My friend and colleague Rod Hampton has done a deep dive into the history of Diplomacy “zines”, and put together an excellent post on how the interconnected web of Diplomacy players in the 70s helped facilitate the spread of OD&D.
In Aceron #2 (7 April 1970) Rod Walker’s name pops up again. But what is most interesting is that there are obviously gaming clubs, associated fanzines, membership dues or subscription fees, and voting mechanisms all taking shape simultaneously. The know-how required to replicate these foundational elements is being distributed all across the United States through interlocking mailing lists at this point with certain figures like Rod Walker, Gygax, Lakofka, and others as the connecting glue.
It’s a remarkable article and I highly recommend you click over and subscribe!
The Carrier Wave for Dungeons & Dragons
