Erick Wujcik
This website is dedicated to Erick Wujcik, game designer, writer, artist, originator of ideas, thinker and kind soul. Friend to countless people and an inspiration to thousands upon thousands more.
He is one of my dearest friends, so it is with a heavy heart that I report Erick Wujcik, age 56, is dying of cancer.
Until a few weeks ago, Erick was healthy and doing fine. He was enjoying his work at Totally Games, a videogame company, when he thought he had come down with the flu. When he couldn’t shake it, he went to the doctors. The prognosis was unexpected, to say the least. Pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. There was no advance warning. It was a shock. Erick presses forward with the willful exuberance he has exhibited all his life.
We thought about letting people know after Christmas, but Erick’s time is, all too quickly, running out.
We thought it would be wonderful to give the millions of people who have loved the man and enjoyed his games, the opportunity to express their appreciation for him and his work. I have no doubt your comments and remembrances will put a smile on Erick’s face and help his spirit soar.
While this is sad news that weighs heavily on our hearts, we’d like this website, and the comments posted on it, to be a celebration of Erick’s wonderful life.
Just as you did when Palladium announced its Crisis of Treachery, let Erick know how much you have enjoyed his games and ideas. How Ninja Turtles (or Amber or whatever) turned you on to gaming or opened up your mind to new possibilities, and similar commentaries, thoughts and regards. I know your kind words and warm remembrances will put a smile on his face and warm his soul.
We’ve chosen to go with a blog style. Post as often as you’d like. Share your recollections about encounters with Erick, the first time you heard him speak or met him at a convention, what he and his work have meant to you, funny convention stories, and whatever else feels right.
The Erick I know
I’ve often said two things about Erick Wujcik, 1) that he is a true game designing genius, and 2) that he is a true Bohemian.
The game design genius. I’ve known a great many people who have claimed to be a genius at game design or covet the title, but Erick really is a genius, at least when it comes to game design. He mastered the art of storytelling and understands the dynamics of game design better than anyone I’ve ever met. Erick has created more great games that have never been completed and published than most game designers dream about.
That drives me and others a little crazy, because Erick’s quick mind leaps from one great idea to the next with the exuberance of a child lunging from one present to the next on Christmas Day. Like that child, he is enthralled with his new toy – new idea – until something else catches his attention. Unfortunately, that sometimes means his great ideas are left unfinished, but boy, are they exciting, and I’ve had the privilege of hearing many of them.
That’s the other aspect of Erick’s genius, his enthusiasm and hunger for new ideas, and desire to stretch the boundaries of convention, is contagious. He can get you (certainly me) excited and going with an idea faster than anyone I know. To Erick, there are no limits or boundaries. “Why not” and “what if” and “how about” are essential parts of Erick’s vocabulary. If you float an idea or notion of any merit, he seizes it and starts to postulate on its premise and potential. “That’s cool, but what if . . .”
I cannot tell you how often Erick and I would feed on each other, throwing out ideas and building on suggestions and excitement until we both collapsed laughing and exhausted. Sometimes those idea sessions (often impromptu) went nowhere other than fun, playful mental exercises. Other times they’d lead to new perceptions, new realms of possibility, and published works or a personal epiphany.
Erick helped me fine-tune parts of the Palladium role-playing game universal game system way back when. Not at some office (heck, we were both working out of our homes), but at a laundromat on Michigan Avenue in southwest Detroit. I was second guessing myself and frustrated. Erick had to wash his clothes. So we met at a place near my house and chatted about character creation, the elements that made them fun, which attributes were necessary, were eight too many, etc., while waiting for his clothes to wash and folding his shirts. The people around us must have thought we were crazy. So did my ex-wife when Erick would “drop by for an hour” at 8:00 P.M. to talk about a new idea or something he read, and at midnight he and I would be still be going strong, excitedly talking about . . . god only knows till the wee hours of the morning. Awesome. By then we would have moved well beyond the original reason he stopped by. I love talking to Erick about anything and everything. From game and story ideas or new concepts, to the application of psychology or technology or theology, to personal thoughts, fears, dreams and aspirations.
