R.I.P. David Trampier

Ranes · Mar 30, 2014

He was one of my favourite RPG illustrators. Whenever I recall the excitement of delving into the PHB for the first time back in the seventies, it's David Trampier's illustrations that I visualise - especially that magic mouth on the spiral stairs!

Dausuul · Mar 30, 2014

That is very sad news. Trampier's "plundering the idol" PHB cover remains my favorite D&D book cover of all time; nothing else has ever come close to its evocation of the thrill and mystery of a well-run D&D game. His interior art held the same magic.

Zander · Mar 30, 2014

Very sad to hear of the passing of David Tampier. I always found his artwork inspiring. To this day, I picture lizardmen as looking like his illustration. He had his own distinctive style yet somehow captured, for me anyway, the spirit of D&D. He will be missed.

I hope that WotC pays homage to him in some way in 5E (Next).

Henry · Mar 31, 2014

Dausuul said:
That is very sad news. Trampier's "plundering the idol" PHB cover remains my favorite D&D book cover of all time; nothing else has ever come close to its evocation of the thrill and mystery of a well-run D&D game. His interior art held the same magic.

That cover may well be one of the most referenced and parodied in rpg culture, too - i know the 30th anniversary poster referenced it, the phb2 for 3e, hackmaster phb, i think the hackmaster gm shield, and so many other references if you just search for "trampier" and "idol".

Mishihari Lord · Mar 31, 2014

Sad to hear. I loved Wormy. Still have the "Wormy Supporter" button pin Tram sent out to folks who ordered his book when it fell through. Maybe someone in the know will finally be willing to tell the story of what happened now.