One of the best things about Dungeons & Dragons from the perspective of any Game Master is the ability they have to take memorable people from their own lives and add them to the game as notable Nonplayer Characters. This can be done for a variety of reasons. Have a roommate that you have no good memories of whatsoever? They can become a petty villain or nasty henchman that your players can beat the crap out of or set fire to. Have an in-law that annoys you? Turn them into a wretched tavern keeper or tradesman that your players can get the better of. Or maybe there is somebody you admire tremendously and you want to make their wisdom available to your gaming buddies. Turn that beloved person into a noteworthy sage or a hero the players can rely on, and their legacy will continue on.

So it was with my old mentor, Ivan Blazen. An ordained pastor in the Christian Church I was brought up in, I first encountered him as a student in college. He was a professor of theology and ethics. His class was a rousing good time, filled with people asking questions and him pontificating on the possible answers. We did not exit the class knowing any more than when we walked in, but were keenly aware that we as inquiring minds had much to discover. This was not a “memorize these passages and recite them back” kind of class. This was a “Why do you think God allowed that to happen?” kind of class. It was glorious. Put your mind to work. Do not accept that things are what you are told they are just because it is easier to do that than think. God gave you free will and intelligence for a reason. Do not squander these gifts.

Over the years Dr. Blazen was a template for some of my most steadfast and meaningful nonplayer characters. In the Maelonbourg Campaign he was the basis for both the fabled priest Father Grattius and for the semi-retired paladin Florentin Grosskopf. While that campaign has come to an end the memory of these two NPCs will continue to be a beacon for the direction my writing takes in its aftermath. Dr. Blazen will always be fondly remembered by me for a whole range of reasons. Most importantly because he was quietly, steadfastly, and truly faithful in all that he did. We could use a lot more folks like that.