapable of destruction, incapable of being made again.
All the way back to his little palace he sat hunched forward on the There was only one cube like that. There would never be another.”
cart seat, the reins all but forgotten in his hands. There had to be a way to Lylthia sighed and shook her head, cuddling closer to the man who
go into that cube. There had to! If Thavas Tomer had done it, so could held her. “They spoke the truth, did those evil gods. They had made a
he. masterpiece. And they told Tarj Needal the one and only way of
Ah, but if old Danko Penavar, who knew the secrets of the ages and entering and leaving it.”
of all magic, could not tell him how to do it, who could? Niall sighed and “But Thavas Tomer entered it.”
shook his head. Lylthia sighed. “Then Tarj Needal must have left a record of it, and
When he was back in his palace courtyard, he called to his serving- this magician you seek found out where he had hidden that record.
men and with their help carried the cube up the stone steps and into a Perhaps it was with the cube when he found that.”
48
April, 1980

Niall growled, “I can’t believe no one among the gods knows the light—softly glowing—as all around him. There was no sun, none that
way to enter that thing.” he could discover, anyhow.
Lylthia smiled sadly. “Oh, I know the way to enter it, all right—but I The trees under which he moved at times were huge, multi-
can’t tell you how to get out of it.” branched, shedding their shadow over the ground beneath them.
“I could make Thavas Tomer tell me that.” When he was tired, Niall lay down under one of those trees and fell
“No! You must not risk it. It would be too dangerous.” asleep.
Niall eyed the cube where it stood close to the flames of the fireplace. He woke to a faint sound moving across the grasslands. Sitting up,
It seemed to mock and taunt him as those tiny stars slowly revolved and he listened, hearing the baying of wolves. Niall scowled. Could this be?
swung in their courses. Anger built in him. If Thavas Tomer could go Were there wolves in this paradise?
into that thing, so could he. If Thavas Tomer knew of a way out, he Rising, he loosed Blood-drinker in its scabbard. Just as well to be
would force him to tell it to him. prepared. Standing beneath the tree, he let his eyes roam out across the
Ah, but he must not let Lylthia suspect what he meant to do. grasses.
He sighed, saying, “I guess you’re right. I’ll leave well enough There was movement out there. Something or someone was run-
alone. ’’ ning toward him. He could not make out what it was, it was so far away.
A soft hand caressed his cheek. “Now you’re being sensible.” He heard the wolfcry louder now, savage and hungry, and he drew out
Laughter made the corners of her mouth quiver. “As long as I’m here, I his sword and held it in a big hand.
might as well stay the night. Take me to your bedroom, Niall.” Now he could make out the shape of that which ran before the
When he woke in the morning, Lylthia was gone. Niall lay a wolves. It was a woman. A girl, really. She seemed young, lithe, shapely.
moment, breathing in the fresh spring air, remembering the night and There was a mane of yellow hair on her head that ran out behind her in
the goddess who had shared his bed. He grinned slowly. Well, Lylthia the swiftness of her running.
was gone, now. She came closer, closer. She had seen him, he knew, and she lifted
And the cube waited for him, downstairs. an arm, waving it, as she turned and came toward him.
During the night, as they had talked, Lylthia had divulged the way to “Run,” she called, “run! The wolves of Thavas Tomer are on the
enter the cube. She had whispered the magical words almost under her hunt. ”
breath, but Niall had heard and memorized them. Niall grinned. He could fight wolves, and slay them. He stepped out
He rose and dressed himself in worn leather garments, over which from beneath the tree and waited as the girl stumbled now in her
he pulled a chainmail shirt. His belt and the scabbard attached to it that running, moving toward him. She was exhausted, he could see. Only
held his sword he buckled about his lean middle. the Gods knew how long she had been running like that, with the fear of
Niall moved down the stone staircase, scowling blackly. He knew he death in her throat.
was risking his life by trying to enter the cube. Emalkartha had warned He moved toward her, caught her as she was about to fall. Her soft
him, as Lylthia. In the world within that cube, her great powers could not body lay pressed against him as she fought for breath.
reach. “He wants—to kill me,”she gasped. “He came to the Citadel and
And yet—the idea of allowing Thavas Tomer to escape the conse- now he—rules there.”
quences of his robberies, rapes and killings was too much to endure. He “Thavas Tomer?”
had to make his try. If he failed. . . .ah, but he would not think of failure. Her eyes studied his face. They were purple, those eyes, and they
He turned into the room that held the cube. It waited almost sullenly, were filled with fear and wonder. “Who—are you?” she whispered.
its deep blues and the twinkling dots that seemed to be stars quiescent, “Are you a magician such as Thavas Tomer?”
almost inert. Niall approached it, and with a lithe bound, leaped up onto “Na, na. I came here to kill him. The man’s wicked.”
it. He drew a deep breath. She lifted a hand to brush away some of the tumbled hair from her
“Tamalka frathanis devor, hoppolis entrala porvor,” he growled. face. That face was beautiful, Niall told himself. By the Gods, she was as
Almost instantly, the hard surface of the cube seemed to melt away lovely as Lylthia herself. But who was she?
under him. Suddenly he was sinking downward, slowly at first, and then When he questioned her, she shrugged. “What does it matter who I
more swiftly. His open eyes beheld a vast firmament of dark sky and am? I am soon to die.” Her hand waved back in the direction from
brilliant stars through which he was being swept as by a godlike hand. which she had come. “The wolves are on my trail. They will be here
He felt no cold, no warmth. In a way, it was almost as though he were soon, to kill us both.”
dead. He shook his sword. “We will take some killing. I am not afraid of
Downward he was pulled, ever downward. wolves. ”
Faster those strange stars seemed to rotate in their courses, faster, Her eyes studied him more closely. “There are more than wolves
faster, until a sort of dizziness overtook him. He closed his eyes, he that obey the lord of this world. Devils! Evil things that crawl and fly.”
gasped for breath. She shuddered. “Nothing can defeat them.”
Then—his feet were planted on a flat, white rock, and he opened Niall felt the despair in her. He shook her a little, trying to rouse up
his eyes, staring around him. He looked out upon a lush land covered her courage. “I’ve fought wolves before—aye, and demons, too. I’m
with green grass that grew to the height of a tall man’s knee. Here and still alive. ”
there upon that sward were great trees, thickly boled and heavily In the back of his mind was the realization that at many of those
leaved. other times, especially when he had been dealing with demons, Emal-
Niall blinked. It was a pleasant land over which a soft, sweet wind kartha had been there to help him. She was not here now; she could not
blew fitfully, carrying with it the scents of flowers and growing things. He be, she had said.
drew a deep breath and stepped off the rock. No matter, He had depended on his wits and his skill with a sword
Gods! This was like the Nirvana of which the priests of Urgrik before Emalkartha had come into his life. He lifted his head and stared
sometimes preached. He took a step, and then another, turning to scan out across the grasslands.
the horizon. Far away there were mountains, dim with distance and He could see them now, big wolves and well fed. They were strong
faintly blue. and powerful, and their tongues lolled in their open mouths. Their fangs
How could he find Thavas Tomer here? This world seemed to be as seemed huge.
large as the one he had left The magician-king might be anywhere, half They saw the man and the girl near the tree and now they howled no
a continent or more away. Still! The man had come here through the longer but ran with silence, even faster. They came swiftly, heads low,
cube as he, Niall, had done. The man had to walk as he himself was and a lust to kill shone in their greenish eyes.
going to do. If he were here, he would find him. Niall pushed the girl behind him and set himself with his sword up, to
Niall began to walk defend her and himself. There was a calmness about him now, as he
He walked for a long time, until the tireless muscles of his legs began was always calm before a fight. And there would be a fight He could
to feel the strain. There was no night here, apparently. Everywhere the count ten of the great beasts as they coursed the grass to come at him.
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Foremost among the wolves was a great beast even larger than the The sharp steel almost split the wolf in half. Its body fell and twitched
others. It came swiftly, running low to the ground, and then it was convulsively on the ground. Then the others were upon him.
gathering its muscles to make the leap that would carry Niall backward Niall fought as savagely as he had ever fought. His great steel blade
off his feet. When that happened, the rest of the pack would close in. swung in blazes of light, darkened as the steel went through a great, furry
The wolf leaped. Niall swung his sword. body. He shouted in the fury of his onslaught His arm was tireless as he
drove the two edges of his blade back and forth, sometimes turning the
point into the chest of a beast as it sprang for him.
Sharp fangs gashed his thighs, his calves. They seemed to be
everywhere, those great beasts, and their fangs were sharp as knives.
One beast who sprang chest-high he caught with his left hand at its
throat and that beast he choked to death, holding it out at arm’s length,
even as he plied his steel to kill the others which attacked him. When the
wolf went limp, he dropped it.
As he fought, Niall backed up toward the big tree, crowding the girl
behind him, growling orders at her between his teeth.
“To the tree, girl! Hurry, hurry! These aren’t your ordinary wolves.
They’re demons of some sort. Back up, I say. And hurry if you want to
stay alive!”
With the treebole to his spine, he did not have to worry about one of
the animals getting behind him. He wished he had thought to bring his
dagger. He could have given it to the girl, who might then have been
able to help him.
Now he fought more carefully, thrusting savagely when a wolf
leaped, slashing fiercely when two came at him at once. There were
many dead wolves now; their bodies lay quivering here and there
half-hidden by the tall grasses. Behind him he could hear the spasmodic
breathing and the occasional frightened sobs of the girl.
Three wolves left, now! Niall grinned into their snarling faces as they
paced back and forth before him, working themselves to a final attack.
Niall rested his back against the treebole, gulped in air.
They came in a rush, all three at once, leaping high and low and in
the middle. Niall cleaved downward with his blade, felt bone give and
flesh split under its edge. One wolf he decapitated, another he cut across
its back so that it lay and flopped about, unable to rise. The third took his
point in its chest and hung a moment, slavering, before it fell away.
Niall dropped Blood-drinker’s point to the ground, dragging air into
his lungs. By the Gods! This had been a fight! He was gashed and tom,
but his wounds would heal. He was alive, at least.
He sank downward to sit at the base of the tree. The girl crouched
near him, her purple eyes wide and wondering.
“You killed them all,” she whispered. “I did not believe anyone
could harm those wolves. Who are you?”
“Niall of the Far Travels,” he muttered, and looked at her more
closely. “And you?”
“My name is Parlata. I have lived here in Norlana for all my life.”
His eyes scanned her face. “Your folks? Your father and mother?’
She shook her head. “I do not know what you mean. What is a
father? A mother?”
He explained what he meant, but she only looked the more puzzled.
“I have always been like this, for a long, long time. I was never a child. I
can remember far back, to the days when Tarj Needal came here from
time to time.”
Niall blinked. “Tarj Needal! But he lived thousands of years ago.”
Parlata shrugged. “I do not know about that. I have lived in this
world all my life. Yet I know there is another world beyond this one, a
world to which Tarj Needal went and from which Thavas Tomer came.
And you also, I suppose.”
So, then. She was a creation of magic. A plaything to amuse Tarj
Needal who had made her. Niall wondered how she spent her days.
Parlata smiled. “I roam the grasslands. I lie down and sleep when
and where I will. I tire of the palace.”
“What do you eat?”
She shook her head. “I do not know what you mean. Eat? What is
that?”
“You must have food.”
She could not understand, no matter how Niall sought to explain it.
When she explained that there was no need to swallow anything, that
the very light here gave her all the sustenance she needed, Niall began
to realize that he himself had felt no hunger since entering the cube.
It was beyond him. But then, all magic was. And this cube and
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everything in it had been created by magic, the powerful magic of Tarj

