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.

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Two questions:

1. Regarding Necropolis, what is the possibility that we might see a World of Darkness conversion for it? Personally, it seems like it would fit quite well into the setting, especially with White Wolf's current emphasis on the middle east. An ancient evil buried beneath the sands?


2. Have you ever considered writing an autobiography?

1. That's a question to ask Necromancer. I'll venture here, though, that it's a negative, as I suspect they licensed the material from WotC for D20 conversion only.

2. Actually, I have been asked this often, and for years. That has caused me to do some preliminary work in recalling my early childhood in Chicago, and a bit of it later on, from age eight, in Lake Geneva. However, as I have a pretty good memory, and not a lot of spare time to write, the material is fairly detailed but spotty in coverage of the years. That is, mainly outstanding episodes in my childhood memory are covered without comments on much of how I got into playing games at age five, how WWII impacted me, all that sort of thing. So, to sum up, yes, and I have a few dozen pages done, but it's not really an autobiography yet, just a lot of recorded incidents and the like.

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Four questions:

1. To what degree, in your opinion, has D&D returned to its original roots (style and spirit-wise)?

2. What are your feelings on the D&D products that have been produced over the past 15 years or so (esp. Forgotten Realms)?

3. Who are your favorite D&D artists (then and now) and why?

4. How does it feel to be back producing D&D-related material?!!

Okay, and here goes:

1. There is no relationship between 3E and original D&D, or OAD&D for that matter. Different games, style, and spirit.

2. Actually, as I've been pretty busy creating other gaming material during the past 15 years, I haven't the depth of experience to give a reasonable commentary on such products.

3. Off the top of my head, and in no particular order, my favorite artists are Trampier, Elmore, Parkinson, and Easley. Hmmm... I think I am forgetting someone here, but such is life. As for why, well, that's like asking why I like quail with artichoke sauce--a matter of taste

4. It is certainly fun to produce material for the D&D gaming audience again. because of course that's where I come from.

Gary

 

[Sir Edgar]

Can you talk more about the style and spirit of D&D and AD&D during the 70's and 80's, especially during conventions and such? What were your favorite moments and what did you enjoy most about the atmosphere then? How was playing and creating for D&D different from how it is now?

 

[Maraxle]

Your Lejendary Adventures system sounds interesting. Does it support the Open Gaming License, or something similar, for 3rd party creations? Is there an equivalent of the D20 license available, or in the works?

I apologize if this is considered "common knowledge", as it is not common to me.

Just in case you missed it...

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Can you talk more about the style and spirit of D&D and AD&D during the 70's and 80's, especially during conventions and such? What were your favorite moments and what did you enjoy most about the atmosphere then? How was playing and creating for D&D different from how it is now?

I could spend a good bit of time doing that, speaking to the difference in style and spirit, but that's a pale exercise. The only way one can really grasp the difference is to play each game.

The main differences in the older works I did and 3E are style of writing, reliance on archetypes, limitatations on character advancement, availability of and creation of magic items, and general single-class play for human characters.

Play is mainly reliant on rules. I ignored those I write when DMing if the game called for that, and in all added what was logical in terms of the game environment to play. Thus much of adventuring was not "by the book," but rather seat of the pants play by DM and players alike.

Rules lawyers are unmentionable...

Creating adventures is something that generally relies a lot on the system bases, rules, monsters, eivironments, etc. In regards to the first named, the more rules one must pay close attention to, the more difficult it is to create adventure material.

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Maraxle Wrote:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Lejendary Adventures system sounds interesting. Does it support the Open Gaming License, or something similar, for 3rd party creations? Is there an equivalent of the D20 license available, or in the works?

I apologize if this is considered "common knowledge", as it is not common to me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just in case you missed it...

Thanks!

Indeed I somehow missed your post.

The LA game material is not covered under any form of open license. However, with TLG we are working on a permission form and agreement so as to allow the use material found in the "Gygaxain" Fantasy World series of reference books, the CANTING CREW and subsequent volumes. After all, that's why the works were conveived and written in the first place, to assist other authors and designers kn creating material of their own

I'll have to query Troll Lord in regard to getting the permission statement done in proper legal fashion..right after I post this, in fact!

Cheers,
Gary

 

[Harlock]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Harlock
Are you related to the Gary character from the movie "Weird Science"?

If you could change one thing about your life, would Dave Arneson be dead?

Who is your favorite game designer? Other than yourself, you egomanical old man!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First, I suspect thay character was likely based off of someone more like you.

Second, what a rude fellow you are. Of course I wish no ill whatsoever to Dave! As an aside, I don't waste time recriminating, let alone considering the immutable past.

