Passing of a legend

[Rhaalidor]

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (AP) -- Gary Gygax, who co-created the fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons and helped start the role-playing phenomenon, died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva. He was 69.

He had been suffering from health problems for several years, including an abdominal aneurysm, said his wife, Gail Gygax.

Gygax and Dave Arneson developed Dungeons & Dragons in 1974 using medieval characters and mythical creatures. The game known for its oddly shaped dice became a hit, particularly among teenage boys, and eventually was turned into video games, books and movies.

Gygax always enjoyed hearing from the game's legion of devoted fans, many of whom would stop by the family's home in Lake Geneva, about 55 miles southwest of Milwaukee, his wife said. Despite his declining health, he hosted weekly games of Dungeons & Dragons as recently as January, she said.

"It really meant a lot to him to hear from people from over the years about how he helped them become a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, what he gave them," Gygax said. "He really enjoyed that."

Dungeons & Dragons players create fictional characters and carry out their adventures with the help of complicated rules. The quintessential geek pastime, it spawned a wealth of copycat games and later inspired a whole genre of computer games that's still growing in popularity.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Besides his wife, Gygax is survived by six children.

[Dan296]

aww, that sucks. D&D is the forerunner of....well....all fantasy games! sad to hear that he died

[Dragoon King]

Wow. That is sad. I never really got into D&D, but you can't deny the impact it's had on people. Nice to know he still derived pleasure from the fans up until the end. May he rest in peace. Why am I so broken up about it, never really playing the game? I guess it's just the loss of such a creative mind, and we geeks have to stick together. That includes everyone here, we're all geeks. Many people laugh at us for playing with "toys". I would rather do that than have a stale mind, caught in the humdrum of everyday life. Gary made a world where people could escape, and for that he deserves to be honored.

[munkey joe paints]

Originally Posted by Dragoon King

Gary made a world where people could escape, and for that he deserves to be honored.

wow that was really deep DK!!! I too agree that a loss of a wonderful mind is tragic and should be honored.......

[Rhaalidor]

If it weren't for Gary Gygax and his little game, I'd still be playing with little green army men. 40K would be a gleam in Rick Priestly's eye, and we wouldn't have this nice little forum in which to discuss it at all.

[Dravenguild]

Truly a sad day for our kind.

[Dragoon King]

Well, it is sad, but look at it this way. The man left a legacy, and I don't care who you are, you've probably heard of D&D. He brought joy to so many, and look at the people he inspired. Most people pass from this world never leaving anything positive behind.

[Perturabo]

Wow thats sad-real sad, Ive still got my D&D boxset and books my parents got me when I was younger!

Funeral arrangements are pending.

I dont think he would be mad if I said:

On a D6

• 1-2=Cremation
  3-5=Burial (Possibility of becoming undead see Annex F table 23)
  6= Reincarnation

[Heroka Vendile]

Originally Posted by Dan296

aww, that sucks. D&D is the forerunner of....well....all fantasy games! sad to hear that he died

Now that, my good man, is a lie. I know this because I have been doing a lot of research recently into the history of wargaming and its evolution into the different forms (miniature, card, rpg, board) for a uni project. D&D was far from the first - its is just the most universally well known and longest surviving.

sad news certainly, but not something that really affects me - or anyone who actually plays D&D as its not like he was still a key part of the game design team i suspect.

[Lord Commander Erus]

Pert, I think he'd crack a smile... He was an interesting sort.

A moment of silence for the Godfather of Geeks, if you will...

[Darighaaz_king]

i wonder if 4th edition had anythin to do with it...

he leaves a great legacy behind, not to mention a whopping 6 kids. at least his life wasnt wasted.

hell be missed

[Jericho199]

By the chaps at Penny Arcade.

[Lord Commander Erus]

Very nice Jericho.. Very nice...

[Sir_Servo]

I thought that the world was a bit darker, but then I realized it was just hanging its head in memory for a brief moment of sorrow. Every one should honour this man, for with out him who knows where gaming would be this day.

You will be missed Gary...

[wolfpack]

I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful mind at the original Geneva Convention...circa 1981...he signed my original edition boxed set and rambled for hours about the time spent designing and perfecting the game...he even GM'd a game that weekend and it was a marvel to witness...his mind was trully unique...I personally am saddened at his passing...

Grandfather have mercy on him and his, may he make the journey well, may all his relations know his peace...and take comfort from it...aho!

[Mortusbard]

It is a shame that someone that instrumental in all of our games has passed. We all do owe him a lot.

Thanks Gary

[Scoutmaster477]

Gary will be missed. I remember the first time I beat him at the old AH game "Blitzkrieg" back in 1968. Yes I played D&D for many years. Gary was the one that got me in to miniatures and painting. When ever I had a rough time I could write or call him and he had good advice.