More European Basement Delving. http://nilisnotnull.blogspot.de/2013/12/basement-delving-french-connection.html

More European Basement Delving. http://nilisnotnull.blogspot.de/2013/12/basement-delving-french-connection.html

The Japanese B2 in my basement. http://nilisnotnull.blogspot.de/2013/12/basement-delving-japanese-borderlands.html

The Japanese B2 in my basement. http://nilisnotnull.blogspot.de/2013/12/basement-delving-japanese-borderlands.html

I received a copy of Holmes Basic for Christmas, and it's in shockingly good shape.

I received a copy of Holmes Basic for Christmas, and it's in shockingly good shape.  I almost don't want to use it, but … I will.  Anyway, I can't tell what edition it is!  I checked the Acaeum, but no joy.  The product number is F116-R, but there's no reference to Hobbits in it on page 11.  This seems to rule out True First, First, and Second printings.  It also seems to be a UK edition, as it's got prices on the back in pounds and pence, and promotes White Dwarf on the back.

The inside doesn't say "second print" but "2nd edition, November 1978," and shows the wizard logo and the GW fairy logo.

Is this edition weird and of interest, or just not catalogued on the Acaeum?

I got a #dagonite for Xmas:

I got a #dagonite for Xmas:
http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/The_Swamp_Creature

A challenge on Clerical Spell Books from Talysman the Ur-Beatle

A challenge on Clerical Spell Books from Talysman the Ur-Beatle 
http://9and30kingdoms.blogspot.com/2013/12/books-from-above.html

Holmes-mas is here. Please comment on the blog post; comments are disabled here.

Holmes-mas is here. Please comment on the blog post; comments are disabled here.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/12/holmes-for-holidays-iii.html

Found a quote by Gary about the UK version of the Basic rulebook. From a 2002 interview with an Italian D&D player:

Found a quote by Gary about the UK version of the Basic rulebook. From a 2002 interview with an Italian D&D player:

Q: Games Workshop printed in 1978 (there is a photo in "White Dwarf" #5 of some guests of Games Day III having in their hands brand new copies) an entirely original D&D Basic rulebook, using the original US text but with entirely new art and book design. It's one of the rarest D&D titles in existence, long thought a myth by American collectors... Did you ever see it? What was your opinion at the time?

A: That's going back a ways! Yes, I saw the work, and I approved. Ian and Steve convinced me that their audience didn't like the illustrations used in American versions of the game, so I gave them the okay to produce their own. I had a copy of the Basic Set rules, but it was lost when Lorraine Williams took over TSR, locked me out of my office, and seized and never returned most of the games and books I had collected and stored therein.
http://www.thekyngdoms.com/interviews/garygygax.php

We have entered into Combat!

We have entered into Combat!
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/12/part-13-melee-is-most-exciting-part-of.html

A poster at the Acaeum has turned the B2 Area Map into a hex map on the old Judges Guild tan hex paper.

A poster at the Acaeum has turned the B2 Area Map into a hex map on the old Judges Guild tan hex paper. It's a free download from drivethrurpg, linked from the Acaeum post. He also provided notes on which Wilderlands hex he has in mind for it.
http://www.acaeum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?cache=1&p=218365#p218365

The last part of Spells. The section on Evil Cleric spells is missing from the manuscript.

The last part of Spells. The section on Evil Cleric spells is missing from the manuscript.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/12/part-12-clerical-spells.html

I was just reviewing "Gygax on Holmes", and found these quotes from Gygax I'd forgotten:

I was just reviewing "Gygax on Holmes", and found these quotes from Gygax I'd forgotten:

"As it happened, I reviewed Eric/s ms. and put in the material I was creating for the new AD&D system"

"I was in charge of the ms. when it was turned over. That is how it came to have new material quite similar to the AD&D game--I was writing the PHB at the time, and I wanted D&D to have some of the new features of the AD&D game"

From these it sounds like Gygax himself was the secondary editor at TSR rather than someone else like Mike Carr or Tim Kask (From Tim's posts on DF I get the impression he was too involved with Dragon magazine at the time to be working on the Basic Set).
https://sites.google.com/site/zenopusarchives/home/holmes/gygax-on-holmes

Well, here's an interesting aside from Tim Kask while discussing OD&D and the advent of Basic (on an old Dragonsfoot...

Well, here's an interesting aside from Tim Kask while discussing OD&D and the advent of Basic (on an old Dragonsfoot thread here: http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=23223&sid=1a8cfd5dbad7defd204b4be7dd828a60&start=1020 ):

"From D&D to AD&D; There and back again

As I stated earlier, all seven of the little booklets must be considered what is now called OD&D. By this time it had grown fairly complex and was beyond the ken of some of the younger players we hoped to attract.

Gary and I, and probably Gary and others, had often discussed how to broaden our market. I had told Gary all of the Deathless Bob stories, and how he had other young teen friends that would have liked to come play with us "college guys". The problem with the younger set seemed to be that while there was no lack of willing potential new players, there was an absolute dearth of young DM wannabes. And that was certainly understandable; today good players still vastly outnumber good DMs.

At some point, Gary and Brian began talking to Holmes. How they hooked up with him I have no idea. All I knew was that I certainly didn’t think very highly of him for several reasons once I met him."

That last comment really makes me curious just what it was about Holmes that rubbed Tim Kask wrong..
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=23223&sid=1a8cfd5dbad7defd204b4be7dd828a60&start=1020

Part 11, covering second level spells.

Part 11, covering second level spells.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/12/part-11-book-of-second-level-spells.html

Cool Darlene map from ~1981, "Domains of Ancient Stuard"

Cool Darlene map from ~1981, "Domains of Ancient Stuard"

Found on Ebay, Collector's Trove auction (I have no affiliation):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Darlene-Print-Fantasy-Map-Domains-of-Ancient-Stuard-/121232336457

Part 10, covering first level spells. Magic Missile requires a 'to-hit' roll in the manuscript.

Part 10, covering first level spells. Magic Missile requires a 'to-hit' roll in the manuscript.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/12/part-10-book-of-first-level-spells.html

AFS #4 includes "Variant Class – The Burglar by Scott Moberly (written for Holmes Basic)".

AFS #4 includes "Variant Class – The Burglar by Scott Moberly (written for Holmes Basic)". Also articles by Jeff Talanian Chris Kutalik and Allan Grohe (grodog).

Part 9, covering covering casting and learning spells, making scrolls and saving throws.

Part 9, covering covering casting and learning spells, making scrolls and saving throws. Holmes' scroll rules are unchanged from manuscript to published!
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/12/part-9-zombies-are-poisoned-by-salt.html

Paleologos on DF has a great write up of his group's battle with the minotaur in the Caves of Chaos.

Paleologos on DF has a great write up of his group's battle with the minotaur in the Caves of Chaos.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1441597#p1441597

Desert Scribe of the Super Galactic Dreadnought blog (not sure if he is a member here) found an instance of Holmes'...

Desert Scribe of the Super Galactic Dreadnought blog (not sure if he is a member here) found an instance of Holmes' use of "order" for level that survived into the print rulebook, in the entry for "Dwarf".

