Author Sherman Alexie plays D&D!

[Atlatl Jones]

I saw Sherman Alexie speak last week, at the closing ceremony of "One Book, One Philadelphia". He's one of my favorite authors, with books that are simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking.

He was amazingly funny as usual. At one point in his talk, he said that people ask him if all Indians are as funny as him. And he replies "yes." He said that everyone in his family is funnier than him. "I was always this depressive serious kid, playing Dungeons and Dragons with myself in the basement. I still am."

At the signing afterward, I asked him if he still played D&D, and he said he did. He plays it with his two sons, using Heroscape minatures.

 

[RangerWickett]

A few years back I saw his name on the schedule of events at Gen Con. I was a fan of his from a Native American literature course I'd taken in college, but alas, he had to cancel his appearance at the con.

 

[Mark CMG]

Some say it is that sense of humor that has helped them through 65,000 moons.


I wonder about the setting he would concoct? And the quests his players would face? I'll bet he does prettty standard D&D stuff but with a humorous twist.

 

[CharlesRyan]

He was a contributor to the 30 Years of Adventure book released back in 2004 (commemorating D&D's 30th anniversary). He also gave a talk, back around then, in which he credited D&D with saving him from the poverty and despair of reservation life. (Mentioned here: http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/110611-give-gift-d-d.html)

 

[Mallus]

I'll bet he does prettty standard D&D stuff but with a humorous twist.

"Fahrd and the Grey Mouser Fistfight in Heaven".

(so sorry I missed this Atlatl... I should pay more attention to cultural events around town)

 

[Atlatl Jones]

I wonder about the setting he would concoct? And the quests his players would face? I'll bet he does prettty standard D&D stuff but with a humorous twist.

Now I'm kicking myself for not asking him what setting he plays in!

WotC should ask him to participate in the next D&D game podcast. He doesn't have the same geek name recognition as Penny Arcade or Wil Wheaton, but he's an award-winning YA and adult author, and you can bet he'd be fun to listen to.

He even lives in Seattle, IIRC.

Mallus, I didn't know you liked him, or I would have told you about the event.