Kickstarter - SideQuests: Tip-Top Taverns for DND, Pathfinder, and RPGs

A Kickstarter about fantasy taverns? Systemless? Take my money! Heh

SideQuests: Tip-Top Taverns for DND, Pathfinder, and RPGs is simply my kind of RPG sourcebook. Who would of thunk?

SideQuests: Tip-Top Taverns is a supplement filled with twenty different Taverns for your adventure, all featuring unique barkeeps and patrons, waitresses and staff, menus, drunkards, entertainment, barfights, adventure hooks, and more! Each Tavern is fully fleshed-out, offering multiple pre-generated options, so when your party is in need of a bar, you will always be prepared. The twenty diverse taverns will feature trendy locales based on different races, intriguing locations, and — of course — the potential for interesting storylines and adventures. The taverns themselves don't adhere to a specific game system, so you can use them with D&D, Pathfinder, 13th Age, or any other tabletop RPG. You can treat the twenty taverns as their own separate chapters, or even simply roll a d20 to decide which Tavern your players have ended up in… The choice is yours!

28 hours left to get in on this for $4 USC in PDF. After that, the PDF goes up to 6 bucks.

14 days to go. It's already funded. For 4 bucks you really need to jump on this quickly.

For Those Wondering, The Tavern, as a Blog and as a Podcast, is Here to Stay

I'm not giving up the written word (the blog) or the spoken word (the podcast) anytime soon. Both serve me well and hopefully serve their readers and listeners well.

If the podcast seems to have moved to the forefront recently, that is due more to spending nearly a week at NTRPG Con and a failing computer both pre and post-con. As I stated last night, I am in catch up mode ;)

Ideally, I'd be averaging three posts a day, one of which shares out the daily podcast episode. We're working on hitting that mark. That should cover both those that desire the written word or the spoken word (and those that enjoy both get a bonus ;)

I try to keep the podcast episodes short - generally 12 to 15 minutes or so (although interviews run longer). Short episodes seem the most flexible for the listener, as it can be squeezed in most anytime or multiple episodes can be listened to at once while on a commute or such.

Daily blogging (haven't missed a day in over 5 years) and daily podcasting (38 straight episodes) is what I do.

So don't worry, Venger. If anything there will simply be more Tavern, not less ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #38 - Interview with Ben Barsh of Pacesetter Games

In the latest episode of The Tavern Chat podcast, I chat with Ben Barsh of Pacesetter Games about the Rise of the Nefarious Kickstarter, the synergy between 5e and the OSR, bringing new and younger blood into old school gaming, Disney, and other goodness.

Link to Episode #38:
https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-38---An-Interview-w-Ben-Barsh-of-Pacesetter-Games-e1mtbi

Link to the Rise of the Nefarious Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/640360422/rise-of-the-nefarious-a-5th-edition-campaign

State of The Tavern - Still Further Behind Then I Planned to Be Post Con

Before I left for NTRPG Con I knew my desktop was dying. Macs tend not to make weird spinning and beeping sounds and mine was. Then came the inability to save to the hard drive, usually after being on for 30 minutes or so. It got worse in the days before the con. Post-con? Only worse.

Did I mention my main login was corrupted, so even though the files transferred to my new Mac I can't access them. I'm going to try rebooting the old and moving my download folder to my Dropbox folder before the drive decides it will save no more.

Oh, and then my Android phone started acting funny post-con, with the screen reading input wrong with random characters. So we had to replace that.

Yeah, last week was pretty much a wash. At best I was treading water, but there certainly was no catch up going on.

This week I've slowly started catching up but I'm still behind - everything from emails and interviews and blog posts and... you get the idea.

I haven't forgotten you. I just haven't gotten to you.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #37 - How I See the OSR

Yeah, I go out and define the OSR. Thankfully, it is only my personal definition, so no need for the tar and feathers ;)

Yep, I screwed up some of the early episodes. Argh! I talk about the OSR and The Tavern as a Neutral Ground. Oh, and a free game for 24 hours only.

Link to Episode #37: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-37---How-I-See-the-OSR-e1mp2a

Link to HUMBLE RPG BUNDLE: 5E DUNGEONS, HORDES & HORRORS BY FROG GOD & FRIENDS:   https://www.humblebundle.com/books/5e-dungeons-hordes-horrors?partner=tenkar

Link to FREE Shadowrun Returns Deluxe (limited time offer):  https://www.humblebundle.com/store/shadowrun-returns-deluxe?partner=tenkar

Those are affiliate links above. A small portion of your monies spent go to support The Tavern.

