Embedded within the teal cardstock cover of this magnificently Elmore-adorned Dungeons & Dragons book are fantasy artistic treasures awaiting to be discovered. Join Rediscovered Realms as we explore the inspiring illustrations within TSR’s D&D Companion Ruleset!
Part of the Dungeons & Dragons Basic line of games, the D&D Companion Set came out in 1984 and provided expanded rules for characters levels 15-25.
Written by Frank Mentzer and illustrated by Larry Elmore and Jeff Easley, this expansion provided dreams of future glory for your characters and continued TSR’s tradition of cool-as-heck artwork that elevated the imagination.
I originally had the entire boxed set but alas, had sacrificed the box and its Dungeon Master’s Companion during a big move many years past that required me to toss out items from my storage unit - UGH!
HOWEVER . . .
I was thrilled to recently find that I had stashed the “Players Companion” book from this expansion within the hallowed box of my D&D Basic Red box set!
The classic fantasy artwork in these old sets was phenomenal and inspirational back then, and to be honest, still exhilarates and brings me so much joy when I view them now.
Let’s take a look!
Like this edition? Then check out these other Rediscovered Realms’ “THE ART of” newsletters:
Wow, Larry & Jeff did such an incredible job! So, what did you think? Were you as jazzed as me when your eyeballs feasted on this folio? Any favorites? Make sure to let me know in the comments below.
Did You Know? Larry Elmore and Jeff Easley have their own online stores where you can purchase their signed fantasy artwork!
It’s expensive running a kingdom these days. That’s why occasional support from Generous Adventurers like you helps keep Rediscovered Realms’ moat stocked with monsters and swords sharpened for action.
(Androidicus is worried about his job (again!), so he’s slashing prices - for a limited time, sword+1’s are reduced to only $2/ea!)
Other News from The Realms
New 40th Anniversary Labyrinth Graphic Novel by Boom! Studios is coming soon!
Adapted from the 1986 novelization by A.C.H. Smith and Jim Henson, this graphic novel is expected to release this September.
Speaking of Labyrinth . . . This September starts “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” tour across North America!
Experience the ‘80s cult classic fantasy film on an HD cinema screen with the iconic soundtrack performed by a live band on stage, accompanied by David Bowie’s legendary vocals.
“This is our love letter to Middle-earth”, say the producers of the “Tales of the Shire” video game
Hailed as the first “cozy” game set in Tolkien’s world, sit back and relax with this Hobbitcore delight.
That’s another exploration completed, companion-style. I’ll see you anon, Attentive Adventurer!
“The world of reality has its limits; The world of imagination is boundless.”
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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(Featuring artwork from Clyde Caldwell & Luke Eidenschink!)
Grew up with the color borders books, so always had a like for them. The red, the blue, the teal. Bringing back memories. Still have all my old ones and get ideas from them from time to time. Thanks for the memory jog!!
It's particularly interesting to me too see this art, as I never owned these books, having gone from the Basic Set to AD&D.