11

:)
< LQ > 1 1
(1) C n
a En 0 5
0 a) a)
u,
o 11 )
11) z
ro• a
1-3 5
' < 0

O
zc11.—
.0
••—• 0
o
o it" r).
,%)
z •-•
0 Cl)
•-•• " p)
corL

Vd1) 1••
E
cc)
z a
O CD c7).
z 0
(ro 0
<
r C D
VL
E 1-) En Z .
1-1 L C 1
Ica g)
P.)
<
• CD 0 "
O a )
(171164vel 1-i a z
;•-44 Fp(7)
o'—.Cl)

(Y) 18
"(P

(CI
td

0
 I
Adventure Games Magazine
TM

Contents
The Art of Animation, by Mark N 0 Davies
Golems and their making — including eight n e w monsters 2
Geas, by Venetia Lee
DUNGION8 Incorporating the magic user spell into your enchantments 8

N\d Gatir P E L I N O R E - the I M A G I N E " magazine Campaign World

THIS M O N T H : Law and Order - " J u s t i c e " in the City League 1 0
FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING GAME The North Dock/ands District Courthouse 1 3
SET 3: COMPANION RULES The Private Lives of N PCs, by Katino
Another look at w h a t the other side are up to between adventures 1 6
I l l u m i n a t i o n s , n e w s from the world of gaming 1 9
Notices recent game releases examined by independent reviewers 2 0
Sinvel's Peril, by Doug Cowie
Try out the n e w Companion Set rules with this high-level scenario 2 5
Role-Playing for Remedials, by Alan Heaven
Role-playing in the classroom 3 4
Towards Systemless Scenarios, by Pete Tamlyn
Ideas for the future — including a Celtic-style scenario plot 3 6
Games Without Frontiers, by Graeme Davis
Part Two of the series designed to s h o w you
how to balance the numbers in different role-playing systems 3 8
This oeme hoodoo no 000nebootd became the mikes takes
Pilo. in the Plovers' 411440.6On oath wilderness adventures D i s p e l C o n f u s i o n , RPG rules questions answered 3 9
shot include new melliddil, trossersos sod meow,
losel tot 3 or MOM *doomed plovers, saes 10 olol Uncharted Stars / Amber Zone, by Paul Vernon
An alternative idea for generating adventures for the Traveller game
plus an exciting scenario to follow 4 2
Fantasy Media, by Colin Greenland
Editorial The latest on books, films and videos 4 7
Letters 4 8
There are some who consider that role- VOP, by Ian Gibbs 4 9
playing games are just a cop-out — that
Game Company, Clubs & Events 5 0
they are for people who are unable to cope
with life as it is. Rubic of Moggedon 5 0
Stirge Corner, by Roger Musson 5 1
The interesting thing is that all those who Dialog, by Lew Pulsipher 5 1
have talked to me like this spend their time
either watching TV or burying themselves Press C l i p p i n g s S t a r t i n g a n e w space for the hobby
in romantic novels or whodunnits. Other to air its views plus full fanzine review coverage 5 2
worlds indeed. Turnbull Talking 5 4
Phalanx, by Robin Grenville-Evans 5 5
We all need to spend time away from the
day-to-day cares of living, and rpgs are an
ideal way of renewing the zest for life. This I M A G I N E magazine,N o 1 9 , O c t o b e r 1 9 8 4
P u b l i s h e d b y TSRU K L t d P u b l i s h e r D o n Tu r n b u l l
magazine is for you — indeed, much of it is E d i t o r KeithT h o m s o n A s s i s t a n t EditorPaulCockburn
written b y people who didn't dream o f E d i t o r i a l AssistantK i m D a n i e l F e a t u r e s AssistantM i k e B r u n t o n
writing for magazines before — and we have A r t PhilK a y e A d v e r t i s i n g LesleyHudson-Jessop
tilled it with new ideas to help you create News D o u g C o w i e
better adventures f o r y o u r characters. T h i s m o n t h ' s contributingartists:R o b i n GrenvilleEvans,P a u l R u i z , D a v e
Enjoy yourself! Pearson, Euan S m i t h , Pete Yo u n g , Ian G i b b s , Ian W i l l i a m s o n
IOU K e i t h T h o m s o n C o v e r C C S p e c 1 b y ChrisCollingwood

IMAGINE' magazine is published monthly by TSR
UK Ltd. The Mill, Rathmore Road, CAMBRIDGE CB1
4AD Te l e p h o n e ( 0 2 2 3 ) 212517 Te l e x 8 1 8 7 6 1
IMAGINE magazine i s available f r o m a l l g o o d
hobby s h o p s a n d n e w s a g e n t s . I t i s distributed
through the newstrade by Seymour Press Ltd, 3 3 4
Brixton Road, LONDON SW9 7AG I t is also available
direct from the publisher by individual subscription.
The subscription rate is / 1 2 for twelve issues.
Back issues o f IMAGINE magazine, w h e r e still
available, can be bought directly from Dept IMBI at
the above address for the price of E l 0 0 Payment
must accompany all orders I f one or more issues in
I M A G I N E magazine, Octo6er 1984
an o r d e r a r e o u t o f print, a credit n o t e w i l l b e
substituted w h i c h m a y be exchanged for cash o r
merchandise from the publisher
The issue of expiration for each subscription will
be p r i n t e d o n t h e s u b s c r i b e r s m a i l i n g l a b e l
Changes of address must be notified to the publisher
at l e a s t 3 0 days before t h e effective change t o
ensure uninterrupted delivery
All m a t e r i a l p u b l i s h e d i n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e
becomes t h e exclusive property o f t h e publisher
prior t o publication, u n l e s s special arrangements
are made to the contrary in writing
IMAGINE magazine welcomes unsolicited s u b
missions of written material and artwork at all Wiles
However, n o submissions w i l l be returned unless
accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope
of s u ff i c i e n t size a n d postage U n d e r n o circum-
stances will tire publisher accept responsibility for
any s u c h submissions P u b l i s h e d material w i l l be
paid for
IMAGINE is a trade mark owned by TSR UK Ltd A l l
rights o n t h e p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h i s m a g a z i n e a r e
reserved, and nothing may be reproduced in whole
or i n p a r t w i t h o u t t h e w r i t t e n c o n s e n t o f t h e
publisher
Copyright , 1 9 8 4 by TSR UK Ltd
Opinions e x p r e s s e d i n t h i s m a g a z i n e a r e n o t
necessarily those held by the publisher
IMAGINE m a g a z i n e g r a t e f u l l y acknowledges t h e
support offered by its sister publication, DRAGON'
magazine, published by TSR Inc, PO Box 756, Lake
Geneva, Wisconsin 53147, USA A r t i c l e s appearing
in IMAGINE magazine may have appeared previous-
ly in that publication
Names printed in bold represent titles that may be
protected by copyright legislation
1

The Art of Animation
Frankenstein's m o n s t e r w a s galvanized
into activity. D u n c a n Idaho as a Tleilaxu
ghola, (from Frank Herbert's Dune series),
had life re-established through the secret
arts of the Tleilaxu guild. One of the most
famous golems of legend, the giant, bull-
headed, bronze Ta b s , w a s placed on the
island of Crete by the greek god Zeus to
act as guardian. N o t all s u c h creatures
are found in h u m a n form. In Tanith Lee's
D e a t h ' s M a s t e r, Lylas, t h e handmaiden
of Lord Death, lives w i t h a blue enamel
dog t h a t acts as her servant and has the
gift of speech.
What d o a l l t h e s e c r e a t u r e s h a v e i n
common? W e l l , t h e y a l l r e p r e s e n t t h e
creation o f a n a n i m a t e b e i n g f r o m i n -
animate matter; usually through the use
of magic. Of course not all 'golems' need
to b e s u c h m o n u m e n t a l achievements.
The basic concept is seen behind the tale
of G o e t h e ' s S o r c e r e r ' s A p p r e n t i c e , a s
well as favourites like Pinocchio and The
Wizard of Oz. The emphasis in fiction and
in t h e D & D games is that the 'golem' is
created almost inevitably in the image of
man, but should this be the case?
2 I M A G I N E m a 9 a - t h l t , O c l o b e r 1984
by Mark Davies
What's in a Name?
The w o r d golem appears in t h e H e b r e w
language and occurs in the Old Testament
(Psalm 139.16), where it means a human
being that is incompletely formed. It also
appears i n t h e Ta l m u d ( t h e b o d y o f
Jewish l a w a n d legend) describing
Adam's body prior to life and conscious-
ness. I t is not until m u c h later in history
that the word became synonymous w i t h
the e n d p r o d u c t o f magical procedures
involved in creating a 'living being'.
Golem Evolution
Since g o l e m o r i g i n a t e d a s a H e b r e w
word, w h a t o f t h e J e w i s h legends? A s
reported b y G r i m m i n h i s J o u r n a l f o r
Hermits ( 1 4 0 8 ) , t h e g o l e m i s a t h i n g
constructed of mud or clay. It seems that
such b e i n g s w e r e m o s t l y, b u t n o t e x -
clusively, i n t h e g u i s e o f m a n . S u c h
manufactured creatures were inarticulate
save a rare few, but all could understand
limited speech, in the form of commands.
They w e r e u s e d a s servants, a l t h o u g h
The golem
an expansion of
M E D ° games.
they w e r e n o t a l l o w e d t o w a n d e r. A
drawback o f s u c h r e t a i n e r s w a s t h e
uncanny property o f t h e golem t o g r o w
larger each day!
Every g o l e m h a d i n s c r i b e d u p o n i t s
forehead the word emeth meaning 'truth'.
To deactivate a golem, and thus change it
back i n t o i t s e l e m e n t a r y c o m p o n e n t s ,
emeth had to be transformed into meth,
w h i c h means 'he is dead'. Such a switch
in w o r d s w a s n o t a l w a y s a s i m p l e
procedure.
One unfortunate creator it seemed, let his
golem g r o w out of hand so that when he
came t o deactivate h i s ' a r t w o r k ' , h e
found t h e g o l e m h a d g r o w n t o o tall f o r
him t o r e a c h t h e c r e a t u r e ' s forehead.
Therefore, h e commanded t h e golem t o
remove h i s s h o e s , a n d w h i l e i t w a s
bending d o w n t h e m a n r u s h e d i n a n d
altered the wording successfully; unluck-
ily he w a s crushed by the w e i g h t of clay
that fell on top of him.
Around t h e 1 2 t h century the idea o f the
golem made its first showing in the Sefer

the ideas in the
Np.,•
o Reinstated and Created animation.
,iteo.
7••••• t t
eey.
\ This category c o n t a i n s t h o s e m o n s t e r s
%PP
Yetsirah or 'Book of Creation'. As a result,
the Hasidim of Germany (Jewish mystics)
became exponents o f t h e mystical r i t e s
required to create a golem. In all probabil-
ity, regardless of its 'magical nature', the
ceremony w a s e s s e n t i a l l y a s y m b o l i c
event. H o w e v e r, a w a r e n e s s o f t h e s e
rituals increased, w i t h exaggerated a n d
incorrect interpretations being expressed
in the form of folklore and legend w h i c h
became w i d e s p r e a d d u r i n g t h e 1 5 t h
century. W i t h the growth of such myths,
earlier tales of reanimating the dead and
the m a n u f a c t u r i n g o f h o m o n c u l i w e r e
being ascribed to the golem of legend.
Review of the Golem in IDEMD
Initially, t h e e p i t o m e o f a ' l i v i n g b e i n g '
created b y magic, t h e g o l e m w a s p e r -
ceived exclusively in the mould of man. In
addition it was constrained by the ruling
that ' t h e c r e a t i o n o f a g o l e m i n v o l v e s
ultra-powerful spells a n d elemental
forces'. If this view is held then where do
the homonculus (MM), necrophidius (FF)
or s t o n e g u a r d i a n ( M M 2 ) c o m e i n t o
IMAGINE ma9athle, Oclobtx 1984
picture? A l l a r e a n i m a t e d b e i n g s , b u t of a l l t h i s t h e r e i s even a m o n s t e r, t h e
each l a c k s o n e o r m o r e o f t h e b a s i c Gale duhr (MM2), which has the ability to
ingredients o f t h e ' t r u e ' g o l e m . W h a t create t e m p o r a r y hylems. I t seems t h a t
follows is a general classification system hylems are classed as magic items rather
for DMs to adapt when designing magic-
ally created proteges f o r t h e i r favourite
than monsters. W i t h most examples this
is very plausible, b u t w h a t of those that
spell casters. T h e f i r s t d i s t i n c t i o n t o be can be given limited commands, specific
made i s a b r o a d d i v i s i o n b e t w e e n to a situation, and act upon them accord-
ingly. One such hylomorphic being is the
gem hylem:
Reinstated A n i m a t i o n
(Note: In a l l the monsters in this article,
that are the result of a corpse having its stats a r e g i v e n f o r b o t h t h e D & D a n d
'vitality' reinstated t h r o u g h magic. I t i s AD&D games. W h e r e different f r o m
not created, since that which is animated Advanced figures, Basic stats are given in
already existed as a living whole. Crea- bold. N o t e s f o r b o t h g a m e s f o l l o w t h e
tures t h a t f a l l u n d e r t h i s h e a d i n g a r e stats)
mostly different forms of non-independ-
ent undead, such as skeletons, zombies
and zombie monsters (MM2), but not julu Gem Hylem
zombies (MM2) or yellow musk zombies
(FF). The special case of the ghola in the Frequency Very rare
Dune s e r i e s i s a good, i f n o t a h i g h l y No. Appearing 1
sophisticated, example. A r m o u r Class -2
Move 1 8 " / 1 8 " (MC:A) 2 4 0 ' (80')
Created A n i m a t i o n Hit Dice 8
Beings a n i m a t e d i n t h i s m a n n e r a r e % In Lair Nil
usually i n t h e f o r m o f m a n (anthropo- Treasure Type Nil
morphic), already k n o w n a s Golems, o r Attacks 1
beast (theriomorphic), which I have term- Damage/Attack 2-20
ed To t e m s . I t i s p o s s i b l e h o w e v e r, t o Special Attacks Spells
produce animate 'non-living' beings, f o r Special Defences +2 or better
example a witch's broom. This last group, weapon to hit
which h a s b e e n n e g l e c t e d t o a l a r g e Magic Resistance 4 0 %
degree i n t h e past, I h a v e titled Hylem, Intelligence S e m i -
short f o r h y l o m o r p h i c a n i m a t i o n . T h u s Alignment N e u t r a l
created a n i m a t i o n f a l l s u n d e r 3 b a s i c Size S (2-6 inches)
headings with all having their 'true' forms Psionic Ability N i l
(ie r e s u l t i n g f r o m u l t r a p o w e r f u l spells Attack/Defence modes N i l
and elemental forces), plus those that do Level/xp Value V I I / 1 9 2 0 1 2 0 0
not hold w i t h all such requirements. For Save A s : F i g h t e r : 18
game purposes there is little difference Morale 1 2
and t h e r e f o r e I w i l l l a r g e l y i g n o r e t h i s
distinction. I suggest that DMs make note A d v a n c e d : The m a k e r s o f g e m h y l e m s
for f u t u r e r e f e r e n c e i n c a s e s u c h a are exclusively illusionists of at least 14th
division proves useful as, for example, the level. They take 1 m o n t h to create, costing
effects of a rod o f smiting. 25,000gp in the process. The illusionist,
assuming t h e r e i s n o m a g i c a l t o m e
In general hylems, totems and golems are available to enable a short cut to be taken,
created a s e i t h e r g u a r d i a n s o r m e n i a l needs to cast the following spells: m a j o r
assistants t o spell casters. They under- creation, l i g h t , f e a r, c o n f u s i o n , m a z e ,
take all commands given by their maker, d e m i - s h a d o w m a g i c a n d a l t e r r e a l i t y.
although t h e y u s u a l l y lack intelligence. Like t h e i r cousins, t h e y understand and
Most are formed by (in)famous magicians obey all commands given by their creator.
or divinely favoured clerics. Their duties At will, gem hylems can once per round
and creation can be very specific at times use t h e f o l l o w i n g abilities: l i g h t , f e a r,
as, for example, w h e n constructed in the confusion a n d maze; a s a 1 0 t h level
name of a specific deity (see iron cobra FF; illusionist. I n a d d i t i o n , t h e h y l e m c a n
see below black widow). attack o n c e p e r r o u n d w i t h a l i g h t n i n g
strike (no save) for 2-20 damage; it has a
range o f 6 " . O n l y h i t b y + 2 o r b e t t e r
Hylems weapons, b u t b l u n t w e a p o n s c a u s e
double damage. O n destroying (deactiv-
These are objects that are animated, but ating) t h e hylem a 5 , 0 0 0 g p gem w i l l be
are n o t i n t h e f o r m o f living creatures. left in its place.
Hylems a r e s e e n w i t h a n e p h e m e r a l
existence a m o n g s t a n u m b e r o f spells Basic: The D M s h o u l d f o l l o w e x i s t i n g
like: a n i m a t e o b j e c t (cleric), a n i m a t e campaign rules for the creation of golems.
rock (druid), w i z a r d ' s e y e (magic user) The gem hylem can, once per round, use
and t h e magic user Bigby's hand spells. the f o l l o w i n g a b i l i t i e s : l i g h t , c h a r m
Furthermore, t h i s a n i m a t i o n i s a l s o person and confusion. Attacks and other
present i n a n u m b e r o f m a g i c i t e m s , notes as above.
namely: b r o o m o f a n i m a t e d a t t a c k ,
broom o f flying, c a r p e t o f flying, l o u n Description: T h e s e a n i m a t e d b e i n g s
stones, Q u a a t ' s f e a t h e r t o k e n s ( f a n ; appear as perfect examples of their gem
ship), magical ropes and even a s w o r d o f type, t h o u g h t h e y a r e f o u n d constantly
dancing; not to mention artifacts! On top spinning furiously in the air.
3
Totems
This g r o u p holds a greater potential f o r Rock B l a c k Widow
DMs to be inventive, dealing w i t h anim- Frequency Very rare V e r y rare
ations i n t h e f o r m o f beasts. Tr a n s i e n t No. appearing 1 1
examples as seen i n spells are f e w, b u t Armour Class 2 6
include: s t i c k s to snakes (cleric) and live Move Variable 2 4 " / 1 5 " 1 5 0 ' (50')
oak (druid); s i m u l a c r u m (magic user) is Hit Dice Variable 7
an example t h a t is p e r m a n e n t in effect. % in lair Nil N i l
As with hylems, there are corresponding Treasure Type Nil N i l
magical items, for example, the figurines Attacks Variable 1
of wonderous power or Quaal's feather Damage/Attack 1-10 V a r i a b l e
token (bird). A l s o t h e r e e x i s t m o n s t e r s Special Attacks Variable P o i s o n
that possess related p o w e r s w h i c h c a n Special Defences See b e l o w S e e below
induce t e m p o r a r y t h e r i o m o r p h i c a n i m - Magic Resistance See b e l o w S e e below
ation (see t r e a n t M M ; algoid FF). Perm- Intelligence Average A v e r a g e
anently a n i m a t e d t h e r i o m o r p h i c beings Alignment Neutral N e u t r a l
are n o t p a r t i c u l a r l y n u m e r o u s i n t h e Size Variable S (2' diameter)
bestiaries (see h o m o n c u l u s ; i r o n cobra Psionic ability Nil N i l
and necrophidius). To begin altering this Attack/Defence modes Nil
discrepancy I h a v e outlined t w o totems Level/xp value Variable V 1 1 / 1 4 1 5 8 5 0
that I found entertaining as a DM. Save A s : Cleric: 9 F i g h t e r : 5
Morale: 12 1 2
Rock Totem
Advanced: These a r e f a s h i o n e d f r o m
rock in the guise of the animal chosen by
the creator. They can only be constructed cooperation between a male draw magic assisting m a g i c user, r e q u i r e a specific
by name-level Druids, u n l e s s a magical user and a female draw cleric. The former trigger w o r d o r a c t i o n d e t a i l e d b y t h e
tome i s e m p l o y e d . T h e s e t o t e m s a r e needs to be of at least 12th level, w h i l e cleric, t o b e a b l e t o bypass t h e s p i d e r
slightly unusual in the fact that they are the cleric m u s t have attained 1 1 th level. w i t h o u t difficulty.
intelligent, can t h i n k for themselves and First a b l a c k opal a n d a r u b y, w o r t h a t The B l a c k W i d o w c a n c a s t o n c e p e r
are capable o f speech. T h e y are totally least 5 , 0 0 0 g p e a c h , m u s t b e s o u g h t . round, o v e r a r a n g e o f 5 " , a n o r m a l
loyal to their maker. When obtained, they are then crafted into strength w e b spell (not requiring support)
The t y p e o f a n i m a l s c u l p t e d c a n b e a black spider with a red cross central on at a single opponent; cast at 12th level of
anything from the range which the druid its abdomen. This is then followed by the ability. To determine w h e t h e r the target
himself can shape change into. It takes 1 casting of the spells from both cleric and has b e e n h i t b y t h e s p i d e r, t h e t o t e m
month t o c o n s t r u c t s u c h a t o t e m a n d mage. The mage spells required are: w e b needs t o roll ' t o hit'. I f t h e black w i d o w
requires t h e f o l l o w i n g spells t o be cast: and reincarnation; w h i l e t h e cleric per- attacks a w e b b e d victim, t h e spider w i l l
detect p o i s o n , s h a p e r o c k , a n i m a t e forms bless, prayer, poison, c o m m u n e automatically h i t . T h e c r e a t u r e ' s b i t e
rock, c o m m u n e w i t h n a t u r e a n d r e - and a n i m a t e object. It takes 2 months to does 1 -10 damage and contains a virulent
incarnate. The only material cost incurred fabricate and costs 30,000gp overall. poison, resulting in a save at -4.
by the druid is the need of 2 jewels (worth The t o t e m c a n o n l y b e s u c c e s s f u l l y A + 2 w e a p o n o r b e t t e r i s needed t o
5,000gp each) for the eyes. controlled by the female cleric involved in score a successful h i t o n t h i s creature
Totems communicate in both common its m a k i n g . A l l o t h e r s , i n c l u d i n g t h e and t h e o n l y spell t h a t affects the black
and druidic tongue. They possess average
intelligence a n d w i s d o m , s o t h a t t h e
finished totem mimics the chosen animal
in all attributes excluding mentality. If the
creator c o n c e n t r a t e s u p o n h i s t o t e m
while it is within 20" he will be able to see
through i t s eyes. A l l r o c k t o t e m s c a n
detect poison; as a 6th level druid.
A r o c k t o t e m can o n l y be h i t by +3 o r
better w e a p o n s . F u r t h e r m o r e , o n l y a
limited r e t i n u e o f s p e l l s c a n a c t u a l l y
affect them: r o c k to mud will destroy the
totem i f i t f a i l s i t s save vs. spell, w h i l e
stone to flesh change its armour class to
that of the mimicked animal. For example,
if the druid had created a rock totem in the
form o f a s t a g ( M M ) , thenNthe a r m o u r
class change w o u l d be from 2 to 7. This
change is permanent unless the magic is
dispelled o r reversed. A l l r o c k t o t e m s
save as 12th level druids.

Basic: A s above (using c a m p a i g n r u l e s

for the creation of the totem), except that
passwall is the only spell that will destroy
it. A l s o , t h e r o c k t o t e m c a n n e u t r a l i z e
poison three times a month.

Black Widow
Advanced: This totem i s specifically
constructed b y n o b l e d r o w (FF), w h o
honour Lolth (FF) as their patron deity. Its
creation i s u n u s u a l because i t requires
4
I M A G I N E Ina9,21.e, October 1984
widow is neutralize poison w h i c h w i l l
deactivate the totem's poison for 1 t u r n (if
it fails its save).
Basic: The b l a c k w i d o w t o t e m i s t h e
creation of chaotic elves. Other details as
above.
Golems
The o n l y e x a m p l e o f a n t h r o p o m o r p h i c
animation i n t h e f o r m o f a spell i s t h e
magic u s e r ' s p e r m a n e n t s i m u l a c r u m
spell. H o w e v e r, t h i s g r o u p i s v e r y w e l l
represented in the AD&D monster tomes,
such as the true golems, caryatid column
(FE), scarecrow (FF) and stone guardian.
The golem has been well documented in
the past and reflects the keen interest in
anthropomorphic creations. I w o n d e r i f
Shelly's Frankenstein w o u l d have been
as successful i f the monster had been a
patch-work cat or dog? A n y h o w, I f o l l o w
the trend of emphasising the golem as the
most challenging group of created beings
with this a mixed choice of new ones:
Bone G o l e m
A d v a n c e d : I n appearance t h i s golem i s
like a skeleton. It can be created only by a
non-good cleric o f 1 9 t h level o r higher,
unless a m a g i c a l t o m e i s utilised. T h e
necessary i n g r e d i e n t s a r e t h e a p p r o -
priate bones to allow the construction of a
complete, w h o l e skeleton, w h i c h t h e n
has t h e f o l l o w i n g s p e l l s c a s t u p o n i t
bless, prayer, curse, c o m m u n e , animate
objects, and wither. The minimum cost is
50,000gp, p l u s 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 g p f o r religious
rites and appropriate sacrifices. On com-
pletion, t h e b o n e g o l e m w i l l undertake
any commands given by its master.
The creature can only be hit by piercing
or edged weapons if they are +3 or better,
even then they will cause normal damage
to t h e g o l e m . F i r e a t t a c k s t h a t w o u l d
normally result in 23 points of damage or
more, w i l l effectively s l o w the golem for
the next 1-4 rounds. If holy water is used
against the creature successfully, i t w i l l
hold t h e m o n s t e r for 2 - 8 segments, b u t
unholy w a t e r w i l l r e s t o r e 2 - 8 l o s t h i t
points. I t i s n o t possible t o t u r n a b o n e
golem, although it is equal to a 'special' in
terms of a m a c e o f disruption.
In c o m b a t , t h e g o l e m a t t a c k s w i t h a
raking c l a w f o r 1 - 2 0 points o f damage.
Concurrent w i t h t h e damage, t h e victim
must save vs spell or suffer a w i t h e r i n g of
the portion of the body hit; it removes all
flesh and leaves just the bone. If the head
or torso o f t h e victim i s affected i n t h i s
way t h e n a u t o m a t i c d e a t h w i l l r e s u l t .
Other portions w i l l operate normally; a
fighter w i t h a skeletal hand can still hold
and w i e l d a w e a p o n . Each s u c h attack
also results i n t h e p e r m a n e n t loss o f 1
point o f constitution. T o r e c o v e r f r o m
either effect requires a cleric o f at least
19th l e v e l t o a d m i n i s t e r r e g e n e r a t e o r
restoration. Only one afflicted area of the
body or lost point can be restored with the
casting o f a s i n g l e s p e l l . T h e r e f o r e a
character with both hands withered needs
2 regenerate spells t o b e completely
cured, along with 2 restoration spells for
lost constitution.
Basic: S e e the Expert Rulebook, p 5 0 .
Bronze G o l e m
Advanced: This is a specialised form o f
iron golem and requires a magic user of
18th level or higher; a magical tome could
be u s e d b y o n e o f l o w e r level. F i r s t a
specially crafted bronze cast of a h o l l o w
sphere (1' diameter) has a ruby w o r t h at
least 50,000gp placed inside through the
use of the spell vanish. Next, e n c h a n t an
item, w i z a r d l o c k a n d m a z e spells a r e
cast upon t h e sphere. The mage should
then use a p o l y m o r p h any object spell to
transform t h e s p h e r e i n t o a m i n i a t u r e
statue of a man. The finishing touch to the
preparations is the casting of a s y m p a t h y
spell. All this is in special readiness to the
summoning o f an individually identified
para elemental (Magma), w h i c h m u s t be
16HD. T h e l i t t l e b r o n z e s t a t u e i s t h e
trigger item for a t r a p the soul spell; the
creature is brought to this plane using an
ensnarement spell and is ordered to pick
up the statue! Additional cost, other than
the ruby is 200,000gp, it takes 6 months
to complete the construction.
After trapping the magma para element-
al, additional spells need to be cast upon
the bronze figure: b u r n i n g h a n d s , geas
and w i s h . T h e g o l e m t h u s c r e a t e d i s
certainly a durable servant and guardian!
It can strike with its fists in combat for
2-20 damage. I f the golem obtains a ' t o
hit' s c o r e 5 g r e a t e r t h a n r e q u i r e d , i t
means that it can clench its fist around a
small or medium sized opponent, result-
ing in a further 20 points of damage from
fire (no save). In subsequent rounds the
golem can keep hold of his victim (unlikely
unless commanded specifically to do so).
In this case, damage from crushing (2-20)
and f i r e ( 2 0 ) w i l l a u t o m a t i c a l l y accrue.
Furthermore, all those w i t h i n 1 0 ' of the
bronze golem will be under the effects of
a h e a t m e t a l spell. A bronze golem can
not only do 1 p o i n t of structural damage,
but it can also hurl rocks for 1-12 damage
over a range of 16".
A bronze golem can only be struck by +3
or better weapons. They are also vulner-
able to a k n o c k spell if it is aimed at the
area b e t w e e n h e e l a n d a n k l e o f e i t h e r
foot. The knock spell needs to combat the
wizard l o c k o f t h e m a k e r. A m o r e
surprising weakness is that they are not
immune to poison.
If a s u c c e s s f u l a t t e m p t i s m a d e a t
removing t h e bronze pins in e i t h e r foot,
the i m p r i s o n e d p a r a e l e m e n t a l w i l l
immediately be set free. There is only a
10% chance that it will turn on the party,
for its real desire is to get revenge on the
mage who imprisoned it. 1-3 rounds after
it vacates the golem the latter will topple
forwards o r b a c k w a r d s ( 5 0 % chance).
Anyone unlucky enough to be under it at
the t i m e w i l l be instantly killed. A s w i t h
iron golems, magical f i r e attacks repair
damage o n a 1 h i t p o i n t t o 1 h i t p o i n t
basis. Cold based attacks such as cone of
cold, i c e s t o r m a n d O t i l u k e ' s freezing
sphere will s l o w the golem for 4 rounds.
Basic: See the Expert Rulebook, p50.
Rag G o l e m
Advanced: Unlike others o f its kind t h e
rag golem does not rely upon sheer force
as a m e a n s to an end. A m e r e 6 inches
tall, it is constructed of whatever house-
hold rags the magic user finds h a n d y at
the time. Consequently, t h e cost of pro-

Bone Bronze Rag Sand Wo o d

Frequency Very rare Very rare Very rare Very rare Very rare
No. appearing 1 1 1 1 1
Armour class 7 0 10 4 0
Move 12" 18" 3 " 3 0 ' (10') 10" 9 0 ' ( 3 0 ' ) 12"
Hit Dice 10 24 1hp 16 12
% in lair Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Treasure type Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
= Attacks 1 2 Nil 1 2
Damage/attack 1-20 2-20 Nil 3-12 2-16
Special Attacks Wither Clench fist Can trips Sleep See b e l o w
Special Defences See b e l o w See b e l o w See b e l o w See below See b e l o w
Magic Resistance See b e l o w See b e l o w See b e l o w See below See b e l o w
Intelligence Non- Non- See b e l o w Non- Non-
Alignment Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Size L (24') S (6') L (8') L (16')
Psionic Ability Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Attack/Defence mode Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Level/xp value VIII/4230 X/25,650 I & u p / 62 6 I X / 11 , 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 IX/7530
Save As: T h e Bone, Bronze a n d Wood go/ems have already been Fighter: 1 Fighter: 5
Morale: d e t a i l e d in the D & D E x p e r t Set. 12 12
5
I M A G I N E nuu3adne, October 1984

ducing a r a g golern c a n b e as l i t t t l e as
1,000gp. Once a vaguely humanoid shape
has been made the following spells must
be cast: tongues, anti-magic shell, geas,
teleport w i t h o u t error, polymorph any
object and wish.
The newly-produced golem is physically
fully developed, b u t m e n t a l l y possesses
only 1 p o i n t o f intelligence. I t g a i n s a
further point for each subsequent week of
animation u n t i l t h e m a g e ' s o w n i n t e l l i -
gence score i s reached. U n t i l then, t h e
mage m u s t b e engaged w i t h its upbring-
ing, t o t h e exclusion o f o t h e r activities;
any break i n t h e process w i l l r e s u l t i n
deactivation of the little fellow.
On g a i n i n g i t s final intelligence point
the ragamuffin can perform the following
at w i l l l i m i t e d telepathy w i t h t h e magic
user (3" range), teleport (no error), speak
and c o m p r e h e n d a n y spoken language.
Related t o t h e last ability is the golem's
full literacy in normal and magical script.
The rag g o l e m h a s a perfect m e m o r y
and k n o w s e v e r y t h i n g i t s m a s t e r h a s
seen fit to teach it, including spells (from
cantrips t o 9 t h level spells). T h u s a rag
golem o f t e n s e r v e s a s a w a l k i n g s p e l l
book. Provided i t is w i t h i n i t s telepathic
range, the mage can re-learn any spell in
its m e m o r y ( n o r m a l t i m e r e q u i r e d ) ,
subject t o t h e m a x i m u m p e r m i t t e d b y
intelligence, level a n d magic. H o w e v e r,
although t h e golem holds all its maker's
spells, i t s e l f i s p o w e r l e s s t o u s e a n y
except f o r t h e cantrips. T h e g o l e m c a n
cast any cantrip memorised at will.
Like its larger brethren, the rag golem is
immune t o m o s t magical attacks, a p a r t
from s p e l l s c a s t b y i t s c r e a t o r a n d t h e
various B i g b y ' s h a n d spells. O n t o p o f
this, these little monsters are i m m u n e to
physical attack, be it due to weapon, fire,
acid o r w h a t e v e r. F o r t u n a t e l y f o r t h e
magic user, they are completely loyal.
If required t h e golem w i l l use its o w n
initiative t o achieve i t s m a s t e r ' s ends.
6 I M A G I N E ntaoadne, October 1984
Over time it will develop its own personal-
ity, invariably humorous and mischievous,
often m i m i c k i n g t h e idiosyncrasies a n d
foibles of its creator. Even so, the golem
will never behave in a deleterious manner
towards i t s m a k e r. N o m a t t e r h o w i t s
personality develops t h e golem's a l i g n -
ment remains neutral.
If its master dies, a rag golem will set off
alone i n t o the big world. A s a source o f
spells such a w a n d e r i n g rag golem i s a
prize find. However, it is now 'freelance',
it m u s t b e e n t i c e d i n t o cooperation. A
'rogue' rag golem will work with a magic
user they find worthy, but not for him!
Basic: A s above. The rag golem can only
be damaged by spells cast by its creator. It
has no magical ability of its own.
Sand Golem
Advanced: A s a n d g o l e m c a n o n l y b e
created by a 16th level chaotic evil cleric,
or one greater in levels (unless working
from a m a g i c a l t o m e ) . T h e m a t e r i a l
components f o r t h i s c r e a t i o n a r e t h e
bodies of a sandling ( M M 2 ) and a sand-
man (FF), which must be emulsified in the
life fluids of a dune stalker (FF). A f t e r the
production of the emulsion the following
spells m u s t b e cast: c o m m a n d , c u r s e ,
prayer, commune, animate objects and
resurrection. T h e materials f o r t h i s
procedure cost 30,000gp, while the cost
of t h e a c c o m p a n y i n g c e r e m o n i e s i s a
minimum of 1 0,000gp.
After creation the sand golem is under
the total control of the cleric that made it.
It is usually employed as a guard of some
precious item(s) or unholy place. It is well
built for such a job since the golem can
only b e successfully s t r u c k w i t h + 2 o r
better blunt weapons, edged or piercing
arms n e e d t o be +3 o r better a n d e v e n
then w i l l o n l y i n f l i c t h a l f t h e w e a p o n
damage plus its bonus. Strength bonuses
only apply to the blunt weapons. Further-
more, s a n d g o l e m s a r e i m m u n e t o a l l
forms o f m a g i c u n l e s s t h e y a r e w a t e r -
based, the latter form of attack will s l o w
the creature for as many rounds equal to
the level of the spell.
Its own offensive capabilities rely on its
ability to hit an opponent. Striking with its
fist it causes 3-12 points of damage to be
suffered. In addition, the victim must save
vs s p e l l o r f a l l i n t o a c a t a t o n i c sleep.
Those t h a t f a i l t h e i r s a v e w i l l r e m a i n
asleep for 3 turns no matter what is done
to them. A f t e r this time, t h e r e is a 1 0 %
chance per round, if an attempt is made to
wake them, of the sleepers being revived.
If n o s u c h a t t e m p t i s m a d e t h e n t h e
victims will not wake of their own accord
and will slowly fade and die.
Basic: A s above
Wood Golem
Advanced: These are powerful creations,
produced b y d r u i d s o f 1 3 t h l e v e l o r
higher. O f course a l e s s e r d r u i d c o u l d
manufacture o n e w i t h t h e a i d o f a
magical tome. Their construction begins
with the druid choosing a suitable sapling.
It is b e : i f a t r e a n t ( M M ) is enlisted a s
adviser in this venture, since the latter's
perfect knowledge of the properties of all
trees a n d s a p l i n g s u n d e r h i s c a r e w i l l
ensure t o t a l success. O f c o u r s e t h e r e
must b e a v e r y v a l i d r e a s o n f o r s u c h
action or else the treant will flatly refuse
to help and may even actively hinder the
druid's actions, if the druid 'goes it alone',
then t h e r e is a 1 % chance per year of a
boggart ( M M 2 ) w h i c h i s ready t o meta-
morphose into a will-o-wisp (MM), enter-
ing t h e g o l e m i n p r e p a r a t i o n f o r i t s
pupation. Its usual choice are the sentient
types of plant life, such as young treants
or even the hangman tree (MM2). Under such
possession t h e g o l e m a c t s i n a m o s t
chaotic evil manner for 2-5 months, at the
end of this period the golem 'dies' as the
boggart leaves as a fully fledged adult.
In either case, once a sapling has been
selected t h e f o l l o w i n g spells m u s t t h e n
be c a s t b y t h e d r u i d : e n t a n g l e , p l a n t
growth, control temperature 10' radius,
protection f r o m l i g h t n i n g , l i v e o a k ,
commune with nature, reincarnate and
transmute metal to wood. There is little
cost to this procedure since most of what
is required is all around the druid.
To be able to hit a wood golem a +3 or
better weapon is needed unless an axe is
wielded, in which case only a +1 weapon
is required. B l u n t w e a p o n s c a u s e o n l y
half d a m a g e w h e n a s u c c e s s f u l h i t i s
attained. A s w i t h o t h e r s o f its kind, t h e
wood golem is very resilient when faced
with magical attacks. Wa r p w o o d , i f the
golem fails its save, will cause it to strike
at -2 for 2-8 rounds. Hold plant will s l o w
the golem for 1-6 rounds, but turn w o o d
will have no effect.
In melee, each time it hits an opponent,
if i n f l i c t s 2 - 1 6 p o i n t s w o r t h o f damage
and has the power to t r a n s m u t e metal to
w o o d . This is also the case for any metal
that touches the golem. A s a f u r t h e r aid
against its foes, t h e golem also can cast
an e n t a n g l e s p e l l o n c e e v e r y t u r n . I f
necessary the golem can cause 1 p o i n t of
structural damage.
In the introduction I m a d e the point that
the emphasis in the past seemed to be on
an anthropomorphic approach to anima-
tion. I have not deviated from this line in
this article. M o s t encounters w i l l q u i t e
often b e best served b y incorporating a
golem a s t h e f o r m i d a b l e s e r v a n t t o b e
confronted, b u t this need n o t always be
the case. S o m e gods f o r example, o n l y
materialise i n a n i m a l f o r m ; s h o u l d n o t
their c l e r i c s p r o d u c e a t o t e m i n t h e i r
honour ( s e e R a v e n ; A m e r i c a n I n d i a n
mythos; DDG), rather than a golem?
The D&D game revolves around diversity
and t h i s s h o u l d b e expressed w i t h i n a
species o f m o n s t e r as w e l l a s b e t w e e n
such groupings. Under the influence of a
DM's i n v e n t i v e m i n d , t h e ramifications
can b e e n d l e s s , t o u c h i n g o n m a g i c a l
items, i d e a s f o r a d v e n t u r e s a n d e v e n
stimulus for further expanding the art of
animation.
Basic: See the Expert Rulebook, p 5 0
045 Mark Davies
Rag golem co-written with Derrick Norton
 The Fantasies
Have Just Begun NOW FROM T H E
G A L A X Y OF FANT-
ASY, A N E W GAMES
SHOP IS BORN. I T B R -
INGS A WORLD OF
CHOICE TO WU. EN
TER OUR WORLD AND
SEARCH THROUGH CH-
ESTS FULL OF FANTASY
GAMES AND M U RES DI
SODVEli A liNOWLEDGEABLE
STA T O HELP AND ADVISE
YOU. COME TNTOA NEW
Al\--1) EXCITING REALM OF
FANTASY. COME TO VISIT
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY...

GAMES PEOPLE M AY
ROLE PLAYING, SCIFT, FANTASY, WARGAMES,
MAGAZINES & LITERATURE A N D COMPUTERS

MAIL ORDERS
5 Wellington Terrace, Notting H i l l Gate
London W2 Te l . 727-9275
WELCOMED VISA
\vvvvvvyvvvvvvvv•-•••••44. O P E N FROM 10a.m. to 6p.rn. MON— SAT OMMIE

Tube 5 Wellington Terrace Now open is a complete games shop... Games People Play.
Come in and you'll find a great selection of games.
ottin t e • A vast range of board conflict and computer games.
• Stocks of figures by Chronicle, Essex, Jacobite,
Tabletop, Oracle, Citadel, Skytmx,Heroics and others.
Kensington Palace Gardens IPA large selection of rules, reference books, magazines
and accesor les.
TUBE Notting_ Hill Gate (200yrds) •All major and most minor role playing systems.
Circle, -Central &District lines.
MAIN LINE: PaddingtonTerminus At Games People Play_ von" meet a knowledgeable staff to
BUSES: A2,12, 28,31, 2752.52A, & 88• help and advise von. c o m e to see us. We're the
(Wellington Terrace is a parade of shops.) gainers games shop.

Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s 7

do/12gacl wt3aari towned ore/ tile t/oraViry
loaVtPirg.P e . ,ccue oat to/ you toaewaaciyou1)0h
ohtairing ttito tholluet teh er.cJ,te, triVy wary die
(Amdet ot qtte CPtOChO by ito ettair.
you.ci<eutr.' TuroPecatauttoototamoteked.
caotirg a orgirig (looktowoadottle,(took. 'Tut ,go be
floppyerougll it you'VViuotaccept AI debtoLopedout
betweeruo, ad,mp he or ray way.'
•Jorocroe•TungPe. cil)eaor accepttkeoe9Voreothat
,cruetradetrekyou.Tekikapo tcy eVp you12ecpyowi
ilarcloout ot tkapo.arc( wtkeaouke
cBtolgh it waoiuotVii2e a dam their avompute.
caietoagotaVPabout12eeptryout ot 'J<eVviti'o /cock
oratelledttwgVoueoad an to tiledorm()uot it coot ttie
w[3akdcilorgedtootrirel). butaotie tirgekoocaabbhdtoa
tile (lade. tic otopped ad ooked hack.
ioatm aMCPihray(leadinoiottry tilat
korayou tileQUO(-Nord ot ()Gorr/Ulla?'
I n 1 2 of I M A G I N E ' l magazine, Chris
Felton's a r t i c l e E n c h a n t m e n t f o r
Beginners gave some suggestions about
the m a n u f a c t u r e o f m a g i c a l i t e m s .
would like to add a little post script to this
idea, n a m e l y t h e effect o f incorporating
the sixth level magic-user spell geas into
the e n c h a n t m e n t process. A g e a s i s a
means o f l i m i t i n g t h e p o w e r o f an i t e m
w i t h o u t rendering it totally undesirable to
everyone — providing a sting in the tale.
This c a n b e particularly u s e f u l t o D M s
w h o (like me) enjoy designing interesting,
powerful magical items, but don't want to
see p l a y e r - c h a r a c t e r s k n o c k i n g d o w n
trolls like they were kobolds.
Geased items also add an entirely reason-
able defence to help a character retain an
item. If Chris' ideas for the creation of a +4
defender w e r e followed, t h r e e 4 t h level
8 I M A G I N E magazine, OetalYer 1984
enchanted w e a p o n s , t h r e e 6 t h l e v e l
enchant an items, two 7th level exten-
sion Ills, two 8th level permanencies and
three 9th level w i s h e s would have gone
into the mix, along with all the expensive
material components and with a high risk
that o n e o r m o r e p a r t s o f t h e process
would have gone wrong as a saving throw
was failed.... W i t h a l l t h i s r e q u i r i n g a
22nd level m a g i c user, w h y should t h e
manufacturer not then choose to include
the a d d i t i o n a l p r o t e c t i o n t h a t a g e a s
affords — namely, t h a t should t h e i t e m
end u p i n t h e w r o n g h a n d s , i t w i l l b e
returned, since the wielder is compelled
to return it to the hands of the owner....
That is one minor use for geas. Chris, you
will recall, suggested that geas would be
part of the process for'creating a beserker
sword. T h i s k i n d o f t r a p i s d i r e c t a n d
instantaneous. The person w h o takes up
the w e a p o n i s c o m p e l l e d t o a c t i n a
certain direction. Bungle's gloves in t h e
example above are standard gauntlets o f
dexterity w i t h a geas cast on t h e m t o
operate on the first person to wear them.
Used in this way o p e r a t i n g on the first,
second or ninety-fifth o w n e r of the article
— counts as one extraordinary power for
the purposes of the enchantment; a geas
acting on all future owners counts as two
extraordinary p o w e r s ( C h r i s suggested
that l i m i t e d w i s h w o u l d a l l o w f o r t h e
addition o f t w o extraordinary powers t o
the item, w h i l e w i s h would allow four).
Naturally, the presence of the geas on the
item m i g h t not be immediately apparent
to the new owner. An identify spell might
reveal the geas unless it were protected
by another wish. If this additional spell is
not cast, the geas will be 'visible', and the
finder m i g h t then choose to use the item
(accepting t h e restriction), destroy i t o r
give it away. If the geas is concealed, then
gEAS
Vetetesa tee
there should be no way of discovering its
presence, except as a nasty surprise!
There are many reasons for a magic user
to include a geas in the making of an item,
beyond m e r e protectionism o f t h e t y p e
already described. The following four are
just the beginning:
1. The magic user (or the client making
the purchase) might w a n t to ensure that
the wrong kind of person does not use the
item. Restricting t h e a l i g n m e n t of those
w h o can handle the item is one way, but
more precise instructions could be keyed
into a g e a s . C e r t a i n a c t i o n s c o u l d b e
prohibited; stealing, killing paladins o r
encouraged. Clerics could f i n d t h e gees
technique very useful in encouraging the
worship of the right deity....
2. The magic user might be making the
item for another person under pressure,
or t h r o u g h coercion, and could decide to
include the catch as a means of revenge.
3. A m a g i c u s e r c o u l d b e o t h e r w i s e
powerless to ensure that another person
fufilled a request or order — or it could be
an o p e n i n g a c t o f t r e a c h e r y a g a i n s t a
friend.
4. A deity might decide to intervene to
restrict the power of an item intended for
use by some upstart mortal.
Naturally, for a DM, such a magic item is
just the beginning of another sub-plot in
the campaign. In the t w o part series The
Sentinel a n d T h e G a u n t l e t ( U K 2 - 3 ) ,
these two powerful magical items are the
key t o t h e w h o l e adventure. I n s t e a d o f
giving t h e i t e m s h i g h intelligences a n d
egos, a less powerful m a g i c user m i g h t
have j u s t g e a s e d t h e m d u r i n g t h e
enchantment process. T h e following
suggestions w i l l h o p e f u l l y p e r s u a d e a
few of you to try bringing these interesting
ideas into your campaign.
 Bowl o f Ship S i n k i n g The Boots o f Gentle Thievery
This bowl, w h e n filled w i t h crystal clear These boots are like standard b o o t s o f
water, allows the owner to command the elvenkind in effect. However, the wearer
most powerful kind o f 1 6 h i t dice w a t e r cannot u s e v i o l e n c e i n t h e c o u r s e o f
elemental (unlike t h e standard b o w l o f stealing, nor allow accomplices to do so.
c o m m a n d i n g w a t e r elementals). It was Hence, to obey the geas, if the wearer is
created by a m i g h t y mage i n a city-port attacked i n t h e m i d d l e o f a robbery, h e
beset by pirates, a n d given t o t h e ruler. must e i t h e r f l e e , a b a n d o n t h e s t o l e n
However, the Elemental Princess Olhydra items (which could not then be recovered
was instrumental in causing a geas to be after t h e fight), o r s p e n d t h e f i r s t f e w
placed u p o n t h e bowl, being anxious t o rounds getting out of the boots. Such an
preserve the status quo, such that anyone item might be the perfect gift for a magic
commanding the elemental to his service user to give to a thief of dubious morality.
would unleash it on the first three ships The boots are created by the casting of S w o r d o f Bast
sighted, before any free choice could be enchant a n i t e m o n a p a i r o f finely Few intelligent magical items have a geas
made. T h e geas w a s revealed — i n t h e worked leather boots, preferably of elven cast upon them, since the presence of the
most tragic circumstances — w h e n t h e manufacture, followed by the casting o f geas will be revealed instantly to the new
bowl was first used, and since then it has silence, 1 5 ' radius by a cleric, p e r m a n - owner through t h e rapport he w i l l have
been locked away. ence a n d geas. W i t h t h e e n c h a n t m e n t with t h e i t e m . H o w e v e r, t h e S w o r d o f
The manufacture of this bowl requires complete, the silence applies only to the Bast is an example o f a w e a p o n w i t h a
the casting of e n c h a n t an item, c o n j u r e wearer of the boots. 'voluntary' geas, t h a t i s t o say, o n e i n
elemental and permanence. The geas in which t h e n a t u r e o f t h e restriction o r
this c a s e w a s w a s placed o n t h e i t e m command is revealed t o the n e w o w n e r
during t h e m a n u f a c t u r i n g p r o c e s s b y by the item itself, allowing him to decide
another — s o m e t h i n g w h i c h can easily whether t o accept t h e i t e m a n d t h e
happen unless precautions are taken. penalty attached, or to decline it.
The Sword of Bast informs the wielder:
S w o r d o f Surrender 'l am a simply enchanted sword dedicated
This was made for a once-mighty king by to the service of Bast. If you use me, you
his court Wizard. It is a powerful weapon will find a geas placed upon you, so that
with s u n d r y interesting characteristics, you may not kill or willingly harm any of
whatever i s s u i t a b l e f o r a p a r t i c u l a r the cat kind, nor suffer others to do so. Do
campaign. Unfortunately for the King, the you accept the geas?'
Wizard was a traitor, and had been bribed If t h e a n s w e r i s 'yes', t h e s w o r d w i l l
to m a k e t h e w e a p o n t u r n a g a i n s t h i s wait until the wielder has taken the effect
master. T h e d a y c a m e w h e n t h e K i n g of the geas and will then reveal itself in its
faced his enemies in a battle he was sure full m a j e s t y — + 2 , + 3 v s L E , + 4 v s
to win. A soldier, not knowing what harm followers of Set. No cat will ever harm the
he did, delivered a message to the King wielder, and tame felines will be friendly.
containing a strange word. This was the The s w o r d h o p e s t h a t t h e o w n e r w i l l
command w o r d f o r t h e King t o become become a f o l l o w e r o f Bast, b u t w i l l n o t
aware of the geas upon the sword; he was use c o e r c i o n . I n s t e a d , i t w i l l c o n f e r
to surrender to his enemies. His advisers additional powers on those who pursue a
watched in horror as he crossed the field vigorous campaign against Set's follow-
to yield to the leader of the opposing host. ers and minions. There is a 2 5 % chance
His army began to lay down its arms, and that it will allow the owner to attract a cat
trail, broken, from the field. Behind them, familiar; it will allow the wielder to Move
the King suddenly recovered his wits, and Silently on a 99% chance; and will allow
found himself ringed by spearmen. Only the wielder to speak all feline languages.
then did he realise what had befallen him. 0m3 Venetia Lee

12511
1115TRIIT
CREDIT
Subject to status Please ask
Orwrite tor details. Typical
APA29 8 variable Finance
provided by Welbeck
Cardholder Services Ltd
WelbeckHouse Bond Street.
Bristol. Avon BSI 3L8

L E E D S 16118KingCharlesStreet.I.S161T0532455511

U V E R P O O L 3631DawsonWokSiJohn'sCentre,110.10511090199
0216438604
B I R M M G H A M 26 SoothMali.BlramShoppingCentre.824AD M M I C H E S T E R 46 BrownStreet.ollMarketSiM21EE0618340119

B U I C H P O O L 19HoundsHillCentrEVIctonaStreet,F1I4811025326461 B E W E R S T L E 43141 Nom Street,NEI60E0632324161

For Dungeons&DragonS5 just venture
B R I G H T 0 1 1 4 8DokeRoad,08631E0213116626 B O T T H I G H A M ounitreeniimimojot 0602411693
through our portals into our mystical halls,
here you'll find the treasure you seek. B R I S T O L 1119PennStreet.BSI3AW021220259 R O M F O R D 111HighStreet. WWII 070824183

H O U I O R I I 2011ligh HolborniondonWCIO/B001405628518592 C A R D I F F NorthgateHouse.KingswayoCF14A00211391645 S H E F F I E L D 38 PinstoneStreet, 5I288 014211864

L E W I S H A M 210 Lewisham/4hStreetiondonSE136,1PDI8520449 E R O Y 1 1 0 1 1 135ANorthEnd,CROITN01-6881585 5 O U T H A M P T 0 1 1 114EastStreet.SOI1HO0/03 24843

* S O U T H G A T E 10TheBroadway,Southgate,LondonNI46PN018864258 H O I G S T 0 1 1 3032 EdenStreet.KIIIED01-5495464 W A T F O R D 10TheDank.HighStieet,W0124W092311563

•MADORDERS is SOUIRGAIE

Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s 9
 LAW AND ORDER
The Administration of the Peace in the City League
Sooner o r l a t e r i n t h e l i f e o f e v e r y
campaign there comes a time when even
the most lawful of lawful good characters
has a b r u s h w i t h t h e authorities. If your
characters have chosen to live in the City
League, you might as well resign yourself
to t h e f a c t t h a t i t i s m o r e l i k e l y t o b e
sooner. If you're a thief, or someone who
enjoys a quiet night's mayhem in the local
tavern, then it is likely to have happened
already!
This article is for those D M s who, w h e n
the inevitable does finally happen, t h r o w
up their hands in horror. It is intended to
provide a reference point from which the
legal system of the League can be viewed.
Whether you are introducing Pelinore as
your campaign background or not, various
individual components of the table can be
ignored if the D M wishes to use another
system; one could decide that the arrest
of a s u s p e c t h a p p e n e d i n a n e n t i r e l y
different way, and then pick up the table
from the trial onwards.
But b e f o r e w e g e t t o o i n v o l v e d i n t h e
mechanics, w e had best take a hard look
at the people and institutions responsible
for the l a w in the City League,
Just like every other government function
in t h e s p r a w l i n g m a s s t h a t i s t h e C i t y
League, the administration of justice, law
and order is governed by a bureaucracy of
enormous size and complexity. It overlaps,
confuses lines of authority, and provides
endless a n o m a l i e s a n d complexities t o
frustrate the ordinary citizen. Those w h o
become e m b r o i l e d i n i t s m e s h u s u a l l y
come to regret it.
Government in the City League is in the
hands of the functionaries of the Katar,
the hereditary Clerk-at-Arms, and ruler of
the City. These operate from the environs
of t h e P u n c t i l i o , T h e K t a r h a s t h e
constitutional power to codify commands
through t h e p r o c e s s k n o w n a s E n a c t -
ments. These edicts serve to illustrate the
essential policies o f t h e P u n c t i l i o w i t h
regard to all matters: economics, foreign
affairs.... and the law. Once an Enactment
is passed, tradition decrees that it cannot
be revoked, n o t even b y another Enact-
ment f r o m a succeeding Katar. Instead,
Enactments are refined a n d detailed b y
the By-Laws passed by the various lower
tiers of government. In the course of the
centuries that have passed since first the
10
by Paul Cockburn
Katar's p o w e r w a s a t t a i n e d , l i t e r a l l y
hundreds of Enactments and m a n y tens
of t h o u s a n d s o f B y - l a w s h a v e b e e n
passed. Each i s administered b y one o f
the A d m i n i s t r a t i o n D e p a r t m e n t s a t t h e
Punctilio, w h i c h m e a n s t h a t t h e c i v i l
service in t h e City League has g r o w n t o
enormous size, w i t h s o m e departments
operating staffs o f m a n y dozens, w h i l s t
others have a single Overseer.
The a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f t h i s h o p e l e s s l y
unwieldy system is entrusted to a number
of enforcement agencies of varying com-
petence and legality. These patrol the City
night a n d d a y, a n s w e r i n g e m e r g e n c y
calls, providing a degree of security, and
causing t h e a v e r a g e c i t i z e n e n d l e s s
torment, since the old adage is quite true:
"If a day passes w h e n you didn't break a
law i n t h e League, t h e n you m u s t h a v e
been buried the day before."
Policing the League
The various agencies can be reduced t o
six d e f i n a b l e g r o u p s , w i t h d i f f e r e n t
powers and responsibilities.
1. T h e D i s t r i c t M i l i t i a : M o s t o f t h e
policing is done by the hard-pressed men-
at-arms o f t h e D i s t r i c t M i l i t i a . E a c h
administrative area of the League has its
own judiciary, a n d r u n s a m i l i t i a u n d e r
the watch of the Inspectorium. The militia
are funded in each locality by the impo-
sition of a sales tax; but since tax evasion
at this level is rife, the pay is poor, and the
militia a r e corrupt. T h e q u a l i t y o f each
District's force varies depending o n t h e
general l a w f u l n e s s o f t h e c o m m u n i t y,
and the level o f wealth. Their morale is
low, and they are known to have taken the
law i n t o t h e i r o w n h a n d s o n m a n y
occasions.
2. T h e P r i v a t e C o n d o t t a s : Each o f
these bodies was raised originally under
the authority o f an ancient City B y - L a w
that allows tax bills in excess of 5000gp to
be p a i d f o r b y p r o v i d i n g a n a d d i t i o n a l
police p a t r o l . N o w t h e y a r e v i r t u a l l y
private armies, employed by the w e a l t h -
iest e i g h t y o r n i n e t y private citizens a s
bodyguards a n d e x t e n s i o n s o f t h e i r
strength, s i n c e t h e P u n c t i l i o ' s b u r e a u -
cratic d e p a r t m e n t i n c h a r g e o f B y - L a w
1780f-1783 Administration has no time
to conduct inspections. The courts have
little time for them, and it is well k n o w n
that they have a fierce hatred for the men
of the Punctillan.
3. T h e K n i g h t s O c u l a r : T h i s m y s t e r -
ious and powerful Order has existed for
almost a s l o n g a s t h e C i t y, a n d i s
inextricably bound up in its affairs. It is an
incredible organisation — i t s m e m b e r s
are m a d e u p o f a n e x o t i c m i x t u r e o f
classes, answerable t o a M a s t e r w h o is
said to be of semi-divine origin. Further,
despite t h e i r p o w e r a n d s e e m i n g l y evil
outlook — as far as can be gathered from
the f e w t e x t s i n t h e p u b l i c d o m a i n
concerning t h e m — they are tied to the
Punctilio and the person of the Katar in an
inexplicable way. W h e n last a coup was
attempted i n t h e C i t y, a l l n i n e M U
conspirators i n t h e P l o t o f t h e J a d e
Serpent — Wizards of 10th-15th level all
— were dead w i t h i n t w o hours.
No-one understands the motives of the
Knights Ocular, b u t it is widely believed
that t h e secret o f t h e i r p o w e r m u s t b e
worth a fortune of unbelievable size.
They operate in an unusual way. M o s t
of the members patrol the City, looking for
all the world like ordinary citizens, observ-
ing and reporting. They never ignore any
crime, preferring to report the miscreant
to the Punctillan, and they have instant
access t o t h e C o u r t o f Te n T h o u s a n d
Ravens. The party that finds itself involved
with the Order of the Knights Ocular will
be very sorry indeed.
4. T h e P u n c t i l l a n : This i s t h e d i r e c t
arm o f t h e K a t a r a n d t h e Punctilio, b u t
one kept restricted after two past attempts
at seizing power. Undoubtedly, they would
have b e e n a b o l i s h e d a l t o g e t h e r i f t h e
Katar h a d b e e n a b l e t o dispense w i t h
their services. Instead they are now led by
a h i g h - r a n k i n g cavalier w h o h a s s w o r n
irrevocable f e a l t y t o t h e Katar, a n d a r e
watched over by the Committee of Admin-
istration, t h e i n n e r government cabinet.
Such i s t h e w e a l t h o f t h e City, t h a t t h e
Punctillan a r e m o r e l a v i s h l y e q u i p p e d
than the armies of some Kingdoms.
5. G u i l d M i l i t i a : N u m e r o u s g u i l d s
w i t h i n the City operate militia for entirely
selfish reasons. Some, like the Mercantile
Guild, h a v e g u a r d s a t m a j o r s i t e s o f
commerce. Others, like the militia of the
Guild of Thieves, ensure that all activities
that fall w i t h i n its 'jurisdiction' are con-
trolled by the Guild. Some are vast — the
Guild of Banks and Moneychangers Major
employ over 1000 men and women b u t
most have smaller establishments, Every-
one k n o w s t h e G u i l d M i l i t i a t o be b u l l y
boys, uninterested in the good of ordinary
citizens. Very often, the patrol will handle
I M A G I N E Inagodne, October 1910

the s i t u a t i o n t h e m s e l v e s , w i t h o u t r e -
course to the niceties of trials. O n o t h e r
occasions they w i l l m a k e use o f ad-hoc
kangeroo c o u r t s a t t h e G u i l d h e a d -
quarters. H e r e , t h e v e r d i c t i s a l w a y s
guilty, and the defendant always gives his
worldly goods away to the court officials.
6. R e l i g i o u s O r d e r s : Five r e l i g i o u s
orders are large enough and have enough
influence t o operate independent judic-
iaries and police. Under the provisions of
Enactment IV, t h e s e a r e e m p o w e r e d t o
prosecute cases o f blasphemy. N o B y -
Laws h a v e e v e r m a n a g e d t o t i e d o w n
exactly w h a t c o n s t i t u t e s b l a s p h e m o u s
behaviour, s o t h e o r d e r s t e n d t o d o a s
they w i s h , a r r e s t i n g w h o m e v e r t h e y
fancy, and charging them with blasphemy
no matter what the offence actually was.
Religious w a r s a n d pogroms t e n d t o be
fought o u t in t h i s w a y, w i t h m a s s trials
and bloody reprisals, u n t i l s u c h t i m e a s
the Katar or the Knights Ocular step
The Courts
Excluding the ad-hoc courts of the various
guilds, a n d o t h e r d i s c i p l i n a r y b o d i e s
within organisations, t h e r e a r e t h r e e
main judiciaries w i t h i n the City League:
1. M a y o r i a l D i s t r i c t C o u r t s : E a c h
administrative district of the City controls
several courthouses, set up in buildings
known collectively as the Athya. Nomin-
ally separate, t h e M a y o r i a l C o u r t s a r e
served b y a j u d i c i a r y appointed b y t h e
Minister o f Justice o n t h e Katar's
Committee o f A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , a n d t h e
sinister R e d e m p t o r C o m m i t t e e o f t h e
Court of Ten Thousand Ravens. They are
grossly overworked, p o o r l y supervised,
and consequently corrupt. Judges can be
bribed to alter the verdict or the sentence;
clerks can be bribed to bring forward o r
delay! — the hearing o f cases; even t h e
Prosecutor-General's o ff i c e , t h e c o u r t
arm of the Punctillan, is open to influence.
In t h e meantime, t h e defendant usually
languishes in a district guardhouse. The
Mayorial courts have the authority to try
any case, b u t u s u a l l y h a n d c a s e s o f a
capital n a t u r e o v e r t o t h e C o u r t o f Te n
Thousand Ravens. The preliminary hear-
ing normally then only establishes guilt or
innocence, p a s s i n g s e n t e n c i n g o v e r t o
the superior court. This tends to lead to a
duplicate trial, as the judges there much
prefer to conduct the whole case!
2. The Court of Ten Thousand Ravens:
Below the Punctilio, there stands a vast
marble b u i l d i n g , t h r e e s t o r e y s h i g h ,
covered i n t h e excreta o f a vast host o f
huge black ravens, w h o circle the towers
and c e n t r a l d o m e . I n t i m e s p a s t , t h i s
building w a s t h e c e n t r a l t e m p l e o f t h e
Church o f Xnath-pi-Xnath. This barbaric
religion a n d i t s c h i e f deity, a d a r k bird-
god, vanished over three centuries ago, at
w h i c h time the Temple was taken over by
the Katar. From that point on, the Temple
of Ten Thousand Ravens was the seat of
the supreme judiciary in the City League,
and t h e building became k n o w n a s t h e
Court of Ten Thousand Ravens - - the two
names are virtually interchangeable (the
further a w a y y o u t r a v e l f r o m t h e C i t y
I M A G I N E ma!tothie, October 1911"
League, t h e m o r e l i k e l y i t i s t h a t t h e
number of ravens w i l l have changed as
well!). The Temple is the only civil court
with t h e p o w e r t o a d m i n i s t e r d e a t h
sentences, and a fair f e w of these have
been h a n d e d o u t o v e r t h e years. I t i s
popularly believed t h a t t h e e p o n y m o u s
ten t h o u s a n d r a v e n s o f t h e Te m p l e
contain t h e s o u l s o f a l l t h e d e p a r t e d
criminals. C y n i c s h a v e b e e n h e a r d t o
observe that the bloated birds must have
about two or three hundred souls each.
3. T h e R e l i g i o u s O r d e r J u d i c i a r i e s :
The only other legally constituted courts
in the City are the five r u n by the largest
religious groupings within the locality. As
previously observed, these are o n l y e n -
titled to try cases of blasphemy. The most
infamous o f these, t h e Te m p l e W i t h o u t
Doors, gets t h r o u g h a b o u t 2 0 0 cases a
week o n t h e s t r e n g t h o f t h i s , s e i z i n g
those w h o h a v e b e e n c a u g h t stealing,
engaged in violence — anything that can
be s h o w n t o be against t h e teaching o f
the relevant deity, a n d thereby blasph-
emous. Sentences are harsh and carried
out i n s t a n t l y. A t t h e Te m p l e W i t h o u t
Doors, v i c t i m s a r e l e a d u p a s p i r a l
staircase within the central crystal shaft,
to be t h r o w n off an open platform into a
closed courtyard....
The Crimes
Long a g o , a K a t a r b y t h e n a m e o f
Morgannis I V L a w g i v e r t o o k i t u p o n
himself to codify the legal system o f the
City League. Through his famous Enact-
ment CCCII, Morgannis, w h o was by pre-
ference a fisherman, and quite a good one
at t h a t , i n v e n t e d a s y s t e m t h a t w a s
ludicrously simple. Over the intervening
years, l a w y e r s , j u d g e s , p o l i t i c i a n s a n d
other Katars added t o t h e system b y a
seemingly endless promulgation o f By-
Laws and other statutes, b u t the Enact-
ment remains intact in essence. Basically,
there are only ten crimes on t h e statute
book, listed o n t h e table on page 1 2 i n
order of seriousness. A l l defendants are
brought t o t r i a l f a c i n g o n e o f t h e s e
T1/7T,0 T7--\ ? r - TA
charges, usually with a codicil describing
which o f t h e t h i r t y t h o u s a n d B y - l a w s
have b e e n p a r t i c u l a r l y violated. T h u s ,
there a r e n o c r i m e s labelled embezzle-
ment, f r a u d , t a x evasion o r blackmail;
these are all covered by one of the three
'robbery' categories. A l s o , t h e r e a r e n o
'attempted' crimes, o r conspiracy
charges: t h e Enactment says that in the
eyes of the Law, if you were going to do it —
you did it!
Most of the crimes are self-explanatory.
Historically, Treason has only ever been
brought a g a i n s t t h o s e w h o h a v e b e e n
directly s o u g h t t o subvert t h e p o w e r o f
the Katar, as in t h e celebrated attempts
by t h e Punctillan t o replace h i m w i t h a
military dictatorship. The three 'robbery'
categories are differentiated solely by the
amount o f m o n e y involved. A f f r a y i s a
catch-all f o r a l l t h e m i n o r c h a r g e s —
drunkenness, fighting, creating a disturb-
ance, traffic offences — that go to make
up 9 0 % o f a l l l e g a l cases. T h e u n i q u e
category i s t h e q u i t e s e r i o u s c r i m e o f
Failing to Observe a Festival. According to
the old, and recently superceded, League
Calendar, 5 0 of the 3 5 0 days in t h e Old
Year w e r e designated Festival Days, o n
which i t w a s f o r b i d d e n t o t r a d e o r t o
engage i n a n y a c t i v i t y i n v o l v i n g t h e
passing of coin or promissary notes; or to
hold assemblies of more than 3 0 people.
The calendar may have changed, but the
Festivals remain, imposed at a f e w days
notice b y t h e a r b i t r a r y a n d hopelessly
inefficient Enactment XXVII Administra-
tion Department. T h e n u m b e r o f cases
brought against this charge has dropped
considerably over the last f e w years, as
the Court of Ten Thousand Ravens ruled
that the process adopted by the Depart-
ment i s illegal u n d e r t h e Restriction o f
Trade B y - l a w s 3 7 7 9 - 8 9 g . T h e w h o l e
matter i s f a s c i n a t i n g t o l a w y e r s , b u t
utterly f r u s t r a t i n g t o t h o s e i n d i v i d u a l s
hauled u p b y t h e P u n c t i l l a n o r t h e
Religious Orders, w h o c a n f i n d t h e m -
selves involved i n legal proceedings f o r
anything between 2 and 40 years!
The Law
Overleaf you w i l l find a chart that traces
the legal process t h r o u g h f r o m getting
caught to hearing the sentence. It is easy
to f o l l o w, a n d a l l o w s t h e D M t o g e t
through cases fairly quickly where this is
desired. O t h e r w i s e , t h e r e s u l t c a n b e
'predicted' using this method, and the DM
can t h e n a l t e r t h e proceedings a s t h e
characters get involved.
11
 Getting Spotted B a s e Chance 20% G e t t i n g B u s t e d I f a patrol is called, roll percentile dice to determine
which kind:
Use the Base Chance and the following suggestions to created a modified chance of attracting
unwanted attention whenever a character is engaged in illegal behaviour Chance/
Time/Weather Modifiers P l a c e Modifiers Activity Modifiers Time To Time to
Broad daylight +10% D a r k alley 35% Noisy fight o40% Track arrive
Just before dawn 15% B u s y thoroughfare of 5% Opportunist theft 20°,, Type; composition Morale I daysl (mins)
Rainy Day .-5% C r o w d e d Market 10% +20% 01240 District Militia (Dist). F2, 44+2 P i s Low 10, d100 d12
C.h o m y burglary
41.-60 Private Condones IPC), F3, d4-1 F2s d 4 Fl s Average 15 '2d100 420
DM should decide whether crime has been spotted by patrol (1060) or other person (90%) I f latter, 61-76 Guild Militia (GM) 4 4 - 1 F t 4 varies' 12r 2d100 d6'
roll on Time to Arrive column of G e t t i n g Busted table (and note that the person could act as a 77-86 Punctillan ( P u n a F3, F2r 44-1 E l s Good 25, 2420 2d8
witness during the trial) I n both cases determine what patrol is involved on Getting Busted table I f 87298 Religious Orders (ROI, C3, d6 C l s Good 40 d 4 2420
the criminals have fled by the time the patrol arrives c o n s u l t the Chance/Time to Track Down 99,00 Knights Ocular (SO); T1-6, o r Ft -6. V Good 60, d4 d4
column of the Getting Busted table
DM should alter the composition of patrols at times of civic tiniest, in areas with high crime rates,
etc S h o u l d reinforcements be required t h e D M should allow the first patrol to send f o r them
enough to handle the situation will air on n d t G o minutes
Notes ' Certain guilds - Thieves for example - will use other classes
The Rap D M should ensure that the crime is tried by the correct court, 2In the Advanced game these should be Cavaliers or Assassins
and prosecuted by the correct authority , Morale of militias from richer guilds iv y igher than for smaller ones
The DM should make alterations to both chance and time to allow for the evidence the perpetrators
Punishment
Crime might leave behind Note that the Private Condottas and the Guild Militia will not track down anyone
Modifier Prosecutors Court
Treason who has not commited an offence directly against their interests
250 Punc, KO 2
Murder , At night a l l times should be doubled
100 v i c t i m s level x5) Dist, PC, P u n t r KO 1,2
I, Guild Militia will not answer general distress calls, encounter should be rerolled
Robbery 15 000gp or more) 80 (+ victim s level x2) PC. GM, P u n , KO 1,2
Arson 75 Dist PC. GM, Punc. KO I T2
Theft (40-49999p) 50(0 victim's level e l l Dist, PC, G M 12
Blasphemy 50 ROr KO 3
Assault 40 (+ victim s level x31
Failure to Observe Festival 30
Dist, PC, GM PLinc
Pune. RC 2 Police Brutality Roll precentile die to discover the patrol's reactions
Pilfering (399p or less) 25 Dist, Punc Rough Law O w n O p e n to A r r e s t &
Affray 15 Dist PC Patrol Justice Hands Bribes' Charge Court
Dist 01-10 11-15 16-35 36-00 1
Notes. Cr-mtes tried in the Mayor at courts may be handed up to the Court of Ten Thousand Ravens 01.12
PC 13 2 2 23 2 7 28-00 1,21
where there is a possibility of a death sentence T h e defendant will then be retried
GM 01 2 5 26 3 4 35 4 b 4500
Pu no 01 0 5 06 0 9 10 1 2 13 0 0 1,2 -
RO 01,12 13 2 0 2100 3
KO 01 02 03000 2

Notes 1 A bribe of 1 0 0 g p x patrol leader's level w i l l ensure patrol leaves character(s) alone -
B e f o r e T h e B e a k T h e D M should determine the delay before the trial.
for now I f no bribe offered, treat as Arrest & Charge.
The defendant may hire an advocate.
, Captive will betaken to gaol. If arresting patrol has no Jurisdiction, they will hand over to someone
The trial's delay and the eventual v e r d i c t / s e n t e n c e may be altered by bribes. who has Check Court column to see whIch court trial will be heard I n
The normal delay before the trial comes to court is d100 days in the Mayorial Courts, 2420 days at
The Knights Ocular are unlikely to make the arrest themselves but will call in the Punctillan to do
the Court of Ten Thousand Ravens and d6-1 days at the Religious Courts T h i s time may either be
so. They m i l ensure that no escape is possible, and w i l l be the prosecutors when the case is heard
shortened or lengthened by the use of bribes - - see Greasing the Palm
II Serious crimes may be taken directly to the Court of Ten Thousand Ravens
Advocates, Advocates cost 5gp per level (max Bland 5gp per charisma point. Costs are cumulative.
, Guild Militia are 60II/0 likely to take the criminal before an ad hoc court Defendant will be found
le a 3rd level lawyer costs 5gp for the first level, lOgp for the second and I 5gp for the third - total
guilty D M should consider lust what the punishment might he considering the Guild concerned
30gp A level 9, 18 charisma advocate would cost 1080gp
Patrols indulging in Rough Justice will hand out an omthe-spot beating, or a 'fine' o r sorresuch
The l a w y e r s level and charisma replace the defendant's in calculating the Innocence Modifier.
Patrols taking the Law into their Own Hands will severely assault thieves, and may attempt to lynch
Guilt Modifiers Innocence Modifiers murderers or arsonists O n l y the arrival of a more disciplined patrol will halt this process
Victim's Modifier Defendant, Lawyer Level
(if applicable - see The Rap) 2x level
Court Modifier M a y o r . ' 50, Defendant L a w y e r Charisma
Ravens 60, Religious 75 2x charisma
Prosecution Modifier D t s t 50, PC 40, Form Modifier
GM 30, Punc 60, RO 50, KO 70 No previous convictions 30 G r e a s i n g T h e P a l m B r i b e s may alter the t i m e the case takes
Evidence Modifier Confession 80, to get to court, the verdict, and the eventual sentence
Caught tn act 40, Witnessed 20. Bribes may be offered to corrupt court officials T h e costs in each of the courts is outlined below
Circumstantial 10
Advance/Delay Alter Verdict Alter Sentence
Form Modifier
Court Trial (per day)' (per point(' (per point)
Each previous conviction 10 1 Mayon& ld4go 109p 5gp
Each previous Not Proven 5 2 Ravens 10gp 50gp bogy
Perform the calculation (Guilt Modifiers - Innocence Modifiers) Result is the percentage chance of 3 Religious 100gp 1009p 1509p
being found guilty - see Fair Cop Notes I T h e defendant should be informed of t h e date o f his tnal, although i n t h e case of the
Note: Even if the calculation leads to a result in excess of 100 or less than 0, the DM should still Mayorial Courts this may not be I 00% accurate T h e bribe may then be offered at any time from the
make the percentile roll, since there are occasional travesties of justice - see Fair Cop datt informed - even if only approximately - of the roll he w i l l have to make rube found Innocent
before that roll is made T h e costs outlined are for each point reduction tn the required Verdict Roll
It is not possible to offer a bribe that guarantees guilt or innocence - see Fair Cop I f a bribe is
offered b u t the defendant is still found guilty, then 30 should be added to the Penalty Modifier when
sentence is decided S e e Society's To Blame
Fair Cop , See Going D o w n and S o c i e t y ' s To Blame T h e DM should inform the defendant of the range of
sentences available to the Court, before one has been selected T h e costs in the table above are to
Once the calculation Guilt Modifier • Innocence Modifier has yielded a result, and any bribes have
been considered, the result w i l l be the Verdict Roll Required T h e Verdict Roll is the percentage reduce the Penalty Modifier by 1 point
chance of the defendant being found guilty. The DM should make the roll, and inform the defendant Note: There is nothing to stop bribes being offered to make it more likely that someone will beloved
of the resulting verdict. If the Verdict Roll is 0-3% above or below the Required total for Guilt, the guilty, or given a higher punishment T h e table above works both ways
verdict will be Not Proven.
Regardless of the Verdict Roll Required, a Roll of 01-04% is always guilty (even if bribes have been
offered), a Roll of 05-06% is always Not Proven, and a roll of 96-00%0 is always Innocent
The N o t Proven i s a modified g u i l t y verdict by w h i c h the Court acknowledges that d e s p i t e t h e
verdict, the evIdence against the defendant was not quite perfect Thus, the defendant goes free, but
a note of the verdict is retained by the Court which will influence any future trials - - see Before The
Society's To Blame Compare the Penalty M o d i f i e r
to t h e Possible Sentences
Beak and Going Down.
Bribes may alter the final sentence
Example: A defendant ends up with a Verdict Roll Required of 55%, modified to 40% by bribes O n a The DM should take the Penalty Modifier and compare it to the ranges of each sentence listed below
Roll of 01 -04 she will be guilty, and would have been found so even if she had the alibi that she was
If the Modifier falls w i t h i n the ranger the DM should make a note, compiling a list containing 1-6
possible sentences. The actual sentence may then be selected randomly, or chosen by t h e DM
already in 37-43
fail at Not
the. Proven;
time; 0 544-95
)- 0 6 would
Innocent
! be Not
(and
Proven,
h if the Roll
0 7g- 3was
6 would
44-58./0
u be Guilty
the obribe
(thewill
bribe
nhave
wavee
been
worth every cp), 96-00 Innocent, and she would have been Innocent on this roll if she had confessed Penalty Modifier Punishment
and produced the missing jewels in the courtroom.. less than -r-10 Warning'
-10 - o20 Frye I gp x defendant's leve12
-10 - +20 Free 30gp x defendant's level,
*25 - +60 Fine 250gp x defendant s level'
0 - +50 Dismemberment (loss of fingers, eyes, e
+40 - +200 Banishmen0
G o i n g D o w n B r i b e s may influence the sentence -50 or more Death
Advocates may be retained at no additional cost if they were at the hearing 10 . 2 5 Jail 144 months,
Advocates: The advocates level and charisma replace the defendant's in calculating the Mitigation -215 - , 3 5 Jail 2d6 months
Modifier
+25 - +60 Jail 2d12 months
Sentence Modifiers M i t i g a t i o n Modifiers -235 - *80 Jail d12 years,
Punishment Modifier D e f e n d a n t L a w y e r Level -50 - +150 Jail 2d20 years'
(see The Rap) 3 x level +80 - +200 Life Imprtsonment,
Victim Modifier D e f e n d a n t / L a w y e r Charisma +100 - - +200 Slavery
(if applicable - see The Rap) 3 x charisma
Notes , Although the defendant goes free, the conviction is kept on record
Court Modifier M a y o r i a l Or
2 If the defendant cannot or w i l l n o t pay, add 1 0 to the Penalty Modifier and compile a n e w list,
Ravens 50, Religious 10
ignoring Fine results
Prosecution Modifier- Dist Or PC 5,
GM 10, Punc 20, RO 10, KG 0 , The disfigurement should be appropriate to the crime - loss of fingers for theft, loss of ears for
Form Modifier spying A d u l t e r y is not a crime in t h e City League.
t If the convicted felon is ever found within the City League again, the case will be reheard. The +10
Each Previous Guilty 30
Each Previous Not Proven 15 Form Modifier will apply to The Hearing. If the defendant is re-convictedr the DM should add 5 0 to
Bribe Modifier the Penalty Modifier in addition to the *30 Form Modifier - see Going D o w n .
5 There is no such things as remission in the CTty Leaguer
If bribe offered but still found guilty 30
' S i n c e slavery is discouraged in the City by a high tax on owners, the convict will be t r a n s p o r t e d , .
Perform calculation Sentence Modifiers • Mitigation Modifiers. Result ts the Penalty Modifier - see the small coastal port of Borth to the Mercantile Tradecities of k r , l o b e sold at public auction
Society's To Blame

12 I M A G I N E ma9azine, October 1984

 NORTH DOCKLANDS
)

.401114- DoRTH THECos,RT 10 1 1 0 120 130 17teet

RflD.FLoR cicrioRTH DoCKLAT1D5 1.117DERCIRDD.PLAT2,

6 --1-kIN
.&.\\
Y/
As kr-wi
me9t5trdte5
room
E
Mom "L"w1A‘P MAIM,

onict

up
nrhOlicei
gra5
u/771Fity
pcat
ck'ds'
*Ice
Mil 1:M
1=1•1:Z1 1=3

ce Pr/Er a

113 ED r a m
entrance
-
5tael6
, A\ \_\ (ftfit

FR0127 1MEW

1 5 N D O C K L A N D S (No 7) COURT
In a s u n n y spot on a popular promenade alongside the docks stands a
typical d i s t r i c t courthouse. T h i s o n c e grand building h a s seen better
days for it is slipping slowly into disrepair and decay and n o w its walls
bear the graffiti of countless generations. One wing has been sold off to
private e n t r e p r e n e u r s and n o w houses a short r o w of shops (including
16 and 17). The trade of the courthouse goes on undisturbed; its inner
courtyard periodically thronged w i t h people w h o willingly pay to watch
whippings, executions, d i s m e m b e r m e n t s a n d worse; i t s officers a n d
guards getting rapidly fat on the regular (and expected) bribes.
I M A G I N E magazine, October 1984
Prisoners are t h r o w n into their underground cells through grilles in the
pavement. These grilles a l l o w locals to abuse the inmates, or s h o w e r
them w i t h f i l t h . T h e y a l s o g i v e r i s e t o t h e possibility o f hair-raising
escapes....
The Organising Magistrate (15a) selects local notables to sit with him in
judgement. The officers a n d guards o f the court are normal m e n and
women, neither more nor less greedy than usual, although, inevitably,
there is one rotten apple in the barrel — Petronna Goldenhair (15e).
13
 Tr'T 0 - / k V
1 5 a G No
i l eweapon
s W i d g e r y ; m; Fr7, L/LN, hp 22/29, AC 9/10; THE MAGISTRATES
In order to enliven proceedings at the court the DM may choose to have
S 13 0 Grey haired, tall, grey and black robes, r e d hood one or more of the following worthies sit for the trial of the PCs involved;
I 1 2 0 Organising Magistrate it won't be long before their names are feared (or loved) throughout your
W 10 U Dignified, concerned, n o t very wise, complete snob campaign!
D 11 0 On n o d d i n g t e r m s w i t h m a n y l o c a l dignitaries, b u t n o
C 8 f r i e n d s ; scrupulous in his application of the court rules, but
Ch 1 5 n o t averse to amassing a little wealth.
15h E s t o r i l l i a n ; M Fr7 L / L N h p 18/24, AC 9/10,
Staff-mace

15b Mailai Frith-Lorendar; F, Fr3, ULN, hp 13/15, AC7/8,

Dagger of Concealment +2
S 12
I 11
El Tall, e q u i n e , e l e g a n t , n a v y b l u e r o b e s t r i m m e d w i t h
hoar-fox
W 13 Silver-smith
S• 1 3 0 Elegant, w e a r s blue and silver suit and gold ring which is a D 8 0 Arrogant, supercilious, c o w a r d
I 1 6 D a g g e r of Concealment +2 (a ring which acts as a ring of C 9 We l l - k n o w n a n d h a t e d local-boy-made-good, n o w lives
W 1 3 p r o t e c t i o n + 2 a n d can be t u r n e d into a d a g g e r +2, u s e d Ch 11 out of the area but likes to return periodically to sneer and
D 12 a n d turned back again a l l in one r o u n d s e e module X8) h a n d d o w n vicious sentences; h e a l w a y s a l l o w s elves a
C 1 0 E Clerk
+50 Mitigation Modifier; loves to be ' l e n i e n t ' by 'reducing'
Ch 1 2 0 Clever, ambitious, s o c i a l climber, career civil servant sentences to d i s m e m b e r m e n t
Of modest background, M a i l a i scorned adventuring for a
life of anticipated wealth as a civil servant. She knows you
have to start at the bottom, w h a t she doesn't k n o w is that
she's probably stuck here f o r life; she got the D a g g e r o f
15i M a k e r R e d b e a m ; m, Fr3, N/NG, hp 11/14, AC 7/8,
Knobbed stick
C o n c e a l m e n t from an adventurer she met one evening
S 8 0 Wa l k s round looking like a court-jester with multicoloured
I 1 5 p a d d e d jacket, h o s e a n d huge codpiece
15c ' O l d ' D a l i e l ; m; Fr3; L/LG; hp 12/14; AC 9/10;
No weapon
W 14 0 Cooper (and local guild-officer)
D 9 0 Fire-brand, u n b r i b a b l e , h a t e s authority, i n f e r i o r i t y c o m -
C 7 p l e x , s w e a r s he i s n ' t a g n o m e
S 9 0 Ancient, scruffy, b r o w n jerkin a n d filthy y e l l o w hose Ch 1 0 0 Ve r y w e l l k n o w n l o c a l l y a n d l a r g e l y l i k e d despite h i s
I 1 5 0 Assistant clerk
eccentric habits; w h e n s i t t i n g a t t h e b e n c h h e ' r i d s t h e
W 14 0 Intelligent, h a r d working, kindly, far too honest for his own t o w n o f undesirables' by banishing or selling into slavery
D 9 g o o d
anyone he finds g u i l t y of anything; he completely ignores
C 8 0 A loner
Ch 5 all l e v e l o r c h a r i s m a m o d i f i e r s w h e n c o m i n g t o h i s
decision a n d woe-betide a n y gnomes that appear before
him!

