Classical D&D
While some people use Classical Dungeons & Dragons to refer to both the original D&D booklets from the mid-1970s and the various Basic, Expert, etc. Dungeons & Dragons boxed sets sold in the 1980s as a separate line from the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game, this site uses the term to refer only to the 1980s boxed sets (and the Rules Cyclopedia published in the early 1990s) and the adventures and accessories designed for them.
While some players of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons looked down their noses at this "plain" Dungeons & Dragons because the "advanced" part of the name held snob appeal for them, Classical D&D was every bit as good a system as the first edition of AD&D (and arguably better than the second edition). It just made different design choices and was designed to be learned in stages with new rules added as characters advanced. According to reports from TSR employees, it sold almost as well as first edition AD&D.
There were two major editions of Classical D&D. The first consisted of two boxed sets: a Basic Set by Tom Moldvay and an Expert set by David Cook. This version is often refered to as B/X or Moldvay/Cook. The second edition was written by Frank Mentzer and consisted of five boxed sets: Basic, Expert, Companion, Masters, and Immortal. This version is often refered to as the BECMI edition or the Mentzer edition. The Rules Cyclopedia, edited by Aaron Allston, combined the rules material from the first four Mentzer boxed sets with some new material (and some new errata).
CD&D Discussions
You can discuss Classical D&D on our message board in the Retro Fantasy: Gygaxian D&D board.
CD&D Rules
Classical D&D -- Obtaining the Rules
TSR kept the classical version of D&D in print -- in one edition or another -- from 1981 to the mid-1990s. While they are now out of print, copies are easy to get (and often very affordable) on eBay -- click here for more information on buying Classical D&D items on eBay. Copies in PDF format are also available for US$5 or US$6 a book or set -- except for the 1981 Basic/Expert sets, unfortunately.
Fan Rules Restatements
Fan "restatements" of older editions of D&D using the Open Gaming License and D&D SRD from Wizards of the Coast have become fairly popular in recent years. Two versions of the classical D&D rules are currently available in a "restatement/simulacrum" edition: Basic Fantasy Roleplaying and Labyrinth Lord. Both seem to be based on the B/X version of the rules. While they both have minor variations from the original TSR rules, both are so close that it is a no-brainer to run published classical D&D adventures with them. Both are available as PDF files for free or as low-cost print-on-demand version.
What Rules Do I Really Need?
The classical version of D&D has a number of rulebooks -- in several editions -- which can make getting started a bit confusing.
- The least expansive way to go is to just buy a copy of the Rules Cyclopedia. It cheap in pdf format and not very expensive as a used hardcopy and it contains everything needed to play or to run a game except a starter adventure.
- As an alternative you can pick up either the B/X version or the BECMI version of the Basic Set and Expert Set and have all the rules you need for years of adventuring.
- Finally, you can use either of the fan-produced "restatement/simulacrum" editions: Basic Fantasy Roleplaying or Labyrinth Lord. Either can be used with all the Basic and Expert level SD&D modules, although BFRP requires a bit more effort as it changed the way armor class works.
That said, I personally recommend either using the free Labyrinth Lord rules or just picking up the Rules Cyclopedia. Either is an inexpensive solution that is easy to use with all of the published modules. This lets you spend more money on adventures and campaign settings. (I'd pick up a pdf of B1 or B2 to start with and a pdf of GAZ1 to use as a setting.) Total Cost is under $30 and that includes a used copy of the Rules Cyclopedia hardback.
B/X 1 - D&D Basic Set
Basic Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1011
Title: D&:D Basic Set
Editor: Tom Moldvay
Published: 1981
Format: box, 64 page rules book, B2-The Keep on the Borderlands, dice, crayon
Comments: This boxed set was designed as an introduction to Classical D&D. This set covered levels character levels one to three. It was designed to teach players how to play and dungeon masters who to run dungeon adventures. Unlike Original and Advanced D&D, it had elves, dwarves, and halflings as separate character classes. While it was easy to move to Advanced D&D from this boxed set, it was start the of making D&D a separate system from Original and Advanced D&D.
