It is with profound sadness that we learned today (March 4, 2008) that Gary Gygax, the godfather of D&D and progenitor of the modern Role Playing Game, died today at the age of 69. When I first heard the news, it came as a shock. I was surprised at the rush of emotions I felt. It was the quick rabbit punch to the chest that I feel when someone I care about has died, or when I receive terrible news. What surprised me was that I never met the man. But even still, it was as though a part of my childhood died today. His work influenced me so much… Because of Gary, I filled many hours with creative energy. I met great friends who became my companions through this adventure we call life. I think the most fitting tribute, in words more eloquent than mine, were written at The Miniatures Page by Ed G.: "Thanks to him, my mundane middle American childhood was filled with dragons, elves, knights, wizards and quests. He has set sail on the final voyage to the Undying Lands." To that, I can add only, amen. Gary Gygax, you will be missed but your legacy will live on every time we sit down with pencil, paper and dice to transport ourselves into the lands of imagination. ------------- This happened so suddenly that I didn't have time to create something new. This peice is a reworking of an illustration I did back in 2004. The original work was done in Strata 3D.