D&D General Industry Veteran Jennell Jaquays Passes

Jennell Jaquays was an important figure in the development of Dungeons & Dragons and the tabletop roleplaying game industry. She passed away today at the age of 68. Known for her work on Dark Tower and Caverns of Thracia, she was a game designer and artist; she was responsible for many RPG covers, including Dragon Mountain. Jennell worked for TSR, Judges Guild, and Chaosium, amongst others, as well as video game companies, working on Quake and Age of Empires, and was also an activist for trans rights, instrumental in bringing about important legislation as creative director for the Transgender Human Rights Institute. Jenny had been suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome in recent years.

Our condolences go out to Jennell's friends and family. The industry lost a legend today.

 

[Divine2021]

Her Savage Frontier is one of the best rpg books I’ve ever read. May she rest in peace.

 

[Evaniel]

I'm so saddened to hear this. We've lost a true icon.

 

[darjr]

Very sad news. One of the greats. One of the founders.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Jennell Jaquays was one of the true giants in our hobby, and an inspiration for so many. She is (AFAIK) the only trans person in the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design (aka Origin Awards) Hall of Fame, and her impact on me, and millions of other gamers as both a contributor to the hobby and as a person, will never be forgotten.

You were, and always will be, a legend.

 

[SPECTRE666]

RIP.

I absolutely love FR 5 The Savage Frontier.

 

[Retreater]

Her "Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide" book taught me how to run a game - when I was a teenager growing up in a small town in the Bible Belt with no one else to guide me. Still keep it on my shelf. I wish I'd had the opportunity to thank her in person for helping light the way to a hobby I've enjoyed for decades.

 

[delericho]

Well, that sucks. Rest in peace.

And @Retreater is absolutely right about that "Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide" - possibly the single best RPG book I own, for any game and any edition.

 

[Ancalagon]

What sad news. Condolences to her loved ones.

 

[billd91]

I think Dark Tower was my first experience with her work and I loved it. The reincarnated version kickstarter is in proofs right now. It would be nice if they found a way to put a memorial in before the final printing, but I'm not expecting they'll have the opportunity.