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Paizo Folks,
I just wanted to take a moment to talk about one of my favorite 2nd Edition authors, Carl Sargent. I fondly remember his phenomenal work on Night Below and recently did some digging online to find out what happened to this hoary legend.
I think most of his fans know of the mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance from public life, with Sean K. Reynolds hearing second-hand that he was in some sort of car accident which prevented him from continuing his work. I sincerely hope this isn't the case, and there are a number of conflicting accounts out there that indicate he made a professional decision not to continue his work in the gaming industry.
If that happens to be the case, it has now been over a decade since he last wrote in the RPG field and he may have reconsidered such a decision. With that possibility still being on the table (as far as I'm aware), I would hope that the fine people of Paizo would consider sending him an inquiry about rejoining the fold.
If, on the other hand, it has been confirmed that he suffers from debilitating injuries that have robbed him of the ability to continue working professionally, I am deeply saddened by this tragedy and wish there was an avenue in which Sargent's fans could contact him to thank him for his contributions to our hobby.
Just by searching through the webs, I found two accounts from his paranormal research field that claimed no contact since the mid-nineties, one of those claiming to be a distant relative. This was posted in 2010. I´m well aware that random people on the web can basically post whatever they want, but still, if even people outside the gaming community seem to have no clue, there seems to be a good chance that he is dead or otherwise so severely and permanently disabled that there is no chance of recovery. But yet, I did not find anything listed about his death. So, basically, no news on that front.
Stefan
From what I've looked up, he had been involved in a very bad car accident and is unable to continue that type of work. The injuries he sustained weren't included but it did say he was no longer able to work due to those injuries.
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From what I've looked up, he had been involved in a very bad car accident and is unable to continue that type of work. The injuries he sustained weren't included but it did say he was no longer able to work due to those injuries.
I've seen this, and it seems to originate with Sean K. Reynolds, who received the information secondhand from another TSR employee. If this is the case, it's a terrible tragedy and I hope only to be able to send him a letter thanking him for the many hours of entertainment he provided.
However, I've heard other reports online that indicate he was offered a job with FASA during the late '90s and suddenly decided to back out, canceling his flight from the UK to Chicago for reasons unknown.
Now, I don't want to intrude into the man's personal business, so I'm not going to speculate about the reasons he may have made such a decision. However, if such was the case, whatever problems happened over a decade ago could've been resolved by this point. Carl might even be interested in getting back into the business, but is lacking the contacts (with both FASA and TSR now defunct) and is unsure where to go.
Hmmm... In Kobold Quarterly issue #1 Wolfgang Baur interviews Erik Mona, and they both mention Carl Sargent, saying he did some good work on Greyhawk. They don't discuss any specifics - but maybe they would know something of what might have happened if he "disappeared" from the scene? His name doesn't really ring a bell with me, so I don't even know of his work... Just throwing this at you, hoping it might be helpful :)
I have nothing new to add other than to say that I too miss Carl's work in the hobby. If possible I would love to see his return.
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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I've tried to get in touch with Carl several times over the last 15 years. I hear stories about car accidents, stories about mental breakdowns, stories about just about everything other than "how do you get into contact with Carl Sargent"?
He's basically dropped off the face of the earth. We'd love to work with him, assuming he ever resurfaces and is able to write, but at this point I've pretty much completely given up on the idea.
I don't think he wants to be found.
Loved the Night Below Boxed Set. Still have it on my shelf.
Erik:
You need to offer a bounty to whomever can produce a new Carl Sargent sourcebook with art by David Trampier.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 6
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See, I was thinking about posting about Dave. Much like Dave Trampier, if Carl Sargent's in a state of mind and body where he wants to come back to the gaming industry, he could. Since neither one of them wishes to come back, the most respectful option seems to be to allow them that. I don't fault trying for either one, but it seems like it won't happen.
Loved the Night Below Boxed Set. Still have it on my shelf.
