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B1 In Search of the Unknown (Basic)

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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.

Product History

B1: "In Search of the Unknown," by Mike Carr, was originally released in November 1978 with a monochrome yellow cover. At the time, it was probably TSR's eighth adventure. It was also the first TSR adventure by someone other than Gary Gygax. However, its place in history as the first introductory adventure is much more important.

This adventure module was later revised and rereleased in additional editions in 1980 and 1981, eventually adopting TSR's full-color trade dress.

An Introductory Offer. The story of "Search" begins with the first Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set (1977), which was a reorganization of the rules from the original 3-book Dungeons & Dragons (1974) and Supplement I: Greyhawk (1975) produced by J. Eric Holmes. Following the publication of the Basic Set, TSR was looking for better introductory material to support it.

Enter TSR Games & Rule Editor Mike Carr, who saw the need for an introductory adventure that really taught GMs how to create and stock a dungeon. He offered to write such a product for TSR, who accepted. "In Search of the Unknown" was thus an introductory module for the introductory rule set - making it the ultimate introduction to the game.

An Introduction Inclusion. B1 was immediately packaged as part of the Basic Set - replacing geomorphs and monsters & treasure assortments, which had required GMs to be more comfortable creating dungeons on their own. It appeared as a part of the Holmes Basic Set from late 1978 through the end of 1979, at which time is was replaced by the better-known "B2: The Keep on the Borderlands" (1980).

An Introductory Adventure. The actual adventure leads off with advice about running adventures, but its introductory nature goes beyond that. Designer Mike Carr purposefully included a number of features that he thought players should expect in dungeons, like one-way secret doors, magic mouths, teleport doors, and more. Today, B1 is thus 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.

The adventure features one other element of historical note: The rooms don't actually list what monsters and treasures they contain. Instead, GMs were expected to fill in those details themselves from lists at the end of the book. This design decision may have been intended to keep players on their toes (as there was concern in those early days that players might read modules they were going to play), or it may have been another lesson in how to create a dungeon. Regardless, the decision wouldn't be repeated again, with the exception of the recalled adventure "B3: Palace of the Silver Princess" (1981).

Basic or Advanced? When B1 was released, Basic D&D was not yet its own rule system, but rather an introductory set of rules that was intended to lead players on to the original D&D game or the AD&D game. The closeness of the Basic and Advanced lines in those days is revealed in B1's earliest printings, by the inclusion of a short section that explains how to convert the adventure to AD&D. That section was removed by the time the third printing appeared in 1979, and was the last attempt to overlap the two lines.

Afterward, the lines diverged with the release of the second-edition Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set (1981) by Tom Moldvay, which was by the time of its release considered its own game. That new Basic Set was also the impetus for the printing of the full-color covered edition of "In Search of the Unknown" in 1981.

About the Creators. Mike Carr was able to offer a uniquely introductory vision of D&D because he was only lightly involved with the game - his main interest being historical wargames, including his own Fight in the Skies (1966) / Dawn Patrol (1982). Though he edited later D&D adventures, B1 was Carr's only D&D writing; however, he later co-authored some Top Secret scenarios.

About the Product Historian

This history of this product was researched and written by Shannon Appelcline, the author of Designers & Dragons - a history of the roleplaying industry told one company at a time. Please feel free to mail corrections, comments, and additions to shannon.appelcline@gmail.com.

We (Wizards) recognize that some of the legacy content available on this website does not reflect the values of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise today. Some older content may reflect ethnic, racial, and gender prejudice that were commonplace in American society at that time. These depictions were wrong then and are wrong today. This content is presented as it was originally created, because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed. Dungeons & Dragons teaches that diversity is a strength, and we strive to make our D&D products as welcoming and inclusive as possible. This part of our work will never end.