Third, as you don't know me in the least, your characterization is pathetic. More importantly, as you fail to indicate what sort of game, I can not possibly attempt an answer,

Gary

Oh come now, Mr. Gygax. It was all in good fun. I could make some mean spirited retorts but obviously this would start a flame war extraordinaire. If you're touchy, it's understandable. I'm a bit mischievous. And for the record, Gary was actually a funny character and a geek and I proudly wear both of those badges.

If you want serious questions: What kinds of things can we expect from you in the future (RPG wise so there is no confusion)?

Are there any D20 games other than fantasy types that have caught your eye, say superheros, modern/future, wargames?

Are there any up and coming RPG writers that have caught your eye that we should watch out for?

I'll leave it at that for now.

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Oh come now, Mr. Gygax. It was all in good fun. I could make some mean spirited retorts but obviously this would start a flame war extraordinaire. If you're touchy, it's understandable. I'm a bit mischievous. And for the record, Gary was actually a funny character and a geek and I proudly wear both of those badges.

Hey! You poosted the in a manner that called for a reply such as I gave you. so don't admonish me for your initial attidure, eh?

If you want serious questions: What kinds of things can we expect from you in the future (RPG wise so there is no confusion)?

Are there any D20 games other than fantasy types that have caught your eye, say superheros, modern/future, wargames?

Are there any up and coming RPG writers that have caught your eye that we should watch out for?

I'll leave it at that for now.

Sure, and I am happy to answer your queries, Harlock, and in the same spirit as they are asked. so it's all comradely now

The projects I am considering have ben named in my various responses above. there are certainly two modules coming--CASTLE WOLFMOON and HALL OF MANY PANES. Not mentioned previously are a number of works for the LA game system that will be releasing this year and on through 2003--maybe into 2004--an adventure and sourcebooks for the 20 pantheons of deities in the LEJENDARY EARTH World Setting and details of special areas of that world.

As for D20 RPGs in other genres, I just don't have much time for playing--too much work to get done. Thus I miss a lot of stuff. For example, I really want to try a campaign of DEADLANDS, play some miniatures again, etc. That gives me something to look forward to when I retire--playing games instead of writing game material all the time.

As for new writers, other than those with whom I happen to be working with on some new product, I again must confess a lack of time for perusing much in the way of gtaming material. the research material I need to read, and some fiction for relaxation and inspiration, pretty well fill what spare time I have.

Gary

 

[Harlock]

As for new writers, other than those with whom I happen to be working with on some new product, I again must confess a lack of time for perusing much in the way of gtaming material. the research material I need to read, and some fiction for relaxation and inspiration, pretty well fill what spare time I have.

Gary

If you swing toward evil on the alignment scale you could always become a reviewer when you retire. Sure, I know the obvious objections but hear me out. Reviewers get free RPG books (or since you mentioned fiction you could possibly try that) to read and review. You have name recognition with fans and writers. As a reviewer you don't have deadlines nearly as tedious as a writer. Obviously you cannot review every book some hack sends you and people would respect that. Which leads me to my next couple of questions:

What do you plan to do when you retire?

What do you do now as a break from writing? Of course reading previous responses I am not quite certain a "break from writing" may exist for you.

 

[DDK]

That said, I am not giving up. I thought perhaps to do something modest based on the old work, and if that proves to be successful, moving ahead on the development of additional material, much as the original dungeons were created.

That would totally ROCK! If only I were worthy...

 

[MerricB]

Thanks muchly for the answers, Gary.

Another question for you:

Do female beards have dwarves?


The other thing I should say is to thank you very much for the gaming anecdotes you've been giving us in the "On a Soapbox" column in Dragon. (I can seem to remember wishing for stuff like that back when you first revealed yourself to us on these boards, and lo! it appeared!)

Cheers!

 

[Nathal]

autobiography

...yes, and I have a few dozen pages done, but it's not really an autobiography yet, just a lot of recorded incidents and the like.

Gary

I remember asking Gary if he was ever going to write an autobiography and he responded, "when they are selling slushies in hell!".

Why the change of heart?:

 

[Teedoff101]

Question for Gary: As you can tell, DnD has spawned into its own cult. Are you proud of creating a game that so many people (including myself) play constantly? My DM is a huge fan and when he is not doing work, I find him re-reading the DM guide or the Players Handbook for what seems to be the 10,000th time. Congrats on this great accomplishment Gary.

 

[sword-dancer]

A few other questions from german threads, not from me.

Why it gives Swords + 3 or something ???
Why is an Mage so Poweerless at the beginning ?
Why did you choose the vancian magic system ?

 

[Col_Pladoh]

If you swing toward evil on the alignment scale you could always become a reviewer when you retire.

What do you plan to do when you retire?

What do you do now as a break from writing? Of course reading previous responses I am not quite certain a "break from writing" may exist for you.

