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Magazine
IKING SPECIAL!
VViking — M a g i c & M a y h e m by G r a e r n e Davis: Player -characters in a Norse campaign ......2
R u n e M a g i c by D a v i d Hill: secrets of the mystic script . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
L o r e , L a y & L e g e n d by C a r o l e M o r r i s : The Saga of The Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0
P E L I N O R E - IMAGINE'', magazine's campaign world
THIS MONTH: The Asylum, by Brian Garrod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5
The Deathcart, by Brian Garrod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6
The Waxworks, by Linda Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
Dispel Confusion Special: magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8 T h e FanScene: Soapbox, Zine reviews, Postal games . • •— 4 9
Illuminations: news from the world of gaming . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 R u b i c of Moggedon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2
N o t i c e s : games viewed by independent reviewers . . . . . . . . . 4 2 S t i r g e C o r n e r, b y R o g e r M u s s o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3
..
Letters ........Gi.bb...... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6 Tu r n b u l l Talking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4
VOP, by Ian s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7 A u c h t e r ' s Axe, by Ian Williamson . . . . . . . . 5 5
Fantasy Media, by Neil Ga.irh..arl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 8 T h e Vikings, by Richard Clitton-Dey. ..................... C o v e r
..... IMAGINE magazine, No 30, September 1985 .....
..... Published by TSR UK Ltd ..•.. Publisher Don Turnbull ..... Editor Keith Thomson .....
Assistant Editor Paul Cockburn ..... Editorial Assistant Kim Daniel ..... Features ASSiStant Mike Brunton ....
..... News Doug Cowie ..... The F 01)SCelle Mike Lewis ..... Pelinore Tom Kirby .....
..... This months contributing artists.. Keith Cooper, Ian Williamson, Ian Gibbs, Mark O'Dell, Robin GrenVille-Evans .....
Editorial
Since this issue is dedicated to the exploits of my ancestors — give or take a few amorous
exploits with the Picts, Celts, Anglo Saxons and the odd Spanish sailor or two — f e l t it
my duty to pen a few words to commend it to you. 1 did offer to write a detailed account of
the exploits of Ragnar Hairy-Breeks, but the team decided that there was too much pillage
and not enough of anything else. So, instead, we have Graeme Davis and Carole Morris to
set the scene, Venetia Lee to cover the territory, and Rod Stevenson to uplift us. f e e l at
home with this issue, not least because it has a scenario featuring the end of the world, and
can't wait to see how they are going to follow that. hope you will all Ifind plenty
P Keith to read,
Thorrson
and plenty of new possibilities for your gaming. As have said before "it's nae muckle yese
if ye dinnae ken fit yerr daein" — so read on, and start adventuring
Throughout this magazine, reference w i l l be made to the D & D and A D & D games. Please note that all such references are to the
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IMAGINE' magazine is published monthly by TSR available, c a n be b o u g h t directly f r o m t h e above days before t h e effective change t o e n s u r e u n - of sufficient size a n d postage. U n d e r n o circum-
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Brixton Road, LONDON SW9 7A13. It is also available merchandise from the publisher, IMAGINE magazine welcomes unsolicited s u b - Copyright • 1985 by TSR UK Ltd
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The subscription rate is still only f 12 for 12 issues. printed on the subscriber's mailing label. Changes of However, n o submissions will be returned unless Opinions expressed i n t h i s magazine a r e n o t
Back issues o f IMAGINE magazine, w h e r e still address must be notified to the publisher at least 30 accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope necessarily those held by the publisher.
VIKING!
by Graeme Davis
The idea of this article is to present information about the
Vikings w h i c h c a n b e u s e d t o c r e a t e r o l e - p l a y i n g
adventures a n d c a m p a i g n s i n N o r s e o r Norse-based
settings s u c h a s , f o r instance, t h e A e s i r o f Robert E
Howard's Hyborian Age. I shall be looking specifically at
Viking character types and equipment, the kind of world
in w h i c h a Viking PC m i g h t operate, and the legendary
beasts a n d o t h e r p r o b l e m s w h i c h h e o r s h e m i g h t
encounter.
The f i r s t o f t h i s o c c a s i o n a l s e r i e s , i n I M A G I N E N
magazine # 1 7 , drew a certain amount of criticism from
readers w h o h a d d i ff i c u l t y i n seeing h o w i t c o u l d b e
applied to a role-playing campaign. This article is linked
more closely to t h e D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S ) a n d
A D VA N C E D D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S g a m e s ,
although hopefully it should be of use to RPG players and
referees using just about any system.
rd5,///bee5/v//2/ed
cp
<------
_5-leer/y o a r —, , , , , _ _
Viking w a r s h i p i s t r e a t e d a s a g a l l e y
roit5e6/
/7705 Cl?!? ,Ze (DMG, p53), and again, t h e c r e w figure
flee/bi-/27
6 r ( Y 0/64 c‘oke/7 clow? o a r 4 o / e s r given is too high. The average c r e w of a
cited Viking w a r s h i p w a s between 2 5 and 3 6
171c7/70e vo/e7 y7
cleck?q Aor/ men. V i k i n g s h i p s , o f c o u r s e , d i d n o t
J702011(0' u mount c a t a p u l t s o r a n y o t h e r h e a v y
cross' -„bear/7,5
weapons; where sea battles are recorded
„..------- __,-----___ , _ , _ in t h e s a g a s , t h e y c o n s i s t p u r e l y o f
boarding actions and shipboard fighting.
FLEMING
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In l i n e w i t h m y ' c o l l e a g u e i n c r i m e ' , Volsung was a great grandson of Odin. He wolf-skins hung up on the wall. Needless
Graeme Davis, I acknowledge that some built a m a g n i f i c e n t h a l l a r o u n d a n o a k to say, t h e h e r o e s b o r r o w e d t h e skins,
readers h a v e f o u n d i t d i f f i c u l t t o u s e tree called the Branstock whose branches and rampaged through the forests caus-
mythological s o u r c e m a t e r i a l i n t h e i r rose a b o v e t h e r o o f a n d w h o s e t r u n k ing havoc and slaying men for their gold.
role-playing campaigns if it is presented stood in the main part of the hall. Volsung When Sinfjotli had grown to manhood,
just as straight legends. This article aims had ten sons, the youngest of whom was Sigmund t o o k h i m t o S i g g e i r ' s h a l l t o
to bring you s o m e o f t h e flavour o f one called Sigmund, a n d a daughter, Signy. avenge his father and brothers. However,
Norse e p i c l e g e n d — t h e S a g a o f t h e At a feast where Signy was betrothed to Siggeir c a u g h t t h e m a n d b u r i e d t h e m
Volsungs — b u t t h e n I ' l l p i c k u p a n d king S i g g e i r o f Gothland, a barefooted alive i n a h u g e burial b a r r o w o f stones
expand s o m e o f t h e m o r e i n t e r e s t i n g stranger in a spotted cloak came into the and turf with a massive stone set between
elements of the story so t h a t they can be hall carrying a great sword. The stranger them. L u c k i l y, S i g n y h a d m a n a g e d t o
used a s PCs, NPCs, b r i e f e n c o u n t e r s , had only one eye (a sure sign that it was smuggle S i g m u n d ' s s w o r d i n t o t h e
magic items, etc, in Norse campaigns. Odin i n disguise), a n d h e p l u n g e d t h e barrow as it was being covered over, and
sword into the Branstock so that it sank in our two gallant heroes then used it to saw
The story o f t h e Vo l s u n g f a m i l y has i t s up t o t h e h i l t , saying t h a t o n l y h e w h o through t h e megalith a n d t h e n c u t
origins in the Germanic lands of the fifth could pull it out was worthy to have it as a through t h e stones o f t h e barrow. T h e y
and sixth centuries AD, and survives to- gift. Then he disappeared. No-one could set fire to Siggeir's hall and thus killed all
day in the Elder Edda, a series of poems move t h e s w o r d except S i g m u n d , w h o inside, including Signy, w h o chose to die
written d o w n by the Icelandic historian, drew it smoothly out of the tree. Because with her husband.
Snorri S t u r l u s o n i n t h e 1 3 t h c e n t u r y. Sigmund w o u l d not sell it to Siggeir, the Late on in his life, Sigmund married a
Wagner u s e d s o m e o f t h i s s t o r y i n h i s latter b e c a m e a d e a d l y e n e m y o f t h e princess called Hjordis, but not long after
cycle of operas The Ring of the Niebelung, family and eventually caused the deaths was forced t o f i g h t a bloody battle w i t h
and t h e idea o f t h e r i n g o f p o w e r w a s of Vo l s u n g a n d S i g m u n d ' s n i n e e l d e r King L y n g i w h o h a d b e e n a n o t h e r o f
adapted b y To l k i e n i n t h e L o r d o f t h e brothers. Hjordis' suitors. S i g m u n d w a s o u t -
Rings. One story tells h o w Signy (by n o w the numbered, b u t n o - o n e c o u l d o v e r c o m e
Some of the story's main elements are wife of Siggeir) changed likenesses with him o r s t a n d b e f o r e h i s m i g h t y s w o r d
set out below, but first, a brief word about a w i t c h - w i f e and went to visit her brother until a o n e - e y e d m a n i n a b l u e c l o a k
Fate, for it is the implacable power of Fate Sigmund, w h o w a s living i n exile in the (guess who?) held u p a billhook against
which drives men to perform w h a t seem forest. He did not recognise her, and slept Sigmund's sword, s m a s h i n g i t i n t o t w o
to u s t o b e improbable a c t s a n d c a s t s with her for three nights. She later had a fragments. S i g m u n d w a s m o r t a l l y
them to their ultimate ends. To the Viking, son, S i n f j o t l i , w h o m s h e s e n t i n t o t h e wounded, b u t m a n a g e d t o e n t r u s t t h e
the belief in the power of Fate (personified forest t o l i v e w i t h h i s father. B e t w e e n broken s w o r d to M a r d i s for the son she
in t h e f o r m o f t h e three N o r n i r — Urdr, them, Sigmund and Sinfjotli had a series would soon bear him. From t h e n on, he
Verdandi and Skuld) probably outweighed of adventures, including one time w h e n said, the sword should be called Gram.
any f a i t h i n g o d s a n d goddesses; e v e n they c a m e across a h o u s e o f t w o skin- Hjordis was carried away over the sea
Odin h i m s e l f w a s u n d e r t h e i r p o w e r. changers — men w h o had the ability to by Viking warriors w h o had landed near
Death could not be avoided — one could become w o l v e s a t certain times. W h e n the battlefield i n t h e i r ships. S h e w a s
only die well, fulfilling all one's oaths and the pair of heroes entered the house, the taken t o t h e h a l l o f K i n g Hjalprek, a n d
duties of kinship and loyalty. shape-changers w e r e asleep w i t h t h e i r when h e r son w a s eventually born, h e
10
I M A G I N E trut9azine, September 1985
C - - -
was called Sigurd — destined to be t h e In a c a s t l e a t H i n d f e l l , B r y n h i l d l a y Brynhild t h e n f o r e t o l d t h e f u t u r e f o r
greatest of all men. One day, when Sigurd asleep but fully clad in armour. She was Gunnar, t e l l i n g h i m t h a t h e a n d a l l h i s
asked the king for a horse of his own, the one of Odin's 'choosers of the slain' and family would soon die. She asked him to
king t o l d h i m t o c h o o s e o n e f r o m h i s had r e v e r s e d O d i n ' s d e c i s i o n i n o n e build a h u g e burial m o u n d on the plains
herds. W h e n Sigurd w e n t to do this, h e battle, k i l l i n g t h e w r o n g w a r r i o r . I n for Sigurd and to lay with him all those he
was met by a long-bearded old man (yes, vengeance, O d i n h a d s t r u c k h e r d o w n had slain. She asked that two men be laid
you've guessed it!) who arranged for him with a n e t e r n a l s l e e p , b u t S i g u r d c u t at his head and t w o at his feet, t h a t t w o
to choose a grey horse, w h i c h h e called through h e r a r m o u r w i t h G r a m a n d hawks be killed and put in the mound, and
Grani, a n d i t w a s descended that five o f h e r o w n b o n d s -
from S l e i p n i r, O d i n ' s o w n women and eight bondsmen
eight-footed steed. Sigurd asked Regin to make a sword to slay Fafnir. should be buried t h e r e also.