After a bit of delay due to Thanksgiving, here's the next part.

After a bit of delay due to Thanksgiving, here's the next part.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/12/part-8-successively-deeper-strata.html

Wandering Monsters!

Wandering Monsters!
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/part-7-something-has-come-strolling.html

D&D Inspired '70s Rock comp due out next Feb.

D&D Inspired '70s Rock comp due out next Feb. Check out the dungeon map artwork - "The Evil Grounds of Billingsdail" looks like a Holmes-dungeon - there's a "START" on the map, the rooms are lettered with multiple "E's" (Empty), all of the magic items I can make out are from the Holmes lists.
http://www.spin.com/articles/numero-dungeons-dragons-bands-warfaring-strangers-stream/?utm_source=em&utm_medium=weeklynl&utm_campaign=103113&utm_content=article4

Part 6, covering Languages and the first part of 'dungeoneering': time, movement, encumbrance and light sources.

Part 6, covering Languages and the first part of 'dungeoneering': time, movement, encumbrance and light sources.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/part-6-fully-armored-and-heavily-loaded.html

Part 5, covering non-player characters & alignment.

Part 5, covering non-player characters & alignment.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/part-5-lawful-neutral-or-chaotic.html

Part 4, covering more sections on character creation.

Part 4, covering more sections on character creation. Some surprises here in the section on "Additional Character Classes"!
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/part-4-and-half-human-half-serpent-naga.html

Part 3, covering the character classes. The section on Elves has the most significant change so far.

Part 3, covering the character classes. The section on Elves has the most significant change so far.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/part-3-elves-must-decide.html

D&D Alumni Archive: OD&D Retrospective

Today's 'D&D Alumni Archive' column on Wizards.com is an OD&D retrospective by Shannon Appelcline, who has been writing the product histories for dndclassics.com. He places Holmes Basic as the last of the OD&D products.

Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying Game Official Home Page - Article (The (Not-So) Secret Origin of D&D)

The first copies of the boxed three-book OD&D set rolled off the presses in January 1974-and the re-release hits the store shelves this week. In today's D&D Alumni, we look back at the "original" edition of Dungeons & Dragons, including its first booklets and supplements.

Zenopus Archives featured in the D&D News section of EnWorld

My first post on the Holmes Manuscript was featured in the D&D news section of EnWorld yesterday.

http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?1369-LORDS-OF-WATERDEEP-on-iOS-PATHFINDER-Dice-Game&s=f9a4a267861dac3b6b4b1d30d74e063d

Part 2 is up. Nothing terribly exciting in the first sections. It's more remarkable how little was changed.

Part 2 is up. Nothing terribly exciting in the first sections. It's more remarkable how little was changed.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/part-2-fearsome-monsters-fabulous.html

Gary Gygax at work in his TSR office in 1976

Gary Gygax at work at his desk in his TSR office in 1976. From the last issue of the Strategic Review, April 1976, courtesy the 2 Warps to Neptune blog. I can imagine Gygax at this same desk sometime in the following year reviewing Holmes’ manuscript for the Basic Set rulebook.

http://2warpstoneptune.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/tsrs-the-strategic-review-april-1976/

Next post, with an overview of the document & covering the title pages.

Next post, with an overview of the document & covering the title pages.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/dungeons-dragons-for-beginners.html

ZENOPUS ARCHIVES: At long last!

http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/at-long-last.html

Save or Die Episode 82: Aurania series mention

My series on the The Manual of Aurania was mentioned by DM Mike on the most recent Episode of the podcast Save or Die, at about 23:00.

http://saveordie.info/?p=1006

A poster on DF asks "Why B2 over B1?"

A poster on DF asks "Why B2 over B1?"
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=63702

Dwarven Forge KS Dungeon Tiles

My son and I unpacked my new Dwarven Forge Kickstarter Tiles set last night and he had fun setting up a dungeon. I placed the figures: the white wizards are Reaper Bones, the blue party are early 90s TSR. I am impressed at the quality of the tiles: sturdy with lots of detail and they look great even without painting. This past Friday at my regular game night the DM used his set for a combat but I forgot to take pics.

Noble Knight is having their Fall sale & The Maze of Peril is 10% off = $8.96 plus shipping.

Noble Knight is having their Fall sale & The Maze of Peril is 10% off = $8.96 plus shipping. They have 10 copies in stock right now.
http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147463148_A_InventoryID_E_2148017431_A_ProductLineID_E_2137426514_A_ManufacturerID_E_2145086152_A_CategoryID_E_16_A_GenreID_E_

D&D article in 1980 issue of Dynamite

Tony Rowe wrote:

Holmes Basic rulebook spotted in the hands of a girl (!) in this article about D&D from a 1980 issue of Dynamite Magazine.

"The new game did not catch on - mainly because no one could understand the rules. But in 1976, a new version of D&D appeared, and it really took off." That publishing date should read 1977, of course.

Originally spotted at: http://www.thiel-a-vision.com/?p=6894

9-page Basic level module written and illustrated by Jeff Dee, formerTSR artist.

9-page Basic level module written and illustrated by Jeff Dee, former TSR artist. This was a Kickstarter bonus, now available as a pdf on RPGNow for $2.95. I haven't bought it (yet), but it looks good from the 3 page preview, which includes the introduction.
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/119609/JD1-Cess-Pit-of-the-Bog-Mother

DMG signed by Gygax sold this past week for $4500 on Ebay.

DMG signed by Gygax sold this past week for $4500 on Ebay.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-jim-lamb-dmg.html

Thanks to Michael Thomas I was able to look at a copy of issue #4 (1978) of the Runequest zine, Wyrm's Footnotes.

Thanks to Michael Thomas I was able to look at a copy of issue #4 (1978) of the Runequest zine, Wyrm's Footnotes. On page 4, I found a list of the first fifty people who purchased the game Nomad Gods, and it includes a one "J E Holmes, Los Angeles CA". I just checked and Holmes mentions Wyrm's Footnotes and Nomad Gods in the section on Runequest in his FRPG book.

Field Guide to the Little People

I found this book recently at a library sale. It's an encyclopedia of "little people" with a European focus, the author is German. The blog linked below has more pics from the interior. It was first published in 1977, same year as Holmes Basic and the Monster Manual. And it's still in print, though with different illustrations.

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Little-People-Not-So-Mythical/dp/0738715492

http://dreamshappythings.blogspot.com/2011/03/field-guide-to-little-people.html

New blog, a few months old, by a gamer who started with Holmes Basic.

New blog, a few months old, by a gamer who started with Holmes Basic. This post includes a pdf of a character sheet for Holmes.
http://smolderingwizard.com/2013/11/02/holmes-basic-dd-and-a-new-character-sheet/

Post compiling pics and links for the upcoming Original D&D reprint.

