Greetings Dear Readers,

Due to space considerations, some letters have been edited

The mail just doesn't seem to stop. Oh dear. We read each ad every letter, so even if it isn't printed, your comments are welcome and your suggestions and constructive criticisms are thoughtfully considered. So keep the letters coming. Remember SHADIS is an interactive magazine - we want you, the reader, to be involved.

Gameweaver

Dear SHADIS,

Okay, I'll admit it - I'd never even heard of SHADIS before GENCON. Upon arriving home, I perused my free copy and devoured it. I was troy impressed.

And now I have issue #10 in my hands and SHADIS is looking even better. While I, personally, have no interest in the miniatures or PBM sections, I found Closer Look and the in-depth reviews (Magic: the Gathering, Earthdawn) enlightening.

No, this isn't just an "atta-boy" letter. I am also writing to ask for your writers' guidelines. Like virtually every other gamer out there, I've got some good ideas - some that might actually be publishable.

In closing, thanks for a great mag. Keep up the good work, and stay independent!

Darell Hardy

While we are thrilled to get feedback such as yours, we are even more delighted at requests for our writers’ guidelines.

Our new 1994 Writers' and Artists' Guidelines have just been released and are available for the asking. Just send a SASE and we'll rush you a copy.

As we a have stated before, we am looking for new talent out them. We've found that some of the best material comes from grass-root gamers scattered around the country. If you are sitting on an article, or if you feel you've found a way to enhance your gaming sessions, send it on in.

In addition, we have increased our pay-rates to become more competitive in the industry and we want to see you in print.

GW

Dear SHADIS,

Bravo! I picked up SHADIS #10 and didn't put it down. At first, I recognized the familiar gaming magazine format, but was surprised by the content immediately. I’m glad you are addressing as many companies and products as you can. I still like games and accessories from the popular major gaming companies, but enjoy the coverage of smaller game companies. Thanks for the change.

Troy Cook
East Point, GA

Dear SHADIS,

Loved the Brisco County, Jr. article. This is the type of stuff we need in an independent game magazine - more generic material that can be translated into game play

I wonder how Brisco and Dixie would look in the Shatterzone™ Universe...(shudder).

Again, I really enjoyed the whole issue.

Ed Stark
West End Games

Dear SHADIS,

Just received Issue # 11 and it looks great! You guys must be working your a***s off. The mag's production quality keeps getting better and better. The new logo looks great - is someone starting to play with Photoshop over there?

I hope things continue to go well for you in '94 and we’ll talk to you soon.

Christin Scott Moore
Last Unicorn Games

The new SHADIS logo was designed by Kristy Keefe, using Adobe Illustrator, and was based on the original hand-painted logo by George Vrbanic.

Dear SHADIS,

I just got my copy of SHADIS #11 and I am very impressed. Th. free 1994 calendar-poster was a very nice touch. Full-color even!

I loved the Brisco article. Please do more television tie-ins. I noticed the season finale of Brisco dropped a bombshell! Will you consider updating the article for readers to reflect the new information revealed?

Tina Danforth
Bangor, MA

Well, Tina, the Brisco writers definitely ended the season with a bang. Readers should note that the character, John Bly, was revealed to be a time traveller from 600 years in the future.

Apparently, Bly travelled back to 1893, because it as the only time in history that all three orbs existed concurrently, providing the best opportunity for him to got his hands on one.

Bly also demonstrated some amazing hand-to-hand combat skills that GMs should take into account.

Presently, we are working with several television and movie studio on future articles. With new series like Tek War, Babylon 5, and Robocop as well as current hits like The X Files and Viper, there should be no shortage of shows to cover.

GW

Dear SHADIS,

I have a question about the time travel article, Just A Matter of Time, by Jolly Blackburn. I found it immensely entertaining and can't wait for the conclusion of the article.

I will definitely be running a time travel campaign. Here's my question: Can a time traveller go into the past and shake hands with himself?

Shawn Merriam
Norco, CA

What was that a trick question? I'll just have to refer you to the second installment of Jolly's article.

GW

Dear SHADIS,

I held my copy of SHADIS over a candle and it burst into flames. According to your answer to a letter in Issue #10, that wasn’t supposed to happen due to a magical aura surrounding SHADIS.

Will you replace my copy of SHADIS?

Brian Elmhurst
Strawtown, IN

What? Are you an idiot or something? We should have mentioned that you have to soak your copy of SHADIS in water first. The water allows the magical aura to grow, thus protecting the magazine.

GW

Dear SHADIS,

Good show! The magazine is really looking good. The typos are all but dead and the layout in general is looking very polished. SHADIS must be doing very well and going places. I loved the expanded industry news. (What? No juicy gossip ?)

You've really got my attention. I keep wandering what you'll come up with next. Keep up the good work.

Mike Henson
Lake Geneva, WI

Dear SHADIS,

Can it possibly be true? Is it a cruel hoax? Finieous Fingers is alive and well? First you revive Joe Genera from the grave, now this? Bless you. One problem though - how we you going to top this one?

Lisa Bradley,
Stone Mountain, GA

Yes, Finieous is back. Jason Holmgren will be applying his skills to J.D. Webster's classic strip.

GW

Dear SHADIS,

I just discovered your magazine at a local newsstand. I have always been curious about role-playing games, but have never had an opportunity to play one.

I’m not a big fan of sword and sorcery and I have always thought that's what role-playing was all about. How surprised I was to learn that there are RPGs based on the American Old West, Cyber-Culture, and other genres!

Your magazine has finally made me take the plunge. The problem is, I'm at a loss on where to begin. Are there any games you can recommend to a beginner? I'm quite sure there are other readers out there in my situation who would enjoy a beginner's look at the RPG scene.

Thank you for your help and good luck on your wonderful publication.

Frank Norrell
Newport Beach, CA

Indeed, you are not alone Frank. We have received quite a few letters like yours since SHADIS expanded its distribution from game and comic book stores to general newsstands.

In this Issue you will find Michael Halse's introductory article to role-playing games. That would be a good start. Since every gamer has his or her own unique taste, it would be hard for me to tell you which system to shell out your money on . Since you are a beginner, you might want to visit your local game store on the weekend where you will probably find gamers playing various systems. Gamers love to share their hobby with others.

I would also recommend you ask your game store clerk about any local gaming conventions coming to your area. Conventions give you a chance to sit in on dozens of different games. Good luck on your quest and enjoy!

GW