A Legend Dies . . .

[Kevin]

A Legend Dies . . .

By now, I would imagine most of you have heard that Gary Gygax has passed away. He was 69 years old and had been suffering ill health for the last few years.

I met Gary Gygax (and Dave Arneson) in passing a couple of times over the years, but I can't say that I actually knew the man.

For those of you who might need a reminder, Gary Gygax and David Arneson are the creators of, and masterminds behind, Dungeons & Dragons. Gary also went on to found the TSR Company.

EVERYONE who has ever enjoyed a role-playing game owes a debt of gratitude to Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. Without D&D there would never have been a role-playing game industry.

That's right, NO Palladium Books, White Wolf, Steve Jackson Games, Green Ronin or anyone else. No Knights of the Dinner Table, no Shadis Magazine, nor decades of Dragon Magazine. Gary and Dave started it all with their little D&D game and were surprised as anyone when it exploded onto the scene in the 1970s and created a phenomenon that gave birth to an entire new kind of gaming.

I’ve always respected the creators of D&D, and to the surprise of some, have always given them and D&D their due. I’ve often had fans give me a strange look when I’d talk fondly about Dungeons and Dragons or defend the game system. Hey, it’s not perfect and may not be your cup of tea, but it's darn good. Heck, it's flippin' great! You, me, others may have our gripes about aspects of the rules, but you can not deny that there is something magical (no pun intended) about D&D. How else could it remain as popular for so many decades and enchant so many young minds? And as I’ve said, there can be no denying that Gary, Dave and D&D created an industry that continues to this day.

They gave birth to an industry that has brought millions and millions of gamers endless hours of fun, and inspired scores of creative individuals to follow in their footsteps.

Ultimately, Dungeons and Dragons motived me and Erick Wujcik and countless others to create their own games, to weave infinite stories and to think outside the box.

Thank you Gary. Thank you Dave. Thank you for giving us the gift of role-playing games and the joy of taking storytelling to a new level in a world where we need heroes and their stories more than ever. May you rest in peace, Mr. Gygax, and continue to spin yarns and play games in the halls of Valhalla and beyond. Your are remembered with love and great fondness.

Artist, Kevin Long summed up my thoughts and feelings quite succintly in an email he sent me this afternoon. “Another great one gone . . .”

And though the headline to this Murmur is "A legend dies . . ." the statement is something of a misnomer. A legend can never die. And Gary Gygax is a legend. And as such, while the man is no longer with us, his legacy -- not just Dungeons and Dragons, but EVERY role-playing game company, role-playing game and RPG player continue what he and his friend, Dave, started.

And so the legend continues, as legends do.

To the multitude of friends, fans and family who loved Mr. Gygax and the wonderful games he brought to us all, you have our deepest sympathy. God Bless. And be proud.

Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer, Artist, Game Designer and Gygax Fan

© Copyright March 4, 2008 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.

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