Things I heard at the Convention...

[Treebore]

That may or may not be true.

Of the most significance to me was word that a certain movie star has bought the "rights" of "whatever" from a certain G. Gygax. You figure it out, my source was short on details. Hint on the movie star, he is a known gamer, and is typically bald.

That Eldritch Enterprises has teamed up with some company to reprint their line up of adventures under the other companies game "Engine". Heard this straight from Frank Mentzer as well as a green skinned ugly guy with glasses that is supposedly in charge of this other company. Official announcements coming in the near future.

If your a fan of Goodman Games and their DCC line, you have a LOT of goodies coming out in the next year or so, if you want details, go check out the usual sources for DCC news. If its not up already, it should be in a day or two.

Anyone else interested in my repeating, to the best of my poor memory, the story Larry Elmore related to me, and others, on how he and Jeff Easely were recruited into TSR's ranks?

[maximus]

Absolutely, Tree. Let's hear it!

[Arduin]

I'm interested.

[Treebore]

OK, I'll write it up and post it once I am done.

[Treebore]

The story of how Larry Elmore as related to me, and as best as I can recall it, by Larry Elmore at North Texas RPG Con 2015, on how he and Jeff Easely came to work for TSR. Any inaccuracies are completely my fault.

Back in 1980 or 1981, Larry was at work when a co worker of his, who also played D&D, as Larry himself did by that time, told Larry how TSR was looking for new artists, and that his friend, who was also an artist much like Larry himself is, was going to submit his work to TSR for consideration. He asked Larry if he wanted hi to send his work in along with his. Larry said yes, and thought nothing more about it.

Roughly two weeks later Larry got a call, at his work placew there in Fort Knox. It was from TSR. The Art Director at the time (I don't recall Larry saying who it was.) was calling saying they wanted to hire Larry since they really liked his work. Larry said he would have to talk to his wife about it and think about it especially since they had just recently bought and moved into a new home.

So they talked about it and decided not to take the job with TSR, not only because of just havig bought a new home, but because Larry's future was looking good, likely promotions in the near future, his wife had a good paying job at the City offices, etc...

Weeks later Larry received another phone call from TSR, telling him the CEO of TSR was coing out to visit him. Larry was blown away, he never heard of any company doing any such thing over an artist. So when the CEO arrived (No, it wasn't Gary at this time, I believe Larry said it was one of the Bloom's) Larry picked him up form the airport, brought him to his home, they ate dinner together, then afterward got down to "business".

The important part of the conversation went something like this:

Bloom, "How much money do you make at yoru current job?"

Larry, "$20,000/year."

Bloom, "I'll double it."

Larry, "Um, ah, but my wife has a job too."

Bloom, "How much does she make?"

Larry, "$7,000/year."

Bloom,"I'll double it when she comes work for us."

Larry, "Um, ah, um, we just bought our house, it will be hard to sell it so soon."

Bloom, "I'll buy it and sell it myself."

Larry, after exchanging looks with his wife, "Well, um, you've got yourself a new artist."

So Larry and his wife pack up their household goods and kids, and head off to Wisconsin.

Next will be what I recall of how Larry described the hiring of Jeff Easely.

[Arduin]

Wow! Talk about a "job interview".

thanks Tree

[Buttmonkey]

I've heard a lot of griping over the years about how the Blumes sucked at running the business, but I've got to say that was pretty bad-ass.

[Tadhg]

Cool story.

Larry is a great guy and a top artist for sure.

I assume his wife is the Betty Elmore, who's name I have seen somewhere in module credits.

[serleran]

I would like an offer to double whatever I am making now, and to have my house bought out and sold for me... yeah. That would be a good thing.

Won't ever happen though.

Vicarious living, that's the life for me!

[maximus]

Great story Tree, thanks! I haven't heard anything good about the Blumes, but you have to admit that is an impressive way to get what you want. Not like any interview I've had!

[Lurker]

....

Vicarious living, that's the life for me!

For some reason, after the day I had today, that is just darn funny!

[ssfsx17]

Regarding rumor #1 - I strongly recommend watching all three Riddick movies. He is the perfect example of a Chaotic Neutral Fighter. The Fast & Furious series is also an interesting look into a Lawful Evil Knight who slowly turns Lawful Neutral over the course of many movies.

[serleran]

Frank made a post over at DF regarding EE and TLG, that being a conversion of sorts.

I might be persuaded to help with that if it was needed.

[tylermo]

[Jyrdan Fairblade]

That really is a great Elmore story. Considering how linked Elmore’s art and D&D became, it seems like it was a good move for both parties.

The Vin Diesel – Gygax biopic rumor has been around for a couple of years. At one point, even Diesel commented that he looks nothing like the guy.