Dragon Magazine 235 PDF

What ynu can't scc
ast night I played a game of cards with a friend. It was a

slow and often difficult game, since she was new to the
rather complex rules and the game really works best with five
or more players. To make matters worse, we couldnt see each
others cards. We were playing online.
About six years ago I bought my first modem. At first I went
a little nuts, checking out all of the big services as well as the
local BBS lines. I gradually lost interest in the smaller outfits,
and the first horrifying credit card bill made it clear that I could
afford only one of the big services, so I stayed on Genie. The
attraction was the TSR RoundTable, and what hooked me was
the online role-playing.
At first it was merely novel to see that people hundreds or
thousands of miles apart could gather weekly and forge a
gaming friendship as strong and satisfying as any in real life.
It was better in many ways, too. The ability to send private
messages made passing notes to the DM that much more sub-
tle for the players of thieves and other sneaky characters.
Being able to prepare text descriptions of characters, spell
effects, NPC dialogue, area descriptions, or practically anything
well, that was amazing to someone whos a better writer
than actor.
The magic of online role-playing is in whats not there.
When you cant see that Bobs a sturdy balding man over six
feet tall, its much easier to visualize him as a lithe elven
ranger. When you cant hear Marys stammer, you can well
imagine her high priests commanding voice resounding
through marble halls. Online gaming focuses much more on
what you can imagine, without the distractions of what you
see and hear at the gaming table. If seeing is believing, then
not seeing is imagining.
When you read a book, dont you imagine the characters
much more vividly than when you see a
movie? Arent the images of the old
radio plays far more amazing than
those created by even the most
talented SFX crews? In a
regular, face-to-face game, not only must you imagine the
appearance of the setting and characters but also you must
ignore the real environment of the gaming table and the actu-
al faces and voices of your fellow players. It takes two leaps of
imagination to visualize the fantasy world in a face-to-face
game. Online gaming takes away one and makes the second
much shorter.
Online gaming does have its drawbacks, of course. Good
typists have a distinct advantage over those who hunt and
peck. While you can roll virtual dice online, you lose that sat-
isfying heft when rolling for a 6d6 fireball. The closest thing you
have to miniatures are the stick-figures some DMs use to rep-
resent PCs on a text-based map. Worst of all, you cant share
your pizza and drinks, hear the laughter of your friends, or see
their grins or grimaces as they react to the shared, imagined
adventure.
I played and DMed AD&D game sessions for three or four
years before my free time diminished too much to play regular-
ly. You can often find me haunting the TSR Online area of Genie
(as TSR.MAGS) or AOL (as TSR Dragon), though its to trade gam-
ing war stories and chat more often than it is for a game.
If youre interested in online gaming and have access to
AOL or Genie, try keyword TSR and have a look around. The
software libraries and message boards are good, but its the
gaming you should try. Tell em Dave sent you. (Dont believe
a word they say about my DMing. There were several nights
when not a single character died.)
When I do find the time these days, I play face-to-face
sessions at the local game store or at conventions. Since
gaming online, though, real games seem to be missing
something or maybe theyre not missing enough.
Puo|isncr
TSR, Inc.
AssocInfo Puo|isncr
Brian Thomsen
|i|cr-in-Cnicf
Pierce Watters
|i |cr
Dave Gross
Ar| Dircc|cr
Larry Smith
Assccia|c |i|cr
Michelle Vuckovich
|i|cria| )IIEIJ=J
Lizz Baldwin
Suoscrip|icns
Janet Winters
U.S. Atcr|ising
Cindy Rick
U.K. Ccrrcspcncn|/Atcr|ising
Carolyn Wildman
Prin|c in |nc USA
!ACO #235 3
November 1996
Volume XXI, No. 6
Issue #235
Magc nn Dcck!
Ted Zuvich
The Shipmage:
Dont leave port without one.
Page 30
P!anar Hcrncs
Ed Bonny
Ski||: & Fcwer: give you the edge
you need to survive the multiverse
or any Prime Plane, for that matter.
This huge special feature provides
P|AY|RS OPT|ON rules especially for
the P|AN|SCAP| setting, but adaptable
to any fantasy role-playing world.
Page 8
4
OVIMII! l996
Dragon's Bestiary:
Mnnstcrs nf thc Lnwcr Dccp
Gregory W. Detwiler
Venture too deep into the ocean's depths,
and these are the fishes youll end up feeding.
Page 43
Arcane Lore I:
5ca 5pc!!s
Brian Dunnell
A full complement of spells
to save you from a watery grave.
Page 50
Ecn!ngy nf thc Trng!ndytc
Spike Y. Jones
OK, so they stink. But theyre
very sensitive about it.
Page 78
Arcane Lore II:
Columns
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . The Wyrm's Turn
Gaming online.
6............................................ D-Mail
You wrote it, we printed it.
59.............................. Bookwyrms
Read any good books lately? We have, and
here are the ones we recommend.
68........... RPGA Network News
Hey, you! Yeah, lm talking to you.
74 ...................................... Forum
The return of the TSR thugs!
84............................. Cons & Pros
Rake leaves this weekend or go to a convention
. . . rake leaves or . . . ?
70 ............................... Sage Advice
Can my dwarf use a longbow in two hands?
How does my shair use a signature spell?
109 ......... Role-playing Reviews
Here are some games to give you the creeps.
5pc!!s nf thc 5ca!cd
Steve Berman
A few nasty surprises
from some cold-blooded spellcasters.
Dungeon Mastery:
Lct's Gct PhysIca!
Page 89
120 ................ The Current Clack
The scoop, the story, the talk all the good
gaming gossip.
Othcr MatcrIa!
99 ............... Knights of the Dinner Table
100 ......................................... DragonMirth
102 ................................... Gamers Guide
104 ...................................................... Floyd
116 ..................................... TSR Previews
Troy Dani el s
The basics of physical DMing.
Page 91
62 Rc!Ics
( DRAGONLANCE:
Tales of the Fifth Age)
Jeff Grubb
What is left when the legends
pass into history?
DRAGON #235
If you have a comment, opinion, or ques-
tion for the editors of DRAGON Magazine,
write us a letter. Wed love to hear from you.
In the United States and Canada, send
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You can also send e-mail to us at
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al response; wed love to answer everyone,
but the volume has become immense.
Dear DRAGON Magazine,
Ill start with the bad news first.
I received my renewal notice and dis-
covered that a years subscription now
costs $42. I then thought to myself That
$42 could buy two hardbound TSR rule
or source books. My question to you: Is
a year of DRAGON Magazine worth the
information found in two hardbound
rulebooks? An even better question, will
DRAGON Magazine contain the material of
least one hardbound sourcebook that a
GREYHAWK setting DM can use? You
need to find a way to control costs, or go
bi-monthly. Consider that DUNGEON
Adventures is a bi-monthly publication,
and quality adventures abound. DRAGON
Magazine could learn much from its
baby brother.
DRAGON Magazine (ISSN 0279-6848) is published monthly except
November (twice monthly) by TSR, Inc., 201 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake
Geneva, WI 53147, United States of America. The postal address for all
materials from the United States of America and Canada except subscrip
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D|str|but|on: DRAGON Magazine is available from game and hobby
shops throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and
through a limited number of other overseas outlets. Distribution to the
book trade in the United States is by Random House, Inc., and in Canada
Another topic that troubles me is card
games and dice games in general. I am
glad that articles on role-playing video
games are gone from DRAGON Magazines
pages, but I am alarmed to see that card
games and dice games are starting to
squeeze their way in. One quick way to
get me not to renew my DRAGON
Magazine subscription is to increase the
number of pages on which card and
dice games appear. I suspect my words
are falling on deaf ears with the latest
arrival of the new DRAGONLANCE: FIFTH
AGEN product, the marriage of the
SPELLFIRE and AD&D games. The AD&D
game is a role playing game. It has sur-
vived since the early seventies. These
card and dice games are a fad played by
the young. The AD&D game is played by
adults; we have the real money to invest
in gaming, and we are here for the long
haul (or Monty Haul, in some cases).
OK, enough of the doom and gloom,
and now for the good things. DRAGON
Magazine issue #233 is looking good.
Lets see why.
Going to Court. I got a lot of nasty
political ideas from this one. Good work.
GREYHAWK campaigns are often quite
cerebral, and articles that develop the
non-combative aspects of the game are
an asset.
On Wings of Eagles, this looks a lot
like the article you guys did on the
Winged Folk over 12 years ago, right
down to those ability scores. Im old
enough to remember. Please, no
rewarmed leftovers. Even if you added a
bunch of new stuff on their culture and
revised it to second edition attributes. I
thought the elfs handbook did a fine job.
Fiendish Fortresses. I dont use the
PLANESCAPE setting, but I like these forts,
they seem the perfect vacation spot for
high-level adventurers who need to be
humbled. Good work!
Wyrms of the North. I dont use the
FORGOTTEN REALMS campaign, but my
Toril DMs liked the article. If they liked it,
you did a service to FR fans, so I like it. (I
got a few good ideas and spells secretly).
Scions of the Desert, good work,
support the worlds specifically. My
by Random House of Canada, Ltd. Distribution to the book trade in the
United Kingdom is by TSR Ltd. Send orders to: Random House, Inc., Order
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UB7 7QE, United Kingdom; telephone: 0895-444055.
Subscr|pt|on: Subscription rates via periodical-class mail are as fol-
lows: $42 in U.S. funds for 13 issues sent to an address in the U.S.; $49
in US funds for 13 ,issues sent to an address in Canada, 36 for 13
issues sent to an address within the United Kingdom, 49 for 13 issues
sent to an address in Europe, $65 in US funds for 13 issues sent by sur-
face mail to any other address, or $119 in U.S. funds for 13 issues sent
air mail to any other address Payment in full must accompany all sub-
scription orders. Methods of payment include checks or mail orders
AL-QADIM setting DM thanks you.
Dragon Dice, page 53. No comment
for the betterment of our relationship.
(smile)
Bazaar of the Bizarre, More toys for
the pile, I guess the ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICA
tome is in need of revising again. Maybe
Ill find some use for them, or they will
be used in a module in DUNGEON
Adventures. Not bad.
Rod of Seven Parts, World by World,
Best article in the issue for two reasons.
First, the GREYHAWK setting is mentioned.
It is mentioned first, and not in passing.
Second, Skip Williams wrote it, and Skip
printed one of my mind flayer questions
in Sage Advice. Skip Williams rules!
Well done to all!
Knights of the Dinner Table, I roared
laughing. To think I didnt like this comic
at first. Well done.
I think you guys are on the right
track. Just for the record, you know I will
be renewing my subscription. Who else
will I be able to complain to or praise?
Frank V. Bonura
147 East Maple Street
Valley Stream, NY 11580
Can we rule with Skip now that weve
printed your letter in D-Mail? How about if
we print more GREYHAWK articles for you?
(More are on the way.)
We appreciate your criticism as much as
your praise, though we must correct one
misconception in your letter. Except that it
includes some rather nice cards, the FIFTH
AGE role-playing game isnt at all like
SPELLFIRE or any collectible card game. (It
isnt collectible at all; you never need to buy
extra cards.) The use of the cards is more
akin to the Tarokka deck from the
RAVENLOFT campaign setting, and even
thats not a fair comparison, since theyre
used very differently. Take a peek at the
boxed set sometime, and youll see what we
mean.
As for the notion of going bi-monthly,
were afraid a mob of angry readers would
show up at our offices if we even joked
about it in reply to your... wait. Whats that
noise outside? Whats with the torches and
pitchforks? Hey! Somebody call 911!
made payable to TSR, Inc., or charges to valid MasterCard or VISA credit
cards, send subscription orders with payments to TSR, Inc., P.O. Box
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ment Include cheques or money orders made payable to TSR Ltd., or
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Changes of address for the delivery of subscription copies must be
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Subm|ss|ons: All material published in DRAGON Magazine becomes the
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contrary are made prior to publication DRAGON Magazine welcomes unso-
6 OVIMII! l996
As often as I disagreed with John C.
Bunnells often nitpicky critiques, I
always enjoyed reading his column. I
hope he appears in future issues,
because in comparison Bookwyrms
seems really watered down. I like to
hear what people think about books,
and I like to debate about them.
Bookwyrms offers nothing to push
against. At least tell us whos writing
about each book.
Also, did Kiaransalee kill Orcus? Does
asking that out of the blue decrease the
chances of this seeing print?
Rip Van Wormer
Midland, MI
Check out the initials at the end of each
recommendation in Bookwyrms and
compare it to the masthead; these are staff
recommendations. Youre right that they
arent reviews. So much cool fiction is
released each month that our purpose is to
point out the ones we think readers will like
best, so therell never be a pan in the col-
umn, only positive recommendations.
John does an excellent job of reviewing
books (we think so even when we dont
agree with him, too!), and his column will
continue to appear every other month. On
those months that we offer Bookwyrms,
please dont hesitate to write in if you dis-
agree with a recommendation or want to
make one of your own.
As for your question, we can only hint
that you may find your answer in 1997.
On the Cover
This month is another first for
Dragon Magazine. Over the last
two decades we've earned a repu-
tation for the quality of our illus-
trated covers. A quick scan over
our back issues shows a virtual
who's who of the genre, as many
of the finest illustrators working in
SF and fantasy have been show-
cased there,
We're equally proud of the
many up and comers who gained
their first major audience on our
cover and proceeded to carve out
successful art careers.
While the computer is no
stranger to this magazine (no
stranger than, say the staff any-
way), our November issue boasts
the first 100% digital cover image
we've ever used. We owe it all to
Eddie over at Interplay who built
the model and created this digital
wyrm for the new Descent to
Undermountain computer game.
I have been playing the AD&D game
for a number of years now, and I am
very satisfied with everything I have
bought from TSR.
Recently I purchased a number of
PLANESCAPE boxed sets and books, and I
found that they are well worth the high
price. However, within the pages of your
magazine, it is a rare occurrence at best
to find an article expanding my favorite
setting.
I understand that you prefer to pub-
lish articles that appear to the greatest
majority of your readers. While it is
unlikely that a great majority of your
readers own a lot of PLANESCAPE prod-
ucts, I think that anything from a
PLANESCAPE campaign can fit into any
prime-material campaign very easily. All
the DM needs to do is open a conve-
nient portal, and any number of things
can be imported to his campaign world.
I appreciate that you took the time to
read my suggestion, and I would like to
thank you in advance for answering
with a serious reply. (Please dont just
say, We appreciate your input, and we
will consider it when we choose arti-
cles.)
Mark Berner
Moorestown, NJ
We appreciate your input, and we will
consider ... Oh, what the heck. Heres a
huge PLANESCAPE article in this issue. In fact,
weve put one in the DRAGON Magazine
Annual for you, too.
Youre right about why were planning to
continue supporting the AD&D gamer first
and foremost, but that doesnt mean well
forget about the many fans of the various
TSR worlds. Whenever possible (as with this
issues Planar Heroes article), well do our
best to present campaign-specific articles
that are also very useful to those who dont
use that setting. (We agree with you about
the ease of conversions.) Let us know when
you think we succeed or fail at that goal.
Give 'em a hand, because they gave us one
The staff of Dragon Magazine would like to extend a special thanks to Dave
Conant and Terry Craig (of the TSR Service Bureau), as well as Sean Reynolds (the
TSR Online coordinator on AOL) and Chris Perkins (freelancer at large) for their
invaluable help in this and other issues of Dragon Magazine, especially the Annual.
We couldn't have done it without them. Send your thank-you notes to our address!
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DRACN #235 7
This article provides Skills & Powers options to create planar
PCs for the PLANESCAPE setting. In order to make cross-referenc-
ing easier, this article follows the organizational structure of
PLAYERS OPTION: Skills & Powers. The article incorporates various
material presented in many Planescape products, so players cre-
ating characters using this article should have access to the
Players Handbook (PHB), Tome of Magic (TOM), PLANESCAPE
Campaign Setting (CS), Planewalkers Handbook (PWH), Factols
Manifesto, PLAYER'SOPTION: Skills & Powers (S&P), and the PLANESCAPE
MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM tomes volumes I & II (PMC1 & PMC2).
The ongoing revolution in PC customization for the AD&D
game has been a major force in reshaping the way gamers cre-
ate and play characters. As seen in the three PLAYERS OPTION
handbooks (Skills & Powers, Combat & Tactics, and Spells & Magic),
players can choose from a variety of options, creating a unique
PC. The options from these books work fine in standard cam-
paigns like the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting, but this is not the case
when creating unusual PCs from specialized campaign settings
like the PLANESCAPE setting, where bizarre races are the norm.
It is well-known that folks living on the planes are subjected
to the ever-present planar energies surrounding them. The folks
out here are sometimes called planetouched, because expo-
sure to these planar energies grants them abilities above and
beyond their prime counterparts. It would be a rare blood who
could live out here and not be influenced in some way.
1. Character points
The S&P rules introduced character points (CPs) as the means
to acquire abilities and proficiencies for a PC. Rather than play
a rigidly defined standard character as provided in the PHB,
each player has a number of points with which to customize a
PC. The CPs allotted depends on the race and class chosen.
Points are expended for race and class options and for profi-
ciencies but may also be spent in other ways, such as to acquire
a new spell, re-roll a missed attack, or grant a second save. For
a complete list of ways to spend CPs, see chapter 1 of S&P.
PLANESCAPE PCs are generated by using one of the six meth-
ods listed in the PHB. After a PC has been rolled, the player cre-
ates a background for the PC. Players may select one of the
choices in S&P or devise a history uniquely tailored to planar
life using the character archetypes found in the PWH.
Abilities cost 5, 10, 15, or 20 CPs. Some options allow a player
to impose limitations on their characters for bonus CPs that can
then be spent to obtain other abilities. At any stage of PC creation,
only 5 points may be retained for later use.
2. Ability scores
After rolling ability scores, the player selects the PCs race.
Ability scores are modified according to the race chosen. Racial
ability modifiers for the standard AD&D races such as elves,
dwarves, and gnomes may be found in the PHB or S&P and
remain unchanged in the planes. Racial ability score modifica-
tions for all PLANESCAPE PC races (aasimar, bariaurs, genasi, githz-
erai, rogue modrons, and tieflings) are listed in the PWH.
As detailed in S&P, a PCs ability scores may be split into sub-
abilities. Players exercising this option for PLANESCAPE characters
may increase one sub-ability at the expense of diminishing the
other. For each ability score, there may be no more than 4
points difference between the sub-abilities.
Note: Some options offer a bonus point to one sub-ability.
Characters taking these options are allowed a 5-6 point differ-
ence in sub-ability scores.
3. Racial requirements
Each PC starts with a number
Race CP Allotment
Aasimar 40
of character points dependent
Bariaur (male & female) 30
on race. Points can be spent to
Dwarf 45
Elf 45
customize a character from the
Genasi, all 25
skill list provided for each race,
Githzerai 30
Gnome 45
or they can be used to purchase Halfling 35
the races standard skill pack-
Half-Elf 25
Half-Orc 15
age. Pl anar dwarves, el ves, Half-Ogre 15
gnomes, halflings, half-elves,
Human 10
hal f - or cs, hal f - ogr es, and
Rogue Modron 40
Tiefling 40
humans receive the same num-
ber of CPs as their Prime counterparts in S&P. Players creating
a PC from one of these standard races can mix options found
in S&P with the new planar racial options. Races unique to the
planes, such as tieflings and githzerai, are completely cus-
tomizable with the options presented here.
Notes on magic resistance: Most races living on the planes
have developed some magic resistance. This resistance can be
either specific, like the elven ability to resist charms, or broad,
like the powerful magic resistance of githzerai and aasimar. PCs
who opt for broad magic resistance fall under the same restric-
tions as those listed for githzerai in the CS. (In addition to pro-
tecting a PC from magic, MR can affect what magical items a
character can use and prevent beneficial magic from aiding him.)
As some magic-resistant PCs rise in level, they experience
greater difficulty using newly acquired magical items or when
receiving benevolent magic. The magic resistance rules in the CS
should be used in all cases except those of single class wizards,
who must no longer forego magic resistance to be wizards.
AII Races
The unique nature of the planes can affect its inhabitants.
Sometimes different populations exhibit the same planetouched
abilities. The following options are available to all PCs in addition
to those listed for each race. Regardless of whether a player
selects any of the options below, all planar PCs have the com-
mon, innate ability to perceive planar portals at will. This ability
costs no CPs.
Alignment Affinity (5): The PC is instantly aware of any
beings within 20 who possess the same alignment as himself.
For example, a paladin knows when a lawful good aasimar has
just stepped behind him but does not learn the alignment of the
lawful neutral good deva crossing in front of him unless he
employs some other means of divination.
Magical Perception (10): Regardless of whether the PC is a
spellcaster, he understands how the unique nature of his home
plane affects magic. This includes which schools of magic are
affected, how it is affected, and why (Youre on Mechanus
berk wild magic is useless here and against the law.). This
ability does not provide other magical insight, such as spell
keys.
Planar Recognition (5): Upon sight, the PC instantly recog-
nizes any beings who originate from his home plane as a fel-
low native. Only true natives of the PCs plane can be dis-
cerned. This ability does not grant the ability to recognize
those who migrated to the PCs home plane from another
plane. The PC does not gain any other information about the
beings he encounters.
Planar Resistance (5): The PC receives a +3 bonus to all
saves vs. any naturally occurring phenomena on his home
plane (plane of birth).
DRACN #235 9
Aasinar
Standard abilities: Cold resistance, fire
resistance, infravision, magic resistance,
mental fortitude, surprise bonus.
Aasimon bloodline - major I (10):
The PC is immune to all forms of gas
attacks.
Aasimon bloodline - major II (15):
The PC is immune to poison.
Aasimon powers - minor (10): Once
a day, the PC can cast cure light wounds,
dispel magic, or protecfion from normal
missiles. At 7th level, the PC can cast all
these abilities once a day.
Aasimon powers - major (15): Once
a week, the PC can cast heal, holy word,
or spell turning. At 9th level, the PC can
cast all these abilities once a week.
Armor bonus (5): The PC gains an
additional +1 AC bonus when wearing
any metal armor.
Celestial skin (15): The PC can be hit
only by magical weapons.
Cold resistance (5/15): The PC suffers
half damage from all cold attacks for 5
CPs. For 15 points, the PC suffers half
damage from cold until 9th level, when
the PC becomes completely immune to
the cold.
Confer (10): With this option, an aasi-
mar may temporarily confer one of his
racial abilities on a worthy being of
good for the next 24 hours. The act
takes one round and requires the aasi-
mar to touch the recipient. The PC loses
that ability until 24 hours have elapsed,
at which time he regains the ability. The
PC cannot cancel this conferral once it
has taken place. This sacrifice is not
taken lightly.
Detect lie (5): The PC may cast detect
lie once a day.
Eladrin bloodline - major (10): PC is
immune to magic missiles.
Eladrin powers - minor (10): Once a
day, the PC may cast alter self compre-
hend languages, or slow poison. At 7th
level, the PC can cast all of these abilities
once a day.
Eladrin powers - major (15): Once a
week, the aasimar may cast minor globe
of invulnerability, polymorph self or wall of
force. At 9th level, the PC can cast all
these spells once a week.
Fire resistance (5): PC suffers half
damage from all fire attacks.
Guardinal bloodline - major (15): PC
is immune to all electrical attacks.
Guardinal powers - minor (10): Once
a day, the PC can cast light, magic missile,
or profection from evil 15 radius. At 7th
level, the PC can cast all these abilities
once a day.
Guardinal powers - major (15): Once
a week, the PC can cast hold monster,
lightning bolt, or wall of ice. At 9th level,
the PC can cast all of these abilities once
a week.
Holy regeneration (10): While on any
of the Upper Planes of Good, the PC
regenerates hit points at the rate of 1
hp/round.
lnfravision (5): PC possesses infravi-
sion to 60.
Intuition bonus (10): PC raises
Wisdom/Intuition sub-ability by +1.
Know alignment (5): The PC may cast
know alignment once a day.
Lightform (10): Once a day, the PC
may assume a lightform similar in func-
tion to the wizard spell wraithform
(except this ability accesses an extra-
dimensional space, not the ethereal
plane). Once activated, the PC is identi-
cal in appearance to a light aasimon
(PMC1). At 5th level, the PC can assume
a lightform twice a day.
Magic resistance (10): PC has 10%
magic resistance.
Mental fortitude (5): +2 to saving
throws against charm, fear, emotion, and
domination type spells.
Muscle bonus (10): PC raises
Strength/Muscle sub-ability by +1.
Power of life (20): As a direct descen-
dent of the forces of life and goodness,
the aasimar is immune to death magic
and level draining spells and attacks
such as those from undead. The PC is not
immune, however, to aging effects such
as an attack from a ghost or a haste spell.
Rilmani bloodline: minor (10): PC suf-
fers half damage from acid attacks.
Rilmani powers - minor (10): Once a
day, the PC can cast blur, fly or mirror
image. At 7th level, the PC can cast all
these spells once a day.
Rilmani powers - major (15): Once a
week, the PC can cast advanced illusion,
improved invisibility or solid fog. At 9th
level, the PC can cast all of these abilities
once a week.
Surprise bonus (5): The PCs unnatural
hearing and other-planar alertness grant
a +1 to all surprise checks.
Stamina bonus (10): The PC raises
Strength/Stamina sub-ability by +1.
Sword bonus (5): The PC gains +1 to
hit with any sword.
Telepathy (5): At will, the PC can com-
municate telepathically with any aasi-
mon, eladrin, guardinal, rilmani, or other
intelligent being of the same alignment
within a 20 radius.
Willpower bonus (10): PC raises
Wisdom/Willpower sub-ability by +1.
Racial weakness options
Some aasimar may inherit weaknesses
from their Upper Planar parents. Aasimar
PCs may select any or all of the following
racial weaknesses to receive bonus CPs to
purchase additional racial traits.
Iron weakness (5): PC suffers double
damage from any iron weapons.
Lower planar disorientation (5): The
good nature of PC comes into severe
conflict with the overwhelming evil of
the lower planes. On any lower plane,
the aasimar becomes extremely uncom-
fortable and nauseous suffering a -4 to
THAC0 and AC as well as a -4 to all sur-
prise checks.
Susceptibility to fiendish magic (5):
The PC is more susceptible to the foul,
unwholesome magics cast by fiends. PC
receives a -1 to all saves vs. magic used
by fiends and also suffers an extra point
of damage per die rolled from offensive
spells employed by fiends.
Unholy water vulnerability (5): The
PC suffers 2d4 hp damage from a direct
hit of unholy water. A splash of unholy
water inflicts 1d4 hp damage.
BarIaur
Standard male abilities: Charge,
head butt, infravision.
Standard female abilities: Infravision,
spell resistance, surprise bonus.
Back kick (5): The PC can kick an
opponent to his rear with his hind legs for
3d6 damage and no penalty to THAC0.
Charge (10): Male PCs may cause
triple damage with a head butt by charg-
ing an opponent. The PC needs at least
30 running distance to perform this
attack successfully.
Club bonus (5): Any club the PC
wields in both hands has the speed fac-
tor and damage of a 2-handed sword.
Fitness bonus (10): Male PC gains a
+1 to the Constitution/Fitness sub-ability.
Head butt (5): Male PC may attack
with his horns for 1d8 hp damage plus
Strength bonus. Should the PC also
select Hoof Attack, then he receives 3
attacks per round.
Health bonus (10): Male PC raises
Constitution/Health sub-ability by +1.
Hoof attack (10): PC can attack with
both hooves in one combat round caus-
ing 1d6 points of damage per hoof,
Improved movement rate (5): This
PC is one of the fastest of the race pos-
sessing a movement rate of 21.
Infravision (10): PC possesses infravi-
sion to 60.
Intuition bonus (10): Female PC gains
a +1 to the Wisdom/Intuition sub-ability.
10 NVLMBLR 1996
Knowledge bonus (10): The female
PC gains +1 to the Intelligence/Knowl-
edge sub-ability.
Lawbreaker (5): The wildly chaotic
nature of bariaurs makes them naturally
resistant to the influences of law. The PC
receives a +1 bonus to all save vs. spells
against magic from the priestly sphere
of law or magic cast by lawful creatures.
Magic resistance (10): The PC pos-
sesses 10% magic resistance.
Muscle bonus (10): The male PC gains
+1 to the Strength/Muscle sub-ability.
Poison save bonus (5): Because of his
hearty constitution, the male PC receives
a +2 to all poison saves.
Reason bonus (10): The female PC
gains +1 to the Intelligence/Reason
sub-ability.
Spell resistance (10): The female PC
gains +3 to all saving throws vs. spells.
Spear bonus (5): The PC gains +1 to
attacks with any spear.
Stamina bonus (10): The male PC gains
+1 to the Strength/Stamina sub-ability.
Surprise bonus (5): The female PC
gains +2 on all surprise checks.
Tough hide (10): The PCs thick skin
and fur give him a tough hide granting
a natural AC of 8.
Trample (10): On a successful attack
with both hooves, the bariaur has
knocked down his opponent and auto-
matically tramples him also. A trampled
victim suffers an additional 2d6 hp dam-
age, has a -2 penalty to his AC, and must
spend the remainder of the round get-
ting back up on his feet. This attack
affects only humanoids of M size or
smaller. The PC must first select Hoof
Attack to choose this option.
Willpower bonus (10): The female PC
gains a +1 to the Wisdom/Willpower
sub-ability.
GcnasI
All genasi may select from this list of
shared half-elemental traits in addition
to traits peculiar to their specific element.
Ignore element (5): Genasi can
ignore his element (magical and non-
magical) for a number of rounds equal
to his experience level once a day.
Elemental empowerment (5): Elemen-
tal spells or abilities employed by the PC
are treated as if he were one experience
level higher. Option may be taken multi-
ple times for increased effect.
Elemental form (10): Once a day, the
PC can polymorph into an elemental of
the PCs element.
Elemental regeneration (10): When
the PC rests immersed in his element as
it occurs naturally, he regenerates at a
rate of 1 hp/turn.
Elemental resistance (5/15): The PC
gains a 30% resistance vs. all attacks
against his element. For 15 points, the
PC is completely immune to his element.
This option cannot be taken with magic
resistance option.
Etherealness (10): Once a day, the PC
can enter the ethereal plane from any of
the inner planes or prime material plane
or if already within the Border Ethereal,
the PC can enter an inner plane or prime
material plane world.
Infravision (5): The PC possesses 60
infravision.
sesses a 10% resistance to all magic.
Para-elemental resistance (5): The
PC receives a +2 to all saving throws
from any para-elemental attacks associ-
ated with the PCs element (e.g., fire
genasi receive this bonus against ash
and magma attacks).
Quasi-elemental resistance (5): The
PC receives a +2 to all saving throws
from any quasi-elemental attacks asso-
ciated with the PCs element (e.g., water
genasi receive this bonus against steam
and salt attacks).
Saving throw bonus (5): The PC
receives a +1 bonus to all saving throws
vs. spells and magic of his own element
for every five experience levels.
Genasi, air
Standard abilities: Non-respiration,
levitate, saving throw bonus.
Aim bonus (10): The PC gains +1 to
the Dexterity/Aim sub-ability.
Air boat (10): At 9th level, the PC can
call down an air boat once a week.
Balance bonus (10): The PC gains +1
to the Dexterity/ Balance sub-ability.
Elemental powers, minor (10): Once
a day, the PC can cast fly, stinking cloud,
or wind wall. At 7th level, the PC can use
all of these abilities once a day.
Elemental powers, major (15): Once
a week, the PC can cast air walk, solid fog,
or suffocafe. At 9th level, the PC can use
all of these abilities once a week.
Feather fall (5): The PC can cast feath-
er fall once a day for every three experi-
ence levels possessed.
Non-respiration (10): The PC need no
longer breathe.
Knowledge bonus (10): PC gains +1 to
the Intelligence/Knowledge sub-ability.
Levitate (5): Genasi can Ievitate once a
day as a 5th level wizard.
Reason bonus (10): The PC gains +1
to the Intelligence/Reason sub-ability.
Genasi, earth
Standard abilities: Stony skin, saving
throw bonus.
a day, the PC can cast fist of stone, maxi-
milians stony grasp, or meld into stone. At
7th level, the PC can use all of these abil-
ities once a day.
a week, the genasi can cast move earth,
stone shape, or wall of stone. At 9th level,
the PC can use all of these abilities once
a week.
Fitness bonus (10): The PC gains +1
to the Constitution/ Fitness sub-ability.
Health bonus (10): The PC gains +1 to
the Constitution/Health sub-ability.
Muscle bonus (10): The PC gains +1
to the Strength/Muscle sub-ability.
Pass without trace (5): The PC can
pass without trace once per day as a 5th
level priest.
Passwall (10): Once a day at 5th level,
the PC can cast a passwall except that this
ability affects only stone or earth.
Reverse gravity (10): At 9th level, the
PC can reverse gravity once a week.
Stamina bonus (10): The PC gains +1
to the Strength/ Stamina sub-ability.
Stony skin (10): The PC has a naturally
rock hard AC of 8.
Genasi, fire
Standard abilities: Affect fire, fire immu-
nity, infravision, saving throw bonus.
Affect fire (5): The PC can affect normal
fires once per day as a 5th level wizard.
a day, the PC can cast flame arrow, flame
walk, or heat metal. At 7th level, the PC
can use all of these abilities once a day.
a week, the PC can cast fire shield, malec-
keths flame fist, or wall of fire. At 9th level,
the PC can use all of these abilities once
a week.
Fire immunity (5): The PC is immune
to normal, non-magical fire.
Knowledge bonus (10): The PC gains
+1 to the Intelligence/Knowledge
sub-ability.
Produce flame (5): The PC can pro-
duce flame once a day for every three
experience levels.
to the Intelligence/ Reason sub-ability.
Surprise fireball (10): At 7th level, the
PC can cast a delayed blast fireball once a
week.
Genasi, water
Standard abilities: Create water, sav-
ing throw bonus, water breathing.
DRACN #235 11
Acid storm (10): At 7th level, the PC
can create an acid storm once a week.
Bestow water breathing (10): Once a
day for every three experience levels,
the PC can bestow water breathing (or its
reverse) on any creature other than
himself.
Create water (5/10): Genasi can create
water once a day as a 5th-level priest.
For 10 points, the PC can cast improved
create water (reverse of transmute water
to dust) as a 5th-level priest.
Elemental powers, minor (10): The PC
possesses the innate ability to cast
lower/raise water, insatiable thirst, or watery
double once a day. At 7th level, the PC
a week, the PC can to cast abi-dalzims
horrid wilting, part water, or wall of ice. At
9th level, the PC can use all of these abil-
ities once a week.
to the Constitution/ Fitness sub-ability.
Health bonus (10): PC gains +1 to the
Constitution/ Health sub-ability.
Water breathing (10): The PC
breathes water.
Genasi vulnerabilities
All genasi may inherit certain weak-
nesses from their elemental parentage.
Genasi PCs may select any or all of the
following racial weaknesses for bonus
CPs to purchase additional racial traits:
Elemental damage (+5/+10): The PC
suffers additional damage from elemen-
tal attacks not of his own element. For 5
points, the PC suffers +1 to damage per
die rolled. For 10 points, the PC suffers
+2 damage per die.
Elemental hatred (+5): The PC despises
his opposition element and always seeks
to destroy without question or hesitation
anyone strongly associated with the
opposition element (such as natives of
that elemental plane, specialist wizards
and specialty priests of the opposing
element, etc.).
Elemental vulnerability (+5): The PC
suffers a -1 penalty to all saves from ele-
mental attacks not of his own element.
GIthzcraI
Standard abilities: Infravision, magic
resistance.
Aim bonus (10): The PC gains +1 to
the Dexterity/Aim sub-ability.
Balance bonus (10): The PC gains +1
to the Dexterity/Balance sub-ability.
ESP (10): The PC can cast ESP once a
day. At 9th level, the PC can cast ESP
twice a day.
lnfravision (10): The PC possesses
infravision to 60.
sub-ability.
Lesser magic resistance (10): The PC
possesses magic resistance equal to
2%/level. This option cannot be taken
with the magic resistance option.
Lower resistance (10): Once a day,
the PC can attempt to lower his magic
resistance by effecting lower resistance
on himself only.
Limbo powers (5): As a native of
Limbo, the PC gains a movement rate of
96 while in Limbo and also suffers no ill
effects from the roiling, primal matter of
that chaotic plane.
Magic resistance (15): PC receives
magic resistance equal to 5%/level.
Mental assault (10): The PC can cast
feeblemind once a week for every five
experience levels.
Mental shielding (10): Once a week,
the githzerai PC can cast mind blank.
Mind guard (5): The PC gains +1 to all
saves vs. mind affecting spells and psionics.
Plane shift (10): Once a day, the PC
can plane shift (himself alone) to any
other plane he has previously visited.
This ability takes one full round to acti-
vate. If the PC is interrupted during acti-
vation of this power, the power fails.
Racial enmity (5): The PCs extreme
hatred of githyanki grants him a +2 to
hit on all attacks against githyanki.
Rrakkma hunter (5): The PC gains +2
to hit against the despised gith slave
masters of ages past the mind flayers.
Renegade (5): The PC has secretly
decided to advance in level beyond the
artificial limits set by the githzerai wiz-
ard-king (i.e., the PC has no level limits in
any chosen classes). Once a renegade
githzerais decision becomes known, he
rarely survives for long, as any such
blasphemous githzerai are quickly hunt-
ed down by the wizard-kings forces.
Silver sword (5): At 5th level, the PC,
if in good standing with his people, is
rewarded with a special two-handed
silver sword +3. If used on the Astral
Plane, the silver sword has a 5% chance
of cutting an opponents silver cord
upon scoring a hit. These weapons have
a significant religious value to the githz-
erai, who would never willingly let them
fall into the hands of outsiders.
Sword bonus (5): The PC gains +1 to
hit with any sword of githzerai make.
Xenophobe (5): Fearful and hateful of
nearly all sentient creatures not of his
own race, the PC is always on the alert
for outside treachery and attack. The PC
receives a +3 to all surprise checks. Note
that while a xenophobic githzerai may
be able to suppress displays of his xeno-
phobic nature most of the time, such
strong emotions are ever-present under
the surface, just waiting for a chance to
be expressed.
Zerth bonus (5): The PC is a zerth,
part of a religious sect who worship the
memory of the legendary githzerai hero,
Zerthimon. PC gains a 5% bonus to all
XP when actively worshipping as a zerth
and also receives a +4 reaction modifier
when dealing with any githzerai (all
githzerai value such worship in other
githzerai). DMs may decide on the form
such hero worship takes such as joining
rrakkma bands, spreading the word of
Zerthimon or hunting githyanki on a
regular basis.
Rnguc mndrnn
Standard abilities: Armor, detect
doors, resist unlawful influences, saving
throw bonus, superior sight.
Armor (10/15): The PC possesses a
tough, semi-metallic skin allowing a nat-
ural AC of 8. For 15 points, the rogue
modron has enhanced armor granting
an AC of 6.
Detect doors (5): The PC has a 2-in-6
chance of discovering secret doors and
a 3 in 6 chance of detecting concealed
doors.
Detect lie (5): The PC can detect lie
once a day.
to the Constitution/Fitness sub-ability.
Four arms (10): The PC possesses an
extra pair of mechanical arms which can
be used to wield another weapon and
carry a shield (much like a thri-kreen PC).
Health bonus (10): Constitution/
Health sub-ability raised by +1.
lnfravision (5): The PC possesses 120
infravision.
sub-ability.
Magic resistance (10): The PC receives
magic resistance equal to 2% per expe-
rience level.
Modron powers, minor (10): Once a
day, the PC can cast clairaudience, clair-
voyance, or command. At 7th level, PC
Modron powers, major (15): Once a
week, the PC can use its innate ability to
cast dimension door, teleport without error,
Ccn|inuc cn pagc 17
12 NVLMBLR 1996
or wall of force. At 9th level, PC can use
all of these abilities once a week.
Resist chaos (5): The PC receives a +1
to all saves vs. wild magic, spells cast by
chaotic individuals, and spells from the
priest sphere of chaos.
Resist unlawful influences (10): The
PC has a 30% resistance to illusions,
energy drains, charm, sleep, fear, domina-
tion, and other mind-affecting spells.
Saving throw bonus (5): The PC pos-
sesses the modronic resistance to fire,
cold, and acid gaining a +1 to all saving
throws vs. any such attacks.
Sense modrons (5): Ever alert to the
fact that it may be captured by a mod-
ron patrol and returned for judgment on
Mechanus, the PC can detect at will all
modrons within 60 yards. Detection
requires the modrons full concentration
for each round to be maintained.
Superior sight (5): The PCs vision is
double the normal range of sight.
Telepathy (5): At will, the PC can con-
verse telepathically with any creature of
lawful alignment.
Winged modron (10): The PC pos-
sesses a pair of wings allowing flight
(MV 15, MC D).
TIcf!Ing
Standard abilities: Cold resistance,
darkness, electricity save bonus, fire
save bonus, infravision, poison save
bonus.
Ambidextrous (5): The PC is ambidex-
trous and can fight equally well with two
weapons with no attack penalty as
rangers. Tiefling must use weapons he is
proficient in.
Appearance bonus (10): The PC gains
+1 to the Appearance/Charisma sub-
ability.
Baatorian bloodline (15): Somewhere
in the past, one of the PCs human
ancestors became romantically involved
with a resident of Baator most likely
an erinyes. This diabolical blood tie has
given the tiefling a complete immunity
to fire.
