pragcon eae : ; 54 | 62 68 VOL. XXIX NUMBER 4 CONTENTS SAMURAI VS. KNIGHT One fought for enor, wore cook armor wielded finely ough weapems, ard struck fear into the heats of those who apposed him, Dh wait. so dd the other one. Find ‘out who weld win in this histo «al deathmatch! FORGOTTEN REALMS: DEMON STONE foliywood talentand epic sto ryteling unite to redefine the Realms, Check out never before ean images and am exc! Interview with R.A. Sslvatoe, SEVEN DEADLY DOMAINS Greed, envy, phutony, slot, Tus, pride, wrath —the seven decay sins presented as cleric domains, inclading new spel. SEE NO EVIL What i€your paladin couldatt detect evil’ What Faabody could? Check out the spells that give yout ‘new options in games thal blur the line between black end whitea ee ON THE COVER Daca Unleasbed! Dan Scott reveals 06 FROM THE EDITOR the new face-of Duscon, proving that Unleash the wrrm! Matt welzemes you to Daacon’s new forma, sou cast contain a great ver 08 FIRST WATCH Previews, notes, and news for gamers. | 12 SCALEMAIL Birthday wishes, troop suppor, and movie hopes, 20 PLAYERINITIATIVE The scoop on ganer lif, 24 UNDER COMMAND CChyese the best Daagoneyecommander or tally your PC's alles, 30 ANOVEL APPROACH Seer: of the Spiriterpet The first in DELD's new kid-iendly ook ine. 34 SILICON SORCERY Big, Yellow: Diferent. Final Fantasy’s chocobo comes to D&D. 38 COMICS LES 74 ECOLOGY Lamm the sees othe choker 78 SPELLCRAFT Use the force, Lake! News Inrce spell, 82. GAINING PRESTIGE Gall on sprit to gale you sith the pint speaker 86 THE MAGIC SHOP Ikeasures of the dvaeven holds 90 HEROIC FEATS [New feats to survive beth sand ane tid, 92 WINNING RACES Know te fatute and Hight the past asa qetopean. 96 CLASS ACTS. “Tipe and tricks for yeu favo 108 PLAYER TIPS Define your character with exluire 109 ADVENTURER TRICKS Norogue? No problent! 110 SAGE ADVICE “The sige answers yur ales questions 130 COUP DE GRACE Ed Stale esphins how 4 DED book comes to be.DRAGON UNLEASHED ns sue is cferent andl unless this isthe fitttime youve picked up Dascon, you probably noice that fact, What you hold inyour hands repre- sent new vision for the magazine, both ‘nits appearance and function. This new vision cameabout because we wan > rake the best RPG magazine better. We vant lomake the D&D magazine that appeals to you. whether yousea frsttime phyer oF « gamer ho has been rallinga «40 fee Soveas. ‘When we set out fo improve Diacon, the frst hing we considered was vader ‘feedack, (Fo leners, online message board, atl recent reader surveys, We alko took how readers se the mepazine lino consideration. Many Daxcow cead ‘om pidcup the magezine to be enter tanod ty ike to read about DRD and are interested in the detalls ofthe fantasy ‘ofthe gsme, Other readers use the maga ine as 2 connmutiy gatering point vay fr then 1p touch hase with what other Enea D&D aredaing, Still more Deacow readers wantthe magvare 0 bea monthly DED sourcebook, filled to the brim with newmnles, Most reudens are cemixofthe three. Westruck upon. thin now vention of Drscow ana vy to Appel th everyone, In the new Dancow, exch issue presents aniches of now feat, epee and magic items. In addition, every Jsiuecontains a new nionster playable 2a PC race and a new prestige ls, Not looking for new rales? Dorit wor Daaciow now offers an "Ecology" article in every iste, which prosents nove information about a D&D mor ste oth inspiration for how to ase it and advice for pliyers facing it. Fach Issueo! the new DeaGow also presents roleplaying and play advice in a“Plarer Tips" article, aelventuring tactics in an “adhenuces Tricks" article, aid eleven ‘Class Nats articles, providing new rales, insight, or inspiration fer each oF the core classes, Alo, every mew Isste includes “A Novel Approsch, Sillcon Sorcery," and "Under Com rnvane." which take inspiration from novel, an electronic patne, a the BED miniatures to provide new ideae foe D&D roleplaying, But wait, there’ more! Daacow still precents great feature anticls that give you innovative new rales, ideas fox your game or character, aévire and insight, apd new fiction. We also wanted to take this opportunity t> rake Deacon your go-to source for Information about D&D and the RPG indusir,. Tha why Deacox now presents « “Coup de Grace” column \wetten by one ofthe folks responsible for bringlag you D&D,a "Hest Watel? section thit give you owe about evel neve taleases, the “Scale Mail” letters column that gives you a place te peas fot and “PI you in on some of the things other phyers are doing and gives a glimpse Init,” which Inte ffthe wider world of gaming Tis issue slso represents an oppor tunsy for you to help make Deacon sd Hbrongh it, se Ie tus kaow what you think, Tel us what youliked ard what sou dist, what you ‘yan to see mote of and what you dik? sco bUL Wane 1 Sos inthe fanure. Then, check out our new Wiitere Guidelines nailable at wwycpaizo.comjdragon. and send us soe ides fa wha you'd like tite. With eo many aries in each new issue, ou have an unprecedented ‘opportunily to conte someting of yourseto the magezine and tothe bis: tory of D&D. ‘Wehhope you enjoy tis issue ad those to come. Tiwasajey bringingtta you, Good gaming! HNedheawr bosch — Matthew Sere Editonin-Chiee wht you an DRAGON NEXT MONTH The Shadow Over D&D HP tpweracetens hve teen creping no DED Fr decades. Find ut ‘nhc af our sorte ons oa ‘rom the nine of ne mse apereat ‘alr Living Nightmares ith Ese crestor of nent, senbes ‘ghtmarsk nanvers Fon Eareson's ‘esl of deine, Seep Exorcising Equipment Uber’ eo esprg the dead dow Hanwoofen takes ond Fore Ene out wistyaunerdte bing ret ine yeu nrtons miorg Building a Better Zombie Cai ere nr ese a oye. i000 fits gethe et ndesd ne A Chill in the Bones. The eanfot horn fears thew lng creases bj rating he secrets 0 hexe clase monsters ‘A Novel Approach: American Gods sl Gaiman's noel of miedo yh posides hepion fr DED exes Plus! "The Ecology fhe Nantes usin Spl" Mole Sr Cursed rong Races Opp ‘Caring Presig: Sor Soyer "*Pave “Tips! “AeventierTiels thse Aes” ard ial DRAGON'23. September 200%PREVIEWS, NOTES, AND NEWS FOR GAMERS FROMIBURK From nearly bars with cool ideas far your D&D game, The fist chapters tresnure trove of concepts DMs can ise to make the players nest encounter with cold a fantaitc experience, Along with edvice and quien to help PCs Frigid extromea, playors might alse find the unique Fests, prestige claeses, and spells useful for making inerest- ig characters. OF cova, the book. ‘wouldnt be complete without new monsters, jncunling new modern aud prehistoric animale like the ee), pols bear glyptodon, and megaleceros When thambing through the book, don’t be thrown by many mentions of “the Frostiell ox Frostfell environments, Its not ptticular place in any eampaign vwarld that's just the book's short- hhand for referring to places of extreme cold, whether that’s at the (op of the werld or a single reom in a dungeon, Frosthurn releass this month. NOT ANY SHORTER ON The frat wo books of Robert Jordans hed of Tine seresaremon avail be (ons Atul Relssanee wars. aufioremsssancecem) ssaudioCD sets You can also purchase che prequel looks New Spring i audio fost. Tae ‘hied and fourth books should rake ‘ner wayto tne audiosecton af book stores sometime in Noverber this year Ando Renaissance reece the tenth book, Crostoais of figs, bcc jn 2003, and the trong performance of thst product apparently praoked the ‘urent poducin funy of tie olde: Wel of Tins books. Did we renton the books are unabridya® Theis book, Fe ofthe Wari comorin a twenty fveC ‘witha fot rentime of about 31 hows. Iheoats bout $60, she ober banks coat mars cr les depending on bw many CDs ae needed, youre 2 ist reas, buying le pnt ook eight thea beter investment but ifyouhaves sgumer ‘tend whe doesn ke 1 ead or you need aerneing te listen toa you rive acreestheconnty, S250 gee CD igh ek ren good MONSTER MANUAL Ill A multitude of monsters ansityont between the covers of Moser Marval Ml taside, lasses Like the kek an Find sre joined by imovstive new cre tues ke the wath plat gis that traded their sals for power ad now veh the sonlsof the dying into wailing clovas of protective spits thar survourd ach member afthe race) and grsgal lich-uil consirc’ formed fom spell booksand deplered riage items cat dove the foolhardy mad oven aor the golemts destruction). The bookcalso afferselpful ips © DMs oF Esixnos apd Forcorrin Rear campaigns, a ‘ng niosmaticn about certain monsters ashi in those worlds, Ofcourse, BID 301.00 325 super 2004 imerestog plhyerorionted eters ek Iuvlewithin, Monster Manual If presents smanyrnesy creatures suitable for use asa PC races, mounts, anil companions, and cohoris, Be sce to cieek on the monsters adoote [rom the pages Daxsos, suchas Desz0n Associate Fditor James Jails’: spinors ul frequent contnbutor bic Cage's alehem ‘eal, hangman, mud and web golems [Necel miiotures for your fivorite Monster Mazvat fd pouster? Check the “Under Gonmand! articles in Daacox for previews of the miniatures youl seein future sets of the Duy: Grows « Drscons Miniatowelioe ‘Monster anual 1 releases tis monthFUN KD GRIMES Signed aet from the famed painter Lavty Eloore should now be available in your Jocal game or comic sore—il yout ‘open the right pack: of cards. Thats ight, Flmore's artis gracing artist trading cards once again, Like his 1994 and 1995 sets, The Art of Lamy Hlmoreand Colossi, the New Beginnings ct features autographed ‘oud hidden in certain packs, this, time with she promise of one in each, iaplay bor. Unlike alien acts, the New Baginniugs cards also eve buyers ‘a chance to download game stats for the characiers and monsters depicted ‘onthe carés. Each ofthe 90 cards in the set has unique website address that offers a PDF download that pecs TACTFUL TLE, You may have seen these coal tle boards salves in previousissus uf Dunc. Tuts by RC Predlues, ae 10ineh squares oF ough polsiyene plastic sridtpetpetiel dae grisea ‘le, Theyns available from BC Prods ‘website, wunube prodactsnet, These stil plastic bourds comme ni of twelve toa kage, ane sel for $400 $50, The high-ploss wosking side ofthe boards hs the permanent Minch gid tha doe rome sf when wining sway ryerase ink. Gn ofthe cooler aspects of it Tieisthat the grid also has daser Fines paced 2-inehes apart, Since these inet squares each represent 10fo0t increments finding range during combat fs much eater A lenghowe hae a range of To darker squares, or 100 fort. Irs simple! uly d20 statistics. In addition, one card per 400 packs is acard you can cece to receive signed lithe: graph of a Lacey Elmore painting. Not a fan of Emore's an? Consider picking, bop a pack far self defense ‘The thick, heary-cards make ercellonthit inocsens-looking thrown weapons, youre fan of Hyore'art your selFdefense options ssi probably he finited to doubles and your losing prize redemption cus (which have the Open Geme License ‘onthe bec), Just Te care where you ‘throw them, t's. fin and games ‘uns someone gets bust. Then it jw sames—on knw because ofthe webs site with the stats “The moot seh epee of Tat Tis, however is thei versatility Bach board is square with pazeb-plecellke edges that allow them to link bgetncr fr stability “The way the tabs and slots are structed, the Tacs pleces oly ink ogetber La fone Fashion, melking plseing new sls ensy and tee of esroror confusion. This abil to restucture ean be vial vas, epmving vor ane dungeons, where the uacitional squaes and rectangles bate matsyet in the way. Once the PCs move offoxe edge ofthe map, ‘smply move nowunusea te from the already explored aca, wipeitolf witha hy rog. and draw The onlylownsice lo Tec esis that they ate to 3 w dean, Thatinight ‘uni ocldanti yout o dm» or plan beforenand and realize witha ciinge as you unpack your andullpdawn maps hat erm ofthe tc rte in ‘rans Comat and fequentrrinaures _movearents can wipe aff the dry erase inky as can zecidentl brashing fiom clothes, ssck bgs,and eter gare paraphernee Tia, However not having to use water and advippy ng tocleanof yourbatle map ‘ain has tsadveniages. DUNGEON THIS MONTH The Birth of a New Eral “This mont ete ff anew fr Dan eorith toss citing etree Mad God's Key by son Buh ee ee fom tesveesoft= at o'Giejhak to the Toi of nd Eerlainginthe ese Sos Cars il A Ug Genco Fatle alent fr level ches. Torrents of Dread by CoeVaughan peter rclisocerit er rac dee, snc aise dnaaune we the lest oF th wates ie opie igs ff Nor. Tnevilages sorta ade, We Zombie wiser hos gone missing ad Ine deal Fo de aes ind thviloge matath les ac, nursed by Feroun san Bhat ie menece arats Inthe oodedvatacombs below? id ou nihisalvendie Or bteel rarer, “ton the nfo se of Die Thirteen Cages by chis Thomasson “Abs he roe te down th ah tus Cogn or fase in thelr dep bnsan he lero o Cal thon, Bie who cece lads the Triten, dhol fl ean ent or lies? A Shaded iy Novena Path scenario hbo iret Backdrop: ‘The Isle of Dread cur an Oi erst has poste Seon seen Reta E-Sancstndcngpe sine ae ale doops ds 1D doa Sor cUlveayonwer Plus! Monte Cook’ “Dungenrenit 1 heatons Mt Sons Oxi ‘Sottonk ardanal-rew ora! Sexton 2004 onacon 2s EILETTERS Tell uswhot youn of ion. Senda sate pine, ae ALSRUUTE 10 DBD PLAYERS Thad euite a few memories retm to rie of my days in the U.S, Navy when I read last iszuc's letter rom the young man who served in Afghan Sian I served from 1988 to 1998, aad just like him, | played RD mos! of the time | was in the Nave. Most of my inue friends have been my gaunt ing buddies, We had to fight she neg. ativity of the tines, and we were not 0 Iucky’as to have the support of our command... something abou! times past when some sailors used a ship in the Navy a8 adiingeen. (Crap!) Myself and the steadfast groups | led numbered fvom three t hflees ver the course of 10 yeats and three diflerent ships, We bad ta dodge our supervisors until} became a supe son Sd played au Be floorialersae spaces, troop spaces that were empty when our Marines were not attached, fr jaistabout anywhere alse—inchud Ing the Comat tnformation Center, Ducing the first Gulf War, when we deployed for almost ten months gumning was the only outlet many of tus had te get out ofthe real word, even iffora few hous, L would sa tol the players and Ms who are sersing in the best military in the ‘world: You deserve the titnes you shave, You work so hard anu ed life most dort understand and nove DRAGON 323. Sustombor 2004 se piecor Plane cde your will. Geep calling the bones and tal ing on the bad gus George Bridson Adlets withheld TRIGGER UNHAPPY While | enjoyed your recentartiele, The Way of the Gun," in Daacow 4321, I question your decision about the reloading time for the various firearms, | understand the need far rales sinaphiity and consistency, but your reloading times for those firearme are far teo lenient. You state that reloading gunponder frearmnis a standard action, Wow! That’s one-third of even the best ceload times of the American Civil War era, and vats under good circumstances with cap-and-bal silles! All weapons you desctibe ave of the ‘lindock, wheel: eek, or matchlock variety, which ‘would! have made reloading a neat impossibility in melee and require reloading times of 4 10 5 rounds at least (24110 40 seconds). IFyou recall the history of that era, anyone fighting toe-te-tne would generally throw down his pistol or commence using the butt of his rifle instead bf reloading, which took entirely two lung when there was someone ‘coming at you armed and with bad BLAST FROM THE PAST 981, TAR onesie fa ld fess edhenttefer 264 ersten ofthe B&D game. C1 Th ie ead Ae the ret athe madeles designed fr Lbgu's Epon oe of aes, rhe eof rea presented a challenge or cnarac: {ere lols 3699, certain fle bucky ound nbormation peraning the seutnernmainlans of he Knows ord oer called Mveraun) neudirg blsdtandeytite ray arlehng fom lant inthe ronthsathe Thareroth Bechipelag (whch lade! the a of Dread) nthe south The module fetaled he isle and ieuced several traps ofkey ications In aditon Beeionl nail of tet gi monsiets sated actos ts sue, Tye se of Dead wvoduced arenes, aptiepharstans ad tact the ED ues Di aimost worked better as supple rent shan at chertce The ole’ Peronhstsingl apts 99 {sting te pieay Sanding rear the ‘ameroftte ele. The cert satay eansinad sn aoosod gol ah, ait ies, hella 0 Mantra He feta corer othe aventre:Taboo nl Rune Fam anode ‘inj Fors lee fae thesrare 30 goer Ox yeuyeryow of shinorany ote ‘Sgumecttely tees Ass, cokoutish Dragon rims Talk 2 an orile in sport ofa porscvlor seiting wills prios, bus labeling on article as Foncozrrw Reatsts er Oriental Adven: tures turns away some readers (regardless tf how eally dhe articles con be adopted) witha garmeting a commenurately large new auonce, fue #315 1a hey exa ph of world xpos ents nat deaving ‘anew audience, Despite covering nearly every afcial compnign setng ged ss snormovs popularity among reader, he Compaign Classes issue produced average soles numbers, and no porieulor seitng recived enough supe from readers te worantrepulor coverage in the magazine The audience jor D&D serrsto be divided intaa thousand plece by the campaign wari fiom TSR and Wieara of the Cost, the many d2€ carapaign slings that hou beer preduced, nd harnebrew ompuigns, DRAGON can best 21 thee diverse oudience by presenting material ‘hat evenarie ca eal use KNOWLEDGE CHECK Question: Conan, whit s ScenieSCALE MAIL Sen Kean ReMi ttelt0):1-5) Lenteek te Diacon spot Fale Founatey tna ote i std virey sible fom we eer Cee ofr diseases, ‘raed, elm T a and kr of 10 00 ag Laon ansaid x our joy 59 ree time you ned an uth show Sprieone ou cre Gio Comte flaps ATS FLEWENTAL Just a quick question: What happened to the article on balelementals in that was supposed to be in Deacow #821, was advertised in Dancow #320 and did not appear Other th that gripe, Teall enjoy the mage Zine. The infused prestige closs in issme #321 was grew and | intend to try and convinge my DAF te lot me ineoeporate it into my next character, Riley Bull Address withhiekl We pus together She preview ofthe next Fssue long before we ris, and io the cediting, devslopment, ond design process, ‘mises somedires expand beyond our bess estimate. Thot wes the cxse wit ‘issue #321, and the halfetemental monsier-cass article was she easiest to move te efosue issue, Unfortunately, the isos inthe near future are fl Keep a eye ou for the aac in Deawon sometime cary next year DARK SUN MOVIE As | was reading through Dracon #520, Iwas saddened to see that Duncrons & Diacons was not ‘catching the eyes of younger people Tam 19, and 1 would not have started playing if not for the nudg ing of « 32-year-old co-worker, Many younger kide think coleplaying is not cool and should be stopped when you turn 16.and gers can My friends aak me to explain the game BET cr acen zs sje 204 to them, and as soon as [ say “dice” for "miniatures," they dont want to hose any more Vin Diese isa great example of a “cool guy" who loves to roleplay, Alter your Dark Sun feature in Dnacon: 4319, | borrowed my trends old books based on the setting, 1 fell in lowe with the character Riehus, That ‘mul lied itall: Strength, friends, mul tuple lovers, and more, Then I looked al the cover, Rikieus jus serearwel Vin Diese ‘ean easily eee a Dark Sun movie. ‘That would bea winner can see the millions of people going to see it and finding out that—gasp—it's based on a D&D setting, The DYD could be filled ‘with PRD info and interviews with the stars of DD, maybe even some info on their D&D characters. 1 fool it would bring in countless new players to our hobby, Pius, we ‘would havea sweet movie to brag about. Then it would he cao to be a nerd. Thank God I havea head start on it Brandon Thomas Address withheld Good idea, Broan! Lean se ie oo lores of ibkrcen od gant: bugs cha ing aver sond des ike she aliens ja Star Ship Troopers, Road Warrior style bole, etwesn seed ships oadea with gith, ane gory fights with semifping mansters in ‘ladiateria arenas A Dank Sux movie woul rack. Ofcourse, this strategy has been tied once before, but the Deb movie well 2 lot of people think it could have been better I") st to see the sequel, but | doubt il be able vo car. pool 0 the oot ‘AND Al RERL MOFIE [ike to think I'ma patent man; { Ihave bees waiting for an Allens ¥s, Predator movie sine { wes 11, Yet [have been wailing fora D&D ver. ssion of that battle for alrnost as long, Finally my patience forthe movie hhas been rewardee with it coming out close to my birthday, Unfortu ately, there still isa't a D&D wor ston. | think that that's a shame. ‘The world created from the eamnics and the books for these two fitans af movle-monster perfection isa world that would give Enron a ran for it's money. Personally, | think that the aliens would be move of a ter: plate then an actual monster, This ‘of tow cool (and perhaps cruel) it would be to have high hunt down 2 red dragon only ta find the dragon already dead with hole in its chest anda strange, gigantic spiderlike skeleton thing nest to the hheud of the dead dragon. The pred: tors could be « neve race with theis vel group, ‘own special weapons and classes. 