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{{Infobox artist
{{Creator
| bgcolour      = #FBF5DF
|image=
| name         = David C. Sutherland III
|caption=
| image        =
|name=David C. Sutherland III
| imagesize    =
|nationality=
| caption      =
|born= 4 April 1949
| birth_name    =
|birthplace=Minnieapolis, Minnesota, USA
| birth_date    = {{Birth date|1949|4|4}}
|died=6 June 2005
| birth_place      = [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]], [[United States]]
|first greyhawk work=''[[Queen of the Demonweb Pits]]'' (1980).
| death_date    = {{Death date and age|2005|6|6|1949|4|4}}
|alias=
| death_place    = [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan|Sault Ste. Marie]], [[Michigan]], [[United States]]
| spouse        =
| nationality  = [[People of the United States|American]]
| field        = [[Fantasy art]], [[game design]]
| training      =
| movement      =
| works        =
| patrons      =
| influenced by =
| resting_place      = [[Fort Snelling National Cemetery]]
| influenced    =
| awards        =
}}
}}
 
'''David C. Sutherland III''' (April 4, 1949<ref name="SSDI">"United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JT69-9Y8 : accessed 12 Feb 2013), David C Sutherland, 6 June 2005; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).</ref>–June 6, 2005<ref name="CBC obit">{{cite web| url=http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2005/06/15/sutherland050614.html |title=Dungeons and Dragons artist dies |date=June 15, 2005 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |accessdate=22 December 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630060748/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2005/06/15/sutherland050614.html|archivedate=2008-06-30}}</ref>) was an early ''D&D'' illustrator and designer. Sutherland was a prolific artist, and his work heavily influenced the early development of ''D&D'', especially his lasting legacy is in the game's [[Abyss]].
'''David C. Sutherland III''' (April 4, 1949<ref name="SSDI">"United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JT69-9Y8 : accessed 12 Feb 2013), David C Sutherland, 6 June 2005; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).</ref>–June 6, 2005<ref name="CBC obit">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2005/06/15/sutherland050614.html|title=Dungeons and Dragons artist dies|date=June 15, 2005|publisher=[[CBC News]]|accessdate=March 2, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630060748/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2005/06/15/sutherland050614.html|archivedate=2008-06-30}}</ref>) was an early ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (''D&D'') [[artist]]. Sutherland was a prolific artist and his work heavily influenced the early development of ''D&D''.


==Early life and inspiration==
==Early life and inspiration==
Sutherland was born April 4, 1949<ref name="SSDI"/> in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] and was a graduate of Minneapolis' [[Roosevelt High School (Minneapolis)|Roosevelt High School]].<ref name=StarTribuneObit>{{cite news |title=Illustrator David Sutherland dies at 56 |author= Hahn, Trudi|url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133418135.html|newspaper=[[Star Tribune]]| page=B6 |date= 21 June 2005|accessdate=21 April 2012}} (subscription required)</ref> He trained as a commercial artist for two years at the [[Minneapolis Area Vocational Technical Institute]] before serving in the [[United States Army]] as a [[military police]] officer in the [[Vietnam War]], serving in 1969–1970.<ref name=StarTribuneObit /> After his return from the war, he began his career as a fantasy artist, while working odd jobs.<ref name="CBC obit"/> His artistic talents were nurtured and developed by his father, a fellow artist. David C. Sutherland II worked in the paper industry and encouraged his son by bringing home creative materials and supplies.
[[File:DungeonMastersGuide01.jpg|thumb|200px|Sutherland's cover for the original ''Dungeon Masters Guide'' (TSR, 1979)]]
Sutherland was born April 4, 1949<ref name="SSDI"/> in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was a graduate of Minneapolis' Roosevelt High School.<ref name=StarTribuneObit>{{cite web |title=Illustrator David Sutherland dies at 56 |author= Hahn, Trudi|url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133418135.html|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20160325110959/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133418135.html|url-status= dead|archivedate= 25 March 2016|newspaper=[[Star Tribune]]| page=B6 |date= 21 June 2005|accessdate=21 April 2012}} (subscription required)</ref> He trained as a commercial artist for two years at the Minneapolis Area Vocational Technical Institute before serving in the US Army as a military police officer in the Vietnam War, serving in 1969–1970.<ref name=StarTribuneObit /> After his return from the war, he began his career as a fantasy artist, while working odd jobs.<ref name="CBC obit"/> His artistic talents were nurtured and developed by his father, a fellow artist. David C. Sutherland II worked in the paper industry and encouraged his son by bringing home creative materials and supplies.


