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 M A G I C issue!
Magic — Miracle or Menace? by Mike Levvis Magic Users and Society ..................... 2
N e w M U S p e l l s by G a r y Gyga® Magic tricks you'll wonder how you managed without . . . . . . . . . 4
R h y m e n o r R e a s o n ? by I A RobertsolY Rationale for the D&W) games' magic system . . . . . . . 1 1
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Editorial

Theie ate few things which upset the smooth twining Of 'a magazine mote
than the loss of one of the team. In out case, it's worse, since the running
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Inevitably, this will mean changes to the presentation of your magazine,
and we hope you will beat with us while we sort things out. We managed
to find Ian Williamson's address, so watch out lot the return of Auchter in
a new adventure. We've had dozens of new writers and artists writing in,
* Keith Thomson
and you will be seeing some of their work in due course. The Met is still
open — if you want to see your work in print, the first step is up to you.

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I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985

1
 The situation looked- hopeless. The party were
tmpped in a dead end all of their oil and
mo-6tov cocktad gone, and s&wly advancing
down the corridor were seventeen deadly
monsters. The ckric fell to his knees and kjan
mumbang a prayer; the fighter gripped his
notched sword tightly, prepared tosell his lift
dearly; the thief mazkone fast check for secret
doors, just in case.
'Wait a second guys,' said the magic user,
leave this to me.' So saying, she waved her
Ilan& and muttered a few incantations.
Z Z Z Z AT T P I — a lOtrting bolt Misted its
way up the conidor, leaving izaf the monsters
dead and the other hafrunningfor their lives_
Sound familiar? The overpowerful magic
user, w h o i s j u s t u s e d a s a h e a v y
weapons squad, i s a n a l l t o o c o m m o n
fault in any frp game. But h o w do you do
anything about it? No, this isn't going to
be another of those How-To-Limit-MUs-
And-Make-Them-Even-More-Useless-
Than-They-Are-Now articles; rather it is
to be an attempt to appraise the position
of the MU in a fantasy environment, and
to discover just how society might react to
the existence of the class. Then, instead
of reducing the scope of the MU further by
reducing the class's power, w e might be
able to explore new ways for spellcasters
to be played.
The first point to consider is, just h o w
do people use magic? That is, what makes
the magic user so different from ordinary
people that the use of spells and magical
paraphernalia becomes possible? To b e
able to manipulate magical energy must
take a v e r y special t y p e o f person, y e t
most s y s t e m s s p e n d l i t t l e o r n o t i m e
considering this (after all, in strictly game
terms a magic user can use magic simply
because the player chose a magic-using
character class!).
If w e s t a r t by accepting t h a t a m a g i c
user can manipulate and use magic due
to a s p e c i a l ' t a l e n t ' w h i c h s e t s t h a t
character apart from the ordinary mortal,
w h a t does this imply? Let us say that this
'talent' for magic will become apparent at
some key point in the life of the character
— i t could be birth, i t could be puberty.
The 'talent' will initially manifest itself as
a series o f uncontrolled magical effects
caused by the random mental wanderings
of the youth a sort of poltergeist effect.
It i s t h e recognition o f t h i s ' t a l e n t ' t h a t
might cause the individual to be separated
from f e l l o w citizens to be trained in t h e
use of the 'gift'. Thus begins the appren-
ticeship t h a t w i l l eventually lead t o t h e
new character,
2 I M A G I N E ma9adne, June 1985
The v e r y f a c t t h a t t h i s g i f t c a n b e
detected and trained will put a control on
the t a l e n t , e v e n b e f o r e t h e o w n e r
attempts to use it. The training and use of
magic w i l l probably b e controlled b y a
guild, o r some sort of association o f like
individuals. T h i s g u i l d s h o u l d h a v e t h e
majority o f the talented people w o r k i n g
for it, enmeshed within its structure, and
thus there w i l l be little time available to
those o f moderate skill t o go 'adventur-
ing', except w h e r e t h e i n t e r e s t s o f t h e
Guild are being served. I t depends very
much o n h o w p o w e r f u l t h e G u i l d i s i n
different locations, of course, but it would
be reasonable i f i t had control o v e r t h e
supply of materials for magic, and would
thus have some control over the 'illegal'
— t h a t i s t o say, u n l i c e n s e d — u s e o f
magic, o r i t s u s e f o r i l l e g a l purposes.
Hence, straight away w e have a legally-
based c o n s t r a i n t u p o n m a g i c u s e r s —
enforceable b y a n o r g a n i s a t i o n w h i c h
must reasonably be expected to be able to
bring errant low- and medium-level MUs
back i n t o l i n e . T h e G u i l d w i l l p r e v e n t
magic users taking a selfish a t t i t u d e t o
their art, learning it purely as a means of
blasting arcs and grabbing treasure. The
Guild w i l l w a n t to k n o w ' w h a t ' s in i t for
us?', a n d t h i s m e a n s m o r e t h a n j u s t
charging adventuring MUs large sums of
money for training.
The e x i s t e n c e o f t h e G u i l d a n d i t s
monopoly o r n e a r - m o n o p o l y o n t h e
talented also presents the problem of its
presentation as an elite, and this in turn
might l e a d t o j e a l o u s y a n d a l i e n a t i o n
from the non-talented. Ordinary men and
women w i l l be prejudiced against things
they cannot comprehend. The Guild must
balance i t s position o f privilege w i t h a n
awareness that it must protect its image
in t h e eyes o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t a n d t h e
common populace.
First, the Guild must be seen to support
openly whichever government or control-
ling power has authority over the territory
it occupies. I f support i s n o t given, t h e
government is going t o feel threatened,
aware o f t h e existence o f a s m a l l , b u t
powerful minority interest. If the Guild is
so p o w e r f u l t h a t i t could easily dismiss
the g o v e r n m e n t , t h i s m i g h t n o t b e a
problem, b u t i n m o s t cases t h e govern-
ment i s going t o b e a b l e t o t a k e s o m e
action against the threat the magic users
pose. This could stop short of an outright
ban. T h e g o v e r n m e n t m i g h t p u t h e a v y
taxes o n t h e m a t e r i a l s r e q u i r e d f o r
magical experimentation, o r maybe j u s t
harass and place surveillance upon Guild
members. U n l e s s t h e G u i l d a c t u a l l y
7 h e 3 f r i g i c cliser J v c i e l y
wants the burden of controlling an entire
society, a g a i n s t t h e i n t e r e s t s o f o t h e r,
equally powerful interests — the clerical
lobby, for example — it will have to steer a
safe, central course.
The greatest threat to the Talent Guild
will always be from the religious interest
groups. The priesthood will see the Guild
and its members as a threat to its position
and prestige amongst the ignorant mass-
es. It's one thing for a religious group to
squabble w i t h another, disputing whose
deity has the greater claim to an area or
whatever; if the clerics feel challenged by
a secular grouping, with no ties to deities,
they w i l l probably unite in self-defence.
Possibly the magically-talented could be
seen as a threat to religious ceremonies
and i d e a l s — f o r what is a marvel brought
about by the use of magic but a miracle
performed w i t h o u t r e l i g i o u s faith? T h e
clerics could ask: ' w h e r e does the power
for these miracles come from?' It w o u l d
be a simple matter to play upon the ignor-
ance and superstition of the populace to
bring persecution down upon the magic-
using community.
Magic might be more acceptable to the
rulers o f a c o u n t r y, e d u c a t e d t o s o m e
small understanding of its nature, but the
common citizens w i l l feel t h e opposite,
particularly if i t is no use to them. They
might be u n w i l l i n g t o help t h e talented,
causing adventuring m a g i c u s e r s t o g o
w i t h o u t such everyday things as a bed for
the night. W o u l d an ignorant innkeeper
let someone spend the night at his inn if
that p e r s o n h a s s t r a n g e a n d u n k n o w n
powers? He might skip off without paying
the bill! If he sees the magic user create
light from n o w h e r e , o r levitate from the
horse, t h e n m i s t r u s t i s s u r e t o f o l l o w.
What o t h e r p o w e r s d o e s t h e s t r a n g e r
have? Reading a person's mind, perhaps?
Even the simplest, most ignorant peasant
has secrets that would cause harm if they
were revealed.
The open display of magic, and its use
to perform simple tasks that are normally
done b y h a n d , s h o u l d b e c u r b e d . T h e
magic user will learn this necessity from
the G u i l d d u r i n g training, a n d f r o m t h e
school o f life i f the p o w e r is flaunted. I f
the t a l e n t e d a r e t o b e accepted b y a
society, t h e y m u s t p r o v e t h e m s e l v e s
useful. T h e y m u s t m a k e a v a l u a b l e
contribution to community life. The Guild
will feel that this is best done by providing
services l i k e p e s t c o n t r o l f o r f a r m e r s ,
fertility d r u g s , e t c . I f n o t h i n g else, t h e
money charged for these services would
provide a reasonable income for the Guild
and its members.
Cr-
I M A G I N E ma9azine, June 1985
l y l e w i s
Of course, m o s t m a g i c u s e r s i n t h e
D&DF, games concentrate on t h e attack
spells, researching more and more deadly
spells i n attempts t o slay anything t h e y
come up against. In most societies, these
'experts' w o u l d quickly find themselves
being asked to help the government of the
area a g a i n s t o p p o n e n t s w i t h o u t a n d
within. I n fact, t o p quality m a g i c users
would f i n d themselves a s m o r e o r less
permanent 'guests' of a local magnate.
As y o u c a n s e e f r o m t h e above extra-
polation of a few thoughts about society's
reactions t o t h e m a g i c u s e r — and t h e
adjustments both would have to make —
there is more to being a spellcaster than
just t h e adventuring w e a p o n s squad. I f
you p u t some thought into the structure
of your campaign society and the place of
magic users in it, a much more interest-
ing game can result. Consider the follow-
ing three suggestions:
1) Talent Wars.
These w o u l d result as clashes between
magic-using and non-magic-using states
in an area which differed over the place of
the s p e l i c a s t e r. E a c h f a c t i o n w o u l d
struggle to place its own level of limitation
on t h e talented. A p a r t y m o v i n g f r o m
place t o place w o u l d encounter various
oppressions of magic use, and thus have
to adjust its actions accordingly.
2) Revolt.
Perhaps the party could be contacted by
an u n d e r g r o u n d g r o u p o f t a l e n t s w h o
wish t o overthrow the non-talented and
oppressive government. They cannot —or
do not wish to — achieve their aim alone,
and need help. And, of course, this might
cause rivalry in the party as the talented
members are treated as superior by the
revolutionaries....
3) Witch Hunt.
The situation could be reversed, of course,
and t h e p a r t y c o u l d b e h i r e d b y t h e
authorities to hunt down practitioners of
outlawed m a g i c . L o t s o f f u n r e l i g i o u s
bigotry is available in this situation, and
clerics should have a field day!
These a r e j u s t a f e w ideas. T h e r e a r e
hundreds m o r e s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e t h e
existing notions of the spell-battery magic
user could be challenged. Whenever MUs
in y o u r campaign s t a r t t o practise t h e i r
art, consider the effect on those around
them, a n d y o u ' l l f i n d i t c a n a d d a
special.... o r. _ magic to your gaming.
1010 Mike Lewis
3
Editor's Note
It h a s b e e n q u i t e s o m e t i m e s i n c e t h e A D V A N C E D
D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S R g a m e u n d e r w e n t development,
but n o w t h a t t h e c o m p l e t i o n o f t h e D U N G E O N S &
D R A G O N S , g a m e is only one step away, t h e time is drawing
close when Advanced players can expect to see some new ideas
coming through. F o r n o w, h e r e a r e a f e w n e w M U spells -
designed i n t h e d a y s b e f o r e A d v a n c e d w e n t i n t o a h o l d i n g
pattern. Look them over, let us know what you think, and drop us
a line with any ideas you have which other readers might like to
see.
Spell Explanations
Alarm
When an alarm is cast, the MU causes a selected area to react to
the presence of any living creature larger than a rat, ie anything
larger than about half a cubic foot or 3lbs weight. The area of
effect can be a portal, a section of floor or stairs, etc. As soon as a
living creature touches t h e area, t h e alarm w i l l evoke a l o u d
ringing, audible up to 60' (reduced by 10' for interposing doors,
20' f o r s u b s t a n t i a l w a l l s , etc). T h e s o u n d w i l l l a s t f o r o n e
segment. A l t h o u g h undead and ethereal o r astrally projected
creatures w i l l n o t c a u s e t h e a l a r m t o f u n c t i o n , i n v i s i b l e
creatures and those from other planes w h o can be considered
alive will do so.
Material components are a tiny bell and a piece of very fine
silver wire.
Armour
Using this spell, the MU creates a field of force which serves as if
leather a r m o u r (AC 8). I f cast upon someone already wearing
armour, the spell has no effect. However, if cast upon a creature
with an armour class normally better than 9 (due to size, speed,
skin, etc), it will benefit that armour class by +1. It will not slow
the r e c i p i e n t o r h i n d e r m o v e m e n t , o r a d d t o w e i g h t o r
encumbrance, o r p r e v e n t i n g s p e l l c a s t i n g . I t l a s t s u n t i l
dispelled, o r u n t i l t h e w e a r e r s u s t a i n s c u m u l a t i v e d a m a g e
greater than 8 +1 p e r level of the caster hit points.
Note that the spell will not function in conjunction with other
magical p r o t e c t i o n d e v i c e s w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n o f r i n g o f
protection. M a t e r i a l c o m p o n e n t i s a p i e c e o f f i n e l y c u r e d
leather which has been blessed by a cleric.
•7
. segments and thoroughly wet thereafter.
Firewater
This s p e l l c h a n g e s a v o l u m e o f w a t e r i n t o a v o l a t i l e ,
inflammable substance similar to alcohol. If exposed to a naked
flame, the substance will burst into flame, doing 2-12 points of
damage. The firewater will evaporate and be useless within one
round of its creation, even if securely contained and sealed, so it
must be utilised w i t h i n 1 0 segments of creation. The material
components are a f e w grains of sugar and a raisin.
I M A G I N E rtta9a4ne, June I 8 5
Grease
A grease spell covers an area w i t h a slippery substance o f a
greasy, fatty nature. Any creature stepping upon it should make
a save vs petrification or slip. It can be cast on rope, ladder rungs,
weapon grips, etc, but in these circumstances it will only work
automatically if the intended object is not being wielded or used;
in other cases a saving t h r o w vs magic must fail for the spell to
be effective.
The material component is a piece of pork rind, butter or some
other greasy material.
Melt
By this spell, an MU raises the temperature in the area of effect.
This sudden increase will melt ice in one round. If used against
snow, t h e s p e l l w i l l m e l t a n a r e a t w i c e t h e s i z e n o r m a l l y
obtained. Used against creatures, i t is n o t n o r m a l l y effective
against those n o t composed o f para-elemental cold o r w h i c h
employ extreme cold. However, against such monsters as white
dragons, w i n t e r wolves or yeti, the spell w i l l inflict 2 points of
damage per level of the caster, halved if a saving throw vs magic
is made.
The material components are a few crystals of rock salt and a
pinch of soot.
Mount
This spell allows the caster to call a normal animal to serve as a
mount. The animal will serve willingly and well, but at the expiry
of the spell it will seek to depart. Higher level MUs can attract a
greater variety of mounts, as follows:
0 1 0 11 - 3 r d level: m u l e or light horse
4-7th level: draft horse or warhorse
8-12th level: camel
13th level plus: elephant
The s t a t i s t i c s o f t h e c r e a t u r e s u m m o n e d a r e t y p i c a l f o r
creatures of that type. The material component of the spell is a
bit of hair or dung from the type of creature desired.
Precipitation
When this spell is cast, all water vapour in the atmosphere in the
area of effect will fall as light rain. This will continue only for as
many segments as the M U has levels. The spell w i l l have the
following effects (and it should be noted that low-level casters
will certainly be w i t h i n the area of effect):
Thin, l i g h t m a t e r i a l w i l l b e c o m e d a m p i n 1 s e g m e n t a n d
thoroughly wet thereafter.
Twigs a n d h e a v y m a t e r i a l l i k e canvas w i l l b e d a m p i n 2
Flat, relatively non-porous surfaces will be damp in 1 segment
and filmed w i t h w a t e r thereafter.
Semi-porous s u r f a c e s w i l l b e d a m p i n 2 s e g m e n t s , a n d
thereafter t h e d a m p w i l l progress d o w n w a r d / i n w a r d ; a f t e r 5
segments the surface will stay wet.
Porous surfaces will absorb the rain to their entire capacity.
Small flames, s u c h a s candles, w i l l b e extinguished b y 1
segment of precipitation, and small fires will slow and become
smoky for 1 round after the precipitation has ceased. Large fires
will not be affected.
Note that where the temperature is above 90°F, the duration
of the spell w i l l be extended to double normal, except in areas
where conditions are normally arid. Where temperature is 31 -
33°F, it will fall as sleet, and at 30°F and below, the precipitation
will fall as rather thick snow, and most of the dampness effect
will only occur when this melts. If magical heat is applied to the
same area as covered by a p r e c i p i t a t i o n spell, a cloud of w a r m
fog w i l l result, covering double the area of the normal spell. If
magical cold is applied to the spell or the resulting water, normal
ice will form. Very hot creatures such as salamanders will suffer
1 p o i n t o f damage i n every s e g m e n t d u r i n g w h i c h t h e y a r e
w i t h i n the area of effect, taking half damage if a save vs magic is
made.
The material component for the spell is a pinch of silver dust.
5
 A 6 t %wilt(
Run
A r u n spell enables t h e recipient to r u n a t full speed f o r 5 - 8
hours without tiring. However, after thisthe individual must rest
for a like number of hours, as well as drinking plenty of liquids
and consuming a hearty meal. For every two levels of the caster,
another individual can be affected. The material component is
an elixir m a d e f r o m t h e juice o f dried p l u m s boiled i n spring
water and the oil of 5-8 castor plant beans.
Ta u n t
This spell enables the caster to give real meaning to the words
and s o u n d s t h e n u t t e r e d , s o t h a t t h e y w i l l b e p a r t i c u l a r l y
insulting to the subject. If the object(s) of these jeers fail to save
vs magic, t h e t a u n t w i l l drive t h e m i n t o a fury, a n d t h e y w i l l
attack the caster if at all possible, seeking to use body weapons
or h a n d - h e l d weapons rather than missiles. O n l y one type of
creature can be affected in t h i s way, a n d t h e spell w i l l affect
those nearest to the caster first regardless of maximum range.
Wizard M a r k
When t h i s spell i s cast, t h e user is able to inscribe, visibly or
invisibly, a personal mark or rune, and up to 6 other characters
of smaller size, into metal, stone or any softer substance without
causing damage to the material. If an invisible mark is made,
d e t e c t m a g i c w i l l cause it to glow and be readable. Likewise,
detect invisibility, true seeing, true sight, a gem of seeing or a
robe o f e y e s w i l l n o t e a n i n v i s i b l e m a r k . T h e m a t e r i a l
components for this spell are a pinch o f diamond dust (about
50gp worth) and pigment for the coloration of the mark.
Bind
Using t h i s spell, t h e M U causes any rope-like object o f non-
living material to behave as ordered. A b o u t 50 feet + 5 feet per
level of the caster of normal, one inch thick rope can be affected,
and the length should be adjusted for thicker or thicker ropes,
yarns, cables, etc. Possible commands are Coil; Coil and Knot;
Loop; Loop and Knot; Tie and Knot and the reverse of each of the
above.
The rope m u s t be w i t h i n one foot of the object to be bound.
The spell does n o t convey any other magical properties to its
subject, so bound creatures may react to the spell as if the rope
were normal.
Deeppockets
This spell allows an MU to prepare a garment magically to hold
far m o r e t h a n normal. A f inely - m ade g o w n o r robe (worth a t
least 3 0 0 g p ) is fashioned w i t h a t least a dozen pockets, a n d
w h e n the spell is then cast, one of these will then be able to hold
1,000gp w e i g h t (5 cubic feet volume) as if it were only 100gp
weight. There will be no discernible bulge where the pocket is.
The effect of the spell can be spread over a greater number of
pockets, provided t h a t t h e total capacity does n o t exceed t h e
amount above. If the spell expires w h i l e the pocket is full, the
contents will vanish — lost forever. In addition to the garment, a
tiny golden n e e d l e a n d a M o b i u s s t r i p o f f i n e c l o t h w i l l b e
required as material components.
6 I M A G I N E magadne, June 1985
Flaming Sphere
This spell causes a b u r n i n g globe of normal fire t o come into
being up to 1 " distant from the caster, w h i c h w i l l then start to
roll i n the direction t h e caster points, regardless of gravity, o r
obstructions of less than 4 foot height. Flammable subjects will
be set ablaze by contact, and creature struck will take 2-8 points
of damage. O t h e r creatures w i t h i n 5 ' radius o f t h e sphere's
centre m u s t save vs magic or take the indicated damage. The
sphere w i l l m o v e a t a r a t e o f 1 " p e r r o u n d w h i l e t h e caster
points; staying still otherwise. I t can b e extinguished b y any
normal means.
The m a t e r i a l s c o m p o n e n t s a r e a b i t o f t a l l o w, a p i n c h o f
sulphur and a dusting of powdered iron.
Irritation
This spell affect the epidermis of the subject creature. It will not
affect creatures with very thick or insensitive skins. There are
two versions, e i t h e r o f w h i c h can be cast f r o m t h e standard
preparation:
Itching —This causes the subject to feel an instant itching
sensation on some portion of the body. If 5-8 segments are
not i m m e d i a t e l y spent scratching t h e irritated area, t h e
subject will begin to squirm and twist, effectively worsening
the armour class by 4 and 'to hit' probabilities by 2.
R a s h — T h i s has no effect for 1-4 rounds, but thereafter the
subject's skin will begin to break out in red welts which will
itch faintly. The rash will persist until cure disease or dispel
magic is cast on the subject, lowering charisma by 1 p o i n t
per day for four days, and reducing the subject's dexterity by
1 after a week. Symptoms vanish once the rash is removed,
all statistics returning to normal.
The material component is powdered leaf from poison ivy, oak
or sumac.
Melt's Acid Arrow
With this spell an MU can create a magical 'arrow' which speeds
to its target as if propelled from the bow of a fighter of the same
level as the caster. The arrow is +1 f o r 'to hit' purposes. The hit
will inflict damage on a target, even if it would not normally be
damaged by a weapon of only +1 value, because of the acid. The
arrow itself does 2-5 points of damage, and then the acid gushes
forth to hit as the equal of 8-ounce volume (1' diameter area of
effect, 2 - 8 damage, i t e m saving throw). The effect of the acid
increases with the level of the caster, increasing by one round of
damage f o r every three levels above t h i r d o f the caster (so a
4-6th level MUs will cause double damage over two rounds, etc)
unless the acid can be neutralized.
The material c o m p o n e n t s of the spell are a dart, powdered
rhubarb leaf and an adder's stomach.
Preserve
A p r e s e r v e spell a l l o w s the caster to keep an i t e m fresh a n d
whole u n t i l required later f o r a spell. I t w i l l b e ineffective i n
retaining t h e potency of material such as mistletoe and holly
berries, and similar stuffs which must be gathered periodically.
The sort of material which can be treated depends on the level of
the caster:
Hard, relatively dry material — 2-4th level
Soft, relatively dry material — 5-7th level
Semi-liquid and liquid materials 8 t h level and above
A container is only necessary where the material has a high
degree of moisture. The material components for this spell are a
pinch of dust, a bit of resin or amber, and a drop of brandy.
Tasha's Uncontrollable Hideous Laughter
This s p e l l c a u s e s t h e s u b j e c t t o p e r c e i v e e v e r y t h i n g a s
hilariously funny. The effect is not immediate, and the subject
will only feel a slight tingling on the round in which the spell is
cast. Thereafter, the feeling will increase — and the subject will
start t o s m i l e , t h e n g i g g l e a n d f i n a l l y c o l l a p s e l a u g h i n g .
Although this hysteria w i l l only last for one round, the subject
will spend the following round regaining its feet, and will be at
-2 from its strength for the next two. The saving t h r o w depends
upon the creature's intelligence; those with 3 or less are totally
unaffected, those w i t h intelligence 4 - 8 have no saving throw;
those with 9 - 1 2 save at -4; those of 13-15 save at -2; and only
those with intelligence of 16+ save as normal.
The material components are a small feather, a t i n y wooden
paddle and a m i n u t e tort.
Whip
By m e a n s o f this spell, t h e M U creates a material, w h i p - l i k e
substance u p to 1 " distant. The caster can then w i e l d this by
motions of the hand just as if a whip were held. The lash can be
used to make a whistling crack and an actual strike each round;
the sound alone is enough to keep normal animals at bay unless
they save vs magic. Any animal actually struck (as indicated by a
normal 'to hit' roll) m u s t save vs magic at -1 t o -4, or else slink
away for a t least an h o u r. Note t h a t the w h i p does no actual
damage. Creatures w i t h intelligence above 3 are not affected,
nor are animals bigger than bears, nor are fantastic beasts.
The w h i p c a n a l s o b e u s e d i n c o m b a t t o w r a p a r o u n d a n
opponent's weapon. A successful 'to hit' roll m u s t be made for
the lash to have struck and wrapped itself around the weapon. If
the whip then saves vs crushing blow (13 or better) when used
against edged weapons, o r normal b l o w (6 o r better) against
non-edged w e a p o n s , i t w i l l t e a r t h e w e a p o n f r o m t h e
opponent's h a n d u n l e s s a saving t h r o w v s m a g i c succeeds.
Magic bonuses of affected weapons reduce die score to save vs
blows.
The material component of the spell is a piece of braided silk.
Cloudburst
By m e a n s o f t h i s spell, t h e caster causes t h e atmosphere t o
instantly precipitate all of its water vapour in huge drops of rain,
the resulting condensation not only causing a true downburst of
rain but also sucking more vapour into the area to fall thereafter.
This cloudburst will effectively drench everything within its area
of effect within 1 segment. All normal fires will be extinguished
— small ones instantly, m e d i u m ones in 3 - 5 segments, large
ones in 8 - 1 0 segments. Magical fires will also be extinguished
— permanent magical fires w i l l relight after 1-2 rounds; small
rekindlable fires such as that of a f l a m e t o n g u e sword w i l l be
affected o n l y d u r i n g t h e a c t u a l c l o u d b u r s t ; s p e l l s s u c h a s
produce f i r e a n d b u r n i n g h a n d s w i l l b e negated. Large area
spells such as fireball, flame strike or wall o f fire will, in the
course of being extinguished, vaporize the rain, creating a cloud
of steam of quadruple area of effect. The steam w i l l inflict 1 - 3
points of damage on normal creatures, and double damage on
cold-dwelling o r cold-using creatures. I t w i l l p e r s i s t f o r 2 - 5
rounds, or less if a w i n d is blowing.
In a r i d regions, t h e c l o u d b u r s t w i l l a c t o n l y a s a d o u b l e -
strength p r e c i p i t a t i o n s p e l l . I n h o t a n d h u m i d a r e a s , t h e
duration of the spell will be extended to 2 rounds. In areas with a
temperature of 31-33°F, sleet rather than rain will fall, with ice
and s l u s h f o r m i n g w h e r e i t accumulates. I n temperatures o f
30°F or lower, the cloudburst will be a snowburst, with one inch
of s n o w falling each segment. However it falls, the cloudburst
will cause very hot creatures to suffer 10 + 1 per segment points
of damage, unless a save vs magic is made.
The material components for t h e spell a r e powdered silver
and powdered iodine crystals.
Detect Illusion
This spell is exactly the same as the 1st level illusionist spell
d e t e c t i l l u s i o n ( P H p 9 4 ) except w i t h r e g a r d t o duration, a s
shown above.
I M A G I N E magazine, pate 1985
Item
By m e a n s o f t h i s spell, a n M U i s able t o t o u c h a n y n o r m a l ,
non-magical item of a size appropriate to the area of effect and
cause it to shrink to one-twelfth its normal size. Optionally, the
caster can also change its now shrunken composition to a cloth-
like one. O n l y living t h i n g s are entitled t o a saving t h r o w vs
magic, made at +4. When cast on non-living material, the spell's
duration should be quadrupled.
Objects changed by an i t e m spell c a n be r e t u r n e d t o t h e i r
natural composition a n d size b y tossing t h e m o n t o a n y solid
surface or by word of command from the original caster.
Material
A material spell allows a n M U t o bring i n t o being certain
common things. There is no great difficulty in causing common
basic m a t e r i a l s s u c h a s s t o n e , e a r t h o r w o o d t o a p p e a r.
Similarly, other inorganic or non-living materials such as water,
air, dung, straw, etc can be conjured.
When simple plants are concerned, such as w h e n a caster
attempts to create an area of grass, there is a base 100% chance
of failure, modified d o w n w a r d by 1% per level o f t h e caster.
Animal life can never be affected by this spell. In no event can
worked, refined o r fabricated items be brought into being by a
material spell.
Melf's Minute Meteors
This s p e l l i s u n u s u a l i n t w o respects. F i r s t , t h e d w e o m e r
enables the caster to create small globes of fire which burst into
a l f t diameter sphere on impact, inflicting 1-4 points of damage
upon t h e target creature — or otherwise igniting combustible
materials (even solid planks). This ability continues from round
to round until the caster has fired off as many of these meteors
as he or she has levels of experience, until the caster decides to
forego casting any remaining meteors or until a dispel m a g i c is
successfully cast upon t h e M U . Second, once M e l f ' s m i n u t e
meteors has been cast, the MU has the option to discharge the
available missiles at the rate of one every two segments, or one
every round (beginning w i t h the initial round of casting).
In the first option, the caster must be pointing at the desired
target on the second segment after the spell is cast and a missile
will be discharged. This process is repeated every two segments
thereafter until all the missiles are released. Naturally, this will
mean that the spell actually carries over into the next round, at
least.
If t h e s e c o n d o p t i o n i s chosen, t h e M U c a n w i t h h o l d o r
discharge missiles as seems fit. This option also has the benefit
of enabling t h e spellcaster t o actually discharge o n e o f t h e
meteors and conjure some other spell as well. This additional
spell m u s t b e o f s u c h a n a t u r e a s t o n o t r e q u i r e t h e t h e
continuing c o n c e n t r a t i o n o f t h e s p e l l c a s t e r, o r e l s e t h e
remaining meteors are lost. However, considering that the MU
will have been able to discharge a missile and cast another spell
in the same round is of such benefit that the potential loss is a
small concern.
The components necessary for the casting o f this spell are
nitre and s u l p h u r formed into a bead by the admixture of pine
tar, a n d a s m a l l h o l l o w tube o f m i n u t e proportion, fashioned
from g o l d . T h i s t u b e s h o u l d c o s t n o l e s s t h a n 1 , 0 0 0 g p t o
construct, with fine workmanship and magical engraving, but it
will remain potent through repeated castings of the spell unless
damaged by accident or abuse.
7
Secret Page
When cast, a secret page spell alters the perceived contents of a
page so that they appear to be entirely different. Thus, a map can
be changed to become a treatise on burnishing ebony walking
sticks, and so on. The caster can reverse the spell by uttering a
command word, peruse the page's actual contents, and return it
to its altered f o r m thereafter. The caster can also remove the
spell by a repetition o f the command word. Others noting t h e
dim magic of a page cloaked by this spell can attempt a dispel
magic, but if it fails the page will be destroyed. Otherwise, short
of an alter reality or wish spell, only will-o-the-wisp essence
will reveal the true nature of a page. The material component for
the spell is powdered herring scales.
Sepia Snake Sighl
There are three forms of this spell. Each eventually causes the
conjuration o f a deep b r o w n snake-like force. T h i s so-called
sepia snake springs into being and strikes at the nearest living
creature, attacking as if it were a monster with hit dice equal to
the level of the caster. If successful, its strike engulfs the victim
in a s h i m m e r i n g a m b e r field o f force, frozen and immobilized
until the caster releases the dweomer, or until a dispel magic is
cast. U n t i l t h e n , n o t h i n g c a n g e t a t t h e v i c t i m , m o v e t h e
shimmering force surrounding him or her, or otherwise affect
either the field or its victim. If the sepia snake misses its target, it
dissipates in a flash of brown light, with a loud noise and a puff
of dun-coloured smoke w h i c h is 1 " in diameter and lasts for 1
round.
The t h r e e applications are: 1 ) as a g l o w i n g sigil i n t h e a i r
drawn by the spellcaster and pointed at the intended target; 2)
as a g l y p h o f u m b e r m a r k e d o n a surface; o r 3 ) a s a s m a l l
character marked upon some magic work to protect it.
The components or the spell are 100gp w o r t h o f powdered
amber, a s c a l e f r o m a n y snake, a n d a p i n c h o f m u s h r o o m
spores.
Dispel Illusion
This spell i s t h e same as the 3rd-level i l l u s i o n i s t spell o f the
same name. However, the MU attempting to dispel the illusion
is considered as t w o levels b e l o w his or h e r actual level w i t h
respect t o i l l u s i o n - p h a n t a s m t y p e s o f s p e l l s c a s t b y a n
illusionist.
(V
Wind Wall
This s p e l l b r i n g s i n t o b e i n g a n i n v i s i b l e c u r t a i n o f w i n d o f
considerable s t r e n g t h — sufficient t o b l o w birds as large as
crows u p w a r d , o r t o t e a r p a p e r s a n d l i k e m a t e r i a l s f r o m
unsuspecting h a n d s ( i f i n d o u b t , a s a v i n g t h r o w v s m a g i c
determines grasp). Normal insects cannot pass through such a
barrier. Loose material, even garments, caught in a w i n d w a l l
will fly upwards.
The material components are a tiny fan and a feather of exotic
origin.
8 I M A G I N E magazine, June 1)85
Evard's Black Tentacles
By means of this spell, the caster creates many rubbery, black
tentacles in the area of effect. These waving members seem to
spring forth from whatever surface is underfoot — even water.
Each is 10' long, AC4 and takes as many points to destroy as the
casting M U h a s levels. Furthermore, t h e r e w i l l b e o n e s u c h
tentacle f o r each level. A n y creature w i t h i n t h e reach o f t h e
tentacles is subject to attack, and must make a saving t h r o w vs
magic. If this succeeds, the victim takes 1 - 4 points of damage
from initial contact with the tentacle, but this is then destroyed.
If t h e saving t h r o w i s failed, t h i s indicates t h a t t h e d a m a g e
inflicted is 2 - 8 points, that the member is wrapped around its
victim, a n d t h a t damage w i l l b e 3 - 1 2 p o i n t s o n succeeding
rounds.
As these tentacles have no intelligence to guide them, there is
the possibility that they w i l l e n t w i n e any object — a tree, f o r
example — o r c o n t i n u e t o squeeze a d e a d opponent. O n c e
grasped, a tentacle remains around its chosen target until the
thing is destroyed by some form of attack or it disappears due to
expiry of the spell.
The material component for this spell is a piece of tentacle
from a giant octopus or squid.
Leomund's Secure Shelter
This spell enables the M U to call into being a sturdy cottage or
lodge, made of a material w h i c h is common in the area w h e r e
the spell is cast. The floor area will be 30 square feet per level of
the caster, and the surface will be clean, level and dry. While the
lodging i s s e c u r e a g a i n s t w i n d s o f u p t o 7 0 m p h , i t h a s n o
heating o r c o o l i n g s o u r c e o t h e r t h a n n a t u r a l i n s u l a t i o n
properties of the materials.
The dwelling will provide considerable security, as it will be as
strong as an equivalent stone building no matter of w h a t it is
made, it will resist fire as if it were stone, and be impervious to
all m i s s i l e s except those cast by artillery or giants. The door,
shutters and chimney are secure against intrusion, the former
two being wizard locked and the latter secured by a top grate of
iron and a narrow flue. In addition, all such areas will be covered
by an alarm spell, and an unseen servant is called up to provide
service to the spell caster.
The i n s i d e o f t h e s h e l t e r w i l l c o n t a i n r u d e f u r n i s h i n g s a s
desired by the spell caster made of a material c o m m o n t o the
area u p to 8 bunks, a trestle table and benches, as many as 4
chairs or 8 stools, and a w r i t i n g desk.
The material components are a square chip of stone, crushed
lime, a f e w grains o f sand, a sprinkling o f w a t e r and several
splinters o f w o o d , a n d t h e s e m u s t b e a u g m e n t e d b y t h e
components of the alarm and unseen servant spells.
Magic Mirror
By means of this spell, an M U changes a normal m i r r o r into a
scrying device similar t o a c r y s t a l ball. T h e details o f such a
scrying device a r e given i n t h e D M G , M i s c e l l a n e o u s M a g i c
Items section, under crystal ball.
The m i r r o r m u s t be o f finely w r o u g h t a n d h i g h l y polished
silver, of a m i n i m u m cost of at least 1,000gp. The mirror is not
harmed by the casting o f this spell as are the other materials
c o m p o n e n t s — t h e eye of a hawk, eagle or even a roc, nitric acid,
copper and zinc.
Otiluke's Resilient Sphere
When this spell is cast, the result is a globe of shimmering force
which encapsulates the subject, provided that it is small enough
to fit w i t h i n the diameter of the sphere and fails a saving t h r o w
against magic.
The resilient sphere will contain its subject for as long as the
dweomer persists, and i t is not subject to damage o f any sort
except from a r o d o f cancellation, w a n d o f negation, o r a
disintegrate o r d i s p e l m a g i c spell. T h e s e w i l l d e s t r o y t h e
sphere w i t h o u t harming the occupant.
The material components o f this spell a r e a hemispherical
piece o f diamond o r s i m i l a r hard, clear gem a n d a m a t c h i n g
sphere of gum arabic.
 rThe Lost SIFipe of Kasar-litplp
Shout
When a s h o u t s p e l l i s c a s t , t h e M U i s e m p o w e r e d w i t h
tremendous vocal s t r e n g t h . T h e caster w i l l release a n e a r -
splitting n o i s e w h i c h h a s a principal effect i n a c o n e shape
radiating f r o m t h e m o u t h o f the caster to a 3 " terminus. A n y
creature within this range will be deafened for 2-12 rounds and
take a like amount of damage. A n y brittle or similar substance
subject to sonic vibrations will be shattered e v e n a wall of ice.
A s p e l l o f t h i s n a t u r e c a n b e employed b u t o n c e a day, f o r
otherwise the caster might be permanently deafened.
The material components are a drop of honey, a drop of citric
acid and a small cone made from a b u l l ' s or a ram's horn.

