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|| DRAGONQUEST Newsletter Mid-Spring 1997
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|| Volume 4 / Number 2
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The DQ Newsletter is for discussions of the DragonQuest role-
playing game. The key addresses you need to know are:
Philip Proefrock (Editor, Article Submissions, Etc.)
dqn@ntsource.com
David Nadler (Distribution Coordinator)
David.Nadler@DaytonOH.NCR.COM
All articles are copyrighted property of their respective authors.
Reproducing or republishing an article, in whole or in part, in any other
forum requires permission of the author or the moderator.
The DragonQuest Newsletter website is at:
http://www.ntsource.com/~psproefrock/dqn.html
[if you are typing it, note that the server _IS_ case-sensitive!]
This site contains the most recent issue of the newsletter as well as
links to (ftp) archives and other DragonQuest related sites.
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C O N T E N T S [v4/n2]
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Editorial
Letters -- Philip Proefrock
-- WOTC Merchant Relations
-- Stephen Martin
New Spells & Rituals for the College of Naming Magics -- J J Wheeler
DragonQuest URLs **NEW LISTINGS INCLUDED**
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EDITORIAL:
=================================================================
More thoughts on WOTC
Of course, this is all speculation on our part. We can all hope that
WOTC will do something positive with regards to DragonQuest, but the truth
of the matter is that we'll have to wait and see what ultimately happens
once this deal takes place. But, from a DragonQuest supporter's
perspective at this point, I think that the WOTC acquisition of TSR can be
seen as positive.
Back when the DragonQuest Newsletter was first starting out (about 4
years ago), there was some discussion of Wizards of the Coast possibly
buying DragonQuest from TSR and re-releasing it. One of the sources knew
some people in development at WOTC who were supposedly fond of the old SPI
game. At the time, it looked like WOTC was looking for an RPG to add to
their stable. As things turned out, WOTC instead bought Ars Magica, and
that was their RPG for a while.
Nonetheless, there were, at least at one time, some people who were
interested in DragonQuest at WOTC. Perhaps there may be some positive
results that come out of the WOTC acquisition of TSR. Even if WOTC does
not re-release DragonQuest, we can hope that WOTC will have a more
enlightened attitude towards the production of supplements for their
products.
------------------------_L_E_T_T_E_R_S_--------------------------
=================================================================
[In trying to find more information about the proposed acqusition of TSR
by WOTC and, more importantly, what this may mean for DragonQuest, I
checked out the WOTC web-site. I ended up sending mail to an address in
Merchant Relations. It was not necessarily the best source to go to,
but it looked like it might be an address to contact from within their web
pages to find out who would be involved in making decisions about DQ once
the WOTC acquisition of TSR goes through. As you'll see, they aren't
telling much at all... -- ED.]
Subject: Fallout from TSR acquisition
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 1997 11:08:48 -0600
From: Philip Proefrock
Organization: DragonQuest Newsletter
To: mr@wizards.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I am interested in finding out about a TSR-owned game which is now out-of-
print, and, more specifically, what may happen to it now that Wizards of
the Coast is acquiring TSR.
I fully realize that until the deal is completed, no one is going to be
able to comment about anything, and that there are lots of other questions
and issues more pressing than this, but I would appreciate it if I could
get the name of the appropriate contact person who will eventually be able
to answer our questions.
Thank you for your assistance.
Philip Proefrock
dqn@ntsource.com
--------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Fallout from TSR acquisition
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 08:25:04 -0800
From: mr@wizards.com (Merchant Relations)
To: Philip Proefrock
Philip-
I'm afraid I can't help you at this time. We haven't purchased TSR. If
we do, I imagine it will take awhile for the various responsibilities to
fall to different people. I have no idea who may be the correct person.
You're more than welcome to try back if and when we do purchase the
company!
##### #######
Merchant Relations
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[I have only briefly examined this site thus far, but it looks poised to
become a very useful site for all DQ players and GMs. -- ED.]
