Goodbye, My Friend [Monday Meeting Notes]

This is the blog post I never, ever, expected to have to write.

My friend, Stewart Wieck, co-founder of White Wolf Magazine and White Wolf Game Studio, creator of Mage: The Ascension, and founder of Nocturnal Media, was finishing a light session of fencing last Thursday when he was struck down by a heart attack and died.

Even writing the above, putting it into cold black and white words, just rips me apart.

And frankly, that list up there of his accomplishments doesn’t even touch on the reality of the man, of his grace and kindness. It doesn’t speak of passion for writing, and creating, and learning. Of his dry wit and his silly side.

Most of all, it doesn’t speak of the sort of man who can decide that he was going to create in a field he loved, tabletop RPGs (back when we just called them RPGs, as there were no others), and made it happen step by step while inspiring others to come to his side and storm the walls of heaven.

Or the TSR castle at Gen Con, for those of you who remember that!

 

 

This looks suspiciously like Stew in a Gen Con ballroom.

 

I was one of those people, and in 1986, I sent in art in response to an ad Stew posted in Dragon Magazine looking for illustrators for his upstart White Wolf Magazine. We shared a love of comic books, genre fiction, and RPGs, but were really little alike. Except we both kept our commitments. I delivered the art, issue by issue as the circulation increased, and once Stew saw that I was going to do that with the same quality and regularity as he put forth in getting the writing in and the magazine out, he handed over the art direction duties to me as well.

We had a bad spot when a marketing guy Stew had begun working with to propel the magazine into what was supposed to be a huge increase in circulation ran out with all the ad payments. I thought the magazine was over. But Stew went back to every advertiser and somehow convinced them to pay again so that the issue could be printed. I couldn’t have done it, but that was Stewart Wieck – he could explain what needed to happen, and he was so sincere and so obviously a good guy, that people would jump in to help.

Without the magazine, Stew wouldn’t have been working closely with Lion Rampant when they were looking for a CEO to keep them rolling. I remember him calling and asking whether I thought he should accept their offer. I thought it was a no-brainer as he had “just graduated college, and a game company wants you to be their CEO? If you keep them afloat, you’re a hero – if you can’t, then nobody could have”.

Stew went one step better, though, and became a partner with Mark Rein*Hagen instead of just the CEO. Oh, and part of the deal was to change the company name to White Wolf Game Studio. Also, Mark had this interesting idea for an RPG: something to do with playing a vampire…

 

Stewart and Mark in Stew’s office at WW.

 

Now, I say that kind of lightly, but the reality is that without Stewart adding both his creative talents (vampires being descended from Cain is just one of his contributions) and his head for business, it is entirely possible that Vampire: The Masquerade would never have been published. And beyond that, his wit and grace and patience provided a center to the WW creative team – a calm in the center of a storm of egos, passions, and crazed creative impulses that could have torn the young company apart.

For years, Stew had the idea that I needed to come down to Atlanta and art direct the company, and for years I let him know that I would need a real salary that we both knew just wasn’t possible. I had a little girl I was raising by myself, and was working a full-time job, and teaching, and doing freelance work, of which WW was my biggest client.

In December of 1991, he called me up, and the first thing out of his mouth was, “Rich, we can do it. Vampire is huge, we are reprinting it as fast as it is selling out, and next year it’s time to bring you down here.”

Which was great, except, like I said, I was raising my little girl by myself, I had a house and dogs, and all of my support systems were where we were. As well as a girlfriend that I had been dating for only a month. To put it bluntly, I was scared shitless. But I trusted Stewart Wieck. He had never let me down. He told me it would be OK.

We were in ATL and I was in charge of all WW visuals and production in May of ’92.

 

Keith Winkler, Stew, Ken Cliffe and his chest, Steve Wieck, and me at a WW company retreat.

 

White Wolf grew, exploded really, and Stew was not just riding herd on all of the expanding crew, he was creating the third game in the World of Darkness, Mage: The Ascension. A game where you change the world by exerting your will and beliefs upon it. Go figure that’s what this guy would come up with.

With three wildly successful games powering the company, and his equally creative and business-savvy brother Steve brought on as CEO, Stewart decided to pursue his dream of WW also being a fiction publishing house. New fiction work for our RPG lines, and also new experimental offerings that might not have been published by the mainstream houses. And my favorite part, republishing the giants that he and I had read so avidly in our early years. Fritz Liebers’s Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser stories, the legendary Harlan Ellison, and the ultimate delight of working with Michael Moorcock and republishing his Eternal Champion novels, including the legendary Elric. Also known as the White Wolf. We had come full circle.