Erick the Bohemian. I call Erick a true Bohemian, because I don’t think I know anybody who enjoys life more deeply than Erick. He loves meeting new people, visiting new places, exploring new ideas, tasting new food, and taking in everything and everyone around him. Furthermore, his personal circumstances are always secondary to his enjoyment of his surroundings and the people in them. Erick’s sense of wonder is endless. We’re similar in that regard, as we both love new ideas and quickly see the endless possibilities they represent. But Erick simply immerses himself in them and floats along just enjoying wherever they may take him. He’s not necessarily looking to figure out how to apply them or exploit them, at least not at that moment of discovery, he’s simply adrift in them and soaking in all they have to offer.
Money, fame and recognition are nice, and Erick isn’t going to turn any of them away, but they aren’t necessities. Rich or poor, Erick has never changed. Maybe he enjoys a little more luxury, but it’s the experience of interacting with people, the exchange of ideas and sheer pleasure of experiencing something new that brings Erick joy. That, and creating and inspiring others to push the envelope and imagine beyond the known limits.
Gosh, there are so many stories I could tell, but I’ll stop here, for now. While I’m smiling, ear to ear, in the warmth of my friendship.
On behalf of Erick Wujcik and his many friends and admirers,
– Kevin Siembieda – December 22, 2007
Publisher and owner of Palladium Books® Inc., game designer, writer, artist and lucky son of gun for having Erick Wujcik as one of my dearest friends for nearly 30 years. Your light will live on, Erick, in your published works and in the hearts and minds of the multitude of people whose souls you have touched and made better for it. Love ya.
toonbye
A small word from a french adept of Erick’s work.
I definitely have discovered another superior dimension of RPG thanks to Amber. It was a wonder as a game master, and I think it provided tons of fun and bewilderment to players as well.
Actually, the two most wonderful RPG campaigns I had the chance and pleasure to set up and masterize were this Amber one and another using Amber diceless system adapted to work with middle earth setting.
For all those reasons, I am deeply moved by the sad news of this sickness the strikes Erick, and I would like to thank him on my part and in the name of all boys and girls that were enthused by our campaigns.
Farewell
Colin
I’ve never met Erick, but I’ve spent hours enjoying his games.
His books have helped create many memorable bonds, and a few friendships with people I otherwise would never have met.
Erick, good luck with whatever comes next.
Vidynn
Erick, I wish you all the best!! This is very sad news, but not all hope is lost…don’t tell me you haven’t cheated death before, smiling. Thanks for all the games you wrote – your stuff for Palladium Fantasy was inspiring, interesting and fun! Take care, good luck.
Jvstin
Erick,
We met only a couple of times at Ambercon, although you probably don’t remember it. I never had a chance to play in one of your games, a deficiency that I now will never have a chance to correct. You did stop to look in on a couple of games that I’ve run, and casual greetings in the hallways of the hotel, and nothing more. I regret that I never really got to know you at all.
However,it must be said that if not for your creation of the ADRPG, I would probably not have met, and known, many of my friends.
And for that, I thank you.
seafloorian
Dear Mr. Wujcik, I am only familiar with your work for the PARANOIA rpg, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it, back in the days when West End Games published the game as well as the parts published again in the current edition. Thank you for that. Having seen this particular form of cancer in a first-degree relative, I can somewhat relate to what you must be going through, although of course it’s different for every individual. I wish you all the strength you need to deal with this, many happy and memorable moments in the time given to you, and lots of support from family, friends and fans.
chas
Sir, you gave me untold hours of fun and adventure. Many of my fondest role playing memories were made with games you created or had a hand in. I know far too much about medicine to know that things have likely gone too far and may be beyond hope, but part of me thinks a fight should at least be fought. I am quite sure I am not the only one who would rather read of your miraculous recovery than your obituary.
‘Then out spoke brave Horatius, the Captain of the Gate:
“To every man upon this earth, death cometh soon or late;
And how can man die better than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his Gods”‘
-from _Horatius_ by Thomas Babington Macaulay
Murdoch
Walk in peace and imagination, as you ever did.
Randy McCall
I first met Erick almost 30 years ago, the day I walked into the old Detroit Gaming Center.
Amongst the other gamers wandering around this old building near Wayne State University was this bearded madman in a checked flannel shirt. He was running a game, arms waving madly, shouting “Oh yaaaah? Weeell, what do you do now?”. As I was to learn, Erick approached everything with the same frenetic energy and force… but always a positive force.
In the years that followed, Erick became a friend, a teacher and boon companion, whether on the other side of a board game, as gamemaster, player, game designer or just talking in a quiet corner.
