The following has been copied from the 1978 "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook" by Gary Gygax. His advice on playing the Game is still the best, even 30 years later. He shall be missed...
PREFACE
The whole of ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS was a protect which involved varying degrees of my thought, imagination, and actual working time over a period of more than a year and one-half. Because of other demands, the project was perforce set aside for a day or a week or even longer, making it hard to get back to. Knowing that this would be the case when I began, the MONSTER MANUAL was selected as the first of the three volumes in the advanced game to work on - hundreds of different creatures lend themselves to segmental treatment. Only after that book was finished did I begin to put the sheaved reams of notes for the Players and Dungeon Masters books into order, and that only as the bones - tables, charts and matrices - for rough typing and careful rechecking before a final manuscript was built around them.
This latter part of the ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS project I approached with no small amount of trepidation. After all, the game's major appeal is to those persons with unusually active imagination and superior, active intellect - a very demanding audience indeed. Furthermore, a great majority of readers master their own dungeons and are necessarily creative - the most critical audience of all! Authoring these works means that, in a way, I have set myself up as final arbiter of fantasy role playing in the minds of the majority of D&D adventurers. Well, so be it, I rationalized. Who better than the individual responsible for it all as creator of the "Fantasy Supplement" in CHAINMAIL, the progenitor of D&D; and as the first proponent of fantasy gaming and a principal in TSR, the company one thinks of when fantasy games are mentioned, the credit and blame rests ultimately here. Some last authority must be established for a very good reason.
There is a need for a certain amount of uniformity from campaign to campaign in D&D. This is not to say that conformity or sameness is desirable. Nobody wishes to have stale campaigns where dungeons, monsters, traps, tricks, and goals are much the same as those encountered in any one of a score of other campaigns. Uniformity means that classes are relatively the same in abilities and approach to solving the problems with which the campaign confronts them. Uniformity means that treasure and experience are near a reasonable mean. Uniformity means that the campaign is neither a give-away show nor a killer - that rewards are just that, and great risk will produce commensurate rewards, that intelligent play will give characters a fighting chance of survival. No individual can actually dictate the actual operations of a campaign, however, for that is the prerogative of the Dungeon Master, first and foremost, and to the players in the individual campaign thereafter. In like manner, players greatly influence the events of each particular campaign, and they must accept a large portion of blame if it is a poor game, and if the campaign is outstanding, they deserve high praise for helping to shape the game and playing well. So at best I give you parameters here, and the rest is up to the individuals who are the stuff D&D is made of. Naturally, every attempt has been made to provide all of the truly essential information necessary for the game: the skeleton and muscle which each DM will flesh out to create the unique campaign. You will find no pretentious dictums herein, no baseless limits arbitrarily placed on female strength or male charisma, no ponderous combat systems for greater "realism", there isn't a hint of a spell point system whose record keeping would warm the heart of a monomaniacal statistics lover, or anything else of the sort. You will find materialwhich enables the Dungeon Master to conduct a campaign which is challenging, where the unexpected is the order of the day, and much of what takes place has meaning and reason within the framework of the game "world".
It is important to keep in mind that, after all is said and done, ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is a game. Because it is a game, certain things which seem "unrealistic" or simply unnecessary are integral to the system. Classes have restrictions in order to give a varied and unique approach to each class when they play, as well as to provide play balance. Races are given advantages or limits mainly because the whole character of the game would be drastically altered if it were otherwise. Everything in the ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS system has purpose; most of what is found herein is essential to the campaign, and those sections which are not - such as subclasses of characters, psionics, and similar material - are clearly labeled as optional for inclusion.
What is here is, hopefully, presented in as logical a sequence as possible, clearly, understandably, and with as few ambiguities as could be managed. Many readers will want more material. There is a wealth of commercial and fan material available for fulfilling such needs. Similarly, even the most important material herein can be altered and bent to suit the needs of individual campaigns. Where possible, true guidelines have been laid down to provide the barest of frameworks for those areas of the campaign which should be the most unusual and unique. Read the work (or both works if you are a DM) through and assess for yourself what ADVANCED D&D really is. I am convinced that it does for the old D&D + supplements what GREYHAWK did for D&D when it first appeared, and then some. I have put into these works what should be the important parts of a superior D&D campaign, cutting out material which actually adds little or nothing to the game, revising the old, and adding and expanding in the essential areas. Special thanks are due to the following persons who contributed to the original game or have been so kind as to give their comments, criticism, and contributions to this game: Dave Arneson, Peter Aronson, Brian Blume, Joe Fischer, Ernie Gygax, Tom Holsinger, Timothy Jones, Tim Kask, Jeff Key, Rob Kuntz, Len Lakofka, Alan Lucion, Steve Marsh, Mike Mornard, Doug Schwegman, Dennis Sustare, Dave Sutherland, Dave Trampier, Jim Ward, Tom Wham, Skip Williams, and all of the good players and kindly Dungeon Masters who have taken the time to talk with me at conventions or drop me a line in order to pass on their experiences, suggestions and ideas. Also thanks to Judges Guild, whose suggestions have helped with this work, and whose products have helped D&D.