Always, it was Stew who made the deals possible. Stew who juggled what could be done with what needed to be done, and who any of us could go to for a calming talk when things got too crazy. I certainly did!

 

 

But nothing lasts forever. Working with writers took up time for writing. And if anybody deserved a chance to recover their personal Muse, it was Stew. He was still connected to WW and working on projects, still always, always, available to talk over phone or email (we would have loved Skype then), but he stepped back from the day to day struggles.

Until, several years ago, he was back! Back with Nocturnal Media, a new company he founded. We immediately went in together on buying the Scarred Lands property from CCP as we had both helped create it back in the day and wanted to team-up again like we had done so many times. And the Stew who could pull publishing deals together returned as well, as both older creators and younger became part of Nocturnal‘s creative circle.

This year at Gen Con, he and I were looking forward to sharing our booth space, our respective companies shoulder to shoulder, he and I shoulder to shoulder once again.

But it was not to be.

Over the years, Stew and I exchanged so many messages. Emails and letters and packages. But most importantly, for years and years he’d send me a message on the anniversary of my first wife’s death, just to let me know he remembered. He always signed them, “Your friend, Stewart Wieck”.

Goodbye, my friend.

 

 

 

 

BLURBS!

 

KICKSTARTER!

Dark Eras 2 goes live Thursday, July 6th at noon Eastern US time! Once again, help us decide on which Eras and which game-lines should fill up this Prestige Edition book!

 

 

ON SALE!

ON AMAZON:

 

We’re delighted to announce the opening of our ebook store on Amazon! You can now read our fiction from the comfort and convenience of your Kindle. Our initial selection includes these fiction anthologies: Vampire: the Masquerade‘s Endless Ages, Werewolf: The Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition‘s Rites of Renown: When Will You Rage 2, Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition‘s Truth Beyond Paradox, Chronicles of DarknessGod Machine Chronicle, Mummy: The Curse‘s Curse of the Blue Nile, and Beast: The Primordial‘s The Primordial Feast!

And now you can get these books in the Barnes and Noble Nook store too!

 

And here are six more fiction books:

 

 

 

iprlogo

Looking for our Deluxe or Prestige Edition books? Here’s the link to the press release we put out about how Onyx Path is now selling through Indie Press Revolution: https://theonyxpath.com/press-release-onyx-path-limited-editions-now-available-through-indie-press-revolution/

You can now order wave 2 of our Deluxe and Prestige print overrun books, including Deluxe Mage 20th Anniversary, and Deluxe V20 Dark Ages! And Screens…so many Screens!

 

 

ON DRIVETHRURPG.COM:

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Requiem for Regina (Vampire: The Requiem Elizabethan London 1593). We have shared the world with monsters for millennia. In Elizabeth’s London, vampires built their own empire brick by bloody brick while Elizabeth I cemented her grip on newly Protestant England. Carefully balancing demands from those with Catholic and Lutheran sympathies, she forged a police state. Yet London emerged as a thriving cultural center, and from the crucible emerged a Kindred society forever changed.

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions Wednesday on DTRPG!

 

 

 

What dark secrets do the eldest vampires hold? Find out in Thousand Years of Night for Vampire: The Requiem! Advance PDF version available now on DriveThruRPG.com. http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/214130/Thousand-Years-of-Night

You may think that with a multitude of people coming, going, dying and running away, we’d be tired, done, or ready to give up.
Instead, I find myself restless, looking for the next thing. 
There’s always a next thing, and I for one am not yet ready to die.

– Elder Kincaid, Daeva Crone

This book includes:

• Detailed instructions on creating elder vampires, including how to base chronicles around them

• A look into the lives of elders, how they spend their nights, who they work with, and why including their roles in both their clans and covenants

• New Devotions, Merits, and Rituals for elder vampires

• The kinds of creatures that pose a threat to elder vampires, including Inamorata, Lamia, Sons of Phobos, a new elder conspiracy, and more

 

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: To The Strongest (Mage Death of Alexander 330-320 BCE). In the rise and fall of Alexander the Great’s Empire, armies marched and cultures clashed. In the birth pangs of Hellenistic civilization, Awakened sorcerers all over the ancient world met, fought, and joined together. In the chaos of Alexander’s assassination and the wars that followed, Cults became Orders amid conflicts still burning in the present day.

http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/208162/Dark-Eras-To-the-Strongest-Mage-the-Awakening

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG!