We enjoyed surprising the heck out of each other in our games. When he gamemastered, I counted coup every time I could rock Erick back in his chair in surprise. When I gamemastered, he continually stunned me with his intuitive and out-of-the-blue actions.
Never play him at chess.
Nothing was every boring when Erick showed his bearded face. More ideas came of his mouth than we could count. I think it was Rene who once said admiringly something like “It’s like the old song… Facts go in, things go round-and-round and these amazing ideas come out here. How, we don’t know.”
We haven’t seen each other in years, and he has been missed.
Nothing is certain in life except it doesn’t last forever. We have a limited time here in which to affect the lives of those around us. Erick has touched so many people in so many ways, it’s beyond our ability to comprehend.
Once more, his intuitive and out-of-the-blue actions have stunned me. His actions and works will continue to have affect and influence people — and the world — for many, many years.
Goodbye is not a word I can see using in connection to Erick.
Au revoir
leiliu
Dear Erick,
I am so luck being able to learn from you in person as a game design apprentice in Shanghai. I still remember the days you patiently teach me the essence of the game design and encourage me to pursue my dream. I still cherish the moment of small RPG session we held every week after the work hour in that small meeting room. You are one of the most wise and charismatic man I ever meet. Last time when I show you the small shabby mobile game I designed to you you are so happy to tell others about my achievemennt, I know that you have taken me as your student forever. I am so proud of that and feels so lucky.
You have lend strength and forest courage and wisdom to so many people, in your diffcult time I believe we all will pray and wish the best for you. I believe you will be fine and fly around the world giving great lecture again soon.
fsupadre
It is a special thing to be abe to affect the lives of people whom you have never met, and to be known (in their minds) almost personally through your work. You had SUCH an impact on my teenage life through TMNT, and it’s in no small part due to that game that I rediscovered D&D and other RPG and miniature games. I can honestly say that the love and respect that I have for RPGs (and plan on passing on to my two year old boy) is due to your work. Through your work, you will have an impact on my child’s life too. I can’t thank you enough for that. God bless.
fpilgrim
Playing Role-Playing Games has been a huge part of my life, both socially and creatively. My first group of real friends were my fellow role-players, and we still keep in touch now 20 years later.
I was a timid, shy child, and being a Gamemaster was my first real experience having any form of social prominence. And finding out that I was good at it, and that my friends wanted me to do it more often, was my first real personal success. Over the years, the confidence that I developed during those long ago gaming sessions has lead directly to success and happiness in my adult life.
And what was the first game that my friends and I played?
TMNT and Other Strangeness, that’s what.
Erik, although all the good wishes in the world can’t make you better, heal your wounds, or extend your life, please at least do your best to take solace in the fact that your life has meant something to at least one person.
Me.
I would simply not be the person I am today if not for Erik’s games. I would not be the person I am today if Erik had not chosen to share his mind and his creativity with me and others like me.
I owe you a great debt, Mr. Wujik. I can only hope that the knowledge of how much you have meant for so many will allow you a moment’s respite from your own pain.
Thank you, from the bottom of everything I am, thank you.
Ynnis
Dear Erick,
In my experience, Christmas Eve seldom comes without its share of bad news…
Though it took today’s shock to realize it, it has been about 20 years that your name has been a part of my. Though I rarely stopped to think about who was hiding behind that name, for I never had a chance to meet with you personally, it is only today that I realize how important it has become to me.
Once upon a time, as a young french 11-years old boy, I discovered with wonderment the world of RPGs. Though I was young, my knowledge of the English language was already not too bad, and so, on a fated Christmas Eve when I happened to catch appendicitis and be hospitalized (for the first time in my then short life), all I asked my family for was that they leave me an AD&D Player’s and DM guides for reading purpose.
This was a gateway to a new world. I started discovering its games at the same time as the abstract names behind them, and yours was an immutable part of them. Though during that time I but once had a chance to play TMNT, I read it with the deepest amount of awe and the fascination of a kid discovering strange new games, strange new worlds and civilizations…
Then came Amber… the One true RPG against which every other is just Shadow. Actually, we still joke with friends that it is that game that killed the RPG market : when we started playing it, we rapidly stopped purchasing addendums to any other games and started spending all our time working on the Amber-related campaigns.