15d K r a d E a r t h d e l v e r ; M, Dw6/E6, N/NG, hp 40/46, AC 5;

Battle axe, short sword or mace
Ow 15j M a r e t a t h e W i s e ; F; C4; L/LG; hp 14/22 A C 3;
Huge, strengthened, religious staff-mace
S 1 7 0 S h i n y c h a i n s h i r t , s t e e l helmet, p a d d e d leggings w i t h
I 9 l e a t h e r cross-garters D•1851 0 Squat, powerful, w e a r s breastplate over rough green habit
W 12 0 Head jailor I 1 0 E I Vi c a r / c u r a t e o f a L / L G church
D 11 E I Bluff, gruff, shrewd, businesslike W 14 0 Honest, disciplinarian, loud, k i n d l y
C 1 2 0 K n o w s Burbury Flataxe (5d) and doesn't much like h i m D 9 0 Runs a t i g h t little c h u r c h nearby (one o f the f e w never to
Ch 1 0
C 1 0 h a v e been r a i d e d by the l o c a l thieves guild); applies the
Ch 7 l a w s f a i r l y a n d squarely b u t considers t h o s e w h o m a k e
generous payments to her church or, even better, convert
15e P e t r o n n a G o l d e n h a i r ; F; F5; C/CE; hp 40/52; AC 7/8;
Dagger, whip, blackjack, torture instruments
on the spot, t o have redeemed themselves

S• 1 6
I 1 1
0 Black l e a t h e r j e r k i n a n d leggings, h i d e o u s black l e a t h e r
s k u l l cap and mask 15k L i r a u t h e R e d ; F, F6, L/NG, hp 36/48, AC4,
Longsword +3 and dagger
W 13 0 Assistant jailor and torturer
D 1 2 0 Calm, polite, w e l l - s p o k e n and very, very nasty S• 1 7 0 M e d i u m build, h e a d held high, r e d hair, wears velvet dress
C 1 7 0 A n adventuress, n o t a League native I 1 1 w h i c h conceals chain m a i l shirt
Ch 1 6
W 10 U Retired adventuress n o w living o ff her finds
D 15 0 Shrewd, rough-and-ready, b u t soft on plausible rogues
C 1 2 0 L i l r e t u r n e d from h e r adventures to this, t h e place o f her
15f T i b l i n a n a - R i s t o r i n ; m, Th6, N/NE, hp 24/27, AC 3/-3,
Concealed dagger, staff +3
Ch 1 5 b i r t h , s o m e years ago w i t h a strong reputation for valour.
H/'2 She k n o w s p r a c t i c a l l y e v e r y o n e l o c a l l y, b u t h a s k e p t
p a r t i c u l a r acquaintance w i t h m a n y adventurers, s o t h a t
D 1 2 0 Ragged grey and brown robes, leather headband (in A D & D h e r house sees the comings and goings of strange people
I 1 5 g a m e - bracers of defence AC4), ring of protection +3 at a l l h o u r s o f the d a y a n d night. S h e i s k n o w n a s t h e
W 12 0 Stick salesman (sharper/filcher) 'adventurers friend' w h e n sitting injustice, as she usually
D 18 0 Feigns stupid, benign oaf; actually ruthless and intelligent gives t h e m the benefit o f the doubt.
C 1 4 0 M e m b e r of the local thief' s guild; he wanders around in the
Ch 1 4 v i c i n i t y o f the c o u r t selling sharp sticks to passers-by so
they can p r o d the 'prisoners t h r o u g h the grilles; t h i s is a
cover for his true trade - pick-pocket and mugger. 16 GEMCUTTER
15 g T h e Chastiser. No details are given about this creature of
In part of the wing now let out as shops, Shoril the Gemcutter (16a)
now plys his trade. He is Dw4/F4 hp 20/25 and a dwarf. His brother,
mystery. The Chastiser appears hooded when called, to perform such Dalin (14f) is a member of staff in the Cock o' th Wa l k tavern (14).
corporal punishments as are demanded by the court. Adventurers can have rough gems improved in value here. Shoril's
payment will be 20% of the improvement.
Also working in the Courthouse are 6 minor clerks and 12 guards. The
clerks will be met drifting about, apparently trying to kill time. The
guards are all F2, hp 12/15 and they will be found chatting with one
another around the courtyard. The guards are well trained, despite their 17 COBBLER
appearance, and will act efficiently and quickly when called upon by
either Krandle or Petronna. A t night the guards take turns to patrol in Next t o Shoril's i s this homely cobblers run by Goldy and H a f t °
pairs. Petronna has the disconcerting habit of roaming abroad at night, Brushfoot(17a & b)who are the parents of Bando Brushfoot (14h)— a
looking for 'fun'.
thief who works around Gibbet Lane and The Walk (14).
14
I M A G I N E magazine, October 1984
 Yr-\\T
When Constabulary Duty's To Be Done....
....a patroller's lot is not an 'appy one; but nothing like as un-happy as that of the miscreant. Listed below are some
patrols to help the DM persecute 'innocent' parties. Naturally if the D M feels the characteristics ascribed to the leader of
one of the patrols w o u l d fit another, they can be changed round. Each patrol is suitable for a campaign of modest level;
as always in the City League the D M should increase the level, h i t points and numbers if required by the campaign.
D i s t r i c t M i l i t i a Leader
18a ' C o r p o r a l ' T h i r e l ; M , F2, N / L N h p 1 4 / 1 8 , AC 6 / 7 ,
Flail
S• 1 5 0 Short and tubby, r i n g - s t u d d e d leathers, r e d bandana
I 9 0 Leading militiaman, w a r r i o r
W 9 U Basically honest, f e a r f u l of higher authority, cocky, b u l l y
D 1 0 0 We l l - k n o w n locally and mostly ignored, can often be found
C 1 2 i n inns bragging loudly about his onerous duties
Ch 8
The group Thirel leads is made up of 6 first level fighters (all hp 6 / 7 ) w h o
j e e r and laugh loudly at Thirel's comments; as a group they can't wait for
someone t o ' r e s i s t a r r e s t ' , a n d t h e i r v i c t i m s s e e m t o h a v e t h e
unfortunate habit of continually 'falling down the cell steps, m l u d ' .
Private C o n d o t t a Leader
18b B o r g r i m O r c e a t e r ; M F 3 , N / N E , hp 1 8 / 2 1 A C 2;
Longsword and dagger
S• 1 5 U Big, burly, w e a r s breastplate over leather jerkin
I 1 1 E I Leader of his condotta, s w o r d m a s t e r / s w o r d s m a n
W 8 0 Vicious, nasty, effective, c o w a r d
D 15 0 Sucks up to anyone more p o w e r f u l than he is, universally
C 1 2 d e s p i s e d
Ch 9
His band is made up f r o m 3 second level fighters (hp 9 / 11 ) and 4 first
level fighters (hp 4 / 6 ) a n d it is t h e i r m o o d and courage t h a t Borgrim
draws upon. T h e y are volatile a n d prone t o h a n d i n g o u t beatings
w h e n e v e r they feel they can get away with it. B o r g r i m on his own is not
quite so tough - i f an orc said 'boo!' to h i m h e ' d probably faint.
Punctillan Leader
18c A m i r S c h e z h u a n X I V ; m F 3 L / L N ; hp 1 8 / 2 1 ; AC 3;
Spear and scimitar
H/H
S 1 4 0 Neatly attired in chain mail, dark w i t h neat beard
I 9 U A m i r (leader) of his squad, s w o r d m a s t e r / s w o r d s m a n
W 14 U Career officer, f a i r but rough w h e n needed, cool, efficient
D 1 6 E l U n k n o w n locally, popular w i t h his f e l l o w officers
C 1 2
Ch 1 6
His s q u a d o f 6 s e c o n d level fighters ( h p 1 4 / 1 7 ) i s w e l l t r a i n e d a n d
obedient, a l t h o u g h they w i l l 'discipline' the t r u c u l e n t or unruly. W h e n
Schezhuan says 'come quietly and you w o n ' t get hurt', h e means it.
Plotlines
1 O n e o f t h e c h i e f weaknesses o f all m i g h t y bureaucracies i s t h e
absolute belief that 'if it's in the files then it must be t r u e r. Imagine what
havoc, w h a t carriages, or miscarriages, of justice could be perpetrated
by s o m e o n e bold e n o u g h t o break i n t o a repository of such files a n d
leave a s u i t a b l y forged d o c u m e n t . T h e r e i s s u c h a repository i n t h i s
Courthouse; a Courthouse w h e r e friends of daring adventurers m i g h t
face trial....
2 There come occasions in the lives of most mortals when a complete
answer to life's problems can be found in the granting of the wish 'if only
I could disappear'. It is not given to everyone to have the wealth to get
into such trouble and then get out of it. But what better way for a hunted
young noble to escape than to persuade a band of trusty adventurers to
help him organise a trial, and a fake execution. The problems would be
many — w h o is the executioner and h o w is he to be bought, who can be
trusted to 'bear' the body away, h o w to keep Petronna Goldenhair from
delivering a messy coup-de-grace — but the rewards would be great.
3 It i s n o t a l w a y s t h e i n n o c e n t w h o s u ff e r miscarriages o f justice.
W h a t if a g u i l t y m a n i s acquitted? Is i t not possible t h a t the outraged
neighbours and friends of the bereaved would demand retribution, and
failing t o get the m a n retried w o u l d b u y the services of outlanders to
arrange false evidence of a n e w crime so damning that real justice could
not fail to be done in the end....
I M A G I N E ma9azine, October 1984
'T47/cF6,' Tj7r- 6 7 1 1
Knights Ocular
This group will be tall and shrouded, revealing little of sex or race, and
will speak little and act as if each k n o w s w h a t all are thinking. It will be
made up of fighters, cavaliers, assassins and other classes as necessary
and i n a p p a r e n t c o n t r a d i c t i o n o f w h a t m i g h t be expected. O f t e n t h e
initial e n c o u n t e r w i l l b e w i t h a s o l i t a r y individual, w h o w i l l o n l y be
visible t o t h e p a r t y i f i n a n open, w e l l - l i t area, o r i f specifically a n d
carefully searched out. Nine times out of ten, the party will never k n o w
that they w e r e being observed by a m e m b e r of the Knights. B u t if they
see adventurers commit an offence, or if the Knights have some reason
to w i s h i l l o n a n individual o r group, t h e y w i l l a l m o s t a l w a y s m u s t e r
enough f i r e p o w e r ( b o t h m a g i c a l a n d n o n - m a g i c a l ) t o o v e r c o m e a n y
party of mere adventurers, n o m a t t e r w h a t their level — it's as if they
have some uncanny way of knowing exactly w h a t to expect in advance.
Their behaviour is utterly ruthless, t h o u g h rigidly lawful.
Guild M i l i t i a Leader
18d R o n t o l l o ; ( m o s t guilds) M; F4 C/CN, hp 3 0 / 3 7 A C 6 / 7 ;
(thieves' guild) M; 14, C / C N ; hp 1 6 / 2 4 ; AC 7 / 8 ;
Long sword and dagger
D• 1 3 E I Ordinary looking, w i t h l a r g e s c a r o n forehead, s t u d d e d
I 8 l e a t h e r or leather a r m o u r
W 9 C i G u i l d militiaman
D 1 0 U Serious, fanatically loyal to the guild, u n c o m p r o m i s i n g
C 11 U Stranger from across the seas but popular w i t h his men
Ch 1 2
The g u i l d militiamen are mostly loyal mercenaries w h o are ready (and
often e n c o u r a g e d ) t o t a k e t h e l a w i n t o t h e i r o w n h a n d s w h e n e v e r
necessary. J u s t i c e to t h e m is m a i n t a i n i n g the honour of the guild.
Religious O r d e r ' s Leader
18e I m p i r R o k k o ; M , C3; C / C N h p 1 6 / 2 1 ; A C 3;
Mace
S• 1 2 0 Tall, skinny, c l e r i c a l robes over breast-plate
I 1 2 0 Priest
W 16 U Arrogant, raving, despotic, fanatic
D 9 0 W h o ' d admit to k n o w i n g him?
C 8
Ch 7
His band of 6 first level clerics (hp 5 / 7 ) is scarcely less chaotic than he is
and are m o s t e n t h u s i a s t i c i n t h e i r duties. H i s o n l y g o a l i s religious
'purity' - a n d a party's best means o f escape is to grovel.
• •
-Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
E R R AT U M
'By the powers invested- in me by the Honoumik Guild cf Herahls I herebygive warning that
Olaf Typesettertate cfGibbet Street confessed-to wutervaluing citizens of this the City League
before lie died. Know then, o princes, that the correct hit die value for FREEMENand
FREEWOMAN(IMAGINE ma9azine ;,; 17, page 12) should be6415 the Basicgame
and 66 in Advanced: Take heed and adjust your Hentidic Tomes cicconfingly.
ADDENDUM
By the powers invested in me by the Honoumbk Guild cpiemitts 1 fiirthergive warning that .1
the confusion cf genders shall herebycease whereby all catalogued characters of this, our '••
League of Cities, shall have their gender inciwkd in their stats immediately after their name,
andthatfurthermore there shall cease to be repetition c f the said stats where the figures for
'Basic and Advanced are the same.
C O M I M U N I C AT U M
'By the powers invested in me by the Honoumbk Guild- opieralcis1-warn you that rwnrnce •
of our Fair Countie c'Ceneyn (prorwunced-Ker-oo-un by you, shorty) that surrounds this city
shal be deernediftegat under By-Law 1877 cl'Enactittent,Crtilltfidowing the publication
of much encyclopaedic information on that place in one of our most noble glouldic Tomes
known as IMAGINE magazine spe,h-d- Edition, due out later this month
Felix Pursuivatat
First Assistant to the Junior Herald
15

angle, a g i a n t o f a m a n s t e p s i n a n d
begins t o a t t a c k t h e c r e a t u r e w i t h a
seemingly superhuman zeal. His attacks
weaken the creature until, with a mighty
sweep, t h e m a n h a c k s o f f i t s head. H e
approaches t h e c o r p s e a n d b r e a k s a
macabre t a l i s m a n f r o m a c h a i n a r o u n d
the creature's neck. The player characters
see that he holds a skeletal right hand, on
which is a ring he obviously recognises.
He falls to his knees weeping.
From this, any number of ways can be
found to introduce the players to Khalin
and his story. The point is that he has just
saved t h e i r lives t h e y owe him some-
thing. This can be a powerful persuader to
• t h e m t o a c c o m p a n y h i m o n h i s quest,
which w i l l be, naturally, t o discover the
real fate of his brother and thus purge his
guilt. A l l that remains is to find a device
which w i l l set Khalin and the players on
Beran's trail.
Let m e suggest that you read the first
part of this piece again, paying particular
attention t o t h e f a c t s c o n c e r n i n g t h e
landscape, people, politics and monsters
we have already established or hinted at.
Certainly w e a l r e a d y h a v e e n o u g h t o
provide a good storyline. A m a p o f t h e
country we are in could usefully be drawn
and will, inevitably, add even more detail
and n e w ideas to the adventure. Just the
act o f a d d i n g n a m e s t o p l a c e s c o u l d
I M A G I N E magathu, Odober 1984
trigger o ff an idea for a sub-plot and an
interesting NPC, maybe one who can give
information (or even mislead). For exam-
ple, I w a n t t o m a k e o n e s t o p o n t h e
adventure i n t h e r o c k y f o o t h i l l s o f a
mountain range. Perhaps t h e s a m e
mountain range which contains the Paths
of Dread and the Temple of Shamadir?
I w i l l call this encounter area the Ring
of Stones, obviously some a n c i e n t h o l y
place, signified by the deliberate placing
of a series of rough stone monoliths in a
circular f o r m a t i o n . T h e R i n g i s i n a
clearing a l m o s t t o t a l l y s u r r o u n d e d b y
cliffs w h i c h a r e d o t t e d w i t h c a v e s —
useful dwelling places, n o t only for arcs
and wolves, but also for hermits, and it is
the h e r m i t w e a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n . L e t ' s
develop t h i s c h a r a c t e r b y t h e p r o c e s s
described previously.
1. H o w did h e g e t here? A s a r e s u l t o f
random w a n d e r i n g s h e arrived h e r e o n
foot, half crazed, and set up home in one
of the caves. He has lived here for 2 years.
2. W h y i s h e h e r e r a t h e r t h a n s o m e -
where else? He is here as a result of his
random wanderings. The reason he stays
here is to worship his deity, purge himself
of u n w o r t h i n e s s a n d e v e n t u a l l y t o r e -
claim his former glory. A s to w h e t h e r he
will be encountered in his cave or at the
Ring i t s e l f , t h a t w i l l d e p e n d o n t h e
lifestyle we give him, ie his daily routine.
3. H o w d o e s h e e a r n h i s l i v i n g ? H e
doesn't exactly 'earn' his living at all. He
subsists o n a l a r g e l y v e g e t a b l e d i e t ,
eating w i l d t u b e r s a n d berries. H e gets
water from a secret well and he does not
have too far to travel each day to get his
food. Remember also that he is a h e r m i t
engaged i n a p u r i f i c a t i o n p r o c e s s —
fasting o r semi-fasting could be p a r t o f
that process. Of course, his knowledge of
herb-lore and o f some of the p o w e r s of
the m i n d h a v e i n c r e a s e d e n o r m o u s l y
while he's been here.
4. W h a t w a s h e d o i n g a n h o u r a g o ?
Avoiding the temptation to be too blink-
ered, l e t ' s e s t a b l i s h a s k e t c h y d a i l y
routine for him, beginning early morning
w h e n he will be found kneeling in prayer
at t h e centre o f t h e ring. Later, h e w i l l
walk i n search o f h i s daily food supply,
which h e w i l l c o n s u m e a r o u n d n o o n .
Later i n t h e afternoon h e w i l l b e a t h i s
cave d o i n g h o u s e k e e p i n g c h o r e s a n d
preparing i t for his resting period. Early
evening sees him back in the Ring, trying
to c o m m u n e w i t h his god. Mid-evening,
he makes his w a y back to the cave and
there indulges in a narcotic drug w h i c h
puts h i m i n a s t a t e o f transcendental
euphoria for a couple of hours. A f t e r this
he sleeps till the following morning. The
drug, derived f r o m berries, i s addictive
and w i l l e v e n t u a l l y b u r n o u t h i s brain.
This, then, is essentially his lifestyle from
now until the day, not far off, when he will
die from drug abuse.
5. Is he alone? The answer is, o f course,
yes. But we could, just as easily incorpor-
ate some sort of servant or periodic visitor
to liven things up. This could be man or
beast, friendly or otherwise. Just so long
as it does not detract from the encounter,
it is w o r t h w h i l e experimenting with.
6. D o e s he have a name? A definite yes
to this, for our hermit is none other than
Drak'Nall — t h e priest w h o t o o k Beran
into h i s c o n f i d e n c e a n d s u f f e r e d t h e
consequences.
Much m o r e w o r k could, a n d should, b e
done on Drak'Nall to fully establish him.
We have given, o r implied, a history for
him stretching back around 5 to 10 years.
But he must be at least 40 to 50 years old
by n o w, so a sketchy study going back a
further 1 0 years would prove useful and
would p r o b a b l y y i e l d s o m e g o o d i d e a s
about h i s priestly oraer. W h e e l s w i t h i n
wheels
About this point, you might be tempted
to think that I am quoting from an already
created adventure and that, consequent-
ly, it all looks much easier than it actually
is. I can only assure you, dear reader, that
this is not the case and that, in fact, n o t
one s c r a p o f t h i s i n f o r m a t i o n e x i s t e d
before I s a t d o w n t o w r i t e . I h a v e ,
therefore, created t h e m a i n features o f
this adventure a n d i t s m a j o r NPCs i n a
matter o f a f e w h o u r s — say t h e equi-
valent o f o n e e v e n i n g ' s work. H o w t h e
storyline is embellished and the number
of other major NPCs incorporated into it is
largely a question of how much time you
have available.
Other s u b - p l o t s a n d N P C s c a n , a n d
should, b e b r o u g h t in. These w i l l relate
directly to player characters. Maybe they
will e x i s t s o l e l y a s a r e s u l t o f o n e o r
another player character being involved
in the story. As long as these encounters
do n o t destroy t h e internal l o g i c o f t h e
adventure, they can only help to make it
more interesting.
I would like to issue an invitation and a
challenge to readers. It should be easy to
draw a sketch map of the region covered
by t h i s adventure. T h e r e a r e obviously
many places and encounters to be 'filled
in' b e f o r e t h e a d v e n t u r e i s w o r k a b l e .
Readers a r e i n v i t e d t o c o n t r i b u t e t h e i r
own NPCs and encounter areas for this
adventure and perhaps we can follow its
development u s i n g t h o s e contributions.
Alternatively, if you feel really keen, w h y
not have a g o a t completing t h e w h o l e
thing. !would run the adventure using the
Tunnels & Trolls rules as I find them most
conducive to RPG adventuring, but there
is n o reason a t all w h y any set of rules
could not be used. The important thing, at
this stage, i s not to get bogged d o w n in
character s t a t i s t i c s a n d m a k i n g y o u r
encounters fit the rules. Design the NPC
a n d / o r the encounter and make the rules
fit t h e m . D o something w i t h y o u r story.
E n s u r, o f alternative o u t c o m e s
exist to any given encounter. Add colour
and 'body' to your game w h i c h will keep
your players intrigued. Then go over and
fill i n the mechanical details.
Therein lies the secret of satisfying role
playing.
Katino
17
 • •
-A splendid novel...so magnificenty realised:
So complex! So gloriously alien! WOW!"
ANNE McCAFFREY

The distant world of Orthe is littered

with the remnants of a spectacular past; a once
great civilisation destroyed by its own advan-
ced technology Determined to avoid a similar
disaster, the survivors turned their backs on
science for good; all except a tiny minority...
Lynne de Lisle Christie is an envoy vir

from Earth; her mission is to win the confi-

dence of Orthe's leaders. But she finds
herself at the heart of a conflict that
threatens total war... .and her own
destruction.

"A spectacular
and wonderfully
evocative novel'9Julian May

£ 2 . 5 0 From all good bookshops

AN ARROW
PAPERBACK

f you've ever been killedby

he evil goblin, flamed
b d r a g o n or tarnedto stone
b y a wizard...
then you need Micro Adventurer—the new monthly
magazine devoted to all microcomputer
adventures, war games and simulations.
Each issue offers a wide range of stimulating features, including:
• Helpline and Contact columns • Reviews of the latest adventures
• Competitions with exciting prizes • War gaming advice
• Adventures to type in and play • Profiles of famous adventurers
• Advice on how to write your own adventures

If all this sounds too good to be true then fill in the form below to make sure
you receive your copy of Micro Adventurer.
EMI E n I I = N M W M . . . . . . MIN
SUBSCRIPTION ORDER F O R M I M I M N M Mit . . . . .
Please send me 12 issues (a year's subscription) of Micro Adventurer, T h i s order should be accompanied by a cheque made
beginning with the i s s u e p a y a b l e to Micro Adventurer
Name UK subscribers
A year's subscription is £1000 — please send this form with
Address payment to Micro Adventurer, Subscriptions Department,
Oakfield House, Perrymount Rd, Haywards Heath, Sussex.
US/Canadian subscribers
A year's subscription at air-speeded rates is USS33.95 — please
send this form with payment to Micro Adventurer, c/o Business
Signature D a t e P r e s s International, 205 East 42nd St., New York, NY 10017

18 P l e a s e m e n t i o n IMAGINE magazine w h e n repivino to a d v e r t i s e m e n t s

 )/
P:1)
wj
II
M A RV E L O U S T I M I N G
A q u i c k l o o k round. C l e a r t o t h e r i g h t .
Clear to the left. No TSR staff in sight so
far a s I c a n see. R i g h t , s o i t ' s s a f e t o
mention t h e Marvel rpg. That's the TSR
superheroes g a m e o v e r w h i c h t h e
powers-that-be a t L a k e G e n e v a m a d e
such a snaffu of the licensing agreement.
Forgot to include the UK in it or something
like that. Well, I'm told that that game was
designed b y a b u n c h o f lads w h o have
since m o v e d o n a n d called themselves
Pacesetter.
With a barely perceptible pause to draw
breath, P a c e s e t t e r h a v e d e s i g n e d a n d
released a couple of games of their own,
one o f w h i c h i s Ti m e m a s t e r . 9 5 ) ,
one of those 'if it's Tuesday it must be the
21st century' time-spanning games.
Subjects for rpgs are highly influenced
by fashion. In recent years w e have had
Transatlantic Tales
It's here! I t ' s arrived! Honest, honest, t h i s
time w e r e a l l y m e a n i t . T h e D & D ®
Companion S e t is n o w out there in the
shops, o n l y a w a i t i n g E 9 . 5 0 f o r i t t o b e
yours, all yours. T h e r e ' s even a m o d u l e to
go with it (aside from the one in the middle
of this magazine, t h a t is), CM1 Te s t o f the
Warlords. R u s h o u t t h e r e , f r i e n d s a n d
neighbours — y o u r l i f e i s i n c o m p l e t e
without
Other recent releases: the first D&D Solo
Module, Ghost of Lion Castle; the first
CONAW module, CB1 Conan Unchained,
and the second module in the D r a g o n l a n c e
series, DL2 Dragons of Flame.
There w i l l b e m o r e a n n o u n c e m e n t s o f
this magnitude next m o n t h . _ w e hope.
The Saga Remains the Same
Mention of the Lone W o l f books brings us
nicely onto yet another in the interminable
list of solo gamebooks that are being put out
by e v e r y p u b l i s h e r a n d h i s dog. A c t u a l l y,
this l a t e s t o n e i s n o t e n t i r e l y n e w, b u t a
development o f t h e A r m a d a G r a i l q u e s t
series. J H B r e n n a n h a s n o w devised t h e
Sagas o f t h e Demonspawn, featuring
Fire*Wolf. T h e i n t e r e s t i n g s l a n t t o t h i s
series i s t h a t i t a p p e a r s u n d e r t h e a d u l t
Fontana imprint. W h a t does Fire*Wolf get
up*to? W h a t a r e s o m e o f t h e o p t i o n s ?
What h a s t h e asterisk g o t t o d o w i t h
anything? The books should be on sale
now....
I M A G I N E magazine, October 1984
0
I111111111111111111111111111111111111i111
0 0
1930s g a m e s ; g o t h i c h o r r o r ; s u p e r -
heroes; history-based.... I s i t n o w t o be
time f o r t i m e - t r a v e l l i n g ? T h e c u r i o u s
thing is that several companies seem to
release titles on a similar theme almost
simultaneously so it's n o t necessarily a
case o f b a n d - w a g o n j u m p i n g . F u r t h e r -
more, i f P a c e s e t t e r a b b r e v i a t e t h e i r
game's t i t l e a n d apply t o have i t trade-
marked, t h e y w i l l be able t o call i t IMTv
and thus attract many kudos from envious
competitors. I hope they do. A scenario for
TNIT'l is also available, Crossed S w o r d s ,
costing f 4 : 9 5 .
Another rpg from the same company is
Chills ( E l l .95) which is a Call of Cthulhu
type of game, although more suitable for
beginning players. I t is accompanied by
two scenarios: Village o f Tw i l i g h t and
Highland Terror, both at £4.95,
Model Workers
The Lone Wo l f books are yet another series
of g a m e books. I w o u l d g u e s s t h a t t h e s e
things a r e a t t r a c t i n g q u i t e a f e w n e w -
comers t o t h e h o b b y, p a r t i c u l a r l y a m o n g
the 1 0 - 1 4 year olds. N o w, Citadel M i n i a -
tures a r e releasing t h e f i r s t ( t h a t I h a v e
heard of)f i g u r e s to be based on such books.
They have a Lone Wolf set at E4.95 and ten
individuals (different from the box contents)
at 4 5 p each. They also have t w o boxes of
superhero f i g u r e s f o r G a m e s Wo r k s h o p ' s
much heralded, m u c h advertised but hard
to spot Golden Heroes game.
Coming up soon, Citadel promise a range
of lizardmen designed b y Trish M o r r i s o n ,
née Turner, at 45p each and some / 1 4 4 -
ish scale robots (like those Japanese plastic
kits) w h i c h w i l l h a v e a u s e i n Battlecars
among other games. These models will be
about 3 0 - 4 0 m m in size.
Another self-employed figure d e s i g n e r /
producer h a s o v e r n i g h t b e c o m e a n e m -
ployee. Robert Naismith, l a t e o f N a i s m i t h
Design, has been captured by Citadel and
borne o ff t o languish i n t h e i r N o t t i n g h a m
er, c i t a d e l . B y C h r i s t m a s t h e e n e r g e t i c
Citadel team hope to have a couple of n e w
Wa r h a m m e r supplements, perhaps cover-
ing SF variants and providing a continent to
campaign i n . N o t s u r p r i s i n g l y, t h e y a r e
looking f o r n e w s t a f f , p a r t i c u l a r l y ( s o
supremo Bryan Ansell says) from the ranks
of the hobbyists. He has had a f e w lined up
already but other companies have swooped
in a n d pinched t h e m f r o m u n d e r his nose.
However, t h a t s o u n d s a s t h o u g h a n y o n e
w a n t i n g a career of their hobby is in w i t h a
chance.
.1011111
,1'11161111111111
Victory Bonds
After a q u i e t start, t h e J a m e s B o n d r p g
seems t o be f i n d i n g i t s w a y i n t h e w o r l d .
Nice things are being said about the system
and m y o w n u n s c i e n t i f i c o b s e r v a t i o n s
indicate a steady increase i n sales. I t h a s
hauled itself out of the contending pack of
rivals and its progress must be affording its
publishers, V i c t o r y G a m e s , s o m e s a t i s -
faction. This progress is being given some
firm consolidation by good back-up; p l e n t y
of advertising, glossy leaflets and, of course,
adventure modules.
You Only Live Twice is one of two new
releases. A s t h e p r é c i s p r e s e n t s a p l o t
totally unfamiliar to me, I must assume that
it is based on the film rather than the book.
Nevertheless, i t ' s g o t p l e n t y o f a t t r a c t i v e
features: crashed Soviet space laboratory;
deadly, m u t a t i n g v i r u s and, t h a t s u r e - f i r e
ingredient o f success — Ninja. O n c e y o u
can get those lads to pop up in your game
you can start looking for your holiday home
in the Seychelles.
The o t h e r n e w m o d u l e i s L i v e a n d L e t
Die. If I remember rightly, it was in this book
that Felix Leiter, Fleming's token American,
lost a high percentage of his appendages to
a voracious fish. Certainly t h e m o d u l e
offers the delights of Mr Big and the powers
of voodoo.
Both these modules promise to be up to
the high standards of design and content of
the rest of the James Bond system.
Spectacular Surge
Be prepared for a spectacular surge of S t a r
Trek g a m i n g releases. T h e t r i g g e r w h i c h
w i l l set off the explosion is the release by
Games Wo r k s h o p o f a B r i t i s h p r i n t i n g o f
Star Trek t h e Role-Playing G a m e a t
f 9.95. B a c k i n g u p t h i s h o m e - p r o d u c e d
version will be a host of goodies (there may
be a f e w b a d d i e s l u r k i n g i n t h e r e w i t h
them). The K l i n g o n A l i e n P a c k is a boxed
repository of all known information on that
unsavoury race. A Klingon-heavy scenario
is included. S t a r Trek 3 gives us ship plans
in 2 5 m m scale o f the d e a r old Enterprise
(that ship has been w i t h us for so long n o w
that it seems as archaic as Nelson's Victory)
and a Klingon D7 w hi ch is, so I am reliably
informed, a c l a s s o f vessel n u m e r o u s i n
their o r d e r o f b a t t l e . Y o u w a n t s o m e
scenarios? Well I have a list of eight which I
am certainly not going to reproduce in full.
Denial of Destiny; The Vanished; Demand
of Honour and Margin o f Profit are a
sample of what's in store. Should you w a n t
a break f r o m r p g - i n g y o u r w a y r o u n d t h e
Enterprise, h o w a b o u t a f e w m i n i b o a r d -
games? I can suggest In S e a r c h o f S p o c k
and Struggle for the Throne for starters.
There's much, m u c h more.
19
 „-
• - -
'1,%1.6'ii71,47,1 • v"
The First Galaxy
First i m p r e s s i o n s a r e a l w a y s i m p o r t a n t
and on this The First Galaxy — G1 falls
down badly. The board, i n t h e form o f a
spiral galaxy, looks like a cross between a
cabalistic symbol a n d a h y p n o t i s t ' s aid;
the playing pieces are made in a garish
plastic and the whole presentation is, in a
word, 'cheap'. The rule book referred to in
the contents list is just two sides of rather
poor blue print, the list itself is inaccurate
(it states that there are 5 6 Supply Cards
when t h e r e should o n l y be 5 4 , detailed
later i n t h e rules) a n d t h e scenario, a s
outlined i n ' T h e S t o r y o f * G 1 * ( T h e
Quest)', is an insult to the intelligence of
the average child, never m i n d t h e adult
player. T h e casual b r o w s e r i n a g a m e s
shop is not likely to be attracted either by
the box or by its contents, but surprisingly,
after all this, the game plays quite well!
The aim o f ' G l ' is relatively simple as
the 5 p l a y e r s a r e t r y i n g t o r e a c h t h e
scattered p i e c e s o f t h e i r o w n s p a c e
stations, which are spread all over a spiral
galaxy, and reassemble them, thus prov-
ing their superiority over the other races!
Moves are by dice t h r o w but have to be
paid for in Fuel Cells. These can be gained
at Fuel D u m p s , a n d S u p p l y Cards yield
more, as well as laser weapons, shields
and extra moves (which have to be paid
for) all o f w h i c h c a n be used t o f u r t h e r
your o w n e ff o r t s a n d t o f r u s t r a t e y o u r
opponents'. A successful attack by laser
or by landing on your
opponent's rocket sends it
into the Blackhole in the
centre of the galaxy (it's
rather like Galactic Ludo)
while movement can be
along the spiral arms
(there are 10) or in jumps
from arm to arm. The rules
are not totally compre-
hensive or unambiguous
but 'house rules' can soon
settle things; an example is
w h e t h e r a laser has to be
fired along marked tracks
only or whether it can
follow the movement rules
(probably the former
although w e played the
lattec).
All in all this is not a
serious game but if you
feel like some fun w h i c h
involves some tactical
thinking (perhaps after a
hard game of Starship
Troopers) then you w i l l
probably enjoy The First
Galaxy — G1
"5 Jon Conner
Avalon Hill have been remarkably slow to
get i n t o t h e RPG scene, b u t w i t h t h e i r
recent purchase of R u n e Q u e s t and n o w
the release of their own Powers & Perils
(and Lords of Creation) they have ob-
viously decided t h a t t h e t i m e i s r i p e t o
make a push for a larger slice of the cake.
W i t h RQ under their w i n g they have, o f
course, a ready-made sales market, b u t
what of Powers & Perils?
Well, firstly it appears that they are not
directing t h e game a t first-time buyers.
Nowhere in the five booklets is there an
explanation o f exactly w h a t an RPG i s !
However, this omission is perhaps not as
serious as it may at first appear when it is
considered t h a t t h e s e d a y s t h e r e i s
almost no-one who hasn't heard of RPGs
and m o s t b u y e r s w i l l h a v e b e e n i n t r o -
duced via other systems anyway. Still, an
omission nonetheless.
The rules themselves are contained in
four booklets which come boxed together
with a fifth introductory scenario booklet,
2d10, 1 d 6 a n d a p a d o f P & P character
sheets. P r e s e n t a t i o n o f t h e r u l e s i s
reasonable w i t h s o m e f i n e a r t w o r k , l e t
down by a f e w appalling pieces w h i c h I
cannot b e l i e v e w e r e a l l o w e d t o s l i p
through.
The f i r s t o f t h e f o u r r u l e s b o o k l e t s
details character generation a n d is per-
haps one o f the m o s t complex currently
on the market. Although there are quite a
lot o f dice rolls involved i n t h e process,
there is a f a i r degree of player control in
the shaping of a character t h i s appears
to b e b e c o m i n g t h e n o r m t h e s e days.
Firstly, players generate 'Native A b i l i t y '
factors for each of their prime requisites.
This factor i s t h e starting ability o f t h e
character, b u t c a n b e increased a s t h e
1
Powers ge Perils
player gains experience up to the 'maxi-
mum ability' (generated by applying multi-
pliers to the NA from a second roll of the
dice). P l a y e r s a l s o g e n e r a t e a n ' I n i t i a l
Increase Factor' because 'it is rational to
assume t h a t every character w a s active
in h i s w o r l d before t h e g a m e b e g a n ' (a
'rationality' w i t h w h i c h I disagree). T h i s
factor i s allocated b y players i n various
proportions t o i n c r e a s e t h e i r P R s , i n -
crease t h e i r c o m b a t e x p e r i e n c e , s t a r t
with expertise i n various skills a n d
generate w e a l t h . P l a y e r s m u s t a l s o
decide w h i c h r a c e t h e y w i s h t o b e ,
human, elf, dwarf or faerry.
Powers & Perils is a skills rather than
class based system, and these skills are
also listed in booklet one. There are only
34 non-combat skills given, but these are
the o n e s m o s t l i k e l y t o b e n e e d e d b y
players a n d h a v e c l e a r e x p l a n a t i o n o f
their use and limitations. A l s o given is a
vast equipment list covering m o s t items
characters will ever want.
The second booklet concerns itself with
the c o m b a t a n d m a g i c systems. E v e r y
RPG h a s its strengths and weaknesses;
unfortunately in the case of P&P it is let
down by its combat system. Surprisingly,
unlike most 'modern' RPGs, w h i c h have
gone in f o r more complex and 'realistic'
combat systems, P & P takes a backward
step, b e c o m i n g n o t h i n g m o r e t h a n a
h i t / m i s s t y p e a f f a i r. T h i s i s a s h a m e
because i n s t a r k c o n t r a s t t h e m a g i c
system i s w e l l t h o u g h t out, logical a n d
very practical.
Firstly, no character can automatically
become a m a g i c u s e r. I f h e w i s h e s t o
study m a g i c h e m u s t b e a c c e p t e d f o r
instruction (determined by a die roll based
on t h e PR f o r t h e m a g i c p a t h d e s i r e d
 -
-0E10'7' •