From the back of the box:
Fire and smoke surround you as you swing your sword and land a mighty blow upon the dragon's head. The great creature crashes to the ground with a thud.
The treasure lies only a short distance past the dragon's body. Your eyes gleam. Riches beyond your wildest dreams await you. You race forward to claim your prize, heart pounding in anticipation. From nowhere a huge man dressed in black armor steps out in front of you, blocking your way. The treasure is no more than an arm's reach behind him.
"None shall pass!" he warns.
This is what it is like to participate in a DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Fantasy Adventure game is probably unlike any other game you've played before.
In D&D adventures players take the roles of elves, dwarves, halflings, or humans. They will wander through dark dungeons, meet strange wizards, and battle ferocious dragons. Playing D&D is like writing a novel with each player contributing a part.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS fantasy game is the original "role playing" game and it is now easier than ever to play. The rules are easy to read and understand and have been specially organized for new players. Anyone can join in a D&D adventure.
The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Basic Set has everything you need to begin playing D&D games. In this box are a rulebook, dice, and a special instructional module. In short, everything needed to start playing quickly, including descriptions of over 100 monsters.
So enter the Gateway to Adventure - step into the world of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS fantasy role playing game, a world of endless excitement and thrilling fun.
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B/X 2 - D&D Expert Set
Expert Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1012
Title: D&D Expert Set
Editor: David Cook
Published: 1981
Format: box, 64 page rules book, X1-The Isle of Dread, dice, crayon
Comments: This boxed set was designed to take Classical D&D character frojm 4th to 14th level and introduce wilderness adventuring to players and dungeonmasters. The included adventure, X1-The Isle of Dread, was an excellent introduction to wilderness adverturing (both on land and at sea).
From the back of the box:
STOP! READ THIS BEFORE PURCHASE.
THIS PRODUCT DOES NOT STAND ALONE. IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO BE USED WITH THE DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS BASIC RULEBOOK. IT CANNOT BE USED BY ITSELF! IF YOU DO NOT OWN THE DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS BASIC RULEBOOK YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THIS BOOK TO PLAY THE GAME.
The dragon's breath singes your cape as you dash down the narrow corridor, but miraculously you escape unharmed. A few more strides carry you out the exit of the dungeon and into the vast wilderness beyond. You hold your new prize high and the noonday sun glints off the blade of the great sword. New pinnacles of adventure and excitement await you! You are now ready for the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Expert Set!
The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Expert Set is an expansion, and adds variety to the D&D game system. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS games, the original "role playing" games, can be played by anyone with imagination.
The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Expert Set comes complete with dice, a rulebook, and a special instructional module. In short, everything needed to expand a D&D game, with a minimum amount of preparation, is contained within, including over 100 new monsters.
The rule booklet is easy to read and understand, and the rules have been organized into eight modular sections that can easily be integrated with the D&D Basic rules.
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BECMI 1 - D&D Revised Basic Set
Revised Basic Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1011
Title: D&:D Basic Rules Set 1
Editor: Frank Mentzer
Published: 1983
Format: box, 64 page rules book, 48 page book, dice, crayon
Comments: This boxed set was designed as an introduction to Classical D&D. This revised set covered levels character levels one to three. It was designed to teach players how to play and dungeon masters who to run dungeon adventures. This revision lacked the basic adventure included with the 1981 version, but included programmed adventures and other materials designed to make learning the game easy. This was the first box in a set of 5 boxed set designed by Frank Mentzer to take characters from 1st to 36th level and possibly beyond into the realm of the immortals with 36 additional levels. This was the standaard version of Classical D&D TSR used from 1983 onward. For some reason TSR gave this product the same item number as the earlier 1981 edition of the Basic Set. This made things very confusing.
From the back of the box:
"Your first step on the road to Adventure!"