I have aged since that time. My professional life has become extremely involving as I founded a small leading company in a geek-related sector (unrelated to gaming). Still, regularly, I keep going to old friend’s house to sit around a table and play one more game of our Amber campaign…
I am afraid I don’t understand how you may be feeling right now, nor could I probably unless something like that happened to me. I feel quite awkward about posting here. However, I am doing it as a testimony of appreciation from someone that is a total stranger to you. I guess I want to let you know that your cretions have left an unalterable imprint upon my life (and I am sure many others) and that you will continue to leave one at the very least for coming decades.
Whatever happens in the future, whenever our resting days come, I would just like you to know that I would consider myself proud of my life if I ever left the world giving it as much as you have. I would consider it has definitely been a life worth living.
A life that changed many others… for the better !
Thank you for everything,
Cedric Littardi
Dustin Clingman
Erick,
We met at E3 in 1998 while headed to the SEGA party and we got off at the wrong stop. During that chance meeting, we chatted about game design and a number of topics that had a long term influence on me.
Know that your work still inspires and will continue regardless of what the future holds. Our hopes and prayers are with you.
Alyn
Erick,
The 6 or so times I played Amber with you at Conduit and Gencon were the most memorible in my 25 year gaming experience. And it changed the way my group and I play and game. For several years after being introduced to the Amber gaming system, regardless of what game system we played the finale of a campaign always seemed to end with the appearance of one of our Amber characters.
Sending you positive thoughts!
Jim Richardson
DavidChemouil
Erick,
in France, the 90s have been incredible as far as RPG’s are concerned. Plenty of good games were translated in French and the French RPG editing community was itself creative. I can still remember some games who renewed the genre: Nephilim, Castle Falkenstein, Vampire, Dark Earth… Among them stands Amber DRPG which was a huge shock to me. I had already read Zelazny’s books and I could but wonder how they could be adapted into a good game but you incredibly made it! Reading the game felt like reading the novels, the diceless rules were so inventive, playing it was a true experience and, in France, the covers and tarot deck had been painted by Florence Magnin (I guess you must know her work). Even nowadays, I often find myself speaking with friends of this wonderful game which moved me so much, obviously one of the best games ever.
For this pleasure you gave to so many people, and for the example you gave of how possible it was to create an original game, I would like to thank you and tell you that you are one of the greatest RPG designers ever.
With all my respect,
David Chemouil (France)
BMCIII
Erick,
I remember my first GenCon 17 years ago, sitting in on a seminar you ran on longterm campaigning. Me sitting there listening to the guy who had brought Eastman and Laird’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the RP industry and my game table. You were brilliant. My horizons expanded sevenfold that GenCon with tales of spirit quests, campaigns filled with small intimate moments, that could turn epic over the life of the story’s arc. I still have my notes somewhere on a yellow legal tablet, but the real notes are engraved in my memory and my style of game play. I got the chance to sit at your table once or twice (bidding for stats in “Amber” one year and actually playing “47” a few years later; I still have the character sheets). You’ve been a major influence on the way I game sir, and in effect the way I look at life general. For that I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough.
May the Coyote watch over you at your crossing.
Peace,
-B. Matt Conklin
dindenver
Eric
Hang in there man!
I only know you through your games, but I love you for that! TMNT was the first game that delivered on its promise of awesomeness! Even a 1st lvl Mutant was a badass, and it only got better from there. You inspired me to play better, have more fun and changed how I viewed RPGs from that day forward…
You will be missed, but I am sure you will not be forgotten…
Dave M
Soledango
Amber is my favorite book and Amber RPG? Wow.
One of my regret is to never been able playing it has much as I have dreamed of it. I rode those two books dozens of time. I rceated Shadows, princes and princesses, demons, artefacts, stories, campaign, … But, helas, I only could play it a few time. So all i dreamed about it, I owe it to you Erick and for all this, for your excelent work and comentary of Amber i tell you thank you.
Farewell, dear dreamer (and I think your a great dreamer). Who know? Maybe this is only a shadow and elsewere you still playing, reading, writing and watherverelse until the end of time. I whish you so.
Xavier, franch guy with “little” english problems…
Temprus
I have had the privilege to meet Erick in person on two occasions and quite a few times by mail.
The first time was quite by accident. I was in Detroit’s central library when I heard a familiar voice but could not place it. I had once heard his voice on an answering machine and when a Librarian called a nearby patron Erick it all made sense. I went over to him and introduced myself. We talked for quite a few hours. Years later we met again and had a long dinner conversation.
Sadly, I no longer have the letters as they were lost in a move, but it was a great inspiration to have an actual game designer/writer respond on such a level. Not to mention all of the great games he has written.