Sigurd w a s fostered b y a She then stabbed herself with
The s m i t h made three swords, but Sigurd smashed her sword.
craftsman-smith called Regin
w h o t a u g h t h i m m a n y lang- each one on the anvil. Finally, he begged his m o t h e r As she was dying, they laid
uages, all manner of arts and f o r the fragments o f Gram, and when Regin forged a out Sigurd's body as she had
crafts, h o w to play chess and new sword f r o m the pieces, flames r a n along its ordered o n a f u n e r a l p y r e ,
the runelore. O n e day Regin and Brynhild lay down beside
told S i g u r d a b o u t h i s o w n edges and i t split the anvil asunder! him, placing his sword blade
father H r e i d m a r a n d h i s upwards between them. Thus,
brothers F a f n i r a n d O t t e r . as t h e flames o f t h e funeral
Regin h a d b e c o m e a s m i t h a n d c o u l d awakened her. Before he left, t h e y both pyre consumed them both, t h e y became
work iron, gold a n d silver, O t t e r w a s a pledged t h e i r u n d y i n g l o v e a n d S i g u r d man and wife together in death.
great fisherman and could change into an gave her Andvari's gold ring. He promised
otter by day, w h i l e Fafnir w a s a selfish, that he w o u l d r e t u r n and fetch her, b u t There are several themes in t h i s legend
greedy m a n w h o w a n t e d everything f o r Brynhild ( w h o possessed g r e a t w i s d o m which can be looked at more closely. One
himself. A dwarf called Andvari (who had and foresight) k n e w t h a t a n a w f u l f a t e is t h e r o l e o f t h e gods, especially t h a t
a m a s s i v e h o a r d o f gold) lived, i n t h e awaited Sigurd, and that both their lives entertaining little chappie who seemed to
disguise of a pike, under a great waterfall would be filled w i t h grief. appear everywhere. M a n y o f t h e Norse
where Otter used to swim. One day, the Sigurd w e n t t o t h e hall o f King Giuki gods l i k e d t o d i s g u i s e t h e m s e l v e s a s
gods Odin, Loki and Hoenir came past this w h o had three sons, Gunnar, Hogni and humans and influence m e n ' s lives. This
waterfall. Loki t h r e w a stone at Otter and Guttorm, a n d a d a u g h t e r, G u d r u n . T h e was especially true of Odin who (like Zeus
killed him, and he took the otter skin as a wife of Giuki, Grimhild, was a w i t c h - w i f e in Greek Mythology) was forever altering
prize. W h e n H r e i d m a r f o u n d o u t , h e and schemed t h a t Sigurd should m a r r y the course o f destiny himself. H e w a s ,
demanded a pile o f gold in recompense, Gudrun. To t h i s end, s h e g a v e h i m a n after all, t h e eldest o f t h e gods and t h e
high enough to cover the whole otter skin enchanted drink w h i c h made h i m forget 'Allfather', holding s w a y over all things.
when it was held vertical with feet on the Brynhild and go on to marry her daughter. He was the god of strife and battle, giving
ground. Odin s e n t Loki t o find gold, and Sigurd also swore an oath of brotherhood victory w h e r e v e r h e willed; h e w a s t h e
with the help of a n e t from Ran, the sea- with Gunnar, and even went with him on lord o f t h e s l a i n a n d m a s t e r o f t h e
goddess, h e caught Andvari and took all a quest to win Brynhild as Gunnar's wife. Valkyries. O d i n h i m s e l f w a s unpredict-
his gold from him to cover the otter skin, Knowing S i g u r d ' s f a t e , B r y n h i l d h a d able, b u t h e could foresee a l l t h i n g s t o
including a special gold ring (the ring o f surrounded h e r b o w e r w i t h a w a l l o f come, even his own death. He had made
Wagner fame). A n d v a r i cursed t h e gold flame w h i c h she knew only he could ride heaven and earth and man himself, so he
and s w o r e that i t w o u l d bring about the through. W h e n G u n n a r f a i l e d t o r i d e expected to interfere quite a bit too!
downfall of anyone w h o possessed it. through i t , S i g u r d c h a n g e d likenesses
Regin t o l d S i g u r d h o w F a f n i r h a d with him and rode through the flames on In any Norse campaign, w i t h t h e help of
murdered H r e i d m a r t o g e t t h e g o l d f o r Grani. H e t h e n ( a s G u n n a r ) c l a i m e d the L E G E N D S & LORE'm Cyclopaedia or
himself, a n d h o w, a s h e b e c a m e m o r e Brynhild for his wife, and stayed with her a b o o k o f Norse myths, D M s s h o u l d be
evil, h e changed i n t o a h u g e dragon t o for three nights with his sword Gram laid able t o introduce a f e w NPCs w h o a r e
guard h i s p i l e o f treasure. S i g u r d w a s blade u p w a r d s between them. Thinking gods i n disguise, p e r h a p s t o h e l p p l a y
convinced that Regin had been cheated of that the man was Gunnar, Brynhild gave along, d e l a y t h e characters, g i v e t h e m
his share a n d s o asked h i m t o m a k e a him Andvari's gold ring. some information etc. When Odin appears
sword to help him slay Fafnir. Regin made When t h e r e a l G u n n a r a n d B r y n h i l d in Volsung's hall, on the battlefield and at
three swords, b u t Sigurd smashed each were married, Grimhild restored Sigurd's the choosing of Grani, he is described as
one o n t h e s m i t h ' s a n v i l . F i n a l l y, h e memory. He realised w h a t he had done, having only one eye. This is the feature
begged h i s m o t h e r f o r t h e fragments o f but could do nothing about it because of which marks him out; when he wished to
Gram, a n d w h e n R e g i n f o r g e d a n e w the o a t h h e h a d s w o r n w i t h G u n n a r. obtain a l l t h e w i s d o m o f t h e w o r l d b y
sword from the pieces, flames ran along Brynhild remained convinced that it had drinking from M i m i r ' s well, he sacrificed
its edges and it split the anvil asunder! been G u n n a r h i m s e l f w h o h a d claimed his o t h e r e y e b y p l u c k i n g i t o u t a n d
Sigurd d u g p i t s i n t o t h e p a t h a l o n g her u n t i l o n e d a y S i g u r d ' s o w n w i f e throwing i t in t h e well. The players in a
which F a f n i r w a l k e d a n d h i d i n o n e . Gudrun showed Brynhild Andvari's ring Norse campaign might be helped to 'see
When t h e dragon w a l k e d o v e r h i m , h e which w a s n o w o f c o u r s e i n S i g u r d ' s through' a god's disguise by recognising
plunged Gram into its heart and killed it. possession. certain s y m b o l s o r attributes — T h o r ' s
He then cut out the dragon's heart and, at When Brynhild spoke to Sigurd about hammer o r g o a t - d r a w n c h a r i o t , T y r ' s
Reg in's request, roasted it on a spit. As it the deception, h e a d m i t t e d w h a t h a d missing hand, etc.
cooked, he touched it and then licked the happened but reinforced his undying love Using gods 'anonymously' allows a DM
blood f r o m h i s f i n g e r. I m m e d i a t e l y, h e for her. But Sigurd was still bound by his to exert influence (magical or otherwise)
could hear the birds talking in the trees, oath, and so Brynhild took the drastic step on a c a m p a i g n w i t h o u t t h e n e e d f o r
warning him that Regin was treacherous of beguiling Gunnar to break the oath by massive o v e r k i l l w h i c h a l l - t o o - o f t e n
and w o u l d b e t r a y h i m a n d k i l l h i m . killing Sigurd — this being the only way in results when gods show up in full glory.
Advised b y t h e b i r d s , S i g u r d c u t o f f which she knew she could join her lover.
Regin's head, loaded the gold on Grani's It w a s G u n n a r ' s b r o t h e r G u t t o r m w h o
back a n d s e t o f f t o H i n d f e l l t o s e e k a stabbed Sigurd w i t h a sword, b u t as he Another t h e m e w h i c h r e c u r s again a n d
beautiful Valkyrie maiden called Sigrdrifa died, S i g u r d c u t G u t t o r m i n h a l f w i t h again i n t h e s t o r y i s t h a t o f s h a p e -
(sometimes known as Brynhild). Gram. changing o r skin-changing. S o m e t i m e s
I M A G I N E magazine, September 1955 11
men change at will into other creatures, The horse w a s a n animal o f great a pyre first before they were buried.
for example Fafnir, Otter and Andvari. importance in the Viking world and this is Sometimes, some o f the objects were
Others need to dress in a creature's skin echoed in the powers attributed to Gra ni ritually 'killed', ie destroyed. For example,
to become that creature as in the tale of in t h e Volsung saga. H e could r i d e swords were often bent in two.
Sigmund and Sinfjotli. Men sometimes fearless through flames and even carry Although there are some Viking ceme-
changed places, taking on each other's the whole of Andvari's gold hoard on his teries w i t h f l a t graves, m o s t Viking
likeness, for example Sigurd and Gunnar back (a feat which the legend says several burials w e r e surmounted b y a large
or Signy and the witch-wife. ordinary horses could not do). We often mound; the more impressive the mound,
imagine that all Viking warriors were foot the better you might be remembered.