Post compiling pics and links for the upcoming Original D&D reprint.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/11/od-reprint-previews.html

Cool Teacher, Sad Story:

Cool Teacher, Sad Story:

"Early 1980s. As part of a Gifted Education Program at my grade school. Our teacher used Holmes Basic D&D to teach us teamwork and critical thinking. Sadly, I think she later got fired for that (it was at the zenith of the Satanic Panic era)."
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?706871-When-and-how-did-you-learn-to-play-D-amp-D&p=17315974#post17315974

Some lunchtime pics for y'all

Originally shared by Wayne's Books

Some lunchtime pics for y'all

Ebay auction for a copy of Holmes' FRPG book, signed with a message to Robert Weinberg, editor/author.

Ebay auction for a copy of Holmes' FRPG book, signed with a message to Robert Weinberg, editor/author. It's out of my price range, $100 min bid. No pic of the inscription, but the auction states that it reads:

"To Bob Weinberg from one of his Loyal customers, with all best Wishes, John Eric Holmes".

Here's the Wiki page for Robert Weinberg:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Weinberg_%28author%29

Looks like in the 70s he edited several horror compilations, published a zine called Pulp about pulp magazines, and wrote a book about Weird Tales magazine in 1977.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131032166571

Random Wizard: B2 Overland Map Zoom and Flyby

Original Link:
http://randomwizard.blogspot.ca/2013/10/b2-overland-map-zoom-and-flyby.html

Zenopus Note: There doesn't appear to be a corresponding post at the new blog at kirith.com, or a backup on the Internet Archive.

My B1 hack is ready to rock this Sunday.

My B1 hack is ready to rock this Sunday. I hope my "new-to-old-school" players are ready for things to get very, very wierd. 

Originally shared by Adam Muszkiewicz

Did you want more info on my B1 hack? No? Too bad!

Ben Djarum Zach Howard

"Hallowmoor" - Halloween interactive fiction.

"Hallowmoor" - Halloween themed interactive fiction. Like Zork, but hypertext based.

http://www.sidneymerk.com/hallowmoor/hallowmoor.html

Some inspiration for Halloween.

Some inspiration for Halloween.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/danse-macabre-filmstrip-1963.html

Holmes box lid

Originally shared by Wayne's Books

Got this D&D Holmes box lid, one side flap is totally gone, the rest barely hanging on. Yet the cover art is in pretty decent shape... Hmmm, thinking it will look nice framed in my office!

Some ideas for using Dexterity-based initiative.

1976 D&D ad using the Eldritch Wizardry cover art, ran in Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine, scan courtesy...

1976 D&D ad using the Eldritch Wizardry cover art, ran in Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine, scan courtesy BNagata at the Acaeum.

"You Enter a World of Swords & Sorcery ... when you adventure into the strange and fantastic places awaiting in Dungeons & Dragons"
http://www.acaeum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?cache=1&p=216945#p216945

1978 ad for Holmes Basic that I hadn't see before, from Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine.

1978 ad for Holmes Basic that I hadn't see before, from Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine.
http://www.acaeum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?cache=1&p=216950#p216950

For discussion: do we even need initiative in Holmes Basic?

For discussion: do we even need initiative in Holmes Basic? Is it just a time suck? Would it make everything faster to just use something like "simultaneous initiative" where every one gets a turn to go, even if they die that round?

Giants Hogs were one of the Original D&D wandering monsters.

Giants Hogs were one of the Original D&D wandering monsters.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-giant-hogs-of-greyhawk-and-blackmoor.html

Comparison of the Wandering Monster Tables in OD&D and Holmes.

Comparison of the Wandering Monster Tables in OD&D and Holmes.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/basic-level-monster-tables-1974-1978.html

A scan of the Wandering Monster Table from the 1st print rulebook.

A scan of the Wandering Monster Table from the 1st print rulebook.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/wandering-monster-table-1st-print.html

Dragonsfoot thread on modifying/expanding B2.

Dragonsfoot thread on modifying/expanding B2.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=63399

Aeons & Augauries has a d100 table of dungeon vermin incorporating manyof my 1 HP monsters...

Aeons & Augauries has a d100 table of dungeon vermin incorporating many of my 1 HP monsters (http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/02/one-hit-point-monsters_23.html)

Low-Life Encounter Table (Version-1)

Here's a low-life encounter table meant to fill-out a dungeon with a bunch of minor encounters to have a dungeon teeming with a host of critters but not all party killers.

Some comparisons of Holmes and Moldvay for fighting-men.

Zenopus Archives, Advertisement for GEN CON XI, August ‘78 from The...

http://zenopusarchives.tumblr.com/post/63918094576/advertisement-for-gen-con-xi-august-78-from-the

The artwork for the original cover of B1 is credited to Sutherland & Trampier, but it was derived from an earlier...

The artwork for the original cover of B1 is credited to Sutherland & Trampier, but it was derived from an earlier cartoon by Trampier:
http://zenopusarchives.tumblr.com/post/63818646502/top-dave-trampiers-original-mushroom-garden

Dungeon/Basic Set ad from 1978 with cool Trampier artwork.

Dungeon/Basic Set ad from 1978 with cool Trampier artwork.
http://zenopusarchives.tumblr.com/post/63723599666/youll-be-amazed-tsr-ad-for-the-dungeon

I've added a Zenopus Archives Tumblr. This post is the first Basic Set advertisement that ran in Dragon magazine.

I've added a Zenopus Archives Tumblr. This post is the first Basic Set advertisement that ran in Dragon magazine.
http://zenopusarchives.tumblr.com/post/63657807711/the-first-advertisement-for-the-first-d-d-basic

Sidhe class for OD&D from the Manual of Aurania (1977)

Sidhe class for OD&D from the Manual of Aurania (1977)
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/sidhe-aurania.html

A variation on Holmes initiative using Move instead of DEX.

"polyhedra die" by Eric Harshbarger

"polyhedra die" by Eric Harshbarger

http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_MAY_2011.html

http://www.ericharshbarger.org/dice/

I found a blog that discusses the history of dice by The Armory.

I found a blog that discusses the history of dice by The Armory. The "A" dice (with an "A" replacing a "1") were their earliest dice. They were "low impact" like the TSR dice.

Please welcome Eric Harshbarger

Please welcome Eric Harshbarger, puzzle/game designer & lego sculptor. He's the one who asked me about The Armory dice with the letter "A".
http://www.ericharshbarger.org/

New update by 'pjork' to this old Dragonsfoot thread, with some creative new monsters, written up in minimally in...

New update by 'pjork' to this old Dragonsfoot thread, with some creative new monsters, written up in minimally in OD&D style:
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=29114&p=1424363#p1424347

Blog post about Sutherland's customized Saurians.

Blog post about Sutherland's customized Saurians. They are now with a miniature collector who will appreciate them and has posted many photos on his blog, The Lead Dragon. #dcsIII
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/dcsiii-customized-saurians.html

d20 with an "A" instead of a "1"

I received a query about these dice which came with a Holmes set bought in 1980. They have the letter 'A' in place of the number 1. The d20 is 0-9 twice, but one of the 1's is an 'A'. Anybody ever see these before or know who made them? Armory?

Random Wizard: Gygax's CastleGreyhawk vs TSR's Geomorphs.

