Dr. J.E. Holmes, RIP (1930-2010)

A couple of months ago, rumors that Dr. J. Eric Holmes, editor of the 1977 Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, had died. No one I talk to on a regular basis could confirm this as fact. Allan Grohe did so yesterday in a post on Dragonsfoot Forums, where he relayed information he'd received from Dr. Holmes' wife about his passing. According to Allan's information, Dr. Holmes died on March 20 as the result of a stroke (not his first). He had been of ill health for some time, being unable to attend at least one convention where he was to be featured as a guest of honor because of a previous stroke.

Another icon of the early days of gaming and one of the shapers of my own gaming experiences early in the 'old days' has moved on to the next table. Copies of his 'Blue Book' sit proudly on my shelf, alongside works by Gary, Dave, MAR Barker and other giants that helped shape the way I share my game and introduced me to the good friends I've met and made over the years thanks to this game.
 
Rest well gentleman and never be forgotten.
 

Gone and not Forgotten

Today marks the 1st year RPGs has had to move on without it's foundation stones, the second of which is David Lance Arneson (October 1, 1947 - April 7, 2009). Even if you can't play today, roll some dice and enjoy the thinking about some of the best moments you and your friends have had.

Permanent e-Book Sale

In Gary and Dave's memory and honor of the game they gave us, Fantasy Adventure Studios has decided to keep the prices of it's e-Books low and affordable.  The World of Onn Supplement I for Swords & Wizardry will remain at $5 (for 147 pages of S&W additions and goodness!) and the World of Onn: Core Rules stand-alone game is now selling for $5.25 (for 228 pages and a complete game!).

There are no plans to ever raise these prices, and all future e-Books will follow these pricing guides as well.

Gone and Not Forgotten

As anyone who makes the Old School Blog rounds knows today was the second anniversary of the passing of the man we all know simply as 'Gary'. I don't have any sweeping stories about meeting or playing with him, although once I just missed him at a Con I attended with a few friends (the only Con I had ever been to, actually). Thankfully one of them was quick-witted enough to get his autograph in my OD&D Greyhawk Supplement, something that I'll treasure always. Though I never met the man, every time I sit around a table with my friends, it's thanks to Gary.

Though he couldn't be part of D&D and see his child through all of its tumultuous latter years, the seeds he planted back in the day continue to grow. As long as we pass on the fun of the past to the gamers of the future the flame will continue on.

Thank you Gary, you are still missed...