Phantoms of Fear
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| Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks | |
|---|---|
| Outline | |
| Location: | Khul, Titan |
| References: | 400 |
| Publication Details | |
| Author(s): | Robin Waterfield |
| Illustrator(s): | Ian Miller |
| Puffin | |
| |
| Cover illustrator: | Ian Miller |
| First published: | October 29 1987 |
| Number | 28 |
| ISBN: | ISBN 0-14-032411-9 |
| Previous Book: | Star Strider |
| Next Book: | Midnight Rogue |
| Wizard (Series 1) | |
| N/A | |
| Wizard (Series 2) | |
| N/A | |
Phantoms of Fear is a single-player role-playing gamebook written by Robin Waterfield, illustrated by Ian Miller and originally published in 1987 by Puffin Books. It forms part of Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone's Fighting Fantasy series. It is the 28th in the series in the original Puffin series (ISBN 0-14-032411-9). There are currently no announced plans to republish this book as part of the Wizard series.
Contents |
Creation
Edit
“ I only did one set of interior images, and as I recall this was also a trouble free experience. I didn't chase any more interior work after this and was never asked again after PHANTOMS of FEAR, so you can draw what conclusions you like from that.[1] ”
BackgroundEdit
“ How can YOU, humble Wood Elf, over-come the Demon Prince Ishtra?
A humble Wood Elf you may be, yet it's YOU the Gods have chosen to take on Ishtra and his gathering army of evil, chaotic creatures. YOU must penetrate this force before it becomes invincible. As a Demon Prince, Ishtra cannot be overpowered by weapons made by any Earthly race - even by the most magical sword of the High Elves - so what can YOU do against him?
Perhaps the Wood Elves' powerful art of dream-control could give you important advantages and allow you to cast spells at vital moments in your adventure ...
Two dice, a pencil and an eraser are all you need. YOU decide which paths to take, which dangers to risk and which monsters to fight![2]”
The player is an Elven prince who must journey alone through Affen Forest and defeat the Demon Prince Ishtra, who is threatening the kingdom. There are two ways to successfully complete the quest, which result in different final paragraphs. One is by collecting magic items to defeat Ishtra in the real world, the other is by combating Ishtra in the "dream world".
IntroductionEdit
The book in general follows the original rules set down in The Warlock of Firetop Mountain. (see Game System)
Unique RulesEdit
- Phantoms of Fear features an extra score, power (2d6 plus 6), which is reduced by one every time a spell is cast. power is also used in combat when the player sleeps and enters a "dream world" at various points in the book.
- The player also has the ability to cast spells, at a cost of 1 power point per spell. The following spells are available: Protect, Illusion, Weaken, Levitation, Finding, and Fire.
- The player begins with no Provisions.
Equipment ListEdit
- Sword Telessa
- Leather Armour
- Backpack
- Waterflask
- Choice of one of three Potions (see Game System for generic fantasy setting choices)
Cover and IllustrationsEdit
- Main article: Phantoms of Fear (illustrations)
Covers
The original cover of the book was designed and illustrated by Ian Miller.
| 1987 | 1989 | 1990 | 1993 |
|
| |||
| Dragon Format | Dragon No No. | No. Spine Only | No Bronze-Foil |
| £2.251 | £? | £? | £? |
- Price of 1st Impression
Illustrations
The interior illustrations were by Ian Miller. There were 30 full page illustrations and 7 minor repeated illustrations scattered throughout the text. The paragraphs with a full page illustration were: 1, 14, 28, 42, 56, 72, 85, 98, 113, 130, 142, 156, 171, 184, 198, 212, 226, 240, 254, 267, 281, 295, 309, 323, 335, 348, 362, 375, 386 and 398.
Intertextual ReferencesEdit
- Eric Rune-Axe says he lost his desire for adventuring after entering the Maze of Zagor, the setting for the very first Fighting Fantasy adventure, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.
Other MediaEdit
Main CharactersEdit
LocationsEdit
EncountersEdit
- Arctolyce
- Banshees
- Bhorket
- Cook
- Dark Elves
- Fog Devil
- Giant Bloodhawk
- Giant Scorpions
- Goblin
- Ishtra
- Komodo Lizard
- Morpheus
- N'yadach
- Ogre - Ferryman/Regular
- Orcs - Chaotic/Guard/Pygmy/Regular
- Prisoner
- Prowlers
- Quartz Golem
- Roots
- Sciacall
- Shapechanger
- Shikara
- Slime Monster
- Skeleton Spirits
- Squirrels
- Trolls
- Weevil Man
- Wild Boar
- Wild Man
- Wolves
Further NotesEdit
- The book has two different successful endings.
- The player is at one point during the adventure able to flip between the real-world and a dream-world, paragraphs marked by an additional * for real-world paragraphs and # for dream-world ones.
- Interestingly, the placement of the illustrations matches Masks of Mayhem with regard to paragraph numbers on all but two occasions.
- This is one of the few books where the character actually states his name, rather than being nameless throughout his entire adventure (see also Appointment with F.E.A.R. and Clash of the Princes).
Errors Edit
- (309) is flawed in multiple ways and will accomplish only that the player dies.
DedicationEdit
See AlsoEdit
ReviewsEdit
External LinksEdit
- Character sheet
- Fighting Fantasy at Gamebooks.org
- Phantoms of Fear at Gamebooks.org
- Phantoms of Fear at the Internet Archive record of the old Fightingfantasy.com
ReferencesEdit
- ↑ Interview with Ian Miller at the Internet Archive record of Advancedfightingfantasy.com
- ↑ Phantoms of Fear - Back Cover ("Golden Dragon" Edition)