Random Wizard notes the similarity in the style of Gygax's Castle Greyhawk to TSR's Geomorphs.

Original Link:
http://randomwizard.blogspot.com/2013/10/castle-greyhawk-caverns.html

Now at:
https://www.kirith.com/random-wizard/articles/castle-greyhawk-caverns.html

An early review of the UK edition of the Holmes Basic Set from a Jan '78 Diplomacy zine.

An early review of the UK edition of the Holmes Basic Set from a Jan '78 Diplomacy zine.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/holmes-basic-review-gallimaufry-12.html

Post by Talysman the Ur-Beatle (member here) from yesterday.

Post by Talysman the Ur-Beatle (member here) from yesterday. See also today's follow-up post, which I left a comment to:

http://9and30kingdoms.blogspot.com/2013/10/post-lbb-d-as-house-rules-documents.html
http://9and30kingdoms.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-i-like-about-holmes.html

1st print D&D Holmes edition rulebook

Originally shared by Wayne's Books

1st print D&D Holmes edition rulebook

Found this going through the game parts and pieces in our Boneyard. [No, it's not for sale.] The very first print of the Dungeons and Dragons blue rulebook has:
* TSR's lizardman logo
* 1977 copyright
* soon-to-be-dropped F116-R product code (all subsequent printings went to a 2001 code)
* "T.M. Reg. app. for" (still getting the Dungeons and Dragons trademark registered).
* Page 11 has references to Hobbits that were dropped from later printings.

Our RPG Reference site D&D page: http://waynesbooks.com/DungeonsDragons.html
Printing info can be found at the Acaeum: http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/basic.html

An OD&D Grue from the Manual of Aurania. This predates the Grue in Zork.

An OD&D Grue from the Manual of Aurania. This predates the Grue in Zork.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/grue-aurania.html

Shannon Appelcline has written a summary of the product histories he's written so far for the dndclassics pdfs.

Shannon Appelcline has written a summary of the product histories he's written so far for the dndclassics pdfs.
http://www.rpg.net/columns/designers-and-dragons/designers-and-dragons26.phtml

1978 D&D article from a Long Beach CA newspaper, though the author is Associated Press so it may have run elsewhere.

1978 D&D article from a Long Beach CA newspaper, though the author is Associated Press so it may have run elsewhere. Doesn't mention the Basic Set but has other interesting info, inc sales data from the time period.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/10/1978-ap-d-article.html

Here's a great write-up by order99 on Dragonsfoot about how he expanded Holmes himself when he didn't have access to...

Here's a great write-up by order99 on Dragonsfoot about how he expanded Holmes himself when he didn't have access to any other D&D manuals. Lots of creative solutions.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1421299#p1421299

Downloaded Mazes & Perils (thanks for the link folks!) and gave a it quick skim.

Downloaded Mazes & Perils (thanks for the link folks!) and gave a it quick skim. Interesting to see what was included and what was not rules-wise. You've got your standard abilities and four player character races. Exceptional strength similar to AD&D was in there, which surprised me a bit. Race as class is out, with AD&D style class options and level limits. Initiative is Holmes style, by DEX. Options are included for variable HD types for classes, variable weapon damage (standard is everything does 1d6), and rolling dice for initiative rather than using DEX. Interesting approach, will have to give it a closer read when I get a chance.

Question for the collective.

Question for the collective.. There have been OSR adaptations of nearly every version of D&D ever released (Labyrinth Lord for B/X, OSRIC for AD&D, etc.) but I have yet to see an OSR adaptation of Holmes. Have I just not run across it, or does one not exist? If not, any theories why? (beyond the obvious that Holmes only covered lvls 1-3, and thus saw considerably less long term play)

Appendix N article on Black Gate

Thomas Bulfinch

"Appendix N" thoughts by James M, with a focus on the list in Moldvay, though Holmes is mentioned too.

http://www.blackgate.com/2013/09/24/sea-change/

Overview of the Manual of Aurania, 1977 non-TSR supplement for OD&D with new classes & monsters.

Overview of the Manual of Aurania, 1977 non-TSR supplement for OD&D with new classes & monsters.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-manual-of-aurania-1977.html

Magira Random Names

Daniel Boggs (Dragons at Dawn, Champions of ZED) adapted the Random Names table to generate names based on Magira, a German shared world for wargaming dating back to the '60s.

http://boggswood.blogspot.com/2013/09/random-names-magira-style.html

Today's post is a transcription of a new class for OD&D, Beornings, from the 1977 non-TSR publication, The Manual of...

Today's post is a transcription of a new class for OD&D, Beornings, from the 1977 non-TSR publication, The Manual of Aurania. Posted with the original author's permission.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/beornings.html

Last week I had some down time and read through my copies of Holmes Basic, Moldvay Basic and the old Monster &...

Last week I had some down time and read through my copies of Holmes Basic, Moldvay Basic and the old Monster & Treasure Assortment (the final level 1-9 compilation version). Given its roughly contemporary publication date to Holmes (the original 3 booklets in 1977-78, the compilation in 1980), I figured the M&TA could make a good resource for a Holmes DM looking to quickly stock a dungeon a la B1.
One interesting thing I noticed about the 1980 M&TA compilation - it mixes monsters from several versions of the game. There are listings for crab spiders and caecilia (which I only recall being present in B/X), but also demons on the lower levels (only present in OD&D/Eldritch Wizardry and AD&D1e). I guess you could say that compilation had little something for everybody , or at least every edition available at that time.

An idea for a D&D campaign in the eastern portion of Middle-Earth. Posted as part of Tolkien Week.

An idea for a D&D campaign in the eastern portion of Middle-Earth. Posted as part of Tolkien Week.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-endless-caverns-of-tu.html

TSR OD&D Character Sheet from 1977

Here's a large-sized scan of the TSR OD&D Character Sheet from 1977 posted in a thread on the Acaeum. Of note are the AD&D-isms: AC10, Weapon Speed Factor, Wisdom Adj. I believe these were not explained until the Player's Handbook was released the following year (Jun 1978 per the Acaeum).

http://www.acaeum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?cache=1&p=215751#p215751

Tolkien week continues...

Tolkien week continues...
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/tolkien-lives-at-waldenbooks.html

Please welcome Paul Fini of the Warlock's Home Brew blog. Some material from his blog was posted here a few days ago.

ZENOPUS ARCHIVES: Hobbit Day 2013

http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/hobbit-day-2013.html

Last night I finished the first draft of Part 7: Treasures.

Last night I finished the first draft of Part 7: Treasures. That means I am now on the last chapter, Part 8: Campaigns. This chapter will be about designing adventures in the Underworld, the Wilderness, and the Realm. There will also be a slice of advice for referees on campaigns, house rules, character advancement, and the like. This, of all chapters, will be interesting to write because it relies very little on the d20 SRD or the original rules. It will, however, draw on Holmes's ideas on creating a fantasy life in a game without end.