Needal. Somewhere in this land, Thavas Tomer was hidden. It was up
to Niall to find him.
“It’s time to go,” he said slowly, rising to his feet.
Parlata stared up at him. “Go where?”
“To find Thavas Tomer. I have to kill him, or take him back with me
to his own world.”
The girl went white. “It is impossible! You don’t know his powers.”
She stared around her as though half expecting demons to rise up from
the very ground. “He has great powers. He can call on evil beings to aid
him. Nothing can overcome him while he is here.”
Niall grinned, extending a hand to her. “We’ll see about that. His
wolves didn’t get us, did they?”
She let him pull her to her feet, but she was visibly shaking. “The
wolves were only sent out after me,” she told him. “He wanted this
world all to himself. He said the sight of me offended him. He—he gave
me a head start, and then he let the wolves loose.”
Parlata shivered. “Who can guess what things he will send against us
now?”
“Well, we can’t just stay here forever. We can begin walking.”
“Not that way,”she begged, pulling back. “That way leads to the
palace, where Thavas Tomer is.”
“It’s the way I’m going,” Niall told her and let go of her. If she did not
want to accompany him, there was no way he was going to force her.
He strode off, moving with slow, deliberate steps. After a few
moments, the girl called to him and ran to catch up. “I am afraid to be
alone,” she admitted.
For a long time they walked across the grasslands, until Niall saw
how tired Parlata had become. She staggered as she walked, and there
were strain lines on her face. It was then that he pulled her down onto
the ground.
“Sleep now,” he ordered.
There was little tiredness in him. He lay back on the grass, his hands
beneath his head, and he stared up at the whitish sky that was flecked,
here and there, with blue clouds. A strange world, this, stranger than any
land he had ever been in. He thought of Emalkartha, and of how she
had told him that she herself could not enter into this world.
Whatever magic had made the cube and this land inside it, it must be
very powerful to be able to keep out Emalkartha of the Eleven Hells.
Niall wondered if he himself would ever be able to get out of it.
As he thought, his eyelids grew heavy and he slept. It was a dream-
less sleep, and refreshing. When he woke, all tiredness was gone from
him. Parlata was sitting up, eyeing him from under knitted brows.
“We are both of us dead, you know,” she said slowly. “It is just a
matter of time until we actually die. Thavas Tomer will want us dead,
and he will find a way to kill us.”
“He hasn’t yet,” Niall grinned.
The girl sighed. “You are very stubborn. In the old days, that were
so long ago I can scarcely recall them, Tarj Needal used to bring his
enemies into this world. He would set them free to run, as Thavas
Tomer did to me. Then he would send his—servants—to run them
down and slay them. Sometimes he would have those servants capture
them and bring them back to the palace for torture.”
The girl shivered. “I did not like it, then. I could hear the screams. I
was always ill after times like that I would run away and wander the
grasslands for a long time, hopefully until Tarj Needal had gone back to
his own world. ”
“All that was a very long time ago.”
“But I remember and—I am still afraid.”
Niall stared at her, frowning. “Why did Tarj Needal create you? Why
did he leave you here?”
She shrugged. “He told me once he liked company, even such
company as mine. Oh, he would amuse himself with me. He told me
once he made the most beautiful girl in any world because he liked to
look on beauty.”
“You’re very beautiful.”
Parlata smiled at him. “Am I? I have no way of knowing. I have
never seen another woman.”
Niall sighed. It must have been almost unendurably lonely for the
girl, living alone in this world, all by herself for so many thousands of
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years. It was a wonder she had not gone mad. Perhaps when Tarj no experience in fighting such creatures, yet he knew they were not at
Needal had created her, he had made her in such a manner that she home on the ground, only in the air. He dove under their spears,
would never know loneliness. stabbing upward, catching one and then another.
They walked on, side by side, across the rolling grasslands. They Their cries of rage and pain were sharp and shrill, and they looped
came to some low mountains and moved over them, and then crossed upward into the sky, to come at him again. Those he had slain lay on the
over more grasslands. Niall marveled that Parlata could have run so far ground near their fallen spears. Niall eyed those long, slender spears
to escape the wolves. calculatingly.
“Oh, Thavas Tomer caused a spell that lifted me out of the palace He knew how to fight with spears. He ran to one, lifted it, hefting it. It
and put me down somewhere on the grasses. He said it would give me was perfectly balanced. Niall smiled grimly. Now as the birdmen circled
more of what he termed a sporting chance.” to dive at him again, Niall stood to meet them, half a dozen of their own
She shuddered. “Thavas Tomer is very cruel. Crueler even than spears in his hands.
was Tarj Needal. At least Tarj Needal liked me.” He waited, seeing them come. Then he swung up a spear and
hurled it. Straight it went, as might an arrow from the bow. It pierced one
of the birdmen; Niall could hear his scream of agony as he plummeted
groundward.
Again he hurled a spear, and again.
Each spear was perfectly balanced. Each spear flew as he wanted it,
and where it went, a birdman died.
Niall ran to where their bodies lay, snatched at the spears near them.
He had destroyed half their number and those others who still lived had
drawn off, flying about in the air, speaking to each other with weird and
alien cries.
Parlata ran to Niall, eyes wide and worshipful. She wrapped her
arms about him and pressed her body against his.
“No one has ever stopped the birdmen before,” she babbled. “I did
not think it could be done.”
“We aren’t out of it yet,” he growled. “There’s more of them to
slay. ’’
It seemed that the birdmen had had enough. They still circled in the
sky, but they made no move to attack. It was almost as if they were
waiting for something.
Niall picked up what spears he could, giving some to Parlata to carry.
Then he gripped her wrist and began his walk.
Parlata was close to tears. Niall felt tenderness well up inside him. He “They won’t attack for a time,” he told her. “We’d best be moving
put an arm about her shoulders, drew her against him. onward to where I can find Thavas Tomer.”
“I’ll see you safely out of this. You won’t have to worry about “It is not far now,” Parlata murmured, but she shuddered as she
Thavas Tomer once I get my hands on him.” spoke, and as she walked, she held back as if reluctant to accompany
She gasped, lifting an arm and pointing. “You will never do any- him.
thing to him. See there, low on the horizon. Thavas Tomer knows where “Now what ails you?” he demanded, turning to look down at her.
we are. He has sent the coorjas to find and kill us!” “Frightful things will happen to us if we go forward,” she breathed.
Niall stared where she pointed and knew a moment of awed “The magician has strange and awful powers in this world.”
wonder. Even as she spoke, the ground began to ripple as though it were a
rough and choppy sea. Niall went sprawling, with Parlata to one side of
him. Up and down they heaved, with the ground bucking and falling
3. beneath them. Sickness churned upward from their middles, and
nausea ate inside them.
Giant birds were flying low in the sky, barely skimming the tops of “By Emalkartha of the Eleven Hells,” Niall rasped. “I can’t take
the grasses. They were quite the most gigantic birds Niall had ever seen. much more of this.”
Indeed, they were as large as men, or perhaps even larger. Parlata was being sick off to one side, and Niall felt like joining her,
They came in a great cloud of swiftly moving brown wings. They but he fought off the illness, clamping his teeth together, and he man-
skimmed the ground, and they headed straight for Niall and Parlata. aged to bellow out his defiance. He rolled over and got to his feet, and
Since there was no cover on these vast prairies, they must be quite plain his legs kept him upright. It was like standing on the deck of a ship during
to see, even from a distance. a terrible storm, he decided.
Niall growled low in his throat and yanked out his sword. He was Gradually the shaking earth quieted under them. It seemed to Niall,
vastly outnumbered, there seemed no chance for him at all. Yet he was as he bent to assist Parlata to her feet, that he could hear mocking
determined to sell his life dearly. If those birdmen managed to kill him, laughter from a long way off.
there wouldn’t be many of them left. With his arm about her middle, Parlata quieted her shakings. She
As they swooped in closer, he saw that each birdman carried a long, lifted a hand and brushed back her tumbled hair.
slender spear. They held those spears before them like a fence of steel “Thavas Tomer is amused,” she whispered. “He but toys with us.”
points. They would spit him on those sharp barbs and he would For the first time since he had entered the world of the cube, Niall
wriggle out his life on them. began to have misgivings. What could he do against a man whom even
They darted in— the very ground obeyed? He wished that Emalkartha were with him.
Niall fell flat, knocking Parlata down with him. What was it she had said? Yes. She could not enter the cube, that the
As he did so, he thrust upward with Blood-drinker, slashing sav- very enchantment which had brought it into being was strong enough to
agely. The spearpoints skimmed over them, but the sharp edge of his keep her out
blade bit into flesh and blood. Three of the birdmen fell, either slashed His jaw firmed stubbornly. He was not yet beaten. Thavas Tomer
or with their wings hacked off. would have to send something more dreadful than wolves and birdmen
The wingless ones flopped helplessly. Niall ran to them and stabbed against him, if he wanted to defeat him.
at them, dispatching them as the others wheeled in the sky and came at He yanked Parlata forward. “Come on. Let him do his worst. We’ll
him again. see what happens.”
Niall ran, drawing them toward him and away from the girl. He had They moved now toward an upjut of land, covered with grass and
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with here and there some underlying rock showing. That land rose Now the men-horses began to move. One stood forth and then
upward into the air; it would make a good point from which to scan the another, each one swinging his net They formed a line, one behind the
surrounding countryside. other, and while Niall knew what they meant to do, mentally he con-
To the top they climbed, and when they stood on that great preci- gratulated them on their clear thinking.
pice, Niall made out in the near distance another height of land, even The foremost came up the hill at a gallop, the net waving over his
higher than this, and on its top there stood a castle. He knew, without head. In a moment it would belly out and open as it flew toward him. He
being told, that this was where Thavas Tomer had taken up his must act—and fast!
residence. From the ground where he had planted them, butts down, Niall
He glanced down at Parlata, “Is it?” he asked. “Is that where the snatched up the nearest of the spears. He lifted it and hurled it, and saw
magician lives?” it fly through the air almost as swift as any arrow.
She nodded dumbly, crowding closer to him. The centaur tried to dodge it, but he was too slow. Full in the chest it
“Even now he will be preparing some new danger for us. I can took him and the keen point slid out the other side, an inch to one side of
almost hear him laughing to himself as he does.” his backbone. He stumbled, his hooves slipped on the turf and he went
“If I can get inside that castle, he won’t be able to create many more sprawling. Dead before he hit the ground.
magic spells. My steel will remove his head from his body.” The next centaur in line came racing forward, his net swinging high
Parlata shook her head. “No. You will never be permitted to enter. above his head and opening. Again Niall reached for a spear and hurled
Look! Even now Thavas Tomer is sending more of his creations to do it. The centaur went down, dying.
battle.” They came swiftly, until all the spears were gone.
Niall saw them coming from the castle, a long line of centaurs, with Niall gave a great shout, yanked out Blood-drinker, and ran down
the bodies of men above the waist and the bodies of horses for the rest. the slope as fast as any deer. His sword made a great arc of light in his
Each centaur carried a net. They came at a gallop across the castle hand as he swung it.
causeway and down onto the grasslands, and they rode straight for the Sight of him may have confused them, for instead of rushing for-
height of land where Niall stood with Parlata. ward to meet him, the centaurs drew back and tried to hurl their nets as
“He intends to capture us and bring us into the castle,” she one man. Those thrown nets met in the air, became entangled, and
whimpered. as they drooped, Niall ran under them, his blade already stabbing.
“First they have to catch us.” One centaur went down, and then another. The balance would
Niall glanced around him. They stood on high rocks, here, and have turned to flee, but Niall gave them no time. Upward onto the back
anyone who tried to get at them must move up the grassy slope which of one he leaped and from that vantage point, cleaved a second’s head
slid away into the vast grasslands over which they had come. from his neck and drove his blade full length into the chest of another.
Oh, it would not be easy. He knew that. But he meant to fight as he Next moment the man-beast he straddled was staggering, Niall’s
had always fought, without thought for anything but the slaying of as sword between his shoulder blades. Niall leaped aside as the centaur
many of his enemies as he could reach. He checked the number of fell.
spears they still had and rested them butt down in the ground for easy He turned his eyes toward the citadel that he could see in me
snatching. distance. No doubt Thavas Tomer stood at one of its windows, staring
He watched the centaurs galloping. They were big, bulky, and the out at him as he himself was staring. Niall lifted Blood-drinker and shook
thought came to him that they might be a little clumsy. His lips widened it.
into a grim smile. Clumsy or not, there were a lot of them, and they “I’m still alive, magician! Try and kill me—if you can!”
would take a lot of killing. There was a silence over all this curious cube-world. Nothing
Fortunately, those men-horses had to come up a rise to him, which moved, there was no sound. And then, as clear as a bugle call upon the
would slow them. He bade Parlata sit down, to hide herself as best as still night wind, came a voice.
she could behind some rocks. “I see you, Niall of the Far Travels. I hear your voice. Now—hear
“They will throw those nets at us,” he explained. “Don’t let yourself mine! I vow your death, general. You have invaded the sanctity of this
be caught in one.” world where I have come to live for a while.
There was no more time for talk. The centaurs were coming up the “For that, you shall be stripped of life. Ah, but not easily, not lightly!
hill at them, their nets swinging overhead, ready to be hurled. But the The time for a swift death is over. I have but toyed with you, thinking to
men-horses were too close together, some of the nets tangled in others, d i s p a t c h y o u—and that little witch with you!—so that I may be about
and it was then, at that moment of disarray that Niall leaped forward. my studies.
Sword in hand, he ran down the slope and his blade winked in the “Yes, yes, I have much to learn, much to decipher of the incredibly
pale light as he swung it. He thrust and cut, and every time he moved his ancient scrolls and parchments which Tarj Needal kept here for his own
blade, it was bloodied anew. Hands reached for him, the centaurs study and amusement. There is so very much that is new to me.
sought to loop their nets over him, but he was too quick, too spy. “You have become an infringement on my study, Niall. You annoy
He hacked and stabbed, he cut and slashed, and as the blood flew, me. And so, I must use my arts to bring you to your knees in abasement,
he saw centaurs drop stricken in their death agonies. For long moments to surrender your person to me so that I may torture it throughout all
he leaped and darted, always slaying, and then he ran back up the slope eternity.”
and left behind him dying things that threshed out their life’s blood on Laughter rose up, harsh and hateful, and Niall felt his flesh crawl at
the grass. the sound of it. There was madness in that laughter, and sharp triumph.
Niall stood then, and waited, hearing the blood drip from his sword It seemed to rise up out of the very air and beat against the eardrums.
onto stone. More than half of them he had already dispatched, no more “Watch now,” bellowed that voice.
than a dozen yet remained. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the air about them seemed to darken.
“You are a great warrior,” Parlata whispered from his feet, where Blacker it became, until one could see little more than a foot or two
she lay crouched between two big stones. “The greatest I have ever away. Now there were violently scarlet streaks of what seemed to be
heard of.’’ living fire in that air. Those red lightnings shot here and there, thin and
“Let’s hope Thavas Tomer realizes it and surrenders himself to me.”
“He will never do that. He is too strong, too powerful. He has only
been playing with us, so far. Soon now he will tire of it and then we shall
die.”
“You’re a cheerful little thing,” he grinned.
Aye, almost as cheerful as Lylthia, warning him of this cube-land.
Where was she now, that woman who was also a goddess? Could she
see him where he stood, surrounded by enemies, a bloodied sword in
his hand, awaiting the next charge of those centaurs?
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vicious, and where they streaked, Niall could hear a sharp crackling. Eyes wide, she stared up at him. “But what can we do? No matter
The voice went on, “Dodge, if you want, but those fiery bolts of where we go, he will follow and torment us.”
mine will seek you out, no matter where you try to hide!” He dragged her to her feet, urged her along the grasses until they
Then there was silence, except for the crackling of those blood-red came to the white stone. Lifting her in his big hands, he put her on its flat
lightning bolts. Parlata was screaming beside him, clinging to him, and top. Then he joined her.
even Niall felt the hairs on the back of his thick neck stand up. “Tamalka frathanis devor, hoppolis entrala porvor,” he breathed.
What could he do against such magics? Then he was rising upward, seeming to expand. . . .
If only Emalkartha were here, to offset them with spells of her own!
But he was on his own, now, and so he caught the girl and dragged her
down in among the rocks.
There was shelter here, of a sort. If the lightnings hit at them, they
would strike the rocks first. Niall kept an arm about Parlata, and an eye
on the black sky which rained down those fiery bolts.
He never knew how long that eerie bombardment went on, yet after
a long time it slowed its anger, the air began to lighten once again, and
gradually everything went back to normal. Niall sighed and lifted the girl,
standing on top of the rocks.
“We live,” he breathed.
“Of what use is living? Better to have let those bolts hit us and relieve
us of this torture.”
Grimly, Niall shook his head. He still held his sword, he had life in his
body, and there was an enemy to catch.
“Come,” he growled. “We go forward, up to that castle.”
Parlata stared at him with huge eyes. “Are you mad? He will capture
us, torture us—forever! There is no escape. None.”
But he was moving forward, his hand holding hers, and she was
dragged along at his side. Down they went off that pinnacle of rock
where they stood, and began striding toward the distant lair where
Thavas Tomer made his home.
They were halfway to the mountain on which the castle stood when
Niall saw a black cloud forming above one of its spires. It swirled, that
cloud, faster and faster, and then it darted forward, straight at them.
Parlata screamed. Niall lifted his blade and as that menacing cloud Once again, he stood in his own palace, beside the strange blue
swept down and around him, he struck out at it. His blade went through cube with the stars. Beside him, shivering and staring around her, was
the darkness, and now that cloud was all about them, lapping at their Parlata. Her eyes were large and fearful as she swung them toward him.
bodies, lifting them upward off their feet, swinging them around and “Where are we?” she whimpered.
around. “In my palace. Now, now, there’s no need to fear. You’re safe
They went through the air, gripped by that black cloud, heels above enough here. Thavas Tomer is inside that thing, along with the world
their heads, parallel to the ground, rotated like spinning wheels. High from which we’ve come.”
into the upper air they were swept, faster and faster, until they were no She stared at the cube, brows wrinkled. Niall pushed her gently into
more than leaves in a strong gale. a chair and began to explain all that had happened ever since he had
This is the end, Niall thought. There is no way I can fight anything attacked Thavas Tomer in his stronghold.
like this! His doom was upon him. They would be hurled groundward, “But—but—what am I to do in this world? I know nothing about
smashed against it, crippled and helpless. It was useless to fight any it—or even where it is! What does it hold for me?”
longer. “I’d like to know the answer to that, myself,” said a cold voice.
Yet even as he consigned himself to death, Niall felt the fury of the Niall swung around. Lylthia was sitting in a chair to one side, her
cloud lessening. No longer did it rotate so swiftly; its swirlings lessened, arms wrapped around her knees. Her eyes were angry, her cheeks
grew feebler. Yet still it sped on, always onward. flushed.
Now the cloud began to relax a little, come closer to the ground. He threw up his arms. “What could I do with her? Leave her to be
Niall felt a foot touch the earth, then was swept upward again. When tortured to death by Thavas Tomer? I brought her with me, as I’d have
next he was driven groundward, he caught hold of Parlata, wrapping his done with anyone that demon planned to kill!”
arms about here, and hurled himself sideways. His eyes locked with those of the woman he loved. Lylthia sighed
They tumbled across the grass, and lay flat. softly, then turned her eyes toward the shrinking Parlata.
When Niall raised his head, the cloud was dissipating into thin wisps “Well, perhaps you did the right thing. I say perhaps, mind. I don’t
of blackish smoke. And mad laughter filled the air. like the idea of your keeping her under the same roof with you. She’s
“You are back where you started from, Niall of the Far Travels. How too pretty.”
did you like that way of traveling? You have it to do all over again. And “What is this ‘pretty’?” asked Parlata, leaning forward.
next time, you shall face even worse dangers.” Niall growled, “Quiet, both of you. I have more important things on
Mad laughter rang out. “Oh, I am enjoying this. I wait to dream up my mind, right now. Mainly, what am I going to do about Thavas
more dangers for you to overcome. So come at me, Niall. Come at me Tomer?”
again and again until at last you crawl to me on your belly, begging my Lylthia smiled wryly. “There is that problem, isn’t there?’
pity. Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha! . . . .” Niall went on scowling at her. Even as he did, his scowl began to
Niall shook himself, staring about him. Yes, Thavas Tomer was relax and his lips curved into a big grin. Lylthia straightened up,
right. There was the rock on which he had stood when he had first come frowning.
inside the cube. It loomed before him, flat of top and of a whiteness that “What’s so funny?” she snapped.
almost hurt the eyes. “I just thought of the perfect way to dispose of him. Now, now. I’m
Parlata shook beside him, crawling closer so that his big body might not going to tell you yet. We have something else to discuss, you and I.”
shelter her own. He put his arms about her and held her, his eyes still “Oh? And what’s that?”
fastened to that white rock. “What do we do with the girl? We can’t leave her to starve to death.
“I have been thinking,” he said slowly. “It is useless to try and fight You don’t want me to take care of her. So what do we do?”
Thavas Tomer any longer. He is too strong for us.” “Turn her loose. Let her wander our world.”
54
April, 1980