The D&DO game is, o f course, full o f soldiers— a lot of them were— but many It was a tradition in some Viking areas
shape-changers (lycanthropes, doppel- were also horse warriors who set great that members of the dead man's retinue
gangers, druids and magical polymorphs), store by their steeds. Viking horses were would be ritually killed so that they could
but it is still possible to ring the changes. small b y modern standards (light w a r be buried with him and be with him in the
The use of magical skins which allow horse range) and did not have barding. afterlife, (cf sutteeism). Most of the time,
characters to assume the forms of specific Some were buried in their riders' graves the victims were slaves and chose to die
animals is one possibility, and gives the with their harness, bit, bridle, etc. Saddles with their lords. In the Volsung story, both
DM more control than when using poly- were made of wood and leather and were Signy and Brynhild were willing to sacri-
morph potions. Characters m i g h t b e placed fairly far forward on the horse so fice themselves. I n 922AD, a n A r a b
required to go out and acquire skins from that the rider's legs stretched out in front traveller called Ibn Fadlan witnessed the
real animals (rare, difficult or dangerous of the saddle n o t down b y t h e side. burial ceremony of a rich man among the
to catch, o r found o n l y i n particular Stirrups were only introduced into Europe Rus (probably Swedish Vikings who had
places) in order that these can be convert- in the Viking period and are often found in settled along the Volga River) and record-
ed (by an NPC — at a price) for skin- men's graves along w i t h spurs. A n y ed it. He told how one of the man's female
changing use. What about a doppelganger character w h o plays a fairly wealthy slaves had volunteered to die with him.
variant which does n o t just imitate a warrior character in a Norse campaign They had hauled his ship overland from
person but actually forces him to swap should certainly consider kitting himself the river and had set it in the ground,
with another body (or offers him one)? out with a horse of this kind. surrounded by a funeral pyre. They placed
Having people 'changing skin' to suit their a richly-covered bier in the ship, laid the
personality, like Fafnir, is more tricky, but In t h e Volsung saga, w e a r e t w i c e man out on it and erected a tent over it.
a temporary change (divinely caused) into introduced to the idea of burial and what They killed horses and cattle and put
an appropriate animal might be a good happens to the dead to prepare them for them in the ship with all sorts of other
punishment f o r a character changing the afterlife. The first instance is only an food. They gave strong drink to the girl to
alignment. Even a partial change might oblique reference, w h e n king Siggeir intoxicate her before she was taken into
do — imagine an over-greedy paladin entombed Sigmund and Sinfjotli i n a the tent and ritually stabbed and strangled
with a temporary swine-face! burial mound. The second is the funeral to death by a woman who was called the
The idea of the berserkir (bear-shirts) of Sigurd when Brynhild gave instruct- 'Angel of Death'. They then laid her by the
and ullhednar (wolf-pelted) warriors in ions to Gunnar about the funeral rites and side of her master and set fire to the ship.
the Viking world reflects that of shape- to erect a magnificent barrow over the On the place where the ship had stood,
changing in the legends (see also MAGIC grave. We are very fortunate in having they raised a huge burial mound.
& MAYHEM in this issue, and, for those references like these and also information In a campaign, characters are quite
who can get hold of a copy, DRAGONTM from archaeology to tell us about Viking used to dealing with the living and, all too
magazine # 3 ) . The berserker's battle funeral rites. We know that throughout often, with the dead (or not quite dead).
frenzy and howling must have been very the Viking world, both men and women Incorporating a Viking funeral i n t o a
much like the state which Sigmund and were buried with their weapons, tools, campaign gives various opportunities for
Sinfjotli got into when they donned the jewellery, animals and even their ships introducing players to the meeting place
wolf-skins. Indeed, in one version of the and carriages i f t h e y w e r e w e a l t h y of the two (a meeting place potentially full
tale, Sigmund savagely bit open his son's enough. Bodies (and the ships, weapons
throat in his frenzy. etc) were either inhumed, or cremated on continued on page 40
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ICELANDERS
by Venetia Lee
and Reif Dormann
References: Njars Saga, Laxdaela Saga and others;
translated by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson;
published by Penguin Books.
The Iceland o f t h e Norsemen influential. In general, although they app- Despite t h e i r l o v e o f independence,
makes a rewarding, if unusual, setting for ear i n t h e sagas a s i n i t i a t o r s o f action they had to cooperate to survive the trials
role-playing games. T h e r e are n o kings rather than as doers, female characters of the environment and to resist foreign
and no cities — just lonely farms around can be given equal status in a campaign domination. T h e c u s t o m o f h o s p i t a l i t y
the coast and a wild, dangerous interior. with much less adjustment than would be was a v a l u e d a n d s e l d o m b r e a c h e d
Although f a r m e r s , t h e Icelanders w e r e necessary in most other societies. Some tradition — a s t r a n g e r w a s n o t t o b e
not s i m p l e r u s t i c s , b u t a p r o u d a n d used t h e i r influence w i s e l y, others w i t h turned away from the door, nor should a
dangerous people. F r o m t h e i r literature malice. They may have been more careful neighbour be refused a loan o f food i f it
come m a n y o f t h e stories o f t h e Norse of f a m i l y h o n o u r t h a n t h e m e n a n d was there to be given. In practical terms,
gods (the Elder a n d Yo u n g e r Eddas) — shamed them into honourable behaviour. no-one k n e w when they might be in the
Trolls and Giants were said to dwell in the But they may also have been quarrelsome same position themselves, forced to seek
mountains, m a k i n g i t , i n all, a s u i t a b l e and persuaded m e n i n t o u n w i s e action shelter from bad weather or running out
background for a Norse campaign. It is not against each other. Bergthora of Bergthors- of grain in a hard winter. They were loyal
w i t h i n t h e scope o f t h i s article t o give knoll and her enemy, Hallgerd, prosecuted friends — particularly to those w h o gave
more t h a n t h e f l a v o u r o f t h e Icelandic a killing match w h i c h ended i n seven them a i d . H o w e v e r, t h e f a m i l y w a s
setting — added detail c a n be obtained deaths, but not their own. paramount; w h a t w a s i n t h e interest o f
from t h e i r o w n writings, particularly the There w e r e f e m a l e sorcerers, b u t n o one was in the interest of all.
sagas. warriors o r p r i e s t s — a l t h o u g h s o m e Although they allowed no rulers, t h e y
Iceland w a s s e t t l e d s h o r t l y a f t e r t h e women could and did fight well, since did acknowledge leaders; these were the
unification o f Norway under one king by w h e n t h e i r m e n w e r e a w a y, t h e y w e r e godis o r priest-chieftains. T h i s position
noblemen w h o l e f t w e a l t h a n d l a n d s left in charge of their lands. If you need was h e r e d i t a r y, i n s o f a r a s i t r a n i n
rather than bow to him. It was a forbidding justification for altering this society t o families, a n d depended o n w e a l t h a n d
but promising land offering a fertile coast, give female characters a w i d e r choice of influence. However, t h e i r authority w a s
despite an inhospitable, volcanic interior. roles — it may be found in the argument limited by the n u m b e r of followers they
The s u m m e r s w e r e good b u t short, and that t h e a v a i l a b i l i t y o f h e a l i n g s p e l l s had — people did not f o l l o w a g o d i they
the winters cold, dark and very long. reduces infant mortality and allows some did not respect.
Icelandic society w a s divided broadly women to take more risks. Icelandic religion, a s m a y be inferred
into three categories: the Jails, or noble- Icelandic f a r m s w e r e large c o m m u n - from t h e i r literature, d i ff e r s s o m e w h a t
men; the Karls, freehold farmers; and the ities, comprising family members, friends, from t h a t g i v e n i n t h e L E G E N D S &
thralls, o r slaves. According t o tradition hirelings and thralls. They grew corn and LORE C y c l o p e d i a u n d e r 'Norse'. First,
these m a r k e d v e r y d i f f e r e n t k i n d s o f hay, a n d k e p t sheep, c a t t l e a n d m u c h they did not conceive of Odin as 'supreme
people who 'belonged' in these positions. prized horses. W e a l t h w a s reckoned i n god'. In the younger Edda, Thor, Odin and
In practice they were aware that slavery land, beasts, silver, fine cloth (for clothing Frey n a m e themselves as Highest, M o s t
often c a m e f r o m a c c i d e n t s o f f o r t u n e . and house furnishings) and ships. Ships High and Third e a c h powerful in their
Slaves i n Iceland h a d b e t t e r t r e a t m e n t were very valuable, since timber w a s in own spheres. The Icelanders' own prefer-
than elsewhere at the time and also basic short supply and foreign trade important ence w a s f o r Thor — t h e w a r r i o r s ' a n d
legal rights. A n y o n e w h o showed ability for t h a t a n d o t h e r c o m m o d i t i e s . F o r farmers' god. Secondly, Loki, Thor's friend
— especially if they gained the favour of leisure t h e y h a d a n u m b e r o f a t h l e t i c and O d i n ' s f o s t e r b r o t h e r, d o e s n o t
the p o w e r f u l — w a s advanced. I n t h e sports, spectacles such as horse fighting appear as wholly evil. He frequently gets
sagas, t h r a l l s f r e q u e n t l y d e m a n d f r e e and, in the dark winters, storytelling. the Aesir out of trouble w i t h his courage
status f o r p e r f o r m i n g s o m e d a n g e r o u s A household might go months without and resourcefulness (even if it is usually
act o r gain i t by bravery. Similarly, Karl seeing m o r e t h a n t h e i r n e a r e s t n e i g h - trouble of his o w n making). In t h e Elder
families w h o b e c a m e w e a l t h y a n d bours. However, once a year an assembly, Edda p o e m ' L o k i ' s F l y t i n g ' h e i n s u l t s
respected w o u l d be counted a m o n g t h e theAfthing, was held t o which all came many of the gods by exploiting their many
nobles. who c o u l d . T h i s w a s a g r e a t social faults. Odin comes off particularly badly
Women's status would appear to have occasion where important business could — appearing treacherous a n d r a t h e r
been high, although they had a different be conducted, i n c l u d i n g m a r r i a g e a l l i - cowardly (but then Odin, elsewhere in the
set of rights and obligations. Young girls, ances, t r a d i n g p a r t n e r s h i p s a n d c o u r t myths, appears in a bad light). Thor is the
like y o u n g m e n , w e r e s u b j e c t t o t h e i r cases. In addition, affairs affecting every- only one w h o bears up well under Loki's
fathers' wishes. However, the sagas are one c o u l d b e s e t t l e d ( f o r example, t h e insults — Loki i s afraid o f t h e t h r e a t o f
full o f occasions on w h i c h great trouble decision t o accept Christianity over t h e Mjollnir and takes to his heels. If Loki is on
comes after a w o m a n is married against whole i s l a n d w a s t a k e n a t t h e A f t h i n g the w r o n g side a t Ragnarok, i t is Odin's
her will. They could o w n property. Some — the sporadic acceptance by some was treachery i n breaking t r e a t i e s w i t h t h e
owned m u c h a n d w e r e correspondingly causing bad feeling). Giants that brings about the final battle.
