My relationship with the Dungeons and Dragons game began in 1980 with a blue box, six dice, and two friends. It ends in August.
I was the one with the box and so was elected DM. We played through the Keep on the Borderlands more times than I can remember. I was in middle school and didn't have any money so I wasn't able to purchase many accessories but I would go to the local KB toy store at the mall in the hope the Dragon magazine was there, on the shelf in the back of the store, where I could flip through it.
The first issue of Dragon I bought was number 68. I don't remember any of the articles but the cover has stuck with me since December of 1982. The dragon flying above a dark snow covered forest, castle in the background. I loved the massive moon, the holes in the dragon's wings indicating it had been in a few scrapes. Where had that dragon been? Where was it going? There are times when I go to bed and fall asleep thinking about that dragon. It is a defining image for me.
Since 1980 there have been times when I played regularly and bought every book published. There have also been times, like now, when Dungeon and Dragon magazines have been my only contact with the game.
I won't be purchasing a pathfinder subscription. It sounds like an wonderful product. I wish it well and I know, with Eric and the gang in charge, it will be amazing. But it's not for me.
In August, after I've carefully read each word in the final issues, I will take my subscription refund, buy a bottle of wine, and have one last drink to old friends, now gone.
Thank you for 27 years of dreams. You will be missed.
