Gary Gygax, the father of Dungeons & Dragons, died March 4th at the age of 69.
I haven't thought of it in a while. But back in the day, like many my age, I played "D&D". I spent hours with friends playing as a band of heroes saving villagers from certain doom, and delving into dark caverns in search of adventure. Pen, paper, dice, junk food, and hours of fun with several friends. And that was what it was really all about. Getting together with friends, socializing, and using your imagination.
A far cry from today, where 10 to 16 year-olds sit alone in their homes screaming obscenities through the microphone at an unknown opponent on their television because they couldn't possibly have pulled off that kill shot without "cheating".
The next time I'm out with a few like minded friends, I'll have to raise a glass in honor of Mr. Gygax.
