Canonfire! Forums-viewtopic-Gygax Insight?

Sat Nov 24, 2012 3:29 am Gygax Insight?

Hi all.

This was certainly new to me, but might not be to you;

http://www.believermag.com/issues/200609/?read=article_lafarge

I can't take the credit for unearthing it, that belongs to Pete at UK Role Players. I found it to be a really interesting read YMMV.

Apologies if it's well known and I just missed it.

Ceb; it might fit more snugly into the Backalley but I thought I'd start here for exposure.

Sat Nov 24, 2012 11:13 am

That was a fun read. Thanks, Ragr!

Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:52 am

it was an excellent read. Spoke to my own situation with the game. I have returned to it and am lovin it. I waited 25 years to be the dungeon master. No turning back now:)

Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:15 am

Interesting read..... though I "question" some of the quotes for lack of reference.
And not surprising... I scored a 4 (fanatic) on the geek meter Wink

Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:48 am

I found the article full of melancholia; it seems clear that gygax was first and foremost a gamer. I find it telling that he became excited only when he was asked to bring out the bag of dice. He was an old pen-and-paper enthusiast. Happiest when it was a small circle of friends in a basement but determined to see his creation – D&D – live and go forth into the world.

Of course, conflict was created when success knocked and the game took a backseat to business. I blame none of them as each seems to simply have different expectations and goals for the game. Again, I make no accusations but simply relate that each vision seems at odds.

Sadly, the article seems to be imbued with pessimism. Gygax continues to worry about copyright issues, but the description of the gaming session was so poignant. Remarkably, even the author seems to be overcome with nostalgia until he weaves his spell and shares his joy.

Such a man; deserves his marker and I must ask was the Geneva dice ever completed?

Tue Nov 27, 2012 2:24 am

I really enjoyed the article but, like Crag, found I was sad by the time I reached the end of it. Would that things had turned out differently!

Fri Dec 07, 2012 7:03 am

One funny part of the article, for me, is when they mention females not playing. I was introduced to the game in 1981 and one of the players was female. Apparently not the norm but I wouldn't have known at the time.