Baatorian powers minor (10): Once
a day, the PC can cast command, fireball,
or know alignment. At 7th level, tiefling
can enact all these abilities once a day.
Baatorian powers major (15): Once
a week, the PC can cast fear, improved
invisibility, or wall of fire. At 9th level,
tiefling can enact all these abilities once
a week.
Bladeling flesh (10): The PC is granted
a metallic natural AC 5 inherited from
his bladeling ancestry. An unfortunate
side-effect from this option is that the
tiefling suffers double damage from any
heat metal spells and rust dragon breath
attacks.
Choice weapon (5): The PC gains +1
to hit when using any one of the follow-
ing weapons: long sword, stiletto, throw-
ing dagger, long spear, ranseur, hand
crossbow, scimitar, or punch dagger.
Cold resistance (10): The PC suffers
half damage from cold attacks.
Darkform (10): Once a day, the tiefling
may assume a darkform similar in func-
tion to the wizard spell wraithform. Once
activated, the tiefling appears as a shad-
owy humanoid shape filled with dark,
roiling clouds. At 5th level, the PC can
activate this power twice a day.
Darkness (5): Once a day, the PC can
cast darkness 15 radius.
Electricity save bonus (5): The PC
gains +2 bonus to all saves vs. electrical
attacks.
Fiendish hide (15): The PC can be hit
only by weapons enchanted to +1 or
better.
Fiendish wings (10): The PC sports a
large pair of leathery, fiendish-looking
wings from his back that allows flight
(MV 15, MC C).
Fire save bonus (5): +2 bonus to all
saves vs. fire.
Gas resistance (10): The PC suffers
half damage from gas attacks.
Hellraiser (10): The PC is invigorated
when on any of the lower planes, provid-
ing a temporary boost to his prime
attribute (1d4 points added to prime
attribute ability score). A PC with more
than one prime attribute, such as a multi-
classed PC, has only one attribute deter-
mined randomly raised in this way. This
boost cannot be made permanent and
ends once the PC leaves the lower planes.
Hordling bloodline (10): The PCs
hordling ancestry has granted the PC an
unpredictable magic resistance. Every
24 hours, the PC rolls a 1d6 to deter-
mine his magic resistance for the day
(1 =1%; 2=50%; 3=10%; 4=15%; 5=30%;
6=60%).
Howl from pandemonium (10): Once
a day at 5th level, tiefling can emit a
mind-jarring howl that affects all beings
within 30 of the PC as if targeted by a
chaos spell.
Infravision (5): The PC possesses
infravision to 60.
+1 to the Intelligence/Knowledge sub-
ability.
DRACN #235 17
Lower planar regeneration (10):
While on any of the lower planes, the PC
regenerates 1 hp/round.
Poison save bonus (5): The PC gains
+2 to all saves vs. poison.
Reason bonus (10): The PC raises
Intelligence/Reason sub-ability by +1.
Styx resistance (10): The PC, like
many denizens of the lower planes, is
immune to the memory-sapping waters
of the River Styx.
Tanarric bloodline (15): The PC is
immune to all forms of electricity.
Tanarric powers - minor (10): Once a
day, the tiefling can employ heat metal,
scare, or suggestion. At 7th level, tiefling
can enact all these abilities once a day.
Tanarric powers - major (15): Once a
week, the tiefling can employ telekinesis,
true seeing, or vampiric touch. At 9th level,
the tiefling can enact all these abilities
once a week.
Telepathy (5): At will within a 20
radius, the PC can communicate tele-
pathically with any fiend or being pos-
sessing the tieflings alignment.
Teleport without error (15): At 7th
level, the PC can teleport without error
once a day. This ability take one full turn
to activate and is ruined for that day if
the tiefling is disrupted in any way.
Undetectable lie (5): Once a day, the
PC can speak an undetectable lie (reverse
of detect lie).
Yugoloth bloodline (15): A bizarre
cross breeding between one of the
tieflings human progenitors and a
yugoloth resulted in the PC being
immune to acid.
Yugoloth powers - minor (10): Once
a day, the tiefling can employ alter self,
charm person, or spectral force. At 7th
level, the PC can enact all these abilities
once a day.
Yugoloth powers - major (15): Once
a week, the PC can polymorph self, warp
wood, or wind walk. At 9th level, the PC
can enact all these abilities once a week.
Racial weakness options: Some
tieflings inherit weaknesses from their
Lower Planar ancestors. Tiefling PCs
may select from the following racial
weaknesses to earn bonus points.
Fiendish weakness (5): The PC suffers
double damage from cold attacks.
Holy water vulnerability (5):
Tieflings fiendish ancestry makes him
especially vulnerable to holy water. A
direct hit causes 2d4 hp damage, while
a splash does 1d4.
Silver vulnerability (5): The PC suffers
double damage from all silver weapons.
Upper planar disorientation (5): The
tieflings fiendish nature is at odds with
the pure goodness found in the Upper
Planes. On the Upper Planes of Good,
tiefling is sickened and weakened suf-
fering a -4 to THAC0 and AC as well as
a -4 to all surprise checks.
5tandard PC raccs
Players creating planar PCs with one
of the standard character races can
select any option for their particular race
from both the S&P handbook and from
the list of planar options below. The
number of CPs for each race remains
unchanged from S&P.
AddItInna! dwarvcn abI!ItIcs
Enlarge/reduce (5): The PC can
enlarge or reduce himself as the wizard
spell once a day.
Lower resistance (10): The non-magi-
cal nature of planar dwarves can be har-
nessed to adversely affect other beings.
At 5th level, the PC can cause one being
to be affected by lower resistance once
a day.
Magic resistance (10): PC has 10%
magic resistance.
Pebble to boulder (5): At 5th level,
the dwarf may cast pebble to boulder
once a day.
Planar sense (5): Being creatures of
the earth, dwarves are naturally attuned
to the lands they travel upon. At will, the
PC can determine which outer plane he
is on as well as how many layers
beneath the first layer of the plane he is.
The PC does not gain any other knowl-
edge of the plane (i.e. planar ruler, local
inhabitants, etc.).
Rockform (10): Once a day, the PC can
assume the form of a large rock or small
boulder the same size as the dwarf. The
dwarf may remain in rock form for 1
hour per level of the PC. When the PC
reverts back to his normal dwarf form, he
is healed of 2d8+6 hp damage. While in
rock form, the dwarf is virtually immune
to standard weapon attacks but may be
harmed by other means such as mining
equipment, being thrown by a giant.
Stone-affecting spells cast on a dwarf in
rockform affect the dwarf in the same
manner such spells affect a being under
the effects of a meld into stone spell.
AddItInna! c!vcn racIa! abI!ItIcs
Animal/plant form (10): Closer to
nature than perhaps any other PC race,
the elf has developed the ability to cast
polymorph self (natural animals only) or
tree once a day.
Detect undead (5): As champions of
life, most elves despise undead as an
unnatural abomination and seek to
destroy them where possible. The PC
can detect undead as per the spell once a
day for every three levels possessed.
Invoke wild surge (5): Elves, being a
magical and mostly chaotic race, can
combine these two traits to cause spec-
tacular results. Once a day for every five
levels, the PC can cause a wild surge to
happen to a spellcaster in the process of
casting a spell within 20. This power
cannot affect innate abilities.
sesses 10% magic resistance. This
option may not be taken with the elven
resistance to charm spells option.
Power of life (20): The PC is immune
to death magic and level draining spells
and attacks such as those from undead.
The PC is not immune, however, to
aging effects such as an attack from a
ghost or a haste spell.
Withdraw (5): The long-lived elf
approaches each situation with tact and
caution making the best possible use of
time. Once a day, the PC can cast with-
draw.
AddItInna! gnnmIsh abI!ItIcs
Etherealness (10): From any prime
material world, inner plane, or demi-
plane, the PC may enter the Border
Ethereal of the Ethereal Plane at will
twice a day. Likewise, a gnome in the
Border Ethereal can enter any bordering
plane twice a day.
Dreamweaver (10): Once a day, the
PC can cast phantasmal force. At 3rd
level, this power improves as the
gnomes understanding of illusions
becomes greater allowing the PC to now
cast spectral force once a day. At 9th
level, this ability becomes even more
enhanced allowing the gnome to cast
advanced illusion, programmed illusion, or
mirage arcane once a day.
Illusion resistance (5/20): The PC
receives 30% resistance to illusion/
phantasm magic for 5 points. For 20
points, the gnome is immune to all illu-
sion/phantasm magic.
Magic resistance (20): Gnome starts
off with 20% magic resistance that
improves by 5% for every level after
3rd. This cannot be combined with
Illusion Resistance.
Non-detection (15): The PC is perma-
nently protected by non-detection.
Shadow wielder (15): At 5th level, the
gnome can cast shadow magic or shadow
monsters once a day. At 9th level, this
18 NVLMBLR 1996
ability is enhanced via the gnomes
greater understanding of illusory magics
and the PC can cast either demi-shadow
magic or demi-shadow monsters once a day.
Summon earth elemental (15): At 6th
level, once a day, the PC can summon an
earth elemental as the conjure earth ele-
mental priest spell with no chance of the
gnome losing control of the elemental.
AddItInna! ha!f!Ing abI!ItIcs
Alter self (5/10): Once a day, the PC
can alter self. For 10 points, the PC can
polymorph self once a day.
Alternate reality (15): The PC can cast
the wild magic spell, alternate reality,
once a day.
Chaos shaper (5): The PC receives the
chaos shaping proficiency. All attempts to
shape land in Limbo automatically suc-
ceed, and the halfling can shape double
the amount of land normally allowed.
Chaos shield (5): Some halflings have
developed an innate (some say vital)
resistance to wild magic. Once a day for
every five levels, the PC can cast chaos
shield to protect himself from all wild
surges regardless of where they originate.
Limbo friend (5): The PC is recog-
nized as a native of Limbo and looked
upon as a fellow chaos supporter by
other natives (i.e., slaadi, githzerai, etc.)
receiving a +4 to all reaction modifiers
should those natives care at all to parley
with the halfling.
Magic resistance (10): The PC has
10% magic resistance (option cannot be
combined with wild resistance option).
Wall of fog (5/10): Once a day, the PC
can use his smoking pipe to create a
wall of fog. For 10 points, halfling still
uses his pipe to produce a wall of fog but
upon reaching 8th level can produce
solid fog once a day.
Wild resistance (5): The PC possesses
30% magic resistance to wild magic
spells, the effects of wild surges, and
priest spells from the sphere of chaos.
AddItInna! ha!f-c!f abI!ItIcs
Ancestor ability (5+): The PC can
select any one ability from either the elf
or human list of options but must pay an
additional 5 points over the original cost
of the option. This option may be taken
only once.
Appeasement (5): The PC deeply
respects and defers to both human and
elven society, gaining a +4 modifier to
all reactions with these two races.
Life protection bonus (5): The PC
gains +1 to all saves vs. death magic
and life-draining attacks.
Racial appearance (5): The PC
appears for all-intents and purposes as a
member of one of his parents race
(either human or elf). The PC will never
be mistaken for a half-elf or as a mem-
ber of the other parents race.
Survivor (10): Not fully accepted by
either human or elven society, the soli-
tary PC learned to rely mainly on himself
and has thus developed unusual sur-
vival abilities. Once a day, the PC can
cast know alignment, invisibility, or silence
15 radius. At 9th level, the half-elf can
cast all these abilities once a day.
Urban sense (5): The PC is a tough
urban survivor having had to hone his
skills to find out pertinent information
fast. The PC has a base 40% + 5%
chance per level of knowing the answer
to any general question concerning Sigil
or any of the gate-towns (portals, local
law, ruler, etc.). Of course, many burgs
have secrets that no berk will ever get
the dark on.
AddItInna! ha!f-ngrc abI!ItIcs
Alteration resistance (5): The PC is
30% resistant to magic from the school
of alteration.
Club bonus (5): A half-ogre who is
proficient with a club inflicts double
damage on a successful attack that
exceed the to hit roll by more than 4.
Humans not so bad (5): The PC has
learned enough of his human parents
customs to gain a general acceptance
with humans. PC gains a +4 reaction
modifier when dealing with humans.
Necromantic resistance (5): The PC
receives 30% resistance to necromantic
magic.
Ogres good, humans bad (10): The PC
has honed his fighting skills against
those particularly troublesome humans,
elves, half-elves, aasimar, and tieflings.
PC gains a +2 to hit and damage when
fighting any of these annoying races.
Super hit points (15): The robust PC
receives a bonus 2 hit points at every
level advance.
AddItInna! ha!f-nrc abI!ItIcs
Battle Rager of Acheron (10): Once a
week, the PC may choose to enter a bat-
tle-rage whereby during a battle, PC
fights to -15 hps or until all foes in sight
are slain. After either condition is met,
the half-orc is rendered unconscious but
is also instantly healed to 1 hp if 0 hp or
less. Once unconscious, the PC cannot
be revived by any means but eventually
will awaken in 1d4 turns. Some sages
attribute this ability to a bizarre influ-
ence emanating from Acheron targeting
those of orcish descent.
Chaos foe (5): The PC gains +1 to all
saves from spells cast by chaotic beings,
spells having chaos as an end result
such as confusion and chaos, or priest
spells from the law sphere.
Eye of Gruumsh (10): At 2nd level,
once a day, the PC can know alignment,
detect lie, or detect magic. At 8th level, the
PC can enact each ability once a day.
Gruumshs speedy blessing (10):
Once a day in battle only, the PC can
move as if hasted for as many rounds as
levels possessed. The half-orc does not
suffer any aging from this power.
Law warrior (10): Once a day, the
half-orc can cast one priest spell from
the combat, war, or law spheres. The PC
can only cast a spell that is normally
available to a priest of the same level.
For example, a 5th level half-orc fighter
could cast one priest spell up to 3rd level
but no higher. When he reached 7th
level, the half-orc could then cast one
spell up to 4th level.
Magic resistance (10): The PC receives
10% magic resistance.
Revitalized slayer (5): The PC is invig-
orated with every kill in battle. For every
being slain by the half-orc, the PC is
healed of 2 hp of damage (but cannot
exceed PCs maximum total). This is a
reward from Acheron for the half-orcs
proven battle prowess.
AddItInna! human abI!ItIcs
Astral walker (10): Once a day, the PC
and up to 1 companion per level can
enter the astral plane from the first layer
of any outer plane (excluding Sigil). This
ability takes one round to enact but
works only on the outer planes.
Detect fiend (5): Some stalwart
humans are always on guard against
the seemingly ever-present fiends. At
will, the PC can detect all fiends within
30 x 10 path in front of him even if the
fiend has assumed a different form. This
power takes one round to scan a direc-
tion and the PC cannot engage in any
other behavior.
Detect scrying (5): Some humans are
very sensitive to divination magics
directed at them. Once a day, the PC can
detect scrying.
Evocation resistance (5): The PC has
30% resistance to invocation/evocation
magic.
Free actor (10): Once a day, the
human can cast free action on himself.
Magic resistance (5/10): Human
receives 2% magic resistance for every
DRACN #235 19
level possessed. For 10 points, the PC
receives a 3% magic resistance per
level. This ability cannot be combined
with evocation resistance.
Plane lover (5): The PC is enamored of
a handful of native races living on the
outer planes. The PC gains a +4 modifier
to all reactions when dealing with good
celestials, evil fiends, or the neutral beings
(modrons, slaadi and rilmani). The player
chooses one group only. Such infatua-
tions sometimes lead to the births of aasi-
mar, alu-fiends, cambions, and tieflings.
True seer (10): The human has been
gifted with a precious enhanced vision.
PC can cast true seeing (priest version)
once a day.
4. Character classes
Each class has a standardized pack-
age of abilities found in the PHB which is
also duplicated here for easy reference.
Players may opt to take the standard list
of skills or customize their PCs using the
abilities listed here. More information
concerning each class (such as allowable
weapons and armor, level limits, and
minimum requirements) may be found
in PHB or S&P.
Class
Warrior
Fighter
Paladin
Ranger
Rogue
Bard
Thief
Priest
Cleric
Druid
Wizard
Mage
Specialist
Points Allotted
15
60
60
80
80
125
100
40
30
A!! c!asscs
All classes can select the following
ability:
Weapon specialization: PC has the
ability to specialize in a single weapon
but the CP cost for acquiring the special-
ization must be met in addition to pay-
ing for this option. This cost varies
depending on the class chosen: Fighter
5 CPs; Paladin, Ranger, or Bard 10 CPs;
Thief, Cleric, Druid, or Mage 15 CPs;
Specialist Wizard 20 CPs.
WarrInr c!ass
Optional restrictions
All sub-classes of warrior can gain
bonus points by accepting voluntary
restrictions on normal warrior abilities.
Limited armor (5/10/15): The PC with
this restriction is limited in his selection of
armor. If the PC is restricted to chainmail
or lighter armor, this restriction gives 5
CPs; if limited to studded leather or lighter
armor, PC gains 10 CPs; and if the PC
refuses to wear any armor at all, he gains
15 CPs. All warriors may still use a shield.
Limited weapon selection (5): The PC
is limited in his choice of weapons. He
can gain proficiency with weapons in
only one of the following groups: melee
weapons (no missile weapons allowed);
priest weapons; rogue weapons.
Limited magical item use (5+): The
PC refuses to use certain categories of
magical items. For each category that is
barred to him, he gains 5 CPs. The cate-
gories are: potions, oils, and scrolls;
rods, staves, wands, and miscellaneous
magical items; weapons; and armor.
FIghtcr
Standard abilities: Attract followers,
weapon specialization.
1d12 for hit points (10): The PC rolls
d12 for hit points.
Attract followers (5/10): The PC at 9th
level gains followers as described in the
PHB if he establishes a stronghold. The
10-point option allows him to attract fol-
lowers whenever he establishes a
stronghold, regardless of level. DMs
should adjust the racial make-up of fol-
lowers to adequately reflect the
Planescape setting.
Blood warrior (10): The PC believes
that the true path to becoming the finest
warrior lies in pitting his skills against
the eternally warring fiends especially
fighting them where they war the most
in the Blood War. When fighting
fiends anywhere, the PC becomes an
awesome fighting machine as he revels
in his true element. Fighter gains a +2 to
hit and damage against all fiends, and
receives a +2 bonus to AC.
Leadership (5): The PC is able to lead
large number of troops in battle (up to
Building (5): The PC knows how to
construct heavy war machines, siege
engines, and siege towers.
Defense bonus (10/15): The PC gains a
+2 bonus to AC if unencumbered and
unarmored: For 15 points, AC bonus is +3.
Improved THAC0 (10): The PC begins
life better suited to fight than most by
having an improved THAC0. The PC
starts with a THAC0 of 18 at 1st level that
improves by 1 for every level advance.
Increased movement (5): The PC is
quicker than most and adds a +3 to
movement rate.
100 soldiers per level). The PC knows
how to use messengers and signals, is
familiar with military terminology, and
understands the mechanics of moving
large numbers of troops.
Move silently (10): A PC with this abili-
ty can move silently like thieves. The
chance of success is equal to PCs
Dexterity score added to the PCs level. In
order to move silently, the PC cannot
wear any armor greater than studded
leather. All other thief penalties also apply.
Multiple specialization (10): The PC
with this ability can specialize in as
many weapons as desired provided that
the CP cost is met for each individual
specialization.
Planetouched (10): The PCs body is
charged with a curious planar energy
that temporarily renders non-magical
weapons the fighter wields into a
magical weapon (so long as the fighter
maintains physical contact with the
weapon). For every 4 levels of the fight-
er, the non-magical weapon gains a
magical +1 bonus to hit and damage
(i.e., +1 at 1st level, +2 at 5th, etc., to a
maximum of +5).
Poison resistance (5): The PC gains
Proficiency ease (5): By spending 5
CPs now, the fighter can cut the cost of
all weapon proficiency costs in the future
(including all forms of mastery) by 50%.
Spell resistance (5): The PC gains +1
to all saves vs. spells.
Supervisor (5): The PC has the
authority to supervise the construction
of defensive works such as ditches, pits,
fields of stakes, and hastily built wooden
and stone barricades. Semi-permanent
buildings may also be constructed if
time permits.
War machines (5): The PC knows
how to operate heavy war machines
and siege engines such as ballistae, cat-
apults, rams, bores, and siege towers.
Pa!adIn
Standard abilities: Circle of power,
curative, detect evil, faithful mount,
healing, health, priest spells, protection
from evil, saving throw bonus.
All paladins have built-in restrictions
to the class, which cannot be changed,
as listed in the PHB and S&P. If the DM
allows, paladin spell restrictions listed in
PLAYERS OPTION: Spells & Magic rules may
be taken for extra CPs.
Circle of power (5): If the PC owns a
holy sword, he can project a circle of
1d12 for hit points (10): The PC rolls
d12 for hit points.
2O NVLMBLR 1996
power 10 in diameter. This circle dispels
hostile magic at a level equal to the pal-
adins experience.
Curative (10): Once a week for every
three experience levels, the PC can cure
diseases of all types.
Detect evil (5): The PC can detect evil
monsters and beings up to 60 away
simply by concentrating for one round.
The PC can perform this ability an
unlimited number of times.
Dispel evil (10): At 7th level, the PC
can cast dispel evil once per day.
Faithful mount (5): The PC can sum-
mon a steed at 4th level as per the PHB.
Fiend slayer (10): The PC is the sworn
enemy of all vile fiends and gains a +3
to hit and +3 to damage against fiends.
Gift of the Archons (15): The PC has
been honored by the archons and
rewarded with a wondrous gift. The PC
grows a large pair of feathered wings
from his back that allows flight (MV 18,
MC B). Note that any armor the PC owns
must be altered to accommodate these
celestial wings.
Healing (5/10): Once a day, the PC
can heal him or another by laying on of
hands restoring 2 hit points per level.
For 10 points, the paladin can heal 4 hit
points per level once a day.
Health (5): The PC is immune to all
forms of disease.
High wisdom bonus (5): If the PC has
the Priest Spells option, he receives
bonus spells based on his high wisdom
identical to the way clerics do.
Holy assistance (10): Once a week,
the PC can gate in 1 lantern archon per
experience level as long as the archons
are employed solely in the fight against
evil. The gated lanterns remain for 1
turn plus 1 round per paladins level.
This ability does not work in Sigil.
Holy defender (10): When on the
plane of his power (usually Mt. Celestia
but not always), the PC becomes a near
invincible defender. All magic resistance
and saving throw bonuses are doubled
and the paladins AC is improved by 4.
Lawful order (5): The PC can dictate
(as the 3rd-level priest spell in S&M) once
a day for every four levels.
Lower planar vanquisher (10): The PC
has steeled himself for taking the good
fight where fiends live and breed. The
paladin receives a +4 to all saves vs. any
naturally occurring phenomena on any
of the lower planes.
Poison resistance (10): The PC gains
Priest spells (10): At 9th level, the PC
can cast priest spells as per the PHB.
Protection from evil (5): The PC is
protected from evil by a natural aura 10
in diameter which affects all evil crea-
tures in the aura (-1 penalty to THAC0).
Resist fiendish magics (10): Paladin
gains a 2/%/level magic resistance
against any spells employed by fiends.
This resistance can be added to any
other magic resistance the paladin pos-
sesses.
Resist charm (10/15): +2 bonus to
saves vs. charm-like spells and effects.
For 15 points, the paladins saving throw
bonus vs. charm magic is +4 if the
charm is cast by any evil being from the
lower planes.
Saving throw bonus (10): +2 bonus to
all saving throws.
Turn undead (10): At 3rd level, the
paladin can turn undead as a cleric two
levels below his own level.
Rangcr
Standard ranger abilities: Attract fol-
lowers, empathy with animals, hide in
shadow, move silently, priest spells, spe-
cial enemy, tracking, two-weapon style.
If the DM allows, ranger spell restric-
tions listed in the PLAYERS OPTION: Spells &
Magic rules may be taken for extra CPs.
1d12 for hit points (10): PC rolls d12
for hit points.
Animal master (15): At 5th level, the
PC has learned how to control the nat-
ural fauna around him. Once a week,
the ranger may cast animal growth, anti-
animal shell, conjure animals, or hold ani-
mal. At 9th level, the ranger can enact
each of these abilities once a week.
Attract followers (10): At 10th level,
the PC attracts followers as per PHB or
S&P (the list of followers should be mod-
ified to include planar beings).
Bow bonus (5): +1 attack bonus with
any bow.
Climbing (10): Ranger can climb trees,
cliffs, and other natural formations
(except the Spire). Climbing score is
equal to rangers Dexterity/Balance
score plus the hide in shadows percent-
age for a ranger of his level (see table in
PHB or S&P).
Detect noise (10): Similar to the thief
abi l i ty but the ranger uses hi s
Wisdom/Intuition score plus the hide in
shadows percentage to determine his
chance of success.
Empathy with animals (10): Ranger
can approach and befriend an animal as
described in the PHB or S&P.
DRACN #235 21
Find and remove wilderness traps
(10): Ability functions similar to the thief
ability but rangers chance of success is
equal to move silently percentage.
High wisdom bonus (5): If the ranger
has the Priest Spells option, the ranger
receives bonus spells based on his high
wisdom identical to the way clerics do.
Hide in shadows (5): Wearing stud-
ded leather or lighter armor, ranger can
hide in shadows as per PHB or S&P.
Move silently (5): Wearing studded
leather or lighter armor, ranger can
move silently as per PHB or S&P.
Pass without trace (10): Ranger can
pass without trace as the druid ability.
Planar defender (10): Ranger gains a
+2 bonus to hit, to damage, and initia-
tive as well as a +1 bonus to AC when
fighting on his home plane against non-
natives of the plane.
Planar attunement (5): Ranger can
attune herself to the plane he is on and
become vividly aware of naturally occur-
ring phenomena of the plane such as
the will-sapping entropy of the Gray
Waste. This ability takes one complete
turn of uninterrupted concentration per
phenomena to be discerned.
Plant master (15): At 3rd level, the
ranger has learned how to effectively
manipulate surrounding flora and may,
once a week, cast anti-plant shell, hold
plant, plant growth, or wall of thorns. At
8th level, the ranger can enact each abil-
ity once a week.
Polymorph self (5/10): At 5th level,
ranger can polymorph self once a day
into any natural animal native to his
plane of origin. For 10 points, ranger can
polymorph into any creature he desires
within the spells limitations.
Priest spells (10): At 8th level, ranger
can cast priest spells precisely as
described in the PHB or S&P.
Savage ranger (10): The union of pla-
nar energies and the rangers relation-
ship with nature have combined to
maker him a savage fighter. Once a day,
the ranger can cast Tensers transforma-
tion on himself with the following differ-
ences: ranger uses his own THAC0 and
may fight with any weapon which he
chooses (proficiency rules still apply).
Sneak attack (10): A ranger who suc-
cessfully, hides in shadows and moves
silently can backstab an opponent as
the thief ability. A backstab is +4 to hit
and causes damage as per a thief of the
same level.
Speak with animals (5/10): Once a
day, the PC can speak with animals as
the spell. For lo-points, the ranger can
employ this ability once a day for every
three experience levels possessed.
Special enemy (10): The PC gains a
+4 to THAC0 and -4 to reaction modi-
fiers when dealing with his special
enemy. This ability is fully described in
the PHB and S&P, but the ranger may
now select planar beings as enemies
including fiends.
Tracking ability (5): The PC receives
tracking proficiency which automatically
improves by +1 for every three levels.
Two-weapon style (5): The PC can
fight with two weapons and suffer no
penalties as per the PHB or S&P.
Rnguc c!ass
Standard rogue thieving skills
Both types of rogue have access to
any standard rogue thieving skill listed
below provided that each skill is paid for
with CPs. The base values of each rogue
skill are detailed in S&P. Racial modifiers
for the standard races are also detailed
in S&P. Racial modifiers for the uniquely
planar races are found under their spe-
cific entry in the appropriate PLANESCAPE
source. Modifiers based on Dexterity
and the specific type of armor worn are
found in S&P. These skills can be
improved upon as a rogue advances in
level but these improvements vary
according to the type of rogue. Bards
begin with 20 discretionary points to
distribute among their base thieving skill
values at 1st level. At every level there-
after, the bard receives 15 points to dis-
tribute among these skills. At 1st level,
thieves begin with 60 discretionary
points that can be spent on these skills.
At every level thereafter, the thief gains
30 more points to spend on thieving
skills. Complete descriptions of these
skills are found in S&P: Bribe (5), climb
walls (5), detect illusion (10), detect
magic (10), detect noise (5), escape
bonds (10), find/remove traps (10), hide
in shadows (5), move silently (5), open
locks (10), pick pockets (10), read lan-
guages (5), tunneling (10).
ThIcf
Standard abilities: Attract followers,
backstab, climb walls, detect noise,
find/remove traps, hide in shadows,
move silently, open locks, pick pockets,
read language, scroll use, thieves cant.
Attract followers (5/10): The 5-point
option allows the PC to attract followers
at 9th level as per the PHB. For 10 points,
thief can attract followers whenever he
establishes a stronghold, regardless of
level.
Audible glamer (5): A thief often
needs to cause a diversion when he has
to slip past some annoying hardheads
or other law-enforcing berks. The PC can
cast an audible glamer once a day.
Backstab (10): The PC can attack an
opponent with a vicious backstab as
detailed in the S&P.
Backstab bonus (5): A thief who has
chosen backstab now attacks with a +6
to all backstab attacks.
Comprehend languages (5): The
planes house a tremendous number of
races and a knight of the cross-trade has
to be able to speak their languages to
get what he wants from them (usually a
profitable peel). Once a day, the PC can
cast tongues.
Dimension door (10): Berks about to
get nabbed by the law usually wish
theyd have planned some form of
escape. Some planar thieves, usually
Sigilian, have learned a sure-fire way to
escape. Once a week, the PC can
employ a dimension door. At 9th level,
the PC can enact this ability once a day.
Defensive bonus (10/15): An unar-
mored and unencumbered thief gains a
+2 to his armor class. For 15 points, the
thief receives a +3 bonus to AC.
Know faction (5): In Sigil and else-
where, lots of cutters try to hide who
they are and who they serve. This thief
has made it his business to know who
he is dealing with before he deals with
them. The thief can know faction once a
day as the Indep spell in the Factols
Manifesto.
Magic thief (10): At 7th level, the thief
can steal enchantment once a day.
Portal lock (5): If on the run, some
thieves need to keep annoying berks
like Harmonium from following them
through portals. Once a day, the thief
can attempt temporarily to shut down a
portal by casting surelock (PLANESCAPE
campaign setting).
Sense portal (10): Always looking for
a possible means to escape should the
need arise, the thief can cast warp sense
(PLANESCAPE campaign setting) once a
day.
Shadow thief (10): At 7th level, thief
can cast Lorloveims shadowy transforma-
tion on himself twice a day.
Silence (5): Once a day, the thief can
render himself silent as the 2nd-level
priest spell silence 15 radius, except only
the thief is affected.
Scroll use (5/10): At 10th level, the
thief can use magical spell scrolls as per
S&P. For 10-points, the thief can read
scrolls at any level.
22 NVLMBLR 1996
Thieves cant (5): Thief uses slang
terms when referring to illegal activities
thus letting them converse about such
dealings in the open without others
knowing what is being talked about.
Bard
Standard bard abilities: Alter moods,
attract followers, climb walls, counter
effects, detect noise, history, magical
item use, pick pockets, rally friends, read
languages, wizard spells.
If the DM allows, bard spell restric-
tions and options listed in PLAYERS OPTION:
Spells & Magic may be selected.
Attract followers (5/10): The 5-point
option allows the PC to attract followers
at 9th level as per the PHB. For 10 points,
PC can attract followers whenever the
PC establishes a stronghold, regardless
of the PCs level.
Alter moods (5): The PC can influence
reactions as described in the PHB.
Animal friendship (10): Once a day,
the bard can cast the equivalent of an
animal friendship spell by singing a song.
Charm person (10): Once a day, the
PC can cast a charm person by singing
the spell. At 9th level, the PC can cast
charm monster instead of charm person
once a day.
Charm resistance (10): The PC gains
+2 to all saves vs. charm/enchantment
spells and effects.
Counter effects (10): The PC can
counter the effects of songs and magic
used as magical attacks (including spells
cast by song mages) by performing a
counter song as described in S&P.
History (10): Bard knows a little bit of
everything as found in the PHB.
Instrumental spell casting (10): The
PC has learned how to enhance his
spells by casting them through a musical
instrument with which he is proficient.
(CPs must be spent for this proficiency
also). All spells cast through the instru-
ment are treated as if two levels higher
with regard to effect, range, etc., and
need no material components. Casting
spells in this manner increases casting
time by 1 per level of the spell.
Magical item use (10): Bard can use
magic items usable only by wizards but
with a chance of failure as per the PHB.
Priestly magic (5): The bard gains
minor access to one sphere of priestly
magic. The wizard spells option must
also be taken. Additional spheres may
be purchased as many times as desired.
Rally friends (5): Music, stories and
poetry performed by the bard can be
inspirational as in the PHB.
Song of combat (10): Once a day, the
bard can play a song of combat which
has the same effect as unearthly choir
as if he were a trio of priests. At 6th
level, the bard can sing as per the quar-
tet; at 9th level, the bard functions as if
a quintet; at 12th level, the bard sings as
an ensemble of six priests; and at 16th
level, the bard sings as if he were an
entire choir of eleven priests.
Song of discordance (10): Once a day,
a non-lawful bard can play a song of dis-
cordance on his instrument which has
the same effect as chaotic combat
except that all warriors within 10 of the
bard are affected.
Song of harmony (10): Once a day, a
non-chaotic bard can play a song of har-
mony on his instrument which has the
same effect as defensive harmony.
Sound resistance (5): +2 bonus to
saves vs. sound-based magical assaults.
Spell bonus (10): Bard gains an extra
spell per spell level if the wizard spells
option is taken.
Wizard spells (10): The bard can cast
spells at 2nd level as per the PHB and S&P.
Priest class
All priest spheres and their costs are
detailed in S&P. If the DM allows, priest
restrictions and options listed in S&P.
may be also selected to further cus-
tomize priest PCs.
OptInna! rcstrIctInns
Both clerics and druids can gain
bonus points to spend on abilities
appropriate to their sub-class by accept-
ing the following voluntary restrictions
on normal priest abilities.
Armor restriction (5+): The PC is lim-
ited in choice of armor. For 5 CPs, the
priest is restricted to chain mail or lighter
armor; for 10 points, the priest is limited
to studded leather or lighter armor; and
for 15 points, the priest may not wear
armor at all.
Limited magical item Use (5+): Any
priest with this penalty refuses to use
certain categories of magical items. The
priest gains 5 CPs for every category
selected: potions, oils, and scrolls; rings,
items; weapons and armor.
Reduced hit points (10/20): The PC
with the 10-point limitation uses d6 for
hit points. For 20 points, the PC uses d4
for hit points.
C!crIc
Standard abilities: Sphere access
(Major - All, Astral, Charm, Combat,
Creation, Divination, Elemental,
Guardian, Healing, Necromantic, Protec-
tion, Summoning, Sun, Weather), turn
undead.
Access to spheres: Clerics can pur-
chase major or minor access to the
priest spheres of magic. All clerics are
generally limited to only those spheres
of their powers portfolio.
Anchor of stability (5): The very land
of the planes, being mutable, can slide
into another plane when dominated by
the overwhelming influence of the align-
ment of those present. The PCs strong
devotion to his power acts as an anchor
for that ground and thus prevents its
movement. No planar land slips within
10 of the cleric unless that land is shift-
ing to the plane of the clerics power. (In
this case, the land slips normally).
Casting reduction (5): Clerics casting
time is reduced by 1 (to a minimum of 1)
Detect good/evil (10): Non-evil clerics
with this ability can see emanations of
evil (non-good clerics detect good) from
creatures and objects within a path 10
wide by 60 long. This power takes one
round to scan a direction and the cleric
cannot engage in any other behavior.
Detect undead (10): Clerics with this
ability can detect undead within a path
10 wide by 60 long as long as the
undead are not hidden behind stone or
other dense material. This power takes
one round to scan a direction and the
cleric cannot engage in any other
behavior.
Expert healer (5/10): The PC can cast
a bonus cure light wounds spell once per
day. With the 10-point option, the cleric
can cast a bonus cure light wounds
once a day for every three levels of
experience.
Faithful fanatic (10): All spells cast by
cleric function as if the PC were one
level higher as a reward of his devotion
to his power.
Followers (5/10): The 5-point option
allows the cleric to attract followers at
9th level as per the PHB. For 10 points,
he can attract followers whenever the
cleric establishes a stronghold, regard-
less of the his level.
Hit point bonus (10/15): The PC rolls
d10 for hit points. For 15 points, the PC
rolls d12.
Know alignment (10): Once a day,
the cleric can cast know alignment.
Nearer my power to thee (10): An
extremely strong link between the cleric
and his power exists lessening by one
the levels a cleric will drop when not on
the plane of his power.
DRACN #235 23
Path of the proxy (5): Once a day, the
cleric can call upon faith or draw upon
holy might.
Plane truth (15): The cleric is granted
the purest vision from his deity. Priest
can cast true seeing (priest version) once
a week. At 7th level, the priest can use
this ability once per day.
Resist energy drain (5): The PC gains
+1 to all saves vs. the energy drain spell
and level-draining attacks of undead.
This ability has no effect where no save
is allowed or when used in conjunction
with the negative energy protection
spell.
Resist temptation (10): The clerics
zeal and devotion to his power lessens
the chance that others can sway or influ-
ence the PC. PC gains a +2 to all saves
which might influence the PCs mind
such as charm/enchantment spells and
psionics.
Spell duration increase (10): The
duration of all non-instantaneous spells
cast by the PC increases by 1 round for
every 2 of the clerics experience levels.
Sphere bonus (6+): The cleric can
purchase either major or minor access
to one sphere of priest spells that nor-
mally lies outside his powers portfolio.
The cost is twice the standard cost listed.
Sphere focus (10): Any spells in one
sphere of the clerics choice are cast as if
the PC were two levels higher. This may
be combined with the Faithful Fanatic
option.
Turn undead (10): Cleric is granted
powers over undead as per PHB or S&P.
Warrior-priests (10): Clerics with this
option use the warrior Strength and
Constitution bonuses for exceptional
scores.
Weapon allowance (5): A cleric with
this option can use a favored, edged
weapon of his deity. PC must also pay
for proficiency for the weapon.
Wizardly priests (15): Cleric gains
access to one school of wizard spells
and can cast them as if they were cleri-
cal spells. This includes the more stylized
wizard schools such as elemental magic
or even wild magic.
Wondrous healer (15): All cure
wounds cast by the cleric heal to their
maximum potential.
DruId
Standard abilities: Communicate,
fire/electrical resistance, identify, immu-
nity to charm, pass without trace,
shapechange, sphere access (Major -
All, Animal, Elemental, Healing, Plant,
Weather; Minor - Divination)
Access to spheres: The standard
druid selection of spells costs 60 CPs or
the druid can purchase access to the
spheres just like clerics do.
Alignment change (10): Once a day,
the druid can temporarily neutralize one
being by changing its alignment to the
least extreme alignment - true neutral.
On a failed save vs. spells, the being so
affected has its alignment changed to true
neutral for the next 2d6 hours and acts
accordingly. This change can severely
complicate the lives of extremists such as
paladins and fiends, which is precisely
what the druid wishes to accomplish.
Alter beasts (10): Once a day at 7th
level, the druid can polymorph other
another being into a woodland creature.
Analyze balance (5): The druid can
analyze balance at will.
Animal friendship (5): Once a day,
the druid can cast animal friendship.
Cold resistance (5): +2 to all saves vs.
cold or ice-based attacks.
Communicate (10): The druid can
learn one language per level of one
group of creatures from a related group
of racial tongues. A druid could learn the
languages of woodland and sylvan
races or the languages of the neutral
planar beings such as rilmani, modrons,
eladrin, slaadi and yugoloth.
Elemental sphere bonus (5/20):
Elemental spells cast by the druid are
treated as if the PC were one level high-
er. For 20 points, the druids own body
also serves as an all-purpose elemental
power key enabling all elemental spells
cast by the druid to reach their fullest
potential anywhere in the planes.
Fire/electrical resistance (5): The PC
gains +2 to all saves vs. fire and electri-
cal attacks.
Hide in shadows (5): Druid can hide
in shadows as per the ranger ability with
the same chance of success as a ranger
(see ranger).
Hit point bonus (10/15): Druid rolls
d10 for hit points. For 15 points, the
druid rolls d12 for hit points.
Identify (5/10): At 3rd level, the druid
can accurately identify plants, animals,
and clean water from his native plane.
The 10-point option allows the druid to
accurately identify plants, animals and
clean water from other planes but
because of the druids unfamiliarity with
flora and fauna from other planes, he
may fail at an identification attempt.
Chance of success equals 40% +
5%/level.
Immunity to charm (5/10): At 7th
level, druid is immune to charm spells
cast by woodland creatures from his
own plane and the plane of his deity as
per the PHB. The 10-point option gives a
druid this immunity at 1st level.
Immunity to disease (10): With this
option, the druid is immune to all natural
diseases.
Keeper of the balance (10): When
fighting against creatures of extreme
alignments (LG, CG, LE, & CE), the druid
gains a +2 bonus to hit, damage, and
initiative as well as receiving a +2 to all
saves from spell attacks by those beings.
