Appendix N: Literary Influence — The First Chronicles of Amber

A short dive into Roger Zelazny's Amber novels.

By R. Nelson Bailey

Roger Zelazny's The First Chronicles of Amber.

The First Chronicles of Amber is an omnibus of Roger Zelazny’s first five Amber novels: Nine Princes in Amber (1970), The Guns of Avalon (1972), Signs of the Unicorn (1975), The Hand of Oberon (1976), and The Courts of Chaos (1978). The series follows the scheming royal family of Amber, all of whom possess superhuman abilities such as strength, intellect, and regeneration. They dwell in Castle Amber, a citadel located on a demi-plane within the multiverse. Each family member can also travel between parallel worlds, including Earth, which is considered a shadow image of Amber.

The protagonist, Corwin, has been exiled to Earth and seeks to uncover who betrayed him and why. (The opening chapters of Nine Princes in Amber strongly resemble those of Philip José Farmer’s The Maker of Universes.)

Zelazny’s Amber novels are works of pure fantasy. Though they employ medieval trappings — mythical creatures, swords, and quasi-magic — they also incorporate modern elements such as cars, guns, and cigarettes. The prose is quick-moving and conversational, propelling the story forward with immediacy. Characters are sharply drawn, and the interplay among family members drives the narrative with energy and intrigue.

Though included the 1st Edition Dungeon Masters Guide Appendix N section, the Amber novels had little direct influence on Dungeons & Dragons. Few monsters, classes, or spells originate from them. The Trumps may have inspired the Deck of Many Things, and the concept of shadow worlds likely influenced spells such as the shadow walk and shadow monsters spells. Regardless, Zelazny’s work demonstrates how action, intrigue, and imaginative settings can enrich fantasy storytelling—qualities essential to creating memorable Dungeons & Dragons adventures.

Conclusion

Zelazny’s Amber novels may not have left a strong mechanical mark on Dungeons & Dragons, but their blend of myth, modernity, and moral ambiguity demonstrates how imaginative storytelling can shape the tone and scope of fantasy gaming. For players and game masters alike, the series remains a reminder that dynamic characters and bold ideas often matter more than rules or systems.

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