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D&D Basic Set
2nd Edition ("Otus" Set)
Item code: TSR1011
Type: Box Set
Release: 1981
Authors: Gary Gygax
Dave Arneson
Edited: Tom Moldvay
Cover Art: Erol Otus
Illustrations: Jeff Dee
David S. LaForce
Erol Otus
James Roslof
Bill Willingham
Format: Boxed Set
Rarity: Common
Value @NrMint: $18
ISBN: 0-935696-48-2
(Basic Rulebook)
0-935696-47-4 (B2)
Cover Price: na
Print Runs: 1st (January 1981)
Weight: 475 grams
Dimensions: width: 23.5 cm
height: 28.5 cm
depth: 3.0 cm
Collector's Arcana: This edition of the basic set features cover artwork by Erol Otus - the art so distinctive that it often serves to define the set. Rather than being a later printing of the "Holmes Set", it is more accurately described as a Second Edition Basic Ruleset. It contains a 64 page, 3-hole punched rulebook, the module B2 Keep on the Borderlands and 6 dice as well as a dice crayon. Also contained is the catalog Gateway to Adventure as well as an RPGA Membership advertisement and a product survey.



Description (From the back cover)

"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. Reaches beyond your wildes dreams await you. You race forward to calm 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. 'What do you want to do now?' asks the Dungeon Master. 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 a D&D game is like writing a novel with each player contributing a part.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS fantasy game is the original 'role playing' game and now it is 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 desciptions 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."


  • Outer box (see picture above).
  • "Fantasy Adventure Game Basic Rulebook": booklet, three-hole punched, 64 pages. ISBN 0-935696-48-2 (also sold seperateley) (see picture at the bottom).
  • "B2 The Keep on the Borderlands": booklet, two-fold cover, 28 pages. ISBN 0-935696-47-4 (also sold seperately) (see picture at the bottom).
  • "Gateway to Adventure" 1981 product catalog (see picture at the bottom). 1068XXX1201 and 1068XXX1202
  • Dice and crayon (see picture at the bottom). 1068XXX1201 and 1068XXX1202
  • DRAGON advertisement, customer reply form, RPGA advertisement and RPGA envelope.




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Rulebook

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Rulebook Back

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