Erick while you will be missed, you legacy speaks for itself!
Yo, Temprus!
There’s a good chance that I still have the letters on my hard drive. Let me know your name, and your address at the time, and I’ll see if I can recover them for you.
Erick
dconstantino
Hey Erick!
You’re one of the people I‘ve known that I like to call a friend. As a kid, I read Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness, and remember fondly my adventures with Giovani the 5th turtle. The time I spent with you at Totally Games talking about my ideas and playing your games with you there and at the hobby shop the weekends afterward are moments I will always treasure. You taught me something new every day I spent with you, and wanted you to know how much I appreciated all your lessons and advice. Thank you.
I came to see you a month ago, but they told me you were in the hospital with the flu or something. I had hoped to have a chance to see you again, and will try to as soon as I can. I wish I knew, or would have already done so. For now my prayers go to you and your friends and family. I can see how much they love you. Hang in there, we still got more games to play.
-Dennis Constantino
acelin
Salut, Erick!
Just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you as you face these challenges. Your writing and game design has kept me entertained for many years now, and I wanted to say thank you for all your hard work!
–Acelin
DMZwerg
Hey Erik,
We will always save you a spot on the bridge!
– Dwarf from old Gen Con at the MECCA
Katz
I feel like some one punched me in the stomach. All at once I want to heave and bawl, but can not take enough air in to do anything but curl up and let it pass. Unfortunately this will not pass. I meet Erick years ago at Gen-Con,I was a mechanoid geek and a long time player of Recon. I was also trying to get my foot in the door as a freelancer anywhere I could. Erick told me he was going to rewrite Recon and was looking for writers to submit adventures would I be interested? I told him yeah! This began a correspondence(type written)between us over the next year, Erick was very direct and had a way of showing this new kid how to write adventures for publishing, without being critical. Long story short Paladium put The rewrite on the back burner and the next time I saw Erick was at Pegasus Games in Madison wisconsin, the store I worked for at the time. He was visiting friends in madison and agreed to do a signing. He always carried himself as the accessable famous guy and was great at the signing. Over the years my real life intruded to much and I did not write and fell out of contact with Erick. I Hope only for the best, for those close to him and will place him in my prayers.
Good Luck Erick,Gods speed.
I Remain,
Katz
sbaudoux
I’ll make it short, being too touched to say many good things.
Thank you Eric for Amber, the amberzines, your letters to my Gm, thank you for all the marvelous hours we have spent playing your game.
I’m praying for you, your family and all your friends…
Sébastien Baudoux (France)
rosswinn
To paraphrase a friend of mine,this sucks.
Erick knew when others didn’t suspect, he wrote when others thought, he published while others waited, and he triumphed again and again. There have been few who were as visionary or as gifted.
We met a few times, always briefly and always oddly. I was the fat guy in black. I am sure you don’t remember, and it doesn’t matter.
Thank you for showing me that my ideas had merit, and that I could also write them down.
Veidt
From Ninjas & Superspies, one of the first RPG I bought with my own money in a shop in London, to Amber DRPG, I’ve spent a lot of time playing your games and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you for everything Mr. Wujcik.
And, to quote from the French translation of Zelazny’s “The Courts of Chaos”, “Adieu et bonjour, comme toujours.”
Julien Galliot (France)
Chris Willrich
The Amber Diceless RPG has given my friends and me many hours of fun. I admire the book a little more each time I read it, particularly the GMing advice. You must have put real blood, sweat, and joy into it, and judging from comments, sounds like you do everything that way. Thank you. Take care.
rain
TMNT&OS was the first RPG I ever bought, the first game I ever ran, and kept going back to just about every weekend throughout my teenage years.
Time moved on, I bought other games, but the one game I went back to time and time again was that one. I ended up buying the entire line and they still sit on my bookshelf even now. I actually pulled down Road Hogs a couple of weeks ago to take a look through, as I was considering running it in a couple of months’ time. Just flicking through it brought back a lot of good memories.
Thanks, Erick.
skaven
You’ve made a lot of great RPGs and gaming books over the years. Amber DRPG has remained my favorite RPG ever. It’s been a profound influence not only for my gaming life, but also my writing.
I wish you all the best. We’re pulling for you.
saintcelt
How many days… months… years of my life have I spent rolling dice and living other lives when I should have been experiancing my own? Far too many I’m sure, but I wouldn’t re-roll one moment of it. TMNT RPG was a great game and our superhero team, “The Protectors” wouldn’t have been possible without your game books!