W
,,, , • • • , - - - - : - - - - - - - - . - -
it ke.,..- • • ,- ..------- ' - ' -"- - ,e ! , 1 . - - - - , - - - - - - - ; , - - - , , , , 2 - 2 • - r ' — '
‘ 'el1
' •11••• i .
, , '4-•;bli••••••••
" - -" ••st-I:t7brarktiiiti'711RfiViI'ili Vetter '4 ' i !oil. ely,/,-6;•taii-iviiiirtilTiviratel,C,
. 1 . 1 ' - 1 ' 4 .14;
1 1 1 47;
" 1,-.•
1 .• 1
•.N
, ..i i i ii i i i1ii i ( ri i i°i 4
i W ..i ..41'ill'i•,.'44IIITICAT'AiINWPKeiraift.M?ic
i-i•-••

The DLI m o d u l e Dragonlance is the first
in a s e r i e s s e t i n t h e w o r l d o f K r y n n .
Krynn s e e m s t o have had a t o u g h t i m e
lately, w i t h clerical magic u n k n o w n and
recent natural disasters having plunged
at least one decent-sized empire into the
sea. The background information provid-
ed is sufficient to give players the feel of
their new world, and to set the scene for a
number of potential sequels.
A g r o u p o f seasoned adventurers
(levels 4-6) splits up to individually search
for true clerical magic, which has become
lost to their world. Some good pre-rolled
characters are provided. These include a
new character race — the 'Kender', w h o
D I A - Dragonlance
proved e n t e r t a i n i n g t o p l a y. E x i s t i n g
characters can be brought in b u t clerics
will obviously struggle a little.
Gathering some five years later, t h e y
recount t h e i r experiences t o each o t h e r
and find t h a t none has succeeded. Little
known to them, they are soon to be deeply
involved in a quest of great importance.
The quest entangles characters deeply in
a steady stream o f events and encount-
ers, covering much of the land of Krynn. A
great deal o f q u i t e detailed m a t e r i a l i s
provided f o r t h e m a n y d i ff e r e n t locales
and encounters, and background events,
which serve to give the party a sense of
peril and urgency. The only problem I had
as D M w a s reading t h e r a t h e r f l o w e r y
prose without being laughed down by the
players. Revenge is at hand, however, in
making the players sing a couple of epic-
style silly songs.
The c o n c l u s i o n o f t h e m i s s i o n i s s e t
ingeniously in a city ruined and partially
buried by an earthquake. The finale w i l l
certainly challenge t h e party, and m a k e
up for any feeling t h a t early encounters
did n o t s e r i o u s l y e n d a n g e r a n yo n e . A
successful outcome will neatly set up the
next adventure, a la Star Wars.
I enjoyed t h i s m o d u l e a lot. I t is w e l l -
detailed a n d o r i g i n a l , a n d p l a y s w e l l .
Good value! " 5 Steve Hampshire

None o f y o u r m a g i c f o r e v e r y o n e , o r
illogical r e s t r i c t i o n i n f a v o u r o f ' p l a y
balance' here. Indeed, players w i l l f i n d
their o w n restrictions, as an adventurer
will find it a very slow process advancing
in m a g i c u s e i f h e u s e s experience o n
combat skills r a t h e r t h a n improving h i s
performance a n d l e a r n i n g n e w spells.
Players may choose one of three types of
magic u s e r — wizards (sub-divided i n t o
those serving the forces of law, chaos and
balance), shamans and sidhs (like druids).
Each o f these h a s advantages a n d dis-
advantages with certain spells being easy
to cast for one type and difficult for others,
spell casting being regulated by expend-
iture o f ' m a n n a ' p o i n t s . T h e l i s t i n g o f
spells is fairly large, well laid out and has
clear, logical explanations.
Also contained in this booklet is a brief
'background' t o t h e m y t h o s created f o r
P&P. The detail here is scanty, but we are
told t h a t a companion product w i l l deal
with the subject in depth at a future date.
The t h i r d a n d f o u r t h booklets a r e a s
well presented a s t h e f i r s t t w o , g i v i n g
details of human and 'creature' encount-
ers a s w e l l a s e n c o u n t e r t a b l e s a n d
treasure/magic i t e m listings. T h e scen-
ario given in the fifth and final booklet is
well presented and should act as a good
introduction t o t h e r u l e s f o r player a n d
GM alike.
have m y doubts as t o w h e t h e r P & P
will make it as a widely popular RPG, but I
am s u r e i t w i l l g a i n a considerable a n d
well-deserved following. Hopefully, Ava-
lon Hill w i l l develop it to its full potential,
and I l o o k f o r w a r d t o s e e i n g f u t u r e
releases for P&P from them.
* M i k e Dean
TS006 A c e of Clubs
Ace o f C l u b s is a n investigation i n t o a Ingrams SMG and an experimental Ultra-
series o f ' a c c i d e n t s ' a t a n e x c l u s i v e sonic B o m b a r d e r a r e described. I a l s o
country c l u b i n u p s t a t e N e w York, t h e liked the information on h o w to calculate
resort being a cover f o r a We s t e r n s p y damage w h e n p l a y e r s r u n t h r o u g h
school. I t i s d e s i g n e d f o r 2 - 6 n o v i c e kitchens o r a r e exposed t o extremes o f
agents. temperature — something which always
The f o r m a t bears a striking r e s e m b l - seems to happen in espionage films and
ance to the original scenario, Sprechen- novels.
halstenstelle; for example, in the hidden This i s a d i s a p p o i n t m e n t a f t e r t h e
casino and the inclusion of rumours. A s excellent O r i e n t Express and unlike that
such i t contains throwbacks to dungeon scenario it will not provide many sessions
adventuring such as 'exploring' the under- of play. The 'mystery'
ground a r e a w i t h c o r r i d o r s a n d s e c r e t which the players are
doors. M o r e a l a r m i n g i s t h e obsession given to solve seems a bit
with m o n e y — s o m e o f t h e possible too shallow, especially if
encounters i n c l u d e n o t e s a n d c a s i n o they are given the rumours
chips, p r e s u m a b l y d i s c a r d e d b y r i c h suggested at the
guests. D o e s J a m e s B o n d g o a r o u n d beginning. Perhaps it is
looting items or worrying about paying? worth missing these out; I
Again t h e statistics o f t h e NPCs a r e did.
impractical. Rather than including those Finally, it is w o r t h w h i l e if
for 90 different individuals, it would be an the G M does not pressure
idea t o s t a n d a r d i z e a g r o u p s u c h a s the players into acting
security personnel (as is done w i t h t h e prematurely — they have a
suites a n d weapons). T h i s w o u l d a l l o w week in w h i c h to conduct
more space f o r s u c h essentials a s t h e their investigation and can
base accuracy of NPCs. A t present these use photographic and
have t o b e w o r k e d o u t b y t h e G M . listening devices, although
Similarly t h e d e t a i l o f t h e r e s o r t i s this is clearly not
extensive, b u t m u c h o f i t i s p r o b a b l y everyone's idea of fun. A s
unnecessary a n d w i l l m e r e l y sidetrack an encouragement for
the players. them to stick the week out,
On t h e positive s i d e t h e r e i s a n i c e mentioning that the course
colour map o f t h e grounds t o s h o w t h e they take could improve
players, a n d extensive briefing n o t e s t o their statistics is a good
give t h e m . N e w i t e m s s u c h a s t h e idea.
140 Nick Davison

fo;;;fh
Quest (for 48K Spectrum)
This i s a n a d v e n t u r e w i t h Hobbit-style
graphics, and a very good adventure it is
too, the object being to find a map and an
ancient scroll.
The cassette comes in a standard size
box, w i t h a nice colourful picture on the
front o f t h e i n l a y c a r d . T h e p r o g r a m
instructions are printed on t h e inside o f
the card, w h i c h folds out, allowing quite
comprehensive instructions to be includ-
ed. The cassette has a copy of Q u e s t on
each s i d e , a n d b o t h l o a d e d p e r f e c t l y.
Loading t a k e s approximately 5 . 2 0 m i n -
utes, after which a siren informs you that
the l o a d h a s b e e n successful. Yo u a r e
then asked to choose the type of character
you w a n t . T h e r e a r e f i v e c l a s s e s o f
character: w i z a r d , cleric, r o g u e , f i g h t e r
and s i m p l e t o n . T h e c h a r a c t e r i s t h e n
assigned 5 r a n d o m a t t r i b u t e s c o r e s :
strength, luck, dexterity, constitution and
charm. The maximum scores are given in
the inlay card. The sixth attribute 'adds'
depend on the other five scores.
I h a v e n e v e r achieved e v e n h a l f t h e
maximum values f o r any attribute, t h u s
my character died every time he got into a
fight. The program allows you five resur-
rections; a f t e r t h a t you m u s t reload t h e
program. A f t e r a b o u t s e v e n reloads, I
decided to stop charging in with the boot
The Tin Soldier of
Southsea, Hants, have
sent us some samples of
their 2 5 m m and 1 5 m m
Fantasy Ranges. So far
Tin Soldier offer about
forty types in their 2 5 m m
series, and nearly sixty in
15mm; apart from a We r e
Dingo, a rather mind-
boggling reminder of the
firm's Australian origins,
most of those listed are
standard types, the usual
mix of adventurers, orcs,
goblins and so on.
In style, the figures
have a chunky look
similar to those of
Chronicle, but w i t h o u t
The First G a l a x y (t7.99), a board game for 2-5 players age 8 to adult, is from H u n g r y O w l
Publications, 11 F i e l d m e w Court, Fryent Way, Kingsbury L o n d o n N W 9 9S1).
Powers & Perils ((19.95) is f r o m Av a l o n H i l l , 650 H i g h Rd, N Finchley, L o n d o n N12 ONL
D L 1 (f,4.50) and TS006 (L3.95) for the A D & D and T O P S E C R E T games respectively are
f r o m T S R U K L t d , T h e M i l l , Rath more Rd, Cambridge C B I I A ! ) .
swinging! S u b t l e t y w a s n e e d e d . T h e
attribute scores go up due to the various
things you find o r buy. Eating bread is a
good way, but usually when you try to buy
it, that item is out of stock appears on the
screen. W h e n I t h o u g h t m y scores w e r e
high enough, I set out to waste the rat that
had k i l l e d m e s o o f t e n , — n o t b e f o r e
saving t h e g a m e , t h o u g h . O h , h o w I
enjoyed w i p i n g t h e g r o u n d w i t h t h a t
rodent.
The combat system is explained on the
inlay card, along w i t h a price list a n d a
catalogue of various weapons and spells
you can buy. Every character in Quest can
cast spells, s o m e m o r e t h a n o t h e r s . I t
takes s t r e n g t h a n d d e x t e r i t y t o c a s t a
spell, the points being regained at the rate
of one p e r m i n u t e . Yo u m u s t n a m e t h e
creature y o u c a s t t h e spell a t , e g c a s t
magiczap a t rat. B u t beware, i f the spell
does n o t kill t h e creature, you m a y f i n d
you a r e t o o w e a k t o f i g h t i t . C e r t a i n
creatures c a n n o t b e f o u g h t a t a l l , a n d
some only with spells.
You c a n f i n d o u t about creatures a n d
things b y t y p i n g h e l p f o l l o w e d b y t h e
name or whatever you are interested in,
eg help sword. Yo u are allowed to have
nine i t e m s o n y o u r person, b u t I h a v e
found that things tend to stay where you
Tin Soldier
some of the bulk. Our samples included a
couple o f g o b l i n s , b e s t d e s c r i b e d a s
'spikey', s i n c e t h e y boast pointed ears,
noses, s p i k e d h e l m e t s , a n d s h a r p e n -
crusted armour; a nice d w a r f hero, w i t h
features reminiscent of a dark-age statue;
a cleric, whose proportions seemed a bit
stunted for a human, but who might make
a reasonable hobbit; and a berserker. A
most original figure this, clutching an axe
in o n e hand, a dagger i n h i s teeth, a n d
drawing a sword from a scabbard on his
back. H e is naked apart from a w o l f - s k i n
over his shoulders, and the excitement of
the f r a y has certainly got t o h i m — b u t
beware, as the firm's lists say, 'this figure
might offend'!
Generally, the standard of sculpting is
high, and the casting definition crisp. This
is e v e n m o r e a p p a r e n t i n t h e 1 5 m m
Product information
i•
s',041010"i1
leave them. Death can be quite sudden,
so be on your guard. If you get stuck, hint
sometimes gives you a clue, but not often,
and w h e n i t does t h e c l u e c a n b e very
cryptic. G o l d p i e c e s t u r n u p a t v a r i o u s
locations, at various times, and there are
never enough of them, so spend wisely.
The world of Quest is richly populated
by monsters and wizards. Dwarves tend
to b e h e l p f u l , w a n d e r i n g a b o u t g i v i n g
cryptic clues. There is a psychopathic elf
w h o runs about lobbing axes at you, and
running away before you can hit him. Not
every location has a picture, and once you
have been there, the picture is not drawn
again unless you look. There are several
mazes, every one solvable, and plenty of
things to kill and treasures to find.
The response time is excellent but you
can q u i t e easily type too quickly for t h e
keyboard scan t o pick u p t h e l e t t e r you
have typed. The only other fault is w h e n
you q u i t , o r die six times, t h e computer
locks up and you have to pull the plug out.
On my copy of Quest there is a mistake on
the i n l a y card price list, w h e r e you can
buy a maze f o r n i n e gold pieces. I t h i n k
this should read mace.
To anyone w h o enjoys a good adven-
ture, Quest is highly recommended.
l & Daniel T Canavan
range, w h i c h includes a very nice set of
giant goblins. The crisp, clean details of
the larger scale have reduced very well,
giving the 1 5 m m range a super-detailed
look, w i t h o u t making them too fussy. The
figures themselves have t h e u s u a l l o w,
long-legged, pug-faced shambling appear-
ance a s s o c i a t e d w i t h g i a n t goblins. A
giant in the same series is very nice, and
again v e r y Scandinavian i n style, w i t h
wolf-skin c l o a k a n d ale-tankard a t h i s
belt; he is also, incidentally, about 25mm
high, a n d so w o u l d serve as a fighter i n
that scale too. T h e extras i n t h e 1 5 m m
range i n c l u d e f i g u r e s m o u n t e d o n a
variety o f dinosaur types, w h i c h s h o u l d
be interesting.
Prices average 3 0 p for a 2 5 m m figure
and 9p for a 1 5 m m figure.
* I a n Knight
 UNICORN G A M E S TAKE NO CHANCES!
MAIL O R D E R O N L Y
Would you send your friends out into the unknown,
6 WOODHAM ROAD, CATFORD, SE 6 2SD
with nothing to guide them?
BASIC D I D RUNEQUEST

BASIC S E T 9 50 BOXED SET 8 95

Would you want to miss out on that vital piece
EXPERT SET 9
DAD CHARACTER RECORD SHEETS 2
50
95
RUNEQUEST RULEBOOK
CULTS 0 1 PRAX 5
5 95
95 of information that might lead you to hidden treasure?
SHADY DRAGON I N N 3 95 RUNEQUEST COMPANION 6 95

BASIC DAD MODULES

RUNEQUEST CHARACTER SHEETS
QUESTWORLD
PAVIS 1
1
4
2
.
.
9
9
I

5
5
99
If you want to be sure of getting all the latest
information about the best in role-playing

1
B1 I N SEARCH OF THE UNKNOWN 4 50 BIG RUBBLE 1 4 . 9 5
02 KEEP OF THE BORDERLANDS 4 50 SOLOQUEST I I : S C O R P I O N H A L L 4 95
03 PALACE O F THE S I LV E R PRINCESS
04 THE LOST C I T Y
05 HORROR ON T H E H I L L
4
4
01 T H E GEM A N D THE S T A F F. . . ( 1 o n 1 )
4 50
50
50
4 . 5 0
SOLOQUEST I I I : S N O W KINGS BRIDE

GENERAL ROLE PLAYING A I D S

4 95
subscribe to
X1 I S L E O F DREAD 4 5 0 DUNGEON FLOOR PLANS 1 , 1 1 , 1 1 1 e s c h . 2 . 9 9
52 CASTLE AMBER 4 50 DUNGEON MAPPING SHEETS 1 99
X3 CURSE O F XANTHON 4 50 WILDERNESS HEX SHEETS 1 99
N4 MASTER OF T H E DESERT NOMADS 4 50 DRAGON D I C E p e r c e n t a g e 0 95
1,5 TEMPLE O F DEATH 4 SO DRAGON D I C E r a n d o m n u m b e r s 1 50

SOLO DAD
DUNGEON PLANNER I.CAVERNS O F THE D E A D . . . 4 . 9 5
f
BOXED MINIATURE SETS
MI BLIZZARD PASS 4 50
M2 MAZE O F THE RIDDLING MINOTAUR 4 50 STARTER SET.ADVENTURERS 3 95

ADVANCED DAD
DUNGEON MASTERS GUIDE
PLAYERS HANDBOOK
1 0
MONSTER MANUAL
MONSTER MANUAL I I
DUNGEON MASTERS SCREEN
ADVANCED D I D MODULES
I 2 TOMB O F THE L I Z A R D K I N G
13 PHAROAH
14 OASIS OH T H E WHITE PALM
15 T H E LOST TOMH O F MARTEK
IS RAVENLOFT
1.2 DANGER A T DUNWATER
53 THE F I N A L ENEMY
NI T H E CULT OF T H E REPTILE GOD
EX1 DUNGEONLAND
EX2 LAND BEYOND T H E MAGIC MIRROR
SKI BEYOND T A CRYSTAL CAVE
WARHAFIMER
RHAMMER,MASS COMBAT ROLE PLAYING
WARHAMMER D I C E S E T 1 25
STARTER SET.MONSTERS
CP3 TROGLODYTES 3
3 95
95
Adventure Games Magazine
CPA LIZARD WARRIORS 3 95
9
. 9 5
95
CP5 MONSTEROUS ORE WAR MACHINE
SS1 WARRIORS OF CHAOS 3
6 50
95
Complete role-playing game adventures in every issue
9 95 SS3 KNIGHTS OF CHAOS 3 95
9
4
95
95
SS5 WARRIOR KNIGHTS O F LAW
SSA WHITE DWARF CHARACTERS
3
3
95
95
12 months suscription rates
UK & Ireland E 1 . 2 (post free delivery)
RUNEQUEST BOXED M I N I AT U R E SETS
USA (air) — $42 USA (surface) — $30
4
4 50
50
RUNEQUEST BOX1.HUMANOID ADVENTURERS
RUNEQUEST BOX2.ADVENTURERS 3
3 95
95 EUROPE (air) — £21 Elsewhere —
4 50 RUNEOUEST BOXS.DRAGONEWTS 3 95
4 9 5
4 95
RUNEQUEST 0007.DEMONS 3 95
Please make your cheque or postal order (no cash or
4
4
. 5 0
50
REGIFENTS O F THE RENOWN
international money orders accepted) payable to TSR UK
4
4 50
SO
BUGMANS DWARF RANGERS
THE KNIGHTS OF ORIGO 3
J 50
50
Ltd and send it to:
4 50 GRAMS GOBLIN GUARD 3 50
4 50 MENGIL MANHIDE'S DARK ELVES
HARBOTH & BLACK MOUNTAIN BOYS
3
3
50
SO
IMAGINE magazine (subscriptions), The Mill, Rathmore
BOARD GAMES
Road, CAMBRIDGE CBI 4AD.
5 95
TALISMAN.THE MAGICAL QUEST GAME 7 95

1 1
FORCES O F FANTASY
UNICORN GAMES LEAFLET F
5
R E E
95 JUDGE DREDD GAME
BATTLECARS 6
7 50
95 NAME
SEND F O R A
ADDRESS
ALL ITEMS POST FREE IN THE U.K. A D D 30'/0 OVERSEAS.
RETURNED TO YOU BY FIRST CLASS POST 'FREE"
CHEQUES PAYABLE TO UNICORN GAMES PLEASE. LEAFLET.

CLASSIFIED ADS
IMAGINE'm magazine offers special rates to those interested
in taking out classified advertisements. These cost just 101) per
word or £3.00 per column centimetre (pre-payment required).

The Tin Soldier If you want to advertise in I M A G I N E magazine write to:

I M A G I N E magazine (classified)
FANTASY A R M Y The M i l l , Rathmore Road,
CAM BRIDGE CBI 4AD.

MONSTERS F R P / C O M I C S S A L E . G a m e s / Scenarios / Comics /

HEROS
DRAGONS Figures; e g P a v i s E10; F e d e r a t i o n S p a c e E10; M o r r o w
VILLAINS
DINOSAURS Project f 5; 50 Scenarios f 2.50; Dragons f l .50; WDs 60p.
GIANTS
ORCS Send SSAE for full list to: M i k e Lewis, 12 Parkwood Close,
WIZARDS
GOBLINS
Broadstairs, Kent.

S O U T H A M P T O N ' S C e n t r e f o r Games. A l l t h e latest

games stocked from TSR, Games Workshop, Avalon Hill
The Tin Soldier has designed an extensive range of and many others. Also Citadel and M in ifigs stocked.
beautifully detailed 15mm Fantasy Figures for use
with any rules o f ancient battle w i t h appropriate PA S T I M E S II, East Street Centre, Southampton. Tel:
adaptations. 0703-21789.
See the whole range at the Tin Soldier Shop, 31 St.
Paul's Road, Southsea. Tel: Portsmouth 827251 o r
send large SAE + 16p for lists and sample fig.
F R E E D O M O F THE S TA R S : Science Fiction role playing
Mail Order U.K. A u s t r a l i a :
P.O. Box 49 4 2 4 George Street, by post. Character creation and initial information free; turn
Southsea, Hants. S y d n e y , N.S.W. fee E l o r 6 turns for E5, no hidden extras.
WE ALSO MAKE 25mm FANTASY & TRADITIONAL Send SSAE to M e g a n Robertson, 1 2 Rude Close, Crewe,
WARGAMES FIGS. IN 15 & 25mm Cheshire CW1 3XG.

Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s 23

by Doug Cowie
Sinvel's Peril i s a D & D O mini-module f o r a
group of 4-7 characters of 1 2th-15th level. You
will require access to copies of the Basic, Expert
and Companion rules to use this module.
If y o u i n t e n d t o p l a y i n t h i s a d v e n t u r e , y o u s h o u l d n o t r e a d a n y
f u r t h e r. K n o w i n g details w i l l spoil t h e game f o r all concerned.
Where information on NPCs and monsters is presented in the text, it is
given at the end of the relevant section in the following format:
Name; A r m o u r Class (AC); Character Class/Level or Hit Dice (HD); h i t
points (hp); M o v e m e n t (MV), Number of Attacks (#AT); Damage (D); Save
as; Morale (M), A l i g n m e n t (AL); Experience Point Value (xp), appropriate
notes — Special abilities, Spells (by level), Weapons and Equipment
I M A G I N E magodne, October 1984
DM's NOTES
Because of the nature of the area, Renima, in w h i c h t h i s adventure is
set, i t will w o r k best w i t h a predominance of fighter adventurers. The
DM should limit the magical capabilities of player characters: n o more
than 14 levels of magic user should be allowed, although this total can
be made up as one 1 4 t h level wizard, or t w o 7th level magic users or
whatever. Clerics, including druids, are restricted in a similar fashion.
Other classes should also be restricted. There should be a m a x i m u m of
t w o thieves, o n e e l f (elves are r a r e creatures), a n d n o dwarves. A n y
d e m i - h u m a n characters a t m a x i m u m level m a y gain t h e advantages
conferred by having a h i g h e r accumulation of experience points.
Renima is an area of l o w magic, and magic items are as rare as hens'
teeth. However, it is of interest to note that the Tamoadab Fighting Hen
of w e s t e r n K a r t h r u n a c t u a l l y does have teeth — t h e r e s u l t o f cross-
breeding f o r ferocity. Characters should b e l i m i t e d i n t h e n u m b e r o f
magic i t e m s that they possess: M a g i c users may have one item per 4
levels, clerics and thieves one per 6, fighters one per 7, elves one per 3,
and h a l f l i n g s a m a x i m u m o f o n e i t e m . I f player c h a r a c t e r s h a v e t o
temporarily discard items, the player may choose which items are kept.
25
 SINVEL'S PERIL
Background Information
The province of Welsma is large and varied. M o u n t a i n ranges border the
north a n d w e s t w h i l s t u n h e a l t h y m a r s h l a n d s l i e t o t h e e a s t . T h e
southern boundary is marked by the River Aub•ron, beyond w h i c h are
the Beastlands.
Welsma is a human province, with communities of dwarves living in the
surrounding mountains. Elves, halflings and orcs are rare, and usually
avoid h u m a n society. We l s m a has no single provincial government, a
state of affairs which has lasted for several hundred years since the fall
of the S o u t h e r n Princes. Va s t tracts of land are covered by the Great
Forest, a sea of trees w h i c h make communications difficult.
Most p e o p l e b e l i e v e t h a t m a g i c exists, a l t h o u g h f e w h a v e s e e n a
practical d e m o n s t r a t i o n o f i t — o r clerical m a g i c f o r that matter. The
more c r e d u l o u s , d r u n k e n o r s u p e r s t i t i o u s h u m a n s b e l i e v e a v a s t
number of fantastical creatures lurk in the wilderness, even though few
have seen such beings, o r evidence of their existence.
Sinvel marks the northern limit of civilization. It is essentially a farming
community, a r e a d y m a r k e t w h e r e f a r m e r s c a n t r a d e s u r p l u s e s f o r
manufactured articles. I t i s thriving, industrious, r a t h e r priggish a n d
ruled by a Council of Elders, the leading figure o f wh ich is the Invoker,
the m o s t p o w e r f u l c l e r i c i n W e l s m a . S i n v e l h a s a l w a y s r e l i e d f o r
defence upon an i n f o r m a l alliance w i t h K a r t h r u n (based on a c o m m o n
antipathy to Miltrin), and its o w n feudal levies.
Miltrin l i e s 8 0 m i l e s t o t h e s o u t h , a w e a l t h y c i t y t h a n k s t o t h e
exploitation o f silver deposits in t h e nearby Dragic M o u n t a i n s . These
mines are regulated by the Grand Council of Miltrin for the benefit of all.
Miltrin h a s f e w p o o r i n h a b i t a n t s , a n d s t r i c t l y c o n t r o l s t h e i n f l u x o f
outsiders. To i l s o m e work, such as the cultivation of land, is avoided by
anyone w h o can avoid i t — m u c h excellent land lies w i t h i n M i l t r i n ' s
boundaries, but it is mainly given over to large h u n t i n g estates for the
nobility. As a result food is imported, often from Sinvel, although such is
the antipathy between the t w o cities that M i l t r i n citizens would rather
pay double to anybody else than purchase food from Sinvel.
Cultured M i l t r i n opinion is against the idea of an army, so the only class
to f o l l o w the profession o f a r m s is the nobility. The o n l y native force
under t h e c o n t r o l o f t h e G r a n d Council i s T h e M a y o r ' s R e g i m e n t o f
Horse — t h e ' D e a t h S q u a d r o n ' — although m o s t nobles keep feudal
retainers and mercenaries. The Grand Council employs bands of foreign
mercenaries on a m o r e or less permanent basis — including Dwarven
units. M i l t r i n has had a long history of good relations w i t h Dwarves.
Between M i l t r i n a n d S i n v e l l i e s t h e P e l w o l d , a n a r e a o f g r e a t
agricultural a b u n d a n c e . A l t h o u g h i t i s s l i g h t l y closer t o M i l t r i n , t h e
Pelwold i s p a r t o f S i n v e l ' s t e r r i t o r y. T h e G r a n d C o u n c i l h a s a l w a y s
coveted this area, even though cultivation is totally foreign to the Miltrin
nature. S k i r m i s h e s h a v e o c c u r r e d i n t h e a r e a b e t w e e n M i l t r i n a n d
Sinvelan patrols, but so far open w a r has been avoided.
Karthrun is the largest city in Welsma. Situated on the banks of the River
Aub'ron, it is surrounded by mighty walls and its Citadel is a formidable
fortress. The city is virtually impregnable. The Tyrant of Karthrun is an
implacable military dictator, and his legions are numerous and doughty
— supported by mercenaries and feudal contingents, they are w i t h o u t
equal in Welsma. M o s t of the time they are in action against incursions
from the Beastlands, but w h e n e v e r a lull occurs, the Tyrant's attention
turns to the north. M i l t r i n , w i t h its silver, its university, its culture, its
fine buildings, its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its irreligious bombast, but
most of all its silver, is always an inviting prospect.
Tressnor is a small, dirty village over 200 miles to the east of Sinvel. It is
the c e n t r e o f a m a r c h e r f i e f : b a r b a r o u s , w i l d a n d uncivilised. T h e
Marchioness holds her lands by a direct grant from Sinvel. S h e is not
unduly worried by the relative isolation; she and her liegemen are the
kind w h o relish the life of w a r and work that is the lot of border nobles.
Beginning the Adventure
The h u m a n p l a y e r c h a r a c t e r s a r e a s s u m e d t o b e g i n t h e g a m e a s
liegemen o f t h e M a r c h i o n e s s o f Tressnor o r as p a r t o f h e r personal
retinue, or as travellers w h o are called upon to help in time of crisis. A
thief i n t h e p a r t y could b e t h e Tressnor Guildmaster, o r a travelling
rogue. Any elf in the party should be an ally of the Marchioness, from the
Elvish C l a n l a n d s s o m e 8 0 m i l e s t o t h e w e s t o f Tressnor. S u c h a
character will not have any knowledge of the Great Forest. Any halflings
may b e landholders, a n d o w e a l l e g i a n c e t o t h e Marchioness, o r b e
townsmen f r o m Tressnor or mercenaries in the Marchioness' forces.
26
The adventure commences when the player characters are summoned
to the presence of the Marchioness to hear the n e w s from Sinvel. She
has b e e n s u m m o n e d b y t h e E l d e r s o f S i n v e l t o f u l f i l h e r f e u d a l
obligations — n o t f o r s i x g e n e r a t i o n s h a v e t h e E l d e r s m a d e s u c h
demands. Sinvel is in deadly peril.
Several w e e k s ago, a f e r o c i o u s h o r d e o f barbarians a p p e a r e d f r o m
beyond the Northern Mountains. Having routed the dwarves from their
Halls of Stone, they are massing for an attack upon Sinvel. The Elders
are therefore calling on all available forces, including the Marchioness
and her liegemen. A messenger has arrived, bearing a formal summons
for the M a r c h i o n e s s and h e r forces. The messenger is also carrying a
second, secret message.
This second message is of vital importance. The Invoker, c h i e f among
the Council o f Elders and spiritual leader o f Sinvel, i s missing. W h i l e
making a Progress through the Pelwold, h i s escort w a s surprised and
destroyed — the Invoker and his servant were the only survivors, and
they have been taken to Miltrin.
Sinvel i s i n t h e d e p t h s o f d e s p o n d e n c y. W i t h o u t t h e I n v o k e r t h e
townspeople believe their coming struggle w i t h the barbarians to be a
lost cause. W i t h o u t the Invoker and h i s p o w e r f u l spells w h a t hope is
there? The Elders m a d e c o n t a c t w i t h t h e G r a n d Council, b u t i t w a s
obvious t o all t h a t satisfactory exchange a r r a n g e m e n t s could n o t be
made. Even when, in sheer desperation, the Elders offered the Pelwold
as ransom for the Invoker the only answer was a curt refusal. The Grand
Council w a n t s n o t h i n g less t h a n total s u r r e n d e r —Sinvel as a vassal
state, w i t h a M i l t r i n Governor and a M i l t r i n mercenary garrison. Even
this d e m a n d w a s s e r i o u s l y considered, b u t e v e n t u a l l y t h e E l d e r s
decided that death w o u l d be preferable to humiliating capitulation.
The gist of the second message is that the Marchioness should gather
all h e r forces a n d those of her liegemen, for every soldier is required
— and proceed w i t h all possible speed to Sinvel to help delay the final
assault. Her most able liegemen — and any others she can gather (the
player characters) — should travel i n t o M i l t r i n t e r r i t o r y a n d f r e e t h e
Invoker. Resourcefulness a n d s u b t e r f u g e o n t h e p a r t o f a f e w w i l l
accomplish more than any army could.
Further, the Elders have added a rider to this instruction. In travelling to
Miltrin from Tressnor, any rescue party must inevitably pass through the
Great Forest. Centuries ago, elves controlled t h e Forest a n d a l l o w e d
peaceable travellers to pass in exchange for a small toll. However, since
the e l v e s w e r e d r i v e n o u t , t r a v e l t h r o u g h t h e w o o d s h a s b e c o m e
hazardous. Bandits — peasantry displaced by Sinvel's expansion n o w
attack the trade route to Karthrun w i t h o u t restraint.
Sinvel h a s every reason t o hope f o r K a r t h r u n s u p p o r t i n t h e c o m i n g
struggle with the barbarians; it is not in the Tyrant's interests for Sinvel
to b e absorbed i n t o a b a r b a r i a n e m p i r e o r M i l t r i n . A n y i n c r e a s e i n
M i l t o n ' s strength would reduce Karthrun influence. It is believed that a
Karthrun c o n t i n g e n t i s a l r e a d y h e a d i n g t o S i n v e l ' s relief. T h e o n l y
practical r o u t e f o r such a force is t h r o u g h M i l t r i n territory; t h e r o u t e
through t h e Forest is impassable to large forces. To gain n e w s of this
force, a n d t o establish r e l i a b l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s w i t h K a r t h r u n , i t i s
imperative that the bandits be suppressed. A large force could not enter
the Forest, s o T h e E l d e r s — f r u g a l a s a l w a y s — propose t h a t t h e
Invoker's rescuers should deliver a salutory blow to the bandits as well.
I M A G I N E ma9adne, October 1984

Players' Background
The player characters' meeting with the Marchioness is short and to the
point — she is n o t a w o m a n t o be bothered w i t h social graces w h e n
there i s t h e p r o s p e c t o f f i n e o u t d o o r a c t i v i t y l i k e w a r ! W h e n h e r
liegemen, allies and acquaintances are gathered, she will briefly explain
the position n e g l e c t i n g to mention the capture of the Invoker. She will
then call the adventurers to a private meeting with herself and Selmer, a
Roamer — a m e m b e r of a s e m i - f o r m a l fighting o r d e r w h o spend their
time wandering the wilds.
The M ar c h i o n e s s will begin by explaining the true position, and how the
rescue of the Invoker is vital to any military victory. A f t e r informing the
adventurers t h a t any troops they m a y possess w i l l accompany h e r to
Sinvel, she will allow Selmer to explain the details of the special mission
that the player characters must carry out. Then, w i t h a cavalier attitude
to the dangers that await, she will leave.
Selmer is a a l e a n m a n i n nondescript, t r a v e l - w o r n clothes, h i s face
largely h i d d e n b e n e a t h a f l o p p y b r i m m e d h a t . H e w i l l t u r n t o t h e
adventurers w i t h a grim face and tell the following:
'Although we Roamers take no sides in disputes between Sinvel,
M i l t r i n and Karthrun, the barbarians must be halted at all costs.
You must open the route to Karthrun — and swiftly! a n d rescue
the Invoker. O n l y he, t h r o u g h t h e love o f his people i f n o t h i n g
else, can halt the n o r t h e r n hordes..., although he will not spurn
the aid of the Tyrant's legions!
'The G r e a t Forest is beset by wicked men, displaced f r o m t h e i r
homes by such as the Marchioness. Their hatred of Sinvel and its
allies is, t o them, largely justified, b u t they nevertheless make
much m i s c h i e f , a n d t h e j o u r n e y t h r o u g h t h e F o r e s t w i l l b e
hazardous. Over the last f e w years, their strength has grown —
aided by some mysterious power. You must find out what this is,
and destroy it. T h e b a n d i t s themselves are t o o n u m e r o u s and
scattered to deal w i t h , b u t if their n e w strength w e r e lost, t h a t
would surely dishearten them. That is the first part of your task.
'The second is of greater import f r e e the Invoker! He is held in
the hunting lodge of Lord Atava, to the south of Miltrin. His lodge
— castle w o u l d be a better word — is strong and you should not
try to s t o r m it. A s long a s you a r e careful, you should have no
trouble in entering the castle; travelling knights are common in
that area, and jousts are popular w i t h M i l t r i n ' s nobility....
'Once in the castle it should be a relatively simple matter to locate
and release The Invoker. We can only hope that he is still there
w h e n you arrive. O n c e you have effected his release, it is but a
short journey to the nearest Kathrun outposts.
'Luck, m y Lords!'
Selmer will provide directions to take the party to the only trail into the
Forest, and the location of Lord Atava's 'hunting lodge'.
Supplies
The adventurers will be given (or should already have) a horse or pony,
and o n e pack a n i m a l each. T h e pack a n i m a l s a r e carrying s u ff i c i e n t
supplies for three w e e k s of wilderness travel — hard tack, preserved
food, a small a m o u n t of w i n e etc a n d any reasonable equipment the
DM c a r e s t o a l l o w. T h e G r e a t Forest i s stocked w i t h game, a n d t h e
supplies can be augmented by fresh meat.
The Bandits of The Great Forest
Using S e l m e r ' s directions, t h e a d v e n t u r e r s w i l l h a v e n o difficulty i n
finding t h e trail from Tressnor to the edge of the Forest.,ekt the edge of
the Forest, t h e trail becomes a broad bridleway, a 1 0 yard w i d e path
cleared o f t r e e s a n d u n d e r g r o w t h , a l t h o u g h t h e g r a s s i s l o n g a n d
unkempt. On either side of the path the Forest is a wilderness of trees,
bushes, brambles, bogs, pools and thorns.
M o v e m e n t along the trail to the Forest is at normal speed, (Expert Rules,
p41 ), but once on the bridleway this drops to two - th ir d s normal speed,
even though it is a cleared path. M o v e m e n t t h r o u g h the undergrowth
away from the path is difficult and treacherous. Horses must be led, and
the rate of progress is cut to one quarter normal speed. Once away from
the path the foliage is so dense that the sky can no longer be seen, and
the chance of the adventurers becoming lost is equal to that of travelling
in swamp. This is reduced to normal if there is an elf in the party.
I M A G I N E magadne, October 1984
S I N V E L ' S PERIL
After travelling into the Forest for one day the adventurers should be at
the junction of..the bridleways to Sinvel and K a r t h r u n (point A o n t h e
Welsma Province map). Their instructions are to travel south. From this
point on, the bridleway to the south is untended, and the u n d e r g r o w t h
encroaches upon the path. In addition, the progress of the party will be
monitored b y t h e bandits o f the Forest, o n e o f w h o m w i l l a l w a y s b e
spying upon the party. There is a 1 i n 2 0 chance (2 in 2 0 for an elven
character) each hour that one of the adventurers will spot the watcher —
a h u m a n or humanoid figure disappearing into the gloom beneath the
trees some distance away. Pursuit of the bandit will prove fruitless —
the bandits a r e entirely a t h o m e i n t h e i r e n v i r o n m e n t a n d s u ff e r n o
movement penalties.
A bandit patrol (see below) will first attack the adventurers some six or
seven miles beyond the bridleway junction. If possible, this attack w i l l
occur while the adventurers are making or breaking camp. The attackers
will be careful to keep in the undergrowth on each side of the bridleway
and use melee weapons. After 2d4 melee rounds the bandits will break
off their attack and vanish i n t o the gloom. Again, p u r s u i t will be futile
unless one or more of the bandits has been wounded.
15 bandits: AC 6; Fighter 1; hp 5 each; MV 90' (30');#AT 1; D by weapon;
Save: T h l ; M 8 ; A L C ; x p 1 0 e a c h ; a r m e d w i t h s h o r t b o w s a n d
shortswords.
The D M s h o u l d use this bandit ambush as an i r r i t a n t a n d repeat it
twice m o r e i f n e c e s s a r y ( d e p e n d i n g u p o n c a s u a l t i e s a m o n g t h e
adventurers). The a m b u s h should serve to w a r n the adventurers t h a t
they are in hostile territory.
Adventurers who blunder about in the undergrowth will be harassed by
yet another bandit patrol. The noise of this fight — should it occur w i l l
attract a f u r t h e r t w o patrols, w h o w i l l arrive 1 d6 r o u n d s later. O n c e
united, the bandits will initiate close combat with the adventurers. The
45 bandits w i l l be confident i n their attack, and call upon the party to
surrender. A n y w h o do w i l l be disarmed, stripped of all valuables and
murdered — the bandits are completely ruthless.
18 miles south of the junction, the undergrowth along either side of the
bridleway changes subtly in appearance. Closer examination will reveal
that t h e l i v i n g f o l i a g e h a s b e e n closely w o v e n t o g e t h e r f o r m i n g a n
almost inpenetrable barrier. This barrier extends for 30 to 40 yards into
the Forest, isolating the bridleway from the body of the Forest proper.
Cutting through this hedge-like boundary is an exhausting process, and
anyone attempting to do so will only be able to cut a path 5' long per turn.
After 3 turns of cutting, 3 turns of rest must be taken. Once through the
barrier, the natural u n d e r g r o w t h is as thick as ever, and speed is only
one quarter normal.
At t h e p o i n t marked B t h e bandits have diverted t h e b r i d l e w a y. I t i s
blocked b y a m a s s i v e p i l e o f o l d t r e e t r u n k s , t h o r n y b u s h e s a n d
brambles. To the west, the path n a r r o w s to about 10 feet, and is rather
overgrown. A t this point a sizeable force of the bandits in this part of the
Forest will be encountered:
The b a n d i t leader, a w e r e w o l f : AC 5(9); HD 10*; hp 50; M V 180' (60');
T--AT 1; D 2-8; Save as F10, M 10; AL C; xp 1600; Ring of Regeneration;
Non-standard w e r e w o l f , but still causes lycanthropy, attacks w i t h the
wolf pack below.
27
 SINVEL'S PERIL

.:.
4041k0
sotptlaton Alto ,r11; 4...taw444.
m41p516%!:N7Emis100
4111404P- 4 - -40 e i " ,!! I f
0 4 001 V / 4 I Pi e f t CE;45;ft'Al KEY i HEX = 20 ANLE5

• .•111) 4 # I I * O W *
11:•••!::i•
C_ f i l i* t i kVl i t lilikf_it
MOUNTAINS
FOREST
RIVER
„04tolooll O A2)11"Ar.
). CULTIVATEDtAtID
.:. ATAVA5
1