I M A G I N E ma9azine, September 1985 21
They cannot avert this, as i t is predeter- things combined to work against against godis — with a jury whose function w a s
mined b y Fate. T h u s , w h e r e v e r L o k i ' s it — t h e s l o w p a c e a t w h i c h f e u d s not t o reach a verdict, b u t t o determine
sympathies lie, he is doomed to betray the continued and t h e substitution o f were- whether t h e c o r r e c t p r o c e d u r e s w e r e
Aesir, just as it is Odin's Fate to cause the gild for revenge killings. being followed. The cornerstone o f pro-
final breach. The l a t t e r w a s t h e a c c e p t a n c e o f cedure w a s t h a t e v e r y t h i n g h a d t o b e
The idea of Fate or Wyrd was central to monetary payments in lieu of revenge. To correctly w i t n e s s e d , f o r e x a m p l e t h e
the Icelandic v i e w o f t h e universe. T h e give an idea of the sums involved f o r t y - declaration t h a t someone h a d a case to
N o m s determined w h a t was to be and it eight ells of cloth was worth one mark of answer o r t h e s u m m o n s o f t h e g u i l t y
could n o t b e escaped, o n l y postponed. silver; t w o m a r k s b o u g h t o n e c o w ; t h e party. The courts had the power to order
The only way to exercise free will was to weregild for a slave w a s one and a h a l f weregild payment or outlaw (exile) some-
go t o m e e t o n e ' s d o o m n o b l y — i f t h e marks, t h a t f o r a f r e e m a n t w e l v e a n d a one, permanently or temporarily. Outlaw-
honourable course led to death, then that half, b u t f o r s o m e o n e notable t w i c e o r ry was resorted to usually when someone
was s t i l l t h e o n e t o take. I n t h e s a g a even s i x t i m e s t h a t . A t t h i s t i m e , t w o put themselves o u t s i d e t h e l a w b y r e -
bearing h i s name, Njal has foreseen his hundred and fifty m a r k s o f silver w a s a peatedly breaking settlements or commit-
death b y burning, b u t w h e n h i s house- considerable fortune. Using the livestock ting a particularly disgusting act. I f t h e
hold is threatened by attack he chooses to prices i n the Players' Handbook, one exile o r d e r w a s n o t complied w i t h , t h e
defend his house from w i t h i n despite the mark i s e q u i v a l e n t t o f i v e g o l d p i e c e s outlaw c o u l d b e k i l l e d w i t h o u t l e g a l
warnings of his son, Skarp-Hedin, that it (clearly these amounts w i l l need adjust- redress. I t w a s a s e r i o u s m a t t e r t o b e
might b e s e t o n f i r e . S k a r p - H e d i n , i n ing i n m a n y campaigns). I f a w e r e g i l d forced i n t o exile w h e n status depended
agreeing to this plan, says that he is not settlement could be agreed by all parties on land.
sure i t is f o r t h e best " f o r h e (Nial) is a concerned i n f r o n t o f w i t n e s s e s , t h e Typically, t h e p r o p o s e d s e t t l e m e n t s
doomed man n o w, but still I do not mind matter need go no further. However, the took i n t o a c c o u n t m i t i g a t i n g c i r c u m -
pleasing m y f a t h e r b y b u r n i n g i n t h e issue w a s u s u a l l y complicated b y d i s - stances a s w e l l a s b a l a n c i n g i n j u r i e s
house w i t h h i m , f o r I a m n o t afraid o f agreement over mitigating circumstances given and received. Once a decision had
dying." N j a l d i e s c a l m l y a n d h i s s o n s and by the tendency of feuding to involve been reached, i t w a s u p t o t h e p a r t i e s
bravely — as they were fated to do. large bands o f friends a n d f o l l o w e r s i n concerned to carry it out and, if this was
As well as their religious duties, godis pitched battles (incidentally, i t w a s n o t done correctly, the matter was considered
were advisers in legal and other matters. considered dishonourable to attack w i t h closed. I n practice, t h e s y s t e m w o r k e d
The Icelanders w e r e a q u a r r e l s o m e l o t greatly favourable odds i f t h a t w a s t h e well, but when it broke down the results
and disputes over land, property, marital way t o w i n , a l t h o u g h p e o p l e w o u l d could be spectacular. After the burning of
problems, etc, were frequent (one author- assume t h e v i c t i m s t o h a v e b e e n t h e Njal, t h e g o d i acting f o r t h e b u r n e r s (a
ity claims these were trivial matters, but I better men). Where agreement could not lago-like f i g u r e w h o h a d stirred u p t h e
would maintain they were matters of life be reached, the legal system was resorted trouble in the first place) tried to destroy
and death). A t the core to all this was the to. This had been imported and adapted the case against t h e m b y legal trickery.
sense o f h o n o u r. R e p u t a t i o n w a s a l l - from N o r w a y. I w i l l n o t d e t a i l a l l t h e Passions w e r e h i g h o n b o t h s i d e s ( a
important to the Icelanders. The honour- complications here, b u t certain aspects number of people would still rather take
able man was hospitable, generous, fair- are i m p o r t a n t , especially i f players g e t blood r e v e n g e ) a n d t h e r e s u l t w a s a
minded a n d b r o o k e d n o i n s u l t s f r o m involved in feuds. pitched b a t t l e a t t h e A l t h i n g . C i v i l w a r
anyone — if necessary enforcing this by Icelandic l a w w a s c o n c e r n e d w i t h was averted b y o n e m a n w h o forced a
the sword. It might seem absurd to kill on arbitration between individuals or famil- temporary halt to the battle and proposed
account of trivial ridicule, but then no-one ies. W h e r e disputes could not be settled a settlement, b y weregild, w h i c h w a s
offered an insult, except to a person of no simply — by the people concerned (and agreeable to most concerned. Those who
account, unless they w e r e spoiling for a advisers) — t h e case w a s taken t o t h e refused it, Njal's nephew and son-in-law,
fight (or being v e r y stupid). Fortunately, Althing, which opened with a recitation of subsequently c a r r i e d o u t a s u c c e s s f u l
they were n o t generally quick w i t h their the law so that all could be familiar with it campaign of blood vengeance. The legal
swords, allowing time for tempers to cool (although f e w i n f a c t u n d e r s t o o d i t s system depended on goodwill to work, but
and f o r a p o l o g y a n d r e p a r a t i o n t o b e ramifications). Cases were judged by the was not so rigid that it was not possible to
made. F o r b e a r a n c e w a s c o n s i d e r e d a make a solution outside the courts.
virtue. B y o l d c u s t o m , a n y i n j u r y o r The I c e l a n d e r s d i d n o t b u i l d l a r g e ,
offence had to be paid out in kind — if not stone fortifications. Indeed, t h e y had no
by the victims then by their family. Often need for such, since there w a s no great
this l e d t o e s c a l a t i o n o f c o n f l i c t a n d quantity of portable wealth to protect nor
people g o t k i l l e d . O n c e k i l l i n g w a s were any large armies ever raised against
involved, a s t r i n g o f t i t - f o r - t a t m u r d e r s them or amongst them. To defend them-
could r e s u l t i n t h e w i p i n g o u t o f e n t i r e selves and- their households t h e y relied
families. They recognised, however, that upon t h e i r o w n strength o f arms. T h e y
this w a s n ' t rea lly a g o o d idea a n d t w o built sturdily o f t u r f o r t i m b e r, a n d i t is
shown i n t h e sagas t h a t o n e m a n w i t h
arrows could defend such a house against
many with considerable success.
4111
4,44 ' 4 4 2
22 I M A G I N E ma9azine, September 1985
Secrecy in public affairs was abhorred or a s a n e x t e n s i o n o f a m o r e g e n e r a l honour. I t s h o u l d b e n o t e d t h a t t h e
and in fact, hard to maintain. Neighbours Viking campaign. Some features must be tragedy o f a b l o o d f e u d l i e s n o t i n t h e
tended t o k n o w e a c h o t h e r ' s b u s i n e s s changed to fit in with standard frp games. pitching o f good against evil, b u t i n t h e
and strangers attracted m u c h attention. Iceland, or the equivalent area, could be way that h o n o u r forces m e n w h o m i g h t
The m o s t d i s g r a c e f u l a c t w a s t o k i l l seeded with low-level nasties (and a f e w otherwise be friends to kill each other.
someone by stealth and then conceal the bigger ones in the deep interior) for low-
murder, f a i l i n g t o a n n o u n c e i t b e f o r e level c h a r a c t e r s t o c u t t h e i r t e e t h o n , 3. The Icelanders w e r e great travellers,
witnesses. A person w h o had done this whilst becoming involved in the endless well aware of the potential of the outside
was considered automatically o u t l a w e d rounds of politicking and feuding. Later, world. O f t e n i t w a s impossible t o g a i n
and c o u l d b e killed o u t o f hand. S e c r e t of course, the lure of foreign lands might enough wealth and influence at home to
theft (as opposed t o forcible seizure o f be difficult to refuse. satisfy ambition. Those who could, equip-
goods o f disputed o w n e r s h i p ) w a s des- The following are the available plots: ped trading expeditions and others joined
pised almost as m u c h — the thief m i g h t them. They w e n t as far afield a s Byzan-
actually be allowed to go into exile. These 1. In the initial settlement phase there is tium, as well as the famed expeditions to
attitudes w o u l d m a k e t h e r u n n i n g o f land a n d g l o r y t o b e w o n . T h e n a t i v e Greenland and America. S u c h ventures
Icelandic t h i e f o r assassin player c h a r - horrors must be overcome and there may took a standard t i m e o f t h r e e y e a r s i n
acters rather difficult. They are, perhaps, be previous settlers (the Norsemen had to saga and are unlikely to have been much
best run as coming from different cultures contend w i t h I r i s h m o n k s , w h o w e r e less w i t h the distances involved.
or non-human races and without criminal probably not mild churchmen). As well as They m a d e themselves a t h o m e w i t h
tendencies. Some thief characters might these t h e r e w i l l b e considerable rivalry kings and cities, but the ultimate ambition
exist a m o n g t h e V i k i n g s t h e m s e l v e s , for the best land a t least after the Jarls of any Icelander was to bring his wealth
acting as scouts. have taken their share as the financers of home — to farm and raise a family. Only
Magic Users are portrayed in the sagas the expedition. by doing this, by demonstrating prowess
as sinister figures, u s i n g their power for and wisdom a t home, could h e gain t h e
evil. H o w e v e r, t h i s m a y w e l l b e d u e t o 2. The blood feuds have obvious potential. reputation h e really cared about — that
Christian influence. F o r rpgs, i t is m o r e For a self-contained adventure the players among his own countrymen.