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games distributed b y B e a s t Enterprises.
Others include Dragonroar (complete new
role-playing g a m e - E 1 2.95), Storstone
t:- - (excellent 4 0 page F R P module - E3.95)
and TORTURED SOULS! ( f o u r o r m o r e
Stoneskin scenarios i n e v e r y issue - o n l y E2.95).
When t h i s spell i s cast, t h e affected creature gains a virtual Please send orders t o t h e address below,
immunity to any attack by cut, blow or projectile. Even a s w o r d or send an SAE f o r a complete list.
of sharpness would not affect a creature protected in this way,
nor would a rock hurled by a giant or a snake's strike. However,
magic attacks from spells such as fireball, m a g i c missile and so
on would have their normal effect. Further, any attack or attack P&P:
sequence dispels the dweomer — thus it is proof only against UK: FREE
one attack of this nature. Attacks with relatively soft weapons, EUROPE: +25%
such as a monk's hand attack, or an ogrillon's fist, will inflict 1-2 OTHERS: +50%
points of damage on the attacker.
The m a t e r i a l c o m p o n e n t s f o r t h e s p e l l a r e g r a n i t e a n d
diamond dust sprinkled on the skin.
Beast Enterprises L t d
Ultravision DIVINITY R O A D
This s p e l l e m p o w e r s t h e r e c i p i e n t t o s e e r a d i a t i o n i n t h e OXFORD O X 4 1 L R
ultraviolet spectrum. In night conditions this means that vision
will be clear, as if it were daylight, to a range of 100 yards, and
shadowy and indistinct for a f u r t h e r 2 0 0 yards beyond that. If
the night is very dark, with thick clouds, reduce the distances by COMING SOON:
50%. W h e r e more than six feet of earth or three feet of stone Tortured Souls! No. 8
interpose between the sky and the recipient, vison of only the
dimmest sort w i l l be possible i n a 3 - f o o t radius. Nearby light with F R E E f l o o r p l a n
tends to spoil ultravision. The material component is a crushed
amethyst of at least 500gp value. Land 1 on 1 module.
015 Gary Gygax
IMAGINE magazine, tune 1985 9
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10 Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s

w i t ; 0 4 / t e d & / 0 4 / atez i n a w J p / t e A n z b y a t e / g
g 9 9 - ieogerlson
As a referee of long standing (some ten
years), one of my major criticisms of the
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS T) game is
the lack of a rationale — or any explan-
ation at all — of the Magic System defined
by Gary Gygax. A t first sight, there does
not appear to be a n y reason behind t h e
system, b u t over the years I have devel-
oped one that may be of some use to other
referees, b o t h a s a background t o t h e i r
world and as an open-ended system for
the d e v e l o p m e n t o f n e w s p e l l s a n d
magical items.
What I am not trying to do is to lay down
any h a r d a n d f a s t r u l e s ; I a m m e r e l y
describing m y system, and other people
are to feel free to take it, modify it, and use
such parts as suits them; it is up to DMs to
take the game and to use it as they wish.
1. The Historical Background
At t h e t i m e o f creation, t h e r e w a s a n
utterance of a single, very complex name
by t h e p r i m e c r e a t i v e f o r c e w h i c h
described i n absolute detail a l l t h a t t h e
world w a s , c o n t a i n e d a n d e v e r w o u l d
contain, t h e n o r a t a n y p o i n t i n t i m e
thereafter.
Since that time, men have learnt that,
by using t h e various parts of that n a m e
which d e s c r i b e a n o b j e c t , i e i t s T r u e
Name, t h a t o b j e c t c a n b e a ff e c t e d b y
supernatural means (or magically, to use
a d i ff e r e n t word). T h e y also discovered
that the True Name of an object related to
the complexity of that object, and that it
was unique for each object.
2. System Requirements
In o r d e r t o u s e t h e system, w h i c h w i l l
introduce t h e c o n c e p t o f a m a g i c a l
'tongue', it will help if there is a method of
I M A Q I N E ntagane, _lime 1985
Anto/ezMpArt4041/.?
*ffetzrn&
learning languages. I u s e a s y s t e m o f
'language levels' o n a scale o f 0 t o 15,
where 0 is a total lack of understanding of
any p a r t o f t h a t language, a n d 1 5 r e -
presents a total m a s t e r y o f t h e tongue,
along w i t h a c o m m a n d o f all t h e intric-
acies and nuances of speech relating to
the language. As can be seen from Table
1, learning any language can take a very
long time indeed.
Magic Use
Table 1: Language levels During t h e early stages o f t h e i r career,
magic users (MUs) learn spells by rote,
Language
from a mentor, or from 'teaching scrolls'
Level (LL) Time to learn N o t e s
0 No knowledge
(a non-magical type o f scroll containing
very precise instructions on h o w to cast a
spell — these would be very much m o r e
1 2 weeks Only very
2 4 weeks
common t h a n ' c a s t i n g s c r o l l s ' , i e t h e
simple phrases scrolls as in the D M G .
3 8 weeks eg me hungry
As t h e i r e x p e r i e n c e o f s p e l l c a s t i n g
4 3 months Recognisable increases, MUs begin to realise that there
5 6 months as foreign is a l a n g u a g e b e h i n d spell casting, t h e
6 1 year 'True Names' being u s e d become m o r e
familiar and MUs begin to develop a basic
7 2 years Normal native
knowledge o f Tr u e Speech. I r e p r e s e n t
8 3 years fluency of speech
this by giving the MU LL1 i n True Speech
9 4 years ' B B C ' newsreader on reaching 4th level.
10 5 years c o m m a n d of tongue At t h i s s t a g e , M U s c a n f o l l o w t w o
INEIMPO,
11 V a r i a b l e as T u t o r must be at
paths; t h e y c a n e i t h e r d e v e l o p t h e i r
power a n d s t r e n g t h b y g a i n i n g e x p e r -
12 d e p e n d e n t on l e a s t 1 L L higher
ience p o i n t s a n d i n c r e a s i n g c h a r a c t e r
13 t u t o r ' s ability t h a n the level
level, or they can develop their knowledge
14 b u t at least h e is tutoring
of True Speech which, although the level
15 5 years
stays lower, makes k n o w n spells, albeit
low level ones, vastly m o r e efficient ( i n
Notes on Table 1 system t e r m s , t h e o p p o n e n t ' s s a v i n g
t h r o w increases, a n d t h e M U ' s s a v i n g
1) The t i m e given assumes 3 h o u r s per throw decreases, w h i c h m e a n s t h a t
day spent learning the language, assum-
spells thrown at the MU are more difficult
ing a reasonable tutor is available.
to 't a r g e t ' a n d h i s / h e r spells a r e m o r e
2) The times given are not cumulative; ie effective).
it takes 3 months to go from LL3 to LL4, The modifiers I use are as described in
and then another 6 months to reach LL5. Table 2 (see over).
11
 Table 2: Saving Throw Adjustments for True Speech Knowledge

True Speech LL of Caster 3) Rangers

My concept of a ranger is that of a fighter
O1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 w h o is more attuned to the nature deities
0 O -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6 -6 -6 -7 -7 -7 than m o s t n o r m a l fighters. B e c a u s e o f
1 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6 -6 -6 -7 -7 this, rangers are looked on with favour by
2 +2 + 1 0 -1 -2 -4 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6 -6 -6 -7 these deities, who will occasionally grant
-3
-4 -4 -5 -5 -5 him the power to cast druidic type spells
3 +3 + 2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -6 -6 -6 -6
as a paladin will cast clerical spells
4 +4 + 3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6 -6
Owing t o t h e i r w a n d e r i n g s , r a n g e r s
Speech 5 +4 + 4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6 will p i c k up odd snippets o f o t h e r lang-
LL 6 +5 + 4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 uages, and these m a y well include True
of 7 +5 + 5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -5 -5 Speech, w h i c h w o u l d allow them to cast
Target 8 +5 + 5 +5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -5 some low-level M U spells as well.
9 +6 + 5 +5 +5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5
10 +6 + 6 +5 +5 +5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 4) Illusionists
11 +6 + 6 +6 +5 +5 +5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 An illusionist is an MU who specialises in
12 +6 + 6 +6 +6 +6 +5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 spells affecting the m i n d and can there-
+5
+4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 fore be treated exactly as any other magic
13 +7 + 6 +6 +6 +6 +5 +5 +5
user is treated.
14 +7 + 7 +6 +6 +6 +6 +5 +5 +5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 -1
15 +7 + 7 +7 +6 +6 +6 +6 +5 +5 +5 +4 +4 +3 +2 +1 0
Magical Items
Magical items can be considered in three
However, t h e r e i s a snag. N o h u m a n useful for an NPC magic user. (Under this parts, namely the creation of an item, its
teacher c a n e v e r e d u c a t e a h u m a n t o system I ' v e s e e n a s e v e n t e e n t h l e v e l use, a n d f i n a l l y t h e d e - a c t i v a t i o n o r
higher than 1_1_10 in True Speech, w h i c h illusionist tremble w h e n a fifth level M U destruction o f a n i t e m . I t h a s b e e n
means that the M U m u s t go out and find raised an e y e b r o w — the M U h a d L L 1 4 necessary t o i n c l u d e a n o t h e r s p e l l t o
creatures t o w h i c h T r u e S p e e c h i s a True Speech, the illusionist only LLB.) allow t h e c r e a t i o n o f a n i t e m b y t h e
natural tongue. It also allows the possibility of non-MU alteration o f i t s T r u e N a m e ( p r e p a r e
These creatures are the dragons, much characters learning o n e o r t w o spells i f enchantment).
more f o r m i d a b l e c r e a t u r e s t h a n u n d e r they w i s h t o , a n d c a n f i n d s o m e o n e
the standard rules because they have an prepared to teach them. 1) Creation of an Item
inherent L.L15 i n T r u e S p e e c h , w h i c h My notion of a magical item is an object
which has had its True Name altered by
means t h a t t h e i r spells a r e v e r y m u c h Clerics
more dangerous. So the MU must first of magical (or other) means. T h e r e q u i r e -
all f i n d a dragon, a n d t h e n see i f i t w i l l Clerics gets magic through the effects of ments to perform such an e n c h a n t m e n t
talk. Normally there are only two possible their deities. This is even more applicable are several.
outcomes to this; e i t h e r the dragon and as a c l e r i c s t a r t s c a s t i n g h i g h e r l e v e l The first is that the mage must find the
the M U c o n v e r s e , o r t h e M U g e t s a n magic. I t r e a t spells o f f i r s t a n d second True Name for the article that he desires
instant t r a n s f o r m a t i o n i n t o s o m e t h i n g level the same as for an MU, that is as the to create. Note that this name is unique
else (eg a large pile of ash) courtesy of the result of training and learning by rote the for each item; even t w o s w o r d s +1 w i l l
dragon. necessary rituals to cast the spells. have different True Names, although they
Even i f magic users f o l l o w the normal According t o t h e D M G , t h e c l e r i c a l may be related i n some w a y (this could
experience p o i n t s / l e v e l p a t h , t h e y w i l l spells of third level u p w a r d s are cast by make it easier to find the True Name for a
still have t o learn some True Speech as intervention o f t h e cleric's deity o r t h e subsequent item of the same type).
they g o along, i n o r d e r t h a t t h e h i g h e r deity's m i n i o n s (supernatural servants). This implies that a m a g e c a n n o t start
level spells may be cast: see Table 3. My concept o f t h i s i s t h a t t h e c l e r i c i s mass-producing magical items — a good
granted the p o w e r to 'speak in tongues' thing as it can imbalance a world terribly;
(specifically in True Speech) but w i t h o u t and t h a t t h e D M c a n regulate t h e t i m e
Table 3: L L of True Speech required needed to research the True Name (which
gaining t h e u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f w h a t i s
by M U to Cast Spell being s a i d . T h i s s u g g e s t s t h a t c l e r i c s becomes more complex as the item does
Minimum LL should n o t have to select spells prior to so) dependent on the mage's command of
Spell level
4 4 adventuring; t h e y o n l y need t o pray f o r True Speech, and h o w the item w o u l d fit
the ability to cast the spell. This clears the w i t h i n the game. As a guide, an M U w i t h
5 6
problem that the cleric's deity might allow access t o a g o o d l i b r a r y m i g h t t a k e a s
6 8 much a s six m o n t h s ' research t o f i n d a
the w r o n g spells for the adventure to be
7 10 selected (deities are supposed to be omni- true name for a sword +1, and maybe five
8 12 potent) and a l l o w s t h e D M t o modify or or t e n years t o f i n d a n a m e f o r a h o l y
9 14 even to refuse the spell should the cleric s w o r d +5 with flaming powers, telepathy
have upset or been unfaithful to the deity. and intelligence.
Thus t h i s concept explains w h y M U s The mage must then actually force this
must have a high intelligence — in order name o n t o t h e i t e m b e i n g e n c h a n t e d ,
to cast 7th, 8 t h o r 9 t h level spells, t h e y
Other Magic-Using Classes which m a y require rare and exotic mat-
must h a v e a g o o d c o m m a n d o f T r u e 1) Paladins erial components for the prepare enchant-
Speech. In many respects a paladin, when reach- m e n t spell, which the mage will obviously
One ramification o f this system is that ing a level high enough to cast spells, may have to find.
some s p e l l s c a n b e m o r e e a s i l y ( a n d be considered as a low-level cleric, w i t h Note that it is exceptionally difficult to
justifiably) r e s t r i c t e d i f t h e r e f e r e e s o the difference that he always 'speaks in enchant either cold iron or steel. I a l l o w
desires, f o r example sleep could i n o n e tongues'. magical w e a p o n s t o be m a d e o f bronze
version o n l y a ff e c t orcs, o r h u m a n o i d s (with -1 t o damage and a 1 0 % chance of
etc. 2) Druids breakage per use) or if the MU thinks of it,
It a l s o g i v e s comparatively l o w - l e v e l Again, d r u i d s c a n b e treated a s clerics either enchanted weapon or enchant an
MUs a w a y t o i m p r o v e c a s t i n g a n d w h o w o r s h i p a n a t u r e d e i t y, a n d c a n item m a y be cast o n t h e m e t a l first, i n
magical defence abilities such t h a t they therefore be considered as clerics under which case I treat it as 'natural material'
are rather more p o w e r f u l — particularly this system. in evaluating the spell's effect.
12 I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985
2) The Use of Magical Items
In my game, the command word(s), where
required, are included as part of the True
Name of the item, as can be the number of
charges on a wand or similar. Again, the
more c h a n g e s , t h e m o r e c o m p l e x t h e
True Name w i l l become, as the item has
to be more complex magically in order to
store the power required.
3) The Destruction of Magical Items
In order to destroy an item, the MU m u s t
discover i t s True N a m e a n d t h e n cast a
destroy enchantment spell (the reverse
of prepare enchantment). Various means
can be used to discover the True Name of
an item, eg legend lore and identify
spells, in addition to research. Note that
all m a t e r i a l s are treated a s ' n a t u r a l ' f o r
this spell. It is easier to destroy something
than to create it!
1010 IA Robertson
I would like to thank all those who have
aided m e i n t h e development o f this
rationale, and also Ursula K Le Guin for
the original idea from her book Wizard of
Earthsea.
NEW SPELL N E W SPELL
Prepare Enchantment (Conjuration/Evocation)
Reversible
Level: 6th for MU, 5th Cleric, Illusionist, Druid
Range: touch Components: V. S. M
Duration: permanent Casting Time: Special
Area of Effect: special Saving Throw: See description
Explanation/Description: This spell i s used t o e n c h a n t a n i t e m b y forcing t h e
alteration of its True Name. The caster must know the True Name of the item to be
created, w h i c h varies in complexity according to the complexity of the item.
Immediately prior to casting the spell, he must ritually purify himself, by fasting,
etc. The ritual takes six days to prepare and one to cast, but the resultant drain on
the caster is such that it will be impossible for them to cast any other spell for the
following d100 days, and in addition there is the chance of taking mental damage.
After the spell has been cast there is a chance that the item w i l l have had its
True Name altered. The base chance is 60% with the following modifiers:
-1% per l O g p weight of natural material (wood, leather)
-1% per 3gp weight of other non-ferrous material
-1% per 1 gp weight of ferrous material
+1% per level of caster
+1% per day of fasting prior to casting the spell.
+1% per 10,000gp worth of material components
After casting the spell the caster must save vs feeblemind (at +3 if the spell was
successful) or be feebleminded (see 5th level druidic or 6th level MU spell). If the
caster saves against feeblemind, s / h e is then magically drained for d l 00 days,
regardless of whether or not the spell w a s successful.
The material components will vary according to the item that is to be enchanted,
for their existence will be revealed to the caster as part of the True Name of the
item. However, they should be of at least 5,000gp value. The materials will be lost
if the spell fails, or will become a part of the item if it succeeds.

In EA RTHWOOD, twenty-five players compete to

be the ultimate ruler by controlling all the de-
veloped cities, either singularly or with an alliance.
A typical game will last about 18 months with the
first knockouts usually starting after six months.
HIWOQD
Each player is either a king of a fantasy race or
powerful charismatic character. Your character or
king controls several groups each of which is totally
independent of each other. You can recruit trolls,
wildmen and others into your armies, and even
control powerful creatures such as dragons. Your
characters will capture and control cities, upon
which you can spend gold to improve security, in-
crease yourworkshop's production, build defences
and maintain and enlarge your army. With gold
your wizards undertake magical research, learning
new spells. Spies search out enemy strongholds
and then attempt acts of sabotage, theft and
assasination. These are just a few options available to a
player in EARTHWOOD.
EARTHWOOD is computer moderated but the
turn sheets and replies are written in plain English
so that you can easily understand them. No need
to look through complex charts and code books to
understand this game.
To enrol in Earthwood send
E5.00 cheque/PO payable to
KJC Games. For this you re-
cieve the rulebook, setup and
first three turns. Future turns
are E1.50. Send to KJC Games,
5 Vicarage Avenue, Cleveleys,

GAMES Blackpool, Lancashire.

FY5 2BD.

13
I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985
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14 Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n replying t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s
 PEL:N R E
The County oL CeTwym BURGHALTER
2 land cf adventure. About the City League there lies the County cf Ceruyn, a small island in the wilderness where peop1 scmtch a hying from the land
and where adventurers can rest between adventures. Each month IMAGINE magazine presents a town or village flow the County, describing the
location and its inhabitants, and *zing a few suggestions far fitrther adventure. 'This provides an ideal campaign bacfround for the GM who can collect
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you need never be short of an idea for urban encounters again.

The Town o f

1,1Z o c A r n c a s t l e 5 miles
alrjh

••• A s t i b f r a l l ' 4,0111140Viovi111,A

4 0 1 1 1 1 1 r 1
O o b i " 0 9 0 4 :
CB8 4 1 7 4 4 : 4 1 : 4 ;

Black alp i c E 7 1 0 - -
/
Lygol C C E 1 A CB12
Gorge O r c6

For 9
1
CB 7
CkCB18
CB13

CB17
CB1 1

Limestone
Hills
Stone Road Gritstone
Great 12' l o g road Cliffs
Dwarven 5'-8' log road
Hall woodland
saplings
streams Vasarpath 10 miles •
,

by Musk Fe ton 7 years ago: Jelima's husband, Varlin, and his adventuring colleagues
destroyed t h e C u l t i n a m i s s i o n o f vengeance. T h e C u l t Te m p l e w a s
razed a n d t h e caverns cleared. Va r l i n decided t o s e t u p p e r m a n e n t
History residence here and re-named the village Jelima.

