Rules Cyclopedia

The D & D Rules Cyclopedia is undoubtedly a classic. Every rule from the Basic to Masters boxed sets is covered in a very easy-to-read format. Multiple coloured maps of major Known World countries are in this book, along with brief descriptions. Additionally, an entire coloured map of both the Known World and Hollow World. A multitude of monsters are presented, including ones inhabiting the outer planes of existence. Every piece of information you could want about beginning any character and advancing to the hghest possible level also here. Tips for the DM on starting and running a campaign. Every other rule concerning combat encounters (very easy-to-understand) evasion, movement (both on foot and on any conceivable other mode of transportation, from ship to wagon, to horse etc.) Many treasure and magical item tables are very useful. Information on how players advance by acquiring treasure etc. One of the most useful things is a "Balancing Encounters" table which, although optional for the DM, allows him/her to always create fair encounters that will challenge players. Whether you're experienced or a newcomer, this book is truly a must-have, a reference work for D & D players of all levels and DM's.

This is the first book I ever read on the subject, and it still remains one of my all-time favorites. Despite the fact that several portions of the book are strictly D & D rules (such as the classes, specifically Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings), most of the remaining materials can be easily adapted to any version of AD & D, and in most cases the DM will benefit from doing so. This book covers in near-completion such viable topics as the specifics of combat, such as non-lethal weapons combat, special maneuvers (set lance versus charge), and weapons mastery and training, higher levels and the trappings that come with the rank (castles, followers, assistants), and quite extensive listings of very interesting monsters, most of which were never seen in any other place again (among which there are several truly alien extraplanars and a few utility creatures).Best of all, this book presents all of these necessary rules in an easy and comprehensive form that does not destroy the original rules in favor of new ones. If you can find this handbook for a good price, I say buy it.

I can only give 5 stars? That is unfair because this book is the Bible of D & D. Words can not describe how useful this Rules Cyclopedia was for my D & D campaign. This book introduced me to the game and was BY FAR the most used book in my 2 year campaign as the DM. The book was extremely entertaining to read when I was learning the ropes and I continued using this masterpiece devoutly throughout that 2 year time span. This book was constantly opened for planning all the adventure sessions and during the sessions themselves.I must repeat here... Even though this book was written for basic D & D, the Rules Cyclopedia IS THE MOST COMPLETE SOURCEBOOK FOR D & D AND AD & D ever written. It explains EVERYTHING with extreme breadth AS WELL AS depth. Not only does it teach the basics but it goes into many more topics that unfortunately comparable (supposedly) books for AD & D neglected to cover such as ... war and army rules, strongholds and dominions, the affairs of immortals, PCs becoming immortals, creating magical items, artifacts, other planes of existence, and AD & D conversion rules. For this reason even as I converted over to AD & D I still will pluck A LOT of the material from this D & D Rules Cyclopedia for my future AD & D campaign. This book is so excellently written and detailed that even though it was meant for D & D I will probably use this title more in my AD & D campaign than any of the AD & D manuals I am supposed to be using!... GREAT! GREAT! Any DM for D & D as well as AD & D should not be without this book. In one sentence: The Rules Cyclopedia RULES!

This is the only official book for the D & D-game, and you can't live without it! It has got all the info you need to play the good old classic Dungeons and Dragons. If you can get your hands on one of these, then go for it! It aint easy to find it any more. It has detailed info on races, classes, magics, monsters and everything else. Very good for newbies.

This book is a classic. Compiled from a whole series of books it manages to combine a treasury of role-playing material with the simplicity of D & D. I only ever saw it in the shops once and I have never since regretted my decision to buy it.