This is a game that helps you imagine.
"As you whirl around, your sword ready, the huge red fire-breating dragon swoops TOWARDS you with a ROAR!"
See? You imagination woke up already. Now imagine: this game will probably be more FUN than any other game you've ever played!
The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game is a way for us to imagine together - sort of like reading the same book, or dreaming the same dream. But it's a book that YOU can write, without putting a word on paper - just by playing the D&D game.
This New Popular Edition has been completely revised to include ONE-PLAYER GAMES as well as group games for Players and Dungeon Masters. YOU can start playing RIGHT AWAY!
This box contains all you need to start having FUN:
- Programmed adventures for easy learning and HOURS of FUN
- The PLAYER'S GUIDE for beginning characters - with simple and expert combat rules, magic spells, and role playing tips
- The DUNGEON MASTER'S HANDBOOK - full of treasures, monsters, and dungeons
- All the Dice you need - Six different kinds included, with marker crayon
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BECMI 2 - D&D Revised Expert Set
Revised Expert Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1012
Title: D&D Expert Rules Set 2
Editor: Frank Mentzer
Published: 1983
Format: box, 64 page rules book, X1-The Isle of Dread, dice, crayon
Comments: This boxed set was designed to take Classical D&D character from 4th to 14th level and introduce wilderness adventuring to players and dungeonmasters. The included adventure, X1-The Isle of Dread, was an excellent introduction to wilderness adverturing (both on land and at sea). This was the second box in a set of 5 boxed set designed by Frank Mentzer to take characters from 1st to 36th level and possibly beyond into the realm of the immortals with 36 additional levels. This was the standaard version of Classical D&D TSR used from 1983 onward. For some reason TSR gave this product the same item number as the earlier 1981 edition of the Expert Set. This made things very confusing.
From the back of the box:
This box contains all you need to continue the Adventure:
Endless hours of adventures.
The D&D Expert Set for character levels 4-14, including more combat rules, magic spells, treasures, monsters and added rules for Wilderness adventures.
Module X1, Isle of Dread. A combined wilderness and dungeon adventure on a remote island filled with savages and prehistoric monsters!
All the dice you need - six different kinds included with marker crayon.WHEN YOU'RE READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES:
TRY THE DUNGEONS & DRAGONS COMPANION SETSpecially designed to expand your FUN into a whole Fantasy Universe.
Continue the Adventure with the D&D COMPANION SET - with more advanced rules, more treasures, more monsters - and MORE FUN!
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BECMI 3 - D&D Companion Set
Companion Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1013
Title: D&D Companion Rules Set 3
Editor: Frank Mentzer
Published: 1984
Format: box, 64 page rules book, 32 page book
Comments: This boxed set was designed to take Classical D&D character from 15th to 25th level and introduce many new options to the game system -- including player-characters as rulers of domains. This was the third box in a set of 5 boxed sets designed by Frank Mentzer to take characters from 1st to 36th level and possibly beyond into the realm of the immortals with 36 additional levels. This was the standard version of Classical D&D TSR used from 1983 onward.
From the back of the box:
THIS IS SET #3. TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THE COMPANION SET, YOU SHOULD
ALREADY HAVE PLAYED BOTH, D&D BASIC SET AND D&D EXPERT SET.FOR CHARACTER LEVELS 15-25
Players Companion - Featuring rules for unarmed combat, strongholds, and new weapons and armor. Plus more advanced rules and spells or your characters.
Dungeon Masters Companion - New rules or ruling realms and the clash of kingdoms. New treasures and monsters. Plus new adventures for your high-level characters.
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BECMI 4 - D&D Master Set
Master Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1021
Title: D&D Master Rules Set 4
Editor: Frank Mentzer
Published: 1985
Format: box, 64 page rules book, 32 page book
Comments: This boxed set was designed to take Classical D&D character from 26th to 36th level and introduce many new options to the game system. This was the last set needed to run campaigns with normal characters. This was the fourth box in a set of 5 boxed sets designed by Frank Mentzer to take characters from 1st to 36th level and possibly beyond into the realm of the immortals with 36 additional levels. This was the standard version of Classical D&D TSR used from 1983 onward.
