It was the first one I remember seeing and using. Chances are if you ran into someone playing a witch anytime after 1986 then they were using this class. Interesting that it was designed as an NPC class.
It was another update to the venerable witch from Dragon Mags #5, #20 and #43. While issue #43 had a great deal of information, Dragon #114 is known for the art. There was controversial cover and the use of Larry Elmore art as one of the witches. It was this issue that set the desire in my mind to have Elmore art in one of my books one day.
Like issues #5 and #20, Skylla seems to be a good fit for this witch. Like those witches the prime abilities for this witch are Intelligence and Wisdom. Charisma is still important since it determines the witch's starting gold.
The amount of magical powers this witch gets is much less though. Some the power don't really make a lot of sense, like a find familiar ability at 10th level.
Spells are more inline with the other spell casters.
Like most AD&D spell casters the witch starts out weak, but soon grows to be very powerful. Maybe too powerful for some games to be honest.
Skylla from Dragon #114
Again I am making her 7th level. If I had to name a Tradition for her it would absolutely be the High Secret Order Tradition.
 |
| Not exactly Skylla, but really close |
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 10
Intelligence: 14* (bonus 2 1st level spells)
Wisdom: 13*
Charisma: 12
Hit Points: 20
Alignment: Neutral Evil
AC: 4 (Ring of Protection +1)
Powers
1st level: none
2nd level: none
3rd level: Brew poisons & narcotics
4th level: Brew truth drug
5th level: Brew love potion
6th level: Manufacture potions & scrolls
7th level: Candle magic
Spells
First: Charm Man I, Darkness, Detect Poison, Give Wounds, Light, Magic Disk, Sleep
Second: Detect Invisiblity, Locate Object, ESP
Third: Calm, Lightning bolt
Fourth: Levitate
Magic Items
Ring of Protection +1, Dagger +1, Staff of Enchantment, Skull of Death**
Of course I am pleased with this build but that is no surprise. I played a "Dragon 114" witch till she was about 10th level and then rolled up a "Mayfair Witch", but that is a post for another day.
I don't remember the Witch class from this issue, but I certainly remember the cover (Giggity! ^_^)
ReplyDeleteI think TSR got in a little trouble for this cover, and toned down their 'sexy art' in future issues (and in the game overall by 3rd Edition).