TSR Q&A with Gary Gygax

This is the multi-year Q&A sessions held by D&D co-creator Gary Gygax here at EN World, beginning in 2002 and running up until his sad pasing in 2008. Gary's username in the thread below is Col_Pladoh, and his first post in this long thread is Post #39.

 

[Gentlegamer]

It's a bit disconcerting (if you'll forgive the analogy) to have the father of RPGs look at you like a red-headed by-blow because you like the current edition.

You're not playing the current edition of (A)D&D . . . you're playing d20 Fantasy, a wholly different game system.

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Yeah, and why all the hate?

...

You mistake disgust for hate.

As the one who created GenCon, the game, DRAGON magazine, the World of Greyhawk, and the basis for the RPGA I am qualified to make comments, am I not?

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

If you are not a munchkin, with all perfect numbers across the board and every possible feat etc added to your character and you don't whine when a character gets killed off, then I would not take anything you mentioned as being directed at you.

There is nothing wrong with the current edition, if you like a rules heavy game with everything defined and spelled out. On the other hand if you like to let you imagination roam free and you like being able to roll up a new character in under 5 minutes and be ready to play as soon as the ref (DM) can fit you back in the game then try Original Dungeons and Dragons the way it was played back in the mid 70's and the way thousands of people still play. To each his or her own. To my mind 3.0 and 3.5 take so much time and paperwork that there is too little time left to play. I like rules lite fly by the seat of your pants. I find it more fun. If you have fun playing the current edition, then continue to do so. The fact that some of us may wonder how you can have fun doing it is not your problem and we don't think about it except when someone brings it up anyway, we are too busy having more fun with the older version.

Llaurenela

Thank you kindly

No more need be said,
Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

And you can do the same thing with Castles and Crusades. *shameless plug*

Even more soul and spirit is found in the Lejendary Adventure game system!
*Completely shameless plug *

Cheerio,
Gary

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

You're not playing the current edition of (A)D&D . . . you're playing d20 Fantasy, a wholly different game system.

And there it is again.

Keep it to yourself, GG.

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Gary,

How often do you or did you drink during gaming sessions? I read an old post recently where it sounds like you were drinking whiskey and used the occasion as an opportunity to take away two vorpal blades from a PC.

I drink a beer or two every now and again during a session. Although, there was that time we played until 5 in the morning where I had more than 2.

BTW, I liked what you had to say about Nut Brown Ale. I've considered buying it in the past while looking around for something and intend on getting it the next time I see it in the store. I didn't see it this evening so I decided to get some Hefe-Weizen.

Finally, is it still possible to get the LA Quickstart PDF off of www.lejendary.com? I've looked around a little but haven't seen it.

thanks,
Jamie

I seldom have so much as a beer during a game session, but indeed Rob and I shared a good deal of Southern Comfort when Ernie and Mark Ratner had their unfortunate encounter with Fraz'urblu, and Erac lost his two Vorpal blades, aylerach the Paladan his two-handed Holy Sword... that sessin was a laugh riot for Rob and me, a sad day for the players

Anyway, red or brown ale, porter or stout, beats those pale beers hands down as far as my taste goes New Glarus does a number of good pale brews, though.

As for gettig the LA Quickstart pdf, just email me, and I'll send you, and anyone else who asks for it, a copy by return email:
ggygax@genevaonline.com

Cheers,
Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

And there it is again.

Keep it to yourself, GG.

Thank you for your unwanted opinion.

Take your own advice.

Gary

 

[gideon_thorne]

*chuckles* touche'.

Even more soul and spirit is found in the Lejendary Adventure game system!
*Completely shameless plug *

Cheerio,
Gary

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Thank you for your unwanted opinion.

Take your own advice.

Gary

Good luck with your current work, Gary.

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Ah, Pish-tush, Sirrah! Very few of ANY of those, on Oerth!

As if the iron ore fouind on Oerth is less than that found here....


Gary