Free - Shadowrun Returns Deluxe - Limited Time (Humble Bundle)

Fee, as in Air ;)

Shadowrun Returns Deluxe

https://www.humblebundle.com/store/shadowrun-returns-deluxe?partner=tenkar

MAN MEETS MAGIC & MACHINE. The year is 2054. Magic has returned to the world, awakening powerful creatures of myth and legend. Technology merges with flesh and consciousness. Elves, trolls, orks and dwarves walk among us, while ruthless corporations bleed the world dry. You are a shadowrunner - a mercenary living on the fringes of society, in the shadows of massive corporate arcologies, surviving day-by-day on skill and instinct alone. When the powerful or the desperate need a job done, you get it done... by any means necessary.

In the urban sprawl of the Seattle metroplex, the search for a mysterious killer sets you on a trail that leads from the darkest slums to the city’s most powerful megacorps. You will need to tread carefully, enlist the aid of other runners, and master powerful forces of technology and magic in order to emerge from the shadows of Seattle unscathed.

The unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun has gained a huge cult following since its creation nearly 25 years ago. Now, creator Jordan Weisman returns to the world of Shadowrun, modernizing this classic game setting as a single player, turn-based tactical RPG.

Key Features

• Gripping Tactical Combat: When you’re running the shadows, every turn matters. Choose your actions wisely - move to better cover, charge into melee, or lob a fireball into a crowd of enemies. With the variety of weapons and spells at your disposal, every turn is filled with meaningful choices. A successful run requires commanding a team of runners with the right balance of combat, tech, and magical abilities.
• Skill-Based Character Progression: Choose a starting character archetype and build from there! Street Samurai and Physical Adepts use advanced combat skills to dominate the battlefield, Shamans and Mages summon powerful allies and cast deadly spells, while Riggers and Deckers provide critical technological support, projecting their consciousness directly into drones and computer systems. Shadowrun Returns’ classless skill system allows you to grow your character in any direction you choose. Want to start summoning spirits as an ork Shaman and evolve into a cybered-up weapon specialist? Do it!
• Engaging 2D/3D Art Style: Shadowrun Returns mixes dynamic 3D characters and lighting with a vibrant, hand-painted environment. Illustrated character portraits bring every conversation to life. Explore a world filled with detail, from the slums of the Redmond Barrens to the extravagant offices of powerful corporations.

https://www.humblebundle.com/store/shadowrun-returns-deluxe?partner=tenkar

That's an affiliate link. If you purchase something in addition to getting your free game, a small portion goes to support The Tavern.

Deal of the Day - Adventurer Conquerer Kings System (ACKS) PDF 2 Bucks

Until tomorrow, June 22 at 11 AM Eastern you can snag the Adventurer Conqueror King System PDF for the dirt cheap price of 2 bucks (instead of the normal 10).

If you play B/X or Labyrinth Lord, you already know the core system but it has its own flavor:

• Play 12 different classes, including the fighter, mage, thief, cleric, assassin, bard, bladedancer, explorer, dwarven craftpriest, dwarven vaultguard, elven nightblade, and elven spellsword.
• Easily customize your character using a unique, optional proficiency system. Make your fighter a berserker or your mage a necromancer!
• Buy, sell, and trade common merchandise, precious silks and spices, and even monster parts and magic items in a balanced and integrated game economy.
• Construct strongholds, establish kingdoms, and carve out a realm for your character.
• Run a thieves' guild and send your minions to carouse, smuggle, steal, and commit other hijinks.
• Establish a wizard's sanctum and explore the forbidden arts. Crossbreed horrific monsters in an underground laboratory, enact powerful magical rituals, build golems, craft magic items, or even transform yourself and your followers into undead monsters.
• Build and run a living world for adventure on a grand scale. With game mechanics built to support emergent play, ACKS is the ultimate RPG for sandbox campaigns.

Probably my go-to system after Swords & Wizardry, I had a blast running ACKS and still use it as a resource.

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Kepp the taps cold and the lights on at The Tavern by using The Tavern's affiliate links.

Check out the ACKS "Kilodungeon" Kickstarter Secrets of the Nethercity, currently funding.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #36 - Champions! Its Coming Backs as Its Old Self

Yep, Champions is getting a retro boot. Yeah! Or is that "eh"?

There's a new Top Secret adventure being Kickstarted. The Origins Best RPG Game Award Winner is none other than our own James Spahn (and a dozen others). A look at the Champions Now! Kickstarter.

