More Sad News

Jerry Mapes, founder of the Knights & Knaves Alehouse, one of the primary forums of the old school renaissance, has passed away. Like Dave Arneson, I suspect many gamers, even those of the grognard persuasion, have no idea who Jerry was or what he contributed to this hobby. I never met him in person and my dealings with him were limited to a few emails here and there, along with posts over at K&K. But Jerry's work in establishing the Alehouse, as well as his tireless efforts to keep it running smoothly, helped create some of the conditions that led to OSRIC and I dare say much of what we now term "the old school renaissance." He may not have been a household name, even in our little corner of the Web, but he contributed far more than most of us realize. His loss will be felt deeply and all of us who have derived fun and enjoyment from the resurgence of old school gaming in recent years should mourn his passing.