He became involved with the [[Society for Creative Anachronism]] (SCA) in the early 1970s. He spent his free time drawing sketches and cartoons related to these pastimes.
He became involved with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) in the early 1970s. He spent his free time drawing sketches and cartoons related to these pastimes.


==Career==
==Career==
[[Image:DungeonMasterGuide4Cover.jpg|thumb|Sutherland's cover for the original ''Dungeon Masters Guide'' (TSR, 1979)]]
[[File:Oerik.jpg|thumb|350px|Sutherland's map of [[Oerth]], primarily depicting [[Oerik]], from ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' Annual #1 (1996).]]
Sutherland's involvement in game art began in 1974. After meeting Michael Mornard, a player in Gary Gygax' "Greyhawk" and then Dave Arneson's "Blackmoor" in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), he was introduced to Professor M.A.R. Barker at the University of Minnesota in 1975. Barker was designing ''Tékumel'', a ''D&D'' setting published by TSR.


Sutherland's involvement in game art began in 1974. After meeting Michael Mornard, a player in Gary Gygax' "Greyhawk" and then Dave Arneson's "Blackmoor" in the [[Society for Creative Anachronism|SCA]], he was introduced to Professor [[M.A.R. Barker]] at the [[University of Minnesota]] in 1975. Barker was designing ''[[Tékumel]]'', an imaginary world for use with ''D&D'', published by [[TSR, Inc.]], the Wisconsin-based company that became the dominant publisher of role-playing games.
The professor put him in touch with TSR,<ref name="CBC obit"/> and soon after, Sutherland was working for them. (March 2010) Sutherland worked with the ''D&D'' game's co-inventor, [[Gary Gygax]], as part of a team of illustrators, including [[Erol Otus]], {{smallcaps|[[Darlene]]}}, [[David A. Trampier|David Trampier]], and others.<ref name="CBC obit"/> Sutherland also worked as TSR's artistic director, but preferred working on his own illustrations.<ref name="CBC obit"/> He worked at TSR until 1997 when the company was in the process of being purchased by [[Wizards of the Coast]] and he was not offered further employment.<ref name="CBC obit"/>


The professor put him in touch with TSR,<ref name="CBC obit"/> and soon after, Sutherland was working for them.{{When|date=March 2010}} Sutherland worked with the ''D&D'' game's co-inventor, [[Gary Gygax]], as part of a team of illustrators, including [[Erol Otus]], [[Darlene Pekul]], [[David A. Trampier|David Trampier]], and others.<ref name="CBC obit"/> Sutherland also worked as TSR's artistic director, but preferred working on his own illustrations.<ref name="CBC obit"/> He worked at TSR until 1997 when the company was in the process of being purchased by [[Wizards of the Coast]] and he was not offered further employment.<ref name="CBC obit"/>
After his relationship with TSR ended, Sutherland found it difficult to find work and, according to friends, felt abandoned by the gaming industry.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} Recently divorced, Sutherland remained upset about the dissolution of his marriage,<ref name="CBC obit"/> became despondent and his health began to fail.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} An auction of Sutherland memorabilia—including artwork, miniature sculptures, games, and game memorabilia—was held in 2004, raising USD$22,000, used to set up a trust fund for his two daughters.<ref name="CBC obit"/>