That and Greyhawk - From the Ashes, Iuz the Evil, The Marklands and an electronic copy of Ivid the Undying - all great products.
A great talent - sorely missed.
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I've tried to get in touch with Carl several times over the last 15 years. I hear stories about car accidents, stories about mental breakdowns, stories about just about everything other than "how do you get into contact with Carl Sargent"?
He's basically dropped off the face of the earth. We'd love to work with him, assuming he ever resurfaces and is able to write, but at this point I've pretty much completely given up on the idea.
I don't think he wants to be found.
That's a real shame. Thanks for the update, such as it stands.
I sincerely hope that it is nothing more than a professional decision, and doesn't speak to a more serious health-related issue. I suppose what bothers me is that, unlike Trampier, Carl Sargent still exists as a big question mark in my mind.
I'll remember him fondly, at least!
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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The imaginary dream Pathfinder product. Carl Sargent wrting, Roger Moore editing, with art by Dave Trampier. ;-)
More seriously, I loved Ivid the Undying. I was like 'Wow, what the Thay source book should have been.'
I do hope that Carl's doing well, just being a recluse.
Erik:
You need to offer a bounty to whomever can produce a new Carl Sargent sourcebook with art by David Trampier.
I think I read a few years ago that someone tracked Trampier down, to the point of actually speaking to him, and found out he very much does not want to get back into the industry.
I think I read a few years ago that someone tracked Trampier down, to the point of actually speaking to him, and found out he very much does not want to get back into the industry.Erik:
You need to offer a bounty to whomever can produce a new Carl Sargent sourcebook with art by David Trampier.
Like Roger Moore.
I think I read a few years ago that someone tracked Trampier down, to the point of actually speaking to him, and found out he very much does not want to get back into the industry.Erik:
You need to offer a bounty to whomever can produce a new Carl Sargent sourcebook with art by David Trampier.
Jolly had reportedly talked to him, from Kenzer and Co. The man was last reported seen in Carbondale IL, working as a cabbie. The information was in the final issue of Dragon.
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I don't think he wants to be found.
It appears that you are correct. I just received a response from one of Mr. Sargent's most frequent collaborators, who had the following to say:
"I've always thought that if people want to disappear, they should be allowed."
As such, I shall end my inquiries there. I do hope that Mr. Sargent changes his mind but, for the time at least, he no longer wishes to have anything to do with the roleplaying community.
Jolly had reportedly talked to him, from Kenzer and Co. The man was last reported seen in Carbondale IL, working as a cabbie. The information was in the final issue of Dragon.I think I read a few years ago that someone tracked Trampier down, to the point of actually speaking to him, and found out he very much does not want to get back into the industry.Erik:
You need to offer a bounty to whomever can produce a new Carl Sargent sourcebook with art by David Trampier.
That's probably where I'm remembering it from.
I also recall something about his research in parapsychology being rather trashed by another researcher (with possibly some mischaracterization of his work in the process) and that it somewhat snowballed. I've not read his work or that of the other researchers involved. But in the face of that, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone just want to drop off the map and restart somewhere else. Regardless of the case, if someone just wants to vanish, that's their call.
In any event, I really enjoyed his RPG work and whatever happened to him, I hope he realizes that his contributions are well remembered and appreciated.
Wanted to throw in agreement here - love From the Ashes, and used Night Below to run an awesome five year long super immersive 2e campaign, best role-playing experience hands down ever. Hey Carl, it's the new Golden Age of roleplaying here at Paizo, come on out of retirement!
I don't think he wants to be found.
It appears that you are correct. I just received a response from one of Mr. Sargent's most frequent collaborators, who had the following to say:
"I've always thought that if people want to disappear, they should be allowed."
As such, I shall end my inquiries there. I do hope that Mr. Sargent changes his mind but, for the time at least, he no longer wishes to have anything to do with the roleplaying community.
That sounds pretty much like a final word. Too bad, but we have to respect his decision (like Dave Trampiers or Roger Moores decision). I wish them all the best, in whatever they chose to do.
