Mar 6, 2024
Dungeons & Dragons Expert Set Cover Art by Erol Otus
seen from Malaysia
seen from Netherlands
seen from Iraq
seen from Germany
seen from Türkiye
seen from Finland
seen from Malaysia
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from South Korea
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from Türkiye
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from South Korea
seen from United States
Dungeons & Dragons Expert Set Cover Art by Erol Otus
The Holmes Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set (1977) only supported levels one through three. The idea was that you’d graduate to either the white box OD&D or the new Advanced D&D (sort of – Holmes himself regretted that his box wasn’t a clear-cut runway to AD&D and was a bit dubious of its value as an introductory tool at all). Moldvay’s revision also supports play from level one to three, but it is designed to lead not to OD&D or AD&D, but to the Expert Set. This essentially marks the retirement of white box D&D and the acknowledgment of “Basic” D&D as its own not quite distinct system.
Expert is by Zeb Cook and Stephen R. Marsh and covers levels four through 14. It is still essentially a revision of OD&D, but an exhaustive one. It makes sense and is a fairly obviously playable game, which I can’t say that about the white box.
Of major note here is the introduction of the Known World, which would later be called Mystara, my favorite of the conventional D&D campaign worlds. Details on the world presented here are probably the most robust treatment of a campaign world in D&D up to this point. Also in the box is X1 – The Isle of Dread, one of my very favorite modules. A pretty sweet box, all in all.
Erol Otus is on cover again, with a nice direct reference to his Basic Set cover in the wizard’s smoke. Expert comes with the same killer roster of interior artists – Otus, Jeff Dee, Roslof, Bill Willingham and Diesel LaForce – with the addition of Wade Hampton.
X10: Red Arrow, Black Shield, by Michael S. Dobson, was the first adventure module I ever owned. If I recall correctly, it was purchased for me by my otherwise evil grandmother at a mall Waldenbooks, along with the Expert Set box. This was contrary to the wishes of my mom, who was sketched out by the panic around D&D. It was also contrary to common sense, which would dictate you start with the Basic Set. I took what I could get, though.
Personal history aside, X10 is a terrible first module to own.
The idea is that the players have to rally a defense against the invading army of that old bugaboo from X5, the Master of the Desert Nomads. They go from region to region of the Known World, enlisting the aid of various rulers and armies until they run out of time and have to, you know, fight a war. Sounds cool so far, right?
The war sets aside the D&D rules for a strategy game with a big map and lots of chits. This is also a cool twist, but the rules, ugh. You can run the strategy portion with the War Machine rules from the Companion Set box, or add in the BattleSystem rules, both of which have short summaries in the module. Both are complicated and, honestly, pretty dull (full disclosure: I have a special, irrational loathing of BattleSystem that I will explain some other time). At least Young Stu found those chits fascinating.
Because it was my first module, I both love it (because come on) and hate it (because it was confusing and I never played it), so I have exactly zero critical distance on it. If you played it and loved it, by all means, tell me! Most importantly, though, in the historical context, I suspect X10 is a clear forerunner of Greyhawk Wars, a D&D/strategy game hybrid that I like quite a bit.
Anyway. I like the choice to illustrate much of the module with historical engravings of medieval warfare. I also get a chuckle out of the fact that the cover art depicts Sturm Brightblade fighting draconians with nary a desert nomad in sight.
Adventure Module X3: Curse of Xanathon was written by Douglas Niles and features a sweet chimera on the cover. Unfortunately, the biggest illustration in the book features a manticore, with wings, which manticores shouldn’t have, so points deducted.
There’s a lot going on in the scenario. The Duke is making strange proclamations (all dwarves must be clean-shaven!) because he’s under a curse. The party has to do some detective work to find out who placed the curse and how to lift it, as the Duke is needed to lead his soldiers against an approaching army. The detective angle is a novel one, but mishandled – rather than presenting the case organically, with clues scattered in an open world (you know, how mysteries usually are), the detection takes place linearly over five short scenarios. It’s a bit on rails. And short on art, despite some nice smaller illustrations by Tim Truman.
