April 1991’s Dragon Magazine issue is a grand spectacle, teeming with insights and treasures that span the fantastical realms of imagination. Graced by Michael Weaver’s stirring artwork on its cover, it features a formidable red dragon and its rider confronting warriors on a rocky perch—a serendipitous mirror of the Persian Gulf War’s timeline.
Special Attractions
The Voyage of the Princess Ark
Bruce A. Heard takes readers on a sky-high adventure with “The Voyage of the Princess Ark,” where calamity leads to the rebirth of the legendary skyship. Destroyed and then magnificently reconstructed using remnants of the original vessel and the mystical essence of the sky wyrm Berylith, the Princess Ark soars anew through the heavens, inviting readers to witness its renaissance.
Thor Goes Fishing
Lois Tilton offers a whimsical escape with “Thor Goes Fishing,” a tale that weaves together the fabric of mythology with the threads of the mundane. Tilton’s narrative prowess brings to life the Norse god Thor in a light-hearted fishing trip that promises laughter and a touch of the divine.
Marvels of the Marvel Universe
Steven Schend delves into the dynamic shifts within the MARVEL UNIVERSE™ in his “MARVEL-Phile” column. This section provides a deep dive into the latest team and character evolutions, reflecting the universe’s constant flux and the endless possibilities for storytelling.
Departments and Features
From Our Readers
The “Letters” section bursts with humor and wisdom from the magazine’s readership, offering insights that range from tactical game advice to heartfelt stories of gaming escapades. Accompanying this is a 20-question quiz from the editorial team, challenging readers to hone their editing skills on fantasy game material.
Magical Curiosities
“Merty’s Manual of Magical Merchandise” by Robin C. Ashmore and Michele Batter, unveils a collection of whimsical and potent magical items. These artifacts promise not only to add a spark of magic to gameplay but also to inspire creativity in the use of such items within narrative adventures.
Forum Discussions
The “Forum” section continues to be a melting pot of ideas, where readers debate and discuss the philosophical and ethical dimensions of role-playing games, including their intersection with folklore and mythology.
Gaming Frontiers
Reviews and Strategy
Ken Rolston’s reviews of board games that incorporate elements of fantasy role-playing provide an in-depth look at how traditional games can bridge the gap to RPGs. Additionally, Raymond C. Young’s “Look Sharp!” presents a fantasy-themed crossword that challenges and entertains in equal measure.
Realistic Treasures
In “Treasures More Real,” Scott Williams proposes innovative methods to diversify treasure hoards, making them more engaging and valuable for players, enhancing both the challenge and the rewards of their adventuring.
Reviews and Previews
Gaming on the Cutting Edge
This section critically examines a lineup of computer games, including classics like Wizardry: Bane of the Cosmic Forge and The Secret of Monkey Island. It also previews upcoming TSR releases like the SPELLJAMMER™ appendix and the GREYHAWK® module Five Shall Be One, which are eagerly anticipated by fans.
Literary Lore
Dragonlance Prequels
“Novel Ideas” explores the Meetings Sextet, a series of novels that serve as prequels to the DRAGONLANCE® Preludes series. These works delve deeper into the backstories of key characters, enriching the lore and emotional landscape of the Dragonlance universe.
Sage Advice
The “Sage Advice” column remains a cornerstone of the magazine, offering detailed explanations and clarifications on AD&D spells and character alignments. This advice is indispensable for players seeking to navigate the complexities of the game with greater understanding and strategic finesse.
As the pages of Dragon Magazine Issue #168 turn, they reveal more than just articles and reviews; they open gateways to unexplored worlds and untold adventures, embodying the enduring spirit of fantasy that continues to captivate and charm its audience.