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Three Kingdoms of Darkness (Changeling and Geist China 220-280). Famine weakens the empire, and war splits it apart. It is an age of ambition and strife, where the hungry dead walk the earth in great numbers, and the Lost must rely on their own kingdoms. Warlords and commoners, ghost-speakers and orphans — who truly serves the Mandate of Heaven?

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/211949/Dark-Eras-Three-Kingdoms-of-Darkness-Changeling-the-Lost-Geist-the-SinEaters

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: The Wolf and the Raven (Werewolf and Geist Vikings 700-1100). The Viking expansion across Europe comes at a pivotal time in history, as new faiths rose to challenge the old and new ways threatened to sweep ancient tradition aside. The Forsaken sail with raiders and explorers, seeking new lands to claim and new spirits to conquer, while Sin-Eaters walk the battlefields bringing the honored dead to their final rewards. The world grows larger and more dangerous by the day, but there are great rewards for those brave enough to fight for them.

On sale in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/210621/Dark-Eras-The-Wolf-and-the-Raven-Werewolf-the-Forsaken-Geist-the-SinEaters

 

 

 

Curated by Matthew McFarland, developer of Changeling: the Dreaming Twentieth Anniversary Edition and featuring authors such as Myranda Kalis, Wren Handman, and Peter Woodworth, this C20 Anthology of Dreams is on sale in electronic/PDF and physical copy PoD formats on DTRPG.com! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/209390/C20-Anthology-of-Dreams

We dream, and we tell stories. We dream of love and the sort of person who might complete us. We dream of horror and wake breathless. We dream of magic, of flying through the air, or breathing underwater. We dream of fantastic vistas and amazing monsters.

We dream, and then we wake, and we tell stories. Our dreams create the Kithain, the changelings. Our stories are sustenance.

 

 

Now on DTRPG, the EX3 Tomb of Dreams Jumpstart PDF/PoD jumps up for sale!

http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/208891/Tomb-of-Dreams-an-Exalted-3rd-Edition-Jumpstart

Once, in the time before the gods forgot their names, when the world was flat and floated on a sea of chaos, there was an age of gleaming cities, untamed wilderness, enlightened devils, greedy spirits, and mighty heroes. This was the age of the Exalted, champions empowered by the highest of gods.

Tomb of Dreams will jumpstart your group’s Exalted game—all you need to start playing Exalted Third Edition is this book, pencils, and 10-sided dice. Included here are the game’s core rules, five pregenerated characters, and a self-contained scenario that can start a new campaign or that Storytellers can use in an ongoing chronicle. And for groups that already have the Exalted Third Edition main rulebook, Tomb of Dreams will serve as an introduction for new players and a quick reference during play—anyone intimidated by that prodigious volume need only read Part 1 of this book to get started.

What legends will they tell of your deeds?

 

 

 

 

Sailing out of the dark, the V20 Dark Ages Companion Advance PDF is now on sale on DriveThruRPG.com! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/211504/V20-Dark-Ages-Companion

Travel the long roads and deep seas in search of power and experience danger, or tackle the wilderness to hunt monsters and face death. Settlements large and small dot the black expanse with the promise of sanctuary, life, and community. These bastions of civilization present cold comfort, when playing host to vampire warlords and sadistic Cainite faiths. Whether led by a Prince, a coordinated belief, or hounded by monsters from without and within — no domain is truly the same as another.

Dark Ages Companion includes:

• Domains scattered across the world, from small fiefdoms to massive cities. Bath, Bjarkarey, Constantinople, Rome, Mogadishu, and Mangaluru each receive coverage.

• Apocrypha including plot hooks, new Paths, and mysteries to explore in your games.

• A how-to guide on building a domain within your chronicle, including events and servants necessary to make a domain as functional or dysfunctional as you wish.

• A study on warfare in the Dark Ages period, so combat in your chronicles can gain authenticity and lethality.

 

 

 

 

Bill Bridge’s new W20 novel, The Song of Unmaking, is on sale in PDF/ePub/PoD versions on DriveThruRPG.com: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/208366/W20-The-Song-of-Unmaking and in ebook form on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071VM2S3D/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1494441226&sr=1-1 !

The fabric of reality is cracking. Fissures appear in thin air, glowing with balefire. Something is scratching on the other side, pressing, beginning to break through….