useful t o note that they w e r e feared b u t could b e involved o n t h e periphery, b y Reputation, for courage, fortitude and
respected by most people and tended t o friendship or kinship to one or both sides. nobility o f character i s p a r a m o u n t t o a
live apart in remote places. As an NPC, of Marriage c o n n e c t i o n s c a n b e u s e d t o Norse character. The news that a band of
course, the evil wizard is invaluable. introduce all kinds of new complications. Giants w e r e w i t h i n r e a c h w o u l d see a
Fighters a n d c l e r i c s c o m e i n t o t h e i r Eventually, t h e y m a y b e i n v o l v e d i n a band of grim warriors assembling in the
own in an Icelandic campaign. They may pitched battle, perhaps against their will. bright clothes they wore for killing. Fear
achieve t h e highest status, n o t building Finally t h e m a t t e r c a n b e r e s o l v e d b y of d e a t h c o u l d n o t overcome t h e t w i n
great t e m p l e s o r castles, b u t a s l a n d - agreed payments. spurs of Glory and Doom. However, there
owners a n d chieftains. T h e Priests w i l l Feuds w e r e f r e o u e n t l y r e v i v e d a f t e r was n o obligation t o f i g h t i f hopelessly
ultimately become godis. The existence of several years — usually by those who had outclassed — unless a blood f e u d w a s
raise dead spells w i l l cause problems. I been l e f t o u t o f a n y settlement. These involved, i n w h i c h case i t could o n l y be
would suggest that if a person is raised, might be brothers who had been away or postponed. A n y o n e w h o d i d n o t f i g h t
they c l a i m w e r e g i l d a t a r a t e a s f o r women w h o h a d p r e v i o u s l y l a c k e d a when obliged w o u l d b e subjected t o
serious injury and that where a person's champion or, commonly, illegitimate sons increasing slights on their honour, goad-
death i s positively intended (ie, t h e y did of a dead man w h o had been discounted ing them to action — if only against their
not j u s t 'get in t h e w a y ' ) they w o u l d be because of their youth, but grew up to be tormentors. E v e n t h o s e t o o y o u n g a n d
rendered unraisable deliberately. Clerics formidable men. inexperienced t o d o a n y t h i n g b u t w a i t
might also be u n w i l l i n g to cast the spell Finally, a feud could r u n continuously would b e c o n s t a n t l y r e m i n d e d o f t h e i r
on anyone w h o has been killed in battle throughout a c a m p a i g n . T h e k i l l e r s o f obligation. They were not subtle in battle,
because t h e y should n o t interfere w i t h someone dear t o t h e adventurers could aiming to kill; no prisoners could be taken
fate. flee, a n d s u b s e q u e n t a d v e n t u r e s t a k e or surrender accepted from giants, ores,
Another possibility for the single player place a s t h e y w e r e h u n t e d d o w n . T h e trollkin and the like. In contrast, h u m a n
and GM is to run a skald character; a bard longer it took to find them, the more they prisoners would be well-treated — if Ice-
much honoured by the Norse. The skalds could h a v e gained levels a s t h e player landers, t h e y w o u l d u s u a l l y b e f r e e d
acted a s n e w s t e l l e r s , e n t e r t a i n e r s a n d characters d o . To g i v e a d d e d i n t e r e s t , w i t h o u t penalty, i f Norse, ransomed (for
teachers o f t h e young, a n d w e r e o f t e n their relatives or friends could then start an amount compatible with weregild) and
consulted in the same w a y as the godis. to hunt the hunters.... allowed t o keep a favoured (le, magical)
There is great potential for adventure in Standard incidents i n t h e sagas con- weapon, a n d i f foreign, t h e y w o u l d b e
an Icelandic campaign, either on its own cern e i t h e r t h e restraining o f hotheads, taken i n t o thralldom o r ransomed f o r a
who w o u l d kill w h e n they are i n t h e larger s u m . T h e f a v o u r a b l e t r e a t m e n t
wrong, or the egging on of those reluctant meted o u t t o t h e i r o w n w a s c o m m o n
to s e e k r e v e n g e , b y i m p u g n i n g t h e i r sense — e n m i t i e s w e r e f r e q u e n t l y a
matter o f o b l i g a t i o n a n d t o d a y ' s f o e s
might be tomorrow's friends. If captured
- -e •-
_z ••
and tortured by Giants and the like, to die
defiant was the honourable course.
•,!•11 ; . 1 1 r - Essentially, I c e l a n d e r s w e r e g r i m i n
character a n d i t i s n o coincidence t h a t
this is one of the names of Odin.
" 5 Venetia Lee and Reif Dormann
- -
•
NJ),
•-••K
P.O. Box 100, Bath Street, CLUBS A N D EVENTS: advertised FREE if you send details to our
Walsall, W. Midlands. Game Company column — see page 52.
[011%1t810
Please mention IMAGINE magazine when replying to advertisements
"An axe-age, a sword-age, shields will be gashed:
there will be a wind-age and a wolf-age before the world is wrecked."
The Norse Myths, Kevin Crossley-Holland
RAGNAROKI
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1
by Chris Felton If Ragnarok has a single starting point it is with the death of Balder,
fairest of the Gods, the son of Odin and Frigg. Balder was the beloved of
To make use of this section of IMAGINE'm magazine you will everyone who saw him, gods a n d men alike. But even the love with
need access to the ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONSLE,,' which he was showered did not prevent Balder from suffering terrible
rules and a copy of the BATTLESYSTEM game. dreams about his own death. However, Frigg extracted promises from
everything, every creature, object, plant, even the very stones, that they
Statistics are not given in standard BATTLESYSTEM format, but would not harm Balder. Everything except one insignificant little plant,
are provided on the various tables in this scenario so that the the misletoe, which was too young to hurt anyone....
unit sheets can be filled out quickly and accurately.
Balder rejoiced in his new found safety, as did the other Aesir. Pebbles
did not hurt him, neither did sticks, or logs, boulders, swords, axes or
INTRODUCTION arrows. The Gods took to hurling things at Balder, rejoicing anew as they
bounced off without harming him. Onlytwo of the Gods did not enjoy the
new sport, blind Hod, Balder's brother, who could not see the target, and
Ragnarok. The Time. The Twilight of the Gods. The Norse knew that the Loki, the Trickster and mischief-maker, who was consumed by hatred
world was to end in a battle of such magnitude that the whole universe, and contempt.
all the Nine Worlds, would be laid waste and destroyed. On the plain of
Vigrid, outside the walls of Asgard, the home of the Gods, the battle Loki, in the guise of an old woman, tricked Frigg into revealing that
would be fought to its bitter end. The Giants and their kin, the dead and mistletoe had not sworn the oath. He lost no time in making a mistletoe
the evil would meet the forces of the Gods, Heroes from Valhalla, the dart, and then he approached Hod, who was, as usual, taking no part in
chosen of the Valkyries. the game of bouncing weapons off Balder. Loki put on his silkiest voice
and persuaded Hod that it was disrespectful not to demonstrate his
Ragnarok is the last titanic act of a drama that begins long before, when brother's invulnerability. Giving Hod the mistletoe dart, Loki led him to
the Nine Worlds are still happy. the circle of Gods around Balder, and guided his aim. The dart was cast,
and it pierced Balder to the heart, killing him instantly.
Whether Ragnarok can be traced back to the falling out of the two clans
of Norse gods, the Aesir and the Vanir, is debatable. With the torture (by Hod killed himself, once the realisation of the deed sank in, and the Gods
the Aesir) of a Vanir emissary, and subsequent Aesir trickery, oaths and wanted to kill Loki, the instigator and true killer of Balder, but the place
treaties lost their validity. Betrayals became more common than oaths in where they met was consecrated grdurild. Loki escaped and the Aesir
the worlds of men and Gods. grieved for Balder. Frigg offered herself to anyone who would ride to Hel
I M A G I N E magazine, September 1985 25
RAGNAROK
The Aesir
Other Class &
DEITY Deity Level AC CB CR hp MV THACO AR #AT Damage Notes
Aegir R15 -5 +3 18" 387 42" -1 14 2 4-40+11 Aegir's charisma is 19, not 9 as
stated in DDG
Bragi B20 -4 +5 25" 388 18" 0 15 2 3-30+10
!dun C15/813 -3 +4 20" 329 12" 5 20 3/2 1-10/3-18+8 Bragi's wife. Basket of Apples
can cure one wounded figure
per round
Forseti R15 -4 +4 21" 389 18" 0 15 2 1-10/3-18+12
Eir C20 0 +4 21" 256 12" 6 21 1 2-8+8 Goddess of Healing
Frey B15 -5 +4 21" 388 18" 0 15 2 1-10/3-18+12
Gerda C12 0 +3 16" 216 12" 11 26 1 2-8+8 Frey's wife
Freya C15 -3 +4 18" 339 18" 6 21 1 2-8+12
Frigga C15/810 -4 +4 23" 366 15" 8 23 3/2 2-8+12
Lin
Fulla C12 0 +3 16" 216 12" 11 26 1 2-8+8 Frigga's handmaidens
Gna
Heimdall R17 5 +4 21" 390 15" 3 12 2 3-30+14 double damage to giants, vorpal
effect on 17+ (14+ vs giants)
Vor
MU15 0 +3 16" 144 15" 13 29 1 2-8+5 Goddesses of Scrying
Syn
Hermod R15 -3 +3 18" 340 15" 0 15 2 1-10/3-18+12 Balder's brother
Var C12 0 +3 16" 216 12" 11 26 1 2-8+8 Goddess of marriage
Honir R15 -3 +3 18" 340 15" 0 15 2 1-10/3-18+12 Giver of souls
Magni R15 -4 +4 20" 325 18" -2 13 2 8-80
Sjofn C12 0 +5 21" 216 18" 11 26 1 2-8+6 Goddesses of Love
Lofn
Modi R15 -4 +4 20" 379 21" -1 14 24) 1-10/3-18+15 vorpal effect; double damage
when beserk
Saga C12 +3 16" 216 12" 11 26 1 2-8+8 Goddess of Drunkenness
Mord R12 +4 18" 300 12" 4 19 3/2 1-10/3-18+10 Vanir; father of Frey and Freya
Skadi C12 +3 16" 216 12" 11 26 1 2-8+8 Giant wife of Njord, mother of
Frey and Freya
Sif 1312 -4 +4 21" 349 18" 4 19 3/2 3-30+11
Tyr P25 -5 +4 26" 380 18" -2 13 2 2-20+12
Snotra M15 -5 +4 19" 320 32" 6 21 3 6-24+12 Goddess of Self-discipline
Uller R18 -3 +4 21" 390 24" -1 14 2 2-20+11 THACO & AR given for sword;
never misses with longbow
Vali R12 -2 +3 16" 300 18" 3 18 3/2 2-20+11 Odin's son
Gef ion C12 0 +3 16" 216 12" 11 26 1 2-8+8 Goddess of Agriculture
Vidar R18 -3 +4 21" 380 21" -3 12 2 8-80
Where other deities are listed, lesser goddesses have combined their forces with the greater god concerned. They are not necessarily married to them.
26 I M A G I N E magazine, September 1985
RAGNAROK
The Aesir Forces
Foot Other
Deity Troops Archers Followers Forces/Notes
AEGIR 9,400 2,350
Balder, Hod, Nanna 21,600 5,400 4,750 (Nanna is
Balder's wife)
BRAGI, IDUN 29,600 7,400 10,000
FORSETTI, EIR 21,800 5,450 5,000
FREY, GERDA 2,880 720 3,500 11,520 elven
archers, 2880
elven foot,
Gullin-Bursti
FREYA 13,400 3,350 6,250
FRIGA, LIN, FULLA, GNA 13,200 3,300 14,175 960 Valkyries
HEIMDALL, VOR, SYN 21,200 5,300 4,250
HER MOD, VAR 6,200 1,550 11,250
HONIR 7,000 1,750 3,275
MAGNI, SJOFN, LOFN 22,500 5,550 7,500
MODI, SAGA 22,600 5,650 7,250
W O R D , SKADI 6,000 1,500 3,750
Odin 21,400 5,340 Freke, Gere
SIF 12,800 3,200 4,750
Thor 39,600 9,900 Tanngrisner,
Tanngjost
TYR, SNOTRA 20,400 5,100 4,500
ULLER 25,000 includes 20,000
longbowmen
VALI, GEFION 5,400 1,350 7,000
VIDAR 16,800 4,200
Gods given in lower case are already dead when the scenarios begin, but their troops fight on!