(Look, I know that D&D manticores have always had wings, but I don’t care – it is straight up wrong and I will frown at winged manticores until my dying day and you will never convince me otherwise).
A charming, three-story LEGO Bookshop and adjoining modular town house, containing over 2,500 pieces, is coming in January 2020! Part of the ever-growing LEGO Modular Building collection, the set is filled with fun building technics and surprising details, including a display window, reading nook and an open-out design. The three-story, advanced building set is part of the LEGO Modular Building series and features many details in the bookshop and adjoining town house, including a display window, bookshelves, reading nook and living spaces – and comes with five minifigures.
http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/wpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/10270_360_SoMe.mp4
ADD THE JOY OF READING TO YOUR MODULAR BUILDINGS TOWN WITH THE NEW LEGO® CREATOR EXPERT BOOKSHOP – TWO BUILDINGS IN ONE!
The LEGO Group has announced the LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop, arriving into LEGO Stores and LEGO.com from 1st January 2020
[December 6th, 2019] Bring a novel new building to your LEGO brick town with the LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop. The latest addition to the Modular Buildings series, this three-story bookshop and adjoining townhouse is crammed full of fun features and has all the character of a quaint European town.
#gallery-0-19 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-19 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-19 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-19 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The 2,504-piece build features a three-story bookshop and adjoining modular town house building, which are full of surprising details including a reading nook – where any one of the five LEGO minifigures included in the set can settle down to read ‘Moby Brick’ (or any other book) in the peace and quiet of the detailed bookshop.
#gallery-0-20 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-20 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-20 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-20 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
This set is packed full of unexpected features such as the toy plane stuck in the branches of the autumnal birch tree outside the house and a pet chameleon hiding in the bedroom of the house – all of which are sure to delight budding builders as they create their own bookshop.
The modular design allows the two buildings to be configured in a number of ways, giving LEGO brick fans flexibility when they display the model or integrate it into their own town of other LEGO Creator Expert Modular Buildings.
#gallery-0-21 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-21 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-21 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-21 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The set is inspired by the houses of Amsterdam and the dollhouses that were built by the Mother of the set’s designer, Wes Talbott when he was growing up. The set features an adjoining townhouse with individual rooms for each of the five LEGO minifigures to relax in, when they’re not exploring the bookstore itself.
Measuring over 11” (29cm) high, 9” (25cm) wide and 9” (25cm) deep, this buildable model makes for an impressive display piece on its own or as part of a larger Modular Buildings series street scene. This advanced set offers a challenging and rewarding build experience whether building alone or sharing the experience with a friend.
#gallery-0-22 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-22 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-22 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-22 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The LEGO Creator Expert Modular Buildings series is a premium collection of advanced, interconnecting buildings featuring authentic designs from around the world.
#gallery-0-23 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-23 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-23 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-23 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop is available directly from LEGO.com and LEGO Retail stores from 1st January 2020
#gallery-0-24 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-24 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-24 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-24 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
10270 – LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop
RRP $179.99 US
Aged 16+
2,504 pieces
Product available direct from LEGO.com and LEGO Retail Stores
About the LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company with headquarters in Billund, Denmark, and main offices in Enfield, USA, London, UK, Shanghai, China, and Singapore. Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and based on the iconic LEGO® brick, it is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials.
Guided by the company spirit: “Only the best is good enough”, the company is committed to the development of children and aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through creative play and learning. LEGO products are sold worldwide and can be virtually explored at http://www.LEGO.com.
For more news from the LEGO Group, information about our financial performance and responsibility engagement, please visit http://www.LEGO.com/aboutus.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, DUPLO, BIONICLE, LEGENDS OF CHIMA, DIMENSIONS, the FRIENDS logo, the MINIFIGURES logo, MINDSTORMS, MIXELS, NINJAGO and NEXO KNIGHTS are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2019 The LEGO Group.
@LEGO Announces New Creator Expert Bookshop Set A charming, three-story LEGO Bookshop and adjoining modular town house, containing over 2,500 pieces, is coming in January 2020!
