What’s new? A wraparound cover image! So normally I really like Dave Trampier’s art, but I’m gonna say, this cover is not his finest work. I mean, everything’s fine, it’s just the faces are kind of creepy. Also the centrefold of the magazine is a backgammon table drawn by Tramp. You can’t see it in …
Author Archives: nev
The Dragon #14 Vol 2.8
Lots of Sci-Fi and not a lot of D&D in this one. Of note: an ad for Origins 78, July 14-16 – “Be sure to visit the TSR Booth for … new Gamma World RPG … and D&D tourney modules” – ie the G series of modules. Winners announced for the “Name that Monster” contest …
Monster & Treasure Assortment Set Three: Levels Seven-Nine
As with the second one, the first page describing how to use it, in addition to the examples, are a verbatim copy from the first M&T Assortment. And the second page is the same as M&TA2, even with the same drawing. I’m not sure I understand why this came out so long after the first …
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The Dragon #13 Vol 2.7
You know what? I think this is the first really good cover on The Dragon magazine. It was done by Tom Canty (who also did the cover for Dragon #2). He went on to do all sorts of book covers. See here: http://art.ofearna.us/canty.html What’s New It’s the first monthly issue. Articles Oh boy, here’s one …
Quag Keep
So yes this book wasn’t published by TSR but I decided to read it and include it in this list because it was featured in The Dragon magazine and mainly because it’s considered the first ever D&D novel. This is a long time before the first DragonLance book! Sometimes D&D books have the accusation levelled …
The Dragon #12 Vol 2.6
There’s a lot in this one. What’s New From the next issue in April, the Dragon will be going monthly We get circulation information – there are basically about 6000 copies of each issue printed and that number is continuing to rise The Souvenir font is used in a couple of ads. Eg: Articles Humourus …
AD&D Monster Manual
Yes, finally AD&D is here! Well almost. Still have to wait for the actual rules. But it makes all kind of sense to publish this first, as it could be used by existing players regardless. The Monster Manual is definitely a step up in quality – being hardback is the most obvious thing – a …
The Dragon #11 Vol 2.5
Fairly good issue. A bit of a tirade by Gygax against people who don’t like the fact that TSR is protecting its copyrights. Special shout-out to companies doing it right by either licensing or creating their own new ip like Games Design Workshop with En Garde and Traveller. Also has a bit of a historical …
The Dragon #10 Vol 2.4
Now 36 pages. A bit of a reorg in the structure of the magazine to clarify whether something is official or a variant. An article suggesting characters should only get XP from treasure as they spend it. Interesting idea, rather boring article. A report on Gencon X held in August. An article with tables to …
The Misty Isles
Ok, so strictly speaking, this was never distributed by TSR but I wanted to read it anyway and I think others may want to conclude the Wee Warriors trilogy as well. So, here we get a huge expansion in scope. Palace of the Vampire Queen was a single building. Dwarven Glory was slightly larger – …