OTOH, paizo has managed to gather some very talented writers nowadays to compensate for folks who drop out of the business.Stefan
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That sounds pretty much like a final word. Too bad, but we have to respect his decision (like Dave Trampiers or Roger Moores decision). I wish them all the best, in whatever they chose to do.
OTOH, paizo has managed to gather some very talented writers nowadays to compensate for folks who drop out of the business.
I wholeheartedly agree, both on showing Mr. Sargent enough respect to not push the issue any further and the talent of Paizo's current staff.
I have to admit that I'm relieved, however. Historically, genre writers have not always fared well. From Howard's tragic suicide and Lovecraft's slow death by stomach cancer, too many of the great contributors to fantasy and sci-fi (and related fields) end up destitute and alone, forgotten by their fan base.
In Mr. Sargent's case, I could not help but think of comic writer Bill Mantlo, who tragically spent his last years in a coma. His brother, who later wrote a book about Bill's life, spoke highly of the solace his family received from fran letters and visitations. So, when I read stories of Mr. Sargent's car accident, I wanted nothing more than to provide some small token of my appreciation with letters of praise and admiration for his work.
Now, with the circumstances being what they are, I'm happy to know his exile from our community is self-imposed. I wish him all the best in his current endeavors, and hope his life is filled with meaning and joy.
P.S. Thinking on this sort of issue, does the RPG field have an equivalent of the Hero Initiative?
Like Roger Moore.What happened to Roger Moore?
Wasn't he an Air Force psychiatrist, in his normal life?
I think so.
I seem to recall someone contacting him a few years ago, and he pretty much stated that he won´t come back to the RPG field, for his own reasons.Stefan
His last published works are dated 1998, A Greyhawk novel and supplement for TSR.
Not quite: according to pen&paper, he contributed to the D&D3.0 core books and edited some stuff that was published in 2000/2001.
Like Roger Moore.What happened to Roger Moore?
Wasn't he an Air Force psychiatrist, in his normal life?
He's done with the game/genre/trade it seems. What I read was that he doesn't have any ill-will towards it, just out of it, and not looking back.
just adding my small voice in appreciation for mr. sargent's work. Iuz the Evil was awesome.
~D
Loved the Night Below Boxed Set. Still have it on my shelf.That and Greyhawk - From the Ashes, Iuz the Evil, The Marklands and an electronic copy of Ivid the Undying - all great products.
A great talent - sorely missed.
+1
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Like Roger Moore.I think I read a few years ago that someone tracked Trampier down, to the point of actually speaking to him, and found out he very much does not want to get back into the industry.Erik:
You need to offer a bounty to whomever can produce a new Carl Sargent sourcebook with art by David Trampier.
Or video game developer Scott Murphy (Two Guys From Andromeda)
Like Roger Moore.What happened to Roger Moore?
Wasn't he an Air Force psychiatrist, in his normal life?
What ontop of being a former Bond and all round sauvemeister?? Where does he find the time! ;)
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What happened to Roger Moore?
Wasn't he an Air Force psychiatrist, in his normal life?
He's done with the game/genre/trade it seems. What I read was that he doesn't have any ill-will towards it, just out of it, and not looking back.
That's a pity, since, as well as his gaming writing, and being editor of Dragon, he was a good advocate for the gaming community in the age of the 'lunatic torch and pitchfork' brigade. Several of his editorials were useful to me (and I'm sure, others), in forming a defence of my hobby. Along with the Stackpole article, from the same era.
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He's done with the game/genre/trade it seems. What I read was that he doesn't have any ill-will towards it, just out of it, and not looking back.Like Roger Moore.What happened to Roger Moore?
Wasn't he an Air Force psychiatrist, in his normal life?
Mike McArtor of Paizo has also seemed to have moved on in a new direction.
Every time I pass this thread, I read it as "Bring back Carl Sagan!"
If only.