1 think that Itwould be a great thing if the grest minds at your magrsine could thing of a way to bring these rertues in tu hunt the érow and infest the dwarves of DLO. Riley Harper Addiess withheld Happy biehday, Riley! hove you hike the ori. loks ety cack There are manzterein Dad that do the allens’shick, From the Monster Manuals Xi, spider eaters, and red slaad do she g-impionting, Buret- {from-she-bod thing. The krthons fiom the Bosk of Vila Darkness are good andidetes far predators, as they come with several new weopons, bur they oul be oliens too These Da "alens* could come from implantation in osher Du races. Tas, the wil cauld be from any humane, ‘and the red sca could came from Longe hurmancids like ogres and env eure. Of cour you could always give the implantation abity to any D&D Imonsier wich as gluing it toa siege or spider to represen’ the face buggers If youn with tis ide, let us know how ‘ie goee ond far ofthe PCs sire! Knowledge Check Answer La ics see iver brio rou, ard hear the lamentation of the women >, = Sa 2 taENG ae THE SCOOP ON GAMER LIFE GEN CON INDY REPORT Aiteudees at this year’s Gen Con. received « upecial test in their conven tion bags: free copy ofthis issue of Deacon as well as a copy of the new Doniceo, Uvoersare, an Asiaz INe Sront¥9 magazines. De Duwoxon, atxl Unoee:aran offered free Tshirts with a eubscription pur chased atthe convention. Folks who Bought subse:iptions to both Duacow and Duycrox received both shits «vchunce to win a copy of The Wer Largest Dungeon by AEG, Draco Eeitorin-Chief Matthew Semet Duxoxon Fditerin Chief Erik Mona, and Dusiexoy Assecite Editor James Jacobs lead discussions about the new rersions ofthe n verte for the them, Ifyou were hick, you cou cate a slimpse ofthe elusive Deazox Assistant Eiitor ¥. Wesley Schneider (vho wert Gen Con to play rather than work) bovering near the Paizo booth, To top itll of, the D&D Timeline Fhibit earned both Dsxcon and DuncEoN asan integral part of the game's illustrious histery, Ube mugazine blitzkrieg went giz hocig for Unoereazao with multiclass ‘heerlende:/medals walling about ths ‘convention Baar promoting Use rear, Edtorsn-Chiet Miche! Mikae fan wae on lsd at the booth and at ame tournaments to greet readers and ansvor qustionsabout tie magazine, Of course, the celebration of the 20th 7 of DUNGEONS & Daacoxs droinated the convention, particularly Wizard sol the Cose’s Epic Level D&D Parry In the square onside the conven tion hall Free foed al beverages were avaiable atthe paryy along with excl yazlnes and how to BEY 0 s00525 sereacn zoe Fesding this atthe convention? ‘Come by the Paizo booth and let us anow ial you think ofthe magazines ‘Miss she fan this year? Check out pictutes of te convention at ww, paizo.com, and stast risking plans for hex year DINNGEON CRAMLING AT GEN COK Intraduced at last year’s Gen Con, ‘True Dungeon verurned with a venigeance lhis yea, resulting in sold-out exes ‘hut iolved 1,500 players, Reanaring tho village of Hommalet along with 1 host of other familiar elements of DED's long history, True Dungeon offered 2 loving hemage to the game that stared ial, f youre unfamiliar with hue Dum eon, think of tas boing a lie like # D&D gume show, You andsix othe participants pick a D&D clas and play through a ie-action adventure game inolving puzzles riddles, and een simulated cembat by such means asplaping shuffleboard, Ultimately survivors of the dungeon have achance towin Dwarven Forge products woet a ‘oval of, 000. For fells reading this a1 Gest Gon sight now, Joff Martin, president of Dwarven Forge and creator of True Dungeon, has this 19 say "Prepare yourselves to experience an ‘ld-fshion D&D module by digging ful some ald frst edition DAD books and modules, Ifyou are a veteran player, you should xerinisee sbou the heady days of your gaming youth. If you are a newcomer, try to embrace this ‘retro version of a gamie you love. Both types should prepare fora challeng- ing cdventure that wil tes their wits, new, and coordination, "Youll see some cool sueprises in the event. [canitsay what they are, bu they will be fting when you remember that Gen Con is celebratingthe 20th anniversary of D&D. There should be same ‘Oh, cool!" moments. “tinal, | wan to make sure every ‘one knovs abont the tremendout amount of work thst gees into present- dngthis event. Mary people work on. this project for months, snd still more people work fal-time duringan entire ‘week at Gen Con Indy tomake ita siteceas True Dungeon only happens ren because there sve clot afuncefish gamers oul thece whos idea of fun is to worl very bard forthe enjoyauent of ethers: They ae epecial people, and Jaskethe players to thank tem when they yet the dance.” PGA UPDATE fp fon Richards, RPGA Progrom Manager “The RPGA (Roleplaying Gamers Association) exists to enhance your roleplaying experience, so you can ply more, with more people, and tecerve rewards for phying the ames you already love. Wore slo fespanding your oppostunsties wo eet people and duiceit-out with Duncrans ¢ Deacons Miniatures skirmish leagues ard tournam Allewing for ssh a massive play fxperience requires us to make 4 fot of decisions about hos? games, event and people work together while main laning s fair and consistent experience norklwide, Sharing in this experience vans there's sia you need know. so grab your pick andlets ign, WHR 1 THF REGRE The RPGA the roleplaying atm of ganized play at Wizards of the Coast sleliested providing play opportunities ‘and suppor for DUNGEONS x Dracons sand other d20 Syetens games. We want tomake it easier for people te enjoy the Fave to-face roleplast Recognizing that sometirace i’ hard finding a gaming gro. and it's 2 lot of ‘work for DMS w provide new materia experienc week afier week, we provie free adver tures io members Fo our extensive aGventute datalaseand an events calendar featuring games all over the ‘worid, When you dewnload adventures and set up game days or conventions, these events sre auomatially added t0 our website's eventcalendar, ‘WA DSF Cas > Yo LET? The RPGA olfees several styles of play for voleghying garnet: campaigns, cla. Seg, and interactive events ‘Campaigns: Campaigas follow ‘aige stony ares— ‘often spanning years. To partite in these unfolding pls, members eveate campaigaspecific characters slag te insructions in the camgsign sourcebook. Back campaign lass its ‘own campsign sorrcebook. Characters rosvin povier (gaining gold, experi= fence, eg uipmient cad clase features) as ‘hey complete adventures. We offer Ww9 ‘aimpaign styles: Lving campalpns and DED eamnpaigns. ‘While many of te Living campaigns fre D&D guines, they dilles from DED. campaigns in several ways, Living ‘campaigns use adventure records, log see's and centiiations to ttack your chatacters progress. D&D exrnpaigns use online tracking to chat harices’s nveracion withthe story ‘encounters. Your damseter'sintarac tions with the adventure encomnters help determine the course of the plot in DED campaigns. Fthe msjorty of pa ties playing an achenture Xi a villain or foil some evi scheme, that villain or scheene ie feled ewapaign-wie. IF the villain survives orcompletes lis pla these consequences ave also reflected ‘nthecamprign ED campaigns are designed fo reize jtaking characters fiom Lst to appros rately 28 level) Lising campaigns ate open ended bat might feature retirement level for characters ‘wo years Classics With classics, charactors ate prewit ten as part of theadventue, Once ‘each player chooses a characte, he sgeme begins, Classics are s great way for both beginners and experienced falayers to jump into action without [ote of preparation time. Once the ‘adventure is over, ure done with the character, We have classivs For every thing across the board, from straight Forward DUNGHONS & DzaGoNs to the Grevsrvacs com paign setting 10 420 Meader ane heyone. Interactive Byents Interactive events eypially ature an ‘emphasison intrigue over combat prom ‘98. dopa persona, don a costume, sand ocalie in character with ther members Interactive events might fer- ture pre-genersted characters, oc they ‘ight allow you to nse your campaign ‘character during the session ifthe inter active is keyed t a specific campaign. Characess fiom Home Campaigns ro pay ia home com. paigns are not allowed in earnpaiga or lassie games, Since character crectiow rales forthe eampsign sh are standardized to allow everyone an even footing, and dassic events provide characters agpropriae tothe adventure theres been ne avenue for incorporat- Ing ekarzcters feom horn arn paige. ‘Yet you can use your charactor hom your home game to get involved in tne RPGA, RPGA merabers nay play select ah ‘ioned events, allowing thera to earn rewards while playing character rom nturee from DuN@z0x aesan: their home campaig In order to report sour play for these Duncson eve play bistony, your DM requests the adveatuces fram the RPGA website like any tlt aden aie ($0 yous DM needs to bea Herald DM member of the RPGA). Instead of veceivingthe adven- tuceas a downloaded fle, she DM uses sara add them :9 your the one published in Requesting the adventure flay the Do's account so the adventure results can be reported ance you've played. It smeportantte report your play so you can eas D&D rewards Next time well etyor knew whet rewards the RPGA proves and how you can cache. Unil then, sity wizardacomy/RPGA oleae more. seni 04 o2acon'7s ETby Mike Mearis images provided by Wizards of the Coost COMMAND fIND CONTROL hen playing the Duweeaxs ie Dracows Miniadwes gare, choasing your warhand's com sander is perhaps the most impor ‘antdecision you can make, Your commander not only gives you better ‘control over your miniatures actions, Dut also provides 4 Commander Effect that ean tip a msteh i) your favor [Fyau niake3 good choice. you an create a waland greater than the suc of its pats This artcle looks atthe command= ets fron Dragoneye and provides some neva advice fo using your warbane's leader, IL also mntracuces some new feats avd sales for using Commander flats in the DED zoleplaying gate. LISING YOUR COMMANDER ‘Commanders ace tricky miniatures to use properly. Ae some of the moxe expensive figures in the game, they usually sepreseata fal portion of your warkand'e total point vsl Fen the cheapest commancer, the DRAGON 323. Soptenbe:-2004 Cleric of Yondalla, costs 14 poin's Often a bit weaker than creatures of the same cost, commanders have the added benelit of their Commander rating and Commander bfect. Ifyou have a few ekitmishes under your belt, ou might have noticed that ‘he best warbards feature individual models that farm a greater whole. Commanders repeesent the uljimate sun ofthat principle, Theie Gon imander Elfeets aupment your other liguces, masking ther weaknesses er unplifying their stoengths, Usually you mander that improves upo swarhand!s bost tite, A Commander Bffect eanit usually cover ether min: aces” weaknesses, For example, the Sword of Heironvowe grants 11 AC. While useful. a creature with high AC gains a much larges Yen than one with 3 low the AC banus reduces the chance of a creature getting hit by 5%. Redue: ing a 10% chance of getting hit to 59% cuts the ris mal whule drop- eft In-essener, th acom: ping a 50% chance of gesting hit to 45% Is only a one-temth reduction, During geme, keop an eye on your commander's position, Many players get oo caught up in keeping their troops under command and within the area of a Commander fect to notice open patis for fast creatures to swoop in for a quick Jul. Spelleasting commanders Deceme particulary vulnerable to this tendency, dinew thoy usually stay Iichind the rest of the warband io use their magic Finally, you should consider using two commatnders, One commander «can then go off on its own or lead ‘a smaller group to out‘lank your ‘opponent or atlack fron the reas. In sédition, you spread out the risk of am unlucky roll. A single critical hit might slay ane oF your command cert, bu the second commander can then step in and keep your assault going, Mony beginners forget they x0 take ae many commanders as they can afford.DRACONEYE COMMAKDERS Each commander ne specific strength= ‘and weaknesses that make it suitable or pasicular ypes of warbanels. While cach faction ha ite distnet trait, rough variely existe s» no single com imander provides peofet fil far every figare sharing its alignment The following examples offer tips for using a number af coramandess, For ease of roforonce, each figure appears in order ofits number within aa set, and has ts lig ander rating listed in parenthesis nest toils naene Dwarven Defender (LG, Com mieat and Com 5 ‘mander 4): This tough ‘y bruiser provides a +4 S AG honus against ‘opponents who move and attack, That Aoesrit seem too impres sire until you lookeat his low movement. Outside of monks ‘and the Dire Lion, Lave] Good ‘warkands have few speedy Higures. ‘That means your warband probably ansorbe a fair number of charges Furthermore, figures with muliipte attacks, like the Halfling Veteran, can afford to let their opponents come tocthem and unleash thei full aiack factions on their rn, Figures that can attack more than once work well with the defender, Form a big, slow mno- ing mob of heasily armored warriors and steam roll your opponent with a relentless assault, Purple Dragon Knight (LG, Com manger 6: This igure pro vides good exampleof a commander who wante to get into the thick of the acion but whose Commander Beet ‘works best from the ear The knightallows rallying figures to take Iheiractions as normal rather than lose a tam. You might find your ier sare et he blo falGoed figure eat er sed Fes Diiss ure tuoe a cami G eu ecaneriss Gi aa peetlsna auleh de male NS ac anda ead the jillies Oe Socemaniecta Seeger Selore leet ths Nagle ee. algal ea fill use Whi Arab Com: she fenomy ag long 42 you have dear avenues to maneuver. Copper Satnrai (6G, Coramander 2) “The Copper Sarmucai adds insult to injury, as your troops ean fl: low ap 4 critical hit with an additional attack, Best of all, this atiack uses the highest base attack bonus, Creatures with ‘multiple attacks gaia the biggest benefit from this abibty, since they can follow up a critical with an addi onal devastating attack. Weaker ‘eceatures cenit as easily take advan: tage of the additional strike. Intui Lively, it might seem like baving alot of attackers would give you ‘mare chances to rall 820, but if a figure needs an 20 to hit in the frst place, the effect provides lithe benefit. Iuckily, plenty of Chaotic Good creatures have more than fone attack, from the EIf Archer to the Drunken Master. The Axe Sis- ter can become a death machine when you use this ability with her Whirlwind Attack. Notice that the extra attack does m0: have a spect- fied target and thus can affect any. tnodel within reach Cletle of Nerull (LE, Com mander 3): The Clerie of Netull makes an excellent leader for a warband stuffed with, heavy-hit ting Bgures: Deathetrike allows & slain model one last attack before it leaves the hoard, Your ‘opponent might get the drop con you with a charge, but if he puts down a monster, he has ta withstand ao aitack in ture ‘This allows cheap creatures to almost always get off at least one Sentenve 7004 onecon 35 EEUNDER COMMAND. ateike, while your expen sive beas's gain a parting blow that can tip the battle lo your advantage. Combine the cleric with the Blood Rock tercain tile and your Skeletons and Zombies ean tale their enemies to the grave with them ‘The Human Exeentioner's attack bonus, heavy damage, and poor AC make him a good match for this ability, Cor bined with his good move, the executioner cami gain one attack ‘on a powertul opponent via a charge. and then a perting shot hat could easily cause a morale cheek, With a little luck, a single ighscast executioner can send a figure running for safety, Urthok the Vieious (LE, Com. ‘mander 5); Perhaps the j Dest choice far a-warband filled with cheap crea: lures, Usthok’s Commander kffect can turn bag, bears, hob: goblins, and gobline i daunting opponents, Bagbesre tn particular gain the most from the Ht bonus on attack rolls, ae they hhave the hit points needed to sustain an attack oF twe before falling. Do top of that, Lrthak's high Commander rating makes it more likely thot you can seize the Initiative or rally your relatively cheap forces. Resist the tempi tion to throw Urehole into the fay, even though he has good hit poinis and a solid AC. Instead tue him ae the hammer 0 your bugbears’ anvil, Let your cheap troops wale in and wear down a big targat, and then charge in with Urthek to finish it oft Hf you put him at the froat and lose him early in the game, your entire waxband could fall apart. BET con 325 septenner 200 i Drow Wizand (CE, Commander 2): frst glance, the Drow Wizard might not seem like much He has plenty of spells, bat Sailor's sires ‘magic missile have little chance of wenn and putting down an Ogre Ravager This figure needs time to go through hi spells A screening fosce of creatures imnsine or resistant ta Cold dam age can hog down an enemy's advance, allowing the wizard to unleash the fall potency of his spells. The Abyssal Mave makes the perfect complement to the wiz- ard, (enever takes damuge from his Cold spells, and he has a high enough Corumander rating to cer tuol it, All skeletons, the Dretch, and the Small White Dragon are also immune to Cold, while the Tiefling Captain has Cold resis tance 5, These figures can occupy the cnemy while your wizard unleashes volley after volley of spells. The key te using the wizaré effectively lies in protecting hin Keep an eye ont for monks and other fast, mobile epponents. & single guard Kept noae the wizard should keep him safe. Tyeof Gruumush (CF, Commander}: The Bye of Gruumsi night seem: Hike the perfect ig ture to lea an assault, but its poor AC, vicious attack ability, and Cons mander Efeet suggest ouherwise. Surround this walking death machine with ores, preferably a second commander and a horde of cheap warriors and spearfighter:. Ifyou have Tess than ‘twelve figures in your warband, you night aot haye enough. The Ore Warrior and Gre Spesrlighter have ppood altick bonuses, malving the 15 damage they gain from the Eye Graumsh invaluable (Ore Druiel (CE, Commander 2): ‘The O1e Druid presents limited options as 2 commander: He grants animals and magical boasts 9-2 bonus om attack rolls, but he can only bring a few crea ues under command, Most of the powerfil animals and magi cal beasts have too high of a Dif ficul rating for the druid to direct them, although they stil gain his Commander Effect. The poison spell can wear down a creature, but since It has a range of touch, the druid mact comy his AC 11 and 35 Fit points adjacent to 3 potential target. The drud’s primary weapon ie ita swake's siftness spell, Grant Inga creature an immediste bonus allack can swing an entice skit~ mith in your favor, Since this spell hhas a short range, keeping crea tures under contro! bevemes even more important, Difflenlt crsatires ely charge too far alex’, While the best targets for this spell, such creat use fi on them, 16s might Fall belare you esr COMMANDER EFFECT FERTS Connmander Effects, ne part of the DED Miniawres game that dace | appear iat the D&D F swkplaying gain, ce tll work with ‘your campeigns or: warlords, bandit kings, mereenary captains, andothor war leaders. Wilains who rely on others to do their dirty work, Fine the following feata ideal for their purpeses, The goblin king might be a \eak combatant, but the warriors he commands make hi » formidable opponent, Coammander Effects akoUNDER COMMAND Tebrioe your watband fully urder com: mand, check tthe Mitre: Moadbook frm Wars vba Cosst Wat ten Atatgies ties, and rules explanations tomate te mod of your commander id webarids he share Harbook ‘xpand on at oestarbeoed