The latest issue of The Dragon is here, and if you’re a true connoisseur of tabletop role-playing, you know what that means – a deep dive into the unknown, a glimpse into the future of gaming, and a hearty dose of inspiration that only this legendary publication can provide. This time, The Dragon doesn’t hold back, delivering a treasure trove of content ranging from high-concept world-building to the nitty-gritty details that make your adventures feel more real than ever.
First up is Gary Gygax himself, taking us through a mind-expanding journey into the planes of existence. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how creatures that require magical weapons to be hit actually exist across multiple planes, this issue lays it out in full. The implications are vast – weapons that extend beyond the Prime Material, creatures that exist simultaneously in multiple realities, and the idea that certain subplanes might define entire races of beings. For any Dungeon Master looking to expand their cosmology, this article alone makes the issue worth its weight in gold pieces.
Tony Watson follows up with a discussion that every DM should pay attention to – how to develop towns in Dungeons & Dragons. Far too often, towns are just pit stops between dungeons, places where adventurers grab some rations, sell a pile of goblin weapons for a few gold, and move on. But Watson lays out a compelling case for why towns should be more than just marketplaces. From the placement of temples and guild halls to the finer points of thieves’ quarters and noble estates, this article helps you flesh out a world that feels alive. After all, why let the dungeon be the only place filled with intrigue and danger?
Then we have The Finzer Family – A Tale of Modern Magic, a story that brings magic into the present day in a way that might just make you look at your neighbors a little differently. With illustrations by Bill Hannon, this tale weaves the arcane into everyday life, making the case that magic never really disappeared – it just learned how to hide better. If you like your fantasy with a touch of the uncanny, you’ll find yourself pulled in before you even realize it.
And if you’re the kind of player who loves their post-apocalyptic wastelands as much as their swords and sorcery, the sneak preview of Gamma World should get your pulse racing. This glimpse into TSR’s upcoming game offers a peek at a world where radiation and ancient technology have reshaped civilization, creating a playground for adventurers who prefer blasters to broadswords. It’s a short but enticing look at what’s to come, and if you weren’t already excited for Gamma World, you will be after reading this.
Of course, it wouldn’t be The Dragon without some discussion on loot, and A Re-Evaluation of Gems & Jewelry in D&D delivers. If you’ve ever felt like the treasure tables were a bit too simplistic, this article adds depth to the wealth your players collect. No more generic “bag of gems” – this article makes sure your players appreciate the difference between a flawless sapphire and a handful of rough-cut garnets.
Then there’s Realism in D&D?, which tackles a question every DM eventually wrestles with – how much realism is too much? Should a fighter really be able to swing a two-handed sword endlessly without getting tired? Should a rogue actually have to explain how they disable a trap? The answers may not be what you expect, but the discussion is one worth having at any gaming table.
For the artists and writers out there, the Featured Creature Contest #1 is calling. This issue introduces a new competition for those who want to flex their creative muscles and see their work in the pages of The Dragon. If you’ve got a monster concept that’s been lurking in your notes, this is your chance to let it loose into the wild.
The magazine wraps up with a few surprises – Still More Additions to MA brings more to an already expansive system, and Floating in Timeless Space introduces a brand-new cartoon serial that’s bound to be a hit. And while The Gnome Cache is taking a break this issue, the promise of its return in #9 ensures that fans of serialized adventure tales won’t be left hanging for long.
With all this and more packed between the covers, The Dragon #8 is a must-read for anyone serious about their fantasy role-playing. Whether you’re a DM looking for new ways to challenge your players, a player hoping to deepen your character’s world, or just a lover of all things fantastical, this issue delivers. So sharpen your pencils, prep your dice, and get ready to take your game to the next level. This is one issue you don’t want to miss.
