For the fans of Dungeons and Dragons, There’s no saving throw alive that can reverse this loss, so it’s time to set a rather critical character sheet to the side to set it off with the Viking funeral it fully deserves, not even the joy (pain) of creating a new meat sack or loving druid can truly replace the joy that one key figure had in the community. I’m talking about, of course, Chris Perkins and his decision to go play his own real-world campaign after spending nearly 30 whole years of his life on that dice grind.

So, Who Is Chris Perkins?

It’s alright if you haven’t heard of Chris Perkins before this article; you’re still allowed to be a Dungeons and Dragons fan, I promise, Even though he’s not been shy about meeting his fans, hosting Twitch series Dice, Camera, Action and Acquisitions Incorporated the books would not have come out the way we love and hate them, most notably within the 5th edition where he worked on the lore, and mechanics, even leading the story for Curse of Strahd.  Chris said he would be retiring from his workplace, Wizards of the Coast, after  28 years of working there, where he was promoted to creative lead director just six months ago.

Why Did He Decide To Do This?

Chris Perkins did not give a full reason for his stepping down, which, while perfectly within his rights, is a little surprising considering it seems like this was a perfect time for his career already well-liked and informed, seeing as he started as an editor till he climbed the ranks to get to where he was now, but whatever his reasoning is- he sent a tweet expressing his well wishes to his fans and to the books as a whole, saying that he felt like they were in good hands now and that he was looking forward to enjoying the game simply as a fan again.  We will meet you in the Fey wilds, Chris.

There’s Always a New Start

This is indeed an odd time to leave Dungeons and Dragons, as the 50th anniversary has come and gone, leaving the question of what is next and who will be taking over in Chris’s absence to be rather big considerations of the mind. It’s always a tricky process for someone to step into the shoes of beloved, stable community members since there are so many expectations and even a bit of grief attached. Players know what Chris Perkins wanted for the feature of the games, will this new person? That is something we can only wait to see. Hopefully, we manage to cast a natural 20 and get someone just like Perkins again. For now..I cast a fireball in his honor.