he ad Miia ase oles While whole Jeatons besa on using suminanes ‘other gate pasty, throw rss Battle ules alloy youte ale war enn speseileard of your camanasts» ast sna of nwa a es, Sowhtheryostw ockine er mere ideas nd sete fer commanders of ome ir etal re br sure cet uth ‘antires Hondionk allow you to intoduce relatively weske opponents into an encounter while stil riving them the opportunity tg ave an ‘impact on its outcome, These feats represent a char acter’s ability to lead others in combat, They represent 2 com: bination of tactical training, low comaing, ond raw charisma. A commaniler might exhort his followers to fight harder o: merely inspire them to greater levels of heroism, Note that these feats allow you to incorpo rate some of the aspects of the DED Miniaiures game into your campaign with optional rules. Commander figures from D&D Miniaiuces, like the Hal-Ore Fighter, do not use these feats These feats don't benefit the character who takes them; they only help his allies —although theresa bit of that eo, Secre ofthe Spirbkerper presentsa tale of och mystery and adventure. Kel Jach (an apprentice wizard} and Dnis kool (his younger broth fla Kellad’s mentor Zendric lying dead in his tover ‘one morning the victim of robbery gone bad—or voit seems, Seon, the we boys and thei Friend Moyra dis: cover that Zendric’s soul was stolen svith a magic item called a spiriibeper “The kids have only 2 day t find she spivictenperand retum te Zendrie’s body before the connection between them is broken foreser. Their quest takes ther fiom the bowels ofthe city prison to the depthe of the Dungeon ‘of Doom, miles outside of the cit’s fembatled walls, In iseourse, they {= fe Sprayer io te Bt DRAGON 323 September 2008, ‘encounter tribe of gobling, a sewage colbeat 1 flaming headed zombie, and an enemy far worse and much loser to home. ELLACH Kellach fancies himselfas not only an upand:coming wizard but a great otective. To him, the two go hand in ‘hand, as beth professions involve fig turing outhow thinga really work: fn ‘uth, he has alot of room For desta: meat it both parsuits, but he shows promise st both, Kellach is tall or his age and has blond batr aid blue eyes, His father, ‘Torin isthe Captain of he Wateh in Curston. His mother disappeared. around the tine of the Sundeting of the Seal, an event thet nearly destroyed allof Garston and stil afects the aty to this day, Taday, he lives with his father and his younger brother Dr ‘kollam a zebuil: part of town called the Phocnis Quarter tage 13. Kellach is learning be a Istlewe wizard, Hehas yet © master his 1tlevel spas othe ebltes to summon a familinror serbea ral shough he technically possesses such 9 WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOI Wieser ofthe Cons ener Ser Be Speier cid orto ie Foisovebools 154 nero 0 iraluce readers bot ara ion a the nels sfunceoNse Diacon, IKimght no: be ss soohisteatel ste tional fray tate, bat makes or grat eho ype rece ro the ere ad the game. Those acts oe ny tls ofyourge Feros hou ey the tart, ‘wit Weexposen in popular offen tasyoith both Mary Petter and The Laré ithe Rigs, thors nee: tens bator tine ta get peoelmeresed 9 Dunceon Deacons, you fave younger rene ‘on rethns etl Ie to gt stires oye Duvazons€ Gracione,thenthe Mier Stone tok preventhe pore toa, Have st rence lanes ta the ols ands pup themnen Deo Blass Bish Sescbe ou this ran I ho are, ou should save thae en trie Fret avert ‘Asa Lungeon aster Seto he Sprlurser eon oyu four onthe Fepaleee a earache oot Reus ere cantar erp toarnnimar, Tae Fetoes ees nore an thei thar areolar st var Sih sichowlereshaases even be ‘race: merserscan prev anerous Aentothal itvrthartheatn andy) init sn fd youre wi «com group ‘ol lang somes apa ithKellach, Male Hurnan Wizard 1: CR 1 Medium humanoid {human} HD dé hp Init=1 Spd 30% ACL (4 Dey} touch 11, farfooted 10° Base Atk 10 Gap Atk/Tull Atk 1 melee (Led 119-20, dager) oc +1 ranged (144 119-20, dagger) SA spells $Q— AL NG, SY Fort «0, Ref +1, Will 3 Sxr9, Dee 12, Com 1, [nt 18, Wis 12. Cha 16 Skil Concenation +8, Decipher Script 8, Knowledge (arcana) 8, Knowledge (history) «6, Knowledge local) +8, Keowledge (tligion) +6, ch 05, Spellerat 18, Spot 2 Fests: Combat Casting, Fschew Mate tials, Scribe Secoll anpungis: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Halfling, Spels Prepared (3 sare DC 14 + spell Jevel) Oe, fev, prsigttion Possessions: Dagger, backpack, lantern, torch, int and steel, spellbook, water kin, quill, parehmene (heee sheets) DRISKOLL Driskoll plays Watson to Kellach's Holmes. He collects stories of all sorts, bit his fivoritas ae the ‘ones that tell of the adventures his brother Kellecl and he have in Cur ston, He's more strest smart than Keach, who spends most of his clays with his nese in books, Driskoll looks up to his brother Kellach, although he'd never say 50 to Kellach's face. He thinks his brother is too full of himself as itis Sull, be looks to his eléer brother te protect him and to get them out of whatever trouble they get into Driskoll cam manage for himself, but sometimes he's more comfortable in his brother's shadow ‘AC age 10, Dulskoll is just coming inte his own asa Latter rently, he's jst gaining the abiy 0 est soells an he has yee discover the fall extent of magic, He ha the bardic knowledge and bardie music abilities, but he doesnit hase erouphs ranks in Perform to uae eny of the latter's effets Driskoll, Male Humnan Bard 1: CR 1; Medium humanoié (anion); HD 146: hp 6; Init 41: Spd 30 fe: AC TT bare, Ca (41 Dex), loueh 11, flat-footed 19: Base Attack +0; Grp -1; AtkjFull AU “I melee ({d4-1)19-20, dagen or “+1 ranged (1d4-1;19-20, dagger’ SA —} 8Q bardic knowledge, bardic music: AL NG: 8¥ Fort 40, Ref 43, Will +4 Ste 9, Dec 12, Com 10, Int 12, Win 14, Cha 13, Skits BlufT 48, Diplomacy 4, Gather Information +7, Hide +3 Knowledge (local 5, Listen +6, Per form (act 46, Perform (orators) +6 Perfoem jwind instrument) +6, Search 17, Sonne Motive 4, Frais Investigatr, Negotistor. Languoges; Coramon, Halfiing, Spells Prpered (2 eave DC 14 + opel! level) dancing lights. pretiigiaion. Fosesions: Dagger, backpack, [an teen, torch, and fit and ated MOIRA ‘Moyra's father Breddo is a notori- cous clef whe has been Ja and out of jail her whele fifo. She fiat met Drisholl and Kellsch when their mother Jourdsia “cached out to help Moyri’s motaer Rayma while Beeddo was in jai. Unfortunately. i was Torin, Jourdait’s husband, whe put him there Ir Daskoll thinks of himself as ct saat, he has nothing 00 Moves, who spent mast af her life on the streets, often a: a stooge in her fathes’s scams. She often caitns that all she caves abontis earning sore money so she can nove fer and ber mother out ofthe bole in which they live. In trith, she's Toolcing for enme- thing she can believe in, and maybe ven at age 12, Mayra ita Lstlevel rogue, The mast experienced and least abeltered of her friends, Moyea has Fal) neces tall of her sass ailites Moyta, Female luman Rogue 1 1) Medium humanoid (huanent; HD 16; hp 6; Ini: «4; Spd 30 Fh AC L4 j44 Dex), touch 14, flarfooted 10; Baso Aik 49: Crp 1 AthjPull Ak-1 melee (1441/19-20, dggon) bor +4 ranged (Le4 1/19-29, dager): SA sneak sttace +Le6: SQ —; AL CG: SV Fort 40, Ref 48, Will 41; AL GG: Ste 9, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 16, Skile Buf +7, Climb +3, Disable Device #5, Hide +8, Inimadate +6, Knowledge (Local 5, Move silently +8, Open Lock +8, Search 5, Sease Motive +3, Sleight of Hand 46, Spot Feats Dedge, Lightening Refleves. Lavguages: Common, Elven. Possesions: Daggee, bacepack, las tern, torch, flint 50 feet of ope, snd ste! wsterskin THE SPIRITKEEPER This clear crystal aphore bears omate olden rues that faintly shin mer beneath is surface. Despive its Innocupus appearance, « spirtheeper has the paver to steal a persan’s soul and store it within, The crystal can hold one soul ata time for an inde nite period, fit is used on someone while t already holds a soul, the tar. getmmust make a DC 17 Will saye or have its soul switched with the one in the item, Jeaving the Larger’ soul trapped within the spiiskeeper while the targers body is possessed by the soul now feed from the spirikeeper, ‘Thoce who male their cave cannot be stiected by the spintheyper again “These effects axe permanent, bat otherwise function the same as the spel magico. Using the sprite isa fulkround action that requites'a command wor ‘Moderate necroraney CL9th Graft Worckous lin, magi jar Pic 112000 go Weight tI Serene 200% oAscov 5s ETby E. Wedey Schneider images provided by Square Enix ‘and Final Faotasy Warery Lifawarery.com) FINAL FANTASY spite their share ii, there is J] Pooting "nal about tke games EI in tne long:rumaing Fival Fantsey series, With hte m commen from one to the next, what these games lack in oesiveness they make up form pre senting unique worlds, each utilizing, arelteshing variety of fantasy themes From rogal knights and monstrous ser- ants airsnios and magi, Final Far tuay eagerly twists familiar plots while slalfully weaving its ow. Perhaps no one aspect bere suramarizes the ewe fantasy elements and imaging sion ofthe Final Fantasy sees than the speedy and potent ciocabo, art sild animal, part highspeed ‘ransport, chocobos are peenless mounts, powerful pick animals, speey ‘messengers and true companions Wherever chacobos are found, ‘hey avifty replace borses and other equines 2s the domesticated riding animals of choice. Cheaper to feed, casier te car: fos, generally mors DRAGON 323. Soptemer 2004 friendly, and—their owners say intelligent, chocabos eombiae all the renggh and speed of horses with less upkeep and stubboraess. Playhul and cuiosie atheart, these avian quickly sevepteshor creatures they percrive ashaving ood intentions, and they ‘eagerly earn new abil, This has led 10 ‘he rise ofsports ike chacobo racing, which seeins a5 eagerly anticipated by the moumis ar the jockeys and gam bling fans. It has also made them the mount of choke for many warriors, as chocebos cin often travel farther and fasterthan most horses. Howewer, menial daily cores such as plowing ot palling carts often hore chorabes, who ‘need wide open spaces to stretch their scaly legs and who axe aveays eager to Psuer the net rilge In the wild, chocobes cam be ether unexpected boons or dangerous theca. ‘Whether in locks often te twenty ize ‘acing the wind acoss the pins erin smaller families nesting in aeduded for «ts, wild chocobos are mavestic sights tobehold, Chocebos comnenly range ‘of plaine and forests ‘whole flocks running ina vide temitory af acveral doen sun day and separating into sraller hrnlies 2 night, alsays tetuming othe same sheltered groves Creatures thal appreach with ebri ously hostile ineniions raely get dose toa flock of ehacobos their keen rniles during he senses and swift releses are alten ‘more than eaough w beep them well out offaarmi rece, However, should 2 particulary éaring poacher ot wrangler attempt tosteal upon family af choco bos a night, the nteelopar must be pre pare 1 face the creatures sharp talons ind powerful beaks as they defend thei home. Also, should a thiefsuczess filly steal a choooko egg or hatchling Aistresed chocove patents ave been Tosi: to gather their entire flock to hse dow the thief and ensure the safe return oftheir stolen soung,th al Fantasy game mates song ae af etn fantasy ems ot ve ecules pagreses th ars general Tal lesson wel toca evs, inst mjterous ages ae fn somerrorsten ae tere Perse ‘posee i fin olets Me rederine dik koh ving sonia lig Inepials ane ven sci daapped frinersies Thaugh narecouscreaive toes alge or geet than oe ates eget Rises ‘merely sas ieng enatertxe OM ar ler ages dea bows how tree Seer relatives ea, (Gessforrew weapons, mal, Fordes of bane meostes.andcharscerzerans Sli shicles ace weteyes tue theseearly pares acreatie Vessuretrve for ach DMG ad pases ale Tio ere ates gamesin the al Frtay eves mace frequent deparres from the themes of radio finasy ‘eines Althcughunalts Hah ring croUnible noses roman, gow ‘vente sae vel, ans mecns ad ‘lr soaned tetnloge fan al ppesr ess Ayes Ga ing both (ragicandstence cn rake vse of es for new harein, ulpnet ade (pote ess and wai pred hon thi unique ms Weer ou peter yout frcay 1 traiional wos of monaters and Inagicor cueing-tegecombrsetons ot sctnce are soe the Fi Fantasy lle dole eg au eset souve neverimap ree, RIDING BIRD Large Animal Hit Dice: 4488 (26 bp) Speed: 50, (12 aquaes) ACH 14 (1 size. 42 Dev, +4 nateraly Base Atack/Grapple: 13, +10 Attack: Bite 46 elec (1804) Fall Attack: Bite 46 mele (Ld84) and clays melee (1dr) Spacey each: 10 y/5 fh Special Attacks Special Qualities: Lowlight vision, Saves Fort 16, Ref 16, Will 4 Abilis: Su 18, Des 15, Con 14, Int 2, Wie 16, Cha § Skills: Jump +18, Listen 48, Spot +9 Feats: Endurance, Run Environment: Worm plaing and frosts SUMMONING RIDING Ee Akoug they have yoshi cr magic ove hi tthe apartrovn ater a nas riding brea non ae parte lo respeane le nage rman ane fal rales, hus 3985 eve when a efor noun seri pos Bb thet arcinghidyrones her Ais, seunirg a atleel fore dud or Beefs at. idng i cine anon. Ring ideas unewer te cl fearon nate’ ae Organiration: Soitny, pair or lack (8-20aduls plus 2-5 young) Challenge Rating: Advancement: 5-7 HD (Large), $9 HD (Huge) Level Adjustment Whuc tools to be eneserpriovally tic chicle the siae fa def hore ‘and with golden-ywtow fathers earns Defre you. Wa tag elon, scrote a the ground as ie hed di abot alerls Up rticing you, ls lis Boy nech to ane de ard es our a sll, “Wak aya Riding bices Tecok lke crosses between ovorsized chickens and ostriches. With long necks, golden featl ers and intelligent leer, riding birds can often be found Tuning Steely in Focks across great plans or lazing fa she cool sled of lacge annals that isolated Invests. Natwesl ners, fos cteatures can sprit as Fest as a niding Died without the aid of An average viding bird stands nneaely 7 feet tall ad, with i’ flared lal phanies i amas: equally Jong, Despite facie sie, ding birds are sil avians and usually weigh on'y about 380 pounds (oven Riding bivdls are wasally either shy or Friendly, and thus dort oflen engage in combat, Most petential predators Teave riding bitds done in favor of slower prey. However, when a rid ing bité's young.o! those sts become attached to arein canger, it makes effective use of te ehorp beak and powerful talons Skis Like mest birds, ding bites have cen eyesight, giving them a 16 ‘acl bonus on Spot checks Garrying Capacity: A light lou for a riding bird i wp 40.200 pounds « ‘media load, 201-400 pounclss anda heavy loa, 401-600 pounds, A riding bird can drag 3000 pounds, Riding birds cost 400 gp, Bint los ADS Farmoee rare than the standard ye lowrfeathered siding bied is he neatly iythical bck riding bird, Said to hurl ‘oly in the most secluded mountain orca controled breeding of thoroughbreds, Diack riding binds are one of nature's ‘most prized treasaies, lack viding bes love te exact seme stats as siandurd riding birds, aswell a fly speed of 9 Fee (goud), Blavlericling birds usualy sll for 2.000 gp on the onen market bom by chance from theKoco Me LEAVE THE FRIKWN TOWN?! Lucie RITUAL, fe ALL Tue Lucie OFF TENG SBE ALREADY! AA Loot ts Boor? ED Savane 2004+2004 onscon'7s EEee COMICS FOUND THE FOLLOWING: OK, GUYS. I'VE BEEN 3% OF THE TIME GOING OVER LAST WEEK'S SESSION. 1RETACKC THE DRAGON iD ol TIME SEEDING On wut HUZZAHI AIEEFEEEE! CRITICAL FUMBLE! VHAVE THE WORST DICE LUCK EVER! THE DICE HATE Met THE DICE HATE. MEI THE DICE HATE MI THERE ' a RESOLUTELY NO OTHER EXPLANATION MY DICE ROLLING SUCKS! MY DICE SUCK! HOW MY LU CAN MY LUCK BE SO INCREDIBLY BAD? 75% OF THE TIME COMPLAINING ABOUT DICE ROLLS. FROM HELL'S HI |EART. i TAS AT THEE! ile ce THAT Ae 2004 SHETLAND PRODUCTIONS: SOUN@KOVALIC.COM WWIW.DORKTOWER.COM DRAGON 525 September 2004rom countless werks of F Titerature, films, and role playing games, Iwo heroic Baler aLCar ites a Heda aired iwemern bight a (eee as asd eel ste ie es ees Tae oer ed asia igeiee ae hee Tien sare ut eons Se tee ones vecas Mealy eved lingee stescie thity an stl Ai om thane finial depletions, the quertons eke Case eeu alpine Gas accuse sect ies Tiers ue cede Thee ele ako Midis ae Gee iain eae Be eon Sane ae se ies anton las Eaters hee ecu ie oe onion THe scenario bow, Ero were noold Re lise ice ee en ese al Sr Pe es Cea ss nae Bo ou ga eat e place Pea genie 5c Bee Fal sis oae ace oo) eat Gace GEL cies acres Sec alee colneaita anes Fei ol GC nr eh so aoe SST meer there tie aes Reo so conse The ell ae cote ee en eal aoe aidan Core Fay cata) se baer en ee aor pearsraai tl ai he ep memeee Ria paaaauaice ee ee ra ote min that each of our ideal combatants hag been informed about the other and is therefore mentally prepared ‘and composed, OFcomnae, ifs are supposing & clash between boo “typical warrinns, swe tnust also ask exactly what is cone sidered typical? ‘The knights of direa 1100 C# and the samurai of crea 1200 CE were roughly evenly matelied in equipment but the same comparative warriors during the 1400s were quite dissimilas. Each of the twe histori cal warriors in question fought with ‘equivalent technologies, uncer fiels similar climates and terrain, and for similar reasons, but i's dificult te think in terns ofa “generic” medic va) knight ors *etandard” eamurai warrior. With resgect fo a European knight, i's aso difficult cheose ‘hich nationality and what type of Bushido is “the way of the horse and not “the way of the sword.” warrior fiom which portion of the Middle Ages to use, With the saumatai though. we only deal with single homogenous culture ‘As for the knight, are we assur ing he will be 4 matl-clad! Norman with sword and kite shield from the year 1056? Perlaspe he could be an English or French chevalier of 1350 in partial plate with axming sword ready for a judicial dus] in + closed ring? Will te be a Teutonic knight ‘of dca 1500 in s head-to-toe suit of anticulated Gothic platearmor and wielding a bastard sword? ‘Will she sarnurai be wearing the older box-tike Muromachi armor ‘and armed with a tachi blade, or will he woar the later clace-fitting Kamakura-period do-mara armor and use the more farillar katana? For that matier, word the sam: rai be allowed to use both his long ketans and his wakivashi short sword together? THE WARRIORS We can reasenably assume that the personal attribrtes such as ind vidual strength, speed, stamina, age, health, and courage are fairly cconsistont between such professional warriois, Assuming we can sorachow control for theve attributes, we eon match combatants with some equal- itp, Lig not unrealistic to believe that neither was Tkely decisively stronger or faster than the other: However, we carit discount physiology as « factor, which might be ax sdvaniage for the European (Ioth-century samurai ‘anmot examples are sized for mien around 59°55" while Furopean armor trom the same period and ccaior Gt men ranging {ror just lunder 6” to about 6°5"), but other jeulUdence suggests averaye European Insights in che Léth century were just above 5 feet, While tive Baropean concept ‘of physical fitmess among knights of the 15th century emph sized the classical Greco-Roman youthful physique of a narrow waist and broad shoulders on lean frame, the Japanese ideal was fone of a more mature man having a wider bare and broader middle—no dlouit reflecting the natural ethno- glapbic chasaciecistcs ofeach race, Dut alse influencing the Fighting techniques they employed. ‘We might also want to consider the forms of warfare in which each swordsman possessed experience The early saraurai engaged in & ritualized style of warfare where individual champions might fight sepirate battlefield ducls following bslabliched protocals, ae opposed toaster mounted archery style of combat amid pike formations of lesser foot seldiers, There were a Few large scale (often disastrous) military expeditions te Korea and olsewhere, but most of a samurats battles vecursed in the environment of his home islands.Knights omphasized mounted shock warfare with couched lances ani—off the fielé—a concers for uivalric and judicial duels ss well as Inurnameats ofall kinds, The West: ern way of war was directed more at 4 traditional battle of annihilation a part of an overall campsign oF ‘onouest. Yet, individual challenges, whether tothe deat or not, wore Frequent. Knightly arms and armor were the result of a dynamic interse tion of Latin, Celtic, and Germanic ‘altures ae well as Thrkish and Ara ‘ion influences. ‘The environment lights fought in were extensive and diverse, ringing from the cold ‘of Scandinavia 10 the deserts of the Middle East. from the plains of Wert em Furope to the deep forest of the Hast, and the swamps, Melis, and smowntaine in between Culture might also play a role in this eon vexisted in a hierarchical an conformist culture that rewarded obedi- tence and loyalty over individualiyy Knights existed in a tore complex and fluid society that emphasized sol-expression sith a long tradition of seliance on indi= ictal initiative, Both cultures had experience fighting against outsid crs and foreigners: the Europeans encountered the Turks, Mongols Saracens, and others the Japanese encountered the Koreans, Chinese, Mongols, and others, Thus, in con- sidering the historical cecord on cross-cultuial collisions in different locations, we might want to give the edge to the more socially ¢iverse Europeans on this matten . Semurai warione (Dn an indivieial basis, we rmnst consider what eff? the quality of fatalism within the veenurat code of Inushido might ply. or rather the res: oluze acceptance of death that mot: ‘ajo the fereost samurai. We cannot tverlaok the quality of piety and faith ‘hat could motirace a noble kaght to great Feats, or of thc ideals of chivalry that he rnight uphold to the death. (Ps ‘possible a mediewl European night ‘would have & certcin disdain and scont for his foreign, "pagan adver ssi, OF course, she Japanese wartior’s ‘wellknown atiuide of provd invinci bility and readiness to ie for his lord coulé equally mabe hian vulnerable to an unfamiliar Be. Contempt for life and contempt fora dangerous sunknow 9pponien: you might under cslimate can be a disastrous combi ion. While cowage is important, fighting spiniraloae is insutficient There are surely tangles here we cannot nieasure with any reliabilits, These ancl other ron-quatfable, peycholegieal fictoe: aside, we are left with amor, weapons, and taining to decide the vicion Without weapons designed to defeat plate armor, any fighter would have difficulty. THE ARMOR Armor changes things in sword play. U you've news {you can't inane bow it afets your movement and the execution. of even simple acions, 1 has been ssid that while Ftropeans designed thetr armor to de‘eat swards, the Japanese designel thei swords to defeat armor Thee isa cenain ‘uth to this, but 1's 2 simplistic ‘View The beticr Japanese armor was constructed of stall overlapping Jaequered metal scales or plates together with silk cords in order to specifically resist the slicing cut of the karana, {vallewed significant Freedom f movasnent while offer ing excellent probetion. 