Heh, and many a reviewer is of evil alignment. Not a bad idea, though, especially if I could do history and imaginative fiction in the main.

If I ever retire, I'll spend more time playing games, read more again, and get in some travel too, perhaps. Of course reading and seeing different places inspires me to write...

When I need a break I usually read (non-gaming material) or watch something of interest on the telly. Now and then we get out to a movie ot visit a friend. What I realy need is a long vacation in some distant place--or at least a place different from the usual

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

That would totally ROCK! If only I were worthy...

Fact is that I have a very rough pencil sketch done of a castle--a map with some ideas as to how the original material and some new ideas might be merged to create a setting that contains elements of the original, plus added fun.

I'll fiddle with it now and then as I get time, meanwhile make notes and see what gels. If all that works, I'll have a good idea as to the size of the work projected, the time needed. Then it will be decided if it's a go or not. If it is a go of course I'll leave hooks in the module so as to allow for expansion if that's desired by the audience. That way a potentially massive project can be bitten off in "digestable" chunks. Furthermore, with a base done, I might be able to enlist co-designers to assist in the development of the possible whole. I do have--somewhere on this machine--a file outlining a version of the castle and dungeons that would reflect the original and be managable as a series of releases.

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Thanks muchly for the answers, Gary.

Another question for you:

Do female beards have dwarves?


The other thing I should say is to thank you very much for the gaming anecdotes you've been giving us in the "On a Soapbox" column in Dragon. (I can seem to remember wishing for stuff like that back when you first revealed yourself to us on these boards, and lo! it appeared!)

Cheers!

Damn! I tried trolling this board a while back to see if I could get any anti-female-bearded-dwarf folks all het up. Lackaday! Seems that those folks have finally coped wise to the fact I was jesting.

Glad to learn you enjoy those little tales of the old days of D&Ding. Thank Dave Gross for getting me started. I have only a few left, though. Likely I should be writing more now, but as nobody from DRAGON is hollering at me, I'll not worry...

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Re: autobiography

I remember asking Gary if he was ever going to write an autobiography and he responded, "when they are selling slushies in hell!".

Why the change of heart?:

Did I really say that? Hmmm... No matter, as I am not seriously writing an autobiography, simply recording some memories of things that I liked, found amuising or telling. Fact is, though, that so many persons have urged me to do the deed that one day I might seriously undertake it. It is a lot of work, though, and organizing the material is quite a task in itself. Meantime, I have a lot of gaming stuff to look to

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

Question for Gary: As you can tell, DnD has spawned into its own cult. Are you proud of creating a game that so many people (including myself) play constantly? My DM is a huge fan and when he is not doing work, I find him re-reading the DM guide or the Players Handbook for what seems to be the 10,000th time. Congrats on this great accomplishment Gary.

No questuion that I am very happy to have created something that has brought so much fun and enjoyment to millions of people world wide! The best part is receiving emails from fellow gamers who have been helped in various ways by the game. That, amigo, is really heartening.

Secondarily, the creativity that my work has encouraged is also very satisfying to me. Fact is that I believe that RPGers are a well-above-average lot, and that they are also highly creative (and opinionated) group. The full results of the stimulation from the D&D game and other material I've done has yet to be seen and assessed. I am sure that there'll be some great things to come from this. Being the primer of the creative pump for so many people is somewhat overwhealming to me. In all, I hope that I did a good job of it, and I expect to be emulated soon, using that word in its true meaning

Gary

 

[Col_Pladoh]

A few other questions from german threads, not from me.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why it gives Swords + 3 or something ???
Why is an Mage so Poweerless at the beginning ?
Why did you choose the vancian magic system ?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As for the +3, or whatever, on weapons or anything else, I am nor really sure of the reference here, the "it" in "Why it..." I'll take a stab at it anyway (pun intended): In creating a game there are certain systems used to reflect ther "magical." The plusses are a means to quantify "magic," the extraordinary.

Powerless magic-users at first level? Ha! That's an old question, and one I can deal with easily using the OAD&D rules, the main origination of the m-u in most play. Questioner, you be an ogre, a big strong 4th-level monster. I am a poor weak magic-user. We are at 30-foot distance. You move to attack, I cast my Sleep spell. You loose. So, now I'll be any other sort of PC, and you remain the ogre. You win...unless my character succeeds in running away.

The low-level magic-user is mainly a one- or two-shot weapon, but the "artillery" is potent. This fits well with a balanced party of low-level PCs, none of wom are really very strong singly.

I chose to use a system of magic inspired by the worls of Jack Vance because it fit the whole of the game I devised. For example, think of an archer with a quiver of arrows. When one is shot, it is gone. Magic spells, more potent than arrows, are much the same. So archers need to select their arrows before going forth to battle, so too the m-us in the game.

Gary