1 2 8 3 years ago: The valley was colonised by dwarves. Defensive walls
were built and the dwarves began diggings in the hard gritstones.
1 3 7 years ago: The dwarves sold Burghalter to a human merchant after
a phyrric victory in the Sarpath M o u n t a i n s depleted their numbers. The
merchant sealed up the caverns and built an inn. The property changed
hands on five occasions in the next forty years.
9 6 y e a r s ago: T h e B u r g h a l t e r Inn w a s destroyed by giants, acting as
mercenaries f o r a t h i r d p a r t y, w h o a l s o c u t o f f a l l t r a ff i c a l o n g t h e
Arncastle-Vasarpath r o a d . O n e y e a r l a t e r t h e g i a n t s ' c o n t r a c t w a s
completed and they moved on, and at some stage in the next three or
four years, Burghalter was taken over by a dark and evil Rakshasa cult.
They re-opened the caverns with h u m a n o i d slave labour and extended
them i n t o a m a j o r c o m p l e x o v e r t h e n e x t decade, f i n d i n g t r a c e s o f
ancient workings below the surface of the valley.
8 years ago: Jelima Ganz, a good priestess of A m a r a s in the County of
Bereduth, w a s kidnapped, transported to Burghalter and sacrificed.
I M A G I N E maganne, June 1985
6 years ago: Va r l i n and a cleric named Solem consecrated the f o r m e r
Great Hall o f the D w a r v e s as a temple. The c o m m u n i t y expanded a s
halfling f a r m e r s arrived, and a n e w inn was opened on the original site
to replace the one w h i c h w a s destroyed. The old quarry w a s screened
from the rest of the valley by trees.
3 years ago: A silvery mallorn sapling was found in the northern half of
the valley. 30 Elves, to whom the mallorn is sacred, leased the land from
Varlin and his adventuring colleagues.
6 m o n t h s ago: Va r l i n and Solem commenced w o r k on a n e w temple.
D M ' s Notes: The n e w name of the village. Jelima, has not stuck among
the population of Cerwyn as a whole; the D M should only describe the
village thus w h e n the PCs are actually present there N o t e also that the
details of the Rakshasa Cult should not be m a d e k n o w n to the players,
who s h o u l d instead be i n f o r m e d o f the p o p u l a r b e l i e f that the giants
were defeated by Varlin. T h e r e is ample opportunity for the players to
discover the remnants of this cult if they choose to explore the caverns.
15
The Valley
The valley lies among the foothills of the Sarpath Mountains, between
the Vasarpath-Arncastle road and the Black Lygol River gorge. The sides
of the valley are steep b u t by n o m e a n s unclimbable by u n a r m o u r e d
characters.
The w o o d l a n d is mostly oak and ash, and the soil is well drained by a
network of rivulets and the drainage schemes of the halfling farmers.
The r o a d s a r e log roads, 5 - 8 feet w i d e , except f o r t h e road f r o m t h e
entrance to the Rear Fort, w h i c h is 12 feet wide.
C B 1 T h e W o o d s : T h e s e cover the valley on t h e w e s t e r n side.
Here live 3 0 adult Elves, tending the mallorn at the centre of the site.
CB1 a L_ a g o n i t u r e l ; Elven Priest;
M; C7; N / C G ; hp 2 7 / 3 4 ; Ch 1 6
Lagoniturel is the only elf regularly seen by the rest of the c o m m u n i t y of
Burghalter, as he buys their food and arranges whatever else they need.
No-one o u t s i d e o f t h e elves k n o w s t h e s e t - u p i n t h e w o o d s ; i n f a c t
Lagoniturel and h i s fellows receive a regular secret donation of silver
from an outside source to maintain the mallorn and to be ready to take
over the valley should the h u m a n s ever choose to leave. It w o u l d be a
matter of great concern to the elves if h u m a n habitation w e r e greatly
extended in the valley.
C B 2 F a r m l a n d : T h e h a l f l i n g s h a v e cleared t h e w o o d l a n d a n d
now have good, fertile soil producing abundant goods under their care.
C B 3 T h e L a k e : A dwarf-built dam pens the m a n y streams
through the valley and the resulting lake has been stocked w i t h fish.
C B 4 S e a l e d T u n n e l E n t r a n c e : Leads to the underground
complex, but has been sealed by a solid stone wall.
C B 5 N o r t h e r n Tunnel Entrance: The trees cut from the
southern end of the valley are stored here, cut to mature for the roof of
the n e w temple. Beyond, the tunnels are sealed w i t h stone walls.
C B 6 Southern Tunnel Entrance: Many of the areas behind
this e n t r a n c e w e r e i n u s e as dwelling placs w h i l e homes w e r e being
constructed. Two people still live here. Immediately behind the entrance
is t h e f o r m e r D w a r v e n G r e a t H a l l , n o w a t e m p l e t o Ta r m e n e l (see
I M A G I N E magazine, 4 2 6 )
C B 6 a Reeni Tayar; Priestess;
F; C5; N / C G ; h p 2 1 / 2 7
Reeni looks after the underground temple and handles routine services
w h i l e Solem sees to the building of the n e w temple. She is popular and
w e l l - k n o w n t h r o u g h o u t B u r g h a l t e r, a n d i s m a r r i e d t o t h e q u a r r y
foreman, Late!.
C B 6 b L a t e ! T a y a r ; Quarry Foreman;
M; Fr2; N / N G ; h p 8
Latel i s a B e r e d u t h a n , a n d d e e p l y s u s p i c i o u s o f t h o s e c i t i z e n s o f
Burghalter w h o hail from o t h e r lands
The Village
C B 7 G a t e h o u s e : Te n F1-2 mercenaries on long-term contracts
watch t h e m a i n e n t r a n c e t o t h e valley. T h e y w e a r c h a i n , a n d c a r r y
shields, s h o r t b o w s and broadswords.
C B 8 Q u a r r y B a r r a c k s : Five F1-2 mercenaries watch over the
quarry. They can be alerted f r o m the Rear Fort in time of danger. They
are a r m e d as above (CB7).
C B 9 R e a r F o r t : F i v e F 1 - 2 m e r c e n a r i e s w a t c h t h e Black Lygol
gorge f r o m h e r e . T h e n a r r o w g a t e g u a r d s a f l i m s y d r a w b r i d g e . T h e
stream f r o m the valley flows t h r o u g h an iron grille.
C B 1 0 B u r g h a l t e r I n n : T h e Inn has high-quality rooms for
merchants and other passers-by at 3gp per night, and c o m m o n rooms
for guards, teamsters, etc at 5sp a night.
C B 1 O a M e g a r t Jonniker; Inn Manager;
M; Fr 3; N; h p 9
Megart is the third son of a noble w h o was implicated in a plot against
the Katar of the City League by the Knights Ocular, but who was lynched
by a mob before his trial. M e g a r t and his brothers were stripped of titles
and wealth and exiled. He came to Burghalter by chance, and agreed to
work for Varlin — purely because, as a Bereduthan, Varlin was unlikely
to care a fig f o r the justice of the City League. He hopes to raise some
money t o c l e a r h i s f a t h e r ' s n a m e — a n d i s f i d d l i n g t h e books. H i s
birthright makes h i m rather aloof.
16
C B 1 0 b F a___; Ili C h a m b e r m a i d
F; FO/NM, hp 3;
Falli is attractive but very withdrawn. She alone knows all about Megart,
including his thefts, but she is in love with him and says nothing. As one
of o n l y t w o unattached w o m e n i n t h e valley (the o t h e r i s o n e o f t h e
mercenary guards), Fain attracts plenty of attention from the guards and
others, although she rejects them all
C B 1 1 T e m p l e u n d e r construction: The vaults and
foundations have been excavated and work is in progress on the walls.
This t e m p l e w i l l b e dedicated t o Ta r m e n e l . I t i s i m p r e s s i v e e n o u g h
already to hint at great wealth.
C B 1 2 S t a b l e s : There is room for up to 40 horses, although only
t w o berths w i l l be occupied. The standard charge is 4sp per night, but
Yarred can spot adventurers a mile off and hikes the price up to 2gp.
C B 1 2 a ' N o - n o s e ' Y a r r e d ; Te a m s t e r, Stable Manager;
M; Fr 1; N; hp 4
Wears leathers and carries a w h i p .
Yarred is an old horseman w h o lost the tip of his nose to a warhorse. He
claims t o h a v e b e e n r a i s e d b y pegasi, t h o u g h m o s t p e o p l e s c o f f ;
however, he is very capable of raising and training pegasi, and would do
so at a considerably cheaper price than some big-city trainer. Yarred is
normally out in the daytime taking stones f r o m the quarry to the n e w
temple in an old wagon.
C B 1 3 W o r k e r s ' H o u s e s : T h e large house in each group is a
communal d w e l l i n g f o r u n m a r r i e d m e n . Va r t i n a n d t h e o t h e r s h a v e
failed to recruit m a n y married workers; consequently, after being paid
the men often go off to Arncastle, where they are becoming k n o w n as a
rowdy nuisance.
C B 1 4 S o l e m ' s H o u s e : Endor and Castillo Solem's home is set
back amongst the trees. Endor is a central figure in Burghalter, and his
wife Castillo is a qualified e n g i n e e r w h o is supervising h i s grandiose
plans for the temple. She is, however, h o u s e - b o u n d after an accident
that has left her crippled, and is very unlikely to be encountered by PCs,
even if they call at the Solem household.
CB1 4a E_ nd_ o rS_ o I_ e m ; Cleric adventurer (part-retired)
M; C10, N / C G ; hp 5 1 / 6 1 ; W 17, C 15, Ch 16
Wears strangely-cut, o l d g r e y s u i t — a u n i q u e m a g i c a l i t e m w h i c h
becomes p l a t e m a i l + 2 w h e n a c o m m a n d w o r d i s spoken. A l s o h a s
(Basic: ring o f p r o t e c t i o n +1; Advanced: c l o a k o f p r o t e c t i o n +1), Uses
flail +3 if expecting trouble, s t a ff +1 otherwise. Also owns (Basic: w a n d
of c o l d (20 charges), f l y i n g c a r p e t , o i n t m e n t o f s o o t h i n g ; Advanced:
w a n d o f m a g i c m i s s i l e s ( 3 4 charges), c a r p e t o f f l y i n g , 6 p o t s o f
Nolzur's M a r v e l l o u s Pigments), various scrolls and potions of his own
making, and a special salve that inhibits a person's scent for 2-8 hours.
Usually has curative, defensive a n d a t least o n e h i g h level o ff e n s i v e
spell memorised.
Endor Solem is aloof to strangers, allowing only his truest friends to see
his s e n s i t i v e r e a l s e l f . S t i l l e n j o y s battle-practice, b u t h i s b u r n i n g
ambition is to see the temple completed — it has cost him nearly every
gp he ever had.
C B 1 5 G a n z ' H o u s e : A n effusive house; open and cheerful to
suit the owner. Varlin still has some adventuring wealth about the place,
although he spends it quickly. One secret panel contains his dead wife's
jewels ( 1 0 pieces, t o t a l v a l u e 30,000gp), a n o t h e r c o n t a i n s a b a g o f
diamond d u s t (value 1 5 0 0 g p ) a n d B e r e d u t h a n c o i n t o t h e v a l u e o f
14,000gp. The panels are trapped w i t h (Basic: an explosive trap doing
1-8 damage; A d v a n c e d : g l y p h s o f w a r d i n g ) . Wa g e s f o r t h e t e m p l e
construction workers are kept in a locked chest, and consist of 1200gp in
silver and gold coin. A book in t h e chest s h o w s t h a t t h e r e s h o u l d be
3200gp present, b u t 3 0 0 0 g p w a s stolen f r o m t h i s chest recently, and
Varlin has been able to replace just 1000gp from his o w n resources.
C B 1 5 a V a r l i n G a n z ; Cleric adventurer
M; C9; N / C G ; hp 3 7 / 4 4 ; W 16
Wears clerical robes or plate mail +1. Uses horseman's mace or c l u b +1.
Also o w n s b o o t s o f l e v i t a t i o n , r o d o f cancellation, p o t i o n o f speed,
scroll o f r e m o v e c u r s e , r a i s e d e a d , (Basic: p u r i f y f o o d a n d w a t e r,
cureall; Advanced: p u r i f y f o o d and drink, heal).
Normally has curative and offensive spells memorised.
Although a s p e n d t h r i f t a n d a happy-go-lucky type, Va r l i n ' s n a t u r e i s
clouded b y t h e o b s e s s i o n h e h a s w i t h t u r n i n g B u r g h a l t e r i n t o a
monument for his lost wife. He still goes out adventuring, and might join
a suitable party of PCs if approached. However, he has something of a
hidden deathwish, and might prove to be as much of a liability as a help.
Something w h i c h some people m i g h t find odd is that Varlin a n d not
Endor S o l e m — r u n s B u r g h a l t e r, despite t h e f a c t t h a t S o l e m i s o f a
higher rank in the church of Tarmanel. This is because Endor considers
'civic' w o r k beneath him and has 'delegated' the responsibility.
I M A G I N E nta9azine, June 1985
C B 1 6 H a [ f l i n g H o m e s : These dwellings are burrowed into the
hillsides, and provide homes for the young halfling c o m m u n i t y who farm
the southern half of the valley.
C B 1 6 a C h o l o r o d e n y ; Farmer (thief);
M; T4; N / C N ; I 17, hp 1 0
Cholorodeny (pronounced 'Chordeny' around the village) is a member of
a Thieves' Guild based in the N e w City area of the City League, placed
here to report on events around the valley, particularly on the arrival of
religious relics for the n e w temple. He has one spectacular theft to his
credit — he recently removed 3 0 0 0 g p f r o m Va r l i n ' s h o m e w h i c h t h e
adventurer h a s n e v e r a n n o u n c e d a s stolen.... T h e m o n e y i s b u r i e d
behind his home.
C B 1 7 B y l o f f ' s H o u s e ; a plain building w i t h a slender tower.
Tobek and Lana's 6 children can normally be seen playing outside.
C B I 7 a T o b e k B y l o f f ; Fighter adventurer
M; F8; N / C G ; S 15; hp 3 2 / 4 0
Wears lots o f frills, lace a n d b r i g h t colours — o r g r i m p l a t e m a i l +2.
Carries shield +1. N o r m a l l y armed w i t h b a s t a r d s w o r d +3, also o w n s
longbow +2. Has (Basic: ring of X-ray vision, boots of travelling and
leaping; Advanced: ring of ultravision, boots of striding and leaping)
and a r a r e magical i t e m fashioned f r o m a u n i c o r n ' s h o r n t h a t causes
poisoned liquids to foam.
Tobek is an optimistic dandy and w i n e connoisseur, w h o tends to r u n
roughshod over o t h e r people w h e n involved in an adventure or w h e n
they are dealing w i t h his wife. He and Lana are virtually estranged.
C B 1 7 b L a n a B y l o f f ; M a g i c i a n adventurer
F; M U 8; N / N G ; S 6 , 11 6 , D 7; hp 2 4
Wears d a r k green c l o a k (Basic: d i s p l a c e r cloak; A d v a n c e d : c l o a k o f
p r o t e c t i o n +2) fastened w i t h silver spider-brooch w i t h water opal eyes
(Basic: t a l i s m a n o f e l e m e n t a l travel; Advanced p e r i a p t o f w o u n d
closure). Carries dagger f l . Also owns wand of fear, wand of illusion,
bracers of defence A C 6 , (Basic: ring of water walking; Advanced: ring
of w a t e r breathing), rod o f cancellation, potion o f dimunition, and
several scrolls of her o w n devising.
Unless prepared, n o r m a l l y h a s f e w s p e l l s m e m o r i s e d e x c e p t t h o s e
necessary for her researches.
Lana has been w o r k i n g on various aspects of magical research, w h i c h
has estranged her from her family. On the last adventure she undertook
w i t h Varlin and the others, she was very nearly killed when c h a r m e d by
a vampire. Q u i t e w e a k herself, s h e h a s been t r y i n g to e n c h a n t some
gems s o t h a t t h e y w o u l d m a k e t h e b e a r e r i m p e r v i o u s t o a l l c h a r m
attempts, but has failed so far.
C B 1 8 T o r e a u ' s H o u s e : A small house compared to the other
adventurers', since Ardise and Ildros don't care m u c h for visitors.
C B 1 8 a Ardise 'Red Hand' Toreau; Fighter adventurer
F; F10; N / C G ; hp 5 3 / 6 4
Scruffy clothes or plate mail +1 a n d shield +2. Uses battleaxe +1 o r
l o n g s w o r d +2. Also owns rings of (Basic: safety, quickness; Advanced:
feather fall, warmth), djinni summoning and fire resistance (the first
t w o are n o r m a l l y w o r n , t h e others kept on a ' w a t c h c h a i n ' inside h e r
waistcoat o r armour), a n d (Basic: p o u c h o f s e c u r i t y ; Advanced: s i x
packets of d u s t o f sneezing a n d choking). H e r fascination w i t h rings
extends to non-magical ones as well, and she wears as many as a dozen,
worth 1 0 0 - 2 0 0 0 g p each.
Ardise is a n u n c o m p r o m i s i n g f i g h t e r, a n d a careless, insensitive and
abrasive comrade. She is normally both loyal and courageous— but her
passion for collecting rings has actually led her into a fight w i t h Tobek
Byloff w h i c h — astonishly! — s h e lost. S h e i s s u l l e n l y w a i t i n g f o r a
rematch.
C B 1 8 b Ildros Toreau, aka Thorn of Xir; Historian
M; Fr 5; N / C N ; I 18; hp 17
Ildros i s t h e s o n o f t h e m a g i c - u s e r u n d e r w h o m L a n a s e r v e d h e r
apprenticeship. F o r m e r l y a n o t e d h i s t o r i a n i n X i r, h e n o w a c t s a s
Burghalter's record keeper. In his small office in the Inn, there is a huge
map of all t h e surrounding wilderness, right up to the edge of the Steppe
country. He will make accurate, smaller copies for 50gp each.
The People
The other citizens of the village are:
5 q u a r r y m e n , 1 0 m a s o n s a n d 1 0 builders; a f o r e m a n (Late' Ta y a r,
CB6b), d r i v e r a n d c o o k . T h e s e w o r k u n d e r Va r l i n a n d S o l e m ' s
directions.
20 mercenaries under the command of Ardise Toreau (CB18a). One of
these i s t h e o n l y o t h e r u n m a r r i e d w o m a n i n t h e v i l l a g e (see Falb,
CB10b). The guards are very protective of her.
30 elves under the guidance of Lagoniturel ( C B I a).
I M A G I N E magazime, June 1985
30 halflings, w i t h 1 4 children.
3 Inn staif
4 house servants for the adventurers.
The Politics
Nominally, B u r g h a l t e r o w e s allegiance t o t h e H i g h S t e w a r d o f t h e
County of Cerwyn, Jeorge Fardwarm. However, the village is beyond the
recognized boundaries of the County, and as such is m e r e l y a trading
partner covered by certain guarantees of military assistance. In return,
Varlin and Solem have paid a large sum of money to Fardwarm for the
right to establish their temple here. Varlin is also secretly negotiating to
have Burghalter officially recognised as a part of Cerwyn and for at least
half the garrison of Arncastle to be moved here, offering his services as a
mercenary to extend Cerwyn influence f u r t h e r south and east.
Because o f t h i s , e m p l o y m e n t w o u l d b e a v a i l a b l e t o a d v e n t u r e r s
willing to journey into the wilderness, although Varlin would not reveal
the full extent of his plans to just anyone.
Varlin's i m a g i n a t i v e a n d e x p a n s i o n i s t p l a n s w i l l i n e v i t a b l y c a u s e
problems as both t h e inhabitants of Burghalter and nearby t o w n s and
c o m m u n i t i e s realise the full implications of what he has in mind. He is
quite a w a r e t h a t t h e m e r c h a n t s w h o use B u r g h a l t e r w i l l support h i s
plans, a s t h e y c o u l d l o o k f o r w a r d t o t h e increase i n r e v e n u e s t h a t a
garrison w o u l d bring.
On the other hand, Varlin knows that the dwarves of Vasarpath will be
concerned that the County's influence will be seen as approaching their
independent town. A l t h o u g h he has had little contact with the barbarian
tribes o f t h e Steppes (and those c u l t u r e s no-one k n o w s of, w h i c h lie
beyond), they are hardly likely to be pleased if they perceive even a small
authority like C e r w y n extending its borders in their direction. Further,
Varlin suspects, quite rightly, that the citizens of Arncastle will also be
upset i f t h e y l o s e a l l o r p a r t o f t h e r e v e n u e s t h a t t h e g a r r i s o n h a s
brought, a l o n g w i t h t h e p r o t e c t i o n i t h a s a ff o r d e d t h e m a n d t h e i r
prestigious p o s i t i o n a s a n h o n o u r e d o u t p o s t o f t h e C o u n t y. H e i s
completely u n a w a r e of the fact that some of the bitterest rivals to his
plans w i l l b e h i s f e l l o w adventurers, w h o h a v e h e l p e d establish h i s
position of authority w i t h i n the town, and w h o use it as a base for their
explorations into the m o u n t a i n s and steppes. They value the fact that
Burghalter owes real allegiance to no-one, and are keen to make sure
that no outside power increases its grip on 'their' little town.
Lastly, the elves have their own secret ambitions for the valley where
the M a l l o r n grows, hoping that one day it will be a s h r i n e held by them
alone; Varlins's plans can hardly be said to tie in w i t h this hope.
Plotlines
Apart from becoming involved in the high politics of Burghalter, PCs can
find p l e n t y o f o t h e r w a y s o f i n t e r f e r i n g i n t h e d a i l y l i v e s o f t h e s e
interesting people:
1. Sooner or later, Megart (CB1 Oa) is bound either to make a mistake,
or t o decide that h e h a s enough m o n e y to r e t u r n t o t h e League, a n d
Varlin will discover that the Inn's books have been cooked. Perhaps Falli
will feel rejected once too often and give him away. But w h a t will Varlin
do, given that he has also been robbed at home. J u s t to save face, the
cleric might be looking for someone w h o could track M e g a r t down, and
exact some sort of punishment, w i t h o u t anyone else knowing.
2. A stranger arrives, and three days later M e g a r t is either dead, o r
begging the PCs for help. Who is the stranger, and h o w does he threaten
the Inn Manager? Megart's brothers or the Knights Ocular might be the
source of more trouble than anyone suspects....
3. Va r l i n finds cash r u n n i n g low, and is desperate to find t h e m o n e y
that was stolen before. W h o can he turn to but a party of outsiders?
4. Tobek and Lana part company. No-one need get involved in t h e i r
domestic quarrel, o f course, but a charismatic fighter m i g h t suddenly
find h i m s e l f the centre of h e r attentions. A n d Lana h a s s o m e t h i n g t o
offer the right man — the gems of charm p r o t e c t i o n that have been the
centre of her researches for the last year. A l l Lana w a n t s is protection,
but it is not unlikely that she m i g h t become infatuated w i t h a male PC
w h o paid her the right kind of compliments. W h a t e v e r the t r u t h o f the
matter, Tobek is going to fight back, and then Ardise is going to seize her
chance to get her revenge for that amazing defeat over the ring. Va r l i n
and Endor Solem will try to stop Ardise from getting involved, as well as
dropping heavy hints to the erring (or totally innocent!) PC that it is time
to move o n . _ but Ardise has a terrible anger and the mercenaries on her
side. Burghalter m i g h t erupt in civil w a r w i t h the PCs in the middle.
And if that little lot doesn't convince you that Burghalter should become
a tourist resort f o r y o u r w e a r y party, t h e n t u r n overleaf, a n d f i n d Out
what is happening under the surface....
17
 Rakshasa Cult
For many years, Burghalter and its environs were dominated by the evil
minions of a cult that worshipped the dreaded (and, some say, mythical)
Rakshasa. These horrid beasts are rumoured to be able to appear in any
form in order to cause victims to relax for the fateful second which seals
their doom — and guarantees the Rakshasa a tasty meal. It is unclear
w h y anyone should choose to honour and worship these evil creatures;
although s u c h acolytes c a n b e o f u s e t o t h e Rakshasa, t h e m o n s t e r
recognises allegiance to no-one and these same acolytes could one day
follow the same path as the other unfortunate victims of the cult.
It was an enormous relief, therefore, to all those who live in this part of
Cerwyn, w h e n t h e c u l t w a s vanquished a n d driven f r o m t h e district.
Since t h e c o m i n g o f Va r l i n a n d h i s a d v e n t u r i n g colleagues, l i f e h a s
returned to w h a t passes for normal in this part of the world — so much
so t h a t even t h e occasional disappearance of a m e m b e r of a passing
caravan has raised no m e m o r y of the cult.
These disappearances are signs that the time of the Rakshasa has not
entirely passed. T h e r e m n a n t s o f t h e c u l t — w h i c h w a s c r u s h i n g l y
defeated by Va r l i n — fled deep u n d e r g r o u n d into passages and caves
beneath t h e village t h a t even t h e d w a r v e s w o u l d n o t have k n o w n of
There t h e y wait, s l o w l y recovering t h e i r strength, u n t i l t h e day w h e n
they might once more threaten the security of the whole of the Domains.
DM's Notes
There a r e n o m a p s o f t h e Rakshasa c u l t ' s lair, a s i t i s m a d e u p o f a
tortuous network of cracks, tunnels, caves and underground rivers, far
beneath t h e surface. A c c e s s t o t h i s n e t w o r k can be gained f r o m t h e
backs of the caves in the Burghalter valley (assuming the obstructions
can b e c l e a r e d w i t h o u t t h e i n t e r r u p t i o n o f investigating B u r g h a l t e r
citizens), via unnoticed and unexplored passageways. There is even a
way down through the existing temple to Tarmenel. A fourth entry point
exists beneath the n e w temple, being b u i l t in the middle of the village.
Only t h e s e n i o r engineer, Castillo Solem, a n d t h e t w o clerics, E n d o r
Solem and Varlin Ganz, know that the temple is being built on the site of
a previous building — and even they do not k n o w that this was a shrine
of the Rakshasa cult. If PCs find t h e exremely well-hidden entry point
(beneath a fake foundation stone), they will discover passage ways and
tunnels that lead ultimately to the maze that the cult still occupies. This
is the entry still used by cult acolytes on occasional forays into the night.
And i n t h i s n e w centre o f evil, t h e y w i l l f i n d a n o t h e r shrine, b u i l t t o
honour something even m o r e foul and horrid than the Rakshasal J u s t
w h a t this thing is, the GM will have to think of p r e f e r a b l y in daylight._
As for the only mildly-terrorising members of the cult, there are listed
below the acolytes and m e n - a t - a r m s that are the remains of the cult.
These are men and women of advancing years, long-starved of daylight.
If desired, t h e G M c o u l d a r r a n g e f o r t h e p a r t y t o m e e t o n e o f t h e
Rakshasa themselves, in w h i c h case those playing in a D & D campaign
should treat this monster as the equivalent of an 18th level fighter w i t h
polymorph abilities, w h i c h can use M U and clerical spells (levels 1-3),
can cast illusions at will, is i m m u n e to all spells of less than 7th level,
and takes no damage from any but the most magical of weapons....
C B1 9 a The Besotted One; ChiefAcolyte
M; F12, C / L E , A C 0; hp 8 0 / 1 0 0 ; ring o f regeneration, m a c e +4
This poor creature has long since forgotten his name, his past, w h y he
came to be here or indeed anything that is outside his total adoration of
the Rakshasa. Wo r d s like 'depraved' o r 'evil' are almost meaningless
w h e n considering the complete control the monsters have over his mind
and actions. Suffice it to say that he is a tool of the beasts, and will stop at
nothing to lead the u n w a r y or the weak to be eaten by them. If that is not
possible, he will sacrifice his life to try and slay intruders — and it would
be preferable to be slain rather than be taken alive.
CBI 913 R. . e e n a ; Acolyte/Servant
F; E l i ; C/LE; AC -4; hp 56/68; ring of invisibility, gauntlets of ogre
power
Reena has embraced the cult wholeheartedly since being captured. She
was once fair and attractive and her good looks w e r e the cause of the
demise of many a hot-blooded male, and thus she was most useful to the
Rakshasa. In her later years, this has been replaced by a ruthless spite.
A l t h o u g h she is as much of a cipher as the Besotted One —devoting her
time to capturing innocents for her masters s h e is more likely to flee if
confronted on her own. A m i d s t a mass of fellow cult members though,
she will be a formidable fighter.
C B 1 9 c - d Servants
c: M; F9; C / L E ; A C -4; hp 5 0 / 6 5 ; axe +3, ring o f p r o t e c t i o n +3
d: M; C6; C / L E ; A C 0; hp 2 5 / 3 5 ; flail + 2
These, t h e last of the servants, are a n o n y m o u s and mindless — save
that they will prove to be potent defenders of the cult.
There are a l s o l 0 men-at-arms (F3, AC 1, hp 2 0 / 2 5 , one has s w o r d +2)
w h o will fight t o the death to protect the Rakshasa or their acolytes.
18
The Red Finger
Hidden on the cliffs above the village is an outcrop of strangely-coloured
rock that juts into mid-air at an impossible angle, w h e r e it catches the
rays o f t h e r i s i n g a n d s e t t i n g s u n . T h e s e m o r n i n g a n d evening r a y s
enhance the rock's rich red colour, so that it almost seems to glow.
This geological accident has stirred religious t h o u g h t s in m a n y and
various people, and it has become a site of some religious significance
for groups of gnomes and dwarves, w h o have seen it as a representation
of t h e p o w e r s t h a t control t h e earth. S i m i l a r l y, m a n y monsters have
seen some significance in it that might not be immediately clear to men.
Sages w h o h a v e s t u d i e d i t h a v e r e m a r k e d t h a t i t i s p r o b a b l y t h e
remains of a seam of metal that yields its colour when exposed to the air.
These prosaic explanations have done nothing to diminish the awe and
wonder in w h i c h it is held by those w h o consider it holy.
Today, t h e site i s seen as s o m e t h i n g o f a curiosity by the people o f
Burghalter, w h o pay i t little heed. I n a w a y, t h i s is m o r e t h a n a l i t t l e
ironic, for it is the Red Finger w h i c h marks the furthest boundary of the
raiding grounds of the barbarians from the Steppes. If it were not for this
marker, the w i l d horsemen from beyond the Sarpath M o u n t a i n s would
have brought fire a n d ruin to the County of Cerwyn even m o r e often.
Pilgrims come from strange and far-off places to see the Red Finger,
and the people of Burghalter will often direct strangers to it, assuming
that it is the cause of their visit, even though they pay it very little heed
themselves.
DM's Notes
The truth of the matter is that the rock is made of solid iron, and as such
will h a v e a v e r y p o w e r f u l e ff e c t o n a n y use o f materi al s nearby t h a t
might be influenced by such a large source of ferrous metal. Of course, it
is possible t h a t y o u r c a m p a i g n w o u l d n o t be i n f l u e n c e d b y s u c h a n
artifact, in w h i c h case you should feel free to replace the material w i t h
whatever m i g h t have an effect on — say — spelicasters....
It is naturally quite likely that r u m o u r s of this strange landmark will
circulate to sites far away from Burghalter, and that it might be possible
to use the Red Finger as a m e a n s for getting the players to this part of
Cerwyn in the first place.
C B 2 0 a F a r Sighted Gaspar; Hermit, lunatic
M; M U 9 / I 1 0, C / C N ; AC 9 / 1 0 ; hp 20;118; w a n d of illusion (disguised as
a clay pipe)
May use any illusion type spell in Basic
The rock is guarded b y an o l d g n o m e i l l u s i o n i s t called Gaspar. H e is
highly i n t e l l i g e n t a n d c o m p l e t e l y i n s a n e , a l t h o u g h i n a p e r f e c t l y
harmless a n d p l e a s a n t w a y. H i s i n s a n i t y i s n o t e n t i r e l y d u e t o t h e
solitary existence he has led since first he came to sit at the foot of the
rock; he must have been at least mildly eccentric to have done so in the
first place.
He will afford no danger to anyone who visits the rock, but he may trick
or confuse them by minor illusions designed for his own amusement. He
will stop at nothing, however, if he feels that a visitor might have a mind
to perpetrate serious harm upon this prized possession.
In addition t o t h e n o r m a l a c c o u t r e m e n t s of h i s l i f e as a h e r m i t , h e
possesses a wonderful and peculiar instrument that has earned him his
nickname 'Far-sighted'. It is a long, h o l l o w tube w i t h pieces of glass in
each end, t h a t G a s p a r says a l l o w s h i m t o see t h i n g s t h a t c o u l d n o t
normally be seen. Not many people, w h e n given the opportunity to use
this device, can make it perform in the way that Gaspar claims it does._
C B2013 Crothone Bear; Tribesman
M; F 4 / B 4 ; N; A C 4; hp 2 8 / 4 0 ; S 18, shortbow, spear
Whenever t h e PCs a r e a t t h e rock, t h e y w i l l b e observed secretly b y
Crothone and his f e l l o w Bear tribesmen and women. This unfortunate
group of barbarian horse-raiders have been 'exiled' here by the head of
another c l a n w i t h i n t h e i r t r i b a l g r o u p , a f t e r a m i s t a k e involving t h e
ownership of some deer horns. Having taken issue with the tribal chief,
the B e a r c l a n i s i n disgrace, a n d C r o t h o n e a n d h i s k i n h a v e b e e n
stationed here to watch the rock. Their instructions are simple; they are
to remain at the rock until such time as the Red Finger shines no longer
at D a y - e n d , w h e n t h e p e o p l e s o f h i s t r i b e w i l l l e a d t h e b a r b a r i a n
invasion of Cerwyn.
It has already been seven months, but Crothone has not neglected his
duty for a m o m e n t . The t r i b e s m e n are masters of camouflage, and it is
unlikely t h a t t h e P C s w i l l n o t i c e t h e m w h i l e t h e y a r e a t t h e rock.
However, i f t h e y d o a n y t h i n g t h a t c a u s e s t h e r o c k ' s g l o w t o f a i l —
blowing i t t o a t o m s m i g h t h a v e t h e e ff e c t — t h e PCs w i l l h e a r t h e
howling war-cry of the Bears, and Crothone and his fellows will be off to
tell the tribe the good news. Alternatively, if the PCs w a n d e r around the
mountains about the Red Finger, the Bears might attack them or spring a
f e w traps, j u s t to w h i l e a w a y another day.
Crothone i s a c c o m p a n i e d b y 3 0 B e a r t r i b e s m e n a n d w o m e n (F1 - 4 /
B1-4; AC 2-4; hp 7 - 2 1 / 11 - 4 0 ; bows, axes, daggers) w h o will f o l l o w his
orders w i t h o u t fail unless they w o u l d offend the h o n o u r of the clan.
I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985
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, 4 4'cf/myierr
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have yet to m e e t (or role-play) a m a g i c

user w h o would be satisfied w i t h finding
a toad as a familiar. It lacks any sense of
style. S u c h a n o u t c o m e i s all t h e m o r e
unsatisfactory w h e n i t r elies t o t a l l y o n
random c h a n c e ; a n i n h e r e n t p r o b l e m
with a spell of find f a m i l i a r ' s description.
Of course, the choice of familiar should
not be open t o exact specifications, b u t
the process s h o u l d b e w e i g h t e d appro-
priately so that a wizard, for example, can
expect s o m e t h i n g b e t t e r, o n a v e r a g e ,
than t h e p i m p l e - f a c e d a p p r e n t i c e w h o
has just graduated from souring milk with
cantrips. Consequently, the chance of the
master being blessed w i t h a toad, w h i l e
the apprentice — with the first real spell
he has ever cast — manages to obtain an
imp, w o u l d be much less.
A similar point has been expressed, but
in a s l i g h t l y d i f f e r e n t s i t u a t i o n , b y
I M A G I N E " magazine's o w n Order o f
Heralds — k n o w n collectively under the
sagacious t i t l e o f D i s p e l Confusion. I n
issue 16 they state as part of an answer to
a reader's question: 'we tend to think that
a dragon's f a m i l i a r s h o u l d be o u t o f the
ordinary - after all, a toad is n o t going to
last long in the company of a red dragon
- a n d w e f i n d i t d i ff i c u l t t o t a k e s o m e
possible f a m i l i a r s s e r i o u s l y ( a g r e e n
dragon w i t h a weasel?). W e suggest that
a dragon w o u l d automatically have a
special familiar appropriate t o i t s align-
ment.'
What s e e m s t o b e s u g g e s t e d a s a
solution is: for PCs use the f i n d f a m i l i a r terms, t h e p r o b l e m s i n v o l v e d i n t h e The familiar is an integral p a r t o f t h e
spell, but for the NPCs (dragons) with any search for a familiar go beyond this spell cleric's s p i r i t u a l a c t i v i t i e s a n d a s p i r a t -
real clout, skip the mechanics of the spell alone, for the only spellcaster profession ions; n o w i t c h in h e r 'r i g h t' m i n d w o u l d
and simply choose a familiar. dealt with is the mage. However, accord- have t h o u g h t o f cavorting w i t h o u t h e r
I agree totally with the above statement ing to the description under the quasit in familiar spirit in attendance. To possess a
concerning a d r a g o n ' s s u i t a b i l i t y a s the M M , ' t h e q u a s i t i s t h e u n c h a n g e d familiar s h o u l d b e a g r e a t h o n o u r, a n
owner of a toad or weasel, but it does not form of the familiar of a chaotic evil magic indirect l i n k w i t h t h e i m m o r t a l b e i n g t o
go far enough! It's alright saying 'simply user o r c l e r i c . . . . ' A s i m i l a r s i t u a t i o n w h o m the spellcaster looks for guidance,
choose a f a m i l i a r ' , b u t s u c h c o s m e t i c applies w i t h the imp. But h o w do clerics assistance a n d h o p e f o r t h e f u t u r e .
solutions n e g l e c t a n i m p o r t a n t u n d e r - obtain such assistants? Consequently, as an act of faith, familiar
lying p r i n c i p l e i n g o o d p l a y, t h a t o f In the following sections, I aim first to and m a s t e r b e c o m e i n e x t r i c a b l y t i e d
consistency. S o where, o r m o r e import- deal w i t h h o w clerics g o a b o u t f i n d i n g together, t o t h e e x t e n t t h a t t h e r e i s
antly h o w , d o d r a g o n s a l o n e o b t a i n their familiars, which will eventually lead permanent s u ff e r i n g i f t h e f a m i l i a r i s
special familiars? If spell-casting w y r m s to a revision of the find f a m i l i a r spell. killed. T h i s s p i r i t u a l r e l a t i o n s h i p i s
— w i t h w h o m run-of-the-spell familiars already hinted at in the description of the
would n o t l a s t t w o s e g m e n t s — c a n CLERICS imp a n d q u a s i t . B o t h a r e s p e c i f i c a l l y
manage some degree of selection, surely 'created t o spread evil i n t h e f o r m o f a
so can any adventuring spellcaster. The traditional witch or tribal shaman did familiar' by t h e i r respective patrons, a n
At present, the f i n d f a m i l i a r spell fails not simply cast a spell of the find f a m i l i a r Arch-devil or Demon Lord.
to deal satisfactorily w i t h t h e stature o f variety i n a n a t t e m p t t o p o s s e s s a Those d e s i r i n g a f a m i l i a r m u s t f i r s t
the spellcaster, i t s d e f i n i t i o n b e i n g t o o familiar. I n s t e a d , i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h petition their patron deity. For clerics the
constrained a n d i n a d e q u a t e t o a c c o m - their o w n b l e n d o f m i n o r m a g i c , t h e y form t h e p e t i t i o n t a k e s i s a m o d i f i e d
modate such a potentially exciting facet enlisted t h e a i d o f t h e i r s u p e r n a t u r a l chant, w h i c h can be cast only on a holy
of r o l e - p l a y i n g a m a g i c u s e r. I n t h e s e patron. day and requires one hour to perform.
20 I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985
 Such a petition can only be made once
by a specific character — assuming i t is
answered. A n a n s w e r arrived a t by t h e
patron is final — the gods hate bickering
with mortals! Therefore, once a character
has been informed of the type of familiar
he i s d e s t i n e d t o receive, t h e r e s u l t i s
unshakeable. T h e b o n d i s m e a n t t o b e
permanent; a cleric can never replace a
lost familiar.
Once the type has been specified by the
divine oracle, all is not over. Although the
petitioner n o w knows what kind of crea-
ture is to be possessed, he still needs to
seek out a representative individual so as
to effect the w o r d s of union (see below).
If a character is especially favoured by a
patron being, then guidance may be given
in t h e form o f riddles, o m e n s or strange
encounters, concerning h o w best to set
about obtaining the familiar.
An example of such familiar acquisition
is the case of the Faithful Funk& of Frey.
As a result of a petition, Funkel has been
informed b y Frey t h a t h i s fated f a m i l i a r
attendant i s t o b e a g i a n t s k u n k (MM).
Consequently, the cleric must search out
such a creature. I f the search is fruitful,
Funk& m u s t face t h e potential f a m i l i a r
alone and speak the w o r d s of union (treat
as a n e w first level spell: casting time:1/3
segment; verbal c o m p o n e n t only). T h i s
interaction between the two must be the
first ever. Needless to say it is best well
planned — a witless intrusion could spoil
everything.
In t e r m s o f r e s i s t i n g t h e w o r d s o f
union, the creature has a saving throw vs
spells, b u t f o r each level o f t h e cleric a
penalty o f -53/0/-1 i s incurred o n m a g i c
resistance and saving throw respectively.
This ceremonial binding can be attempted
only once per year, since i f the creature
makes its save, the petitioning cleric will
be treated w i t h disdain by a patron w h o
will see t h i s as a failed test o f will. The
cleric will need to reassume worth in the
deity's eyes.
How beneficial a p e t i t i o n i n g c h a n t is
depends upon a n u m b e r of factors. It is
important to consider the predisposition
of the deity concerned. Compare Hecate,
who i s a goddess o f magic, l a w f u l a n d
considerate of her clerics, w i t h Loki, god
of mischief and strife, definitely chaotic
and not especially thoughtful towards his
clerics and you c a n see there is a good
chance t h a t t h e goddess w i l l listen and
act u p o n t h e r e q u e s t , w h i l e L o k i w i l l
probably masquerade as interested, b u t
cancel t h e p e t i t i o n w i t h o u t w a r n i n g .
However, in the latter case the request is
only forfeit until the next holy day - - the
gods m i g h t be j u s t as inclined t o act in
their clerics' interests next time!
MAGIC USERS
As with clerics, the magic-user's relation-
ship w i t h a familiar is extremely import-
ant — n o t something t o be entered i n t o
lightly. T h e ' c o n t r a c t ' i s m o r e b i n d i n g
than a legal piece of parchment, and the
repercussions are severe if it is broken. In
the A D & D game, magic users are ultim-
ately t h e m o s t p o w e r f u l o f spellcasters,
because they are largely independent of
I M A G I N E magathw, junv 1985
any kind o f supernatural sponsor. They
develop their magical skills directly. B u t
this personal c o n t r o l s e e m s t o fail a t a
most critical time when attempting to find
a f a m i l i a r. U n l i k e clerics, m a g i c u s e r s
cannot rely on a petition being suitably
weighted o n t h e i r b e h a l f b y a s u p e r -
natural benefactor. Instead, the essential
bond is formed through the mage's ability
to c h a n n e l t h e m a g i c — e v e n t u a l l y
forging t o g e t h e r t w o k i n d r e d spirits. I f
such a l i n k i s broken, a s a r e s u l t o f a
familiar's death, magic users can attempt
to discover a n e w f a m i l i a r, b u t w i l l b e
limited in their success (see below).
Diverging from the traditional interpret-
ation of the find familiar spell (conjuring/
summoning), the n e w definition involves
divination/enchantment/charm magic.
The effects of casting the revised spell is
similar t o t h e r e s u l t o f t h e c l e r i c ' s
petitioning c h a n t . T h e i n f o r m a t i o n r e -
ceived concerns the type o f familiar the
mage i s destined t o befriend. H o w e v e r,
this fateful i n f o r m a t i o n is dependent on
the m a g e ' s stature, w h i c h i s s i m i l a r i n
effect to the weighting process performed
by the cleric's patron. That is, the greater
the s t a t u r e , t h e m o r e s u c c e s s f u l t h e
channelling of the magic. Once the spell
has been cast the result is unchangeable,
the channel formed i s analogous t o t h e
magic u s e r ' s fingerprints; a p e r m a n e n t
manifestation of the link or potential link
between the familiar and its master. Only
if t h e f a m i l i a r d i e s d o e s t h e c h a n n e l
dissipate.
Divining w h a t f o r m t h e f a m i l i a r w i l l
take is only half the problem. A receptive
individual of the type identified must nest
be f o u n d s o t h a t t h e f i n a l p a r t o f t h e
newly-defined spell can be accomplished.
The e n c h a n t m e n t / c h a r m aspects of the
spell relate to the magic user's ability to
bind the familiar. However, i t should be
noted t h a t t h e m a g e is u n d e r t h e same
sort o f restrictions a s t h e c l e r i c w h e n
preparing t o u s e w o r d s o f k i n s h i p
(casting t i m e 1/3 segment; verbal c o m -
ponent only).
If a spell-casting wyrm — w i t h whom run-of-the-spell
familiars would not last two segments — can manage
some degree of selection, surely so can any adventuring
spellcaster
For both cleric and magic user, whether
via p a t r o n b e i n g o r focused magic, t h e
process of obtaining a familiar has many
common factors. First, the type of familiar
is identified. In game terms this needs to
involve a procedure where a base score is
modified b y a n u m b e r o f variables.
Following t h i s , t h e r e i s t h e acquisition
phase that depends on the use of w o r d s
of binding/kinship.
To h e l p D M s visualise t h e m a n n e r i n
which the familiar type is identified, what
follows are two illustrations. Throughout
both these examples, a n u m b e r o f vari-
ables will be introduced that should have
an i m p o r t a n t e f f e c t u p o n t h e t y p e o f
familiars characters as described w o u l d
be destined t o possess. These variables
are not an exhaustive list, but cover major
factors t h a t m a y o f t e n i n f l u e n c e t h e
result. However, such variable-weighting
should be specific to the character under
consideration, a n d t h e D M ' s o w n c a m -
paign emphasis.
A c h a r a c t e r h a s c a s t t h e appropriate
spell, and waits to know what fate has in
store. H o w should a D M begin?
Regardless of the character's source of
power, t h e D M s h o u l d i n i t i a l l y obtain a
base score b y rolling d 1 0 0 . T h i s i s t h e
provisional result that chance has seen fit
to allow, representative of the flux in the
magical forces wielded, astrological con-
siderations, mysterious interference or a
number o f o t h e r u n c o n t r o l l a b l e o r u n -
predictable forces. It is this score that will
be m o d i f i e d b y v a r y i n g d e g r e e s t o r e -
present the character's stature.
Thus, A r c h - M a g e Salgo. He has reached
22nd l e v e l a s a dedicated f o l l o w e r o f
Hecate, and is CE. This day, he casts his
find f a m i l i a r with the correct ingredients
and the DM rolls a base score of 81 To. It
seems that Salgo chose the right moment.
Additionally, S a l g o i s n o a p p r e n t i c e
mage, and so the base chance is improved
by 1% for every 2 levels Salgo possesses;
a m o d i f i e r o f +11%. H o w e v e r, t h e D M
considers h i s a l i g n m e n t p l a y h a s n o t
been true, a n d t h a t Hecate m i g h t h a v e
wanted to see a little more evil; thus the
score i s modified b y -5%. Certain o t h e r
episodes i n h i s p a s t c a u s e t h e D M t o
make other alterations. Salgo has forced
his w a y through to become President of
his Guild; +5%. He has kept up his studies,
but he did once fail to meet the challenge
of a p a l a d i n w h o w a s c a u s i n g H e c a t e
some difficulty; -2%. The A r c h - M a g e has
also called on Hecate t o intervene, i n a
situation that certainly warranted such a
request, b u t which has used up some of
his p a t r o n ' s g o o d w i l l ; - 1 % . H i s o v e r -
bearing ego leads h i m to believe he has
powers beyond h i s m o r t a l status; - 5 % .
Although aged, he is sound; +2'/0. Finally,
DM adds a f i n a l m o d i f i e r o f +5%, s i n c e
Salgo's reason for wanting a familiar are
harmonious with his other ambitions as a
mage — he seeks more personal power!
A second example is the case of the High
Priestess o f M a r d u k , To l e m e k . M a n y
situation that certainly demanded such a
of the variables outlined for Salgo are also
request, but w h i c h has used up some of
relevant f o r h e r , b u t — a s m i g h t b e
expected — the emphasis lies elsewhere.
Tolemek appears to have chosen a time
when the stars were not favourable to her
petition t o M a r d u k , f o r h e r provisional
score i s 42'/0. B e i n g 1 2 t h l e v e l , s h e
automatically receives a bonus of 2'/0 for
every t h r e e l e v e l s o f experience; +8%.
She has been true to her alignment, b u t
21
there has been a question m a r k against
her professionalism. M a r d u k d e m a n d s
that h i s c l e r i c s p r e a c h h i s t e a c h i n g s ,
hopefully n u r t u r i n g h i s w o r s h i p i n t h e
process. To l e m e k ' s sole c o n c e r n i s h e r
addiction to the written word; -5%.
The temple at which Tolemek is second-
in-command h a s t h e s t r i c t r u l e t h a t a l l
chromatic dragons (offspring o f Tiamat)
are t o b e destroyed w i t h o u t exception.
Unfortunately, Tolemek showed mercy to
a young female red dragon as payment for
several o l d s c r o l l s d e t a i l i n g t h e r u d i -
mentary structure of the w y r m ' s tongue.
A p e n a l t y o f - 3 % is incurred (not more,
since i t w a s a t e m p l e l a w a n d n o t o f
Marduk). I n t e r m s o f sacrifice, To l e m e k
has n e v e r f a i l e d t o o f f e r t h e b e s t s h e
possibly could; +10%. Despite her youth,
Tolemek's o n l y a m b i t i o n i s t o increase
her collection of books, the consequence
of w h i c h i s a - 2 % penalty, a n d t h e D M
adds a n o t h e r -3(2/3 s i n c e t h e c l e r i c ' s
reason f o r calling for a familiar is in t h e
hope that she obtains one which can read
magic.
The t a b l e b e l o w s u m m a r i s e s h o w t h e
variables a ff e c t t h e basic r o l l f o r t h e s e
characters:
FACTOR
Deity's predisposition
Basic roll
Character's level
A l i g n m e n t play
Professionalism
Miscreant Behaviour
Calls for intervention
Ego
Sacrifice
Ambition
Reasons
Other modifications t o t h e roll could be
instigated b y t h e D M o r a d i s c e r n i n g
player. F o r example, a P C m a g i c u s e r
decides to take some precautions before
casting the spell, and seeks advice from a
sage concerning the stars. This could be
worth +10% (although deliberately false
22
information c o u l d m a k e t h i s -10%). WHAT MAKES
Furthermore, magic users who have lost
a previous familiar should suffer a - 2 0 % A FAMILIAR?
penalty.
The f i n a l f i g u r e s h o u l d b e c o m p a r e d To cope with the flexibility of the reinter-
with the following table: pretation o f h o w one obtains a f a m i l i a r,
the c o n s t i t u e n t characteristics o f e a c h
Die roll (d100) Familiar Type type o f f a m i l i a r n e e d t o b e i d e n t i f i e d .
01-10 None Consequently, a creature m u s t all given
11-60 Domestic criteria f o r a c e r t a i n t y p e o f f a m i l i a r
61-85 Attendant before it can be considered as such. The
86-99 Special resultant c l a s s i f i c a t i o n o f 4 t y p e s o f
00 Exceptional familiar w i t h t h e i r i d e n t i f i a b l e c r i t e r i a
allows liberal interpretation on the part of
From the results of Salgo's and Tolemek's the D M , s o t h a t f a m i l i a r s c a n n o w b e
efforts, i t is obvious t h a t t h e m a g e h a s chosen to fit a specific campaign milieu.
been m o r e successful. H e has managed
to fufil h i s immediate ambition, knowing Domestic Familiars: As a group, domestic
that he is destined t o possess a Special familiars include those already available
familiar. T h e c l e r i c h a s n o t b e e n s o by t h e old f i n d f a m i l i a r spell, excluding
fortunate, a n d k n o w s h e r s w i l l b e a the s p e c i a l f a m i l i a r s . O t h e r p o s s i b l e
domestic creature. examples are: bat, ordinary (MM2), jackal
(MM) a n d r a t , o r d i n a r y ( M M 2 ) . T h e
Now t h a t t h e type o f familiar is known, general characteristics of this group are
w h a t of its specific identity? The limited that the familiars should n o t have m o r e
selection o f 6 ordinary (domestic) and 4 than 1HD; they should not possess more
special familiars, a s outlined u n d e r t h e than animal intelligence prior to becoming
traditional find f a m i l i a r spell description, a familiar, and be no taller than 4feet, nor
can only serve as a rough estimate if the more t h a n 8 f e e t i n l e n g t h . T h e r u l e
full potential o f t h i s reinterpretation o f concerning h i t d i c e , a l t h o u g h i t g o e s
against the Players' H a n d b o o k advice of
2-4hps, has been altered t o incorporate
EFFECT TOLEMEK SALGO such animals as the domestic cat (MM2)
Accepts petition YES N/A and o w l ( M M 2 ) . I n a l l o t h e r respects,
+42 +81 follow the details in the PH, but note that
+1/2 levels (MU) +11 a f e w things m a y vary. For example, an
+2/3 Ivis (CLERIC) +08 ordinary bat at times possesses a better
-5%/displacement 05 armour class than 7 and the rat has the
+/- 1-5% -05 +05 ability to cause disease.
+/- 1-5% -03 -02
- 1 % / - 1 0 % major -01 Attendant Familiars: S i m i l a r t o t h e
+/- 1-5% N/A -05 domestic group, this category deals w i t h
+/- 1-10% +10 N/A non-fabulous beasts with intelligence no
+ / - 1-5% -02 +02 greater t h a n 7 , p r i o r t o f a m i l i a r status.
+/- 1-5% -03 +05 Their hit dice should be at least 1+1, and
can r e a c h a s h i g h a s t h e r e c i p i e n t ' s
47% 89% l e v e l / h i t dice divided b y 2 (rounded up)
+2. They can be up to 6 foot tall and 1 2
familiar ownership is to be realised. B u t feet i n length. Thus, a f i f t h l e v e l m a g i c
how c a n a n i n c r e a s e i n v a r i e t y b e user c a n possess a n a t t e n d a n t f a m i l i a r
managed w i t h o u t merely constructing a with maximum hit dice of 5.
longer l i s t o f s u i t a b l e c r e a t u r e s i n a n The beneficial effects of possessing an
attempt t o cover all contingencies? The attendant familiar are that for each hit die
answer l i e s i n w h a t m a k e s a f a m i l i a r, the f a m i l i a r has, i t s m a s t e r g a i n s 1 hp,
rather than in just what is. while a n y appropriate s e n s o r y abilities
are placed at the spellcaster's disposal. If
killed, t h e o w n e r w i l l s u ff e r t h e loss o f
double t h e h i t p o i n t s o r i g i n a l l y gained,
permanently.
Special Familiars: Members of the special
familiar's category are fabulous in nature,
with t h e i r h i t dice n o t exceeding 4 a n d
their i n t e l l i g e n c e b e t w e e n 5 a n d 1 4
initially. O b v i o u s l y t h e b r o w n i e , i m p ,
quasit a n d pseudo-dragon f a l l i n t o t h i s
group, along with other possibilities such
as mephits (FF), grigs (MM2) and scream-
ing devilkin (FF). A s with standard types,
no special familiar can be greater than 4
feet in height or 8 feet in length (when in
true form).
In terms of powers transferred, the only
general guidance that can be given is that
when a D M nominates a creature as a
specific familiar, the traditional examples
should b e u s e d a s pointers c o n c e r n i n g
I M A G I N E magazine, Pine 1985
the benefits accrued b y t h e spellcaster.
The m o s t important consideration is the
maintenance of game balance
Take, f o r e x a m p l e , C e l e , t h e e l v e n
mage, w h o has an e l f i n c a t ( M M 2 ) as a
special f a m i l i a r. A s a r e s u l t o f t h e i r
special relationship, t h e y can c o m m u n -
icate telepathically for over a mile; Cele
receives the cat's Magic Resistance when
within 1 " o f t h e f e l i n e a n d g a i n s i t s
alertness ( o n l y s u r p r i s e d 1 / 2 0 ) w h e n
within 3 " o f t h e o t h e r. H o w e v e r, i f t h e
familiar i s killed, t h e n Cele w i l l l o s e 1
point of constitution for every hit die the
familiar possessed, - 3 in Cele's case.
Exceptional Familiars: T h i s g r o u p holds
the e l i t e o f familiars. T h e i r intelligence
ranges from 7-18, and obviously they are
fabulous in nature. Their hit dice are not
allowed t o exceed h a l f t h e spellcaster's
levels (rounded up) and in true form they
are limited to 6 feet in height and 12 feet
in length.
For example, Wizard (11th level) Galtrax
has been very fortunate in h i s call f o r a
familiar and h a s obtained a r e d abishai
(MM2). O t h e r possibilities w e r e a b l u e
abishai or duegar (MM2), to name just a
couple. H o w e v e r, s u c h m o n s t e r s a s a
green abishai a n d bearded devil ( M M 2 )
could n o t be considered because o f t h e
respective excess in hit dice and size.
It is more hazardous for the DM to work
out the powers obtained by the master of
an exceptional f a m i l i a r because o f t h e
lack of rulebook examples. To clarify the
position, consider the example of Tellec,
cult worshipper of Geryon:
Tellec, an evil priest, has been a faithful
Tellec, an evil priest, has been a faithful
and s u c c e s f u l s e r v a n t o f G e r y o n . O n
reaching 1 4 t h level, s h e petitioned t h e
devil for a f a m i l i a r to aid her ambition of
increasing Geryon's cult following, w h i l e
simultaneously reducing those o f Belial
and Moloch. S h e w a s 'blessed' w i t h a n
exceptional familiar in the form of a styx
devil (FF)! T h e p o w e r s Te l l e c r e c e i v e d
were 50% Magic Resistance when within
,efor5=11.,
For Dungeons & Dragons " just venture
through our portals into our mystical halls,
here you'll find the treasure you seek.
H O L B O R D 202 HighHolbornLondonWC1V18001405 62858592
L E W I S H A M 210LewishamHighStreetLondonSE136IPDI8520449
•SOIMIGNTE10TheBroadway.Southgate,LondonN146111018864258
I M A G I N E ma9azine, Ilene 1985
1" o f the devil; its sensory abilities; and,
while t h e d e v i l r e m a i n s o n t h e p r i m e
material plane, Tellec's level is increased
by 2. However, t h e r e are conditions for
such favouritism; Te l l e c m u s t supply a
human sacrifice once per month, donate
1/4 o f h e r t r e a s u r e t o t h e devil (latter's
choice) a n d f e e d t h e f a m i l i a r o n t h e
cleric's own blood....
There are also potential risks involved.
If the devil 'dies', then Tellec would suffer
the permanent loss of 1 point of constitu-
tion for each h i t die the devil possessed
-7. Needless t o say, i f Tellec died there
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would be little deliberation on the part of
the s t y x devil concerning w h a t i t s n e x t
action would be; Geryon is always ready
to be entertained at home.
The simple conclusion to this section is
that t h e specific i d e n t i t y o f a f a m i l i a r,
given its category, is dependent upon the
DM's preference. I t c o u l d b e a r a n d o m
choice o r i t c o u l d b e i n t u n e w i t h a
character's desires. F o r example, Salgo
has a l w a y s c r a v e d f o r a q u a s i t . T h i s
monster falls w i t h i n the restraints of the
special familiar category and thus would
be an apt choice. The case of Tolemek is
somewhat different. She wanted a famil-
iar that could read magical script, but the
outcome o f h e r p e t i t i o n w a s t h a t h e r
destined c o m p a n i o n w a s t o b e o f t h e
domestic type. N o n e o f t h e s e c a n r e a d
magical s c r i p t ! H o w e v e r, a c c o r d i n g t o
Legends & L o r e , M a r d u k ( To l e m e k ' s
patron) favours birds, and therefore she
receives a c r o w — or at least she m u s t
bind such a creature to herself, as Salgo
must his quasit!
Although it is open for the DM to bypass
the petition or magic channel and simply
choose an appropriate familiar, it seems
more balanced, l o g i c a l a n d f l e x i b l e t o
involve forces of discrimination t h a t can
be applied equally to a n u m b e r o f s i t u -
ations. Because o f such i n t e r v e n t i o n i n
terms of a chance roll, a PC must carefully
plan his single call for a familiar. He must
continually w a t c h h i s role-playing even
before a s p e l l i s cast, a l o n g w i t h a n y
ambitions. Thus the character begins not
only to exist in the present, but to a degree
possesses a past and a future.
Previously, a c h a r a c t e r w o u l d e i t h e r
decide to try for a familiar or w o u l d not,
regardless o f t h e s i t u a t i o n , s i n c e t h e
outcome w a s b e y o n d t h e spellcaster's
control. W i t h the DM n o w weighting the
result a s a c o n s e q u e n c e o f c h a r a c t e r
performance, it should be an incentive for
improved role-playing — even for clerics.
With g o o d p l a y, n o m o r e t h e f a m i l i a r
liability, but rather an unfamiliar one!
41*5 M a r k Davies
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23
 TIJBFt 15ccipE
ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