11 it pot ‘wet, however, thesill cords seaked lp water and it became terribly heawy. Although the earliest styles ‘of samuralsrinor were designed sine in it, square plates asa defense sagsinst arrows, the later forms were Intended prinsatily robe used by and agit similals equipped swords ren and to lessen the wemendoss ‘calling capacly oftheir blades. 1 swat dirable, effective, and provided foramale movement, How would St hold up to the stabs of a narosly pointed knightly sword? This i an Jmportant question Medieval European armor was designed and shaped more to deflect strikes and absor) blant force blows from lances and swords, A knight's emer voried Gorn simple byrnios of fine-rveted mall, which could absomb slices and prevent cats, 1 well padded sal jackets and metal cnats-ofplates, which were designed to protect equally frum con sion weapons se.well 46 penetrating thrusts. A complete wait of fly anticulated rigid aumpor tequited special: ized weapons to effectively defeat i. Plate armor vas constructed 10 be invulnerable to sword cuts ivean he surmised, those ofthe ‘exceptonally sharp katana, some Digh-rankeing 16th century summaval lords setlly owned piosee of cone temporary Furopean armor, pitts and purchases which they even wore into bate. They iid not prize them merely a exotiea. For foot com- bat, this armor wae well balanced, maneuverable, and sometimes even rade of tempered stl, [twas well suited for wear in combat, and i far From the awkward, lurihering eich’ presented by Hollywocd Without weapons designed to defeat plate armor. ans fighier armed with a sword alone (stan or nel would have diffe Indeed, full Europea plate armor ‘els mail might very well dan age the keen edge on particularly line katanas. Afterall, we shoutd uo: forget dat despive the KaunasNauited cutting ability, the samurai fall-arm slashing cuts of Ken)ussu. fairly thick woed covered in leather were able te successfully rely on Medieval short swords are prop. and asually trimmed in metal, mak their armors as defense agains! i. erly wieldee wilh more of a throw ing them highly maneuverable and There is every reason to imagine of thearm and aswistofthe hips difficult to cu into, More likely, a knightly armor would have been while making passing stepe forward blade would he momentarily stuck if just as effective if not more so. Lf or back. Both cuts and thrasts are it struck too forcefully. Unlike what wwe therefore assume the armors 9 thrown frora behind the shield while is seen in the movies or described Ibe more evenly matched, say mail it simmultanconsly guards, feints, in heroic titerature, chopping into ‘and partial plate for the knight as deflects. or presses. A sword an) a shied’ edge can temporarily (asd megund 1250, ings would aiLiisa greatest overasingle usc the aword blade ly wedge 0 get more interesting. However. the sword alone. Fighting with sword the shield for just an instant and saat dd aBen caray a ehick dig and shleld ofers awel-sounded and thereby be delayed in recovering or SUPeMER ould frre beencquitay — seicne dafeae Ueatealsly pormliaa _seneoiog an elackurdl exposing Usefil aginst plate, Interestingly, wide rmge of both tec and combi the altacker's arms toa countercu ach needorpsigiy chet ued) eaten at aks Shields without metal rims were ‘aleijaoncuplerisy diguerwerlils 2 theslisld yptnoe eed init, (> | len cored braid reaces vith ciosein grappling something ways typically shewn in moves, Kenjutsu Japanese swordsman- not generally known about knightly video games, stage-combat of hiss ship), although cousistig of very fein bil tones voleplayingaeganiatins, __efecive Zonntercuting action, Fighting-against ¢ medieval shield is also has no real mdigenous provi ae smeuo piesa bs Palling We musk onside thick A skilled wheiermeknigit AS a sword, the Japanese katana warrior could cer in this hypotheti tainly improvise cal duel will be is unmatched in its sharpness and some, but these armed in he , unfamiliar with the faiiar shield and cutting power. formidable effec shor: sword sivle tiveness and ver co wiluse only a saity of a sword single ongeword) IFarmed with» not simply » matlor of man: and shield combination would have Shield, we must ask what kind? Will around Ror aiming blows elsewhere, a hard time thi Mnighl employ weedtecgrippell A void can cut quite wel om trpe with ront umbo or one woon almost allangles sound er under’ TMG SAMHURATS SWORD byenarme staps? Will the shield neath shield. need, since the In major battles fought br both le the highly fective *hite"shepe shield we f 0 well guarded, the types of wacros both samurai vrith is superb defense or one ofthe opponent isthe one limited to attack- and knights typically wilded a smaller, more maneuverable convex ing to only ane repion—he non: sword in one or tworhands. For “heates” styles? How about 2 thick shield side. As it comes out from the knight, the primmury weapons steel buckles? bbohinel the shield to strike, an attack: had always been the lang lance ‘There's a reason virtually every en's weapon can be couniertimed and the swerd, and toa lessee culture developed the chield and and counter-cut, which is an effective degree the poleare, dagger, and why they were used for thousands tactic to employ against a shield nser, mace, ‘The sword was always the of years: They were very effective. Yet a shield user's atticks are net at foundations! weepon of a knights Ip 15th-century Europe, itwas only —allone sided. A shield can be used fencing training, For the samurai, Ihe combination of the development offensively in a number of ways and however. the sword was but one of full plate armor and two-handed at very clove range, of thee major weapons, along, swords combined with heavy pole Katanasare powerful swords with the bow and the yari (shew arins and powesful missike weapons used with strony techniques, but ing spear) used from horseback, ‘thet Gnally reduced the long reigo- thinking they could simply eave We should consider that, despite ing value ofthe shield in ware, Ymough sion! medieval shield ie their later acquived reputation for The medieval style of sword and absurc. A shisld cannot simply be swordsmanship, the samurai’s pr: shield fighting is disiinelly different sliced through, even with a katana, mary weapon sas, in fact, not the from the two-hand grip and quick Medieval shields were crafted of sword. ‘The sword did not becamea premier weapon of samurai cul: the “ultimate sword” some of its ture and reach its cult status wntil ardent admizers occasionally builé the mid-to late-170h century. when itupsas, The katana’s exceptionally the civil warring period ended. It hard edge was prone <0 chippiag is something of myth that every and needed frequent ve-polishing, individasl Japanese samuraiwee and its blade could break or bend hhimsel? an expert swordsman (no the seme as any other sword might move true than that every Wild was not designed te take a great West couboy wes an expert gun- deal ofabuse, and is not as flexible fighter). Afterall, the expression _ nor intended to clrectly eppose sett 30 sseoeinted with bushido is “the or hard armor: as some forms of vay of the horse and bow.” not medieval swords had to be. she way of the sword.” Besides, ‘The katans’s design was n0t set unlike knightly chivalric talew and in-stone. [twas changed and altered combtt accounts, the majority of over the centuries like any other single combats between samurai sword, being slowly improved or described in feudal Japanese litora- adapted to the different needs and ture took place with daggers and tastes ofits users im terms of cross hot swords, For the sake of discus: section, cvzvatare, and length. [n the sion, let ag assume both Fghters 13th enh, for instance. iis point tise swords in this imaginary case. had to be redesigned because it as Asa sword, the Japanese katana prone to snapping against the metal is unmatched in its sharpness and tag ee ste swell tempered and expertly polished hnefal, Although the details of men Facuue differed, they were made | bay dhe same fundamental scientific processes of heating and working te by shaping and grinding as were ther fine ewords around the would throughout history, only 2 swotd—a man-made 101 of | THE KNIGHT'S SWORD Having eguipped owr simurai, we innise turn to the sword t be used dy our knightly combatant. It must be understood that there was a great diversity of knightly swords and armor types. European swords fawigrave European swords were, in asense, — orefinasene Furthermore ts paricuacly good atentting against generalized designs. metal (out it only cults through other words in wiesiip sal ideS grmnatl.. Tein favied Setudded eteisaoy However, medieval plate armor (essentitly equivalent to Hueopean is well known far ils resistance biigandine armor) of the Mongols tocutting, and cutting ata mov. and Chinese. Ry the 18th century ing target hiddea by a shield ora its blade, no longer earnestly used igreateword is not essy. While she against armors, tended to be made edge of a katana is very strong, with longer. lighter, and thinner for chs fasharp cutting bevel, i isa thick ——_rcom practicing, ‘wedge shape and wtill hae to move Teue, Japanese feudal warriors did aside material ay iteuts. Although have their own form of gieatsword This is devastating ona draw slice in the long no dachi blades, These, against flesh and done, isis mich however, were employed specif less effective against armors. Real- cally by lower ranking foctsoidiers ining this, several styles of Japanese against horses (anil presumably, on swordamanship devised specific occasion, agains! pikes}. So, we cam. techniques not lo cabal armor, but not draw an equivalency between, tostaband tinust at the gopsand these and medieval groatswwords used joints of it just ax the Fusopeans in kniphily fencing aris.or t the true id against theit oven plate armor, tworhanders of 16th century Euro: Exespt for major conflicts in Korea pean battlefields, and encounters against the Mon- Overall, he katana was a very well ols, the katana developed in com- réunded design: excellent at cuting parative aplation and is net quite and icing, yet good at thrusting and always specialized rather than slenveiety rather than gen eralized designs There were swords for feo! combat, swords for horerlack, single and double-handed swords, straight and curved avords, swords for armored and for unarmared Fighting, swords for tournaments, swords for civil jan ducling, sworde ideal just for thrusting or jus! for cutting, and swords only for training ‘A knight's sword wae typically one-handed weapen originally intended specifically for use with | a shield. Their Hades are wide and fairly thin, but gid, with chisellike edges intentionally designed for cut ting through mail armor and deep into flesh anil bone with 2 quick, Torcefial blow. They wore light, agile, and sti, yet flexible enough to withstand the stress ef use, They voried ftom the wider Nattor kinds to rigid, tapering, sharply pointed varlallons well sulted for siabbingg both plate and laminated armors‘The later wide-hased and acutely pointed style of bastard sword was superb at thrusting. So, even though Japan satne quality steel as their weapons, nothing in its erafting mode it supe: rior to armors European blades were lesigned to penetrate Although the medieval sword and shield combination was fairly ‘common, longer blades usable in tio hands were in widespread use From about 1250 t0 roughly 1600 In Europe. When we talk about iiedieval European longawoeds or warswords (or even greatswerds), we are not dealing with a single wee armor wes made of the uniform style, Some swords hed wide, flat blades with parallel edges well suited 0 powerful cuts. Later, wards specifically designed for Fac ing heavier atinor, had narrower nach more rigid Dlades of dia- mond ot hexagonal cross-sections that tapered to hard, sharp points ‘They werr used to bash al armor before stabbing and thrusting into joints and gaps. They could also be crnpleyed 10 theust like short spears or clam like werhammers, yes they ‘were still capable of cutting at more lightly ormozed opponents, The difference betwoen these two European blades is significant and once more underscores the distine= tion between the manner of using a katana and a straight medieval European sword, The tapering blade form hava different conter of bal- ance and is often lightes. Is point of percussion is located farther ‘down the biade, and iss fine paint 's capable of making quick, acct rate, and strong thrusts, The wider style can make a somewhat gr variety of sirikes and delivers more effective ents overall. The later is mmate agile and easier to extra a paryy with, I can also more easily empley its vereatle bit in binding, trapping, and striking. lis proper sile oF use with Its tighter move: ments, various thncts, and infight cle: Farah F: ing with the hilt is rarely depicted with any accuragy in movies and staged performarces. ‘The reach fact alsa cannot be overlooked, Although a skilled Fighter can effecively use a shor! blade against a long blade or vice sersa, and although neither long, swords nor katana hed standare ized lengths, overall the katana is significantly shorter than European two-handed ewords avd great swords, 4 Tonger weapon with two: edges does haveadvantages—espe- cially if used by 4 man taller than the wielder of a shorter, single: fedueel weapon, Surprisingly, me longeword or greatsword is arguably a more com- plex weapon than the katana, It has two edger that ean be used, se well as a versatile cressguard and pom ‘mel permitting « saciety of special ized techniques. Another clement to consider is thit European swords could be used in *halfsword techniques whone the second hand rips the blade {sell to wield the ‘weapon in bashing, deflecting, binding, and traxping se 9 pole-axe ‘or shor! spear cen be used. This was especially ellective in Aighting, net pl ‘knightly blades could be excellent swords, but they ue offen denigrated merely a8 crude Hunks of icon while samuai swords we venerated atid cxalted sometimes to the point of absurdity by enllectors, enthusiasts, nd fils, The bettors line is that amediesal swords were indced well made; light, agile fighting weapons equally capable of delivering dismem: bering cuts ar cleaving deep into hay cavities, They wens far fram the ‘lumsy, heavy thnigs they often portrayed as in pepalar media and far far move thana more *chuh with edges.” [mterestingly, the weight of lkatancs comparoc to longowworde is very clase, with each on average being Jess than + pounes. WODDER ean) AWE! 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Check our website for ar See ears See) PeGneg ene car Sie eens! reat Mastiff CRivsits ee a epee Feri tiemmanerrecdy Senators repent) ER miitveorntrt) Elaine Cunningham Eine aesatean cA Starflivand/Shiidas Series Nene es Ae siacreamaentne ee oteinetinensnelsenay ieee Sets aeons Non acer encore Nee ees SMALE Ceci Tere ener Perna nea Tent reer ere roms THe sWeRDSMANsHIP instead ofa shield and sword we match a knight with + longsword or galtst the kaa aemed ssnnursi, thie makes a sig nificant difference in hove we judge the Fight, We must aot fall into tie trap of judging sword in terms of what we knows about clossical Japanese fencing, 1 the madievsl long isa mistake ta think the at double-edged medieval sword with cervciforra-hiltis handled like a entved katara, While there are cor taluly similarities and universal cons rmonaltics between the two styles of ‘wardsmanship (sch as i stances and cus}, there are alse significant and fandamental differences, ‘They fac make the sime basic seven 0. it cuts and thusts, As a cuived blade with an expecially keen edge the katana 1s superior in the poten tial use of quick, short slices, Ye ne. long, sh tw @ keen point, the longsword is botierat thrusting, Additionally ts 1 blade tapering dal edges, enabled by a graspable pommel, allow 1 1 attack slong roe Ti cats. Having. twe edyes to work with permits backedge and reverse cuts. This allows a larger number of strikes from diflerent angles THe katana is oielded in a quick; flowing manner with a torque of the grip as well ss push of the hips, Pulling a curved blade in this vay makes it ste foowork is more linear, with short quick hopping, (even shafing) steps. s than the eight standard it shears, The I contrast to the slicing slash of a curved, single-eeged, Japanese blade, medie for hacking pilmarily from the elbow and shoul- dler and emploving wide passing steps. The moxements are hinger with more fast whirling actions as Lawords wore made the two edges are employed the pommel alone gripped. or the hands changed to differeat positions on the hilt fsa straight lade, it strikes more witha pointof-perenssion on the 6 to 8 inches of blade down fear the point as opposed to the curved katana, which uses mote of the first few inches, IF we bring into the equation the medieval bastard sword with compound-hilt of sidexmgs and barguarda ap well as half grip hanulle using various methods of holding, this could also be a significant factor Such hilks alow for a variety of one cor lwo-hand gripping options and ives superior tip control for shtust ing or edge alignment When contrasting these two styles of sword we should also leeep in mind a number of points We classify each as longswords and both were designed for the same purpose: killin between them result from the pa ticularitios of their functions and the ways they a goals. We should also keep in ming that Japanese swords and sword arts reflect a living tradition, and standing pproup in the West promoting ite study. In contrast. the medieval ge hay for decades litd vittu ally nothing but Hollywood Fantasy and roleplayers representing it, From this, direct