Gary Gygax wasn't the father of Dungeons and Dragons. He was the weird uncle that lived in the basement, painted lead miniatures, and could expound on the twelve different types of polearm weapons. So it's understandable that gamers might have trouble talking about it openly. Instead, here are some ways to refer to Gygax's untimely passing…you know, without really saying it:
When referring to Gygax's death, you can say he:
1) Started a new character sheet. 2) Is looking for a ninth-level cleric. 3) Failed his save vs. death magic. 4) Is food for purple worms. 5) Immediately became an NPC. 6) Finished the Doritos. 7) Has gone pips up. 8) Is pushing up shriekers. 9) Cashed in his gold pieces. 10) Took the first step to lichdom. 11) Went ethereal. 12) Kicked on the end of a spear. 13) Didn't make his system shock roll. 14) Bought the farm in Hommlet. 15) Is taking a dice nap. 16) Has gone to meet Zagyg. 17) Rolled his last natural 20. 18) Went against the giants. 19) Joined the gaming table invisible. 20) Is sleeping with the sahuagin. 21) Drew the Void. 22) Ended the campaign. 23) Kicked the dice bag. 24) Retired Mordenkainen. 25) Got screwed by the DM.
--Teague Bohlen