I thank you for the gift of the game. Rest in Peace.
Troll Lord games. News, tributes and condolences.
Others out there are feeling it too.
He will be missed. :(
I'm going to read my 1E DMG tonight. :)
He will be missed. :(
I'm going to read my 1E DMG tonight. :)
you and me both my friend
Thank you Mr. Gygax for the game I love to play.
*Kobold stands silent for respect*
Eulogy of a Gamer
There is an empty chair,
At the table this day.
A hallowed place where,
A friend once played.
The roll of his rugged dice,
My ears do long to hear.
Or perhaps I would suffice,
If he should suddenly appear.
With character sheet in hand,
And a bag of Cheeze-doodles to share.
All his friends would stand,
As he sat in the empty chair.
I hear his voice a-callin'
And it ties my heart in a knot.
He cries, "Though a comrade has fallen,
You must play for those who cannot!"
His imagination now walks in the sun
With others who have none.
We've conquered worlds on the run,
He and I, but in the name of fun.
And as others may come and go,
I make both friend and foe.
But that I long for most
Is our past, now a ghost.
Gary was instrumental in the creation of D&D cartoon series as well - my favorite cartoon of all time.
Needless to say that his groundbreaking work provided the foundation for all the games I play and have played.
The good thing is that even though he has passed on his name and the memory of him will be around with us for a VERY long time.
Not every one can credit such a huge fan base to their lifes work as he has.
Rest in piece my friend, though you will be missed you will always be renembered.
May you find yet more gamers in whatever fields you now walk.
Rest in peace.
Upon waking up this afternoon, I usually turn Canonfire and Paizo on to read the latest and worthy news and conversations of my beloved Greyhawk friends. Much to my regret this afternoon has finally brought the day I knew would eventually come.
To the family of Mr. Gygax, I send my sincere condolences. My prayers and support are with you.
To Mr. Gary Gygax:
I would like to take this moment to thank you for your time, imagination, education, and commitment to creating a new hobby and making it available to everyone throughout the world. Your interests matched by your dedication has given us the Dungeons and Dragons game which has spurred the imaginations of millions. For some, it was a way to pass the time. For others, it has shaped their lives either as hobbists or by career. Your wit, vocabulary, imagination, writing skill, and love for the game has helped me grow into the person I've become. I say this with all heart felt meaning...."I will forever miss you and sincerely hope that eventually the day will come when we meet. I just wanted to shake your hand, give you a hug, and say Thanks!". God bless you, God take care of you. Thank you Lord for giving us a good man. Take Care Mr. Gary Gygax; you will be greatly missed, never forgotten, and forever loved.
_________________
Eileen of Greyhawk, Prophet of Istus, Messenger of the Gods
Thanks you so very much for the hobby that I am able to enjoy with my two boys and friends. You will be remembered threw the dice that we all roll.
God Bless
Thank you for creating something I love.
My condolences to the family.
I actually emailed Gary a couple times with Greyhawk questions, and I couldn't have asked for a friendlier, more personable response.
Cheers My Gygax, you've brought so many good times to so many people...I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Wow. This one hurts. I haven't come to grips with this yet.
|
In the collected history of the arts, and literature first and foremost, there have been people possessed of such powerful imaginations, that they can build worlds; Lovecraft, Tolkien, and Stephen King are but a few examples.
Not only was Gary Gygax gifted enough to share with us his own World of Greyhawk, he was gracious enough to do the work necessary to show millions of other people how to create their own worlds. I'm sure all of you can agree that this gift has helped make many of us the people that we are today. Like imagination itself, the worth of such a gift is immeasurable.
Thank You.
This is a blow from which we must all recover. The founder of our favorite pastime, brought low. His work has entertained us all for decades. He will be missed.