compstison af Enropean Swotd 19 a Japanese one is 01 pos: g. Differences tote with a lor herit nbs seen thita sible. They are “epples and oranges” so to speak As our hypothetical fight ensues any number of things might hsp: pen, In the course of striking at one another a chance blow by either side could end the fig. The katana ‘might or might net be able to make 1 Jetta! o¢ incapacitating cut (some: hing difficult to-do against plate shield). The knight, unfamiliar wath, tho nature of his eppement, night throw outa strike that makes hin vulnerable 10 4 well-timed counter auiack. Of course, the samurai might alone a mail cast with aalso underestimate the power of the medieval swore! cleaving blows and agile rusts, even ayetinst his armor, The average European two: hand sword is as much a8 foot longer than the average katana and is telat all slow or defensive, It hhas a versitile hilt used for binding, Uvapping, and partying, The katana fs aleo a fas: weapon that cuts strongly and guards well There exist nuinesous techniques fr infighting weing the longewerd’s ‘hali” guards, ent there are also aany techniques for striking wich a shield, but then the lavana excels atclosesn shees, OF course, against good armor, such actions can be nege Tigible, and Ryhting against shields vas relatively unknown in Japan. Soon one laind, the knight's fight ing style—either of close-in sword and shield clashing, or large passing steps with long-reaching shearing ceuts and plunging throsts with a longsword or greatsword—might sive him the advantage: Oo the other hand, the intense, forused, counter: cutting style of the sermurat with his razor keen blade and own experience jn wemoared fighting might instead give him the advantage, It could be argzel that the sami rj by matore would have a tacieal advantage In atimde and fortitude tsa result ofthe psychological cle ‘ments of his training. He is well known to have integtaied unacmed techniguee inte hie ropertoire at well as having a keen sense of an epao- neti’s sirengihs and weaknesses. Sull. much of this is intangible and subjective, Besides, allhouph ‘not widely appreciated. Cis iow well documented (particulary from ‘medieval Italian and German fight- ing rmamvals) that Suropean knights snd manat arms Bally integrated advanced grappling, wrestling, and disarming technigues into theis Fighting skill. There iy no evidence tothe myth that knighthy martial culture was any less sophisticated or highly descloped than its Avian. counterparts—its traditions and retlios only fell ut of use with the social and tecmological changes brought about byadvances in fire armas and cannons, ‘Those who thine the medieval sword and shield were just brutish, artless armaments ane a9 tally mise inforred se thoteho inpagine the Jatana vas Handled in some mysiet ‘ous and secret mann six can eat thromgh anything, While it knoe thal the average semua! ha a lasge inventory of unarsued fighting tech niques at his disposal these too would ‘be unlikely bp playa part axainst a shield. yielding warrior, keePing eur HUPOTHESIS BROAD So, given the eormplesites of the (question of what sind of knightly arms and armor frem what period ‘ye could consider ina hypothetical knighi-samurai excounter, it might be ‘easier to just imagine an unormored uel, sword against sword, ithe! shies. Lev's assume then chat our cross-cultural gladiatorial fantasy ‘onl be fought hy two respective 15th century warriors with single ‘owords slone, In his way, we essen tially have two fighting men exper enced in using 4 ong sword as well 9 fighting, uname oe. This solves a lat of questions, but ‘even bere the issue is problernatic ‘We sill need 10 ark what kind of katana and what tind of longsward? ‘what length of blde and handle? "There was no gerevie medel for either weapon, afer all So. essuming that we conse (we weapons of com: parative dimensicns, we could cheose the knightly longewsord of the eruci- fonuhilted, doutleedged, slighily tapering warily Under ths sceaario, the katana ‘would have a slat advantage. I's dept in unarmoned, cutanelthrust fighting where de slightest wound for its heen edge could perhaps ice This issue’s Riddle: le sleps forys iscqultly ale Tesh in ed sod shes Ins Blood os re then na to Mack Uisleeps a aka come tac, Gets now riddle ec week in our onal Sign vp at sides siengtecom Need something | more than “String or nothings”? Riddle Books Each Riddle Book contains 75-80 riddles for use in role playing games or to challenge you and your friends, Need a break, fron Hack & Slash? Riddle Rooms Riddle Rooms are riddles and puzzles presented as rooms that can be added to any dungeon or adventure. Each room has one or more illustrations. Can be used with any system. For more riddles and games visit us at worw.cloudkingdom.som,He AUTHOR John Clerc om oF rane’ lacing Instore andl prasitore tesa ‘eof mace and Rensissance fen Ing. batng ett the sub for ena tenia yar ar esparched ne taugh: nsx cours. He eahes nd ‘wiles 00 ised feing ful tes _drecior FARA She Neocon or ssance Maral (ubudeorn “aah andauthoro'the donk, Revise “Sermandip The Wasoen eof Rep 5 and Cbs Tiss Shor ard Water ‘Sereno luereed taonavesand edie tot fom Paadin Pose Hie forcornng marks ae Faria Tang In Medion’ Wo, The Cnesvord Fons Stich Gude and Risa Shera: Babafld lg Fi severa hand o® disable an ar 1 could al thrust wel and might even threaten a prssing or shcing draw if close in. The laleswording techniques ofthe longaword would alko not be nearly as Mabie hee, although its hilt design might prove useful, While the Tengsword would be menacing in its quick and longresching trast, its sabbing atacks would pechaps not be that unfamiliar te 2 crmurat used to fang speus. Gn the other tand, the knight would wot be wnased to facing a curved single-edged Bade, likly being skilled in or filer swith the falehion,badolsir, messes, long grossemesser, and even Toke Ishsclmitars. So agen, the outcome ‘of the match would come down to intangibles of personal atitide and Individual proves Some would suggtt thatthe sam tal nas simply a better swerdsrman and nice tevacious wastes and would Iely oxt-ight his European counter part Others argue skied, superbly conutioved night using cnr a sword snd shield earn longsword or greatsword in fall mail, or plete would be near invulnerable and brutally overpowering. Pract nets who ate experienced with one Ispe of blade tend to favor whatever tes're most famibar with, In one sense, we are talking about very different approaches to armed personal defense, but itfs all the same when reduced to two srmed combatints facing one anotier. ‘There are many universal commonalities and shared funda- mentals between both Eurapean and Japanese feudal warriors, but eo significant tech nical and stylistic differences im their respective approaches. IP n0t, their martial histories and their arms and armors would not have ‘been so distinct there were 8 wet can We REALLY KO? CQwerall, ther» ate far too many va ables and unknowns to decisively judge who would win in a battle The better fighter wins the fight. Dotween a knight and exnvucai. The fight cannot be reduced to any gener: alized statements about who hal the Iisiorieal advantage in sll or who had the superior array of arms and armor ll we can veally do is give an opinion based an what we lnc about these warttors’ means and manners of combet. Tefore reflesively reacting with 3 strong opinion one way or another whan thinking about this subject, ‘we might want to stop to porder the same Imaginary contest as held Ibetweon two samurai, euch a: 3 samurai of the Murorzehi era ver. susa Kamakura one. We could do the same for the light, posing the problem of who would defeat whom. fan Title-centiry Flemish koight or a Lithecentury Rurgundian one? Ry doing this simple mental exercise, swe ean see the inherent problems of arguing one way oranpther over such imoginany fights. ‘While the technigues and prin- ciples of kenjutsu aie highly effec tive, they might be direly pressed to combat the proven efficacy of a \warrioy using the sword and shield ‘method—a technique that proses doubly effective against an opponent with a single sword. As well, the formidable utility and versatility of Furopean longswords or greatswords ‘cannot be ignored, especially when combined with European armor, although a fine kstana can abso be a tuuly awesome weapon. ‘There are many other factors that could be raised when speculating on a Iypothetical combat between a night and a samurai, In the end though, the question of who would win such a duel is really unanewerable, Being 3 ‘great warrior is a matter of individual ability and technical factors that ere not exchisive to any one culture or time period. The bovter fighter wins the fight, and ia therefore consid cred the better fighter—or at least the rove fortunate. whoever deereects oem owas ry Sz. asm pe ss 13 CaN INTERVIEWS AND INIAGES FORGOTTEN REAL \ nu rec@ntyears, Atari has made an innovative companies have feamed up to charatters ereated by New York mpressive matk on the define D&D in a-villy unique 7 selling auth computer game incust v2 Theres oration yublishing a host of popular gam rs this month sth Linder the Duworons « Dr E45, munis: Berti Slone, an action and other Foxcorre Ticense, including’such tiles as Duy. venture game fer the Playstation ss products, phyers p and GrONS & DRAGONS Heroes, Nexerwint®? ad Xbox set in one of the most popu Favorite heroes not only Nigh, and The Tonle of Blowented © lar ecleplas ght to life, but put under their Evi, Bac of these guinea has deli rméront Shudins award-winning alms ered the feel and experience chine fond uf she Ries gume engine blen’ DAD roleplaying game iamnow and the control of console gaine play with graphically exciling ways, Working cinematic vis the player to‘avord filled ‘vil the designers al Stormirpnt te feel ofcontiolling@movie, Phis cepts, and cul dice, best known for their umes Lard design is made all the more femark- Duwaroxs « Daa gs: The Two Towers and Pod! ef able as actors Micha! Cle Duncan gimme sof Myth Dranner these and Pasrick SteWavt lend heli Yoices D&D cericBLUE SLAAD asitig the core Dux ‘options unk those in any other Demon Stone is that evenahoug in teal time, the an entire party oF three chacacters, “To us, playing party of heroes with different sal, and the plethora of different chair that offers, i the wore of D&D." soys Stosmifiont Studios president, Don aglow “From this, we came to the Eten ia) sin the fly betveen three different hherges.” These three heroes, each k 12 Dewan Stones Farcexching story ould becarne Ii the sorcerer ‘Zhai the half drow rogue, and Kannek the Fighter, who mad A appear Salyatore novel, The ance inthe RA, we With three sepandte chavacters and no time to fake tims aPprogean actions, most players might expect unused party members 10 metely it back and watch theaction, or even: inexplicably élsappear when nay in 1 Stormfront has eorae up with a more creative sehution. soaking the unused eluvacter wealios toroxghout ove The AI-ef the non-conte is really stiorg,” Dag kill enem Peer tccntecau See CoE ae TyIective spells when the party i lowon ‘hit potnts, cast hold spells when there are too many enemiss, use darkness to launch sneaé attacks, and son,” Thus, by following dhe active charac ter’s lead, the actin: of echssive team of ealyontarers remain within the player's contcol through every step of the game, However, basic nto) ist the only way the havacters work wogether, Denon party owr focus of amine vidual chara tex, mach the sane way tradtipal DEAD does, As such, the pary les onthe Uunigue stents ad sls of ts meres bers tn ald them on their advent To dothis, Atriand Slormfiont had 10 translate a number of DRD mies andl abiltios inte graphics that both rake sense within tre world ofthe pame and alow the player te niantain conal, ‘We alveays try five wihin hespinit ofthe rules of D&D «ars Daslow. "Fe ample, we have used spmaboiie ime ‘proanates the use ofa ery todepic' how hidein shadows and sneak attack work, Once Zhai, the rogue centers shad she besomes triskicent tashow that she hid succes. Once she lenves the shadow, she remains Price pee inaite tmnslacont fra its hilo she at enemies still have’ seen jer—ah continues to make her roll She can then sch a sneak attack enemies, This isan eamnpie of keeping ne sptisof the rule alive while presenting tte our aud eee in a visially appealing wy Desides cawinng on familis skis and abiitien, Benn Stone has added a new concept fo DED themes of team interaction andl eboputtion. "Each one of the thige heres has a Special attack, The fighter’ is the Whirlwind Atack Feat tha does massive damage i 3GOidogree are. The player alko has the choice 9 fire offs esim atack,’ Daglov csplaine. “During this attack, all tives heroes unleash devasiaing attacks that inflict heavy damage oll enemies in the ares ee Besides tightly hélding to many of sroune the heroes.” Dunserons & Pascoe care con-epts Benn Stone ako breaks new ground Fronts Ut lizing and improving ugen teols and techniques frst used in the Lar af tee Rings: The a Towsreaction game, Demos Stones development was much the same asa major motion pictus. “asthe power of eur development tools and the video game plaocns grows, we ean ue more snd mare of the techniques of cine the plyer experience rack ofthe Ft nota movies without esing ct thi i goon s Dag ing we have treated this gene ikem opie action-sdventare flea. R.A, wed sd lo make sure she game play unfolded in 2 way that ‘type feised around the story, while Bob Goodman, the Emmy Ax ning walter who created the gaune’s sislogue, brought thar same foeus the dauaetens Salsatore pu Perhaps owing to these cinematic Stone offers play fers move than just contra pyer sag: rnant action heroes, but a chance to tneraet ith lly realized characters, "The characters in Deanow Store have personalities tha play out 25 the stony iekances,” Daglow explains, “Forsnnple, Zhai is baldrowet the beginning af the story, she and Ren. pk. lawlul good human; dart see 4 to eye much, Not only do the lst 1 grove in their respective fighting and magical abihves curing the gnine inthely Felationsis, Prolably the most exiting and abv ‘ausly movielike elementof Demo Stoncis its reliance on the act Islenis of some of the hestnewn names in the fantasy and scefi mort industries, notably the participation selon: Michoe! Clarke Duncan and Patrick Stewart. Both award-winning and intermationaly acclaimed actos lend their distinctive voice talents Hhardclers in Demen Stone 0 ke Duncan (Davee he Greve Mite) provides the voice for or, powerful slaad lord intent on Ieading the hordes of Limbo in laying bond siege to the Realms. Patek Stewart (X-Men, StarTrek The News ation) lends hia voice to ene of the best-known heroes of the Fore rex Resth a8 Khelban “Blackstally Arunsun; working to defend the Realms azzinst the evils enctoachin are mevely two oF the R.A. SALVATORE Sere ete eco pete ees ee eee Cea nauen te eterna ate a chats wan cs ares enn eiiroa STs) cals Pie Pease a ) eon eon) Piet ante onennn eee ae eee tens Peo ent Beare Poros get (eee Corrente ens ma Sinemet eaten an ts en en Pies ten neeeeetes eee ere try Greer on player Sour ee eosin eres ees eer peor ga ot ‘couldnt be told well, only thatthe Pc eds fey eur ee ere eerie eaarer emer ten ere Pee each ee eee eet eth Panna Eo ener meets Pee eet Pere ern ces fae eee ieee ee ee De eer foray concen ec See heen Ran emereter ea) seen De eee ee Crecente cere een Unni ne eee en sa erence cae fee erent er eee cnet BivaruetRoui eee et ae eee Ey eeu? Se ee Cee ee ere etn, Although its unclecr-at the Pere teae ie eee eet aegis eee ee eee Rigen cura cnet) eee tn Sete net Recah Pome te seat Cnn Peer ae em eto een enero eaten facet een eit ee (peers nse ee ee eaeactors giving voice wo the personal ties of the Foncorren ReAiss. Ba ‘Stone offers players a chance no} oa)? to sec an impressive visionof theis f hear tas they never have bet ore campaign seltingbyt ab Ameren snare sigue Demon Stove is that fn Gvortesisthor and chionidler ofthe FoRsorrEN Rains Ra, jd sucha rnaior and in this ojo. “RA, Sal: atore ad & lot oda wb the reel and hoyeitleoked, Because ke was invalid atthe sery beginning of the gare by eating he unnerly ing stony, Sahat ied a mass ‘mpaci ou the locales and the ceueinies wedliess" Dag 228: This oppostuniy ‘0 play one o tie mo celebrated herees of the Foncoresiy Rear realized as his creator intended inn; is perhaps oe of the mest antcinsted opportunities epic Stone presents. However, the Creation of one oft: most nolewerthy characters wast! the only tale By A. Sab SeSon Pay Devion Stones designers at Storm: fiont Studios have made every attemps ta incorporate the rules and fee) ofthe per-and-paper Dewexow: & Dracos roleplaying game into 1 video game medium, “Many of hore at Stomufeont have been playing D&D since the Blue Book—t how ‘ane on my desk-=and so getting ih Feeling of D&D was really Important Us” president Don Daglow The results of this pastion for role playing and the D&D rules is evident in the game's system of decision making and customization, The most immediate, natice ably DED elements of Benson Stone and wing straight From the 7s Handlioak and themes Foncozesn Reatias/a skilled sani ste rogue make ap the par, With J Chee ca)came sbilities and options ag the ebr responding pen-and-paper versions of hese dasses, rccognizable core DAD slbfities as varied as sneak attacks and spelicasting remnzin at che play v's fingertips throughout the game Fy action aries erecta! progression means fincing bigger and more destructive weapons. In Dornan Stone, character progres sion has the same meaning it does jn Dumenors « Deacons: players choosing which skills to advance and feats to possess as their characers abilities become all the more spec tacukin As the ehatacters gain experie tenceand Tews, the player's decisions, efine what their heroes «an de and how snccessfil they are at sing special abilities and making attic, ach of the thyoe characters in totaly customizable, having a large number of unique feats and shill upgrades they can purchase using their experi ence,” notes Daslow. D&D players ae sure to recognize ane make consid able use ofall lke Hide and Move Silently, while a numaber of feats, including the fighters devastating Whillvind Attack ate given center stage with full anmnations, Promising ta be atv-action gare, Denon Stone miles full vse of DED's combat system, although in @ real- ‘ine style. "The thing that's different bau the game ivthe pacing of the action. bul ‘under the hoodt all the asics of D&D are thee,” Dagloy notes. “When yeisplay traditional D&D with friends, you igh the omibat taking plage fast and furi= ou exeliangy, anc i's that world of D&D imagination that we recreate As with any fantasy game in any medium, the presentation and use of magic nthe game is one ofthe inte gal elements, especially ina world ns dh i magieas the Foacorra Reals DUNGEONS & DRacoss has a vyast number of opious and rule for eating spells spel effects, and using, ‘magic items. In the past, stiempts to cconyer the sheer aumber of options and niles regarding magicinto video game terms have ha varying degrees of euccees. However, Doman Stone hieets this challenge beael-on. "We wok advantage of he sorcerers quality of knowing a fow spells, but being ble to cast them many times," explains aglow. “D&D players wil recognize spells such ae Mel's acid arrow light hing bale power word kill, confision, protetion fons evil charm mo 9 on. In the-end, we feel strongly thet the spall system in Demon Stone wil fee like the D&D system, just geared fora faster experience.” liver more central to any roleplay ng game than thers is the story, a concept that Denon Stone adheres toeven as an actiondriven game Although the characters’ actions and the player's decistons remain the focus ofthe stors, Demet Gilled with new ideas situations jst waiting to he explored by video gamers and pen-ang-paper coleplay ‘rs alike, “We've added to the lore of the Foxcormin 21aims, a8 well a8 £0 the history of races like the slaed and the githyanki,” says Daglows. “Weed really like to see what folks do with these new stories we've added.” September 2904 DRAGON25 5STit Maciewn Ahusirated by Rob Thoynns \ Ei DDL DoNy Ceres aanANKE. Avance ie the desite or ‘wealth, whether tie msterial ood, knowl: edge, ob any, other conesie- ale item or comeept that could have value, This kind of excoy sve, covetous greed causes creatures te lake moze then they could ever use, rogardless of the necds of others Cleries of avarce covet al they can get working for free iv anabuerna For thee When ths time comes ta divide ‘up party treasure, they are no: fad to explain why they deserve a greater share, but heya also willing to talce luemendous risks to justify their claims, Granted Power: Once per day, asa standard action, you may determine the mest valuable item within. 