Dungeons & Dragons (1974)

Dungeons & Dragons

Author	Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson
Genre	Role-playing game
Publisher	TSR, Inc.
Publication date	1974
Media type	Boxed set

The original Dungeons & Dragons boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson was published by TSR, Inc. in 1974, and initially comprised the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Its product designation was TSR 2002. This small box set contained three booklets, which included Volume 1: Men & Magic, Volume 2: Monsters & Treasure, and Volume 3: Underworld & Wilderness Adventures.

This set featured only a handful of the elements for which the game is known today: just three character classes (fighting-man, magic-user and cleric); four races (human, dwarf, elf, hobbit); only three alignments (lawful, neutral, and chaotic). The rules assumed that players owned and played the miniatures wargame Chainmail and used its measurement and combat systems. An optional combat system was included within the rules that later developed into the sole combat system of later versions of the game. In addition, the rules presumed ownership of Outdoor Survival, an Avalon Hill board game for outdoor exploration and adventure.

The "Monsters & Treasure" booklet contained some of the first depictions of the game's most iconic monsters, many of which were adapted from mythology, and various literary works.

This first set went through many printings and was supplemented with several official additions, including Greyhawk and Blackmoor in 1975, and Eldritch Wizardry, Gods, Demi-gods & Heroes, and Swords & Spells in 1976.