“Penniless? Oh, come now, Lylthia.” Lylthia burst into laughter and
The goddess glared at him. “Well? What would you suggest?” clapped her hands. “I shall love it!
“Let’s make her a rich woman. You have hoards of gold and jewels Oh, what a solution to our problem.
in those eleven hells of yours. Be free with them. Give her some gold, You know, Niall—sometimes you
some jewels. Let her buy a house here in Urgrik—or even better—let prove yourself smarter than I think
her go roaming this world and learning all about it as a rich traveler.” you.”
Lylthia turned her green eyes upon Parlata. She studied her beauty She ran to him, hurled herself
in the tom garments that did little to conceal her body. Slowly, she into his arms and was soundly
nodded. kissed. They forgot about Parlata,
“Yes. I think that might be best. What do you say, girl? Would you they enjoyed the pleasure of the
like to be rich, to wander as you will wherever your fancy might want to moment.
take you in this world that is so new to you?” Only when she coughed a little,
Parlata stared back at the goddess. Their eyes met and their minds to remind them of her presence, did
seemed almost to speak, one to another. Then Parlata smiled and they break apart and look at her.
nodded. “What is that which you two
“Yes. I do not love this big man who came so suddenly into my life, do?’ she asked. “I find myself odd-
though I do admit my gratitude to him for having saved that life for me. I ly affected by it.”
find there is a curiosity in me to learn more about this world into which Lylthia tinkled laughter. “It’s
he brought me. I should like to wander over it, to see it, to learn all I may love, girl. Go find yourself a man
about it.” and let him teach you what I
“Good, then that’s settled. I’ll see that you have enough gold and mean.” She pushed away from
jewels to last you a lifetime. Oh, by the way. You will age in this land. It Niall and turned toward the cube.
isn’t magical, as the cube-world is. You will grow old. You will die, some “I’d better be about my business.
day. ” The sooner I take the cube away
Parlata shrugged. “I would have died in the cube, if Niall hadn’t with me and return with some gold
saved me.” and jewels, the sooner you can
Lylthia turned her stare at Niall. “And now that’s settled, what do we leave and I can have Niall all to
do about Thavas Tomer?” myself.”
“I give him to you, my darling. He’s all yours.” Niall grinned, calling, “Hurry
The goddess blinked. “All mine?’ back.”
“Of course. Take the cube into one of your eleven hells. You are Lylthia nodded soberly. “Oh, I
immortal. It doesn’t matter when Thavas Tomer emerges from his cube. shall-believe me.”
You will be there to greet him and let him have the taste of every one of Then she was gone, and the
the hells you rule.” cube with her.

