Dear Fellow Dragonslayers:

Hello again! I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who took the time to fill out your proposal ballots, vote, and make your opinion count. It makes no difference how you voted on the issue of our now reduced $12 membership fee. The important thing is you did vote. Thank you!

As you can see, I have renewed my membership and hopefully, with this issue, for those of you who enjoyed and appreciated my articles and floor drawings, you will see the first of many independent articles and the return of "Melody's Magic Chest" to these pages. I assure you our elven loremistress has not been idle this past year, but she does need your help and participation. There is room in the magic chest for each and every magic item you care to submit, place inside, and share with the membership. I would be most interested in receiving feedback and your views, as I'm sure our elected officers would, about whether you enjoy these features and if you would like to see "Melody's Magic Chest" return as a regular feature in Chain-Mail. As with this issue, I could easily and for sometime to come, fill each article with magic items I've created anew, or reference items published previously in the infancy of Chain-Mail or from the pages of White Wolf. But I sincerely like to welcome your favorite items unique to your gaming worlds for inclusion to give us a variety and a broader selection to produce theme features such as you see with this issue. I would be delighted to resume this labor of love as I did in the past, but it's up to you. Please take a few moments to write a letter or a note to this column and express your views, and share what you would like to see pulled out of the magic chest, or at least drop a line to one of the officers. As proven in the recent ballot each and every one of your views is important and does make a difference.

I would also like to take this opportunity to address several subjects, but wish to preface my personal opinions with a few standard definitions for everyone to mull over, consider, or even disregard as is their individual choice to do:

"Author"--someone who designs and/or creates any written work, or applies and shapes or molds concepts into an organized or recognizable format in words.

"Editor"--someone who edits, corrects, compiles, and/or selects material for publication.

These words are clearly defined and delineated, and the similarity existing other than the fact one picks up where the other leaves off, is that both are six letter words in the Queen's English. I make reference to the "editorial" on pages 2 and 3 of Chain-Mail #25 (which should have been the Sept/Oct '92 issue) by our "Editor-in-Chief" in which he devotes quite some space to concerns which are the province of authors not editors; namely, in this instance, the subject of deities in a gaming context. It is my opinion, hopefully shared by others, that an author has the sole choice on what is included within any article or submission within the acceptable boundaries of propriety and good taste. It is the editor's task to present an author's work, not rewrite, redefine, or place limitations upon the creativi1y of an author. Each author has the right to make these decisions for her or himself, and the editor has the duty of presenting same as the author intended, given the parameters of propriety. The membership as a whole also does not dictate what an author may or may not present. It is the right of the individual to decide this for him or herself and either accept or reject any or all of the ideas and concepts presented by the editor for the author(s). It also is the right of the individual to have his or her ideas expressed and presented within Chain-Mail like any other member without what clearly amounts to censorship and the stifling of creative thought.

Several members, as individuals, were creative and designed deities for inclusion in Chain-Mail as they envisioned them to be. I am in the process of designing several elven deities myself. These should and must be presented as the authors intended. It is up to each individual to decide for themselves what is right for them or fits into what they envisioned for their own use. If 20 deities are submitted, then 20 must be presented (given allowances for space considerations over time). That all 20 may overlap or be nearly identical is of no concern for an editor. Let each individual decide for themselves which is most suited for their style of play. I might add the corollary that is is a Gamemaster's decision (note I did not say Dungeonmaster) as to what fits into her or his campaign world, including rules or "official" policies presented by the game publishers. In short, if a member takes the time to create and submit, it must be presented in the contest and spirit the author(s) intended by the editor.

It is my opinion too much emphasis is being placed on what is "official" and acceptable by the gaming publishers. Weren't all Dragon articles, for instance, considered variants themselves for years? Some have been made "official" while others have not, still someplace, somewhere, I've no doubt that they are all being used to some degree, perhaps changed or redefined further, perhaps enhanced, by a Gamemaster. Fantasy roleplaying is just that. It is not the province of TSR or any other gaming company-period. If I may further add, a Gamemaster would not dictate to a player how he or she must roleplay a character- that's a player's decision. An editor should not do the same to an author, nor should a membership body do likewise.