The Wyrm’s corruption finds its way into the hearts of humans and Garou alike. Even an ultra-rational techno-cratic scientist can fall sway to its lies. Channeling his hate and resentment through the most sophisticated machine ever created, Basil Czajka has turned a tool designed to peer deep into the heart of the quantum universe into a nursery for the hatching of a horror — a creature whose birth cry is destined to unmake Gaia’s Song of Creation.

The only ones standing in his way are One-Song, a broken-down old Theurge, and Lord Albrecht, whose heed-less anger might be the very weapon the enemy needs to crack the egg and free the Unmaker.

 

 

The Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras Companion has arrived in PDF and PoD physical book versions at DriveThruRPG.com! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/207879/Chronicles-of-Darkness-Dark-Eras-Companion

The Dark Eras Companion presents eleven new Eras for the Chronicles of Darkness. Stretching from Ancient Rome and Egypt through the Black Death, the Thirty Years War, the Reconstruction, and the Russian Revolution, the Companion showcases even more of the secret history of this eldritch world. Included in each era are “snapshots” of the various supernatural creatures, including vampires, changelings, mummies, and demons. Also included are lists of inspirational media to help you put these Eras in context for your troupe.

Open the Dark Eras Companion and take another look back in time.

 

 

 

 

CONVENTIONS! Discussing GenCon plans. August 17th – 20th, Indianapolis. Every chance the booth will actually be 20? x 30? this year that we’ll be sharing with friends. We’re looking at new displays this year, like a back drop and magazine racks for the brochure(s).

In November, we’ll be at Game Hole Con in Madison, WI. More news as we have it, and here’s their website: https://www.gameholecon.com/

 

 

 


And now, the new project status updates!

 

 

DEVELOPMENT STATUS FROM ROLLICKING ROSE (projects in bold have changed status since last week):

First Draft (The first phase of a project that is about the work being done by writers, not dev prep)

  • Exalted 3rd Novel by Matt Forbeck (Exalted 3rd Edition)
  • Trinity Continuum: Aeon Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)
  • M20 Gods and Monsters (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • M20 Book of the Fallen (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • C20 Novel (Jackie Cassada) (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • The Realm (Exalted 3rd Edition)
  • Dragon-Blooded (Exalted 3rd Edition)
  • C20 Ready Made Characters (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

 

Redlines

  • Kithbook Boggans (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • DtD Night Horrors: Enemy Action (Demon: the Descent)
  • Hunter: the Vigil 2e core (Hunter: the Vigil 2nd Edition)

 

Second Draft

  • WoD Ghost Hunters (World of Darkness)
  • Pugmire Fiction Anthology (Pugmire)
  • Ex Novel 2 (Aaron Rosenberg) (Exalted 3rd Edition)

 

Development

  • Signs of Sorcery (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)
  • SL Ring of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)
  • Ring of Spiragos (5e – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)
  • Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition, featuring the Huntsmen Chronicle (Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition)
  • M20 Cookbook (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • Pugmire Pan’s Guide for New Pioneers (Pugmire)
  • Scion: Origins (Scion 2nd Edition)
  • Scion: Hero (Scion 2nd Edition)
  • Trinity Continuum Core Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)
  • GtS Geist 2e core (Geist: the Sin-Eaters Second Edition)

 

WW Manuscript Approval:

 

Editing:

  • Wraith: the Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition
  • Book of Freeholds (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • BtP Beast Player’s Guide (Beast: the Primordial)
  • W20 Changing Ways (Werewolf: the Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • VtR Half-Damned (Vampire: the Requiem 2nd Edition)
  • V20 Dark Ages Jumpstart (Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition)

 

Post-Editing Development:

  • Arms of the Chosen (Exalted 3rd Edition)

 

 

Indexing:

  • Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

 

 

ART DIRECTION FROM MIRTHFUL MIKE:

In Art Direction

  • Beckett’s Jyhad Diary 
  • W20 Pentex Employee Indoctrination Handbook
  • Cavaliers of Mars
  • Wraith 20
  • W20 Changing Ways
  • Ex3 Monthly Stuff
  • Storypath Brochure
  • VDA Jumpstart
  • Scion Origins
  • Ring of Spiragos
  • Ex 3 Arms of the Chosen – Sketches coming in.
  • Beast PG – AD’d and contracted.
  • VtR Half Damned – getting artists lined up

 

Marketing Stuff

 

