Very sad news for us Tekumel lovers. I just received the following press release from the Tekumel Foundation about the passing of Phil Barker and my heart skipped a beat. More later on this beloved and creative man.
Excerpt from the release:
“Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 16, 2012: Professor Muhammad Abd-al-Rahman (MAR) Barker, known to his friends as “Phil,” died peacefully in home hospice on March 16, 2012 with his wife Ambereen Barker at his side. A Fulbright Scholar (1951) of vast accomplishment, Professor Barker is probably best known for his creation of the world of Tékumel which he developed for over 70 years and which has been compared to Tolkein’s ‘Middle Earth’ in its scope, sophistication, and complexity. Barker was a Professor of Urdu and South Asian Studies at the University of Minnesota during the period when Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax were developing Tactical Studies Rules’ (TSR) first role-playing games in the Twin Cities and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
In 1975 Barker’s game “Empire of the Petal Throne” was the first role playing game published by TSR, Inc following the release of “Dungeons and Dragons.” Role playing games set in Tékumel, have been published every decade since the 1970’s, including the 1983 ‘Swords and Glory,’ 1994’s ‘Gardásiyal,’ and 2005’s ‘Tékumel: Empire of the Petal Throne.’ Beginning with “Man of Gold” in 1985 Barker published five novels, several game supplements, and a number of short stories set in Tékumel. In 2008 Barker established the Tékumel Foundation as his literary executor to protect and promote his intellectual property...”
Professor Barker is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ambereen. Details on memorial services will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Tékumel Foundation are preferred, visit the Foundation website here. (Donations to the Foundation can be made via Paypal on the front page of their website.)
So passes a titan of creativity and imagination.
ReplyDeleteSad news, indeed, though a selfish part of me had the impulse: "please tell me someone hs secured his unpublished Tekumel notes!"
ReplyDeleteThat has been done.
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ReplyDeleteTekemul foundation had already successfully moved all of Professor Barker's Tekumel materials to climate-controlled storage. They are in the process of indexing it all. It's apparently quite huge. Rest in peace Phil.
DeleteWhat Peter said and huge is an understatement the collection includes everything down to models and handcarved miniatures from the man.
DeleteThe passing of a legend. There goes one of the most creative men of our time. His work though, I don't believe it has even begun to be truly appreciated outside the RPG gaming community.
ReplyDeleteOh fuck.
ReplyDeleteOne of my early gaming memories is of composing props in Tsolyani script. Thank you, Firu ba Yeker, for everything.
ReplyDelete"On an afternoon in the [summer] of the year, the earth rumbled and shook itself once, twice, thrice, like a mighty Srû-beast rising from its lair." -- Ashmúnu Dné
ReplyDeleteVale M.A.R Barker. Dreadfully sad to hear of the passing of such a wonderful scholar, enthusiast and creative spirit. One of my heroes and a true renaissance man. :(
ReplyDeleteEven though I've barely scratched the surface of his works, he's inspired me. It takes a special type of person to devote seventy years to any creative vision. Good night...
ReplyDeleteI met "Doc" several times in the 1970's, and gamed with him, as well.
ReplyDeleteHe was a gracious host and his enthusiasm was infective.
He will be missed.
"...I simply state that it is the most beautifully done fantasy game ever created. It is difficult for me to envision the possibility of any rival being created in the future".
ReplyDelete-E. Gary Gygax
R. I. P. Prof Barker! Thanks for the games and books. And condolences to his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteAll realms of the imagination should have the sparks of erudition, enthusiasm, and elegance that M. A. R. Barker brought to his. Luckily, his legacy will go on via the Tékumel Foundation and the various editions of Empire(and other EPT materials) officially available from Tita's House of Games. Many new fans will thrill to discover this amazing and compelling fantasy world, as I did, though all too recently.
Thanks for the post.