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INTERVIEW: Gary Gygax
by kittenpants
(+ Sad Banjo, Bailey, Flynn, Corn Mo)

I was creating the crossword puzzle for last month's issue and needed to check the spelling of Gary Gygax, inventor of Dungeons and Dragons. One quick internet search led me to his official website, which featured a "contact me" link and email address.

I thought it would be really funny to get an interview with Mr. Gygax, and was surprised that he responded to the idea so quickly. He was very charming, and after a few innuendo-laced remarks, with regard to my name, he agreed to the interview.

It was then that I realized I had absolutely no idea what to ask. I have never played any RPGs - in fact, when doing research it took me twenty minutes to realize what "RPG" stands for (Role Playing Game--duh!). The closest I'd ever come was watching Tom Hanks in the made-for-TV movie MAZES AND MONSTERS.

I sent word to my nerdiest friends (the battle for that title was fierce, I can assure you) and asked their help in coming up with some questions. We compiled a list that I felt was thought-provoking, yet fun, with just a touch of retarded. His answers left me a little cold, though. I don't know what I expected from the man who put the "G" in RPG (and apparently the extra "T" in "Motzart"...) but I felt overpowered by the use of so many initials and complicated smileys :) . The way he switched his G's with J's was "lejendary".

***

kp: What is the correct pronunciation of Gygax (is it guy-gacks or jai-gacks)?

gg: Auf (Switzer) Deutsche, it is "Ghe-gox." Many of the family use that pronounciation. My part of the family has Americanized to be pronounced "Guy-gacks."

kp: Do you have 20-sided dice hanging from your rear-view mirror?
gg: No, nor do I own an auto...

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INTERVIEW: Gary Gygax 
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