In Layout

  • M20 Art Book – In progress…
  • Prince’s Gambit – New Cards out for playtesting
  • Gen Con Stuff – 2017 Brochure and 2017 Storypath Brochure
  • C20 Jumpstart

 

Proofing

  • CtL Huntsmen Chronicle Anthology

 

At Press

  • Beckett Screen – Shipped to shipper.
  • Pugmire – Shipping to fulfillment shipper.
  • Pugmire Screen – Shipping to fulfillment shipper.
  • Pugmire Cards & Dice Shipping to fulfillment shipper.
  • Wise and the Wicked PF & 5e – Printing.
  • Dagger of Spiragos (5e) – Out to backers.
  • Dagger of Spiragos (PF) – Out to backers.
  • V20 Dark Ages Companion PoD proofs coming.
  • BtP Building a Legend – Files uploaded and processing.
  • Monarchies of Mau Early Access PoD proofs ordered.
  • Dark Eras: Requiem for Regina PDF and PoD on sale this Wednesday on DTRPG.
  • Dark Eras: Lily Sabre and Thorn – PoD files uploading.
  • M20 Book of Secrets – Errata ending this week.
  • VTR: Thousand Years of Night – Advance PDF on sales on DTRPG, gathering errata.

 

 

 


TODAY’S REASON TO CELEBRATE: To absent friends.


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92 responses to “Goodbye, My Friend [Monday Meeting Notes]”

  1. Robert D Avatar
    Robert D

    Rest in Peace Stewart. Thoughts and prayers are going out to your friends and family.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

      1. Peter Westmer Avatar
        Peter Westmer

        Rich,

        That was a deeply moving and heartfelt post.

        In the name of friends fallen, but never forgotten, may the quest continue.

        1. richt Avatar
          richt

          Thank you, and yes.

  2. Robert D Avatar
    Robert D

    Geist 2e is in DEVELOPMENT!!!!! SO EXCITED AND HOPING FOR DEV BLOG POSTS!!!!! A big mix of sad and happy today.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Yes, actually some pretty good progress on a couple of projects. Even though it is a sad time, I don’t think Stew would begrudge anybody getting excited for their favs. 🙂

  3. Second Chances Avatar
    Second Chances

    Jesus. Our condolence to you Rich, and to Stew’s family and friends.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  4. Alex S Avatar
    Alex S

    That sucks. Stewart was a giant among persons. My heart goes out to you.

  5. Louis Garcia Avatar

    So sad, my condolences.

    Over the years, being on the receiving end of all the cool stuff you all make, we don’t always know about the people on the credits page, or know their stories. Thanks for sharing a bit about Stewart and his life.

    Recently, one of the longtime members of our RPG club here in L.A. suddenly passed away, same reason as Stewart. It’s put me in a weird funk. Learning about Wieck adds to me current mindset. Sigh.

    You all do good work and are good people. Thank you.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Well, Louis, we have to keep on keepin’ on. And, yes, writing this was absolutely motivated by wanting to let folks know more about this guy without whom so much of our hobby would never have happened. Thanks.

  6. dj Avatar
    dj

    “We’re all stories, in the end.”
    Stew had a quiet power born of grace and insight, and an imagination guided by his heart and soul. His absence darkens every table.
    Until we meet again, when the drums beat around the fire, and the tales are called forth to connect us again.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thanks, let’s hope that is the case, and our stories do continue, maybe in another medium, and meet up again.

  7. unnatural1 Avatar
    unnatural1

    Condolences on your loss, Rich. Stew sounds like he was an amazing guy.

    Best wishes to you and his friends and loved ones.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  8. Zachary Ball Avatar
    Zachary Ball

    Rest in Piece, thanks for all the memories you’ve helped provide over the years.

    1. Zachary Ball Avatar
      Zachary Ball

      *peace
      (bless auto correct)

    2. richt Avatar
      richt

      He sure did. Thanks.

  9. YOLF Avatar
    YOLF

    My condolences for the loss of Stewart Wieck. What he began led to a great deal many more memorable things, and much joy had with them.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you. Stew derived great joy from helping others make those things happen.

  10. Wolfgar Avatar
    Wolfgar

    Dreadfully sorry for all of you. Hopefully all the rest of WW and OP creators, old and new, will live long, creative lives; we aren’t ready for any of your lights to go out just yet.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thanks, I’m not ready for that either.

  11. Ekorren Avatar
    Ekorren

    How long can we expect until the surveys are sent out for Monarchies?