Move silently (5): Druid can move
silently as per the ranger ability with the
same chance of success as a ranger (see
ranger).
Outlandish defender (10): On the
Outlands, the druid becomes an awe-
some defender receiving a +4 bonus to
armor class and doubling all magic resis-
tance and saving throw bonuses.
Pass without trace (5): At 3rd level, a
druid moving at his normal movement
rate can pass without trace at will as per
the spell.
Planar native (10): This powerful
option allows a PC to attune his body to
any outer plane he is on, providing him
with special benefits. The PCs neutral
alignment is masked and for purposes
of divination appears to be the align-
ment of the plane he is on. The PC also
does not drop in level if his power is on
another plane. The PC gains a +1 to all
saves vs. natural phenomena of the
plane he is on.
Portal affinity (5): Druid can cast
warp sense (campaign setting boxed set)
once a day.
Purify water (5): Druid can cast purify
food and drink once a day.
Secret language (5): Druid knows a
secret language that only druids and ril-
mani know.
Sense plane slippage (5): While on
any of the Outer Planes, the druid
becomes instantly aware of any large-
scale plane slippage from one plane to
another as it occurs (large-scale being
about he size of a gate-town). The druid
learns where the slipping begins and
where the land is headed. Additionally,
the druid instantly becomes aware of
when he steps on any land that has
slipped if the slippage occurred within
the past 100 years (druid also learns
where the slipped land originated).
Shapechange (10/15): At 7th level,
druid can shapechange into a natural ani-
mal as described in PHB or S&P. For 15
points, the druid can shapechange start-
ing at 5th level.
24 NVLMBLR 1996
Spire sense (5): On the Outlands, the
druid is instantly aware of when he
crosses any of the nine rings surround-
ing the spire that restrict magic use.
WIzard c!ass
Both mages and specialist wizards
have similar characteristics attributable
to both sub-classes. The below listed
options are available to all wizards in
addition to other options particular to
each sub-class. If your DM approves,
additional options for wizards found in
S&M may also be purchased.
WIzard nptInns
Armored wizard (5/10/15): As a 5-
point ability, the wizard may wear
padded armor. For 10 points, the wizard
may wear leather, studded leather, hide,
or brigantine armor. For 15 points, the
wizard may wear any armor desired.
Wizards are not allowed to use shields.
Automatic spells (5): When a wizard
with this option gains access to a new
level of spells, the wizard automatically
acquires a spell for that level. Specialist
wizards may only select spells belonging
to their chosen school.
Bonus spells (10): Wizard may memo-
rize 1 additional spell per spell level.
Bonus spells memorized by specialists
must belong to the wizards specialty
school.
Casting reduction (5): Wizards cast-
ing times are reduced by 1 (to a mini-
mum of 1).
Combat bonus (10): Wizard fights
with a priests THAC0.
Detect magic (10): This ability allows
the wizard to detect magic once a day
for every two levels of the wizard.
Dispel magic (10): Wizard can cast dis-
pel magic once a day for every five levels
possessed.
Extend duration (10): The duration of
all non-instantaneous spells increases
by 1 round for every 2 experience levels
of the generalist mage. If taken by a spe-
cialist, this option extends a non-instan-
taneous spells duration by 1
round/level but the spell must belong to
the wizards specialty school.
Greater hit die (10/15/20): For 10
points, the wizard rolls d6 for hit points.
For 15 points, the wizard rolls d8 for hit
points. With the 20-point option, the
wizard rolls d10 for hit points.
Immunity (10+): A wizard with this
power gains complete immunity to one
particular spell, at a cost of 10 CPs plus 1
CP per spell level. The wizard ignores the
effects of the spell and cannot be directly
damaged or harmed by the spell. The
wizard may gain immunity to a group of
related spells by spending CPs to become
immune to the highest level spell in that
group, so a wizard who wanted to
become immune to all charms (charm per-
son, charm monster etc.) would spend 18
CPs for immunity to mass charm.
Range boost (5): The reach of all
ranged spells (other than 0, self, or
touch) from one school selected by the
wizard is increased by 25%. Specialty
wizards must apply this option to their
chosen school.
Read magic (5): Wizard can read
magic once a day for every two levels
possessed.
OptInna! rcstrIctInns
Both mages and specialists may
select from the following limitations to
gain CPs to spend on other abilities.
With their DMs approval, players may
opt to select other wizard limitations in
S&P.
Learning penalty (5+): Wizard suffers
a -15% penalty when trying to learn
spells in all schools of magic except one
school which the wizard exempts from
this penalty. Specialists must exempt
their chosen school.
Limited magical item use (5+): The
PC with this penalty refuses to use cer-
tain categories of magical items. The
wizard gains 5 CPs for every category
selected: potions, oils, and scrolls; rings,
items; all weapons and armor.
More opposition schools (5+): The PC
with this restriction may choose to take
additional opposing schools, gaining 5
points for each school in opposition to his
specialty. Only standard specialty schools
as described in the PHB can be selected
as additional oppositional schools. (This
option is not available to mages).
Reduced hit points (10): Wizard uses
d3 for hit points rather than d4.
Weapon restriction (3/5): For 3
points, the wizard may never have a
weapon proficiency. For 5 points, the
wizard can never wield a weapon even
to save his life. This last restriction is not
limited to weapons wholly created by
the wizards spells such as ice knife.
Magc
Standard abilities: Access to all
schools.
Access to all schools: It costs 40
points for a mage to have access to all
eight standard schools of magic.
DRACN #235 25
PIunuv voIIcIency summuvy
Proficiency
General
Chaos Shaping
Planar Direction Sense
Planar Sense
Planar Survival
Plane Knowledge
Portal Feel
Wizard/Priest
Planology
Spell Recovery
cost Initial Rating Ability Reference
4
8
Wisdom/Intuition PWH
3 7 Wisdom/Intuition PWH
3 6 Wisdom/Intuition PWH
4
4
5 Intelligence/Knowledge PWH
5
Intelligence/Knowledge FM
5 3/1 Intelligence/Reason PWH
4 7 Intelligence/Reason PWH
5 3 Intelligence/Knowledge PWH
are more effective against creatures of a
Ethos focus (10): The mages spells
specific ethos, who suffer a -2 to saving
throws vs. the mages spells. Only crea-
tures whose alignment falls into one of
the following groups are affected: law-
ful, chaotic, or neutral good/evil.
Spell option was taken, the specialist
now receives a second bonus spell per
Extra bonus spell (10): If the Bonus
spel l l evel provi ded that the spel l
belongs to his chosen school.
Focused magic (10): Most beings in
the planes have some form of magic
resistance which makes it difficult for
wizards to use offensive spells. The wiz-
ard has enhanced his spellcasting to
attempt to overcome that magic resis-
tance. Once a day, any being targeted
by a spell cast from the specialists cho-
sen school is first treated as if affected
by lower resistance for that spell only.
Planar safeguard (10): The mage has
developed a magical resistance (2%/
level) against spells cast by all beings
originating from one plane of existence
as chosen by the player. This resistance
can be added to any magic resistance
the PC already possesses.
Planar sympathy (10): The wizard is
attuned to those outer planes with the
same ethos as his own (either law,
chaos, or non-lawful/non-chaotic neu-
trality). All spells cast by the wizard are
treated as if two levels higher when cast
on an outer plane of the same ethos.
Priestly wizard (10/15): For 10 points,
mage gains minor access to one sphere
of priest spells and can cast them as if
they were wizard spells. For 15 points,
the mage gains major access to that
sphere.
Resistance to sleep and charm (5): +1
bonus to all saving throws vs. sleep and
charm.
Stay enchantment (5): Weapons
used by the mage do not suffer a magi-
cal plus loss when brought to other
planes as the wizard is able to sustain
the weapons magical enchantment. A
weapon not in the wizards grasp is
unaffected.
Warrior wizard (10): The mage enjoys
the benefits of a high constitution score
the same as warriors.
5pccIa!Ist wIzard
Standard abilities: Specialty school
and accompanying schools (no point
cost), automatic spells, bonus spells,
intense magic, learning bonus, research
bonus, saving throw bonus.
Specialized wizards as listed in the
PHB have the following penalty (which is
not mandatory) when selecting options
and limitations: learning penalty.
Intense magic (5): If a specialist wiz-
ard casts a spell from his chosen school,
the targets of that spell suffer a -1 saving
throw penalty. This option may be pur-
chased several times with a cumulative
effect.
Learning bonus (5): +15% bonus
when attempting to learn new spells
bel ongi ng to the wi zard s speci al ty
school.
Magic resistance (10): Specialist gains
10% magic resistance against magic
from his specialty school which may be
added to any other magic resistance.
No components (10): The ability to
designate one specialty-school spell per
character level as a spell that does not
require material components.
Planar strength (10): On his home-
plane, spells of his chosen school cast by
the specialist have their effects doubled.
Research bonus (5): When attempt-
ing to research and create a new spell
belonging to his specialized school, the
spell is treated as one level lower than
its actual level.
Saving throw bonus (5): +1 bonus on
saving throws vs. spells cast at wizard
from school of speci al i zati on. Thi s
option may be purchased several times
with a cumulative effect.
Specialty bonus (10): All spells in the
wizards chosen school cast by the spe-
cialist are treated as if the wizard were
two levels higher for purposes of dam-
age, duration, etc.
Specialty sense (5): The specialist is
very much in tune with his specialty
school and instinctively knows how the
physical conditions on any plane will
affect spells from his chosen school. This
knowledge comes to a wizard within
1d3 turns upon arrival on a plane.
5. Character kits
Theoretically, any kit currently exist-
ing in any campaign setting may be
taken by a PLANESCAPE PC. Players should
keep in mind that some PC kits have
been specifically designed for play sole-
ly on a specific campaign world (such as
the Athasian advanced being or the
Mystaran inheritor). It is understandable
therefore that their presence on the
pl anes mi ght be di ffi cul t to j usti fy.
Players should seek their DMs approval
before using any kits. The PWH lists
seven new kits exclusively designed for
the Planescape campaign: Planewalker
Warrior, Planewalker Wizard, Plane-
wal ker Pri est, Pl anewal ker Rogue,
Abyssal Warrior, Floating Sorcerer, and
Hinterland Bandit.
6. Nonweapon proficiencies
At this stage of PC development,
players spend points on nonweapon
proficiencies and traits. Standard non-
weapon proficiencies by point cost are
listed in S&P and S&M. PLANESCAPE war-
riors, rogues, priests and wizards receive
the same number of CPs as the standard
AD&D classes given in S&P.
Ei ght uni quel y PLANESCAPE non-
weapon proficiencies have been pub-
lished to date. Their CP cost, initial rat-
ing, and reference source appear in the
table above.
7. Weapon proficiency
and mastery
All classes must consult chapter 7 of
S&P for more information on acquiring
weapon proficiencies and other weapon
skills. Planar warriors, rogues, priests,
and wizards follow the same weapons
rules as their Prime world counterparts.
8. Magic and new
schools of magic
Wi zar ds spendi ng a si gni f i cant
amount of time in the planes soon dis-
cover that nearly every spell and school
of magic in existence can be found in
the planes. New spells for wizards and
priests can be found in nearly every
PLANESCAPE reference released so far.
Some forms of magic found on spe-
cific prime worlds simply do not or can-
26 NVLMBLR 1996
not exist in the planes. Spellcasting PCs
from the BIRTHRIGHT campaign will not
be able to cast any realm spells on the
planes (or on any other prime material
world for that matter) as they are effec-
tively cut off from their domains and ley
lines. There is no magic in existence that
will connect a PC with his ley lines once
they are separated by the planes. There
is also no way to create ley lines in the
planes. Blooded PCs, however, may
enact any of their innate abilities with-
out difficulty wherever they are (unless
prohibited by the planes magical prop-
erties). Similarly, afflicted PCs from the
RED STEEL campaign can use their
cursed abilities as they wish, however,
individuals affected by the Red Curse
will soon suffer the excruciating loss of
their legacies if they stay away from the
crimson lands of the Savage Coast for
too long. DMs have the final say on
whether magic and spells unique to
some prime campaign settings will be
allowed in their Planescape campaign.
9. Psionics
Two sets of optional rules exist that
cover the creation of psionicists using the
SW method. One is found in the Sage
Advice column in DRAGON Magazine #231
while the second is in the DARK SUN
Players Option article in the DRAGON
Magazine Annual #1. The options from
these two articles are not compatible and
thus cannot be mixed and matched.
Psionicist proficiencies described in S&P
have been assigned CP values in the
DARK SUN Player's Option article.
For specifics on importing spells and
magic to PLANESCAPE that are unique to a
particular prime world (such as a
BIRTHRIGHT PCs blooded abilities), consult
the guidelines provided in the PWH. DMs
have the final say on whether such
magic will be allowed in their PLANESCAPE
campaign.
Ed Bonny reports that game dungeons
took on a whole new meaning when he
began to patrol the subterranean maze of
stations and dark tunnels called the NYC
subway system. He writes, "I was very much
attracted to the PLANESCAPE setting, not only
for letting players adventure on the planes
but also for the cosmopolitan attitude and
poseur scene that so mirrors the NYC
nightlife.
28 NVLMBLR 1996
by Ted Zuvich
by David Kooharian
n the third day, the storm broke, its rage spent. The sun
peeked out from behind dark clouds, and Captain TDo of
Description and background
In a seagoing campaign, the PCs usually own (or operate)
the Alca Torda pried his numb fingers from the helm. He either a merchant vessel or a military ship. A seagoing cam-
swayed on his feet as he surveyed the wreckage of his ship. The top
of the foremast drooped at a drunken angle, and the sails hung in
paign will probably start with the PCs as members of the ships
tatters. Broken spars snarled what was left of the rigging. Something
complement, under the nominal command of an NPC captain.
The PCs could be marines on board a military ship, or mem-
was wrong with the rudder, too, and the ship rode far too low in the bers of a merchant ships crew. At this point, the Captain of the
water for his liking. Less than hed expected though. The Alca Torda
was lucky to be afloat.
ship can send the PCs off willy-nilly on dangerous, hair-raising
special missions. As the PCs go up in levels, they may earn offi-
The crew began coming out, untying the safety lines and creep- cers rank and move up in the ship hierarchy.
ing slowly from whatever safe hideaways theyd found for them- Somewhere around 3rd to 5th level, the PCs should have the
selves, moving carefully and talking in whispers. One fellow got
down on his belly and hugged the deck and sobbed. It only took a
resources to purchase or otherwise acquire their own ship.
few moments for Captain TDo to account for the crew. Most were
Perhaps they could capture a pirate vessel during a wild sea-bat-
tle, and be given ownership as a reward. When the PCs acquire
present. But not all. their own ship, the fun really starts - as do the headaches for the
Shipmage Doroth, he croaked. Report! DM. Imagine a group of adventurers with a ship, not bound to
From the corner of his eye, he saw the misty outline of the phan-
tom sail wink out of existence. Minutes later, Doroth staggered on
any one specific location, able to come and go as they please.
Luckily, the DM can usually distract most players with an inter-
deck and stood blinking in the bright sunshine. Great dark circles sur- esting mission. The PCs will probably split up the duties on board
rounded her sea-blue eyes, circles put there by the strain of main-
taining the phantom sail for the past two days, ever since theyd lost
the new ship, taking officer positions such as captain, comman-
the real one. One of her apprentices held her by the arm, offering
der of the marines, quartermaster, etc. Shipmages are officers in
support, although he wasnt much steadier himself.
the ships chain of command, usually staffing the special
weapons and defense position.
One last thing, shipmage, said TDo, then sleep for you. Were
missing a few of the crew. Can you locate them?
Doroth simply looked at him and nodded her head, too weary to
speak unless it was necessary. She dug a silvered mirror out of a deep
pocket, and croaked soft words over it. She began counting slowly.
After a few moments she spoke, her voice broken and dry.
Shipmages have abilities that allow them to thrive in a seago-
ing scenario. The shipmage is at home on the sea, and very pow-
erful there, with abilities that enhance the ships operational
capability. A ship-mage has great powers over air and water, and
some influence over fire. Seafarers must control fire at all costs.
RcquIrcmcnts
The shipmage is a new Wizard kit for the AD&D game.
Examples of shipmages in popular fiction include the mages in
Ursula K. LeGuins A Wizard of Earthsea and the Seafolk
Windfinders in Robert Jordans Wheel of Time series. The ship-
mage is a valuable component of a ships crew, and those
ships that have one count themselves fortunate.
The idea for the shipmage kit was conceived and developed
during a long-running seagoing campaign. While seagoing
campaigns are not as common as land-based campaigns, they
occur fairly often. TSR publishes several products useful in a
seagoing campaign, such as Pirates of the Fallen Stars,
the RED STEEL setting, and the Volkrad adven-
tures published in DUNGEON Adventures.
A ship mage must meet the minimum ability requirements
for a mage, and have a Dexterity of 14 or better. A shipmage
with an Intelligence and Dexterity of 16 or better gains a 10%
bonus to earned XP. There are no racial restrictions on becom-
ing a shipmage, other than the normal restrictions on mage eli-
gibility. While most shipmages are single-class humans, there
are a few elven and half-elven fighter-shipmages.
Rn!c nf thc 5hIpmagc
Circumstances force shipmages to be largely self-sufficient,
independent-minded people. A ship usually only
has one shipmage, possibly with one or two
apprentices. Sailing vessels are at sea for
DRACN #235 31
long periods of time, so shipmages
rarely meet and converse with their own
kind. They take every opportunity to do
so, however, when the chance arises.
When two or more ships carrying ship-
mages meet, the sea-mages go to great
lengths to visit and compare notes,
spells, and stories. If the ships meet
while in harbor, the mages shuttle back
and forth between each others ships
constantly.
If five or more shipmages meet and
at least one of them is a master ship-
mage, they may declare a shipmeet by
unanimous consent. Shipmages declare
truce during a shipmeet, and none of
them raise a hand against any of the
others. They also do everything they
can to prevent their ships from coming
into conflict. The seamages use the ship-
meet to discuss spells, swap stories, and
make decisions about apprentices and
shipmage candidates.
New apprentices are sometimes liter-
ally bullied into the job. A shipmage in
need of an apprentice oftens grab a
promising member of the crew and
makes him an offer he cannot refuse.
Shipmages typically serve as apprentices
under the tutelage of an older and more
experienced shipmage until 3rd level. It is
here that the shipmage learns the duties
and responsibilities of a proper ship-
mage. Shipmages usually find their own
ships when they reach 4th level. At this
point, they are known as journeymen.
Shipmages of 9th level or higher are
known as master shipmages.
Shipmages are busy and detail-
oriented. No shipmage can afford the
luxury of being distracted or absent-
minded. Consequently, the shipmage is
an ideal role for a conscientious player
who likes to keep track of numerous
details. The shipmage needs to know
exactly what is aboard the ship at any
time, from lanterns to navigation tools
to the nature of the cargo the ship is cur-
rently carrying.
The player of a shipmage should be
prepared to make lists of crew-member
information (level, skills, rank, etc.), food-
stuffs, supplies, equipment, weapons,
and anything else onboard the ship. That
way, if the DM says you need a shovel,
you have probably got one, and you
have the list to prove it. Polka-dot paint?
Sure. Third sea-chest on the left hand
side of the secondary hold, underneath
the flea-infested camel-hair rugs.
Although the player will probably have
to make lists, it is entirely possible that
the shipmage would carry all of this
detailed information in memory, without
need to commit it to paper.
One of the shipmages prime respon-
sibilities is to keep the ship in good
working order. The shipmage uses a
combination of spells and NWPs such as
engineering, seamanship, navigation,
and ship repair (new NWP) to help main-
tain the ship. Practically the first spells
an apprentice seamage learns is mend-
ing. And the apprentice uses it every
day, without fail. Similar spells include
defect structural flaw (see below), renewal
(DUNGEON Adventures #58, Caveat
Emptor), robust construction (see below),
minor creation, and major creation.
A journeyman or better shipmage is
expected to be able to navigate compe-
tently. The shipmage also has several
spells that help with navigation and
piloting, including absolute location (see
below), depthsounder (see below) and
fisheye (see below). Other spells of this
type include: locate object, clairvoyance,
and infravision.
A sailing ship suitable for a seagoing
campaign can have a crew of anywhere
from five to fifty sailors. Members of the
crew are usually 0-level or 1st-level
fighters. Some of these may be hench-
men or followers, in which case they
might be slightly higher level. The mem-
bers of the crew do the tedious but nec-
essary grunt work required to operate
the ship: swabbing decks, hauling sails,
making sail repairs, handling cargo, etc.
They also usually perform such duties as
standing watch, carrying the heavy stuff,
digging holes, chopping trees, etc. When
a sea-serpent attacks, or a fierce storm
hits, or the sahuagin stage a raid, or any
of the other numerous things that can
go wrong on an adventuring ship, the
members of the crew are usually the
most vulnerable and must be protected.
The shipmage should have a differ-
ent philosophy about spellcasting than
the normal mage. Instead of using spells
that affect only a few people, the ship-
mage should concentrate on spells that
improve the survivability of the ship and
its crew. A shipmage rarely casts a com-
bat-oriented, single-target spell such as
magic missile. Instead, the shipmage uses
spells such as affect normal fires, wail of
fog, fog cloud, levitate, rope trick, shield ves-
sel (see below), and wind wail. Shipmages
also make an effort to select long-dura-
tion spells with wide areas of effect. In
addition, please refer to the excellent
discussion in Arcane Lore: Sea Magic in
DRAGON Magazine #220 regarding stan-
dard spells usable at sea.
DMs have used the damaged ship
plot device to introduce new adventures
so often that it has become a cliche. The
wily player will work out many different
ways to circumvent or minimize the
effects of this plot device. Typical
sources of ship damage in a fantasy
campaign include monster attacks (sea
dragons, sea serpents, sahuagin), storms
(hurricanes, gales), pirates, and reefs.
What good does a hurricane anchor (see
below) do in a normal campaign situa-
tion? Very little. But at sea during a hur-
ricane with the reefs looming ever clos-
er and a sea-serpent growling at you
from the deep water, a spell like this
could save the ship. Look for mundane
ways to improve the ships odds as well.
Imagine everything that could go
wrong, and make a plan for it. Develop
a broken mast contingency plan
before the ship breaks a mast.
A shipmage also provides the means
to enhance temporarily the ships speed
and maneuverability. Players should
imagine everything that they would like
the ship to be able to do, then design
spells that make it so the ship can do it.
More speed, tighter turns, and the ability
to withstand more damage: these are all
things that can make the difference
between life and death on the high sea.
ExpcrIcncc fnr spc!!castIng
Played properly, the shipmage casts
many spells practically every day, and not
necessarily during encounters. The DM
should award XP only when those spells
make a difference. If the shipmage casts
shield vessel (see below) when the crows
nest spots an approaching ship, and the
ship turns out to be friendly, the PC should
receive no XP. On the other hand, if the
precautionary shield vessel keeps the PCs
ship from being captured by pirates, the
shipmage should receive full XP.
5hIpmagc famI!Iars
All seamage familiars must either live
on the ship or be able to keep up with
the ship. Typical familiars include: rat
(night vision), cat (excellent night vision
and superior hearing), parrot (superior
sense of taste), ship-snake (extremely
sensitive sense of smell), and seabirds
such as seagulls, albatrosses, and terns
(usually offer superior sight).
Wcapnn prnfIcIcncIcs
The shipmage uses the normal mage
proficiencies, with the exception that the
shipmage can become proficient with
the net.
32 NVLMBLR 1996
Nnnwcapnn prnfIcIcncIcs
TubIe 1: CLunce oI seII IuIIuve wItL substItute comonents
Shipmages receive seamanship as a
bonus NWP. Shipmages must obtain
Navigation by 4th level, but they must
spend proficiency slots to do so.
Recommended NWPs include: car-
pentry, direction sense, fishing, lan-
guages, rope-use, seamstress/tailor, ship
repair (see sidebar) swimming, weather
sense, engineering, and navigation.
How close is the substituted
component to the original?
Very Close
Similar
Barely related
Unrelated
Spell failure
modifier
0%
-10%
-25%
Automatic failure
Example
Sleep: sawdust for sand
Rope trick: long hair for string
Water breathing: a bottle instead of a reed or straw
NA
5pccIa! bcncfIts
In general, most strictly land-based
NWPs are forbidden or modified to
reflect the seagoing setting. A shipmage
would not learn how to ride a horse, for
example, but might learn how to ride a
dolphin or whale. Likewise, a shipmage
would not learn mining, but might learn
about pearl-farming.
Because of his close ties to the sea, the
shipmage has a +1 bonus to all saving
throws while at sea or aboard ship (even
when docked). Conversely, the shipmage
has a -1 penalty applied to all saving
throws while on land. A shipmage who
never sets foot on land (after becoming a
shipmage) receives a +2 bonus to all sav-
ing throws while at sea. This bonus goes
away once the shipmage touches land,
reverting to the normal +1/-1 forever
after. The DM should strictly enforce the
restriction on the +2 bonus.
Shipmages are prone to conduct spell
research to come up with specialty
spells. The AD&D spell system is tremen-
dousl y fl exi bl e, i f the pl ayers take
advantage of it by having their PCs con-
duct spell research.
Sailors have a long tradition of mak-
ing do in a pinch. To reflect this, the ship-
mage can substitute material compo-
nents when casting spells. In order to use
a non-standard component, the player
must first propose a reasonable substi-
tute, along with the rationale for why the
substitution should work. The substituted
component must be at least somewhat
related; attempting to use totally incom-
patible items causes spell failure. When a
seamage uses a non-standard material
component to cast a spell, there is a min-
imum 10% chance of spell failure. The
DM then modifies the base chance of
spell failure according to Table 1. For
example, a shipmage who attempts to
cast a water breathing spell using a bottle
has a 35% chance of spell failure.
New nonweapon proficiency: ship
repair (1 slot, Int +1)
This NWP allows the mage to assess the state
of the ship and direct the crew to make any nec-
essary repairs. Because of the higher level of
maintenance, a ship under the constant care of a
mage with this proficiency gains a +1 bonus vs.
any damaging attacks. The bonus is +1 for every
three levels of the mage. A 1st level mage pro-
vides a +1 bonus, a 4th-level mage provides a +2
bonus, etc. The bonus increases by a further +1 if
the mage also has the engineering NWP. The pro-
ficiency assumes that the mage uses magic such
as mending, unseen servant, levitate, and similar
spells to help make necessary repairs.
The shipmage receives the normal
mage starting allowance for money and
equipment.
Shipmages have the option of using
their ship as their spellbook. Such spell-
ships are covered with intricate carv-
ings, lacquers, paintings, murals, strange
arrangements of ropes, etc. The carvings
and decorations make up the spell infor-
mation that a mage would normally
record in a spellbook. A normal mage
cannot read spells recorded in this man-
ner, nor can a shipmage who uses a
spellship read spells recorded in spell-
books. The cost of recording the spell is
the same as i f the shi pmage had
recorded it in a spellbook. The spellship
is a very visible sign of shipmages pres-
ence and provides the shipmage with
extreme motivation to protect the ship.
The advantage of this form of spell
recording is that the spellship is more
robust than a normal spellbook. The
spells are damaged only if the ship is, and
they can be repaired just as the ship
can. The disadvantage is that it is difficult
(but not impossible) for the shipmage to
transfer to a new ship. Shipmages who
do so lose 5-25% of their spells in the
process. In addition, the transfer takes
one week per level of the shipmage.
A shipmage counts as one level higher
for purposes of determining range, area
of effect, and other level-dependent para-
meters when casting an air or water-
based spell such as wall of fog, stinking
cloud, or whispering wind. The shipmage
receives a +15% bonus to learn such
spells. A shipmage counts as one level
lower when casting fire-based spells and
receives a -15% penalty to learn such
spells. A shipmage can never cast earth-
based spells (such as stoneskin, stoneshape,
and transmute rock to mud). For example, a
5th-level shipmage casting a gust of wind
counts as a 6th-level caster. The same
shipmage attempting to cast a fireball
counts as a 4th-level caster for purposes
of determining damage dice, range, etc.
The shipmage also has the ability to
conduct spell research aboard ship,
which would normally be nearly impossi-
ble. The shipmages lab is not the tradi-
tional stark and isolated wizards tower. It
is apt to be a corner of the cargo hold, a
cabin, or perhaps even the deck of the
ship. In a sense, the entire ship is part of
the mages lab. To reflect this, 10% of the
value of the ship counts toward the value
of the shipmages lab. The shipmage
should also be something of a scavenger.
A shipmage should attempt to find at
least half a dozen strange items at every
new port. The DM should assign a mone-
tary value to these items. The shipmage
counts 30% of the value of the items
toward the value of his lab. Typical exam-
ples of strange items include: a spear
from a cannibal tribe, white sand from a
virgin beach, black sand taken from the
slopes of an erupting volcano, and the
vinegar-preserved hand of a sahuagin
raider.
5pccIa! hIndranccs
The shipmage must be a seafarer at
all times. To meet this criteria, he must
either be an active member of a ships
crew or be shipwrecked and actively
seeking to return to the sea. Those who
do not meet these criteria are allowed a
one-month grace period to find a new
ship. If this time expires, the shipmage
permanently loses all special abilities
connected with the kit. A former ship-
mage is referred to as beached, and he
is looked upon with pity and derision by
active shipmages.
Wca!th nptInns
The starting resources for the ship-
mage are the same as for a normal mage.
However, no other type of mage can
bring along what is essentially a mobile
laboratory. This can quickly become a
significant advantage for the PC.
In a seagoing campaign, the resources
available to the PCs are usually greater
than those in a normal campaign. The
PCs have a ship to carry their equipment,
even if actual paying cargo takes up part
of the ships space. At the same time, its
easy to hare off to exotic locales. The PCs
are free to run away from problems or
34 NVLMBLR 1996
seek out their own adventures. The DM
should go with this. If the PCs want to sail
through remote archipelagos in search of
lost tribes, let them. You can bring them
back around sooner or later.
FIrst-!cvc! spc!!s
Absn!utc LncatInn
(Divination)
Range: 0
Duration: Instant
Area of Effect: Caster
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 1
Save: None
Tired of being blown off-course and
having no idea where you are? This spell
provides the mage with a navigational
fix (the distance and direction) to a
known landmark. The mage must be
very familiar with the site. Suitable land-
marks include the home port, an often-
visited island, or a distinctive mountain.
The navigational fix is accurate to within
200 yards. This is not accurate enough
to navigate through shoals or reefs, but it
is good enough to determine which way
is home. The spell works over world-
wide distances but only on the home
planet of the mage casting the spell.
The material component of the spell
(not consumed) is a map of the world
worth at least 50 gp. The map does not
have to be accurate.
Cast-Irnn 5tnmach
(Evocation/Invocation)
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 hour/level
Area of Effect: one target creature/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 1
Save: None
This spell allows the recipient to eat
basically any food without fear of upset
stomach or other violent gastric protest.
This spell was developed by mages who
were attempting to establish trade con-
tacts among the many small islands of
the Archipelagos. The spell provides no
protection against the effects of alcohol
or toxins. It simply prevents unfortunate
involuntary reactions to unusual or
spicy food.
Curc Lumbcr
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Duration: Permanent
Area of Effect: 8 cubic feet/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 1 turn
Save: None
This spell takes 8 cubic feet of green
lumber per caster level and cures it, ren-
dering the green lumber ready for use.
Sea-mages rarely use this spell, although
it is in their repertoire. There is nothing
better for quick repairs when a damaged
ship barely manages to limp into some
remote deserted tropical island harbor
or bay.
The material components are a small
clay model of a lumber-drying kiln (not
consumed), a sliver of cured wood (con-
sumed).
Dcpthsnundcr
(Divination)
Range: 60/level
Duration: 5 rounds/level
Area of Effect: 10 radius cylinder, 60
long per level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 1
Save: None
This spell provides the caster with an
estimate of the water depth below the
caster and within the range of the spell.
The estimate is accurate to within 10%
of the real value. It is important to note
that the spell reports the average local
water depth within the area of effect.
This means that if the water depth var-
ied from 30 to 60 within a very small
distance, the spell would report an aver-
age depth of 45.
This spell is most commonly used to
navigate through shallow water. The
caster takes a position in the prow of
the ship, casts the spell, and then gives
steering directions.
The material component is a small
black stone, which the mage tosses into
the water while casting the spell.
Dctcct 5tructura! F!aw
(Divination)
Range: 10 per level
Duration: 1 turn per level
Area of Effect: 10 x 10 area per level
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
This spell allows the caster to detect
hidden structural flaws in items such as
ceilings, floors, armor, weapons, ships,
piers, buildings, etc. The spell is used pri-
marily to assess the structural soundness
of seagoing vessels. A shipmage who
regularly uses this spell (and acts upon
the information gathered) grants a +1
bonus to the ships saving throws vs. any
DRACN #235 35
kind of damage. Storms, weapons,
impact, swamping, etc.
The caster may move slowly (one-
quarter normal speed) while maintain-
ing the spell, but may not cast other
spells. The caster may detect flaws up to
1 deep in wood and stone, and up to 1
deep in metal. Scanning an item such
as a shield, helmet, sword, or specific
support beam, etc., requires 1 round.
Scanning an area such as a deck or
ceiling requires 1 turn per 10 x 10 area
inspected.
The material component (consumed)
is a 1 diameter unflawed steel disk with
ridges (easily made with a file) on the
outer rim, worth 1 sp.
Dcsa!Inatc
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Duration: Permanent
Area of Effect: 8 gallons/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 1 round
Save: None
Desalinate removes dissolved salts
and other contaminants from seawater.
The filtered water is potable. This spell is
not like create water, which creates
something from nothing, and desalinate
is much less effective than the priest
spell purify food and drink. However, it
will work, in a pinch. Desalinate simply
separates the desirable portion of the
seawater (water) from the undesirable
materials (dissolved salts and minerals).
Desalinate has no effect on living
creatures.
is a small piece of fine paper or cloth
(worth 1 gp) which is used as a filter.
PrcdIct TIdc
(Divination)
Range: 0
Duration: Instant
Components: S,M
Save: None
Predict tide provides the caster with a
general indication of the tides (time,
water level at high and low tides) in the
local area for the next 24 hours. The
base accuracy is 75%, plus 2% per level
of the caster. Even if the accuracy roll
fails, the most that will happen is that
there will be a slight error in the esti-
mated time or water level.
The material component (not con-
sumed) is a silver disk engraved with an
image of the moon. The disk must be
worth not less than 10 gp. On a world
with more than one moon, the spell
requires one silver disk for each moon.
Being able to magically predict the
tide is not terribly important in an area
where the tides follow regular patterns.
However, on a world with two or more
moons, this spell can be very handy
indeed.
Prcscrvc
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 year
Area of Effect: 1 cubic foot/level
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
This spell preserves food (or other
organic material, such as ropes, leather,
fat) for a period of one year. The spell
protects against normal rot or decay,
insect infestations, damp rot, etc. It pro-
vides no protection against extraordi-
nary environmental stress (magic, fire,
item left out in the sun, dumped directly
in anthill, etc.)
is a small amount of fine beeswax.
PrntcctInn frnm Rust
(Abjuration)
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 year per caster level
Area of Effect: Target object,
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
Using this spell, the mage can protect
an item from mundane rust (oxidation)
for one year per caster level. The spell
also provides a one-time bonus of +1
per three caster levels on saving throws
versus rust monster effects. The spell is
intended for use on small to medium
metal items (daggers, swords, pieces of
armor), not large metal structures.
is a specially formulated lacquer, which
the mage applies to the item to be pro-
tected. This lacquer costs not less than 5
gp per application.
A shipmage who regularly uses this
spell on the ships equipment reduces
the yearly maintenance cost of the ship
by 10%.
5trIp
(Alteration)
Reversible
Level: 1
Range: 10 + 10/level
Duration: lnstant
Area of Effect: 100 square feet/level
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
Mages use this spell to strip paint,
barnacles, ice, etc., off surfaces. The spell
can strip 100 square feet of surface of
rough work, or 10 square feet per level
of fine work such as a piece of delicate
furniture.
A cog with a deck length of 85, mod-
eled as a half-cylinder with radius 10
has approximately 2,700 square feet of
hull exposed to barnacles. Assume that
the exposed area is 80% covered, 2150
square feet. A 3rd-level mage could strip
300 square feet, or about one-seventh
of the total surface area per application.
It is difficult to see how this spell could
be turned to offensive or defensive use. It
might (with the appropriate tool) be able
to de-scale a large fish such as a pike.
is a scraping tool appropriate to the sub-
stance being scraped, i.e., a barnacle
scraper to strip barnacles off a ships
hull, or an ice scraper for scraping ice off
a sidewalk.
The reverse form of the spell, apply,
applies a layer of liquid such as paint,
pitch, caulk, etc. to a surface such as a
ships hull or deck. The apply spell can-
not be used to coat mobile creatures.
VcrmIn-ward
(Abjuration)
Range: 0
Duration: 1 week/level
Area of Effect: 100 square feet/level,
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
The vermin-ward prevents vermin
such as spiders, wasps, mosquitoes, flies,
mice, rats, small snakes, and other small
pests from entering the warded area.
Mages often use this spell to protect
grain silos and cargo holds. The mage
must trace the perimeter of the warded
area with a slurry of noxious chemicals
that costs 1 gp per 10 linear feet. The
spell consumes the material component.
Second-level spells
Anchnr
(Alteration)
Reversible
Range: Touch
Duration: Instant
Area of Effect: Target
Components: V,S,M
Save: Negates
36 NVLMBLR 1996
The anchor spell causes a ships
anchor to fully deploy in one round,
regardless of water depth. The anchor
sets well and holds the ship firmly in
place. The deployment is much faster
than a manual deployment. The ship
must be at or near a stop in order to use
this spell. The anchor spell gives ships a
+1 on saves vs. storm damage.
If used offensively (to drop the
anchor of a pursuing ship, for example),
the target ship uses the saving throw of
its captain.
The reverse of the spell, weigh anchor,
pulls up a physical anchor in a single
round. This is much faster than manually
retracting the anchor. If used offensively,
the target ship uses the saving throw of
its captain.
(not consumed) is the ships anchor.
Cn!!IsInn A!arm
(Abjuration, Evocation)
Range: 50 yards
Duration: 8 hours +1 hour/level
Area of Effect: Target vessel
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2 rounds
Save: None
This spell sounds an audible alarm if
any object larger than a small rowboat
(i.e., a reef, dock, or another ship) comes
within 50 yards of the target vessel. When
triggered, the collision alarm lets out a
piercing whistle that is clearly audible
throughout the ship, and for a half-mile
radius around the ship. Otherwise, this
spell is just like the 1st-level alarm spell.
DIskbnat
Range: 0
Duration: 1 turn/level
Area of Effect: 10 long, 5 wide oval,
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
This spell is an adapted form of
Tensors floating disk. The spell forms a
boat-like oval disk (with edges) that can
move out over water. The mage (and
other passengers) can ride in the
diskboat. The diskboat can vary in alti-
tude from 1 to 10 above sea level and
can carry 200 lbs. per level of the caster.
The diskboat is at the mercy of wind and
current, although it can be rowed, sailed,
or towed, if appropriate equipment is
available. The spell essentially forms a
small rowboat, so it does not handle
stormy weather well. The diskboat pro-
vides no special stability, and can tip
over just as a normal boat can. The
diskboat can also move over land, if
required.
The material components (con-
sumed) are a small clear disk worth not
less than 2 gp and a drop of mercury.
Fng LIght
(Evocation)
Range: 60 yards
Duration: 1 turn/level
Area of Effect: 20 radius globe
Components: V,M
Casting Time: 2
Save: Special
This spell creates a light of a particu-
lar golden-yellow hue that penetrates
fog. In even the thickest, most noxious
mundane fog, the softly glowing fog
light provides a 60 radius of illumina-
tion. In a wall of fog, the radius of illumi-
nation is 40. In a fog cloud, the radius of
illumination drops to 20. The fog right
illuminates as a torch in non-foggy con-
ditions, since the color of light is very
strange. A permanent version of fog light
exists.
This spell may be cast upon a crea-
tures visual organs, with the same
restrictions and effects as the light spell.
sumed) are as a light spell (firefly or a
piece of phosphorescent moss) plus a
small (1 x 1) piece of glass stained a
deep, translucent yellow. The stained
glass costs at least 1 gp.
Eag!c-vIsInn
(Invocation)
Range: 0
Duration: 5 rounds +1 round/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2
Save: None
The eagle-vision spell has two possi-
ble manifestations, either of which the
caster can use. The caster must specify
which version will be used when memo-
rizing the spell. The first version tem-
porarily duplicates the effect of a 20:l
telescope, under the casters mental
control. The spell manifests itself as a
slightly warped-looking piece of air in
front of the casters dominant eye. The
second version reverses the magioptic
field to produce a microscope with 20:1
magnification.
The material component (consumed) is
a piece of optical glass worth at least 1 gp.
DRACN #235 37
FIshcyc
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: Creature touched
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
The recipient of fisheye spell can see
up to 60 through water as if it were
clear air. Fisheye is extremely useful for
spotting underwater hazards such as
submerged reefs, logs, sandbars, and
argumentative sahuagin with cross-
bows. Mages also sometimes use it for
spotting other items underwater, such as
shipwrecks and schools of fish.
