It definitely encouraged me to seek more out. (Did not miss another issue until around 112 and then kind of .... lost interest. But that's nother matter entirely)
Thought of the Holmes article this past weekend, because one of the better points he makes is that there are no "knockout" rules in Basic combat even though it is a common (and entertaining) occurrence in heroic fantasy. I was flipping through a friend's 5e Starter set and lo and behold-- knockout rules (meant primarily for NPCs). Unfortunately, on the acknowledgement page of the Starter set, Moldvay and most of the population of Southeast Wisconsin are mentioned but not the good Doctor Holmes. Obviously he didn't write the knockout rule but his version of D&D contributed so much to the flavor, culture and spread of the game. Maybe a future printing will correct this omission.
That was my first issue of Dragon! Happy memories there. Good issue. Loved the Cavern of the Sub-Train.
ReplyDeleteGwendolyn Harper HELL of a first issue! More packed in 80 pages here than some larger issues.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely encouraged me to seek more out. (Did not miss another issue until around 112 and then kind of .... lost interest. But that's nother matter entirely)
ReplyDeleteI had this one too. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteA link to a blog with a transcript of Holmes article can be found in the link section of this community.
ReplyDeleteIf on mobile device, click on carot next to "Holmes Basic" to see list of links
ReplyDeleteAlso you can Google "Annarchive Dragon 52" to find the full pdf
ReplyDeleteThought of the Holmes article this past weekend, because one of the better points he makes is that there are no "knockout" rules in Basic combat even though it is a common (and entertaining) occurrence in heroic fantasy. I was flipping through a friend's 5e Starter set and lo and behold-- knockout rules (meant primarily for NPCs). Unfortunately, on the acknowledgement page of the Starter set, Moldvay and most of the population of Southeast Wisconsin are mentioned but not the good Doctor Holmes. Obviously he didn't write the knockout rule but his version of D&D contributed so much to the flavor, culture and spread of the game. Maybe a future printing will correct this omission.
ReplyDeleteI remember that Bristol cover fondly. He stole a little from Roger Dean I think. Thanks for the kind comments on knock out rules.
ReplyDeleteAlways a fan of Dragon covers. Kept my Dragons hidden in the closet away from kids and wives. Still have them.
ReplyDeleteJulian Levallon My kids now read all my old D&D books and magazines.
ReplyDelete