Loki was eventually caught while hiding in the shape of a salmon. Vali, The wolf children of the giantess of Ironwood, Skoll who chases the Sun
Loki's son, had been changed into a wolf and had run off towards and Hati, who chases the Moon, will catch and devour their prey. The
Jotunheim after ripping Narvi, Loki's other son, apart. Loki was bound to Sun and Moon vanish, and the stars too. Loki's bonds a n d all other
three boulders with the entrails of Narvi, which became as hard as iron bonds w i l l break at this sign. Fenris, the wolf-son of Loki, will also
when wrapped around him. A venomous serpent was set above his face, break free and the earthquakes caused by his struggles will trap all the
which caused him to writhe in pain as its venom dripped onto him, giving dwarves and shake Yggdrasil, the World Tree, to its very roots.
rise to earthquakes. There Loki was to remain, with Sigyn, his wife, to
hold a bowl beneath the serpent's fangs to catch some of the poison, A cock crow will alert the giants, a second cock crow will awake the
until Ragnarok. Gods and the Heroes of Valhalla, and a third will stir the dead from their
sleep i n the realm o f Hel. Germ, the hound o f Niflheim w i l l bay,
signalling the beginning of the end.
RAG NAROK The Giants under Hrym will sail to the plain of Vigrid in Nagifar, a boat
made from the nails of dead men, propelled by the waves caused by
Still the Valkyries will gather the dead Heroes in Valhalla to await the Jormungand, the Midgard Serpent. Jormungand will be struggling to
Time that all know is coming. Every day the Heroes will fight in practice, reach dry land so that it, too, can take part in the battle on Vigrid. Loki will
and every evening they will feast in Valhalla, their practice wounds also sail to Vigrid, his crew will be the dead of the realm of Hel, those not
healed. chosen to enter Odin's hall of Valhalla. Black Surt and his fire giants
cross the Bifrost bridge, cracking and breaking it behind them. Fenris
And so the Time begins. For three winters, the world of men, Midgard, and Jormungand advance side by side, jaws agape, filling the plain of
will be at war without reason, honour or pity. Spring will come later each Vigrid, 120 leagues in all directions.
year; w i n t e r w i l l b e earlier a n d b i t e harder t h a n before. T h e
Fimbulwinter, the everlasting winter to end all winters, will converge Heimdall will sound his mighty horn, Gjall and shake the Nine Worlds;
from all four quarters, a presentiment of what is to come. Eggther, the the Aesir will meet in Council. Odin will ride to Mimir's Spring to seek
watchman of the Giants, and Heimdall the watchman of the Gods, will the advice of Mimir, although the outcome of Ragnarok has long been
see all this, and know that Ragnarok approaches. known through the words of the Sybil.
I M A G I N E magazine, September 1985 27
zCy--
rCXC
HERMOL
HEIMDALL
MODI
FENRIR
VIDAR
ULLER
VA L I FRI
FRIGGA
J r
1
1
cp
The Einherjar and Gods will arm themselves and go out onto the Plain of only that section of the battlefield where the PCs are active, comparing
Vigrid, Odin at their head. Odin will rush at Fenris, who will swallow the their achievements with the description of the battle as a whole. Once
God in one gulp; Vidar, Odin's son, will take vengeance, forcing the great this option is employed, the BATTLESYSTEM will come into its own, as
wolf's jaws open and piercing his heart with a sword. Thor and the PCs' forces struggle to survive against the overwhelming odds.
Jormungand battle, and the great serpent will be killed by a blow from
Mjollnir, the hammer of Thor; Thor will stagger nine steps and die, a Two scenarios are provided; these will introduce the mechanics of the
victim ofJormungand's terrible venom. And all around the Heroes of the BATTLESYSTEM, and allow the DM to run the PCs through sufficient
Einherjar will battle against the giants and their host.... action to make them believe they have been through the Final Battle.
Remember to describe the carnage that is going on all around that small
part in which the PCs are involved. News could reach them from far-
THE BATTLE flung quarters of the battlefield — 'Tyr is fighting Garm, the great Hound
of the Underworldr; 'Heimdall is fallen — taking evil Loki with him!'; and
Ragnarok can only be adapted and changed for the A D & D BATTLE- so on.
SYSTEM game. A look at the various army lists will show the almost
total impossibility of running the battle as a single game — unless there If this is to be the last great action of a role-playing campaign, then the
happen to be 30,000,000 model soldiers and a square mile of runway DM will be seeking to allow the PCs to die in a blaze of glory. For once,
apron or salt flats to hand! the DM should not be too frightened to overload the odds against the
players! But if they are to be allowed a chance to be founders of the new
There are several ways, however, in which Ragnarok can be used. If the races of Gods and men, then a whole new chapter could be starting in
battle is being used as the end o r a new beginning t o a role-playing your gaming — assuming the PCs survive....
campaign, the DM will want as large a role for player characters as
possible. This can be achieved by giving the PCs tasks on the battlefield, Both the scenarios provided take place after the fall of Odin, when the
in which they and a small number of NPCs — possibly under the Gods were laid open to destruction. A great deal of the battle had already
leadership of one of the Gods— must face large numbers of the enemy. taken place, and the scenarios assume that spells have been cast. if this
Perhaps they must follow Heimdall as he rushes to attack Loki; or they renders certain PCs impotent, the DM might allow that the PCs have
could seek to recover the body of Thor. Run this just like a small been held in reserve up to this point. In any case, to take account of all
dungeon, with encounter after encounter against the foe, and the rest of the practice that they have indulged in during their stay in Valhalla,
the battle noise all around them. award all magic users and thieves with the fighting ability of 7th level
fighters, while clerics and fighters have their effective levels boosted in
Thereafter, the PCs might be given command of a small section of the proportion; each improvement of 2 in the THACO of MUs and Thieves
forces of the Gods, as the battle reaches its climax. The DM should run should be matched by a improvement of 1 for clerics and fighters.
Note that creatures which normally require magical weapons to hit them are damaged by normal weapons due to the nature of Vigrid and its distance
from the Negative Material Plane.
31
IMAGINE magazine, September 1985
Intermediate Scenario
The Death of Fenrir
Vidar's
Odin is dead, swallowed by Fenrir. Vidar,
Odin's son, attacks towards the huge wolf S e t Up—
with the intention of slaying it, taking his
retinue of Einherjar with him. I Area
Vidar and the Heroes
THE LEGEND
According t o Norse legend, Ragnarok ends
(and with it, the Nine Worlds) in the following
manner:
QUEST FOR THE DUNGEONMASTER" game THESEUS and the M I N O TA U R " Computer game
ESCAPE FROM N E W YORKTM game (Apple)
DUNGEONI® game f 4 00 D A W N PAT R O L " Computer game (Apple)
DUNGEON. C o m p u t e r game (Apple) £10.00
MARVEL SUPERHEROES'. game
GANGBUSTERS,. game Three different
INDIANA JONES TC game £4.00 D U N G E O N S & DRAGONS® 2 0 0 piece jigsaws £ 4 . 0 0
TERMS
Class I Stock is fully usable, but has m i n o r damage — shrink wraps missing, battered box, or the like. These are available at about 1/2 price.
Class ll Stock actually has something w r o n g w i t h it; pieces are missing, torn, repeated or misprinted. These are available at about 1/4 price.
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Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s 33
S
GAMES
PEOPLE
PLAY
The garners games shop.
OPEN 11.00-5.30, LATE NIGHT THURSDAY 7.30, SATURDAY 10.00-6.00. CLOSED SUNDAYS
Tube
5 Wellington Terrace
Wellington Terrace, Bayswater Rd.,
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1
Notting M U Gate
pr("
Spri r19 o F N e i
yorschn Q a t l i m , O f r tne
ftheint, daad
brothers and the greatest of his warriors standards!) Asgard. It is a harsh land o f Spell Alterations
reside in a hall deep in the mountains of constant w i n t e r. F e w e r deities reside in
Jotunheim. Every lunar month, the whole this l a y e r, b u t t h e r e a r e m a n y o t h e r Basic reality is very different from that on
force m e e t s i n t h e v a l l e y i m m e d i a t e l y inhabitants. the Prime Material Plane. The alterations
behind t h e H a l l t o t e s t e a c h o t h e r i n given b e l o w a r e f o r t h e m a i n l e v e l s o f
readiness f o r Ragnarok. Challenges are The seas o f Va n a h e i m a r e t h e realm o f Gladsheim; t h e D M s h o u l d c o n s i d e r
offered, w i t h a s u c c e s s f u l c h a l l e n g e Aegir t h e Unpredictable, w h o , although further alterations for the demi-planes of
resulting in the winner taking the position normally f r i e n d l y w i t h t h e Va n i r a n d Jotenheim and Alfheim.
of the fallen. Thrym has been challenged Aesir, w i l l attack anyone w h o enters his
but twice, and won on both occasions. realm. A l s o r e s i d e n t o n t h i s p l a n e a r e The c h a o t i c n a t u r e o f G l a d s h e i m w i l l
many creatures n o t n o r m a l l y f o u n d o n cause a r a n d o m e ff e c t w h e n spells are
Across h o t plains, a n d t h e l o n g d e s e r t the P r i m e M a t e r i a l Plane, s u c h a s t h e cast, on a roll of 1 on 1 H . The DM should
wilderness, lies the underground palace satyr-like Korreds, G r u g a c h a n d v a l l e y decide h o w individual spells are warped.