Okay, before I get too excited, I know that the first draft is just the start of a lot of work - there is the first edit, the proofreading, the re-writing, the continuity checking - and that's even before we get to layout. But at least the end is in sight, and once layout is done I will be able to get quotations for artwork and see about setting up that Indiegogo for funding the same.

Which brings to mind a question, do any of you have any pointers with regard to making that all-important Indiegogo video? I must admit to complete ignorance on that front.

I take a look at TSR's advertising in Boy's Life magazine in the late '70s and early '80s.

I take a look at TSR's advertising in Boy's Life magazine in the late '70s and early '80s. Many of the ads are for Holmes Basic.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/tsr-ads-in-boys-life-1977-1982.html

Arrr............

Arrr............
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/talk-like-corsair.html

Warlock's Homebrew blog

You guys may have already ran across this site, but he's got a couple of good pages on why he has a thing for Holmes as well as a Skull Mountain style side cutaway view of his expanded Sample Dungeon: http://warlockshomebrew.blogspot.com/2012/08/why-holmes-sample-dungeon.html  and http://warlockshomebrew.blogspot.com/2012/03/zenopus-tower-cut-away.html

New Kothar and Kyrik blog

New blog by James Mishler dedicated to Gar Fox's Kothar and Kyrik books. Holmes mentioned Fox in a short list of authors in the "Dungeon Mastering as a Fine Art" section of the Basic rulebook.

kotharandkyrik.blogpost.com

2019 update: No longer exists, but can be found on the Internet Archive. Only two posts seem to have been made.

https://web.archive.org/web/20140223101352/http://kotharandkyrik.blogspot.com

This brings to mind the ape in the iron cage in the thaumaturgist's tower in the Sample Dungeon.

This brings to mind the ape in the iron cage in the thaumaturgist's tower in the Sample Dungeon. The article even mentions "clerics" keeping apes to show off the church's prosperity.
http://www.medievalists.net/2013/09/18/preventing-monkey-business-fettered-apes-in-the-middle-ages/

A Biblical "Skull Mountain":

A Biblical "Skull Mountain":

"Golgotha is referred to in early writings as a hill resembling a skullcap located very near to a gate into Jerusalem. A spot there is called Golgotha, - of old the fathers' earlier tongue thus called its name, "The skull-pan of a head". Since the 6th century it has been referred to as the location of a mountain, and as a small hill since 333"  #skullmountain
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golgotha

A campaign journal by Paleologos.

A campaign journal by Paleologos.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1414701#p1414701

I've been blogging for two years now.

I've been blogging for two years now.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/09/zenopus-archives-year-two.html

The coolest Halloween costume in 1984? Warduke!

The coolest Halloween costume in 1984? Warduke!

From a catalog scan posted on the 2 Warps to Neptune blog:

http://2warpstoneptune.wordpress.com/2013/09/12/1984-placo-toys-catalog-advanced-dungeons-dragons-playsets/

D&D ads in Omni magazine in 1980

Chris tracks down some unusual D&D ads that ran in Omni magazine in 1980, near the end of the Holmes era/beginning of B/X.
http://hillcantons.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-omni-style.html

Here's a blog, Refereeing and Reflection, that I've never come across before, with a long post looking at the...

Here's a blog, Refereeing and Reflection, that I've never come across before, with a long post looking at the Examples of Play in OD&D, Holmes, 1E, 2E, Rules Cyclopedia, EPT and Gamma World.
http://refereeingandreflection.wordpress.com/2013/09/07/definitions-demonstrations-tsr-era-dungeons-dragons-and-related-games/

Cut-Out Equipiment List

A Holmes Basic Set was found on Ebay recently with a small cut-out of the Equipment List with "Armor Class __ " written along the bottom edge. As I wrote in a follow up post, it's not a cut up reference sheet, since that has the two equipment lists side-by-side. It's either a cut-out of someone's else rulebook or a photocopy. I could see giving it to the players for reference, but the "Armor Class _" makes me wonder if it was intended to be a primitive character sheet. You could just mark/circle the items your character bought.

http://www.acaeum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=215119#p215119

Recent blog post from new community member David Lynch whose first D&D set was a Holmes Basic from his grandparents.

Post from the 2 Warps to Neptune covering the famous 1981 TSR catalog inc the original Holmes Basic t-shirts, plus a...

Post from the 2 Warps to Neptune covering the famous 1981 TSR catalog inc the original Holmes Basic t-shirts, plus a bonus pic of a fancy TSR trade show display.
http://2warpstoneptune.wordpress.com/2013/09/03/1981-tsr-gateway-to-adventure-catalog/

Holmes Basic Box Set cover t-shirt still available

Holmes Basic Box Set cover t-shirt is still available from WOTC for $20, and they appear to have all of the sizes back in stock (M,L,XL,XXL,3XL). IIRC, shipping is ~$10 for one shirt but more reasonable if you buy multiple shirts.
http://www.dndmerch.com/red-dragon-cover-tee.html#.UiX7BbyE5Xc

Wayne pointed out today that B1 has at least one roll-under 3d6 stat check.

Wayne pointed out today that B1 has at least one roll-under 3d6 stat check. I took a look at the original Holmes version (1978), and found it in the Room of Pools. It's a CON check vs the effects of wine, with a failed roll resulting in intoxication for a number of hours equal to the difference between the result and the con score.

Holmes uses 3d6 checks in the pseudo-D&D RPG he presents in his 1981 book, but this is the first I've seen in any actual Holmes Basic product, and the earliest I've seen in a D&D product so far. I wouldn't be surprised if it shows up somewhere earlier though, such as Alarums & Excursions.

Some thoughts inspired by B2's rumors table.

Originally shared by Wayne Rossi

Some thoughts inspired by B2's rumors table.

An amazing find posted on the Acaeum.

An amazing find posted on the Acaeum. A Dragontooth Saurian mini modified by David Sutherland himself to resemble the Lizard Rider from page 3 of the Basic Rulebook. There are several direct similarities not found in the original mini: the sheath with javelins and skull, the crested helmet, the left hand holding a battle axe. The main difference is the large horn on the head. Several other versions customized with these horns can be see in the original thread: #dcsIII
http://www.acaeum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13842

I've requested a profile pic in the same pose as the Basic rulebook.

The Great Stone Face vs The Great Stone Skull. #skullmountain

The Great Stone Face vs The Great Stone Skull. #skullmountain  
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-great-stone-face.html

Fantastic illustration for Room I in the Sample Dungeon:

Wayne Rossi, a member here, has just released the third issue of his zine Dungeon Crawl.

Wayne Rossi, a member here, has just released the third issue of his zine Dungeon Crawl. The centerpiece is the "Dungeons of Xenopus, Level 2" by Wayne, which is a continuation of Holmes' Sample Dungeon. I also contributed a short article describing twenty new low-powered magic items to start out your Holmes Basic characters with. My first article published outside my blog/site! Read more here:
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/08/dungeon-crawl-3.html

For those of you that are interested, things are moving nicely in the BLUEHOLME™ Compleat Rules writing department.

