Post by Admin on Mar 1, 2018 22:47:22 GMT
From Canada, I would Love to go to Gary Con, one day!
Myself, I am an AD&D 'funatic' (mostly 1e, but with some 2e bits: interestingly, a recent poll on an AD&D FB group indicated that the majority of AD&D players mix and match 1e and 2e!)... I started around 1982/1983, so I have this incredible perspective of looking at the game through the eyes of a 10/11 year old. I don't mean to brag, and, of course, I am not alone in this.
In the sense of game theory, I think that the concept of Gygaxian AD&D is kind of like the Holy Grail, perhaps, or, the Philosopher's Stone. In the last years of his life, Gary posted hundreds, probably thousands, of posts over at the DF and ENWorld forums. To this day, people (incl. myself) are very curious about Gygaxian AD&D, and, I think that this curiosity will remain as an enduring legacy.
With regards to not referencing rules, when in-game, as GM, I do the same, a bit, too. I admit that I have a fair amount of experience with AD&D, and, that experience enables me to 'eyeball it' as the saying goes. To work with a rough estimate, and, keep the game moving. Pacing is essential. If a rule or number needs to be checked, that happens in less than 1 round(minute).
Now, between sessions, I tend towards being a neurotic rules lawyer, part of the prep for the next session. LOL, that is why God created the internet, so that we could debate AD&D rules. (j/k, j/k)
That said, when game time begins, half of the rules become defenestrated.
Sadly, I never met Gary (there were only a handful of emails, back and forth), but I can say that he is one of the most beloved authors of the United States of America. He was also humble about his proficiency as a writer, too. Gary inspired people to read actual books(!). That is true.
To close, here is a short story about Swiss Chalet, one of my favorite restaurants. Helvetia and Savoy are beautiful places, I have heard. So, while I am drinking a beer, and, re-reading the DMG and/or going over my campaign notes (200 pages, 3 hole punched, graph paper book: it is a good format), I can imagine Gary sitting there, talking about pole arms.
Now, sure, in gaming, I disagree with him here or there, but that is the exception to the rule. (This one, in and of itself, is a long story, too). Then again, who needs rules? Game theory.
I think that as one grows older, there is this increasing ability to enter into some kind of a relaxed modality. Anyway, enough for Now.
To all the attendees at Gary Con, I wish y'all a great time.
Always remember Rule #1: Have fun!
Myself, I am an AD&D 'funatic' (mostly 1e, but with some 2e bits: interestingly, a recent poll on an AD&D FB group indicated that the majority of AD&D players mix and match 1e and 2e!)... I started around 1982/1983, so I have this incredible perspective of looking at the game through the eyes of a 10/11 year old. I don't mean to brag, and, of course, I am not alone in this.
In the sense of game theory, I think that the concept of Gygaxian AD&D is kind of like the Holy Grail, perhaps, or, the Philosopher's Stone. In the last years of his life, Gary posted hundreds, probably thousands, of posts over at the DF and ENWorld forums. To this day, people (incl. myself) are very curious about Gygaxian AD&D, and, I think that this curiosity will remain as an enduring legacy.
With regards to not referencing rules, when in-game, as GM, I do the same, a bit, too. I admit that I have a fair amount of experience with AD&D, and, that experience enables me to 'eyeball it' as the saying goes. To work with a rough estimate, and, keep the game moving. Pacing is essential. If a rule or number needs to be checked, that happens in less than 1 round(minute).
Now, between sessions, I tend towards being a neurotic rules lawyer, part of the prep for the next session. LOL, that is why God created the internet, so that we could debate AD&D rules. (j/k, j/k)
That said, when game time begins, half of the rules become defenestrated.
Sadly, I never met Gary (there were only a handful of emails, back and forth), but I can say that he is one of the most beloved authors of the United States of America. He was also humble about his proficiency as a writer, too. Gary inspired people to read actual books(!). That is true.
To close, here is a short story about Swiss Chalet, one of my favorite restaurants. Helvetia and Savoy are beautiful places, I have heard. So, while I am drinking a beer, and, re-reading the DMG and/or going over my campaign notes (200 pages, 3 hole punched, graph paper book: it is a good format), I can imagine Gary sitting there, talking about pole arms.
Now, sure, in gaming, I disagree with him here or there, but that is the exception to the rule. (This one, in and of itself, is a long story, too). Then again, who needs rules? Game theory.
I think that as one grows older, there is this increasing ability to enter into some kind of a relaxed modality. Anyway, enough for Now.
To all the attendees at Gary Con, I wish y'all a great time.
Always remember Rule #1: Have fun!