From the back of the box:
Expansion rules for the D&D Basic, Expert, and Companion Sets
THIS IS SET #4. TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THE MASTER RULES, YOU SHOULD
ALREADY HAVE PLAYED D&D BASIC, EXPERT, AND COMPANION RULES.FOR CHARACTER LEVELS 26-36
Master Players' Book - Featuring rules for new weapons, weapon masteries, and sieges. Also includes more advanced rules and spells for your master characters.
Master DM's Book - New rules for anti-magic effects, mystics, artifacts, and campaigning. Plus new treasures and monsters, including creatures from other planes.
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BECMI 5 - D&D Immortals Set
Immortals Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1017
Title: D&D Immortals Rules Set 5
Editor: Frank Mentzer
Published: 1986
Format: box, 52 page rules book, 32 page book
Comments: This boxed set was designed to take Classical D&D a 36th level character who has completed a special series of tasks and quests and allow me to become an Immortal. Immortals were the deity-like figures in Classical D&D. As an Immortal, the character could be played through another 36 levels in a special Immortals campaign. This was an interesting idea. Unfortunately the rules were probably only understood by the designer, Frank Mentzer. After the Rules Cyclopedia was published, a revised and much more understandable set of rules for Immortals was published in The Warth of the Immortals boxed set. This was the final box in a set of 5 boxed sets designed by Frank Mentzer to take characters from 1st to 36th level and possibly beyond into the realm of the immortals with 36 additional levels. This was the standard version of Classical D&D TSR used from 1983 onward.
From the back of the box:
Expansion rules for the D&D Basic,
Expert, Companion, and Master SetsTHIS IS SET #5. TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THE IMMORTALS RULES, YOU
SHOULD ALREADY HAVE PLAYED D&D BASIC, EXPERT, COMPANION,
AND MASTER RULES.FOR IMMORTAL LEVEL CHARACTERS
Players' Guide to Immortals - Featuring rules for creating new characters and their form, abilities, powers, and home plane. Also includes rules for creating new artifacts.
Dungeon Master's Guide to Immortals - Introduction rules for Immortal level characters. Plus Immortal and other-planar creatures and a special pull-out Reference Guide.
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D&D Rules Cyclopedia
Rules Cyclopedia for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1071
Title: D&D Rules Cyclopedia
Editor: Aaron Allston
Published: 1991
Format: 304 page hardback book
Comments: This book is a bargain (especially in PDF format) as it contains are the rules for Classical D&D from the Mentzer Basic, Expert, Campanion, and Master sets in one volume -- carefully edited and organized into a single whole, including new rules for skills and talents. This is probably the best Classic D&D rules set available. There is a fan produced set of errata available: Rules Cyclopedia Errata & Companion Document,
From the back of the box:
Whether you're a player or a Dungeon Master, the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Rules Cyclopedia is now the comprehensive sourcebook you need for the original fantasy role-playing game! For ages 12 and up, the Cyclopedia contains the complete game system and hundreds of features including:
All the rules from the D&D boxed set series, including Basic, Expert, Companion, and Masters.
Guidelines to develop and play characters from levels 1-36.
Comprehensive lists of weaponry and equipment.
Expansion rules including optional skills and talents.An overview of the Known World and the HOLLOW WORLD game settings, the official D&D campaign world; and Rules to convert D&D game characters in AD&D 2nd Edition game statistics and back again.
Fully compatible with the new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Boxed Set, this volume allows players the full scope of fantasy role-playing from the dungeons to the Outer Planes. Now, more than ever, the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game is ready and waiting for you!