For those of you that are interested, things are moving nicely in the BLUEHOLME™ Compleat Rules writing department. One of the additions compared to the Prentice Rules is that there are more examples. So, tell me - what sort of things would you like to see clarified in the rules? Are there any particular procedures you find a little difficult to unravel on first reading?

Zach Howard is featured in this issue, and to boot it features a sequel to the Holmes sample dungeon!

Zach Howard is featured in this issue, and to boot it features a sequel to the Holmes sample dungeon!

Originally shared by Wayne Rossi

The latest table for Holmes Ref, a one-sheet with a single combined table listing all of the magic items of Holmes...

The latest table for Holmes Ref, a one-sheet with a single combined table listing all of the magic items of Holmes Basic and their effects.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/08/magic-item-reference-sheet.html

Jon Peterson mentions Holmes Basic in an article on dice notation in TSR produts.

Jon Peterson mentions Holmes Basic in an article on dice notation in TSR produts. I added some notes on how this dice notation was imported into later printings of Holmes Basic and used in the modules B1 and B2.

Thread discussing OD&D campaign worlds from the 70s by originators and early adopters.

Thread discussing OD&D campaign worlds from the 70s by originators and early adopters. I added Holmes' personal campaign to the list:

"Another early one is the personal campaign of J. Eric Holmes from ~1975-1977, OD&D using the Warlock variant rules, before he had contact with TSR. Mostly unpublished, but we see glimpses in the Boinger and Zereth stories. The later stories in Dragon Magazine and Maze of Peril are distorted by time, but the Alarums & Excursions stories ('76-'77) are basically session journals that give a small window into the campaign at the time. Lots of stuff grabbed from the literature and the real world, coexisting side-by-side - witch doctors, samurai, vikings, Dune-like sandworms, Cthulhoid horrors etc"
http://odd74.proboards.com/thread/9122/list-od-campaign-worlds?page=1&scrollTo=124734

I got a 1st edition (3rd printing) blue book from eBay in the mail today, complete with lizardman logo.

I got a 1st edition (3rd printing) blue book from eBay in the mail today, complete with lizardman logo. It's a shame that the delightful rule about zombies being poisoned by salt was removed from the game. Not to mention a couple of cool pieces of art.

Holmes-inspired wereshark?

Some notes and thoughts on the "sixth alignment" in Holmes.

Some notes and thoughts on the "sixth alignment" in Holmes.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/07/holmes-alignment-is-six-point.html

Posting Jeff's Holmes+Expert+Companion "what-if?" musing here for future reference.

Posting Jeff's Holmes+Expert+Companion "what-if?" musing here for future reference.
http://jrients.blogspot.com/2013/07/i-wonder-if-this-ever-happened.html

It seems Keep on the Borderlands: The Expansion (part of Usherwood Adventures' High Adventure From Middle-School...

It seems Keep on the Borderlands: The Expansion (part of Usherwood Adventures' High Adventure From Middle-School series) has Dex in the monster listings, suggesting the author was playing Holmes at the time!

Check it out, it's free.

http://www.rpgnow.com/product/117295/Keep-on-the-Borderlands-The-Expansion
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/117295/Keep-on-the-Borderlands-The-Expansion

Nice score over the weekend - rescued a small lot of Classic D&D books from the dusty corner of a vintage toy store:

Nice score over the weekend - rescued a small lot of Classic D&D books from the dusty corner of a vintage toy store:

B/X Basic rulebook
Mentzer Basic Player's rulebook
Mentzer Expert rulebook
Mentzer Companion - both rulebooks plus smashed box
Some dude's green folder with a single blank character sheet.
Some random maps torn from B1-9 In Search of Adventure

Unfortunately no homemade adventures or other notes. Looks like the previous owner didn't get too much use out of these.

This works well for me since I sold my Mentzer books years ago but now am glad to add them back to the collection for reference.

I did a side-by-side analysis of Holmes and Moldvay.

I did a side-by-side analysis of Holmes and Moldvay. Holmes should be every magic-user's preferred version of classic D&D.

Query about Holmes Expansions on the K&KA Holmes Forum.

Query about Holmes Expansions on the K&KA Holmes Forum. Falconer pointed to my Holmes Rules Expansion page, which I just happened to update last week.

rules expansions | zenopusarchives
http://knights-n-knaves.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=11561

There may be some fans of Lawrence Watt-Evans here - he is best known for the Ethshar series that began in the 80s...

There may be some fans of Lawrence Watt-Evans here - he is best known for the Ethshar series that began in the 80s with The Misenchanted Sword and is still ongoing. This is his first Kickstarter, to publish a science fantasy novel he has already written. Ends in 5 hours with $7 to go for the top stretch goal ($12 K).

Cover and interior artwork for the novel will be by Bradley W. Schenck, formerly known as Morno, and the artist who illustrated the very first module for Dungeons & Dragons, the Palace of the Vampire Queen. He runs www.webomator.com these days.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/217993880/publish-lawrence-watt-evans-vikas-avenger?ref=email

The secret bookstore's name is Brazenhead, which is historic name for the type of talking magical head found in...

The secret bookstore's name is Brazenhead, which is historic name for the type of talking magical head found in Holmes' Sample Dungeon.

http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2012/03/brazen-head-of-zenopus.html

Originally shared by James Aulds

There is a gameable idea here.  wish i was closer to NYC to visit a secret bookstore 

Erik Tenkar  
http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/07/24/the-secret-speakeasy-manhattan-bookshop/

In Warlock (1975), a non-TSR D&D supplement, a 40th level Wizard gains a single 10th level spell.

In Warlock (1975), a non-TSR D&D supplement, a 40th level Wizard gains a single 10th level spell. No examples of 10th level spells are given, unfortunately - the spell lists stop at 7th level. #completewarlock

Any folks who want to get into this game on Friday, feel free.

Any folks who want to get into this game on Friday, feel free.

Originally shared by Wayne Rossi

Playtest of the second level of the Xenopus dungeon for Dungeon Crawl #3. The game will be played via hangout using the Holmes rulebook. Pre-generated characters will be provided.

If you don't have a Holmes rulebook but want to get a feel for the rules, you can download the FREE Blueholme simulacrum:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/109409/BLUEHOLME-Prentice-Rules
events/cua69bi44ctqif5tfhtsc0p1fao?authkey=CLGK2fmYh-u-rQE

The eternal question. Reboot of a thread from 2007.

The eternal question. Reboot of a thread from 2007.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=23330&sid=f31d92058af5e82682de11d6f2c5fa26

Hi folks!

Hi folks! I need to playtest an adventure using Holmes D&D for my zine, Dungeon Crawl. The game will be in a hangout this Friday at 9 PM EST. Pregen characters will be provided. Reply if you're interested in playing.

I wrote about using Holmes with the Cook/Marsh Expert book.

I wrote about using Holmes with the Cook/Marsh Expert book. I'd love the thoughts of Holmes fans here on the ideas here, or their own concepts of how to combine the two.

Mazes & Perils RPG, a Holmes clone, has been nominated for an ENnie for Best Free Game:

5-page thread about Holmes Basic on ENworld.