Peering through the coarse bracken

we view the only bridge across the
river. Alas, how do we deal with that
encampment of fearsome creatures
squatting and snarling their curses to
unknown ears! A fight breaks out,
giving our warriors an opportunity to
charge forward! To o late, the
creatures rally themselves for the
ensuing awesome fight, but being
overwhelmed they flee in confusion
— the bridge is ours!
Time for something to eat.

This may have been an episode in

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24 Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s

ihe M a c &
by Paul Emsley
This m o d u l e i s s u i t a b l e f o r u s e w i t h e i t h e r t h e D U N G E O N S &
DRAGONS" or ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Rgames.
Set in the City League, part of I M A G I N E " magazine's campaign world
of Pelinore, it can instead be placed in any city setting of the Dungeon
Masters's o w n devising.
STATISTICS
The format given below for statistics is the standard one used for all the
major City League non-player characters (NPCs) who have appeared in
I M A G I N E magazine. Permission is granted to reproduce this i n f o r m -
ation for personal use for those players who wish to store the campaign
material.
Major Non-Player Characters
W h e n e v e r important NPCs are described in the text they will be given in
a standard format. W h i l e all the statistics are for the D & D and A D & D
games, the general information about each character will allow referees
using o t h e r systems t o quickly extrapolate t h e i n f o r m a t i o n required.
Details of the characters will be presented as follows:
Line 1: Identifying Number; Name; Gender; Class & Level; A l i g n m e n t .
Line 2: Weapon; A r m o u r class; hp
Line 3: Race (immediately below ID number)
Lines 4-10: A b i l i t y statistics in the form 'S 17', etc
Lines 4-10: Indented f r o m the statistics — details of character
El appearance
0 occupation
El characterizations
0 contacts
I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985
Yiriv g l y y
g v
Wherever alternatives are given for a particular piece of i n f o r m a t i o n (eg
hp 8 / 11 )the D & D game statistics are shown before the slash and those
for the A D & D game after.
Minor Non-Player Characters
Less i m p o r t a n t NPCs w i l l b e described m e r e l y b y n a m e a n d a f e w
descriptive sentences. A l l s u c h c h a r a c t e r s a r e N M / F 0 , h p 4 u n l e s s
otherwise defined. I t i s possible t h a t a n o t h e r w i s e u n i m p o r t a n t NPC
might become the centre of undue attention during the game, in w h i c h
case the D M should add whatever statistics are required.
Abbreviations
In a d d i t i o n t o t h e u s u a l a b b r e v i a t i o n s u s e d i n N P C a n d c r e a t u r e
statistics, the following w i l l also be used:
For t h e A D & D g a m e : A s s a s s i n ; A c r o b a t ; B a r b a r i a n ; B a r d ; C l e r i c ;
Cavalier; D r u i d ; F i g h t e r ; F r e e m a n ; I l l u s i o n i s t ; M o n k ; M a g i c U s e r ;
Paladin; Ranger; Thief.
For t h e D & D g a m e ( w h e r e these are different): Av e n g e r ; D w a r f ; Elf;
1/2Iing; Knight; N o r m a l M a n .
Races (where not covered by the above): 1/2Elf; Gnome; Human, 1/20rc.
Spellbooks
Magic-using NPCs' spellbooks s h o w level, followed in brackets by the
spells as numbered in the relevant rule books. The spell will be marked
w i t h an asterisk if it is currently memorised; eg 1 (2, 3*) means that the
MU has the first level spells numbered 2 and 3 in her spell book and that
number 3 i s c u r r e n t l y m e m o r i s e d . F u l l s p e l l m e m o r y m a y n o t b e
allocated to a l l o w the D M some flexibility in this regard.
25
 DM's INTRODUCTION
The Freeman or Freewoman
Access t o copies of the relevant rule books is required and access to
In t h e P e l i n o r e campaign, a n o n - p l a y e r character class h a s been I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e s # 1 9 ( p l 0, L a w a n d O r d e r ) and 4 2 6 (p13 T h e
created for use in towns and cities. Rather than have these populated Gods o f Pelinore) w i l l prove useful, b u t n o t essential t o r u n n i n g t h e
by just a m i x t u r e of exotic adventurers and thousands of zero-level adventure. N o t e a l s o t h a t s o m e P C s m i g h t h a v e k n o w l e d g e o f t h e
fighters ( N M / E 0 ) , t h i s class allows for t h e development of a great general background to the struggle between Pharastus and Tarmenel, if
many people m e r c h a n t s , functionaries, clerks, bankers, guildsmen they played in the module The N e c k l a c e o f Lilith (IMAGINE magazine,
and others. Note that this is not intended to be a class available to 420), or, alternatively that O n e Fine D a y. . . . m i g h t make an interesting
player-characters and, after a quick look, very f e w players would be introduction to that adventure.
that keen to joins its ranks anyway. Unlike many adventures, characters in One Fine Day.... will succeed
or fail almost regardless of their level or numbers. It is quite possible that
a party of one, t w o or three, intelligently run, mid-level characters will
Character Abilities
have far greater success than a large group of all-powerful h i g h level
Abilities are rolled up as usual; these people are no more or less able types. T h e D u n g e o n M a s t e r ( D M ) s h o u l d r e a d t h r o u g h t h e m o d u l e
than t h e a v e r a g e a d v e n t u r e r. I n c e r t a i n circumstances, t h e D M before running it to decide w h e t h e r it is suitable for the characters and
should r e d u c e s o m e a b i l i t y s c o r e s t o a l l o w f o r t h e l e s s - t h a n - players in his or her campaign.
strenuous t r a i n i n g t h a t n o n - a d v e n t u r o u s Freemen o r F r e e w o m e n
may have had
Background
Bonuses due to character abilities 'Know then, 0 Prince, that in ages past the priests of Pharastus (may
their very shadows writhe in torment) hunted across the lands, slaying
Strength: No a t t a c k / d a m a g e and reaving the clerics of Tarmenel, and others of purity and goodness.
bonuses, others normal Pharastus (who should not be named in jest) exulted in the deeds of his
Intelligence: Normal language infidel followers, foul, unnatural and criminal as they were.
bonuses 'Know further, 0 Mighty Prince, that, at the last, men turned their
Wisdom: Normal Saving T h r o w hands and swords against the accursed ones. The hidden temples of
bonuses Pharastus were cast down into the dirt, their disgusting congregations
Dexterity: No missile bonuses, transported into mean slavery and the unclean priests slain. A n d
others normal henceforward the lands o f men knew peace and prospered mightly
Constitution: Ordinary (non- under the enlightened rule of your forefathers.
fighter) h i t point bonuses 'But also know, 0 Wise and Puissant Visitor, that still the foul worship
Charisma: Normal of Pharastus continues, hidden in darkness from the eyes of the just and
noble....'
Character class details
Hit die type: d 4 / d 6 Thus spoke lacub, 2 3 9 t h G u i l d m a s t e r o f L u m i n a r i e s , a n d h i s w o r d s
Max no of hit dice: 9 (+1 hp for were recorded i n t h e s t u p e n d o u s l y v o l u m i n o u s Wo r d s To A V i s i t i n g
each level above 9) Prince (a fi rst-edi ti on c o p y o f w h i c h exists in t h e Capitol library). The
Spell ability: n i l exact station o f lacub's listener a n d even h i s very existence h a s
Level limit: n o n e been a constant source of debate for scholars and scribes ever since the
Armour: any, but rarely w o r n book came to light, some seven centuries ago. lacub's words are often
Shield: possible quoted b y ecclesiastical a n d s e c u l a r a u t h o r i t i e s i n s u p p r e s s i n g t h e
Weapons: any, b u t only ever secret worship of Pharastus which continues to the present day in many
proficient i n one (-5 non- parts of Pelinore, including the City League.
proficiency penalty)
Combat table: attack as magic Rendoulf Breeks, the owner of Djon Radreasen's Apothecary in Piper's
users of equivalent level Corner is, by appearances, a normal shopkeeper. Like most of his fellow
Oil? yes traders in the Boroughs district of the City League, he seems w o r r i e d
Poison? yes about t h e f l u c t u a t i o n s o f trade, rising costs a n d lazy staff. H o w e v e r,
Racial restrictions: none u n k n o w n to anyone save his wife, Mosaiche, he is actually A n g s t e a r,
Beloved of Pharastus, a cleric of the murderous cult.
The l e v e l o f a F r e e m a n o f F r e e w o m a n i s n o t d e t e r m i n e d b y Rendoulf/Angstear a n d M o s a i c h e c a r e f u l l y m a i n t a i n a f a c a d e o f
experience p o i n t s b u t b y a c o m b i n a t i o n o f t h e i r w e a l t h , a g e a n d respectability, despite the fact that customers are occasionally aided in
influence. A t 10th level Freemen and Freewomen become members 'entering t h e a r m s of Pharastus' by judicious additions t o t h e i r u s u a l
of the nobility. T h u s a s i m p l e bureaucratic flunkey w o u l d be F r i . a preparations. I f his simples, potions, herbs and spice m i x t u r e s do n o t
j o u r n e y m a n of a guild Fr2, a wealthy trader Fr5, a courtier Fr8 and so seem as effective as they might be, or those who are ill take a turn for the
on. They may use any magical item that can be used by a fighter or worse, no blame is to Rendoulf Breeks, Senior M e m b e r of the Guild of
thief. Freemen and Freewomen save as fighters of the same level. Apothecaries and Herbalists. Cannot a cholic or quinsy kill a m a n w h o
does not take care of himself?
On t h e f o l l o w i n g table, s o m e o f t h o s e Freemen a n d w o m e n w h o Over recent months R e n d o u l f / A n g s t e a r has begun taking a variety of
have b e e n detailed s o f a r i n t h e magazine a r e s h o w n , w i t h t h e i r herb and drug preparations during ceremonies in honour of Pharastus.
profession and code number, to give an idea of how the various levels During the twitching trances induced by these drugs R e n d o u l f / A n g s t e a r
work: has been granted visions w h i c h have lead h i m to n e w foulness in the
service of his god. A t the urging of his hallucinations, he has hatched a
Fri M a r a t a r , Emanlia, Jasmina and Last Hope B u r w r i g h t (10d-g) scheme to corrupt a good man to the service of Pharastus, feeding the
Millers' daughters; Countess Elavia of Cerwyn (aged 15) unfortunate victim with a mind-altering preparation that induces violent
Fr2 H u r n a k e r S c a r d ( 4 a ) B r e w e r ; S a m u e l E v e n i n g ( 9 h ) Cook; amnesiac fits. The potion w a s brewed, and a victim sought...
Ja'n'it E v e n i n g ( 9 i ) S t o c k w o m a n ; M i l l i p y B u r w r i g h t ( 1 0 b ) Sir Rubin H e w d was u n f o r t u n a t e enough to come to the attention of
Seamstress; M e l o m (23b) Peasant Rendoulf at the opportune moment. Sir Rubin, a fighting soldier, suffers
Fr3 M y l i t i s Ep-Stein (2a) Apothecary; L i n k P i n t h r i p (3b) M o n e y from h e a d a c h e s w h e n r e q u i r e d t o t h i n k a b o u t i d e a s b e y o n d t h o s e
collector for Travellers' Shrine; Olivine Burwright (10c) Miller; normal to a soldier. Grown popular in the service of Nortus d'Erebia, the
Mailai Frith-Lorendar (15b) Clerk; Daliel (15c) Assistant Clerk; Count o f Bereduth, S i r Rubin h a s become a potential t h r e a t t o s o m e
Redbeam (15i) Cooper; i'Nimma, i ' N e m m a (19c-d) M u m m e r s minor m e m b e r s o f the family. Hence h i s presence i n t h e City League
Fr4 C e l i n e B u r w r i g h t (11 a) Ale-house o w n e r (with his clerk, Grame Merels), overseeing negotiations with the Guilds
Fr5 J a s p e r B u r w r i g h t (10a) Miller; A e t h e l r o n Verthill (21b) A s s t of Butchers, Millers and Sutlers, fixing the prices for Bereduth produce.
Arena manager; M a t r e x e s di Regines (CD5a) Landowner Sir Rubin developed a persistent pain b e h i n d h i s l e f t eye d u r i n g t h e
Fr6 L o n g e l f (19b) Tumbler negotiations and, as he happened t o be lodging a t the B l u e Piper, h e
Fr7 G i l a s Widgery (15a) Magistrate; Estorillian (15h) Silversmith; called at Djon Radrasen's Apothecary for a remedy. Rendou If s a w his
Sir Jeorge Fardwarm, High Steward of Cerwyn chance and added a f e w extra ingredients to Sir Rubin's tonic.
Fr8 M a l a c h i t e B u r w r i g h t ( 9 a ) M U S c h o o l S t e w a r d ; O n e - e y e d Three days later Sir Rubin w a s in the grip of a fever. M e r e l s sent for
Sadford (33k) M e r c h a n t Captain Rendoulf a s an old soldier he had seen physicians and surgeons in
Fr10 O h n e Parsite aka Lady Miralex, Duchess of Ealer (11 h); Pablo action. R e n d o u l f d i a g n o s e d S i r R u b i n a s c h o l e r i c a n d a t r i f l e
Fanquay (19a) S h o w m a n melancholic, and stipulated complete rest, a diet of beans and garlic and
regular doses of a potion of his own devising to cool the blood. The first
26 I M A G I N E nuipdtte, June 1985
t w o parts of the t r e a t m e n t could be dealt with
by the staff at the Blue Piper. Rendoulf agreed
to s e n d E l l u c a s i m , h i s apprentice, w i t h t h e
potion, each day at dusk. A f t e r giving Sir Rubin
a dose of the potion and charging h i m 200gp,
Rendoulf left.

That v e r y e v e n i n g t h e h i d e o u s l y d i s f i g u r e d
corpse of a young m a n w a s found in the alley
by Piper's Theatre. A t first i t was thought that
only a w i l d beast could have killed h i m i n so
savage a fashion, a n d B r e n d e s Feergarl, t h e
Bear-tamer, came under immediate suspicion
— o r a t l e a s t h i s b e a r did. S u c h s u s p i c i o n s
were q u i c k l y allayed w h e n B r e n d e s a n d h i s
bear were found similarly slain in the stables of
Piper's Theatre t w o nights later. Over the next
fortnight n i n e m o r e corpses t u r n e d u p in t h e
immediate vicinity of Piper's Corner, all brutally
murdered.
Sir Rubin, confined t o his sick bed, heard of
the m u r d e r s and the lack of progress that the
Borough D i s t r i c t M i l i t i a a n d G u i l d M i l i t i a s
were m a k i n g f r o m h i s clerk, M e r e ' s . A w a r e
that in his present weakened state he could not
extend h i s p r o t e c t i o n t o t h e terrorised c o m -
munity, h e ordered M e r e l s to sell h i s a r m o u r
and o f f e r t h e m o n e y, s o m e 2 0 0 0 g p , a s a
reward for the capture of the murderer.
The m u r d e r e r i s c l o s e r t h a n S i r R u b i n
realises, a s i t i s h e w h o i s c o m m i t t i n g t h e
crimes u n d e r t h e i n f l u e n c e o f R e n d o u l f ' s
potion. R e n d o u i f h a s s t a r t e d r e d u c i n g t h e
concentration of the potion he is giving to Sir
Rubin w i t h o u t r e d u c t i o n i n i t s effects. Every
other n i g h t after being dosed w i t h Rendoulf's
'cure', S i r R u b i n r i s e s f r o m h i s s i c k b e d ,
descends to the streets and stalks in search of
lone victims. A f t e r battering t h e u n f o r t u n a t e
person t o death S i r R u b i n r e t u r n s to h i s bed
and sleeps peacefully until morning. W h e n he
wakes h e i s u t t e r l y u n a w a r e of w h a t h e h a s
done.
The Victims
Time Scale of Events The v i c t i m s a r e a s o m e w h a t m i x e d b a g , s l a u g h t e r e d b y S i r R u b i n
4 years ago: Rendoulf/Angstear purchases a n equal share i n the because t h e y happened t o be in t h e neighbourhood o f Piper's Corner
business of Djon Radrasen & Son, Apothecary, from Luchas Radrasen. w h e n h e w a s under the influence o f the potion. A s such, t h e y do n o t
18 m o n t h s ago: L u c h a s Radrasen dies after mistaking blackcurrants have a n y t h i n g i n c o m m o n t o l i n k t h e m a s a g r o u p , a l t h o u g h
and deadly nightshade berries. A verdict of death by misadventure is appearances are deceptive....
returned by the District Court six m o n t h s later. Naturally, if the player characters decide to investigate any possible
5 m o n t h s ago: Rendoulf Breeks moves stock Out of the cellar and into c o m m o n factors among the victims in an attempt to trace the murderer,
the main part of the Apothecary. Rumours that this is due to subsidence the D M should let t h e m do so, a n d perhaps even t h r o w i n a f e w 'red
cause a d r o p i n p r o p e r t y v a l u e s i n t h e s u r r o u n d i n g b l o c k s . herrings'. They will receive no information at all from the District Militia.
R e n d o u l f / A n g s t e a r secretly constructs a small temple to Pharastus in The exact timescale of the killings is left to the DM, to fit i n w i t h the
his cellar. general f l o w of the campaign, but they occurred in the following order:
4 w e e k s ago: Sir Rubin Hewd and Grame Merels take up lodgings in the
Blue Piper w h i l e they conduct negotiations w i t h various Guilds. 1. Hurer Gardille, t h e son of a m i n o r official i n Borth, w a s a r a n d o m
3 w e e k s a g o : S i r R u b i n t a k e n i l l . T h e m u r d e r s begin. T h e k i l l i n g s killing. He was on his way back to his lodgings at the Ford Inn (5)from
continue a t s e m i - r a n d o m i n t e r v a l s a s doses o f R e n d o u l f / A n g s t e a r ' s the Theatre (74) w h e n Sir Rubin struck. Nobody at the Ford k n o w s
foul potion are administered to Sir Rubin. much about him, except that he was a 'nice young man'.
5 d a y s a g o : A d o u b l e killing. O n e i s a n o t h e r i n t h e series of savage 2. Brendes Feergarl a n d h i s bear w e r e i n t h e employ of A u g k u s t e e n
attacks, the other is caused by a a dagger wound in the back of the neck. Hammardius, the actor-manager of Piper's Theatre. Their job was to
entertain audiences before and after plays. They were both living in
the stables of the theatre and Brendes kept himself to himself.
Involving the Player Characters 3. J u u r a Feergarl ( n o relation) w a s t h e M a s t e r o f M u s i c a t P i p e r ' s
Exactly h o w the player characters become involved in One Fine D a y. _ Theatre. He lived at the Blue Piper and liked his drink — local opinion
is a m a t t e r for the D M to decide. It is quite possible that the reward of had it that he w a s due to d r o w n unless he fell f r o m t h e m i n s t r e l ' s
2000gp offered by Merels on behalf of Sir Rubin could bring the matter gallery of the theatre and brained himself first. Popular character, no
to their attention. B u t there are a n u m b e r of other methods for getting enemies.
players involved in (solving) the murders: 4. G u r r i t w a s a r a n d o m killing. A linkboy, he w a s w a i t i n g to l i g h t the
way h o m e for theatre-goers w h e n he w a s killed. S o m e t h i n g o f an
1. The PCs are walking back to their lodgings one foggy evening w h e n urchin, nobody in Piper's Corner knows where he lived.
they are unsuccessfully attacked by the murderer (Sir Rubin). In the 5 & 6. Breda and Shae were two dancers from Piper's Theatre, w h e r e
confusion and the fog, Sir Rubin escapes.... they w e r e c u r r e n t l y lodged. K i l l e d o n consecutive evenings, t h e
2. A n o t h e r m u r d e r i s c o m m i t t e d . T h e body i s discovered a n d i n t h e bodies were not discovered for two days, so it was assumed that the
subsequent h u e and cry for the Militia, suspicion falls on the o n l y girls w e r e o u t w i t h ' g e n t l e m e n friends'. None o f their ' g e n t l e m e n
outsiders present: t h e player characters. friends' has come forward since the girls were killed.
3. A previous contact, or a relative of a player character falls victim to 7. Dianel Oppes w a s another apparently random victim. A scribe and
the murderer, and his or her heirs ask the player characters for aid. occasional employee of Luchael Alluminor, the bookseller, he tended
4. I f the PCs are lodging at the Ford Inn in Westmeet Square, their first to spend many of his hours slumped over his cup at the Blue Piper or
knowledge of the murder will be a visit by the Borough District Militia working in the shop, w h e r e Luchael allowed h i m to sleep. A d r u n k
checking on t h e first victim, H u r e r Gardille. This course allows the and wastrel w i t h considerable (wasted) talent as a pen-man.
murders t o be i n t r o d u c e d a n d a s s u m e greater importance over a 8. Soe, a n o t h e r dancer f r o m Piper's Theatre, w a s killed a t t h e stage
period of weeks as Hurer's killer is not brought to book. door as she was going to fetch a jug of ale for Augkusteen.

I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985

27
 9 B u r d o c k just happened to be in the w r o n g place at the wrong time. W h e n u s i n g t h e D & D game, t r e a t d r o w as
Ostensibly a street entertainer, playing the flute (very badly) for all the f u n c t i o n a l e q u i v a l e n t o f e l v e s i n m o s t
those w h o w o u l d not t h r o w h i m a copper or two, Burdock w a s the respects, s a v e t h a t t h e y a r e a s evil a s m o s t
eyes of the Borough District Militia in the Piper's Corner area, quietly ordinary e l v e s a r e good. P h y s i c a l l y t h e y a r e
watching the doings of all the inhabitants. little different, except for their black skins and
10 A y b h e w a s the fourth dancer from Piper's Theatre to lose h e r life; pale hair. Drow are extremely sensitive to light.
actually murdered on the stage of the theatre and left hanging from Mosaiche humiliated her clan by associating
the minstrel's gallery, the last victim (to date) of Sir Rubin. w i t h Rendoulf, a m e r e h u m a n , a n d t h e c l a n
11 T h e l a s t corpse t o b e f o u n d w a s t h a t o f Isbee, R e n d o u l f Breek's mothers exiled her. H o w e v e r, because o f the
journeyman. H e had been stabbed and t h e corpse t h e n beaten t o rivalry inherent in d r o w society, i t w a s inevit-
hide t h e w o u n d . I s b e e w a s k i l l e d o n t h e s a m e n i g h t a s A y b h e able t h a t exposure o f h e r indiscretion w o u l d
because the journeyman made a suggestive remark about Mosaiche, become the strategy of another clan. The drow
w h i c h deeply angered Ellucasim. So far everyone has assumed that at t h e B l u e P i p e r h a v e c o m e t o k i d n a p
this killing is just one more in the sequence of violence. Mosaiche, take her home and humiliate her —
and b y extension h e r c l a n — b y extracting a
The adventurers w i l l find i t very difficult to cast any raise spells on the public confession of her 'degradation'.
victims, a s t h e y have all been buried except for the t w o m o s t recent The d r e w k n o w she is m a r r i e d t o a h u m a n
victims. The temple authorities will object to any such behaviour on their w h o pretends to be a seller of herbs somewhere
premises, and the District Militia are operating in sufficient n u m b e r s in in the Borough. They do not yet know that their
the area to prevent the PCs indulging in excessive u n l a w f u l behaviour target is literally yards away, hampered as they
(but not in such numbers that will stop the sudden and brutal murders). are by their dislike of sunlight and difficulties of
If speak w i t h dead is cast, the results of any conversations with the dead fitting i n t o h u m a n society.
should be ambiguous and largely meaningless. None of the victims saw Their actions depend largely on those of the
Sir R u b i n d u r i n g t h e attacks, a n d t h e y a r e a l l m o r e c o n c e r n e d w i t h adventurers. T h e y w a n t t o k i d n a p Mosaiche,
finding c o m f o r t a b l e resting places than w o r r y i n g about the m u n d a n e not cause trouble with lesser breeds, so if dealt
concerns of the living. Isbee did recognise his killer, and will name him if w i t h openly they will be co-operative, but not 0 111 • 11 . 1 . 1 . .
asked. The DM should allow the players to interpret this piece of data in very imformative. They k n o w nothing of life in E r n i a t i l l a r
the League, and w i s h to k n o w even less, other 1
any m a n n e r they chose.
than w h e r e t h e y can f i n d M o s a i c h e . They do
k n o w that Angstear is a priest of Pharastus, so F4511.1111r
Rumours an e x c h a n g e o f i n f o r m a t i o n i s p o s s i b l e :
ilf4r4!!
16hoo
11–aanr
Violent death has become the (almost only)t o p i c of conversation among Mosaiche's w h e r e a b o u t s f o r R e n d o u l f /
the u s u a l l y g o s s i p y i n h a b i t a n t s o f P i p e r ' s C o r n e r, a n d t a p r o o m Angstear's true identity and evil beliefs. O.ogges.,
hl!
detectives have h e l d f o r t h a t great length o n all aspects o f the grisly Once t h e y f i n d M o s a i c h e ( t h e D M s h o u l d
matter. The Borough District Militia have been remarkably quiet about assume t h e y d o s o a f t e r 3 - 4 d a y s i f t h e
the whole affair, other than to say that the matter is 'in hand', which has adventurers have not dealt with them by then)
f u r t h e r f u e l e d i l l - i n f o r m e d and prejudiced speculation. T h e i r w o r k i n g they will break into the Apothecary and kidnap
hypothesis is that the murders are a vendetta against the Theatre, and her. The shop will then be fired and one of the
most o f t h e i r e f f o r t s a r e d i r e c t e d t h i s w a y. O t h e r t h a n g e n e r a l male d r o w killed a n d h i s b o d y b u r n t beyond
agreement that the killings are the work of a complete madman, and that recognition to provide the expected corpse.
n e w locks a r e t h e o r d e r o f t h e day, l i t t l e a g r e e m e n t exists a n d n e w The d r o w n e v e r u s e t h e i r n a m e s w h e n
suspicions have been added to old dislikes. outsiders are present, and always defer to the
In casual conversation and w h e n questioned, NPCs will k n o w 1-3 of authority of Coreniashe.
the f o l l o w i n g r u m o u r s a n d i t e m s o f m i s i n f o r m a t i o n w h i c h , i n m o s t
cases, they will be only too pleased to share w i t h the adventurers: The D&D game: 69 Tail(
Corenaishe: A C 7; Elf 7; hp 25 M V 150' (50'); Cloth Me
1. The victims visited the arena regularly and they all w o n a relatively AT 1; D b y w e a p o n ; Save as Elf +2; M L 12;
large s u m on a single chariot race (false). AL C; XP 1 2 5 0 ; T H A C O 1 5 ; S p e l l s — c h a r m
2. A l l the victims had blue eyes and fair hair (partially true, the theatre person, magic missile, sleep, continual dark-
dancers had dyed blonde hair and Diane' Oppes had w h i t e hair). ness, mirror image, f i r e ball, w a l l o f fire;
3. ' M o s a i c h e is a vampire. A f t e r all, she is never seen outside w i t h o u t armed w i t h dagger and one-handed crossbow (see below).
her veil....' (false). Doriade, h e r sister: A C 5 ; E l f 5; h p 1 8 ; M V 1 5 0 ' (50'); A T 1; D b y
4. Somebody in Piper's Corner is a w e r e w o l f (false, and the speaker will weapon; Save as Elf +2; M L 12; A L C; XP 425; THACO 17; Spells — (as
always refuse to name a specific somebody). CS) cause light wounds, cause fear, blight, hold person; armed with
5. 'It's those two from Bereduth.... never did trust outsiders....' (partially flail, Doriade keeps a black w i d o w spider (AC 9, h p 1, A T 1 D poison —
true, as S i r Rubin is t h e murderer, b u t the accusation i s based on save vs poison at -4 or die) in a finely w r o u g h t silver cage at her belt.
prejudice rather than reason). Borendene, Despene and Grene, the males: AC 5; Elf 2; hp 9; MV 120'
6. A l l the killings are the w o r k of the Thieves' Guild (false). (40'); . A T 1 o r 2; D b y weapon; Save as Elf +2; M L 12; A L C; X P 30;
7. A l l t h e killings are t h e w o r k of the K n i g h t s Ocular (false, a n d t h i s THACO 1 9 ; a r m e d w i t h d a g g e r s , s h o r t s w o r d s a n d o n e - h a n d e d
suspicion w i l l only be voiced by the very drunk or very stupid). crossbows, Grene has the abilities of a Thief 5.
8. 'Things have never been the same since Rendoulf Breeks and that All drow can cast faerie fire (see Companion rules), darkness, detect
foreign w i f e o f h i s b o u g h t D j o n ' s s h o p . . . . ' ( p a r t i a l l y t r u e , a s magic, k n o w a l i g n m e n t and levitate. In addition, the females can cast
Rendoulf/Angstear is the cause of all the mischief). clairvoyance, dispel magic and ESP.
9. 'There is something not quite right about that boy Ellucasim....' (true, When in bright light d r o w attack at -2, and suffer a -2 penalty to their
he murdered Isbee and is infatuated w i t h Mosaiche). saving t h r o w s against light-based spells.
10. I t m u s t be political. The Borough M i l i t i a have been w a r n e d off by a
high-and-mighty in the Punctilio (false). The AD&D game:
11. ' T h e r e are five s t r a n g e r s at the B l u e Piper, b u t they couldn't have Corenaishe: AC 7; M V 15'; HD 7; hp 30; . A T 1; D by weapon; SA spells
anything to do w i t h ( t r u e , see The P l o t Thickens below). (as MU 7) — affect normal fires, burning hands, feather fall, read
12. O r d o or Crenafer are the killers. They have shocking tempers (false, magic, darkness 1 5 ' radius, detect invisibility, invisibility, fireball,
although both are given to fits of rage). hold person, w a l l o f fire; Int High; A L CE; Size M x p 1140; THACO 13;
armed w i t h dagger and one-handed crossbow (see below).
Doriade, h e r sister: A C 5; M V 15'; HD 5; h p 25; A T 1; D by weapon;
The Plot Thickens SA Spells (as C5)— curse, cause light wounds, darkness, hold person,
obscure alignment, silence 1 5 ' radius, cause blindness; Int High;
Staying at the Blue Piper are five mysterious people, the source of some AL CE; Size M , x p 4 5 0 ; THACO 15; a r m e d w i t h flail; D o r i a d e keeps a
casual talk in the neighbourhood, a l t h o u g h everyone agrees that they black widow spider (AC 10, hp 1, . A T 1 SD poison s a v e vs poison at -4
are just eccentric foreigners, because they arrived only three days ago, or die) in a finely w r o u g h t silver cage at her belt.
after t h e m u r d e r s started. N e v e r appearing i n p u b l i c w i t h o u t heavy Borendene, Despene and Grene, the males: AC 5; MV 12'; HD 2; hp 17
cloaks a n d y a s h m a k s , k e e p i n g t o t h e i r r o o m s , s a y i n g l i t t l e a n d each; A T 1 o r 2; D by weapon; I n t High; A L CE; Size M; xp 9 9 each;
apparently never eating or drinking, their m o n e y is the right colour so THACO 1 6 ; a r m e d w i t h d a g g e r s , s h o r t s w o r d s a n d o n e h a n d e d
they are left to their o w n devices. crossbows; Grene has the abilities of a Thief 5.
So f a r, n o b o d y h a s connected t h e appearance a n d habits o f these All drew can cast dancing lights, faerie fire, darkness, detect magic,
strangers w i t h those of Mosaiche, Rendoulf's wife. The connection is know alignment, a n d levitate. I n addition t h e females c a n cast
quite valid, as she and they are drow, dark elves. clairvoyance, suggestion, dispel magic, detect lie.
28 I M A G I N E mug a..ine, jutu: 1985
 // 11,11114' 61 Piper's Corner

ommalummow.,4 Riannalleenrinalwalar
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71 Silversmiths

trough
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62 Djon Radrasen's
Apothecary
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72 Booksellers

ONOnallimenne
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IrAllitlaminamg4
rotagnminannig,5f,
mannal-istimmolume,
smith piOrmorA'
assomp 6 7 The Bakery
imam/sue .........

66 The Ink Shop

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LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEHIMIIIMIRWA
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ilerchants

Drow crossbows have a range of 6 ' and fire bolts (D1-3) coated with a
substance that causes those affected to fall unconscious. The weapons
61a Boroughward Kulig; M; F4; L/LN
shortsword, knobbed stick. AC 7; hp 1 8 / 2 2
and equipment belonging t o t h e s e d r o w h a s b e e n a w a y from t h e
radiations of their caverns for too long and has lost its special properties. 15 E3 Short, very smart in Borough livery
For t h e purposes o f this adventure d r o w magic resistance i s also 14 0 Investigator and patrol leader
assumed to be 'lost'. Finally, when in bright light drow attack at -2, and W 1 2 El Honest, j o v i a l , s h r e w d ' s t r e e t c o p ' , v e r y observant,
suffer a - 2 penalty to their saving throws against light-based spells. D 1 0 m e t h o d i c a l investigator
13 0 We l l k n o w n locally, b u t particularly friendly w i t h P i p
Ch 1 6 A l e k n i g h t ( 6 3 a ) a n d Flinn ( 6 1 b); having a n affair w i t h
61 PIPER'S CORNER Xinthea (63c)

All the identification numbers in the module are part of the City League Kulig's patrol is made up of 6 first level fighters (hp 7 / 9 ) , who normally
numbering system, and references to people and places not detailed in wear everyday clothes rather than District Militia livery.
this adventure can be found in previous issues of I M A G I N E magazine.

1 They are included so that the Piper's Corner area may be used by DMs as
a standard p a r t o f t h e C i t y L e a g u e before, during a n d a f t e r t h e
murderous events of One Fine D a y. . . . have run their course.
6 1 b F two
l i n daggers,
n ; F, T2,AC
N/N
5G/ 6 , hp 6 / 8

Piper's Corner, so named because (according to the locals) several
ogres (the number varies depending upon the teller) were charmed to
sleep by the Piper, thus saving the area from a terrible fate. The statue of
the Piper and the Corner's well form the social centres of the area,
where neighbours meet to chew the fat, (occasionally) row with each
other and enjoy the irregular (but frequent) public holidays.
Piper's Corner i s a tightly knit community i n t h e middle o f t h e
Boroughs. It is pleasantly sleepy for some of the day, but has a thriving
afternoon and evening trade thanks to Piper's Theatre. The houses are
all spotless and well-maintained, w i t h a general air of self-satisfied
prosperity. Naturally, since the murders began the area has become
somewhat quieter after dark, with few people venturing out unless they
absolutely have to do so.
Normally, apart from people going to performances at Piper's Theatre,
the most noticeable presence on the streets is that of Kulig (61a) and his
Borough (District) Militia, who are there to discourage pickpockets and
other street criminals taking too close an interest in the audiences at
Piper's Theatre (74) and — of course — to try and halt the run of killings.
12 0 'Tomboy', scruffy jerkin over black leathers
14 E Pickpocket and Militia informant
10 0 Streetwise teenage punk, but with a heart of gold
17 El Friendly rivalry/co-operation with Kulig (61a), who never
12 p u n i s h e s h e r w h e n h e catches h e r i n o t h e r people's
Ch 15 p o c k e t s ; in return she passes on bits of tittle-tattle that she
has heard; knows everyone i n the a r e a (by sight), a n d
friendly with Jooble (74b) and Netta (74d); hates Sivanus
(74c) because of his treatment of Netta
62 Djon Radrasen's Apothecary
Rendoulf Breeks stocks a w i d e r a n g e o f herbs, spices, preserves,
simples, medicinal preparations, comfits, tonics and coloured waters in
this pleasant building. The Apothecary also stocks small quantities of
the commoner herbs needed as spell components by wizards, as well as
a discrete selection of so-called 'recreational' preparations.

IMAGINE magazine, June 1985 29

 U n k n o w n to any in Piper's Corner, the cellar of the shop is no longer a
storeroom, b u t a t e m p l e t o P h a r a s t u s , w h e r e R e n d o u l f / A n g s t e a r
performs acts of illicit worship, w i t h the connivance of Mosaiche.
A t h o r o u g h search will reveal a blue potion (the mind-altering drug).
Rendoulf will claim it is a tonic for reducing the heat of blood, although if
other apothecaries or herbalists are asked, they will not have heard of
such a preparation. A n y o n e w h o drinks the potion w i l l f i r s t collapse,
then become violent for a period of 1-6 hours, then fall into a deep sleep.
Afterwards - most worrying of all - t h e imbiber will remember nothing
of w h a t occurred w h i l e under the influence o f the drug.
R e n d o u l f / A n g s t e a r is willing to lay down his life, or anyone else's, for
Pharastus. If anyone gets close to the truth about the murders, he will do
whatever is necessary to silence them or make good his escape.
62a Rendoulf Breeks (Angstear); m, C9, C/CE
no weapon, A C 9 / 1 0 , hp 2 8 / 3 6
S 1 0 0 Wears normal working clothes, leather apron, green hose
I 1 6 L I Owner o f D j o n Radresen's Apothecary, s e c r e t a n d
W 1 8 f a n a t i c a l cleric of Pharastus
D 9 0 Appears kind and slow witted; sly, cautious, and ruthless
C 1 2 0 Known by all inhabitants of Piper's Corner
Ch 1 1
62b M o s a i c h e ; F, E 8 / M U 8 - F 4 , C / C E
AC 9 / 1 0 , hp 2 8 / 2 6
Brow
S 1 7 L I Only appears in public wearing a black yashmack; deep red
I 1 8 s i l k robes
W 9 0 Wife of Angstear, former drow noblewoman
D 1 2 0 Foolish, headstrong, very very violent
C 1 4 0 None i n League, knows only Rendoulf/Angstear and
Ch 1 7 E l l u c a s i m
Spells memorised..
DBLD: 1 ( 1 " , 2, 6*, 8, 9, 11 ) A D & D : 1 ( 1 , 3 , 6, 12, 1 6 , 22, 30)
2 (1", 5, 9, 1 0 " , 11 " ) 2 (3", 6, 14, 17*, 22, 2 3 " )
3 (2", 3, 6, 11 " ) 3 ( 2 , 4 , 1 2 " , 18, 22)
4 ( 1 , 6, 8 , 9, 1 0 " ) 4 (7", 16, 1 8 , 21)
6 2 c E l l u c a s i m is Rendoulf's apprentice and is infatuated w i t h
the m y s t e r i o u s M o s a i c h e , t o t h e p o i n t o f killing lsbee over a c h a n c e
remark made about her. M o s a i c h e and Rendoulf k n o w of the m u r d e r,
but their devotion to Pharastus is such that they will say nothing about it.
63 The Blue Piper Inn
The Blue Piper is a h o m e l y and comfortable place, catering to theatre
audiences a n d t h e l o c a l s alike. B e c a u s e o f i t s p o p u l a r i t y w i t h t h e
slightly-better-off, p r i c e s f o r drinks, f o o d a n d l o d g i n g s a r e b e t w e e n
150-200% of normal, w i t h noticeable price rises coming into effect as
Piper's Theatre (74) empties and the Inn takes over the custom.
63a 'Pip' Pere Aleknight; m; Fr 3; L/LN
knobbed stick; A C 9 / 1 0 ; hp 11
1/2E
S 1 2 0 Very smart, spotless apron over blue and yellow chequered
I 1 1 j e r k i n and hose
W 1 5 0 Innkeeper
D 1 3 0 Nauseatingly bluff and hearty, sees much, says little
C 1 4 L I Well known among League landlords for his upwardly
Ch 1 4 f l e x i b l e pricing policy; knows everyone except Mosaiche
(62b) in Piper's Corner; very friendly with Kulig (61a) and
Angkusteen Hammardius (74a); dislikes Rendoulf Breeks
(62a) because the man is a quack.
6 3 b - f M a e r i e , X i n t h e a a n d D e w n a r e t h e serving girls,
professionally friendly, but vain creatures. Xinthea is very much in love
w i t h Kulig (61a) and jealous of his friendship w i t h Flinn (61 b). P e r r i n
and N o r b e t are the cellarman and ostler respectively. Norbet was fond
of Soe, Sir Rubin's third victim, and he has taken to drinking too much
since she w a s killed.
Sir Rubin Hewd; m, P9, L/LG
63g l o n g s w o r d +2, A C 9 / 1 0 , hp 4 5 / 5 5
D 1 3 LI Tall and distinguished, but weary, fevered and bedridden
9 LI Liegeman to Count Nortus d'Erebia of Bereduth
W 1 3 0 Loyal, honest a n d noble, terribly worried about t h e
D 1 4 murders
C 9 0 Friendly with all at the Blue Piper, particularly Grame
Ch 1 8 Merels(63h); friendly with Rendoulf (62a) and Ellucasim
(62c) in the mistaken belief that they are helping him
30
The fact that Sir Rubin is ill is a clue that something is seriously wrong.
D e t e c t lie and similar truth-finding spells w i l l yield misleading results
because Sir Rubin does not k n o w that he is the killer (and it would be a
harsh judge w h o condemned the man if all the facts w e r e known).
If the adventurers have no luck in establishing t h a t Sir Rubin is the
murderer w i t h i n t w o or three days, t h e D M should assume t h a t he is
given another dose of the potion and goes out h u n t i n g again. This time
one of the NPCs sees a tall figure fleeing f r o m the scene back towards
the Blue Piper.
The D M s h o u l d note t h a t the d r o w described i n T h e P l o t T h i c k e n s
occupy t w o adjacent rooms on the top floor o f the Blue Piper Inn.
6 3 h G r a m e M e r e l s is Fr2, hp 6 and a half-elf. A l t h o u g h giving
the impression of an absent minded (somewhat untidy) school master,
Grame is very sharp indeed. His only fault is that he tends to see the best
in people rather than the truth.
64 The Stockbrokers
6 4 a - c Y o n d Karryson and his son W i t s u l are both Fr4, hp 10
and dwarves. They make a handsome living Out of trading in shares in
various business ventures, specialising in high risk, high gain m a r i t i m e
projects. Customers buy shares in the various projects, speculating on
the potential return from their investments w h i l e the Karrysons take a
tithe as commission. J i m e s Panderly is Fr2, hp 7, their book keeper and
junior partner, and he looks after the simple business of betting on horse
and c h a r i o t races, t h e A r e n a , G u i l d elections, t h e o u t c o m e o f c o u r t
cases, w h o t h e Piper's Corner m u r d e r e r m i g h t be, etc. I n fact, h e i s
willing to offer odds on absolutely anything.
65 Provisioners
6 5 a - b D u e s t i n e Scrannel sells every sort o f fresh a n d
preserved foodstuff that can be imagined during t h e morning. D u r i n g
the afternoon and evening she and her apprentice M e l c o m sell cooling
drinks ( m u l l e d a l e a n d w i n e i n w i n t e r ) a n d s n a c k s t o t h o s e v i s i t i n g
Piper's Theatre. They also have what they regard as an amusing sideline
in that they supply old fruit and vegetables to theatre critics.
66 The Ink Shop
6 6 a - b T h i s rather small and less than imposing building is the
home a n d s h o p o f C o r v e l l a s o f X i r a n d G r e e r , h i s d w a r v e n
colourgrinder, (both a r e Fr2, h p 6). Corvellas o f X i r i s very p a r t i c u l a r
about whom he sells to, but his wares are the finest inks for all purposes,
including m a n y rare and exotic ones h i g h l y prized by magic users for
their u s e s o n scrolls and spell books. G r e e r i s a n expert o n a l l s u c h
substances, a n d b o t h s h e a n d C o r v e l l a s w i l l p a y g o o d p r i c e s f o r
components of interesting magical inks.
The DM s h o u l d note that Corvellas and G r e e r w i l l be w i l l i n g to talk
about inks and their compounds and they will n a m e drop shamelessly
about the clients t h e y have had (Sendrennial t h e Puissant, C e r w y n ' s
Master o f M a g i c s , f o r e x a m p l e ) i n c l u d i n g , o d d l y e n o u g h , R e n d o u l f
Breeks (62a), w h o bought some very expensive ink used in spell books.
Neither of the two has any idea w h y an apothecary like Rendoulf should
w a n t such an exotic substance.
67 Bakery
6 7 a - d J o t h r e C r i m p and Ouphe are, by their own admission,
possibly the f i n e s t bakers and piemakers in t h e Boroughs. Helped b y
their teenage twin sons Pyclet and M o u p h i n , the couple have built up a
thriving trade in m i d n i g h t snacks for h o m e w a r d - b o u n d theatre-goers.
Their m o s t f a m o u s m e a t - p i e , t h e ' C r i m p ' s S p e c i a l ' , i s u n i v e r s a l l y
regarded as unsurpassed in tastiness, although no-one has been able to
extract the exact recipe - or even details of w h a t meat is used....
Jothre and Ouphe are especially friendly w i t h A l e e (73a) and Hanar
(73b), the couples often dine together at the bakery.
68 Blacksmith
6 8 a j c 'Iron' Ta r d y is a broad, handsome middle aged man w i t h
strong hNnds a n d a good eye f o r metal w o r k . I n a d d i t i o n t o s h o e i n g
horses, making tools and implements, and fine w r o u g h t iron work, he
also turns out the occasional swordblade, just to keep his skill in trim -
nothing fancy, but good, honest steel. Bregan R e t v i s does not w a n t to
be a blacksmith, b u t has l i ttl e choice b u t to w o r k o u t h i s i n d e n t u r e d
apprenticeship. B r e g a n w o u l d l i k e t o be a n a c t o r, b u t w i l l s e t t l e f o r
I M A G I N E MagaZitle, June 1985

anything m o r e refined t h a n w o r k i n g in a s m i t h y. He is secretly in love
with Flinn (61 b), but believes (rightly) that she would have nothing to do
with him. O r d o is a pleasant, w e l l meaning, but very big clod, given to
fits o f terrible violence. H e d o e s n ' t k n o w a b o u t a n y t h i n g o t h e r t h a n
working t h e b e l l o w s , a n d i s h a p p y w i t h t h e t h o u g h t o f b e i n g a
blacksmith, providing somebody tells him w h a t to do.
69 Tailor and Cloth Merchant
6 9 a - d A l t h o u g h the business started by selling only pieces of
finished w o o l l e n cloth from Cerwyn, Niarris di B o r t h has increased the
range of his interests, w i t h the tacit approval o f the Cerwyn Clothiers
Guild and the tacit disapproval of the City League Clothiers Guild. Niarris
is convinced that the League Guild is Out to 'get him', so, w h i l e polite, he
always maintains his distance. Niarris is a s h r e w d trader.
His r e p u t a t i o n f o r quality clothes is based on t h e skill of To u b y the
cutter, M a w m e t the seamstress and Bias, the finisher. These three live
to produce beautiful garments, a n d take n o interest in o t h e r matters.
They spend some spare time at Piper's Theatre (74) and the Blue Piper
Inn (63), on the look out for n e w styles and fashions.
7 0 Musical Instrument Makers
This building stands out from the others in Piper's Corner, not because it
is exactly delapidated, just uncared for; the w i n d o w s are unwashed and
some roof tiles have slipped. The main workroom is piled with musical
instruments o f a l l k i n d s . O n c e t h e c e n t r e o f a t h r i v i n g g r o u p o f
craftsmen, only Crenafer remains here.
Crenafer; m, Fr 2; N/NG
70a no weapon, A C 9 / 1 0 , hp 5
S 7 0 Unkempt, scruffy, stained minstrel's garb
I 1 4 0 Instrument maker, drug addict
W 9 E l Slow and slurred, violent temper when crossed, shy and
D 1 3 a s h a m e d o f what he has become, proud o f his (still
C 1 4 e x c e l l e n t ) abilities with lyre and lute
Ch 6 D Afraid of Augkusteen Hammardius (74a), Kulig (61 a) and
Rendoulf Breeks (62a) as the Apothecary might one day
refuse him drugs; friendly with no-one except his cat
I M A G I N E ma9at1ne, June 1985
Crenafer keeps h i m s e l f to himself, e m e r g i n g
from the shop only to buy herbal preparations
and drugs from Rendoulf Breeks and food from
Duestine S c r a n n e l (65a). T h e s o u r c e o f h i s
money (in fact, his life savings) is a subject of
speculation a m o n g s t the o t h e r inhabitants of
Piper's Corner, as is his habit of spending most
nights p l a y i n g h i s l u t e w h i l e u n d e r t h e
influence o f the drugs from the Apothecary.
71 Silversmiths
7 1 a - c Mardic, C a r d n e a n d P o o r e i s
Doit are members of the Guild of Silverworkers,
despite p r o d u c i n g s i l v e r w o r k o n l y o n c o m -
mission and of a rather indifferent quality.
The t r u e skill o f the t h r e e b r o t h e r s (all a r e
Fr3, h p 5 ) l i e s i n t h e p r o d u c t i o n o f s i l v e r
payment tokens (not true coins) for use by the
journeymen and apprentices of various Guilds
t h r o u g h t the City. Most traders and merchants
will only accept tokens from their o w n Guilds,
w h i c h means that paying junior Guild members
in this fashion keeps them permanently out-of-
pocket and loyal to their Guild.
72 Booksellers
7 2 a - b A l t h o u g h the building is o u t -
wardly unprepossessing, L u c h a e l A l l u m i n o r
and h i s j o u r n e y m a n assistant M i c i f e r r u n a
well-organised a n d s o m e w h a t eclectic book-
shop. Theatrical s c r i p t s (especially w o r k s b y
Augkusteen H a m m a r d i u s ) a n d s h e e t m u s i c
form t h e m a i n stock o f the shop, b u t the t w o
also have an interest in historical w o r k s (they
have a complete edition of lacub's Words to A
Visiting Prince o f w h i c h i t h a s t a k e n M i c i f e r
t w o years to produce an illuminated copy), and
bestiaries. D e s p i t e t h e f a c t t h a t t h e y a r e
supposed t o b e r u n n i n g a shop, t h e t w o a r e
inveterate collectors and will pay good prices for interesting works.
73 Barbers and Wigmakers
7 3 a - c A l o e and H a n a r run a small hairdressers a n d w i g -
makers. A l e e is a gossip to those w h o are u n d e r h i s scissors (he w i l l
know 3-6 of the m u r d e r r u m o u r s given above), b u t is a r a t h e r sinister
figure a t first s i g h t w i t h a long scar r u n n i n g d o w n h i s face. T h i s is a
legacy of his younger days as a horse mercenary (F4, hp 1 6 / 20).
Hanar and Nitily, the apprentice, make wigs from the good quality hair
from t h e shop, a n d h a v e a good sideline supplying c o s t u m e w i g s t o
theatricals s u c h a s A u g k u s t e e n H a m m a r d i u s ' c o m p a n y a n d , m o r e
discreetly, to those who need a disguise —thieves, assassins, spies and,
so it is quietly rumoured, the Knights Ocular.
Hanar often receives bundles of food f r o m h e r f a r m e r c o u s i n f r o m
Hyrpum. She is in the habit of taking these to the bakery for Ouphe (676)
to cook, so there is some local speculation as to what might actually be in
the sacks. T h e D M s h o u l d feel f r e e t o encourage t h e adventurers i n
assuming that Alee, Hanar and the Crimps (67a-d) might be engaged in
a S w e e n e y Todd-like enterprise, t u r n i n g visitors to the barber's s h o p
into a variety of tasty pies....
7 4 Theatre
Piper's Theatre is nowhere near the biggest or most imposing in the City
League, b u t the quality of the dramatic productions p u t on u n d e r the
auspices of A u g k u s t e e n H a m m a r d i u s is of the highest. L o w and h i g h
comedies and tragedies, concerts, farces and sheer extravagances such
as m a s q u e s h a v e a l l b e e n p r e s e n t e d a t o n e t i m e o r a n o t h e r, a n d
Augkusteen Hammardius' own Night of the Jewels, a comedy of errors
set i n a Thieves' Guild, i s still occasionally m e n t i o n e d a s o n e o f t h e
funniest plays in years.
Piper's T h e a t r e i s s m a l l a n d i n t i m a t e , w i t h s e a t i n g o n l y f o r t h e
selected few in the upper gallery and at the back. The main pit in f r o n t of
the stage is an open area, where the most fashionable cliques go to see
the latest productions (and well-loved favourites) and be seen.
At the moment, performances are taking place to audiences of just a
f e w dozen, the brave and the foolhardy — and the ghoulish who hope to
see s o m e t h i n g m o r e t r u e t o l i f e enacted i n t h e Theatre. Te n D i s t r i c t
Militiamen w i l l be the most conspicuous members of the crowd.
31
7 4 A
a ul ogn k
g suwso rt de, e
ACn 9Hammardius;
/ 1 0 ; hp 13 m; Fr 4; N 74c Sivanus the Magnificent; F El /MU1 N/N(E)
dagger +1 A C 8 / 9 , h p 4

S 1 1 0 Smart, b u t cut o f his clothes is 20 years out of date S 1 0 El Tall, sinister, dresses in blacks a n d greys
I 16 El Thespian, actor-manager and dramatist, r u m o u r e d to be a I 16 El Fancymaster in charge o f magical and theatrical effects
W 9 spy f o r t h e K n i g h t s O c u l a r ( b u t w h o believes s u c h a n W 12 El Sulky, silent, unctiously polite, hates everyone, never uses
D 14 expansive ham w o u l d be employed for such purposes?) D 15 a kind word when a c r u e l one w i l l do; secretly approves of
C 12 El Speaks with a clear ringing tone (as though constantly on C 14 (and even admires) the m u r d e r e r
Ch 16 stage), s e n s i t i v e a n d v a i n , a p p a l l i n g h a m a c t o r b u t Ch 16 El K n o w s Florrantanis (9b) and Dispor the True (9c) as they
excellent administrator a n d writer, h o l d s t h e concept o f taught h i m magic; superficially f r i e n d l y w i t h the s t a ff at
Theatre above a l l else, d e v o t e e o f the Te m p l e o f Hrea, Piper's Theatre, c u r r e n t l y 'lives w i t h ' Netta ( 7 4 d ) a t the
deeply upset by killings, but still a w i t t y and amusing man theatre, b u t b e a t s h e r cruelly; f a s c i n a t e d b y M o s a i c h e
El K n o w s a n d is k n o w n by all in Piper's Corner; m e m b e r o f (62 b) but even he doesn't k n o w w h y _
the T h e s p i a n ' s G u i l d a n d t o l e r a t e d o n a n i n f o r m a l
associate b a s i s b y t h e G u i l d o f S c r i b e s a n d L e x i c o - Spells memorised.'
graphers; f r i e n d l y w i t h a l l h i s s t a f f ( 7 4 b - d ) a n d P i p D & D : 1 ( 8 , 9, 1 2 * ) A D & D 1 ( 1 , 5, 22, 2 9 * ) plus
A l e k n i g h t ( 6 3 a ) a n d thinks t h a t h e a n d Kulig ( 6 1 a ) a r e cantrips (see I M A G I N E
friends; dislikes Duestine Scrannel (65a); hates Crenafer magazines . 8 & 9)
(70a) enough to strike h i m in public on several occasions
for becoming an embarrassment to the 'profession'.
74d N e t t a ; F, F r i ; N / N G
no weapon; AC 9 / 1 0 , hp 2

74bJoo b l e+3;the
dagger A C Zany;
2 / 2 , hpm,
5 0K9/F9
/59 L/LN S 1 2 E l Very t a l l and very slender, w e a r s gauzy dresses a n d silk
9 scarfs
S 1 4 El Jester's motley over leather a r m o u r +2, bladder on a stick W 9 El Dancer
I 16 0 Slapstick clown, comic actor, agent for the Knights Ocular D 17 E A s u p e r b dancer, b u t a scared and nervous w o m a n in the
W 13 0 Professional b o u n c i n g f l i p p a n t i d i o t a n d archetypal s a d C 9 light o f the fate o f her f o u r companions. I n f a t u a t e d w i t h
D 18 clown, sees everything and says nothing Ch 15 Silvanus ( 7 4 c ) , b e l i e v e s h e w i l l p r o t e c t h e r f r o m t h e
C 15 0 Popular w i t h everyone in Piper's Corner except Rendoulf murderer, a n d that he w i l l take h e r f r o m t h i s m i s e r a b l e
Ch 11 Breeks (62a), Niarris di Borth (69a) and Luchael Alluminor place to dance for the Katar...
(72a); p a r t i c u l a r l y f r i e n d l y w i t h A n g k u s t e e n (74a), P I P El Her parents live in High Lygol, a n d she has no close kin in
A l e k n i g h t ( 6 3 a ) a n d F l i n n ( 6 1 b); dislikes a n d distrusts the League; lives with Silvanus; occasionally slips away to
Sivanus (74c) the Cornucopia to watch people arriving.

These t w o are t h e o n l y r e m a i n i n g actors in Piper's Theatre, w h i c h i s

causing p r o b l e m s o f a n a r t i s t i c n a t u r e t o a d d t o t h o s e o f t h e m o r e Ending the Adventure
physical s i d e . A u g k u s t e e n h a s q u i c k l y w r i t t e n a p l a y w i t h j u s t t w o
characters a b o u t a d a n c e r a n d t h e t w o m e n w h o p u r s u e h e r. O n l y The exact end of the adventure is left largely to the discretion of the DM.
Augusteen and Jooble actually speak — Netta is merely seen dancing in Should Sir Rubin, Rendoulf or Ellucasim be uncovered as killers the DM
the background. T h e i r o n y o f t h i s performance i s t h a t t h e Thespians can u s e t h e trial procedure decribed i n L a w a n d O r d e r in I M A G I N E
Guild is considering giving the play an award. magazine . 1 9 . Needless to say, a case of this complexity, and involving
a foreign national, will be heard at the Court of
Ten Thousand Ravens. It is also likely to be an
epic, s i n c e t h e C i t y L e a g u e l e g a l s y s t e m i s
unlikely to be able to find Sir Rubin innocent of
murder, nor Rendoulf guilty of anything much
beyond assault. Several of the City's religious
orders w i l l p r o b a b l y b e q u e u i n g u p t o t r y
Rendoulf f o r b l a s p h e m y h o w e v e r, a n d s i n c e
there i s a c h a n c e h e c o u l d f a c e a m u r d e r
charge on the strength of his conspiracy (being
a servant o f Pharastus c o u l d m a k e h i m
technically guilty), the whole thing will end up
in a h o p e l e s s legal spiral, like so m a n y other
cases, w h i l e Rendoulf and Sir Rubin languish
in jail. T h i s offers a n u m b e r of possibilities to
the PCs r e l e a s i n g Sir Rubin as a sign of their
good nature, or because of a healthy bribe from
Bereduth, or releasing Rendoulf into the hands
of the church of Tarmenel....
W h a t e v e r the outcome of his trial (should he
be caught) Sir Rubin, noble and true to the last,
will instruct Grame Merels to pay the reward to
his captors. R e n d o u l f / A n g s t e a r w i l l b e c o n -
siderably l e s s c h a r i t a b l e a b o u t t h e w h o l e
affair, swearing eternal vengeance upon every-
one involved. Whether this 'eternal vengeance'
has any tangible form is for the DM to decide....
As f o r Ellucasim, t h e poor devil w i l l probably
confess and end up facing banishment, slavery,
life i m p r i s o n m e n t o r p e r h a p s d e a t h i n t h e
Arena. His last gesture as a free man might be
to offer his life savings — at best 30-40gp — t o
anyone w h o w i l l l o o k a f t e r M o s a i c h e , o r
recover h e r f r o m t h e h a n d s o f h e r e n e m i e s
amongst the drow.