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      I don’t think we got the KS funds yet, so once that happens we’re able to set up the BK site and tranfer all the data to create the Surveys. It’ll be a few weeks yet. Thanks!

  12. Emily Brumfield Avatar
    Emily Brumfield

    My sincere condolences to you and everyone affected by his passing.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  13. Doug Avatar
    Doug

    Dark Eras: Requiem for Regina… Saskatchewan? Gotta be tough being a vampire out there on the prairie.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      They’re cold already, so they don’t feel it, eh.

  14. Phaolan Avatar
    Phaolan

    Oh, I’m so, so deeply saddened by this news. I can’t imagine how my life would have been different without Stewart Wieck’s efforts. My heart goes out to all who knew him.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

      1. Phaolan Avatar
        Phaolan

        And know that I scoured the interwebs for word on Stewart’s passing, and (of course) I found none better than this. Thank you, RichT, for giving us a look into who he was beyond the work and the name in the awesome books!

        1. richt Avatar
          richt

          You’re welcome. What I think is interesting with the number of testimonials out there is how everyone is coming from their own perspectives and ways of having been involved with Stewart, yet all mention his wit and warmth and wisdom.

  15. Victor J Kinzer Avatar
    Victor J Kinzer

    I have been thinking a lot about this for the past few days. I’ll be raising a special glass in Steve’s honor at our next game.

    1. Victor J Kinzer Avatar
      Victor J Kinzer

      Grrr. Autocorrect attacked at the wrong time. In Stewart’s honor.

      1. richt Avatar
        richt

        Well, you can do it for both of them, really. 🙂

  16. Unsilent Majority Avatar
    Unsilent Majority

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Rich. Stewart was/is a true legend of the industry. I shall raise a glass in his honor.

    One day, we will all be around that same gaming table in the sky, sharing the joys we’ve experienced thanks to people like Stew and yourself.

    But today is not that day.

    R.I.P. Stew.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  17. David S. Avatar
    David S.

    Long time lurker who checks in weekly and had never commented. Tonight is the time. RIP Stewart. In 1993, you opened the worlds of Mage to a forevever-grateful 20 year-old. If astral dreams are real as we played, than you will live forever. Cheers, and much thanks Richard for all of your good work. Strength to you.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you. Sorry it was this sad occasion that led to your first post.

  18. Nik May Avatar
    Nik May

    Mage (and by extension the rest of WoD) changed my life.

    He was only a name on a page to me, but he and his work profoundly altered the way I think and game. May he ascend in peace. 🙁

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  19. Hamid Avatar
    Hamid

    We hear about so many people of note passing away, but most of them are distant things with no direct impact on our lives.

    Mage: The Ascension was a game that really inspired me to play RPGs. It was a game which provoked so many wonderful stories and expressions of myself. More so than any other RPG or other source of media.

    When I heard Stewart passed (a friend of mine messaged me over Facebook) I was kind of amazed at how it impacted me. I started to think how my life would have been different. All the friends I have had for decades I would not have met. I would not have moved to a city I lived for 13 years. I would not have met my wife (who I have been with 13 years), my best friend… the list goes on.

    So, thank you Stewart. From the bottom of my heart.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you for sharing that. I’m sure it would have meant a lot to him.

    2. Phaolan Avatar
      Phaolan

      I’m so glad you posted this. I didn’t have words to come close to this, even if my experiences are very similar.

  20. Josh Avatar
    Josh

    I’m sorry to see the loss of one of the founders of the company that helped shape my teenage years. His legacy will live on.

    On the other hand I am excited to see Ex3 Arms Getting further progress toward completion. On a related note, any idea when the Ex3 Screen and Map will hit IPR?

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you, and we have to be sure that everyone who had those items as rewards has received them before releasing anything to IPR. When we do, I’ll be announcing it in the BLURBS! Section here.

  21. Irioth Avatar
    Irioth

    Condoleances to everyone that knew and loved Stew, and thank you Stewart forever for making Mage possible. It was so important a part of my gaming life, and helped me explore new horizons of the mind. May you Ascend in fulfillment and be sure we cherish what you shared with us.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you for your kind words.

  22. Lostkith Avatar
    Lostkith

    Thank you Rich.
    May your dreams be rich and sweet, an the peace of them follow you through all your days in the waking world.

    Thank you Stewart.
    May you be the very heart of peace and contentment within your final Ascencion.

