Wanderlust
First Post
I was just wondering what books were needed to play in first edition? And, are they findable on ebay?
1st Edition books...
- Thread starter Wanderlust
- Start date
johnsemlak
First Post
1e Player's Handbook
1e Dungeon Master's Guide
1e Monster Manual
All are available on ebay--do a search. Another option would be used RPG shops like Noble Knight Games or Titan Games.
That's pretty much it, everything else is optional (adventures, settings, more monster books, etc).
If you wanted something else, probably the best way to go would be a setting (1e Greyhawk Boxed set, or the 1e Forgotten Realms Grey Box, Dragonlance is also an option). More monstger books might be useful (Monster Manual II probably).
1e Dungeon Master's Guide
1e Monster Manual
All are available on ebay--do a search. Another option would be used RPG shops like Noble Knight Games or Titan Games.
That's pretty much it, everything else is optional (adventures, settings, more monster books, etc).
If you wanted something else, probably the best way to go would be a setting (1e Greyhawk Boxed set, or the 1e Forgotten Realms Grey Box, Dragonlance is also an option). More monstger books might be useful (Monster Manual II probably).
painandgreed
First Post
You could also look in used book stores. i know that lots of 1E books are in the ones around me for cheap. Besides the basic three, I suggest Unearthed Arcana.
Amazon.com has all of the main 1e core books (PHB, DMG, MM1, MM2 and Fiend Folio) as well as most of the supplements (Dieties and Demigods, Unearthed Arcana, Dungeoneer's Survival Guide, Wilderness Survival Guide, Manual of the Planes, etc.). Most of them are just as cheap as eBay without the hassle of bidding or PayPal transactions.
If you're being minimalist, you can play OAD&D with a PHB, a DM screen, & either a module or the MM. Or a PHB & a DMG.
Ideally, though, you should have at least a MM, a PHB, a DMG. The FF & MM2 & D&DG are good to have too. It's probably a good idea to be selective about using things from the UA. The unarmed combat bits there are much preferable to the DMG rules, but you can just wing it.
(I always liked MM2's create-your-own encounter chart stuff & its index that included monsters from the MM & FF.)
If you want NWPs, I'd probably just go with 2e rather than using the DSG & WSG.
I've never played a game that used the OA, so I can't speak to that.
The Dragon Magazine CD-ROM archive is invaluable. Also, drop by Dragonsfoot for downloads & discussion.
MM=Monster Manual
PHB=Players Handbook
DMG=Dungeon Masters Guide
FF=Fiend Folio
MM2=Monster Manual 2
UA=Unearthed Arcana
DSG=Dungeoneers Survival Guide
WSG=Wilderness Survival Guide
OA=Oriental Adventures
(As much fun as my OAD&D days were, I hated luging 6 hard bound books to each session. If I were to play OAD&D again, I probably stick as much as possible to the MM, PHB, & DMG. Or try to find those miniature versions that were published a few years back.
I really like my Basic & Expert D&D rulebooks. Thin & light.)
Ideally, though, you should have at least a MM, a PHB, a DMG. The FF & MM2 & D&DG are good to have too. It's probably a good idea to be selective about using things from the UA. The unarmed combat bits there are much preferable to the DMG rules, but you can just wing it.
(I always liked MM2's create-your-own encounter chart stuff & its index that included monsters from the MM & FF.)
If you want NWPs, I'd probably just go with 2e rather than using the DSG & WSG.
I've never played a game that used the OA, so I can't speak to that.
The Dragon Magazine CD-ROM archive is invaluable. Also, drop by Dragonsfoot for downloads & discussion.
MM=Monster Manual
PHB=Players Handbook
DMG=Dungeon Masters Guide
FF=Fiend Folio
MM2=Monster Manual 2
UA=Unearthed Arcana
DSG=Dungeoneers Survival Guide
WSG=Wilderness Survival Guide
OA=Oriental Adventures
(As much fun as my OAD&D days were, I hated luging 6 hard bound books to each session. If I were to play OAD&D again, I probably stick as much as possible to the MM, PHB, & DMG. Or try to find those miniature versions that were published a few years back.
I really like my Basic & Expert D&D rulebooks. Thin & light.)
Last edited:
rogueattorney
Adventurer
You should be able to get the 3 core books from ebay or other outlets for used books for $5-$10 each. TSR used very good bindings while printing those three books (not necessarily true of later hardbacks) so you will often find them in pretty good shape.
R.A.
R.A.
MonsterMash
First Post
I'd strongly recommend picking up the FF as well as the three core books as it has lots of cool creatures in it (this is where most people first saw the Githyanki, Nilbog, etc).
Probably also good to pick up a module or two as they are generally cheap and a good way to try out the game.
Probably also good to pick up a module or two as they are generally cheap and a good way to try out the game.
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