Basic Set (BECMI D&D)
Written by Frank Mentzer as a clerical revision of the original Basic Set (BX D&D). This kicked off a series of publications which expanded the Basic game line into its own unique monster. This publication featured excellent art, particularly the iconic cover image by Larry Elmore. (Because of that distinction, this is often called the Elmore-Art edition) Unlike the BX publications, this version was not genuine about its promotion of the AD&D line and, outside of the introduction, goes to great lengths to assert itself as a valid game in its own right. The guide covers character levels up to level 3. Further levels are included in Expert Set (BECMI D&D). Unlike the J. Eric Holms and Tom Moldvay versions, Frank Mentzer and his team made significant changes to the rules. The game now played very differently than the previous versions, which had all existed as half-hearted sales for the original game and marketing material for AD&D. This significant departure from the original rules and nearly absent marketing of AD&D lead to the product line eventually being cut after its rules were collected in the Rules Cyclopedia (Basic D&D)