39 feet ‘An items value is determined by its listed pold-piece value. If yo eannot ov the most valuable stem. wan range, you becorne aware ofits genes] location within 5 feet, but you gain no insight into what ce itera is, This abslity does 10! tll you the gold piece sae ofan item, Avatice Domain Spells 1 Sticky Fingers: Grants you 2.410 bonus on Sleight of Hand checks 2'Teeanure Scent: Allows you to detect an follow valuable materials by scent. 3 Lixate Object: Sense ditection vowaed object peciicor type}. 4 Shrink Iter: Object shrinks to one sinteenth size 5 Telekinesis; Moves objecs, attacks creature of hurls abject or eeature 6 Leomune’s Secret Chest!: Hides pensive choot en Biro Phos you retrieve it at will 7 Sequester: Subject is invisibe to sight and senying comatose 8 Discern Location: Revels tion of erature er abject. 9 Antirathy: Objec or oration affected by spell reps certarereatures !New spall described in this article sactloca oye Foy is the desire ee whal others have, Whether tbe material goods or per sonal traits, ens- covet what otners possess Cleric of envy ae jealous by mature Thes long for what they dont have and resent the govd ferdane and talents of others. Their need fo prove themselves ‘sometimes puts then in risky sit lions. Aclericofeny might pushra fighter aside go he can be the here-o rust io disarm a ttap before the rome Granted Power: Add BhulTo your list af erie dassskils Inaddition, you casi spells that damage or drain ability scores or besiow negative levels at +1 caster Inv Envy Domain Spells 1 Dicguie Self: Changes your appearance 2 Ray of Fnfecblenent Ray deals 1dG+1 pec two leves Str damage 3 Touch of locy; subject takes as point of nt, Wis, and Cha darmege 4 VampiticTouch:"Fouch deals 166 per two levels danage: caster gains damage as hp. 5 Crushing Despair: Subjects iake~2 om atiaccrolls, nage rolls, sives, and checks {6 Magic Ja: Enables possession of other cxane, 7 Limited Wish! Ators ality vthin spall limits. 8 Simulacrumn™; Creates partly veal double ofa erestur 9 Wish? As lite wish, bat with fewer linus, ApTone aprgcetl inet bing (ee re Unt ingor uncaring | ene ey congue and Indulge in allabey can fr he mere plex sure of deingse, whethoritbe focd and drink or revels nd adventure. Clesies of gluttony ive wo gratly theie ‘whims Seneations mauat be sxnpled, lempiations explored. Cultaree and playful, they make ideal companions in tany situations, Yet there ie a certain shallewmess fo them, Their only real Joyalty iso their questo uy evexything atleast ones, Granted Power: For 3 tataltime pee day of I round per cleric evel you pos sess, you can increase your size a8 you were affected by the enlarge person spell Activating the power or ending it iva fie action, Gluttony Domain Spells 1 Gootherny 24 berves euch cine 1 hip max 8 hit ponts24 boars) 2 Death Kick ls dying rata; you grin 1 emipovary hp 2 fo Sin and “Leaiter lee 3 Geate Food and Water: Feds hice hhamans (rene horsjleva {Vampire Touch: fonchéeals hb per two levels dango; ester gains dan ageas bn 5 Balto Polymorph Transforms sub iscinte bacnlss enim 6 Heroes Feast Food forone create) Jove cutes ar grants combat bonuses 7 Stone to Flesh: Restores petrified 8 Swallow Tops vein in an ena reader strech ‘Trap the Soul’: Imprisons subject WE aac eroticism, any tanbonnded desire for thet which Drings pleasure is also considered Tust= ful, Tous, ene might have a last for sean 2008 Heacon 25 EEinfluence, status, power or countless ther desires, Clarice ofluct believe every person has afta aw, secret desire tha they. a0 use o.conizol thal person. Fvery= fone isa potential diversion ar source of pleasure to therm, someone who will dane for theie amusement ifthey ean jsFind the right strings te pal Granted Power: You can periorm series af seductive mosions and dis: ‘racting gyrations augmented bs the nussion of your deity, This supernatural cli grants you an enkancement to Charisina equal to your cleric level Activating this paver is a five action, the power laste 1 route, ane tis wsable fonce per day Lust Domain Spells 1 Charm Person Makes one peson your Giend, 2 visibility: Sc is visible for 1 aul feel or unl attacks 43 Clairaudionce/Clairvoyance: Soe or hearata distance for 1 min. level. 4 Planar Ally, tesser' Fachangeser vices with a § HD extraplanar creature 5 Serving Spies en subject roma distance 6 Symbol of Persuasion": Triggered rine charms nearby creatures 27 Refage™: Alters iusto transports poseester o yout 8 Sympathy’ Objector lation attrac estan eroatares ‘Trap the Sou: hmprisons subject within gem, fRDE. ably the mas ‘exdly While somte degree of selfconfiderce is acceptable. pride in excess becomes “egotism and is perhaps the easiest sm. Cleties of pride are supremely confident in their own self-worth, seeing theanitelves as dectined for 4h greatness, They expect to be at the heart ofany plan and are strangely Indiiferent 10 theie own eafety. Con fident they can survive wertually any hazaté they might velunteer to serve sshostages,Foad ascaulls, and to di. tract monster Granted Power: Whenteve> yor rall Ton a saving throw you may imine. ‘lately reroll the eve, You must keep et the revlt of the sceend ell results in the roll of another L Pride Domain Spells 1 Hypnotism: Fascinaies 2dé HD of 2 Eagle's Splendor: Sadjece gains Chatfor1 min les 4 Hercinn: Gives -2 bonus om attack vals ss ell checks, 4 Divine Power: You gain stack bonus, 16 to Str ad 1 kpfleve. 5 Reduce Person, Mast: Reduces so eral creatures, ‘6 Fosbiddancs Bec planartewe, cis ges tearecef diferent agnme 7 Mercism, Greater Gives +4 emus on attack cla, caer, lil check; mon niyo Fear emapocary hp. 4 spall mnnuaity, Greater As spel snventy, but up to Steve spells $ Charm Monster, Mass: As charm 30 fet cre but al iti “the slosh fl avold work and cxestion in all ofits forms Perhaps out of pride or merely cr of laviness those aMicted ‘vith sath have nothing but distaste for labor wliether it be physi aloe of some exher form, and they spond their time idly gratifying their jown whims Clots of sloth are lazy and resent those who want them to do mere than the bare minima. IF Uncy see {an é¢ey solution toa problem, they take it, ever if iroffends some of tieir companions. Granted Power: You are closest 0 your god while lazing rel xelaxing, You nulfer no genslty to Acmor Class sins melee atacks while pore. Sloth Domain Spells 1 Youeh of Fatigue Touch aack fatigues target 2 Unseen Servant vibe oreo obeys yout commands. 2 Deep Shamber Pus 10 HD of ees tunes to seep. 4 Slo: One subject level takes only cone aetion/soxnd, 2 t AC, 2.00 attck ols 5 Symbol of Skxp" Miggcred rune pt neachy ceases into catstonie stor. G Waves of Fatigue Several targets becoine fatigued Shadow Walk: Step into shadow to tearel pid £8 Waves of Exhaustion: Sorel targets become exausted 9 Atel Proje companionsonto the Asal Pine Wik Atogh eer See jot Pecjocts you st From ecossee cof suc feelings and unfounded Fightsinstess The wrathful sre quick to anger and often do not istinguish hetween accidentals and trv alfionts Thus, even the most minor affnse can inapie thei tg. levies ef anger are confronia‘ionsl “They lave explosive tempers and hoard prudges as if they were fino jewels ‘They might forget alight, bat they will ever forgive i Granted Power: Once por day: yous 3 subtract ner of poins from sxe equa to ores tha level, Fox every 7 pons you your Wisdom» yourcle subtract fram your Wisslom score, zd 1 pointe your Strengtr score You suf forall the fees ofeduced Wieden Including access tospels and bonus ‘pals, redvetion of Wil saves, andpenalties on Wisdoui-Lased skils, This trae betwen ability scorer sts for J roue per cleric kxeland cunnot be ended prematurely Warava Domain SPELIS 1 Rhind’s Rosh: One charge deals increased damage. 2. Bull's Strength: Subject gains +4 Str for Tin level. 4 Rage: Subjects pains 42 0 Str and on, +1 on Wal saves, -2 t9 AC. 4 Shout: Deofens sll within cone and desl 586 sonic darnage 5 Righteous Might: Your size increases and you gain combat bonuses, 6 Song of Discord Forces targets 0 attack each other. 2 Tenser's Translosmation”: combat bonses, 8 Shout, Greater: Desastaing yell eas Nod6 sone damage, stuns crestuses, damages objets 9 Storm of Vengeance: Storm rains sci, lightning snd hail “New spell deserbes in this artic TU fel, ou gaia Sticky Fincers “Tronemutation Level: Asn 1, Avarice 1, Br L Components ¥, 3 Casting Time: 1 standard setion ange: Personal “Taiget: You Duration: 10:min.jlevel (D) ‘oui fingers exude a slighty viscous Geto atiielvomow senile This augmentation pram‘ you +10 ons on your Sleight of Hand checks, Ruuwo's Rust Fyocation evel Ce 1, Did, Rgr 1, Wrath 1 ‘Components: ¥,S INNA asides dees seni aioe wth wonaed depron rary soram ousting carps Srl eiilofer let enhbesnsesteome er netealee erect Aeris. ful 2b 2 sect doesnot mx 2 os eno kssrghtass ar ober ces tha de mt rerey fe anoveraspetoftsimriralpetsanaliy fling are sjgetion fy atic of ‘ate Duniezons a Drycone nthe pada patheen pectin ths Conple Dio), suo ar roxesiiinnes.wsdacesrght prod these omanstottor ccs Avarice teat DPvaheo Gut Ce Moh ecg Bey ate acon ‘ron The tere, oma Fomor Ba he sic anc ral ns Noho sete are ee ie Envy Gove DED Pane Be, a ie fol Kirn Lath Het Thaaeain hero the kepe ko konenhe Hecker Onstar Forgan Rens: ie Besta cic Gath Hot saree, Mink St Shan Sraes, Shrew, Tar ite, Ueler vestrocnaraun, anes, Gluttony oe DED Pant: eu Yow theron The Ome he ern ad, Forgive Crees Gaepec, thay Sb, Ube Uden pt, Lust om DAM Pantheor: Gruumsh, aly, ‘Oars error Olid Forgetten Resins: Lest, sta, anal Celan Haioc is Lia, Le 23, luahie Shares Sharing Shoals Fesyoyt sure Casting Time: | sterlard action ‘Range: Personal “Target You Duration: 1 mound ‘A violent fury conasmea you, ellowing, You to propel yourself ina single deadly Any change attack you ome Iofiwe thie end Sf he nest sound inflicts double damage ona successful hit TREASURE SCENT Tansmutation Level Avatice2, Did 3 Components: VS Casting Time: | stand action Pride Core D8 Pothson: shart, aly, Corel Leth aa efncans Hester uz to, Moran, Play “tots, ia mae Veins, Basi he berm ol ven, tara the Mos tou Onaty, Forgan tens: tne, one, urate Finger Wverous Gagaut.Gend, Her Horus Kral Nasir, Ohms Spin St Stay Sesh, Sumople, Ste Tents, for Tr Ubto, bere Aeliarea, thew, en Sloth Gove D&D Pantheon: Older, here lit, Foreoten Realms Graneobais, Ce bles, Crv eters Finder Ypernepur Gaga. Hothor tha, tathi, Was, Will Staessen, Sharada, Shel Fer roy yrs argos, Whkeen Wrath ‘cove 0&0 Pariheon: Seka, Loghau) Gruss Heitorets, Heron ines Jara Ker He, Lele rad, Gr, fyemius St Cater, ama ieee eles ieee, Fergoten Fens: rhu Ai, Beha, fav, Rshabs,chgwe, Cragon Hom Hote Kans ovale Nar Seti Sl Sheva fo Tempus, Tart ar, Urs ier Vers Range: Personal ‘Target: You Duration: 1 hourflevel ‘You gain the ability to smelt gold and ‘ther precious materials. You ean dlofnct capper, silver, gol, platinum. and gems within 39 feet by sense of -pnell and diffarentiate botueon this scents ofthese five kinds of valuables. Ti such teeasure is upwind, the range increases to 60 feet Fdownwind, it drops to 15 fet, Sting scenis, such ‘as an open chest of tease, can be dolocied at wice the ranges noted, Gverpowenng scents such as 3 dr sete noe Deacon ds‘an’s heard, can be detected at tiple ‘normal range, When you detect one ofthese types cf valuables, the exact location of the sourceis not revealed only its pros ‘ence sornewhere-within range Yon can take-a move action to nove the direc: tion ofthe acent, Whenever you come within 5 feet of the source ofthe smel, sou can pinpoit is exact oan. Ifyou have the Treck fest, you can follow the tracks ofa moving creature ‘ih valuables by stl, making a Wisdom (er Survival) check to find or follow such tacks, The typical DC for ‘fresh tal is 10 (a0 matter what kind of surface holds the scant), This DC increases or decreases depending on the age of the tail, For each hour the tend iseald, the DC increases by 2 This ablliy otherwise follows the rules of the Brock feat, Geataros tacking using, this spel ignore the eferts of surface conditions and poor visibility SWALLOW Confusaiion (elepostatony evel: Gluttony §, Sor Wie ® Components: ¥,S Casting Time: I stands ection, Range: Torch Faget: Creature touched Deration: | rosd/levels ace ex Saving Throw: Non spell Resistance: Yes You cin make touch attack to rapan ‘upponent in a deadly exitedimensionl space, Touching an enemy cousee 9 horrific visual elect as your moat gro lesquely dstends, swallowing the target and baniching itto a tight, swelteringly ‘humid extradimensional chamber with constricting, pulpy walls, Upon being teleported to this extra: mensional gizzard, the vietin 5 con- sideied grappled and suffers 246 points of bladgeeming damage +1 pointilevel ‘as wellas 6 points of acid amnage every round for a numberof rounds equal to the caster level, The victim may attempt ‘oeseape by usinga light skshing ‘or piercing weapon to deal 30 points ‘of damage tothe space's walls. The nce has an AC egal tthe easter’ Tove. The taaget ray alto try to escape by makings grapple or Escape Artist. ste 1F his locaton is filled with a sole check apposed by the spies, which —_—_abjeat, the subject appears in the nest has a grapple bonus equal to double nearest apen space, Otherwise, the tan the caster vel the victim succeeds get remains ape and tekes dantage thor st cutting or gaping sway every round until the spell ene. Ifthe free. itis expelled from: the extradimen- target is killed iy the spel. its bey is sional gizzard and reappears where it disselved and possessions ane expelled trad eon when the soallow spell was onto the Aeteal Plane. PLAYING A SINNER Chvoiry one of esedarains smash a comments worden whi whoenot we sary a wil eral anyother aspects four shores penonaly Jos He ry eter, thee pe lots te nerdy efetions of singe espe of sete eh “rus abhoushyeurcely mghesutainibtoaspeciewce, is thee th ehyout dey soja cies sor her len iether yous arate pirates Sages yt sles seecicbard fate, Shs sn how tenses he ablies ha deen asa hoe vkinous arate: Folie, fresore esmples how but nonetheless imporiamt aspect of the religion's deg, For example, 4 priest of Pelor who presehes and believes the sun is something besides the embodiment of Pelor (bt whe still fathfally belieres in Polo), pra sievs contrasian hewsy. undamentel Morty A Randamontal heretic believes and teaches the oppo site of a core tenet the religion, For example, a priest of Veena who insists ‘on preaching thatthe God of Secrets got hs moniker because he reveals ‘bat soeret he knows comma Fund: menial heresy Picea ‘ocpite vast difvercesetunen she Alogas and bale of verous aligns, hetesy has a constant uraterabe det ition shared all Ary 3% dorvin eropinion tht eppesea the eres f+ fel pons copra er enctings shes. ‘nehaacor etic he ih canal perform heresy spain te cligion only Tallowerstbacomeheretcs, Those who. fallow aratherelgion fo ene a) anno! porowm heresy against rligon hos thelr own Sethe dee 5 spell sescrptor fer examples ot heres, ‘onthe ether hund, arjone can com titan Type ony delberated obedience sf aii’ kronn dogs ‘outs ay sr, Most elgons (especialy those af goo deities) conde as at Lrkiowirey canter tebe? erat aeencrsar the cfc ofignstance Norveifaths ae oesizr such mi faker 2cs—rost commonly performed aniengtherecenth coneaisd ves, FHonever harsher egos (especialy of el des) mateno divin on between grevance ene dl beratencas tnd conser al arspressons.as pr ishasle sp. Farecanpe. an inkoxcer ard new cement t Fhalaghn ho Femnalis hin te boders of layecommesa sin, satay Fhe bru tht such as aeionuantapsret the Ged of Reads’ degra, On the ober hane, «rant convert thefath of Hertrsho alsa flleyer ef Halo ina lence rst opresses Bgamst his aco, andhe probebl eas pain, ee diied parchment, ‘NI signs ageeto nie wong ness feast xe an. Which peck isobadiencaa rl gi corsiars nore Dsphemous depends ov ts dogma See beiePsvsiems decir sinar te rate ser ave poof rrerton, aed hep ativelr ty to bing bevehes bade ino the old Opes parish tose whe practice hvesy ath orture ances Ini ging siers OF sours ost nl faiths tolerate either and astuey seek out ronsaessers ofboth by detraten, he vast mayer of heres sin, ul a most fallewer= sin, itil ieee peta Reeve! Sonterbr 700% oRAcon 375Apostasy/Blasphemy: Those who commit apostasy completely tum agrinst the faith, utterly eejecting its tenets. Shek s person only margin: ally remains with the faith, IF a all An action considered apostasy gener ally means the person committing it consciously chaoses 16 leave the rli= gion and join an opposing religion, A blasphemous act is typically an affront to the faith, such as claiming to possess aspects of the rligion’s deity or claiming to live outside the laws of the deity, Acts oF apostasy’ 0 blasphemy seule in the character turning from the faith, eltter to cre- ste @ new religion or to inadvertently enh the religion of an opposing deity, For example, a priest of Helro- neous who kills helplees prisenens fees fram every battle, bullies those weaker than himself, and gives no quarter in battle blasphemes againet Helroneous and erabraees the ideals of Bexios DA VIOLENCE Divination Janel: Gir 1, Pal, Raed Components: VS, DF Costing Time: | standard action Range 601 vet Zone:shaped ernanstion Durtion: Concentration, up to1 soundlew Saving Threw: Nene Spell Resistan When casting his epell, you peresive the residual aura caused by acts of valence coomnsitied in the area of fect The spell detects violence committed within the past | month paer caster level, The spell esnnot detect violent acts that ecenied prior to the spells time Limit, regatd less of theic intensity, Violence des not necessaily end eth, bu the more sien the act the stonger the psychic esicu lf Inehind, This spol coos not detect the capacity wo cause violence Kony DDRAGON323 Septet 2004 Aeects violener committed against a rd Rouzd: Strength oF aura oF vio living creature slo does not specif lent acis performed. why the violence was committed, ner 4h end Subecueni Rourel: Nurnbor the alignmentof the assuilant or ef he of days ané hours since most recent viatin, Ey concentrating, you can leara—viclent act, then of ealier violent ets more details of specific vilent acts, in chronologieal progression from sec Is) Rowid: Presence of vickence it) and most recent backward, with one act tc area within the spells inne limit, indicated per round. $ 2nd Rove: Nuraber and laeaton of violent acts pesformed in the area Tohperiss Dhpsr bss Binding: deste. pre, ar Madeate 1130 3p Aly camage oataeng ee surg siahp | Tadhe Aol din unsecceab ect ‘Qtech Soy mre ht aH wie py)" Sexe deh ae "nthe amour of carage desk rsuted in eet’ death re el ure coer ate tmsticay shows hemo ace peer tel PRN !ncipajgs tht imlve mites ad bps te nat diraton spel tar Erg abou = curkardunsarahing scion anothers ices adveriue, Dungeon Waster: Inho weitte dacourage le wae cf cetoon zd wstoatemesngthe spl rom ia prs nave aecesst0 a winbe! Of suorotages erat ous nese sul power Ds Suantagee cecouge hese ditcecn soalssthou sing ton muck toub the caste ‘Morsay toe Dangens Mase: cn rl 1 Sern rand sesdvantge uheneer fs Guracer esta deton spa dig dso ar ungredetole roves, Une ne tusensied, a esate sh fore spells euraton ae or anaedional | Zound per spa peers. Random Disadvantages teins tnpaty Whispering ke ‘Beacon outers tl tld wrthn GO fe sense te presence of ec is tac eston ested Sisco) in etbe teemsaes Th sate pvetatesbares bit fotofste, neh efaonuron mc ain sbeetoiend ' $f sone o tlc Dissonion: wren theca basses on cre cess atckelure anes anareofine intsion arckrons shat the marie rotng comes fom theater gains -1 onus on Uden Seach an Spa ela od tefirdths ce: GGovingsyes:The cant’ ees lou anc ths cast sles 2-8 perso hil, Dbsemacy selie ees pathy: rears su) éced the de'ecten spl ers about the casera dete cet deals on 3 ean of eestres, bemeuld alow those eeaturstokrow he nas hire fo the dutton ofthe ae i> eden