Thank you, for every moment.
NickWB
Hi Erick,
We’ve never met but like many here I knew you in some small part through your contributions to the gaming world. TMNT was one of my earliest (and fondest) adventures into the grand realm of rpgs. Thank you for sharing your imagination with us and helping to open up ours so that we may share in turn.
-Nick WB
“After all, that’s what the TMNT games are all about. Using our imaginations to explore beyond the barriers of our present reality.”
-Erick Wujcik, Introduction to Transdimensional TMNT
TGAndrew
Wow, the gravity of the situation really just hit me. I knew that you have cancer from when you told us in our office a week or two ago, but it didn’t really sink in how serious the situation was at that moment because, to me, cancer doesn’t seem to be much of a threat. I’ve never known someone to die from cancer, and the only other person I know that has been inflicted with it, beat it. It’s fairly difficult to discuss things like this, so I’ll use the bytes in this space to remember my time with you.
I’m not a pen and paper gamer, sure I dabbled a bit in some D&D back in middle school, but I never really played with a serious group and dedicated DM. Because of this I’m sure, I had never actually heard of Erick Wujcik (still can’t figure out how it’s possible to pronounce that), a celebrity in the world of pen and paper games. That certainly doesn’t mean I don’t know of this genius that Kevin so lovingly talks about, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Erick directly at Totally Games for the greater part of a year now.
Erick has always struck me as the kind of person that has the uncanny knack to bring ideas out of people and to fruition, he’s the guy to go to if you have the middling’s of an idea and want help fleshing it out more. Being able to sit down and talk 1-on-1 with Erick about my game ideas was always a great pleasure, and one that I unfortunately didn’t take advantage of enough. No idea was ever ‘stupid’ or not feasible for Erick, he’s always able to dive down deep into an idea (no matter how great or small) and see what could make it fun. This trait is a great one to have when you have to listen to thoughts and ideas from someone like me, who’s ideas tend to be a bit more out there. Before talking with Erick, I would usually keep my ideas and thoughts to myself out of fear of rejection and failure, Erick has helped me realize that no idea is worthless and the worst thing you can do with an idea is keep it to yourself.
Like I said earlier, I’m not a pen and paper gamer, but I have had the privilege to play a game with Erick as the DM. It’s still not my preferred method of gaming entertainment, but it was very fun and I can see how he’s become so successful in the medium. He had the amazing ability to change and adapt the game on the fly so well that it seemed scripted, no matter what scenarios or situations we came up with as players, he was able to integrate it into the overarching story and keep it interesting. I look forward to playing just one more session with him.
Cedric Ferrand
Words of compassion don’t come easy to me, even when Christmas is resounding everywhere. But Erick is important in my life of roleplayer. He’s responsible of 3 important steps in my practice of the hobby:
– Amber RPG was my first book in English. I learnt a lot of my actual vocabulary in those pages. This game gave me a lot of self-confidence in my ability to understand a foreign language. If I live in a bilingual city nowadays, it’s probably because my first reading of an English written game was a marvelous experience. Fifteen years after my discovery of Amber RPG, I remember my enthusiasm with every chapters, pictures or concepts of this game.
– Amber RPG made me understand that dungeon crawling was not the only way to practice RPG. It was my first experience of a political setting. Every struggle for the throne of Amber was a delightful drama. We wrote short novels, drew a pair of Trumps… our dedication for the atmosphere of the game was unbelievable. I never met again that kind of implication as a player. We were able to play day and night. I remember a campaign in particular: we were so deeply involved in the game that after a long night of game, we have decided to go to the bakery in order to buy some croissants. It was dawn, and we were waiting in the bakery that the croissants bake perfectly. We were hungry, but we carried on with the game, even in the bakery. The baker was unable to understand our gibberish, but an important scene of the campaign took place in his shop, as we were salivating. I never live such a dedication for the game again. It was only possible with Amber and the extraordinary work of Erick.
– Diceless. What an idea. Fucking brilliant. Neither God, nor dice. It was a fantastic revolution for me, as a game master. I won a lot of freedom in my storytelling, it was so good. RPG became less a board game than a theatrical game. Before Amber RPG, I walked with two clutches. Erick allowed me to run, literally.