of S u r t u r, L o r d o f t h e Fire Giants. T h i s Elves, an arctic variety of Faerie Dragon,
awesome g i a n t r u l e s a h i e r a r c h y n o t and e x i l e d c r e a t u r e s f r o m J o t u n h e i m , Additionally, characters will not be able to
dissimilar to that of the Plane of 9 Hells, Spriggans, Firbolg, Verbeeg and Formor- control creatures or flora native to Glads-
with w h i c h S u t u r m a i n t a i n s i m p o r t a n t ian Giants. There is a connection between helm, o r use spells based o n control o r
connections, so that an ambassador from the demi-plane of Alfheim and Vanaheim, mind-related subjects, d u e t o t h e i n f l u -
one of the layers of that dread place will through w h i c h characters may travel. ences within the realm of Gladsheim. No
be present at all times. contact o f deities outside Gladsheim i s
possible, and clerics and druids of other
Surtur's palace i s sited n e a r a n a c t i v e Alfheim deities w i l l n o t be able t o regain spells
volcano, which supplies the heat the Fire above 2nd level. Other spells, particularly
Giants enjoy. Any humanoid entering the This i s t h e a f t e r l i f e p l a n e f o r a l l Elves those t h a t i n f l u e n c e w e a t h e r o r create
hall w i l l s u ff e r 1 - 1 2 points of damage a professing the religion of Frey the Vanir, versions o f n a t u r a l p h e n o m e n a ( l i k e
round, unless they are strongly insulated ruler of Alfheim. A s noted in Legends & fireball, ice storm or lightning bolt) will
from the heat. Lore, elves o f the Prime Material Plane have their range and effect halved. Some
have spirits, and therefore do not remain magical items will also have their effects
Both Surtur and Thrym have connections on the afterlife plane throughout eternity, altered. Spellcasters native to Gladsheim
with Loki. A n g u r - B o d a , t h e giantess i s but return to the Prime Material Plane to do not suffer these penalties. Finally, the
one o f h i s consorts, a n d t h e i r offspring be reincarnated. A l f h e i m could easily be ruler o f a n y p l a n e o f e x i s t e n c e h a s a
was t h e t e r r i b l e s e r p e n t o f M i d g a r d , mistaken for one of the Paradise planes, complete a n d f i n a l v e t o o n a n y w i s h ,
Jormungandr. since t h e w h o l e l a n d s c a p e i s o n e o f limited wish, alter reality or similar spell
dreams; g l i s t e n i n g m e a d o w s , c r y s t a l cast i n h i s o r h e r r e a l m . T h e c h a o t i c
waterfalls, m a s s i v e b l u e m o u n t a i n s o f nature of the Norse deities means that no
Vanaheim ice. Any characters entering this fantastic action w o u l d b e t a k e n except i n c a s e s
land will have to save vs Spells at -10 or where t h e direct interests o f t h e senior
Vanaheim i s k n o w n a s a m u c h w i l d e r walk aimlessly until they are met by some deity were threatened.
place t h a n t h e regulated (by Gladsheim person native to Altheim. 00 Rod Stevenson
36 I M A G I N E ma9azine, September 1985
Prime Nolenal
Plane --
A- NIQ:9o/r/
SZ g a n t l a Y
Asgard
.7bitenhelm
Vanaheirn
ificheim
Random Encounters
f o r Gladsheim
Check encounters after each 2 0 turns, 10% chance.
(1-6/613
1-D•
SIXTH LEVEL
0 vit
Animal Summoning III: See comments
on animal summoning I above
Fairies), Ancient Monuments and Ruins • Interzone i s t h e Only British magazine specializing i n science
fiction and new fantastic writing. Interzone has published
(inc. Castles, Churches and Abbeys), and
Earth Mysteries (inc. Ley Lines, Dowsing
& Ghosts).
BRIAN A L D I S S M. J O H N H A R R I S O N
J.G. B A L L A R D CARRY K I LW O R T H
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M A I L ORDER O N LY
NIMOD)
In EA RTHWOOD, twenty-five players compete to
be the ultimate ruler by controlling all the de-
veloped cities, either singularly or with an alliance.
A typical game will last about 18 months with the
first knockouts usually starting after six months.
Each player is either a king of a fantasy race or
powerful charismatic character. Your character or -
Please m e n t i o n I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t s 41
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stntidboe25pmutmofhlifinbiyat uttheswonorGdsrenOafdfliecriasl w h but
o l enobt t aeu
te1nanof stiffhtea nfiguresd
na t tiisra lextremely,
a ndthe
first over-complex,
I N 111 non-tournament butSome
play. it is worth persever-
may find C5 at O C I
• 1 i n g . It is certainly possible for the module to
SI D S c i r : Journey to the Rock 10 i
I m hPii bisolated
e used adventure without
in ba campaign i C4.or even
setting d as an A s plots go, this one is sound, if unoriginal in p l a c e s , notably the DM's map: this is printed
P
01g places. Lirdrium Arkayz 0(Ye Typecast Wizard) i n 0green and yellow, with blue ' outlining and 0 4 ' i 1
I 1 C4), adventurers
an 'historical'
r face e four
introduction
tscenarios
f (acompris-
recap
A of
w a n t s a party (the players' own characters or l e t t e r i n g which is difficult to read. I couldn't
the mysterious Rock. I t ' s n o t quite t h a t w a s n ' t much use without W4 (which wasn't).
00 0 0 1 t h e eight provided) to bring him the Secret of f i n d area W3 at all, and W5 (which was there)
1 i n g both dungeon-style a n d wilderness I 1
010
/ 1 0 0 adventure settings. The scenarios
tense legend-in-the-making, as the form
try to bring an ancient prophecy to fruition by
players a Rock first,
0 simple, of then get—into
course the thing,
they've and
got to finally
find the pAl any eattempt
r s ' black-and-white pull-out
at economy? Forget m a p the
it: even is I
is I 1 1
attempting to revive a long-dead king. The
0 The finding is made easier by the provision of n e c e s s a r y reproduction of rules for wilder-
0401 P O
overall plot is the best part of the module, 0 1 waomap, while
r k out just the obligatory
what cryptic
it is they're message
looking for! en aessi se rplay,
lending itself to an expansion by the DM f r o m the wizard supposedly helps in working p l a c e s — repetition in pursuit of clarity, one
and the
t o read. English
Space is very stilted
i s wasted b y u nin- 1 1 1 1_
i
10 II • m(providing
e n t p l a ythose
a r e niggling
removed, vestiges
s u c h of
a stourna-
'This 1 p0r o ovui tdthe
e dSecret. A nice touch
with alternative is thatdepending
endings, the DM is a— s s usubstitute
m e s . ThereN5 is
foralso
N3.a misprint on page1 12 i
On the whole, this adventure compares 1 1
P I 01 monster 0 4 u p o n the party's condition. I M O 1
spells will not use such and such attacks or
0i VP 1 action
1001
takes place
The setting outdoors.
is unusual Thealmost
in that encounters
all the ffaov o
r ulinked
r a b l yadventures areofincluded,
with the rest and these
the 'B' range. Tips e i l l
P
I • monsters and one
O 0 duced; one
handling byofthe
theDM.
theh
new
course
g uweapon
oof rplay,
hare
T
two
sipesl)!.' new 111
monsters requiring careful 1 0 1 provide
playing ('wandering'
plenty of goodmonsters
opportunities
included)
for role-
— at hr e PCs
quitetake
good.
along,
The fewer
by the
resources
way, theyou
morelet
C5 is above-average in conception, contain- 110I it's not just a hack and slay job. Several very e x c i t i n g the adventure, and it's imperative
08
I N 01 i ntwo
g aare over-dressed
lot of o r underdeveloped.
good ideas, even if at times one or W
However, as the module stands, I believe it S I imaginative
Pg
e Iv interesting
e n the more
newfamiliar
monsters
So far, soway.
ones
good... G
areare used inbut
included, an t —
h a some
e n aree negative
but there
of the
t the DM
r a yl o lu don't
encounters
knows
y , mind
this
are a bit
the module
is odd
the a good
involved.
backwards
buy,spot.
rough provided that
04
f ‘ .
0 4,
o dRI rd'
.1 requires
kJ suggest 4-7 players owith
a change characters
f character of 6-8thI P
balance.
level, since one of the individual scenarios is
hdg points. The quality of production is rough in
1
1 4 5 Wendy J Rose
04
0 0
10401,
l
• 6 l tournament
surmountable play. On when
in C5 the whole the parts
dealing read 0
with non- from theone
playing first
of book may be disappointed
the pre-generated to cFa o
characters u t ri o my
u s players,
a n d t h owho
r o u enjoy
g h e xmaking
ploratia of l i p
o nvery
, well, although a couple o f ambiguities do
1 arise i n t h e text. M y strongest criticism 1111 f idon't
n d that youyour
worry; taketime
no part
will in this story.
come... But d uand
For after nge o n rooms,
lacking in anythe castle
real section is
challenges. too brief
However,
1 concerns the poor map work: a number of DL4: Dragons o f Desolation, t h e saga t h e D M can always improvise, using t h e
0 i 1 0
(q 111
1110 and the
i g maps arefinal
notscenario
labelled aslackstheany
textuseful map P1 4d i v i d e s into two sub-plots with the surviving m o d u l e description as the central theme and 0
suggests, I
0 4
l e I1 shelf'.
t h e DM's part. Not one to be
0 played 'off the
section. For me, the town sections work the s e c o n d book o f DragonLance, i t i s n o t a 1 1 1 . 1
N module; and worth some creative thought on 1 4 best. With plenty of scope for improvisation r e q u i r e m e n t that you have played any of the
( tplayers f r e ebeing
h e towns t o wander around aand
fully populated s t hthe
e y cf ihrasr ta cbtoeor ks . into
T h etwo groupso and
splitting f t h ethe intro-
original
04
0 4 1 H ,
0 . M a r k Davies p l e a s e ) , the DM can make this section as d u c t i o n of some new people adds freshness
p l e a s e ) ,
WP
1wompwegrempvierodit
1410110000000. brief or as long as desired. Plot information t o the series for
priate. For the wilderness section there is an O n the whole, this module is well worth
excellent map on which the course of the p l a y i n g — but wait until you have DL7 before Odb 1
hit,plappapdatigibliaapp ail
characters may be plotted. Unfortunately, f i n i s h i n g it! 11.1
A i Alan Mynard
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MODELS
The Fantasy Lords range of bubble packs is e x - h o r s e l o o k i n g s u i t a b l y w e i r d . F o r t h o s e 0 1 In a n y f a n t a s y c a m p a i g n t h a t i n v o l v e s a
s t r u g g l e between the forces of good and evil,
sets a r e o n l y r e - i s s u e s o f t h e o l d A D 8 t D
Approved figures. Most, however, are excel-
m o d u l e s , the Armoured Dragon M e n are a
m u s t , resembling (mere coincidence as it is) a
i
1t is quite possible that sooner or later armies
r e going to take to the field to fight for their
lent w i t h fine s u r f a c e detail and reasonable t h e draconians. Good castings too, r e s p e c t i v e causes. A n d t h i s can g i v e a D M
animation. S e t s 1 2 5 - 1 3 0 a r e typical o f t h e M y only grumble is w i t h S t George 8f the p r o b l e m s — what to do when there is a battle
whole r a n g e , w i t h a u s e f u l p a c k o f n i n e D r a g o n (set 128). ' S t George and the
familiars a n d h o m o c u l i ( 1 2 7 ) , i n c l u d i n g a P r e t e n t i o u s Iguana' w o u l d have been closer p r o v i d e d by the Wa r M a c h i n e section o f the
quasit, c a t s , r a v e n s a n d o w l s ! T h e s e a r e t o the truth; b u t both figures, especially the
figures t h a t h a v e b e e n n e e d e d f o r a l o n g i g u a n a , are beautifully detailed, c o m e u p with something better — Battle-
time. T h e skeletons a r e a l s o g o o d i n t h e i r O v e r a l l : Tick, VG, a n d recommended, f o r
oi
6sessesessoli
145 R o g e r M u s s o n
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I 1 T H E L O N E LY O l T O O N
0001 M O U N T A I N 0 4 Have a n exploding c i g a r on me. A s a r u l e I
don't smoke b u t I n e e d t o c a l m m y nerves.
very l a r g e o n e ) . T h e f i r s t t w o a r e S h o r t
Subjects, t h e o t h e r s b o t h F e a t u r e F i l m
1 0 4 T h i s boardgame, f o r o n e t o s i x players, S I This scenario pack for To o n is destroying my length. T h e Features w i l l n e e d a l o n g p l a y
grip on reality. W h a t you get for your bucks is session to complete and could be split easily
I I I 111 simulates
htetsae
galu rDairdagbyon i n s i d e T he lair of1 0 1 forty p a g e s o f z a n y h u m o u r , s e r v e d u p into t w o episodes, b u t t h i s m i g h t r u i n t h e
between c o l o u r c o v e r s d e p i c t i n g a g i a n t pacing. B u t then To o n never does pace t h e
. 0 I L o n e l yThe
M oH u notbabi ni t. , It is only loosely connected e l
cream pie launcher from Mars. way y o u p l a n n e d i t , s o t h i s n u a n c e picked
1014 P I wesisthentTia l b uHyforH Hobbittfbayn sn oplamymeans sse
e
ra
yP
l aacnh M I There are four scenarios: Fast Food Fracas delicately from the text isn't really a criticism.