othe pel nore act ‘nce: The casererters a anc wile concert, maing he eassrczzed (unble te sd ommlly ean tbe ehans baths on penly to AC) Thi eendanage ends the \Whicprng Voi: A nepenngsleerbnd avn atone he caste hears eb the ‘ents eile dianaion Thecastr alive OC 1OLeten check uncestand Weve In asas ful ne the DM might inrease the OC Thisdsadencge sds thespellendsa by Brie Cogle ilusivated bp Peter Benptig THE ECOL OGY OF CHOKERS J enumerable creatures claim the Underdark as home, Some, such o¢ drov, ckuorgar: and ilithide, eraft Rasunting cities carved from the subi creating sprawiing underground empires, Howeves, the bull of creatures thot live in the ctomal darkness consist of lille more than mindless beasts or barely sentiens sasages prowllg Ue gloou in hopes of finding their next meal DRAGON 523. Soptribe: 2094 ‘One such eveanare, the vicious predator known as the ehoker, derives its name from the way in which t dis patches its victims. This small aberration, a ubiguitous and dangerous piri of the Underdark ecology, siikes fecm the darkness without warning, While not particu larly powerful, this stealthy opponent proves macléen {difficult to locate when it wishes to remain hidden, This article exaanines the life-and habits of chokes,including their history, physiology, ‘nd mental outlook; ae well as ways todefeat ther. HISTORY OF CHOKERS chokes ale teaive newcomers the piteh-black realm ofthe Underdarl. Scholars and adventurers note that the umes seem to increase with cc passing yoor although ne one Inows the reason why: One theory calms that popolation oF gnomes who deecended into the darkness long go evolved into chokers. Over time these gnomes mutated into hanible abarrations, possibly hi ‘of cannibalism and the weird magico! the Underdark. Gnosnes veheanenty deny thie possibilty and insist that any resemblances are purely superficial “The svilnebia also dispute the pos sibiliy although sare seem to know ore than they et on, Any aterapts to ey anor information from the svi fnsblin om this topic results in sony silence or worse. yatlaion ofthis theory invelvee balings, who alee Find the prespert detestable A mote likely theory Involves cok: ‘ra athe result of ome experiment boom that went horibly wrong. Many of {heir charactetistcs seem cerniniacent of diow handiwors, but drow disiniss this accusation, peinting out that the creates now poss as much of anu sance and threat te them a te anyone se, OF course, the lolly pride ofthe ‘cow night mas the trata in this ingttor. Some scalars note that chek: ersoften congreaite near drow sete sens, either 1 remain lose tea rel able food source ex perhaps hacruse of some lingetingracial memory of lscir creators. Regardless, most drew despise choker and frequently hunt therm for no otherreason chan to kill 48 many as posse ‘The chokers, havely sentient them: selves, hve no knosledge oftheir ‘rigin and shox Tile interest in discov fring the truth of tir pas. They seem tw cazeonly about how to get thee next ‘nxal and colleting sing binks PHYSIOLOGY OF CHOKERS ‘Altengh an aberration, the choker has aaroughly humanoid forms Foto dis ely resembles tance the eaker Jonglimbed halfling, hough: cose xp thedlifererses bese excl apparent Asa Sia ‘arcumd 3 104 Ket tal, with smoot dark pay skin noted wih paces of bleh, Trevor I possesses «bony slender frame witr 1 jutting spine, hips, and db cage. The choker’slongyalast ‘equine feeencs ia vieeus-hoking ruth filed wid aged teeth, Wo beady ackeeyessitaquarcly in the fontor its face, grating it exellent vision that alse ows see Inroush the alter daianess ‘of its hore The relatively small oars of the choker neste within its kul. pos ‘bly indicate tat the creature relies more es than be con derkvision and ethers fing to cate prey Seotember 2004 DRAGON 323 FEETECOLOGY The fllosing le shovs the esl of Krag (ungronening) checks ait a Underdat ad advertisers tbl rake fry nb i depths ight choke okt ff ‘now tis normsion oudedgs (duagroneringh OC Result teadhantage, ttle ing from ceilings, round comers, oF front holes in the ground. gaining as mush cover as possible, In orderto getaround the readi issue, fronting fighters should use vsach weapons te Ino the choker at vay. wile the resto the panty attacks wth ranged weapons snl spells. Magic isl, always 2 soli ‘chelee notes whatever partial cocer the cheker might Find, Ray spella and area of effect Spells especialy those ‘hat dont allow a ees save, aso can De effective. ‘The ranged touch attack, of tay spell: elimirates most af fhe ‘choker celavely algh armar class, giving the average sorcerer or wizutd 3 locent chars of iting it, Other uses flspells include these tat hinder a hel 'xmovemert-orleep it ex peed such as hold most, saw, and wet, The various wail spel’, such as wo of ston, block is egress and force the choleor to fight more an sour terms. Other useful items inelule smasesticks (lo us ‘out ofs hiding epace) tanglefoot bags (tostick tin place, or nets, ‘The choke: is sery pacicular about which vitime it etticke, Given a choice, it goes afler crentutes in the following order: 2 creauuse by sell a cmsature of size Sonall or ernaller a creature with no obvious weapons, 2 aeature more than 15 fectaway frou ile comrades, and a Mediuin or hger creature, Thus, haliling or groene scouting abesd of the party needs to be exceptiemally wary of chokers. Sconts need 3 high Spat roditter ‘6 ‘oyeceorne the choker’s #10 Hide skill. Ahigh Listen modifier helps, but once aa choker finds its ambusa sie it tends to stay stl, The surest way t avoid choker arnbushes is for the party to slay as close toyether as possible The cokers quickness ability allows totske an etna sandal action or move action during its turn each round, This ‘means that «coker ean moves base speed of 20 eet and make two teatice fallacks inthe same ound, Hones Mobily 0: Spsing Atk sand ite stack of requites sever round o killa vietim, the chokes prefers to attack Fomambueh, ofen gaining surprise round, ination, beeanse of its lity Yoclimb wth nse, the choker offen seteaie byckamberingup «all bocce itach any Soon al bt canged weapons. Ta picvent this fom happening, characess should move 1 block the cokers route ‘of escape soit provokes mntigle attacks ‘oF opportunity shenever it moves Becaise ofthe choker's pron possible» make an offer of teesue ‘9 fd koa looming coker efor i. stacks, In most ees, this males it pose while i ponders she ofer. The ‘choker ktions Tete beyonel wat bap pons within ig huming tenitory ard ‘questions ofan asic! rte 9¢aboat individuals tend ty confuse itor tes ine givinga random answer Teno souneos of fresh yale, areas where tood is pletifil, and the quickest poss (or the chelee} through contin ave, Nebon tnaveling nt areas of ssn choker acy ity always cary Few shiny tenes anc pieces of raw nest in orderto bribes akers met, OF course, you need to see then fis, whieh means youl need Aarksision, good Spot cheeks (or xc: leat Listen checks}, ora hile hick. September 2004 DRAGON 323 BEE__ by, Wesley Clough illusinated by Mike: Map FORCE SPELLS cea student and later proos sor atalttle known wlzards col- lego, Aeroth Dlith felt the path to true power led through the mastery of magical force, Tu that end, he spent hie lifetime etudying and expesiment ing, developing new and unique spells luased on fiance, Acro lod an aetive adventuring career in hisyears asa student at the college, During that sine is near ‘ebsession with forse magic developed. While exploringa previcusly unknown tomb, Aeroth watched in horsoras sv eral of his companions met their fates atthe hands of the wesiths that évlled within. The group dishanded soon alter it returned to the wizards cellego, but ‘Aecollineses forgot the lesson keamed in the wiaith fled sien. Knowing that the properspellscovle have saved his Sends, Acre decided to make force smi his Held oF stu CHAIN, MISILE vocation Force! ere Sor Wie Componente: ¥, 8 ‘Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Long (00 f. «10 fev) “Target: One creatine, phos arorher crea. tarey2 leels (exch of whieh mast be svithin 30, ofthe primary target) Eee Eas Duration: Instantaneous Saving Thaow: None Spell Resistance: Yoo 2s wth magic misik, misils of rascal ‘cncngy dart froma your fingestip wo umes MED co eningly ike a eeatune, Une magic mie se, is vise srtkes one censure nk tally then springs to other targot, Bach amisile deals 1441 points of fore dane ge, One missile sles he primary a get pet tc carer Levels, ta mamcien of 1 missles dealing 1GH=10 points of he, they ricochet toa utube of targets tp to the number of missiles create by the spel Each secondary target takes 1L41 pouars of damage, az fetmaceby tsingle magic isle, You chaosesecondsry targets as you ike, but ney raustall be within 20 ‘tof the primary target, and ne secon ary target an be struck more than onoe Yeucan choose wy affet fewer secondary laigets than the maxim (to ovoid allie inthe area forexamle). Missiles wit outa secondaty tages do notrisechet of the primayy target Spells, magic tems, al abilities thal protec against aie mise (suc 3 the ‘ld apa 2 enack of dilng lon protect against this spel Ifthe paiary lange! bas dal sertof pretestion, the spell has no effect against it bu still sings toall secondary targets (8 brooch ef Sehl= inglosesa number of darges equal to ‘he nuance of rss hiving the crea |ure—up t LO mussiles) spel esis dara). fier the rises tance cuises the spell tefl harm the Whea you cas! this spall, you create primary sarge, thespell ils ark missles. one or move fat, tanstuscent green 5: donot ricochet 1 ational targets. foot.aquare, Linchethick fields of free ‘The missiks trie unernirgh ewe if You ean create one emerald plane per theurgasae inmekeor hmeanyhing wo caste levels, An emerald phire les than ttl cove! or once ‘cannotsingle cut soecitie putsofacrea- age ofall Kinds, and itis unaffected lure to stike. Ths spell cannot argotor by most spells. However, «disintegrate darnage inanimateobjecs spall «yo of erllion, ona sphere ef ‘nmin destroy whichever emerald plane they touch, while a Mordesben- Yo cannot mire, it immune to dan ‘TMERALD PLANET «en's digumetion or dispel megie dispels a vocation Force} ofthe planes created by a single casting Levels Sor/Wie 2 ofthe spell. Bath weapons aad spell Components: VS M cannot pass through ant emer plane Casting Time: 1 stundard action incither direcion, albiough d’mension Range: Medium (700 1.10 f.jlevel) door tdepor, and similar effects cn Effect: One Soot square force ‘bypass the nares 11 Blocks wthereal plane/2 levels and incorpozea)cresturesas wel 3s Duration: 1 mina evel material ones. Hiding bebinelan eer Saving Throw: None 2d plane provides cover Spell Resistance: Ho ‘THisanice presen spel bat use he fore descrpio. Fore feiss ie: oF Jules ou shoul ise in nina Forvelanot an erery pe Spel wth the orc descriptor Ignore eentretosherageolustonanan eos heres an they deal lldarage het, Force eects ‘each liv the Where Pane are shars flee zorsced nd “theres crestre fares ets roe the chance of po alechng such creatiesancspes “ish sal of foes Meek ireceparoa and ober creation) Nothing en china ore ‘fet, inlng ahs fore ees, September 2004 DRAGON 323O seucsset SPELLCRAFT. An emerald plane cannot be ean Jured so that it occupies the same space as a creature or another object, Temust saps be fat, Emeralé planes require no anchors, 11d can float above ground wherever the easter dlesires, Fmerald planes can be created vertically 01 Lostzontally, Only one edge of an emerald plane can touch another suriace at te time of te cast ing, but an erierald plane can touch mare than one edge toa solld eurface after casting, All emerald planes must be placed s no pat of thent is within 5 foot of any other emerald plane. On the bale gig, a vertical emerald plane cean only be placed along the border of fa square, ae must stretch from inter: seclion to intersection: a horizontal temterald plan must be placed over @ square without extending aver others All phnes created by a particular cating af the emerald ples spell winks ut af existence when the spel ari fiom ecds, Lineal planes can be made permanent with » permanency spell Doing so requites a minimum caster level af 1 and ost 1,000 ap. Maveriol Componant: A pinch of pow der made fom at green gen FORCE (HET Esosation [Farce] Level: Sar;Wiz 5 ‘Components: V. 5, M Casting Time: | standard action Range: i. Fifect One 2-foot cube box of force Durations I dayevel (D} Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No This spell brings into beng a Lekded box of force, The box appears in the casters hands, ard the castor ean choose o make it either invisible or ‘merely wanslucont. The est has no weight worth noting, Sold walls force form the chess five sides and lid. The easter and other creatures cannot open the lid except by first sprang the password [determined by the caster atthe time of casting). Both objects and Tiny or sinaller creatures can Mit in the box ithokds enough sir ta allow one Tiny, ‘0 Diminutve, or four Fine crea tures te breathe for 1 how Uikea wal officespell xreechas. Js imuumune te derrageoFall kinds ane esate gel nagi, but ia wulersbioto dsinterate and Mordenkaines ig soe an can be desteoje by aspare of ‘anuilnion or 2 red ofeanceanion. The boxisa spell effect, amd Open Leck and ‘Use Magic Devicecninat open it ‘Noerial Component A inclesqyeare hiss cube FORGE RAM vocation [Force] Level id 2, Sor Wir 2 Components: \. 5. ¥ Casting Time 1 standard action Range: Close (251+ 51/2 levels) ect Ray Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Reflex panial (See text Spell Resistance: Yes You create a field of rushing force vaguely discernable aaa ram o¢ goat This single target raling. Ids points ef damage, You must make @ ranged touch attack 16 hit a target. The force of the blow is considerable, andl a ereatare stcuek by the spell is subject to ¢ bull rush ‘The ram has a Strength of 25, is considered Large, an always roves with the defender. The spel ie wie ful for knocking osponents off para pss or edges, among other things, Tn aditon toi ticle mee rave also tas the power to open doers iUstikes as iit were a character witha Strength of 35, [Materie Cermenznt: 8 watt of wool fovce strike MAGE ARMOR, MASS Conjurction (Creston) (Fores Level: Son Wiz 5 Range: Glse 25 6.5 f.j2 levels) Targets: One which can be more than 90¢t apart “This spell farts Like except that affects raultipl sarflevel, no bo of SHARD STORM Exosation [toree] Level: Components: V. 5, M Casting Time: | sated action Range: Mockuns (100 fh + 19 (level) Effect: One or more oot radius buts ef foree sayfWin 5 Duaaton: 1 roundjlovel Saving Throw: Rell hall Spell Resistaee: Yes Lnmediately upon completion ofthis spell, and once por ound therealer, you miay cause miniseuie shards of Imaghcal force to explode out ina 20- fot radius burst from the chosen point aflorigin, The storm deals 3d posts of damege due to foree coll creatures within the méius, A successful Reflex save halves the damage: adh round, you may use a fe action tocauve a force shard storm, You need not cause the storn of free shares Impuediael, You can only call ene sm par round, avd only on your han, Tre center point of the shard sor is fired when the spells cast and ca nat be mevedThote is no physical rmanfestation ofthe spellat the chosen point although dee spell in effect at that Tocation, Manel Compana 4 sal shard of leas glass or eyeta magic veeals a TENIERT FLORTING DISK. GREATER Evocation [Force] Level: Sars Wie 4 "his spell Lancione just ike eres oat. ing dish cept that tae created isk does not need to stay within 3 feet ofthe wie ‘ave beneath i However, the dist mus! cesnain within 1S feet ofthe caste at al times. The easter can eonewntrate (asa starvlaré action) on the disk make move with fl speed of 20 fet (perc. This allows the caster to ston the disk anid conrad tte cary hit shou. Materiel Component: & drop of mierenry. §__ SES by Monte Lin illusirated by Dovid Wehlsirom SPIRIT SPERKER realm exists outside the normal [cosmology of the planes that ew know of and fewer still en reach, In this hidden place exist myriad wrown at spits, guides and allies to those who can corn preend their inscrutable ways, and those few wha ean speak to them are called spirit speakers. Spirit speak ers unlocked the secrets of brewing dovin the barriers between the spirit ‘world and the natural woul. They travel there without fea, entering hat le their minds journey in both worlds simultaneously The spirit world echoes, in many sways, the stra wood. Spirit speaks ersexplain thal a sprit exists not only for every individual creature, plant, river. ar stone, butthere also exist angfather spirits that represent an fentite race, species, or element, When 1 sprit speaker enters her first trance, she meets 3 pric who bords with her, a a familiar bonde with a torcerer ot ul, The spit speaker h tuolover which spirit bonds wth het, although the spirit typieally has seme connection tothe spirit speaker's past, such as aa ancestor's spirit or perhaps the spit of the small steam thst rene by her home sillage. spirit speaker hax apeleasting sibilities, bot hee trie power Yes in the special abilities granted to herby her spit guide, both in and out of BET oxaccnses sspontr 2004 tance, From her connection to the spirit worl dows amount of knowledge, Unlike ‘he loremaster, who dikently pores through conntless tomes, the sprit speaker gleams information from her forays into che spirit world as well as from her own experiences in the nat ral world. In pacty a spirit speaker works vell asa fith character, one vwho otugments her base class yith the spirit speaker's unique abilities. Tsp ‘ally, «spirit speaker shils hor focus tea suppor role in the party, providing her group with some ofthe abilities of bards and dlerics, as well as hes wnique spalleasting tual knowleda Because a spirit speaker costs so fewspells, tisclass appeals mostly 0 the noxespellcasting cesses. Barbar jams and mons make up the major she car goin a emer ities andl peerless piri ity of sprit speakers, exch exploring the spit world for different reasons, Barbarian opin speakere week to serve thei tibes.as edsisors whereas monk splat speakers see their communes wit the spirit world as an indication ofthe power of their meditations. Fighters and rogues also fake up this ease in great nsimbers, o sin flesbiliy (skills, spells, and spe cial abilities} and overall survivability {saving throws), OFthe spelleasting lasses, rangers and bards most often take up the spirit speaker war. nd wise men NPC spirit speakers rarely live alone and often work within a vllge or in league with a group of druids o7 A patty might seek a spit speaker far her unique knowledge os run across one while in the depths of the wilderness. URIS FEATURES All ofthe fellowing are chs features of the spirit speaker prestige lass ‘Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Speakers gain no proficiency with any weapons or shields, They are proficient ww ight aren. Spells: A spirit speaker hae the abil ity to cast divine spells. To cas spells, a spin speaker must bave a Chatisma | fof at least 10 + thespell Inve, spiei speaker with » Charisma of 10 of ewer eanmotessi spells. Sprit sposker bons spells are based an Charisms, and saving throws against these apes have a DC of 10+ spel level =the sprit speaker's Charisma rmodiier, The spirit speaker uses the ranger spel list. A spit speaker hhas access to any spell on she ranger spell ist and con fiely choose which to prepare, just aca ranger A spisit speaker prepares and casts spells just Enter Trance (Sule By making a DC 15 Concentration cheek, the spin speaker ean enter a tance tat allows Saashort communicate with the soit ‘world, She may enters trainee once per day perspirit speaker level. which lasts amimber of rounds equal he spit speaker's Charisma score: The epirit speaker ca end the trance at any time before this by succeeding at 2 DC 10 Concentration check. She may not tale 19 or take 20 for vithor of these checks, but she can retry a failed check after 1 round, Entering a tranceis a fellzound action that provokes attacks of opportu. pity. Once ina trance, the sprit speaker doce net need lo make Concentration checks to maintain it While in trance, the spirit speaker ‘opens to the vast possibilities of the spirit world and makes herself someybat removed fiom her sur rownelings. This duality splits her attention but ueighiens her magical