As has been suggested in the original thread, I'm posting a few photos of my burned collection to illustrate the damage, to partially document what I lost, and as a bit of proof that this isn't just some internet scam. Be warned, some of you might find these images a little bit disturbing.
Still with me? Okay, the first one is the collection sitting on its shelf. It's really a small collection. Hardbacks on the right here, modules on the left, and in the middle in the melted bags are some large-format comics (early issues of TMNT, actually). At the time this was taken, everything was frozen solid together and couldn't be moved at all.
A week later I was able to get most of it off the shelf and into plastic tubs, which I kept below freezing to minimize water damage. Of course, at this point it's a lost cause. This shot is inside the tub, showing part of the Q1 map, some other charred spines, and the edge of my orange box Basic Set.
This one shows inside the orange box. The blackened bit I'm holding up with my fingers is the box lid.
You can't tell, but this one's a Monster Manual.
Monster Manual, back cover.
Once the prize of the collection, a first printing D&DG with the Cthulhu mythos, in absolutely perfect condition. Now it's in less than perfect condition.
Some modules, showing the effects of water/ice damage. When the spines are charred and the covers all stuck to each other, the covers come off the spines. Try to peel the covers apart and the surfaces tear. Basically, water damage alone is enough to completely destroy a module because of the glossy finish on the cover.
A few more mods and a
DM's screen.
Well, that's enough carnage for now. What these pictures don't show is how bad everything smells, like melted plastic and wood smoke together. A few of the less damaged hardbacks might benefit from soot removal with a dry chemical sponge, but the smell will never leave them. Everything in this tub is basically garbage, the only reason I have it at all is to compile a list for the insurance. I'll post that list here when I've made it.
Okay, enoiugh sadness. Some of you here and at Dragonsfoot have been extremely kind over the last couple of weeks and have sent me lots of terrific books, modules, magazines, and kind words of sympathy. Despite the small size of my collection (especially compared to the rest of the house), you guys have responded with gauntlets of ogre power and a girdle of giant strength. Thanks a million.
