Dungeons & Dragons co-creator Gary Gygax rolled a natural one on his fortitude save today, dying at level 69 at his home in Lake Geneva.

Best known for developing D&D with Dave Arneson in 1974, Gygax helped formulate a pen-and-pencil role playing ruleset that would become a touchstone for modern gaming across its genres.

As noted by the Associated Press, Gygax had been struggling with health problems for several years, including an abdominal aneurysm. Despite his ill health, Gygax had still hosted weekly D&D games at his home until this January.

An estimated 20 million people have played D&D since its inception, and many tabletop games, fantasy books and video games owe much of their inspiration to the sword and sorcery platform.

In 1985, Gygax left Tactical Studies Rules (better known as TSR), the company he helped create to publish the first edition of D&D twelve years earlier. After his departure, Gygax was notoriously vocal about his displeasure with current editions of the game, although he continued creating adventures for the ruleset through Troll Lord Games.

Gygax also published dozens of fantasy books and short stories, including the Greyhawk series and Gord the Rogue adventures.

He is survived by his wife Gail Gygax and six children. Funeral arrangements are pending. ®

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