.":I: 4044_111eV7 • VILIAOE/ PATH

0 l i t e t e i I C A R T 1 - 6 . A N I O M NORTH
t i t 4 0 S W * - - -

ATAVX5 CASTLE 0
THE DWARVEN HILL
1 1 1 1 V < < i f -
•
•
APZ ,, , , , , ,, s=1
0 7 ' • •-• — •
120' • u r r o cAtioty
GOAKOROatA ;
.e •
4 ' 9 , L I E R Y ABOVE I
• _ _ . .. _ • i i ‘

120'

L
4
••••'' •
4 ‘N SECONDLEVEL
TE7PLE ARMOufn? P 0 2 0 4 0
VIEWOFATAVASCASTLE KIT -
CKEN
0 fit
•
I=1 FEET
3
CAMBER E=3
IMINO
ROOM
A A
FR,E51-13•1
ST 0
4 gootuA11101 a a MININc7
, EQUIPMENT
STORE •••••

WWROOM 0 iss
kV" 1)(1// no
KEY VIEWOFDWAKVEN HILL
ggciE LEADERS
QUARTERS
OFOFFC
I Ei3 O R M
0
1=1 DOOR •••• ,";• •••• 4 5
!Art:,
5 SECRETDOOR THIRDLEVEL
F7,•

5TAIR5
RAcFALL .e.••
err% •
•

• v't (
NORTH • ''''),•-•• " , • • r t r ' s •
• ,rA ; I f I o• ••••!7‘1 v
•••,•-"' t
V
y , •
•tb45. !••••

29
I M A G I N E magazine, Octoner 1984
SINVEL'S PERIL
the a d v e n t u r e r s n i g h - u n t o - d e a t h w i t h s p u r i o u s theological d e b a t e s
before they are given to the bandits. W h e t h e r escape is possible (and
deserved) is left to the D M ' s discretion.
The Journey Onwards
After t h e e n c o u n t e r s w i t h t h e b a n d i t s a n d t h e i r d w a r v e n allies, t h e
adventurers should press on with the second part of their mission — the
rescue of the Invoker. Although it is possible for them to travel across the
Forest i n a s o u t h - w e s t e r l y direction, i t w i l l b e easier a n d quicker t o
follow t h e b r i d l e w a y t o w a r d s K a r t h r u n a n d t h e n t u r n b a c k t o w a r d s
Miltrin.
At the other end of its diverted section the bridleway's original route is
blocked by a s i m i l a r barricade of logs and uprooted undergrowth. This
barrier is unmanned, although the party will still be under observation
by t h e b a n d i t s . A s above, t h e a d v e n t u r e r s m a y s p o t o n e o f t h e s e
watchers disappearing into the u n d e r g r o w t h some distance away. The
bandits will not attack again.
Once o u t o f t h e G r e a t Forest, p r o g r e s s b e c o m e s m u c h e a s i e r, a n d
movement w i l l b e a t n o r m a l speed. T h e r o a d b e t w e e n M i l t r i n a n d
Karthrun is unusually fine, and movement will be at 11/2 times normal.
The road is patrolled for 20 miles beyond the junction with the bridleway
by detachments of Karthrun Light Cavalry (see below for a typical patrol
group). The adventurers will encounter at least one of these patrols, and,
providing they are polite and apparently honest, all should be well.
Sergeant: A C 6; Fighter 4; hp 18; M V 1 2 0 ' (40'); A T 1; D by weapon;
Save as F4; M 9; A L N; xp 75; longsword, light crossbow, mounted on a
warhorse.
15 troopers: AC 6; Fighter 3; hp 14; MV 120' (40'); # AT 1; D by weapon;
Save as F3; M 9; A L N; xp 50; longswords, spears used as lances, light
crossbows, m o u n t e d on warhorses.
All patrols will make a point of warning the adventurers to be careful in
Miltrin territory, 'because of the uncivil and brutal inhabitants'.
A f u r t h e r t w e n t y miles along, t h e adventurers w i l l encounter at least
one M i l t r i n road patrol, o f a s i m i l a r composition to those above. A p a r t
from the M i l t r i n livery, the patrol is equipped in an identical fashion to
the Karthrun Light Cavalry. These troops will also allow the adventurers
to pass i f they are polite — t h e y are n o t K a r t h r u n citizens and Sinvel
citizens are not expected on this particular road. The sergeant leading
the patrol w i l l make a point of congratulating the adventurers on their
sense at leaving the 'brutal and uncivil lands of Karthrun.'
Lord Atava's Castle
Lord A t a v a ' s Castle is not the strong prison t h a t the adventurers may
have been expecting, but a fortified m a n o r house that Atava uses as a
hunting lodge and training establishment for his personal troops.
The G r a n d C o u n c i l r e c o g n i s e d t h a t t h e I n v o k e r w a s a n i m p o r t a n t
prisoner that a n o r m a l prison simply could not hold. W h e n the Invoker
was captured h e w a s k e p t a w a k e f o r days w h i l e t h e G r a n d Council
summoned a wizard to cast a variety of f e e b l e m i n d spell upon him. In
his w e a k e n e d a n d e x h a u s t e d s t a t e t h e I n v o k e r c o u l d n o t r e s i s t t h e
power of the spell and was reduced to a drooling simpleton. In this state
30
no prison bars were necessary to hold him, and the Invoker was given
over to one of the Council members, Lord Atava, for safe-keeping. Lord
Atava sent the Invoker south to his hunting lodge and, w i t h a touch of
irony, gave orders that he was to be employed as a kitchen scullion — a
job where his lately acquired lack of wit would not be a handicap.
This is a deliberate move on the part of the Grand Council of M i l t r i n —
they want the Invoker to be rescued; he would never agree to any of their
demands, n e v e r t u r n t r a i t o r t o S i n v e l , a n d w o u l d b e a c o n s t a n t l y
dangerous prisoner. The Grand Council had several options open to it.
They could kill the Invoker out of hand, but Sinvel reaction to this would
be unpredictable. T h e y c o u l d k e e p h i m p r i s o n e r, b u t t h e c o s t s o f
guarding h i m constantly against escape o r rescue w o u l d b e h i g h —
including the expense of a wizard to r e n e w the spell should it ever fail.
The Grand Council soon realised that the the Invoker would be located
sooner or later, and a rescue attempted.
The Grand Council have decided to make any rescue as easy as possible
w i t h o u t seeming too easy i n an effort to be seen as injured parties
in the w a r they wish to start. A n y incursion by Sinvel forces a n d the
adventurers are Sinvel forces — will be treated as an act of war. M i l t r i n
public o p i n i o n w i l l b e m a n i p u l a t e d i n t o s e e i n g t h i s a s t h e f i n a l
provocation, a l l o w i n g the Grand Council to move against Sinvel w h i l e
the barbarians provide a splendid diversion. It is even t h o u g h t possible
that K a r t h r u n m i g h t not intervene in a ' j u s t ' w a r w h e r e M i l t r i n could
claim to be the offended party.
Lord A t a v a h a s ensured t h a t the forces a t the h u n t i n g lodge are j u s t
credible as a guard for such a prisoner, while not being too powerful. In
addition, the Miltrin road patrols have been given orders not to interfere
w i t h any group heading towards Karthrun. Lord Atava himself is in the
city of Miltrin, gathering his feudal troops for the assault against Sinvel.
If the adventurers choose to storm the castle, the garrison will defend it
to the best of their ability. The other inhabitants of the castle — including
the Invoker — will seek whatever safety they can find in the keep and the
great hall and take no part in any battle. They are all treated as normal
men, w i t h o u t any special abilities.
If the adventurers approach the castle in a peaceful manner they will be
invited w i t h i n i t s w a l l s to m e e t t h e Castellan. H e w i l l a s k i f t h e y are
skilled fighters. I f any of the adventurers admit to being such, h e w i l l
declare a tournament for the next day, and invite the adventurers to take
part. If they refuse, it will be made clear that they are not welcome. If
they accept, the Castellan will hold a banquet in their honour.
The next morning the t o u r n a m e n t will be held in the courtyard, a field
list contest. Teams of equal n u m b e r s are matched in small melees, the
w i n n i n g team being the last one to have any unwounded members. Real
weapons a r e used, b u t because i t i s a ' f r i e n d l y ' m a t c h , a w o u n d e d
participant m u s t w i t h d r a w f r o m t h e f i g h t . F i g h t e r s a m o n g t h e
adventurers a r e treated a s a s i n g l e team, a n d t h e squires (and t h e i r
masters) among t h e garrison are apportioned into similar sized units.
Wounded characters will be treated by the castle's chaplain.
While t h e y a r e g u e s t s w i t h i n t h e c a s t l e , t h e a d v e n t u r e r s w i l l b e
accompanied by one of the masters-at-arms at all times, although t h i s
will not be as an obvious 'watchdog.' They will be expected to hand over
any arms they have (all the characters will be allowed to keep a dagger or
the equivalent) into the armoury, and house any horses within the stable
block. The castle has no dungeons as such, and it w i l l be regarded as
rather odd if the adventurers tour the servants' quarters, but there is a
25% c h a n c e t h a t o n e o f t h e a d v e n t u r e r s w i l l n o t i c e t h a t o n e o f t h e
kitchen scullions looks suspiciously like the Invoker.
The Invoker w o r k s a n d sleeps w i t h i n t h e castle kitchen, t u r n i n g t h e
roasting spit before the main fire. He will be wary of the adventurers and
will n o t t a l k t o t h e m . U n l e s s t h e a d v e n t u r e r s t r e a t h i m i n a k i n d l y
manner he will not accompany them w h e n they try to rescue him, but
will raise the alarm by crying Out in fear. T h i s is especially t r u e i f the
adventurers approach him at night. A n elf or magic user will recognise
that the Invoker is ensorcelled by a feeblemind spell. The castle garrison
are u n d e r orders not to interfere in any rescue attempt and, a l t h o u g h
they will behave as though suspicious of the adventurers' intentions will
leave them alone.
No matter what plan the adventurers arrive at for rescuing the Invoker, it
will succeed. The garrison are under orders to allow it to do so, although
a group of cavalry (statistics identical to the road patrol given above)will
pursue the adventurers in a half-hearted way. They will not catch them
unless the adventurers stop and fight.
The castellan: AC 3; Fighter 8; hp 38; MV 90' (30'); # AT 1; D by weapon;
Save as F8; M 10; A L N; xp 650; ceremonial bastard sword.
I M A G I N E ntapzine, Octo6er 1984
SINVEL'S PERIL

The Forces
The Army of Sinvel The Barbarian Horde
The Citizens Militia Tressnor Feudal Infantry Forces within the barbarian army are 3 Clan Units: Dog, Green Moon, Ruka's
Battle Rating: 2 3 Battle Rating: 1 1 8 given as several units o f equal power. Battle Rating: 3 5
Troop Class: P o o r Troop Class: G o o d The D M should keep a separate record Troop Class: P o o r
No. o f Troops: 1 5 0 0 townspeople No. o f Troops: 4 0 0 mounted infantry o f each clan's casualties as the battle No. o f Troops: 1 5 0 0 infantry
Notes: The Marchioness o f Tressnor progresses. The Battle Ratings do not
Sinvel Rabble-at-arms leads this unit. I t will be augmented by reflect individual prowess, but the ability 9 Clan Units: Sun, Wita's, Blue Hills,
Battle Rating: 1 9 the players' own forces, i f such exist. of the barbarians to fight as organised Deer, White Bear, Gerug's, Mancor's,
Troop Class: P o o r forces. Clans are named for animals, the Tree-Struck-By-Lightning, Haro's
No. o f Troops: 2 5 0 0 peasants The City Guard clan chief or a clan symbol. Battle Rating: 5 3
Battle Rating: 1 2 6 Troop Class: F a i r
The Monastic Order of Warriors Troop Class: G o o d 5 Clan Units: Eagle, Boar, Wolf, Hawk, No. o f Troops: 7 5 0 infantry
Battle Rating: 1 2 5 No. o f Troops: 2 5 0 heavy cavalry Running Man
Troop Class: E x c e l l e n t Battle Rating: 5 6 1 Clan Unit: Tamajin's
No. o f Troops: 1 2 0 heavy infantry The Guildmasters' Guard Troop Class: F a i r Battle Rating: 9 3
Notes: I f a third round o f battle is Battle Rating: 1 8 4 No. o f Troops: 4 0 0 light infantry Troop Class: G o o d
fought, the Invoker will lead this unit. Troop Class: E l i t e No. o f Troops: 3 0 0 medium cavalry
Increase its Battle Rating by 16 i f he No. o f Troops: 4 0 superheavy 7 Clan Units: Broken Arrow, Black Face, Notes: The commander o f the horde
does lead the unit. cavalrymen Brown Bear, Viper, Naru's, Fenrik's, accompanies this unit, and i f it is routed
High Mountain the rest o f the horde will suffer a penalty
Battle Rating: 5 0 o f - I S to their BR. As no other chieftain
Troop Class: B e l o w Average follows orders anyway, this unit may be
No. o f Troops: 1 2 0 0 mounted infantry put anywhere in the battleline.
Sinvel Rabble, t•arms
The Army of Sinvel
City Guard

Dog Green Moon F e n r i k ' s While Bear

Order of Warriors High Mountain B o a r

X
Guildmasters' Guard
Tressnor Feudal Infantry Nant's The Barbarian Horde G e r u g ' s Deer

X
Citizens S l l i
Mancor's

X Viper

Running Man
Bro)in Bear
Tamojin's Wolf
Eagle W i t a ' s B l a c k Face

Ha co's Tree-Struck-By•Ligh'oing
IlaRk
Sun
Gentlemen's Yeomanry
X X X Broken Aro). R u k a ' s

X X
3rd Squadron, (Ata,a's Oar)
X X
2nd Squadron, (Ata,a's Oren)

The Rock Brothers

Lord Atava
Main Battle,
Vanguard, - T h e Tyrant's Pets' Rearguard,
.>•K Balaeres Phalange

'The Tyrant's Pets' 'The Tyrant', Pets'

Green Company. of Archers

>K. Outlanders
•1 ilazha's Band

General Garla 1st Squadron

Tamoadab

Red Company Of Archers Rabble-at-Arms X Quarn's Band

2nd Squadron
Tamoadab
3rd (Reserse) Squadron
Miltrin Nlilitia Arak's Band Tamoadato

General Garla's
Lord Atava's Field Army Karthrun Field Force
1st Squadron, (Atava's Own) M i l t r i n The Green Company of Archers Vanguard, Karthrun 3rd Legion 3rd (Reserve) Squadron
Cavalry Battle Rating: 1 1 2 The Tyrant's Pets' Tamoadab Mercenary Cavalry
Battle Rating: 9 0 Troop Class: E x c e l l e n t Battle Rating: 9 0 Battle Rating: 7 0
Troop Class: A v e r a g e No. o f Troops: 1 5 0 archers Troop Class: G o o d Troop Class: A v e r a g e
No. o f Troops: 2 0 0 heavy cavalrymen No. o f Troops: 5 0 0 infantrymen No. o f Troops: 8 0 cavalrymen
Notes: L o r d Atava accompanies this Miltrin Rabble-at-Arms
unit, so it must be placed at — or near Battle Rating: 2 5 Main Battle, Karthrun 3rd Legion The Independent Balaeres Phalange
— the centre o f any battle line. Troop Class: U n t r a i n e d 'The Tyrant's Pets' Battle Rating: 7 0
No. o f Troops: 1 0 0 0 peasants Battle Rating: 9 0 Troop Class: F a i r
2nd Squadron, (Atava's Own) M i l t r i n Troop Class: G o o d No. o f Troops: 2 0 0 javelinmen
Cavalry Miltrin M i l i t i a No. o f Troops: 5 0 0 infantrymen
Battle Rating: 9 0 Battle Rating: 3 2 Cataphracts 'Carla's Slayers'
Troop Class: A v e r a g e Troop Class: P o o r Rearguard, Karthrun 3rd Legion Battle Rating: 1 4 0
No. o f Troops: 2 0 0 men No. o f Troops: 7 5 0 peasants 'The Tyrant's Pets' Troop Class: E l i t e
Battle Rating: 9 0 No. o f Troops: 2 0 0 extra-heavy
3rd Squadron, (Atava's Own) M i l t r i n Outlanders' Cavalry Troop Class: G o o d cavalrymen
Cavalry Battle Rating: 1 0 0 No. o f Troops: 5 0 0 infantrymen Notes: This is General Garla's
Battle Rating: 1 1 5 Troop Class: G o o d NB: A l l units o f the 3rd Legion receive bodyguard, and must be positioned near
Troop Class: A v e r a g e No. o f Troops: 1 0 0 medium and heavy +10 bonus to their Battle Rating when the centre o f any battle line.
No. o f Troops: 2 0 0 heavy cavalrymen cavalrymen fighting M i l t r i n troops, reflecting the
Notes: I f matched against the fact that they have fought — and beaten Arak's Band of Hennish Horse
Independent Balaeres Phalange, this Young Gentlemen's Yeomanry of Miltrin — them before. Battle Rating: 1 0 0
squadron receives a +10 bonus to its Battle Rating: 1 0 5 Troop Class: A v e r a g e
Battle Rating. Troop Class: G o o d 1st Squadron No. o f Troops: 7 5 light horse archers
No. o f Troops: 1 0 0 medium Tamoadab Mercenary Cavalry
The Rock Brothers Mercenary Legion cavalrymen Battle Rating: 8 8 Bazba's Band of Hennish Horse
Battle Rating: 1 1 5 Notes: This unit is composed o f 'young Troop Class: A v e r a g e Battle Rating: 1 0 5
Troop Class: E x c e l l e n t gentlemen' from M i l t r i n . They are No. o f Troops: 1 0 0 cavalrymen Troop Class: A v e r a g e
No. o f Troops: 5 0 0 dwarves touchy about their status and cannot be No. o f Troops: 7 5 light horse archers
placed in a battle line next to peasantry 2nd Squadron
The Red Company of Archers or archers, nor will they do battle with Tamoadab Mercenary Cavalry Quarn's Band of Hennish Horse
Battle Rating: 1 1 0 any unit that is not mounted. Their BR Battle Rating 1 0 0 Battle Rating: 1 0 1
Troop Class: E x c e l l e n t will be +10 against any unit o f Hennish Troop Class: G o o d Troop Class: A v e r a g e
No. o f Troops: 1 5 0 archers horse. No. o f Troops: 1 0 0 cavalrymen No. o f Troops: 7 5 light horse archers

C R E D I T S : Design: Doug Cowie Art: Dave Pearson Cartography: Paul Ruiz B a r b a r i a n Hordes and other bits: Mike Brunton
32
I M A G I N E mag =age, ( M a f i a 1984
 The Adventures of INDIANA JONES. Role-Playing Game

THE An apology on behalf of

W M M E IY9
the manufacturers of
GAMES SHOP
M A G I magazine binders
National Elf Services, the manufacturers of I M A G I N E
We now stock magazine binders, would like to publicly apologize for the
standard of advertising concerning their product. It seems
*IRREGULAR that our many friends among the derro have taken
MINIATURES
offence over a so-called humorous paragraph which
SIEGE
EQUIPMENT
implied that these excellent, blue binders, with
resplendant gold lettering and sufficient space for 12
* CHRONICLE copies of this magazine, were made from derro skin.
FIGURES
Nothing could be further from the truth. A n y fool knows
* PLATOON 2 0
1
FIGURES
that they are made from the finest parts of the blue
dragon. The horrendous risks run by our purchasing staff
* GALLIA 25mm alone make them worth every penny of the E3.50 + E 1
BUILDINGS postage and packing that they cost. We do hope that this
little misunderstanding has been cleared up, and that we
as well as may be assured of your custom at an early opportunity.

Dungeons 8( Dragons *Traveller and most Wow! This is something I must have! Please send me b i n d e r s at £3.50 each
RPGs a n d supplements. W a r G a m e s * E I p&p).
Science Fiction Games* Citadel Figures*
Torchlight Fantasy Products* Rule Books*
I enclose payment of E
Davco Microtanks
Name
818 LONDON ROAD, Address
LEIGH-ON-SEA
Tel. S O U T H E N D 7 3 3 0 8
Open 9 . 3 0 - 1 . 3 0 and 2 . 3 0 - 5 . 3 0 Closed M o n d a y s
Send to: IMAGINE magazine (binders), The Mill, Rathmore Road, CAMBRIDGE C'Bl 4AD

Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s 33
 Games FOR WAR, FANTASY
AND
SCIENCE-FICTION GAMING
MAIL ORDER TRADE
50-54 Manchester St., Unit 20, Merrion Centre, 63 Allerton Rd., 85-87 Victoria St., 89 Victoria St.,
Liverpool Li 6ER. Leeds 2. Liverpool L18 Liverpool Li 6DG. Liverpool Li 6DG
TeL 051 236 2605 Tel: 0532 456376 Tel: 051 722 9022 Tel: 051 227 1505 Tel: 051 236 2605

From Grenadier Models

ROLE-PLAYING GAMES by FGU theMASTERPIECE EDITIONSTmrange
CHIVALRY & SORCERY Second Edition VILLAINS & VIGILANTES 2nd Edition - Boxed set 1 8 . 7 5
Chivalry & Sorcery 3 volume boxed set 114.55 2 n d Edition rulebook only E 4 . 3 5
C&S Sourcebook revised edition E5.85C r i s i s at Crusader Citadel - intro adventure E 3 . 6 5
C&S Sourcebook 2 supplementary material E4.75D e a t h Duel with the Destroyers - V A V adventure E 3 . 6 5
Swords & Sorcerers revised edition C4.35I s l a n d of Dr. Apocalypse - V & V Adventure E 3 . 6 5
AFTERMATH- post holocaust rpg boxed E16.95 F O R C E - V & V adventure 1 3 . 6 5
Into the Ruins Aftermath scenario book 13.95O p p o n e n t s Unlimited V & V NPC's and their
Operation Morpheus Aftermath scenario book ... E5.85organisations 1 3 . 6 5
Sydney The Wriderness Campaign ditto E4.95W I L D WEST western role playing
DAREDEVILS - roc set in the 1930'5 Boxed set rules, maps, charts etc 1 7 . 9 5
Boxed set rulebook, scenarios, ref s screen . 110,95 T r o u b l e on Windows Peak W i l d West scenario pack £ 2 . 9 5
Daredevils Adventures three complete scenarios 13.65 B L I S H I D O Detailed rpg set in the Land of Nippon
Daredevils Adventures 2 more scenarios 13.65 B o x e d set, rule books, maps, charts, tables etc E 1 2 . 9 5
Daredevils Adventures 3 and a few more £3.65 V a l l e y of the Mists Bushrdo Scenario pack E 3 . 6 5
PRIVATEERS & GENTLEMEN n a v a l rpg 1755-1620 OTHER SUNS - Challenging si rpg
Boxed Set, rules, charts, etc 112.50 B o x e d set 2 rulebooks refs screen and charts E 1 1 . 7 5
King Over the Water P&G scenario pack 14.35 M E R C modern mercenary rpg, skirmish wargame
Decision at Efterba P&G scenario pack 13.65 B o x e d set, rules, plastic overlay, charts etc E 9 . 5 5
BUNNIES & BURROWS - rabbit role playing E4.35 M e r e supplement, more rules & skills E 3 . 6 5

NEW FROM FGU

GRENADIER MODELS PSI World: This a rpg which has psychics as its central
There's a lot that's new from Grenadier! characters T h e game can b e slanted i n favour Of the
NEW RANGES - psychics depicting t h e m a s t h e O r n a t e i n sentient
MASTERPIECE EDITIONS Tw o beautiful skeleton models. A Wa r M a m m o t h development or it can be biased against them, in which case
complete with crew and howdah and a Death D r a g o n with rider Sculpting and they appear a s a race o f disgusting aberrations C & S
Adventure Pack; The Dragonlord: The long awaited C&S War Mammoth of the Undead Legion
detail are superb 17.95 each, boxed.
supplement providing ready made adventures i n this complete with howdah and 3 crew Quite simply a 25mm
CHAMPIONS Bring alive y o u r S u p e r H e r o gaming with these t w o boxes o f fantastic medieval world
miniature marvels T h e r e is a box of Villains and one of Heroes. Also suitable for MASTERPIECE b o x e d E7.95
SE games E7.95
TSR UK Ltd.
DRAGONLORDS Vampires, mummies, ghouls,
werewolves a n d o t h e r traditional creepies l u r k
CALL OF CUTHULHU D & 0 Basic Set rules. dice. E9.50
E9 50
AVALON
Alpha Omega
HILL lantasyrst boardgames
E
The official range of 25mm figures from Grenadier D & D Expert Set rules dice. adv Dragon Hunt C1131:4955
within t h e b o x o f F o l k l o r e C r e a t u r e s o f t h e D & D Expert Rules only E3 95
Models E2 95 Dune 0 3.45
Night. N o t only suitable for fantasy games but 0 6 D Character Records sheets E16.95
1Adventurers 2 Creatures E 7 . 9 5 per box. El 0.95 Freedom in the Galaxy
also Cthulhu. Daredevils and Superhero games. A D & 0 Dungeon Masters Guide E13.45
E9.95 Magic Realm
E5 50 There are also 4 new dragons in this range
Black; W h i t e ; Red; B r a s s - individually boxed
VOTED AD & D Players Handbook
AD & D Monster Manual E9 95 Starship Troopers E13.45
A D & D Monster Manual 2 E9 95 Titan E13.45
E5 50 each BEST FANTASY/SF FIGURES A 0 6 0 Deities + Demigods E9 95
E9 95
Wizard's Quest E13.45
FANTASY LORDS Here's a set to weed Out the A 0 & D Fiend Folio Wizard's E16.95
weeds in any party D e m o n s has a selection of 10 at 1984 ORIGINS in DALLAS AD & D Dungeon Masters Screen E4 95
E3 95
Samurai E
such terrors from Hell B o x e d E7 95 A 0 6 D Character Record sheets Circus Maximus E181,9955
AD & D Player Character Folder E3.95
TRAVELLER T h e r e a r e s o m e o d d l o o k i n g E3,95 Gladiator E13.95
0 , 0 6 0 NPC Character Record sheets E10.45
sentients i n A l i e n M e r c e n a r i e s b u t l e t u s STANDARD GAMES & PUBLICATIONS A D & D DM s Adventure Log £3.95 Down with the King
entertain n o racial prejudice J u s t because a SAMURAI BLADES E3 95 Elm E13.45
Rogues Gallery NEC slats E13.45
chaps got legs all over the place and a head like a Following on from Cry Havoc and Siege comes Samurai World of Greyhawk - revised boxed edition E9.50 Dragon Pass
starfish, that's no reason to mock him B o x of extra Blades A magnificent game of man to man warfare in AC1 S h a d y Dragon inn tD&D) E3 95 Gunslinger E16.95
terrestials E7 95 AC2 ID & D Combat She'd) £450 Machiavelli E11.95
feudal Japan and featuring N I N A . ASSASSINS NIGHT
ADVENTURE M O D U L E S - A n e w enterprise FIGHTING & IlARI KARI in addition to the standard MODULES-BASIC 0 6 D Lords C r e a t i o n
Or B2• B3, 84. ES. 56 each £4.50
from Grenadier To p class adventures for popular STANDARD qualities such a s breathtaking m a p s each £4.50 Horn of Roland 1 E170;994455
beautiful counters and informative historical background MI. (solo module) Powers & Perils E19.95
games T h e H o r r i b l e S e c r e t o f M o n h e g a n MODULES - EXPERT D & D
Island i s a C t h u l h u s c e n a r i o p a c k e d w i t h Samurai Blades £ 9 . 9 5 each E4.50
E9.95 Xt. X2. 03• 54. X5.01: 102, XL1, XSOLD
atmosphere and menace C l o u d l a n d is suitable Cry Havoc - medieval skirmish game AC2 • 0 6 D Screen & Expel Mini-Module E3.95 WORLD CLASS FOOTBALL - the Soccer Game
City of Sorcerers - fantasy boardgame E9.95
for fantasy systems like AD&D, whilst R a i d o n MODULES - AD & D At last the opportunity to be sick as a parrot or over the
Starship Captain - SE boardgame E12.95 S2 E3,50
Rajallapor is a hairy chested. modern mercenary moon in the comfort of your own home) World Class •
The Village - extra map for Cry Havoc E2.45 At A2. A3. A4. CI C2. 01-2. D3 each E4 50 Football is a statistics based game allowing matches
caper F i n a l l y, t h e r e i s D i s a p p e a r e n c e o n The Crossroads - as above E2.45 EX1 E02• GI-3,11.12,13114 each E4,50
each E4 50 between top British teams t o t team squads are pro-
Aramat, a compelling Traveller adventure A l l at The Forest - new map for Cry Havoc E2.45 Lt L2. N1.01 S I . Tr.UKt UK2. UK3 vided. with detailed cards tor each player Select a
E4 95 each E2.95 Li1 U2. U3. WG4. each C4,50
Dungeon Accessories box 1 each E5 50 team, take each match as it comes and I m sure you II
S3. 54
Dungeon Accessories box 2 15.16 each E4 95 agree that at the end of the day, WCF has got the work
NICE DICE PRICE! Felt hex - cloth playing surface; blue, sand Dragon Magazine E2,50 rate, the tight skills and the commitment to win every-
Standard polyset 6 dice E l .20 or green. All with printed hex grid E 1 2 . 9 5 Gamma World NEW ectihon E9 50 thing in sight Boxed with 4 top teams E 1 1 . 0 0
Or with inked numerals .,..• E l .30 Clear Plastic Hex Sheet - overlay E 1 . 8 0 OW Modules GW1.GW2 GW3 GW4 each E3 95 DeLuxe Boxed Set 112 teams) E 1 9 . 9 5
Deluxe polyset with inked numerals 9 5 p Siege - N E W compatible with Cry Havoc E9.95 OW Mini Module & Referee s Screen E3 95
Fireball polyset E 1 . 5 0 Thunde-nn' Guns - Old West excitement E6.99 Boot Hill E9,50 BLADE
Or with inked numerals E l .75 B H Modules BH1. BH2. BH3, BH4, BH5 each E3 95
Speed & Steel B l i t z k r e i g boardgame M O O Mercenaries, Spies & Private Eyes E 5 50
BR Mini Module & Relerees Screen E3,95
Transparent Gem polyset £ 1 . 9 5 £950 Jade Jaguar - MOPE adventure E 3 , 9 5
Or with inked numerals E 2 , 2 5 Top Secret including Module 11 Stormhaven - MSPE adventure pack £ 6 . 9 5
Five assorted colour 0 6 4 0 p TUNNELS & TROLLS I S Modules T52, TS3, TS4, TS5 each £3.95
E3 95 MSPE ADVENTURES ARE ALSO SUITABLE FOR
FANTASY GAMES SYSTEM IS Mini Module & Referee s Screen HERO GAMES ESPIONAGE AND VICE VERSA
30 sided dice 7 0 p t3 95
Rulebook (2nd edition) E 3 . 9 5 Agent Dossiers ITS Character Sheets) E9 50
30 sided dice inked 8 0 p Gangbusters
Tunnels & Trolls. Boxed Set E 6 . 9 5 each E3 95* * * * * * * * * * * *
Nickel/Copper Plated D30 E 1 . 0 0 GB Modules G e t GI32. GB3 OB4: 065
now available, a new Solo Adventure, Beyond The Vale E9 50
Nickel Copper Plated other sizes 5 0 p Startrontiers Inc Module 0)
of Tears E3.50 Don I forget we still have the full range of Knight Hawks for Startrontiers E9 50 MAIL ORDER SERVICE
Average Dice (pair; 3 5 p T&T S o l o Dungeons a n d Adventures, Referee s each E4,50
SF Modules SE1. SF2, SF3, SEKH1 HERE S WHAT WE OFFER
ARMORY ACRYLIC PAINTS Dungeons & Adventures Accessories e t c L i s t s SF Mini Module & Referees Screen E3 95
available E3 95
A fine selection of over 60 ditierent colours tneluding Stadrontiers Character Record Sheets • A VERY FAST TURN ROUND
Fantasy Forest 495
such e s o l e n a a s POMEGRANATE, B U B O N I C • POST PAID ON ORDERS OVER E6 00
BLUE PALOMINO & NIPPLE PINK' More normal LOST WORLDS - game books Endless Quest Books each 95p
E3 95 • INFORMATIVE FREE NEWSLETTER
colours also available The ingenious. Illustrated one-on-one combat game Ares 1SF Fantasy mug * game)
• SPECIAL OFFERS
75p per .75 oz jar. Pick any twin titles and let sortie commence • TELEPHONE ORDERS
Send SAE tor full lists. • SKELETON • DWARF • GOBLIN • HUMAN • HILL ENDLESS GAMES BY CREDIT CARD
TROLL' WOMAN • B A R B A R I A N • e a c h E1.99 Floor plans for 15 or 25mm figures
BARCLAYCARD Dungeon Plans - Labyrinthine E 3 . 9 9
Details of how to order are given elsewhere on
ARMADA ORIGINALS Dungeon Plans - Spacious ..... E 3 . 9 9
Cave Plans - Tortuous E 3 . 9 9 this page Why not give us a try - you probably
In stock the first two titles in the GRAILOUEST series of

EMIR
deserve a pleasant surprise
VISA Solo Fantasy Gamebooks Excellent adventures that
Cave Plans - Cavernous E 3 . 9 5
can be played again and again
Castle of Darkness E l SO HERO GAMES * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Den of Dragons E 1 .50 Champions - boxed super-hero rpg 1 1 2 . 7 5
AMERICAN EXPRESS Champions II - supplementary material 1 6 , 9 5 TRADE ENQUIRIES
WHY NOT ORDER BY TELEPHONE USING
Enemies - NPC opponents f o r Champions 14.50 ALL ITEMS ON THIS PAGE ARE
Enemies II - more opposition E 4 . 4 0 AVAILABLE TO THE TRADE
A C C E S S , B A R C L AY C A R D , O R A M E R I C A N THE BEST IN SF Island of Dr. Destroyer Champions module E 3 . 9 5
SEND FOR FULL DETAILS
EXPRESS
save t h e t r o u b l e o f s e n d i n g a l e t t e r a n d from Escape from Stronghold -Champions module E4.50
Espionage - spy role-playing game E 1 0 . 9 5
cheque. FGU Border Crossing - Espionage adventure
Deathstroke - Espionage adventure
E3.95
E 4 . 5 0
TITAN BOOKS
Judge Dredd 1 • Judge Dredd 2
WE P R E F E R T H I S M E T H O D W e c a n t r y t o
answer any queries and you will also be sure you
SPACE OPERA - complete, complex Cursed Earth 1 • Cursed Earth 2
are getting exactly w h a t y o u want a n d s o o n e r compelling JAMES BOND ROLE PLAYING GAME Judge Caligula 1 • Judge Caligula 2
normally by return of post OTHER SUNS - a totally new system Basic Game: rulebook E 7 . 9 5 Judge Child 1 • Judge Child 2 • Judge Child 3
P&P U K & BFPO O r d e r value over E6 00 - tree which does not encourage shoot-em-up De Luxe Game: rulebook; game aids 0 1 . 9 5 Judge Death • Ro-busters 1
0 Manual. equipment book E 7 . 9 5 ABC Warriors 1 • ABC Warriors 2
Up to 16 00 add 25p play, Game Master Pack, reference aids E 7 . 9 5 Robo-Hunters 1 • Robo-Hunters 2
OVERSEAS C h a r g e d a t cost P l e a s e allow for
Space Opera E14.55 Other Suns E11.75 Adventure Module - Goldfinger E 5 . 9 5 all t h e above 13.50 each
this in your order I f in doubt write or phone. SCIENCE FICTION ROLE PLAYING Adventure Module - Octopussy E 5 . 9 5 Nemesis • Ro-busters 2 • Nemesis the Warlock
OVERSEAS TRADE ORDERS WELCOME COMES OF AGE Adventure Module - Dr. No. E 6 . 9 5 Judge Dredd 3 t h e s e 4 13.95 each

Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s
35
TOWARDS
SYSTEMLESS
SCENARIOS
An article on RPG scenario writing
by Pete Tamlyn
One of the most frequent complaints
directed by outsiders at role-playing
magazines concerns the vast amount
of space taken up by scenarios, much
of which seems to be statistics for the
various monsters and NPCs involved.
More r e m a r k a b l y, r o l e - p l a y e r s t h e m -
selves c a n a l s o b e h e a r d c o m p l a i n i n g
about t h e s t a t i s t i c s i n s c e n a r i o s , n o t
because they are there, but because they
are for the wrong game system. The same
can e q u a l l y b e s a i d o f t h e m a n y n e w
monsters, m a g i c i t e m s a n d s o o n w i t h
w h i c h some magazines tend t o fill t h e i r
pages. It is not surprising, therefore, that
there is m u c h debate in the Hobby as to
w h a t to do about all these statistics.
One o f t h e r e s p o n s e s h a s b e e n f o r
some fanzines, notably the late, lamented
DragonLords, t o p r i n t s c e n a r i o s w i t h
statistics for more than one game system.
Were t h i s d o n e w i t h t h e o b j e c t o f e n -
couraging p e o p l e t o t h i n k a b o u t h o w
game mechanics are used, or to investi-
gate lesser known systems then it might
be w o r t h w h i l e , b u t i n p r a c t i c e i t h a s
simply been used as an attempt to keep
both AD8LID a n d RuneQuest camps
happy. A n a t t e m p t w h i c h , b y and large,
has failed as the partisans of either side
still complain about the unwanted mater-
ial a n d the neutrals, w h o w o u l d convert
the scenario to their own favourite system
anyway, complain about the even greater
waste of space. Multi-system scenarios,
it seems, lose out all round.
Another approach, and one which has
been used in I M A G I N E ' 1 magazine, is to
present t h e s c e n a r i o i n t e r m s o f o n e
game system a n d f o l l o w i t w i t h a short
series of notes on converting i t to other
systems. This idea shows promise in that
the notes for the secondary system(s) do
not l i s t a l l o f t h e statistics, b u t s i m p l y
explain h o w to convert from one system
to another. But this does assume that any
GMs d o i n g t h e conversion k n o w t h e i r
own game system reasonably well. If this
is t h e case, w h y can i t n o t be assumed
that, given a basic plot, a n y G M w i l l be
able to implement it in their own favourite
system. T h e n w e c a n h a v e s c e n a r i o s
without any statistics in them at all.
36
Now let me say right away that I realise
this w i l l u p s e t t h e partisans even m o r e
because then they w i l l have to do some
conversion work instead of having every-
thing handed t o t h e m o n a plate. There
will a l w a y s b e a m a r k e t f o r s t r a i g h t -
forward A D & D compatible material, f o r
example, and someone will always come
forward to fulfil that demand. However, if
it is possible to have systemless scenarios
published, w h y can w e n o t have a f e w
more? Fanzines c o u l d t h u s save s o m e
pages a n d m a k e l e s s o f a l o s s , a n d
professional m a g a z i n e s c o u l d i n c l u d e
more material a n d appear less daunting
to casual readers. Besides, I believe there
are a number of interesting advantages in
having scenarios w r i t t e n w i t h o u t refer-
ence to any particular game system, not
all o f w h i c h a r e concerned simply w i t h
saving space in magazines.
The f i r s t a r g u m e n t w h i c h c a n b e
advanced is that what is really important
about a scenario is the plot. A n y o n e can
take a n i d e a a n d f i l l i n t h e n e c e s s a r y
numbers to make it work in a given game
system, b u t h o w m a n y o f u s can w r i t e
entertaining and bug-free story lines? In a
systemless scenario the plot is laid bare
to scrutiny w h i c h m a k e s i t easy f o r t h e
reader to pick out the interesting bits and
easier for both reader and w r i t e r to spot
any inconsistencies. Not having to worry
about rolling everything u p and m a k i n g
sure you are conforming t o the rules o f
the system you are writing for gives you a
lot more time in which to concentrate on
what i s going t o happen i n t h e game.
Hopefully this will mean fewer published
scenarios where you get halfway through
reading and suddenly think, "Hey, what if
the players do...".
Writing a scenario f r o m a systemless
point of view also helps with getting the
balance r i g h t . I f y o u a r e w r i t i n g f o r a
specific system it is very tempting simply
to pick something interesting out of a list
of monsters w i t h o u t thinking too deeply
about h o w m u c h o f a c h a l l e n g e i t w i l l
provide for the party. W i t h n o system t o
write within, however, you will probably
design your monster around the needs of
the encounter as much as the other way
round. T h i s m e a n s choosing s o m e t h i n g
••• •
t•••
appropriate to the environment in w h i c h
the m o n s t e r i s found, perhaps creating
something n e w w i t h special talents, and
most importantly, working out how tough
the m o n s t e r should be in relation to the
party (by t h e w a y, m y apologies t o SF,
Superhero and other non-fantasy addicts
for t h e u s e o f f a n t a s y t e r m i n o l o g y —
please substitute 'alien', 'villain' or what-
ever for 'monster' where appropriate).
Notice h o w I am emphasising that the
scenario be w r i t t e n a s systemless f r o m
the outset. This is deliberate, as one of the
principal c r i t i c i s m s levelled a t m a n y o f
those systemless scenarios w h i c h have
appeared i n f a n z i n e s i s t h a t t h e y a r e
simply A D & D o r R u n e O u e s t w i t h t h e
names o f t h e m o n s t e r s changed. N o w,
there is no doubt that the sort of world the
writer has i n m i n d w i l l affect the end
product (I am a firm believer in the dictum
that the mechanics of a game should be
tailored to fit the world in which it is being
run), b u t w r i t i n g a s c e n a r i o i n a g i v e n
system and then de-systemising it defeats
the e n t i r e object, o r at least t h e objects
listed above. In fact I would prefer that all
scenarios be written systemless initially.
That w a y t h e system-specific s c e n a r i o
will also benefit from the advantages out-
lined above. In addition it may lead to all
scenarios being presented as systemless
plots, followed by notes on h o w to imple-
ment them in one or more game systems
which, even if it did still mean the inclus-
ion of a fair amount of statistics, would at
least make it easy for the casual reader to
get something useful out of the article.
As an example of h o w such scenarios
could be presented, opposite you will find
The Stolen Herd, a Celtic-flavour story.
I M A G I N E Ittoga,*te, October 1984

