DnD Basic Rules - Rules for Fantastic Medieval Role Playing Adventure Game Campaigns

Oct 6, 2026

Aimed at introducing readers to fantasy roleplaying, these basic rules explain the core concepts and fundamental gameplay mechanics for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The system supports only the first three levels of player progression and includes streamlined instructions for the game referee, the “Dungeon Master,” emphasizing that campaigns are open-ended and can be modified and interpreted by participating groups. The guide also outlines what is required to run a campaign and highlights scope, equipment basics, and the referee’s preparation time.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages49

Reading Time1 h 15 min

AccessFree to download

INTRODUCTION

HOW TO USE THIS B O O K

CREATING CHARACTERS

TABLE OF BONUS AND PENALTIES DUE TO ABILITY

*TM REG. APP. FOR Rules for Fantastic Medieval Role Playing Adventure Game Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures By Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson Edited by Eric Holmes for Jeff and Chris © 1974, 1977 TACTICAL STUDIES RULES 2nd PRINTING, JANUARY 1978 TSR HOBBIES, INC. POB 756 LAKE GENEVA, Wl 53147 REFACE This book is based upon the original work published in 1974 and three supplementary booklets published in the two year period after the initial release of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. It is aimed solely at introducing the reader to the concepts of fantasy roleplaying and the basic play of this game. To this end it limits itself to basics. The rules contained herein allow only for the first three levels of player progression , and instructions for the game referee , the "Dungeon Master," are kept to the minimum necessary to allow him to conduct basic games. This is absolutely necessary because the game is completely openended , is subject to modification , expansion , and interpretation according to the desires of the group participating , and is in general not bounded by the conventional limitations of other types of games. This work is far more detailed and more easily understood than were the original booklets nonetheless , for with it , and the other basic components of the game , any intelligent and imaginative person can speedily understand and play DUNGEONS & DRAGONS as it was meant to be played. Players who desire to go beyond the basic game are directed to the ADVANCED DUNGEON & DRAGON books. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to the following individuals who helped to make this possible through their idea contributions: Brian Blume , Ernie Gygax , Tim Kask , Jeff Key , Rob Kuntz , Terry Kuntz , Alan Lucien , Steve Marsh , Mike Mornard , and Jim Ward. FOREWORD FROM THE ORIGINAL EDITION ONCE UPON A TIME, long, long ago there was a little group known as the Castle and Crusade Society. Their fantasy rules were published, and to this writer's knowledge , brought about much of the current interest in fantasy wargaming. For a time the group grew and prospered , and Dave Arneson decided to begin a medieval fantasy campaign game for his active Twin Cities club. From the map of the "land" of the "Great Kingdom" and environs—the territory of C & C Society— Dave located a nice bog wherein to nest the weird enclave of "Blackmoor," a spot between the "Giant Kingdom" and the fearsome "Egg of Coot." From the CHAINMAIL fantasy rules he drew ideas for a far more complex and exciting game, and thus began a campaign which still thrive s as of this writing! In due course the news reached my ears , and the result is what you have in your hands at this moment. While the C & C Society is no longer , its spirit lives on , and we believe that all wargamers who are interested in the medieval period , not just fantasy buffs , will enjoy playing DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS. Its possibilities go far beyond any previous offerings anywhere! While it is possible to play a single game, unrelated to any other game events past or future , it is the campaign for which these rules are designed. It is relatively simple to set up a fantasy campaign , and better still , it will cost almost nothing. In fact you will not even need miniature figures , although their occasional employment is recommended for real spectacle when battles are fought. A quick glance at the Equipment section of this booklet will reveal just how little is required. You have everything needed with this edition of the game except pencil and paper. The most extensive requirement is time. The campaign referee will have to have sufficient time to meet the demands of his players , he will have to devote a number of hours to laying out the maps of his "dungeons" and upper terrain before the affair begins. The third booklet of this set will be of great help in this respect , for a number of helpful suggestions regarding how to accomplish it all have

FAQs

What is the purpose of these basic rules?

They introduce the reader to the concepts of fantasy roleplaying and the basic play of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, focusing only on essentials.

How far does player progression go in the basic rules?

The rules allow only the first three levels of player progression.

What role does the Dungeon Master play?

Instructions for the referee, the “Dungeon Master,” are kept to the minimum necessary so he can run basic games.

Oct 6, 2026

Upload by SundayMiles