Tavern Chat Podcast - Over 600 Plays in 10 Days

Thank you.

The Tavern Chat Podcast has over 600 plays across various platforms in 10 days of existence - not too bad :)

More importantly, I’ve noticed an uptick in new OSR podcast over the past few days. Folks like Matt Jackson, Jason Hobbs and Tim Shorts are the ones that cleared the trail for folks like James Spahn, Glen Hallstrom, myself ad others who have followed their footsteps while also forging new paths. None of this would be possible without the support of the community.

Again, thank you.

When I return to my home office after this holiday weekend, I’ll put together a list of Old School Games that are using the Anchor.fm platform to put more gaming goodness into your hands via podcasting.

I’ll be back in the AM with another cast :)

Free Swords & Wizardry Continual Light PDF For Military / First Responders (Active / Rietired)

To help celebrate Memorial Day, I’m giving away free PDFs of Swords & Wizardry Continal Light to our active and retired military as well as our active and retired First Responders (Law Enforcement / Fire / EMS).

This is on the honor system. I’m not asking for copies of ID cards or any such nonsense. Simply email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing with “Memorial Day” in the subject. Let me know where you serve / served and in what capacity and I’ll get your copy to you by the end of May. Possibly sooner. Heck, probably sooner, but I don’t have access to y desktop right now.

Note, request must be made before the end of May.

This is open worldwide. Those that serve their communities across the world deserve a small token of appreciation.

Thank you for your service.

(Edit - I apparently was too restrictive with my wording, which wasn’t my intent. If you served and left in good standing, whether technically retired, vested, honorably discharged - whatever the case may be - you qualify. As my then 5 year old niece said to me when I retired: “uncle, maybe you gave back your costume and shield, but you’ll always be a police officer.”

You oath does not expire when leaving service. Cherish it, as few know the true power it holds.)

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #10 - Some Thoughts on the OSR Market

Well, for the first time, I recorded a Tavern Chat episode using my phone and then my iPad to publish it. Tavern on the Go ;)

In episode #10, I talk a bit about the OSR market, fantasy vs sci-fi, and the niche within a niche that is publisher support material. Oh, and I mention a Tim Kask YouTube video.

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-10---Some-Thoughts-on-the-OSR-Market-e1hlf7

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&t=10m47s&v=PV1i_C6QjPc

Kickstarter Update: Choose Your Own: Sci-Fi Stock Art - Free White Star Goodness

There are now some free goodies for backing the James Shield’s Choose Your Own Sci-fi Stock Art Kickstarter.

At the $15 pledge level, you get a bunch of material from Pete Spahn to support the White Star RPG.

At the $50 pledge level, you get a PDF copy of James Spahn’s White Star: Galaxy Edition.

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #9 - Early Morning Bleck! and Thoughts

"Allergies are in full gear this morning. Listen to Tenkar drown in phlegm. Inbetween throat clearing, I have thoughts on the sudden uptick in OSR podcasts and look at the Orc Stabr Kickstarter."

Seriously, I thought I was going to have a coughing fit at one point. Had to actually stop recording to hack it out. Allergy hell this morning.

There is a nice uptick in OSR podcasts recently, I think in large part to my exposing the Anchor.fm platform to The Tavern's Community. Win win :)

Anchor.fm link to Episode #9

Apple Podcast link to Episode #9

Overcast link to Episode #9

Pocket Casts link to Episode #9

Link to Orc Stabr Kickstarter

Sale - InfiniBadger Press - 66% or more off of All PDFs

The sales just keep on coming. Here's a really deep one from: 

InfiniBadger Press is celebrating its 4th birthday by doing a massive sale on our digital products!

EVERYTHING digital is priced at 66% of the MSRP from NOW until May 31st, 2018! 

Have you been looking to pick up Polyhedral Dungeon, Through Dungeons Deeper, or even the just-released The Little Book of Adventuring Classes vol 1? Well, now you can for mere dollars! But only while this sale is on! 