History allies attacked an Elven warcamp and cap- reign of Mesilim II, the Elven problem burst
tured the high prince, Etirun. Forced to sign a forth again. Large Elven armies poured into
of Immer peace, the mortified high prince withdrew to Mivior, Hothior and Immer, sworn to eradi-
(From page 22) Ider Bolis, leaving the dukes to their own cate human life everywhere and restore the
their neighbor into many autonomous princi- devices. Disheartened, many of the weary ancient dignity of Neuth.
palities, none a threat to Neuth. thargals surrendered, accepting heavy re- Mesilim II, little like his namesake, quailed
It was the worst move the Elves could strictions on themselves and their dukes. before the magical armaments of the Elves
have made, for it convinced the royal party Shakkan, one of the most daring of the rebel and withdrew to the Gap Castle, leaving
and its supporters that the truculent dukes dukes, rejected the option of surrender to rapine to reign in his place. Too-easy early
were engaged in a conspiracy with a sinister, Pisiris. He led his dependants across Goblin- successes led the Elven monarch to insult and
non-human power. The aristocratic party in haunted territory and built a settlement on threaten the Goblins of Zom, who responded
the council was disgraced and rendered Ozerg Mountain. Another thargal, led by the with a surprise attack that drove the Elves out
powerless, while royalists rushed zealously outlaw duke Gorpin, anticipated no clemen- of Immer.
into a prolonged war with the Elves and the cy after its excesses, so it withdrew into the His reign a failure, Mesilim II abdicated in
dissident dukes. barbarian north of Wild Woods. favor of his brother Reglissar, who had led the
At first the war—the Ducal War—went With the arrival of peace, the next few Immerite forces at the sack of Ider Bolis.
badly for the royalists, who did not have as reigns saw continued growth. The divisions When not repelling predatory raids from Zorn
many trained fighters as the frontier dukes. between Conodras and Vidarnas blurred as and Muetar, Reglissar worked to rebuild his
But decisive victory eluded the enemy coali- the peoples mingled. The Elves kept the kingdom. Cattle herding spread over empty
tion, which could agree on nothing except a peace in the west, but a rising Goblin menace land where the serfs had fled. The death of
general enmity toward the royalists. Often- in the east compelled the construction of the many large landholders allowed the king to
times the appearance of one faction in an area Gap Castle. The discovery of gold in the River distribute much new land to free yeomen,
caused the withdrawal of the other, for the Rapid renewed the drive toward the north creating a vigorous new class of freeholders
Elves’ xenophobia was not diminished by the country. Another barbarian war followed, with strong royalist leanings.
alliance, while the dukes were badly divided against tribes fiercer and stronger than the After ruling twenty-one years, an assas-
on the morality of fighting their own kind Conodras. The war brought at least a limited sin’s blade cut short the noble reign of
when a foreign power—a non-human one, at access to the River Rapid, as well as the con- Reglissar. In the wake of the tragedy, his son
that—benefited by it even more than they. quest of the Wild Woods. The citadel of Lone Euwint returned from the Invisible School
The royalists held on until luck came to Wizor was raised to consolidate these gains. where he had been studying, and assumed
their assistance. A party of their Conodran Early in the fourteenth century, in the the throne of the Immerite nation.
55
 Vol. IV, No. 10

