D&D General Industry Veteran Jennell Jaquays Passes

Jennell Jaquays was an important figure in the development of Dungeons & Dragons and the tabletop roleplaying game industry. She passed away today at the age of 68. Known for her work on Dark Tower and Caverns of Thracia, she was a game designer and artist; she was responsible for many RPG covers, including Dragon Mountain. Jennell worked for TSR, Judges Guild, and Chaosium, amongst others, as well as video game companies, working on Quake and Age of Empires, and was also an activist for trans rights, instrumental in bringing about important legislation as creative director for the Transgender Human Rights Institute. Jenny had been suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome in recent years.

Our condolences go out to Jennell's friends and family. The industry lost a legend today.

 

[mearls]

What a terrible way to start the year. She will be dearly missed.

 

[Ondath]

I am truly saddened to hear this. May she rest in peace, and may her design inspire many more hobbyists to come.

 

[Bedrockgames]

Her "Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide" book taught me how to run a game - when I was a teenager growing up in a small town in the Bible Belt with no one else to guide me. Still keep it on my shelf. I wish I'd had the opportunity to thank her in person for helping light the way to a hobby I've enjoyed for decades.

This one has a huge influence on me as well

 

[CleverNickName]

My deepest sympathies to her family. She was one of my favorite artists.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

My condolences

 

[bedir than]

Her "Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide" book taught me how to run a game - when I was a teenager growing up in a small town in the Bible Belt with no one else to guide me. Still keep it on my shelf. I wish I'd had the opportunity to thank her in person for helping light the way to a hobby I've enjoyed for decades.

My wife bought me this book for Christmas.
I'm going to devour this week in honor of Jaquays

 

[Sacrosanct]

There are only a handful of people who had a truly formative impact on what RPGs became to be. She was one. My heart breaks for Rebecca and all who cared for her.

 

[sevenbastard]

A true pioneer. RIP.

Jaquaying the dungeon is always good advice and The Caverns of Thracia and Dark Tower are forever classics.

She will be missed

 

[Alzrius]

Our hobby has lost a giant today, and we're all poorer for it.

 

[Helena Real]

What a terrible loss! A true pillar and icon of our hobby

I hope History is kind and remembers her alongside the other founders of our hobby. It's what she deserves. She was truly one of the great ones, a most-influential figure.