Also, look out for The Little Book of Adventuring Classes vol 2, which will be published by the end of the month! 

Thanks for supporting InfiniBadger Press and small press publishers. You rock!

Jason Paul McCartan
Chief Brock
InfiniBadger Press

Boot Hill 3rd Edition Goes Print on Demand

I never owned Boot Hill 3rd Edition, just the 1st Edition. No clue what the changes are. That being said, it's nice to see these classic rules available in print again.

9.99 for the PDF, 21.99 for the Print plus PDF for Boot Hill 3rd Edition.

Two rows of unpainted wooden buildings face each other across the wide, dirt street. A signboard creaks mournfully in the hot wind. Down this track rides a lone figures, tired but alert. His boots, hat, and buckskin jacket are alayered with dust. But the ivory-handled revolver on his hip is spotless and cool. Neither a beacon nor a threat, it's simply there, a part of the man.

Drift back to the days of cattle drives, dance halls, range wars, and gunslingers. The BOOT HILL Wild west role-Playing Game lets you relive the grand adventure of the American Frontier. It's a wide open land where a man with strength, determination, and courage can carve a place for himself.
This 3rd edition of the classic BOOT HILL game is thoroughly revised and updated.

• It includes:
• Fully rounded characters with over 60 skills to choose from;
• Revised rules for shootouts and fistfights emphasizing quick thinking and quick action;
• Extensive campaign guidelines plus historical background and a timeline of the Old West;
• Two historical gunfight scenarios plus numerous short adventures;
• Fold-out maps of Promise City and the surrounding territory.

Note on the Softcover print-on-demand book: The maps are included as separate pages in the back of this version of the book. If you intend to use the maps at your table it is recommended that you purchase the PDF + Softcover combo and print the maps from the PDF.

Yep, that's an affiliate link above there partner. Now, why don't you buy your bartender a sasparilla? 

Deal of the Day - How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps

When I saw How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps pop up as today's Deal of the Day I was intrigued. I've never heard of the book before, but for 6 bucks (normally $12) I think I need it. Besides, it comes in epub and mobi - so all of my ebook readers are covered - sadly no PDF.

This book will teach you to bring your fictional realm to life with simple step-by-step instructions on how to draw authentic fantasy maps. Set the stage for adventure by illustrating domains, castles and battle lines, mountains, forests and sea monsters! Learn to create completely unique and fully functional RPG maps time and time again on which your world can unfold.

• All the skills necessary to create awe-inspiring maps are covered!
• Landscapes. Add depth, balance and plausibility with rocky coastlines, towering mountains, dark forests and rolling plains.
• Iconography. Mark important places--towns and cities, fortresses and bridges--with symbolic iconography for easy-to-understand maps.
• Typography. Learn how to place readable text and the basics of decorative script. Bonus instruction teaches you to create fonts for Orcs, Elves, Vikings and dragons.
• Heraldry and shield design. Depict cultural and political boundaries with shields and colors.
• Advanced cartography. Includes how to draw landmarks, country boundaries and political lines. Build roads to connect merchants and troops, troll cairns and dragon lairs. And complete your maps with creative backgrounds, elaborate compasses and thematic legends.
• 30+ step-by-step demonstrations illustrate how to construct an entire fantasy world map from start to finish--both digitally and by hand!

Yep, affiliate links keep The Tavern open. That's an affiliate link above.

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #8 - Squirrel! Huh?

Eight Days a weeeeekkkk! Well, maybe not eight days a week, but eight episodes in eight days. Woot!

On today's episode of The Tavern Chat Podcast: James Spahn has a new podcast, an update on the GMF and stock art goodness.

Tavern Chat is averaging over 60 plays per episode. Thanks to everyone that has taken time out of their busy day to give it a listen.

Link to Episode #8 of The Tavern Chat Podcast

Link to The Squirrel Speaks Podcast

Link to James Shields PWYW Stock Art

Link to Choose Your Own: Sci-Fi Stock Art (James Shields)

Link to Publisher's Choice Stock Art Bundle (Fat Goblin Games)

Yep, we snuck some affiliate links in up above. Keep the lights bright and the taps cold by shopping via The Tavern's affiliate links.

Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Let's Chat!

Lots of stuff going on this week, not the least of which is the new daily Tavern Chat Podcast. But I always look forward to Wednesday Nights. There is just something special about chewing the shit with folks from the community. Its when The Tavern really does take on the aura of a tavern.

Here's the link to out Discord Server:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

No need to chat if you don't want to. Lurkers are always welcome :)

There's a Small Change with the EN World Logo - Less EN World - More Morrus

So, I noticed a little something when I went to ENWorld this morning. Yep, the logo changed. Not sure how recently but the Wayback Machine had the old logo in March of this year.

Whereas before it was EN World RPG News & Reviews now it is Morrus' Unofficial EN World Tabletop RPG News. Actually, I'm not sure where "EN World" goes in this - maybe you read it at the end?

So, the news is now "unofficial", reviews are no longer stressed and Morrus has priority over "ENWorld" itself. I find it interesting that the name of the site itself is de-emphasized.

What does all this mean? Haven't a bloody clue ;)

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #7 - NTRPG Con is in Two Weeks

So, literally right before I was about to record today's episode (NTRPG Con was not the initial topic to be discussed) I was pinged on Discord. I was asked if it were possible to drop in on my Saturday Game. Of course, I said "sure!" as I loathe to turn anyone away from my table. I also asked "what time?" because I had no idea when I was running anything.

Heh. Well, that schooled me. I'm running Mouth of Doom Friday / Saturday / Sunday at 9 am each day. Swords & Wizardry Light will be the rules. Characters created at the table unless you have one from last year's NTRPG or this year's Gary Con, in which case bring them along. Survive two sessions and you'll level up :)

When I'm not running games I'll likely be around the Frog God Games Booth.

Listen on Anchor

Listen on iTunes

Listen on Pocket Casts

Got My Patch and Addressing the Tavern Chat Episode #2 Inquiry

Two quick things. My OSR patch arrived today and it is a thing of beauty. Now we need some window clings for windshields and such ;)

Secondly, I've had some questions about the length / missing content with episode #2 of The Tavern Chat Podcast. As you can show from the screenshot of iTunes, episode #2 is 9 minutes long or so. I'm wondering if its an issue with the Anchor.fm player itself. Try listening using a podcast player app and see if that resolves the issue. Let me know either way.

Trials and Tribulations of Your Tavern Keeper

Yesterday, Rach and I splurged on early birthday gifts for each other - we bought iPad Pros. Although we use Google Pixels for our phones, we both have iMacs for our desktops and we thought it was time to step back to iPads for out tablets.

We are both immensely happy. Expect some Youtube Live / Facebook Live streams in the near future.

This morning, when surfing before my caffeine intake, I had a notification that my Adobe Flash needed an update. I should have paid more attention. 10 minutes later, my search engine/homepage was hijacked across browsers and I had some additional malware installed.

Now I own an actual paid for OSX antivirus. It took three hours to return shit to normal. Macs are not immune.

Sure, I should have known better. Sadly, I fell for the "just say okay" many of us fall for.

In any case, all is back to normal and I'm just a wee bit embarrassed.

More gaming post coming up ;)

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #4 - Interview with James Shields (Artist)

Heh. Yes, I know we skipped Episode #4 inadvertently, so we are calling what is technically the sixth episode the fourth episode. Trust me, it all works out in the end.

In this episode I sit down and talk with James Shields, the highly skilled OSR artist (and cover artist of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light)

So join us on Episode #4 of The Tavern Chat Podcast.




As always, feel free to leave us voicemails. We listen to every one.

Link to James' current Kickstarter

What is Your "Go To Class" in Fantasy RPGs?

This question was asked by one of the listeners of The Tavern Chat Podcast. I answered it on the podcast but it got me thinking it would be a good question to ask the members of this community.

What is your "Go To Class" or role in fantasy RPGs?