56
April, 1980

Stellar Conquest Pulling his coat tighter around him, the old man leaned into the
freezing wind and headed back to work.
(From page 7) * * *
Base is the equivalent of a permanently grounded Dreadnought. Each KILLING PEOPLE AND DESTROYING WORLDS
SMB costs 20 IU after the research cost has been paid. Predecessor: Those still with us after that catchy title may replace Rules 7.2.8 and
AMB. Development cost with pred 80, without 110. 7.2.9 with the following:
Weapons Systems Sequence, Level 4 (SKR): The Screencracker Each turn, a conqueror may destroy the population of a conquered
is a warship designed for the single purpose of eliminating Planetay colony on the following basis: for each ESC, 1 million population; for
Force Screens. At the beginning of his attack phase, the attacking each ATK, 3 million; for each DN, 5 million. SCTs and SKRs cannot
player may roll one die for each SKR in the same hex with a PFS. (Each attack population; neither, of course, can CTs.
SKR may only attack one PFS per turn, even if there are several A Sunbeam destroys 10 million population when it strikes.
screened worlds in the system). On a roll of 1 or 2, the screen goes Each lost million population naturally reduces the world’s IU pro-
down, and other ships may attack the planet that turn. On a 3,4,5, or duction by 1. Each slain million also reduces the habitability of that
6, the screen stays up. In either event, the planet’s bases may fire on a planet by 1 million. For instance, a ST-40 with 27 million population is
SKR on any turn it attacks that planet’s PFS. conquered. A single Dreadnought fires on the population for one turn.
A SKR defends as though it were a Dreadnought, but cannot attack The population is reduced to 22. The planet is reduced to an ST-35.
ships or planets; its one function is to destroy the PFS. Each SKR costs Furthermore, for each 15 million population destroyed (in any
100 IU to build after the research cost has been paid. Predecessor: PFS. fashion) over the course of the game, the type of the planet is reduced
Development cost with pred 300, without 400. by one level—that is, a TR is reduced to ST, an ST to MT, and an MT to
Weapons Systems Sequence, Level 4 (SBM): The Sunbeam (in- BR. If at any time the habitability of a planet is reduced to zero, its type
spired by Doc Smith’s “Lensman” series) is a device for harnessing the automatically becomes BR and the planet is useless.
energy of an entire star into an offensive weapon. Only one Sunbeam If a colony is wiped out by Sunbeam attack, all human works on the
device may exist at any one star at a time; it must be built on one of the planet (Sunbeam device, IUs, RIUs, or bases) are considered de-
planets. The Sunbeam is not fired at ships, but at enemy worlds. It may stroyed as well.
be fired once per turn, at any world. The beam travels at light speed (1 It is legal to fire on an empty (or almost empty) world to reduce its
hex per turn). When the beam is fired, place a counter in a hex adjacent habitability. For instance, a Sunbeam will reduce the habitability of a
to that star; this represents a “blip” a year long, heading out. Each turn world by 10 million, even if less than 10 million people were actually
thereafter, the player owning that Sunbeam rolls two dice for each present. Even an empty world takes damage.
“blip” counter on the board. On a total roll of 2 or 4, that segment of * * *
beam goes slightly off-course (enough to miss its target) and may be
removed from play. On any other total, it moves one hex closer to its Anya deVries was very close to panic. For all of her seventeen years,
target (which must be announced when the beam is fired). (and for some time before that) the Republic had been fighting the
A dust cloud stops Sunbeams. Nothing else (including the destruc- Comarchy. War was the normal order of things. All her life she’d
tion of the device that fired it) will halt a Sunbeam once fired. If it stays wanted to be a pilot; for very nearly all her life she’d been trained for
on course, it will strike its target. When a Sunbeam strikes a planet, it just that. And now—Why were those old fools looking so cheerful?
kills 10 million population and reduces the planet’s habitability as Hadn’t they heard the stories? Everyone was saying the war was going
described below. Sunbeams are not affected by a PFS. Sunbeams do to be over soon!
not affect ships, which can dodge at greater-than-light speed. It just wasn’t fair!
* *
A Sunbeam fired at another world in the same system strikes on
that same turn (that is, immediately) and does double damage. VICTORY CONDITIONS
Each Sunbeam device costs 300 IU to build, once the research cost This scenario can be played with either of two sets of victory
has been paid. The cost of a device may be spread over 2 or 3 turns conditions:
(note that this is an exception to the general rule; all other units must be (1) To the bitter end. Continue until one side is obviously beaten.
built all at once). Cost to develop this device is 400 IU; there is no This is more likely to happen if you are using Screencracker ships; two
predecessor. evenly matched players, each with a number of worlds beneath invul-
If a colony possessing a Sunbeam is captured or wiped out, the nerable PFS shields, can fight for a long time before one gets enough of
device is destroyed. an upper hand to blockade the other completely.
Technical Sequence, Level 4 (TRF): Terraforming is the art and (2) Time limit. Play either to a given number of years (at least 60)
science of making a world more fit to live on. In order to terraform a or to a given time of day (3 a.m. is always good). Then figure scores
world, a colony must already be present—thus, an unusable or BR-0 according to this formula:
world cannot be terraformed. Worlds Controlled: For each TR planet, 100 points. For each ST
For each 10 IU spent in terraforming, the habitability level of a planet, 50 points. For each MT planet, 20 points—40 if it is MT-NM.
planet is raised by 1. Furthermore, for each 15 million added to a For each BR-NM, 20 points. Other worlds count nothing. It is not
planet’s habitability level by terraforming, the planet’s type improves necessary to have a colony at the planet—a ship at that star establishes
by one. For instance, if 140 IU are spent on terraforming an MT-40 control.
planet, it becomes an MT-54. If another 10 IU are spent, it becomes an Population: For each million population on planets or in CTs, 1
ST-55. The IU spent to terraform a world do not have to come on the point.
same turn, but they must come in increments of 10. Industrial Capacity: For each IU or RIU under a player’s control, 5
A planet may not have a type better than TR or a habitability greater points.
than 100. Technological Development: For each Development a player has,
points equal to the IU cost (without pred) necessary to research that
* * * development.
The old man turned away from the fax-screen, where headlines Military Strength: For each ship, base, PFS, or SBM a player has
blared “NEW COMARCH ATROCITY!” He spat on the sidewalk. Ten (except CTs), points equal to half the IU cost required to build it.
million dead. Six million packed into quickly built colony ships and * * *
aimed back toward a Republic that had no room for them. And “Well, it’s over. No question about it. And we won.”
Comarchy colonists heading for Schedar right now, no doubt. He looked at the bright young aide who had spoken, and shook his
“Well, at least they let some go. On Wolf we fried the whole damn head. Gazing at the Starmap—at the markers that indicated dead or
planet. Killed them all, men, women, and children. . .” He trailed off, battered worlds where once there had been green homes for men-he
suddenly realizing that he had spoken aloud. He glanced about wor- sighed.
riedly, but no one was close enough to have heard. “No, Vlad. I’m afraid not. Nobody won.”
57
 Vol. IV, No. 10

tion of the game, in my mind, akin to dealing out all

Monty Haul III the properties in Monopoly, and giving everyone a
couple of hotels to boot, before the game even
starts), he must be prepared to have correspond-
Dear Editor, ingly high-level situations for them to encounter. If
One thing (that bothers me) is the number of he can, fine. And if he continues to present a chal-
(From page 3) Monty Haul dungeons there are in the U.S. I’m not lenging campaign to the players, great. But if he
always use the back issues, and the theory is, that knocking a Monty Haul dungeon as a training aid
with no worry of being stuck with unsold lacks the imagination and ingenuity to continue
for beginning players. But once a player has gained what he has started, he is doing both the players
magazines, the retailer will always order plenty. experience in using the rules, they should be intro-
Obviously there is some breakdown between the and the game an unfair disservice. —Jake
duced to the cold, hard facts. Their characters
theory and the practice. So, your best insurance to developed in the Monty Haul dungeon should be
avoid missing any issues of The Dragon is to sub- left there and new characters developed.
scribe. You get your magazine delivered to your Example of what I’m trying to say: A wise DM ‘The best around’
door, and you save money—what could be used a Monty Haul dungeon to introduce us to the
better?—Jake system of play. Therefore, we were never dis- Dear Editor:
couraged by too little treasure or experience points. I just received a copy of the January issue of

Monty Haul I But after a few months of playing he terminated his “The Dragon,” and I would have to say that it is the
Monty Haul dungeon and introduced us to the best fantasy mag around. My favorites are
World of Greyhawk. “Wormy” and “Bazaar of the Bizarre.” Hope
Dear TSR Periodicals Staff: All of a sudden, we could see where our char- you’ll keep the “Wormy” series for a long time.
The Fell Pass by Karl Merris is an excellent acters developed in the Monty Haul dungeon were Sorry to hear about the “Sorcerer’s Scroll’s” dis-
dungeon. The idea of a dungeon appearing in The unrealistic. In the Monty Haul dungeon, we were continuation, maybe Mr. Gygax will pick it up once
Dragon regularly appeals to me. Hopefully, a dun- going up at least one or two experience levels for TSR’s sales drop a bit (Thor forbid!). A big cheer for
geon the size of The Fell Pass can appear at least each level of the dungeon. In a matter of only about “Clerics and Swords,” “Sage Advice,” and
three or four times annually. Small dungeons, a hundred hours of playing time, I had developed a “Leomund’s Tiny Hut;” even though I don’t agree
which are a couple of pages and one level, should very powerful 8th-level Wizard. Of course, I left with all they had to say, any AD&D insights are
be a regular feature each issue. These mini dun- him there! very welcome.
geons could be submitted by anyone. Since then, I have played over 600 hours of One of the few things I didn’t like about the
The comic features, Wormy and Finieous, are D&D and I have yet to get a character over 5th issue was the cover. What was that thing supposed
one of the best in your magazine. I would like to see level. I have a couple of 4th-level Fighters devel- to be? Certainly not a dragon, because where was
more fantasy stories appearing in The Dragon. I am oped, but nothing approaching an 8th-level all the treasure? A basilisk maybe? Anyway, that’s
principally an AD&D player and would want the Wizard. just a trivial complaint compared to the vast major-
whole magazine to be D&D oriented, but I can Of course, each DM is the God of his fantasy ity of excellent articles as well as artwork #33
understand that you must include other games. world and can do as he wishes, but my group included.
The Fantasysmith’s Notebook is a very informative prefers to fight a little harder to get promoted than is Re “The Electric Eye,” the little excerpt from
and well done article. obviously required in a Monty Haul dungeon. the game sounded quite a bit like a program that
I’d like to see a column appearing regularly that Imagine what types of fantasy worlds there are that we have on our school computer called “Ad-
deals with some of the nebulous areas in AD&D. let a 100th-level Fighter develop! And in less than a venture,” which is a very good version of a D&D
People claiming they have characters with +10 year’s playing time! game, with the DM being an all-powerful djinni—
swords, -10 armor, and 100 levels are common to Ben W. Lane—Fresno, Calif any connection? I agree with Mr. Herro’s views, I
my knowledge. Many people I know, but don’t myself having developed an AD&D player creating
game with, don’t distort the game that much. They, The Monty Haul dungeon and DM can be a program that eliminates a lot of the hassle involved
however, have a tendency to work and play the serious problem in D&D and AD&D, when the with that part of the game. I hope to see more of this
game to their advantage too often. I don’t think the people who enjoy that style of play encounter sort of thing—maybe leading to a complete
total amount of players in D&D take it too seri- others who do not. It all depends on your frame of campaign program? Who knows?
ously. reference. John C. Coates IV—Lynchburg, VA
At our school a D&D club has been founded Does anyone out there remember when 5,000
and many opportunities to meet new players and points on a pinball machine was a great score? Glad you liked the January issue. You’ll be
game have resulted. I hope the game continues to Nowdays, if you don’t score half a million, you’re happy to know that though TSR’s business is con-
grow and get better. wasting your money. The game itself hasn’t tinuing to boom, Gary has managed to produce a
Andrew Kaspryk—Park Ridge, IL changed that much —the goal (winning games or few more Sorcerer’s Scrolls for us (in case you
free balls) is still the same—it's just that the man- missed it, the first return of the Sorcerer’s Scroll
ufacturers have tacked a couple of zeros onto appeared last month, and you’ll find another in this
Monty Haul II everything. Those bigger scores sound more month's magazine).
impressive. The Electric Eye column has been very favor-
Dear Editor, You can look at D&D and AD&D in much the ably received, and will hopefully be expanded in
I’ve created a monster! No, not that kind; what I same manner. As long as the balance of the game the future—just how far remains to be seen. Ideal-
mean is this: A few months ago I DM’d for one of remains constant, it shouldn’t make any difference, ly, we would like it to touch on all aspects of elec-
my friends, and he rose to 3rd level while in my play-wise, if you’re 1st level or 10th level or 100th tronic games and gaming, including, perhaps,
campaign. level. The problem that arises, though, is that gen- actual programs. However, we will most likely start
Last week I met him again and I was appalled! erally higher level characters are not met with cor- with commercially available equipment and soft-
His Magic-User had risen to 11th level, made a respondingly higher level difficulties, and the game ware before getting into any custom programs.
citadel (with a laser turret on top) with a maze of falls apart. As for the cover of the January magazine, who
dungeons under it (including a garage for his star- D&D and AD&D, as presented within the rule says that dragons must always be surrounded by
ship and three shuttle craft). Also included in this books, is generally geared for “lower-level” treasure??? If you read “Cover-to-Cover” that
“Monty Haul” package was a complete room of characters—say, between 1st level and 20th. The month, you know that the title of the painting is
magics, including a rod of rulership, beaker of monsters and creatures are geared towards these “Dragon’s Lair,” not “Dragon’s Treasure Room.”
many potions, and he has even changed the rules level characters, the treasures (except when piled Maybe its the dragon’s dining room. In game play-
as much as to, say, a magic-user, after reaching up in ridiculous amounts) are geared towards these ing or in real life, it’s a dangerous business to let
11th level, can use a sword and carry his tome levels, the experience point system is geared to- your mind become locked into a single or absolute
around like a scroll! wards these levels, and so forth. This is not to say concept of how something should appear or
I am not worried about him, I’m worried about that one cannot expand the game to higher levels, behave—therein lies the path to stereotyping and
the people he is teaching! He has taught about 15 if that is the choice. But, played according to the prejudice, not to mention that creature you en-
people at a private boarding school. He is pervert- way the rules are set up, that should actually never counter in the dungeon which outwardly appears
ing D&D, and I can’t get it through his head! What be necessary. Indeed, following the rules, it to be a fist-sized rock, but in actuality is a bizarre
can I do before the name of D&D runs putrid in the shouldn’t even be possible, except in extremely creature whose touch is instantly fatal to AD&D
Ojai Valley? long-lived campaigns. But, if a DM decides to ar- characters played by people named John. Q.E.D.
Dwaine Wright—Ojai, CA bitrarily start all his players at 15th level (an altera- —Jake
58
April, 1980