THE STOLEN HERD
A systemless scenario with a Celtic background
This s c e n a r i o w a s o r i g i n a l l y w r i t t e n f o r m y
o w n Celtic campaign, I n i s Fail. There are n o
details o f g a m e m e c h a n i c s g i v e n , p a r t l y
because I d o n o t w a n t t h e players getting t o
know t h e r u l e s and p a r t l y because t h e y o n l y
amount t o a b o u t t h r e e pages o f A 4 , t h e rest
being m a d e u p o n t h e s p o t a s e x p e d i t i o n s
progress. H o w e v e r, t h e scenario does have a
strongly Celtic feel and this should be borne in
mind i f y o u a r e t h i n k i n g o f u s i n g i t i n a n
existing campaign.
The background to the scenario concerns a
wager b e t w e e n t w o o t h e r w o r l d l y beings:
Maeglin, a w o m a n o f the Tuatha de Danann,
and Bregon, a Fomoire. In the original scenario
the b e t c o n c e r n e d a g a m e o f s h i n t y w h i c h
Bregon f i x e d b y a r r a n g i n g f o r t h e h e r o C u
Chulainn t o join t h e g a m e at the last m i n u t e
and w i n t h e g a m e f o r t h e l e s s a b l e s i d e .
However, s o m e o t h e r w a g e r c a n e a s i l y b e
substituted, t h e o n l y i m p o r t a n t p o i n t s b e i n g
that M a e g l i n w a s so sure of w i n n i n g s h e bet
her o w n daughter, Fand, on the outcome and
lost her thanks to Bregon's trickery. Hoping to
save t h e g i r l , M a e g l i n c h a n g e d F a n d i n t o a
ladybird, but she was accidently eaten by a cow
and r e b o r n a s a c a l f t h e f o l l o w i n g s p r i n g .
Bregon e v e n t u a l l y f o u n d o u t w h a t h a d h a p -
pened a n d stole the h e r d o f c o w s i n order to
discover w h i c h one w a s the girl. A t this point
the p l a y e r s g e t i n v o l v e d a s t h e o u t r a g e d
farmer, Cet, demands the King send a group of
warriors (the players) to get his herd back.
Some explanation o f the p o w e r s of Bregon
and M a e g l i n are i n order. T h e Fomoire are a
hideous race w i t h b u t o n e eye, o n e a r m a n d
one l e g i n t h e i r n a t u r a l f o r m . A l l , h o w e v e r,
I M A G I N E itto9adtte, October 1984
,,, I 19PAY'''1441r•4$
have t h e ability t o shape-change i n t o s o m e -
thing m o r e c o m b a t - w o r t h y. T h e f o r m s t h e y
take are often equally hideous but fairly strong
and often blessed w i t h sharp claws, h o r n s or
wings. T h e y are a m a r v e l l o u s excuse t o u s e
some of the more outrageous figures available.
The d e D a n a n n , i n c o n t r a s t , a r e a l w a y s
beautifully f o r m e d b u t a r e comparatively
feeble, p r e f e r i n g t o f i g h t b y m a g i c a l m e a n s
wherever possible. They are masterful illusion-
ists, b u t their magical creations are dispelled
w h e n t o u c h e d b y living beings s o t h e y m u s t
rely on stealth and cunning to w i n through.
To begin w i t h t h e players k n o w n o t h i n g o f
the reason for the theft of the herd. The King
will advise t h e m t o v i s i t a local w i s e w o m a n
w h o lives in a nearby wood to gain information
about Bregon. She will require some payment
for her services and, if the players are unable
or u n w i l l i n g t o p a y i n kind, w i l l a s k t h e m t o
fight a creature of her choice as entertainment.
This task should not be made too difficult, b u t
should be made to seem so to the players thus
giving t h e m t h e chance t o display s o m e t r u e
Celtic h e r o i s m . O n c e t h e p a y m e n t h a s been
made t h e w i s e w o m a n w i l l i n f o r m t h e p a r t y
that Bregon a n d h i s f o l l o w e r s l i v e i n a l a k e
beyond C e t ' s f a r m a n d w a r n t h e m t h a t t h e
Fomoire leader cannot be killed w h i l e his feet
are i n water.
The lake is some distance away and Cet will
offer the party lodging at his farm for the night.
A boar h u n t on the j o u r n e y will provide some
light relief on the way and an excuse for a feast
on arrival. That night, one of the party will have
a dream about a beautiful girl w h o turns into a
calf. T h i s i s s e n t b y F a n d w h o w a n t s t o b e
rescued b y a h e r o a n d w i l l p i c k t h e m o s t
handsome o f the party to receive t h e dream.
The following day the party will head off for the
lake. M a e g l i n will k n o w of their quest and will
try to aid them w i t h her magic, but will remain
hidden lest t h e y learn the true reason for the
theft a n d d e c i d e t o h o l d t h e g i r l t o r a n s o m
themselves. W i t h t h e a i d o f t h e d e D a n a n n
w o m a n ' s illusions, the party should be able to
creep u p o n t h e h e r d w i t h o u t a l e r t i n g t h e
Fomoire but in doing so will realise that magic
is being used about them and should therefore
suspect the presence of a de Danann. In addit-
ion, B r e g o n has a bull of his o w n in a m o n g s t
the herd. This animal w i l l not prove too much
trouble f o r t h e party, b u t w i l l create e n o u g h
disturbance t o a l e r t B r e g o n a n d h i s f e l l o w
Fomoire. T h e n u m b e r a n d a b i l i t y o f t h e
Fomoire should be balanced against the party:
their shape-shifted f o r m s should a l l b e
different.
The exact outcome of the encounter will, of
course, depend on h o w quickly the players find
out what is going on I n the last resort they will
be t o l d b y B r e g o n , e i t h e r a s a n a t t e m p t t o
persuade the players not to go off with the herd
or i n t r y i n g t o save h i s life, f o r according t o
Celtic l a w, t h e death o f Bregon w i l l n o t save
Fand f r o m h e r o b l i g a t i o n t o t h e F o m o i r e .
Ideally t h e p l a y e r s s h o u l d f o r c e B r e g o n t o
renounce his claim on the girl and they will be
suitably rewarded by the de Danann if they do
so. T h e r e i s n o o t h e r t r e a s u r e — a C e l t i c
w a r r i o r values his honour and skill in battle far
above material wealth.
140 Pete Ta m l y n
37
GAMES W I T H O U T FRONTIERS: PART H
Last issue, Graeme Davis described
the advantages o f being able t o
adapt adventures to different game
systems. He provided an ingenious
set of tables to facilitate this pro-
cess, and showed how to calculate
character attributes. This month he
explains what to do about hit points,
weapons & armour, and magic &
psionics.
H i t Points
Hit points are probably the easiest part of
a character to convert between systems.
Simply:
1. Find a weapon which is common to
both systems, such as a sword, dagger or
club;
2. Calculate how many average hits with
that weapon the character can withstand
according to the first system;
3. Calculate the damage caused by that
number of average hits with that weapon
in the second system, and that is the
number of hit points the converted char-
acter should have.
Example: a 5th level A D & D fighter has
37 h i t points. I n t h e A D & D game a
longsword does 1-8 damage, giving an
average of 4.5; thus the character can
withstand 37/4.5 = about 8 hits with a
longsword in the AD&D game.
In Bushido, a longsword (katana) does
1d6+2 damage, giving an average of 5.5.
8 average hits therefore work out to 44
points of damage, so the character should
have 44 hit points in Bushido.
38
-7-
Where the two systems share more
than one weapon, the individual referee
may like to work through the calculation a
number of times for different weapons,
for added precision. T h e results c a n
sometimes vary quite considerably with
the weapon used, reflecting the different
'strengths' accorded to various weapons
in different games.
In some systems, such as Traveller and
Call o f Cthulhu, h i t points are fixed,
while i n others, like MILD, AD&D and
Bushido, they are improvable, presum-
ably reflecting the improvement of defens-
ive skills as the character progresses.
There is no universal rule for dealing with
this, but you should be guided by the
notes in last month's instalment on fixed
and improvable attributes.
In systems where hit points are derived
directly from one or more attributes, the
attribute scores can frequently be used as
a guideline to check or substitute for the
calculation given here.
Profession and Skills
The most basic distinction to be drawn
between skill systems in most RPGs is
between systems which use professions
to g i v e t h e character a ready-made
'package' of skills, like D&D, AMID, and
-MT, and those which allowfor each skill
to be acquired and improved separately,
such as the RuneQuest family and Bush-
ido. The easiest approach is to list all the
skills (including weapon skills) available
to the character, together with the chance
of success for each in percentage terms,
and match them up as closely as possible
to skills available in the 'host' system. It
may be necessary to define new skills or
amend existing ones for a better 'fit', but
by Graerrte Davis
discretion should always be used to avoid
upsetting the balance of the host system.
Weapon s k i l l s a r e f a i r l y s i m p l e ; f o r
example, a 3rd level A M I D fighter has a
65% c h a n c e (8+ o n d 2 0 ) o f h i t t i n g a n
unarmoured target (always used unarm-
oured targets for this calculation to avoid
problems a r i s i n g f r o m d i f f e r e n t t r e a t -
ments o f a r m o u r ) . I n R u n e Q u e s t t h i s
equates e a s i l y t o a s w o r d o r o t h e r
weapon attack of 65%, and in Bushido it
equates to a BCS of 13, including approp-
riate level a n d profession modifiers. I n
Traveller i t i s b e s t t o w o r k a l i t t l e
differently. A 6 5 % c h a n c e o f h i t t i n g
means a 35% chance of missing; looking
up 3 5 % o n t h e 2 d 6 table gives a r e s u l t
somewhere b e t w e e n 5 a n d 6 . L e t ' s b e
generous and call it 5. This gives our hero
a roll of 5+ to hit, w h i c h compared to the
basic 8+ to hit with any weapon might be
taken t o give h i m s w o r d - 3 . H o w e v e r, a
sword gets a +3 a d j u s t m e n t against n o
armour, leaving him with sword-0, which
seems a little unfair, since as an exper-
ienced swordsman he ought to be better
than these raygun cowboys w h e n i t
comes to bladework. An alternative ap-
proach here might be to take the attack
percentage of the AMID Classic Man as a
guideline. A level 0 character needs a roll
of 1 1+ on 1 d20 to hit AC 10 (50% chance),
so our 3rd level fighter w i t h his 65%
chance is 15% better. Taking the roll of 5+
on 2d6 which we have already found is
equivalent to sword-0 and consulting the
probability table for 2d6, we find that the
Traveller Classic Man has a 16.667%
chance of missing. Therefore, a character
who is 15% better with a sword should
have only a 1 .667% chance of missing,
which the 2d6 table shows us is less than
a roll of 2+. If our hero needs only 2+ to hit
an unarmoured target, h e must have
sword-3, although since we have been
dealing i n t h e rather murky area o f
automatic hits the calculation becomes a
little imprecise and it may be decided to
give him sword-4.
Non-combat skills can be dealt with i n
much the same way. A 4th level AD&D
thief with no race or attribute bonuses
has the following abilities: Pick Pockets
40%, Open Locks 33%, Disarm Traps
30%, Move Silently 27%, Hide in Shad-
ows 20%, Hear Noise 15%, Climb Walls
87% and Read Languages 20%.
These can be translated as they stand
to a system like Call of Cthulhu, Disarm
Traps becoming Mechanical Repair, Read
Languages becoming Linguist (written
languages only), and so on.
In a Gangbusters game, t h e same
character would have Pickpocketing 40%
and Lockpicking 33%, while Move Silently
and Hide in Shadows are both covered by
the Gangbusters Stealth skill, w h i c h
I M A G I N E ma9azine, October 1984
should be fixed a t a b o u t 27%, since n o
skilled character has less than 26% under
the Gangbusters rules. The Disarm Traps
skill m i g h t be equated w i t h A l a r m Sys-
tems i n G a n g b u s t e r s a t t h e r e f e r e e ' s
discretion, b u t c a r e s h o u l d b e t a k e n t o
avoid a c h a r a c t e r k n o w i n g t o o m u c h
about an alien environment.
It will never be possible to match all skills
from one system precisely to another; you
must a d a p t a n d improvise, a n d s o m e -
times d e f i n e n e w s k i l l s i n t h e h o s t
system. In some cases, it may be appro-
priate to give a character certain skills in
the h o s t system w h i c h h e / s h e d i d n o t
possess i n t h e d o n o r s y s t e m — i f t h e
example o f t h e t h i e f i s a d a p t e d f o r
Traveller for example, the Streetwise skill
is an obvious choice, though this has no
equivalent in the D&D game.
Weapons and Armour
Weapons are considerably easier to deal
with, since they are a lot less complex —
in e v e r y RPG s y s t e m , a w e a p o n i s n o
more nor less than a device for reducing
an opponent's hit points.
While a s w o r d i s a s w o r d w h e t h e r i t
features i n D & D , Runequest, B u s h i d o ,
Call o f C t h u l h u o r T r a v e l l e r , s o m e
weapons a r e u n i q u e t o o n e s y s t e m o r
milieu. W h e r e possible, look for s i m i l a r
weapons i n t h e h o s t s y s t e m — f o r
example, t h e t o m a h a w k i n B o o t H i l l
would be t h e h a n d axe in A D & D , a n d a
blade in Traveller would be a large knife in
Gangbusters or a butcher knife in Call of
Cthulhu.
Where it is impossible to convert directly
in this way, a weapon can be converted as
follows:
In some cases, calculations may tell you more
about the differences between the two games —
be prepared to amend the results if necessary.
1. C a l c u l a t e the average damage done by
the weapon in the 'donor' system;
2. Calculate the average hit points of the
Classic Man in the 'donor' system;
3. D i v i d e the first figure by the second;
4. C a l c u l a t e the average hit points of the
Classic M a n in the 'host' system;
5. M u l t i p l y this by the result of step 3; the
result is the average damage done by the
weapon in the host system.
This is a variation on the procedure used
for determining a character's hit points.
Example: W h i l e e x p l o r i n g a n a n c i e n t
castle i n t h e C a l l o f C t h u l h u g a m e , a
character is forced to snatch up a morning
star to fend off the approaching enemy.
I M A G I N E ma9azitte, Octo6er 1984
1 I n t h e A D & D game, a morning star
does 2 - 8 d a m a g e a g a i n s t a m a n - s i z e d
opponent, so the average damage is2+8/2
= 5;
2. T h e average h i t p o i n t s o f t h e A D & D
Classic Man (level 0 character) are 1+8/2=
3.5;
3. 5/3.5= approx 1 . 4 3 ;
4. I n Call o f C t h u l h u h i t points a r e t h e
average of CON (3d6) and SIZ (3d6); the
average is 1 0 . 5 ;
5. 1 0 . 5 x 1 . 4 3 = approx 1 5 , w h i c h i s
close to the average of 4d6. This makes a
morning star a pretty devastating weapon
in Call of Cthulhu — as effective as both
barrels o f a 1 2 - b o r e — a n d y o u m a y
decide to reduce this to, say, 3d6. On the
other hand, in AD&D a morning star does
the same damage as a broadsword a n d
slightly more than a sabre, so you m i g h t
decide to give it the same damage in Call
of C t h u l h u a s a sabre, o r s l i g h t l y m o r e
(1d8+1 o r 1d8+2).
Example 2: A fantasy campaign in a post-
holocaust setting, such as Saberhagen's
The Empire o f the East, might include
such items as laser rifles left behind by a
past civilisation. To convert a laser rifle
from Traveller to AD&D:
1. A Traveller laser rifle does 5d6 dam-
age, average 1 7 . 5 ;
2. W o u n d s in Traveller reduce Strength,
Dexterity or Endurance, the target being
incapacitated w h e n one characteristic is
reduced t o zero. F o r o u r purposes, i t is
easiest t o t a k e t h e a v e r a g e o f o n e
characteristic a s t h e Classic M a n ' s h i t
points. S i n c e t h e y a r e all generated o n
2d6, w e c a n t a k e 7 a s t h e a v e r a g e ,
ignoring mustering-out bonuses;
3. 12.5/2= 2.5;
4. F r o m the previous example, the AD&D
classic man has 3 . 5 hit points;
5. 2 . 5 x 3 . 5 = 6 . 2 5 , w h i c h i s between
the averages for 2d6 and 2d6-1.
Again, t h i s m a y be altered slightly t o
make t h e l a s e r r i f l e a m o r e f e a r s o m e
weapon if desired — at present it is less
than h a l f t h e s t r e n g t h o f t h e w e a k e s t
lightning bolt spell.
In some cases calculations of this nature
may tell you more about the differences in
emphasis between the two systems than
about weapon damage; it is always worth
doing t h e calculation a s a base t o w o r k
from, b u t b e p r e p a r e d t o a m e n d t h e
results i f necessary t o p r e s e r v e g a m e
balance and credibility.
A r m o u r is dealt w i t h in one of two basic
ways by most RPG systems. It will either
reduce t h e p r o b a b i l i t y o f a h i t ( D & D ,
AD&D, Tr a v e l l e r, B u s h i d o ) , o r i t w i l l
reduce the damage caused by a success-
ful h i t (Runequest, The Fantasy Trip). In
most cases i t s h o u l d b e f a i r l y e a s y t o
equate armour types from one system to
another, r e m e m b e r i n g t h a t t h e m o r e
advanced a r m o u r types in SF RPGs w i l l
be superior to anything in a fantasy game.
When u s i n g a r m o u r i n a system w h i c h
normally makes no provision for it, such
as Boot Hill or Gangbusters, it is possible
to w o r k o u t a m e a n s o f d e a l i n g w i t h
armour by looking a t the w a y a r m o u r is
treated i n t h e f i r s t system. I n D & D a n d
AD&D, for example, several armour types
are listed, each type generally making the
wearer 5 % h a r d e r t o h i t t h a n t h e t y p e
immediately i n f e r i o r t o i t ; t h i s c a n b e
translated fairly painlessly into a series of
attack m o d i f i e r s f o r a n y a s s a i l a n t o r
defence modifiers for the wearer.
Example: A Boot Hill referee, having read
some o f R o b e r t E H o w a r d ' s f a n t a s y
Western s t o r i e s , d e c i d e s t o e n l i v e n a
campaign by introducing a lost valley in
which an isolated c o m m u n i t y of Indians
is ruled by a descendant of the Spanish
Conquistadores. The referee decides that
this character's To l e d o breastplate a n d
helmet gives him head and body protect-
ion e q u a l t o p l a t e a r m o u r i n A D & D .
Consulting t h e A D & D rules w e find t h a t
plate a r m o u r (AC 3) is seven 'pips' on a
d20 (35%) harder to h i t than n o a r m o u r
(AC 10), so that any hit to the head or body
is s u b j e c t t o a 3 5 % p e n a l t y t o t h e h i t
determination roll. The referee m a y de-
cide t o r e d u c e t h i s p r o t e c t i o n w h e n
dealing w i t h w e a p o n s w h i c h h a v e a
better penetration, such as carbines, and
the We a p o n s / a r m o u r class table i n t h e
A D & D Players Handbook should provide
food for thought here.
If RuneQuest, or some other game with
a damage reduction armour system i s
being used as the reference point in the
example above, t h e protection rating o f
the armour can be calculated in the same
way use above f o r weapons — t h e fact
that it stops damage rather than causing
it makes no difference to the calculation.
Example: I n a G a n g b u s t e r s g a m e , a
mobster o n t h e r u n a t t e m p t s t o d i s r u p t
pursuit by releasing a tiger from its cage
in the city zoo. The referee decides to use
the A D & D Monster Manual as a source,
and gleans the following:
Attributes: n o t listed, b u t s t r e n g t h
(Muscle) and Agility should be superior to
that of most humans.
Hit points: 5d8+5, average 2 7 . 5
Attacks: Attack as 5+HD monster, 5+ on
d20 ( 8 0 % c h a n c e ) t o h i t u n a r m o u r e d
target. We a p o n s a r e 2 fore-claws, 2 - 5
each, bite 1-10, and 2 rear claws 2-8 each
if both foreclaws hit.
39

Skills: None listed, but tracking should be
considered; d i f f i c u l t t o s u r p r i s e , q u i c k
reactions, r e i n f o r c i n g c o m m e n t s above
on agility.
The tiger w i l l attack as if fighting dirty
with h a n d weapons, b u t t h e referee
decides that the normal attack penalty for
fighting d i r t y i s n o t a p p r o p r i a t e h e r e .
Strength does n o t affect combat ability,
but agility will have to be estimated. The
tiger's 8 0 % h i t probability i n t h e A D & D
game can be equated t o a Gangbusters
Agility score of 80.
The a v e r a g e 2 7 . 5 A D & D h i t p o i n t s
equate t o a b o u t 6 average h i t s w i t h a
sword. In the Hand Weapons table in the
Gangbusters r u l e s , a s w o r d d o e s + 6
wound points in addition to the 1-6 basic
damage points (1-5 according to Punch-
ing score, or 6 for fighting dirty). For the
sake o f c o n v e n i e n c e w e w i l l a v e r a g e
these t o g i v e a n a v e r a g e s w o r d h i t o f
3.5+6 = 9 . 5 . T h e tiger can w i t h s t a n d 6
average sword hits in AD&D, as we have
seen, so its Gangbusters hit points will be
9 . 5 x 6 = 57, nearly five times as much as
the average beginning character, w h i c h
accords well with the 5 hit dice in AD&D.
The t i g e r ' s attacks c a n b e treated a s
weapons. The two forec law attacks do 2-
5 damage i n A D & D f a l l i n g s o m e w h e r e
between the damage ranges of a dagger
(1-4) and a short sword (1-6), and on this
basis t h e referee decides t h a t t h e y w i l l
count a s a l a r g e k n i f e (+5 'wounds) f o r
damage p u r p o s e s . S i m i l a r l y, t h e 1 - 1 0
bite d a m a g e i s e q u i v a l e n t t o a t w o -
handed sword in A D & D , and the referee
decides that since this has an average of
5.5 damage, m o r e t h a n t h e average
damage of a sabre (4.5) or a broadsword
(5.0), it should receive a +7 wound bonus,
more than a s w o r d ' s normal value in the
Gangbusters g a m e . F i n a l l y, t h e A D & D
Monster M a n u a l s t a t e s t h a t i f b o t h
foreclaws hit successfully, the tiger may
also r a k e w i t h i t s r e a r c l a w s f o r a n
additional 1 - 8 damage each. T h i s is the
same damage rating as a sabre or long-
40
sword in AD&D, and so is given the same
damage bonus as a s w o r d in t h e Gang-
busters game (+6 wounds).
As t h e tiger has n o special skills, t h e
conversion is n o w complete, so let's see
what we have:
TIGER A g 80, HP 57
Attack: as fistfighting, fighting dirty, no
penalty to Ag check. May attack with both
foreclaws and one bite in a single game
turn; i f b o t h f o r e c l a w s h i t successfully,
may also attempt to rake with rear claws.
Weapons: 2 foreclaws, +5 wound.
1 bite, +7 wound.
2 rear claws, +6 wound.
If desired, t h e t i g e r ' s s t r e n g t h c a n b e
found n o w that its Agility and h i t points
are k n o w n , although t h i s information is
not strictly necessary.
All creatures may be treated in a similar
way t o t h i s s i m p l e example. A n y n o n -
combat skills can be equated w i t h skills
from t h e h o s t s y s t e m , o r n e w s k i l l s
defined a s necessary, according t o t h e
guidelines a l r e a d y g i v e n . M a g i c a l o r
psionic abilities can be treated as outlined
in t h e a p p r o p r i a t e s e c t i o n . C r e a t u r e s
which e m p l o y m i s s i l e - w e a p o n attacks,
such as the tail spikes of a ma nticore or
the venom of a spitting cobra, should use
the gunfighting o r t h r o w n weapon rules
where appropriate, i n s t e a d o f those f o r
hand-to-hand combat.
Magic and Psionics
Magic a p p e a r s i n m o s t f a n t a s y r o l e -
playing games in two forms — spells and
magical items. T h e spell-like abilities o f
some monsters can be treated as spells in
most cases.
There a r e t w o m a i n statistics t o con-
sider w h e n converting a spell f r o m o n e
FRP system to another — the chance of
success and the effect of the spell. Some
games a l s o u s e a s p e l l p o i n t s y s t e m ,
w h i c h w i l l b e c o n s i d e r e d l a t e r. T h e
chance of success of a spell can normally
be worked o u t i n percentage t e r m s a n d
transferred fairly easily from one system
to another. I n s o m e systems, l i k e D & D ,
spells are assumed t o be cast success-
fully 100% of the time, b u t t h e target is
allowed a saving t h r o w to avoid t h e f u l l
effects of the spell — in these cases, the
chance o f t h e v i c t i m f a i l i n g t h e s a v i n g
throw dictates t h e s p e l l ' s c h a n c e o f
success. The saving t h r o w of the Classic
Man in one system should be equal to the
spell's c h a n c e o f s u c c e s s i n a n o t h e r.
Remember, t h o u g h , t h a t t h e e f f e c t o f
magic o n g a m e b a l a n c e v a r i e s f r o m
system t o system, a n d a l t e r r e s u l t s i f
necessary to preserve the balance of the
host system.
When t h e effect of a spell is t o cause
damage, the conversion should be carried
out as i f i t w e r e a w e a p o n (see above).
Otherwise, spell effects are usually self-
explanatory, a n d can b e converted w i t h
few problems. Details such as range, area
of e ff e c t a n d d u r a t i o n s h o u l d n o r m a l l y
cause few problems.
Some systems use a spell point system
to govern t h e extent of magic use avail-
able t o t h e character, a n d w h e r e b o t h
systems i n v o l v e d i n a c o n v e r s i o n u s e
such a s y s t e m , s p e l l p o i n t s c a n b e
converted in the same way as an attribute
— i n s o m e cases t h e y m a y b e derived
from an attribute, such as constitution or
will-power. Other systems, like D&D, use
a 'level' system whereby the number and
potency of spells available depend u p o n
the c h a r a c t e r ' s l e v e l o f a d v a n c e m e n t .
When c o n v e r t i n g b e t w e e n t h e s e t w o
types o f system, p r o b l e m s c a n a r i s e i n
determining the level or spell point cost of
a given spell in the host system. It might
be possible t o d r a w u p a t a b l e o f spell
level a g a i n s t spell p o i n t cost, based o n
identical or similar spells in each system,
but since magic is such a crucial part of
the game balance of any FRP system, it is
probably best to proceed by instinct.
Converting s p e l l s f o r u s e i n a n o n -
magical RPG m i g h t present a f e w prob-
lems; in nearly all cases it is best to follow
the magic system from the donor game as
closely as possible. Saving throws, where
necessary, can be derived with a reason-
able a m o u n t of accuracy by reference to
the classic man in both systems. In many
systems, m a g i c i s t r e a t e d a s a special
case o f t h e spell system, a n d t h e n o t e s
already g i v e n u n d e r t h e s k i l l s h e a d i n g
may be of use.
The r a n g e o f magical i t e m s available t o
FRP systems is vast, a n d m a n y w o r k so
tightly w i t h i n t h e l i m i t s o f t h e i r o w n
magic s y s t e m t h a t c o n v e r s i o n c a n b e
difficult. For most purposes, they can be
divided into four basic headings:
1. T h e f i r s t t y p e o f i t e m m o d i f i e s t h e
attributes o f the user, c o n f e r r i n g addit-
ional s t r e n g t h , f o r example, o r s t o r i n g
spell power. These can be converted from
one system t o another using t h e guide-
lines established f o r dealing w i t h c h a r -
acter attributes.
2. O t h e r i t e m s p r o d u c e s p e l l - l i k e
effects, e i t h e r duplicating a spell w h i c h
I M A G I N E magadnc, Octo6er 1984
 already exists i n t h e i r native system o r
producing an effect which can be treated
as s u c h . T h e s e m a y b e t r e a t e d i n t h e
same way as spells above.
3. T h e third class modifies skills, some-
times c o n f e r r i n g s k i l l s w h i c h t h e u s e r
need n o t o r i g i n a l l y h a v e p o s s e s s e d .
Magical w e a p o n s and a r m o u r m i g h t be
seen a s falling i n t o t h i s category, since
they modify the attack and defence skills
of the user. The effects of such items can
be modified in the same way as the skills
which they modify.
4. L a s t l y, t h e r e a r e i t e m s w h i c h give
protection to the user. These will mostly
fall into one of the three other categories
— duplicating p r o t e c t i o n spells, f o r
instance, or reducing the attack chance of
an opponent, or modifying a saving throw
or attribute check. T h i n k carefully about
the way in which an item functions before
trying to convert it.
Some s y s t e m s f e a t u r e m a g i c a l i t e m s
with a fixed n u m b e r o f 'charges', w h i l e
others a s s u m e t h a t t h e y h a v e a n u n -
limited p o w e r supply a n d l a s t f o r ever.
The w a y i n w h i c h a p a r t i c u l a r s y s t e m
deals with this point will be an important
element in its game balance, a n d w h e n
converting between two FRP systems you
should bear in m i n d the approach of the
host s y s t e m ; t h e p r e c i s e n u m b e r o f
charges in an item can be decided more or
less b y i n s t i n c t i f y o u a r e s u ff i c i e n t l y
familiar with both systems.
Psionics figure i n a n u m b e r of SF RPGs,
and sometimes take the place of magic in
a non-magical SF milieu. Where psionics
appear, t h e systems w h i c h govern t h e i r
use can be treated as a magic system for
purposes of comparison and conversion.
Conversely, t o o , a l o o k a t t h e m a g i c
system in a host FRPG w i l l give valuable
hints about handling introduced psionics.
Conclusion
It w o u l d b e impossible t o cover a l l t h e
possibilities w i t h i n t h e scope o f a short
series l i k e this; a n d s o t h e coverage o f
certain a r e a s i s necessarily a l i t t l e
sketchy. There are bound to be problems I
have overlooked, and there are obviously
a great many rules systems with which I
am n o t f a m i l i a r, b u t I h o p e t h a t t h e
general g u i d e l i n e s a n d s u g g e s t i o n s
have given will be useful to anyone who is
considering converting material between
RPG systems for one reason or another,
and was unsure as to h o w to go about it
My i d e a s a n d a p p r o a c h e s a r e b y n o
means t h e o n l y o n e s , a n d I m a k e n o
claims that they are right or best — they
are simply suggestions, and any method
is satisfactory provided t h a t i t produces
something that is playable and believable
and does not place too much strain on the
mechanics of the 'host' system.
_045 Graeme Davis
If you missed the first part of this article
with t h e c o n v e r s i o n t a b l e s , y o u c a n
obtain a copy o f issue 1 8 at a cost o f f ?
from TSR UK Ltd.
IMAGINE maga—thte, Octotker 1984
DISPEL CONFUSION
Role-playing games have complex rules
that are open to interpretation, which can
cause problems w h e n two players inter-
pret t h e m differently. D i s p e l C o n f u s i o n
is a column intended to help by providing
answers to rules questions.
A t present we mainly answer questions
about TSR games. W h i l e the answers we
give a r e n o t f u l l y 'official', w e d o h a v e
contact w i t h t h e designers a n d a g o o d
deal of playing and refereeing experience.
A n answer column needs questions, so
send yours to:
Dispel Confusion, T S R U K L t d , T h e
R a t h m o r e Road, C A M B R I D G E .
If you don't want to wait for your question
to appear in the magazine, please enclose
a 9" x 4" SSAE
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
and A D VA N C E D D U N G E O N S
& D R A G O N S •F' games
Q. Can a troll use a crossbow? (Basic)
A. Given sufficient time to work out how
a c r o s s b o w functions, a t r o l l c o u l d
use o n e . H o w e v e r, w h e n u s i n g a
crossbow a troll would have only one
attack per round, which could cause
up to six points of damage, instead of
its three normal attacks causing up to
22 points of damage. W h y it should
want t o d o l e s s d a m a g e t o i t s
opponent is open to question, except
that i t w o u l d b e a b l e t o a t t a c k
enemies at a distance.
Q. Does a t h i e f ' s backstabbing b o n u s
apply t o m i s s i l e f i r e f r o m b e h i n d ?
(Basic & Advanced)
A. No. The attack is treated in the same
manner as a r e a r missile attack by
anyone else. A thief would not cause
double damage with a missile attack
from behind. The backstabbing attack
of thieves c a n o n l y b e carried o u t
with melee weapons, and represents
a thief's ability to sneak up behind a
potential victim and strike for maxi-
mum effect.
Q. I f a magic user is hit by a missile or
melee weapon, c a n h e o r s h e cast
spells a t t h e a t t a c k e r ? ( B a s i c &
Advanced)
A. The a n s w e r to this one depends on
when the magic user was hit in relat-
ion to the process of casting the spell.
If a magic user is hit by a weapon,
affected b y a n o p p o n e n t ' s s p e l l o r
jostled— in short, if his or her concen-
tration is broken while in the process
of casting a spell, t h e n t h e spell i s
interrupted a n d does n o t ' g o o ff ' a t
the intended time. The rules are quite
clear that the M U i n question m u s t
stand still, concentrate on t h e spell,
say the correct words, use the correct
components (in the Advanced game)
and m a k e t h e r i g h t gestures. T h i s
process cannot be interrupted w i t h -
out spoiling the spell.
If a m a g i c u s e r i s w o u n d e d a n d
then, a f t e r t h e i n j u r y h a s b e e n
sustained, begins to cast a spell, the
fact that the MU is hurt has no effect
on t h e spell whatsoever. The M U is
assumed to have sufficient discipline
of mind to block out any pain for the
time t h a t i t takes t o c a s t t h e spell
(after all, he or she must concentrate
on t h e spell t o t h e exclusion o f a l l
other activities anyway, and bleeding
to death is just another activity).
Q. I f a character already suffering from
lycanthropy (after being attacked by,
say, a were-bear) is badly w o u n d e d
by a n o t h e r t y p e o f w e r e - c r e a t u r e ,
what f o r m w i l l t h e d i s e a s e t a k e ?
(Advanced)
A. I f t h e wording i n t h e D M G i s taken
literally, then the second attack by a
were-creature will have no addition-
al effect because i t states t h a t o n l y
humans are afflicted b y lycanthropy
— a n d lycanthropes a r e n o t t r u l y
human a n y m o r e . I f t h i s l i n e o f
argument i s followed, t h e n t h e
second type of lycanthropy will have
no effect.
Q. I f a 1st-level magic user cannot have
Nystul's M a g i c A u r a o r Te n s e r ' s
Floating Disc in his spell book at the
beginning o f h i s career, i s h e p r o -
hibited f r o m choosing o n e o f these
spells w h e n h e g a i n s a l e v e l ?
(Advanced)
A. This q u e s t i o n r a i s e s p o i n t s o t h e r
than the obvious one. Both the above
spells are specifically mentioned on
p39 of the DMG as spells that m u s t
be located by the character — either
in t h e possession o f a n o t h e r c h a r -
acter (PC or NPC) or on a scroll a n d
copied i n t o t h e M U ' s 'recipe book'.
Naturally, the magic user who is after
the s p e l l s m u s t b e a b l e t o ' k n o w '
them, as with all other spells.
in the case of spells acquired when
a character advances a level, t h e s e
are n o t necessarily c h o s e n b y t h e
player. The spell so acquired should
be a f u n c t i o n o f t h e s p e l l s i n t h e
NPC's spell books, or randomly rolled
by the D M i f the training supervisor
has never been created in detail and
is simply assumed t o exist a t some
vague point 'off stage'. In this case, it
is entirely possible that a magic user
might learn Nystul's M a g i c A u r a o r
Tenser's Floating Disc. Unlike spells
that a r e a c q u i r e d b e t w e e n l e v e l
rises, spells t h a t are gained a t t h i s
time are automatically in t h e magic
user's book, and are also automatic-
ally ' k n o w n ' b y t h e m a g i c u s e r i n
question.
AD- Jim Bambra, M i k e B r u n t o n ,
Phil Gallagher & G r a e m e M o r r i s
41

For m o s t g a m e p u r p o s e s , t h e w o r l d
generation p r o c e d u r e s g i v e n i n B a s i c
Traveller w o r k admirably — all t h e sys-
tems generated will be of interest to some
class of character and worth at least one
visit b y a p a r t y o f adventurers ( G D W ' s
Tarsus m o d u l e is a f i n e e x a m p l e o f t h e
possibilities offered by a single Traveller
world). H o w e v e r, t h e f a c t t h a t a l l s t a r s
have planets, a t l e a s t o n e o f w h i c h i s
inhabited, can lead to a sense of 'same-
ness', a n d poses o n e great question —
since current theory postulates that only
20% of stars have planetary companions,
w h a t happened to the other 80%?
Other q u e s t i o n s s o o n f o l l o w. I f t h e
whole o f space i s n o t o n l y k n o w n , b u t
populated as well, w h a t do members of
the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service do
w i t h their time (apart from running the X
boat service)? H o w c a n s p a c e p i r a t e s
operate s o f r e e l y w h e n t h e y a r e a s
dependent on I m p e r i u m controlled star-
ports a s m e r c h a n t c r a f t are? W h y a r e
naval patrols so inefficient in apprehend-
ing them?
The only meaningful u n i t of measure-
ment s o f a r a s Tr a v e l l e r p l a y e r s a r e
concerned is the interstellar jump, jump-
1 being 1 h e x (which is also deemed to be
one parsec). I f w e w e r e t o expand each
hex, a n d c a l l i t f i v e p a r s e c s a c r o s s
(though s t i l l j u m p - 1 ) , w e w o u l d h a v e
room f o r planetless s t a r s a n d s y s t e m s
with n o habitable planets, providing
answers t o a l l t h e above q'uestions. I n
addition a w h o l e range of n e w scenarios
present t h e m s e l v e s — m i s j u m p s t o
planetless o r u n i n h a b i t e d s y s t e m s ( a
good w a y o f introducing players t o t h e
idea); secret Pirate, Zhodani or Solomani
bases in t h e heart of the Imperium; lost
scout expeditions f r o m p r e s e n t o r p a s t
civilisations; worlds whose existence has
been p u r p o s e l y k e p t s e c r e t f r o m t h e
authorities a n d s o on. O n c e a w a y f r o m
the main spacelanes the possibilities are
limitless!
42
UNCHARTED
STARS
by Paul Vernon 1
Each h e x from a subsector map which
is expanded to five parsecs across can be
presented as in Diagram One, and can be
seen to have 19 smaller hexes w i t h i n it.
The base c h a n c e f o r each s m a l l h e x t o
contain a star system is 9+ on 2D. D M s
can be added for certain regions of space
— p o s i t i v e f o r d e n s e l y packed r e g i o n s
such as clusters and associations, negat-
ive for open regions such as spiral fringes
or interspiral space.
For each s m a l l h e x containing a s t a r
system the actual number of stars may be
determined using the star number table.
When t h i s results in multiple stars they
will be companions on a t h r o w of 3+ on
1D, t h r o w i n g o n c e f o r e a c h p o s s i b l e
pairing. All stars within an expanded hex
can b e considered t o b e jump-1 a p a r t ,
with the exception of those deemed to be
double or triple stars.
When the total number and grouping of
stars is known, the spectral class and size
of each can be determined from t w o (or
more in special cases) throws on the star
type tables.
The q u e s t i o n o f w h i c h s t a r s h a v e
planetary c o m p a n i o n s m u s t n o w b e
answered. Stars in the spectral classes 0,
B and A have been found to rotate much
more rapidly than those in other classes.
The a n g u l a r m o m e n t u m o f a s y s t e m
being constant, i t i s t h o u g h t t h a t t h e s e
other classes o f stars m a y rotate m o r e
slowly because m o s t o f t h e i r s y s t e m ' s
angular m o m e n t u m is possessed by the
planet Jupiter. Most of the planets in our
universe s h o u l d therefore o r b i t F, G , K
and M c l a s s s t a r s , b u t t o k e e p t h i n g s
interesting w e ' l l give 0 , B and A types a
small chance of having them also.
The b a s e c h a n c e f o r s t a r s t o h a v e
planets w i l l b e 1 2 + o n 2 D , w i t h t h e
following DMs: F, N, R or S class +2; G, K
or M class +4; Black Hole or Neutron Star
in system -12.
The m o s t important factor in deciding
w h e t h e r or not any planets orbiting a star
are habitable is the temperature. For life
as we k n o w it to be possible, the average
temperature should be above the freezing
point of water and below boiling point, so
the planet should be neither too close nor
too far away from the parent star, in what
is known as the ecosphere. The hotter the
star, the larger will be the ecosphere, and
the greater the chance that one or more of
its orbiting planets will fall within it. Many
of those planets which do, however, w i l l
still b e u n i n h a b i t a b l e d u e t o h a v i n g
unbreathable a t m o s p h e r e s , b u t m a n y
Traveller p l a n e t s h a v e t h e s e a n y w a y.
Also, i t w i l l be m o r e difficult f o r planets
orbiting stars in binary or trinary systems
to maintain average temperatures within
these limits.
The b a s e c h a n c e o f a n y o f a s t a r ' s
planets being habitable will again be 12+
on 2D, w i t h the following DMs: F and G
class +5; K class +3; M , N, R and S class
+2; White Dwarf -6; Star in binary system
-2; S t a r in Trinary system -3.
For s t a r s w h i c h h a v e p l a n e t s , t h e
number o f g a s g i a n t s , o r J o v i a n t y p e
planets w i l l b e 2 D - 4 w i t h t h e f o l l o w i n g
DMs: 0 , B and A class -3; Star is a giant
-2; S t a r is a supergiant -3; Star in binary
system -1; Star in trinary system -2.
Similarly, t h e n u m b e r of Earth type or
Terran p l a n e t s w i l l b e 2 D - 2 w i t h t h e
following DMs: 0 B and A class -1; Star is
a giant -2; Star is a supergiant -3.
The r e a s o n w h y n o n e o f t h e s e extra
stars appear on commercial starmaps is
that they would only be of interest to the
Scouts, I m p e r i a l N a v y a n d t h o s e w i t h
nefarious motives. The authorities would
do t h e i r u t m o s t t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e
information needed t o navigate to t h e m
did n o t f a l l i n t o t h e h a n d s o f t h e l a t t e r
category. F o r t h i s reason, a l t h o u g h t h e
information i s embedded i n commercial
flight generation programs (each of which
is useful only for a single sub sector) so as
to plot courses around them, o n l y char-
acters w i t h c o m p u t e r - 4 o r a b o v e h a v e
I M A G I N E magazine, October 1984
any chance of retrieving it. Even they will S TA R N U M B E R TA B L E
only be successful on a throw of 10+ (plus
one f o r every level o f expertise over 4), 1D N o of Stars in System
and if the attempt fails the whole program 1-2 1Star
will delete itself (which can turn out to be 3-5 2 Stars
very expensive). The Scouts and Navy will 6 3 Stars
have Security Suppressor Programs en-
abling t h e m to travel to these uncharted
stars, but each of these will be good only S TA R TYPE TA B L E I - SPECTRAL CLASSES
for up to 7 large hexes in case they fall
into t h e w r o n g h a n d s ; o n e o f t h e b e s t 2D Spectral Class Colour of Star Surface temperature
ways o f interdicting a w o r l d i s t o make 2 M RED 3000k
sure t h a t f e w people k n o w about i t and 3-4 A WHITE 8 10,000k
even fewer can get there. 5 B BLUISH-WHITE 12-25,000k
If t h i s optional s y s t e m f o r expanding 6-7 K ORANGE 4 5,000k
the scope of Traveller is used, i t w i l l n o t 8 G YELLOW 5-6,000k
detract f r o m t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f j u m p - 1 9-10 F YELLOW-WHITE 6-7,000k
routes s u c h a s t h e S p i n w a r d M a i n , a s 11 A as A above
Traders will still want to conduct business 12 SPECIAL - see below after throwing 1D
at e v e r y s t o p , a n d f e w w i l l h a v e t h e
information necessary t o g o a n y w h e r e 1 BLUE-WHITE 35,000k
else a n y w a y. N o r n e e d t h e G M w o r r y 2
about having to expand every hex in the 3 RED 2,500k
campaign area, as four expanded hexes 4
two w i t h habitable systems a n d t w o 5-6 SPECIAL - see below after throwing 1D
w i t h o u t c a n be assigned when needed
if kept on hand. T h i s system brings t h e 1-2 BLACK DWARF
Traveller U n i v e r s e m u c h m o r e i n l i n e 3-4 NEUTRON STAR
w i t h our own, however, adding greatly to 5-6 BLACK HOLE
a sense of realism, in addition to opening
the w a y for a w h o l e range o f scenarios
which w o u l d n o t o t h e r w i s e be possible. S TA R TYPE TA B L E - S TA R SIZES
One s u c h i s o u t l i n e d i n t h i s i s s u e ' s
Throw 2 D and index by spectral Type
Amber Zone 'Posted M i s s i n g ' set in t h e
expanded hex below. Spectral Class Giant Main Sequence W h i t e D w a r f
Supergiant
Andy Slack's ideas on t h e subject w e r e 0 2-12
the starting point for much of the material 3 2 4-11 12
in this article. A &F 2 3 4-11 12
I t Paul Vernon G, K, M, N, R, S 2 3 4-12