Note that the spell functions properly
only if there is sufficient light by which
to see. The fisheye is useless at night, nor
is it effective if the water is deep enough
to block out surface light. A shipmage
could, of course, provide a magical light
source with which to augment the use of
the fisheye spell.
is the eye of a fish, which the caster
must swallow whole.
F!amcdnusc
(Alteration)
Range: 5 yards/level
Duration: Instant
Area of Effect: 100 square feet per level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2
Save: Special
This spell is specifically designed to
put out nonmagical fires. The spell
instantly squelches all flames within the
area of effect. The flamedouse extin-
guishes torches, small campfires, a pud-
dle of flaming oil, or the secondary fires
caused by a fireball detonation. It would
not have any effect on the fireball itself.
An extremely large, hot, well-established
fire (such as a shipboard fire that has
been burning for a turn or more) might
(50%) only be reduced to half effective-
ness, but the spell instantly extinguishes
most (95%) nonmagical fires.
sumed) are a pinch of sand and a foamy
concoction worth 1 gp per application.
The material components must be
thrown at the base of the fire.
GrIpdcck
(Alteration)
Range: 0
Duration: 1 hour/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2
Save: None
A gripdeck spell improves the traction of
the deck and actually makes it grip a
sailors feet, thus reducing the chance of
being swept overboard in high winds,
storms, rough seas, extreme maneuvers, or
combat. Anyone who might be swept over-
board gains a +3 saving throw bonus. If
the event does not allow a saving throw, all
personnel now receive an unadjusted sav-
ing throw vs. paralysis to avoid being
swept or knocked overboard. Anyone who
does somehow fall overboard falls no
more than 10 from the ship.
Hc!msman
Range: 0
Duration: 1 hour +1 turn/level
Area of Effect: Helm
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
38 NVLMBLR 1996
This spell summons a disembodied
force (like an unseen servant) that main-
tains a sailing ship on a preset course. If
any navigation checks are required, the
helmsman uses the Intelligence of the
summoning mage as a basis for deter-
mining success. If the helmsman comes
across an unexpected obstacle (a reef,
or another ship), it immediately notifies
the caster. The helmsman could theoreti-
cally be adapted to control a number of
different types of transport.
is a small doll of a helmsman worth no
less than 1 gp.
Intrudcr A!crt
(Abjuration, Evocation)
Range: 0
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2
Save: None
This variant of the alarm spell wards
the whole ship. The principal difference
is that the spell wards the whole ship,
and not just a 20 cube. The spell also
has a longer duration. The caster has
the option of issuing any number of
passkeys in the form small jeweled
skeleton keys. The keys must be worth a
minimum of 10 gp. Anyone carrying a
passkey does not trigger the alarm.
The material components are the
same as those required for the alarm
spell.
5ca!
(Abjuration)
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 day per level
Area of Effect: 4 cubic feet per level
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
The caster places this spell on a chest
or other container. The chest is then
absolutely sealed against the detrimental
effects of normal environmental forces.
A sealed chest would protect the con-
tents from moisture (even immersion),
gas, heat (up until the point where the
chest caught on fire), etc. In an extreme-
ly hostile environment (such as a fire),
the sealed chest must make a saving
throw each round to retain integrity and
protect its contents. Mages often use this
spell to protect spellbooks, spell compo-
nents, and other valuable items.
sumed) is a chest worth at least 25 gp.
5tnrmsaI!
(Alteration)
Range: 60 + 10/level
Components: V,S,M
Duration: 1 hour +3 turns/level
Area of Effect: 1 sail per level
Save: None
is a small square of starched sailcloth.
This spell strengthens a sail tem-
porarily so that it does not tear in a
storm. The spell also strengthens the
mast to handle the increased load. A
stormsail allows the ship to handle a
wind 10 knots above its maximum
design speed with no possibility of struc-
tural damage. The stormsail provides no
protection above this limit.
5wIm
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: 1 creature/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2
Save: None
This spell allows the target creature to
swim (as the NWP) at MV 12, with normal
combat penalties for being in the water. If
cast on someone who has the swimming
NWP, it provides them with a +2 bonus
to any required proficiency checks.
The spell also allows the recipient to
endure ten rounds of immersion in cold
or frigid water per caster level without
the possibility of hypothermia. It does
not allow water-breathing, nor does it
provide any extra buoyancy to hold up
armor or other heavy items.
is a small air bladder, painted red.
Turn
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Duration: Instant
Area of Effect: 1 vessel
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2
Save: None
Allows a ship to turn as if it were one
maneuverability class better (see DRAGON
Magazine #116, High Seas), without
possibility of heeling, sinking, or causing
structural damage. The caster can affect
a vessel 20 long plus 10 per level. Note
that the spell only allows a tight turn, it
does not force a tight turn.
DRACN #235 39
ThIrd-!cvc! spc!!s
Crcw nf Phantnms
(Illusion/Phantasm)
Range: 0
Duration: 3 rounds/level
Area of Effect: 6 radius around targets
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
Related to mirror image, this spell pro-
vides 2d4 exact duplicates of every mem-
ber of the crew of a vessel (up to a maxi-
mum of 30 people). Each real member of
the crew must carry a small badge
worth 10 gp, identifying them as mem-
bers of the crew. The badges are not con-
sumed by the spell. Otherwise, the spell
acts as if every member of the crew had
a mirror image spell placed upon them.
Dnub!cspacc
(Alteration)
Range: 0
Area of Effect: Cube 5 on a side/level
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
The doublespace spell allows a vol-
ume of space to be two times larger
than it actually is. In addition, objects
in the doubled space have an effective
weight of half their real weight. For
example, if a 7th-level mage casts dou-
blespace on a cargo hold with a volume
of 875 cubic feet, the cargo hold would
then have an effective volume of 1,750
cubic feet. The spell is great for packing
extra cargo onto a ship and can vastly
increase the profit margins of merchant
vessels. The spell can only be used on
inanimate objects.
If the spell expires while material
remains within the folded space, or if a
successful dispel magic is cast upon the
area, disaster can occur as the material
suddenly occupies its original volume.
The doublespace immediately ceases to
function if any dimension-altering spells
or magical items (such as rope-trick, dimen-
sion-door, teleport, portable hole, or a bug of
holding) are used within the area of effect.
is a 1 wide strip of paper (worth not less
than 1 gp) twisted and joined so as to
only have one side.
Fast Travc!
(Alteration)
Reversible
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 hour +1 hour/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
This spell is usually used on seagoing
vessels, although it would work on a
riverboat or skyship as well. The spell
works by magically reducing hull friction
and augmenting sail efficiency. Typical
uses of the spell include: fleeing combat,
chasing a faster ship, running before a
storm, and making a quick passage.
The first form of the spell fast travel
causes the vessel to proceed at a speed
5% greater than its normal maximum
speed, per level of the caster. There is a
maximum speed increase of 50%. The
vessel must save vs. crushing blow once
per hour. If the save fails, the vessel
immediately drops to its maximum rated
speed and must receive major repairs at
the earliest opportunity. The repairs cost
not less than 10% of the original cost of
the vessel. The caster can cancel the spell
at any time. The caster does not need to
concentrate on this spell once it is cast.
The second form of the spell allows a
ship to proceed at 100% of its base
movement speed for the duration of the
spell, even if there is no wind.
(not consumed) is an elaborately deco-
rated hand-fan, which must be waved
for the duration of the spell (although
not necessarily by the caster). The fan
must be worth at least 30 gp.
The shipmage may reverse the first
form of this spell and use it against an
enemy ship. The reverse of the first form,
slow travel, reduces speed by 5% per level
of the caster. In this case, the enemy ship
gains a saving throw (as the captain of the
vessel) to avoid the effect of the spell.
Lncatc Pcrsnn
(Divination)
Range: 1 mile/level
Duration: 1 round/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
This spell provides the caster with a
target persons current range and direc-
tion, relative to the caster. The caster
must have an accurate description of
the target to use this spell. The base
chance of success is 5% per level of the
caster. If the caster is familiar with the
target, apply a +10% bonus to the base
chance. If the caster has a piece of cloth-
ing or other personal item belonging to
the target, add a +20% bonus. These
modifiers are cumulative.
The caster can automatically locate
anyone who is wearing any item wizard
marked with the casters personal rune.
In addition, the range of the spell dou-
bles. All wizard-marked items within
range show as small red lights in the
mirror used for the spell.
Locate person can be blocked by 10
of earth, 2 of stone, or 1 of lead. A
number of spells (such as non-detection,
aura alteration, sunctuary the interior of a
rope-trick spell effect, etc.) also block the
locate person.
(not consumed) is a fine silver mirror
worth at least 100 gp.
Phantnm 5aI!
Range: 60
Duration: Special
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
This spell summons up a ghostly sail
that attaches itself to the ship (no mast
is required). The phantom sail acts just
as a normal sail, and is great for those
times when a ship loses a sail or a mast.
The spell is adaptable to form a phan-
tom rudder, phantom keel, phantom
steering wheel, etc. It cannot form a
phantom hull, however. The phantom
sail lasts for as long as the caster can
maintain concentration.
is a small model of the equipment to be
replaced.
Rnbust CnnstructInn
(Alteration)
Reversible
Range: Touch
Duration: Special
Area of Effect: one target up to 1,000
cubic feet/level
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
This spell makes a construction
tougher and more robust for one
encounter with a damaging event such
as a storm, collision with a ship or reef,
damaging spell such as a fireball, ram-
ming, etc. The spell lasts for one
encounter, but lasts for the duration of
that encounter. While the encounter
lasts, the construction gains a +1 bonus
on saves vs. any type of damage per
two levels of the caster. A ship with
robust construction placed on it receives
4O NVLMBLR 1996
a saving throw (as the captain of the
vessel) to resist warp wood.
As an example, Doroth (M5) the ship-
mage sees a storm on the horizon. She
immediately casts a robust construction
on the ship. Several hours later, the
storm hits. The DM rules that the storm
is equivalent to a large catapult hitting a
thick wood wall, and the ship must
make a saving throw once per hour until
the storm has passed. See the DMG
Table 52: Structural Saving Throws. The
ship has a +3 bonus on all of its saving
throws because of Doroths spell.
The caster must provide a few chips of
material of the same type as the construc-
tion to be reinforced, (i.e., wood chips for
a ship, stone chips for a stone wall).
The reverse of the spell, weaken con-
struction, applies a -1 penalty to a struc-
tures saving throws per two levels of the
caster. In this case, the structure receives
a saving throw vs. the spell as the com-
mander or captain of the structure.
5aI! In Irnns
(Enchantment, Alteration)
Range: 50 yards + 10 yards/level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save:
This spell can only be used when an
enemy ship attempts a turn. The spell
causes the target vessel to lose inertia
when coming about so that it stops with
its bow pointing into the wind, which
renders its sails useless. The ship
remains in irons for a minimum of one
round per caster level. The captain of
the target vessel receives a saving throw
vs. spells for one-half effect. In addition,
the captain of the enemy vessel must
make a navigation or seamanship profi-
ciency check to get the ship moving
again, once the spell expires. Putting an
enemy ships sail in irons is something of
a coup and will cause the enemy sailors
to curse and swear heavily.
is a link of heavy iron chain worth not
less than 1 gp.
5hIc!d Vcssc!
(Evocation)
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: one vessel
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
The shield vessel spell allows the mage
to place a shield spell around a struc-
ture, protecting everyone within the
area of effect. The target is usually a
ship, but a mage could conceivably
adapt the spell to protect a small keep
or tower. The shield vessel protects the
crew of the vessel just as the shield spell
protects its caster. Since the shield effect
totally surrounds the vessel, anyone
onboard receives a +1 bonus to saving
throws against attacks that originate
from off the ship.
A series of finely wrought pieces of
silver jewelry made to resemble small
shields make up the material compo-
nent of the spell. The silver shields must
be placed around the perimeter of the
vessel to be protected. The total value of
the shields must be at least 500 gp. The
silver shields are not consumed by the
spell, allowing the spell to be used again
and again. However, if the total value of
the shields falls below 500 gp (through
wear, battle-damage, vandalism, theft,
etc.), the shield vessel spell does not work.
Fnurth-!cvc! spc!!s
HurrIcanc Anchnr
(Alteration)
Range: 0
Duration: Instant
Area of Effect: Target vessel, 20 long +
10/caster level
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 4
Save: None
The hurricane anchor holds a ship
firmly in place in winds up to 150 miles
per hour. The spell prevents damage
from the wind and from the tossing sea,
but does not provide any protection
from flying debris. A ship with a hurri-
cane anchor spell placed upon it can
safely weather a hurricane.
ships anchor (not consumed) and a
strong piece of steel wire worth at least
5 gp (consumed).
5mnnth 5aI!Ing
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Duration: 10 hours
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 4
Save: None
Smooth sailing provides the target
vessel with a calm passage and a nor-
mal movement rate through severe
storms, without possibility of damage to
DRACN #235 41
the ship. It will not work entirely against
storms of gale strength or higher. Within
the area of effect, gales become severe
storms, hurricanes become gales, etc.
The ship may still be damaged by such
storms, but at least they will be greatly
reduced in effect. Note that smooth sail-
ing does nothing to affect the actual
weather, it simply provides a smooth
path for the ship and for the ship only.
sumed) of the spell is a small model of
the ship mounted in the middle of a
gyroscope. The total assembly must
have a value of at least 400 gp. In cam-
paigns where a gyroscope would be an
anachronism, the material component
(consumed) is a small keg of fine oil
worth a minimum of 25 gp. The caster
pours the oil into the sea to complete
the spell.
WInd nf thc Zcphyrs
Reversible
Range: Special
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 2 turns
Save: None
This spell summons a strong, con-
stant wind which propels the ship at
150% of its base movement speed. The
spell also supplies magical structural
reinforcement so that the ship can han-
dle the extra speed without damage to
the sails, masts, or superstructure.
The reverse of the spell, unfriendly
zephyr, summons a strong, chaotic wind
which reduces the target vessels speed
by 50%. The targeted vessel must save
vs. crushing blow each hour or suffer
major damage to the ship, such as a
torn sail, cracked mast, broken spar, or
shattered boom. If the result of saving
throw is a 1, the vessel capsizes. The
targeted vessel is allowed a saving
throw (as the captain of the vessel) to
resist the unfriendly zephyr.
FIfth-!cvc! spc!!s
B!InkshIp
(Alteration)
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: one vessel
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
Blinkship is much like blink, except that
the whole ship blinks, not just the caster.
Use the rules given under the blink spell
description to determine when the blink
occurs, which direction, and to determine
the success of enemy attacks. When the
ship blinks, it reappears 50 from its pre-
vious position. The ship cannot blink
onto land or into a solid object. If the ship
blinks into another ship that is smaller
than itself, the smaller ship displaces. If
the ship blinks into a ship that is the same
size or larger, re-roll the direction.
The mage must make special prepa-
rations to use this spell. The mage must
distribute a number of small jeweled
tokens throughout the ship. Each token
must be wizard marked by the caster.
The total value of the tokens must be at
least 1,000 gp. The tokens are not con-
sumed by the blinkship spell. If the value
of the tokens falls below 1,000 gp,
through theft, deterioration, or battle-
damage, the blinkship spell will not work.
WI!d JIbc
(Alteration, Evocation)
Range: 100 yards +20 yards/level
Duration: 1 round
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 5
Save: Special
The wild jibe spell sends a dangerous,
highly focused burst of wind at an enemy
vessel. The wind has several detrimental
effects. The primary effect of the spell is to
cause the heavy booms at the foot of the
sails to sweep across the decks of the ves-
sel from one side to the other. Any per-
sonnel on deck must save vs. paralyzation
or be hit by the boom as it crosses the
deck. Anyone who fails the saving throw
takes 2d6 hp damage and is swept over-
board. On vessels that do not have masts,
all personnel receive a +3 bonus to the
saving throw vs. paralysis.
The secondary effects are all aimed
at the vessel itself. The captain of the
ship must make a saving throw vs.
paralysis. If the saving throw fails, all the
spars break. If the saving throw fails by
3 or more, the masts also break. If the
saving throw fails by 6 or more, the tar-
get ship capsizes. Even if the captains
saving throw vs. paralysis succeeds, the
target vessel is still delayed for 2d4+1
rounds while the crew re-establishes
control of the ship.
5cvcnth-!cvc! spc!!
DImcnsInna! Fng
(Conjuration/Summoning)
Range: Sight distance
Duration: Instant
Area of Effect: one vessel or group
Components: V,S,M
Save: None
This spell is used to send its targets to
alternate realities (or alternate crystal
spheres). The mage casting the spell
usually does not have the targets best
interests in mind, although the spell
could theoretically be used for limited
inter-planar transport. Dimensional fog
can only be used when a dense fog
descends upon the area of effect, typi-
cally a seagoing vessel or tight grouping
of folk. Weather magic can be used to
provide the fog, but spells such as wall of
fog are insufficient. There are several
other restrictions. First, the caster must
be within sight distance of the area of
effect. Second, the caster may not go
along with the target vessel.
When the spell is cast, the fog
becomes thick, misty, silvery, and
sound-deadening. When the fog dispers-
es (usually several hours later), the ves-
sel is on an alternate prime-material
plane (or in a different crystal sphere).
The caster can either specify a destina-
tion or let the destination be random.
The alternate plane must meet several
requirements. First, it must be a viable
alternate world, not a plane. The victims
may not be sent to places like outer
Gehenna or the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Second, the alternate world must be at
least marginally habitable. Sending the
victims to a planet with no air is not
allowed; sending them to a plane where
the atmosphere is so thin that it is bare-
ly breathable is allowed. Third, the alter-
nate prime material plane must have a
navigable sea for the ship to sail upon.
Fourth, while this spell could be used to
send its victims to Ravenloft, it cannot be
used to escape Ravenloft.
The spell does not provide any auto-
matic way home. There must be a way
home, although the victims might have
to be quite clever and industrious in
order to find it.
is a small sphere of finest crystal (worth
not less than 500 gp) filled with cloudy
water, which must be swirled while the
spell is cast.
Ted Zuvich tells us that his son Alex typed
his first lines while Ted wrote this article. Im
not sure what they meant, but Im sure he
was trying to tell me something. Being a
father is definitely a stormy sea, but when
that wee boy smiles, its all worth it.
42 NVLMBLR 1996
S
ea monsters are a staple of fantasy,
both in gaming and in fiction. Most
are denizens of the upper levels of
the ocean, if not inhabitants of the shal-
lower reaches. In the ultimate depths of
the real-world oceans, however, dwell
monsters more terrible than anything a
legend-maker can create. With only slight
modifications, mainly in size, these crea-
tures are perfect for the AD&D game.
Conditions in the depths
Water has weight, just like anything
else. Thus, the more of the stuff that is
over someone, the greater the weight
he must bear. Oddly enough, animals
that live in the depths of the sea are not
massively powerful, well-armored brutes
such as anyone might reasonably
expect. (Jules Vernes scientist character
in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the
Sea, it may be recalled, assumed that the
sea unicorn they were chasing - i.e.,
the submarine Nautilus - answered the
description of an animal that dwelled in
the ocean depths.) In fact, the flesh of
deep-sea fish is not only extraordinarily
tough but it is also so soft as to be little
more than jelly. The bones of fishes liv-
ing at this depth are also weak. Poor
Armor Class is the first AD&D translation
of this, with only the exceptional deep-
sea animal having an Armor Class of
even 7 or better.
Note that PCs and NPCs alike are sub-
ject to the same pressure at these
depths, a pressure that a simple potion of
water breathing cannot neutralize.
Specialized magical items, such as a
cloak of the manta ray might be able to
neutralize the pressure, and a ring of free
action would by definition do so. Re-read
the descriptions of aquatic magical
items carefully, then decide what each
can and cannot do in the depths.
Creatures deal with the nearly com-
plete lack of sunlight at these depths in
a number of ways. Either they have
extremely large eyes, to catch what little
light there is, or they are blind. Even fish
that can see, however, rely largely on
the senses of hearing, smell, and touch.
Fish can sense even subtle changes in
water pressure by means of the lateral
1. Size is another factor. Most animals living at
these depths are only a few inches long, with a six-
footer (described above) being a true titan among
them. These creatures must reduce surface area so
as to keep the water pressure - 7 or 8 tons per
square inch - to the absolute minimum. Deep-sea
fishes brought up from the depths are relieved of
this pressure so abruptly that their air bladders may
be forced out of their mouths. (This is all that comes
out; contrary to popular myth, the entire fish will
not be turned inside-out.)
DRACN #235 43
line that runs along each side of their
bodies. Even near the surface, sharks
use this means of picking up vibrations
in the water set up by injured and strug-
gling fish; when vision is chancy at best,
this ability to sense vibrations becomes
much more important.
When creating animals in the ocean
depths, here are some realistic color
schemes: From 500-1,600 down, the
fishes are generally gray, silvery, or pale
brown. In lower depths than that, the
fish tend to be dark brown, pure black,
black with a violet or coppery cast, or,
oddly enough, bright red or orange. The
reason for this is that the long waves of
light at the red and orange end of the
spectrum are the first to be absorbed by
water, so that fish of those colors appear
to be black when encountered in the
depths of the sea. If an NPC orders the
party to find a brightly-colored fish of a
particular type in the depths, this can
cause endless (and amusing) confusion.
Crustaceans such as shrimp are brighter
in hue, generally being red, violet, or
brown, while the squids and their rela-
tives can be of a fantastic variety of
ever-changing colors.
The most famous deep-sea residents,
such as the angler fish, are known pri-
marily for carrying their own lights
along. This living light, or biolumines-
cence, is generally created by either
colonies of luminescent bacteria or by
specialized light organs. Light can be
used both as a lure for prey, and as a
dazzling defense mechanism. Squids
and octopi are famous for blinding
adversaries with clouds of ink; those
that live in the ocean depths produce
instead a cloud of luminous particles,
generally either bright blue or blue-
green in color. The more potent light
defenses can have an effect like the sun-
burst power of a wand of illumination.
Light sources will definitely be neces-
sary for PCs, even though they will bring
every predator for miles around on top
of them. Visibility without them will be
as per the Fog, dense or blizzard part
of the visibility table in the rules, with
this difference: the numbers are in feet,
not yards. Save for the occasional squid-
hunting sperm whale, there are no
warm-blooded animals in the ocean
depths, so infravision powers based on
picking up body heat are of little or no
value, which is tough on elves. Under
these conditions, a wand of illumination
may be the most prized magical posses-
sion of all on a deep-sea adventure, at
least after whatever magical device
allows the PCs to survive underwater in
the first place.
Now for the single factor of deep-sea
life that an adventuring party will be
most interested in. Because there is no
sunlight, there is no vegetable matter
such as seaweed present, so all the food
available such as it is is animal in
nature. Animal food for creatures in this
environment consists either of each
other or dead creatures from above that
sink into the depths. Of course, all the
fish and other creatures in the upper lev-
els get first crack at the second course, so
very little remains for those on the bot-
tom rung. Consequently, the denizens of
the deep have to be able to eat anything
and make the most of every opportunity.
In practical terms, this often means the
ability to swallow prey as large as or
larger than oneself in a single gulp. The
soft flesh of deep-sea fishes helps here,
as it is easier to stretch. Of course, it also
makes it easier to cut open a fish to res-
cue a swallowed comrade, but since the
flesh is so soft, one would definitely do
the same amount of damage to the
trapped PC that he would cause to the
fish when he
starts slicing
Anyone trying to rescue a swallowed
companion by cutting open the offend-
ing fish must roll as though he were
actively attacking said companion
whenever he damages the fish. Note
that the resulting blood in the water is
certain to draw more predators with its
scent.
Octo-jelly
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Ocean depths
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
ORGANIZATION: Solitary
ACTIVITY CYCLE:
Any
DIET: Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE:
TREASURE:
Animal (1)
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING: 1-2
ARMOR CLASS: 10
MOVEMENT: 3, Swim 9
HIT DICE: 3, Swim 9
THAC0: 11
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-10
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Smothering
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Luminous cloud,
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
SIZE: Large (9
5 across)
long,
MORALE:
XP VALUE:
Fearless (19)
4,000
This creature is a bell-shaped octopus
with a pair of swimming fins protruding
from its body. Along with its relative that
follows shortly, its tentacles seem to be
short, as little more than the tips are not
connected by a form of webbing. It is
the only blind octopus known, using
senses such as touch to pinpoint its prey.
It can change color in an instant, but the
lack of light in the depths means that
camouflage is not an issue.
Combat: Moving in the manner of a
jellyfish, the octo-jellys way of capturing
prey is to position itself directly above
its intended victim and then drop
down, enfolding it completely in
its tentacle webbing. It has
two attacks: a bite with its
horny beak that inflicts
1d10 hp
44 NVLMBLR 1996
damage and smothering in its clammy
mass, which causes another 1d6 hp
damage. A trapped victim can free him-
self with a Bending Bars roll (at -1).
Because it is so soft (hence the name), all
attacks directed at it cause full damage
to anyone trapped inside its mass.
Although fragile, it has virtually
unshakeable morale, like all deep-sea
creatures, for the starkly simple reason
that it cannot afford cowardice; it must
attack and devour whatever it comes
across, as food is hard to find.
When attacked by a stronger foe, the
octo-jelly can release a luminous cloud
of glowing blue-green particles. Anyone
caught in this cloud (20 high by 30
wide by 30 long) is blinded for one full
turn, losing all initiative and defending
against any attacks at a -2 penalty. An
octo-jelly does not consider retreat until
it has lost 75% of its hit points; under
absolutely no other circumstances will it
even consider retreat.
Hide
FREQUENCY:
ORGANIZATION:
Very rare
ACTIVITY CYCLE:
Solitary
DIET:
Any
Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE:
TREASURE:
Animal (1)
N i l
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING:
ARMOR CLASS: 1
MOVEMENT: 3, Swim 12
HIT DICE: 8
THAC0: 13
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-12
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Cold generation
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Luminous cloud,
immunity to
cold
SIZE: Huge (20
across)
MORALE: Elite (20)
XP VALUE: 3,000
The hide is a bottom-dwelling octopus
Habitat/Society: These creatures are
solitary, due largely to the virtual impos-
sibility of finding food for even a small
gathering in the ocean depths. No more
than two (a male and a female) will ever
be found together, and then only during
the mating season. When the creatures
eggs hatch, the young live for a short
time within the mothers protective ten-
tacle bell, but they soon disperse in
search of food.
of enormous size, with comparatively
short tentacles. In basic appearance, it
resembles a dirty floor mop or an opened
umbrella, and in general is quite a dis-
gusting sight. It can be of any color,
changing hues frequently.
Ecology: The octo-jelly eats any ani-
mal it has a chance of killing, just like all
other forms of deep-sea life. In return, it
is eaten by anything that can catch and
kill it, meaning virtually all of its neigh-
bors; there are few clear-
cut distinctions between
Combat: The hide will try to get close
enough to a victim to bite it, its beak
inflicting 2-12 hp damage. In order to
disable a target so it can close in for the
kill, it generates a cone of cold 10 wide
and 30 long, which causes 3d6 hp
damage.
2
As a side effect, it is immune
to all cold-based attacks, but if the battle
goes against it anyway, and it loses
three-quarters of its hit points, it can
cover its retreat with
the same
predator and prey in the
s o r t o f
ocean depths. Because it
bl i ndi ng
is softer than octopi that
cloud the
live near the surface, its
octo-j el l y
hide is useless for
produces.
commercial
T h e
dimensions
poses. It is edible, how-
ever, and if its
of this creature
screen particles can be collect-
ed, they can be used as an ingredient in
spell ink when penning scrolls with
spells such as light, continual light and
the various prismatic spells. An octo-jelly
carries enough particles to provide suffi-
cient ink for one written spell.
cloud, though, are 40
high by 60 wide by 60 long.
Habitat/Society: These creatures are
solitary, due to the virtual impossibility
of the deep sea providing enough food
for more than one in a small area. The
mating season is brief, and the eggs are
abandoned as soon as they are laid.
Ecology: The hide has the same uses
to both Man and Nature as the octo-
jelly. In the natural world, it preys on
both swimmers and bottom-crawlers,
while its ink has the same value as a
scroll-ink ingredient.
Gulper
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
ORGANIZATION:
ACTIVITY CYCLE:
Solitary
DIET:
Any
Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE:
TREASURE:
Animal (1)
N i l
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING:
ARMOR CLASS: 1
MOVEMENT: Swim 15
HIT DICE: 9
THAC0: 11
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2d8
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Constriction,
swallow whole
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MORALE:
MORALE:
L (12 long)
Elite (20)
XP VALUE: 3,000
The gulper variety of fish consists of
little more than a huge mouth, following
by a trailing tail that seems to stretch on
forever. This mouth is so huge that it
enables the fish to swallow prey several
times larger than itself; one species of
gulper on Earth is known as the pelican
eel. Gulpers on Earth range in size from
6 (not counting the tail) to 6, but fanta-
sy-world denizens can get up to 12 in
length. These creatures have small eyes,
set on top of their heads to catch the
least little bit of sunlight that filters down
from the surface, but they rely almost
solely on their lateral lines to feel the
approach of prey. Some species even
have an electric light at the tip of the tail,
apparently to attract potential victims.
Combat: The gulpers biting attack,
which causes 2d8 hp damage, is inflicted
only once on any prey it catches. After
that, the victim has been swallowed
whole, and the creatures teeth are now
reduced to a supportive role
3
, holding
the prey in place so it cant get away.
Now the damage is caused by the
gulpers digestive juices, which inflict 1d8
hp damage per turn until the prey is
2. Its time for the big surprise of this listing. Hide is the name of a sea monster mentioned in the maritime folklore of the nation of Chile here on Earth, and a
creature answering its description has been mentioned by a diver in the modern era. The witness was quite deep, observing a shark, when he noticed that the water
was becoming icy cold. Even as he watched, a great shapeless mass came up out of the depths and wrapped itself around the shark, which seemed unable to move.
It was not until after the thing sank back down with its prey that the diver dared to move. Yes, this is a real report on a real animal, and Im not even making up the
fantasy-sounding attack form of a cold breath weapon. Deep-sea diving, anyone?
3. Oh, yes, one more little thing about gulpers and the other fish discussed in this article. Their teeth are slanted for holding prey in place. They do this so well that
they literally cannot let go! Once a victim has been swallowed whole, it is literally a case of digest or die. If the gulper chokes on its prey, it chokes, but it cannot let
go. On Earth, a fair number of deep-sea fish were discovered when they floated belly-up to the surface after choking on an intended meal.
DRACN #235 45
ei t her di gest ed or
released. Release can
be tricky, though, as cutting
through the gulpers soft flesh
means inflicting an equal amount of
damage of the cutters trapped com-
rade. Both fantasy and real-world
gulpers may use their tails for
purposes of constriction,
inflicting 1d6 hp damage
per round to the hapless vic-
tim. In general, any creature
smaller than size G may
strangled by a 12 gulper,
the whiplike tail takes up so
its length.
Habitat/Society: These creatures
are solitary, and dont have
brains for a rich social life an
way. A 10 pelican eel from
Earth has a brain case only a
quarter-inch in length. Their
reproducti ve cycl e i s
unknown, but it is possible
that as is the case with
other fish, one of the par-
ents may shelter the new-
born young in its mouth for
a time. In this case, sur-
vival of the fittest means
knowing enough to leave home
hunger overrides parental urges.
Ecology: Gulpers will eat anything. In
return, they are edible, with literally del-
icate flesh. In addition, some enterpris-
ing magical artificers have used their
skin in the construction of what else?
- a bag of holding.
Ang!cr FIsh
hook (not in the real-world creatures).
These bloated-looking things are clumsy
swimmers, relying on their lures to
cause prey to come to them.
Surface-dwellers have an illi-
cium (the fishing line, actu-
ally the modified first ray of
the dorsal fin) that looks like a
worm or similar creature; with
deep-sea anglers, the illicium
is luminous. Some anglers
dont have an illicium,
relying instead on a
luminous growth pro-
truding from the roof
or palate of the mouth.
Imaginative DMs in a
fantasy world full of
human and demihuman
adventurers can modify
these growths to
resemble an
f r om mounds of
sunken treasure to a
beautiful mermaid,
both lying in a
cavern chock
full of stalac-
tites and stalag-
es. Most anglers
are no bigger than a
mans fist, though one surface-
dwelling type is large enough to swallow
ducks and geese and does so.
Combat: Combat for the angler fish
generally consists of decoying the victim
close enough to be attacked, with the
teeth getting in one good bite (2d8 hp
damage) and then simply holding the vic-
tim in place to be digested (1 d8 hp dam-
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
ORGANIZATION: Solitary
ACTIVITY CYCLE:
Any
DIET: Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE: Animal (1)
TREASURE:
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING:
1
ARMOR CLASS: 8
MOVEMENT: Swim 12
HIT DICE: 8
THAC0: 13
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2d8 or (some
species only) 1d4
age per round). Some anglers actually
have one or more hooks at the end of
the illicium. In real life, they just look like
hooks, without doing anything useful, but
in a fantasy ocean, they can be used to
grapple a victim (1d4 hp damage) and
draw him down to the mouth. Because
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Swallow whole
SIZE: L (8 long)
MORALE: Elite (19)
XP VALUE: 1,400
The angler fish is, as its name implies,
a fish that hunts by means of a natural
fishing line, sometimes even with a
of the angler
fishs poor AC, it is
relatively easy for stabbing
weapons to penetrate it (and do as much
damage to the victim as to his attacker).
The fishs teeth curve inward, so it cant
46
NVLMBLR 1996
inward, so it cant even think about letting
go, no matter how much those guys with
tridents and daggers may make it wish it
could. Swallowing prey is the ultimate act
of commitment.
Habitat/Society: Oddly enough, in
most species of angler fish, only the
females do the hunting. The male, who
is only a fraction of the females size,
clings lampreylike to her body, living off
her as a parasite. Actually, this is a rather
logical thing to do; because of the dark-
ness of the ocean depths and the fact
that angler fish are few and far between,
this system ensures that every fish will
always have a mate on hand when
breeding season comes around. What
happens to the young is not known.
with the growth serving as a sort of
antenna to detect movement in the
water. Some fantasy fish, however, may
also use it as a weapon (see below). The
smallest viperfish, also known as stomi-
atoids, are about an inch and a half in
length, while the largest can get up to
6, making them true giants of the
ocean depths. In a fantasy sea, stomia-
toids grow up to 20 in length.
Combat: Like all other fish of the
depths, stomiatoids get in one good bite
at the start of the attack (1d20 hp dam-
age) and then swallow their prey whole,
Ecology: The angler fish is the
same generic type of predator
that all hunters of the deep
are. Its flesh is edible, though
not a gourmets delight by
human standards.
Viperfish
CLIMATE/TERRAIN:
Ocean depths
FREQUENCY:
Uncommon
w i t h
t h e
t e e t h
n o w
ORGANIZATION:
ACTIVITY CYCLE:
Solitary
DIET:
Any
Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE:
TREASURE:
Animal (1)
N i l
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING: 1-2
ARMOR CLASS: 7
MOVEMENT: Swim 18
HIT DICE: 10
THAC0: 11
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1 d20 or (some
species only)
1d8
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Swallow whole
SIZE:
MORALE:
Huge (20long)
Elite (20)
XP VALUE: 5,000
The viperfish are among the most
vicious inhabitants of the ocean depths,
being more active cruisers after prey
than mere passive toothed traps waiting
for something to come within reach.
They have lights for vision as well as
attracting prey, often having double
rows of lights on their torsos like port-
holes on an ocean liner. Prey lures
include luminous patches directly inside
the creatures mouth. From a viperfishs
chin protrudes one or more branch- or
whiplike growths. In all species, this is
an extension of the lateral line senses,
serving as no
more than bars in a cage to keep the vic-
tim from escaping. They also keep the
viperfish from letting its prey go if it real-
izes it is too much for it, as they slant
backwards. If the viperfish takes too big
a mouthful, then thats just too bad for it,
as well as for its prey. Some fantasy spec-
imens use their whiplike chin growths as
a sort of tentacle, causing 1d8 hp stran-
gling damage. Swallowed victims take
1d8 hp damage from the viperfishs
stomach acids until they are gone, one
way or another. Would-be rescuers of
swallowed prey may also do damage
when they try to cut their friend out, their
weapons doing full damage to the victim
after cutting through his captors soft
skin.
Habitat/Society: The stomiatoids as
a group are solitary creatures, only com-
ing together briefly for the mating sea-
son, and abandoning their young as
soon as the eggs are laid.
Ecology: As active hunters, viperfish
have more of an impact on the deep-sea
ecology than those predators who sim-
ply sit around waiting for prey to come
to them. They also have edible, if non-
tasty, flesh.
DRACN #235 47
Death Minnow
CLIMATE/TERRAIN:
FREQUENCY:
ORGANIZATION:
ACTIVITY CYCLE:
DIET:
INTELLIGENCE:
TREASURE:
ALIGNMENT:
Ocean depths
Very rare
Solitary
Any
Carnivore
Animal (1)
N i l
Neutral
NO. APPEARING:
1- 2
ARMOR CLASS: 1 0
MOVEMENT: Swim 22
HIT DICE: 6
THAC0: 15
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 0
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Swallow whole,
magic
SPECIAL DEFENSES: High agility
SIZE: T to L (2 to 8)
MORALE: Elite (20)
XP VALUE: 2,000
The death minnow is a bright orange
fish only 2 in length (and the only com-
pletely magical invention in this article).
It is a magical extrapolation of the nor-
mal fishes of the ocean depths, created
by some powerful, but unknown under-
sea sorcerers. (Aboleth? Sahuagin? The
aquatic elf version of the drow? Who
knows?) A potent guardian of undersea
lairs and treasure troves, this critter is
guaranteed to drive your players crazy.
It relies on lateral lines to detect its prey.
Combat: The death minnows cre-
ators whoever they were incorpo-
rated into the fish an innate magical
ability equivalent to the reversible
spell enlarge/reduce. Simply
put, this little fish can
swim up to a crea-
ture of Size M or
smaller, looking as
from his captors digestive juices until he
either dies or is rescued. As always, strik-
ing weapons do full damage to the vic-
tim as well as their intended target.
However, even bloated with prey, the
death minnow can
easily dodge most
blows. Once the fish
is slain (an ingrained
magical instinct pre-
vents it from releas-
its prey under any circumstances),
innocuous as can
be, then suddenly enlarge itself to the
size of a giant angler fish, swallow the
surprised victim with a single gulp, and
then reduce both itself and the victim to
minute size again. If no one else in the
party is looking in the victims direction
at the time (remember, there is appar-
ently nothing large enough to be a
threat in the vicinity), then the target will
seem to have simply disappeared with-
out a trace.
the victim instantly returns to normal
size. And if any quick-witted mages are
present in the party, casting dispel magic
on the death minnow will cause it to
grow back to its monster size of 8,
making it a far easier target.
The act of swallowing itself causes no
damage, as the victim is drawn into the
fishs mouth by suction. Once inside,
however, he suffers 1d6 hp damage
Habitat/Society: There are no wild
populations of death minnows. These are
magical guard beasts, nothing more, and
as they are created magically, they do
not need to breed. In fact, it is uncertain if
they even have male and female sexes.
Ecology: The death minnow serves
no role in a natural ecology, except to
ensure that the immediate vicinity
around the spot it is set to guard doesnt
have any. If the party can kill one, its
blood may be used as an ingredient in
the ink used for penning enlarge or
reduce spells on scrolls. If, instead, some-
one wants to return the swallowing
favor by eating it, it tastes remarkably
like kippered herring.
I hope you enjoy the above sea mon-
sters. When encountered in their natural
habitat, they can make any underwater
quest an adventure to remember.
Bibliography
Abyss; C.P. Idyll; Thomas Y. Crowell
Company; 201 Park Ave. South, New
York, NY 10003; 1964, 1971 (revised
edition).
I gained virtually all my factual infor-
mation from this book, which is a trea-
sure house of facts about the ocean
depths. Read it if you can, especially if
youre a DM; there are enough weird
creatures in this book for several articles
the size of this one.
There was something fishy about the
biographical sketch Gregory W. Detwiler
sent us (especially the part about the voyage
on the Calypso), so weve decided to say
only that we consider this article quite a
catch.
48 NVLMBLR 1996
5cagnIng snrccry fnr nautIca! advcnturcs
ron-Leg Bruce was a corsair, one of the best to prowl the seas. He
was a member of a loose confederation of pirates, privateers,
corsairs, and brigands held together by the will and prowess of the
Pirate Queen Lorelee.
Iron-leg was pleased. His ship, the Black Dragon, had stumbled
upon the Golden Lion, a great elven galleon. Masked by a powerful
illusion, his ship followed close behind the Lion.
Helm, Iron-leg said. Bring us alongside!
His crew scurried up the rigging to let out more sail. They made no
noise. They were professionals.
Iron-leg whispered to his first mate. Have the spellslingers get to
their posts. Well drop the illusion as we pull alongside.
In a moment, Iron-leg could see the faces of the elves on the deck
of the galleon. He raised his hand in a signal.
His gigantic black galleon, with gray sails and a flag as black as the
Underdark, shimmered into existence beside the elven ship.
Even as the elven faces registered shock, Iron-legs wizards began
to chant.
The battle was on.
Whether pirates, merchants, or explorers, those riding the
high seas are in no less need of magical spells than those trav-
eling the mountains or plains. Here, then, is a collection of spells
especially suited for those at home on the sea no matter what
their calling may be.
