DragonQuest

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This article is about the role-playing game. For similar titles, see Dragon Quest (disambiguation).

DragonQuest
DragonQuest cover
Designer(s)	Eric Goldberg, Gerard C. Klug, David James Ritchie, Edward J. Woods, Redmond A. Simonsen
Publisher(s)	Simulations Publications, TSR
Publication date	1980 (1st edition)
Genre(s)	Fantasy
System	Custom

DragonQuest is a fantasy role-playing game originally published by Simulations Publications (SPI) in 1980. Where first generation fantasy role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons restricted players to particular character classes, DragonQuest was one of the first games to utilize a system that emphasized skills, allowing more individual customization and a wider range of options.

Character generation is much more involved than D&D, with the player using 10 sided die to determine everything from the character's race to handedness to the number of points they have to distribute amongst the primary characteristics (Strength, Agility, Manual Dexterity, Magical Aptitude, Endurance, etc.) which determine the character's strengths and weaknesses. Being able to control the value of these attributes enables for greater flexibility in character generation. For example, players seeking a powerful magic user can divert points to Magical Aptitude. Those seeking pure fighters can invest their points in Strength, Agility and Manual Dexterity. By carefully balancing these numbers, powerful fighter/mages are also possible.

The magic system in DragonQuest is different from D&D in that there are distinct Magical Colleges, with each one carrying its own group of spells and rituals. Player characters may only join one college, but anyone with a high enough Magical Aptitude value may choose to expend experience points to learn the skills associated with a college.

Any player character may choose to learn skills in DragonQuest. Vocations such as Ranger, Thief, Assassin, Courtesan, Navigator, Healer, Mechanic, Beastmaster may be acquired by expending the necessary experience points.

The weapons system is also different than D&D, with each weapon requiring the player character to have minimum character stats to wield certain weapons. Characters expend experience points to rise in proficiency, with special damage bonuses and the ability to "call shot" at higher skill levels.

The combat system requires the use of a hex battle matt and figurines used to represent the player characters and adversaries. Complex mathematical formulae utilizing the player character stats, strike chance with weapon and other bonuses determine all battles, sometimes making for lengthier combat periods compared to D&D.

Like Dungeons & Dragons, an experience points system is utilized that enables characters to increase their skill levels in spells and vocations, making their characters more formidable. As characters grow in skills and abilities, the cost to rise to higher skill levels increases, but the amount of base experience points awarded at the successful completion of an adventure increases as well. In addition, the Dungeon Master may award characters bonus experience points for valiant, clever or outstanding performance during gameplay.

Subsequent role-playing games that were strongly influenced by DragonQuest include Steve Jackson Games' GURPS and HârnMaster.

[edit] History

DragonQuest appeared in four editions: first edition and second edition, a revised second edition in conjunction with Bantam Books, and a third edition published by TSR when they acquired SPI. As of 2006, the game belongs to Wizards of the Coast, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hasbro, through acquisition of TSR.

The DragonQuest trademark prevented the Dragon Quest video game series from being published in North America under that title. In 2003, Square Enix registered the Dragon Quest trademark in the US. This trademark abandonment by Wizards of the Coast indicates that they have no interest in future DragonQuest publications.

The differences between editions lies mainly in the addition and subtraction of some magical colleges as well as some modifications to combat mechanics. Most DragonQuest players consider the revised second edition to be the best edition of the game^{[citation needed]}, but many faithful players have been known to combine elements from all editions, creating their own version of the game.