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| Dungeons & Dragons | |
 The original Dungeons & Dragons set |
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| Author | Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Role-playing game |
| Publisher | TSR, Inc. |
| Publication date | 1974 |
| Media type | boxed set |
The original Dungeons & Dragons boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson was published by TSR, Inc. in 1974, and initially comprised the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Its product designation was TSR 2002. This small box set contained three booklets, which included Volume 1: Men & Magic, Volume 2: Monsters & Treasure, and Volume 3: Underworld & Wilderness Adventures. Under the "Dungeons & Dragons" heading on the cover reads the following inscription: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures.
This set featured only a handful of the elements for which the game is known today: just three character classes (fighting-man, magic-user and cleric); four races (human, dwarf, elf, hobbit); only three alignments (lawful, neutral, and chaotic). The rules assumed that players owned and played the miniatures wargame Chainmail and used its measurement and combat systems. An optional combat system was included within the rules that later developed into the sole combat system of later versions of the game. In addition, the rules presumed ownership of Outdoor Survival, an Avalon Hill board game for outdoor exploration and adventure.
The "Monsters & Treasure" booklet contained some of the first depictions of the game's most iconic monsters, many of which were adapted from mythology, and various literary works.
Illustrations were provided by Arneson himself, as well as Keenan Powell, Greg Bell, C. Corey, T. Keogh, and David C. Sutherland III.[1]
This first set went through many printings[2] and was supplemented with several official additions, including Greyhawk and Blackmoor in 1975, and Eldritch Wizardry, Gods, Demi-gods & Heroes, and Swords & Spells in 1976.
Gary Gygax won the Strategists Club's "Outstanding Designer & Writer" for the creation of D&D.[3]
Awards
- Origins Awards (All-Time Best Role-Playing Rules, 1977)
- Origins Awards (Greatest Contribution to the Hobby 1967-77, 1977)
- Origins Awards (Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame, 1977)
- Strategists' Club Award (Best New Game, 1974)
- Pen & Paper (RPG Hall of Fame, 2002)
- Scrye Player's Choice (All-Time Favorite Role-Playing Game, 2006)
- Games Magazine (Hall of Fame, 1984)
References
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons (1974)". Pen & Paper RPG Database. http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showbook&bookid=2469. Retrieved 2009-01-17.
- ^ "Original D&D Set". The Acaeum. http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/original.html. Retrieved 2009-01-17.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons 3-volume set". RPGnet. http://index.rpg.net/display-entry.phtml?mainid=3000. Retrieved 2008-10-20.
External links
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