CREDITS
Design: Paul Emsley
Development: Mike Brunton
Cartography: Keith Cooper
Art: Tim Sell

32 I M A G I N E ma9azine, June 1985

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33
Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s
 SWAMP DEMONS• ,
by Kevin Smith 1111
Ihe elegant l o n g - s h i p sli( ed d u ough the
waves a t h i g h speed, t h e w a r r i o r s a l l
p u l l i n g w i t h immense skill and power on
their oars. T h e i r chieftain, ,Mtain, stood in
the stern directing their progress w i t h the
almighty steering oar.
•Laud ho! h e called out at last.
' f h e long-ship instantly grounded and,
such was its speed, shot thirty yards up the
beach.
'There must be easier ways for him not to
get h i s feet wet,' muttered one exhausted
warrior to another.
They h a d marched i n l a n d a b o u t h a l f a
mile, A l c a i n leading the way, w h e n they
came across a deserted village. A t least,
Alcain presumed i t was deserted since he
could see no-one about.
'Careful, m e n , ' s a i d A l c a i n . ' L o o k t o
your weapons.
The m e n bunched together, tightened
their grips on sword and axe handles, and
stared at them intently. A l c a i n took a few
more steps i n t o the settlement. Suddenly,
there w a s a n i m m e n s e s i c k e n i n g t h u d
behind h i m . I l e whirled round. H i s men
had been dropped on by a sixteen-ton I tunp
of cold porridge!
As he stood there, bemused, bewildered
and shaken, b u t n o t a f r a i d , b e i n g t o o
34
;°1
1;;;Maill
si upid, a i t o f small warriors
appeared f r o n t t h e bushes and formed a
circle with h i m at the centre.
'What do you reckon?' said one.
'Seems to fit,' said another.
'Certainly survived t h e Curse,' s a i d a
third.
There w a s a n a m o u n t o f i n
among the small men, and eventually the
smallest was despatched into the forest.
'You w i l l please come with us,' they said
to Alcain.
'Alcain does n o t h i n g he does n o t wish
to,' s i t i d A l c a i n , f o l d i n g h i s a r m s a n d
sniffing pointedly.
Yo u w i l l please come w i t h its to where
our H i g h Priestess, Most Beautiful o f A l l
Women, awaits you.'
'Well, as it happens I don't actually have
any other pressing engagements just at the
moment,' said Alcain. 'Lead on.'
He w a s l e d a l o n g a well-used p a t h
through the forest to a large stone building.
It was a p i t y the path had only been well-
used by the small men, and Alcain received
several clouts across t h e head f r o m l o w
branches. He was pushed through the open
doorway, and received another clout T h e r e
were n o windows, and as his eyes became
accustomed t o the g l o o m he could make
out the shadowy figure of a woman sitting
on the high sit me On mu..
'You are he of whom the legends speak.'
Alcain was taken aback b y t h e harsh,
quavering voice.
'You're the H i g h Priestess?' T h e gloom
seemed to be dispersing. T h e H i g h Priest-
ess was an old hag, clad in drab, dusty grey.
'I was given t o understand that you were
the Most Beautiful of A l l Women.'
'I was,' said the Priestess. 'Nowadays the
title is more, as you m i g h t say, honorary,
more's the pity. Ninety years ago we could
have had some f u n together.' She looked
wistfully into the distance.
'Ninety years ago?'
'I w a s a b r i g h t y o u n g t h i n g o f one-
hundred-and-ten back then.'
Alcain hefted his axe. 'You mock me, old
woman.'
'Oh put that axe down and listen to what
I have say. The legends speak of a tall, dim
— er f a i r stranger who shall survive the
Curse of this, the Isle of Doom! and deliver
it f r o m t h e E v i l o f the Swamp Demons.
Yo u are tall. Yo u are — er f a i r . Yo u are
stranger than most. And, you have survived
the Curse.'
'That's w h a t the small men said, too,'
said Alcain. 'What is this Curse?'
'Any stranger setting foot on the Isle of
Doom! b r i n g s d o w n u p o n h i s h e a d —
I M A G I N E ma9azine, Itme 1985
sixteen tons of cold pot t idge! I n i l l t h e
years, you alone have sot yived. You alone
are the one to rid us of this terrible Evil!'
She paused. 'Plays hell w i t h o u r inter-
national trade, I can tell you.'
'If I rduse?'
'Porridge! And if you are going to refuse,
can you go outside and (I() it? It'd take ages
to clear sixteen tons of the stuff from in
here.'
'Don't worry about that, oh no. I accept.
I agree.'
The High Pt iestess began to prepare him
for his task.
'You are permitted to take only three
weapons, which you must choose yourself,
from the Armoury.'
Site descended froin h e r throne and
hobbled across to a door. Alcain followed
her through, and immediately backed out
again, red-faced and holding his hand over
his ear.
'Can't an old woman have any privacy
nowadays? I ' v e been u p o n t h a t cold
draughty throne for hours. The Armoury's
three doors along.'
The Armoury was a vast chamber filled
with every weapon known to man. Alcain
looked carefully over them all and finally
decided on a longbow and arrows, a heavy
two-handed sword, and his own axe. The
I M A G I N E mag mine, June 1985
Pt iestess surveyed his chot«'.
'Alt, the longbow. It is magic, and can
shoot an arrow three times hit titer than any
other longbow i n existence. You merely
have to pull i t three times as hard. The
sword is wondrous also, and w i l l chop
down a tree wit It but a single blow... if you
swing it hard enough. The axe... the axe I
don't lecognise.'
'It is my own.'
'You're quite sure you wouldn't like to
choose something else?'
'Quite sure.'
The Mystic Halberd of Trommts, per-
haps. O r Regana's Trident. There's a
cruise missile over there you could have...'
'No, no, I'll take the axe.'
'Suit yourself. Now, I am also permitted
to give you one gift of my own making.
This way.'
She led hitn through the Armoury to a
door at the other end. Meant followed her,
warily this time, and found himself its a
room stinking o f brimstone. F o r what
seemed like hours, and probably was, she
chanted spells and tossed unpleasant items
into a small cauldron. At length she turned
gleefully to him and said, 'Now the final
deadly ingredient — potassium cyanide!'
Tire potion in the cauldron seethed and
bubbled.
'When the tiniest (bop of this potion
touches someone, no matter who or what,
he, she or it will be filled with an insatiable
craving for brown windsor soup.'
'That's horrible, said Alcain. 'Brown
windsor soup hasn't been invented yet.'
The Old Priestess cackled gleefully. 'Is
that so? Sometimes I don't know my owls
fiendishness.' This amused her for several
minutes. Then she said, 'Go in ov — no,
hang on, come back. I haven't told you
where yet.'
Alcain turned back, looking slightly
bemused; het oes normally had to find out
everything for themselves on these quests.
'Make your way East into the forest,' said
the old hag. 'About a (lays join 'ley away
lies the Swamp o f the Demons o f the
Swamp. Destroy the Demons and return.'
Alcain was suddenly filled w i t h exist-
ential angst: did I the Swamp belong to the
Demons, or the Demons to the Swamp?
Meanwhile, dot Mg this mere half hour of
cogitation, the old Priestess had vanished
into the gloom.
This meant that his first problem was to
get out of the stone building. He looked
around, a n d noticed o n t h e w a l l a n
illuminated green sign reading 'Exit'. He
stared at i t with complete incomprehen-
sion, since he couldn't read. When he saw
35
the d o o r beneath, h e edged towards i t ,
g r i p p i n g h i s axe f o r comfort. T h e d o o r
swung open, a n d he rushed o u t i n t o the
daylight. There was no-one in sight. When
he had recovered from the b l i n d i n g glare of
the sun there was still no-one in sight.
'Hm, no-one i n sight,' h e mused, a n d
strode o f f i n t o the forest. T h e small men
appeared f r o m t h e i r h i d i n g places i n the
hushes and watched him with admiration.
'There goes a brave man,' said one.
'Yes,' agreed his neighbour. ' T h o u g h I'd
be more convinced i f he weren't going i n
the wrong direction.'
Alcain marched on, his bow slung across
one shoulder, his quiver o f arrows across
the other, his sword in its scabbard by his
side, his trusty axe in his r i g h t hand, and
his lucky teddy bear in his left. He whistled
as he went, anti t h o u g h t that i t w o u l d be
easier if the string of the magic bow didn't
cut i n t o h i s c h e s t s o m u c h , a n d t h e
scabbard of the magic SWOId didn't drag on
the floor. There was always a catch to these
magic objects. He thought, also, that it was
rather strange, the similarity in the clumps
of r o c k a n d vegetation a l o n g t h e w a y.
When he passed a tall spiky outcrop for the
fifth time, i t dawned on h i m that he was
walking in circles. As it was now becoming
dark, he found a sheltered spot, built a fire,
and settled d o w n f o r the n i g h t , w i t h his
weapons close to hand and his teddy bear
tucked under his chin.
He awoke at dawn. From where he lay he
could see s o m e r a b b i t s feeding nearby.
'Breakfast,' h e thought. S l o w l y he raised
himself t o a s i t t i n g position and reached
towards his bow. From the bag it rested on
he drew a spoon, b o w l , b o t t l e o f m i l k ,
packet of sugar and box of cornflakes.
Thinking fast, he unslung his bow and
shot an arrow into a tree. Then he tied a
rope to another arrow and shot that into a
tree. Thinking fast had never been his
strong point....
After breakfast, h e b r o k e c a m p a n d
followed the dawn sun to the East. He had
gone t w o miles w h e n he realised he had
forgotten his lucky teddy bear, and instant-
ly turned back for it. T h u s he avoided the
great boulder t h a t f e l l f r o m t h e sky a n d
embedded i t s e l f i n t h e e a r t h w h e r e h e
would have been. O n his return w i t h the
teddy bear he noticed the boulder, since it
lay i n h i s p a t h , a n t i was puzzled b y i t .
Surely i t h a d n ' t been there before. ' Av a -
lanche,' he decided. C l i m b i n g over it, he
carried on.
Five miles later, he came to a barbed wire
fence. He thought for only a moment, then
swung his m i g h t y axe i n a gleaming arc
through the air. T h e shaft caught on the
end o f his bow, and t u m b l e d h i m t o the
ground. H e t h o u g h t f o r a f e w moments
more, then removed his other weapons and
swung the axe again. T h e wire gave way
before that ferocious blow, and then swung
36
back u n h a r m e d . H e s w u n g again, a n t i
again, anti again; and again. A n d again.
Anti againagainagaingaingainainainnim.
Exhausted, he remembered that his magic
sword could slice through a tree with but a
single blow. He swung it at the wire, which
gave way and returned exactly as before.
Trees the sword could handle; barbed wire
— no.
He felt a tap on his shoulder. ' I say old
bean, what are you doing?'
Alcain t u r n e d h u r r i e d l y, a n d s a w a n
enormous green dragon looming over him,
blue-grey smoke c u r l i n g ominously f r o m
its nostrils, anti a monocle in one eye.
'Base v i l l a i n ! ' roared Alcain. ' I shall go
through this barrier by hook or by crook,
and n o t h i n g shall prevent me. Stand ye
back!'
'My dear chap,' replied the dragon, ' I
have no intention of preventing you. But I
would point out a gate, about thirty yards
yonder...'
In embarrassed confusion, Alcain headed
towards t h e gate, m u t t e r i n g s o m e t h i n g
about k n o w - a l l upper-class dragons. H e
was about t o g o t h r o u g h w h e n a voice
stopped him.
'Oi! Where dyer think you're going?'
' T h r o u g h here, varlet! I have a sacred
duty to perform.'
'I d o n ' t care i f yer g o i n g t o y e r o w n
funeral. There's a form to f i l l i n first.'
The speaker was a small gnome squat-
ting o n a m u s h r o o m b e h i n d a counter
covered w i t h bits o f paper, forms, pens,
pencils, r u b b e r s t a m p s a n d b o t t l e s o f
coloured ink. Cursing silently at the delay,
Alcain went over to the counter.
'Cursing silently w o n ' t get yer through
any q u i c k e r, ' s a i d t h e g n o m e . ' N o w ,
name?'
'Alcain,' said Alcain.
' M r A l Cain. Address?'
'No, not Al Cain. Alcain. A l l one word!'
'The g n o m e r a i s e d h i s eyes t o t h e
heavens, a n d precisely, deliberately, t o r e
the form i n half. 'Let me guess. You're an
'ero come ter destroy the Evil of the Swamp,
right?'
'Such is my task.'
'Gawd ' e l p us!' H e took another form,
edged in black. 'Name: Alcain. Address: no
fixed abode, by any chance?'
'Correct.'
'Occupation: 'ero.'
'And w a r r i o r c h i e f t a i n , ' s a i d A l c a i n
proudly. T h e g n o m e seemed s i n g u l a r l y
unimpressed as he wrote it down.
'Reason for entry: destruction of Evil of
the Swamp. N o w, who do we notify when
yer fail to return?'
'But I shall return!' said Alcain.
'Don't give me that! W h o do we notify?'
'The old H i g h Priestess, I suppose.'
The g n o m e w r o t e i t d o w n , a n d t h e n
spent ten minutes stamping the form w i t h
nearly every rubber stamp on his counter.
Alcain watched w i t h m o u n t i n g i m -
patience, a n d f i n a l l y s l a m m e d h i s f i s t
down on the counter-top.
'Oh,' said t h e g n o m e f r o n t h i s m u s h -
room. ' Yo u still 'ere? T h i s is just internal
admin- urgghh! N o w that,' said the gnome
Itom the I loor, •won't do yer no good at all.'
Shortly afterwards, Alcain stumbled upon
the Swamp. H e knew i t was the Swamp
because of the foul stench of marsh gases,
the horrendous s t i n k o f brimstone, t h e
unmistakeable odour of Evil, anti because
he was in it up to his navel. T h i n k i n g fast,
due t o a strong i n s t i n c t f o r self-preserv-
ation, h e w i s h i n g h i s b o w a n t i s h o t a n
arrow i n t o a nearby tree. 'Firen he tied a
rope to another arrow and shot that i n t o
the tree. T h i n k i n g fast had never been his
strong p o i n t . H e a v i n g o n t h e rope, h e
slowly but surely pulled the arrow out o f
the tree. T r y i n g again, h e managed t o
secure the rope anti save himself.
He s t o o d b y t h e edge o f t h e Swamp,
beginning t o get an i n k l i n g o f just h o w
Evil i t could be. Here he was, covered i n
stinking slime. H o w could he possibly be a
hero, covered i n s t i n k i n g slime? A l i t t l e
filth h e d i d n ' t m i n d ; i t w a s , i n f a c t ,
obligatory. B u t t h i s wasn't p l a y i n g f a i r.
What was he to do?
Casting his eyes around (a trick he had
learned f r o m t h e S o u t h e r n Mystics) h e
spotted a small wooden hut. The sign over
the d o o r s a i d , ' C h a r o l d H u C h i n e s e
Laundry'. Alcain went inside.
'Nice t a l k i n g sign y o u have there,' h e
said.
'Alt, t h a n k you, salt,' said the oriental
behind the counter.
' H o w l o n g w i l l i t t a k e t o clean m y
armour and weapons?'
'Four days.'
'I can't wait bum days!'
'No need t o w a i t , sah. Yo u g o away,
come back rater.'
Alcain waved his axe threateningly. ' I
want this armour clean in half an hour.'
'Half hour? Okay. But cost extla.'
Alcain removed his armour and weapons
anti handed them over. H a l f an hour later
he had them on again — resplendent and
gleaming, and d r i p p i n g wet.
' " C l e a n " y o u said,' said the oriental.
' N o t h i n g in contlact about " d l y " . '
Alcain marched o ff , m u m b l i n g a b o u t
smart-aleck l a u n d r y m e n . P r e s e n t l y h e
came t o a s i g n o n w h i c h w a s w r i t t e n ,
'Danger! Yo u are now entering the Swamp
of the Demons of the Swamp. (If you can't
read, ask someone who can to read this to
you.)'
Alcain l o o k e d a r o u n d , f a i l e d t o see
anyone w h o c o u l d read, a n t i therefore
ignored the notice contemptuously. T h e n
he had a sudden p r e m o n i t i o n o f danger,
which may have had something to do with
the r o w o f skeletons i n a r m o u r h a n g i n g
from gallows. H e u n s l u n g h i s b o w a n d
notched an arrow. There was a sudden blue
flash and a black-clad figure appeared. She
gestured a t a bush, w h i c h blushed a n d
burst into flames.
I M A G I N E magazine, June 0185
 Jut ruder!' Yo u have entered t h e F o r -
bidden Swamp, and must pay. T h a t ' l l be
twelve gold bosons.'
'Twelve? Never!'
'Then you shall die!'
In a blur of tnotion, Alcain drew back the
bow-string a n d loosed t h e a r r o w. T h e
figure l a u g h e d s c o r n f u l l y a n d vanished
before the arrow had tiavelled a yard. 'Fast,
Init not fast enough, mortal,' she said from
out of the air. She reappeared six feet to the
right. •I'he arrow pierced her stomach.
Just m y I tick t o come u p against a n
incompetent b o w m a n , ' she groaned, and
fell forward — dead.
o u t d o w n , s a i d Alcain. 'I wonder how
many more there are.'
'Enough t o subdue y o u , m o r t a l f o o l ! '
•I'he harsh voice came f r o m behind, b u t
black-garbed f i g u r e s h a d a p p e a t e d a l l
around hint.
'With t h e simplest o f spells I d i s a r m
you.' T h e D e m o n gestured, genuflected,
gestured again. A l c a i n ' s b o w became too
hot to handle, so he dropped it. I us sword
and scabbard glowed led hot and burned
through his belt. They fell to the ground, as
did his n ()users. T h e figures vanished and
reappeared i n f r o n t o f a g a u n t a n g u l a r
castle. Alcain realised no-one was watching
him and made a break for the woods. H e
hadn't g o n e t w o yards w h e n h e I t ipped
over his trousers.
'Boiled or roast?' said one Demon.
'Roast,' said another.
'In Ins jacket,' added a t h i l d
A spell l i f t e d h i m u p and wafted h i n t
into t h e kitchen, s e t t i n g h i m t o rotate
slowly high over the kitchen fire, on which
sat a stew p o t c o n t a i n i n g t h e Demons'
lunch. ated a stool. His hand fell onto a battle-axe. substances, and a belt f o r his trousers. A t
do well tor supper, later on,' said a 'Good and sharp,' he thought, l i c k i n g the barbed w i r e fence be emphasized the
Demon, absent-mindedly s h a r p e n i n g a the blood from his cut lingers. He grasped fact o f h i s safe a n d successful r e t u r n b y
long carving knife. the h a n d l e a n d s w u n g t h e a x e i l l a knocking t h e g n o m e o f f h i s m u s h r o o m
Meant f e l t s o m e t h i n g w e t against h i s glittering arc, just missing the Demon. But again. I f k n o c k i n g h i m o f f the first t i m e
chest. I l e looked and saw drops of l i q u i d even so, the creature backed away. Alcain hadn't d o n e h i m a n y good, i t c e r t a i n l y
falling into the pot, and realised it must be shuffled forward, swinging the axe lustily hadn't done him any harm — and it just as
the Priestess's deadly potion. He lot innate- and never giving the Demon time to utter certainly made him feel good.
ly forgot i t affected everything it touched, more spells, a n d n e v e r f o r a n i n s t a n t At last he arrived at t h e temple o f the
and assumed he was i m m u n e . T h i s it was realising that this was what he was doing. H i g h Priestess, and recounted his adven-
that saved him. Soon h e h a d t h e D e m o n t r a p p e d i n a tures, adding the usual embellishments of a
The stew i n t h e p o t o b l i g i n g l y served corner, and drew back the axe lot the final, ten-fold i n f l a t i o n o f the enemy forces and
itself out f o r l u n c h , a n d t h e p o t washed fatal b l o w. H e paused at t h e t o p o f his the evident opposition o f b l i n d fate also.
itself and put itself away on the shelf. As the backswing for the traditional moment o f The Priestess began to look a little puzzled,
Demons ate, their eyes glazed over and they gloating, a n d t h e D e m o n seized h i s and then internipted, 'You said you felt the
started d r o o l i n g , ' S o u p . B r o w n w i n d s o r opportunity. moisture of the potion?'
soup. Brown windsor...' One by one, they Quickly, he muttered a spell. 'Yes.'
ran off into the distance. The spell holding Alcain s w u n g m i g h t i l y, s t e p p i n g f o r - 'But I t o l d you, that p o t i o n works o n
Alcain aloft became weaker and he slowly ward t o a d d extra force. A l s o t o b r i n g everything.'
descended, wishing he weren't still (wet the himself close enough to connect. 'Everything? B u t I t h o u g h t I w a s
fire. The D e m o n unleashed a spell o f immune. I mean...'
'Well, that's that, then,' he said. decapitation. The old woman shook her head. ' I ' m not
*Not q u i t e , m o r t a l . T h e r e i s s t i l l o n e Alcain tripped over his trousers. that clever, Alcain. A l t ain? Alcain!'
unaffected by your dastardly action.' T h e The spell sliced t h e head o f f t h e axe, But Alcain was by now far o ff i n t o the
leader of the Demons stood before him, his W hich continued i t s f o r w a r d f l i g h t a n d sunset, muttering to himself.
face con tot ted w i t h rage. ' Yo u are clever, buried itself in the Deinon's heart. 'Brown windsor soup. M u s t f i n d some
son of Adam. but you overlooked one vital Alcain s t o o d u p a g a i n , i n s t i n c t i v e l y brown windsor soup. I must. I've just got
fact. I a m a vegetarian. I (lid n o t eat the swinging t h e a x e handle. A f t e r several
stew.' minutes he realised the axe was headless.
L. Kevin Smith
Alcain gasped in amazement. What was ' I ' m doomed!' he thought, and tripped over
this 'son of Adam' rubbish? His father had the last Demon l y i n g dead at his feet.
Kevin Smith has been writing SF and fantasy
been T h o r g a y t i l t . B e r e s k e r. B u t t h i s 'Ha! T h a t showed him! N o w I must get
for about fifteen years. His first published story
thought h a d g i v e n t h e D e m o n t i m e t o back to the H i g h Priestess.'
was 'A Night on the Tiles' in Ad Astra in 1980;
chant a spell, a n d o n l y A l c a i n ' s b a t t l e this is his second. In the mid-70s he stumbled
instincts saved hint, bypassing, as they did, It was a mere ten days later that he began across the awesomely subtle game of Finchley
his brain. He dived to the left as l i g h t n i n g his r e t u r n journey, h a v i n g carefully ran- Central while waiting for an underground train
shot f r o m the Demon's nose and inciner- sacked the castle for gold, jewels, precious at Kings Cross, and told it to the world. 1
I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985 37
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A historical RPG set in 17th details. Plans now come in sturdy boxes 15. Bugbears (3)
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musketeers. FGU have also threatened •16. Golems (2)
Kings combines a top class original
to release 12 new V&V adventures
Standard Tortured Souls scenario with a Dm's 17. Dragon Men (3)
in 1985. A re-released Swordbearer screen, scrolls, maps & NPC
is in the pipeline along with
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taken the plunge stats on floorplans. Great
another RPG 'Mad Dogs And and moved into a full value at E7.95. STOP PRESS 19. Hill Giant (1)
Englishmen.' A must for - now available the sequel t 20. Wing Folk (3)
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selling fast and looks to be 21. Knights (3)
of Kasar-Khan (E4.95
DRAGONROAR 22. Wizards (3)
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24. Greenwood Adventurers (3)
have released two solo adventure. Excellent game system has
modules for Dune containing a boost by the release o
value at E12.95. the COLOUR range. This includes CIHULHLI - El .50 each
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for the ever-expanding Runequest set @ E8.95. Also available - Sea (all 3 figures)
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, Book of Tables for Powers The range of Pane, Gamesmen Of Kasar,
& Penis. All good solid best-selling de luxe Naked Doom, Deathtrap 2. Hoodlums •
stuff for expanding dice has received double the
existing games. Equaliser & Captif D'Yvoire.• 3. Adventurers
colours originally available All A4 size at E1.95. •
and a set of six retails for a 4. Master Criminals
miserly 95p. Their range has
recently been joined by DE LUXE 5. Investigators
VictoryGames' GEM INKED DICE. Six colours are Newitemsfrom 6. Cops
latestadditionsto the available in each type of TSRcoverjustabout
JamesBondRPGrange are die which sell for 25p everyaspect of theD&D 7. Ghost & Horrible Companions
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9. Ghouls
twonewcompetitionmodulesfor
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JB'action episodes' - there are M A Y F A I R (AC4).This is a veryuseful 12. Deep Ones
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OSOOloOloomommorw4•0011010•11i
ful attempt at a slightly different module
loo w i t h UK5, the folk at t ' M i l l step back into
0000000•40•01
se the fold w i t h a more conventional follow-

0 • 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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101 0•0•00110010 ----W------_---N-------I-4'644410S 1

Written b y J i m B a m b r a r a t h e r t h a n

00 Graeme Morris, UK6 has a slightly differ-

ent feel t o it. A l t h o u g h t h e basic idea is
D.t Al
10 I Ommorrib
411
hackneyed, i t is well executed. The frag-

00.061.0OS
ments o f m a p l e a d t h e p l a y e r s i n t o
unknown j u n g l e t e r r i t o r y infested w i t h

Al
fierce t r i b e s m e n a n d thence t o passage

00 M O W
too
through the 'impassable' Hadarna Mount-

1 PO00000100
ains. T h i s s e c t i o n o f t h e m o d u l e i s
extremely w e l l t h o u g h t o u t a n d v e r y
PO0 000000OS(
00
much h a s t h e feel o f exploring a n c i e n t

IS I OSOSOOSOO
ruins rather than a random collection o f
rooms filled w i t h m o n s t e r s and labelled
PO0 0000SOOS
ta,
'old'. I w o n ' t say w h a t lies on t h e other

IS 00•100,0(
oo
lo
side of the m o u n t a i n s except to mention

NO0 400000.00
that there are more tribesmen, this time
with a nicely worked out ecology as well

101 00•00•01
as the usual list of statistics.

100 040•••••
The party should consist o f 5 - 8 char-
acters of 5th to 7th level as stated on the

IS 00•••10(
sTr-,t'SO
attached sticker, not 3rd to 5th as printed

110 obOSIORol
on t h e cover; a L a k e Geneva e r r o r, I ' m
assured. I t is i m p o r t a n t to note t h a t the
?* 00000•Ow4w,
party m u s t contain a t least one Druid or

o Cleric, though this shouldn't be a problem

40 100010OOOCOOOO‘O-ow P S l a b **
for a n o r m a l b a l a n c e d p a r t y. A n o t h e r
important point to consider is that if the

looI 0 0 0 1 0 0 S e r e e 0 0 0 • 0 0 0 11 " 0 0 0 4
party all have some means of flying, they

410 0000000110110OOSSOOSSOOOOOR
could bypass the mountains and miss out

als,..i,,iu.d0b4d1h.4Ahddilha1habhidihddlhabliditablidilda
an e x t r e m e l y i n t e r e s t i n g p a r t o f t h e
104o adventure. A resourceful DM should soon
d C H I V A L R Y Se SORCERY: T h e
1 put a stop to that though!
IPI
If the module is to be used as part of a
Oto campaign y o u ' l l n e e d a n u n e x p l o r e d Lord is planned would back this up, as it is

itt) jungle area 'on the edge of civilisation' to 4 Tnapped h e P r i nbcye st sh eR o

Ewv iel nDar ahgaosn bTe
e er sno n
k ii ud s- presented m o r e a s a p l o t l i n e w i t h

; incorporate it. If you do, UK6 should make

4!
a w o r t h w h i l e a n d interesting excursion
! Vintrix. A gallant band o f Knights and
Adventurers is needed to rescue her from
background t h a n a s a r i g i d s e r i e s o f
encounters. T h e 2 0 - p a g e b o o k l e t i s

I for your players having as it does a good

balance between thinking and hacking. • t h e w o r m ' s foul clutches, for which deed
clearly laid out, and comes with a pull-out
colour map of the wilderness in which the
AU Chris Hunter I t hbestow whatever
e Princess's boonaitn dis Guardian
Uncle in his power w ito ll adventure takes place. The colour map is
booteco, I P I M P O
l give. a n i c e idea, c l e a r l y d i s t i n g u i s h i n g t h e

PI 0000 It is hard to believe that this is the first

1 1 0 0 0 4 1 scenario for Chivalry & Sorcery, despite
terrain types, though unfortunately it has
a rather messy appearance.
Moe* O S I O 1 ! t h e fact that the game has been around
The s c e n a r i o i s f i r m l y r o o t e d i n t h e

PI011011W ' I O W s i n cthat

e g1
a9r n7e7r.s Pwr ehsou mwaebrl e
y Fi nGcU
a pbelieved
able o f
ethos of Chivalry that pervades C&S, and
provides the bare bones of a campaign set
014 4 0 0 0 1 m a s t e r i n g t h e intricacies o f C & S w o u l d
also be able to write their own scenarios.
in a w o r l d w i t h the flavour of the Middle
Ages. O n e o f t h e disadvantages o f t h e
11 4 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 l A t 1 8 0 0 4 Certainly the way in which The Dragon scenario a r i s e s o u t o f t h i s — i t j u s t

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I I II L O R E M A S T E R : 1 04
I01 M E R P : Rangers of the North I 01
I , TEarth
h i s isc the
a m platest
aign mofo Iron
d u l e sC,r od w
e anl' isn g w i t h wI h
Middle t 'i cs h atl w
u rany s at hm
e elittle
d i o ctouches
r e p r o d uocf tdetail
into 1 T h e I r o n W i n d
01 P I
I t i l t h e Kingdom o f Arthedain i n n o r t h - w e s t s o m e t h i n g which justifies expenditure of T h i s (second edition) m o d u l e i s p a r t o f
1 e M i dThe
dle m o d u l where
Earth, e f o l l othe
w sDunedain
t h e s t a ndwell.
dard £n e1 v0 e. r Sboemused, e m i n o rwdhei ltea iol st hweirlsl sI1e
e o f t hoef scourse, o wan lEanr gt eer pc raIi m
r i ne sC r—
r o s t ei sr I I 10 0 4
s epsa' i gLno rwehmi ce h 1

i 0 I f o r m a t of the series, with a concentration will p l a y a n i m p o r t a n t part i n t h e c a m - I c o m p a r a b l e i n s i z e w i t h t h e s a m e I •

ants, p o l i tsection
F O o excellent
f information i c s ainn dthe
onp prominent
osections
w e r. T hon
e personal-
r einhabit-
is an Mpoainli igt ana .rpyA
oniorganisation
ndt m
oaf ni ny t referees
e r e of
s t Arthedain,
— seem
p e r h ato
p or
sseize
tthe
h e I1.I ccaa
onm
dp
m pt a
ahinigsyn'book
sisMset din
l e the
i ddetails worldi s l aofn d\fog
a n campaign.
Earth s y sMT
t euhm
r, II 1M• S
e 11
1 l a i t i e s , w h i c h i n c l u d e s G a n d a l f a n d s t o r y of Numenor — and make from that c a lbackground
l e d t h e Mi su rpredictably
Fostisyr. Tdominated
h e h i s t o r i cby
al 0 1
Aragorn, Frodo and Bilbo, and others. a n i n t r i g u i n g series o f adventures. T h i s
b i l 0 1
The eight centre pages are printed full- m o d u l e i s n o t as rich i n t h i s respect as t h e s t r u g g l e b e t w e e n G o o d a n d Evil...
lip I 0 1
1
I 0 4 r e m o v e these from the rest of the book to i s still a major strongpointproducts,
c o l o u r o n p a r c h m e n t — i t ' s e a s y t o s o m e of the Middle Earth but it I yongoing
of the module. f i g hone,
a w n . I, for t a gam
a i n ssick
t t h eand
U ntired
l i f e aof
n d'the
i t s 0 I1 )0 11

I • a
b lyl oside,
w reference.
s h o w t hFour
e a r of
e athem,
covered
placed
b y side
t h e RMa on gs et r so of
f tthe
h e Naodrvt h
e nare
t u r set
e s in
b uthe
i l t Third
i n t o t0w ai rset e
twisted?
d servants'.
FromHwohwado
t nw
o remk naor ew tthey
h e y /11 0 1
Ioi campaign, from Hobbiton in the south to A g e — around 1 6 4 0 . T h i s is before t h e i t w i s t e d ? Perhaps it is not the servants of / 0 1
1 a E r e d Luin in the west. The reverse of each e v e n t s of Lord of the Rings, though there gII t h e unlife that are twisted, but its oppon- i l 0 4
I DmI ausing
p sheet
d i f f e rise nprinted
t c o l o uwr ist ht ot o w
d ins tplans
i n g u i s—
h (i asl beeni o
t uon
g ha smaller
i n f o r m ascalerto
t i o n f o r be
c arun
mpaati gany
n s IeI nAt l sl ;t hand
i s gifoito were,
d - a n dh- o
ewv i lwould
s t u f fwe
i s know?
very / 0 1

110w
pbuildings. These maps can be confusing 1 1 0 1
at times, because it is well presented and the background is
I 0 4 between t A h e v a r i otuhse rfgeu ni sc tsuch
i o n s ao fewti hd ee tt ui m
r meo in
i l the
thatThird
adventure
follows
i s or
the war.Ages. Fourth 1 implausible.
Fourth
very appealing, i n t h e I n fairness to The Iron Wind, however, 1 0 1
[ 0 r a n g e o f c o l o u r s a n d s h a d i n g s ; i t i s A l l in all, then, a w o r t h w h i l e addition to g i v e n i n t h e f o r m o f a s t o r y, t o l d b y a b i 0 1

isomptiompoop....4pmerippipmeni
1 l i dexample. I
i ff i c u l t to tell a miller's l
from a stable, for t kh e Middle Earth
§ range. A ncd y Blakeman
e r t as u pi p lny i n Elor
g i n fOnce
o r m a tDark.
i o n i sTlaudable,
h i s m e t h oadnodf
while this example lacks refinement, it is
far s u p e r i o r t o ICE's s t a n d a r d s y s t e m .
ill •
k g 1041
rill

IpAtt
1 ossossossossessotej
g "'At oAtoppAttog ososLoA
m
o
And e a c h o f t h e a d v e n t u r e s i s w e l l - j e l
sbalanced
t r u c t u r e—
d a n d a pas
insofar p ethere
a r s t are
o b no
e wfatal
ell I I O i l

!1ir0
oIramPm,cmamFahmrimbmrdramarigi encounters.
1
Apart from the background, then, this is 1 1 0 1 1
•

a
forw o
a rntyh wr uhliel es campaign
system, I pack
migh— suitable
t add, and 1 •

1S P1 1 Kr 6 - A lo d
l T h a t Glitters uRathni
is
R o , ad Cna d i ' idge C B I 4 A D , p i i( e L4.95
me
a •LSRcmodulet lot t h einformation
A D * D game, available from T S R U K l a d , T h e M i l l ,
free-standing o f o t h e r Loremaster l i
1 1 products.
0 4

'
I
N
N O
C;antes of Liverpool, 89 Vi c t o t i a S u m , L i v e r p o o l L I . P r i ( v f4.45
T h e Dragon L o r d is a scenatio fot the C h i v a l r y & Sorcery game p r o d m e d 4 EGLI, distt Muted i n Bt itain by
I The Iron W i n d is a m o d u l e o r the Loremaster campaign, price L7.95, Rangers of the N o r t h , a module I ' , 1
1
i
.00 A n d y Blakeman 1 0 1

10 1
I 0 0 1 t h u M i d d l e27Earth
29 Sunbeam Road,game,
Role -Playing L o n d (pni ti,NcW

0 0 0 0 0 0 . eoII
0 I. O
9 5, .otB oUt nh wate
i n ICE
impel backs (tryavailable
produtts,

38 M i l l Faint Cicseent, I louslow T W. I 51'G. T h e set costs L6.50

y o u r total bookshop).
I win Games Wot kshop. 0 0 0 1 0 6 1 1 1 P o l r i e r r e l o g r e a g e
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1
•
k g

I 0 T h i e v e s ' K i t ( hen is a set o f dungeon accessot ies from L i m i t e d E d i t i o n Castings, 'Shot TOWCT Studio%

1
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Dragon Lord 1
a l H I E V E S ' 1
K I T C H E N O P
01 a
w o u l d n ' t work if run in a standard sword- Ott L i m i t e d E d i t i o n C a s t i n g s p r o v i d e a n s e t t i n g will fit into your scenarios before
i I
and-sorcery environment. Another is that SI interesting selection o f dungeon acces- p a y i n g the £6.50 that the set sells for.

Of I
it requires ability on the part of the Game
041 s o r i e s i n 2 5 m m . W e s a m p l e d t h e i r T h e standard of sculpting and casting is
Thieves' K i t c h e n set, i n effect a w h i t e w e l l up to what's otherwise available on
i R obi
Master — t h i s i s n o t a scenario for t h e
beginner to rolegames. metal m i n i - d i o r a m a , c o n s i s t i n g o f a t h e market, however, and the firm offers a
Nevertheless, there is sufficient depth section o f double-faced w a l l , w i t h f l o o r n u m b e r of other interesting set-pieces; a

O
14N I
to the adventure to give several sessions
of play, a n d t h e plot is by n o m e a n s as VI base, a n d a c o o k i n g r a n g e w h i c h i s g r a v e y a r d set, for example, and a Shinto
hinged t o s w i n g o u t w a r d s t o reveal a s h r i n e set, a n d a l s o a large n u m b e r o f
simple and cliched as the brief outline I hidden door in the wall. Optional extras s i n g l e accessories a t t h e u s u a l prices,

P
iI 1
gave earlier m i g h t imply. Further, since
the adventure is in the form of a plotline, it 0 include tables a n d chairs, k i t c h e n f a r e i n c l u d i n g numerous animals, and various
such a s f o o d , g o b l e t s a n d c u t l e r y f o r c o r p s e s — a pile of 'stricken skeletons in a
means t h a t i f your campaign is close to III I
colour, and chests w i t h opening lids, h e a p ' for an encounter which w e n t well,
It's a n o r i g i n a l a n d i n g e n i o u s i d e a , a n d d e a d a d v e n t u r e r s f o r o n e w h i c h
04
the spirit of the Middle Ages, this scenario
could be converted to most game systems 101 1
though it should be said that the problem d i d n ' t ! I f y o u a r e l o o k i n g f o r i n s t a n t Ol
with ease. w i t h s u c h m e t a l i t e m s is cost, a n d you s e t t i n g s , check out their list.
04 Paul Mason OPI need to think carefully h o w often such a 11 1 6 0 Ian K n i g h t 01
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O l j : 0 1 0 1 a l a a A O O a r M A T O S I T e a r e d W O R L D S O F l

411'0Wg l i t ' T w i t it' tv v-"0 C1100 ' . 4 1 / 4 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 B tie-ins

As O R go,I SWorlds
V AofLBoris
L EVallejo
J O is I 1.4
somewhat unusual. Vallejo's work sug- h III
oi tio•flok
t t i 0 0 0 k