D I A G R A M ONE
System Star Spectral Size J-Type T-Type No
D I A G R A M ONE Class Planets Planets Habitable
1 1 MS 0 0 0
2 1 MS 0 0 0
2 MS 7 4 0
3 1 SG 2 2 0
2 F MS 0 0 0
4 1 0 3 0
2 NEUTRON 0 0 0
5 1 F MS 0 3 0
2 MS 0 0 0
6 1 A WD 0 0 0
2 MS 4 5 0
1 MS 0 1 0
8 1 A MS 0 0 0
2 MS 0 0 0
3 MS 0 0 0
NOTE ON SIZE
m s = Main Sequence SG = S u p e r g i a n t WD = White
= Binary
Dwarf
Systems

I M A G I N E ma9adne, October 0384 43

POSTED MISSING --
AMBER ZONE
Players' Information
While socialising in the starport bar on
Feri/Regina (0405) the adventurers are
approached b y a s m a r t y o u n g w o m a n
dressed i n a M e r c h a n t 3 r d O ff i c e r ' s
uniform w h o says t h a t a m u t u a l
acquaintance told her they were seeking
gainful employment. She tells them that
until r e c e n t l y s h e w a s employed a s a
Navigation Officer by a Sectorwide ship-
ping firm, b u t refuses to give her name
or that of her former employers. At some
point d u r i n g h e r l a s t t e r m s h e served
aboard a t y p e M l i n e r w h o s e captain
regarded h e r w i t h u t t e r contempt, e n -
couraging her to request a transfer from
her v e r y f i r s t d a y . S o o n a f t e r h e r
transfer came through, the ship failed to
complete o n e of its scheduled voyages
and was posted missing.
Shortly b e f o r e t r a n s f e r r i n g t o a
happier berth, she told the captain that
she suspected a fault to be appearing in
Referee's Information
This adventure w a s designed for a party
w h o have access to a jump-2 ship of some
kind, be i t Type S Scout, Type J seeker,
Type A 2 F a r Tr a d e r, o r e v e n a y a c h t
capable of two successive jump-is. Should
The smart young officer and her escort are:
MERCHANT 3RD OFFICER
Leila Pagella 7 7 5 9 9 8 A g e 26 2 terms
Navigation-2, Computer-1, Steward-1, Gun Cbt-1
NOBLE
Paulo h a u t - D e v i l l e 4 7 5 4 7 C A g e 30 3 terms Cr 50,000
Pilot-1, Engrg-1, Gun Cbt-1, Carousing-1
Both Leila and Paulo will be willing to use
all t h e i r c a s h i n f u r t h e r a n c e o f t h e
salvage expedition. I f t h e yacht is used
Leila w i l l b e m o r e f o r t h c o m i n g , a s t h e
adventurers would not be able to conduct
the search themselves in any event.
The adventure is in t w o parts, the first
of which w i l l be to get hold of a security
suppressor p r o g r a m p e r t a i n i n g t o h e x
0406 in the Regina subsector. There are a
number o f w a y s i n w h i c h t h i s m a y b e
44
the navigational i n t e r a c t console a n d
was characteristically ignored. She has
kept t h e i n f o r m a t i o n t o h e r s e l f e v e r
since, a n d i t i s h e r b e l i e f t h a t t h e
malfunction m a n i f e s t e d i t s e l f o n t h e
ship's last voyage resulting i n i t being
caught i n t h e g r a v i t y w e l l o f s o m e
fuelless stellar system lying somewhere
between i t s p o i n t o f d e p a r t u r e a n d
intended destination.
She would like the adventurers to aid
her in her search for the ship, in return
for which she will offer them 60% of its
salvage value when found and claimed.
In order that they can't leave her to go
looking themselves, s h e w i l l o n l y t e l l
them e n o u g h t o c o m p l e t e w h i c h e v e r
part of the task they are engaged in a t
any o n e t i m e , h e n c e h e r evasiveness
concerning h e r n a m e and her employ-
ers' (in case t h e group f i n d w h a t t h e y
need to know from library data).
the party not have access to such a ship
then t h e m e r c h a n t officer m u s t h a v e a
noble a c c o m p l i c e w i t h a y a c h t b u t n o
crew, in which case the adventurers will
only be offered 30% of the salvage value.
Cr 30,000
Yacht, Gun
attempted. T h e F e r i s c o u t b a s e w i l l
definitely have a copy of the program, and
each s c o u t s h i p i n t h e Feri system w i l l
have o n e on a t h r o w of 8+. The players
may decide t h a t burglary or hijacking is
the best method, or they may attempt to
bribe s c o u t p e r s o n n e l t o f u r n i s h t h e m
with t h e necessary navigation t a p e s t o
visit e a c h s y s t e m i n t h e hex, o r h i r e a
computer expert to crack the security on
their generate program (if they have one).
Once t h e y have t h e m e a n s o f getting
there, t h e y m u s t search t h e systems i n
the expanded hex given in the Uncharted
Stars a r t i c l e (p43). B e f o r e t h e s e a r c h
begins, t h e players will be able to deter-
mine t h e stars i n t h e systems (spectral
class a n d w h e t h e r s i n g l e , b i n a r y o r
trinary s y s t e m s ) b u t n o t w h i c h h a v e
planets. The referee may assign systems
to any location in the large hex in case the
players have also read the article.
W h i l e in each system, the players will
have t w o chances of encountering other
ships, occurring on a throw of 11+ (DM +1
if refuelling possible in t h e system), t h e
actual ship(s) to be determined from the
ship table below.
2D
Throw Ship(s) encountered
2
N a v a l K i n u n i r Class Cruiser
3
P i r a t e s in 800 ton Type C Cruiser
4
P i r a t e s in 4 0 0 ton Corsair
5
P i r a t e s / M u t i n e e r s i n Ty p e A
Free Trader
6 N a v a l Ty p e T Patrol C r u i s e r o r
Gazelle
7-8 T y p e S S c o u t / C o u r i e r
9 4 0 0 ton Scout Survey Ship
10-11 S m u g g l e r s
12 I f refuelling possible i n system
t h r o w t w i c e on the table ignoring
a 12 result. Otherwise the party
has f o u n d a m a r o o n e d Type A
Free Trader.
Naval p e r s o n n e l w i l l b e o n a n t i - p i r a c y
duty a n d b e v e r y s u s p i c i o u s o f t h e
adventurers' s h i p u n l e s s t h e y c l a i m t o
have m i s j u m p e d — s t e a l i n g I m p e r i a l
Scout Service programs and bribing scout
personnel both carry stiff penalties, and it
is possible t h a t a p i r a c y charge w i l l b e
pinned on them in addition.
Scout vessels a r e m o r e l i k e l y t o flee
and i n f o r m t h e Navy o f intruders in t h e
system, w h i c h w i l l b e t h o r o u g h l y
searched by naval vessels for 1D weeks
afterwards. Neither pirates nor smugglers
will r e a c t k i n d l y t o t h e a d v e n t u r e r s ,
though smugglers are much less likely to
attack them.
IMAGINE magazine, October 1984

Some of the systems have other factors
of note, as follows:
System 3 O n e o f the terran planets
orbiting t h e S u p e r g i a n t i s i n f a c t a n
asteroid b e l t . A l t h o u g h m u c h o f t h e
material i s of little value, o n e section is
fairly rich, and is being worked secretly by
a group of belters using a type J Seeker
and a 17 ton mining boat (6G, armed with
a mining laser). The size and armament of
the group to be determined by that of the
players. The belters will be encountered
on a 9+, t h r o w once per day spent in the
belt. T h e belters w i l l b e w o r r i e d a t t h e
prospect of poachers and w i l l take steps
to ensure t h a t n e w s o f their strike does
not become common knowledge.
System 4 The Neutron S t a r i n t h i s
system is drawing o ff a constant stream
of stellar matter from its giant companion
and giving o ff a considerable a m o u n t of
X-rays w h i c h w i l l r e g i s t e r o n s h i p s '
sensors immediately it enters the system.
For e a c h h o u r s p e n t i n t h e v i c i n i t y,
characters lose 1 point of endurance, and
any points lost over 3 w i l l be permanent
(otherwise they will return at the rate of
one p e r week). A c h a r a c t e r reduced t o
zero endurance will die. Another possible
danger i s t h a t t h e s h i p w i l l b e c o m e
caught in the neutron star's gravitational
field — escape velocity from its surface is
15,500 Gll
S y s t e m 5 N o n e of the three planets is
w i t h i n star 1 's ecosphere, and none have
any icecaps suitable for use in refuelling.
The CSS Roxanne Oberlindes, the type M
Merchant t h e party i s looking f o r, i s i n
orbit a r o u n d t h e o u t e r m o s t planet, a n d
ships' s e n s o r s w i l l p i c k u p i t s f a i n t
distress s i g n a l s f r o m 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 m i l e s
away.
The h a r d a n d c a l l o u s c a p t a i n o f t h e
Roxanne, realising the full implications of
the ship's predicament — stranded in a
fuelless system o ff the main spacelanes
with insufficient f u e l t o make a j u m p —
requested a c o m p u t e r prediction a s t o
how l o n g i t w o u l d b e b e f o r e a s h i p
approached c l o s e l y e n o u g h t o p i c k u p
their distress signals. T h e a n s w e r w a s
three years, b u t t h e s h i p o n l y c a r r i e d
I M A G I N E ma9a-lny, October 1984
enough supplies and fuel t o support life
for 30 days if all the passengers and crew
were taken into account.
After calculating that there was enough
fast drug (used by some high passengers)
on board to last the c r e w for f o u r years
and that if the fuel from the 30 ton ship's
boat w e r e u s e d a n d t h e l i f e s u p p o r t
turned on only periodically, it should last
them a l m o s t a s long, h e depressurised
the passenger deck a n d t u r n e d o f f t h e
power in all areas except the bridge and
crew quarters, effectively murdering all
the passengers, h i g h , l o w a n d m i d d l e .
The f e w high passengers w h o managed
to g e t i n t o e m e r g e n c y vacc s u i t s w e r e
shot, as were those members of the crew
who offered objections. C r e w members
who are still alive will be equally culpable,
and will continue to support the captain to
save their own necks.
The laser on the ship's boat was used to
hole t h e h u l l o n t h e p a s s e n g e r l e v e l
before its fuel was drained, and the crew
have been taking fast drug ever since. The
passengers will have been dead for about
720days before the ship is found, 12 days
subjective f o r t h e c r e w, w h o s e n u m b e r
and a r m a m e n t should be determined by
those of the adventurers.
If t h e Travellers contact t h e ship before
reaching i t , t h e c r e w w i l l h a v e t i m e t o
take fast drug antidote. They will tell them
that the ship misjumped originally to an-
other system and was attacked by pirates
while m a k i n g i t s w a y f r o m a gas giant.
The h u l l w a s h o l e d i n t h e ,battle, t h e
captain decided they couldn't hold the pir-
ates off for much longer and activated the
jump drive. The ship was close to the gas
giant, h o w e v e r, a n d m i s j u m p e d again.
They w i l l s a y t h e y k e p t t h e l o w berths
functioning as long as possible, but had to
switch them off 60 days ago to save fuel.
There are a n u m b e r o f clues t h a t the
crew are n o t telling t h e truth, however,
and they are visibly nervous. The hole in
the h u l l w a s caused b y a s m a l l g a u g e
laser f r o m s h o r t range, a n d t h i s can be
determined b y a n y character w i t h g u n -
nery skill. The Roxanne's own lasers have
•••
ttic.st p a r t - 450--ppm
.1-1 7 lotus
rs---Hatat-Licald Lir.
not been fired, a n d she has a complete
store o f m i s s i l e s . T h e l o w passengers
have b e e n d e a d m u c h l o n g e r t h a n 6 0
days, a s anyone w i t h m e d i c - 2 o r above
will easily determine. The ship's log has
no record of the imaginary first misjump,
the powerplant monitor log is incriminat-
ing, and blood stains are in evidence on
the passenger deck.
The captain realises that their story will
not hold u p under detailed examination,
and i n t e n d s t o hijack t h e s h i p after t h e
adventurers are feeling the effects of the
rescue p a r t y h e h a s planned. They w i l l
then tell t h e authorities t h a t both ships
were h i j a c k e d b y pirates, b u t t h a t t h e
Roxanne's c r e w w e r e l u c k y e n o u g h t o
escape in that of their rescuers.
If none of the adventurers realises that
all is not as it seems, Leila definitely will.
System 7 This star's planet
(X-614000-0) i s t o o f a r a w a y f r o m t h e
primary t o b e i n t h e ecosphere. I t i s a
regular stop-over for pirates in the area,
however, as they can refuel from its ice-
caps, a n d t h e y m a i n t a i n a small, s e m i -
permanent b a s e o n i t s s m a l l m o o n . A
pirate vessel o f s o m e k i n d w i l l b e e n -
countered here on a throw of 6+. On 10+ it
will be accompanied by a recent capture
in the 1 - 4 0 0 tons range.
Once the adventurers have possession
of the Roxanne, t h e i r troubles are by no
means over. T h e ship needs 6 0 tons o f
fuel t o enable i t t o make a jump-1 a n d
earn t h e p a r t y a 10')/0 salvage payment
plus 1 0 % o f t h e value o f its cargo. T h i s
will entail risking further encounters with
pirates or the authorities, both o f w h o m
will claim the prize as their own.
Alternatively, they could give the posit-
ion of the ship to the insurance firm w h o
have title to it and receive 5% of the ship's
value i f / w h e n they manage to recover it
Even in this case there is a chance (10+ on
2D) t h a t t h e i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y w i l l
inform t h e a u t h o r i t i e s o f t h e p l a y e r s '
recent m i s d e m e a n o u r s , a n d a s i m i l a r
chance t h a t t h e s h i p w i l l h a v e d i s -
appeared b e f o r e t h e i r r e p o s g e t t o i t
unless t h e adventurers h a v e purposely
disabled the Roxanne beforehand.
= " 7 - .":1--T-r-T-==1.7-"7-..-17-":
45
 .-Amwmionomm;da—
EV::1111111111•1 •
N. OEM E011111
MA =01111111111111 M U = M i l a n

SHIP'5 BOAT
BRIDGEDECK FUEL

r
_iiii • M U N I X W
4 ''‘ El 11 15111 19 23 25 • A i r M I 1118a- _ . . . . . .
AELW • al• • 28 IKE I I l="127111
/I M I 0 14 18
1 3 WM N 3• M I • ' NI••••••
in
I I I 1 • • • E M I 3 ; ; ; 7 1 . 11 1
V I M NU 03 /7 I r a . . i . E • s o MI • m
1 111 . • UU. I X • M 121231 wall!
0 27
11111T110 E D 0 2 EOM •20111111 Ens-a=1111t101 Br -
' RIIIIIIIIIMI • 4. Iml29 3 1 M I L -
UPPER DECK

N\IDDLE DECK

••••• ••••

dUl AMIE M E N E M

b
-
• •
e i l l a

EMMMIN M E M
7
v
10
•
1 0
M
i r

MI ARGO 5TORE
12

A5 IN MIDDLE
promensmontemmum
8 II() DECK AREA 21
M a g i d " L 9

CARGO DECK

K e y to Roxanne Oberlindes
Ship's Boat Upper Deck Middle Deck Cargo Deck
(Launch, 2 0 tons)
1 Lounge 1 Lounge 1 Boat Bay Doors
1 Locker 2 Lift Shaft 2 Lift Shaft 2 Ship's Launch
2 Bridge 3 Freshers 3 3 Lift Shaft
Passenger Airlock
3 Airlock 4-23 Staterooms 4 Freshers 4 Passenger Reception
4 Passengers 24 Crew Airlock 5 5 Low Berths
Sickbay
5 Low Berths 25 Locker 6-14 Staterooms 6 Main Airlock
6 Cargo/Drives 26 Bridge Access 15 7
Galley Vacc R e p a i r s / Store-
27-28 Companion Ways 16 Food Store room
Bridge Deck 29 Port Turret 17 Mech Stores 7a Fresher
1 30 Starboard Turret 18 Mech Wo r k s h o p 8 Access Passage
Bridge
2 32 Power Turret 19 Access Passage 9 Elec Repairs/ Stores
Computer
3
33 Drives 20 Cargo Lift Shaft 10 Cargo Office
Turret Access
4 Dorsal Turret
21 Upper Cargo Hold 11 Cargo Lift Shaft
12 Main Cargo Hold

46 I M A G I N E mogazineo October 1984


Fantasy Media
Scene from Luc Besson's THE LAST BATTLE.
which released on 10 August
I n a derelict office block surrounded by
encroaching desert, a m a n is building a
one-seater aeroplane. N o t f a r a w a y a
gang o f m e n live i n a n e n c a m p m e n t o f
rusting cars. F r o m t h e c a r o f t h e g a n g
chief, t h e lone aviator steals the battery
he n e e d s a n d f l i e s a w a y, t o crash i n a
ruined city where a ragged doctor paints
zodiacs and magical animals on the walls
of the fortified hospital.
Luc Besson's The Last Battle (ICA, 15)
is visually the most startling evocation of
life struggling on after some devastating
I M A G I N E ma9artste, October 1984
Colin Greenland, author of
Daybreak on a Different
Mountain and co-editor of SF
magazine Interzone, reviews the
latest additions to the
fantasy/SF media.
catastrophe, not least because
it's in Cinemascope a n d black
and white: an unusual combin-
ation, t o s a y t h e l e a s t . I t ' s
mysterious, i t ' s violent, a n d i t
has a w i l d a n d f a s c i n a t i n g
beauty. D o n ' t w o r r y about the
fact that it's French: t h e char-
acters c a n ' t s p e a k a w o r d ,
much a s t h e h e r o tries. Com-
munication i s reduced t o t h e
primitive. D r e s s e d i n b i z a r r e
samurai gear cobbled together
from old uniforms and industr-
ial equipment, t h e characters
gesture a n d g r u n t , a n d f i g h t .
The effect i s touching, r a t h e r
than grim.
If I came away unsatisfied, it
was for two reasons. First, that
the i m a g i n a t i v e d e s i g n a n d
photography had been lavished
on a very basic and unimagin-
ative p l o t — t h e y c o u l d h a v e
used just about anyJ G Ballard
story, a n d m a d e a f e w c o m -
ments o n l i f e i n t h e r u i n s ,
instead o f j u s t w a t c h i n g i t go
by T h e other thing that put me
off w a s B e s s o n ' s b l e a k a n d
wholly negative idea of the role
of w o m e n after the collapse of
civilisation: two female charact-
ers only, both merely glimpsed
in t h e s h a d o w s o f t h e c e l l s
where their masters keep them
for their pleasure.
T h e r e i s , o f course, a n o t h e r
movie w h i z z i n g a c r o s s t h e
cinema screens o f t h e n a t i o n
which o u g h t to offer m o r e for
female v i e w e r s , b e c a u s e i t ' s
called S u p e r g i r l ( T h o r n E M I ,
PG). ' T h e o n e t h i n g w e d i d n ' t
w a n t w a s Superman i n drag,'
said director Jeannot Szwarc,
and t o a l a r g e e x t e n t H e l e n
Slater m a n a g e s v e r y w e l l .
Unlike her cousin, who came to
Earth as a baby, Kara has grown up in the
utopian r e f u g e o f A r g o C i t y, i n ' i n n e r
space', and arrives on this troubled planet
as a totally innocent adolescent. Slater is
convincing a n d s y m p a t h e t i c a s t h e i n -
genuous schoolgirl a n d t h e W o m a n o f
Steel w i t h o u t becoming e i t h e r butch o r
dumb blonde; though it is noticeable that
the evil Selena's worst crime is not steal-
ing t h e w o r l d b u t s t e a l i n g S u p e r g i r l ' s
boyfriend Ethan (played by Hart Bochner
doing his best John Travolta impersonat-
ion). R u m o u r h a s i t t h a t S l a t e r w a s
dubbed throughout, b u t t h e w h o l e c a s t
might a s w e l l h a v e b e e n g r u n t i n g i n
French f o r a l l t h e s e n s e t h e d i a l o g u e
makes. I may be old-fashioned, but I can't
help wishing today's film-makers thought
it w o r t h w h i l e i n c l u d i n g a l i t t l e l o g i c i n
their fantasies, i n s t e a d o f having char-
acters w h o s e motivations, abilities a n d
weaknesses change all the time, w i t h no
explanation w h a t e v e r. A f u n f i l m , i n a
vacuous sort of way.
A n o t h e r heroine innocent of the w o r l d
and of her own powers is Lilune, in Tanith
Lee's T h e C a s t l e i n t h e D a r k (Unwin,
f 2.95). Perhaps she'd k n o w more if she
w e r e n ' t kept locked up in a lonely castle
by two horrible witches and never allow-
ed t o see l i g h t o f day. The harper Lir is
summoned by a force he k n o w s nothing
of, t o r e s c u e L i l u n e — a n d t h e n t h e
trouble begins. Tanith Lee starts with the
most traditional of material, pure Brothers
Grimm; b u t s h e g o e s over a n d o v e r i t ,
peeling away layer after layer of assumpt-
ions and illusions, inverting o u r expect-
ations o f g o o d a n d e v i l t i m e a n d t i m e
again. T h e r e ' s n o t h i n g s i m p l e a b o u t a
fairytale by the time she's told it.
I o f t e n h e a r people, s o m e o f t h e m
publishers, complaining that there's too
much fantasy published these days, and
too little solid science fiction. Those w h o
are searching for a drop of the hard stuff
should be glad t o find J a m e s P Hogan's
Vo y a g e f r o m Y e s t e r y e a r ( P e n g u i n ,
f2.50): i t e v e n includes a nine-page
speculation about two different versions
of particle physics! T h e 3 6 8 r e m a i n i n g
pages a r e p a c k e d w i t h i n t r i g u e a n d
adventure on an alien world in the Alpha
Centauri system. The venturers on board
the Mayflower d o n ' t quite see eye to eye
w i t h t h e people o f Chiron. T h e t w i s t is,
these aliens are humans too: four generat-
ions of colonists who've been out of touch
while Earth has been preoccupied with its
own problems, m o s t notably World Wa r
Three. The clash o f worlds is a clash o f
world-views, t h e p e a c e f u l a n a r c h y o f
Chiron a g a i n s t t h e n e w a u t h o r i t a r i a n
regimes of Earth. It's unfortunate Hogan
couldn't h a v e m a d e i t j u s t a l i t t l e l e s s
obvious w h i c h side's going to win.
140 Colin Greenland
Next m o n t h Colin w i l l be back to take a
look a t s o m e m o r e m e d i a r e l e a s e s ,
including U n i v e r s a l ' s f i l m C o n a n t h e
D e s t r o y e r a n d Gregory Benford's n e w
novel Against Infinity.
47
Fetters..,, letters.... letters_ letters..., letters letters.... letters.... letters.— letters_ letters— letters_ letters_ letters_ letters.... letters— letters.... letters_ letters_ letters_ letters— letters— letters l e t t e r s _
Letters
Once again, m e s amis, t h e l e t t e r s page, t h e
meeting place for British garners. This is where
you c a n g i v e v e n t t o y o u r f e e l i n g s o n a n y
subject that might be of interest to your peers.
Personally, I f i n d i t astonishing t h a t in n e a r l y
t w e n t y issues we haven't had a letter about the
astonishing brilliance o f Essex County Cricket
Club or West Ham United, but anyone may now
rectify that by w r i t i n g to: I M A G I N E magazine
(letters), The Mill, Rat hmore Road, Cambridge
CB1 4AD.
=16 - y o u loved it o r you h a t e d it. H e r e are
two opinions.
Simon Webster, Sheffield: I'm sure you'll be
pleased to know that you out-did the competition with
#16, which had the best cover to date; Egypt was
above average; the fiction likewise. Pelinore might
develop into something worthwhile, but why launch
the project when you have to ask other people to write
it for you?
Duncan Harris, Bristol: I must write and express my
disgust at i16. The only useful pieces to my mind
were There & Back Again and Goroghwen.
Sethotep was long, drawn-out and boring; VOP is
unfunny. I'm incensed by the waste of pages from the
Egyptian special — all of it requires a backdrop totally
different to the AD&D and DQ games. And GET
SOME GOOD COVERS!
Opinion was completely divided about whether
the D & O . g a m e s can cover a m i l i e u like the
Egyptian. T h o s e w h o f e l t i t could, a n d w h o
enjoy p l a y i n g i n d i f f e r e n t c u l t u r e s l o v e d t h e
magazine; o t h e r s d i s m i s s e d t h e m a t e r i a l as
irrelevant. A n interesting split of opinion, and it
was very nearly 5 0 / 5 0 . Seeing as we intend to
cover F a r E a s t a n d N o r d i c m i l i e u x e a r l y i n
1985, perhaps a few more of you had better tell
us w h a t y o u t h i n k o f ' c u l t u r e ' t h e m e s ! W h a t
did people say about the Celts' return?
Denis Jones, Eltham, London: Celts — it'll do;
perhaps the Arthurian Age could be covered in detail
soon? Tir Nan Og — bring back Thunder Crag and
Black Rose style scenarios; Lyndum and The
Honour of the Tribe were good one-off scenarios.
Re-doing legends is not my style.
James Manktelow, Bramley, Surrey: For once I
agreed with Lew Pulsipher, IMAGINE magazine
Back Issues
Back copies of IMAGINEm magazine are still available direct from the publisher. Is your collection complete?
All back issues are available at E1.00 each (UK price only, +50p postage).
* Less than 100 copies remaining, please order now to avoid disappointment
48
is getting a bit entertainment-orientated, with less
emphasis on useful things. The Celt articles, for
instance, were useless with regards to the D&D game.
They were OK as histories, but just did not compare
with the articles in #'5.
Tim Ellis, Sutton Coldfield: More, more, more —
for all regions. How about Near and Far East, eg
Arabian Nights style and Japanese.
So there you go. L e t ' s start having your votes
n o w for the Far East a n d Norse backgrounds,
and t e l l u s w h a t a r t i c l e s y o u w a n t t o s e e
connected with them. Incidentally, in the Xmas
issue (#21) w e ' l l be printing a Feedback sheet,
w h i c h w i l l give y o u the o p p o r t u n i t y to shape
the future of I M A G I N E magazine in 1 9 8 5 and
beyond. Yo u ' l l a l s o b e i n w i t h a c h a n c e o f
w i n n i n g some pretty good prizes.
One last look back at #16/17. These saw the
launch of Pelinore, a campaign world designed
to l i n k m a g a z i n e scenarios, t o p r o v i d e n e w
adventures, a n d - j u s t a s i m p o r t a n t l y - t o
encourage the participation of British authors
in its creation. O f course, it's early days yet, but
here are some i n i t i a l reactions:
Denis Jones: I'm not impressed. Should you go
through describing every inhabitant? The Thief and
the Assassin will be killed by the party, Mylitis and
Grimnix will have their house searched for potions.
The public house will be a good place for a bar-room
brawl; the Weapon Designers Workshop people will
be asked 'make me an anti-tank gun'. Is the designer
keeping his name secret for safety?
Philip J E Francis: With the promise of Pelinore, in
which w e garners, can participate, IMAGINE
magazine has really surpassed itself.
Jeremy Lewis, East Croydon, Surrey: For the last
50 minutes I have been fuming while redrawing the
plan views of Westmeet Square in the City League. I
like to be able to tell at a glance the dimensions of a
room or building; your scale meant that this would be
next to impossible. You might like to print other
buildings with a grid.
Jeremy's w a s not the o n l y practical idea, a n d
we h o p e t o incorporate a s m a n y o f t h e m a s
practical in f u t u r e issues. Personally, I ' d have
put a bit of tissue paper over the maps w i t h a
1Introductory scenario, figure painting
3 AD&D scenario, Dave Langford fiction
4 STAR FRONTIERS k game scenario, Anne McCaffrey fiction
5 CELTIC SPECIAL: new druid spells, Celtic mythology.
6 Acrobat class, multi system scenario, Ian Watson fiction
7 The DRAGONQUEST* game: introduction and scenario
8 Cantrips, Sorceror's Apprentice, intermediate level scenario
9 FREE BOARDGAME, 0-level MU scenario, Cantrips
10 Phantasmal Forces, AD&D scenario
11 Cavalier class, Horse Combat, Private Lives of NPCs
12 Solo adventure, Terrain/Climate, Brief Encounter, Enchantment
13 Lovecraft, Call of Cthulhu, Brian Lumley fiction *
14 Luther Arkwright, Traveller scenario, Campaign Diaries. *
15 GamesFair '84 Special, Marsh Dragon
16 EGYPT SPECIAL: mythology, magic, scenario. PELINORE
17 CELTIC SPECIAL II: mythology, scenario. Drow
18 SE features, Creating Monsters, Games Without Frontiers.
grid, rather than redrawing them, i f that kind of
reference w a s required. A s f o r Denis. I t h i n k
your problem is m o r e w i t h y o u r players t h a n
with P e l i n o r e . D o y o u r p l a y e r s k i l l e v e r y
thief/assassin t h e y m e e t ? D o t h e y s t e a l
everything they want? Do they ask for anti-tank
g u n s ? L e t me offer three solutions. ) A w o r d in
the ear of the nearest Thieves' Guild w i l l cure
them o f t h e i r f i r s t a n t i - s o c i a l h a b i t . T h e
Assassins o f the City League are very good at
r e f o r m i n g this kind of prejudice. 2) Turn to the
L a w and Order material in this very magazine.
Assuming that y o u r party i s too t o u g h f o r
Mylitis, a n d overcome any traps he might have
on the Apothecary's stocks, they might still run
f o u l o f the P u n c t i l l a n o r t h e K n i g h t s Ocular.
This c o u l d give t h e m a n i d e a l o p p o r t u n i t y to
learn w h a t happens w h e n you go s t e a l i n g in a
city. 3) If your party can find a way of describing
an anti-tank gun to We t h e r l a m a n d the Elves,
a l l o w i n g f o r his 1 3 intelligence, a n d you can
f i n d a s m i t h able to knock together steel of the
right quality, and some tungsten and HE for the
shells, t h e y ' l l have a go at making one for you,
and it shouldn't cost more than a f e w h u n d r e d
t h o u s a n d gp. Then all they need to do is f i n d a
tank to use it on....
A n o t h e r f o r / a g a i n s t debate has broken out
over the f i n a l o f the P l a y e r s ' A s s o c i a t i o n , a s
announced in #17.
Donald McIntosh, Elgin, Scotland: I must protest
strongly at the wanton destruction of the PA. As a
member for the last 2 years, I can only express disgust
at this decision.
The PA provided those of us who were fanatical
enough to pay for it with an 'inside ear' into the
workings of TSR. Perhaps you could set up a method
for some of us io join the RPGA society other than by
applying directly to TSR in the USA.
Denis Jones: Well done on deciding to shut down the
PA, as it was a waste of time since IMAGINE
magazine arrived. At last you have seen sense.
Readers f r o m t h e v e r y e a r l y days w i l l r e c a l l
that it was only the t r e m e n d o u s outcry o f the
m e m b e r s h i p o f t h e PA t h a t h e l d i t t o g e t h e r
after t h e l a u n c h o f IMAGINE magazine. T h e
problem all the way through has been the fact
that the magazine starved resources that used
to produce the independent n e w s l e t t e r PA N ,
IMAGINE magazine, October 1984
letters.... letters..., letters..., letters letters..., letters..., letters..., letters..., letters..., letters..., letters..., letters letters.— letters..., letters..., letters.— letters letters..., letters.... letters..., letters..., letters.... letters„„

and a n a s s o c i a t i o n o f t h i s k i n d w i t h o u t a
n e w s l e t t e r i s n o k i n d o f organisation a t all.
Recently, T S R I n c d e c i d e d t o t e r m i n a t e t h e
production o f t h e s p e c i a l R P G A m o d u l e s ,
which f u r t h e r eroded the advantages accruing
to t h e PA. M a n y o f us h e r e w i s h t h a t i t h a d
proved p o s s i b l e f o r t h e P A a n d I M A G I N E
magazine to co-exist, b u t w e have to confess
that those w h o s a i d it c o u l d n ' t be done w e r e
right.
Adrian Evans, Barry, S Glamorgan: Chinz the
Charisma King commented in the August issue of the
letters page that computers have nothing to do with
role-playing games. I take exception.
True, the best computer adventure game cannot
compare with a role-playing game and If eel this is the
fault of programmers who try to emulate rpgs — a
technique which due to a computer's all too limited
memory and input is doomed to failure,
So, what use is a computer? In order to maintain a
stable world, a series of rules were set up involving
calculations for combat, etc, and it is precisely in this
field that the computer can be used.
I have created a programme which contains current
files on all the different character attributes which can
be altered immediately for each new situation. No
more pencils and erasers (and no more character
sheets to buy!).
I think people have tended to be awestruck by
computers. They are like calculators, just aids in
allowing you to get on with an adventure.
No m o r e character sheets? W h y don't you go
the whole hog, fit t w o cardboard wings to your
telly s c r e e n ( s o r r y, m o n i t o r ) a n d s t i f l e t h e
market f o r D M ' s screens a s w e l l ? A n d t h e n
what a m I going to do w i t h five g r o s s o f the
things? This progress business is all very well,
but let's be reasonable about
Christopher Gorman, Penmaenmawr, Wales:
After reading your rave review of Steven Gallagher's
Follower in the June issue, I went out and bought a
copy. I agree with everything Cohn Greenland said
about it. It is excellent. I wanted to suggest that it
would make the basis of a reallly good role-playing
scenario; it's got a strong Quest element (John Visco's
journey) and a final confrontation in an interesting,
isolated place.
I hope you follow this up, as it's a book I'd really like
to play.
Me too. The other element of our plans for the
magazine i n 1 9 8 5 I w a n t t o t e l l y o u a b o u t
revolves around scenarios based on the works
of best-selling authors. W h a t do people f e e l
about the idea of following the adventures of a
f o r e - r u n n e r o f Elric, s e t i n t h e h e r o i c l a n d s
devised b y M i c h a e l M o o r c o c k e x p l o r i n g t h e
very fringes of known space in a version of Bob
S h a w ' s S h i p o f Strangers; m e e t i n g the very
mysterious Tr a v e l l e r in B l a c k i n r e a l m s bor-
dering o n Chaos, a s i n t h e J o h n B r u n n e r
stories, o r treading in t h e footsteps o f a n e w
hero in a n e w world, devised by Brian Lumley.
Does t h i s s o u n d like the s o r t o f m a t e r i a l you
want? G e t o u t t h e p e n c i l s a n d erasers y o u
tucked i n t h e d r a w e r a f t e r y o u b o u g h t t h e
computer, a n d let us k n o w !
Alt, n e a r l y d o n e f o r a n o t h e r issue. J u s t
space for a quick question. A n y b o d y got one?
Simon Webster: How can you keep ignoring
Runequest.
Be patient - w e ' r e doing our best.
Letters e d i t e d by Paul C o c k b u r n

by Ian Gibbs
T i 4-tA
9 - e s T VAPbuit, r r. S SofPosET>
o t i v Io u S LY
THAI--•,_)tat,,)y 5 met.i...? -re \hoLeAvrt•Y itEPEL o1,4Y C i l e k r a t E - Ocrr.
— (.014,4-r-
LHoLh.o BALZErL, ,
•••t,wrw / 4 1 - E u . . t E o c E oft. L-F-55.

reni
1
e l e . 1 1 0V i e t -
70

WANTED: CLERICS
Applications are invited for the post of CLERIC
f
with an adventurous party.
Applicants need not be experienced,
but should be familiar with the following texts:
CLERICS — ideas for developing the class
A L I G N M E N T r e s t r i c t i o n s or challenges?
EDGED WEAPONS — the controversy continues
SPECIALIZATION — from acolyte to expert
FLAILS — new ways to chastise the disbeliever
TRIAL BY ORDEAL — an examination of its history
Successful candidates will be ready for the greatest test of them all
1 the Quest for the Necklace of Lillithl

All in I M I : \ G I magazine, #20, with full supporting features.