After his relationship with TSR ended, Sutherland found it difficult to find work and, according to friends, felt abandoned by the gaming industry.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} Recently divorced,{{When|date=March 2010}} Sutherland remained upset about the dissolution of his marriage,<ref name="CBC obit"/> became despondent and his health began to fail.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} An auction of Sutherland memorabilia—including artwork, miniature sculptures, games, and game memorabilia—was held in 2004, raising [[United States dollar|USD]]$22,000, used to set up a [[trust fund]] for his two daughters.<ref name="CBC obit"/>
He died of chronic liver failure on June 6, 2005, in his home in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.<ref name="CBC obit"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Obituaries: David Sutherland |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-40960.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120074542/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-40960.html |urlstatus=dead |archivedate=20 November 2018 |newspaper= [[The Washington Post]]|date=18 June 2005 |accessdate=20 April 2012| page=B7}} (subscription required)</ref> He was buried on June 22, 2005, with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.<ref name="CBC obit"/>  His headstone reads, "Time to Map Heaven".<ref>Findagrave.com, Jacob Friesenhahn (4 Aug 2022)</ref>


He died of chronic liver failure on June 6, 2005, in his home in [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan|Sault Ste. Marie]], [[Michigan]].<ref name="CBC obit"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Obituaries: David Sutherland |author= |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-40960.html |newspaper= [[The Washington Post]]|date=18 June 2005 |accessdate=20 April 2012| page=B7}} (subscription required)</ref> He was buried on June 22, 2005 with full military honors at [[Fort Snelling National Cemetery]] in Minneapolis, Minnesota.<ref name="CBC obit"/> He is survived by his two daughters, Susan and Heather, and his mother, sister, and brother.<ref name="SFWA">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfwa.org/News/ssutherland.htm |title=Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America obituary for Sutherland |accessdate=2010-03-03 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626100702/http://www.sfwa.org/News/ssutherland.htm |archivedate=June 26, 2006 |df= }}</ref>
He is survived by his two daughters, Susan and Heather, and his mother, sister, and brother.<ref name="SFWA">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfwa.org/News/ssutherland.htm |title=Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America obituary for Sutherland |accessdate=2010-03-03 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626100702/http://www.sfwa.org/News/ssutherland.htm |archivedate=June 26, 2006 }}</ref>


==Notable works==
==Notable works==
* He wrote the [[Adventure (Dungeons & Dragons)|adventure module]] ''[[Queen of the Demonweb Pits]]'' (Q1) (with some editing from Gary Gygax).
* Most notably, for Greyhawk, he illustrated the [[Sutherland map|first published map]] of [[Oerth]], showing the rest of the planet outside the lands surrounding the [[Flanaess]].
* He drew the early sketches for the various [[demon]] types (which became succubi, vrocks, hezrou, glabrezu, nalfeshnee, mariliths, balors, [[Orcus]], and [[Demogorgon]]).
* He wrote the AD&D adventure ''[[Queen of the Demonweb Pits]]'' (Q1) (with some editing from Gary Gygax) which defined the Abyss and especially the realm of [[Lolth]] for all time.
* He created the [[wemic]], a ''D&D'' lion-centaur.
* He created the [[wemic]], a ''D&D'' lion-centaur.
* He drew the famous and popular [[Isometric projection|isometric]] maps of Castle Ravenloft for the 1st Edition ''[[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (''AD&D'') adventure module ''[[Ravenloft (D&D module)|Ravenloft]]''.  As the newly revised version of the module, ''[[Expedition to Castle Ravenloft]]'', explains in the introduction, these maps were "such a powerful aid to play that a generation of Dungeon Masters still fondly recall them and reemploy them whenever possible." Sutherland is even honored in the story of this newest version of the ''Ravenloft'' module, as there is a mention of a "Dhavit Uthurlan" as the designer of the castle.
* He drew the famous and popular isometric maps of Castle Ravenloft for the first edition ''AD&D'' adventure ''Ravenloft''.  As the newly revised version of the adventure, ''Expedition to Castle Ravenloft'', explains in the introduction, these maps were "such a powerful aid to play that a generation of Dungeon Masters still fondly recall them and reemploy them whenever possible." Sutherland is even honored in the story of this newest version of the ''Ravenloft'' adventure, as there is a mention of a "Dhavit Uthurlan" as the designer of the castle.
* He is the cover artist for the first edition rules of the ''AD&D'' ''[[Dungeon Master's Guide]].''<ref name="CBC obit"/>
* He is the cover artist for the first edition rules of the ''AD&D'' ''[[Dungeon Master's Guide]].''<ref name="CBC obit"/>
* He illustrated the scene of a [[Dragon (Dungeons & Dragons)|dragon]], a [[Wizard (Dungeons & Dragons)|wizard]] and an armored [[Archery|archer]] on the first ''D&D'' boxed set, "A simple composition, it shows a wand-waving magic user and a knight, his longbow drawn, squaring off against a dragon who sits—à la Smaug from ''The Hobbit''—atop a vast pile of gold coins and jewels."<ref name="CBC obit"/>
* He illustrated the scene of a dragon, a wizard, and an armored archer on the first ''D&D'' boxed set, "A simple composition, it shows a wand-waving magic user and a knight, his longbow drawn, squaring off against a dragon who sits—à la Smaug from ''The Hobbit''—atop a vast pile of gold coins and jewels."<ref name="CBC obit"/>
*He also illustrated the original cover of the first edition ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' ''[[Monster Manual]]''.<ref name="CBC obit"/>
*He also illustrated the original cover of the first edition ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' ''[[Monster Manual]]''.<ref name="CBC obit"/>
== External links ==
{{External link disclaimer}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=507 |title=David Sutherland at the Pen & Paper RPG Database |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222557/http://pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=507 |archivedate=September 27, 2007}}
* [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38841676/david-c-sutherland PFC David C. Sutherland] at FindAGrave.com.