First-level spells
Foul Rigging
Alteration
Reversible
Range: 100 yds. + 10 yds. per level
Components: V,S,M
Duration: Instantaneous
Casting time: 3
When this spell is cast, the rigging of the affected ship
becomes tangled, jumbled, and otherwise unmanageable. In
game terms, the ship is slowed by one mile per hour per level
of the caster, to a maximum penalty of one-half its movement.
The rigging takes two hours per level of the caster to unfoul.
The reversal of this spell, unfoul rigging, has no save and coun-
ters this effect.
The material components are a bit of canvas and twine
wrapped in a tightly knotted ball.
Land ca!!
Divination
Range: Special
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 10
Area of effect: Casters ship
Save: None
By means of this spell, the caster knows the location of the
vessels port of call (or any other port from which he has earth),
no matter where the ship is or what the weather and light con-
ditions are. This spell is especially useful in foul weather or
when sailing with no instruments. The material component for
the spell is a pinch of earth from the chosen port.
Map
Alteration
Range: 1
Components: V,S,M
Casting time: 15
Area of effect: Special
Save: None
This spell animates mapping tools so that they
map any area within sight of the caster.
Islands, reefs, shoals, and coastline are all
51
Save: Negates
DRACN #235
diligently recorded by these animated
instruments. In open ocean, the tools
chart a ships route. This spell is extreme-
ly useful on voyages of exploration.
The material components are a set of
inks, charts, blank paper, pens, com-
passes, rulers, and other mapping instru-
ments of at least 750 gp total value.
These may be re-used.
Truc Cnmpass
Divination
Range: 0
Components: V,S,M
Duration: 1 round
Casting time: 10
Area of effect: One ship or the caster
Save: None
With this spell, the caster gains an
instant and exact knowledge of his
heading (e.g., north, south, south by
southwest, etc.). The spell gives no other
information. It may also be used on land.
The material component of this spell is
a small piece of lodestone and a needle.
Second-level spells
Eag!c Eycs
Alteration
Range: Touch
Components: V,S,M
Duration: 1 hour per level
Casting Time: 4
Area of effect: One creature
Save: None
This spell gives the recipient an espe-
cially keen distance vision, effectively
doubling the range at which he can see
things, as well as enhancing the details
that he can make out. The effect can be
disorienting at first, and the recipient
must make an Intelligence check or
become dizzy and confused for 1d10
minutes.
eyes of a keen-sighted animal.
Fantar's shna!
Alteration, Evocation
Range: 100 yds.
Components: V,S,M
Duration: 1 hour + 10 minutes per level
Casting Time: 5
Area of effect: One ship
Save: Negates
This spell creates a magical barrier
just under the oceans surface. Ships
striking the barrier become grounded as
if on a shoal or shallow. It causes no
structural damage but effectively arrests
movement for the duration of the spell
unless the ships navigator or captain
makes an effective save vs. spell. The
casters level determines the size of the
ship that can be affected:
Level Ship
1-3 raft, canoe, small row boat
4- 6 row boat, outrigger, small
long boat
7-9 long boat, small barge
10-12 large barge, fishing vessel
13-15 small ship
16-18 medium-sized ship
19-21 large ship, galleon
The material components are a piece
of coral valued at least 100 gp and a bit
of sand from a shoal. They are con-
sumed with the casting of this spell.
F!amc RcsIstancc
Abjuration
Range: 20 yds.
Components: V,S
Duration: 1 day + 1 hour per level
Casting time: 10
Save: None
This spell renders one ship resistant to
normal and magical flame. Sails, rigging,
and wood are essentially immune to nor-
mal, non-magical flames and sparks for
the duration of the spell. Against espe-
cially intense or magical flames, the ship
receives a saving throw bonus of +1 for
every 3 levels of the caster. Flames cause
half the damage as normal and spread
half as quickly. (Note that this protection
affects only the ship itself and does not
extend to the crew or cargo.)
Leomund's Many LIIe Preservers
Abjuration
Range: 100 yds.
Components: V,S
Casting Time: 3
Save: None
This spell creates one circular buoy-
ant ring of force for each level of the
caster. Each ring has sufficient buoyancy
to keep two unarmored man-sized crea-
tures afloat for the duration of the spell.
The rings are virtually indestructible and
cannot be harmed in any way short of
dispel magic or disintegrate spells, or simi-
lar methods.
MnrnIng G!nry
Evocation
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
Save: Half
This spell creates a cone of flaming
sparks that arc outward from the casters
hands starting 10 wide at the base of
the arc and ending with a 50-wide apex.
The sparks range in color from red to
white. Creatures in the fan receive no
direct damage but must save or have
any combustible clothing or gear catch
fire. Any ship caught within the arc suf-
fers 1 point of structural damage per
three levels of the caster, up to a maxi-
mum of 5 points of structural damage.
Thus, a 9th-level mage would cause 3
points of structural damage. Damage is
from drying out the hull or rigging, caus-
ing snapping or fraying, or from small
fires caused by the sparks. If the ship
makes a successful saving throw, it suf-
fers only half damage.
The material component is a handful
of iron filings.
P!ug Lcak
Alteration
Range: 10
Components: V,S
Duration: 2 hours + 1 turn per level
Casting Time: 2
Save: None
This spell creates invisible walls of
force that plug small leaks in a ships hull,
shore up cracks and splits, and otherwise
temporarily repair similar structural dam-
age. One point of hull damage for every
two levels of the caster can be repaired in
this way to a maximum of 10 hull points.
These force barriers eventually weaken
and break but allow time for proper
repairs to be conducted. This spell is most
commonly used during battle, when
there isnt time to effect proper repairs.
Third-level spells
Bunyancy
Alteration
Range: 150 yds.
Components: V,S
Duration: 1 hour + 1 turn per level
Casting Time: 4
Area of effect: One creature per level
Save: Negates
This spell causes affected creatures to
float to the surface of the water as if
they were buoyant. Even the most heav-
ily armored knight can thus be suspend-
ed on the surface. Similarly, underwater
creatures can be forced to surface in this
way. The spell does not affect creatures
more than twice the size of the average
man. It affects only living things.
Unwilling creatures can save vs. spell to
avoid the effect.
52 NVLMBLR 1996
Fantar's Rccf
Alteration, Evocation
Components: V,S,M
Duration: 1 hour + 1 turn per level
Casting Time: 5
This spell is a more powerful version
of Fantars shoal. It creates a reef-like
Save: Special
construct of magical force underneath
the oceans surface. Any ship striking
this magical barrier sustains 1d4+1
points of hull damage per level of the
caster. The ship can save vs. spell for
half damage. Unless the ships navigator
makes a successful navigation check,
the ship has run aground for the dura-
tion of the spell. The casters level deter-
mines the size of the ship that can be
affected:
Level Ship
1-3 raft, canoe, small row boat
4-6 row boat, outrigger, small
long boat
7-9 long boat, small barge
10-12 large barge, fishing vessel
13-15 smal l shi p
16-18 medium-sized ship
19-21 large ship, galleon
The barrier is invisible and indestruc-
tible, but a dispel magic spell negates it.
The material component for this spell
is a piece of coral of at least 500 gp
value.
Lcnmund's LIfcbnat
Abjuration
Range: 20 yds.
Components: V,S,M
Casting time: 5
Save: None
This spell creates a magically sus-
tained life boat large enough to hold up
to 10 humans or human-sized creatures.
It has a cover and a sail, and it provides
shelter and warmth. It cannot be sunk or
capsized through normal means. The
boats stores provide food and water
sufficient to sustain its passengers for
the duration of the spell. The spell may
be renewed by further castings before it
expires. It moves at a constant rate of 10
miles per hour.
The material component of this spell
is a miniature replica of the boat, made
from the finest materials of no less then
1,000 gp value.
Mcntap's MInc
Evocation
Save: Half
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 3
This spell creates a small ovoid sphere
to appear on the hull of the vessel in
question. The sphere is dark blue and
blends in with the water. It is about 6 in
diameter. It cannot be removed from the
ships hull by normal means. After a time
specified by the caster, the sphere deto-
nates with a large explosive force. Any
creature within 30 of the blast suffers
1d6 hp damage per level of the caster;
save vs. spell for half. The ship sustains 1
point of structural damage per level of the
caster (save vs. spell for half) and may be
set on fire. The caster can have the charge
detonate up to half an hour plus one
minute per level after the charge is placed.
A thief who makes a successful Remove
Traps check can disarm the sphere.
is a small wad of sulfur and pitch placed
inside a sealed steel tube.
Narcnmb's Battcncd Hatchcs
Alteration, Abjuration
Range: 10 yds.
Components: V,S
Casting Time: 8
Save: None
This spell causes all the hatches,
doors, and windows on a ship to close
tightly. If these have locks or seals, they
bolt themselves in place. A magical
watertight seal comes into being around
all the hatches. No force of wind or
wave can burst the hatches; however,
they are not wizard locked; unless other-
wise locked or barred, intelligent crea-
tures can still open and close the doors
normally. This does not affect the dura-
tion of the spell.
Fourth-level spells
AmgIg's Rnwcrs
Alteration, Conjuration
Range: 20
Components: V,S
Casting time: 6
Save: None
This spell creates banks of magical
glowing oars on the sides of a vessel that
Ccn|inuc cn pagc 56
DRACN #235 53
row with their own power. For each level
of the mage, the oars increase the ves-
sels movement by one mile per hour, up
to double the normal movement rate. If
the mage maintains concentration on
this spell, he can direct the speed and
direction of the vessel with the oars; oth-
erwise the ship goes straight forward at
its maximum movement rate.
The oars are magical constructs.
Although they can be dispelled, they are
not harmed by normal means.
FIfth-!cvc! spc!!s
Ca!! WInd
Reversible
Range: 0
Components: V,S
Duration: 1 day + one hour per level
Casting Time: 10
Save: Negates
This spell has two effects. The first
increases the force of the prevailing
wind by one factor for every 4 levels of
the caster. Thus, a calm can become a
light breeze or a brisk wind. The caster
can choose how much of an increase he
desires. It is important to note that this
affects only the vessel in question; other
ships in the area are not affected.
Alternatively, the caster can change
the direction of the wind for one vessel.
He can affect the winds vector by 5 per
level. The navigator of a ship who would
not desire to be affected by this wind
must save vs. spell to avoid the effect.
The reverse of this spell, calm wind,
reduces the ferocity of the wind in
respect to a vessel.
IrnnsIdc
Alteration
Range: Touch
Components: V,S,M
Duration: 1 turn +1 round per level
Casting Time: 6
Area of effect: One vessel
Saving throw: None
This spell increases the strength of the
recipient vessels hull. Saving throws vs.
crushing blow are made against iron.
Attacks against the ship are made against
AC 0. Note that this spell in no way
affects the flammability of the vessel, it
only operates in terms of durability. In all
other respects, it still has the same prop-
erties of its constituent material.
is a bit of ironwood.
OtI!ukc's 5crccn
Abjuration
Range: 10 yds.
Components: V,S
Duration: 1 turn + 1 round per level
Casting Time: 6
Area of effect: One vessel (or a sphere
of 10 yds., + 1 yd. per level
radius)
Save: None
This spell creates an invisible screen
of energy that surrounds the ship, even
below the waterline. Solid objects -
water, projectiles, fish, etc. - can pass
freely through the screen, while any
magical energy that strikes the screen
(firebaIl, lightning bolt, etc.) is absorbed
and dissipated. The screen is able to
absorb 1d8 hp damage per level of the
caster before being disrupted. (Divide
this number by 10 and round up to
determine the number of hull points the
screen can absorb.) If cast somewhere
other then on a ship, e.g., on land, the
screen is immobile but has virtually the
same affects.
RcpaIr Brccch
Range: 20
Components: V,S,M
Duration: instantaneous
Casting Time: 6
Save: None
This spell causes hull and other dam-
age to regenerate. The caster can repair
1d6+1 point of hull damage per level.
The effect is nearly instantaneous and is
permanent; it cannot be dispelled.
The material components for this
spell are a tiny set of shipwrights tools
worth at least 500 gp.
Seventh-level spell
5pcctra! NavIgatnr
Conjuration, Summoning
Range: 10
Components: V,S,M
Casting time: 10
Save: None
This spell creates a ghostly, quasi-
tangible navigator who will, for the
duration of the spell, steer the ship. The
navigator unerringly avoids all natural
obstacles, if possible, and always takes
the course most likely to allow a vessel
to reach port safely.
The material components of this spell
are a tiny golden ships wheel and a chart
with the ships position at the time of cast-
ing and the desired destination plotted.
EIghth-!cvc! spc!!
Raise Vessel
Alteration
Reversible
Range: 20
Components: V,S
Casting Time: 9
Save: Negates
This spell causes one sunken vessel
to be raised intact to the surface of the
sea. If a vessel is sinking or only partially
submerged it is raised and held afloat by
the power of this spell as well. The rever-
sal of this spell, sink vessel (the effect of
which is permanent), causes the recipient
vessel to sink below the waves in 2d4
rounds. The ships captain is allowed a
save vs. spell to avoid this effect.
Brian Dunnell lives in Maine, somewhere
near a lighthouse, we like to think.
56
NVLMBLR 1996
Once again, we biblio-
phi l es of t he DRAGON
Magazine staff share our recom-
mendations of the best books
weve read (or re-read) recently.
Would you like to recommend one to
us? Write to Bookwyrms, DRAGON
Magazine, 201 Sheridan Springs
Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
Alvin Journeyman
A Game of Thrones
by George R.R. Martin
Bantam Spectra $21.95
I figure life is too
short to drink bad
beer or read poor
fantasy novels.
You can under-
stand why Im
always reluctant
to try the next big fan-
tasy trilogy.
George R.R. Martins name on
the cover of A Game of Thrones gave
by Orson Scott Card
$6.99
I have been a fan
of The Tales of Alvin
Maker since its
debut volume,
Seventh Son, was
published back in
the late eighties.
Cards alternate vision of a
frontier America where hexes,
knacks, and folklore are
as real as science, industrialization, and
democracy never ceases to entertain me
with its quaint backwoods wisdom and
parallel versions of figures from history
like William Henry Harrison and
Tecumseh.
The fourth and latest volume in the
series (following Prentice Alvin) continues
the tale of Alvin as he enters the jour-
neyman stage of his career as a smith
and shaman of sorts. His long-term goal
of building a Crystal City and saving
America from the clutches of the dread-
ed Unmaker faces another obstacle in
the form of allegations that threaten
both his good name and his freedom.
Card fuses the best of Mark Twain
with Peter Beagle to tell his tale in the
proper voice. The only fault is this other-
wise enchanting tour-de-force of magi-
cal Americana is the long wait between
volumes in the series. I hope the next
one arrives soon. B.T.
The Demolished Man
Alfred Bester
V i n t a g e
$11.00
When we heard that
Alfred Besters two
most famous novels
were to be re-
released this year,
Pierce and I quarreled
over who would recom-
mend them. We came to a com-
promise, but immediately after, the
quarrel resumed, this time over which
book is the better. I pick The Demolished
Man.
Ben Reich is one of the worlds most
powerful and wealthy men, even
though he is not one of the gifted few
who have developed telepathy. Reich is
also a ruthless man, willing to kill a rival,
knowing that the Espers of the police
force can detect murderous intent even
before a crime occurs. Nothing deters
Reich, however, and soon hes locked in
a deadly struggle with Lincoln Powell,
Police Prefect and 1st-Class Esper.
The Demolished Man excels as science
fiction because it takes a single SF
premise and explores its effects on the
me hope. (Even he jokes that he has the
right middle initials to succeed Tolkien.)
Frankly, the first fifty pages worried me.
I cant stand seeing common words like
Sir or master transformed into Ser or
maester simply to make them seem
otherworldly especially in a story with
many obvious real-world analogs. Early
coincidence and clich, and characters
who seemed too obviously good or evil
nearly made me set the book aside.
Fortunately, A Game of Thrones soon
employs the cliches of fantasy fiction to
fresh effect rather than relying, upon
them as a crutch. Martin makes vital fig-
ures of what seem at first to be stock
characters, and even those who fall
neatly into categories are genuinely
beautiful heroes or truly despicable vil-
lains. His writing is good, but his story-
telling is a killer. Martin can make you
mourn, love, wonder, and hate.
This is the one for fantasy novel snobs
who wanted to enjoy the big trilogies but
were spoiled on better writers. A Game of
Thrones is only the first book of A Song of
Fire and Ice, yet already it promises to
exceed all of the epic fantasy series since
. . . Youre not going to make me say it,
are you? D.G.
setting and characters of an intense
drama. Sure, you have your
rocket ships and zapguns
in the background, but the
important thing is always the
way that telepathy affects the
conflict between two extraordi-
nary men.
The Grid
by Philip Kerr
Warner Books $21.95
When we think of
dangerous places, we
Also notable is Alfred Besters
inventive use of language. It is never
so obtrusive as to detract from the
story. Its smart, clever, and integral to
the narrative. Maybe he shows off
sometimes, but he never just shows off.
The Demolished Man is superlative writ-
ing and great science fiction.
used t o conj ur e
images of haunted
castles and trap-
i nfested dun-
geons. Then
along comes
Michael
Crichton
with a little
PR from Steven
Spielberg), and voil, the
dinosaur amusement park of
DRACN #235
59
tomorrow takes the forefront. Well,
Philip Kerr does him one better in
his latest novel, The Grid.
Unlike Jurassic Park, where
you had to travel many
miles to get there, this
new dangerous place can
exist right next door in
major city in the U.S.
The Grid's antagonist is
So You Want to Be a Wizard
Diane Duane
$6.00
So You Want to Be a Wizard, first
published in 1983, is an exciting
adventure thats also a lot of fun.
The background is so rich and
hints at so many things not
explained that it begs for a
smart building, that is, one that
is fully automated and monitored
by an ultra-sophisticated computer
who manifests malevolent
sequel.
So You Want to Be a
Wizard begins with a girl, Nita,
running from bullies. She hides in the
toward a group of trapped executives
during its early days on line. What Kerr
has so successfully wrought is a new riff
on the bad computer monster theme
that caters to all of our worst fears of
technology, while also entertaining us
with great new traps and perils that can
lurk right down the hall in the nearest
elevator, lavatory, or swimming pool.
public library and finds a special book
behind some others. This is a step-by-
step, how-to manual on becoming a wiz-
ard. Nita takes the book home and
begins to study. Soon she encounters
Kit, another budding young wizard, and
together conjure up a white hole named
Fred by accident. Or was it an accident?
The Grid is a modern dungeon crawl
of great suspense that will both amuse
you and thrill you. It is probably the best
thriller of its kind since, well, Jurassic
Park, and that is high praise indeed. B.T.
Now You See It . . .
by Richard Matheson
Tor $5.99
Richard Matheson has
always been one of my
favorite authors. I Am
Legend is a classic
vampire novel, Hell
House is a classic
haunted house
novel, and many
of his short stories
Fred is the bearer of a grave message.
The Book of Night with Moon, the most
important book in all of the universes, is
missing. Through several misadventures,
the threesome learn the whereabouts of
the book, and together they seek to res-
cue it. They travel to an alternate
Manhattan inhabited almost entirely by
malevolent machines. Beset by perytons,
evil taxi cabs and a forgetful dragon,
Nita, Kit, and Fred are forced to improve
their magic skills in order to survive.
So You Want to Be a Wizard leaves the
reader satisfied with the adventures
conclusion but wanting to know more
about the system of magic, the other
wizards, and the alternate universes.
This is a book to be enjoyed by readers
of any age. P.W.
were made into classic
The Stars
Twilight Zone episodes. His
My Destination
new novel, Now You See It
. . . has all the makings of
becoming a classic
magic novel.
The magi c t hat
Matheson uses, however,
is not of the wizardly sort
but rather more closely that
of legerdemain. His main char-
acter is not in the Merlin tradi
tion but rather more akin to
David Copperfield or Doug
$11.00
The Stars My Destination
grabbed me by the scruff of my
neck and shook me like a terri-
er shakes a rat. I couldnt get
loose, and I didnt want to.
When I first read this
novel 25 years ago, I
didnt completely under-
stand it, but I knew it
was good. Now, reread-
ing it, I am in awe. Well-writ-
Henning, for he is indeed a mortal
performer of illusionary tricks and
slight of hand, and possibly a murderer.
What follows is not so much a whodunit
but a whodunit-or-did-he mystery of
deadly illusions and retribution games
that rivals Sleuth and And Then There Were
None in its inventiveness. B.T.
ten and fast paced, The Stars My
Destination is a splendid book.
A war has erupted between the inner
colonies and the outer colonies. An
Earth ship, the Nomad is destroyed. A
lone survivor, Culley Foyle, lives in a
ships locker, venturing out when he
must to scavenge oxygen and food from
the wreckage. He hopes for rescue.
Finally, another ship arrives. Culley sig-
nals them. This other ship, the Vorga,
ignores the signals and leaves. Now
only the hope for vengeance keeps
Gulley alive.
In a world where visualizing a place
transports you there by jaunting (dis-
tances of 1,000 miles or less), Gulley
Foyle, the focus, is a tiger-faced demon.
He seeks revenge and savages anyone
who stands in his way. Like a rogue
tiger, sometimes he destroys people
who are merely in the wrong place at
the wrong time.
This novel grows in intensity like a
tornado, whirling and twisting, relent-
less. You hate Gulley, but you cant stop
reading. You need to know what will
happen next. Eventually, Gulley begins
to learn what it is to be human. Kicking
and screaming, he learns. Hes still the
tiger, but what a tiger! Even those who
hate him are held in his thrall.
Transformation, transmogrification,
perhaps, thats part of what this is all
about. Here is a novel of sin and
redemption, but redemption on Gulleys
terms. Finally, and most importantly, this
is a book about faith.
Considered by some the greatest
science fiction novel of all time, TheStars
My Destination is wonderful, as in full of
wonder. Every reader has certain books
that change their lives or change their
perception of life. Two that come to
mind, immediately, for me, are Roger
Zelaznys Lord of Light and Cordwainer
Smiths Norstrilia. Add this one to the list.
Sure, this 40-year-old book is a little
dated, but to paraphrase Bum Phillips
If The Stars My Destination is not in a class
of its own, whatever class its in it dont
take long to call roll. P.W.
War of the Worlds:
Global Dispatches
edited by Kevin J. Anderson
Bantam
$22.95
H.G. Wellss War of the Worlds has pro-
vided fertile inspiration for any number
of other invasion earth scenarios (includ-
ing most recently independence Day) that
have involved other planets, places, and
times. Orson Welless infamous
Halloween radio broadcast further fueled
the fame of this seminal work of science
fiction by validating its verisimilitude in
the eyes of the public. The War of the
Worlds works because its believable.
6O NVLMBLR #235
The thrust of this new anthology
hinges on this conceit and asks the
question: If this really happened, what
did others have to say about it? The
results are truly entertaining as Mike
Resnick tells it from Teddy Roosevelts
point of view, George Alec Effinger from
Edgar Rice Burroughs via John Carter,
Robert Silverberg from Henry James,
etc. This is an anthology of wonderful
riffs on Wells Martian War, and even if
some of the stories fall short in terms of
plot or originality, all of them are as
vastly entertaining and innovative as lis-
tening to a collective of jazz musicians,
each performing his own version of
some classic tune.
Whether its Mark Twain observing
the war while at sea or Albert Einstein
realizing that some things are relative,
this is an anthology that entertains. B.T.
The Winter King
by Bernard Cornwell
St.Martins Press $24.95
Bernard Cornwell, the author of the
Sharpe series (dealing with the
Napoleonic wars) and the Starbuck
Chronicles (dealing with the Civil War),
has this time turned his story telling skills
to Britain in the fifth century for a natu-
ralistic look at the reign of a warlord
known to history as King Arthur.
Rich in historic detail and sociological
research and interpolation, Cornwell
focuses on the multitude of clashes that
were coming to a head during the so-
called Dark Ages (e.g., warlord vs. war-
lord, Roman vs. British, Christian vs.
Druid, old vs. new, etc.) telling the tale
from the retrospective point of view of
an aging witness Derfel Cadarn, a
recently converted Christian monk who
had been a Saxon ward of Merlin and
one of Arthurs warriors.
There is a sense of weariness of the
present in relation to the excitement
and passion of the past in the narrators
voice as he tells the story of Arthur as a
warrior king and unrecognized bastard
son of the former High King Uther
Pendragon. Arthurs goal is to unite the
disgruntled factions of his dead fathers
crumbling empire against the ravages of
foreign powers. Cornwell purposely
downplays magic in favor of religious
mysticism and myth, with Derfel giving
frequent asides to the reader in an
attempt to put things in perspective (eg.
the truth about Excalibur, Merlin, etc.).
The Winter King is perfect for fans of
Arthurian lore, particularly those who
are acquainted with the original source
material by Geoffrey of Monmouth.
Cornwells latest is historic storytelling at
its best. B.T.
DRACN #235 61
6 2 N V L M B L R 1 9 9 6
D R A C N # 2 3 5 6 3
T
he tolling of the bell reached the village long before
the wagon did. The sound was a jangling, ear-burst-
ing peal that could not be ignored, which swelled in
intensity as the wagon neared the stockade gates. Jamie
heard it over the rhythmic pumping of the bellows in his
fathers smithy. As the other youngsters streamed toward
the towns protective wall, Jamie looked to his father. The
older smith scowled for a moment, then nodded at the
boy, and the youth was gone, bellows in mid-pump, to
join the others at the stockade wall.
The bell was mounted atop a curious cart, slung low in
front, with huge, oversized wheels in the rear, large metal
monstrosities that seemed to come from another wagon
entirely. Indeed, the entire carriage seemed a hybrid of
several vehicles merged together, the sole survivor of
some sorcerous collision. The forward half looked like a
salvaged boat, the riding board mounted at the dragon-
headed prow. The back half, raised above the huge
wheels, resembled a small cottage of wood and plaster
which had suddenly decided to take up the traveling life.
A narrow balcony ran along the left-hand side of the cot-
tage at about shoulder height. Small poles jutted from
every prominence and corner, from which were hung pen-
nants, tattered but brightly colored. The wagon was pulled
by a pair of oxen, huge, lumbering, slow beasts, their har-
nesses draped with similar tattered pennants.
The bell was mounted atop that back cottage, a high-
point of cobbled stone that apparently doubled for a chim-
ney. The bell was connected to the running board with a
thin line, broken and reknotted several times. The wagons
driver yanked on the rope again and again, continuing the
clatter until he was right up on the gates itself. Jamie
noticed that most of the rest of the town, including all the
young people, were clustered along the stockade wall,
peering over at the newcomer.
The carts driver looked as if he was dressed in spare
pennants from his cart. His voluminous cloak was a tat-
terdemalion of different fabrics, fur stitched into satin, red
silk overlapping a blue cotton. The shirt beneath was a
solid white linen, and the pants a dependable black
leather, stuffed into boots, but they were overwhelmed by
the swirling brilliance of the cloak.
He bore no obvious weapons, and Jamie wondered if
this was one of those mythical wizards, which haunted the
tales his late mother told before bedtime. He decided
against it. The old wizards were powerful and deadly, he
had heard, and probably would ride on clouds or scaled
monsters as opposed to this travesty of a cart.
The town guard, Rogers father, held up a hand, and the
wagons driver ceased his ringing, but not before forcing
one last, ringing peel that spun the bell over its bracket.
Who are you, said Rogers father, his voice in that
deep tone he always used when trying to command
respect. And why do you call all evil down upon us with
your incessant clamoring.
The rag-tattered rainbow of a man, his face weathered
and creased, smiled at the guard. I am a simple peddler,
working my stock in trade. I seek to sell my wares
throughout your village, or failing that, allowing you to let
your citizens to come out to visit my wagon.
Rogers father was unmoved by the options presented.
What do you sell, peddler?
A variety of items, both wondrous and sweet, respond-
ed the merchant, I have nostrums and novelties from far
lands. I carry medicines and salves. I fear no evil, for I bear
magical wards and protective amulets. I have candies and
sweetmeats for the children, and with this he nodded at
the small heads poked over the wall, And I carry powerful
relics for sale, and the tales of the great past.
The past has brought nothing but pain, grumbled
Rogers father, And magic is dead. But you are welcome
within our village, and may seek to sell your wares. With
that he waved at the gate-guards, who swung the stock-
ade doors open.
The wagon lurched forward. As the peddler cleared the
gate, he poked his hand into a satchel at his side. He came
up with a handful of candy, individually wrapped in brightly-
colored paper. He scattered the candy in a bright arch to his
right, and then another handful to his left. The younger chil-
dren squealed and dived for the sweets. Jamie himself
snagged a piece in the air, and quickly unwrapped it. It was
a sweet caramel, which dissolved on his tongue.
Having purchased the loyalty of the youngest members
of the crowd, the peddler guided his wagon through the dirt
streets of the town. Rogers father led the way, to the open
commons at the center. A few of the towns sheep bahhed
in protest at the presence of the lumbering oxen, but made
sufficient room for the wizened old man and his wagon.
The merchant gave his bell rope a sharp tug, setting off
one last jangling peel. Then he rose from his perch and
walked around to the left side of the carriage, along the
balcony. Those children who had gathered on the right
side quickly shifted position, on the off-chance that old
peddler wanted to pass out more candy.
The balcony was the peddlers stage, keeping him
above the gathered crowd. By now many of the
townswomen, and those of the townsmen with little else
to do, had joined the crowd. The old man smiled at the
assemblage, cleared his throat with a theatrical grabbing
of his larynx, and began his patter.
Greetings, good townsfolk, he began, his voice rolling
and melodious, I thank you for taking in this humble trav-
eler, the well-meaning peddler of the past. I am Habakor,
the last of Fizbans pupils before the War of the Lance, in
these late days reduced to selling balms and sundries,
telling tales of history and offering a glimpse of legend.
Gather round and let me tell you of all manner of marvels.
The peddler reached into a fold of his cloak and pulled
out what looked like a lump of blackened wood set with
a translucent, yellowing gem, cracked and fire-scarred.
This is a fragment of my mentors own staff, said
Habakor, Smashed in his final battle with Chaos, all those
years ago. Would you like to hear the tale?
The younger children gave a hasty assent, and before
waiting for the adults to wade in, the peddler began to
recount the tale. His master, Fizban, was a mighty mage,
and was sought out to battle the the great smokey beast
of Chaos. As his apprentice, and a mere boy, Habakor
accompanied him on the quest, so the audience should
realize that what he said was true.
64 NVLMBLR 1996
As Habakor spoke, he paced the length of his small
stage, and all eyes followed him as he recounted the tale of
his own passage into the Lands of Chaos with his master.
His voice was smooth and relentless, speaking as if he had
no need to take a breath, each sentence spilling into the
next without pause. He told of entering the twisted lands
with his master, and of the dangers they faced together,
until at last they confronted the chaos-beast.
Dark as the thickest smoke, it was, towered above my
master and I, said Habakor, It blocked out the stars, and
the moons themselves changed their course to avoid strik-
ing it. Fizban turned to me and bade me flee back to the
land of the living. I did as he asked, but looked back only
once, to see Fizban wielding his staff, glowing like the sun
itself, battling the blackness of Chaos. There was a blind-
ing flash, then both were gone, and I found the wreckage
of his staff where they both once stood. This staff, the
peddler waved the gem-set fragment of wood. That was
the last I saw of the mightiest mage of Ansalon. It is said
that magic itself died with his passing.
Jamie inhaled sharply, realizing that he had been hold-
ing his breath through the last of the tale. He could imag-
ine the smokey embers of Chaos domain, the power of
the great beast, and the valiant sacrifice of this Fizban, tall
and quick-witted, who battled the darkness.
Jamies revery was shattered by a shout from the rear
of the crowd. Shels father, who spent most of his after-
noons drinking, laughed loudly and bellowed, And how
much are you selling that trinket for, peddler?
Habakors face creased in a deep frown, and he seemed
genuinely hurt by the words. This is my only memento of
Fizbans legacy, he said sharply, I would never part with
it, regardless of the price, and I am insulted that anyone
would think I would, He paused here, and scanned the
crowd, as if daring anyone else to challenge his honor. No
one responded, and the peddler permitted a smile, Now if
you are intent on purchasing artifacts, I have something
that might interest you.
The peddler ignored Shels fathers deep chuckle as he
produced a thin blade from beneath his cloak. It was
made of fine steel, and had a stylized symbol carved into
the hilt. This is the dagger of Sturm, with which he defeat-
ed the woman-dragon Kitiara in single combat, though at
the cost B his own life. Would you like to hear this story?
A shout of agreement brought another tale, this one
climaxing in the great warrior spilling off the wall of his
white citadel, locked in a deathgrip with a great shape-
shifting dragon who was once his lover. At its conclusion,
Old Ben the Innkeep shouted an offer for the knife.
Habakor said that was an insult, and Old Ben raised his
price by half. Habakor demurred again, but finally settled
when Old Ben threw in lodging for the night. The sale was
consummated, and Habakor tossed another handful of
candy to the children clustered aside the cart.
So the afternoon went. Habakor lectured on a series of
herbal balms, used by Goldmoon herself to bring her hus-
band Riverwind back from the dead. From within the
depths of his cart, he presented a great glass sphere, with
which, in the days of magic, Raistlin battled with the arch-
lich Fistandantilus. That one received no offers, but he was
more successful with several bottles of a sanguine liquid
called Toedesblood, a cure-all supposedly leeched from
the living flesh of a great emperor of Flotsam.
There were protective amulets made of dragon scales,
charms cut from the tusks of the demonic Thanoi. A frying
pan once owned by Tika Majere. Small wooden toys, sup-
posed first designed by Fizban himself to entertain Raistlin
as a child, and all manner of rings, claimed to be once
magical, but now in these later days little more than good
luck charms and keepsakes.
With each new item there was a story, and with each
story there was a sale, perhaps two. Jamie, Roger, Shel,
and the rest of the young people hung on every word, and
some parted with their own coins for a ring or a bracelet.
Finally, as the sun was kissing the horizon behind him,
the peddler called a halt to his sales. He claimed his throat
was raw from talk, though he seemed to be just as smooth
and melodious as he had been at the start. One last scat-
tering of sweets, and the crowd dispersed, most of the
young people excited by the tales, and a few worried
about ignoring their chores for a full afternoon.
Jamie returned to find his father at the forge, as he had
left him. The older man grunted at the boy and pointed at
the bellows. Jamie resumed his position at the forge, work-
ing the thick, wooden pump-handle to keep the coals hot.
Did you have a chance to hear the peddler? the youth
asked at last.
His father shook his head, Theres work to be done,
he said gruffly, No time for foolishness.
He had all these amazing things, continued Jamie.
His father looked at him, You didnt buy anything from
him, did you?
Jamie shook his head, but flushed. He had thought
about it, but didnt feel he could afford any of the more
amazing items. Still, the accusation that he might even
think about wasting money embarrassed him. His father
worked hard, and was a prudent man with his money.
Jamie tried another approach, But he told all these
wonderful tales.
Lies, you mean, said his father with a deep sigh, shak-
ing his head. Peddler lies. A sweet tale to sell some gim-
crack or whatsit to a foolish crowd. If there is any truth in
them, it is buried so deep that it would take ten men with
shovels a week to dig it out.
The father looked at the boys expression as he spoke,
and Jamies face revealed his disappointment. His fathers
voice softened just a touch. When I was your age, son, I
met a merchant like that. He had a pair of skulls mounted
on his wagon, a large one and a small one. He said the
large one was the skull of Fistandantilus the Arch-lich, and
the smaller one . . .
Was the skull of Fistandantilus as a boy, came a low,
laughing voice from the door. Habakor the peddler stood
in the doorway, shorn of his tatterdemalion robe, a simple
sack over his back. Ive met peddlers like that myself. And
there are enough pieces of Fizbans staff to build a tower
taller than Mt. Nevermind. There are too many rogues and
incompetent con men in this business.
So you say, peddler, said Jamies father. How may we
help you this evening?
DRACN #235 65
I have business with you, smith, said Habakor, look-
ing at Jamie with one eyebrow raised. Private business.
Profitable business.
Jamies father gave a small chuckle and waved the boy
out the door. Jamie wanted to remain, but would not dis-
obey his father. Of course, the youth circled around to the
back of the shop and re-entered the forge area from the
rear door. Jamie chose a hiding place among a collection of
fireplace tongs, pokers, shovels, and other instruments. He
wanted to hear what the peddler wanted with his father.
The two were in deep, quiet conversation by the time he
returned, seated at the workbench. Neither noticed him.
The peddler laughed and smiled, and his father returned
the smile with a deep chuckle of his own. Jamie recognized
his fathers chuckle it was a business chuckle, one used
in dealing with warriors and guards. A calculated, brief
laugh. Jamie could see his fathers eyes, and they were as
hard as when he dealt with the long-standing debtor.
Habakor the peddler was talking, As a reasonable
man, Smith, I think you understand the need for silence on
the matter.
Silence comes at a premium, said Jamies father,
Youve filled my sons head with all manner of wild tales.
Tales you heard as a youth, as well, said the peddler,
Or versions of them. And they seem to have not harmed
you in the least. Young people need such wondrous tales.
It gives them hope.
It gives them ideas, said Jamies father, Dangerous
ideas in a world much more deadly than it was when I was
a lad. Now how can I help you?
The peddler reached into his satchel, I need, said,
pulling a blade from his satchel, To restock my supplies.
Jamie almost gasped. The blade Habakor now wielded
was twin to the one he had sold to Old Ben that afternoon,
a blade the peddler had sworn was unique. In the light of
the hearth, Jamie could see Sturms symbol carved into
the hilt. The Peddler handed it hilt-first to the Smith.
Jamies father took the dagger, turning it over in his
hands, Solid workmanship. Simple enough design. I sup-
pose its better that way, eh?
The peddler gave a mild laugh, Easier to resupply, yes.
And I can do the engraving myself, so you dont have to
do it here.
How many? said his father, And when?
Your town has been most beneficent, said the Peddler,
I will be here for two days. Past that I find that some cus-
tomers have doubts about my balms and potions, and my
tales grow old to the ears. I will need a half-dozen, at least,
a full dozen if you can make them.
Jamies father grunted, the kind of grunt he used when
sizing up a grade of ore or a rival smiths work. Have to
have the boy help me.
The peddler shook his head, Leave the boy his dreams.
Mine were shattered early, and you see where it left me.
Can get you a half-dozen by tomorrow night, then, said
the Smith, And will you pay for my services, and my silence?
The peddler leaned back on his seat, I could pay you
in mere steel, petty coins from lost empires and dead
kings, he said, pulling another item out of the satchel, Or
I could offer you something of real value.
The peddler opened his hand to reveal a stoppered vial
made of carved crystal, which caught the reddish light of
the forge and scattered it to the far corners of the shop. At
the heart of the crystal was a mote of darkness.
I got this from one of my brother travelers, Habakor
said, who got it from a warrior in the south, who claims
to have found it among the wreckage near Tarsis. Within
this sealed bottle is the spirit of darkness itself, a piece of
the great Chaos. Quite the conversation piece.
Jamies father frowned deeply, setting the false Sturm-
blade down firmly on the table. Jamie knew that the ped-
dler had stepped over a line. It was one thing for the mer-
chant to casually admit he was defrauding the others in
town. It was another for him to try it with his father.
Jamies father was slow to anger, but once angry was
capable of rash, sudden actions.
I dont need your rose-water medicines, snarled the
smith, And I dont like the assumption that I am as gullible
as Old Ben and the rest.
I would not insult you like that, said the peddler, For
this it truly what I have been told it is. Think, you could
charge admission, or trade it to some passing warrior or
aspiring necromancer. See, the wax seal is set with the
golden sigil of the rulers of Tarsis.
I would rather have hard currency, said Jamies father
abruptly.
But this is worth twice, three times what I would other-
wise pay, said the merchant, and Jamie realized, the ped-
dler was trying to avoid paying in hard coin. His father had
already surmised that, and was getting angry.
If you dont have the money, peddler, said Jamies
father, Then I expect you to leave. Now.
Please, examine it, The peddler shoved the vial forward,
into the smiths face. I have been assured by one of the last
priests of Mishakal, with her dying breath she told me . . .
Enough! sad Jamies father sharply, raising his hand to
bat away the proffered vial.
The peddler was too close, and the smiths blow was
too solid. The vial tumbled from Habakors hand in a low
arch. It smashed against the side of the firepit, chipping a
white scar into the stone. The force of the impact cracked
the wax seal around its stopper.
There was silence in the forge between the two men,
the only sound the soft popping of the forge. Then there
was another sound, a high-pitched ringing, like the noise
made from running a wet finger over the rim of a glass.
Jamie raised his hands to his ears, but the sound seemed
to bore into his brain.
Both men, and Jamie from his hiding place, looked at the
crystal, which now seemed to vibrate and glow of its own
accord. Jamies father stepped forward, curious, but the ped-
dler stepped back, his face suddenly contorted in fear.
The stopper of the vial shot from the throat of the bot-
tle like a dragon from its den, smashing in a thousand
miniscule shards against the firepit stone. Then out of the
bottle oozed a thick, oily blackness.
It was the shade of a starless night, without definition,
having only a silhouette, a border within which lurked utter
darkness. As it spilled out of the bottle it swelled, until at last
it had the size and rough form of a human being. Its head
66 NVLMBLR 1996
was too large for any human, though, and when it hissed at
the men, Jamie could see row upon row of razor-sharp
fangs, the only white against the surrounding oblivion.