My answer was Cleric or Bard because I like the versatility, but in truth, I tend to play the class most needed by the table I'm sitting at? No thieves? Got you covered. Short on fighter types? I'll step up. Need a wizard? Sure.

I have friends that only feel comfortable playing one type of class. Although I have a preference as stated above, I can and will have fun playing most anything.

So, where do you fall? What is your preferred class type or do you not have a preference?

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #6 - Gygax Memorial Fund - Part 2

Yep, we've managed to keep the daily episodes of The Tavern Chat Podcast going for another day. Today is Part 2 of the Gygax Memorial Fund recap series.

Did I mention Tim Shorts left a message?  ;)

Tomorrow - James Shields drops in...

Gygax Memorial Fund Tavern Posts

The Tavern Chat Podcast. Available most everywhere podcasts can be found

Dragons Flash Sale - Classic TSR Era Dragon Related Picks

WotC is running a flash sale on Dragon themed releases from various editions of Dungeons & Dragons. I'll be highlighting some picks from D&D 2e and earlier. (as this post goes live there is just under a day and a half left for the sale)

AC10 Bestiary of Dragons & Giants (Basic) - Red dragons. Storm giants. Dragon rulers. Frost giants. They're all here, in this book, in complete, ready-to-play mini-adventures. No matter what level your characters are, there is something here for you (and them). Need a diversion? Want to spice up a long-running campaign? Want to play, but don't have more than an hour or so? This is the book for your gaming group. As DM, you have everything you'll need to play right at your fingertips. As players, you'll have challenges worthy of your characters.  5.00 1.65

Council Of Wyrms (2e) - Council of Wyrms provides everything you need to create a campaign for dragon player characters. In addition, there are rules for creating elf, dwarf, and gnome "kindred" for your dragon, and details on two new character types: half-dragons and dragon slayers. Inside you'll find: A 64-page Rules book packed full of rules for creating and playing dragon, kindred, and half-dragon player characters, A 64-page Campaign book detailing a dragons' campaign and the legendary Council of Wyrms, revealing the secrets of dragonkind and outlining new player-character kits, A 64-page Adventures book to challenge the strongest dragon characters, 12 full-color reference cards, 3 full-color posters, including a dragons' size-comparison chart, a map of the dragons' island homes, and a guide to the dragon clans.  9.99 3.30

Draconomicon (2e) - The creatures of lore and legend-of myth and mystery - only the dragons know the answers to the secrets and ciphers that surround them. But brave adventuring souls who have gone before have left behind clues and epistles with valuable information for anyone in pursuit of dragons. This tome is a compilation of the lifetime efforts of numerous dragon-hunting adventurers, presented to those who crave hints and leads for dragon-questing.  9.99 3.30

Dragon Kings (2e) - Only the most powerful characters are destined to rule Athas. Warriors with vast armies of followers campaign for glory; rogues become masters of illusory magic to further their deadly schemes; spellcasters who can also master psionics open whole new tomes of magic available only to them - the most powerful spells ever! And not only do they gain greater magic, the spellcasters take on entirely new forms when they advance beyond 20th level - clerics can attain elemental form; preservers mutate into magnificent avangions; defilers can actually transform into dragons themselves! Learn of these advanced beings, the new magical spells available to them, plus new psionic devotions and organizations, military vehicles and army lists, and more, all within the pages of Dragon Kings!        9.99 3.30

The Dragon's Den (Basic) - The dragon laughs and prepares to strike. But you were nearly defeated by his minions, and you are now too weak to wield your sword. Your magic-user is out of spells; your other comrades, too, have lost their fighting spirit. What hope have you of defeating the vile dragon? Do you run, or do you try one last, desperate plan? This new entry-level supplement to the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game lets you and your friends play mighty fighters, crafty magic-users, and cunning elves, thieves, dwarves, and more! Inside this box you'll find three complete adventures, each featuring a different dragon. But before you and your friends can confront a fiendish black, green, or red dragon, you must first fight off hordes of evil lizard men, troglodytes, bugbears, and more! Then it's up to you to escape from the dungeon alive!   4.99 1.65