, 1

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Remember my name....
Some people are born to fame; some have
it thrust rudely upon them and yet others
storm t h e H a l l s o f Fame, k i c k o p e n i t s
portals and force their way in, using their
sharp l i t t l e e l b o w s t o consolidate t h e i r
position. I h a v e s e e n J o h n M a i t l a n d ' s
elbows, they are honed to stiletto points.
In h i s F a meQuest h e i s n o t averse t o
ringing up honest columnists and asking
them t o t e l l t h e w o r l d t h a t h e h a s l e f t
Standard G a m e s a n d i s a v a i l a b l e f o r
employment. H e even goes so f a r as t o
dictate the copy as he would like to see it
appear! Needless to say, your columnist
resisted s u c h a t t e m p t s t o u s e U n c l e
Don's sacred o r g a n a s a p e r s o n a l J o b
Centre. H o w e v e r, t h e l i t t l e f e l l o w h a s
now settled i n t o fresh e m p l o y m e n t and
his n e w berth is w o r t h y of our attention.
He is Sales Manager at Avalon Hill UK. It
looks a s t h o u g h t h i s o r g a n i s a t i o n i s
making a push to be an all-rounder in the
British games business rather than mere-
ly importing Avalon Hill games. They have
More Illuminations on Page 5 4 - including TSR new releases
The Citadel of ICE
Citadel Miniatures, which is of course virtual-
ly the private bailiwick of Brian Ansell, have
released a Journal. This is intended to be an
update of their catalogue and further issues
will appear t h r o u g h o u t the year. A s w e l l a s
containing details of Citadel's latest releases,
it h a s i n t e r e s t i n g a r t i c l e s o n p a i n t i n g a n d
other aspects of figure modelling. There are
also s i g n s t h a t C i t a d e l ' s c o p y w r i t e r s a r e
improving w i t h a g e a n d e x p e r i e n c e . T h e
humour, whilst still derivative (they appear to
be devotees of t h e " z a n y " school), i s m u c h
more polished than that wh ich we had to put
up with in the early Wa r h a m m e r for example.
Spelling is still a w e a k point, however.
Amongst Citadel's m o s t p o p u l a r l i n e s a t
he m o m e n t , according to m a n y retailers, is
their M i d d l e Earth series. They are now to be
launched in the US following their successful
entry i n t o t h e h o m e m a r k e t . I t w i l l b e
interesting to see h o w they fare in the States
against the local team's products. By these, I
mean G r e n a d i e r ' s M i d d l e E a r t h r a n g e .
Interesting a l s o t o s e e h o w G r e n a d i e r ' s
range d o e s o v e r h e r e , w h e r e i t i s n o w
available from Grenadier UK Ltd. Grenadier's
next M i d d l e E a r t h r e l e a s e s h a v e b e e n
announced. Once again they are to be boxed
sets. They will be S h e l o b ' s Lair and Hill M e n
I M A G I N E ma9anne June 1985
i um,1
li1111111111111111111•11111111111111
changed their name to TM Games (some-
one had to do it!( and they have also taken
over Endless Plans. This leaves Endless
Plans' ex-proprietor, A l a n Hickling, free
to use his creative talents to better effect.
It w i l l be interesting t o see h o w John
Maitland's b r a n d o f l i v e - w i r e m a n a g e -
ment works at TM. Certainly if they want
to g e t noticed, t h e c h i r p y chappy f r o m
Hemel Hempstead is the lad to do. Watch
out for interesting developments emana-
ting from High Road, North Finchley.
Whilst on the subject of reorganisation,
Games Workshop have created four new
Directors, including the diminutive Peter
Darvill-Evans, the well groomed Ian Bailey
(just a b o u t t h e o n l y person w o r k i n g a t
Games Workshop who is not permanent-
ly sewn inside a company T-shirt) and the
homely Brian Ansel!. This w i l l leave the
original two co-Directors, Ian Livingstone
and Steve Jackson, w i t h m o r e t i m e t o
concentrate o n t h e i r c r e a t i v e w o r k a s
authors.
of the Troll S h a w & A s t u t e readers will note
that these are the same titles as t w o of Iron
Crown E n t e r p r i s e s ' M i d d l e E a r t h s u p p l e -
ments. The connection does not end there.
The figure sets will utilise the same artwork
as appears on the respective booklets.
Talking o f w h i c h , I C E ' s l a t e s t c a m p a i g n
module is Rangers of the North. It describes
the N o r t h e r n K i n g d o m o f t h e D u n e d a i n i n
great detail. The m a i n b u l k of the volume is
set about the year TA 1 6 4 0 - the Witch King
of A n g m a r is very much in evidence and the
Shire h a s b e e n r e c e n t l y s e t t l e d b y t h e
civilised a n d c o m f o r t a b l e h o b b i t s . I n f o r m -
ation is also given about other ages such as
the time of Bilbo and Frodo. Complete MERP
stats are given for Aragorn and Ganda If and
'many important hobbits'. Several adventure
scenarios a r e p r o v i d e d , a s a r e s u i t a b l e
layouts and floor plans. A s ever, this product
is of the highest standard. ICE have demon-
strated t h a t t h e decision t o license t h e m t o
produce t h e O f f i c i a l g a m e m a t e r i a l f o r
Tolkien's W o r l d w a s c o r r e c t . T h e y w e r e
virtually u n k n o w n a s a c o m p a n y w h e n t h e
licence was granted to them, but the decision,
surprising a t t h e t i m e , h a s b e e n a m p l y
vindicated. I C E ' s p r o d u c t s a r e c u r r e n t l y
available in the UK from Games Workshop.
litillillitiliiill:11111illItH11110101 I , 61' ( i l l
Advance to Mayfair
Mayfair Games have been w i t h u s for a
while, but their products are not particularly
well known in Britain. They recently extend-
ed their representation here by appointing
another distributor, Games of Liverpool, so
perhaps we can expect to see more of their
products i n t h e shops. I h a v e a s t a c k o f
goods to look at, so let's make a start n o w
and examine the balance next month.
Mayfair h a v e a r a n g e o f s u p p l e m e n t s
called Role A i d e ' , consisting of adventures
and source books. T h e a d v e n t u r e s I h a v e
are all designed w i t h t h e A D & D g a m e i n
mind a n d a r e described a s ' s u i t a b l e ' f o r
Advanced. They also carry a n o t i c e to t h e
effect that their use of the trade mark is not
sanctioned by TSB. H o w e v e r, l e t u s leave
such m a t t e r s to one side and concentrate
on w h a t is on offer.
The K e e p is an adventure based on t h e
Paramount m o v i e o f t h e s a m e n a m e .
Characters a r e c o n f r o n t e d b y a n e v i l f o e
which t h e y m u s t face i n t h r e e different
ages, from the Age of Magic to the Second
World War. The Keep is for 3-6 characters
of levels 9 - 1 2 . In A n g r y Wizard the time-
travelling m a g i c u s e r ( h e m a i n t a i n s a n
apartment in our era in Illinois of all places)
sends t h e characters off to find a g e m big
enough t o encase a dragon's head, w h i l s t
in D e a d l y P o w e r they m u s t seek a Box of
Seeds. A n g r y Wizard is for 3-6 characters
of levels 1 - 4 , w h i l s t D e a d l y P o w e r i s f o r
4-8 c h a r a c t e r s . l e v e l s 6 - 9 . S h i p w r e c k e r
sees the players pitted against a desperate
band of pirates, n o t to m e n t i o n an equally
desperate tribe of goblins. S h i p w r e c k e r is
for 3 - 6 c h a r a c t e r s o f l e v e l s 4 - 7 . S w o r d -
thrust is for 3 - 6 characters of levels 3 - 7
and wins my instant devotion by virtue of its
opening l i n e i n P l a y e r C h a r a c t e r I n t r o -
duction — 'It is a dark and stormy night....'
0, deathless prose, w h e r e w o u l d scenario
writers be w i t h o u t you?
Dark F o l k i s m o r e o f a s o f t cover b o o k
than t h e s l i m v o l u m e w e a s s o c i a t e w i t h
most supplements. I t gives detailed back-
ground o n Trolls, O r c s , G o b l i n s , K o b o l d s
and Gnolls and provides a suitable scenario
featuring e a c h o n e o f t h e s e c h a r m i n g
races. It also contains an essay by Robert L
Aspirin ( o f T h i e v e s W o r l d f a m e ) o n t h e
nature o f O r c i s h c u l t u r e , w h i c h i s m o s t
illuminating. I t appears that Orcs are very
bad indeed — sort of like traffic wardens but
w i t h more charisma.
No p r i c e s y e t f o r a n y o f t h i s s tuff, b u t
doubtless G a m e s o f L i v e r p o o l w i l l b e
overjoyed to furnish you w i t h lists.
Next m o n t h w e w i l l take a look at some
more M a y f a i r supplements as w e l l as one
or t w o of their boardgames,
43
al0
11 8 W n
Role-playing games have rules which are
open to interpretation, a n d this some-
times causes problems when two garners
interpret t h i n g s d i ff e r e n t l y. D i s p e l
Confusion is a column intended to help
by providing answers to rules questions.
At present we mainly answer questions
about TSR games; while the answers we
give are n o t fully official w e do have
contact w i t h the designers and a good
deal of playing and refereeing experience
(among our other dubious abilities).
An answer column needs questions, so
send yours to: Dispel Confusion, TSR UK
Ltd, The Mill, Rathmore Rd, CAMBRIDGE
CB1 4AD. I f you don't want to wait for
your question to appear in the magazine,
please enclose a 9"x 4" SSAE
A D VA N C E D D U N G E O N S Sc
DRAGONS® and DUNGEONS
& DRAGONS® games
Q. W h a t are the exact limits of a wish?
(Advanced)
A. The two spells most open to abuse by
player characters are wish and limit-
ed w i s h . T h e v e r y n a t u r e o f t h e
phrase 'I w i s h that....' invites players
GAME COMPANY
C tubs
Send details of your club/club requirements to
IMAGINE mat jazine, The Mitt, Rat/more R4
Cambri4i3e CBI 4AD, for a free mention
in this column
First t h i s m o n t h m u s t be a c l u b advertised i n
issue 23, in Fenham, N e w c a s t l e : this club has
been disbanded since we first mentioned it, so
someone else w i l l have to organise a c l u b i n
this area. A p o l o g i e s t o G S K e t c h i n f o r t h e
inconvenience caused.
Next, Jacob Andersson of Sweden wrote to tell
us t h a t t h e m a g a z i n e i s r e a d ' o v e r h e r e ' .
Pleased to hear it, Jacob! His club, Spelnastet,
has 3 0 m e m b e r s w h o p l a y all k i n d s o f rpgs,
boardgames a n d t a b l e t o p w a r g a m e s , a n d
some a l s o p l a y C r a s i m o f f ' s W o r l d . A n y o n e
interested contact Jacob at: Krakbarsgatan 14,
234 00 Lomma, Sweden. Tel 0 4 0 - 4 1 2 0 2 2
Now for the more regular mentions:
BASILDON, Essex: SEWARS games c l u b
meets e v e r y T u e s d a y 7 . 3 0 - 1 0 . 3 0 p m a t
Malyons M e e t i n g H a l l , M a l y o n s , B a s i l d o n .
Contact Chris, 0 2 6 8 2 6 9 6 9
BECKENHAM, Kent: P l a y e r / D M s (16+)
needed for small w e e k l y A D & D group w h i c h
meets 2 - 7 p m S u n d a y s . R e l i a b i l i t y essential.
Other frp games considered. Russ, 6 5 0 4 7 1 3
BOLTON, Lancs: Glen Campbell plays AD&D!
He wants to meet other 14-year-old garners in
44
to b e n d a n d break t h e r u l e s o f t h e
game, and DMs often appear to have
little choice b u t t o give in. The f i r s t
and s i m p l e s t m e t h o d o f l i m i t i n g
player characters in using wishes is
not to let them get hold of either rings
o f w i s h e s or details of the spells in
the first place.
The physical e ff e c t s o f casting a
wish o r l i m i t e d w i s h a r e clear
enough: the caster ages 3 years or 1
year, depending upon which spell is
being cast. Using a w i s h from a r i n g
does n o t age t h e character, b u t the
MU w h o f i r s t p u t t h e w i s h i n t o t h e
ring is aged.
Limited wishes should be seen as
having minor, localised effects upon
reality. T h e PHB gives examples o f
restoring 'some hit points' or increas-
ing t h e ' d u r a t i o n o f s o m e m a g i c a l
effects'. As a rough guideline it is fair
to assume that a limited wish used as
an a d j u n c t t o s o m e p r o c e s s w i l l
produce the best possible result that
could have been statistically expect-
ed. W h e n used t o 'restore some h i t
points', for example, the limited wish
would have t h e equivalent effect of
the best result of the most powerful
cure spell, w i t h o u t any of its random
factors (otherwise, i t i s s i m p l e r t o
Mobbymeets• f l u b s & Events
his area W r i t e t o G l e n a t 1 2 W i l l a n d Close,
Moss House Farm, BL2 6TO
HANWELL, L o n d o n : T h e D a r k Riders Frpg
club meets every Friday night, 7-10pm, at the
Community Centre, t o play a (bloody) A D & D
campaign, C o C , W a r h a m m e r a n d a n y t h i n g
else w i t h e n o u g h i n t e r e s t e d p l a y e r s . F i r s t
night free: ring David on 578 8122, or just drop
in. Everyone (12+) welcome
LEEDS: C l u b o r players s o u g h t i n R o t h w e l l ,
South Leeds area by gamer w h o plays mainly
AD&D, also D & D , MERP, RuneQuest and
S t o r m b r i n g e r, and is willing to try anything at
all. Robert Spavin, 94 North Lane, Woodlesiord,
LS26 8RW. Tel 8 2 2 3 9 8
LONDON: Sigma G a m e s Club meets every
2 n d / 4 t h / 5 t h S u n d a y in every month, 3 p m to
midnight, a d m i s s i o n E 1 . 5 0 i n c l u d i n g coffee.
IVC, 3 The Piazza, Covent Garden
NORTH LONDON: N e w A D & D campaign
seeks friendly, non-sexist adult players of any
experience, w i l l i n g t o u s e b r a i n s a s w e l l a s
brawn i n u n p u b l i s h e d a d v e n t u r e s . P h o n e :
809-1406
S H R E W S B U R Y, Salop: Adult beginner seeks
other adult players or club. A D & D , w i l l i n g to
learn o t h e r games. S u e Jones, 5 5 Canon St,
Shrewsbury SY2 5HH. Tel 6 8 1 3 0 (evenings)
YORK: Urgently needed: Aftermath, R Q
players. Please contact Russell Jackson, Tower
House, Landing Lane, Riccall, York. Quickly!!
cast a cure spell in the first place).
As f o r o t h e r possible effects, t h e
limited w i s h s p e l l s h o u l d b e c o n -
trolled by the DM. A character w h o
wishes that her opponents will miss
w h e n attacking in combat could have
this limited w i s h fulfilled b y having
opponents always m i s s h e r and h i t
her companions, or by the DM apply-
ing a - 1 o r - 2 a d j u s t m e n t t o t h e
opponents' ' t o h i t ' r o l l s . N a t u r a l l y,
the limited wish to this effect should
come t o an e n d a t t h e f i n i s h o f t h e
melee.
Wishes are m u c h m o r e powerful,
and hence m u c h m o r e abused. The
only limit set upon them is that they
cannot be used to cancel the decrees
of god-like beings. We think it is fairly
safe to assume that god-like beings
decree t h e m s e l v e s t o b e a l i v e , s o
player characters w h o attempt 'dei-
cide' b y w i s h i n g a g o d d e a d a r e
wasting their breath.
The main limit on the wishes of all
types must be the ability of the DM to
deliberately 'misinterpret' w h a t t h e
characters are w i s h i n g for by being
perversely literal. If character wishes
that someone w e r e n o l o n g e r dead
the DM should feel quite at liberty to
have the deceased return as, say, a
gionfirteets,. Cliths E v e n t s . Hobbylneets• C f u i s & E m t s So6bytneets C l u f i s
Events
First, more apologies, this time from Leics Poly
Games S o c i e t y w h o c a n c e l l e d t h e i r c o n ,
mentioned . 2 5 , b e c a u s e i t w a s s o c l o s e t o
Bradford's. We were right about M A N O R C O N
that issue though — t h i s D i p l o m a c y con really
will t a k e p l a c e i n J u l y : 1 9 t h - 2 1 s t , a t
Birmingham University. Accommodation avail-
able, a s at m o s t conventions. F u r t h e r details
from B i l l Wr i g h t , 4 3 Faroe Ad, L o n d o n W 1 4 .
The same weekend sees A L B A C O N at Central
Hotel, G l a s g o w, w i t h c o n f i r m e d g u e s t s A n n e
McCaffrey a n d H a r l a n E l l i s o n . W r i t e t o 2 0
Hillingdon Gdns, Cardonald, Glasgow.
Backtracking a moment, R E A D I N G ' S R P G
D AY 2 is on 22 June at Ryeish Green School.
No details available but write to M r M Holland,
17 Brybur Close, W h i t l e y Wood, Reading.
Then there's C A M C O N , 1 3 - 1 5 September,
at N e w Hall College, Cambridge. N e i l Ta y l o r,
Perspective Design, 9 Pembroke St, Cambridge
CB2 3 0 Y s h o u l d k n o w more. G A M E S D A Y
will be at the Royal Horticultural Hall, London,
as usual: 2 8 - 2 9 September. Details i n f u t u r e
issues.
October 11 - 1 3 t h sees M I D C O N t h e Star
Trek v e r s i o n — a t L e i c e s t e r I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Hotel, c h e a p e r i f y o u b o o k b e f o r e 3 0 J u n e :
Terry Elson, 8 Ennerdale Cl, Oadby, Leicester.
November 1 - 3 l o o k s l i k e b e i n g a b u s y
weekend. N O V A C O N w i l l be at t h e D e Ve r e
Hotel, C o v e n t r y, w i t h g u e s t s D a v e L a n g f o r d
and J a m e s White. Details f r o m 8 6 B e a r w o o d
Farm Road, W y l d e G r e e n , S u t t o n Coldfield,
Birmingham 8 7 2 1 A G . C Y M R U C O N w i l l be
at Centre Hotel, Cardiff; that's all w e know!
I M A G I N E magazine, June 1585
 vampire ( w h i c h i s d e f i n i t e l y n o t
dead), t h i r s t i n g f o r t h e blood o f t h e
wisher, o r a s a , zombie, ( a n d t h e
social p r o b l e m s o f a z o m b i e f o r a
friend could be s o m e w h a t interest-
ing, n o t to mention having to put up
with the understandable resentment
of the poor zombie).
The D M m u s t be prepared t o use
any and all loopholes that the players
leave, r u t h l e s s l y ; r e f u s e t o g r a n t
wishes w i t h c a u t i o u s s u b - c l a u s e s
and qualifiers; a n d generally m a k e
the w h o l e b u s i n e s s o f s a y i n g ' I
wish....' risky. Wishes should become
something saved for a last when-all-
else-has-failed resort, not something
used as a casual spell w h e n players
cannot t h i n k o f a n y t h i n g m o r e
original. O f course, i f a player char-
acter is u n k n o w i n g l y wearing a ring
of w i s h e s a n d h a p p e n s t o s t a r t a
sentence w i t h ' I w i s h that....' t h e n
the DM is entitled to a little joke....
Q. I f a m a g i c b o w i s u s e d t o s h o o t a
normal a r r o w, c a n t h e a r r o w h i t a
creature w h i c h is only vulnerable to
magic weapons? (Basic/Advanced)
A. The s h o r t a n s w e r i s n o , i t cannot.
Although a b o w a n d a r r o w can b e
DURING-THE NIGKTOF -THE T W E L F T H
DANI! oF ThE INActZli S U R G E tNIVE \IEAR
OF RUTTiNG- M A R m O S E T S , AGREAT
LAG-Kt s u e N e p iNTHE r G W S I c 1 . AN12
Acses OF ALL Ne,itoN\ P i z c A c H e p r r S
IMPORT„.
Yo u ARE IN THE F o R E S To F NERry\S_
1l o w E 5ANJEp you Fgom y o u R
SoRcERok_IS F o a m A N , T e n E y To
YOUR N o u N y S ANT) FoRMIZREp o u
Wrilt A R m s . p o NoT
t'sttE f3:NZ t 190A w N G t N C E GONE
my G-039 AN 9 vtoLy COKs-r.
I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985
regarded a s a s i n g l e w e a p o n , o n l y
the b o w i s actually magical i n t h i s
case. T h e b o w c a n f i r e t h e a r r o w
straighter ('+1 t o hit') and harder ('-v1
damage'), b u t i t d o e s n o t a c t u a l l y
make i t magical i n any w a y. By the
same logic, a m a g i c a l a r r o w f i r e d
from an ordinary bow can hit such a
monster.
Of course, you could always thump
the beastie over t h e h e a d w i t h t h e
bow!
Q. Is it possible for a player character to
become a sage? (Basic/Advanced)
A. N o t really. In the A D & D game, sages
are a formalised sub-variety o f that
useful creature, t h e Little O l d M a n
(or Little Old Lady), which gives DMs
the o p p o r t u n i t y t o pass o n i n f o r m -
ation to the player characters without
speaking as the DM. In other words,
sages can give out information about
the g a m e w o r l d w h i c h varies f r o m
the entirely true (eg 'This sword you
have s h o w n m e i s O r c N i b b l e r, a
l o n g s w o r d +1, rumoured to slay orcs
w i t h a single b l o w and t o have t h e
power o f f l i g h t ' ) t o t h e completely
spurious ('Beware of skeletons with blue
noses'). They can also be the objects
of interesting quests, a s t h e player
characters may need to track down a
really esoteric specialist at times.
There i s n o t h i n g t o s t o p p l a y e r
characters setting themselves up as
sages, b u t a s t h e y d o n o t (indeed,
should not) have access to the D M ' s
campaign n o t e s o r a n y r u l e books,
how can they give out anything more
than t h e s k e t c h i e s t i n f o r m a t i o n ?
Sages s p e n d m o s t o f t h e i r t i m e
researching i n d u s t y l i b r a r i e s a n d
t h i n k i n g — h a r d l y the stuff of exciting
adventures....
Q Can a c l e r i c u s e a f l a m i n g s w o r d ,
where the burning causes damage?
(Basic/Advanced)
A No. If playing by the strict letter of the
rules, c l e r i c s c a n n o t u s e e d g e d
weapons, n o matter w h a t the o t h e r
effects of the weapon; just because it
is flaming, the edge is not blunted. It
is a l s o w o r t h m e n t i o n i n g t h a t t h e
Pelinore material h a s differentiated
between religions by allowing some
clerics t o c a r r y s w o r d s a n d o t h e r
weapons out of the ordinary.
3110 Jim Bambra, M i k e Brunton,
Phil Gallagher & Graeme Morris
i l f , \ 7 7 . , n e l n W e r e / W . , / 1 1 1 r - M 9 : . , ".",,,,tarAIIM
p),
45
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161/n411i.
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very thing, and it's no a pig in a poke. It's a patriotic
shade of blue, and it holds 12 issues nae bother.
And if you don't get one, and your wee sister spills
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 * • 2 * 701C
* I O W , ifiliOeff of
, Ona S t O n t
••Alf,000 ; 0 4 ( . 11 * •fg•;f.
magazine rOyfetiite:
the latest k i 0 i * O f f i e •
fantasy/ •

- * • * .* * • • • * . * • * .* * • * * • * , *
Picking' up greetings in
languages from our
VoYagapi speOecr eft, an
alien t Ones to say hello
to R e n a l Earth, a n d is
prpmptly shot ,down by
th•aAtmericans. i n three
days a rescue ship will
land. tit-1'41'0er! he needs
'0dr:is-port, protection and
' camouflage. Woken by a
pUmp in the, night, Jenny
14eydety gala 'up t o find
him-,4yingrotr tittr-,arpet
rapidly'rne(ainbiphoSing
-
int:extteplicaof
her-.1aWhtisber*I.
•STARMAISIMolumbiik
PG). Starts Well, w i t h
tkrtgasiod perforManCaS
'frOm Karen Alien as t1:40.
woman trying not t o t
crazy and Jeff Bridge a s
the man in the'borrowed
body. B u t then director
John Carpenter changes
his t h i n O n d turns it into
an irritatingly soft heeded
love stow. What a waste ' • , „
of a I J e l l k i i g ; 'is • hormW,S,•781tit,a4rfOrratift ;iitp .);e1 coring earthling who tecormos •b o• p, o
•fOsiovlifet-iiesiaiman. Picture fecifies y Columbia Pitttges, •

He was a n all-American World War II -
sttk.rheropjatit,MCFaithy's anti-Commuit-
ist inquisition•44Stroyed his careet.;,NOW,
,.0grafiCi.Ar•ttifoitalittan, he lies OrtAilk in an
..11,*,'8(ii.:Oiti*Vit.Mr Midnight (Christo-
pher Ra y, and
hg**0.4iff out Als:-THERETURN OF
cArtikt:W•1101NCIIKEI !Vince fooilan
V l o r e Were they
hatirP Besides, he's
forgotten I,loyit.,,tO,fty. Featuring hilarious
tritiii01-fototineS f r o m m a h - w h o
- 01',000118.,400,ey S h o i r i : : A n d
4,41,414,46,,,-pyfeelt a erobatit*Wttie effects
IO.Ettit •.ftobir•••*Vgarman.'this eccentric,
-ffIgOliatitY:.4r4uttertydaiightfulit41S--
41iitiv- ffiovitir'haa;."-been tinforgivaibly
1.-0444*..4*4 audiences ufltil now. Alt
•.„,at•fAitligniattairtrnent i c V i d e o , : for
evittfir•g it
4))18.. The most wanted man in the
a:its in abedroonTinHaStingftAthis
404.0,14Jb•.:4-(101.0e to 04491!atOikt!Atidleaf
'1*-0,0014r,0'01.-tiitiefltti0,10$1! His
*1040*0-.;,Irtyrttacitata'
eit; ':or glciba devastation. Originally
" h011itf•I;97.-Oi'41.y:Oist7;404,1001n,
PEAPC.'MAOSWE
Itanc.t7.95)
0170,0 n i 4 . 4 . 0 1 i * n r 0 k 0 audience. but
t ' i i,40•,14,111ist!Y,-.0(tita'altaditiOnal
• Waive and Otiartioiaritif as aoy-
Pampa:ow.Joni,!9t5
thing by e e t a l e b r a t e d re- bu a n 'end': to strife -altogether, and a
VERMIL)0011;:' , A N O S (Dent, guarantee of peace intrOubled fiftaanth-
42.55),, 413-0144rSliitillO*0-hr9Pic,ie of century Pipciolopt;.:f or Damiario is tfiuctl
life, dealli:ifhOl-,Clre*riii:#1•;i!,00---001:1, troul)10d,ri the' sorce'rous skills he.has
bizarre taiori Of tiik-14,1:4002:4114 inherited from his 3rnb,itiO4k,fitOlei.;}$,e'd
Russ's THE FEMALE filt4tk::1'WoM011's ratner be playing the if4vvith:t130t4or
Press, t l'.40,•titi less wild and wonderful and, friend; the A rOn-a:0614: 4,*raet
than it first wai ten iiii4:''410;tier,new DA11/111010111,1itritaal; 11:•'4•:,*;•-:,0104
book, : , P g 0 0 1 - - E
(Woinion's Presiitl-;65),*.a peigienC8 of tineafrtotoohoicit oi•00.eiteit,otlrio.,;1;,t*ottli
portraits of telepagliq M14.40.1it large in ant wlraNnta*fit4Set,ortitaonfroitt;.RA,
human h istory i n t r i g u i n g * d i n g , With MacAty'& lucid, attractive writing has
subtleties that 1166er- in the mind, won bot-4,1*Wppouiat.Itt'q Arrifirt•ta.; It
would be giVdtti see her do wet! here too.'
• ' , ,
The Womart•S Press SC, i n beauti-
4;011• 04et-'10_ c o m e s There' are tiO;tita-,sttibit4s in science fiction
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more.approptiate. insiiir454.or just insape? FincL'O(ot, for
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Letters
Just when I thought we had this whole two
page spread to ourselves (and VOP, I suppose),
suddenly o u r advertising people have sold
extra space, and we've got to put up with the
information about Next Issue. A n d here you
are only just starting the best bit of this one.
Still, there is plenty of room for you to air your
views on any subject which you feel would be
of interest to your fellow gamer& Just write to:
IMAGINE magazine (letters), The Mill,
Rathmore Road, CAMBRIDGE CBI 4AD
and we'll try and fit you in.
So popular is this part of the magazine that
one of my colleagues is trying to muscle in.
Mike Brunton, f o r all kinds o f reasons, has
been the subject of a number of letters this
month.
Darren P a r k s , S t I v e s : I t h i n k P e l i n o r e i s
excellent, but I've had a bit of d i ff i c u l t y f i t t i n g
the Eastern special i n t o m y c a m p a i g n w o r l d .
Still, the scenario Words of Keep-You-On-The-
Go-Joe w a s w e l l c o n s n ucted a n d v e r y w e l l
written. I n o w believe your magazine is second
only t o Dagon as the best g a i n i n g magazine on
the market.
M A T r o y , Wa r r i n g t o n , Cheshire: L e t m e
congratulate y o u o n A p r i l ' s e d i t i o n ; h i g h l y
infoimative and interesting. I especially l i k e d
T h e Words of G o - G u j i . I w o u l d like to quibble
about one detail though. Whoever drew the plan
of K t n n o C a s t l e h a s m a d e o n e s l i g h t b u t
significant error. The main gate of the castle is in
a north-easterly direction, and this point on the
compass is considered to be extremely u n l u c k y,
since it is the direction by w h i c h demons enter
and leave. I t even has a special name, K i t n a n ,
and there are n o exits o r entiances o n e i t h e r
subways o r J N R s t a t i o n s w i t h t h a t n a m e
anywhere in Japan. Of course, it could be argued
that the gate being there is symbolic o f Kin ln0
Ushil's d e m o n i c l i f e , b u t h e w a s n ' t l i k e t h a t
before he met G o - G u j i .
Gareth Tu r n e r, Kingston, Surrey: I've just read
Mike B r u n t o n ' s r e p o r t o n L i m i t e d E d i t i o n s
work. I ' l l pulverise h i m w i t h a portent potion. I
am a devoted fan of this little firm — there isn't
another company a r o u n d w h o w i l l p u t them-
selves out to make the unusual for garners who
like to spring surprises during an intense session
of gaming.
L i m i t e d E d i t i o n Castings, H o u n s l o w, M i d d x :
\VIto is t h i s M i k e Br union? Does he t h i n k h i s
comments are m o r e w o r t h y t h a n those o f Joe
Dever and Gary C h a l k of Lone Wo l f fame? O u r
retailers are disgusted, a n d are i g n o r i n g h i m ;
some shows are s i m i l a r l y scathed, yet go on to
w i n huge accolades. We shall do the same.
People w a n t o u r accessories. I assume M B
hadn't been i n f o r m e d that all o u r work is hand
cast. A bit of healthy criticism never does anyone
any harm, but his words are as vitriolic, almost
as if he is conducting a personal vendetta.
There were a few more supporters for LEC,
clearly grateful for the variety offered by this
enterprising team. Still. Mike sticks by what he
said - he has no axe to grind, b u t he has
different standards a n d t r i e s t o u s e h i s
experience to guess what the average reader
would think. Maybe he's wrong, b u t he i s
honest. He is also a twit - fancy not knowing
about Japanese demons never riding the tube
trains.... We can only offer the theory that the
gate was built after the meeting with Go-guji.
48
Onto #24, and a piece of information.
Andrew Shenton, Stalybridge, Cheshire: In #24
you said you d i d n ' t k n o w wherc the new ideas
for the I N D I A N A JONESTM game come h o m ;
they c o m e f r o m t h e I J c o m i c . T h e G o l d e n
Goddess was in #10, i n it he battles against Ilsa
To h t (sister of the baddy in Raiders). In #11, he
steals a calender r i n g f r o m some aborigines —
they chase h i m and he is saved b y some ninja-
like warriors.
f l o w a b o u t a review o f the new D C Heroes
game f r o m M a y f a i r, as 1 w o u l d l i k e t o k n o w
whit h game is best.
Chris H u n t , Stockport, Cheshire: Belated con-
gratulations on #24. A l l the articles were well-
written, especially t h e pickpockets' encounter
tables and the l o c k p i c k i n g article. H o w To Sell
The P o n t i B r i d g e w a s o n e o f t h e best s h o r t
stories you have ever published.
Martin Peter Keel, Hungerford, Berks: I thought
#24 was mega-super-brill.
David Pearson, Stoke G o l d i n g , Wa r k s : I a m
w r i t i n g to ionnnent on A l l That Glistens in #24.
In a game that leans to back'n'slay, this article
worked towards more interesting city encounters.
However, Chris' idea of conning the players as
well as the characters is ludicrous. I final ly chose
to use Chris' ideas in an attempt to add spice to
an adventure and to relieve the players of a few
gold pieces. T h e best confidence tricks to run are
those w i t h high-level NPCs. A g o o d example
was t h e a d v e n t u r e J a c k o f A l l Tr a d e s t h a t
appeared i n # 6 and t h e Special E d i t i o n . N o t
only was it a h i g h l y enjoyable adventtne, but it
also taught tin' players a new respect for NPCs.
Yes, Jack was one of the finest of our early
adventures, and/hope we can persuade Roger
Hall to write again sometime. Generally, most
people found #24 gave them some extra ideas
for playing the Thief class; I hope the issue you
have just read managed the same for magic
users. Illusionists should be the next class to
get the treatment; there is still time for you to
get your ideas down on paper.
;;25 attracted more mixed mail, raising the
old question of 'cultures in frp, and a few other
matters besides.
Ian Yates, Wa r r i n g t o n , Cheshire: A l t h o u g h I
said I w o u l d be against the Far Eastern special, I
must a d m i t I enjoyed i t and f o u n d parts o f i t
useful. M o n s t e r s F r o m T h e F o l k l o r e o f t h e
Philippines was interesting; I hope to see more
articles on folklore from around the world, but
especially British folklore!
I'm l o o k i n g forward to the Norse special — I
hope y o u g o i n t o d e t a i l a b o u t A s g a r d a n d
Jotunheim. Oh! — and no articles on V i k k i the
Viking!
Vikki the Viking??
Simon Bartz, Cardiff: I t h i n k specials are a bad
idea. I saw the Far Eastern one and didn't touch
it as it wouldn't f i t i n t o my campaign.
Chris Hunt: Was #25 really the best you could do
when w r i t i n g w i t h Bushido fans 'specially' i n
mind? A p a r t f r o m t h c scenario ( w h i c h looked
very good, though I haven't played it yet), all the
articles were for the D8cD games,
This c a m e a s a g r e a t d i s a p p o i n t m e n t , a s
recently y o u r magazine has i m p r o v e d greatly
from t h e T S R M o n t h l y i t u s e d t o be. T h e
discursive a r t i c l e s r e t a i n a g r e a t degree o f
usefulness whatever game one plays. This is why
I s t i l l b u y I M A G I N E magazine w h i l s t n o t
playing T M ADgri); very much preferring Bushido
and a g a m e y o u m a y h a v e h e a r d o f c a l l e d
Runequest.
And w h a t is the use of a news page i f D o u g
Cowie r e v i e w s c o n v e n t i o n s b e f o r e h e v i s i t s
them? I thought 1984 was last year.
M a r t i n Keel: I ' m afraid # 2 5 wasn't really m y
scene. Surely, Orientals shouting hat or corn mit-
ing h a r i - k i r i w i t h t h e i r katanas o r whatever is
more part of Bushido? Don't get me wrong, I ' m
not against a Celtic, Norse or some other feel to a
campaign and I actually use some o f the stuff
you publish. •Uhe t h i n g that worries me is the
in a n d availability of so much m u l t i -
cultural i n f o r m a t i o n marks a trend towards a
totally flavourless g a m e w h i c h makes i t
irrelevant w h a t s y s t e m t h e D M s a y s h e i s
playing.
H a v i n g played a number of frp games, I finch it
is generally the rules w h i c h give them feel and
direction — the 'cults' i n R Q , t he simplicity of
combat i n the Advanced game, and the extreme
simplicity of Tunnels gc Trolls. I f a D M uses the
source material f r o m , say, # 2 5 i n one o f these
systems, w i t h the o h itre and language-specific
ideas, then the flavour o f the system is lost.
A novel point. Most people have been arguing
for the submerging of the system, so that the
rules are invisible and the players draw the
'feel' of their play from the milieu in which they
adventure. Any more votes for the individuality
of systems?
Dave H a r p e r, To n b r i d g e , Kent: I n s u p p o r t o f
David G r a y (Letters, # 2 5 ) — w h y n o t m o r e
material for t h e D R A G O N Q U E S T game? F o r
TSR t o sit on this excellent system makes very
little sense. The D8cD games have their audience.
T h e market for D Q is very different, and w o u l d
give T S R a g r i p o n t h e sector o f t h e m a r k e t
which thc M D games are inherently unsuited
for, i n c o m p e t i t i o n w i t h m o r e c o m p l e x a n d
realistic products of other companies. T h e D8cD
and D Q games c o m p l e m e n t e a c h o t h e r. S o
please, more material for D Q — and particularly
the Arcane Wisdom supplement, said ( #7) to be
ready for release when SPI were taken over.
Gavin Cameron, Kenton, Middx: On the subject
of Special issues, I w o u l d like to say t h a t so far
they have been very good, although the Far East
wasn't the best you've done. I look forward to the
Norse, and why don't you do a Belgeriad special?
In t h e Far Eastern Special, w h y d i d n ' t y o u
concentrate m o r e o n ' c h a t ' r a t h e r t h a n o n
publishing 101 n e w w e a p o n s f o r t h e D & D
games. S t i l l , i t was q u i t e w e l l done, a n d as a
result one of my co-editors plans to buy a copy of
Bushido.
Andy 'Scarface' Green, H i g h Wycombe, Bucks:
H a v i n g just ploughed my way through your far
Eastern Special, I have m i x e d feelings t h a t I
thought I w o u l d share w i t h you.
I a m t h e Judge i n a GANGBUSTERS®
campaign, w i t h a g r o u p o f 2 n d - 3 r d l e v e l
characters. I f you people can do an e d i t i o n f o r
the B u s h i d o game, t h e n w h y n o t f o r GE? —
another campaign module, perhaps. The others,
especially GB3, are of excellent standard.
An interesting collection of opinions. Frankly, I
can't hold out a lot of hope for you DO and
GANGBUSTERS games fans. I think the days
when publishers could bring out a game on
just about any time period or setting and make
money are behind us. I t ' s fascinating (and
quite frightening!) just watching the market for
Science Fiction rpgs recede, never mind that
for 1930s Chicago. B u t since t h e C a l l o f
I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985
 letters.... letters l e t t e r s . _ letters._ letters.... letters.— letters.... letters..., letters.— letters.— letters.... letters.... letters.... letters.— letters.... letters.— letters.— letters.— letters..., letters..., letters..., letters.... letters....