As I stated, as part of my envisioning things elven-in-nature, I have created two elven deities, Illsenea and Elisteleri, for usage within my Enchanted Silverwood, the elven society I am author and creator of. I, as author, will decide what best fits into that society and what does not, presenting such to the membership as I envision it to be. For those who cling to every word TSR puts out, I will bring up a point paraphrasing their "official" stance: deities may or may not be accepted or followed in all places equally. Some may have prominence more than others, or might not exist at all, or others may assume those spheres of control in any given society. Thus, using this logic, 20 difference overlapping deities may exist at any given time or place.

Whether TSR is in agreement with my concepts or envisioning doesn't concern me as an author for I do not necessarily design things solely for TSR products in mind and believe in the genericized concept of presentation for each Gamemaster to tailor into his or her own personal campaign-world using whatever guidelines she or he decides are appropriate. The world of mythology, fantasy, and classic literature is not owned by TSR, nor any other company for that matter. It is the realm of the authors, the creators, the Gamemasters, and players who bring them to life and make each and every gameworld a unique experience and every book an adventure in itself. Rules and "officialness" only stifle creativity.

May I also briefly make mention that Chain-Mail is not the personal production of an editor, but the production of us all. I make note that seven and one-half pages, one-sixth of the content of issue #25 featured our editor in some capacity while it is common knowledge many submissions by others have been collecting dust, more so for the fact that the 'zine is now at least three issues behind its supposedly bimonthly issuance (the Jan/Feb '93 issue should have been #27). Club membership was supposed to be for one calendar year with six issues of Chain-Mail issued during that time for a membership fee. May I point out that it is in the best interest of the organization. Bluntly, the club is losing funds generated by one-half, losing membership, and individual interests and support as well. The club and the 'zine belongs to each of us, and each of us has a right to be represented. Hear ye this-the membership desires wholesome bread, not cake (and only with TSR icing). Let us decide our own diets.

In closing, I once again want to thank each and every one of you who help to make our club and this newszine what it is. -Yours in gaming, Tim Morgereth

I just got the new Chain-Mail, it really looked good! One of the things I enjoyed is finding out there are others like me who really don't care for the Experience Point System and the use of titles. That's been a major issue with me because, one, I don't want my title listed with my name if I were sending in something for Chain-Mail and two, I'm not interested in getting points for doing things or submitting things which I have thought about doing. I want to do it because I want to do it, not because someone is giving me points for something. I guess I'm always the rebel non-conformist, but I am really uncomfortable with the titles because it usually results in an elitist attitude. I think the club would be best served by offering Full Membership with full voting privileges for those really into the XP and title thing, and makes us diehard rebels Associate Members who don't gain XP or titles but can contribute to the newszine and play in the PBMs.. I'd even be willing to forego any voting privileges, and I am sure others would like this idea as well. Leave the politics to those who enjoy playing the political games. Me? I just want to be a member of a gaming club where I can find other people who share my interests without getting bogged down in points and titles.

Please let's not start another controversy about officer's names. This isn't what I joined Dragonslayers for.

Since one of the many pleasures that some of our members have is to create a god, there should be a period of time where new gods will be created. After a period of time, use the TSR gods to fill the empty spots. As far as "how shall we decide which god to use if more than one members submits a god for the same area of influence," if the quality for both is equal, then first come, first served. The other two questions I have no thoughts on.

I disagree with Mr. Brierton: selling ads to gaming companies could imply endorsement of the company. Because of our size, we [should] be selective. On selling newszines to hobby stores, if the logistics can be solved, it would be a good idea. One question that would have to be answered first is: what would the store do with old issues?

To my fellow members of DU:

I speak, in particular, to the players who used to be in Savant Alan Gunhouse's PBM games, and I guess also in favor of the honorable Savant in question. I am regretfully appalled at the response of the players who simply quit the PBM game. I realize that the circumstances which led to the undesirable effects, but you must look at it in the well-known RPG view: the Most Important Part Of Gaming Is To Have Fun. Now I may be a Squire, but I am certainly not a new gamer, and I know what it is like to have a favorite character die. But when you quit a game because you can't play what you want, you miss the whole point. Take a challenge, find the light on a dark day, etc., etc. But take time to realize the efforts a GM takes to run a PBM game. Now I also realize that for some players, continuing the game might be hard if it costs too much, and dying is a way out, in contrast to playing a game you don't want to play. That is definitely an exemption.

Please realize that my letter wasn't meant to be offensive, but to merely remind everyone to have a good time, no matter what the circumstances. Another realization is that I cannot see through tile eyes of the players in question, and so I do not fully or truly know the reason for their quitting. But as previously mentioned, I simply wanted to remind everyone of having fun. And with this, I shall close.

I'm all for a special issue dedicated to Crimsonvale, but if you decide not to, then at least publish all the material together and make it available to the members. Either way, a compendium is necessary.

In issue #24, Dan Lambert mentioned the negative media attention given to fantasy role-playing. It seems like the AD&D game has more than its fair share of dirty press, and a lot of this stems from misunderstanding. In the 70's and 80's, most people had no idea what Dungeons and Dragons was, so they accepted whatever the newspapers or TV presented. Certainly it didn't help that the original Monster Mantial contained demons and devils with names like Baalzebul or Asmodeus. Well, if "Honor Thy Mother" and "Cruel Doubt" surprised you, you should have seen "Mazes and Monsters" (I believe it aired in '83). This book/TV movie was loosely based on the story of a 16-yearold who was advanced enough to be a sophomore in college.

The kid was isolated, and you could tell from the few scenes involving his mother that his home life must have been damaging, but the show played down these images, focusing instead on a D&D-like game (played by candlelight, no less) that caused him to attempt suicide. There was even a spot on "60 Minutes" years ago that focused on the link between role-playing a suicide. They did an interview with Gary Gygax, but they only played the first sentence or two that he said in response to one question before they continued their mudslinging. To the news media, it seems as bad to say that someone plays AD&D as to say someone was a veteran of Vietnam. As soon as a person comn-dts a crime, attempts suicide, or whatever, if the news media finds out that he played D&D, you can bet it'll be front page news. When confronted with negative media of this type, it is best to remember that people make decisions, not games.

Hmm?!? Well, I did ask for a difference, and the cover of ChainMail #25 was different! The [type] of paper was attractive (that's been my main complaint because the colored paper [that has been used] reminds me too much of the colored construction paper I used to use for school projects in the lower elementary grades) and the lettering was attractive, but somehow the cover looked sort of naked without any art. (Please keep the art on the cover.) I made the contribution on the advice that parchment-style paper would cost $9.00 per hundred, but now I've learned that a colored insert (art, I hope) or even a colored copy will cost 50 cents each which is $4.00 less.

Even better! Just imagine how attractive the cover would be with black lettering on a white background and colored art insert. Then the next issue [could have] a colored cover which would solve the problem of the cover looking much the same with just slight alterations as it's appeared in the past. The more attractive it is to the eye (which would be very important if we do sell the 'zine), the better chance of attracting new members.

This brings me to point two. My personal view on the subject is this: look before you leap! At present, our only source of income is from membership dues and contributions. As was pointed out to me, income exceeds expenses so we do turn a profit. But we turn a profit within the club. If we sell the 'zine, thus accepting income from an outside source, do we lose our non-profit status, and become a small business enterprise, subject to pay state and federal taxes? Will we need a small business licence? And what if previously copyrighted material appears in the 'zine without obtaining the writer's permission? My concern is this: if we do sell the 'zine, do we cross the line as a non-profit organization and become a small business enterprise by definition of the law? Let's make sure first, that's all I ask.

