So let's talk a bit about what is arguably the most unusual version of D&D - and one of the most historically significant to be published.

Commonly referred to as "Holmes Basic", the 1977 Introductory Set stood at a crossroads and for a very brief period was the sole complete version of D&D one could buy.

#dnd #adnd #ttrpgs #dungeonsanddragons #advanceddungeonsanddragons #tabletoproleplayinggames #garygygax #dnd #adnd #ttrpgs #dungeonsanddragons #advanceddungeonsanddragons #tabletoproleplayinggames #garygygax

Now, to be sure many hobby shops were still well stocked with D&D, the original set, the supplements, Chainmail, and so on. But the Basic D&D set broke with the extensive, multi-book Original Dungeons & Dragons.

Dr. John Eric Holmes, a neurologist, approached TSR about creating a D&D aimed more at a younger set than the older more wargames-minded players. He wanted something that his kids could easily pick up. He had already written articles about D&D, from a psychological perspective.

🧵 One of the best writing tools that exists out there for the beleaguered TTRPG creator - and I suggest, fantasy authors in general even if they don't game, is the Random Settlement Generator for 1e AD&D. It's in the Dungeon Masters Guide on page 182.

#dnd #adnd1e #garygygax Let's have a gander at the first chart, and determine the size of your castle. Is it a mere lonely watchtower? Or a vast, sprawling place that might rival a small town (a Keep...on a borderlands, perhaps?)

OKAY PEOPLE you've HAD ENOUGH REST. It's time to talk about...THAT BOOK. Or rather, THIS BOOK.

Buckle UP.

#dnd #adnd #dnd50th #ttrpgs #dungeonsanddragons #garygygax #advanceddungeonsanddragons People oft blame Gary for the dire straits that TSR got into, financially/business wise. It's indirectly true. The exogenesis of UNEARTHED ARCANA actually starts with DON KAYE. Alas I don't have a photo of Don to share, so here's his "Successors", Brian & Kevin Blume w/Gary

Your CHARACTER may be AWESOME but YOU MIGHT SUCK AS A PLAYER. This is the message of S1 THE TOMB OF HORRORS. Let's talk about this sucker.

Now hear this. Back in '75 or so, Alan Lucien showed Gary THE TOMB OF RA-HOTEP, a trap-filled, Egypt themed adventure: Simple and deadly, it inspired Gary to create a true challenge for *players* acumen. Not for *characters*. ANYONE can roll in with a 12th level "yes I really created him, and got all 18s on my stats <wink>" character. But how good are they at PLAYING? Enter Tomb of Horrors: