Fred Funk's OD&D Set

 Fred Funk has been mentioned before on this blog. He was one of Dave Arneson's players where he famously played Frederick, King of the Orcs from the Dungeon of Castle Blackmoor. Fred also created his own setting called Fred's World which is available at The Comeback Inn Forum. 

This photo of Funk's OD&D ruleset was shared on X by Griff Morgan. According to Griff, Fred had erased Gary's name from his set. Perhaps something done in solidarity with Arneson at the time when he and Gary were not getting along so well? According to Morgan, this rulset is currently owned by another of the Blackmoor players, James Lafererrie. Lafferierre was the inspiration for the character Jallapierrie (Jal) who appeared in DA1 The Adventures of Blackmoor. 

Have you used Fred the Orc King or Jallapierrie in any of your Blackmoor adventures?

-Havard

Blackmoor Player James Laferriere Has Passed

I am sad to announce that another of the original Blackmoor players has passed away from cancer. James "Jim" Laferriere joined Dave Arneson's Blackmoor group in 1973 when he enrolled as a student of  St. Thomas University in Minnesota. At this time the Blackmoor campaign had already been going on for several years, but Jim still got to experience playing with Dave Arneson long before D&D was published. He stayed in Minnesota untill 1977 when he moved to Massachuseth to study Medicine. After graduating, Jim worked for more than 35 years paediatrician operating out of Osseo, Minnesota. His passing was reported earlier today on the Secrets of Blackmoor Facebook Page.

In the original campaign, Jim played a magic user and the character of Jallapiere who appeared in DA1 Adventures in Blackmoor was likely based on Jim's character from the early days. In DA1 Jallapiere or Jal is described as a very powerful wizard, known for his kindness. He is said to be a teacher at Blackmoor University. In this video excerpt from the Secrets of Blackmoor documentary, you can see Jim and Greg Svenson talk about their early gaming experiences together in Dave Arneson's world of Blackmoor. 

My thoughts go to his friends and family. 

-Havard