I was disappointed at the appearance of our ad in Dungeon magazine, thus I was both delighted and surprised to learn that the membership really did increase due to the ad. Wow, just imagine how many members we might have obtained if it hadn't been so small and hard to read. (Yes, you can take that as a "yes, let's try again.")

I disagree with Will Nesbitt's view that the President should have the power to rate committee members and chairpersons, and award 100 to 900 XPs per term according to their performance(s). Then again I have to disagree with his proposal of reducing the VP's XPs by half unless s/he actually performs the duty of President, should that become necessary. As the constitution clearly states, its the VP's duty to assist the President, etc., and not just fill in as President should the office become vacant for any reason.

There was a bit of controversy about the constitution /by-laws in Chain- Mail #25's "Club Forum." From those I've corresponded with, it has been said: "you have to be a lawyer to understand them," and "why do we have so many silly rules?" At present, they're all we have, and it is important to work within the rules so that we continue to be a democracy. The alternatives are anarchy on one end of the spectrum, or a dictatorship at the other. Unacceptable! My personal view reflects the first person I mentioned. The language could be simplified so that not only the fellow in the three piece suit can understand it, but the person in the t-shirt and jeans as well. Of course, this should also apply to the EPS rules and regulations too.

Speaking of a democracy leads me to the subject of voting. I was just as appalled as Rick Emerich was by the suggestion that members be bribed with 10 XPs to induce them to vote!

Gee, Will Nesbitt seems to have suggested a whole fistful of alternate titles for club President, so I'll pass on suggesting any more for that position. Instead, I suggest the Newszine Editor be re-titled Heralder, "an official crier or messenger; announcer; spokesman" according to the definition in my dictionary. Seems to fit, doesn't it? If recall, even in medieval times the treasury was called "the treasury" so "Keeper of the Vault" sounds a bit lame even to me. However, how does Chronicler sound instead of Secretary? After all, Jil Conway does keep the club's records, so in a way the title could fit, even though the dictionary defines it as "one who keeps historical records."

You folks should know me by now. Tact and diplomacy isn't my forte. I'm direct and get right to the point (the curse of being born under the sign of Aries, the warrior, I guess). So what I'm about to say isn't meant as an insult or intent to offend. I'm glad to learn that Bill Jenkins has recovered from his recent illness, and I'm not suggesting he should've gotten out of his sickbed. But issue #25 isn't the only one that has been late. I know of five other people that, in personal correspondence, have voiced concern and displeasure about this problem. It should be obvious to everyone by now that we need a backup system in case of emergencies. The 'zine is schedule as bi-monthly so there is an obligation to the membership to deliver it on a bi-monthly schedule. I trust that a valuable lesson has been learned, that alternative options will be explored, and the most economically feasible plan put into effect should it become obvious the schedule can't be met. Doesn't that sound fair to everyone?

I've noticed two shortcomings in the code system in the club directory. First of all, any PBM not covered in the A to Z listing is coded @ (other games, contact member for specifics). If you'll note, the @ code doesn't distinguish if the member is a player or a GM. I suggest we eliminate this code entirely and the GMs of these games be contacted so they can specify the type of game system used in the PBM. For instance, an Indiana Jones game system which is based on Adventure could be coded as "W" to designate the GM and "W" as the player. Futuristic games ala Gamma World-type would be "(F)" or "(f)", etc. Since the coded letter is presented in parentheses, its sets it apart from the previously listed A to Z coded game systems. I also propose we do away with the "e" (opening available) and "0" (no opening) symbols, and institute the coded letter be presented in bold print (to draw one's attention) if the GM has an opening in that particular game system, and in normal print if no openings are available.

I second D. Gene Frye's suggestion that, in the club directory, the club officers be substituted for the expiration date. I also suggest that administrators, department heads, and/or assistant editors be included in keeping with the principle of the code system so that all members may contact them on points of interest regarding their respective offices, thus promoting communication and insuring the concept that they are available to the members as per Will Nesbitt's point (in his open letter) of not seeming impersonal.