To: DQN--
Please list us on your web page and in the DragonQuest Newsletter.
http://stimpy.math.auckland.ac.nz/dq/
We are gradually expanding the site to include more and more information
about our campaign and the rules we use.
We're going through an organised stage of our campaign again and are
currently releasing modified rulebooks on an annual basis. Hopefully soon
(within a few months) we should be able to get our rules on line on the
web page.
You're most welcome to use any of our rules mods or campaign material.
And look us up if you're ever in Auckland.
With TSR being bought out by the Wizards there is hope that we might be
able to get the rights to DQ out of them. Look out for DQ: The
Resurrection.
Cheers,
Stephen Martin.
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NEW SPELLS & RITUALS FOR THE COLLEGE OF NAMING MAGICS
-- J J Wheeler (PiperLorne@postoffice.worldnet.att.net)
=================================================================
Hello. My name is Justin J Wheeler. I have been playing DragonQuest
for about seven years now, on and off; mostly on for the last two
years. I game with Tom Robinson, who has had some correspondence
with you during the last few months about his "Capsule" adventure,
{"The Barrow of Calimendil" -- ED.} now published. I play-tested it with
Tom, and it is good. Thank you for publishing it, even though the other
publication has not yet been compiled. We appreciated it.
I have attached a file containing some new Rituals and Spells for the
Namers (this I have done since I play a Namer every other week, and found
the college somewhat limited by its original writers). I hope they can
lend some new light on what the Naming College is really for and about
(the 'True' Magical College). The DQ rulebook describes it as the most
powerful college, but I would wager that it does not play out that way in
most campaigns. These spells and rituals should help to direct the
confused or disillusioned onto the right track.
--Justin J Wheeler
The following spells and rituals were inspired by "A Wizard of EarthSea"
by Ursula K Le Guin, which was the inspiration for the Naming college in
the DragonQuest world.
Ritual of Renaming Matter
-------------------------
Adept can change the shape of any one item (plus 1 item for every 2
ranks) within range by renaming the matter into its new form. Once
renamed, the item will maintain this new shape permanently, unless acted
upon by a new renaming ritual or another spell (i.e. once successfully
cast, the ritual cannot be counterspelled). The size (mass) of the item
may be changed by 10%/rank. Additionally, the cast chance is affected as
follows:
-5% if mass will be changed into a complex item (changing a log into
a chair, changing metal ore into a sword, etc.)
-15% if mass will be changed into a mechanical item (changing a metal
item into a lock, for example)
-20% if mass will be renamed into a new matter (changing stone into
water, for example)
The base chance for the ritual is 10%. Living creatures cannot be
affected by the ritual (although plants can be affected). The ritual
takes 1 hour to perform, or more if the GM adjudicates that it could
depending on the complexity of the renaming. The experience multiple for
this ritual is 400.
Ritual of Renaming Entity
-------------------------
Adept can change the shape of any entity whose Individual True Name he
knows. The entity must be present and be willing to accept his new form.
Adept can only turn an entity into any creature whose Generic True Name he
knows at Rank 5 or higher. The new form must be roughly the same size as
the Target of the spell, but size can be increased or decreased by 25%/2
Ranks. Caster cannot rename Target into a creature with fantastical
magical powers (such as a Dragon or a Naga) nor can he produce the Undead.
Entity will assume shape and abilities of his new form, but will retain
his prior knowledge (though not necessarily his prior abilities - see
note*). Entity will remain in his new shape until the caster or another
Namer who knows the entity's Individual True Name speaks his True Name in
his presence. Even then, there is a cumulative chance equal to [5%/day in
new form] - [Individual True Name Rank x 5] that the Namer cannot return
the entity to his true form. At rank 20 with an Individual True Name, a
Namer can always rename an entity.
Additionally, once renamed to his original shape, entity requires [#days
in new form] x 0.5 days of bed rest to recover from the change. The GM
may adjudicate that the recovery period would be greater or less depending
on the amount of change an entity had to endure.
