The Judges Guild has come up with another playing aid that is innovative in role play. In fact, it could well have been the inspiration for the C&S aid above. JG's tac cards contain salient player information to help speed play. In essence, a picture of a weapon, or shield, appears on a 2 3/4" x 3 1/2" card, and the item's hit damage and shielding are provided as well, according to both the Chainmail and Greyhawk individual combat systems. A player places the cards corresponding to what he is carrying in front of him during play, and should he wish to change his weapon, he flips the card over to the "change weapon" side and places the new weapon beneath it. The following turn, he removes the first card to show that he is now wielding a new item.

The 140 cards provide at least five cards for each of the 24 weapons, 19 actions, and 11 miscellaneous (torches, cross, rope, etc.) paraphernalia. Some cards, especially those for actions (flee, cast spell, move, etc.) double up so that the player positions his card to show his current action. There is also an additional set of five cards which provide an attack matrix, with saving throws on the opposite side.

The system is quite simple to implement after an initial explanation to the players. Furthermore, it helps keep the DM attuned to the adventurer's current capabilities, for he need only glance at the tableaux before him to determine what the characters have at hand. This really helps to keep participants honest. For example, if a man claims he is carrying a lantern which has remained lit after an ill wind has blown out all the torches, the DM can verify his claim at a glance, and rule accordingly.

The tac cards do not cramp the system and it remains as free-flowing as ever. Thus they make up a playing aid that adds a bit more realism to fantasy and they give the players something to do as they play. Although not a must, the tac cards, at $3.95. are an attractive addition to one's growing horde of D&D materials. The product is available from the Judges Guild POB 773, Decatur. IL 62525, or from Lowry Enterprises.

More RPG Mini-Reviews

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons: Modules D1-D3
Basic Dungeons and Dragons: Module B-1
Destrier (C&S)
Dungeon Tac Cards
Spacefarer's Guide to Planets: Sector Two
Judges Shield
Citadel of Fire
Other New Items