"?" about "The D&D Rules Cyclopedia"
- Thread starter daveb22
- Start date
tmatk
Explorer
I've only flipped through it. It's a big compendium of all the original DnD rules. I'm not sure where it sits regarding the different versions of the original rules, I imagine it represents the last iteration.
I know it has a section for converting between D&D and AD&D. I'm not sure if it accounts for 1e or 2e.
I know it has a section for converting between D&D and AD&D. I'm not sure if it accounts for 1e or 2e.
Glyfair
Explorer
Basic D&D, not Original D&D.
I know many who say if you have the Compendium and the Wrath of the Immortals set will give you the best set of BD&D rules. Others think there are flaws compared to some of the earlier editions of BD&D.
tmatk
Explorer
Remathilis
Legend
The Rules Cyclopedia was a collecting and reprinting of the Basic, Expert, Companion, & Master rules for Basic D&D (sometimes abbreviated BECM or BECMI for the fifth book, Immortal). As such, it collected the main rules for the "simpler" version of D&D running along side AD&D 1e and 2e. In it you find the following:
All in one hardbound tome.
IMHO its one of the best D&D books ever made, but it is its own system; not much you're going to be able to mine for another edition. It IS a good simple version of D&D, however, and is my favorite edition that I cannot play.
- Character Generation for the four "human" classes (fighter, cleric, magic-user, thief), three demi-human classes (elf, dwarf, halfling) and the two specialty classes (druid, mystic) from levels 1-36 (the max level for the human classes, the others had level limits far lower).
- All the spells for the caster classes (cleric, druid, magic-user, elf) for levels 1-9 (1-7 for clr/drd).
- a complex system of weapon mastery and a simply non-weapon proficiency system.
- Combat Rules.
- Exploration Rules.
- Rules for building and running a stronghold/dominion.
- Rules for Mass combat.
- DM procedures (a mini DMG)
- 60+ monsters (from lowly kobolds to the mighty ruler of dragons)
- an overview of Immortals and the Planes (further detailed in the seperate volume Wrath of the Immortals)
- Magic Items
- An overview of Mystara, the "default" BD&D setting.
- Alternate rules for DMs to use (like removing level caps)
- A conversion guide to 2nd edition and back
All in one hardbound tome.
IMHO its one of the best D&D books ever made, but it is its own system; not much you're going to be able to mine for another edition. It IS a good simple version of D&D, however, and is my favorite edition that I cannot play.
daveb22
First Post
Remathilis
Legend
daveb22
First Post
lol what!?!?!?
you wouldn't think so w/ all the ppl bisnitching about 4e
and i'm interested in all rpgs anyway, no matter what they are. i used to only play 3.5 but i'm branching out. maybe that's how other people are too. then again i'm younger and just got into D&D a few years ago. it was watching this site that branched me out
you wouldn't think so w/ all the ppl bisnitching about 4e
and i'm interested in all rpgs anyway, no matter what they are. i used to only play 3.5 but i'm branching out. maybe that's how other people are too. then again i'm younger and just got into D&D a few years ago. it was watching this site that branched me out
Last edited:
Henry
Autoexreginated
Yeah, the D&D Rules Cyclopedia is a great set of rules. It's one of those "If I could only have one game book on a deserted island" types of books, because it's so comprehensive on all subjects.
Whimsical
Explorer
There's a little information about the D&D Rules Cyclopedia found on Wikipedia.
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