5-page thread about Holmes Basic on ENworld.
http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?338458-Basic-D-amp-D-Holmes-Edition-a-review

Here are some pages to stick in your Holmes Basic Set.

Here are some pages to stick in your Holmes Basic Set. Kent has transcribed and reformatted Gygax's 1975 article from an obscure Diplomacy zine (Europa) describing how to set up a D&D campaign. Especially nice is the paragraph describing the 13 levels of Old Castle Greyhawk.
http://somekingskent.blogspot.com/2013/07/gygax-1975-how-to-set-up-your-dungeons.html?showComment=1374467151386#c1739276123014207380

Bob Jester (Robert Weber), one of our newest members here, wrote today on Dragonsfoot:

Bob Jester (Robert Weber), one of our newest members here, wrote today on Dragonsfoot:

"one of my favorite WWII submarine warfare novels "A Tale of Two Subs" by Jonathan J. McCullough; one of the key figures in this account is of Jasper Holmes, J. Eric Holmes' father, and J. Eric himself gave interviews to J. McCullough in the course of the writing of this book. I would not have known that this was the same "Eric Holmes" that went on to become a successful neurosurgeon and author."
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1392507#p1392507

Cost is one of the few statistics actually provided for weapons in the LBBs.

Cost is one of the few statistics actually provided for weapons in the LBBs. I had an idea today for using cost to differentiate weapons when they all do d6 damage:

On an attack roll of 1 (natural), a weapon must make a saving throw to avoid being broken. The score for the save is 16, which is extrapolated from the saving throw tables in Monsters & Treasures, where a +1 weapon saves with a 14, +2 with a 12, etc. Each weapon can add its initial cost per Men & Magic as a bonus to the save. So a club (not listed with a price) would get no bonus, a spear (1 gp) would get a +1, a battle axe a +7, a sword +10, etc. This would give an incentive to buy more expensive weapons if possible because they would less likely to break, and also to have back-up weapons. I like the idea of weapons breaking and needing to be replaced after a while, so this would simulate the wear on weapons - the more times used, the more chance for eventual breakage.

[cross-posted to OD&D Discussion]

"I played a Balrog in three different campaigns, including Greyhawk itself.

"I played a Balrog in three different campaigns, including Greyhawk itself. "Chaotic" does not have to mean "Psychopath." (This was in the days of the simple Law-Neutral-Chaos split)."

- gronan (Michael Mornard)
http://odd74.proboards.com/post/123009

Mentzer DM Guide Map Key

The first page of the sample file for Mentzer DM book is this cool map KEY. The sample file is downloadable, so this is something to possibly grab even if you don't want to buy the pdf.

Mentzer Basic is now available on dndclassics.com.

Mentzer Basic is now available on dndclassics.com. Two pdfs, one for Players book and one for DM's. If you buy either one, there's also a coupon for 50% off a B-series adventure. I'd imagine the rest of BECMI will follow in the coming weeks. So we've got the revisions (Moldvay and Mentzer) but are still waiting for the original Basic!
http://www.dndclassics.com/product/116619/D%26D-Basic-Set---DMs-Rulebook-%28BECMI-ed%29-%28Basic%29?filters=0_0_44699

A great post from 2010:

A great post from 2010:
http://cyclopeatron.blogspot.com/2010/03/gary-gygaxs-whitebox-od-house-rules.html

All Gygax adventure path as suggested by Gygax himself:

All Gygax adventure path as suggested by Gygax himself:

Keep on the Borderland
Village of Hommlet
Temple of Elemental Evil
Dungeonland
Land beyond the Magic Mirror
Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth
Forgotten Temple of Tharizdun
Steading of the Hill Giant Chief
Glacial rift of the Frost Giant Jarl
Hall of the Fire Giant King
Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure
Tomb of Horrors
Descent to the Depths of the Earth
Shrine of the Kuo-toa
Vault of the Drow
Isle of the Ape
(Necropolis, final portion)
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=178291#p178291

Anybody else besides Shawn Sanford read Holmes' book (Fantasy Role-Playing Games, 1981) back in the 80s?

Anybody else besides Shawn Sanford read Holmes' book (Fantasy Role-Playing Games, 1981) back in the 80s? I didn't get a copy of it until this past decade after I started delving into his bibliography.
http://tomeoftreasures.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1877

Dragonsfoot thread with lots of guidance for someone new to Holmes Basic.

Dragonsfoot thread with lots of guidance for someone new to Holmes Basic.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=62100

The original #Sharknado - the 1977 Air Shark by Dave Hargrave

The original #Sharknado - the 1977 Air Shark by Dave Hargrave
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-original-sharknado.html

Part 2 of an 11 (!) part series on the B/X Blackrazor blog.

Part 2 of an 11 (!) part series on the B/X Blackrazor blog. This one focuses on the guidance (or lack thereof) on how to role-play in OD&D and Holmes. This post is crying out for some historical context by Jon Peterson
http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2013/07/on-role-playing-part-2-of-11.html

Two different takes on B1 today...

Two different takes on B1 today...

http://codexapocrypha.blogspot.com/2013/07/into-cytheron-by-way-of-north-ave-in.html (blog by member here)

http://joyfulsitting.blogspot.com/2013/07/adios-caverns-of-quasqueton.html

A fan-made translation of the Holmes Basic Set is now available as a PDF on the site of the french OSR community

A fan-made translation of the Holmes Basic Set is now available as a PDF on the site of the french OSR community 
http://newddd-site.echo-webdesign.fr/component/content/article/38-traductions/2366-donjons-dragons-r%C3%A9vision-j-e-holmes.html
http://newddd-site.echo-webdesign.fr/component/content/article/38-traductions/2366-donjons-dragons-r%C3%A9vision-j-e-holmes.html

Survey of early character sheets for OD&D. All suitable for Holmes...

Survey of early character sheets for OD&D. All suitable for Holmes...
From the Playing at the World blog:

Now with more Holmes.

Now with more Holmes.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/07/random-names-one-sheet.html

Red, White and Blue of the OSR

Just saw this.

Originally shared by Chuck Thorin

Time to salute the red, white and blue of the OSR.

This has a high cool factor: Tolkien's map of Middle-earth rendered ona Judges Guild hex map. By kent.

This has a high cool factor: Tolkien's map of Middle-earth rendered on a Judges Guild hex map. By kent.
http://odd74.proboards.com/thread/8993/middle-earth-judges-guild-wilderlands?page=1&scrollTo=122244

An rpg.net thread that begins, "Most influential gaming book ever published; one volume only; one vote only.

An rpg.net thread that begins, "Most influential gaming book ever published; one volume only; one vote only. I personally think there are only two credible candidates: Holmes Basic D&D (the obvious choice, based on units sold and 'gateway drug' status for a generation) and the 1st Edition AD&D Monster Manual, which is my pick for the top dog..."
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?694292-Most-influential-game-book-ever-(and-why)&p=16938778

Rules Cyclopedia pdf up on dndclassics as of yesterday. Unfortunately, this doesn't bode well for a reprint.

