Your Suggestions for a Classical D&D Starter Set?

[randalls]

Assume that you are suggesting starter materials for someone familiar with RPGs, but just getting into Classical D&D. Lets assume that for rules, the person will either get the Rules Cyclopedia or the Basic and Expert Sets. Which settings books and starter modules would you suggest and why? (Please limit your suggestions to 3 or 4 items as the object is for the complete "starter set" to cost around $25-30 maximum in PDF form.)

I think I'd select these:

* B1-9 megamodule -- I know the individual adventures aren't complete in this form, but there is a lot of good, fun material here for the price.

* Gazetteer 1: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos -- Simply a great place to set a low-level campaign and unlike many of the gazetteers it is easy to create adventures for.

* X1: The Isle of Dread -- This has always been one of my favorite adventures. It introduces sea travel and has a large island ready to explore. And most players like the King Kong take-offs.

[oltekos]

I would recommend the person purchase the Mentzer Basic Set ($4.00), along with the D&D Rules Cyclopedia ($4.00) for their core rules.

As for introductory modules, the B1-B9 megamodule is a great bargain, but as previously mentioned, incomplete.  I would recommend buying B1: In Search of the Unknown ($4.00) & B2: Keep on the Borderlands ($4.00); they're both short & sweet, & a good introduction to Classic D&D.

You can get all of these at www.paizo.com (that's where I usually purchase my modules).  The scans are pretty decent, & the best part is, your only spending a total of $16.00.  They could spend their left over money on dice, extra modules, a standard size chessex hex grid, miniatures, etc. 

They could also save $4.00 & download B3: Palace of the Silver Princess for free at www.wizards.com, in their "Free Downloads" section. 

All together, for $16.00, they received (2) classic rulesets, along with a whopping (5) adventures/modules (if you also count B3, the solo adventure in the Basic Set, & the introductory module contained therein as well). 

Now that's a deal!!!


 

[randalls]

I would recommend buying B1: In Search of the Unknown ($4.00)

I've never liked this adventure much. I always thought B2 was much better.

Now that's a deal!!!

It is -- especially given the prices of new games today. Even the PDF versions are often as (or more) expensive.