The peddler let out a strangled cry as Jamies father
cursed, reaching for the false Sturm-knife on the table. The
shadow creature was faster, however, and lashed out with
one arm. Its blow caught Jamies father at the side of the
head and the Smith was knocked back across the room.
Jamie let out a shout, and both the peddler and the
shadow creature swiveled their heads at him. The shadow
creature was only visible by its ivory teeth, which flashed
in a twisted, ragged grin at the boy. Then the beast turned
back towards Habakor the peddler. The merchants face
was white as ash, and he stumbled backwards over a low
bench, sprawling on the floor.
Jamie was on his feet in an instant, grabbing one of the
cold iron pokers, the closest weapon at hand. Jamie hur-
tled the workbench and brought the poker in a low, level
stroke, hoping to catch the creature in the side of belly.
The poker passed through the being as if the creature
were made of smoke, ripping out patches of darkness as it
passed through the beast. The attack seemed to have some
effect, in that the creature let loose a low, guttural howl.
The beast turned and lashed out at Jamie, a hard, back-
handed blow of the type that had struck his father. Jamie
was prepared for the attack, and dodged backward. The
rows of sharp-fanged teeth turned to him and gnashed
once, then twice. Jamie backed up now, keeping the poker
in front of him, until he felt the back of his thighs touch the
stones of the firepit. The heat of the forge rippled through
the back of his shirt.
The darkness beast crouched low, then leaped at the
lad. Jamie twisted at the last moment out of the way, and
raised his hand to protect his face as the beast leapt into
the hot coals of the forge itself.
The beast yelped at the heat, and began to burn, the
edges of its silhouette-form crackling and burning with a
purplish heat. Jamie shouted and drove the poker through
the creatures midsection, pinning it to the hearth itself. The
poker sank through the beasts back with a satisfying thunk,
driving face-down into the coals. The beast thrashed, but its
limbs were already in flames and it moves slowly.
The coals began to glow more hotly, and Jamie looked
up to see the peddler was at the bellows, pulling the wood-
en pump-handle down with both hands, heating the coals
to a white radiance. The beast squirmed and howled, lash-
ing backward at the boy. Jamie held tightly onto the poker.
The creatures head then started slowly, painfully to pivot
around its neck, the purple flames dancing on all sides of it.
The rows of ivory fangs came into view as the beast slowly
snaked its head forward to bite at Jamies hands. The youth
could not close his eyes as the jaws edged closer.
Then the ivory-filled maw was knocked aside by another
slab of cold iron, the business end of a fireplace shovel. The
creature hissed, squirmed and lashed at this new attack, but
Jamies father held firm, swatting the creatures head aside
each time it lunged at the boy. Jamie tightened his grip and
bore down harder through the darkness, pinioning the shad-
ow beast in place. The entire smithy was lit with the purple
light of the burning shadow.
The entire creature was on fire now, its impenetrable
flesh turning to greyish ash, incandescing violet against
the coals. The creatures snarls became choked rasps, and
finally weak, choppy breaths. At last it moved no longer,
but the peddler kept pumping the bellows and his father
kept piling the white-hot coals on the beast. After a long
time, Jamie finally relaxed his grip and withdrew the
poker. Nothing stirred in the coals of the forge.
Jamie gasped both from the heat and the danger, and
rubbed an arm over his sweaty brow. What was that? he
quietly asked the two older men.
Chaos Minion, said Habakor the peddler, then gulped,
Blackflame. Maybe an efreeti. He looked at Jamie and his
father, then added, I really dont know. I really dont.
Youll think of something, muttered the father, right-
ing the toppled benches and table, as if nothing had hap-
pened. You still want the blades?
The peddler opened his mouth, then shut it again. It
was a few moments until he spoke. If it were just the
same, Id like to buy out the rest of your fireplace instru-
ments. And Ill paid hard coin for them. No barter or trade.
The Smith looked at Jamie, then back at the Peddler,
hefting the small shovel. Including these? he asked. Jamie
gripped the poker tightly, as if it were still his weapon.
No, said the peddler, slumping onto a bench. But Id
appreciate it if you hung those over your forge. Ill sell the
other tools, but Ill tell the tale of what happened here.
People will want to come see the tools that killed the dark-
ness. Not weapons, not spells, not enchantments, but sim-
ple tools, wielded by skilled hands. He reached out a hand,
resting it on Jamies shoulder. Promise me youll do this.
Jamie looked at his father. The older man gave the lad a
small smile, a nod, and a grunted assent. Jamie nodded too.
The old peddler rose, brushing the last bit of dirt from
his shirt and pants. After a few last pleasantries, Habakor
disappeared into the night, leaving Jamie and his father to
clean up the rest of the damage.
Jamie asked, Are you really going to hang up the tools,
like you said?
We promised, said his father with a small smile, And
besides, given that herbal salesmans patter, hell have
you turned into Sturms grandson before hes hit three
more towns. When people come by to find out, we can tell
them the truth on the matter.
Jamie thought for a moment, I thought you said they
were peddler lies.
His father looked at the shovel, then hung it above the
forge, I guess thats when they happen to other people.
When they happen to you, they become tales worth telling.
Jamie handed his father the poker, and the older man
hung the second tool across the first. Pleased with his
handiwork, Jamies father looked at the boy and smiled.
And people always need these wonderful tales, he
said softly, It gives them hope.
While Jeff Grub's Krynnish fans know him for Lord Toede,
his most recent novel is Cormyr, written with Ed Greenwood.
DRACN #235 67
I
ve been the POLYHEDRON Newszine edi-
tor in the RPGA Network for six
months now, yet whenever were all
sitting around the office talking about
Network services, I think to myself, This
would make absolutely no sense to an
outsider.
If youre a Network outsider, chances
are youve read all the pages with color
on them by now. Youve read the arti-
cles with application to your game. You
read the comics. You may even have
read Larrys commentary on the cover
artist by now. Now youre just wander-
ing around the rest of the magazine,
seeing whats left.
If this is you, pay attention. Youre the
one I want. The rest of you keep read-
ing, but feel free to stretch your legs or
get something to eat. Skimming this col-
umn is acceptable for you. Dont go far
though, because I get back to you
toward the end.
As for you outsiders, you and I are not
so dissimilar. Until recently, I too was Joe
Gamer, with above average verbal skills
perusing DRAGON Magazine every month.
I played with friends weekly, maybe less
around holidays. I frequented comics
and games stores. And I was entirely in
the dark about the RPGA Network. I was
a Network member in high school about
10 years ago, but I dropped out when it
didnt seem to have any useful applica-
tion (the Network, not high school). As I
got older, Network benefits still seemed
a bit thin. Twenty bucks got me a maga-
zine, a patch, and a plastic card Id wind
up losing. Whoopty.
Things are a bit different now, and I
dont say that just because I bought into
the establishment. I say that because
somebody finally figured out that the
Network has scads of potential. A world-
wide organization of gamers, dedicated
to furthering role-playing games as vehi-
cles of entertainment and enlightenment,
might have something to offer for mem-
bers and non-members. What does that
mean for you, the non-member?
On a personal, immediate level, the
Network can do more for you now than
ever before, especially if you attend role-
playing game conventions. If you attend
even one convention during the year,
you cant afford not to be a Network
member. The RPGA mark on a game at
a convention means it was edited (and
sometimes playtested) to ensure quality
and fun. In addition to the quality of
modules, Network players and judges
are typically of a higher quality. A
Network member is usually someone
who cares enough about role-playing to
strive for more than monster-bashing.
Not that monster-bashing is all bad, but
were the RPGA, not the MBGA.
We also publish a monthly Newszine
filled with player and DM tips, adven-
tures, additions for your campaign, and
inside industry info. We call it POLYHEDRON
Newszine for a reason: Its a multi-faceted
publication. Running the gamut of the
role-playing community, we serve the
young, the old, the hardened con-goers,
the new players, American gamers,
members in more than a dozen foreign
countries, RPGA Network campaigns,
entrenched home games, and everyone
who cares about role-playing games.
Many people find that the Newszine
alone is reason enough to be a member
of the Network, aside from any other
benefits they may receive.
On another level, we offer several
ways for you to heighten your gaming
enjoyment through the Network. The
following initiatives are on the way;
some will even be in place by the time
you read this:
DM school for prospective game
masters. We plan to create a textbook
and a class for Network game masters
to increase their skill in this all-important
role-playing ability;
A retailer program to give mem-
bers a 10% discount at participating
stores. This entire concept is so win-win
that your retailer would have to have
concrete for brains not to participate;
Demo t eams f or Net wor k-
sponsored games. Take the game to the
players. Schools and libraries are full of
people who would love to learn more
about gaming if someone would tell
them. A demo game or mini-con is easy
to run, and members who do it get to
keep the stuff they used to demo.
Theres even more stuff in the works
thats so new and different to the
Network that we cant talk about it yet.
Suffice it to say, nows a primo time to
jump on this bandwagon.
Now, you insiders, start reading
again. The fact that youre on the inside
means that youre a vital organ in the
RPGA body. Look back at all that fantas-
tic stuff I just listed that were going to
do. As a brain cell for the Network
body, I can think up promising plans all
day. Without you to implement them,
the gray matter doesnt matter.
You are the liaison between the out-
sider and the Network. Tell them what
you like about the Network. Arrange to
demo games at your local store, library,
or school to pull in non-members and
even non-gamers. You already know the
cathartic, endorphin-laced joy role-play-
ing brings; just introduce others to it.
Then, together, you can pool efforts to
increase everyones enjoyment. After all,
both insiders and outsiders understand
the concept of fun. Why else do we play
games?
Jeff Quick is a certified wunderkind, com-
pleting his first degree in astrophysics at age
15. He has gone on to win three Nobel
prizes in the sciences and humanities, as
well as engendering an experimental com-
mune in France based on searching for nat-
ural virtue in humankind. No wait thats
somebody else.
For more information about the
Network's programs, write to: RPGA
Network, 201 Sheridan Springs Rd.,
Lake Geneva, WI 53147, or send
e-mail to: [email protected].
68 NVLMBLR 1996
by Skip Williams
If you have any questions on the games
produced by TSR, Inc., Sage Advice will
answer them. In the United States and
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This month, Sage Advice considers the
physical demands of long bows, puts some
mental energy into questions of psionics,
and peers into a few magical mysteries.
How tall does someone have to be to
wield a longbow? In the original
PIayers Handbook on page 19
(Character Classes table II) it reads:
Characters under 5 height cannot
employ the longbow . . . . In the old sec-
ond edition Players Handbook on page
73 (weapon size) it talks about weapon
size but is vague on the use of long-
bows. The reason I ask is because my
dwarf PC, who is 4 9 tall wants to use
one, and my elf PC who is 4 8 tall was
using one before I took notice of the
note in the original Players Handbook.
According to the current rules (see
the Weapons section in Chapter 6 of the
PHB) a character can wield any weapon
of his size or smaller in one hand. Using
two hands, a character can wield a
weapon one size larger than himself. No
character can use a weapon two or
more sizes larger than himself. Since
both characters in your example are
members of man-sized races, they both
can employ long bows using two hands;
in this case, one hand on the bows
shaft and one hand on the string (that
hand also holds the arrow) counts as
two-handed use. Small and tiny crea-
tures, such as gnomes and pixies, can-
not use long bows.
What happens when a psionicist
attacks a non-psionicist with psionic
blast, id insinuation, or other psionic
attack mode from the Complete Psionics
Handbook without using the contact
devotion first? Can the psionicist gain
tangents on an opponent by using mul-
tiple psionic attacks to establish con-
tact? Or would he have to use contact
first and then use his attacks on the
non-psionicist?
Attack modes used against a closed
mind can establish contact, but only if
the target has some psychic ability. See
page 25 in the Complete Psionics
Handbook and the description of each
attack mode for details. Attack modes
have no effect on a non-psionicists
mind, which must be opened though a
successful use of the contact devotion
first. If two psionicists want to exchange
telepathic messages, they, too, can use
contact to establish a mental link with
psychic combat. Note that in the new
psionics system (presented in the
revised DARK SUN setting and again in
the PLAYERs OPTION Skills & Powers book)
contact is not a psychic power, but a
proficiency that allows the user to learn
attack modes.
If a character wanted to make a tele-
pathic powers effects permanent via
psychic surgery from the PLAYERS OPTION:
Skills & Powers book would the psioni-
cist have to pay the cost for the surgery
and the power to be made permanent
every round the surgery lasts? Or is the
cost paid only once even though the
procedure takes ten rounds? Also, if the
subject of the surgery is a willing one,
does the psionicist still have to pay the
higher PSP cost due to the subjects
level? I would think that it would be eas-
ier to perform on a willing subject
rather than against someones will.
The PSP cost for the power to be
made permanent need be paid only
once, at the end of the surgery. The PSP
cost for the surgery itself must be paid
each round the surgery lasts. The cost
per round remains the same no matter
how the recipient feels about it; the
increased PSP cost for recipient with
more than 6 levels or hit dice replaces
the base cost for the surgery. If the recip-
ient is unwilling, the surgeon must first
open the recipients mind through psy-
chic combat. Note also that the surgeon
must touch the recipient throughout the
surgery. Unwilling recipients usually
must be restrained in some fashion; the
surgeon must begin the process all over
again if the recipient breaks free before
the surgery is complete.
How does the signature spell con-
cept from the PLAYERs OPTION: Spells &
Magic book work for shairs from the
AL-QUADIM setting? Can they even use it
at all? Are they treated as specialists or
mages for the purposes of cost in slots
or spell points? Normal wizards gain
the benefit of one memorization of the
signature spell at no cost in spell slots,
but that benefit is useless to shairs.
Would it be reasonable to allow shairs
the benefit of speeding up their gens
search for the signature spell, say down
to the minimum for that spell?
A shair can designate a signature
spell. The shair follows the procedure
described on page 57 of Spells & Magic
and must fulfill all the requirements in
time, money, and proficiency slots (or
character points). The cost is the same as
for a mage, and the shairs gen must
participate in the process. The signature
spell must be one that a native Zakharan
wizard of the shairs level can cast. A
shair cannot choose a priest spell as a
signature spell nor can he choose any
spell unknown in the Land of Fate or
whose level would be beyond his ability
to cast if he were a normal wizard.
Once the shair and his gen learn the
signature spell, the gen can automatically
find the spell for the shair once a day
without any dice rolls. This once-a-day
search always takes the minimum time
and always succeeds, no matter what the
gens chance to locate the spell normally
would be. The shair can request that the
gen make a regular search for the signa-
ture spell anytime, but all the rules on
page 98 of the Arabian Adventures book
apply to such searches. Whenever the
shair receives the signature spell (even if
the gen locates the spell through normal
means) the shair enjoys all the benefits
of a signature spell (a two-level bonus to
effective casting level or a -2 penalty to
7O NVLMBLR 1996
the targets saving throw). If the shair
ever loses his gen, he retains the casting
benefits but his new gen has no special
ability to find the signature spell, though
it can be trained to do so at the same cost
as establishing a new signature spell.
Can a song mage make use of a
vocalize spell to cast spells from the
school of song without any material or
somatic components (just sheer mental
effort)? Recall that song mages normally
require only verbal components when
casting spells from the school of song.
The reason I ask is because I have night-
mares about song mages with a persis-
tent spell effect ability (vocalize) running
around rampantly casting spells without
ever uttering a single song.
Rest easy. A song mage must always
sing to cast spells. A vocalize spell can
allow other wizards to cast spells in
silence, but a song mages singing is the
sole medium for his magic no singing,
no spell casting.
In the Players Handbook, under 1st-
level wizard spells, it says that cantrip is
a part of all schools of magic. It also
says illusionists and other specialist
wizards can memorize an extra spell
per level, provided that extra spell is
from the specialists school of special-
ization. Does cantrip count as one of the
extra spells an illusionist or other spe-
cialist can memorize? Also, I always
thought that the cantrip spell worked as
described in the Players Handbook.
The new CD-ROM suggests that one
would have to learn it for each school
of magic. Is that the case?
Any specialist can choose cantrip as
his bonus 1st-level spell. A wizard need
learn cantrip only once.
The article A Flurry of Swords in
Issue #232 gave descriptions of many
new weapons. Each description had a
category for proficient use and special-
ized use, where extra damage or
bonuses to speed factors were listed.
Do these rules also apply to the estab-
lished weapons from sources such as
the Players Handbook? While were on
the subject of new weapons, how does
one decide which die to use as a
weapons knockdown die (from the
Combat & Tactics book)? Is it related to
weapon size or speed?
The bonuses the article gives for pro-
ficient and specialized use apply only to
the weapons listed in the article. If you
decide to use these weapons with the
standard rules for weapon specialization
or any of the optional rules for weapon
of choice, weapon expertise, or weapon
mastery, the wielder gains all the bene-
fits of the weapon and his level of skill.
For example a 7th-level fighter special-
ized in kyber knife would gain a speed
factor of 2, an attack bonus of +1, a
damage bonus of +2 (which rises to +4
against armored humanoids), and two
attacks per round.
When assigning a knockdown die to
a new weapon, look on the Master
Weapon list in Chapter 7 of the Combat
& Tactics book and find a similar
weapon; use that weapons knockdown
die for the new weapon. Most of the
I recommend that you allow the bene-
fits for proficient use only to wielders who
weapons from A Flurry of Swords
actually spend a weapon proficiency slot
or character points to learn its use; char-
should get a d8 for a knockdown die
acters who have familiarity with the
weapon or who use it as part of a
(though the kyber knife would have a
weapon group shouldnt get the bonus.
Likewise, a wielder should get the bonus-
d6 for a knockdown die because its sim-
es for specialized use only if the wielder
actually specializes or achieves mastery
with the weapon. Designating one of
ilar to a short sword). If you cant find a
these weapons as a weapon of choice or
similar weapon, assign a knockdown die
gaining expertise with one of these
weapons should not grant any bonuses
for specialized use.
roughly the same size as the damage
die the wielder rolls against man-sized
opponents.
In the Spells & Magic book (and other
places), it says only wild mages can use
wild magic spells. This makes sense;
after all, only chronomancers can use
chronomancy spells. But, if this is true,
why do wild magic spells end up on the
spell lists of other wizard schools?
Chronomancers have access to alter-
nate reality, alchemists can use pattern-
weave, song mages get fireflow and
spellshape, geometers get Hornungs
baneful deflector and there/not there.
This seems to weaken the wild mage
specialty by allowing so many other
casters free access to spells which, by
definition, are difficult to control. Why is
this so?
Anyway, when a non-wild mage
casts a wild magic spell, do they get
level variations during the casting as
wild mages do? Or do they control the
wild magic spell as easily as any other
in their repertoire?
The official word from TSR, Inc. is that
alternate reality is a chronomancy spell
as well as a wild magic spell. With that
sole exception, wild magic spells are not
available to other spell casters and
should be struck from any non-wild
mage spell list where they appear.
When a chronomancer casts alternate
reality, no wild surge occurs, because the
caster isnt using wild magic.
Thank you for the column (issue
#231) about giving character points to
psionicist PCs. A printing blooper seems
to have left the PSP bonus ability with
no character point cost. Oh, well, life
without bloopers would be just a bit
boring. While youre fixing that, tell us
how many character points psionicists
receive for weapon and non weapon
proficiencies.
Actually, there were two bloopers,
both mine, not the printers. The PSP
bonus costs 10 character points. Also
drop the MAC bonus ability. Instead, the
psionicist gains the mental armor profi-
ciency for free with the purchase of the
mental defense ability. Heres the scoop
on psionicist proficiencies:
Weapon Proficiencies: Once the
psionicist has purchased class abilities he
receives 6 character points for weapon
proficiencies. The psionicist can spend
these points as designated in Table 1.
Table 1: Psionicist weapon proficiencies
Ability CP cost
Proficiency in a single weapon from the psionicist list 3
Proficiency in a single weapon from the warrior list 4
Designating a weapon of choice 3*
Weapon Expertise (one weapon) 4*
Weapon Specialization (one weapon) 8
**
Learning a fighting style
1
* in addition to the cost for proficiency in the weapon.
** in addition to the costs of proficiency in the weapon and the ability to specialize
sile,
Psionicists can learn these fighting styles: one-handed weapon, weapon and shield, two weapon, mis-
horse archer, thrown weapon/sling, and special.
DRACN #235 71
Table 2: Additional psionicist nonweapon proficiencies
Proficiency cost* Initial Relevant
Rating Ability
Contact** 5 N/A Wisdom/Intuition
Mental Armor** 3 N/A Wisdom/Willpower
Psionicist Group
Gem Cutting 3 6 Dexterity/Aim
Harness Subconscious** 6 7 Wisdom/Willpower
Meditative Focus** 5 8 Wisdom/Intuition
Musical Instrument 2 7 Charisma Leadership
Reading/Writing 2 8
Intelligence/Knowledge
Rejuvenation** 3 6 Wisdom/Willpower
* Cost in character points
** Proficiency described in Chapter 9 of the Skills & Powers book.
Nonweapon proficiencies: Once the give my character. For instance, if I fail
psionicist has purchased class abilities
and weapon proficiencies he receives 6
character points for nonweapon profi-
ciencies. The psionicist can choose pro-
ficiencies from the general and psioni-
cist groups. Refer to the Skills & Powers
book, Chapter 6, and to Table 2 above.
Id like to try out the Rod of Seven
Parts adventure, but Ive already read
the book; is there any point in playing
the adventure now?
There sure is. The adventure in the
Rod of Seven Parts boxed set is not the
adventure Kip Kayle (the books halfing
hero) had.
I am about to start running a pixie
thief (cutpurse kit) and I wanted to
know what bonus being invisible would
to pick someones pocket, can they see
me? If I stab someone, do I become vis-
ible? Or do I become visible for a sec-
ond and then invisible again? And,
since I am invisible, do I have a +4 on
my armor class due to being invisible?
Why is it that pixies, as monsters, have
a 25% magic resistance, but, as a
humanoid race, you do not have the
magic resistance?
Pixies have natural invisibility and
dont become visible unless they will it
or unless forced into visibility in some
fashion (a successful dispel magic against
an 8th-level effect can do so, as can
mundane actions such as coating the
pixie with paint or flour). A failed pick-
pocket attempt would give the victim a
chance to notice the invisible pixie (see
the description of the 2nd-level wizard
spell invisibility for details). A melee
attack certainly would get an oppo-
nents attention and alert him to the
pixies presence. Neither act makes the
pixie visible, however, and any oppo-
nents unable to see the pixie suffer the
standard -4 attack penalty.
Noticing an invisible creature and
actual l y seei ng i t are two di fferent
things. If a creature merely notices an
invisible creature, it knows approximate-
ly where the creature and can attack it
but sti l l suffers the attack penal ty.
Actually seeing an invisible creature
requires a detect invisibility or true seeing
spell, a natural ability to detect invisible
creatures, or some way to negate the
invisibility.
Obviously, pixies who havent adopt-
ed a character class must do something
or know something adventuring pixies
dont. Thats why monster pixies have
magic resistance and pixie adventurers
dont. The pixies arent saying what it is,
and Im not either.
Skip Williams, who tends to furrow his
brows and stare intently into space fairly
often, speculates that pixies could rule the
world if they could just keep their minds on
the task.
72
NVLMBLR 1996
Forum welcomes your comments and
opinions on role-playing games.
In the United States and Canada, send
any correspondence to Forum, DRAGON
Magazine, 201 Sheridan Springs Road,
Lake Geneva, WI 53147 U.S.A. In Europe,
send mail to Forum, Dragon Magazine,
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Cambridge CB1 3LB, U.K. You can also send
e-mail to [email protected], but also
include your full name (not screen name)
and postal address.
We ask that all material be neatly typed or
handwritten. You must give us your full name
and mailing address if you expect your letter
to be printed (we will not consider a letter sent
anonymously), but we will withhold your
name if you ask us to do so, and we will not
print your full address unless you request it.
In 33 years of enjoying role-playing
games, this is the first time I have written
to any gaming magazine. I mention my
years of playing only as a way of intro-
ducing myself to Rick Maffei, who seems
to place emphasis on experience,
although denying it in the next sentence.
I have read with some amusement the
recent wrangling amongst Rick, Tim
Nutting, et al., concerning AD&D game
rules. And I must support Rick in that all
of the rules are optional!
TSR has performed a great service to
all gamers, most of whom cant remem-
ber what it was like to try to develop a
campaign system based on Tolkiens,
Leibers, or Nortons fantasy worlds with-
out any guidelines whatsoever. Indeed,
most would have difficulty conceiving a
world were there only six-sided dice.
TSR and others who have developed
and published game systems have estab-
lished bases for expanding gaming possi-
bilities. These systems in essence allowed
us to expand outward from the small
groups who had each developed their
own personal game systems to a world
of players who now have some common
reference point. But my point remains: all
of the rules are optional! Perhaps the
most optional rules of all deal with the
generation of character attributes.
There has been a disturbing trend
toward an over-reliance on character
attribute scores. I have seen DMs adhere
to the limits set forth in AD&D rules,
then provide so many attribute-enhanc-
ing ioun stones that their PCs resemble
uranium atoms with legs. I have seen
players sulk and declare a character
unplayable because they had to deal
with an attribute score lower than 10 (in
something other than Charisma, of
course). It seems that everyone wants to
start with invincible characters and
improve from there!
Maybe it would be more fun to start
all of your PCs with attributes of 8 (with
racial modifiers added or subtracted)
and allow them to elevate those attrib-
utes during the course of a campaign, as
they age, train, or study. Perhaps, in such
a scenario, Charisma would be the one
attribute a player rolls! Maybe racial
eventually lead to new ideas and new
ways to explore the rich texture of
gaming.
I, for one, would also like to say that
I welcome any TSR thugs who might
show up at my door. We play every
Sunday afternoon.
Rick Bruner
Attica, IN
There seems to be a lot of trouble
with exceptional Strength. I really must
recommend doing what I did a few
years ago (on recommendation from
another Forum letter): get rid of it! Yes,
dont use exceptional Strength. Either
keep the strength tables the away they
are (the warriors will not be pleased), or
make a new Strength/Muscle table the
way you want it. For example, I want
characters to have advantages already
at 13 Muscle, so the table I made gives a
bonus at 13.
Consider the benefits: Warriors who
gain or lose Strength will be much easi-
er to handle. As the rules are now,
Strength reduction or increase either
I welcome any TSR thugs who might show up at my door.
level limitations should be ignored, and
your demi-humans could advance by
doubling or tripling XP requirements.
Why would any prudent DM using 3d6
six times to generate scores then penal-
ize the person who rolls an 18 by telling
him that he cannot elevate a sub-ability
score above another PC who has rolled
only a 16? Should a priest who can
memorize three 1st-, two 2nd-, and one
3rd-level spells be restricted to just
these? Or should he be able to memo-
rize six 1st-level spells? Or perhaps ten
1st-level spells (based on spell levels)?
My point is that arguing about specific
rules is pointless. A good DM will set forth
the ground rules at the beginning of a
campaign, and these rules may agree in
total with established AD&D rules or
vary because of a DM or groups prefer-
ence, interest, or skill level. Attempts to
crystallize role-playing games under a set
of iron-clad rules would destroy the tradi-
tion of imagination that has always been
its most basic appeal. I think its apparent
that TSR recognizes this. Skills and Powers
is the reward for every DM who has tried
to develop a separate perception or intu-
ition roll or who labored to balance the
scales between the Wizard and Warrior
classes. The new rules expand the base
and fuel the imagination, and they will
ignore percentiles, reduces the per-
centile amount by half (as by aging),
uses 10%-increments (strength spell), or
uses the different %-brackets as single
points of Strength. Quick, when a roper
reduces a characters Strength, which
system do you use? Getting rid of excep-
tional Strength eliminates a lot of incon-
sistencies.
Also, with this system, there is no
longer such a huge gap between 17 and
18 Strength. With the exceptional
Strength rules, a warrior really needs an
18 to amount to something.
I guess there are benefits to the
exceptional Strength system, but I dont
see them.
On another note, GMs out there seem
to have problems with Muscle 20 char-
acters. The solution here is simple as
well. Make a rule that goes like this: No
man-sized or smaller creature can have a
Strength or Muscle score of more than 18
by natural means. Simple, isnt it?
Now for the problem of elves with a
Reason score of 20 (at 20 Reason, you
ignore 2nd-level illusions, namely invisi-
bility and mirror image) . . .
Rasmus Juul Wagner
Lunddalsvej 19
2600 Glostrup
Denmark
74
NVLMBLR 1996
Many letters in recent issues of DRAGON
Magazine have dealt with introducing
new PCs and transferring PCs from other
campaigns into the current game.
Addressing this issue is always up to the
particular DM, but it seems almost all of
the solutions seen to date hinder the new
PC in some way.
The trend to new PCs always seems
to be to start them off at the level of the
lowest-level PC already in the group.
Though this may seem fair to all the
other players, it is often unfair to the
new ones. By following this trend, we
should also restrict ability scores to all of
the lowest in the campaign, as well as
starting money, equipment, and so on.
What chance are we really giving the
new character?
Adding a new PC to an existing cam-
paign is more than figuring stats and
equipment. Somehow, the DM must
give the PC a reason for being. A back-
ground must be developed, and the
player needs the opportunity to learn
about the world. All too often the DM
just expects the character to jump in and
play but then cant understand why the
new character isnt fitting in to his
groups way of playing. Even experi-
enced players have trouble adjusting
when they have no stake in the final
results of the campaign.
If a DM has the time, individual ses-
sions can make the difference. If the DM
cant, perhaps another player can run
the newcomer through some small
adventures to get him up to speed on
the campaign and the game world. Let
the newcomer role-play his PC through
key events in his life that brought him to
the level he will be playing in the cam-
paign. Let the PC find spells or magical
items, and let him earn at least a fifth of
the experience points necessary for his
starting level. By doing this, the DM
gives himself an opportunity to make
the new PC immediately useful to the
party, thus pulling him into play as an
integral part of the game instead of
being the sideliner who rolls dice and
slays gnolls.
The DM can give the new PC con-
tacts throughout a region, which may be
useful later, and possibly let him find
some item of significance to the rest of
the party. Maps, books, scrolls, and even
some magical devices could be used.
How the new PC meets the party is
equally important. All too often the party
is told, You meet a wandering fighter on
the road who asks if he can travel with
you. This automatically gives the feeling
of being a fifth wheel to many players.
Instantly, the new PC becomes an extra
sword, not a member of the party.
Instead, make the meeting memorable,
give it some meaning. It could be the
party who frees the character from a ter-
rible fate, which just happens to have
been caused by their adversary. If the
new character is wealthy, he could be
the one who lends a helping hand in a
city market. Whatever you decide, make
it an opportunity for role-playing. Add it
to the campaign, and make it a useful
pat of the story.
As for PCs from other campaigns, it
seems we must always strip abilities or
equipment or something else the player
has grown used to having. Why hit them
all at once? A good DM should be able
to find ways to balance the game and
PC. This doesnt necessarily mean the
new PC will always remain so powerful,
just that the loss of abilities, equipment
or other factors should be incorporated
into play. Just dont forget to explain to
the new player that his luck may be just
a little worse off for a time.
High stats are the hardest to deal
with, but they can be handled through
game play and need not be axed imme-
diately. The gravity on your world may
be different and have a definite affect
on a PCs Strength. Where he may have
a 20 Strength from some super cam-
paign he was in, in this world the gravi-
ty difference causes him some penalty
to that Strength. It could take him some
time to adjust, and it still leaves the DM
the possibility to lift the burden as other
characters progress in other areas, with-
out having to pull out a few wish spells.
Intelligence and Wisdom can be
affected by the new world as well. These
are generally a persons ability to reason
and learn. Suddenly appearing in a new
world is little different from getting off
an airplane in a city you have never vis-
ited. It takes time to learn the layout of
the area, the best places to shop, and
the disposition of the local people. Use
this to your advantage, and impose the
appropriate penalties. Regardless of the
Intelligence score, enforce the fact that
this character couldnt possibly know
some things, simply because he has
never been able to learn them.
Spell abilities are no different. Magic
may work differently here, and the gods
may not be as helpful in this world. The
new character could have lower chance
of spell success for a period of time, or
he may just find it extremely difficult to
learn new spells for the first couple of
adventures.
Proficiencies a lesser impact, but they
should not be neglected. For the hunter,
different animals have different habits.
Has the PC ever hunted the deer of your
world? If not, his chances of a successful
hunt will be lower.
Weapons, equipment, and magical
items take a bit more care, as they are
not explained by natural phenomenon.
But this is a fantasy world. Perhaps the
trip through the plains has caused some
imbalance in the magical property of
magical items or caused some change to
the molecular structure of non-magical
items. Perhaps the items are not as strong
as they once were. Lower saving throws
for these items will gradually eliminate
them and give the player time to adjust
to not having all of his favorite gear.
And dont forget the wonderful
thieves of your world. They live by
knowing where the best targets are, not
by just waiting for something good to
come their way. A group of adventurers,
finding treasure and powerful items,
would be a perfect target for a thief.
Whatever you do, dont penalize only
the new PC. Give him a reason to stay.
One solution, though it cant be used
for every character, is to take a look at
Michael Moorcocks books of the eternal
champion. This was a hero who existed
in a thousand worlds and times but was
at the core the same person. By treating
a PC as an eternal champion, you can
lower the power of items but still keep
them basically the same. You change
certain aspects of his life but dont
destroy the core feeling of the character.
For the right player, this could be the
best role-playing chance he has ever
had. Role-playing the adjustment will
add an enjoyable element to the cam-
paign for everyone. The eternal champi-
on PC must figure out just why he is in
the world, how he fits into the grand
scheme of things.
Other writers give us other possibili-
ties to help the DM explain why things
happen to a new PC. DMs can gradually
adjust a PC to a new world without strip-
ping him of everything that makes him
who he is. If the adjustments are good
enough, they will add to the character
and the campaign through the process,
thus gaining a happy new player with-
out upsetting those who have been with
the DM for a long time.
Keith Houin
Address withheld
DRACN #235 75
5cnsItIvc
subccts
I thank you, gentlemen and ladies,
fellow members of the Korbelian Order
of Magecrafters, for allowing me time
for this presentation, and for your atten-
dance, he said, peeking out at his audi-
ence from behind the pillars at the edge
of the darkened theaters stage, I must
further inconvenience you by asking
that you refrain from the casting of any
light-producing spells for the duration of
the seminar. They would . . . detract from
the display.
As I am not often found here in
Khanahr, permit me to introduce myself,
he said, his barely visible outline stepping
from the wings to stand in the darkness
at center-stage, I am Farrand Two-Spell, a
wizard of good standing in this Hall.
A technicality, remarked one audi-
ence member, sotto voce.
Some few of you, Farrand contin-
ued, may be familiar with my name by
way of the spell I designed years ago,
jokingly referred to by some as Farrands
freeloader, but more properly named
Farrands cognitive conveyance, and that
dweomer has a role in the story I am
about to tell you. Until recently, I had
amused myself by seeking the answers
to problems unsolved by my predeces-
sors, including even the archmage
Korbel himself, but now I have come
across a problem of my own which I ask
your help in dealing with.
Some centuries ago, a sage by the
name of Arneerus, compiled a lexicon of
the troglodyte language. At this
moment, a troglodyte appeared to the
left of Farrands position, apparently
from nowhere, advancing menacingly
towards the audience and then blinking
out of existence, only to reappear in its
original position.
A beginners illusion, heckled the
same voice in the audience, theres no
sound, and the animation is hardly life-
like. It couldnt convince an ankle-deep
farmer, let alone a trained wizard.
And, continued Farrand without
pause, almost as if he hadnt heard the
remark, he was surprised to find that
troglodyte speech apparently traces itself
back to a highly degraded form of a prim-
by Spike Y. Jones
illusiraicd ly Jancs Holloway
itive lizard man tongue.
1
A second crea-
ture then appeared, a lizard man poised
on Farrands other side, going through
the same short rush at the audience
before instantly returning to its place.
Arneerus was surprised, because all
of the anatomical sciences seemed to
show that the two reptilians were no
more closely related than humans and
gnolls. As he spoke from his shadowy
position, the reptilians on either side
began to strike poses that mimicked
each other and displayed the differences
between their body structures.
A second peculiarity that the sage
pointed out was that troglodyte speak
their own, lizard-man-derived language
and absolutely no other. The language of
the lizard man has evolved somewhat
since it was learned by the trogs, chang-
ing in some aspects. At that point, the
two beasts proceeded to intone pairs of
words in their languages to show both
the similarities and the differences.
Sound. Nothing spectacular about
that, sneered the heckler.
Theres nothing spectacular about a
cantrip, commented a mage near the
man, sparks dancing on his fingertips,
until I employ it on you.
On no occasion has it been recorded
that a troglodyte learned even a single
word in a foreign tongue. Even when
lizard men adopted from humans the
common word halfling to describe that
race, (the lizard man made a smooth but
recognizable reptilian parody of the word,
after which the illusory figure dissolved
into the surrounding darkness), the trogs
coined a phrase to cover the new species
from other lizard man words: bad
smelling little humans, (a phrase which
was followed by the troglodyte figure
making a similarly long speech).
In addition, there were numerous
troglodyte words, apparently of trog, not
lizard, origin, that simply baffled
Arneerus. This, combined with the myste-
rious lack of many basic lizard man adjec-
tives and adverbs, made his Beginners
Troglodyte a primer for a pidgin-
troglodyte at best. No one has yet man-
aged to decipher even a single of these
extra terms, and woefully few new words
have been discovered to fill these gaps.
But flawed though it is, it has remained
the essential tract used by those desiring
to communicate with those creatures
even to this day, centuries later.
Seeing the gains to be made by the
man completing the translation of
Troglodytian, I set myself diligently to
the task.
At first, I explored a number of blind
passages that I should have had the
sense to avoid entirely. After all, if the
accomplished lexicologist Arneerus had
forgotten to try a comprehend languages
or tongues spell on a captured specimen,
then I might as well try speaking the
common tongue to them and hope hed
Continued on page 82
1. The relationship between the troglodyte and While the troglodyte language can be transcribed
lizardman languages is only a slight one, more eas- by others, troglodyte themselves have no concept
ily detectable by linguists than by adventurers. If a of written records.
character speaks either of these languages, he will 2. That version of the troglodyte language
be able to understand 10% or less of the other. which can be taught to humans and the like
expresses less than 50% of the total content of
troglodyte speech. Exceedingly simple statements,
such as I surrender, you surrender, or I kill you,
can be translated, but complex, intricate discussions
are impossible.
DRACN #235 79
overlooked that obvious avenue as well.
And my results duplicated those of
Arneerus; even the more powerful of
the two spells left inexplicable gaps in its
translations, gaps that corresponded to
the gaps in Arneerus lexicon.
Taking my studies to the field, I went
to a wild area a days travel from my
home, the place from whence my cap
tured subject had originally been taken.
After preparing a secure hiding place for
my body, I cast my cognitive conveyance
on the troglodyte and then released
him, so that I could, from within his
mind, follow him to his home and expe-
rience his interaction with others of his
kind in a natural setting, hoping thus to
learn the intricacies of his language.
Although I counted Troglodyte among
the languages with which I was as fluent
as any other human, I supplemented my
fluency with a comprehend languages
and the most powerful extension spell of
which I was capable, the better to inter-
pret the missing nuances of the lan-
guage I was sure I would soon hear.
After only a few minutes of travel on
the part of my host, we crossed a field of
wildly growing roses to enter a honey-
comb of tunnels inhabited by a commu-
nity of almost three score of these
creatures.
Slowly, a dim image of a branching
tunnel made itself visible to the right of
Farrands still-shadowed and stiffly-
motionless form, moving and changing
to match the description his monologue
made. And the whole while, the slightly
more animated image of the troglodyte
stood to his left; a constant reminder of
what the audience was watching for.
The first thing that I noticed as we
entered the caverns was darkness,
Farrand said as the illusion of the craggy
lair disappeared from his right. Although
I would have panicked on my own, my
hosts mind was entirely at ease, and it
was not long before I realized that the
darkness wasnt as unrelieved as it had
first appeared. Various patches of the
darkness slowly grew into wispy, red
clouds and other shapes, and I realized
what the misty redness was. Under more
pleasant circumstances, I had used the
cognitive conveyance to experience a
number of things through the eyes of a
young, elvish woman of my acquain-
tance, and this recalled one of those
experiences; infravision.
Something smells off in here, com-
mented the heckler quietly enough not
to raise the ire of his neighbors.
For those of you who have infravi-
sion, what you enjoy is but a pale reflec-
tion of the infravision of a troglodyte,
Farrand said, as a series of shifting pic-
tures in numerous subtle shades of red,
orange and yellow filled the space to his
right, I estimated that troglodyte could
differentiate temperatures as little as a
tenth of a degree apart, so that surfaces
that would appear uniformly cold to
even an elfs eye, such as the ceiling,
wails, and floor or a rock tunnel, would
reveal enough thermal variation to
allow a troglodyte to navigate as well as
a human on a moon-lit night.
Of course, such navigation took
some getting used to, as infravision is
not a fast-acting sense like our normal
vision is, but this didnt seem to bother
the troglodyte at all because, much as
we use hearing as an adjunct to our
sense of sight, his infravision was sec-
ondary to his sense of smell.