Rules Cyclopedia pdf up on dndclassics as of yesterday. Unfortunately, this doesn't bode well for a reprint.

The product history mentions Holmes Basic twice.

"The Rules Cyclopedia was the result - and it also offered somewhere for the Black Box players to go when they finished with fifth level. Ironically, this was reportedly the exact same setup that Gygax had planned for the J. Eric Holmes Basic Set and also for AD&D, way back in 1977."
http://www.dndclassics.com/product/17171/D%26D-Rules-Cyclopedia-%28Basic%29?it=1&filters=0_0_44699

Using the dice....

Using the dice....

Newest dndclassics pdfs are X2 Castle Amber and X3 Curse of Xanathon. Added 6/24.

Newest dndclassics pdfs are X2 Castle Amber and X3 Curse of Xanathon. Added 6/24.
http://www.dndclassics.com/product/17088/X2-Castle-Amber-%28Basic%29?it=1&filters=0_0_44699

Daztur on The RPG site writes:

Daztur on The RPG site writes:
"Since last year I've run 1 hour-ish D&D (roughly Holmes Basic) mini-sessions with eight different classes of Korean 5-6 graders. They're great lab rats for testing rules and GMing styles since they have no idea what tabletop role playing is and are very enthusiastic (beats doing grammar lessons)."

Read the rest here:
http://www.therpgsite.com/showthread.php?t=27019

I finally read Hiero's Journey a few years ago, and it is awesome.

I finally read Hiero's Journey a few years ago, and it is awesome. Read this Black Gate blog post to learn more about it & connections to D&D and Gamma World:
http://www.blackgate.com/2013/06/29/sterling-e-lanier-and-appendix-n-advanced-readings-in-dd/

Thought on the use of shifting turns (normal/combat) in Holmes Basic.

Thought on the use of shifting turns (normal/combat) in Holmes Basic.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/06/turns-in-holmes-basic.html

I transcribed the list of inspirational works from Gygax's 1989 book, Master of the Game.

I transcribed the list of inspirational works from Gygax's 1989 book, Master of the Game.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/06/gary-gygax-masters-library.html

Two different folks automated the Holmesian Random Names:

Two different folks automated the Holmesian Random Names:
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/06/random-names-now-automated.html

Please welcome our newest member, Sean Stone  of the Stonegiant's Cave blog. Nice map in his latest blog post.

In case anyone doesn't have it, Holmes's Sample Dungeon from the Basic Rulebook is still available for free from the...

In case anyone doesn't have it, Holmes's Sample Dungeon from the Basic Rulebook is still available for free from the Wizards of the Coast website. It's a five page pdf, poorly scanned but readable. It was first made available in 2008 as part of a retrospective of D&D Basic Sets by Bart Carroll. I've added it to the "About this Community" links.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/Basic_1977.pdf

From the Unfrozen Caveman Dice-Chucker blog, an examination of one of David Sutherland's artistic signatures. #dcsIII

Please welcome our newest member Jeff Rients of Jeff's Gameblog, one of the long time bloggers that inspired me to...

Please welcome our newest member Jeff Rients of Jeff's Gameblog, one of the long time bloggers that inspired me to start the ZA blog.

I'm starting a conversion of B1 into a [AS&SH] adventure.

I'm starting a conversion of B1 into a [AS&SH] adventure. I've posted part 1 on my blog and at DF and I would have posted it at odd74 but I can no longer log in due to their anti-robot security system.

Jeff Rients: Today's idea for a FLAILSNAILS game

Originally shared by Jeff Rients

So here's today's idea for a FLAILSNAILS game: flesh out this map.  The vertical map is free starting info for the players.

Random Name Generation for Holmes Basic, based on the syllables from the proper names in the rulebook and B1.

Random Name Generation for Holmes Basic, based on the syllables from the proper names in the rulebook and B1.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/06/holmesian-random-names.html

Dungeon Crawl #3 will now be featuring a dungeon I'm calling "Beneath Port Town" - that will be quite reminiscent of...

Dungeon Crawl #3 will now be featuring a dungeon I'm calling "Beneath Port Town" - that will be quite reminiscent of a very familiar dungeon from Holmes ...

I riff on the Holmes "Heroic Class" idea I had mentioned yesterday.

I just saw that AFS zine #3 will have an adaption of the Were-Shark as one of the articles.

Wanted to share this - despite the pic, a lot of this post is about expanding Holmes beyond 3rd level.

That is essentially the basic rulebook for the Rules Cyclopedia.

That is essentially the basic rulebook for the Rules Cyclopedia. Besides the rulebook, the 1991 set also came with nice fold-up paper minis and a poster map with 5' squares for the sample dungeon (Escape from Zanzer's Dungeon). I bought the contents of the set and sold the rulebook & use the minis as extras in our AD&D games. The modules that supported this set are the Thunder Rift line and each comes with the same minis & poster maps.

http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=52840 (List of Paper Minis from Early 90s D&D line)
http://jrients.blogspot.com/2013/06/brown-basic.html

Played LBB OD&D for the first time last night!

Played LBB OD&D for the first time last night! Our regular AD&D DM was unavailable so one member of our group ran an OD&D one-shot through Tegel Manor with mid level characters. He used just the 3 LBBs with Chainmail combat and JG Ready Ref sheets. We listened to time period appropriate music: Hawkwind, Genesis, Kraftwerk and Gentle Giant. The party met many strange and deadly encounters around, under and in the haunted manor. Fun.

The evolution of the Giant Rat.

The evolution of the Giant Rat.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=61580&p=1375100#p1375100

What happens to all that slightly used equipment from all those deceased adventurers?

What happens to all that slightly used equipment from all those deceased adventurers? It gets sold to new adventurers in a bundle at a discount.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2013/06/equipment-packs-take-ii.html

Here is a new Holmes thread on Dragonsfoot

Here is  a new Holmes thread on Dragonsfoot
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=61558&sid=0b2f7a59f020269284d43637fb20ba10
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=61558&sid=0b2f7a59f020269284d43637fb20ba10

Interesting thread started on ENworld, not a board I usually read.

Interesting thread started on ENworld, not a board I usually read.

"What I'd like to do with this thread is basically a Let's Read of the advice explicitly aimed at new DMs back in the late 70s and early 80s. A lot of advice covered such topics as designing and stocking dungeons, the use of time, and retainers. I'm going to skip that, though, and focus on what this advice said about running the game, and the role of the DM. I'm going to look at the "Dungeon Mastering As A Fine Art" section of the Holmes Basic rules, the "How To Be An Effective Dungeon Master" sections of Mike Carr's B1 and Gary Gygax's B2, the "Dungeon Mastering As A Fine Art" sections of the Moldvay Basic rules and the Cook/Marsh Expert rules, and finally the Introduction of Mentzer's Basic Set Dungeon Masters Rulebook. Most of the time will be spent on B1, B2, Moldvay, and Cook/Marsh, as these are the places where the role of the DM is really explored in a concentrated manner."
http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?337285-Basic-DMing-The-Advice-of-the-Times&p=6139928