Furthermore, this ritual can be used to turn entities who have been
turned into stone back to flesh, if their Individual True Name is known.
It does not matter how many days the entity has been stone, the Namer
simply need speak its true name in its presence. GMs can adjudicate
whether an entity's life force has left their body when they were turned
to stone.
The Base Chance for this ritual is 5%. The experience multiple is 400.
This ritual takes 2 hours to perform.
*Note: Entity can use all prior abilities (magic, skills, etc.) if his
new form allows it. For example: An Elf turned into an orc would not
lose his Ranger Rank 5 skill, but if he were turned into a badger, he
wouldn't be able to execute the skill properly. Additionally, the elf
would lose his abilities due to race (although he would gain the abilities
due him in his new form). This ritual can be cast over self. A Namer can
always rename himself.
Ritual of Names
---------------
By use of this ritual, a Namer can give an entity a new Individual True
Name. He must know the true name of the entity, and the entity must be
present and willing to receive a new name. If the ritual is succesfull,
the Individual True Name will be changed forever, and the change will
become known to powerful Dragons. However, if the ritual backfires, the
Entityis name will be erased, and he will walk through life one of the
inameless onesi , unable to cast spells, hold skills, or use any special
abilities until they visit the home of the Master Namer on the Isle of
Dragons. The Master Namer will then decide their fate.
This ritual must be perfomed on consecrated ground, and requires 500 GS
worth of ground diamond which the Namer will use to write the new name
into the cosmos. It takes 3 hours to perform, the base chance is equal to
caster's Magical Aptitude.
*Note - Most Namers do not approve of the casting of this ritual, as it
disrupts the balance set forth by the Namer who originally named the
Target. Therefore, it is likely that this ritual will only be performed
in secret, by those who are in desperate need of a new name (if some
powerful enemy has gotten hold of their old one, for example).
Ritual of Hiding Name
---------------------
A Namer uses this ritual when he names a sentient who reaches maturity.
The Individual True Name of this sentient will not become known to
powerful Dragons, although Dragons will know that the name has been
blocked from them (probably angering them greatly). The sentient whois
name is hidden must agree to the ritual. From thence forward, any Dragon
in his vicinity will know that the name is hidden and will act accordingly
(GM discretion).
The ritual requires one drop of Dragon blood from a living dragon, and
1000 GS worth of black jade dust which the namer will use to write the
name of the sentient in the stars (thus hiding it from Dragons).
The ritual has a base chance of 50% - however, it takes 24 hrs.-
1hr./rank to perform and very powerful Dragons may know that the ritual is
being performed. The GM can decide what this would mean to Dragons on his
world. The experience multiple for this ritual is 400.
Ritual of Binding Name
----------------------
By use of this ritual, the Namer restores an item to wholeness by use of
its Generic True Name. Thus, damaged items such as a broken sword or a
leaky boat could be repaired by use of this ritual.
Additionally, this ritual can be used to repair damage to creatures once
the Namer has reached Rank 5 with the Generic True Name of a particular
creature, although modifiers apply (see below). Add 20% to the base
chance if creature is a sentient and the Namer knows the Individual Ture
Name of the target. A namer can raise the dead by using this ritual if he
knows the Individual True Name of the Target at Rank 10 or higher (this
would take several days, and the adept would permanently lose 1 point of
Endurance if ritual is successfully cast).
This ritual can take anywhere from several moments to many hours to
perform, depending on the amount of damage the item or creature has
suffered (moments for a dent in a suit of armor, or hours to repair the
severed limb of a creature, for example). The base chance for the ritual
is 15%, although modifiers do apply:
-10% if adept has never encountered this particular item or entity,
even if he has encountered Generic Type.
-10% if adept is attempting to use the ritual to repair damage to a
creature or sentient.
