B1 In Search of the Unknown is a 32-page sourcebook for Basic Dungeons & Dragons released in November 1978.[1] It is intended for characters from levels 1 to 3.
Official synopsis[]
Module B1: "In Search of the Unknown," forms a complete adventure for use with Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set. It is especially designed as an instructional aid for beginning Dungeon Masters and players, specifically created to enable new Dungeon Masters to initiate play with a minimum of preparation. In addition to descriptive and situational material, this module also includes special informational sections giving background history and legends; listings of possible monsters and treasures, and how to place them; a list of adventuring characters; tips on various aspects of play for the Dungeon Master; and helpful advice for starting players.
Content[]
Background[]
Many years ago two wealthy adventurers, Roghan the Fearless and Zelligar the Unknown, built a hidden complex known as the Caverns of Quasqueton. From this base they conducted their affairs away from the prying eyes of civilization. While of questionable ethical standing the two drove back a barbarian invasion and gained the support of locals. Eventually they gathered their own army and went on an expedition against said enemies where they met their demise.
The player characters enter the story at this point hearing a variety of rumors provided in the module. Each PC knows one or more of the stories although the veracity of them is somewhat questionable. The rumors mostly involve a great treasure hidden somewhere in the Caverns of Quasqueton.
Caverns Upper Level[]
A variety of monsters wander through the finished upper level of the dungeon including Orcs, Troglodytes, and Giant Rats. The GM checks periodically to see if the group encounters these menaces in addition to the dangers in each individual room. Most of the rooms come with blank spots where the GM fills in whatever monster or treasure is most suitable for their campaign.
The finished upper level served as a home for Roghan and Zelligar and contains much of their personal possessions. As is typical in these early adventures a number of traps await an unwary group. Some of the more interesting rooms include an area filled with pools (some hazardous and others not) and a wizard's laboratory.
Caverns Lower Level[]
The randomly generated monsters in the lower, unfinished level differ from those above and include Zombies and goblins. Many of the caves on this level include no description at all and the GM must devise his own contents for these areas.
Some of the interesting rooms on this level include a museum, an arena, and grand cavern of bats but for the most part the GM decides what fills each chamber.
Appendix[]
The end of the module includes a fairly lengthy list of foes and treasure for the group to fight and find. It even includes a list of characters of various classes the group might encounter while exploring the dungeon. Also included are a number of pre-generated characters the group might use to play through the adventure.
Development and release[]
Development[]
The book was written by Mike Carr. Art was provided by David C. Sutherland III and David A. Trampier.
In Search of the Unknown was notable as the first D&D adventure module published by TSR which was not written by Gary Gygax. It was written with the intent of being an introductory module to new players of the original Basic Set (Holmes) (1977). Early editions of that boxed set had included Dungeon Geomorphs Set One{{UnknownBook}} and Monster & Treasure Assortment Set One{{UnknownBook}}, which left a lot to the DM.
The book included numerous rooms for the DM to fill in with their own selection of treasure, serving as an instructional aid.
Release[]
In Search of the Unknown was released in November 1978, although the copyright date incorrectly states 1979. The first, second and third printings had a monochrome yellow cover, and were included as part of the fourth, fifth, and some of the sixth printings of the Holmes Basic Set between 1978 and 1979, perhaps as late as early 1980. In 1980, it was replaced in the boxed set with Keep on the Borderlands{{UnknownBook}}.[2][1]
From the fourth printing in 1981, B1 was published with a brown full-color cover. It received six printings in all. There was also a UK printing, which used the monochrome cover, and a later Dutch language release, B1 Op Zoek Naar Het Onbekende.
On January 22, 2013, it was re-released in digital format. It is currently available on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $4.99.
Reception and influence[]
Critical reception[]
Shannon Applecline described B1 as "a great example of of the tropes of very early D&D dungeon design, but polished and detailed much better than the typical dungeons of the '70s."[1]
As of 2023, In Search of the Unknown reached the rank of Adamantine seller on DriveThruRPG.
Influence on other works[]
External links[]
- In Search of the Unknown on DriveThruRPG
- In Search of the Unknown on Dungeon Masters Guild
- The Acaeum entry
- RPG.net review
- ENworld reviews