Previous D&D Item   -    Return to D&D Core Rules    -    Next D&D Item

D&D Expert Set
1st Edition
Item code: TSR1012
Type: Fantasy Adventure Game
Release: 1981
Authors: Gary Gygax
Dave Arneson
Editor: David Cook
Steve Marsh
Cover Art: Erol Otus
Illustrations: Jeff Dee
Wade Hampton
David S. LaForce
Erol Otus
James Roslof
Bill Willingham
Format: Boxed Set
Rarity: Common
Value @NrMint: $25
ISBN: 0-935696-29-6
Cover Price: NA
Print Runs: 1st (January 1981)
Weight: 450 grams
Dimensions: width: 23.5 cm
height: 28.5 cm
depth: 3.0 cm
Collector's Arcana: The first edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Expert Set is notable for the iconic Erol Otus cover art. It contains a 64 page stapled & 3-Hole Punched Rulebook as well as the "blue colored" cover of X1: Isle of Dread. It also contains 6 dice and a dice crayon.



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."





Click Image to Enlarge

Click Image to Enlarge


Do you have questions, additional information or new research about this item?
We invite you to interact with other collectors in our Research Forums
Previous D&D Item   -    Return to D&D Core Rules    -    Next D&D Item

Impressum (Imprint)