The Dragon Magazine™ Combat Calculator

Welcome to DragonLance Saga Readings. Today we are reading the special attraction article The Dragon Magazine Combat Calculator by Laura and Tracy Hickman from Dragon Magazine #74, June 1983.

There is an updated version of this AD&D; 1ed Combat Computer on the Mage of the Striped Tower blog: https://mageofthestripedtower.blogspot.com/2012/02/ad-1ed-combat-computer.html

https://youtube.com/live/z_zUWAMj034

Intro

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga Readings episode! It is Misham, Frostkolt the 21st. My name is Adam and today I am reading the Special Attraction article The Dragon Magazine Combat Calculator by Laura and Tracy Hickman from Dragon Magazine #74, June 1983.

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all of the members of this channel for your time, attention and support. And remind you that you can always pick up Dragonlance gaming materials using my affiliate links in the description below.

Discussion

* Mage of the Striped Tower: AD&D; 1ed Combat Computerhttps://mageofthestripedtower.blogspot.com/2012/02/ad-1ed-combat-computer.html

One of the most complex and tiring tasks facing theearnest Dungeon Master in an AD&D;™ adventure is theproper and efficient resolution of melee. Combat is a blessingand a curse: On one hand, it provides the right atmospherefor conveying the thrill and the danger of theheroic fantasy milieu; indeed, without combat there couldbe no game. On the other hand, even the most experiencedDMs find the mechanics of conducting combat to be timeconsuming— even with all the pertinent charts, tables, and rules spread out before them — and players must waitto know the outcome while the DM is referencing andcross-referencing all of his charts and tables.Now, help is at hand. The DRAGON™ Magazine CombatComputer, reproduced on cardboard stock in the centerof this issue of the magazine, is designed to help theDM save time and prevent mistakes when determining “tohit” numbers for missile or melee combat. It’s easy toassemble, and almost as simple to use.

HOW IT GOES TOGETHERCarefully separate the sheet of cardboard from the rest ofthe magazine by pulling it gently away from the staples,or by prying up the ends of the staples, pulling the cardboardout, and re-closing the staples to keep the magazineYour Combat Computer will be stronger and morepages properly bound. The larger of the two discs is thedurable if you glue a second sheet of cardboard to theunprinted side of the magazine cardboard. Be sure theadhesive you use forms a tight seal around the outer edgebase, and the smaller disc is the plate.of each wheel, and around the edges of the windows thatare cut out of the plate. For even more durability, you maychoose to have the discs laminated after they are cut out.

Cut around the outside of each disc along the heavyblack outline, using a scissors and a steady hand. Then usea modeling knife, if you have one, and a straightedge toUse a sharp pointed object to punch a small “starter”cut out the gray blocks outlined in black on the front ofhole in the center of each disc. Then push a small brasspaper fastener through the holes to hold the plate againstthe plate. These holes are the windows through which thethe top of the disc. Turn the assembly over and spread thetabs of the fastener flat against the back of the base. Turnarmor class adjustments for various weapons are read.the assembly face up again and slide the discs around af...