XATAXOMBS

Publisher: Hobby Quest, Inc.
Editor: Ed Broxson
Frequency: Bi-monthly
Sample Copy: $1.00

This zine, pronounced Catacombs, is a good example of an organizational magazine. Catacombs reports on the activity and happenings of the Gulf Coast Gamer's Club. Much of the material therein has a regional focus, but would-be readers shouldn't shy away from it for that reason. Catacombs contains numerous interesting gaming articles, as wall as related fictions.

Issue #2 of Catacombs had a short FRPG adventure set in a light house, as well as several well written pieces of fiction. It also contained a section which showcased local artists. Each issue averages twenty-four pages. It appears that there is slightly more fiction in the mix than straight gaming articles, but the zine is currently only into its second issue, so that could change.

The real gem from Issue #2 was a hilarious story based on a Magic: The Gathering(tm) due3 which unfolded from the point at view of the dueling mages. I'm still chuckling over that one.

You can get a sample copy of Catacombs by sending a buck to Hobby Quest, Inc., 604 42nd Street, Sarasota FL 34234.

Strategic Reserve

Publisher: Midnight Games
Editor: Shared Credit
Frequency: Quarterly
Sample Copy: $6.00

Strategic Reserve is a house organ for Midnight Games and supports its play-by-mail campaigns. Here, players can learn more about the worlds they are adventuring in, read newsworthy events, and brush up on new rules and developments.

I haven't had the privilege of playing Midnight Game's North Island PBM campaign, but reading through the magazine sure wet my appetite.

Of particular interest to me was the Rumormongers Round Table where rumors in the various campaigns are tossed around. Tidbits such as "The Dark King's tomb remains empty, but there appeals to be a search going on for his toys..." are intriguing to say the least.

You can get a sample copy of the zine for $6.00. On the surface, that price may appear steep, but the reader should know that the Strategic Reserve has no outside advertising. This zine probably wouldn't be of interest to non players. It you are considering playing a PBM game, however, this would be an excellent way to peek behind the scenes and see what kand of activity is taking place.

Send your check to Strategic Reserve, PO Box 280, Medford OR 97501-0019.

Last Province

Publisher: Last Province Publishing
Editor: Paz Newis
Frequency: Bi-monthly
Sub Rate: £ 21.00

Last Province is a pro-zine that hails from Scotland. I ran into the editor at GENCON and quickly wrestled a few back issues from him. I must say Last Province is an impressive magazine. The articles are original and interesting reading. Most issues feature an adventure, complete with player props and GM materials (nice touch). There are also some regular features that would make any editor envious. The last two pages are usually devoted to six generic NPCs for a wide range of genres, complete with an illustration and detailed background.

Another regular column that I found interesting is called Revenants which takes a look at games that are no longer in print. (Like Bushido, for example).

The editor of Last Province does a very admirable job of pulling together some high quaility material. One thing I really like about this zine is the player props for the adventures ran in the magazine.

Editor's Note: As I was writing this column I learned that Last Province has ceased publication due to financial problems. I've also learned that Atlas Games still has the first three back issues in stock. You can write to Atlas Games, PO Box 406, Northfield MN 55057, for more information.

The Scroll

Publisher: Sage Lore Press
Editor: William D. Tilman
Frequency: Bi-monthly
Sample Copy: $2.95

Here's an old favorite of mine that I feared had gone the way of so many other small press magazines. I'm glad I was wrong about its demise. Apparently, The Scroll changed editorial hands and there was a period of inactivity. I have been assured that this zine will be back on a regular publishing schedule soon.

The issues of The Scroll that I have average forty-four pages in length and have two-color, gloss covers. I'm not sure where the new editor will be taking The Scroll, so keep in mind that this review is based on past issues.

The Scroll typically has covered small press games. Regular features include fiction, how-to articles, an art gallery, new monsters and serial fiction.

Almost every issue has at least one adventure, usually for games that receive little press or support from the bigger zines. This magazine proves to be a great place to start your exploration of the world of small press.

You'll also find reviews and general interest articles from some well-known writers (such as Spike Jones, Michael Hopcroft and Robert Zimmerman).

You can get a copy of The Scroll by sending a check to The Scroll, 4401 76th Avenue West #12, Tacoma WA 98466.

The World Builder

Publisher: The World Builder
Editor: Ty Belknap
Frequency: Bi-monthly
Sample Issue: $2.00

The World Builder is a games magazine with a nice twist. As the names implies, this zine centers around the creation and detailing of fantasy campaign milieus.

Issues run around twenty-four pages with black and white art throughout.

The bulk of each issue deals with articles and maps detailing the editor's world of Barley. The remainder of the magazine is usually filed with short, interesting articles by various small press writers.

As I mentioned before, The World Builder is not your typical game magazine and is tailored to the tastes of a specific audience. If you love reading about new worlds and campaign settings, then this zine would probably be of particular interest to you.

To get your hands on a copy, send $2.00 to The World Builder, PO Box 576, Milton WA 98354-0576.