    I hope time speeds up a bit through this period of grief so we may all heal the faster, but remember always the gifts he left to us.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Time plays tricks on you during sad times like these. We have the immediacy of our loss, the things we have to take care of now to deal with that loss, and yet we’re thinking so much of the past and our times with our loved one. Just check out some of the other amazing tributes to Stewart on FB and elsewhere. A lot of other people have so many good memories of Stewart – we’re all time travellers right now. Thanks.

  23. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Very moving, and inspiring…
    My condolences

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  24. Leetsepeak Avatar
    Leetsepeak

    The work that you guys and Stew did has changed a lot of lives, including mine. Without that work, I wouldn’t have found this hobby that has become a passion for me at all, and all of my favorite games wouldn’t be.

    Thank you Stew, may he rest in peace. Not a lot of people can say they’ve changed the world with the work they did, and Stew was absolutely one of those people.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      He absolutely was. Thanks.

  25. Jason Inczauskis Avatar
    Jason Inczauskis

    I never got to meet Stew, but I really wish I had gotten the chance. His work had a huge impact on the course of my life. Mage: The Ascension was the first World of Darkness book I ever purchased. I’d already been introduced to the setting, as my friend owned Vampire, Werewolf, and Changeling, but when I saw that lovely purple book, I knew it had to be mine. That one soon led to me picking up Changeling, and then the others, one by one. Now, over twenty years later, I’ve got more White Wolf and Onyx Path books than I have shelf space, and playing these games has become the favorite entertainment for my wife and I. That I have now gotten to write for some of them myself is a dream come true. While I didn’t know him personally, I have had a great appreciation for all he accomplished.

    Thank you, Rich, for sharing some of your experiences with us. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to write this so soon after his loss. You have my condolences, as does everyone else feeling the pain of his loss. Rest in peace, Stew.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      The idea that his work would inspire others to write as well as play would have thrilled him. Thank you.

  26. Carter Avatar
    Carter

    Condolences on your loss.
    Best wishes.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  27. Omegaphallic Avatar
    Omegaphallic

    My condolences

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  28. Anthony Elmer Avatar
    Anthony Elmer

    I had the opportunity to meet Stewart years ago, back before the Year of Reckoning. The best thing about him, from a player/ST standpoint, was you get a lot of developers who tend to be standoffish with the fanboys (which I was at the time, definitely. Still am I suppose…)and the unwashed. Stew was very engaging, answered any question he could, and would grin and say, “well, we will just have to see…” to anything he couldn’t.

    I don’t know why I felt the need to say all this, other than I know what it feels like to lose a dear friend suddenly. And for me, it was like Stew WAS a dear friend, although we had only met briefly. But with his influence, he was forever entwined to not only my formidable years, but influenced my kids, and hopefully, their kids.

    I am sorry for the loss you all must feel, Rich. Semper Fi Stewart. ‘Til Valhalla.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Stewart had that effect on people. Thanks.

  29. Austin G Loomis Avatar

    According to a search of DTRPG, I own three books on which Stewart has author credit: Children of the Night, Hunter: The Reckoning… and the one I already knew about, which is, of all things, The Land Below for classic Torg. There are narrower ranges to have and worse legacies to leave.

    This was Stewart, who lived well, loved his own, and died as fate would have it. Each man owes a death. This was Stewart. Give him peace.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Both Stew and Steve have some interesting early writing credits on a variety of games. I think they are google-able, they’ll surprise you. Thank you.

  30. Christopher Smith Avatar
    Christopher Smith

    I didnt know Stewart was responsible for Vampire: the Masquerade, a book that changed how I viewed RPGs and started me on the journey into World of Darkness. Like a poster remarks above, my life (and internet handle) would be very different if that game hadn’t appeared. I’m sorry for your loss, Rich, but I can assure you his work and influence will live on for a very long time to come.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      You should read Mark Rein*Hagen’s tribute to Stew on FB for even more details on how Vampire benefited from Stewart’s attention. Mark, obviously, has the in-depth info on that. 🙂 Thank you.

  31. TGUEIROS Avatar
    TGUEIROS

    What a terribly sad event. Rest in peace Mr. Wieck, may your family and friends find the strength and peace that is necessary to navigate this somber time.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Sad indeed. Thank you.