(with food fight), B e a c h N u t s , or, N o Sense Beach Nuts has several turkeys to go with the
1111 4 c o n t r o l a p a r t y o f t r e a s u r e h u n t e r s w h o s e 0 1 Atoll ( w i t h c r a n b e r r y sauce), Fangs f o r t h e cranberry sauce, b u t i t ' s u n k i n d t o t e l l t h e
0 1 ai t i t rm
e a siut r ies — s lnat yeirn g
to e a nmy om
the u notnasi tne rasn dw h
g ir ca hb P1 1 Memory ( w i t h i n s u r a n c e s a l e s m a n ) a n d players that.
Mars Needs C r e a m p u ff s ( w i t h f o o d fight, a The f o u r c a r t o o n s a r e f u l l o f c l a s s i c
l e I osbmsatruugctt rtahnesmth—emainndthtehemnaztoe-eliskceatpuennbeeflsoroef 0 I
0 1 0 h i sThe
la ir• 0 1(a folded
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Product information
ii
The Lonely Mountain boantganie L I 6 . 9 5 ; Black
Morn Manor boardgame from Pacesetter, LI 7.95; Toon
Strikes Again born Steve Jackson Games, t5.50; anti Legacy
of EAGLEs for the Golden Heroes game, L4.95, are all
distributed by Games %Vorkshop, 27/29 Sunbeam Rd,
Londtm NIVIO. These are recommended prices and may vary.
Thunder Over jotunheim module for the MARVEL SUPER
HEROES". game, L2.95; and The Golden Goddess for the
ADVENTURES OF INDIANA JONES.) game, L4.95, are
ISR modules obtainable at your local hobby shop, or nail
tint bout 'rite R a t h i n o r e Road, Cambridge CBI l A D
$ 4
T h u n d e r O v e r J o t u n h e i m is a solo module, d o w n - t o w n Asgard. Good old Loki has been
starring T h o r and such o u t - a n d - o u t nasties u p to his usual tricks, this time 'borrowing' a game
I"I t h e A DhV
a sE N
also
T U Rbeen deemed
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r t hJyO oNfEthe
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as Loki, Geirrodur, Ulik and the Executioner, m a g i c a l sword that had belonged to Frey (that
111G
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s is the treatment. I J 4Magic
second of the : T h e Golden
Vi e w e r l a M I
It i s a c r o s s b e t w e e n a n RPG a n d a board w e l l - k n o w n Reaper of harvests). Thor is told
game, s i m i l a r i n s t y l e t o t h e o l d SPI g a m e t h a t w i t h o u t the sword, Asgard is extremely I s o l o adventures (the f i r s t w a s I J 3 : C r y s t a l 0
J o h n Carter of Mars. You get a large fold-out v u l n e r a b l e t o sudden attack (something I
I11
I l a r g e 'Rooftops o f M a r r a k e s h ' and, yes, y e t /I 0 4
map o f t h e A s g a r d i a n w i l d e r n e s s ( n o t t o o f o u n d h a r d t o believe, b u t n e v e r m i n d ) b y
pretty t o l o oDk at, b u t f u nec t i o n a l ) w i t h aa r e a hordes of Giants, Trolls and other down and
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e! i s m o s t l y composed o f n u m - ,
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i c h adventure
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I b e i n g covered f r o m head t o foot i n bullet
I I w o u n d s ! A l l i n a d a y ' s w o r k f o r I n d y, I
suppose.
The t r a d i t i o n a l n u m b e r e d p a r a g r a p h
method is used a l t h o u g h with a f e w anomal-
es. T h e r e a r e o c c a s i o n a l m i s - r e f e r e n c e s ,
and a t o n e p o i n t I h a d I n d y f a l l i n g u n -
conscious f r o m t h e t o p o f a b u i l d i n g , a n d 1 g
being unable to hit the ground because a loop 1
1
in the text insisted that Indy would manage to 11 M
calibre
Theseofminor
Indiana
quibbles
Jones.aside, the adventure
1 V I I
was remarkably short and dull. The roof-top 1 0 P i
chase over Marrakesh using a Magic Viewer
map i s a r e a s o n a b l e idea f o r c h a n g i n g t h e I
pace o f t h e g a m e a n d m a k e s a b r e a k f r o m
squinting a t i n d i s t i n c t r e d t e x t , b u t i t c a n
1 I
drag, and it is easy to miss the whole affair if
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sr4"'•
these have been failures, even unsuccess- simultaneous printing of the DRAGONFIRE, Geoff
Swift, 55 Chepstow Ave,
ful a t t e m p t s g i v e y o u a s t a r t i n g p o i n t . results, closely followed by Ashton-on-Mersey, Man-
There are several people you could write format in w h i c h orders are eis chester M33 40P (35p);
FANTASY ADVERTISER,
to for information about less well-known to be presented. Don't try for too Martin Skidmore, 25
games. O n e s o u r c e i s t h e D i p l o m a c y much d e t a i l . I f t h e o r d e r s c a n b e Cornleaze, Withywood, Bristol
Va r i a n t Bank, n o w run by Geoff Kemp, a written down on less than a page, and the (50p); FASTER THAN LIGHT,
Alex Zbyslaw, 197 Herbert Ave,
collection o f D i p l o m a c y variants w h i c h game report represents less than a third Poole, Dorset BH12 4HR (40p), GREATEST HITS, Pete Birks,
have been collected over the years (pre- of y o u r zine, y o u a r e probably w o r k i n g 65 Turney Rd, London 5E21 7 J B (50p); HACKING TIMES,
Dylan Harris, Greenwich Young Liberals, 76 Haddo House,
dictably, the definition of a variant Diplo- along the right lines! Haddo St, Greenwich SEI 0(50p), HOPSCOTCH, Alan Parr, 6
macy game is loose, and there are several Longfield Gardens, Tring, Herts (55p), LANKHMAR STAR
DAILY, Rob Nott, Flat 3,6 Bradburne Rd, Bournmouth, Dorset
which I would call independent games in Once you h a v e a d r a f t o f t h e rules, g o (60p), MAD POLICY, Richard Walkerdine, 144 Stoughton Rd,
their own right). The 'older' hobby mem- through them over and over again; s h o w Guildford, S u r r e y 0 0 2 6PG (40p), M A S T E R S O F T H E
bers can also be useful. Richard Walker- them to anyone interested w h o might be PRIME, Bryan Betts, 2nd Floor Flat, 1 3 3 Grosvenor Ave,
Highbury, London N5 2NH (40p), NEXT STOP JUPITEW Jez
dine has a collection of all the Diplomacy able to spot a problem; run a f e w dummy Keen, I Glenfield Rd, Stockport SK4 20P (45p), NM RI, Brian
Zines ever printed, which can be used for turns with friends before you start charg- Creese, 256 Canbury Park Rd, Kingston on Thames, Surrey
KT2 6LG (45p), ORACLE OF ALMOST ALL KNOWLEDGE,
reference, w h i l e Steve Doubleday has a ing people to play, and never be afraid to Curruthers, 6 Maryhill Close, Kenley, Surrey CR2 5HU (57p);
prodigious k n o w l e d g e o f postal g a m i n g make changes as t i m e goes by. M o s t of OUT OF THE MIST, Jason Kingsley, 72 Main St, Osgathorpe,
Leics LE12 9TA (60p), PRISONERS OF WAR, Wallace Nicoll,
which could be yours for the investment the established games have rules which 228 Kinell Ave, Cardonald, Glasgow G52 3RU 160p), SCAN,
of a f e w stamps. have evolved via many people over many John Freeman, 126a Greaves Rd, Lancaster, Lancs LA1 4 0 W
years. (E1 .50 for 31, SUPERHERO UK, Simon Burley, 20 Honeswode
Close, Handsworth, Birmingham 20 (50p), TAKE THAT YOU
If the w o r s t comes to the worst, you w i l l * 5 Brian Creese FIEND, Kevin Warne, 48 Boscombe Ave, Hornchurch, Essex
have t o start from scratch and make up RM11 1JG (35p), TAURUS (Twiqu), Graham Staplehurst, 62
BALROG'S BANTER, P a u l Evans, 2 2 Five Fields Rd, Church Rd, Harlesden, London NW10(1),ZADRAGORZETTE,
your own rules for your postal game. The Wtilenhall, W Midlands (50p); DANSE MACABRE, Richard Michael Jacobs, Elm Lodge, Sylvan Way, Bognor Regis, W
first problem will be how to cope with the Rowe, 41 Methuen Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8ND (60p), Sussex P021 2RS (50p).
I M A G I N E t t t a g a t e , September 1985 51
Clubs LONDON WC1: Kingsway Knights FRPG club plays
I M A G I N E m a g a z i n e , September 1985
The D8cD11 combat system is
distinguished by its
simplicity; but it could have
been simpler if the designers
had realised that AC2 + 2 = 0
is a touch confusing!
All Marvel Characters and the estsketwe Ilkenesses thereof are trademarks of eke Marvel Comes Group MARVELSUPERHEROES is a trademark of the Marvel Comes Group 01964 Marvel Coma Group, a doision of Cadence Indestnes Corporation, All RNhfe Reserved
DUNGEONS& DRAGONS and PRODUCTSOFYOURIMAGINATIONOretrademarks owned by TSR, Inc. F1984 ISR, Inc All Rights Reserved
....that between the years when TSR's new easy-to-learn role-playing game
the oceans drank Atlantis and the years gives you the chance to adventure with Conan,
of the rise of the sons of Aryasi there was an fantasy's greatest hero! From the bleak wastes of
age undreamed of, when shining kingdoms lay spread Asgard to the jungles of Kush, danger is ever-present
across the world like blue mantles beneath the stars. Hither — but so are fabulous treasures! The CONAN® role-
came Conan the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen-eyed, playing game contains all you need to adventure in
sword in hand. A thief, a reaver, a slayer to tread the Hyboria: three rule-books and reference guides, player
jewelled thrones of the Earth beneath his sandled feet. sheets, dice and a colourful map of Conan's world.