Gary Gygax RIP

[Gutboy]

http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/report-gary-gyg.html   

GG was probably the most important person in the rise of RPG popularity back in the days of paper, pencil, lead figures, and d20s. I really wonder if things like WoW would even exist without his original D&D system.

(The Gutboy character name comes from one of the earliest D&D manuals, though I didn't start playing until the "new" Advanced D&D came out in about 1981. )

GB

[Darkstar]

My father had the privilege back in the early 80's to play with him at conventions.  Back in those days he was a very avid D&D player and would spend entire weekends at conventions around the country. Of course this was before my time haha. But of course, I've heard the many stories of those days 

It is sad to see him pass on, as he has helped to shap the gaming world today. 

[Nasanna]

An appropriate tribute:

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2008/03/04

[LastDyingBreath]

I am greatly saddened by this

I've been playing D&D since I was, jeez, like 10 years old.  Gary is the godfather of fantasy gaming.  I would rank him right next to Tolkien in the patheon of the fantasy genre.  It's no exaggeration to say that WoW would not exist today without his groundwork.  We all have to go sometime, but it makes me a very sad panda that he failed his Saving Throw vs. Death.

[Luise]

I am greatly saddened by this

  I would rank him right next to Tolkien in the patheon of the fantasy genre. 

I played D&D some 25 or so years ago, for a few years, then lost interest.
I'm sorry Panzer but I would have to disagree here- Tolkien is brilliant.

[LastDyingBreath]

I am greatly saddened by this

  I would rank him right next to Tolkien in the patheon of the fantasy genre. 

I played D&D some 25 or so years ago, for a few years, then lost interest.
I'm sorry Panzer but I would have to disagree here- Tolkien is brilliant.

no doubt, I'm not hating on Tolkien here, and I'm not comparing Gygax to him as an author.  Gygax wrote some ok stuff, his greyhawk novels are a decent read but they're not the masterpieces that tolkien wrote.  Gygax, however, made the gaming system that allowed everybody to act out their own fantasy scripts, have their own heroic moments, and just have a good time with friends.