Convention Schedule 1980

WEST POINT CON III (April 5-6,1980)-Conducted by the Military
Affairs Club of the U.S. Military Academy. Games, seminars, films and
dealers. For more information: Jacob Kovel, Company H-4, U.S.
Corps of Cadets, West Point NY 10997, phone 414-938-4346.

WV U-CON II (May 2-4, 1980)-Sponsored by WVU Simulation

Gaming Society, to be held at the WVU Student Union, Morgantown,
WV. Pre-registration forms available in February. Contact: Bryan Bul-
linger, 240 McLane Ave., Morgantown WV 26505.

MARCON XV (May 2-4,1980)-A science fiction convention featur-

ing L. Sprague de Camp as guest of honor. To be held at the Holiday
Inn on the Lane, 328 W. Lane Ave., Columbus OH 43201. Registration
$8 until April 1, $10 thereafter. contact: MARCON, P.O. Box 2583,
Columbus OH 43216.

GROSSMONT COLLEGE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL (May

8-11,1980)—Medieval costume, dancing and music exhibits and
presentations, plus demonstrations by the San Diego and Los
Angeles chapters of the Society for Creative Anachronism. For
further information, contact Jodi Stump, c/o Grossmont College,
8800 Grossmont Drive, El Cajon CA 92020.

NEW CON 2 (May 23-25, 1980)—A general gaming convention

sponsored by the Toy Soldier Shop of Newburyport, Mass. to be held at
the West Newbury Town Hall, Route 113, West Newbury MA 01985.
For more information, contact The Toy Soldier, 1 Temple St.,
Newburyport MA 01950.

GENGHIS CON II (May 23-26, 1980)—Sponsored by Denver

Gamers Association, to be held at Colorado Women’s College, Mont-
view Blvd. at Quebec, Denver CO. Dormitory lodging available. Con-
tact: Genghis Con II, 2527 Gaylord, Denver CO 80205, or call Mark .
(303) 761-2465 or Alex (303)798-1404.

BLOODY SUNDAY ’80 (May 25, 1980)—A day of wargaming

and socializing scheduled to be held at the Waterloo Regional Police
Association Recreational Centre, R-R. 2, Cambridge, Ontario,
Canada. Information is available from Les Scanlon, president,
MIGS, 473 Upper Wentworth, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

GRIMCON II (May 25-28, 1980)—This fantasy and science-fiction

gaming convention will be held at the Hyatt Edgewater Hotel in
Oakland, Calif. Information is available by writing to GRIMCON, 1749
Sonoma Ave., Berkeley CA 94707.

MICHICON IX (June 6-8, 1980)—Another gala production by the

Metro Detroit Gamers, to be held at Oakland University in Rochester,
Mich. For advance information, write: Metro Detroit Gamers, P.O. Box
787, Troy MI 48099.

RIDES NEEDED/RIDES OFFERED

With the convention season fast approaching, TSR Periodicals and
The Dragon will be offering, as a service to our readers, free listing of
requests for rides and offers for rides to the various 1980 conven-
tions. If you’re looking for a ride or would like to offer a ride, drop a
card to: RIDES, c/o TSR Periodicals, P.O. Box 110, Lake Geneva,
WI 53147. State the convention you’re interested in, your name and
address, and any other pertinent information (day leaving, return-
ing, etc.). We’ll list as many names as possible each month. And
here’s the first:
RIDE OFFERED: I am going to GenCon ’80 from
Burlington, Vermont and can take three riders from
Vermont or the Adirondacks in exchange for help with
gas and tolls. If interested write me immediately: Shar
Fortier, 27 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.
59
 Vol. IV, No. 10

make folds for the neck and shoulders where the cloth would naturally
Fantasysmith’s Notebook fall over the bones. Working the cape will make it fall into a drape
(From page 26) shape—now keep it in shape by strengthening the entire cape with glue.
leverage. You’ll want to leave at least one piece in its initial pose so you Moisten the cape and skeleton’s back thoroughly with your favorite
can show it to admiring friends and say: “See, they all looked like this quick-drying cement and hold it in place until it sets up. Presto! a
when I started.” skeleton with some shreds of dignity.
Don’t clean off the flash before modifying: it will give a bit of extra Now you’re ready to paint. Here are a few hints. Bones normally
strength to the areas you are bending and can be removed later. A lucky bleach white, but would usually have darker parts. Use a light flesh color
bit of flash could give you the opportunity of making a dagger if you to indicate these parts by giving areas like the rib cage, forearm, and
wish. Start off by filing or sanding the bases flat. This will allow you to lower leg a base coat of flesh color or darker shade first. Then dry brush
stand them up easily during the process to come. When the bases are some white over the bones. The skull is all white, of course, but shading
flat, you can start bending the figures. This is called reanimation. is necessary around the temples and jaw. Eye sockets, nose and mouth
Remember that although the metal casting will try to bend in a cavities are often painted black, but a dark brown will be more effective.
curve, a bone would not bend that way, so you’ll have to take care. The An interesting effect is created by putting a tiny dot of red directly in the
arms are the most important part to bend. By putting arms in a different middle of the eye cavity. If this proves to be too difficult for you, though,
position, you can radically alter the visual impact of a skeleton. Some forget it
possible reanimations which affect only the area above the hip bones Swords, of course, will be nicked, dull, and rusty. A quick shot with
are illustrated. In order to assure a clean, straight bend, put a brace at the knife or file can nick the swords quite convincingly. If you do not have a
bend point. Almost anything that is small and strong, such as a small dull silver or “gunmetal” color, put a black wash over your normal silver
steel ruler, will do. You could also use your small pliers to do this—and paint after it dries. This will do nicely. As a last detail, a small bit of red
have a much easier time of it. orange color on the blade with indicate rust Any capes you have added
Don’t push too hard on the arms, especially if you begin to feel metal will have to look old as well as tattered, so mix grey with any color you
fatigue. When the metal begins to bend really easily it has become choose, and give it a wash of lighter grey as a finisher. You can paint in
fatigued and will snap. Oops! Too much? Well, read on, and Ye the smallest tatters, holes, and frayed edges with black if you wish.
Fantasysmith will tell you how to fix it right up. There you have it—your skeleton crew is ready to go out and spook
Torsos and heads can be bent around to give a new position; just adventurers in varied poses, dressed to the height of bony fashion! You
incline them as you wish, and swivel them a bit Watch out for that metal may want to look at a good figure-drawing book to learn more about
fatigue, though. It’s deadly to undead miniatures. skeletons. If you do—BRAVO! Interests developed in fantasy modelling
If you’re careful enough, you’ll hardly ever need the repair tips that can lead to much more than better fantasy play. Whirling anatomically
follow. But you still should know them. In one case, a casting from my correct skeletons through your games is one example of positive spin-
set of figures simply did not have a left arm. This is the same circum- off—no bones about it!
stance that occurs when you snap off an arm. To save the casting, glue a
cardboard shield to the stump that remains, and hopefully no one will
be the wiser. Use a simple rectangular shield. This is not only easier to
cut out, but matches the Roman short sword the skeletons carry.
If there hadn’t been a stump big enough for attaching the shield,
you’d need more tools to save the casting. Take a small twist drill and The Fastest Guns
put a hole into the ribcage right about where the arm socket would (From page 45)
have been. Then get a small piece of copper or other soft wire ready to the western movies. He played heavies on television and movies from
glue into the hole. Shape the wire and flatten the “forearm” with a file the early Fifties all the way to his most successful role, one of the three
before gluing the shield on. Shaping means that you will not have to put gunfighters in Clint Eastwood’s movie “The Good, the Bad, and the
any pressure on the glue joint. The flattening means that you’ll have Ugly.” This launched him in a starring career in European westerns.
more surface to attach the shield to and, because the wire is roughed up, Eli Wallach has also achieved some notoriety as a villain, especially
the glue will adhere better. Now glue the shield onto the wire, let it dry, in “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”
then glue the whole thing into the arm socket you drilled previously. He was a scrappy, trouble-making gunfighter.
If the right arm (which holds the weapon) breaks off, you’ll have to Yul Brynner has made several westerns, and the ratings are a
modify around the breakage. Right arms are not too hard a problem, composite of these, most notably “The Magnificent Seven,” “Catlow,”
and require much the same method as the left arm. You start off by and “Westworld.”
gluing the forearm and weapon to the wire instead of a shield. This is a Steve McQueen played Yul Brynner’s friend in “The Magnificent
bit trickier and will require more skill; a method is illustrated on the Seven,” where he was a superb rifle shot.
instruction page. Human forearms have two bones so that the hand can James Coburn is always as “cool as ice” in his best westerns. In
swivel about 270 degrees. The hand and weapon are on the end of the “The Magnificent Seven” (on which the ratings are based) his favorite
forearm. This makes for a complicated shape, so it is always easier to weapon was a stiletto throwing knife with which he had deadly accur-
save the broken piece and use it rather than trying to build the arm from acy and speed.
scratch. If you get a casting without a right arm, you can always make Charles Bronson has been excellent in many movies, including
that skeleton into a left-hander—it’s easier than fabricating the arm. “The Magnificent Seven.” His fearlessness and strength have won him
Any skeleton with a trick back needs all the help it can get Start by the reputation of being a very tough hombre in a fight.
gluing a support between torso and hip bone. The flat end of a toothpick Robert Vaughn was also in “The Magnificent Seven.” He por-
will do nicely. Use epoxy cement to attach the toothpick to the torso. trayed a cowardly con man who overcame his cowardice at the end of
After that has dried, glue the entire thing to the hip bones. With this kind the movie, where he died bravely. Before play begins roll percentile
of support, it is best to have the skeleton facing directly forward so as to dice and a score of 75 or below indicates that the lower bravery score
get the maximum area for the glue to hold. After “de back bone should be used.
connected to de hip bone” again, you have the same problem that Horst Buchholz played the last of the professional gunfighters of
Richard Nixon had with his skeletons—coverup. Really now, you “The Magnificent Seven.” He was greedy and careful about the odds
wouldn’t your skeleton to develop an inferiority complex when all its in a fight, but was dependable and steadfast when in action.
buddies called it “toothpick back,” would you? Get over this problem Juan Mateos played Chico in “The Magnificent Seven.” Brynner
by improvising a ragged cape. and McQueen were uncertain about taking this brash, untried youth
Take some very light cardboard or heavy paper, the thickness of an along, but finally gave in because he would make their number
old Dragon cover, to make the cape. Cut out the paper in a rough cape seven— “for luck”. He survived that movie and reappeared in “Return
shape with ragged edges. Weaken this a bit by rolling it on a pencil and of the Seven.”
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 Vol. IV, No. 10