Atlas of the Dragonlance World (1e) - Krynn... Enter the spell-binding world of the Dragonlance Saga with this volume of beautifully rendered maps. Accompany the Heroes of the Lance on their epic travels across Krynn in this magnificently illustrated volume. Behold the beauty of the King Priest's Hall of Audience in the Temple of Istar. Smell Raistlin's herbs as you wander the hallways of the Tower of High Sorcery at Palanthas. Become hopelessly lost in the thirty-five levels of Mount Nevermind. 
4.99 1.65

DLE2 Dragon Magic (2e) - The Moons of Krynn are fading. The alignment forces of Good, Evil, and Neutrality are locked in conflict… and evil seems to be winning! The unnatural machinations of the treacherous Khardra—daughter of Takhisis herself!—have led to a crisis of cosmic proportions. The Heroes journey to the Cloud City Cirulon, heart of the Good Dragon races, there to meet the Astral Dragon himself. The nature of a plague claiming the lives of silver dragonhood is revealed, and the cure is presented to the companions. But the road to success is fraught with peril, the only route leading through a secret portal. If this portal becomes known to the forces of evil, disaster will surely result. This AD&D adventure, set in the world of the Dragonlance saga, follows In Search of Dragons. Some burning questions are answered but more are raised. And as the players investigate, the knowledge they gain seems to point more and more to a sinister threat of evil undreamed of since the War of the Lance.  4.99 1.65 (note - Print on Demand for this release is 4.99)

Those are affiliate links above. Affiliate links keep the lights on and the beer cold. We don't like the dark and we like cold beer :)

Deal of the Day - Dungeon Full of Monsters (Modular Megadungeon)

Today's Deal of the Day is Dungeon Full of Monsters, a modular megadungeon. Normally $15 for this 352-page monstrosity, until tomorrow morning it's on sale for $7.50 in PDF.

Dungeon Full of Monsters is a modular megadungeon for use with Labyrinth Lord and other old school fantasy role-playing games. 

The Dungeon is Modular 

The megadungeon is composed of 50 individual sections, separated into 5 different levels. You can assemble these in any configuration you like, either randomly or not, either before the campaign or on-the-fly in play. You can also use these sectiosn on their own, without reference to the larger dungeon itself. 

And Full of Monsters 

The second half of the book contains dozens of monsters, illustrated in full colour, often with multiple variations and types. Combined with the unique monsters located in specific dungeon sections, this book contains over 150 different monster stat blocks. There are criminal organizations, insane cultists, meddling deities, evil wizards, undead kings, infernal demons and other invaders from beyond the stars, numerous unspeakable horrors and arcane beasts, and even a few rival adventurers. Use these monsters with this dungeon or any other. 

Specific conversion guidelines for The Nightmares Underneath are also provided. 

Dungeon Full of Monsters was written by Johnstone Metzger and illustrated by Nathan Jones. 

The digital pdf is Half-letter sized 5.5 by 8.5 inches, 352 pages, and also comes with a file containing only the dungeon maps, and a file containing only the monster illustrations.

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Keep the lights on and the beer cold by shopping via The Tavern's affiliate links. 

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #5 - Gygax Memorial Fund - Part 1

Yeah, I know it should be episode #4 but I goofed - I'll put a bonus episode up later today to correct that goober ;)

In any case, episode #5 of the Tavern Chat Podcast is the first in a series recapping The Tavern's articles on the Gygax Memorial Fund. Please join us for a ride that begins even earlier than you might expect (or that I initially remembered)

Remember, you can leave feedback and questions via voicemail using the Anchor app on your smartphone.

Links:

A Closer Look at the Gygax Memorial Fund - Looking for Questions to Ask Gail Gygax in Regards 11/15/15

Butt Kicking For Goodness - Trying to Peek Behind the Curtain of the Gygax Memorial Fund 12/14/2012