 The cover of the 1981Expert Set rule book; cover art byErol Otus | |
| Author | David Cook andStephen R. Marsh (1981 version) Frank Mentzer (1983 version) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Role-playing game |
| Publisher | TSR |
Publication date | 1981, 1983 |
TheExpert Set is an expansionboxed set for theDungeons & Dragonsfantasyrole-playing game. It was first published in 1981 as an expansion to theBasic Set.
Having been told thatGreyhawk was reserved forAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons, Schick and Moldvay decided to use their own setting ofMystara specifically around The Known World area which resembled 15th century Europe.[1]
TheBasic Set saw a major revision in 1981 byTom Moldvay.[2] The overarching goal of the revision was to provide subsequent expansions to the game, each describing a specific set of levels of character development.[3] TheBasic Set described character levels 1 through 3, as had its immediate predecessor, theBasic Set edited byJ. Eric Holmes in 1977. The MoldvayBasic Set was immediately followed by the release of theExpert Set edited byDave Cook andStephen R. Marsh, supporting character levels 4 through 14.[4]The Isle of Dread was included in the set as an example of an outdoor adventure and setting.[5] The set included dice, and featured cover art byErol Otus.[6]
TheBasic Set was revised once more in 1983, this time byFrank Mentzer, asDungeons & Dragons Set 1: Basic Rules. Mentzer continued to revise and expand this system between 1983 and 1985 as a series consisting of five boxed sets, beginning with theBasic Rules, and continuing through theExpert Rules (supports characters of level 4 through 14),[7]Companion Rules (supports characters of level 15 through 25),[8]Master Rules (supports characters of level 26 through 36),[9] andImmortal Rules (supports Immortals – characters that have transcended levels).[10] The first four sets were later compiled as a single hardcover book, theDungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (1991).[11]
The MentzerExpert Set featured art byLarry Elmore, and was published as a boxed set with dice and two books: the 64-page Expert Set rule book and the 32-page (with an outer folder) moduleIsle of Dread.[6][12]
The10th Anniversary Dungeons & Dragons Collector's Setboxed set, which was published by TSR in 1984, contained the rulebooks from theBasic,Expert, andCompanion sets; as well as the modulesAC2,AC3,B1,B2, andM1, Blizzard Pass; thePlayer Character Record Sheets; and dice; this set was limited to only 1,000 copies, and was sold both by mail and atGenCon 17.[6]: 147
TheExpert Set consists of one rulebook and an adventure module,X1-The Isle of Dread.[6][12] TheExpert Set rulebook presents rules for characters of level 4–14,[7]: 2 and begins with an introduction to wilderness adventures and playing a long-term campaign.[6]
The rulebook is then divided into a Player's section and a Dungeon Master's section. The Player's section introduces rules for adventuring in the wilderness, as well as new weapons and equipment. It expands the spell lists for thecleric andmagic-userclasses, and introduces the concept of "reversed spells" (in which some spells may be cast with a result opposite to their normal effect). Because of their special abilities, the three demi-human classes are given maximum levels "to help keep all the character classes in balance":[7]: 3 dwarves,elves, andhalflings can only rise to 12th, 10th, and 8th level, respectively. When any character reaches a specified "Name" level, depending on their class, they are permitted to build a stronghold, and thus attract lower-level NPC followers.
The bulk of the Dungeon Master's section provides details for creating and running both wilderness adventures and a long-term campaign, including designing the home town and area of player's characters, and combat rules for various wilderness terrain. TheGrand Duchy of Karameikos is presented as a sample wilderness adventure area.[7]: 38–39 The lists ofmagical items and monsters are also expanded.
Players who want to continue expansion on their characters would continue to theCompanion Set.[6]
Aaron Allston reviewed the originalExpert Set inThe Space Gamer No. 38.[13] He commented on its place with theBasic D&D series, saying that "Overall, the Basic series is a good set of rules, but only as a series. A beginning gamer will findBasic D&D well-organized and playable, but so limited as to soon grow pale and vapid. WithExpert, the scope is increased to acceptable levels, with rules for adventuring beyond the dungeon – wilderness, aerial, naval, the world at large – but this doubles the investment required."[13] Allston also commented that "Expert D&D is practically valueless outside the series. It duplicated materials inOriginal D&D andAD&D, and breaks no new ground. Its use with other RPGs is questionable, except for the section on castlebuilding, which few other games handle in detail. It is, however, well-arranged and invaluable in the context of the series."[13]
Anders Swenson and Douglas Law reviewed theDungeons & Dragons Basic Set andDungeons & Dragons Expert Set forDifferent Worlds magazine and stated that "The newD&D Basic andExpert Sets should be a smooth introduction to the hobby of adventure-game playing for vast numbers of new players and an enjoyable addition to the libraries of experienced players. We recommend this version of the game over the previous editions, especially for beginners, because it is clearer, better organized, and more refined."[14]
Chris Hunter reviewed the 1983 edition forImagine magazine, giving it a positive review. He thought that, unlike the Basic Set, this was more of a re-organization and re-editing of the original material.[12]