First encountered in the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons GDQ series, the Drow have been a fascinating opposition for players. The evil subterranean elf culture got even more developed in R.A Salvatore’s fantasy fiction series, with the rare “good” drow Drizzt Do’Urden stealing the show. In 1992, TSR released the Menzoberranzan set to bring Drizzt’s demonic home city to the game table.

The Menzoberranzan box has a LOT of parts. With used sets often missing components, I think this post should help collectors inventory their sets. Here we’ll have photos of all the books, cards, and maps. Plus printing data and bonus pics of the maps all together, “Wayne-sized”. And some images of a Spanish language set that passed through the shop many years ago. Enjoy!

Menzoberranzan [BOX SET]

1992 … Ed Greenwood & Douglas Niles & R.A. Salvatore … TSR 1083 … ISBN 1560764600

CONTENTS: * Book One: The City * Book Two: The Houses * Book Three: The Adventure * 16-page House Do’Urden retrospective * 4 connecting poster-sized maps of the city proper * 1 poster map of the House Baenre compound * 1 poster showing the rivalries and alliances among all eighteen major and minor houses * 12 cardsheets * full-color poster of the stunning box cover art by Jeff Easley

Check Wayne’s Books Inventory

Noble Knight

Oddly enough, there is no PDF available for this title at DriveThruRPG.

Printings

There are at least 2 distinct printings of Menzoberranzan. The most obvious difference is the later print goes with white lettering (instead of the gold leaf in the 1992 print). There’s a slight color shift on the back, but the only real change is in the MSRP. Since prices never go down, that’s another indicator of which was later.

But there is no indication in the box or books as to the year of the next print. Only the TSR ad flier gives us a clue (date is 1996). This set was in print for many years!

The maps have a slight color shift. Later print maps are smooth and glossy in texture.

Box

Book 1: The City

The illustrations are solid, if unremarkable. About a quarter of the pieces are recycled classic drow art.

Book 2: The Houses

Book 3: The Adventure

House Do’Urden Retrospective

12 card sheets

The sheets are:

  • House Millithor Dwelling
  • House Nurbonnis NPCs
  • Battle Maze #1
  • Battle Maze #2
  • Surface-Dwelling Player Characters
  • Marckarius Millithor (Elderboy of House Millithor)
  • Torrellan Millithor (Secondboy of House Millithor)
  • Dariel Kront’tane (Adopted son of House Millithor)
  • Quertus Millithor (House Wizard)
  • Matron Mother Ki’Willis Millithor (Matriarch of House Millithor)
  • Narcelia Millithor (Elder Daughter of House Millithor)
  • Carcelen Millithor (Second Daughter of House Millithor).

Poster Maps

The maps are:

  • 1083XXX0701 Menzoberranzan NW; City Districts; locations 1-47.
  • 1083XXX0702 Menzoberranzan NE; locations 48-130.
  • 1083XXX0703 Menzoberranzan SW.
  • 1083XXX0704 Menzoberranzan SE.
  • 1083XXX0705 House Baenre compound pictorial map.
  • 1083XXX0706 House alliances and rivalries diagram.

Six (6!) maps were included in the Menzoberranzan set. Here I am with them (Jan 2020).

Cover art poster by Jeff Easley

#1 most often missing item!

See also: “Discover Menzoberranzan” Retailer Poster

Spanish edition

This set came through the shop in 2009. Alas, I wasn’t as thorough back then photoing all the pieces.

Miscellanea

Ral Partha sold a licensed MENZOBERRANZAN miniatures boxed set in 1993. (stock number 10-551)

There was also a PC video game by SSI, released in 1994. Here’s a good look at it.

See Also:

The Drow made their first rulebook appearance in the Fiend Folio.

FIEND FOLIO (1981): Quick Visual ID of the 2 printings of the UK AD&D Hardcover

My middle son’s main character for some time has been Rolen, the drow. He’s a sorcerer, and doesn’t wield dual scimitars, so we’ll cut him some slack, right?

TSOJCANTH: Session 1 – Quest for the Lost Caverns