Ritual of Star Naming
---------------------
By use of this ritual, the Namer places one Sentient's Individual True
Name on a Star. From then on, when adept wishes to find the Sentient, he
need only speak the Individual True Name at Midnight and a star will shine
brightly in the direction of the Sentient, showing the direction the Adept
would have to travel to find Sentient (although not how far).
This ritual requires 1 diamond of not less than 100 GS value, which the
adept will throw into the sky upon casting the ritual. The experience
multiple is 400, the base chance is the MA of the Namer, and the ritual
takes 2 hours to complete.
Ritual of Calling Name
----------------------
By uttering the name of a particular item or object, the caster can summon
one item or materiality whose Generic True Name he knows to his location.
The caster can also summon any entity whose Individual True Name he knows
with a -20% modifier to his cast chance (although this does not mean that
he has control of the entity he summons). The ritual takes 3 hours to
perform. If successfully cast, the item will be called from its location
(no limit to range) to his present location. The experience multiple for
this Ritual is 400 and the Base Chance is 10%.
Spell of Inhibiting Magic
-------------------------
Range: 15 feet + 15 additional/Rank
Duration: 5 minutes + 5 additional/Rank
Experience Multiple: 450
Base Chance: 20%
Resist: Can only be actively resisted.
Effects: The Namer can cast this spell only over an entity whos Individual
True Name he knows. The spell prevents the target from using any magic
(except for talent magic) for the duration of the spell. Magic Items held
by the target are not affected.
Spell of Commanding Name
------------------------
Range: 25 feet + 25 additional/Rank
Duration: 25 seconds + 10 seconds/Pulse
Base Chance: 25%
Resistance: Can not be resisted
Effects: The adept can gain control of any 1 named item or object by
pronouncing its Generic True Name. Sentients or animals cannot be
affected by this spell, although plants can be. The Namer can command the
object named to do anything he wishes, including changing shape, flying,
altering consistency, adjusting temperature, etc. The uses of the spell
are limited only by the imagination of the Namer, and the discretion of
the GM. Additionally, so long as the Namer maintains concentration, and
the spell duration has not expired, he can continue commanding the object
named each & every pulse by expending 1 fatigue each command issued.
However, by doing this, the Namer does not have to make a separate cast
check for every command. Otherwise, the named object will follow the
first command it receives until the duration expires, when it will return
to its original form and disposition. The Generic True Name must be known
for the spell to be cast.
-- J J Wheeler (PiperLorne@postoffice.worldnet.att.net)
=================================================================
DragonQuest URLs:
(If you know of any other DragonQuest related sites, please let us know.)
--DragonQuest Home Page
http://www.magna.com.au/~dja/dq/
--DragonQuest Newsletter Page
http://www.ntsource.com/~psproefrock/dqn.html
--DragonQuest Archive
ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/dr/drache
--DragonQuest Home Companion (and other files)
http://www.hoboes.com/pub/Role-Playing/Fantasy/DragonQuest/
--Seagate Adventurers' Guild (New Zealand Campaign Page)
http://stimpy.math.auckland.ac.nz/dq/
--Shannon Appel's RPG Archives (DQ Index)
ftp://ftp.csua.berkeley.edu/pub/rpg-index
--Surge's (Unofficial) Mirror Archive
http://www.cqs.washington.edu:80/~surge/gaming/dragonquest/
--Sword World
http://www.best.com/~magsig/swordworld/
--Todd Schreiber's DQ Pages
http://www.webspan.net/~schreib/dqmain.html
Tom Tucker operates a BBS/FidoNet node where he is archiving DragonQuest
materials. If you are Fido-savvy, he is fido node 1:170/205. He says
"you can freq from me, freq FILES for a complete listing." I have
everything that is on the internet, including the modules "The Water
Works" and "The Barrow of Calimendil".
As for the board, call 918-224-4279 (28.8) or 918-224-0937 (14.4).
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### End of DragonQuest Newsletter v4/n2 -- Mid-Spring 1997
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