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Reviews (45)
Discussions (18)
Customer avatar
Steve V October 10, 2023 1:57 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I remember getting this for free when dndclassics.com first came on line. I wish I'd kept the file, as it was the superior edition with the brown cover, OCR and map with Arabic numerals, as opposed to Roman numerals. Disappointing to see they switched to the older version with an inferior scan.
Customer avatar
Michael G September 11, 2023 1:25 pm UTC
PURCHASER
My printed copy of In Search of the Unknown has arrived in Japan. Very prompt shipping at a cost that doesn't make me cringe. The printing itself is very, very well done. I would say that if you could make the font a bit darker, and you could edit out the penned Xs on the maps (I know you have limitations, but I'm just saying) it would be better than the new, original copy I had back in the early '80s. Normally I buy vintage originals of these 1ed modules, sometimes of painful cost and poor condition. Although I like having the originals, I much prefer your copies for actual use. Great job!!!
Customer avatar
Michael C April 16, 2023 7:01 am UTC
PURCHASER
Ah, TSR back in the days before WotC - miss those days!
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Customer avatar
Henry M November 19, 2023 8:20 pm UTC
Many of us do
Customer avatar
Ernie N July 03, 2022 5:38 pm UTC
I have created a 5e Conversion Guide with Maps for B1 In Search of the Unknown. https://www.dmsguild.com/product/401794/B1-In-Search-of-the-Unknown--5e-Conversion-Guide-with-Maps Enjoy and happy gaming.
Customer avatar
Chris J April 23, 2022 5:37 pm UTC
So which version comes with the PoD? I'm looking for the version updates to Moldvay Basic. I already have the 1979 version in print.
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Customer avatar
Miguel L April 24, 2022 7:37 pm UTC
PURCHASER
It's the 1979 edition.
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Customer avatar
Chris J April 25, 2022 11:22 pm UTC
Thanks!
Customer avatar
Dominic L November 25, 2021 7:51 pm UTC
PURCHASER
The POD I got is fine. The text could be darker and, yes, there are 3 marks on the map, but it's totally useable. I already had the PDF but as I wanted a physical copy it's cheaper and easier to buy the POD instead of having to print the PDF out at cost and hassle. I'm happy with it, thanks Drivethru.
Customer avatar
Ryan G July 08, 2020 12:06 pm UTC
PURCHASER
How has the updated version made it worse?! I originally downloaded the first release of the brown cover. Finally got round to downloading my updates and this is the "improved version"? I'm comparing both PDFs side by side and am thankful I kept my original download. I cannot recommend this current version to any one....
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Customer avatar
Shane M July 04, 2023 6:00 pm UTC
the brown cover IS the updated version. this is the original version, that came with the Holmes box set. :)
Customer avatar
Jonathan P May 23, 2020 8:34 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Unfortunately this only includes the original, 1979 version of the module, and it's a very bad scan (very faint, somebody's homemade marks on the map which is charming in its own way, but not what I paid for). I was hoping that the brown cover version referenced in some of the reviews and comments was included, but sadly it is not. If DTRPG was to separately add the better scan, I'd purchase that.
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Customer avatar
John C March 03, 2021 6:21 am UTC
Glad that I still have my original copy then
Customer avatar
Matthew M April 24, 2019 6:59 pm UTC
PURCHASER
In the print version, are the maps provided separately from the text? Not sure exactly what "Softcover, Standard Color Book" means exactly.
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Customer avatar
Miguel L April 24, 2019 8:57 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Yes. The maps come in the final pages of the book.

The name means that the book is in softcover (i.e: in paperback form instead of hardcover) and that it has some colours besides black and white.
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Customer avatar
Matthew M April 24, 2019 9:48 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the response. I think my question was a little vague. Are the maps *a part of* the book or are they loose, as they were back in the day.
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Customer avatar
Miguel L April 25, 2019 12:14 pm UTC
PURCHASER
The maps do come attached to the book. If you want to use the book in playing sessions, I suggest you buy the PDFs as well, so that you can print them at will.
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Customer avatar
Matthew M April 25, 2019 1:19 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks.
Customer avatar
Geoff W February 11, 2019 5:30 pm UTC
PURCHASER
At the time of my writing this comment, the link for "Report this title" is not present for this product. DTRPG or WoTC, any comment on that? Every product at random that I tried has a link to report issues with the title, but this one does not. If this is intentional, then bad form on whomever made this decision.
Customer avatar
Mark J February 11, 2019 5:09 pm UTC
PURCHASER
This is not the version I paid for. The pdf is terrible, the map even has someone's inked in 'x' on it, and the text is barely legible.

I would like the brown cover I initially paid for. I wouldn't pay for the current (two-tone) pdf offering let alone pay for it and print it out.
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Customer avatar
Geoff W February 11, 2019 5:19 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Just redownloaded the file to see, and I have to disagree. I refer to a comment I made to another poster earlier:

"In my previous copy the text was less clear, and in fact, some programs failed to render on most pages.

This copy is MUCH more clear, and while zoomed completely out I can easily read the text on every page, with no ambiguity common to scanned PDFs.

There is one map at the very beginning that has 3 hand-written x's on it. In my opinion, they do not detract from the map and are easily ignored, but your mileage may vary. Do remember, these files are only available to us as PDFs because someone found an old copy and scanned it in. On some of these books we're lucky to even HAVE a copy available to scan, so some wrinkles are to be expected."

