Dave Arneson invented this column.
Dave Arneson invented the reason you read this column.
Dave Arneson invented the reason the website that hosts this column exists.
Dave Arneson invented “armor class.” He invented “hit points.” He invented the “cleric.” He invented the “dungeon.” He invented “so, last week you cleaned out the dungeon, and now you’ve heard about another, even scarier dungeon, over the ridge there.” He invented “everyone plays one guy, and I play all the monsters.”
Dave Arneson co-invented Dungeons & Dragons.
Dave Arneson invented role-playing games.
On a personal note, he was a friendly, generous person who genuinely liked games and gamers; seeing him at a convention, or a store appearance, was always a delight — for me, for the fans, and (as far as I could tell) for him. I had the good fortune to talk to him a lot at various shows; he was a demigod adept at playing a mere tenth-level game designer, or first-level fan, but he also liked hanging out and talking about the Civil War, or his students, or what was going on in my life.
I first met him at GenCon 1997, right after Wizards took over TSR. He was sitting alone, near the Wizards booth, wearing a badge but otherwise inconspicuous. Certainly, there should have been throngs of worshipers bestrewing his lap with rose petals, or a shaft of light from the Fifth Heaven, or an honor guard of bugbears, or something. But I got to shake his hand and thank him for inventing my spare time, and my career.
And now he has leveled up.
Tags: dave arneson
Thank you for saying that so very well. I wish I’d gotten to meet the man.
[...] alarm that Dave was gone the other day. Now, it seems it’s for real. Sources: Monte Cook, Ken Hite, John Kovalic, citing his family. At the age of 61, Dave Arneson has passed away from [...]
Sad day.
Rest in peace, Dave.
[...] make amends, I point you to Ken Hite’s eulogy, which is far better than I can offer, and explains exactly why Arneson mattered so much to those [...]
[...] Ken Hite: “Dave Arneson invented role-playing games.” [...]
Sic transit gloria mundi.
That I should draw so much wonder and laughter from the imagination of people like Dave Arneson. I shook his hand, he looked so ordinary yet I was changed forever aftr I played D&D so many years ago.
Thanks Dave.
Thank you, Ken.
And thank you, Dave, for bringing the magic and changing our lives.
Well said. Thanks Dave for D&D. I hope you’ll be able to DM up there.
Damn. Thanks, Dave for helping to create the game we all know and love. You’ll be missed.
I got my roleplaying start back in 1982 or 83(the middle school years). I had probably read G. Gygax’s name on some products, but wasn’t too familiar with him. Needless to say, I knew nothing of Dave Arneson. During my roleplaying revival in the mid-90’s, I became more familiar with him, and his accomplishments. Also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Arneson at least twice during the last four GenCon’s. He was a true gentlemen. I will treasure my hardcover core books signed by both Dave and Gary. Dave, thanks for being apart of something that brought a bunch of kids from my generation, the Star Wars generation, together. We didn’t join cults, commit suicide, or break the law. Instead, we gathered at the table quite often(and still do), and forged friendships that transcended the game itself. I’ll honor you, and Gary everytime I roll the dice.
:taps:
I can think of no greater gesture of respect.
What’s sad is that this is the first time I’ve ever heard of Mr. Arneson. But I thank you for letting us know of his legacy.
[...] Ken Hite’s Out of the Box tribute [...]
[...] industry. AP ran a story on his passing which the NYT amongst others picked up, the well-spoken Kennith Hite delivered an eloquent obituary, OotS produced a comic in memory, and Kobold Quarterly ran an [...]
[...] piece on Gygax and D&D remains Paul La Farge’s 2006 Destroy All Monsters.) The death of Dave Arneson last week has provoked another boomlet of media [...]
[...] Dave Arneson passes away – a great tribute [...]