One of my Christmas gifts is an Omnibus edition of Amber. 1258 pages, the 10 novels of the Zelazny’s saga. I’ll read it very soon and I’m sure to find again that excellent taste for good old fantasy of my youth. And Erick will be present in the background when Corwin, Benedict or Caine will cross the Shadows. Zelazny is the father of Amber, but it’s Erick who brought it up and made him a classical of the RPG. For ever.
Craig S.
I never got to meet Erick at a con or anything, I’m just someone who is lucky enough to have been able to play some of the games he has written. Thanks for sharing them with us Erick.
AlexM
There are good people out there. Erick Wujcik is one of them. In 1979, I was introduced to role-playing and Erick. Soon I would be sitting near an open window on Cass in Detroit, off the Wayne State University Campus. This second floor space would soon become the Detroit Gaming Center. I had switched from a possible career in comic books to one publishing an adzine called Game Merchant. Then Palladium Books launched in 1981. Erick was constantly talking to Kevin or me about everything imaginable. There were long conversations that often went into the wee hours. When difficult days struck Palladium, Erick was there for us.
Erick is one of those people that did not try to add to the mess that life can be sometimes. He was generous with his time, advice and wisdom. He could get angry on occasion, but he solved problems. Erick had a wide range of interests and points of view. I count myself fortunate to have gotten his perspective on a number of things. He would offer advice but would also let me know to “not worry about it” in regard to certain things. A gentle man, I had rarely seen him sad, either. His actions not only moved himself forward in a positive direction but he also assisted others on their way as well. I think he embodies what I would call a true humanity and a good example for others.
Silver_Maverick
I’m speechless.
I’ve never met Erick.
I can see some of his books in a stack not far from where I’m sitting.
I could only think of one way to express my feelings about Erick’s cancer.
Here’s a story:
There we were, huddled around a corner, as a dozen frost giants ran towards us. This was the proverbial it.
From my humble belt pouch I drew forth a potion so powerful it could only be taken once in a person’s life, a minor artifact so priceless it has but one name.
The Potion of Superheroism
I drank it and declared we would have victory.
Madness! My friends cried out. The odds were against us. The numbers would not support it. Only luck would carry us through the day.
“I say thee nay, for I have declared victory.”
How? My friends asked me perplexed.
“I have drank the Potion of Superheroism, there is naught but victory.”
But what if you die?
“Then I will die a superheroic death, but let’s burn that bridge when we come to it. Potion. Victory. End of story.”
Wounded and bloody, we won. Potion. Victory.
End of story.
With this blog we celebrate Erick’s life.
I would like to meet him.
Thank you Erick Wujcik,
Jonathan “Silver_Maverick” Casas
Spikard
Erick,
You are one of my favourite GM’s of all time. By example, you have taught me how to truly enjoy roleplaying both from a player’s perspective and also as GM. Your legacy resides safely within me, and so many others, though we all have much more to learn from you.
Until our paths cross again,
Erik Florentz
Arref Mak
Erick
You have stimulated me with your wit and pervasive ability to inspire others. I know so many others I admire because of your Amber Diceless design and the community that it created around the internet and Ambercons.
Having said ‘hi’ to you any number of times at cons, I’ve never found the time to thank you personally for sharing your creativity and great love of gaming.
Thank you for bringing Zelazny’s work to roleplaying.
Thank you for your zest and tireless energy.
Thank you for the time shared with us all.
And know that while friends have thanked me for sharing my gaming time with them, my deeds are built upon yours.
Arref
Tony Pi
Erick,
Meeting you and gaming with you at my first Ambercon had been the high point of that trip long ago – thank you for bringing the world the Amber DRPG. If not for your inspired design, I would not have found Zelazny’s works, which have inspired my own writing more than any other author. If not for Amber DRPG, I would not have met a great RPG friend and roommate, and great Internet friends through play-by-email games and Ambercon. Thanks for starting it all.
Best,
Tony
taylorwhite
I never got to speak with Erick Wujcik at the last Palladium Open House, which I now regret, since I may not get another chance to tell him in person how amazing I think his work is. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is what got me into Role-Playing to begin with, and it was Ninjas and Superspies that kept me going for years. Transdimensional TMNT is the best explanation of time travel i’ve ever read, and one of my favorite books of all time. The Rifts China books and Mystic China are absolutely fantastic and some of my favorite RPG materials. Truly we are blessed to have the fruits of Erick’s genius among us. If I could write one book even half as well as his then I am truly fortunate. I will always aspire to that. Take care, Erick.
