Blackmoor's "Wizard of the Wood" Peter Michael Gaylord (1943-2016) has passed away at the age of 73

Photo by Kevin McColl

I just got the sad news via the Castle Blackmoor page that Peter Michael Gaylord has passed away. Pete Gaylord played the Wizard of the Woods, a legendary character in the original Blackmoor Campaign that was organized by Dave Arneson in Minnesota in the early 1970s, a precursor to Dungeons & Dragons. In addition to being the first Wizard character in the game, he was the source of the super berry magic concept. His character was also known for keeping dragon pets (one named after Pete's cat) and being a friend of Pixies and other woodland creatures. I wrote about the Wizard of the Wood back in 2010. It is clear to me that Pete Gaylord, like many of Dave Arneson's players made important contributions to what would one day become D&D.

"Always quick to give advice and always A friend to those he played with." says friend and fellow gamer Kevin McColl. Gaming seems to have been a big part of Gaylord's life through his life. He took part in the 2009 memorial gave held for Dave Arneson by Bob Meyer. Friend's report that Gaylord was gaming untill May 11th this year as part of David Wesely's group. From what I understand, he was hospitalized for some time prior to his death.

My thoughts go to his friends and family.






-Havard

illustrated version: http://blackmoormystara.blogspot.no/201 ... chael.html

:(

Came here because I read the news at OD&D '74. Very sad.

I dimly remember - perhaps even misremember - that you and I corresponded with him on one of the older precursors of this board, very briefly, and that he was very friendly, and seemed genuinely interested in what we were doing here. He seems to have been less involved with the hobby after the FFC than most of his companions, but he would have been one of the people that I'd liked to interview the most about the good old days.

It was Pete's Roman army that was battling the Britons - Ken Fletcher and Cliff Ollila - when Dave Arneson slipped the Briton's Druid Dave Megarry a phaser. The Druid promptly vaporized Pete's brand new war elephant, prompting him to cry in despair "And I just painted it, too!".

He was a great guy, a fearsome opponent, and a good friend. I'll miss him.

(Ask your questions now, folks, before it's too late.)