Deep in the pages of Dungeon Magazine Issue #9, a collection of dark delights and thrilling adventures awaits. Published in January/February 1988, this issue delivers four complete adventures that push the boundaries of traditional dungeon crawling, each offering unique challenges and atmospheric settings that will test even the most seasoned adventurers.
The cover story, “The Plight of Cirria,” written by Grant and David Boucher, immediately captures attention with its striking artwork by Valerie Valusek. A cloud castle looms against a dramatic sky as adventurers mounted on winged steeds engage in aerial combat with a fearsome dragon. This high-level adventure pits players against an Arch-Mage whose mastery over clouds and ability to ensnare dragons makes him a formidable opponent.
Perhaps the most innovative offering is “The Djinni’s Ring” by Vince Garcia – a groundbreaking solo adventure where players take on the role of Moonstone, a third-level elf trapped in an Arabian Nights-inspired setting. This choose-your-own-path style adventure marks the first time Dungeon Magazine has published content designed for single-player experiences, opening up new possibilities for solo gaming sessions.
Richard Fichera’s “The Crypt of Istaris” provides a tightly crafted dungeon delve filled with clever traps and a race against time. Originally designed as a tournament module for Gateway ’85, this adventure challenges players to navigate a deadly crypt while competing against the clock – a perfect setup for convention play or an evening of intense gaming.
The nautical horror adventure “The Ghostship Gambit” by Randy Maxwell rounds out the issue’s major offerings. This atmospheric tale sends players investigating a mysterious vessel that preys upon merchant ships, only to discover that the truth behind the haunting is far more sinister than simple ghost stories. Maxwell crafts a perfect blend of maritime adventure and supernatural horror that will keep players on the edge of their seats.
Beyond the adventures, the issue features an editorial from Barbara Young discussing recent changes in staffing and the magazine’s commitment to maintaining high-quality content. The letters section reveals the passionate engagement of the readership, with discussions ranging from character motivations to questions about upcoming campaign settings.
The artwork throughout the issue maintains the high standards Dungeon Magazine readers have come to expect, with contributions from Larry Dixon, C. Bradford Gorby, and others bringing the various adventures to life through detailed illustrations that capture both the action and atmosphere of each scenario.
For Dungeon Masters seeking to expand their campaign options or players looking for new challenges, Issue #9 offers an impressive variety of well-crafted adventures that showcase the evolving sophistication of role-playing game design in the late 1980s. From its innovative solo scenario to its epic cloud castle siege, this issue demonstrates why Dungeon Magazine remained the premier source for quality adventure modules in the tabletop gaming world.
