Welcome to the next edition in Rediscovered Realms’ series where we unearth some of the coolest fantasy artwork from classic Dungeons & Dragons modules.
We’re taking this one all the way back to a D&D tournament from 1979 that includes some incredible illustrations by soon-to-be Palladium (and Heroes Unlimited and Robotech and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Rifts) RPG game creator & publisher, Kevin Siembieda!
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Back in a time when the Dungeons & Dragons world was a wide-open space, a company called “Judges Guild” came along to fill the void of what were then known as “play aids”.
Their highly detailed supplemental materials were old school fun, many of them full of puns and unconnected locales plopped down in stereotypical fantasy fable fashion. They rapidly gained popularity among D&D fans, but soon lost their luster as new, more realistic & integrated settings came to market.
Oh, and they created “City State of the Invincible Overlord” - the first ever published RPG supplement to feature a fully developed city environment!
It’s actually a pretty interesting story.
So what about that poor Elf maiden we see being hauled off by that ogre brute?
That’s where you come in, Brave Adventurer.
Enter “Operation Ogre”.
The official 1979 Pacificon AD&D 4-hour tournament dungeon.
“… it is built for speed and is a blood-and-guts dungeon in style rather than belonging to the problem-solving, more intellectually demanding type.” - Don Turnbull, review from White Dwarf #17
Thanks, Don. That’s exactly what we’re looking for right now!
“But what’s it all about?” you ask.
Let’s ask the king’s wizard, Esol.
“The Elven Princess “Soula” was out having a picnic 2 days ago with her 5 handmaidens and their escorts, when they were attacked by Ice Ogres and Bugbears. The escorts fought valiantly, but were slain, and the princess and her handmaidens were captured and carried off.
The king is very distraught at the capture of his daughter, and fears she will be slain before he can marshall his army and rescue her. So I, Esol, the king’s wizard, have summoned you here for an attempt to rescue her. By means of a a powerful spell, I am able to teleport up to 8 elves great distances. So I will teleport the 8 of you to the entrance of the cavern, where I have learned the Ogre’s lair is located. From there on, you will be on your own, as the spell will drain my energies completely.
You are to locate and rescue the princess and her handmaidens, inflicting as much damage on the Ice Ogres in the process as possible for daring such a foul deed. If you succeed, the king will reward you handsomely.
Have you any last Questions?”
-Esol, the King’s Wizard
Illustrated by Kevin Siembieda, Gerald Busby and Ed Perry, this JG-109 module really appeals to my old school tastes.
An Ice Ogre giving the old tribal trucker salute
Kevin Siembieda has a fascinating story and is one of the biggest RPG creators of all time.
He created/published: Palladium (1983), Heroes Unlimited (1984), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness (1985), Robotech (1986), and Rifts (1990).
In 2015 he was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame!
I was surprised that several of the illustrations (including the cover) were in color. That had to be a pretty expensive upgrade back then.
“Look Ma, no hands!”
Originally, Operation Ogre sold for $3.25 in 1979. That’s the equivalent buying power of $14.11 in 2024 dollars.
Swordsman: “Hey, wait a minute. That glove doesn’t have 6 fingers. I take it back - no need to prepare to dieeeearrrrgh!”
I also love it when little unrelated adornment illustrations pepper a fantasy work. Swords, rings, wands, helmed heads, daggers and duels are all ok in my book!
I couldn’t find any additional information on the artists, Gerald Busby or Ed Perry. If anyone here knows more, please share!
“Curses! Not again. I can’t remember if these are called ‘stalagmites’ or ‘stalactites’!”
And that’s it! Other than the crying princess at the end, that was a fun journey through this old play aid.
What do you think?
Did you ever play this or other Judges Guild products?
What’s your favorite illustration from Operation Ogre?
You are not only brave, but a Generous Adventurer whose love of Discovery, Imagination & Fun transcends our mere mortal coils . . .
Both will be released in select stores and nationwide on November 16th. The stout will have a gift set option that comes with a set of Dragons Milk dice in a wooden box that converts into a dice tower!
Well, our operation is over, you Stealthy Adventurer. I hope you were able to rescue Soula from those mean nasty Ogres and dry her hot Elven tears (before someone slips and hurts themselves.)
1st Printing cover. Do you prefer Soula with green hair or blonde?
“Saving one life may not change the world, but it changes the world for that one life.” - unknown
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“Rediscovered Realms We Explore” [Verse] Tales of dragons and knights Ancient forests full of lights Where the mystic whispers low Rediscovered realms we go [Verse 2] Swords and spells in vivid dreams Castles shine with moonlit beams Pages turned with eager hands Awaken warriors through the lands [Chorus] Rediscovered realms we explore Magic at every door Fantasy alive once more Rediscovered realms we adore [Verse 3] Artwork carved with magic hue Vision of lands both old and new Games where mystery unfolds In these realms our hearts are bold [Verse 4] Elders of the books we find Tales of old that blow the mind Movies where adventures start Touch the hero in our heart [Chorus] Rediscovered realms we explore Magic at every door Fantasy alive once more Rediscovered realms we adore
Wow, that is proper old school D&D art in that module. Don’t think I ever played that one but it looks great
Really enjoyed the song this week J.Q. and talking of songs, whenever I see Grendel it always makes me think of the epic 17 minute song by Marillion which is one of my favourites of theirs. The movie certainly has a decent cast so we’ll see how it goes. Also really looking forward to War of the Rohirrim. A new LOTR movie is always worthy of celebration 👍🏼
This was one of my favorite newsletters so far! Great old-school nostalgia!
Wow, that is proper old school D&D art in that module. Don’t think I ever played that one but it looks great
Really enjoyed the song this week J.Q. and talking of songs, whenever I see Grendel it always makes me think of the epic 17 minute song by Marillion which is one of my favourites of theirs. The movie certainly has a decent cast so we’ll see how it goes. Also really looking forward to War of the Rohirrim. A new LOTR movie is always worthy of celebration 👍🏼