BrianGoudie
Erick,
From the first time I met you at Ambercon, through all the years of games and conversations, and still in this moment, you have been one of the most wonderful and admirable people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Your wit, your insight, the joy you brought to every time spoken have all enriched my life.
For the shadow knight games, the “chess” game and the many hours of talking history, clothing, what have you, thank you so much.
I deeply regret that the last few years have passed without getting to speak with you. My deepest apologies old friend. Know that you always will have a place in my heart.
Brian
Philippe Roy
Hi Erick…
I’ll speak directly to you, somehow it sems more comfortable than speaking to you int he third person and in past tense. I got your email that you wanted to chat a couple of days ago and we never connected, so I got to read your news in an email instead. I can’t say it’s the best news I ever got on Christmas day, but I keep on thinking and knowing it’s not the last news I’ll get from you.
It was some 3 years ago that we met. Absolutely totally randomly! I was going out for lunch (working for That’s Shanghai) and you were randomly exploring the city on one of those countless walks you take, one foot in front of the other leading you where they will. Our chat started with directions and ended in friendship.
I’m not a big gamer. I get my PS2 out once a week, if that, though I’ve always enjoyed chatting about games and find real pleasure in playing. But, most of all, I must say that I truly enjoyed the few times I got to play RPGs with you as the master… the missions were difficult, tricky and just plain fun! The energy you bring, the story telling and the plain ol’ bizarre twists you throw us have always made me feel and remember the good times I had as a boyscout, listening to stories around the camp fire. Goose bumpms included.
Shanghai. Such a weird, random place to meet. Yet it seems that it’s totally suitable to you. You finished your email by saying Phil, my friend, I just want you to know that I’m
thinking of you, that I miss you, and if the treatment “is in any way successful, my first trip will be to Hong Kong and Shanghai, where I hope to give you a big hug.”
Let me just say this then, I’ll hold you to it. I’m here, waiting for that hug and looking forward to it.
Lotsa lotsa lotsa love (and e-hugs) from Louise and me.
We love you big guy.
PS. I’m still considering your offer on my soul for 5$, I need a bit more time.
turan8
Ninjas and Superspies was first RPG I ever played and helped spawn an intrigue for foreign events that I have to this day–5 years into my degree for political science.
ferogain
This bites.
Like many here I can remember playing TMNT with friends in one of the battle dressing stations onboard my ship when I was in the Navy. A mangy squirel with a CRAPload of guns. Too much fun. And HU was my first hero RPG. I ran a game with friends and the game got so indepth that one of my friends told me one night , “Dude, you know you can never quit running this game right?”. Too many great memories thanks to Mr. Wujcik. Take her easy sir. And good luck.
Tyranneix
I am truly saddened by this news. I have been a huge fan of your work since I can remember.. TMNT, Ninjas and Superspies and Mystic China as well as many of the other Palladium books are absolute favorites of mine! Thank you dearly for all your hard work and dedication in the gaming industry. You are truly one of the Great RPG designers and you will be sorely missed!
Thank you again!
Broom
Hi Erick. I met you years ago at an Ambercon in the UK, one of the Dutch group, corresponded with you about your Amber fanzine before and after. Last we wrote you went back to school – an eternity ago. I just read the news, and all I can say is damn. I wish you an easy passing, master tale-spinner. You will be missed.
Linda
Olafgdumvardangh
Hi Erick ( from France, Bretagne, Rennes)
I Never met you “Sieur Wujcik”, but your creations are an extension of your being and like many other players and masters we have made some dreams in different worlds that we’ll never forget. Thank you “Messire Wujcik” the only Bohemian who is a true noble human.
Fabrice “Olaf” Descormiers
gilwen
Hi Erick I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I really wasn’t introduced to playing RPG’s until I was a sophmore/junior in highschool (wow what a long time ago it seems 🙂 My very first RPG I played was Ninja’s and Superspies and it is still my favorite game. Without the fun I had in that game I’d probably not still be gaming. Thank you for bringing so much fun to my life.
Bryan
Snowgoose
Some measure wealth by coin, a better measure is in how we touch upon other lives. You have touched so many bringing joy through your love of gaming. So few of us get to do what we love and make so many happy. Thank you.
I still remember the role playing game design session you did at GenCon many years ago. Showing how anything can be made into a game. You always seemed to be able to make time for another with questions.
Daric Jackson
Erick, you will be remembered.