Corners in the tunnels were marked
off by scent-markers and we could even
smell around corners if we were down-
wind of them, more than once detecting
approaching trogs long before we could
see or hear them. Conversely, my host
tended to be more cautious approach-
ing corners we were upwind of, as nei-
ther his infravision nor his keen sense of
smell afforded him any advantage in
such a situation.
3
I stayed with my host for a consider-
able time experiencing many little
details of his normal life. I ate a meal of
raw meat with him, raw because
troglodyte shun cooking fires or other
sources of heat sufficient to blind their
infravision.
4
I relaxed with him by
smelling samples from a collection of
flowers, rocks and furs, each scented
subtly different in ways our language
hasnt the vocabulary to describe.
5
And
we talked with other troglodyte.
At first, the conversations were just as
confusing from the inside as they had
been in all my previous attempts; I again
heard nearly incoherent conversations in
which key words, descriptives, and even
whole sentences seemed to be missing.
The troglodyte talked about things com-
mon to all species: their previous meals,
their . . . uh . . . mating successes, their
possessions, etcetera, but they left out
important details like whether they liked
the taste of the meal, what their mate
looked like, or even exactly what pos-
sessions each one had.
But the key to the missing words
came when I realized the name of the
individual I was being conveyed by. I
never heard his name spoken, but more
than once, at a point in the conversation
when a name would have been expect-
ed, I smelled a curious blend of fra-
grances. It took a number of repetitions
before I had both separated the different
scents, and realized that these scents
were the name of my host in the real lan-
guage of the troglodyte. His name was
Rose-Boiled Cabbage-Mild Skunk, and
this was all accomplished by the
troglodytes bodies manufacturing these
scents and releasing them into the air as
if they were words!
For a time I was stunned by this, but
afterwards, I was able to decipher a
large number of other words. For every
word that is missing in their spoken
vocabulary, there is a corresponding
smell to take its place. There are smells
for objects, places, persons, animals,
and even emotions. Apparently, the
original language of the troglodyte was
entirely olfactory, and the verbal com-
ponent was only borrowed from the
3. Because smell is such an important part of
troglodyte sensory input, the arrange their lairs to
facilitate the distribution of important scents. Caves
are selected or modified so that the primary direc-
tion of air circulation is from the main entrance
towards other, smaller exits and air vents, so that
the foreign scents of intruders will be wafted to the
defenders almost immediately. The savagery that
troglodyte display when attacking humans has lead
some to assert that they hate humanity, but the sit-
uation is actually the opposite. Humans smell and
taste especially savory to troglodyte (human scents
being used as superlatives when discussing other
meats in the troglodyte scent-language), causing
them to react with particular vigour and violence
when those scents are sensed.
4. It is because of this avoidance of fire that
troglodyte are generally armed with stone
weapons, and that they raid the communities of
other races in order to get worked metals for them-
selves. They are incapable of forging their own
metal weapons, as their infravision is blinded by the
searing heat of a forge.
Instead, they make most of their weapons by
stone-chipping, an activity they can accomplish with
minimal light and a keen sense of touch. Their
javelins are all wood except for the head which they
make from sources as diverse as well-crafted human
spears and points broken off of daggers. The javelins
are not spectacular of themselves (in fact, they look
somewhat crude in many cases), but troglodyte are
so skilled with this weapon that trogs have bonuses
both to hit and in damage with them.
It is also because they cannot process their own
steel that its possession is considered a sign of sta-
tus and power within their communities; as the only
way they can get metal is through combat (what
would they offer in trade?), its possession is a sign
of a warriors prowess.
5. While magical translation aids, such as
Comprehend Languages or Tongues spells, can
make the spoken words of intelligent creatures
understandable to the caster, they do not give him
any new communicative abilities he did not previ-
ously possess. In the case of communicating with
troglodyte, a human spell-caster doesnt gain an
improved sense of smell from casting a
Comprehend Languages spell, nor can the spells
magic invent new words to cover concepts unfamil-
iar to the caster, such as the thousands of variations
of scent that only a troglodyte can differentiate.
82 NVLMBLR 1996
lizard man in order to give them some
form of ability to communicate with
those outside of their own race.
6
Once I had firmly grasped this con-
cept, and had learned enough of it to
form a base for a new treatise on
troglodytian conversation, I made ready
to abandon my hosts body and return
to my own, safe in the woods outside.
Even more stunning than the discovery
of the secret of the troglodyte language
was the realization that I couldnt extri-
cate myself from my host! There is a
time-limit involved in the use of the cog-
nitive conveyance such that it becomes
progressively more difficult to end the
spell as time goes on. And I had appar-
ently been so engrossed in the wonders
of troglodyte sensibilities and society,
that I had failed to keep track of the
passing hours; I was trapped.
7
Hey, the smells getting worse,
exclaimed the heckler, I think hes
brought the worst part of the troglodyte
cave back with him to prove his silly
story.
If you think that this speech is merely
an attempt to authenticate some claimed
discovery, responded another of his fel-
lows, then youre a greater fool than
Farrand is about to reveal himself to be.
At first, I didnt panic. I merely
paused for a few moments to renew my
mental energies, and then tried again to
escape my prison, but to no avail. As my
repeated efforts proved fruitless, I
changed the direction of the task I set
myself. Instead of trying to escape my
host, I tried to invade him entirely, hop-
ing to take over the mind and body I
had passively shared up until that
moment. I spent more than a few frus-
trating days trapped voiceless and bodi-
less within the beasts mind and at times
it felt like he would eject me from his
mind to go none-know-where, but I
finally succeeded; I became the mind of
Farrand Two-Spell, saddled with the
body of a troglodyte named Rose-Boiled
Cabbage-Mild Skunk.
This accomplished, I exited the com-
plex (incidentally called Roses In
Profusion by the troglodyte, from which
all of the tribe members drew part of
their name; the field of roses cultivated
outside the cavern being a signpost and
beacon for the benefit of travelling
troglodyte), to retrieve my body, return
home, and solve this new predicament.
The journey was more difficult than
one would readily imagine. While my
troglodytian body could see well
Ccn|inuc cn pagc 86
6. This scent language is central to the
troglodyte, and apparently evolved from such
basics as the similarity of scents within a clan or
family, the easily identifiable scents of fear and pas-
sion, and the common animal ability of tracking
other animals by the foreignness of the others
smell.
Among troglodyte, the scent-language is so ver-
satile that it takes precedence over all other forms of
communication. Guards cry out alarms in a shrill
olfactory voice without making a sound, thereby
alerting other troglodyte within smell range (about
20 away per round as the smell drifts, to a maxi-
mum of 80, after which it blends in too well with the
background scents to be identifiable) without alarm-
ing relatively smell-blind humans. In fact, the over-
powering stench that can reduce a human opponent
to weak-kneed vomiting during combat with
troglodyte, is merely the build up of olfactory battle-
cries, combat orders, screams of rage, pain, and
hunger, and other smell/phrases which are spo-
ken/emitted in such profusion that the combined
smell overpowers non-troglodyte.
In fact, a similar effect would occur at any time
troglodyte speak too fast for the ventilation in their
lairs to accommodate, the equivalent of the noise
level in a crowded room full of humans, something
which can cause headaches even to the partici-
pants. Even a single troglodyte can cause such a
build-up of smells, if he is kept in a poorly ventilat-
ed area for extended periods of time.
When fighting troglodyte place increasingly
more stock in this form of information gathering
rarely making any noise, in order to concentrate on
the immediacy of scent; they pay as much attention
to what they see during combat as humans do to
what they hear. Thus, light would have to be partic-
ularity bright (eg: a Light spell cast directly on their
eyes) to cause them significant discomfort, and this
discomfort is only half what other subterranean
beings suffer from in similar circumstances (-1 to
their to hit rolls and armor class, or no effect if a
saving throw vs. spells is successful), causing effects
more akin to deafness than blindness for a human.
If fighting under conditions in which their sense
of smell is overwhelmed (eg: if their opponents have
spread skunk oil in the vicinity, or if theyve set a
number of different things aflame, releasing thick
clouds of multi-scented smoke), they will put more
stock in their infravision or their weak normal vision,
but if anything threatens these senses as well (such as
Light or Wall Of Fire spells), they will immediately
retreat.
As they can easily tell which of their opponents
are the most afraid of them by the fear scents all
release, they will usually concentrate their attacks
on the most fearful, which usually proves to be a
good tactic as these are also the weakest of their
enemies. (In game terms, the DM should require
Morale rolls when NPCs face troglodyte, not to have
them run away, but merely to determine which is
the most fearful. In the case of player characters,
the DM should judge on the basis of known PC abil-
ities, and on the reactions of the players.)
Illusions without scent components have no
effect on them in combat and not much in other
conditions. They have +8 on their saving throws vs.
illusions without olfactory components under nor-
mal circumstances, and +2 on saves vs. those with
scent components unless the caster is sufficiently
familiar with the scent to duplicate it exactly. An illu-
sion of another troglodyte will not be believed under
any circumstances if it is not accompanied by scents
proper to the occasion (ie: even a perfectly duplicat-
ed battle-scent wont fool a troglodyte during a non-
battle oriented encounter). And even the best illusion
of a troglodyte is unlikely to be believed for more
than a few rounds, as the real troglodyte might
eventually begin to wonder why his friend is con-
stantly repeating the same scent phrases over and
over again.
7. For those daring enough to use it, here is the
spell that Farrand used to trap himself with:
Farrands Cognitive Conveyance
(Necromantic)
Level: 4
Range: 5 feet/level
Components: V,S
Duration: Special
Area of Effect: 1 Creature
Saving Throw: Special
Similar to a magic jar spell, the cognitive con-
veyance allows ones mind to enter the body of
another creature, but unlike that other spell, it does
not remove the original occupant from his posi-
tion. Instead, the caster shares the victims body,
seeing through its eyes, hearing through its ears
and even thinking with its brain to a certain extent.
This effect is put to a number of uses by spies,
scouts, and even the simply curious.
The victim of the spell must be within the listed
range at the time of casting, and as long as the two
bodies are both within the casting range, the caster
will be able to see through both sets of eyes at one
time, and can control his own body with some
minor difficulty. The caster and his host can move
any distance away from the casters body without
negative effect, but if separated by more than the
spells range, he loses all sensory or control contact
with his own body (which goes into a deep coma
but is otherwise unharmed) until such time as the
bodies re-enter the spells range.
The duration of the spell is unlimited, but this is
not an unmixed blessing. As time goes on, the cast-
er slowly loses touch with his own body and
becomes more attuned to the body he rides in.
Every hour spent sharing anothers mind and body
removes the caster 5% from his own body, so that
he will have lost 25% control of his bodys actions
after 5 hours, and after 20 hours, he will not have
any contact at all with his original body, being fully
integrated within his hosts consciousness.
The subject/victim of the spell gets no saving
throw to resist it, but in order for the caster to sever
the spell and return to his own mind and body, the
caster must make a saving throw, rolling the per-
centage of control he retains of his own body or
less to return to normal. Thus, after 5 hours in the
hosts mind, the caster must roll 75% or less to
return to his own body; after 20 hours he will find
himself irrevocably trapped.
If this should happen, the caster will find that he
slowly (at a rate of about 1% per hour) gains control
of his hosts mind and body. The host will likely
have been unaware of the casters intrusion until
this point, but if the trapped caster attempts to flex
his mental muscle, forcing the shared body into
actions the host hadnt intended, there may be a
struggle for control, with the caster having to roll
the amount of control he has or less to take over
the body entirely. If he fails, he loses all control and
must begin working at control from 0% again. A
patient prisoner will wait over four days (i.e. 100
hours) without attempting a takeover, thus virtually
assuring himself victory with a 99% chance of tak-
ing over (as a roll of 00 always results in a failure).
If control is established, the hosts mind is not
eliminated, it is merely locked securely within the
mind of the new controller, and the host-turned-
prisoner can begin his own attempts to overthrow
the Freeloader, starting at 0% chance, and working
his way up 1% an hour until he makes his own
attempt at control. The flip-flop cycle of owners can
continue until either one gives up, or the caster is
finally returned to his own body.
To lose control of your body to an invading
mind is a traumatic occurrence. Thus, any time com-
plete control is wrested by one of the two minds,
the loser must roll his Wisdom or less on 1d20, or
else be driven insane by the shock. If one of the two
combatants goes insane, the other gains uncontest-
ed control of the body, until such time as the insane
mind is restored to sanity.
Once a caster has become trapped in the sub-
jects body, the spell cannot be cancelled by any
simple means such as a dispel magic spell, and the
subjects lifeforce becomes so attached to the host
body that it is curiously resistant to even a Magic Jar
spell. Those concerned speculate that it would take
at least a limited wish to free the conjoined minds.
If the caster manages to gain complete control
of the body, he can treat the body as his own in all
ways; he will be able to cast spells as per normal,
and will possess all his own mental facilities, along
with the physical capabilities of the body.
DRACN #235 83
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50322.
Chimaeracon 96
November 15-16 IN
French Lick Springs Resort,
French Lick. Events: role-play-
ing, card, board, and miniature
games. Other activities: Star
Trek Con, dealers, home film
contest, costume contest and
ball. Tentative guests: Grace
Lee Whitney, Bjo Trimble, and
NASA. Registration: varies.
Send SASE to: Chimaera, P.O.
Box 42, West Baden Springs,
IN 47469.
Pentacon XII
November 15-17 IN
Grand Wayne Center,
Downtown Fort Wayne.
Events: role-playing, RPGA
Network tournaments, col-
lectible card games, board
games, auction, miniatures
painting contest, charity raffle,
and art show. Other activities:
seminars and computer
games. Northeastern Indiana
Gaming Association, P.O. Box
11174, Fort Wayne, IN 46856,
or e-mail: 102654.230@
compuserve.com.
Garden State Games
Faire
November 21-24 NJ
Ramada Inn, East Windsor.
Contact Andrew Dawson, 470
Ironstone Dr., Boyertown, PA
19512.
ShaunCon XXIII
November 22-24 MO
Holiday Inn, Kansas City.
Events: LIVING City
TM
, LIVING
JUNGLE, and LIVING DEATHS
tournaments, Masters and
Grand Masters events. Other
Ccn|inuc cn pagc 87
Important:
DRAGON Magazine does not publish phone numbers for conventions. Be cer-
tain that any address you send us is complete and correct.
To ensure that your convention listing makes it into our files, enclose a self-
addressed stamped postcard with your first convention notice; we will return the
card to show that it was received. You also might send a second notice one week
after mailing the first. Mail your listing as early as possible, and always keep us
informed of any changes. Please do not send convention notices by fax, as this
method has not proven reliable.
84 NVLMBLR 1996
enough in the light of day, it seemed dif-
ficult to recognize landmarks I had
passed but a few days before. I kept
forcing my body to look around for
familiar sights, while it kept trying to
sniff about for smells which might have
been familiar to Rose-Boiled Cabbage-
Mild Skunk, but which would have pro-
vided me no guidance at all even if I had
found any.
8
Due to the sensory difficulties of the
trip, and the fact that my troglodyte
body was forced to carry my still-living
but mindless and failing human body,
the one-day trip to my home ended up
taking almost three.
In my chambers, I pored over the
notes I had made during the creation of
my cognitive conveyance spell and, unfor-
tunately, assured myself of what I had
feared most during my week-long
ordeal.
Indeed, the smell in the closed theatre
had been getting more and more oppres-
sive as Farrands story went on, and now
even the more forgiving members of his
audience were starting to take up the
hecklers restless muttering. Of a sudden,
the lights in the theater lit up, and the
scenic illusions that Farrand had been
maintaining to his right to show his route
to Khanahr faded and disappeared under
the lamps onslaught. But surprisingly, the
illusion of the troglodyte that had been
standing to Farrands left for the whole
lecture seemed no less solid now than it
had before. And Farrand himself seemed
oddly awkward as he stood there, moving
only occasionally and jerkily as he spoke.
Since returning from Roses In
Profusion I have tried every spell I
thought would help, but none have
shown any promise or effect. When I first
entered Farrands cognitive conveyance in
the rolls of this Orders additions to
magecraft, some of you warned me
about the dangers of employing new
magics without proper tests and con-
trolled experimentation. I stand before
you now, having delivered my pro-
grammed illusion, moving and speaking
through the use of telekinesis and ventril-
oquism spells, to offer all of the profits
from my upcoming volumes on the lan-
guage of the troglodyte to the mage-
brother or sister among you who can
free me from this damned, stinking rep-
tiles body and make me again the man
I was!
Spike Y. Jones would like to thank Kimberly F.
Marshall, Dale A. Donovan, Roger E. Moore, and
Mark Goldberg for their help at various stages in
this articles evolution.
8. Just as troglodyte dont recognize any written form of their language, they dont make use of sketched maps. If a troglodyte is to make a trip into a strange region,
another, with past experience of the area, will emit an olfactory sketch of the route, describing the succession of scents that the traveller should encounter along the trip;
visual landmarks are only used as a supplement to the olfactory, or when they are obvious enough to be used day or night.
86 NVLMBLR 1996
activities: Amber*, Call of
Cthulhu*, GURPS*, Necro-
munda*, Shadowrun*, Star
Wars* and many more.
Registration: $23 at door, dis-
counts for preregistration
and/or RPGKC members.
RPGKC, P.O. Box 7457, Kansas
City, MO 64116-0157, or send
e-mail: [email protected] or
web: http://users.aol.com/
RPGKC/RPGKC.html.
PIttsburgh CnmIcnn
November 23-24 PA
Pittsburgh Expomart,
Monroeville. Special guests:
John DeLancie, artist William
Stout, and Marvel/DC artist
Scott McDaniel. Events: M:tG,
Star Wars CCG, charity auc-
tions and more. Other activi-
ties: free autographs, comic
and game sales. Registration:
$7 single-day pass. Michael
George, 1002 Graham Ave.,
Windber, PA 15963.
5yndICnn '96
Nov 29-30, Dec 1 IN
Ramada Inn, Portage.
Events: role-playing, cards,
comics, miniatures, board
games, painting contests,
and RPGA Network events.
Other activities: AD&D Arena
Combat event, Friday the
13th, all-weekend Photo
Killer game and interactive
role-playing. Registration:
$20 on site. SyndiCon 96,
P.O. Box 1602, Portage, IN
46368.
December
Conventions
A!buqucrquc Gamc FaIr
December 6-8 NM
Pinnacle Four Seasons
Hotel, Albuquerque. Guests:
Margaret Wei s, Tracy
Hickman, and artist Quinton
Hoover. Events: role-playing,
card, board, and miniatures
games. Other activities: RPGA
tournament, art show,
dealers area, computer room.
Registration: varies. AGF 96,
3422 Central Ave SE,
Albuquerque, NM 87106 or
e-mail [email protected].
Lagacnn 21
December 7 PA
Eagles Hall, Lebanon. Events:
role-playing, card, board,
and miniatures games. Other
activities: AD&D tourna-
ments, dealer area. Registra-
tion: varies. LAGA, 1006
Colebrook Rd., Lebanon, PA
17042.
DnmInIcnn
December 13-15 <
St. Patricks College
Maynooth Co., Kildare.
Events: role-playing, card,
board, and mi ni atures
games. Other activities: CCG
tournaments and more. Regi-
stration: 3/day, 5/ week-
end. Karl Monaghan, 27
Great Oaks, Mullingar, Co.
Westmeath, Rep. of Ireland.
January Conventions
5unqucst '97
January 2-5 FL
Marriot Orlando Resort,
Orlando. Guests: Timothy
Bradsteet, Michael Stackpole,
and Jay Tummelson. Events:
role-playing, card, board, and
miniatures games. Other
activities: Art show, charity
auction, M:tG tournament and
17 RPGA events. Registration:
$20 before December 1, $25
on site. Sunquest, P.O. Box
677069, Orlando, FL 32867-
7069. e-mail: sunquest@sun-
dial.net. Website: http://
www.net/~sunquest
Crusadcs '97
January 10-12 CT
Ramada Inn, Norwalk.
games. Registration: varies.
Phillip Spera 2 Sibley Lane,
East Haven, CT 06512; e-mail
[email protected]
PandcmnnIum XIV
January 18-19
D
Ryerson Polytechnical
University, Ryerson Hub
Cafeteria Toronto, Ontario.
games. Registration: $25.
until Jan 5, $30 on site.
Contact Peter Fund, 118
Roncesvalles Avenue #34
Toronto, Ontario M6R 2K8,
Canada.
GIovuntLu Con IV
January 24-26 IL
Ramada Hotel OHare,
Rosemont. Events: Call of
Cthulhu*, Runequest*, Pen-
dragon*, Mythos* and other
related games. Guests: Greg
Stafford, Sandy Peterson,
and others. Other activities:
auction, art show, troll ball,
and LARP. Registration: $40.
Andrew Joelson, 1330-D
Gifford Ct., Hanover Park, IL
60103-5227. e-mail joelsona
@cpdmfg.cig.mot.com.
Thc 8th Annua! F!nrIda
Extravaganza
January 25-26 FL
Orlando Expo Center.
board, miniatures games and
collectible memorabilia.
Other activities: M:tG and
Star Wars tournaments. Regi-
stration: varies. E-mail bza-
[email protected].
February
Conventions
CnnstItutInn V
February 14-16 VA
Quality Hotel, Arlington.
games. Other activities:
LARP, RPGA, LIVING CITY,
M:tG, Clay-o-Rama, and an
auction. Registration: varies.
Constitution V, 2205 Luzerne
Ave, Silver Spring, MD. E-mail
[email protected].
Tnta! CnnfusInn XI
February 20-23 MA
Rolling Green Inn,
Andover. Events: role-play-
ing, card, board, and minia-
tures games, Other activities:
RPGA, LARP, and more.
Registration: $30. pre-regis-
tered, $40 on site. Total
Confusion, P.O. Box 403 N.
Chelmsford, MA 01863-
0403.
* indicates a product produced by
a company other than TSR, Inc.
By Lee Bousquet
DRACN #235
87
5pc!!s nf thc sca!cd
by Steve Berman
I!!ustratcd by MIchac! 5cntt
T
he ancient amphibious, reptilian,
and piscine races and creatures
pr e- dat ed manki nd by er as.
Through countless generations spent in
oceans, swamps, and underground, they
accumul ated much knowl edge and
power. Although most campaigns are
set in a time where such beings are
declining, it would be implausible to
believe that magic unknown to the
warm bloods had never been practiced
during those centuries so long ago.
And so below are some new spells to
be used by the scaled. Though these
magics are presented in a format much
like wizardly magic, they could be used
by nonhuman priests and shamans as
they try to reclaim the past glory of their
race. Or simply just survive in a chang-
ing world.
Nearly all of these spells have a dura-
tion that is dependent on the Hit Die of
the casting creature. In those instances
where a humanoid may have a level
(such as in a troglodyte shaman), the
DM should use that figure instead.
A DM can easily substitute these
spells for the magic or special abilities
possessed by a scaled creature, specially
the more intelligent races like nagas and
yuan-ti. Such substitutions provide a sur-
prise to those adventurers who, through
experience or research, think that they
such creatures are not a challenge to
them anymore. Wont those warm
bloods be shocked?
Barble
1,2
(Alteration)
Level: 1
Range: 0
Components: V
Duration: 1 turn/Hit Die
Casting Time: 1
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: None
This spell causes the recipients body
t o gr ow bar bl es, l ong, semi-flexible
spines extending from the creatures
scales. The barbles have the effect of
improving the creatures Armor Class by
2. In addition, the creature may attack
with the barbles in lieu of its normal
attack mode, causing 1-6 hp damage
on a successful hit. Opponents who are
foolish enough to grapple with a barbled
creature suffer that damage automati-
cally each round they are so engaged.
Because of the awkward size of the
barbles (some of which reach over a foot
in length), the spell recipient may unable
to enter some small openings, such as
narrow cave mouths. Also, surrounding
objects may be accidentally caught on
the spines, and the spell recipient is
quite limited in his choices of clothing
and other equipment worn on the body.
For this reason, most of the users of the
spell are creatures who wear little cloth-
ing and live underwater, where they are
less likely to jar the altered scales.
Locathah in particular are especially
fond of this spell.
Serpent Tail
2
(Alteration)
Level: 2
Range: 0
Components: V
Duration: 1 round +1 round/Hit Die
Casting Time: 2
Saving Throw:
This sinister magic is often used by
the yuan-ti. It transforms the ordinary tail
of any reptilian creature into the form of
a snake, complete with fanged head. A
serpent tail provides an additional attack.
Unless the creature already could threat-
en with its tail, however, it suffers a -2
penalty to its THAC0 when attacking
with the serpent tail. The bite of the snake
head causes 1-6 hp damage and injects
a venom that burns like acid in the vic-
tims veins. On the round after being
wounded, the poisoned creature must
save vs. poison or suffer 1 hp damage
for each Hit Die of the attacking creature.
A successful saving throw vs. poison indi-
cates that the victim suffers only half
damage.
The snake head can do nothing more
than hiss and bite. Magic cast upon it
affects the host creature and vice versa.
Some adventurers have claimed that
they have seen a more fearsome ver-
sion of this spell, one that allows the ser-
pent tail to detach from its caster and
attack independently.
*Camouflage
1,2,3
(Alteration, Abjuration)
Level: 3
Range: 10 yards
Components: S
Duration: 1 turn/Hit Die
Casting Time: 5
Saving Throw: None
Through the use of a camouflage spell,
the recipient can alter the coloration of
its hide to match whatever background it
rests against. But beyond this change in
hue, this spell also slightly alters the hide
of the recipient to blend in with the sur-
rounding terrain. Thus, in a bed of kelp,
the creature develops frond-like exten-
sions over its body. If lying on a cave
floor, the scaly hide becomes mottled
and bumpy.
All of these physical changes make
the creature nearly impossible to notice.
It can surprise an opponent on a 5-in-6;
even those beings who are extraordi-
narily perceptive (rangers, elves, and so
forth) suffer this disadvantage. In addi-
tion, the spell lessens the likelihood that
DRACN #235 89
the concealed creature can be detected
by Divination magic (such as detect invis-
ibility or true seeing) to only a 5% chance
per level of the caster.
To gain the benefits of the spell, how-
ever the creature must remain quiet and
sti l l , movi ng no faster than MV 1.
Otherwise it will be noticed.
Sahuagin and locathah shamans
often cast this spell on the tribes scouts
before they embark on a mission.
Scale blade
1,2
(Alteration, Enchantment)
Level: 4
Range: Touch
Components: V,M
Duration: 1 hour/Hit Die
Area of Effect: See below
Saving Throw: None
Though this spell is often used by the
scaly folk, human wizards and dracon-
ian worshipers have rumored to practice
such magic. The caster must take a scale
(the material component) from a suit-
able creatures skin, and from that he
creates a magical weapon that looks
like it was forged from that single scale
and not metal. The length of a scaleblade
and the sort of damage it delivers is
dependent on the size of the creature it
came from: a dagger is created from M-
sized creatures, a short sword from L-
sized, and a long sword from G-sized
beasts; no scaleblade can be crafted from
a creature less than Medium sized.
The weapon is considered magical
for combat purposes, but has no bonus-
es to hit or on damage. If the scaleblade
is crafted from a dragon, however, then
it does possess a magical ability: an aura
that reflects the breath weapon of the
drake it came from. Thus, a scaleblade
from a red dragon would burn with fire,
while one from a green dragon would
leak fetid fumes. This aura inflicts addi-
tional damage equal to the Hit Dice of
the dragon from which the scaleblade
was made. A saving throw is allowed vs.
breath weapon, and, dependent on
what sort of aura is present (fire, cold,
poison), bonuses may apply.
This spell can be used on other
scaled creatures that possess magical
abilities (nagas, remorhaz, etc. in which
case the blade may carry a weaker
aura), delivering half the creatures Hit
Dice in damage with every blow. Again,
the victim is entitled to a saving throw to
see whether only half damage from the
magical aura is suffered.
At the end of the spells duration, the and come alive under the command of
scaleblade crumbles to dust. the caster.
A molting so created appears as a
Skin of the Salamander smaller, lighter version of the creature
(Evocation, Alteration)* 2, 3 from which the skin came from. In game
Level: 4 terms, the molting is one size level down
Range: 0 from its parent (i.e., a size G dragon
Components: V, M would create a size L molting, and a size
Duration: 2 rounds +1 round/Hit Die L rock lizard would yield a size M skin).
Casting Time: 4 To discover the moltings statistics,
Area of Effect: The caster refer to the chart below:
Saving Throw: None Hit Dice: one-half parents
Hit Points: one-quarter parents
Salamen are first credited with the Move: twice parents (such creatures
creation of this spell as a part of their can even fly!)
religious ceremonies. Since then, a num- AC: 7
ber of scaly creatures have either stolen THAC0: Parents score -4, minimum
or bartered for such knowledge that of 20
evokes some of the power from infa- # of AT: Same as parent
mous scaled creatures native to the Damage/Attack: T size 1-2
Elemental Plane of Fire. S size 1-4
The spell causes the casters body to M size 2-5
erupt into pale orange flames. While the L size 2-8 (Note that a molting cannot
duration lasts, the caster and the per- inflict more damage than its parent crea-
sonal items borne by him are resistant ture; in such cases the amount is the
to fire, both magical and mundane, and same as parent.)
suffer no damage from any such attack. Special Attacks: None
Due to this flaming aura, anything Special Defenses: As parent
the caster touches risks catching fire. Alignment: Neutral
Paper, cloth, and volatile liquids are Moltings are affected by magic much
immediately set alight. Wood burns after in the same way as their parent stock,
a full round of exposure (though this except they are immune to any attempt
time should be adjusted to consider rel- to charm or beguile.
ative thickness). Creatures susceptible to The number of moltings at any one
fire suffer 1-10 hp damage from contact time created from a parents shed skin
with the immolated caster. cannot be more than half the creatures
An interesting bit of news coming out Hit Dice. A molting lasts until it is killed or
of the northern reaches of the land hints wanders farther than 10 miles from its
that some ancient white dragons have creator.
learned this magic spell, and their use of Sometimes these creations are pur-
it comes as a rude awakening to those posely devoured by a hungry or ailing
adventurers who see fire as the means reptilian parent, for doing so heals that
for such beasts destruction. creature a number of hit points equal to
those the molting possessed; in such
Moltings cases the molting passively accepts its
(Alteration, Conjuration)* 1 fate.
Level: 5
Range: 20 yards
Components: V, M
Duration: See below
Casting Time: 5 Steve Berman is currently hard at work
Area of Effect: 1 skin trying to finish a novel before any of his
Saving Throw: None f r i ends manage t o do so. Beyond t hat
This is perhaps the most potent of i mmedi ate goal , there s tal k about sei zi ng
spells for any scaled creature. As sages control of a Balkan country. Dragons may
and rural folk know, reptiles must molt be involved.
their skins in order to grow, and often
these sheddings can be found in the ter-
ritory if not lair of such animals. When
this magic is cast on the shed skin of
any reptilian creature, intelligent or oth-
1. Usable by piscine creatures
erwise, it causes the molting to animate
2. Usable by reptilian creatures
3. Usable by amphibian creatures
9O NVLMBLR 1996
by Troy Daniels
illustrated by Phil Longmeier
f you have ever been the DM of a
long term campaign, I am sure that
thisor something very similar
has happened to you:
Game time has rolled around. After sev-
eral hours of grueling work creating the per-
fect dungeon encounters for your enthusias-
tic players, you are ready. Holding the door
open for your unsuspecting victims, you
watch as they take up their customary
places around the room. Seeing that every-
one is comfortable, you march to the table,
take your treasured notes (and your seat)
and begin.
Things are moving rather smoothly until
you notice that Robbie has fallen asleep,
curled up into a little ball making sounds
that could only be made by a person who's
face is shoved in a vinyl bean bag chair.
Samantha has moved off to the kitchen
again and is in search of something to drink
(and probably something to eat as well).
Jessica and Kevin (the lovebirds of the
group) have retired to their own little world,
whispering softly to one another. You roll
your eyes as Jessica giggles at some witty
remark. Poor George, too, has fallen victim
to the Sandman, the only difference
between him and Robbie is that rather than
snore, he is wheezing.
Did you do something wrong? Is this
a silent revolt? Have you failed as a
Dungeon Master? Is there life after role-
playing rejection?
This example is probably a worst-case
scenario; however, I am also sure that
you can identify with one or more points
in the above text. There are ways to
avoid this horrible fate. One of them is
Physical Dungeon Mastering (PDMing).
There are several key rules to the art
of PDMing.
Lets get
physical
Focusing
In the above example, there was no
focus. Focus in this context is defined as
the group as a whole concentrating on
one central person, namely you. The eas-
iest way of accomplishing this is to gath-
er everyone up and have them sit at a
table. Having an entire adventuring com-
pany spread out over your living room is
bound to cause trouble, not only for your
game, but for your carpet as well (for
some reason, gamers spill more liquids
than any other group I have ever met).
Bringing the group together not only uni-
fies the group, but makes them more
accessible to Physical DMing.
Another aspect of Focus that can be
fixed is those darn refreshments. I
understand that soda and those chips
are needed when you are sitting down
for a long period of time as most gamers
do. But having one of your players away
from the table (and the action) breaks
up the group focus and can sometimes
ruin the setting and atmosphere. For
example:
The encounter is going well. The party has
just dropped through a pit trap into the evil
Lich Nebulars lair. As the lich approaches, he
casts a spell, freezing most of the party.
Down, injured and in some cases held, things
look rather grim for our hearty adventurers.
Suddenly a voice cries out from the darkness:
Hey! Who wanted the cola and who wanted
the root beer?
f e w m o m e n t s b e f o r e t h e
game collecting refreshments. Put them
by the gaming table so that the players
do not have to go any where to get
them. Have one of the players bring
over a bag of ice and fill up the cooler.
Putting the drinks out ensures that the
PCs will not have to make the trek to the
refrigerator for that pause that refreshes.
(Now if we could only figure out a way
to eliminate bathroom breaks ...)
Something else that can help to
maintain focus is preparing the room
itself. Lighting in the room itself can be
dimmed with the main illumination on
the table the gaming will be done on.
Another lamp could be sat on a small
table beside the main on. This is the
table that you, the PDM will be using
during the game to keep your clutter off
the playing area. By bringing light to the
table and dimming the lights elsewhere,
you bring the focus of the room inward.
This helps to eliminate some of the dis-
tractions in the room and bring the
groups attention on the game at hand.
Once we have acquired Focus, we
can concentrate on keeping it. That
finally brings us to Physical DMing and
the next key.
Moving
The track is the area encircling the
table. PDMs hardly ever sit, spending
most of their time walking around the
table or standing where their chair
would normally be. This accomplishes
two goals.
Your players have to follow you
visually in order to know what is going
on. This is important so that you keep
the PCs attention. By standing, you raise
their eye level higher than they are used
to. The PCs are more likely to track you
with their eyes rather than track that last
nacho chip in the bowl.
It puts you in the action. You actu-
ally get in the action with the character
DRAGON #235 91
because you are right beside them. This
also gives you the opportunity to do
things like this:
Robbies character (the thief in the
group) has just walked into a room in
Nebulars dungeon. A very faint smell is in
the air, almost too faint to be noticed.
Standing behind Robbie, you look over his
shoulder and notice his Observation
Proficiency score is a 12. In a quite voice you
ask, Robbie, roll a d20 for me please.
Robbie looks at you, wondering what you
are up to. Uhm ... Why? Is there a trap
nearby?
Just roll the die please. Robbie nervously
rolls the die. Nine.
Robbie the Thief notices something
strange in the air. Sniffing with caution, the
caustic odor of acid burns his nostrils.
Looking about, he spies a large pool of a
greenish substance he recognizes from past
adventures. Being careful to avoid the green
slime, he continues.
This is also an excellent tactic for
those secret saving throws. Instead of
writing down info at the beginning of
the game or asking the player to hand
you their sheet, you are there and the
action is personal, between you and the
player. Not only does this give them a
sense of being the focus of this segment
of the evening, it also gives you, the
PDM the chance to act, and react in a
more personal and social manner with
your players.
The next part might take some get-
ting used by your players. If you have
not done Physical DMing before you
might want to warn the more skittish
players that you are trying something
new. This way they are ready (or at least
they think that they are) for what is to
come.
Getting Physical with your players
does not mean that the next time their
player characters are attacked by a fear-
some fighter, you jump the nearest play-
er and wrestle him to the floor. It does
mean that you might want to try the fol-
lowing two sample tactics:
When the party hears those sud-
den Crashes, have a box of empty cans
nearby. Picking it up and dropping it is
sure to get the attention of even the
most involved lovebird or sleeper.
When role playing an NPC who is
talking to the party in anger or in an
emphatic manner, slam your hand on
the table when the NPC is trying to
make a point. You are adding emphasis
to your statements and bringing the
character to the PC's. By doing this, you
bring the character to life and also
insure that the players are going to lis-
ten to his words.
Emphasis on character is very impor-
tant and can be used by the PDM to cre-
ate truly memorable NPC. Those shop-
keepers who are constantly moving
around the room straightening things
up are often annoying. The mayor who
paces with his hands behind his back
before the party that he is addressing
looks quite official. And lets not forget
the informant who is always wringing
his hands and looking over his shoulder.
These are the people that players are
going to attach names too. These are
the NPCs the players are going to
remember. By presenting them in a
physical manner, you make sure that
the point of the NPC being there is made
in a way that will cause the characters to
react the next time this particular person
shows up.
ActIng
Take an afternoon and go downtown
or to the mall. Just sit down and watch
as people walk. You will begin to notice
that just about everyone strolls just a bit
differently. You will also see that you can
tell a lot about a person just by the way
that they walk. Armed with this informa-
tion, approach your Track and Acting
with a new eye toward the NPC. A few
notable examples:
The PCs are approached by a
young fighting bravo, intent on proving
his worth to the group. Chest puffed out
and arms swinging smartly at his side,
he struts toward the party full of hubris
and pride.
Doddering old wizards do not nim-
bly hop, skip, and jump over every obsta-
cle that is in their way. Shuffling feet and
puttering along are more their style.
The third part of Physical DMing is
acting. I dont mean combat. That is
dangerous and someone can get hurt.
But there are other things that the play-
ers can do that will not only keep their
interest in the game, but also serves to
help them visualize their environment.
Perhaps the best example that I can
offer is the trapped (or not trapped)
door:
The characters have fought long and
hard and now stand before a large, iron
bound door. The PDM motions for the play-
ers to move to where he is standing, in front
of a closed door right there in the living
room. Handing the thief of the party a sim-
ple pen, he stares briefly at the space right in
front of the door. After a moment, he stops.
Turning to Robbie the player, he asks,
Show me what your character is doing to
pick the lock.
Robbie looks at the door, and then his
eyes slowly drift to the area on the floor that
the DM had paid so much attention to just a
moment ago. Cautiously, he approaches the
entrance and stands several feet away.
Bending at the waist (and careful not to
touch the area in front of the door) he
begins to poke at the lock.
Poor Robbie. Once more the center of
attention, he is also performing an
action that his character would be
doing. What this does is bring the group
together once more to attempt to solve
a perceived problem. It also serves to
create what is called player paranoia
By setting them up with the pretense
that there is some sort of trap in front of
the door, they will be extra careful with
this. This also allows the characters the
chance to do things that their PCs would
not normally think of doing. For exam-
ple, this would be a great time to check
for secret doors or traps on the other
walls.
Remember, you are providing an
environment that the players are explor-
ing. If your environment is a monotone
reading of boxed text, then your players
will be a monotone group of one-dimen-
sional adventurers. By becoming an
PDM, you bring alive the characters and
the action that make any role playing
game something more. You make it
entertaining. And when it comes right
down to it that is what you are there to
do in the first place, right?
Troy Daniel lives in Hilliard, Ohio. He is
also known as TSR0 Thar, in which role he
plays traffic cop in the TSR area on America
Online.
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1O7
I feel better now. of the Dragon Storm box says: This is a
I admit, I was worried. Mighty worried. role-playing game. Hmm...)
Call of Cthulhu game
At last years GEN CON Game Fair, I was But as for RPCs the real ones, not
supplement
proclaiming to anyone whod listen that the card game wannabes they were
192-page softcover book
the rumors of role-playings imminent crawling out of the woodwork, and I
Pagan Publishing $20
death were based on hysteria, an over- staggered out of the convention hall
Design: Scott Aniolowski, Carrie Hall,
reaction to the onslaught of card games with more than I could carry. Are they
Steve Hatherley, Alan Smithee, John T.
that threatened to swallow up every any good? Too soon to tell. Well be sort-
Snyder, and John Tynes
nickel in the gaming community and ing through them over the next couple
Editing: Alan Smithee and John Tynes
leave the RPG biz gasping on the shore of months and find out. (An early
Illustrations: John T. Snyder, Dennis
like a suffocating carp. But inside, I was favorite: the Deadlands* game, an oddity
Detwiller, and Daniel Gelon
nervous. There were, after all, only two from Pinnacle Entertainment that mixes
Cover: John T. Snyder
RPC releases of any consequence last Gunfight at the O.K. Corral with Tales From
The London
year: the Everway* game from Wizards of the Crypt). But if quantity counts and it
Guidebook
the Coast, and the BIRTHRIGHT setting for
the AD&D game (both of which were
covered in DRAGON Magazine issue #224).
No amount of spin doctoring could
change the fact that this did not bode
well for the future of RPGs.
Role-playing games' ratings
Not recommended
May be useful
Fair
Good
Excellent
The BEST!