Mark Herro gammon, Mastermind, poker, bridge, Yahtzee, and more. I also include
all the D&D-type games in this part of the definition.
The first “Electric Eye” introduced the physical components (or Programs in the second part of the definition try to simulate some
hardware) and general operation of the home computer. This “Eye” real event, although they may not do so down to the last detail. Some of
concludes the introduction by discussing another important aspect of the programs contained in this section include lunar landing module
the home computer: the computer program, or software. simulations; aircraft take-off, flight, and landing; aircraft traffic control;
A computer program is a set of instructions that the computer bacteria growth; economic and military simulations (war gamers would
follows. Instructions arranged in different ways make the computer love some of the Civil War simulations that are available); and others.
respond in different ways. I’m going to go over the various kinds of Most of the programs I will be reviewing in future installments of
computer programs, and where they can come from. While this “eye” “The Electric Eye” will be simulations of one kind or another.
will be devoted to an overview of the software scene, future installments Miscellaneous games. This last category is sort of a catch-all for
will concentrate on reviews of specific programs that will interest the those programs that don’t fit into any other category. The variety of
gamer. programs here is such that no generalities can be “tagged” to this
category as with the others. Specific programs might include various
Types of Software versions of the Star Trek game (easily one of the most popular games for
Computer software comes in a wide variety of subject matter. any kind of computer, large and small alike), Star Wars games, picture-
Although there are no industry-wide, accepted topic groupings, for the drawing programs, trivia contests, and other programs too numerous to
sake of simplicity I’ll divide the different types of programs into six name.
general categories. I’ll also discuss what’s generally available within
those categories:
Where to Get It
Utilities. Utility programs are those that change or test the internal
OK, now that I’ve discussed what kinds of programs are available for
operation of the computer in some way. Programming languages,
a home computer, the next logical topic should be where to find them.
internal system testers, and other programs that help the computer “do
There are three general sources for home computer programs: software
its thing” are among those that populate this category. BASIC is by far
vendors, books and magazines, and custom programming.
the most popular programming language, but FORTRAN and PASCAL
Software vendors are those who sell their programs, usually ready to
are enjoying increased popularity. I mention this because programs
run (cassette or disk with programs on it), on the open marketplace.
written in one programming language won’t “run” on a computer using
These vendors also come in three forms: the software “house,” whose
another language. There are even different “dialects” of the same
sole business is selling programs; the computer manufacturer, who may
language that are incompatible with one another!
sell a limited amount of software for the computer it produces; and the
Business. Home computers are also being used in small businesses software exchange, which will “swap” an originally produced program
for several applications. Programs are available to perform such “rou-
for one or more from the exchange.
tine” jobs as inventory, payroll and accounting. In addition, some
Software houses offer a variety of programs for a variety of prices.
programs can do more uncommon jobs, like sales forecasting and word
Some of these companies specialize in one category of programs, while
processing. Lately, programs for specific applications like real estate
others offer a wider assortment Prices for programs vary in each
estimating, interior decorating assistance, and land surveying have be-
category. Many business programs cost upwards of $25, some reaching
come more numerous.
$200; utilities generally cost either between free and $8, or between $20
Business programs are among the most complex and the most
and $100, depending on the function of the program; most personal,
expensive in the industry. Many times these programs require ex-
educational, and miscellaneous programs cost under $10; and simula-
panded computer equipment, such as disk drives and expensive com-
tions usually go for about $15.
puter printers, that greatly increase the cost of the total computer
Books and magazines offer the best “deal” on programs, as long as
system.
certain criteria aren’t important A book of program listings may cost
Educational. Probably the smallest category. The majority of the about $10 and contain between 50 and 100 programs. Similarly, a
programs under this heading are drills of one kind or another for young
magazine with a subscription costing, say, $20 per year, may have 10 to
children. Many times these drills will be in the form of a game, to keep
15 program listings printed in the magazine in an average year. It’s easy
the student’s interest. Although math games are the most popular, other
to see how “cost effective” this approach can be when it is compared to
topics are available, including history, geography, and the social
buying a program from a software vender.
sciences. As of this time, there is very little for the older student
Of course, the last way of obtaining programs is “rolling your own.”
Personal application. Personally, 1 consider this category as the Obviously, creating a computer program requires knowledge of a pro-
most useful to the average home computer user (if there is such a thing
gramming language and the capabilities of the computer. Future
as an “average” user). Here we have non-game programs designed to
“Electric Eyes” will deal with creating computer programs.
ease the burden of some common household jobs, or complement the
enjoyment of some other hobby. Programs in this category include
those for checkbook balancing, personal budget control, houseplant The Last Word
selection and care, physical exercise analysis, stock and option analysis, As with the first installment of “The Electric Eye,” I’ve kept things
amateur radio, IQ tests, bartending, music composition, stamp collect- general and a little simplistic—I suppose that’s what an introduction
ing, and many, many more. should do. Now that I’ve laid a foundation of understanding, I hope to
Simulations. I define simulations as programs that are computer get on to things that will be more interesting to The Dragon’s readers. If
versions of established board games, or programs that attempt to re- you’d like to know about a specific topic, or if you have a question about
create real-life situations or events. It is the programs within this category computers or electronic games, don’t hesitate to write. Address corres-
that will probably be of most interest to readers of The Dragon. The first pondence to: “The Electric Eye,” c/o The Dragon, PO Box 110, Lake
part of the definition includes programs like checkers, chess, back- Geneva, Wis., 53147.
62
April, 1980

KROLLI
Created by Todd Lockwood
FREQUENCY: Rare SPECIAL ATTACKS: High dex-
NO. APPEARING: 1-20 terity, multiple attacks
ARMOR CLASS: 3 SPECIAL DEFENSES: Acute
MOVE: 10”/18” senses: surprised only on a 1
HIT DICE: 2-6 + 2/die MAGIC RESISTANCE: 25%
% IN LAIR:10%
TREASURE TYPE: A in lair, Q INTELLIGENCE: Average to
individual very
NO. ATTACKS: 3 (4) ALIGNMENT: See below
DAMAGE/ATTACK: Bite: 2-7, SIZE: Average; (7-8’ tall, 17-20’
rear claw 2-9, hand 1-8 or by wingspan)
weapon (+4 damage PSIONIC ATTACK/DEFENSE
w/weapon) MODES: Nil
Remote, less traveled parts of the world, away from humans, are
inhabited by Krolli, a strong race of warm-blooded flying reptilians.
They form solitary communities, or eyries, (3-60 in lair, 25% women
and young, with 2-3 and ½ hit die each, respectively, and 1-8 7 +
2-hit-die chieftains) which are greatly self-supportive. Krolli live to about
125 years of age.
The Krolli, however, are seldom met at home. While they don’t
relish the company of humans (and their cousins), they appreciate the
wealth to be had in dealing with men, and venture forward to ply their
trades.
Krolli encountered among men are generally mercenaries or
slavers, when the price is right, though they have been seen as body-
guards or even military officers. Some Neutral and Evil clans use slaves
to work fields and mine gems for profit. In short, if profit is to be had
among men, Krolli are not averse to investigating the possibilities—but
they never intentionally build their eyries within the general sphere of
human influence.
Krolli have a high natural dexterity (18/00), 18/89 strength, and
extremely acute senses. Rigorous training from youth enhances these
qualities, enabling them to attack with a vicious 3/1 (hand, hand, bite)
ratio when standing, or a 4/1 (combo of hand, claw, bite) when air-
borne. They fight at 3/1 in the air when employing weapons, and there
is a 70% chance that no weapon will be used. Krolli can melee with a
standing opponent from the air. Note that with a shield, their armor class
becomes 2.
Krolli cannot fly for long periods of time, but are easily capable of
overtaking a fast horse and rider.
Krolli may be of almost any class, though 95% will be Fighters. Of
the remaining 5%, 70% will be Clerics. They can wear no armor,
though they often (50%) carry shields. Krolli are almost never Thieves
or Assassins.
Krolli are aligned as follows: 60% Neutral, 20% Lawful, and 20%
Chaotic (each with 20% chance good, 10% evil).
Krolli eggs have no value on the open market