==References==
==References==
<references/>
===Citations===
 
<references />
==External links==
===Bibliography===
*{{cite web|url=http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=507 |title=David Sutherland at the Pen & Paper RPG Database |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222557/http://pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=507 |archivedate=September 27, 2007}}
* [[Gary Gygax|Gygax, Gary]], and [[Brian Blume]]. ''[[Eldritch Wizardry]].'' Lake Geneva, WI: TSR Games, 1976.
* {{Find a Grave|38841676}}
* Sutherland III, David C., and [[Gygax, Gary]]. ''[[Queen of the Demonweb Pits]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980. ISBN 0394515412.
 
* Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38841676/david-c-sutherland: accessed 22 December 2023), memorial page for PFC David C Sutherland III (4 Apr 1949–6 Jun 2005), Find a Grave Memorial ID 38841676, citing Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA
{{D&D topics}}
{{Wikipedia}}


{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sutherland Iii, David C.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sutherland, David C.}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:2005 deaths]]
[[Category:Cartographers]]
[[Category:Artists from Minneapolis]]
[[Category:Fantasy artists]]
[[Category:Game artists]]
[[Category:Role-playing game artists]]
[[Category:Role-playing game designers]]

Latest revision as of 10:41, 21 May 2025

Greyhawk Creator
David C. Sutherland III
Born:4 April 1949, Minnieapolis, Minnesota, USA
Died:6 June 2005
First Greyhawk work:Queen of the Demonweb Pits (1980).

David C. Sutherland III (April 4, 1949[1]–June 6, 2005[2]) was an early D&D illustrator and designer. Sutherland was a prolific artist, and his work heavily influenced the early development of D&D, especially his lasting legacy is in the game's Abyss.

Early life and inspiration

Sutherland's cover for the original Dungeon Masters Guide (TSR, 1979)

Sutherland was born April 4, 1949[1] in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was a graduate of Minneapolis' Roosevelt High School.[3] He trained as a commercial artist for two years at the Minneapolis Area Vocational Technical Institute before serving in the US Army as a military police officer in the Vietnam War, serving in 1969–1970.[3] After his return from the war, he began his career as a fantasy artist, while working odd jobs.[2] His artistic talents were nurtured and developed by his father, a fellow artist. David C. Sutherland II worked in the paper industry and encouraged his son by bringing home creative materials and supplies.