senses. A spirit speaker in trance ‘east hor spirit speaker epells 2t +1 caster level, and she gains access 10 her spirit guide, However, while in trance, the epirit spesker eamot ran ‘or charge, and she suffers a-2 pen alty on all Wisdom and Charisma Ihased skill checks, A splnt speaker may remain in trace when her eareent tranee’s dure tion onde by making a DC 15 Concer: tration check and exending another cof her daily tances, This prolonged trance eusints asone trance far the jpueposes of abilities that work once per trance, Spirit Guide (Su): When the spist speaker enters a tance, hee spleit jude appears, While the spite speaker ‘remains i this dual existence, the spin. guide manifesis an ensert servant ‘feta the spell cast by a epelleastor ofthe spirit sposker’s class level, except that dhe servant ashi points equal to the spinit speaker While in rare, the spirit guide rants its spirit speaker spectal abil oe depending cniiesmatler a inthe spint speaker class, a8 shown fn the table below The granted special abilities ate cun titel spilt speaker gains al the abil: lies on the table. However, the spizit o these abi sposleer only gins access ties wide i trance September 2008 o2acon 323 SEIG PRESTIGE ‘Speaker Level Spectal Abily ad sth zh ath Shirt Sigh (Su)-While in tance, the spistt speaker gains darkvision to 6? fet fi ahe did not slicady have it and can sce magical auras 8 fcemtin tunder the effec: ofa dee moye spel, Spirit sight Remove Curse (Se): ALSth level, the spirit apeater gains the ability to use Delvertouch spells her connection with herspiril guide Remove curse te petition the spirit would te retaave Ability enhancement eure. Once per tanec, the epiit Sorying speaker may attempt a DC20 Diplo racy check to coasince she sputts to Detiver Touch Spells {Su}: A 3rd Level spinit speaker's spirit guide allows a Splult speaker wo deliver touch spells from afar Ifthe epiit speaker hae line of eft range ofthe wise servanc effec, the spirit speakar may deliver a touch spell lo that creature as though it were within reach, Eee Moa ston ibe Leal 1 2d 3d ai on ei 8 x si onto oe : Sa 2. san) hhelp her, having the eect of easing remove corse on a subject the spirit speaker designates, Whe fails ber ly Diplomacy check, sho may not use this power for 24 hours, Ability Bohanceenst (je AU level. the sprit spezker gains the ability toenbance one of her physical ability score while in tance, Once she enters creature within ‘trance, the spirit speaker gains a <4 € 13 aa Set eR) Sense alent spintguce(dewertoueh spelk) 2 enhancement onus that se may apolr te her Stongsh, Desteity, oF Conatt tion sore. She mast choose one atthe boeginining of the tence, and she cannot lever change the ability sean towhich the bonus applies flthough leaving the trance and entering a new ane allows Ther tose efferent ability score) Aspintspeaker who prolongs 3 trance swith additional daly lance uses cannot De ce choxse a new ability score t apply he FF wisno press omceesio te same srance as whea she began). Singing (Sp)sOnce she becomes «4 9thekene spi speaker, the spit spec can east soriugonce per trance ‘asa LDth-level caster, Because of her cormection o the spieit world, the spi spesleer can east the spell whet mate ‘ial components or a focus by using & fullround action axl succeeding ata C8 Diplomacy cheek, (Fthe spit speaker fails her Diplomacy check, she may not use this poner again fer 24 hours spirie speaker whe prolongs a Special iver vance, spc ue ope sigh Ek A Sa EE Mateo uty Bee fot Rall ‘tackBonss Save Sive Swe 0 B33 a 2 BB 8 a 8 a) ui Seu 5 Bs oe ECE 4 EE Oa BME 00x25 tense 206 Sense crs spies temore curse Sat SGh Hand Spt ange abit eenancvent) SRE Kvteage cay ego om, spe ue op) "Sina Kote pia ™ trance with additional daly trance uses ceannot use this ability more thant once jn that wane (che ie etl ceneideced in the same trance 28 when she began, Skill Insight (Su): Beginning at Ind level, the spitit speaker’ spirit guide remains in contact with her at all times ina tangensial way, even outside of trance. This pranis the spirit speaker a +2 insight Lonus on all skill checks for sll, 2 listed in the Spirit Spoalver ‘Advancement table, At 2nd level, the spitt guide grants a boauson He cheeks, and at Ath snd lster levee, the bonus applies toa different knowledge ‘heck thatthe sprit speak: has st least Veank i, Sense Ailments (Su): AI i level, the apinitspeaker's spit guide can bicly her tell if ereature suffers from the effects ofa disease ora poison, even ifthat creature is unaware oft, by he pitt speaker suoceeding ata DC 1S Hal dieckThe spirit speaker can ouly se thie ability when notin trance. ‘Sense Curse (Su) AtSth level, the pint speaker can listen tothe whisper: ings ofthe spirit world tll if'somie- ne sues from 3 enrse, such as from, bestow enn, the ev] eye ability of sea bags, and similar effets, oxen ithst person is unaware of i,with a DC 20 Knowledge (arcana chee, The spirit speaker cam only use this ability when ot in trance Legend Lore (Spl: AUSth level, the spirit speaker's spint guide grants her the ability to cast eee dove once per day at her easter level. The spit speaker can only use this ability when not in tance. § Spels per Day at td and Ath we ere svenby Richors Farese ‘osiatcal bp Arnie Swekel TREASURES OF THE WHRYEN HOLDS ‘warves are renown for thele skilis with stone and Jmetsl. Thair engineers, jewelers, andl emithe ally crait goods considered far superior to those of ether races, From the great sublerranean halls of the legendary mountain kings to the colos. sil siege weapons built by their ingenious engineers, dwarves fashion countless wonders both above and below the eatth BIB 02200325 snr 3004 Legends hold that the wonders of modern dwarven craltsmanship ace bat pale shadows of the miraculous creations of the past, Of peerless beauty and with strange: and poieat powers, fortune hunters risk life and lina tra cling the glabe to retrieve even the most minor of these ancient trinkets. Caialoged here isa sample of some ofthe varestand mest Sosived mastorpicess of the ancient dvaaven masters,ARMOR OF THROR Thete halfplte armors were commissioned by King Thor and fashioned by the smiths of his glorious forge. King Thror allegedly geve his commanders suits ofthe srmors as rewards for their loyalty and valor duting the Great Goblin Wears, Legends hold that those who wore these clegant suits inspiied tremendous feat in their enemies, for the bravest among their foes learned of the armors’ ternble power ‘With the peace that fllowed these tumnulkuous times, the surviving comtranders of Throrsarmy eventially died and the armors passed down from penevaiton to peneration. “Tole, an arnarof Thor is undeubtedly one of the most ‘horished family heirloom. a dwarf sm possess. With the passige of tine, many such suits were eltherTostor interred with theielastownera, but some ail pase down throug mogiem cans ‘An armarof Tivo sa set of ts fly cxafed half plate Fashioned from solid geld with many inteicate parterns etched into the metil, these suits held ‘Thrors heraldic sym ‘el upan the breastplate: the face ofa mighty boar helding arose hetween ita dlenched toath. Athough most poeple de not recognize this ancient and prestigious symbos, met dwarves do, An srmoref Thiorie.a <2forifation (lnay) helfpate be addition, ian enemy makes a melee attack that would nor: mally cause a critical hitex steak attack, he armor strtkes ‘hat foe with s bol of energy that deals 846 pointe of electric ity damage, An attacker who makes:n DC 14 Reflex save suf Feis only half damag Sisong abjurstion, CL. 13th; Croft Magi Arms and Avon, lightning Blt: Prioe 60.730 pp Weight 50 Ib BRERSTPLATE OF HARDINESS “These rare suite of bloc: red armor were fashe tones by an unknown smith some to thousand searsago. No one knows for whom these garments ‘were crated, but a geod numberof them were fours in ihe ab of te kgendary King Armas, one of te rest honored -monarvis in dwarven ister With the uncovesing ofthe king ancient treasurer buried withia, many historian concluded tha ing Armas vas interred wth the members of his, personal guard, Research that these sealet armors ‘were fabricated for the kings mos loyal warriors, bat others undoubtedly wore similar garments in the years that {0 lowed King Atmas's demise ‘Neatpate of artines a3 fie resstonce fost that rans ts wearer a number of temporary hitpoints equal to his Constitution score. Whenever the wearer ofa breaiplate afar dines: takes damage, subtract the armors lempexary hit pints first, Once the amount of temporary hitpoints drops 9, the sweater ekes damage as normal. breaatpate of havdiness regeneeaies Inst temporary it point rate af per hon und allofits temporary hit pomssare avallableagain The armor grants pares tempornsy bil pats aa long a the cemeris ‘worn, sn the hit points vanish if the armor is remoeeel, stvong abjuration; CL. 9th; Craft Magic Aetns and ‘Armor, borr’s endurancr, resist energy, Price 23,350 gp: Weight 401. ely mausolewin sal the CGAURTLETS OF BATHING ach of these massive goantlets ie fashioned fram layeved plates of silvery ito covering the back of the hand snd fingers of thick: love of back leather, ‘The leather of thie glove is rigid and its surface cracked and battered, as iby old age, bat a dose inspection confirms that it till sound and supple enough 0 wear. The stightly curved metal plates: four wide ones covering the back ofthe hastd anid sis, and ele narrow once upean each of the Finger. ‘mothe black glove. multitude of tiny cunes and ewarven designs cover the silvery surfaces of these plates, ‘These gauntlets ace some of dhe most ancient dwarven magic tems and no record exists of thei orginal creator The seciel oftheir making, however, has been passed down fram dwarven master smiths to their most promising apprentices when they in turn became masters, Because of in tat September 2004 DRACON 323 BETAMAGIC SHOP. thermarvelou power they bestow in battle, warriors of all rsces cherish these tems, “Three times per day; the wearer ofa pair of garetts of ching exm rake unatrned attac force, Asa free action, the wearer can mnvoke the gauntlts power causingall his unaatsed attacks made in hi ext ound to deal 246 points af damage bludgeoning damage, In adaition, aso asa fiee action, the wear can slam back any ‘opponent he's used the gantle’s power to deal daxmage te CCreanotes strackin this manner ate bull rushed as ih 8 Lage ereanne with Strengih of 25 ‘Moderato transmutation; CR Sth; Craft Wondowe belevinsis Pee 45,800 gp: Weight 4 Ib thal stike with increible MUG OF (CEARHERDEDNES Long ago, the deegy of be cvarwen god of war made these intricate andl beat- ful mugs in order te inauce thatthe vwarrions pf their anrales—mostespe= cially its officers and heroes —had their heads clear and their spirits heartened as they siged wor A raugof ce-beadednessis cast front dark browses body is fichioned to resersble finely cut gemstone, The mug’ hhanele, however: is sculpted in the form of a dyarven war ror chopping with au axe ino the genie suiface of the iter. ‘The handle is sp wll detailed thst anyone looking at the mg instantly recognizes its great artistic value A raug ofebarsheadednes has a yariely of elTecs, All igus poured into a mug afelonrheadednessare affected as hy the spell pay fod ond drink. Once per day, drinking fiom the rag cures the drinker of poisons and other toxins in his hho, 2t per the spell nettralize poison. Also, thrce Himes per day, a cane who deinks a full ag ofliguid fiom this iter igine the fects ofthe spell on’ isdn, Mealorate transtnutation; CL Wh; Craft Wondlous Her, reratize pobon, onSs wladoon, nur food aad deta Pee 38,800 gyi Weight 1b, RING OF SPELUINKING Like many dwarven rings rings af elankiag are t wide, thick bands that loo Theawier tha they actully are. These perfeatly round bards seinillate wher held Lup io the light, The surface of a rig of pulotking is 0 well polished thet, at firs glance, it appears to have been cut froma single piece of vemi-precious stone. J cleser look, however roves that i is composed of countless fragments taen from various lypes of stones ane gems seamlessly melded together Invented at she ancet of the rule ofthe grest Mow Kings, hese iteras Were used by dvarven exploring par: ties and mining expeditions to navigate the twsacheraus ‘underground exvern complexes from which they eventvally carved out their great eles "The mejorey of these rings remain lot, and those who know of their existence cherish These ancien ems ‘8 rng of speiw king grants its wearer an intuitive familiarity with all thingo reloted to natucal caverns and the creatures inhabiting them, giving @ 410 compe ‘onus on Kuosledge (dunpeanering) checks. 1° the ‘wearer hie datkoision, the ring improves this ability, dow bling the range the wearer can see in total darkness. Wear cers without! dackvision gain no benefit from this poset Additionally, to cope with cxamped spaces, the wearer of» ring of pelinng can, three times per day, shrink in size as per the spell wie person Faint tancmiation; CL 3:d: Crsft Yond ous eer, dorsi, cedwce person; Price $7,000 gp Weight — WETTE OF ALL-FATHER These small, finely decal siaiueties of Moratlia ae carved From previo stones, No one now's when these statuettes were exested, but legends suggest that a priest aad master stonceutter originally evafled them ta honar the dwarven All Pythee, Whatever thet briging, most large temples of the detiy have one such stat cette st hana, but they are aeut ally hidden in sceret aleoves and are well guarded Incredibly well made, these sironge statuettes are nearls perfect replicas of stolid dwarven warriors, carved oF whole pieces of precious stones A satuette ofthe Al-Fatherisa boon to cles. Once per day the matuette may he used bya cleric oflewful good neutial good, o° luwfal nevttal alignment while prepating, forthe day ‘Ths allows the cexic to prepare spels of engi domain as iTdaey were domsan spells, In a tion, for that day. the eevic gains the granted power af the Stren downain. Taint ajaraion; CL 3rd Craft Wondroas Iter, i's gtk Price 7,000; Weight § 1h, S = i Sat 5__ TG hy Dean Piso ic inhabitants We desea snl the sea have much in comnran, ath liv: ingatthe cruel whims of an unforgi ing environment, ccimsted tonnes that can eas kill unprepared vistors he peoples ofthese regons rely upon ava. yof unsqueabiltse to cope with then ‘brutal homes. he following detect and coast themed feats are avilable to al characters. DMs with such regions in their campaigns right offer these 1 regional fests se presented in the Fowgetien Realms Compoign Setting DEIERTBORN IGENERAL] You were saised in the déep desert in understand its ays, SBenefi: You ane comibnable in the bs tering hoatofthe day aud the biter chill ofthe night. You reat heat eondtimns a they wore 20 degrers cooker (see ‘the Dungeon Maser Guide, page 303). You aso gaia +2 bones on all Survival hocks made wile in he deser NATURAL DOWSER IGENERALI ‘You an locate water even in the most ached regions, Prerequi Renefi: You grin a 4 hon on Site sival checks fo get along in the wild te: Survival 4 ranks, PIRATE LUCK GENERAL You ate notorioun far cacaping from nasty predicarents Prerequisite: Cha 13. Benefit: Once pe fone saying throw that you have just nade before the DM ceclares whether you may recall AMTERY OF THE SAND AND SEAS the roll results in success or face ‘You mast take the result ofthe seeand roll, even IF 18 worse POLYGLOT [GENERAL Traveling abread has given you a knack for picking up languages Benefit: You Teatn st language of your haice as a bons language, fn add won, Speak Language isalways consi creda class sil for you. ‘SRNDSTEP [GENERAL Your footing is a8 suse on shifting ssind.as its on solid ground, Benefit: The DCs of your Palanee Move Silently, and Tumble checks are nos ereased by the light ar dense rubble or light undergrowth of dos terrain, Light and dense rubhle and lundergsovith in oxher regions still sand heavy undergrowth you normally Inalldtion, whew you era square of light undergrowth in desert terrain, you need only use | square of movement. Normal: Light mibble ond light Uundergeowth raises the DC of Bale ance and Tumble checks by 12. Dense nuhble raises the DC of Balance and Tumble cheeks by +5 and Mow Silently checks by 12. You must use 2 squares of -moventent fo enter a square with light undergrowth, SATYY SWIMMER (GEMERALI You have been tained to swim even in the heaviestarnos, Prerequisite: Swim 4 ranks Benefit: When proficient with the armor you wesr, you sulfer only halt thet annor's armor check penalty te Swim checks. Ths, if you ane prof ent with heavy armor and attempt to ‘wim wearing banded mail, you suf {er only a3 penalty on Swim checks rater than the usual 12, Normal: Double the novel armor check penalty is applied to Swim checks. ‘WIPBORN ECENERALT A hip beneath your feet feleag najural to vou as the sind beneath & camel's hooves Benefit: You gain 42 Graamstance ‘bonus onany ski check necessary 10 ‘opetateor msnina ahip, nding Ea ance checks ena pitching deck, Clin decks mud sig, Gal shipbull- ing checks and Profession (silos) cies, You only gain beard shipor, in dhe case of Cal hip: Insing) checks, when the sip is docked, homes if SAILOR WILL EGERERALT Your unshakable beliefs sustain yeu against all outside influences Pronequ Benefit; You receive a +4 bonus onal modified level chess made to ‘oppose Intimidatecherks meant to emralize you (see the Players Hurd: ook, page 76) anid 9 +1 bonus on all Will saves. $ ite Base Will saveby bri Cagle ‘ussrated by Jouchive Borvum (YCLOPEANS the eselopes. Similar ‘hill giants in many ways, ‘hese brutes had one unique trait: singe eyes simated in the ‘midilo of their forchoads, Cyelopes lived in aa sancasy peace with other giants, with the one-eyed beings losing batdles more ofien than winning. Over time, cycopes lost the nssjorty oftheir tersitory, Forcing them to move [= Sei ie tpaloae ecoeeue DRAGON 325 September 2004 Jather into the wilderness or closer to the settlements of humanoid races, particularly humans. In most of these collisions of cultures, te hurnano\ds treated cyelopes with fear and suspicion, cesulting in the slow dedine of the eyelopes' population, Over the centuries, asthe cyclo: pes died off, other races earne to regard them as nothing, amore than a myth-— ) 06UCUCUCUMULULUU eT ee Hosever pockets of theve giants | survived in thewildemess and along the rocky crags of fonolding shores. “Talos porsiste ofeilore ronning afou ‘of eyelopes living on isolated islands. Mosto! these stores ended poory for the sailor, butseme tll af a erelops ‘who would trade a glimpse inte the Future for goods or favors. In one story floc of rofingoes Hed their city due ‘nga siege axd sought out the ancient cqelops, Menta the Wizeaed, Menta fosetold of grat door and despair for rceay eF the refugees, bul eventual revenge agalas! teiraitckers His prophecy eame trie, and the grateh ssivors dese Ments amd mde tis home a sacred place. Worshippers and omen seekers often visited the island, and Menta tok some as mates. His eden, | although simalley and weaker than the giant who begat them, slowly spread hapughow the land and became a viable ce i their oven igh first cyclopeans retained both their ancestor’ ailily to look inte another deep passion forsolitude and respect for nntare, Most of these eyclopeans stayed close othe ces, doing thei best to remain hidden from others. They nade pesesfil cantact with gnomes, fey, and the ete dwarven clans who reparced cyclopeans with casi Although most qrlopeans consider Menta the futher af their rae, other ‘mys persis! that cel of tribes that escered from other eylopes. Known, 2s the lerabkind, these egelopears are lent and savage lke many other typan of gienis, While moat cjelopeane siescened from Menta wish only to Live in peace, their brediren make ite dlificule forthe vce, attacking innocent travelers who mam too close to tir caves and hovel Today, the two eselopean brenches forma minor, fragmented race, eking ‘outa existence amtong mipre umes These pests future, as well ‘us hunanoids. Rurnots persist that some cyclopeans see visions oftheir race's ultimate fate—Dat tone, exer tudes pain of death, xeveal what the Intute oles for thelr kind. Some sages speculate thatthe eyclopsans face a slow, agoniaing extnction ss their bloodline rans dy. althougi hints abound of the face gaining greater plory and respect COpzimstie—sorre say naive—