Enjoy the thrills and excitement of the fairground with this chain-lift Roller Coaster featuring a wealth of brick-built details and 11 minifigures. Upgradable with LEGO® Power Functions and LEGO BOOST for an added movement sensor and realistic sound effects!
Capture the speed, thrills and excitement of the ultimate fairground attraction with this incredible LEGO® Creator Expert 10261 Roller Coaster. This fully functional chain-lift model comes with 2 trains and an array of authentic features and functions, including a ticket booth, cotton candy cart, concession stand, height marker, and a covered boarding station complete with opening barriers and a control panel. Lower the lap bars to secure the riders into the cars and release the brake to send the train to the foot of the first climb. Then activate the chain lift and enjoy the ride as the gravity-driven cars hurtle through the Roller Coaster’s twists and turns.
Upgrade the Roller Coaster with LEGO Power functions for a motorized chain lift or LEGO BOOST for an added movement sensor and realistic sound effects! This incredible collectible toy has been designed to provide a challenging and rewarding building experience with a touch of nostalgia and charm. Includes 11 minifigures.
Build a fully functioning Roller Coaster with 2 trains, lots of big dips and upgrade options
Upgrade with LEGO® BOOST and LEGO Power Functions for an even more immersive experience
Roller Coaster model measures over 20” (53cm) high, 34” (88cm) wide and 16” (41cm) deep
LEGO® Creator Expert building toys are compatible with all LEGO construction sets for creative building
Includes 11 minifigures: a cotton candy vendor, 2 ride attendants, 2 grandparents with their granddaughter and 5 riders. 8 of these minifigures feature reversible heads to display different emotions.
Fully functional chain-lift Roller Coaster model features a classic brick-built sign, control panel, 2 trains—each consisting of 3 train cars with low-friction wheels, and a 44-piece track consisting of 7 different rail elements.
Also features a ticket booth, fountain, cotton candy cart, concession stand, waiting area with bench, camera element and a pond with a frog figure.
Buy your ticket at the booth and make your way to the covered plaza.
No cheating at the height marker—the ride attendant has an accurate measuring stick!
Help the riders into the cars and secure the lap bars.
Release the brake to send the cars to the foot of the first climb.
Activate the chain lift to pull the train cars to the top of the first drop.
Move the rails to launch a second train.
Serve refreshing beverages at the concession stand or spin some cotton candy.
Don’t forget to smile as you race past the camera!
Upgrade the Roller Coaster with LEGO® Power Functions for a motorized chain lift, or with LEGO BOOST for automated chain lift activation and realistic sound effects!
Decorated elements include a ticket, money, arrow tiles, pressure gauge, number pad and a ride control panel.
Special new-for-June-2018 elements include a 2x8x6 Rail Slope, 1x2x1 Bow Brick, plant leaves, stalks and flowers.
Other elements include a height checker and 2 cotton candy treats.
Makes the perfect fairground addition to the 10257 LEGO® Creator Expert Carousel and 10247 LEGO® Creator Expert Ferris Wheel
Measures over 20” (53cm) high, 34” (88cm) wide and 16” (41cm) deep.
10261 LEGO Creator Expert: Roller Coaster
Ages 16+. 4,124 pieces.
Available June 1, 2018.
$379.99 US – $479.99 CN – DE 329.99€ – FR 349.99€ – UK £299.99 – DK 2699DKK
*Euro pricing varies by country. Please visit shop.LEGO.com for regional pricing.
Available exclusively to LEGO VIP’s directly through LEGO® from Wednesday 16th May, 2018 via shop.LEGO.com, LEGO® Stores or via phone:
US Contact Center 1-800-453-4652
CA (English) Contact Center 1-800-453-4652
CA (French) Contact Center 1-877-518-5346
European Contact Center 00-800-5346-1111
LEGO, the LEGO logo and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2018 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.
Take a ride with the ultimate Roller Coaster from LEGO! Enjoy the thrills and excitement of the fairground with this chain-lift Roller Coaster featuring a wealth of brick-built details and 11 minifigures.