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D&D Wrath of the Immortals
Immortals Set for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: #1082
Title: Wrath of the Immortals
Editor: Aaron Allston
Published: 1992
Format: box, 128 page rules book, 96 page adventure book, 2 foldout Known World maps
Comments: This boxed set was designed to go with the Rules Cyclopedia. It replaced the old Immortals Boxed Set with a much easier to understand set of rules for immortals both as NPC "deities" and as player characters in an Immortals campaign. It also included a normal mortal level adventure "The Immortals' Fury" that would forever change the Known World setting.
From the back of the box:
Immortals. Warriors of the Outer Planes.
Wrath of the Immortals unveils untold secrets of how to play and create Immortals in the World of Mystara and other dimensions. The frightening power of the Immortals, their strange worlds and their secret alliances are revealed at last, but is it in time?
And then the final confrontation. In the name of the Immortals, the two greatest empires of the Known World clash in a brutal war. The world has gone mad... will both disappear from the face of the earth? Wrath of the Immortals amazing saga take heroes on a six year quest, with adventures from the apprentice to the highest levels of the game.
- Create new worlds, wondrous artifacts, and entire new races!
- Complete rules to create and role-play PC and NPC Immortals
- Details a host of awe-inspiring Immortals in the Known World, the HOLLOW WORLD, and the outer planes
- Reveals all on the mysterious Pandius, City of the Immortals
- Contains a 128-page referee's guide with Immortal-level spells, abilities, character classes, and monsters; a 96-page campaign saga covering the entire world; two new, updated poster-sized maps of the Known World and the empires.
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CD&D Adventures and Settings
A large number of adventures and supplements were published for Classical D&D over the years. Most are usable with any version of Classical D&D without major modification and can easily be used with Original D&D or First Edition AD&D with only a little effort from the gamemaster. The major exception to this is the Immortals modules which really only work well with the Immortals Set of the BECMI version of Classical D&D.
For the most part, TSR adventures for Classical D&D were divided into series based on rules set. B-series modules only needed basic Set rules, X-series modules required the Expert Set, C-series modules were for use with the Companion Set, M-series modules were for use with the Masters Set, and the above-mentioned IM-series modules were for use with BECMI Immortals Set.
Basic Set Adventures
These adventures were designed for use with the Basic Set -- character levels 1 to 3.
B1 - In Search of the Unknown
B1 - In Search of the Unknown for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: 9023
Title: In Search of the Unknown
Author: Mike Carr
Published: 1979
Format: 32 page book
Description: This package (a cover folder with maps and descriptive booklet within) forms a complete module for use with DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Basic Set. It is especially designed as an instructional aid for beginning Dungeon Masters and players, specifically created to enable new Dungeon Masters to initiate play with a minimum of preparation.
In addition to descriptive and situational material, this module also includes special informational sections giving: background history and legends, listings of possible monsters and treasures and how to place them, a list of adventuring characters, tips on various aspects of play for the Dungeon Master, and helpful advice for starting players.
Comments: This adventure was designed as a teaching tool for both players and dungeonmasters. Many rooms in the dungeon were intentionally left empty for the DM to fill in. There also was a lot of how to run an adventure advice as included. This adventure is a good first adventure (and a great tool for learning to be a dungeonmaster, but B2 was probably a better "first adventure" experience.
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B2 - The Keep on the Borderland
B2 - The Keep on the Borderland for Classical D&D
Publisher: TSR
Item Code: 9034
Title: The Keep on the Borderland
Author: Gary Gygax
Published: 1980
Format: 32 page book
Description: This module includes a cover folder with maps and a complete description booklet to form a ready-made scenario for Basic Dungeons & Dragons. It has been specially designed for use by beginning Dungeon Masters so that they may begin play with a minimum of preparations.
Within are many features to aid novice players and Dungeon Masters: legends, history and background information, a list of adventuring characters, tips on how to be an effective Dungeon Master, plus an interesting area for characters to base themselves in (the Keep) before setting out to explore the Caves of Chaos!
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