It is a sad day for geeks everywhere.

Today The Associated Press reported thepassing of Gary Gygax, the man who created Dungeons and Dragons. Though it was based largely on existing ideas D'nD was really a world changing phenomenon. It brought together whole generations of kids and adults and gave birth to a sub-culture that has transgressed every boundary imaginable.

Role Playing Games are now fairly common place. Be it the "traditional" pen and paper variety or the high-tech online versions, these games are everywhere. Back when Gygax (and his partner in crime Dave Arneson) were working on D'nD there was truly nothing like it. Sure there were war games, but nothing that truly transported you to another world the way Dungeons and Dragons could do.

Now I wasn't around during the really early days of D'nD, having gotten into the game in the mid 90's when i was about 16. But if my own experience is anything to go by, the impact this game has had on the lives of millions around the world can not be understated. My oldest and dearest friends, guys who i love like they were family, all came into my life thanks to Dungeons and Dragons or other role playing games. Today, with careers and families taking up so much time, these games provide great opportunities for me to get together with friends and just spend a day hanging out and having fun. Something for which most people don't make enough time.

For geeks like me D'nD opened the doors to a social and creative life that main stream society would likely have cut us of from. I truly can not imagine how my life would be had it not been for Dungeons and Dragons and all the games that followed in its footsteps. I don't think I want to.

So to Gary Gygax I say thank you. Thank you for giving all us geeks this wonderful gift. Your work has enriched, enlightened and inspired millions. You let us be heroes. You will always be ours.

Game On.