Rest well, Gary Gygax. Your work lives on, but will never be the same.
Sad news indeed. Thank you for the game...
Someone on ENWorld requested that the 4th Edition be dedicated to the Father of RPG. It seems that Scott Rouse agreed (post #5).
Thank you Gary for giving us these wonderful worlds that our minds can inhabit. You will be missed.
|
The following has been copied from the 1978 "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook" by Gary Gygax. His advice on playing the Game is still the best, even 30 years later. He shall be missed...
Thank you Gary for all your work. You changed my life and made me a better person through your writing.
Rest in Peace my friend.
RIP great Father of Roleplaying.
I was hoping, also, to hear his thoughts on 4E when it was released. Bummer.
Gary Gygax has left the primary plan. Thank you for having given me one my the great passions in my life. Your work has had a profound influence me. You will never be forgotten.
Thank you for starting DD (and the Gord books).
We must game for those who cannot.
R.I.P.
This past summer was my first experience at GenCon. I made a point of seeing Mr. Gygax at one of his many appearances. I thought that was amazing enough. Then I found myself just outside a doorway next to him, with no one else around. I took a moment to speak with him. I had hoped to have such an experience, as I am sure many others have as well. Though I knew it was rare and special, I still never would have guessed it would be my one and only encounter with him; the Wandering Celebrity dice favored me that day.
Godspeed, Mr. Gygax.
Thank you, Gary.
Someone on ENWorld requested that the 4th Edition be dedicated to the Father of RPG. It seems that Scott Rouse agreed (post #5).
Someone else posted, in that same thread, the idea that all fantasy RPG publishers do something similar. So, how about the Pathfinder Campaign Guide? I think GG would definitely be a fan.
|
I sit here typing this stunned and speechless, I have had a privilege to talk with GG personally twice. The first was the very first Gencon I went to in Milwaukee and again last year at Gencon. Both times I thanked him for the game that has at times defined my life and both times he listened to what I felt I needed to say to him. Then he thanked me right back for allowing him to become important. I find it hard to believe that he is gone and that I am graced that he has signed my 1ed DMG to replace the one that was lost. My heart and thanks go out again to this wonderful man and his family and our group to will have an empty chair and dice to remember him. RIP Gary you have made the world a better place for many people and will be missed.
Kevin Brown
This game has been a very important part of my life for a very long time. I met my wife because of D&D. The game also helped me survive some very bad times as a child. Thank you Mr. Gygax, even without knowing you, you've been a very big part of my life. May your memory live on through our gaming.
|
|
A truly painful blow, I'm having trouble typing this for the tears in my eyes. Gary Gygax's creation has been a major part of my life since 1979, when I was but a lad of 10 years of age. This feels like losing a member of my family, even though I never had the honor of meeting the legend in person.
I feel like I should be saying something profound and deep here, but nothing comes to my mind, so I'll end this wishing comfort to Gary's family, friends and co-workers. May we all meet again on the other side of life.
|
I was shocked to read about Gary's passing on the reaper board today. I'm not sure how many of my close friends I'd have today if not for D&D in high school, thinking about that brings me back to the days after school when we'd all get together for a quick game or a a full Saturday of just gaming with friends & having pizza & soda.
Some may just call it a game, but to people that play or played it, D&D will always hold a spot in their hearts. You had a great life Gary & thou it was cut short way to soon, your memories & what you did here on Earth will always be remembered.
RIP Gary Gygax
Heaven has it's own Gamemaster now
RM
|
|
I feel like I should be saying something profound and deep here, but nothing comes to my mind ...
I am reminded of a recent bit from A Prairie Home Companion in which Garrison said of a funeral and the things we long to say ...
"We say all the Old Words
There are no New Words for Death
So we say all the Old Words"
Rest
We will miss you. Many blessings to your family.
Thank you, Mr. Gygax. D&D captured my imagination in 1983 and still inspires me today. I have introduced D&D to my daughter...she loves the dice, the miniatures, the maps, the adventures. You'd be proud that the game lives through the generations.
I'll flip through my 1st ed books and be 12 years old again.
Someone Great is gone, but not forgotten.
And... This.
RIP
Great... I was doing okay until I saw the Penny Arcade tribute...
it seems like i have lost a dear friend. regardless of what life threw at me, i would always be able to go kill a couple of orcs, then everything would be ok. as soon as i am home, i also will flip through THE dungeon master guide.
i will also reserve a chair for him at my next game.
may all your rolls be 20s gary.