Call of Cthulhu game
supplement
Chaosium Inc. $15
Design: Lucya Szachnowski and Gary
OConnell
Editing: Lynn Willis
Illustrations: Dave Carson
Cover: Eric Vogt
But this year . . . ah, sweet relief. Sure,
GEN CON 96 barfed up a bunch of new
card games, but a lot of them struck me
as redundant, such as Fleer Skyboxs
Star Trek: The Card Game* (not to be con-
fused with Deciphers Star Trek The Next
Generation Card Game*). Others, like the
Dragon Storm*game, appeared to be suf-
fering from an identity crisis. (The back
does role-playing is in pretty good
shape. It may have taken a hit or two,
but it isnt dead yet.
Speaking of dead, while the playtest
crew pours over the GEN CON releases,
what say we catch up on some horror
games? Well look at some nifty stuff for
the Call of cthulhu* game, a deranged lit-
tle number from the folks at White Wolf,
and a cool new card game. (Hey, I didnt
In the Shadows
Call of Cthulhu game sup-
plement
Chaosium Inc. $12
DRACN #235 1O9
Design: Gary Sumpter
Editing: Lynn Willis and Eric Vogt
Illustrations: Dave Carson, Earl Geier,
and Drashi Khendup
Cover: Eric Vogt
Mythos* game
(including the Expeditions
of Miskatonic University,
Legends of the Necronomicon,
and Cthulhu Rising booster packs)
Starter deck: 60 cards, 32-page rules
booklet, one double-sided character
card; booster pack: 13 cards
Chaosium Inc. Starter deck: $9;
booster pack: $3
Design: Charlie Krank
Development: Sam Shirley, Eric Vogt,
Eric Rowe
Illustrations: Salvatore Abbinanti, Chris
Adams, Thomas Garrett Adams, Stephen
Barnwell, Mike Blanchard, Bono Fabio,
John Bridges, Dennis J. Calero, Tim
Callender, Barry Chambers, Alan M.
Clark, C. Brent Ferguson, Scott M. Fischer,
Earl Geier, Lee Gibbons, Justin Hampton,
Ovi Hondru, Andrew T. Kalichack,
Michael Kellner, Drashi Khendup, Scott
Kirchner, Brian Krank-McLean, Meghan
Krank-McLean, Todd Lockwood, Heather
McKinney, Jeff Menges, Angelo
Montanini, Lee Moyer, Roger Raupp,
Sam Shirley, R. Wayt Smith, John Snyder,
Tom Sullivan, Joseph Sutliff, Strephon
Taylor, Susan Van Camp, and Jason Voss
I know Im supposed to be unbiased.
But in the interest of full disclosure, you
should know that Call of Cthulhu is my
all-time favorite game and, in my hum-
ble opinion, the best RPG ever invented
by man or beast. The reasons are too
numerous to go into here. (But heres a
couple: 1) Cthulhu boasts a near-perfect
blend of rules and background, the lat-
ter derived from the mind-boggling nar-
ratives of horrormeister H.P. Lovecraft. 2)
You dont have to waste a lot of energy
developing your PCs personality, since
its only a matter of time before one of
the Cthulhu cosmic creeps turns his
brains to mush.)
But the last few years have been
rough on us loyalists. True, Chaosium
has produced a steady stream of supple-
ments: Blood Brothers, The King of Chicago,
and Sacraments of Evil, to name a few.
And true, for the most part, theyve been
pretty good. But pretty good isnt good
enough, considering that in the glory
days Im thinking mid- to-late 80s
virtually every Cthulhu release was a
major event. Expansions like Cthulhu by
Gaslight and Dreamlands set standards of
quality for the entire industry. More than
a decade after their release, adventures
like Spawn of Azathoth and Musks of
Nyarlathotep still linger in the memory. By
comparison, I played The King of Chicago
only a month ago and can barely
remember what killed me.
But despair not, fellow Cthulhu-ites: I
come bearing good news. If the latest
round of supplements is any indication,
there may be light at the end of the tun-
nel or maybe I should say, from the
back of the crypt.
Ironically, the most ambitious supple-
ment in recent memory comes not from
Chaosium, but from Pagan Publishing, a
feisty small press publisher responsible
for the outrageous Creatures & Cultists*
board game. (For more about their prod-
uct line, write Pagan at 4542 18th Ave.
NE #4, Seattle, WA 98105-4232.) In
obsessive detail, Golden Dawn examines
a legendary society of Victorian magi-
cians called what else? the Golden
Dawn. Along with the expected history,
personality profiles, and locale descrip-
tions, the book serves as a springboard
for magic-intensive adventures. Thats a
major departure for Cthulhu, which in
the past has tended to discourage the
indiscriminate use of magic.
The sourcebook material, derived in
part from the out-of-print Cthulhu by
Gaslight, provides a readable account of
all things Golden, from the member-
ships favorite hang-outs (the vaults of
Londons Thavies Inn make a good
place to consecrate talismans) to their
current concerns (investigating rumors
of invisible immortals, exploring the
astral plane). The personnel roster can
be used as a source of allies and adver-
saries; occult scholar Samuel Liddell
Mathers might become a player charac-
ters mentor, while misanthropic physi-
cian Edward Berridge would make a
good serial killer.
Of course, the PCs themselves may
opt to join the Golden Dawn. The Outer
and Inner Order Curriculum sections tell
how players should adjust their point
totals to qualify their PCs for member-
ship. Players may also expend points to
establish relationships with prominent
non-player members, such as Aleister
Crowley and the aforementioned Dr.
Berridge. But the real benefit of member-
ship comes from learning the Dawns
secret rites, which give access to extraor-
dinary power. The Hexagram Ritual, for
example, enhances the casters ability to
summon and bind extraterrestrial enti-
ties. Astral Travel enables the user to
soar through the astral plane. The rites,
however, are not without risk. Travelers
in the astral plane may encounter a race
of mind munchers called astral parasites.
As Cthulhu veterans know, summoned
entities are not only hard to control, they
have a tendency to swallow their sum-
moners.
The book wraps up with four terrific
scenarios. Theyre not particularly easy
to run my notes for The Room
Beyond ate up almost as many pages
as the scenario itself but theyre
loaded with memorable scenes.
Consider this excerpt from La Musique
de la Nuit: Dazed and confused, the
Yaddithian Ktaubo emerged from its
light-wave envelope. The air was still hot
with crackling electricity, and brilliant
blue-green sparks danced and arched
along the twisted and discolored hull of
the aliens machine. Though its aimed
at a narrow range of players experi-
enced, literate, and history-minded
Golden Dawn remains an impressive pro-
duction.
Two of Chaosiums recent releases
comprise a score and a snore. First, the
snore. Like its predecessor, Cairo
Guidebook (reviewed in DRAGON Magazine
issue #227), London Guidebook provides
a plethora of cultural and historical infor-
mation intended to help Keepers stage
realistic adventures. Westminster,
Mayfair, and other London districts are
examined in depth, as are the citys
clubs, hospitals, and transportation sys-
tems. But the useful material a blue-
11O NVLMBLR 1996
print of the Houses of Parliament, the
history of the British Museum can be
found in any good library. The not-so-
useful material the date of the Chelsea
Flower Show, the length of Londons
hydraulic power pipes is interesting
trivia, but its trivia nonetheless. Worse,
the designers dont do much to tie the
material into the Cthulhu Mythos,
beyond an occasional suggestion of
supernatural activity ([The Highgate
Cemetery] has fallen into disuse, and it is
likely that ghouls have taken residence.)
London Guidebook succeeds on its own
terms, but before you invest, make sure
you know what youre getting.
Happily, In the Shadows fares much
better. A collection of three ready-to-run
scenarios, its old-fashioned in the best
sense, employing the classic archetypes,
adversaries, and plot twists that have
made Cthulhu so durable. Devils Hole
pits the Investigators against a pool of
animated slime, a monstrosity from
outer space, and a loathsome blob of
ropy, green, pustulant flesh called the
Thing in the Barrel. In the Shadows of
Death takes place in a corpse-ridden
Louisiana plantation. Song of the
Spheres tells a shuddery tale of mad-
ness and murder in New England, with a
little Italian opera thrown in for good
measure. All three are novice-friendly,
making In the Shadows a great way to
get a new campaign off the ground.
I have only two gripes with Shadows.
1) Whats with the graphics? Chaosium
hasnt done much to change the look of
their books in 15 years, and its time for
an upgrade. I suggest that the art
department spend an evening or two
with a stack of White Wolf products, par-
ticularly material for the Vampire: The
Masquerade* game, and see how its
done. 2) Whose bright idea was it to
scatter the player handouts throughout
the book instead of collecting them all
at the end? Since about 30 pages have
handouts on them, that means youve
got to photocopy nearly half the text.
Does Chaosium own stock in Xerox?
As for Mythos, the Cthulhu card game,
a little birdie told me to reserve judgment
until the first batch of boosters hit the
stores, and darned if the birdie wasnt
right. The basic game, it should be noted,
is nothing to sneeze at. Each player
assumes the role of an Investigator who
undertakes a mission outlined on one of
several adventure cards. Investigator
One, for instance, might have to trans-
late a mysterious book belonging to his
late uncle (The Curious Parcel), while
Investigator Two might have to explore
an abandoned mansion (The Haunted
House). To complete his adventure
and win the game the Investigator
must put into play a specific set of cards;
Curious Parcel requires one Tome card,
one Spell, one Library, one Cemetery,
one Gate, and two Allies.
On his turn, the Investigator plays one
of 13 cards in his hand, each of which
represents a different element of a devel-
oping story; a Location card represents a
site he wishes to explore, an Ally repre-
sents a potential companion. When both
Investigators pass (by declining to deploy
new cards), combat ensues. They attack
each other with Monster cards: Fire
Vampires, Rat Things, Flying Polyps.
Damage is taken as a loss in sanity. If an
Investigators sanity reaches zero, hes
out of the game.
Its a snap to learn; one trip through
the rulebook okay, two and youre
on your way. The variety of Adventures
ensures a different challenge in every
game. Best of all, Mythos captures all of
the elements that make Call of Cthulhu so
much fun. Its appealingly low tech;
Investigators arm themselves with shot-
guns and dynamite, and travel from site
to site on foot. All of the memorable
Lovecraft themes forbidden tomes,
hazardous spells, garish creatures are
firmly in place. And as in the RPG, player
characters rarely die; they just go crazy.
The basic game, however, pretty
much confines the players to the north-
eastern United States. And thats why you
need the booster packs. By sending the
Investigators around the world, the boost-
ers more accurately represent the scope
of the RPG. Expeditions of Miskatonic
University includes Stonehenge, the British
Museum, and the Catacombs of Rome.
Cthulhu Rising adds Easter Island and the
Lost Temple of Atlantis. Legends of the
Necronomicon incorporates the Mosque of
Amr in Cairo and the Sphinx of Giza. The
entire collections first-rate, but if youre on
a budget, I recommend a pair of starter
decks and a handful of Risings. Not only
does Rising have the best sites, it also fea-
tures Cthulhu himself uh, itself.
Evaluation: The success of Mythos
has enabled Chaosium to finance a line-
up of promising new products, including
the long-awaited (long-awaited by me,
anyway) update of Masks of Nyarlathotep.
Meanwhile, Cthulhu-ites can keep their
tentacles a-tingling with the essential In
The Shadows. Enterprising players might
take a look at Golden Dawn. And if
youre a completist, go ahead and
splurge on London Guidebook. Mythos is
a convincing simulation of a world-class
role-playing game. But make no mistake
its only a simulation. Enjoy the cards,
but for heavens sake, dont neglect the
RPG. A gamer whos never played Call of
Cthulhu is like a rock fan whos never
heard the Beatles.
Chronicle of the Black
Labyrinth
Werewolf: The Apocalypse*
game supplement
White Wolf Game Studio
$11
Design: Sam Inabinet
Development: Bill Bridges
Editing: Laura Perkinson
Illustrations: Ron Brown, Mike Chaney,
Matt Milberger. John Cobb, Andrew
Mitchell Kudelka, and Larry MacDougall
Cover: uncredited
Heres an abridged section of On the
Road with Chucko the Monkeyboy, the
finale of Chronicle of the Black Labyrinth:
chuck: wut the ole man dont no aint
gonna hert him nun! Gowan! with our com-
pliments! i got plenny more wair that cum
from.
polise ofiser: wel yu fokes be cairful then.
i suspek one of the deputeez in this nex town
is ordor of the roze, but i ain| pegged with if
is yet. giddown!
chuck: thanky much and yu hav a nise
day sir!
This, to put it mildly, isnt your typical
role-playing supplement.
When it comes to content, White
Wolf has about the same batting aver-
age as every other publisher. Some of
their books are terrific, some are so-so,
112 NVLMBLR 1996
some are what-were-they-thinking. But
nobody, I mean nobody matches White
Wolf in presentation. Their anarchic for-
mats and wild experiments with color,
fonts, and even paper texture have
redefined the look of role-playing.
Consider, for instance, the surreal illus-
trations gracing the Mage: The Ascension*
game, the rainbow pages of lmmortal
Eyes (a fairy tale from hell for the
Changeling: The Dreaming* game), and
the fiction/sourcebook hybrid of the
Book of the Kindred (a sensual assault for
Vampire: The Masquerade). The White
Wolf-ers arent just pushing the enve-
lope; theyre shoving the envelope off a
mountain.
Black Labyrinth is a pinnacle of sorts,
an RPG supplement that goes out of its
way to flaunt its eccentricity. Ostensibly a
collection of works inspired by an
occultist named Frater whos sort of a
cross between Indiana Jones and Charles
Manson Labyrinth serves up a dizzying
mix of journal excerpts, personal mem-
oirs, and psychotic ramblings. Its breath-
taking. Its infuriating. And youve never
seen anything like it.
The material is tied, albeit loosely, to
the Wyrm and other key concepts in
Werewolf The Apocalypse. Kernels of
hard information are hard to come by,
but theyre in there, and theyre fasci-
nating. A centurions diary reveals the
secrets of the serpent folk, an ancient
race of fiends with connections to the
Picts. The Table of Cardinal Essences lists
the totems of the Eater of Souls and the
servitors of the Essence of Sludge. The
Grades of Initiation section explains
how to attain the various ranks within
the Black Spiral organization, useful to
social-climbing Garou.
Black Labyrinth, however, is mostly
about mood, and it evokes an atmos-
phere thats genuinely disturbing. A
reproduction of Cloven Hoof Magazine
recounts the exploits of Professor
Wayland Webley and his descent into
insanity. A document from the Harleian
Museum recounts the grotesque rituals
associ ated wi th the Church of
Damburrow. As for the Monkeyboy sec-
tion, Im not sure what it means, but tell
the truth didnt the chunk quoted
above kinda give you the creeps? Its all
pretty much like that: vague, eerie, com-
pelling. Reading BIack Labyrinth made
me feel like Id slipped into another
world, a world drenched in death and
despair. More importantly, it made me
want to haul Werewolf out of the closet
and give it another try.
Evaluation: For sheer originality,
Black Labyrinth deserves six pips. But as a
role-playing aide, its no better than a
two-pipper, considering that much of it
borders on the incomprehensible. On
other hand, Werewolf isnt about combat
stats and attribute bonuses, its about
passion and ambiance; for true believ-
ers, incomprehensibility is part of the
games charm. In that sense, Black
Labyrinth deserves . . . geez, this is driving
me nuts. Lets give it four pips and get
the heck out of here. If youre a con-
noisseur of the bizarre, Black Labyrinth
belongs in your library, even though its
likely to make your other books recoil in
disgust. But as Chucko the Monkeyboy
might say, It dont no aint gonna hert ya
nun.*
5hnrt and swcct
Pulp Dungeons: The Forsaken Elves,
Pulp Dungeons: An Infestation of Kobolds,
Pulp Dungeons: Dwarf Hold and Pulp
Dungeons: Orcs Lair, all by Timothy
Brown. Destination Games, $4 each.
If you lament the scarcity of low-
level, smartly designed RPG adventures,
lament no more. The four self-contained
fantasy scenarios in the Pulp Dungeons
series serve up enough tricky encoun-
ters, engaging opponents, and convolut-
ed death traps to tickle the fancy of the
most demanding dungeon crawler. The
best of the bunch, Dwarf Hold, sends the
party though a secret door in a granite
cliff and into a creature-strewn maze.
Forget about rich plots and lavish pro-
duction values; these are strictly no-frills
thrillers. And since theyre generic in
nature, they can be adapted to any RPG
system, including those associated with
dragons and, er, dungeons. (Infor-
mation: Destination Games, PO Box
1345, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.)
The North: Guide to the Savage
Frontier, by Slade, Ed Greenwood, Jeff
Grubb, Julia Martin, Paul Jaquays, Steve
Perrin, Jim Butler, and Steven Schend.
TSR Inc., $25.
Here in Iowa, were gearing up for
winter, which tends to arrive with all the
subtlety of a sledge hammer. To get in
the mood, Ive been perusing The North,
which couldnt have portrayed a sub-
zero environment more vividly if itd
been etched in ice cubes. Though it
skimps a bit on adventure hooks, this
extravagant boxed set describes
Frozenfar, the Neverwinter Woods, and
a host of other frosty locales in chilling
detail. If youre one of those wimps who
sits out the winter in Florida, check out
The North) and see what us real men are
up against.
Ironwood, by David Berkman, Aaron
Crosten, Travis Eneix, Andrew Finch, and
Anthony Gallela. Backstage Press, $27.
The Theatrix* game, a diceless univer-
sal RPG system reminiscent of the
GURPS* game, didnt impress me much
the first time around. Although I liked
the goofy tone and the emphasis on
storytelling, the improvisational tone of
the rules made it tough to run. But if all
the supplements prove to be as good as
Ironwood, I might break down and play
it again. Based on the underground
comic book by Bill Willingham, lronwood
presents a magic-saturated setting
called Avalon thats one part monster
movie, one part Monty Python. Unicorns
and storm giants roam the treacherous
terrain, as do bugbears, hell hounds,
and dinosaurs in other words, if
youve ever seen it in a fantasy game,
you can probably find it here. Player
characters can be anything from vam-
pires to elves to weremuskrats and can
learn to cast spells like skeletal servitor
and wither limb. The whimsical magical
items are especially fun; the Sunbrella
projects a field of darkness, and the
Friendly Coat Rack not only takes your
hat, but hangs it neatly upon itself. Even
if I never get around to exploring
Ironwood (which, incidentally, isnt suit-
able for children because of some
explicit material), I might arrange for the
Friendly Coat Rack to show up in an
AD&D campai gn. (Informati on:
Backstage Press, PO Box 170243, San
Francisco, CA 94117.)
The Book of Exploration, by Diane
Piron-Gelman, Greg Gordon, David R.
Henry, Angel Leigh McCoy, Jim Nelson,
Andrew Ragland, and Rich Warren. FASA
Corporation, $10.
The second volume in the Legends
series presents another set of tales and
fables derived from the mythos of the
Earthdawn* game. Carrul and the
Therans describes the flight of a
Barsaive airship. An Ancient Mystery
tells of a quest for a rare plant in the
Mist Swamps. Well-written and tightly
edited, they go down as easy as potato
chips. Still, despite the section of game
material at the end, this is essentially a
collection of short stories. So why not
publish it as a paperback book and
knock the price down few bucks?
DRACN #235 113
Heroes Lorebook, by Dale Donovan
and Paul Culotta. TSR, Inc., $20.
A update of 1989s Hall of Heroes sup-
plement for the FORGOTTEN REALMS set-
ting, this data-packed encyclopedia pro-
files 61 of the AD&D games most emi-
nent characters. Each entry provides
complete statistics, background informa-
tion, and campaign notes, drawn from
novels and game products published
through the end of 1995. With so much
history to digest, casual players may feel
overwhelmed. But if you take the
Realms seriously, and names like Alias
and Drizzt DoUrden make your pulse
quicken, welcome to nirvana.
Eurosource Plus, by Jose Ramos,
Florian Merx, and Steve Gill. R. Talsorian
Games, $18.
A good, not great, supplement for the
Cyberpunk* game, Eurosource Plus suffers
from the same shortcomings as guide-
books like Pacific Rim. Namely, it tries to
tackle too much of the planet. Its hard
to cover the economy, politics, and
geography of Italy in less then three
pages. Spain and Bulgaria get about two
pages each. Portugal gets about one.
The concepts are solid; the German
sports clubs and the Dreampainters of
France are admirable additions to the
Cyberpunk universe. But a narrower
focus wouldve allowed the designers
more room to breathe. Next time,
instead of another Eurosource, how
about something along the lines of
Portugalsource?
Material World* game, by Kent
Mitchell and Alexis Papahadjopoulos.
Strange Magic Games, $30.
A cousin of the Civilization* and
Diplomacy* board games, this engaging
economic simulation casts players as
monarchs of England, France, Germany,
Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. By
expending resources like wheat and tim-
ber, the monarchs build caravans,
galleons, and trains to establish trade
routes around the world. Trade routes
bring in coffee, carpets, and other trea-
sures. Whoever accumulates the biggest
treasure hoard wins the game. Victory
depends on careful resource allocation
and chess-like timing, making the game
virtually luck-free. Material World has
nothing to do with role-playing, but
since it allows you to conquer the plan-
et by acquiring coffee and carpets, I
guess it qualifies as fantasy. (Informa-
tion: Strange Magic Games, 2529
College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.)
Og* game, by Aldo Ghiozzi. Wingnut
Games, $8.
Yes, its real. Og bills itself as a role-
playing game of senseless prehistoric
combat, which is close to a perfect
description. To build your caveman PC,
you roll six-sided dice to determine
scores for Strength, Brains, and three
other attributes, then pick a few skills
like Fire Starting and Picture Writing.
Armed with Short Pointy Things and
Bent Sticks That Come Back, the PCs
venture into the wilderness to do battle
with Hairy Cave Things and Hairy Tree
Things. Throughout, the players must
communicate with each other using
only a 17-word vocabulary. Thus, if a PC
wants to kill a gorilla, the player tells his
comrade, You, me bang Hairy Tree
Thing. Me like play bone head. You like
play bone head, too? (Information:
Wingnut Games, PO Box 1714,
Burlingame, CA 94011.)
Rick Swan has written for Writers
Digest, Wizard, and the Marion County
Pork Peddler. You can contact him at 2620
30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310. Enclose a
self-addressed envelope if youd like a reply.
* indicates a product produced by a company
other than TSR, Inc. Most product names are trade-
marks owned by the companies publishing those
products. The use of the name of any product with-
out mention of its trademark status should not be
construed as a challenge to such status.
NVLMBLR 1996
magical and techno-
logical powers and
now it will have them.
$30.00
U.S./$25.00
CAN./18.50 U.K.
TSR Product No.:
1147
ISBN: 0-7869-
0437-2
Dangerous Games
A FORGOTTEN REALMS
Netheril Trilogy, novel #2
by Clayton Emery
Dangerous Games is the second book
NEW FOR NOVEMBER
World Builder's Guidebook
An AD&D accessory
by L. Richard Baker Ill
What AD&D DM has not dreamed of
creating his own gaming world, shaping
the continents and societies to his own
whim? This guide book is a detailed,
step-by-step set of instructions for doing
exactly that. Indulge the ultimate fantasy!
$20.00 U.S./$28.00 CAN./14.99 U.K.
TSR Product No.:9532
ISBN: 0-7869-0434-8
Gates of Firestorm Peak
An AD&D PLAYERS OPTION adventure
by Bruce Cordell
This challenging adventure for mid-
to high-level characters uses the full
range of optional rules presented in the
PLAYERS OPTION rule books to create the
ultimate challenge for the dedicated
AD&D game player.
$20.00 U.S./$28.00 CAN./14.99 U.K.
TSR Product No.: 9533
in a new FORGOTTEN REALMS trilogy that
returns to the misty past and the lost civ-
ilization of Netheril.
Heroes of Steel
$5.99 U.S./$6.99 CAN./4.99 U.K.
A DRAGONLANCE: FIFTH AGE dramatic
supplement
ISBN: 0-7869-0524-7
by Skip Williams
This new addi t i on t o the
A Guide to the Astral Plane
DRAGONLANCE: FIFTH AGE game combines
A PLANESCAPE accessory
the best features of a complete warrior
handbook plus a gripping adventure
by Monte Cook
Clueless berks think the Astral Plane
making it a must have for all fans of the
DRAGONLANCE saga.
is just a highway leading to other
worlds. But for bloods who know the
$18.00 U.S./$23.00 CAN./10.99 U.K.
dark of it, the Silver Void is anything but
an empty road!
ISBN: 0-7869-0539-5
$15.95 U.S./$19.95 CAN./9.99 U.K.
Dragons of Summer Flame
ISBN: 0-7869-0438-0
A DRAGONLANCE novel
by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Something happens to stir ancient
Buck Rogers: A Life in the Future
by Martin Caidin
forces, and the Queen of Darkness wak-
ens from her slumber. The most fasci-
For the first time in paperback, the
authorized memoirs of the greatest hero
nating figure in the saga of DRAGONLANCE
of the future.
returns as the central character in a new
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showdown between good and evil.
TSR Product No.: 3590P
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ISBN: 0-7869-0527-1
TSR Product No.: 8369P
ISBN: 0-7869-0523-9 NEW FOR DECEMBER
ISBN: 0-7869-0435-6
Wizards
Spell Compendium
An AD&D accessory
by Jon Pickens with L.
Richard Baker Ill
The Wizards Spell
Compendium contains
every wizard spell for the
AD&D game. It is the offi-
cial reference book and
definitive source for both
DMs and players.
$25.00 U.S./$32.00
CAN./15.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0436-4
The Doom Brigade
The Falcon and the Wolf
A DRAGONLANCE novel
A BIRTHRIGHT Realm
by Margaret Weis & Don Perrin
novel #5
The Doom Brigade is the first novel to
by Rich Baker
spin off from the Chaos War depicted in
In the world of Cerilia,
the international best-seller Dragons of
where each ruler is bound
Summer Flame.
by blood to the land, a
$23.99 U.S./$30.99 CAN./13.99
young man is forced to
U.K.
fight for his ancestral
kingdom against human
ISBN: 0-7869-0526-3
enemies and an ancient
evil being.
Netheril: Empire of Magic
An ARCANE AGE campaign expansion
$5.99 U.S./$6.99
CAN./4.99 U.K.
by slade
The distant past of the Realms has dire
ISBN: 0-7869-0529-8
need of heroes to master its incredible
116 OVIMII! l996
DUNGEON Adventures #62
Cover by Henry Higgenbotham
Dragons Delve
by ChrIstnphcr PcrkIns
An AD&D adventure for PCs of
levels 3-6.
The Rat Trap
by TImnthy Idc
levels 6-10.
Esmereldas Bodyguard
by Pau! F. Cu!ntta
levels 6-9.
Wild in the Streets
by Jasnn Pcck
levels 1-3.
Grimjaws
by JcnnIfcr TItt!c 5tack
A FORGOTTEN REALMS adventure for
PCs of levels 5-7.
Blood on the Plow
by Lancc Hawvcrma!c
An AD&D SideTreks adventure for
PCs of levels 4-6.
The Ghost at
Widder Smithers
by Jnhn BaIchta!
An AD&D SideTreks adventure for
PCs of levels 1-3.
$4.95 U.S/$5.95 CAN./1.95 U.K.
TSR Product No. 8200-11
Undermountain
Trilogy III:
Stardock
A FORGOTTEN
REALMS
DUNGEON CRAWL
adventure
by Steven
Schend
Hal aster the
mad mage has
been kidnapped
Lord Soth
A DRAGONLANCE Warriors novel #6
by Edo van Belkom
The DRAGONLANCE Warriors Series con-
tinues with the tale of Soth, and his
descent into darkness and evil.
$5.99 U.S./$6.99 CAN./4.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0519-0
from his underground
lair, and the heroes are the only
only ones who can save him!
Council of Blades
A FORGOTTEN REALMS Nobles novel #5
by Paul Kidd
This fifth book in the Nobles series
tells a story of court intrigue and swash-
buckling adventure.
$5.99 U.S./$6.99 CAN./4.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0531-X
Planar Powers
A BLOOD WARS Trilogy novel #3
by J. Robert King
Planar Powers focuses on the chil-
dren of Aereas and Nina and their strug-
gle to complete the cycle begun by their
parents.
$5.99 U.S./$6.99 CAN./4.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0532-8
NEW FOR JANUARY
Eye to Eye
An AD&D MONSTROUS ARCANA
adventure
by Thomas M. Reid
The horrid war against the beholders
reaches its shattering climax!
$12.95 U.S./$16.95 CAN./7.99 U.K.
TSR Product No: 9536
ISBN: 0-7869-0450-X
The Last Tower: The Legacy of
Raistlin
A DRAGONLANCE: FIFTH AGE dramatic
supplement
by Skip Williams
This addition to the DRAGONLANCE:
FIFTH AGE game explores the mysteries of
Wayreth, the tower where Raistlin faced
the mystical ordeal of the Soulforge.
$20.00 U.S./$26.00 CAN./18.50 U.K.
TSR Product No: 1149
ISBN: 0-7869-0538-7
$7.95 U.S./$10.00 CAN./4.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0451-8
Army of the Dead
A DRAGON DICE novel #2
by Edo van Belkom
Can Alderic marshall his forces
against this latest threat to his home-
lands peace?
$5.99 U.S./$6.99 CAN./4.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0652-9
Realms of the Arcane
A FORGOTTEN REALMS anthology
This collection contains all-new sto-
ries of the Realms (and the Arcane Age)
by such TSR luminaries as Ed
Greenwood, Elaine Cunningham, Mark
Anthony, and others.
$5.99 U.S./$6.99 CAN./4.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0647-2
Vinas Solamnus
A DRAGONLANCE Lost Legends
novel #1
by J. Robert King
At last the true story of the founder of
the Knights of Solamnia, and author of
the Oath and the Measure. This is a tale
of one mans quest for honor against a
landscape of war and tyranny.
$5.99 U.S./$6.99 CAN./4.99 U.K.
ISBN: 0-7869-0787-8
Unless otherwise noted:
designates registered trademarks owned by
TSR, Inc.
designates trademarks owned by TSR, Inc.
1996 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Dragon Magazine #236
Faith & Hope
Cover by Jeff Easley &
Tony Sczcudlo
O The Seldarine Revisited
All about the gods of the elves
and their priests, by Chris Perry.
O Elemental Summoning Gone
Wild
New dangers and powers for Dark
Sun elemental priests, by Ed Bonny.
O Demihuman Priest Spells
A new arsenal of spells for elves,
dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, by
Robert S. Mullin.
O Demihuman Priest Spells
New kits for Gothic Earth priests,
by James Wyatt.
Plus DragonMirth, Role-Playing
Reviews, Forum, Knights of the
Dinner Table, the return of Wyrms
of the North, and more!
$4.95 U.S./$5.95 CAN./2.95 U.K.
TSR Product No. 8113-12
DFACON =235 117
Clack
Continued from page 120
Glorantha resurgent
One of the oldest and best roleplay-
ing worlds returns to prominence start-
ing next year, as Chaosium (Albany, CA)
and the Italian game publisher Stratelibri
begin Gloranthan roleplaying, fiction,
and miniatures lines.
This just in . . .
Games Magazine has announced
their choice of the DRAGONLANCE: FIFTH
AGE game as their 1996 Adventure
Game of the Year. Last year's winner
was also a TSR product, the popular
Dragon Dice expandable dice game.
Chaosium founder and president Greg
Stafford, who developed his fantasy
world of Glorantha starting in 6th grade,
introduced it to the gaming hobby in his
early board games Dragon Pass* (1976)
and Whi te Bear and Red Moon* (1977).
Glorantha reached full flower in Steve
Perrins RuneQuest* RPG (1977) and ensu-
i ng suppl ements (1978-84) before
Chaosium sold RQ to The Avalon Hill
Game Company (Baltimore) in 1985.
Avalon Hills support for Glorantha has
been uneven, but the worlds rich mix of
history, mythic scope, and shamanic
magic has fostered a tight-knit comm-
unity of fans in America, Europe, and
Australia.
David Hall, editor of the excellent
British RQ fanzine Tales of the Reaching
Moon, has contracted with Chaosium to
develop a new Gloranthan RPG using
the mechanics from Staffords superb
Pendragon* RPG. It is intended to handle
everything from microcampaigning to
heroquesting, says a press release.
Simple mechanics and extensive use of
runes for the magic system will make
the game accessible to all.
Chaosium has licensed Stratelibri to
publish Gloranthan games in Europe
and wi l l coordi nate thei r Ameri can
release. Starting next summer, Stratelibri
plans two sets of tabletop miniatures
rules (25mm skirmish and 15mm mass
combat) plus accompanying lines of fig-
ures. The first full year will include six
Gloranthan army books, plus introduc-
tory materials describing Glorantha.
Board games and other related products
are also planned.
Australian writers Phil and Marion
Anderson, designers of or contributors
to several Call of Cthulhu* game supple-
ments (Fearful Passages, Horror on the
Orient Express, Cairo Sourcebook), are edit-
i ng the Gl oranthan fi cti on l i ne. No
release dates for the fiction or roleplay-
ing lines have been set. (Contact: chao-
[email protected])
Meanwhile, Avalon Hill is readying
the RuneQuest games fourth edition (176
pages, $20), by Oliver Jovanovic, Mike
McGloin, and others, for release in
spring 1997. A companion Adventures in
Gl or ant ha wor l dbook ( 200+ pages)
appears in summer. AH also plans two
Gloranthan scenario books by Harald
Smith and Martin Crim, Edge of Empire
and Winds of Deception. These are set in
Imther, a small provincial kingdom of
the Lunar Empi re, ci rca 1620 ST.
(Contact: [email protected])
Magazine scene
Bootstrap Press (Vancouver) has put
its Adventures Unlimited magazine on hia-
tus. The magazine will resurface in the
future, possibly by years end, probably
reformatted and with some differences
in the content, says Bootstraps Nicole
Lindroos Frein. Well be filling every-
ones subscriptions and are still accept-
ing new subscriptions. Meanwhile,
Bootstrap is preparing MARS: Adventures
in Miniature, a science-fiction gaming
magazine, for an October debut. MARS
covers such games as the Battletech*,
Warhammer 40,000: and Heavy Gear*
systems. (Contact: [email protected])
A new company, Ravens Watch
(Gibbsboro, NJ), has announced The
October Society, a club devoted to hor-
ror RPGs both popular and neglected.
There are many horror games out there
with little or no press, and we want to fix
that, says an Internet press release from
Lord Icarus (not the most propitious
name). In its monthly newsletter, the
Society will constantly seek out new
games while still covering in-depth
those that have driven a stake into our
hearts. Memberships: $13/six months,
$20/year to Ravens Watch Inc., 71
Lakeview Drive Suite 456, Gibbsboro, NJ
08026. (Contact: [email protected])
Notes from the field
After a year of scheduling problems,
FASA Corporation (Chicago) plans
strong support in 1997 for its popular
Shadowrun* cyberpunk/magic RPG,
including an art book (January), an
underworld sourcebook (January) and
accompanying adventures (March), sce-
nario books in May and December, a
second edition of the Rigger Black Book
(July), Cyber-Pirates (October), at least
three novels, and in May wait for it
a Shadowr un t r adi ng car d game.
Likewise, Metropolis Ltd.s Kult* RPG
of Clive Barker-style horror and Gnostic
philosophy has had a bumpy ride. But
Metropolis (Folsom, PA, but with staffers
based in three states and the District of
Columbia) has big plans for late 1996
and 1997, including a revised Kult rule-
book, a players companion, two magic
sourcebooks, two scenario books, and a
cheery supplement called Purgatory.
Name any three gaming companies.
Gold Rush Games (Elk Grove, CA), which
has doubled the size of its product line
from one Champions* scenario book to
two, produces more press releases than
all three companies put together. Gold
Rush now carries the Hero Games back-
stock; Gold Rush is the American distrib-
utor for the fi ne gami ng magazi ne
Australian Realms; Gold Rush has aban-
doned plans for a new edition of the
venerable Bushido* RPG after threats of
legal action from the previous publisher,
Fantasy Games Unlimited, and is now
embarking on a new roleplaying game
set in feudal Japan, the Sengoku* game.
(Sengoku is Japanese for warring
states.) No word on a release date yet;
no doubt there will be a press release.
Pagan Publishing (Seattle), publisher
of The Unspeakable Oath magazine and
licensed Call of Cthulhu* game supple-
ments, has moved. New address: Pagan
Publishing, 5536 25th Ave. NE, Seattle,
WA 98105. (Cont act : paganpub@
aol.com)
Freel ance game desi gner Al l en Varney
says hi t o Mel bour ne s Phi l and Mar i on
Ander son, new Gl or ant han f i ct i on edi t or s
(see story above), who hosted him for sever-
al delightful weeks of his seven-month world
trip in 1992-93. Send news to
[email protected].
DRACN #235
119
DRAGON Magazine extends a warm
welcome to Todd Lockwood and
Randy Post, two of the most talented
artists in fantasy illustration. Both
have recently joined the TSR staff, and
we cant wait to see their work on
new games next year.
White Wolf to form Null
Foundation
Mark ReineHagen, designer of the
Vampire: The Masquerade* game and
three other Storyteller RPGs published
by White Wolf Game Studio (Atlanta,
GA), now plans a subsidiary company,
the Null Foundation. Created to support
ReineHagens forthcoming Exile* science-
fiction RPG, Null will distribute the
games rules and supplements over the
Internet, free of charge. Null will be con-
nected directly to White Wolf, says
ReineHagen, comparing the relationship
to a Japanese conglomerate, but not
with a bank at the center but an intel-
lectual property both the game and
spinoff companies that derive from it.
The Exile games draft rules and pre-
liminary background material are avail-
able on White Wolfs ornate World Wide
Web site (www.white-wolf.com). The
game incorporates concepts from a
broad range of science fiction stories,
such as David Brins Uplift series, Frank
Herberts Dune, and works by Orson
Scott Card and Gene Wolfe. In a highly
stratified galactic society, players play
scholars, aristocrats, celebrities, or others
on the paradise planet, Diadar. As the
game begins, the characters are exiled
from Diadar to the Grange, a mysterious
region of space beyond the Great Barrier.
Each beginning character has affiliations
with up to five different Syndics (orga-
nizations): as champion of one, enemy of
another, initiate in a third, spy for a
fourth, and contact for a fifth. By foster-
ing memes (ideas or beliefs), a charac-
ter collects Logos, points that serve many
purposes. Syndics and memes determine
character goals, which vary widely.
ReineHagen says the game tries to get at
the core of what classic science fiction is
all about, but in a way thats basically
mythological.
A polymedia entity: At press time
Null had not yet secured nonprofit sta-
tus. Pending approval, details of Nulls
operati on remai n confi denti al . But
ReinHagen, speaking from his home in
San Francisco, discussed its goals in gen-
eral terms. The idea is to evolve what
we call a polymedia entity. Whereas he
says mul ti medi a general l y means
Heres an idea, lets find a bunch of dif-
ferent ways to market it, ReinHagen
intends his polymedia idea to evolve
naturally to fit all media.
Im very interested in letting the
[Exile] world evolve with the input of
hundreds, if not thousands, of people.
Roleplaying is already intrinsically poly-
media, ReinHagen says, citing the early
evolution of the D&D game as very
powerful. But I dont think any other
game after [the D&D game] has evolved.
I think that evolution has been lost,
because [later RPGs have] been overly
designed. We want Exile to evolve to fit
its ecosystem.
The Web site will include a news-
group, ReinHagen says, where players
can discuss the game. Null Foundation
designers will read the discussions, and
if someone comes up with a really good
idea, well approach them and invite
them to get involved. Once you con-
tribute on a basic level to the world,
there will be opportunities for you to get
i nvol ved at hi gher l evel s. Those
involved in the Null Foundation will get
first bid on new companies that spin off
from the game. The idea is to help peo-
ple start their own companies. [In the
role-playing field,] theres never been an
organized way to help people do that.
As an example, ReinHagen cited
Noise-to-Signal Consulting, a planned
company that would develop the news-
group software. This program would let
users vote on other players posted
ideas; posts have ratings customized to
each user. For example, say you and I
both like the same kinds of posts. If I
vote thumbs-up for a given post, then
when the program shows you a rating
for that post, it gives my voter greater
weight than a vote from someone who
seldom shares your taste.
Long-term goals: ReinHagen says
the Exile game tries to take what weve
learned from [White Wolfs] World of
Darkness and do some radically differ-
ent things. Im convinced theyll work,
but nothings for sure. The whole idea is,
we take risks, and we do things differ-
ently. Role-playing is not only about
worlds but also intrinsically [about[
where all our media are going: [toward]
interactive storytelling. What we are cre-
ating today will become within ten years
an important form of storytelling, and
within thirty years can become the dom-
inant form of storytelling in the world.
He hopes that the Null Foundation
can guard against commercial pressures
that, he believes, can corrupt creators
intent. We, the pioneers, should push in
a way that evolves [role-playing] so that
people who come later can screw it up.
Look at comic books. Its sad that in
America comics are seen as childlike,
when its clear they can be incredible
works of art. Role-playing deserves
something more.
Thi s i s not about one person s
vision, its not about leadership, its not
about follow us, Were trying to give
people the tools they need to do what
they want, whether theyre memes or
rules or simply new ideas that can do
what art always does: change some-
ones perspective. (Contact: wwolfmail
@white-wolf.com)
Ccn|inuc cn pagc 119
12O NVLMBLR 1996

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