Dragonlance Hangout – January 21st, 2026

Welcome to today’s Dragonlance Hangout! This is a casual series where we discuss all things Dragonlance, from characters, to modules, to game editions in a relaxed conversation with the live audience. Today I am discussing the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, Holmes Edition. https://youtube.com/live/gWX0M7frBEA Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Hangout! It is Kirinor, Newkolt the 21st, and my name is Adam. Today I am discussing the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, Holmes Edition. I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga YouTube members, and Patreon patrons and invite you to consider becoming a member or patron. You can even pick up Dragonlance media or get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games using my affiliate links in the description below. Discussion DLSaga Anthology https://dlsaga.com/contributors/4,000–7,500 words preferredNotifications sent by March 1, 2026Holmes Basic Set https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2008/09/holmes-basic.html The Holmes Basic Set was published in 1977 and would be superceded by Moldvay/Cook Basic/Expert or B/X (1981) a revision and representation of OD&D for the mass market, supercedes Original Dungeons & Dragons (1974) an introduction to the then-unpublished AD&D game, and a unique game in its own right. draws select influences from other sourcebooks, including Supplement I: Greyhawk (1975), Swords & Spells (1976), the Chainmail wargame rules, and the third-party sourcebook Warlock https://dungeonsdragons.fandom.com/wiki/Basic_Set_(Holmes) color art by David C. Sutherland IIIcontents vary considerably depending on printing, but all include the 48-page rulebookThe rules only cover play from level 1 to 3. Spells are only provided up to level 2.From the Greyhawk supplement, it includes the thief class; variable hit points per class; and the hit point bonus for very high Constitution scores; the first-level Magic-User spells magic missile, shield, and ventriloquism; the second-level Magic-user spells darkness, magic mouth, mirror image, pyrotechnics, strength, and web; and the second-level cleric spells silence 15′ radius and snake charm.From Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, for which the Player’s Handbook had not yet been released, it includes the first-level Magic-User spells dancing lights, enlargement and Tenser’s floating disc; the second-level Magic-User spells audible glamer and ray of enfeeblement; the first-level cleric spells remove fear and resist cold; and the second-level cleric spells know alignment and resist fire.An individual initiative system has characters with highest Dexterity go first.The 3 for 1 basis rule is clarified to mean that one can lower an ability score to raise their prime requisite. Although Gygax would later assert that this was not the intended interpretation of the rule, it would influence further editions of the Basic D&D rules line.A two-axis alignment system is included, with alignments having both lawful-neutral-chaotic and good-neutral-evil. However, only five of the possible nine alignment combinations are evidenced in the text—lawful good, lawful evil, neutral, chaotic good, and chaotic evil. There is no neutral good, neutral evil, lawful neutral, or chaotic neutral.Parrying rules are included, likely from Chainmail.Early printings of the book included Dungeon Geomorphs Set One: Basic Dungeon (1976)Monster & Treasure Assortment Set One: Levels One-Three (1977)November 1978 onward, the box set instead came with a copy of the adventure module B1 In Search of the Unknown (1979)Later printings instead included B2 The Keep on the Borderlands (1981)It was edited by Dr. John Eric Holmes, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Southern California’s School of Medicine. Holmes was a D&D player, and it was he who first approached TSR in 1976 offering to write an edited revision of the game’s rules. TSR had originally envisioned the idea of a Basic Set prior to the release of Eldritch Wizardry (1976).publication date of July 10th, 1977sold for the price of US $9.50The Basic Set received seven printings between 1977 and 1980. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_Basic_Set The rulebook is intended for characters of levels one through three, with rules for adventuring in dungeons, and introduces the main concepts of the game;[2] it explains the game’s concepts and method of play in terms that make them accessible to new players ages twelve and older who might not be familiar with the rules and structure of tabletop miniatures wargaming. Although the Basic Set was not fully compatible with Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, players were expected to continue play beyond third level by moving to AD&D,[2][3] which was released beginning later that year. Holmes preferred a lighter tone with more room for personal improvisation, while Gary Gygax, who wrote the Advanced books, wanted an expansive game with rulings on any conceivable situation which might come up during play, and so could be ...