My initial assessment holds true, except that I found another x written on the map in back as well as the ones noted above. There are no "clean" files for this module. It was not written during...See more
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Customer avatar
Mark J February 11, 2019 11:35 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I've had both pdfs from drivethru, and all I can say is, the brown cover pdf was much better.
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Customer avatar
Geoff W February 12, 2019 12:53 am UTC
PURCHASER
Point conceded, as the powers that be decided at some point to remove said file and I never got the chance to see that version.

I've been trying to contact anyone from DTRPG or WoTC about it, but apparently neither like to hear from their customers as I haven't had a single response.
Customer avatar
Joel G January 12, 2019 11:19 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I just received the print version of this classic module and overall am pleased. There are maybe 4 pages that are lighter than the rest but all are fine. As others have suggested , the pdf is always recommended for purchase in addition to the PoD for printing maps /handouts/etc. NOTE: The PoD is the original pastel version.
Customer avatar
Ian M October 15, 2018 11:39 am UTC
This module is a great introductory one for DMs of any edition of D&D. Generally speaking, the older modules are so rules-light as to make conversion a snap - sometimes being able to do it on the fly, with trusty edition-relevant core books on hand. With B1, you have to note that it is not complete - that is, it ushers new DMs down the creative alley, by presenting a skeleton framework (backstory, maps, rough room descriptions) for the DM to populate. I would suggest that getting B1 and B2 and using them together as a mini low-level campaign setting is the key, with the Keep from B2 serving as base camp for both. An area for B1 is marked out on the wilderness map for B2. With that in mind, a DM that reads through B2, figures out what they want to do with that, and then stocks B1 to mesh with those ideas will end up with a fantastic playground for low-level characters to play in.
Customer avatar
W N V October 12, 2018 5:40 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Today I received six different module reprintings, and this one (for "pastel" B1) is, by far, THE WORST SCAN: the text is very faint and is on the cusp of illegibility, while the two maps at the back are so wretchedly poor that they are practically useless. Obviously there was no attempt to clean up the scan -- or even rescan it. Additionally one of the maps has Xs on it: the previous owner of the original printing had annotated it, and there was no effort to remove these marks before production. This website badly needs a facepalm emoji.
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Customer avatar
Geoff W October 15, 2018 3:08 am UTC
PURCHASER
I just re-downloaded this to see, and I have to disagree. In my previous copy the text was less clear, and in fact, some programs failed to render on most pages.

This copy is MUCH more clear, and while zoomed completely out I can easily read the text on every page, with no ambiguity common to scanned PDFs.

There is one map at the very beginning that has 3 hand-written x's on it. In my opinion, they do not detract from the map and are easily ignored, but your mileage may vary. Do remember, these files are only available to us as PDFs because someone found an old copy and scanned it in. On some of these books we're lucky to even HAVE a copy available to scan, so some wrinkles are to be expected.
Customer avatar
Geoff W May 01, 2018 2:30 am UTC
PURCHASER
Previous discussion indicates there used to be two files, one the 1978 version of this module, and one the 1981 version. Currently my library only has the 1978 version. I would like to have both, and am not above paying for each, but I can't find the 1981 version listed. Is the 1981 version going to be either added back in with this, or sold separately in the store?
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Customer avatar
Miguel L June 13, 2018 4:43 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Why isn't this question answered by one of the site's admins?
Customer avatar
David B April 11, 2018 10:25 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Is the brown cover 1981 re-print going to surface again? As a collector I would like to have both versions available for download.
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Product Information
Adamantine seller
Author(s)
Pages
32
Edition
1.0
ISBN
0-935696-04-0
Publisher Stock #
TSR 9023
File Size:
10.37 MB
Format
Scanned image Click for more information
Scanned image
These products were created by scanning an original printed edition. Most older books are in scanned image format because original digital layout files never existed or were no longer available from the publisher.

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For printed books, we have performed high-resolution scans of an original hardcopy of the book. We essentially digitally re-master the book. Unfortunately, the resulting quality of these books is not as high. It's the problem of making a copy of a copy. The text is fine for reading, but illustration work starts to run dark, pixellating and/or losing shades of grey. Moiré patterns may develop in photos. We mark clearly which print titles come from scanned image books so that you can make an informed purchase decision about the quality of what you will receive.
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File Last Updated:
February 22, 2018
This title was added to our catalog on January 22, 2013.