One Last Roll of the Dice

[filkertom]

Great sadness. Dave Arneson, one of the co-creators (along with Gary Gygax) of Dungeons and Dragons, and therefore one of the biggest influences on popular culture over the past thirty years and partly responsible for a lot of the things we all think of as fun, has passed away at the age of 61. I'll have a more complete obit as soon as I can find one. Thanks to beldar for the heads-up. shsilver informs me in comments that Michael Stackpole's Twitter gave him enough doubt that he's removed the SFSite.com obit for the time being. Not sure what's up yet, but the Wikipedia page that said Arneson had died also has been changed. (I saw someone in the comments of a forum Arneson frequented state that he had indeed passed away.) He is apparently in hospice. Stay tuned.

Comments

[poly-scott.livejournal.com]

Dude. Dave Arneson fails save vs. death. :((

[darthparadox.livejournal.com]

Looks like the die just bounced off the table and under the radiator, for now.

[allandaros.livejournal.com]

Original D&D Discussion is the place where I heard about it (http://odd74.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=blackmoor&action=display&thread=2020&page=3), and they seem to have had direct contact with Mr. Arneson.

They also had a Q&A thread with Mr. Arneson about OD&D (http://odd74.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=blackmoor&action=display&thread=954), if people want to read about that.

[aota.livejournal.com]

Sad news.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

May he rest in peace; may those who cared for him find comfort in memory.

[shsilver.livejournal.com]

Just to let you know, based on a twitter from Michael Stackpole, I've removed the notice from SF Site.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

Seriously? As in, he hasn't passed yet?

[shsilver.livejournal.com]

Let's just say, not confirmed. Stackpole's twitter from a little over an hour ago says Dave is in hospice, so soon.

[peachtales.livejournal.com]

Aww. That is very sad.

[wildcard9.livejournal.com]

Once again, I am sad to have to post this link: The Empty Chair (http://www.kenzerco.com/Operiodicals/kodt/nemptychair.php)

[alverant.livejournal.com]

Thanks for letting us know Tom. I hope his passing was peaceful and his legacy will continue.

[joshuwain.livejournal.com]

I'd heard his health was failing and that he had few days left but, still, it's always hard to hear when someone who has influenced your life so heavily passes away.

[beldar.livejournal.com]

Have modified my post. I had heard from the Keeper of GenCon Lore here in Indy so figured there was some merit to it. Whether he is passing or passed, we are still losing one of our heroes.

[shsilver.livejournal.com]

Just to clarify, Stackpole didn't ask me to remove the notice. I saw his twitter and decided it meant that there was enough of a question to remove the obit.

[pickledcritter.livejournal.com]

muskrat_john made the same retraction and has a little more detail, having spoken with one of Dave's friends.

[skunktaur.livejournal.com]

It's almost like Gary complained that nobody upthere can play the game properly...

I hope he won't be in pain. :/

[shockwave77598.livejournal.com]

Made his Saving Throw...