49
I M A G I N E magazine, October 1984
 GAME COMPANY
Clubs
First, a w o r d from Jenn in SOUTHWELL,
Notts: 'A b u n c h of us who play D & D , a n d
might g e t a r o u n d t o A D & D , p l a y C a r
Wars and Risk, and even own the rules to
"that B u n n y game", a r e looking f o r a
large group o f idiots in our area to play:
a) t h a t lot above, b) D i p l o m a c y a n d c) a
huge g a m e o f K i l l e r. W e a l s o p l a y
Monopoly. Game o f Life, Whist, Crib-
bage a n d G i n R u m m y ( h o u s e r u l e s
apply). Wa t e r fights optional. Contact the
Secretary at 1 5 Pinewood Close, S o u t h -
well, Notts NG25 ODD; Te10636 813728'
Gary W i l t o n o f GLENROTHES, F i f e i s
looking for players in his area interested
in S w o r d b e a r e r ( o r a n y t h i n g e l s e ) .
Contact h i m a t 1 6 1 A b b o t s f o r d D r i v e ,
Caskieberran, Glenrothes, Scotland.
r o t h e r Scot, from FORRES in Moray, is
looking f o r a c l u b w h e r e h e c a n p l a y
A D & D in his area. James H McLennan,
3 Urquhart St, Forres, Moray, Scotland.
Hudson S h a w of HASTINGS asked us to
place t h e f o l l o w i n g n o t i c e : ' F a n t a s y
cartoonist a n d virtual novice gamer, 23,
seeks players i n h i s area. W i l l i n g to t r y
THE
HERO 'A DARK NIGHT ON THE PLAINS OF
- T R E M E N S : THE HoWLoF THE WIND H
IS BACK! -MINGLES WITH THE SouND OF/
•%-
FEEDING BLOODBEASTS •
s V c c : - : ' 9 1 4 Vr a W f i R t f 6 , 1 4 R
,/<,„.„• - af.„--7,
LONGAGO,WRENME FIRST DUKE
( 1 / 11 ; A BETRAYED ME, I MADE A PACT
•
WITH DEATH , - M E G R I M REAPER!
-,:ter;65."--9/.- •
or
f4;02,„
f'•
PORTEN LONG YEARS HA\JE I RWRITEp
You — Foe. T E N YEARS HAvE you
EAJAP ED WY LURES !3•01- (\low
ts
ID
2 REALL:1— IT'S TRUE! CROSS MY
P
50
On this pa9e we wilt advertise your RPG event or club,
or appeal-or other 9amers in your area, free of char9e.
Write to I M A G I N E ma9azine, The M 4 Rathmore R 4 Cambrid9e.
any g a m e once, expecially t h e fantasy-
type games, Rune Quest. A D & D , T&T,
etc.' 36 Saxon Rd, Hastings, E Sussex.
Paul S e a g e r, 1 9 , w a n t s e x p e r i e n c e d *
players a n d referees i n t h e M A L D O N /
Dengle H u n d r e d / Wo o d h a m Ferrers area
of Essex, to play D & D , S t a r Frontiers,
T & T, T o p S e c r e t , Traveller, D r a g o n -
Quest, R u n e Q u e s t and S t a r Trek; t h e
R PG — or anything else. Phone Paul on
(0621) 7 7 2 0 2 4 a f t e r 6 . 3 0 p m i f y o u ' r e
interested. *Beginners also welcome.
David Pearson is looking for garners in the
HINCKLEY a r e a , i n t e r e s t e d i n p l a y i n g
Dungeons & Dragons and Star Frontiers
games. W r i t e t o h i m a t 4 4 R o s e w a y,
Stoke Golding, Warks CV13 6H0..
North Liverpool R PG Club require ref-
erees and players for their newly-formed
group. They play RuneQuest, Dungeons
& Dragons, Call o f Cthulhu, Traveller,
Top Secret, M a n M y t h & M a g i c , S t a r
Frontiers, Bushido, M i d d l e Earth a n d
any other system you care to take along,
particularly t h e l e s s e r k n o w n o n e s .
Novices, v e t e r a n s a n d y o u n g s t e r s a l l
welcome; experienced referees to teach
the above games required. Contact Dave
'AHD AGRHA DRAMA IS ENACTED- INt'•
' THE TOWER OP TERROR!R:-
EIGHT HAVE FALLEN To MN-SNARES--
EIGHT PRINCES oFTHE B1000 or
ALBERIC! EIGHT PRINCES IN ASPIC,
WAITING-ON THE N(KI-Ht
,ONG-Hr'
H EART AND HOPE To G u L P !
Perry, 141 Bedford Rd, Walton L4 5PT or
Tony Smith, 2 3 3 Fernhill Rd, Bootle 20,
1_20 OAQ; or just go along to the Rice Lane
Community C e n t r e o n M o n , T u e s o r
Thurs at 6-10pm, Sat 1-5pm.
Events
Ipswich Games D a y 1 9 8 4 will be held at
St J o s e p h s C o l l e g e , B e l s t e a d R d , o n
Saturday 1 3 t h O c t o b e r f r o m 1 0 a m t o
6pm. A d m i s s i o n 3 0 p . There w i l l b e t h e
usual mixture of RPGs and board games,
plus the finals of the eastern region table-
top w a r g a m i n g c h a m p i o n s h i p s , a n d a
computer tournament. Enquiries to Wa r
& Peace, t h e I p s w i c h h o b b y shop. Te l :
(0473) 58356.
Details o f t h e f o l l o w i n g e v e n t s h a v e
appeared i n r e c e n t issues o f I M A G I N E
magazine: C o n Q u e s t , Glasgow, October
12-14; M i d c o n ( t h e S t a r Trek version),
L e i c e s t e r, O c t 1 2 - 1 4 ; N o v a c o n 1 4 ,
Birmingham, November 9-11.
Other g a m i n g events w i l l be covered i n
future issues: Yo r c o n , Leeds, A p r i l 5 - 8
1985; S o n o f Pandemonium, Toronto,
Ontario, January 19 1985.
ROBIc -'YOU ARE ThE LAST PRINCE OF
MOGGEPON. YouR SoFFERtNG kS
NECESSARY — TO MN REVENGE'.
I M A G I N E magazine, October 1984
According to the Manicheean heresy, every
evil act you commit furthers the cause of
the devil, and every good act is
a blow on the side of the angels.
Judging players' behaviour w i t h
respect to alignment is one thing that
many n e w c o m e r s t o t h e a r t o f
dungeon-mastering s e e m t o h a v e
trouble w i t h . I i n t e n d , therefore, t o
look at this in some detail. But first, a
little p r o b l e m t o d e m o n s t r a t e t h a t
judging alignment behaviour is not a
simple task.
You a r e a s e c o n d - l e v e l p a l a d i n i n a
g e n e r a l l y l o w - l e v e l p a r t y, w a n d e r i n g
along a mountain trail. Suddenly the t r a i t \ \ , '
gives w a y, a n d y o u a l l s l i d e d o w n a
(fortunately gentle) slope to a gulley some
distance below. A s you pick yourself up,
you notice that the cleric of the party has
fallen some distance from the rest of the
group, a n d h a s obviously h u r t h i s f o o t
quite badly. A n d t o w e r i n g over h i m is a
huge r e d dragon! T h e r e s t o f t h e party
bolts. W h a t do you do?
There i s a s c h o o l o f t h o u g h t w h i c h
maintains t h a t L a w f u l Good Characters
Help Their Comrades, and t h a t to m a i n -
tain y o u r a l i g n m e n t y o u w o u l d h a v e t o
pitch i n a n d h e l p t h e cleric. T h e r e i s ,
however, t h e r e a l i t y t h a t a n y t h i n g b u t
flight i s s h e e r suicide. D o e s a l i g n m e n t
overrule self-preservation? Personally, I
don't t h i n k it does, b u t w h e r e you d r a w
the line is difficult to see. If it were an orc
instead o f a d r a g o n , t h e n o n e w o u l d
expect the paladin to plough in. Suppos-
ing it was a bugbear, or an ogre, or a hill
giant? A l s o , t h e r e a r e o t h e r c o n s i d e r -
ations of character personality. A Lawful
Good character, p u t in t h e w i t n e s s box,
might argue as follows: 'I hold with all the
ethical principles of Law and Good, and I
apply t h e m w h e n e v e r I can; o n l y I ' m a
congenital c o w a r d and I go w e a k at the
knees a t t h e t h o u g h t o f fighting. I d o n ' t
mind t h e odd spot o f adventuring w h e n
there's a big party to protect me, but don't
expect m e t o s t a n d a n d f i g h t i f t h e r e ' s
trouble.' I can't really see a paladin taking
this line, but it seems a legitimate enough
argument in itself.
U l t i m a t e l y, t h e s o l u t i o n h a s t o depend
on h o w you a s D M decide t o s t r u c t u r e
your campaign world. Basically, there are
two w a y s o f f i t t i n g a l i g n m e n t i n t o t h e
game. The first is to treat it as a matter of
ethics; ie, a l i g n m e n t expresses the code
of conduct by w h i c h an adventurer lives.
The s e c o n d i s t o t r e a t i t a s a f o r m o f
allegiance t h a t t h e character m a k e s t o
one of t w o opposing powers. The first of
these i s p r o b a b l y t h e m o s t c o m m o n l y
employed; the second is the original basis
of a l i g n m e n t a n d p e r h a p s t h e m o s t
interesting and fruitful for role-playing.
Under the ethical system, a character
of Good a l i g n m e n t is one w h o , t h r o u g h
I M A G I N E ma9azine, October 1984
conviction o r education, b e h a v e s i n a
morally good fashion. And I will trust you
to know the difference between good and
evil; i f you don't, b y a n y chance, t h e n I
recommend you to see your local cleric —
ahem, I mean priest.
Under t h e allegiance system, a char-
acter e x i s t s i n a w o r l d w h e r e a g r e a t
struggle f o r d o m i n a t i o n i s g o i n g o n
ibetween t h e f o r c e s o f G o o d a n d t h e
\ p o w e r s of Evil (Sauron o r Lord Foul o r
/-/-
Satan or Kali — pick your baddie). I f a
character i s o f Good alignment, h e h a s
,:decided that he would prefer the powers:-
of Good to triumph, and will fight on their
side to that end. W h e t h e r all his day-to-
day actions a r e strictly good i s a n o t h e r
matter, a l t h o u g h u n d o u b t e d l y, G a n d a l f
would be happier if they were.
Yo u can see that this makes a big
difference to h o w one views misdemean-
ours against one's alignment, and align-
ment c h a n g e a s w e l l . U n d e r t h e f i r s t
system, a Good character w h o behaves
evilly h a s ' g o n e r o t t e n ' a n d a n E v i l
character w h o behaves well has 'turned
over a n e w leaf'. D o e s i t really matter,
apart f r o m h o w i t a ff e c t s themselves?
Does a d r i f t i n a l i g n m e n t r e a l l y m e r i t
awful consequences? Possibly not, u n -
less the character is involved with deities.
Any clerics w h o behave contrary to t h e
moral precepts of their faith are likely to
find their powers desert them altogether,
and the same can be said for paladins.
Under t h e s e c o n d s y s t e m , t h o u g h ,
change of alignment may mean actively
switching f r o m o n e side t o t h e other, a
very drastic course o f action. Similarly,
any player o f Good a l i g n m e n t w h o per-
sistently behaves in an immoral fashion
while professing allegiance to the powers
of G o o d m a y f i n d h i m s e l f b e c o m e a n
u n d e s i r a b l e a l l y, r e n o u n c e d b y t h e
powers he vowed to serve.
There is another twist to all this again,
in t h e f o r m o f w h a t in t h e M i d d l e A g e s
was known as the Manicheean heresy. In
simple terms, t h i s is the theory that the
world i s a battleground b e t w e e n G o o d
and Evil, f o u g h t n o t w i t h a r m i e s a s o n
Middle E a r t h , b u t w i t h m e n • s s o u l s .
Therefore e v e r y e v i l a c t y o u c o m m i t
furthers the cause of the devil, and every
good a c t i s a b l o w o n t h e s i d e o f t h e
angels. I f enough acts are done o n o n e
side, t h a t side w i l l w i n t h e battle finally
and have ultimate s w a y over the w h o l e
world. I f y o u c h o o s e t o a d o p t t h i s a p -
proach t h e n e v i d e n t l y t h e d a y - t o - d a y
page for the
not-so-experienced
adventurer
by Roger Musson
moral choices m a d e by y o u r -characters
are i m p o r t a n t i n t h e g r e a t s t r u g g l e
between Good and Evil. Thus those w h o
pr:Otess to be allied to the cause of Good
w i l t b e anxious t o stamp o u t all a c t s o f
evil-doing, w h i c h p i l l o t h e r w i s e i n k i b i t
and delay t h e findt victory of G o o d e v e r
Evil, o r e v e A 5 t h e scales the other way
altogether.'
S o there are several different styles yo
can e m p l o y i n h o w y o u r e g a r d t h e
'Goodness' of a character's behaviour. At
the extremes of laxness, you can play that
drift of alignment is only really important
when i t affects the character's relation-
ship w i t h a deity or similiar power, a n d
pay relatively little attention to the pecca-
dillos of fighting men. Or you can play that
what really matters is w h i c h side in t h e
cosmic struggle each character supports.
Or at the strictest extreme, you can play
that e v e r y a c t i o n a f f e c t s t h e c o s m i c
balance a n d m u s t b e j u d g e d c a r e f u l l y.
Which style you prefer is really up to you.
1&5 Roger M u s s o n
Next month, language in FRPs; a n d some
further t h o u g h t s o n a l i g n m e n t i n a n
article by Lew Pulsipher.
Previous beginners' articles are detail-
ed below. To obtain back issues see )948.
.1, 2 & 3: General introduction to r p g s ; . 4 & 5: Advice
for b e g i n n i n g D a s . ; . 6 & 7.- Hints on staying alive &
completing a mission; . 8 : Tr e a s u r e . ; . 9 : M o n s t e r s . ;
.10: Allocating dungeon treasure a n d monsters.;
. 11 : Ti m e & m o t i o n . ; . 1 2 : Role-playing; . 1 3 ; Role-
playing f o r DM.s.; N P C s . ; . 1 5 : M a p p i n g . ; . 1 6 :
Scale & t h e u s e o f m i n i a t u r e f i g u r e s ; . 1 7 : D M - i n g
e q u i p m e n t ' ; .18.- A l i g n m e n t s
* m a i n l y for D M s
51
Dialog The infamous columnist from the land of the
Los Angeles Olympics takes another look at
the world of adventure gaming
by Lew Pulsipher
I w a s preparing for a long trip to Britain — ah,
but this will be printed too late for any o f you to
deliberately avoid me, chuckle — and pondering
the British gamer.s psyche, if there is such a thing.
Turning to my A l t e r Ego, who had joined me in
the study, I said: ' I wonder i f there's a notion —
maybe hiding in a closet, but still there — among
British gainers that being organized while playing
a game is somehow counter-productive; inimical
to having fun._ a notion that to have fun you must
be unorganized, "loose", unfocused.'
'Very romantic, that.'
'Yes, with a capital R. Even Dionysian, i f you
prefer Nietzschean terms. G o o d o l d Philosophy
101..
'Maybe y o u ' d b e t t e r explain t h a t f o r n o n -
intellectual types like me, Puls.'
'Eh? That course was a long time ago, Alter. Let
me see. Since ancient times Greek philosophers
have divided human attitudes into two categories.
One c o u l d b e c a l l e d Classical, A p o l l o n i a n ,
intellectual. The other might be called Romantic,
Dionysian, emotional. L a w f u l a n d Chaotic are
just t h e latest expressions o f t h e d i c h o t o m y,
perhaps with slightly different meanings. Through
the centuries, historians can trace swings from one
to the other — hence the Classical age of Mozart,
Hayden and the Enlightenment, followed by the
Romantic age o f Schuman, Tchaikovski, Words-
worth, etc.'
'And y o u t h i n k m a n y B r i t i s h gainers —
probably Americans too, I should think — are o f
the e m o t i o n a l / R o m a n t i c persuasion, a t l e a s t
when they are playing?'
'Yes, Alter, and as a result they are suspicious of
anything that makes game-playing more organ-
ized, more 'mathematical', less uncertain. T h e y
are suspicious o f detailed rules that attempt t o
define a s m u c h a s possible, even t h o u g h t h e
burden o f decision-making may be decreased b y
more comprehensive rules. A n d they're not inter-
ested in making the mechanical and physical parts
o f the game easier to deal with, because it seems to
clash with the Romantic ideal.'
'Even though an ounce of organization before a
game o r during a game frees the players f r o m
mundane tasks a n d wasted effort t o a l l o w the
players to enjoy the game itself.'
'I couldn't have said it better myself, Alter. You
know I ' m A p o l l o n i a n — I s t a r t e d p l a y i n g
wargames because I dislike boardgames that relied
largely on chance, which is the supreme Dionysian
element — and I get frustrated when referees and
players waste time — mine as well as theirs —
simply because they're disorganized. I w a n t t o
enjoy the game, and organization helps me enjoy
it. B u t w h a t can y o u d o w i t h people w h o are
suspicious o f organization on principle? A lot o f
people w h o are suspicious become sold o n the
advantages o f being organized once they see how
much more they can enjoy an organized game, b u t - - r e a s o n w h y Traveller i s s o popular? Because
it's impossible t o show thousands o f magazine
readers individually.'
'Let's face it, Puls, FRP is going to attract more
free-formers, more chaots, than any other kind of
game — chess and such 'skill' boardgames must be
games for Apollonians. L o o k at all those dice in
the D & D game! A n d heroic fantasy is universally
regarded as Romantic —'
'Yes, I ' m not entirely Classical.'
'— so you're just going to have to put up with a
lot o f Chaos in A D & D and other games.'
'I just hate t o see people wasting their time
unnecessarily, Alter.'
'Anyway, much o f the interest i n the game is
seeing how players express themselves through it,
and Chaots are as interesting as Lawfuls.'
52
'Yes, I like t o gauge the " n a t u r a l alignment"
and " n a t u r a l character class" o f players. M o s t
Americans — the males anyway — seem t o be
naturally Chaotic Neutral, n o t really evil, b u t
quite self-centred and unpredictable. They're very
anti-Kantian.'
'Not more philosophy! Whaddaya mean?'
'Immanuel Kant said something like "treat no
human as a means, b u t as an end o n l y " — his
reasoned form o f the Golden Rule.'
'Kant was Apollonian?'
'Oh, definitely, Critique of Pure Reason and all
that. W h a t he meant was don't treat people like
objects, o r merely as means to getting your own
way; t r e a t t h e m as something t o be valued i n
themselves. T h a t c o u l d b e o n e d e f i n i t i o n o f
" G o o d " alignment; while " E v i l " would be those
who go out of their way to treat people as means.
Hence slavery would be Evil, except perhaps in
quite peculiar circumstances.'
'So, what about American players?'
'Well, they tend not to give a hoot one way or
the other. Sometimes t h e y ' l l a c t i n a K a n t i a n
manner, or in an anti-Kantian manner, but not out
of any conviction, merely out of a combination of
chance and self-interest. I n short, they act like
thugs. A c t u a l l y, I should say their characters act
that way. M o s t o f them aren't that way in their
"real" lives.'
'I t h i n k s o m e referees w o u l d r e g a r d t h a t
behaviour as Evil rather than Neutral.'
'Yes, m y s e l f included, b u t m o s t A m e r i c a n
referees let the thug players call their characters
Neutral.'
'Well, P u l s , i t ' s a n o t h e r case o f t h e g a m e
enabling people to play a role they wouldn't play
in real life.'
'Yeah, b u t w h y n o t b e heroic? I t ' s " h e r o i c
fantasy", isn't it'? Why do these people want to be
thugs instead of heroes?
'Lack o f imagination, Puls. A n d besides, it's
easier to be a thug than a hero. There are fewer
constraints. A n d you're less likely to get killed.'
'What's that definition? " A foolhardy act is a
brave act that fails." Thugs find it easy to avoid the
foolhardy, except when Chaos gets the better o f
their judgement — which seems to happen often.
Perhaps referees could try to encourage the heroic
and discourage thug-like behaviour.'
'How?'
'Well, heroes should get help, while thugs can't
expect anyone t o l o o k u p o n t h e m favourably.
Heroes should be honoured w i t h gifts o f land,
titles, perhaps even magic items and money; thugs
gain only those rewards they can grab from others.
And those referees who "fudge" situations and die
rolls can fudge in favour of the heroic, of the good
guys, or even the truly evil guys, and let the thugs
suffer. A well-played E v i l character i s m o r e
interesting than the thugs. By the way, know one
there's no alignment, characters are expected to
act like bully-boys. I t ' s too easy t o get killed to
encourage characters t o act heroically. Besides,
there's no reward for it. So the game caters for the
preferences o f most role-playing gainers.'
'And that's why you don't play it?'
'One reason just about sufficient in itself....'
'And what about "natural" character classes?'
'Another t i m e , A l t e r . W e ' r e l a t e f o r t h e
computer users' group meeting.'
14,.5 L e w Pulsipher.
Apologies to Put's fans over last month, when
Dialog was missing. Will next month's instal-
ment include t h e Doc's views o n British
garners? Watch this space!
Press
The longer 1984 goes on, the more it seems to
be a year of escalating changes for the fanzine
industry. This month, a s the Zine Poll r e s u l t s
come t o l i g h t , s e v e r a l z i n e e d i t o r s h a v e
announced important decisions that are going
to r a d i c a l l y a l t e r t h e l i n e - u p o f t h e a m a t e u r
press for the future.
Not t h e least of these a n n o u n c e m e n t s is the
home of the Zine Poll itself. In the pre-results
issue o f M A D P O L I C Y, R i c h a r d Wa l k e r d i n e
subtly dropped in the fact that he is considering
folding the zine after issue 105. He did say that
he is only thinking about it, but that is usually a
sure sign. Perhaps more immediately shocking
to r e a d e r s o f I M A G I N E ' I m a g a z i n e i s t h e
news t h a t Pete Ta m l y n i s d o i n g m o r e t h a n
thinking a b o u t a f o l d ; A C O LY T E 5 9 i s t h e
penultimate i s s u e o f t h i s z i n e . T h e g e n e r a l
public will have to wait for issue 60 to find Out
the reasons for the fold from Pete himself, but I
can s a y a l r e a d y t h a t A c o l y t e w i l l b e s o r e l y
missed by both the postal gaming and frp ends
of the hobby. Another, somewhat newer zine is
biting the dust as w e l l ; lan M a r s h ' s Y E A R OF
THE R A T h a s f o l d e d d u e t o t h e l a c k o f
response f r o m g a m e s p l a y e r s a n d r e a d e r s
generally. A n understandable decision, w h e n
the major reason for producing a fanzine is to
get s o m e response — r e m e m b e r t h a t w h e n
one next falls through the letterbox and try to
drop t h e m a l i n e . YOTR's d e m i s e m a r k s t h e
disappearance o f t h e l a s t r e m n a n t o f
D R A G O N L O R D S f r o m the scene.
Where does t h e f u t u r e lie? We l l , o n e c a n
hardly ignore S E WA R S 20, with the traditional
mix of hardware and scenarios for the A D & D
game. C h r i s B a y l i s s e e m s t o h a v e t a k e n
offence t o t h e m e n t i o n s o f S E WA R S i n t h e
article on editing a fanzine in -417, and gets in a
couple of digs at DragonLords in return, as well
as p r i n t i n g a n open l e t t e r f r o m a c o n t r i b u t o r
w h i c h attacks the prozines. Chris is obviously
out to make a n a m e f o r SEWARS, w h a t w i t h
talking a b o u t making physical i m p r o v e m e n t s
to t h e z i n e a n d b l o c k v o t i n g b y t h e c l u b ' s
members i n t h e G a m e s D a y A w a r d s z i n e
category....
DEMON'S D R AW L 7 shows that Jeremy
Nuttall h a s b e e n s a v e d a n d b e c o m e a t r u e
roleplayer (halleluyah, brothers!). T h e m a g a -
zine itself continues to offer a good selection of
ideas and articles — even if the Heraldry piece
does seem suspiciously close to the one in the
I M A G I N E magazine, October 1984
Cuttings
Encyclopedia Britannica! S H A D O W E I R E is a
relatively n e w zine, aimed at a totally different
market t o e i t h e r o f t h e l a s t t w o m e n t i o n e d ;
Richard Lee w a n t s t o produce a zine of ideas
which will appeal to the newcomer to fandom.
So, if you are a novice fanzine reader, or just a
potential one, this could be worth investigating.
Perhaps the future lies somewhere completely
different. M Y S T I C C R Y S T A L i s a n e w f r p
zine, inspired, o r so the editor tells us, by the
article on zine editing that appeared in . 1 7 . It
just goes t o s h o w h o w quickly you c a n get a
zine o u t w h e n you try! I t ' s a good f i r s t issue,
with s c e n a r i o s a n d d i s c u s s i o n a r t i c l e s f o r a
variety of frp systems. Unfortunately, they did
make a n e l e m e n t a r y mistake, a s t h e r e i s n o
contact a d d r e s s a n y w h e r e i n s i d e . S t i l l , t h e
original T O R T U R E D S O U L S did that too, and
look w h e r e t h e y a r e n o w I suppose, w h i l e
we're o n t h e s u b j e c t , w e ' d b e s t m e n t i o n
another zine eager to take the place of the 'old
guard'. THE M A L K U T H S C R I P T S is a strange
first issue, w i t h poor typing, poor spelling, and
articles such as the Drunkard character class,
and h o w t o d e s t r o y a s e n s i b l e r p g session.
Denis c l a i m s to be the youngest editor in t h e
hobby, so he'll probably improve rapidly, b u t I
IMAGINE ma9axiste, October 1984
can't really recommend this in the meantime,
even if it is offering En Garde, B a r r o o m B r a w l
and U n i t e d amongst other games.
R E D F O X is the most unusual zine this month,
as i t i s really a comic. R e d f o x i s t h e f e m a l e
barbarian c h a r a c t e r w h o appeared b r i e f l y i n
the last f e w issues o f DragonLords, n o w in a
full length comic of her own. While the art and
story will hardly give Barry W i n d s o r - S m i t h or
Dave Sim many sleepless nights, it is well done
and e n t e r t a i n i n g . T w o o t h e r p u b l i c a t i o n s t o
mention h e r e between t h e frp and the postal
zines, are FA N TA S Y A D V E RT I S E R 86, which
continues to offer a good service to comics fans
(although I d i d n o t i c e t h a t t h e r o l e p l a y i n g
column h a d b e e n c u t ) a n d C R A S I M O F F ' S
W O R L D 6 w h i c h is issued to all players in the
CW pbm game, and contains articles, rumours
and c o m m u n i c a t i o n s b e t w e e n t h e players —
most o f w h i c h s e e m t o b e t h r e a t s ! N i c e l y
produced for 50p though.
A quick blast through the postal gaming zines
to c l o s e w i t h , s t a r t i n g w i t h m u c h d e s e r v e d
congratulations and cheers for H O P S C O T C H ,
w h i c h has w o n the Zine Poll for '84. Issue 43
offers the same comprehensive games service
as ever. N M R ! 5 2 w a s r a t h e r dull, a f t e r t h e
previous tapezine a n d 3 D issue, except for a
change to wordprocessing. It even lacks one of
the n o t o r i o u s R o d A n d e r s o n c o v e r s ! - r - r w
I N T E R N AT I O N A L 4 3 m o d e l s i t s e l f o n t h e
Financial Times, w i t h a f r o n t cover depicting
the dollar-sterling exchange r a t e f o r t h e last
year T h i s serious cover can't mask the light-
hearted f r p d i s c u s s i o n a n d g a m e s i n s i d e
though. M O N S T E R S O F T H E P R U N E i s a
rather apt title f o r MASTERS OF THE PRIME
15, w h i c h o ff e r s a s t o m a c h - c h u r n i n g m i x of
games such as J u d g e D r e d d , Baseball Wa r s
and D i p l o m a c y ; a s w e l l a s b o o k r e v i e w s ,
hobby n e w s , a n d s o m e over-the-top fanzine
reviews.
On the thin, but entertaining side, we have that
old, regular W A L A M A L AY S I A GAZETTE 45,
with e f f i c i e n t D i p l o m a c y, spacefillers, a n d
w h a t appear to be compromising photographs
from M a n o r c o n . M O U S E P O L I C E take t h e i r
last review in this space to heart with 'odd, but
promising' plastered across the cover of issue
6. It is m a i n l y an E n G a r d e report, b u t offers
openings for R a i l w a y Rivals and Scrabble as
well. Lastly, C U T & T H R U S T 2 5 d r a w s best
blood as an En Garde vehicle. Merde, even ze
Paul Cockburn chappie 'as been d r a w n into ze
playing!
I'll have a f e w things to say about the Zine Poll
and G a m e s D a y r e s u l t s n e x t t i m e . F o r n o w,
here are a selected f e w placings from the Zine
Poll, as published in Mad Policy:
1st H o p s c o t c h
2nd N M R !
3rd M a d Policy
Cut & Thrust 6th; Acolyte 7th; Ta k e That You
Fiend 1 0 t h , M a s t e r s o f t h e P r i m e 3 6 t h ,
Walamalaysia Gazette 42nd.
W Z i n e s r e v i e w e d by M i k e L e w i s
Contact Addresses
ACOLYTE, Pete Tamlyn, 2 Poplar Road, T h e Coppice,
Aylesbury HP22 SBN (45p); CRASIMOFF'S WORLD NEWS-
LETTER, KJC Games, 5 Vicarage Avenue, Clevelys, Blackpool.
Lancs FY5 2BD (50p), CUT & THRUST, Derek Wilson, 321
Headley Road East, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 4SE (25p),
DEMON'S DRAWL, Jeremy Nuttall, 4 9 Longdown Rd,
Congleton, Cheshire; FANTASY ADVERTISER, Martin Lock.
3 Marlow Court, Britannia Square, Worcester WR1 3DP (50p).
HOPSCOTCH, Alan Parr, 6 Longfield Gardens, Trmg, Herts
(40p), M A D POLICY, Richard Walkerdine, 1 4 4 Stoughton
Road, Guildford, Surrey GU26PG (30p), MALKUTH SCRIPTS,
Denis Jones, 22 Beechhill Rd, Eltham, London 5E9 1HH I?),
MASTERS OF THE PRIME, Bryan Betts, 48 Cotham Vale,
Redland, Bristol 8 S 6 6 H 5 (50p), M O U S E POLICE, Rob
Wilson, 6 Shorefrelds, Benfleet, Essex (20p),
MYSTIC CRYSTAL, (?). NMR I, Brian Creese, 256 Canbury
Park Road. Kingston o n Thames, Surrey KT2 GLG (45p),
REDFOX, Alastair McGilvray, 393 Mansfield Ad, Nottingham
NG5 20G; SEWARS, Chris Baylis, 1 2 The Fryth, Basildon,
Essex (60p). SHADOWFIRE, Richard Lee, 226 Graham Rd,
Sheffield S10 3GS, TTYF INTERNATIONAL, Kevin Warne,
48 Boscornbe Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex R M 11 1 J G ,
WALAMALAYSIA GAZETTE, Dave Thorby, Flat 63, Cliffords
Inn, Fetter Lane, London EC4.
There's only
one word
to describe
a magazine
that publishes
science fiction
of this calibre.
[Zit•• Storms
Ask your local
retailer to deliver or
write to:
TSR UK Limited,
The Mill, Rathmore Road,
Cambridge 031 4AD
Telephone 0223 212517
AMAZING i s a trade mark owned by TSR inc
53
 M• • %/boss'
r 'TA K Is*
I •
NG
V k
mil*AD peassso.so
loSPolattotati"
A space for the publisher to air his views
B a s i c or Advanced?
If you can remember all the w a y back to
3, y o u w i l l r e m e m b e r N o e l W i l l i a m s
comparing the Basic and Advanced games
in r e s p o n s e t o t h e p e r e n n i a l q u e s t i o n
'What i s t h e d i ff e r e n c e b e t w e e n B a s i c
D&D® and A D VA N C E D D&DO?'
Of all the role-playing games available, I
think the D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S ®
game m u s t be unique in having the t w o
versions w h i c h a r e i n s o m e r e s p e c t s
quite different.
Physically, their differences are strikingly
obvious — one looks like the sort of game
everyone was used to in the old days — a
box, a n d d i c e r a t t l i n g a r o u n d i n s i d e —
w h i l e the o t h e r looks like a s e t of books.
But t h i s t u r n s o u t t o b e a s u p e r f i c i a l
difference; after all, w h a t ' s a set of dice
and a crayon between friends.
The c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e v e r s i o n s i s ,
actually t h i s t i m e , q u i t e d i ff e r e n t . T h e
Basic - E x p e r t - C o m p a n i o n ( - M a s t e r s
- Immortals) series i s r a t h e r like t h e
successive slices of a vertical pole, w i t h
each slice resting on the one before, and
Basic s i t t i n g o n t h e g r o u n d . A p l a y e r
whose character achieves level 4 will find
nothing left in Basic t h e move to Expert
is v i t a l i f t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t o progress
further — and, s i m i l a r l y, t h e 1 5 t h level
character will find further rewards in the
Companion set.
Advanced, b y comparison, i s m o r e l i k e
the s k i n s o f a n onion, w i t h t h e Players
Handbook and the D M G as the core and
the o t h e r books providing additional —
not vital, b u t certainly tempting — refer-
ence material. In theory at least, a player
could develop a c h a r a c t e r u p t o 1 0 0 t h
level and beyond w i t h o u t any more than
the PH (and a long-suffering DM).
The d i f f e r e n c e i n p l a y c a n b e q u i t e
marked o r almost negligible. O n e of the
more o b v i o u s d i ff e r e n c e s i s t h a t t h e
Advanced m a g i c user can h a v e a m u c h
greater repertoire of spells than the Basic
counterpart. S i m i l a r l y, A d v a n c e d h a s
more magical items, more monsters (and,
as it happens, more modules available). In
54
other words, the option to make Basic the
wide-open free-for-all need not be exer-
cised b y t h e D M a n d players, i n w h i c h
case i t becomes t o a l l i n t e n t s a n d p u r -
poses a simplified version of Advanced.
But t h e w i d e - o p e n n a t u r e o f t h e B a s i c
game, i n contrast to the more extensive
but restrictive and controlled Advanced,
is the core o f t h e difference o f t h e t w o
styles (there's something of a m i s n o m e r
here — Advanced i s probably harder t o
play well than Basic, but the gap between
Advanced a n d Expert, a n d c e r t a i n l y
between A d v a n c e d a n d Companion, i s
hardly noticeable i f it's there at all). The
two schools of thought are not, i t seems
to m e , i n o p p o s i t i o n ; r a t h e r, t h e y a r e
simply expressing a personal preference
about t h e s t y l e o f g a m e t h e y e n j o y. A
competent D M c a n , f o r instance, q u i t e
easily r u n a n E x p e r t m o d u l e w i t h A d -
vanced characters; all this requires is to
keep a c a r e f u l e y e o p e n f o r i n c o n s i s t -
encies, perhaps substitute a m o n s t e r or
two w i t h a s e n s i b l e c h o i c e f r o m A d -
vanced, and so forth.
Module S3 — Expedition to the Barrier
Peaks w a s c r i t i c i s e d b y s o m e p u r i s t s
when i t w a s published, for here w a s an
Advanced module w i t h a strong element
of science fiction, and those who believed
in t h e i n t e g r i t y o f A d v a n c e d f e l t t h a t
science fiction properly belonged to Basic.
From personal experience, however, I can
say that the module is well-enjoyed by the
Advanced players w h o have tackled it.
Whatever w e a t T S R s a y a b o u t t h e m
being different games a n d I think there
is enough difference t o justify t h i s con-
tention — t h e f a c t is t h a t m a n y people
perceive them as the same. Folk generally
use ' D & D ' to describe t h e m both; i n m y
group of player friends we still talk about
'playing D & D ' even though w e switched
to p l a y i n g A d v a n c e d y e a r s a g o ( t h e
general public don't seem to be aware of
the difference, b u t I suppose t h e w h o l e
thing is a mystery to them anyway).
Polls, f o r w h a t t h e y are w o r t h , c a n g e t
confusing too. The player w h o votes for
the D & D g a m e m a y v e r y w e l l p l a y
Advanced, or a mixture of Advanced and
Expert, o r whatever, b u t quite often w i l l
simply write D&D on their voting form for
simplicity, and that ends up as a vote for
Basic. T h e f a c t i s t h a t t h e D u n g e o n s &
Dragons g a m e , a n d n o t t h e A d v a n c e d
variant, has come out the winner in many
polls, yet I would guess that on at least a
f e w occasions i t s h o u l d h a v e b e e n t h e
other w a y around. B u t w h o cares? Polls
are f o r casual i n t e r e s t or for those w h o
want t o prove something w h i c h i s o f
monumental insignificance, a t l e a s t i n
the gaming world.
Incidentally, t h i s seems t o disprove t h e
notion t h a t p e o p l e t a l k a b o u t b e i n g
involved w i t h Advanced Whatsits rather
than Basic Whatsits since that supposedly
gives them additional prestige. And there
am I trying to prove something of monu-
mental insignificance.
Another interesting point. If you go to the
USA y o u w i l l s e e a v a r i e t y o f ' o t h e r '
products on sale w i t h one or other name
on. J i g s a w s , play-sets, m o n s t e r masks,
costumes, p e n c i l s a n d rubbers, p l a s t i c
toys, pinball games, clay modelling kits—
even Fantasy candy. M a n y o f t h e m o r e
juvenile of these things are treated w i t h
disdain b y t h e g a m e r, s i n c e t h e y a r e
directed a t a y o u n g e r a g e g r o u p ' a n d
we've grown out of that sort of thing'. But
the r e m a r k a b l e t h i n g i s t h a t m a n y o f
these j u v e n i l e p r o d u c t s c a r r y t h e
'Advanced D u n g e o n s & D r a g o n s ' label
rather t h a n Basic. There is n o apparent
reason w h y this should be so c e r t a i n l y
it fails to match the assumed intellectual
level o f t h e p r o d u c t ( e i t h e r w a y, a s i t
happens).
So B a s i c a n d A d v a n c e d d o n ' t r e a l l y
categorise standards o f skill i n p l a y o r
difficulty of game-content. Basic is better
than Advanced for the beginner, w i t h o u t
doubt, because it introduces some rather
unfamiliar i d e a s q u i t e s l o w l y a n d p r o -
gressively. B u t h a v i n g g o t b e y o n d t h e
novice stage, the switch to Advanced, or
the progression u p the Expert/Compan-
i o n / w h a t e v e r ladder, w i l l be a m a t t e r of
taste rather than skill. I k n o w quite a few
people w h o a r e q u i t e h a p p y t o e n j o y
both...
046 Don Turnbull
I M A G I N E mo9azbw, October 1984
 ---•-••••• . 1 4 0 l e • SUREITWAS-n-UNDERs!-(EAvk•
M O S T D E F L N I T E L N T k L i r A D E R. A N D S O
'TO E IN,R.AID, OP, ElA!

O G I R N , 'DO S L O , e 4 D O W N R & T !
F O R O N E VO-IO'SI-I \ i E R S W C " , \<01.) ; O N E
G A N E D N t r A e , t - E PA C E . '

-nAN-05 B E C P, V S E
LIEVE S R O M E T PA N G
FAUSVk S I G G E R U N M E
IS C_OMING O P F R O M
-114E R E P , WEASI4!

AN EP C N tVJEL ck4o
THENIGOT of- ti-o_ cKEATURe.
AFTER A DA'-( T H E VILLAGE, O G R N A N D \NEASEL FND--nARASELVZS
IrAmENsEL,( P o P L I L A R A N D A R E G u E S Ts O F \AONOUP, A I A NAE.IKR-f DP,s(TRAE
BYAsTERRB
I LESNosR
,U
, NGA
. N3DT BNOWDAR..AND-1-14EYAREPLoNE•
6ANO-LSET M E \ e D A N c E A N D D R N K -k-I-Elv\GEL\)E T o SLEEP, gU-V ARE WO‘KEN

SUMEW:1t M N o T DRINK
RN'(IAOREI WA c - . - N A T A . . ,

\-\ N o U ) . / E ZYJST C , 3 7 - -r•-;L

14ORRoRG F R O M TA.1<tNC,TO O
IALJ CIA A L E

WAIT.
OGPNN,IPOPA
. \
oefi I t
rIg

M A H A L F •BLIND
P R o t A A L E , '-(0t..)
R I J N W E L L 's •

•/YES..,TAAT
S•••ADRN/ 6WAS
o11
,1
A R E A L ONE,.

MORE A. GL)E7kot,.. Op CoCILP \NE \\,ALL I t !

Y V J A , YOU' \,;E L E F T O j P . SC,K)RD ,e5EW1,.1Z>..•
C O M E ot,1 L E T ' S M A K E P o R a E t , c _ W .

V J E A E L , 11 \ A S c . NIO T I R E
DOPE! 1 ; W E c k , 4
11 7 0 MA,V..E Pt 01E w A t E R , \NE mAN
BE PRoru....TED FEDtA
I c E \ E R s ( EY,..14ALAI\ ON\ S!

DOEI-004-0I, -OR
- 1-(EQE I T COMES
A G A its1.1!

011&441- W E T o ELAN 11"? K N 1 0 W I N G TRESE

PEOPLE. I T ' S P R o S N a L i E S C A P E D PRoM )
FARNWARD O R ScorAEDAtt,tG..

55
I M A G I N E n t a 9 a z i n g , O c t o b o - 1984
 1-11‘7E-AS ( ( ' M O V E R . 1-i EgE
FOLLOLAJ M E T O T H E S I - 1 0 F E C A N /
S.EP: A C A

N I I I I I i p p k , d a b , r p p , . 11111 P • . 4 * * . a . •

WHAT? 0 4 1 . 1 DON'T
KHOM S o m E - t 6 t 1 4 G
u o m P E D M E - 1 140uG141-
IT WO•S YOU,PLCIIKIDER-11-1Gt
AND y r WAS D I E FA S T
THIN c , R A M . E D !
A SWORt • EN? WiSE VC/4
IT T H E B E AT I N G O P T H E Pctsi' T A S K
CREATuRES t - I ' s SOME es.ifES-TION&
W AY a B U T iTlS ABoLir FREE
04-ACK, WHERE 's TI-hS C A S T L E ? GiFTS.- s o
AVA_ wILL_

I T S A KOCE n N E , TOO.
IT- CAN'T- ElAf)E INEEN
-MERE L O N G - . THERE'S
No RusT

t A 2 E -feiJRERystort vktY, kr's

Ftivtt,k,( W E 1)%131-4'T S E E -114IS
YEsTERIDAsf L.414ENI w E WERE
c"--1T H E e.E,Acm w r o k o11.14.10.-

Bk414414N-.. LT'S. S T I L L
o b v, 1 4 E - .444II..1Dlot.LlT
M E AT I o N 1 T, "Thou&4 OH14.1

I S Ti-LLS S E J E R E C A S E a t D E L E R i u M
T R E M E N S , 0SZ 1 D R E N N <1 S ,
BRoUGAlt L I s t e . N A G To OC,R,<NILS
STOMACH NOISES, AND NEjoAtt,IGVML T
G•tkIE S o M E 1 4 E 0 !
THE DRAG01,3 H A . ‘ PUT
DoL,L7N1 SoMEMkERE, ' N O
0011! •-k TOO -(1(AI-1-xi'? O R IS -1-1\E B e N s - t fR E A L i c x
(3Q. 1'40KIS C) TIAE A,?,0\)E'7 „ , . NEXT ,
V.1-CKAD I s SPILLED O LIFE' kS L o s t RIND
THE L A P S EICIDONTER A , M E R M A P C ) .
VT '_c E R N " - ,

5 6 P r i n t e d b y T A V I S T O C K P R E S S ( B E D F O R D ) L T D . , M a n t o n L a n e , B e d f o r d M K 4 1 7 P G . Te l e p h o n e : ( 0 2 3 4 ) 5 8 5 1 7 . ISSN 0 2 6 4 - 1 3 9 9
 The Dragons vanished a thousand years ago.
Now the people smile at the old tales, the only memory
of the dark creatures.

O N T H E W O R L D OF K RY N N ,
T H E DRAGONS ARE BACK.
And the DRAGONLANCETM modules give you the chance to take part in
the epic quest that will unfold, to brave the dangers of ruined Xak Tsaroth,
to fight the draconians.
Now is your chance to save a world...
ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and AD&D
are registered trademarks owned by TSR Inc. TSR UK Ltd,
DRAGONLANCE is a trademark owned by TSR Inc. The Mill,
0 1984 TSR UK Ltd. A l l rights reserved 0 2 8 / E H D Rathmore Road,
Cambridge CBI 4AD
 fi\'.1T219

(E1•25

72 BIG PAGES FEATURING

ILLUSTRATION OF THE CITADEL • T H E ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS GUIDE • T H E COMPENDIUM COMPETITION
RANGE OF MINIATURE FIGURES TO ASSEMBLING MODELS AND MORE
THE PAINT BRUSH AS AN THE SHRINE OF RIGG ELDRITCH EPISTLES
OFFENSIVE WEAPON • A SPECIAL WARHAMMER • L E T T E R S FROM THE CITADEL
PAINTING CITADEL MODELS SCENARIO MAILBAG
CITADEL MINIATURES, CHEWTON ST., HILLTOP, EASTWOOD, NOTTS. TEL: (0773) 769522.