  32. zeroninja Avatar
    zeroninja

    My deepest condolences for your indescribable loss. Hopefully, Stewart is admiring the fine work he started that you now continue in exploring new realms, and new boundaries, under the scope of World of Darkness, Chronicles of DArkness, and sillier, lighter fare like Pugmire, and beams with pride. May he rest in peace.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you. Stew was looking forward to getting Pugmire into his game store in Houston. He thought it had huge crossover potential, as a family friendly game that had something to appeal to kids and surprising depth for experienced roleplayers.

      1. zeroninja Avatar
        zeroninja

        That would be awesome. I’ve wanted to try it and Monarchs of Mau, but as it is now I can’t even find a group to run WoD for.

  33. Spiderlord Avatar
    Spiderlord

    RIP Stewart. May your soul find peace in the lands beyond.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank ypu.

  34. Tim Flannigan Avatar
    Tim Flannigan

    A great light has gone out and this world is the poorer for it. May Stewart’s name live forever in our circles.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Yes. Thank you.

  35. Yiodan Avatar
    Yiodan

    Everything I could say was already said much better than I could say it. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the man before now, but everything I read is telling me I should have paid attention. He seemed like a truly remarkable man. My sincere condolences to all who knew him.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thanks Y, he really was.

  36. […] understand this tragedy, Rich Thomas from Onyx Path Publishing has put together a post called Goodbye, My Friend about Stew and their time together at White Wolf and […]

  37. Jonathan Roth Avatar
    Jonathan Roth

    Mage: The Ascension may be my favorite game of all time. A simple idea, belief shapes reality, and a complex game with antagonists that mostly don’t behave as simple black and white villains. A world of darkness game, yet in some ways the most optimistic. Never met him or corresponded with him, but I’ll miss his contributions. We definitely need to cultivate the qualities he showed. RIP.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      If I’m able to show any patience at all, and to really listen to my co-creators, it is certainly from being around Stew. Thanks.

  38. Rick C Avatar

    Stew, I got to meet you exactly twice in my life. The first time was at ConWest, back in ’93 or ’93, and it was the only time I had ever seen a booth for the this fucked up game I had stumbled across a year earlier and gotten my friends addicted to. We got into one of the most amusing arguments over how you pronounce “Camarilla” and “Brujah” that I have ever experienced. I am going to say it one more time, however – never argue with a Spanish pronunciation when you are arguing with geeks in Albuquerque. The second time was at a random demo event from the old WW demo crew at some store in… Maryland? Virginia maybe? It had to have been at least five years later. I walked up to the booth and you looked up, got this stupid grin and said, “Hey! It’s the ‘cam-uh-ree-uh’ guy!’ You said it all slow and exact, just like I had years earlier. I could not believe that you remembered my dumb ass from all those years before.

    I never got know you personally, but I got to hear a lot about you and I wish to hell I had gotten the chance. You sound like someone I would have loved to have called a dear friend. My best to all your family, and to the scores of friends that clearly and without question love you.

    Safe journeys, where you may roam.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      That totally sounds like Stew. A phenomenal mind! Thanks.

  39. Mike Bowie Avatar
    Mike Bowie

    Glad to see Geist 2.0 is in dev. Any spoilers coming out soon? I would love to know if/how the Key/Manifestation system has changed.

  40. Megan Robertson Avatar

    This is one of the saddest and most beautiful posts I have read… Stewart is a great loss as a person and to the role-playing world, the fond memories and the body of work he left behind is some consolation to those he left behind who knew and loved him.

    Prayers said. There will be a party in Heaven at his arrival…

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thanks you, that means a lot.

  41. Hyacinthe Lei Avatar
    Hyacinthe Lei

    Sorry for your loss :/

    Thoughts and prayers go to you and his relatives.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you.

  42. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Rich, I’m sorry. Losing a friend alone is never easy. But especially one who inspired you, and left such a mark…

    Mage and Vampire both were parts of my late adolescence. It’s hard to think of an architect of such ideas, being gone so soon.

    1. richt Avatar
      richt

      Thank you, and yes, there was still so much he intended to do.

  43. Resplendent Fire Avatar
    Resplendent Fire

    I am sorry for your loss.

    Stewart will be missed.

  44. Anteros Avatar
    Anteros

    Condolences to Stewart’s friends and family.

  45. Thurman Avatar
    Thurman

    Rest in Peace, Mr. Wieck; may you fly on swift wings to the Kingdom. To his family and friends, my heart breaks for your loss, which came too soon. Please find solace with one another in his memory. As a fan of Mr. Wieck’s work, I will always keep a part of his genius and creativity in my imagination.