Cthulhu game is now pretty popular, maybe your reviewet appeals to object to my name
you can pick up some ideas from that - and
next issue might be useful to you. With a bit of
being prominently displayed on the game and
its components. I f he has any knowledge of Letters
preparation, A N i c e N i g h t F o r S c r e a m i n g copy' ight law, he should appt cc jaw that my
could be just what you wanted. name, as the copyright holder, in b e displayed and i t was everything for me, but i t was for
But DO, well, what can I say? Whatever state on all the components, but more linportantly, he clet ics and that isn't a popular class for some
Arcane Wisdom was in three years ago, it is !mist be unaware that the Society of Inventors of people.
very unlikely that it will ever see the light of Games M a t h e m a t i c a l A t t r a c t i o n s ( S I G M A ) That's n o t w h a t I wanted t o say. Yo u r
day. I f you remember the very beginnings of has always argued that just as 110V clists' names modules are awesome — the U K set ies, your
this magazine, you'll recall that there was are prominently associated with their books, so magazine modules and all that jazz. There's no
considerable outcry about the cessation o f should games inventors be with their games. comparison; you] modules have more fantasy,
PAN, t h e newsletter o f the Players Assoc- This for two reasons: I ) the invention o f a more realism, and just plain better class. Maybe
iation, and a fine publication. Our argument professionally designed game is just as much a you'll start another British invasion: oh no, the
was, how could PAN and IMAGINE magazine creative achievement as the work of a novelist Red Coats are coming!!
compete f o r limited resources without u s and 2) if the consumer buys a game by X and
always being aware that every hour spent on enjoys it, he is much more likely to buy another I've checked around the office, and I can't find
the newsletter could have been spent on the of X's games. anyone who ever worked for Butlins. Thanks
larger a n d more demanding publication? I John, a n d w e l c o m e aboard. A n y o t h e r
think the same is true of the relationship of the Valid enough, although I'd be a sight more Americans out there reading this magazine -
D&D and DRAGONOUEST games. Designers impressed if JJ wasn't the founder of SIGMA. we'd love to hear from you. All those who write
might think they were being given 'secondary' The Americans seem to have a much higher to this magazine before the closing date o f
projects; sales staff might resent time wasted awareness of games' authors, and individual October 1st will win a free explanation of what
trying to point out the differences to retailers.... designers are accorded varying degrees o f But/ins is, and our undying gratitude. And tell
It goes on. I don't think it is a problem easily respect or loathing by the buying public. Maybe your stores to order more!!
resolved, but I appreciate what a disappoint- us Brits (cue: L a n d o f Hope a n d Glory) just Hmmm, still a couple of lines left. Tell you
ment t h e whole business must b e t o D O think a game should stand or fall on its merits what, we'll see what Robert Spavin has to say.
players. Maybe, just maybe, we can do our bit alone, n o t o n past glories, n o r o n pretty
to help, sometime. phrases, nor yet on the glossy media present- Robert Spavin, Leeds, W Yorks: I was reading
Oh, oh.... more trouble from another games ation of its author. Then again, maybe we just thomgh the Letters in #23, when 2 letters caught
producer. What have we done this time? don't notice. my eye. First, Matt Connell's letter about the
And while we're scoring points.... declining standard of TSR modules. I think....
Jack Jaffe, Games For Pleasure, London: I
welcome your layout able teview of in Save The John Lasker, Buffalo, New York: I just finished Ooops, sorry Matt.
President! game in your Apt il issue. Howevei, #20. Nice issue. This was my fruit Biitislt mag, Letters edited by Paul Cockburn

VOP by Ian Gibbs 1

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- N e x t Issue
It might have been a mighty fine day
but it will be A Nice Night For

SCREAMING
A mini-module for Twentieth Century Heroes
- plus -
Lycanthropes in the D & D games; Endurance in C o a a British Daredevil
and a dynamic new Action Sequence system for combat in the ADIIID game.
49
IMAGINE stta9azine, June 11785
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50 Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s
 Culture affects the way
NPCs behave. For a Norse
the worst imaginable fate is
to die peacefully in bed. Far
better to die gloriously in
battle and go straight to
Valhalla!

It's o n e t h i n g t o t a l k a b o u t designing a
wilderness f o r role-playing adventures,
but wildernesses don't normally exist on
their own. Rather they are the wild areas
on t h e f r i n g e o f a civilisation, a n d i t i s
from t h i s c i v i l i s a t i o n t h a t t h e p l a y e r
characters will probably be drawn. So the
bad n e w s for you starting out as D M s is,
yes, you have to design a civilisation just
as m u c h a s a w i l d e r n e s s f o r y o u r
campaign!
This need n o t be such a hard job as it
sounds. For instance, you d o n ' t have t o
prepare character statistics for every one
of f i f t y m i l l i o n inhabitants, y o u w i l l b e
glad to hear. For most purposes, you will
only need fairly general details. You w i l l
certainly (as discussed last issue) need a
big map showing where all the towns are.
It is also n o bad t h i n g t o prepare a f e w
general purpose t o w n p l a n s — n o t a n y
specific t o w n , a n d n o t t o o m u c h detail,
just the general layout. These can then be
brought i n t o p l a y f o r a n y specific t o w n
with a f e w m o d i f i c a t i o n s t o m e e t a n y
particular g e o g r a p h i c a l r e q u i r e m e n t s .
Similarly, prepare a file o f sample build-
ings that you m i g h t need: inns, smithies
etc. These can be used again and again
with a f e w modifications. T h u s w i t h a
quick change of decor, the Three Tuns at
Argonath can become the Jolly Sailor at
Maelsport as needed. And so on. Obvious-
ly, you will want to do the same with NPCs
— if you have a file of innkeepers, black-
smiths, merchants, etc, y o u can quickly
assign o n e o f t h e s e t o a n y p a r t i c u l a r
location as needed. Just remember not to
use the same one t w i c e in t w o different
places — n o t w i t h t h e s a m e n a m e ,
anyway!
You may find it useful to use buildings
and c h a r a c t e r s f r o m P e l i n o r e o r s o m e
similar source i n t h i s w a y. W i t h a little
adaptation to make them fit, this can save
a lot of time. Nevertheless, you may want
to design some areas w i t h i n the bounds
• o f civilisation in m o r e detail; and I shall
return to this next issue.
At the same time, as you p u t together
the country around which your campaign
will be based, one essential decision you
will have to make concerns the culture of
your fantasy civilisation. This w i l l affect
many things, n o t the least t h e sense o f
background that you manage to convey to
your players. I f all y o u r NPCs go around
behaving like ordinary 20th century Brits
in chainmail, then your campaign will not
have m u c h f l a v o u r t o it. S o you s h o u l d
have a clear idea of cultural setting to use
as a backdrop to the main events.
Most campaigns that I h a v e played in
have tended to utilise a sort of Tolkienish
I M A G I N E magathte, June 1985
semi-medieval background, s o m e t i m e s
not very well developed. But I have seen
other settings used effectively, notably an
Arabic o n e . R e g u l a r r e a d e r s o f t h i s
magazine will be aware of the possibilit-
ies of using Egyptian, Celtic and Japanese
settings— the last seem to be particularly
popular, perhaps on account of images of
Bruce Lee kicking his way around. There
are o t h e r distinctive settings o n e could
employ in like manner — Norsemen and
Aztecs spring t o m i n d . O r h o w about a
campaign s e t in o n e o f the early Indian
empires? Or a lost Roman city in the midst
of the African jungle? There are plenty of
ideas to choose from.
Remember t h a t w h a t e v e r you pick, i t
will affect far more things than just which
gods g e t w o r s h i p p e d locally. S t y l e s o f
architecture w i l l b e different; t y p e s o f
farming w i l l vary (try marching across a
paddy field s o m e t i m e a n d y o u w i l l see
that t h i s c a n b e important) a n d s o t h e
countryside will look different. And, vitally
important, c u l t u r e w i l l a f f e c t t h e w a y
NPCs behave (and, ideally, player char-
acters as well, though it's hard to enforce
this). I n a n O r i e n t a l c a m p a i g n , f o r
instance, etiquette will be very important,
and player characters w i l l be judged by
others according to how well they observe
elaborate s o c i a l c o n v e n t i o n s . N o n e o f
that i n a N o r s e c a m p a i g n , w h e r e t h e
worst imaginable fate anyone can meet is
to die peacefully in their bed. Far better to
die gloriously in battle and go straight to
Valhalla!
With t h i s i n mind, t h e r e is n o reason
why y o u s h o u l d n ' t d e v i s e y o u r o w n
fantasy culture. S o m e features you m a y
be able to work out logically. For instance,
factors l i k e s t y l e o f h o u s i n g a n d a g r i -
culture w i l l b e i n f l u e n c e d b y w h a t e v e r
climate you decide to have. A hot desert
land — perhaps whitewashed, flat-roofed
mud-brick houses in little villages clust-
ered a r o u n d o a s e s . A m o u n t a i n o u s ,
snowy l a n d — perhaps log c a b i n s w i t h
sloping roofs in isolated settings. On the
other hand, some of the social character-
istics will probably be entirely up to your
imagination. W h a t sort o f religion? A r e
they a very religious people or not? Does
your society l i v e t o a v e r y s t r i c t m o r a l
code, o r does everyone d o p r e t t y m u c h
what they please?
Answers t o questions l i k e t h e s e w i l l
have an important bearing on h o w NPCs
will g e n e r a l l y t e n d t o a c t i n c e r t a i n
situations. I f a b a n d o f m a r a u d i n g o r c s
threatens a village, what will the villagers
most likely do? If they are f r o m a hardy,
s e l f - s u ff i c i e n t c u l t u r e t h e y w i l l t e n d
towards grabbing axes and pitchforks and
attacking the orcs on their own account. If
from a s o f t e r society, t h e y w i l l s i m p l y
send for help at the first sign of danger.
And some attitudes can influence t h e
flavour of a campaign strongly. In my own
fantasy campaign, for instance, the dom-
inant religion is strongly opposed to t h e
practice o f m a g i c ( m a n s h o u l d o n l y
prosper through prayer). Thus any magic-
ian foolish enough to go around casting
spells in public is likely to be set upon. On
the o t h e r hand, magic is hard t o simply
stamp out, so many magicians flourish in
secret, a n d t h e occasional b r i b e i n t h e
right place keeps them on the right side of
the law.
How far you want to go towards making
up your own culture is up to you, as long
as you have a basic feel for it that you can
impart to the players. You don't have to do
a To l k i e n a n d even make u p languages
and literature f o r it. B u t you c a n i f you
like!
11U Roger Musson
51
 Ae Jim:re Were Ae ..Wmaieur [Press Jells
ghe 1)rolessionals 71/Aere ghey're 9oing 744-ong
p
This month's contributor: FOX. Creator of Redfox
The Female Image in Fantasy
Way back in t h e mists o f time, when the
infamous DragonLords was waging a great
debate on sexism, I tried to come up with a
cover illustration of an appropriately 'over the
top' style to highlight the controversy. It can't
be done, The area of women i n fantasy is
already so over the top that no-one would
notice the difference.
A typical cover picture shows a beautiful
maiden hacking away a t a huge dragon,
protected o n l y b y a w i s p o f silk, w h i l e
suspended several hundred feet in the air.
One is given to wondering, 'even if she does
defeat it, how will she survive the drop?'
It is true that this type of approach is backed
up by a great fa ntasy/sf tradition dating back
to the American pulp magazines of the 1920s.
Let's take Conan as an example. The cover for
'Black Colossus' i n We i r d Tales i n 1 9 3 3
shows a naked girl at the foot of a jade statue,
looking somewhat distressed (the girl, not the
statue) and no barbarians in sight! The same
magazine, in 1936, printed 'Red Nails'; this
time t h e cover depicted a naked woman
sprawled on an altar, held down by two more
women, while a fourth prepared to stick a
knife into her. True, they were not all that
extreme, some even have Conan himself in
the picture! Usually, there would b e t h e
inevitable scantily clad woman draped grace-
fully around him, While he prepared to fight off
some marauding beast with a free hand.
One facet of feminism allows women these
days to take more of an active role in the
heroics, rather than their former roles as
either prize (the damsel in distress type), or at
best a sultry siren who lured our hero into
another dastardly trap. Unfortunately, how-
ever, her costume hasn't kept up with her
career; It was with the introduction of FRP
games that the discrepancy became obvious.
Take the premise that, in fantasy, everybody
is larger than life, and has clothes to match.
This idea is fine, until it gets in the way of the
game mechanics. I have met a lot of female
characters who walk around like tin cans, but
very few in the traditional chainmail bikinis!
Take the cover of Rune Quest 2 —that woman
is going to be in big trouble if the monster
finishes climbing off her shield. Compare this
with the virtually identical American version;
identical, except that she i s armoured for
battle — and far more accurate to the rules
system.
Science Fiction i s somewhat different,
where you have the technology to keep the
temperature at any level — especially aboard
ship, i t hardly matters whether you wear
anything o r nothing. I am a little dubious
about the skin-tight spacesuits, however, and
the way in which they pick out every muscle
on the women, but not the men.
52
Superheroes always have the faithful stand-
by invented by Stan Lee for the Fantastic
Four way back in the '60s — something called
'unstable molecules'. I'm not sure what they
are, but it means a costume made of the stuff
is skin-tight, changes to any shape or size, is
temperature controlled, almost never gets
torn, and disappears under ordinary clothing.
Wonderful. Maybe that is what they use for
those skin-tight spacesuits. It's also machine
washable, and the colours never run!
The whole problem of the image of women in
fantasy, and how they should be portrayed in
role-playing games, i s o n e which should
concern all GMs. It is not just the question of
how a female character should dress — that's
only on the surface (if you'll pardon the pun!).
There i s also t h e question o f a female
character's position in society, discrimination
within t h e game world, a n d s o on. T h e
majority o f fantasy games take place i n a
pseudo-medieval world, based on an idealised
image of medieval society. The background
they d r a w o n places a n y w o m a n i n a
subservient role. H o w can anyone play a
female character in a world with this ideology?
She will be discriminated against at every
turn, being an extreme exception to the norm.
Women's roles in other games do little to
relieve the stigma of sexism which is attached
to fantasy role-playing games. It is this image,
I think, which puts a lot of women off FRP
games as a source o f entertainment. Who
wants to play a game which places your sex
on such a level? The prejudices are reinforced
by t h e images o n t h e covers o f games,
magazines and associated books. Until this is
changed, few women will be attracted to FRP
games.
One step forward in the battle to equalise
the sexes can take place in your own game.
Why base your game world on an antiquated,
highly biased, and uneven medieval society?
This is a fantasy game we are talking about,
after all, why be limited by the background you
initially receive? You a r e t h e only person
responsible for the game you run, and the way
it appears to outsiders. Wouldn't you rather be
represented by a game which treats all its
players and characters equally?
Fantasy role-playing games have grown
and matured over the last ten years; there
have been some big advances in ideas and
systems. But the only way FRP is going to
throw o f f t h e immature schoolboy image
which it still retains in many people's eyes is
by accepting that the traditional female role in
fantasy i s outdated a n d needs replacing.
Otherwise, we are going to be left with the
chain-mail bikinis, and Frank Frazetta covers,
which offend half the population, at least.
g)ress Callings
This issue I'll start w i t h a look at some of the
multitude o f p o s t a l g a m i n g z i n e s available.
There really is a vast number of these, and they
cater for every taste in postal gaming, fanzine
style and chat you could possibly ever want!
M A D P O L I C Y i s one o f the l o n g e s t r u n n i n g
postal g a m i n g z i n e s , h a v i n g r e a c h e d t h e
impressive t o t a l o f 1 0 5 i s s u e s . A d m i t t e d l y
Richard d i d take a ' r e s t ' f r o m t h e z i n e f o r a
while, b u t 1 0 0 issues is not s o m e t h i n g t o be
undertaken lightly. M P t e n d s t o f e a t u r e less
chat nowadays, b u t t h e latest issue i n c l u d e s
the a n n u a l h o b b y report, w i t h d e t a i l s o f t h e
number o f f a n z i n e s s t a r t e d , f o l d e d a n d i n
circulation over the past year. The current total
stands at 74 postal gaming zines s a i d there
were a l o t ! M a d Policy does n o t h a v e m a n y
vacancies in the games it is r u n n i n g , b u t has
standard Diplomacy as well as w o r d guessing
games such as J o t t o . It runs to very accurate
five-weekly deadlines.
VIENNA r u n s t o even shorter deadlines
than M P , a s R i c h a r d ( E g a n ) p r o d u c e s a n
intermediate g a m e s z i n e b e t w e e n t h e s i x -
weekly issues of Vienna. The m a i n zine r u n s
standard D i p l o m a c y, R a i l w a y R i v a l s a n d a
vast range of Diplomacy variants. This trend in
variants is shown in the main zine, as Richard
attempts t o p u b l i s h a n e w o n e e a c h i s s u e ,
giving details of the n e w map and rules. There
are also games reviews, and a n u m b e r of very
detailed, very interesting articles on strategy,
h o w to play the different countries, etc. Vienna
is d e f i n i t e l y a z i n e t o c o n s i d e r i f y o u a r e
interested in playing a fast game of Diplomacy
by post, or in the strategy behind the game.
A n o t h e r zine w h i c h o ff e r s a w i d e r a n g e o f
Diplomacy v a r i a n t s i s H A C K I N G T I M E S .
Dylan h a s sent m e the results o f h i s variants
poll, a n d a s a r e s u l t h e i s p l a n n i n g t o r u n
Mercator, Railway Rivals, Cline-9 (nine-player
Diplomacy), Civilization and Ultra-Stab. He
also promises to run M a c h i a v e l l i w h e n he can
get a copy of the game! Hacking Times already
runs s t a n d a r d D i p l o m a c y ( w h o doesn't?),
Executive ( D y l a n ' s o w n v a r i a n t g a m e ) a n d
M o r n i n g t o n Crescent (yes, that famous Radio
4 game!). T h e m a j o r p a r t o f t h e m a g a z i n e i s
chat, w i t h i s s u e 6 f e a t u r i n g a r t i c l e s o n
fanzines, Diplomacy, S F, t h e Croydon Yo u n g
Liberals (I) a n d m u c h m o r e . H T h a s a l o t o f
vacancies for players, so you should be able to
get involved in one of their games very easily.
One f a n z i n e w h i c h d o e s n ' t r u n s t a n d a r d
Diplomacy (except for a computer adjudicated
version) is Alan Parr's H O P S C O T C H ; in fact it
runs no Diplomacy games at all. Instead, t h e
raison d'être behind the zine is to promote and
provide openings i n n e w and u n u s u a l postal
games. T h u s , g a m e s i n c l u d e P l u t o n o m y ,
Railway Rivals, Mystic Wood, 221B Baker St,
K i n g m a k e r and U n i t e d (which Alan designed).
There are, u n f o r t u n a t e l y, n o t m a n y openings
in these games but Hopscotch always contains
news of games openings in o t h e r zines, p l u s
offers from individuals to run games — such as
Bob P a r k i n ' s o ff e r o f a f a n t a s y g a m e i n t h e
latest issue. So, i f you a r e looking t o p l a y an
unusual g a m e s b y p o s t (Postal Ti d d l y w i n k s ,
anyone?) Alan and Hopscotch are a very good
guide to just w h e r e you'll be able to do it.
MOUSE P O L I C E i s a z i n e w h i c h h a s
improved t r e m e n d o u s l y since i t s i n i t i a l 'odd,
but p r o m i s i n g ' i s s u e s . T h e l a t e s t i s s u e s t i l l
contains p l e n t y o f c h a t a b o u t U n i v e r s i t y l i f e
and R o b ' s v i e w s o n s u c h m a t t e r s , b u t i t i s
rather better organised than before. MoPo also
has a nice line in home designed games, w i t h
I M A G I N E magazine, June, 1985
Press Cuttings..., famine reviews.... Press Cuttings.... fanzine reviews.... Press Cuttings.... fanzine reviews.... Press Cuttings.... fanzine reviews.... Press Cuttings.... famine reviews.... Press Cuttings.... famine
Dodgems, Mouse Police, Robowars
and D e a t h C y c l e s all o n offer. There is
also The Song of the Night, a Diplomacy
variant, a n d t h e s l i g h t l y m o r e standard
games of Railway Rivals, J u d g e D r e d d ,
Scrabble, En Garde!, King Arthur Role-
playing, Stab, Blind Diplomacy and
Two Board Diplomacy! Rob certainly
packs a l o t of games into a small space.
ZADRAGORZETTE i s a fairly n e w
games z i n e , w h i c h e x i s t s t o p u b l i s h
information a b o u t M i c h a e l Jacobs'
Zadragor f a n t a s y c a m p a i g n . I n m a n y
ways i t i s s i m i l a r t o R o b N o t t ' s 2 1 1 2
fantasy campaign, a n d i s based o n t h e
same rules system. Michael would like to
increase t h e n u m b e r o f p l a y e r s i n
Zadragor, and he is also planning to start
a Science Fiction Roleplaying campaign,
and possibly a C a l l o f C t h u l h u game —
all t o b e r u n t h r o u g h Z a d r a g o r z e t t e .
Games like Zadragor are m o r e involved
and m o r e t i m e - c o n s u m i n g t h a n m o s t
postal games for their creators, and are
usually a l a b o u r of love — you h a v e t o
work h a r d t o r u n a s u c c e s s f u l p o s t a l
roleplaying c a m p a i g n . T h e y d o o f f e r a
much c h e a p e r, a n d i n s o m e m u c h
VIENNA
'SEVEN DAYS HARD
THE OEM I SE o r SUARRE D r a
NO
' T H E D E T E C T I V E T O O K COPIOUS NOTES,
AND S A I D T H A T H E H A D S E V E R A L
CLUES."
friendlier, a m a t e u r alternative t o commercial
games like Tribes of Crane or Crasimoff's
World, and could be worth trying if you cannot
afford the price of a commercial postal game.
TAU CETI PHOENIX: APOCRYPHA is an
Australian postal gaming and SF fanzine; h o w
it reached here, I ' m n o t a l t o g e t h e r sure! T h e
Apocrypha p a r t o f t h e z i n e o ff e r s p i e c e s o n
Science Fiction in Australia, a (fairly)complete
guide to fanspeak, comics and FRP games. The
Tau Ceti Phoenix section (the t w o magazines
are p u b l i s h e d back t o back) offers Diplomacy
and D i p l o m a c y variants. I ' m n o t s u r e t h a t i t
would b e p a r t i c u l a r l y c h e a p t o p l a y a postal
game in an Australian fanzine from the UK, but
the magazine does offer some insights into the
Australian e q u i v a l e n t o f o u r g a m i n g h o b b y.
Only for the rich or the very curious, I think.
IMAGINE magazine, June 1985
FASTER T H A N L I G H T 1 i s Alex
Zbyslaw's r e p l a c e m e n t f o r h i s z i n e
J AW Z ; at least it is a replacement for the
games section, t h e c h a t i s g o i n g i n t o
another of A l e x ' s zines. A l e x intends to
run F I L to t h r e e w e e k l y deadlines, and
he should be able to produce a very fast
zine w h i c h o f f e r s D i p l o m a c y, R a i l w a y
Rivals, Origins of WWII, and Empires of
the M i d d l e Ages. The zme is not only
produced o n a c o m p u t e r, e a c h c o p y i s
actually p r i n t e d o n t h e c o m p u t e r ! T h i s
means t h a t A l e x c a n p r o d u c e t h e z i n e
extremely c h e a p l y a n d c u t d o w n a n y
printer delays.
Another n e w z i n e w h i c h t a k e s t h e
same approach t o production is V O O M
VAT. This is edited by Mark Nelson, w h o
intends t o r u n s o m e p o s t a l g a m e s
through the zine with Judge Dredd being
the only one on offer initially. Most of this
issue is taken up by a n e w guild for RQ2,
some n e w skills, and an ADSED. g a m e
article o n elves. M a r k c a l l s t h e z i n e a
FanSheet r a t h e r t h a n Fanzine, a n d h e
promises t o p u b l i s h a n y interesting
articles anyone sends him on just about
anything s o here's your chance to see
something of yours in print!
New FRP zines are still appearing, this month
seeing MONSTEROUS PERVERSION from
Pete Blanchard. It is a terrible title, but the zine
contains a lot of very interesting articles, such
as Va m p i r e s , D i n o s a u r s , a n d a c o m p l e t e
scenario for Toon. The major part of this issue
is taken up by The Secret of the Shalhavishra
a Call of Cthulhu scenario, presented in the
form of a fictional account of the plot. All in all,
a very readable f irst issue; a shame that it is so
expensive. O R C ' S R E V E N G E 1 c o v e r s t h e
A D & D a n d M E R P games, providing a l o t o f
source material a s w e l l as a MERP scenario.
The standard o f w r i t i n g i s n o t all i t could be,
and the layout confuses the eye in places, but it
is not a bad f irst issue of a hardware zine. John
Breakwell h a s b e e n c o n t r i b u t i n g t o fanzines
such as D e m o n ' s D r a w l for a w h i l e n o w, and
he h a s g o n e i n t o p r i n t h i m s e l f w i t h T H E
GR E E N G O B L I N 1 . J o h n i n t e n d s t o f e a t u r e
useful material in TGG, but to steer away from
the c l i c h e d n e w monsters, m a g i c i t e m s a n d
character classes. H e s u c c e e d s r e a s o n a b l y
well in this first issue w i t h a piece explaining
the ecology behind the Measel, a n e w cult for
RQ, a piece on religion, a n d a n A D & D g a m e
scenario called We l c o m e t o Hell! T G G c o u l d
develop i n t o a g o o d z i n e a l o n g t h e l i n e s o f
Demon's Drawl, and is certainly worth w a t c h -
ing. G R I M L O R D 1 i s another zine w h i c h w i l l
be w o r t h w a t c h i n g ; t h i s f i r s t i s s u e i n c l u d e s
plenty o f c h a t , a n d a r t i c l e s o n R Q , g a m i n g
accessories a n d p o s t a l g a m i n g . I t ' s w e l l
produced, and cheap too!
That leaves me just space before the addresses
to m e n t i o n a f e w o f t h e c o m i c s zines w h i c h
have b e e n s e n t i n . R E D F O X 3 i s t h e l a t e s t
issue dealing with the adventures of that petite
barbarian; the art is improving all the time, and
this issue sees the scripting debut of a certain
Mike Lewis... E S C A P E is a semi-professional
comics m a g a z i n e w h i c h a t t e m p t s t o c o v e r
alternatives to the mainstream comics. Thus it
includes n e w s t r i p s b y t h e l i k e s o f H u n t
Emerson a n d E d d i e C a m p b e l l , a s w e l l a s
interviewing a r t i s t s a n d w r i t e r s . T h e l a t e s t
issue contains a f a s c i n a t i n g c h a t w i t h S tev e
Bell o f G u a r d i a n fame. Escape i s w e l l w o r t h
looking at if you w a n t to find out w h a t is going
on outside of the m a i n s t r e a m M a r v e l and DC
comics. S H A D O W S a n d F U S I O N a r e b o t h
well-written comics fanzines w h i c h provide
articles on n e w and old comics creators alike.
Finally, F A N TA S Y A D V E R T I S E R provides a
first-rate c o m i c s n e w s service a n d t h e latest
issue features Cerebus and an i n t e r v i e w w i t h
his creator Dave Sim.
146 M i k e L e w i s
Zine Addresses
Ansible, Dave Langford, 9 4 London Rd, Reading, Berks RGI
5AU (5 for f 2); British Science Fiction Association, Sandy
Brown, 18 Gordon Terrace, Blantyre, Lanarkshire 072 9NA
(E7 per year); Crystal Ball, Duncan Harris, 2 St Mary's Park Rd,
Portishead, Bristol 13S20 BON (30p); Demon's Drawl, Jeremy
Nuttall, 49 Longdown Rd, Congleton, Cheshire (55p); Escape,
Escape Publishing, 1 5 6 Munster Rd, London S W 6 5 R A
(f1.30); Fantasy Advertiser, Martin Skidmore, 25 Cornleaze,
Withywood, Bristol BS13 7SG (50p), Faster Than Light, Alex
Zbyslaw, 197 Herbert Avenue, Poole. Dorset BH12 4HR (15p);
The Fiery Cross, Tom Stacey, The Mill House, Rays Hill,
Hawndge, Nr Chesham, Bucks HP5 2UJ (60p), Fusion, Hugh
Campbell, 46 Kirkland Rd, Kilbirme, Ayrshire KA25 6HU (40p);
The Green Goblin, John Breakwell, 4 Balfour Rd, Northend,
Portsmouth, H a n t s P 0 2 ODJ (40p) G r i m l o r d , Richard
Sproston, 25 Margery Avenue, Scholar Green, Stoke-on-Trent
(35P); Hacking Times, Dylan Harris, 76 Haddo House, Haddo
St, Greenwich, London SE10 (40p), Hopscotch, Alan Parr, 6
Longfield Gardens, Tring, Herts HP23 4DN (50p), lmazine,
Paul Mason, 1 6 Corncrake Close, S u t t o n Coldfield, W
Midlands 872 1HY (50p); Journal of the Senseless Carnage
Society, Simon Hartley, 5 Burgh Heath Rd, Epsom, Surrey
KT17 4 LW (65p), M a d Policy, Richard Walkerdine, 1 4 4
Stoughton Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU2 6PG (40p); Monsterous
Perversion, P e t e Blanchard, 4 Holly Acre, P r e y Heath,
Mayford, Woking, Surrey GU22 OSL (85p), Mouse Police, Rob
Wilson, Penryn, 4 Camplon Rd, Leamington Spa, Warks CV32
5X0 (40p); N e x t Stop Jupiter, Jez Keen, I Glenfield Rd,
Stockport SK4 20P (50p), Orc's Revenge, M Hanson, 66 East
Towers, Pinner, Middy HA5 ITN (50p): Redfox, A McGilvray,
78 Foxhall Rd, Nottingham NG7 6LJ (75p), Runestone, Bill
Lucas, 26 Parker Close, Letchworth, Herts SG6 3RT (50p),
Sewers, Chris Baylis, 12 The Fryth, Basildon, Essex SSI 4 3PN
(80P), Shadows, Pete Howard, 18 Anderson Crescent, Great
Barr, Birmingham (60p); Stardate, 17 Dale View. Grimsby,
Humberside DN33 1RE (50p), Superhero UK, Simon Burley,
68 Falconhurst Rd. Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 650 (60p), Tau
Ceti Phoenix: Apocrypha, PO Box 111, Midland 6056. W
Australia (?), Vienna, Richard Egan, 64 Rookery Rd, Knowle,
Bristol BS4 2DT (40p), Voom Vat, Mark Nelson, 67 Moor St,
Sponden, Derby DE2 7EB (40p); Zadragorzette, Michael
Jacobs, Elm Lodge, Sylvan Way, Bognor Regis, W Sussex
P021 2RS (40p)
53
 TURNBULL
• • .11 TA L K I N G
• . .pzotd.
A i d o t iI S
•SAN
MAA)4"L
As I write, TSR UK celebrates five years
since it officially began in these Isles. Not
the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Le game,
mind you — that was around some six
years earlier (strewth, how old we're all
getting) — but what one might call the
official representation of Lake
Geneva a n d ( s o r t o f ) G a r y
Gygax, the man who started it
all. Time
At times like these one can
get a bit maudlin (an emotion assisted,
but I a m assured n o t caused, b y the
celebratory drink). One is apt to contem-
plate the unsolved and unsolvable, t o
mourn lost characters (Arethusa — poly-
morphed i n t o a m e a t p i e — I m u s t
remember n o t t o t e l l y o u about t h a t
disgrace) and to look back at people past
and present; for a prime example, the
unique Jeanette Blaaser, whose assoc-
iation with TSR UK is as long as my own,
and probably much more valued, whose
capacity for Baileys has become legend-
ary, and who has done the fruit machine
market no end of unexpected good.
And one begins to wonder what has
been achieved. Measured in sterile things
like sales volume and leverage, it's easy
to quantify. What isn't so easy — and I
would have to write it on my character
sheet, g o o d o r b a d — i s w h a t h a s
happened to the hobby because of TSR
during the last five years.
The fact is that the hobby generated
TSR, not the other way round. The hobby
is owed a debt by TSR, not the other way
round. The hobby is the whole raison
d'être of TSR, not the other way round.
I L L U M I N AT I O N S extra
In the shops now a s they say in the trade —
are a host of exciting goodies from TSR Inc,
with the promise of more to come. Let's start
by looking at those products which arrived
this month.
The b i g n e w s f o r t h e players o f t h e
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS@ game must be
AC4 The Book of Marvellous Magic. This
compendium of miscellaneous magical items
gathers together all those that have appeared
in the first three rules sets (Basic-Expert-
Companion) and then adds 500 new items,
never seen before! A boon to all those DMs
who were finding themselves short of ideas.
Modules there are aplenty. For the D8a1:0,r)
54
Or, contrariwise, i f TSR h a s done
nothing, o r n o t good enough, f o r the
hobby, we might as well cash in our chips
and g o home. W e emerged from t h e
primeval slime five years ago t o do a
decent job — have we done it? or should
TSR UK is 5 years old.
to celebrate — or time to contemplate?
the slime have kept us in the first place?
And that's for you to decide.
This i s w h e r e y o u come i n . W h a t doing the job we set it to do — ie foster
follows, and a lot of what has gone before,
look statements, b u t t h e y a r e really
questions. For you, I hope, to answer —
and don't pull any punches. Treat us, in
your responses, as if you were the DM
and TSR UK the party of adventurers who,
having somehow got through Dl and D2,
managed to turn SSE in search of the
final encounter in D3.
Well, let's start with this august public-
ation. IMAGINE'm magazine is just over
two years old. The Survey, conducted
recently — and with a good response:
thanks s h o w e d pretty clearly what you
think of it, and it's not all bad news, by any there are no bars of gold buried in our
means. But you don't need a Survey —
write and tell us what you like and what
you don't like in the magazine.
Then there's GamesFair. So far as the
hobbyists at TSR are concerned, that's
the best weekend of the year, and it seem
the delegates who attend like it. But it's
easy to be complacent about something
you enjoy yourself — t h e trick i s t o
discover w h e t h e r t h e majority v i e w
game there are B8 Journey To The Rock, and
the UK-written 02 Blade of Vengeance one-
on-one adventure. For the Advanced game
there are C3 The Lost Island of Castanamir
and C4 To Find A King; competition modules
with pre-rolled characters and scoring systems.
C3 is for levels 1-4 and C4 for levels 4-7. The
DM's Screen returns as well, revamped, with
one of the screens now suitable for player use.
Two more products for the MARVEL SUPER
HEROESTH game t h e adventure MH5 Cats
Paw and the MHAC4 Pit of the Viper package,
with 70 fold-up figures.
And the second part of the Eleanor Moraes
adventure for the STAR FRONTIERS® game
agrees with you or thinks you're in what
they call a self-delusion situation. I s
GamesFair t o o l a r g e o r t o o s m a l l
(measured in number of delegates)? Is it
organised too much or not enough? Are
the 'shops' too obtrusive or too remote?
Are the competitions enjoyed?
What other events would be
we
And t h e r e ' s t h e Players
Association. We were as fond
of the PA as were its stalwart member-
ship, but finally had to admit it wasn't
strong links between TSR UK and the
hobby. From the resources point of view
and t h e objective point o f view, t h e
decision to close it was the correct one.
But could anything else take over i t s
purpose? Are we doing enough for indivi-
dual players out there? For clubs? For the
newcomer to the strange world of fantasy
role-playing?
In general, what else? How can we best
support and encourage the development
of the hobby?
Let me have your ideas! They will be
considered carefully and, even though
back garden, we will do what we sensibly
can.
One word of apology, before I turn over
the rest of this page to news of the latest
products f r o m o u r cousins overseas.
Mervyn Lemon masqueraded last time
under the name Mervyn Simon — an
error from the typesetting department,
honest!
* 0 D J Turnbull
has arrived: SFKH3 Face of the Enemy. All
this plus the DRAGONLANCETTM Chronicles,
Volume 1, Dragons of Autumn Twilight,
the D&D Cartoon Showbooks, ENDLESS
QUEST', books 24-26, =94-5 of DRAGON@
magazine and 9 9 of S W, " magazine are
waiting to be snapped up g o get 'ern.
It gets even better. Watch Out f o r t h e
ADVANCED DUNGEONS 84 DRAGONS
Battle SystemTM a n amazing package f o r
mass combat, completely compatible with
either the A D & D or D & D games. 800 die-
cut counters, rules, scenarios, 2 m e t a l
miniatures, army roster sheets.... You'll love
it. Out Soon — watch this space.
I M A G I N E ma9azine, June 1985
 GetsNiike-&onS

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I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985

55
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STuPlo VILLA&ERS.! IN 11AE t4Ex-1- AND F A N , C441-44K !!!

56 I M A G I N E magazine, June 1985

•
 DRUMSON FIRE MOUNITIN
In a dark cell, Rollo Bargmann,

this wretch cost a ship and 6 0

by Graeme Morris and Tom Kirby

merchant of Thyatis, turns away in

disgust from his prisoner; capturing

gallant men. Then his heart hardens

again, for he m u s t find an a n s w e r to
the question that haunts him.
What n e w evil is casting its shadow
over the storm-swept eastern
reaches of the Sea of Dread?

The trading routes are no longer

safe. The attacks of the green-
skinned "orcs of the sea" and the

X8 - Drums on Fire Mountain

mysterious "ship-bane" go
unchecked. The influence of some
unseen master has made them into
an organised menace. Soon the
questioning will be over; Rollo will
know enough to track the threat to
its l a i r _
1
I is for use with the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®
Expert set and is for 5-8 characters of levels 5-8

TSR UK Ltd, The Mill, Rathmore Road, CAMBRIDGE CB1 4 A D . Tel: (0223) 2 1 2 5 1 7

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is a trademark of TSR, Inc. USA