The world of tabletop gaming mourns the passing of a venerable giant. After nearly fifty years – a half-century of ink-stained adventures, of fantastical tales spun from the wellspring of imagination – Alarums & Excursions, the brainchild of Lee Gold, has ceased publication. This isn’t merely the closing of a magazine; it’s the silencing of a bard who, for nearly 50 years, sang epic tales to a devoted audience, a tapestry woven with the threads of fantasy, gaming, and a unique blend of literary wit.
In June 1975, a year synonymous with the birth of Chaosium and its groundbreaking RuneQuest, a fledgling publication emerged: Alarums & Excursions. Its arrival was like a sudden burst of sunshine through the dense forest of early role-playing games, offering a vibrant counterpoint to the burgeoning industry. This wasn’t just another gaming magazine; it was a literary expedition, a whimsical journey into realms beyond the ordinary. Each monthly issue, a meticulously crafted jewel, represented a testament to Lee Gold’s dedication, a testament that lasted a breathtaking 590 issues.
This monumental feat, spanning almost five decades, is a testament to not only the enduring appeal of Alarums & Excursions but also to the unwavering loyalty of its readership. These weren’t simply subscribers; they were fellow travelers on a shared quest, united by a passion for the written word, for the artistry of game design, and for the limitless horizons of the imagination. The magazine became a touchstone, a cherished artifact for those dedicated to exploring the rich landscapes of fantasy and the subtle craft of storytelling.
Rick Meints, President of Chaosium, a company intertwined with Alarums & Excursions‘ history since its inception, shares personal anecdotes of his decades-long journey as a collector of all things Chaosium. He describes his treasure trove of issues as a “personal time capsule,” a rich archive of gaming history, illustrating the magazine’s significant place in the evolution of role-playing games.
The impact of Alarums & Excursions extends far beyond mere game reviews or rules explanations. It served as a crucible for aspiring writers and artists, a platform for their creative energies to flourish. It fostered a vibrant community, where passionate individuals debated game mechanics, dissected storylines, and shared their own creative exploits. It was a community forged not in virtual forums but in the tangible, printed page; a testament to the enduring power of analog connection in a digital world.
The news of its cessation is a somber note, a melancholic melody that echoes through the halls of gaming history. However, its legacy remains. Like the ancient stones of a forgotten city, each issue stands as a monument to the dedication, creativity, and enduring passion of all involved. It’s a reminder that even in the digital age, the printed word holds a unique power, capable of weaving magic and sparking adventure in the minds of its readers. The magazine may be gone, but its spirit – its whimsical charm and its profound influence – will undoubtedly endure.
The silence left by the ceasing of Alarums & Excursions is profound, like the quiet of a vast cathedral after the last hymn has faded. But its echoes will resonate for years to come, a testament to a publication that carved a significant niche in the history of tabletop gaming. Its story, rich with anecdotes and a life’s work, deserves to be remembered and celebrated, not as an ending, but as a chapter in the ongoing epic of gaming history, a chapter filled with thrilling Alarums and unforgettable Excursions.
