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D&D Co-Creator Dave Arneson Dies of Cancer
epee1221 was one of many readers to send word that Dave Arneson, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, has died of cancer at the age of 61.
"Arneson is often described as an 'unsung hero' in the history of gaming, having been largely eclipsed by his collaborator Gary Gygax. While Gygax was known for developing the rules for Dungeons & Dragons, Arneson's work focused more on the role-playing element. Although the two split up, Arneson continued developing fantasy role-playing content, and later taught game design at Full Sail University."
We discussed Gary Gygax's passing just over a year ago.
Ok, Dave, roll under your con on a d20.
Dave: Why?
DM: It's a saving throw against cancer.
Dave (rolls die): Hey! It's cocked!
DM: Yeah, it sure is. Sorry.
Only his tendency toward a dazed stupor prevented him from screaming aloud.
I started playing D&D in 79. It was a part of my life growing up and well into adult hood (and still on rare occasion). I was fortunate to have met both Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson on a few occasions at various conventions throughout the years. Its a shame to see such geek icons pass, but sadly, that is life.
Thank you Dave, and Gods Speed!
Don't rush me, Sonny. You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles.
I played first D&D as a kid, then migrated to other games like Robotech, Star Wars, Traveler 2300AD, Rifts, and my all time favorite Skyrealms of Jorune. I have great memories of my friends and me sitting in our basements playing RPGs deep into the night. Here's to that +20 saving throw in the next world.
I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!
I think the cancer that killed him was Wizards of the Coast.