He became involved with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) in the early 1970s. He spent his free time drawing sketches and cartoons related to these pastimes.

Career

Sutherland's map of Oerth, primarily depicting Oerik, from Dragon Annual #1 (1996).

Sutherland's involvement in game art began in 1974. After meeting Michael Mornard, a player in Gary Gygax' "Greyhawk" and then Dave Arneson's "Blackmoor" in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), he was introduced to Professor M.A.R. Barker at the University of Minnesota in 1975. Barker was designing Tékumel, a D&D setting published by TSR.

The professor put him in touch with TSR,[2] and soon after, Sutherland was working for them. (March 2010) Sutherland worked with the D&D game's co-inventor, Gary Gygax, as part of a team of illustrators, including Erol Otus, Darlene, David Trampier, and others.[2] Sutherland also worked as TSR's artistic director, but preferred working on his own illustrations.[2] He worked at TSR until 1997 when the company was in the process of being purchased by Wizards of the Coast and he was not offered further employment.[2]

After his relationship with TSR ended, Sutherland found it difficult to find work and, according to friends, felt abandoned by the gaming industry.[citation needed] Recently divorced, Sutherland remained upset about the dissolution of his marriage,[2] became despondent and his health began to fail.[citation needed] An auction of Sutherland memorabilia—including artwork, miniature sculptures, games, and game memorabilia—was held in 2004, raising USD$22,000, used to set up a trust fund for his two daughters.[2]

He died of chronic liver failure on June 6, 2005, in his home in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.[2][4] He was buried on June 22, 2005, with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.[2] His headstone reads, "Time to Map Heaven".[5]

He is survived by his two daughters, Susan and Heather, and his mother, sister, and brother.[6]

Notable works

  • Most notably, for Greyhawk, he illustrated the first published map of Oerth, showing the rest of the planet outside the lands surrounding the Flanaess.
  • He drew the early sketches for the various demon types (which became succubi, vrocks, hezrou, glabrezu, nalfeshnee, mariliths, balors, Orcus, and Demogorgon).
  • He wrote the AD&D adventure Queen of the Demonweb Pits (Q1) (with some editing from Gary Gygax) which defined the Abyss and especially the realm of Lolth for all time.
  • He created the wemic, a D&D lion-centaur.
  • He drew the famous and popular isometric maps of Castle Ravenloft for the first edition AD&D adventure Ravenloft. As the newly revised version of the adventure, Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, explains in the introduction, these maps were "such a powerful aid to play that a generation of Dungeon Masters still fondly recall them and reemploy them whenever possible." Sutherland is even honored in the story of this newest version of the Ravenloft adventure, as there is a mention of a "Dhavit Uthurlan" as the designer of the castle.
  • He is the cover artist for the first edition rules of the AD&D Dungeon Master's Guide.[2]
  • He illustrated the scene of a dragon, a wizard, and an armored archer on the first D&D boxed set, "A simple composition, it shows a wand-waving magic user and a knight, his longbow drawn, squaring off against a dragon who sits—à la Smaug from The Hobbit—atop a vast pile of gold coins and jewels."[2]
  • He also illustrated the original cover of the first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual.[2]

Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.

References

Citations

  1. ↑ a b "United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JT69-9Y8 : accessed 12 Feb 2013), David C Sutherland, 6 June 2005; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Dungeons and Dragons artist dies. CBC News , June 15, 2005. Archived from the original on 2008-06-30. Retrieved on 22 December 2023.
  3. ↑ a b Hahn, Trudi. Illustrator David Sutherland dies at 56 B6. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved on 21 April 2012. (subscription required)
  4. ↑ Obituaries: David Sutherland B7 , 18 June 2005. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved on 20 April 2012. (subscription required)
  5. ↑ Findagrave.com, Jacob Friesenhahn (4 Aug 2022)
  6. ↑ Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America obituary for Sutherland. Archived from the original on June 26, 2006. Retrieved on 2010-03-03.

Bibliography

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