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 Vol. IV, No. 10

to companies, either bound—which allows move-

ment, or overwatch—which allows fire. These de-
cisions are not lightly made, as the game system is
unforgiving, due in great part to the morale rules.
To the players’ great frustration, higher-
echelon units such as companies and battalions will
crumble and cease to function as fighting elements
after taking relatively light losses because their
morale has been shattered. The shorter the time
period in which the casualties are suffered, the
more pronounced the effect. Armchair strategists
who are prone to criticize this or that military figure
will find the morale rules a humbling lesson.
One of the game’s basic premises will alienate
many of the armor buffs who are naturally drawn to
it. At Mech War 2’s level (platoon), the designer
felt, and it is difficult to argue to the contrary, that
there is little difference between the main battle
tanks and no difference between their guns. With
the hobby’s preoccupation with “chrome,” it is a
courageous design decision.
The special rules unique to Suez to Golan are
Game review minimal in number; not so with the other game. In
pons, Terran Special Talents and a host of other Red Star/White Star, doctrine restrictions compel
StarshipTroopers new rules.
As the rules become progressively more com-
players to conform to their armies’ actual operating
tendencies, and are one of the few points in
Produced by: Avalon Hill plex, the scenarios become progressively more NATO’s favor. One would suspect that this forcing
Retail price: $12 challenging and much longer. The rules do not, of the players’ hands stems from the game system
however, ever become too cumbersome to be ef- not naturally leading players to parallel battlefield
STARSHIP TROOPERS has been around for a fectively used, nor do the scenarios usually extend reality. But then again, the designer is dealing with
few years now, but aside from articles in Avalon beyond the 4-6 hour mark. The usual playing time a complex subject, and this might have been the
Hill’s house organ, The General, little or nothing is 3-4 hours for two fairly experienced players. only workable method.
has been written about this fine game. The game The game tries to simulate the novel and pro- The tactical nuclear weapons section is in-
concerns itself with the novel of the same name, vide an exciting, playable format also, so some- volved, yet clearly meant to be incorporated easily
written by Robert Heinlein. It is the stoy of a war thing has to suffer. In this case it’s the simulation of and painlessly. But it may disappoint the more
between the earth Federation, the humanoid the novel: The very effective Arachnid Heavy bloodthirsty, as it shows the major influence of
“Skinnies,” and the alien hive-dwelling Arachnids, Weapon Units are not present in the novel, and battlefield nukes is often through secondary effects
with the focus being on the ground (or under- some interesting concepts from the novel are elim- like the conversion of terrain, optical dazzle, and an
ground) combat of the three belligerents. The inated in the game, such as the Neodog scouts. All electromagnetic pulse.
game succeeds in simulating some of the novel’s in all, however, the game does provide a general Chemical warfare is the ultimate Christmas
aspects and fails in others, but more on that later. “feel” for the novel with various quotes and pieces present for the Warsaw Pact; it has literally tons of
The base of the game is the rulebook, written in of paraphernalia spread through the rulebook and lethal chemicals, while the West has practically
Avalon Hill’s Programmed Instruction (PI) meth- presented on the counters. none. This imbalance places NATO in a damned-
od, where a simple groundwork of rules is pre- The game components are up to Avalon Hill’s if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situation. Should
sented, with a simple scenario presented along with usual high standards. The counters are well done, NATO’s infantry button up, they are likely to fade
it-ready to play in less than half an hour. Other with the illustrations of the units they represent well and wither away. If they don’t, then the Soviets
scenarios are also provided, each scenario adding rendered on the high-gloss finish. The rulebook is drop a load of chemical agents on them, causing
progressively harder rules, with a scenario well done and, with the exception of the lack of a heavy casualties. Either way, the NATO player has
addenda at the end so all the rules may be used table of contents, is well thought out, as are the suffered a crippling blow in a most decidedly com-
with every scenario. playing aids. The only complaint I have with the bined arms game.
If the rulebook is the base for the game, then components is with the board, the color selection The rules for both games handle weather nice-
the first scenario, Raid on the Humanoids, is the of which is enough to make the stomach turn. ly. It is an integral but not dominant component of
skeleton on which the rulebook is laid. This Aside from this, the game is an excellent buy.— the game. Many designers shun environmental
scenario introduces only the most basic rules, with Michael Crane rules as a nuisance, sweeping them under the rug.
the stacking, close combat, and organization rules Players who favor this approach will not appreciate
providing a basis for later rules. The scenario is Mech War 2, for much of its value lies in
fairly bland, as might be expected, but provides a Game review “nuisance” rules. Any simulation’s claim to being a
basic “feel” for the game. realistic account of modem warfare is a mockery if
Scenario two is the meat of the game, with the
Terrans’ arch-rival, the Arachnids, being intro-
Mech War 2 these realistic, but irritating, aspects are not por-
trayed, at least in the optional rules.
duced in this scenario. The Arachnids live below Produced by: SPI This leads to the essential difference between
the surface in complexes, with their location being Retail price: $35 (boxed) Mark Herman’s design for Mech War 2 and the
plotted on an “Alien Control Pad” which shows a majority of tactical games. Prospective buyers
layout of the complex in relation to the mapboard. MECH WAR 2 is more than a game on modem should be aware that learning and playing this
This is a substantial advantage for the Arachnid tactical ground warfare, it is a case study of the game is a commitment. A cursory reading or two of
player, because he knows where all the Terrans subject. In fact, it is such an exhaustive thesis that it the eighty-eight pages of rules and charts does not
are, while they have no idea where he is! The alien had to be separated into two games: Red Star/ suffice. Group discussion of the meaning and impli-
player also receives the added advantage of super- White Star- The NATO theater, and Suez to Golan- cations of the rules (sometimes badly written),
strong heavy weapon units that have the strongest the Yom Kippur War. homemade playing aids, and extensive pre-session
attack and defense factors in the whole game- Mech War 2 would hold the title of the most preparation are all vital if the game is to be played
which they need to match the plethora of Special complex simulation around except that Air War, its with any degree of competence.
Weapons & Equipment that the Terrans receive in counterpart for “jet jocks,” is harder to grasp con- Players who will spend in the neighborhood of
this scenario. The Terran Mobile Infantry also re- ceptually. thirty dollars for a game are probably inclined or
ceives the advantage of an extended jump phase The amount of detail is staggering, and ex- resigned to investing some effort. Just as they
which, in effect, allows the Mobile Infantry to close pected. The standard rules, common to both would expect physically a high-quality package.
in on the Arachnids, shoot, and then run away. games, address the fundamentals up to aircraft, And in general they get it in Mech War2. It has four
Later scenarios add Terran Combat Engineers, night operations, electronic warfare and river cross- maps (though with awful artwork), an abundance
Arachnid Demolition Munitions, Terran Casualty ings. The heart of the system is the issuing of orders of charts, and hordes of counters. (But with insuf-
64
April, 1980

ficient counter trays to sort them in any reasonable

fashion.)
To say that a certain game is a must for a
wargamer or even a certain type of wargamer, as
though his manhood or standing among his peers
is contingent upon ownership of the game, seems a
bit ridiculous and sometimes self-serving. But for
those with interest in the essentials of modem tac-
tical ground warfare, and not infatuated with trivia,
as many of the followers of Cross of Iron and
Tobruk appear to be, this design is the best avail-
able, and quite good in its own right— Roberto
Camino

Program review

Trek-80
Produced by: Judges Guild
Retail price: $14.95
The latest in a long line of Star Trek computer
games has been introduced by the Judges Guild.
TREK-80 is a basic language, 16K program written
by Bruce Berry. This program is the first (and hope-
fully not the last) noticeable production of a com-
puter game by a science-fiction/fantasy wargaming
company.
Mr. Barry has taken many ideas from the num-
erous Trek programs already on the market, and
added a few new and different twists. The object of
the game is to destroy all the Klingon vessels while
losing no more than five (5) supply tugs in a
specified period of time; the addition of supply tugs
to the game makes it much more challenging for
the player.
The mechanics and graphics are well adapted,
but nothing new. The graphic layout is the usual
galactic grid overlayed by an 8 x 8 quadrant grid.
The Enterprise is depicted by an “E”, and Klingons
by a “K”, and the tugs by the up arrow. Additional
information displayed is: stardate, condition, qua-
drant, ship’s energy, bases, torpedos, Klingons,
and number of tugs lost.
Movement is by warp drive for galactic travel,
and impulse drive for inner quadrant movement
Time is listed by stardates and is a measure of
speed of movement (an excellent method). The
faster you move, the less time will pass; however,
by moving faster, energy is consumed at an in-
creased rate. Ship weapons are phasers and
photon torpedos for the Enterprise and Klingon
vessels, while the supply tugs can fire only phasers.
The Enterprise also has the unique ability to use the
ram as a weapon.
Evasive movement after firing is an excellent
addition to the game. Also, a priority target system
is used where the Enterprise assumes priority only
after firing upon the Klingons; otherwise, the tugs
are the main targets. The use of ramming is a new
feature to Trek games, and has an important role in
the play of the game.
Some of the problems with the game are: play
proceeds rather slowly—a lot of time is wasted
between weapon firing and movement; average
play takes about two (2) hours, with play often
going on for much longer, and a self-destruct se-
quence, which when used ends the game in a loss,
does not find any use in play. However, these few
shortcomings do not overshadow the interesting
features of the game.
In summary, TREK-80 is a well written pro-
gram and a good Star Trek game. The program’s
graphics are well laid out and easy to read, the
mechanics are adequate, and the introductions
of ramming and tugs are excellent features—
Michael Dodge
65
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