Link to Episode #36:  https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-36---Champions--Its-Coming-Backs-as-Its-Old-Self-e1mjpq

Champions Now!  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/herogames/champions-now/description

Operation: Arctic Blast - A Top Secret: NWO Adventure  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/newcometgames/operation-arctic-blast-a-top-secret-nwo-adventure

Adventures in Middle Earth Player's Guide (Amazon) https://amzn.to/2K8f9vc

5e Dungeons, Hordes & Horrors  http://bit.ly/DungeonsHordesHorrors

Note, there are affiliate links above. Keep the taps cold and support The Tavern using out affiliate links.

Reminder - Tavern Chat - Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - I'll Try to Avoid the F-Bombs ;)

Tonight is a Wednesday Night and that means it is time for the weekly Discord hosted Tavern Chat. I may be late, as today is Rachel' birthday and I am taking the lovely lass out to dinner for her birthday. Happy birthday, hun :)

Anyhow, I did some ranting, venting, f-bombing on Monday's episode of the Tavern Chat podcast. I'm sure it will come up tonight.

Looking forward to seeing the regulars (and irregulars) tonight.

Link to The Tavern's Discord Server:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #35 - Kickstarters Old & New and the Return of a Pod

There are a number of old-school Kickstarters currently funding and I give three of them a well-deserved shout-out. Did we mention that the Old School Blues podcast has made its triumphant return?

I talk about three current Kickstarters you should think of backing and one that is six and a half years overdue. Also, the return of the Old School Blues podcast.

Link to the episode: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-35---Kickstarters-Old--New-and-the-Return-of-a-Pod-e1mcah

Kickstarter links:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Adamant/far-west-western-wuxia-mashup-adventure-game/posts/2216732

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1730454032/the-black-hack-rpg-second-edition/description

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1895361773/advanced-labyrinth-lord

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/autarch/secrets-of-the-nethercity

Old School Blues links:

https://anchor.fm/oldschoolblues/episodes/Old-School-Blues-Podcast-Episode-11---Season-2-Starts-here-e1lvov

Kickstarter - The Black Hack 2nd Edition

Holy shit! Talk about a runaway Kickstarter hit. The Black Hack 2nd Edition Kickstarter is doing extremely well - over $44k raised from a goal just over $6,600. It's sneaking up on 1k backers and still has 11 weeks left to fund.

Let's pull out our checklist:

Well done and short video? Damn near perfect for this project. I'd give it an 'A'.

Experienced project manager at the helm? Yep, Peter Regan - SquareHex / Gold Piece Productions. Another solid 'A'

Well explained rewards section? You have no idea how often this is forgotten or overlooked. Yep, another 'A'

Ah heck, let's just give the whole thing a solid "a" :)

There is a magic to The Black Hack and it is immensely "hackable". Definitely looking forward to this one.

I'm not sure of the sweet spot is $40 or $53 (levels 3 and 4). Argh! Need to think ;)

• Level 0 - No reward.
• Level R - This is for retailers only. By selecting this pledge level you will get updates and the option to place a trade order if you wish in October.
• Level 1 - PDFs of both The Black Booklet and The Black Hack rules, plus PDFs of the 3 panel GM's screen and Character Sheets - £5
• Level 2 - All the PDFs, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets - £12
• Level 3 - All the PDFs, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 124 page The Black Hack rules in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets. Beta Document access- £30
• Level 4 - All the PDFs, Black box, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 124 page The Black Hack rules in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets, 2 drop table box inserts, edgy black pencils, moody black dice (d4, 3d6, d8, d10, d00, d12, 2d20) & dice pouch, Beta Document access - £40
• Level 5 - All the PDFs, Black box, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 124 page The Black Hack rules in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets, 2 drop table box inserts, edgy black pencil, moody black dice (d4, 3d6, d8, d10, d00, d12, 2d20) & dice pouch, Beta Document access. PLUS an additional copy of the 124 page The Black Hack hardback with cloth/silver foiled covers exclusive to Kickstarter - £70

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #34 - AD&D 1e Bard - Broken & Overpowered

I figured I needed a little grounding and therefore reached for my AD&D 1e Player's Handbook this morning.

Tim Shorts leaves a voicemail. A look at the AD&D 1e Bard as presented in the Player's Handbook.

I even drop an f-bomb or two ;)

Link to Episode #34: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-34---ADD-1e-Bard---Broken--Overpowered-e1m3ok

Kickstarter - Advanced Labyrinth Lord

First, there was Labyrinth Lord. It was followed by the Advanced Edition Companion. Now, with the Advanced Labyrinth Lord Kickstarter, the two are now one.

Very cool and long overdue ;)

So, what are the facts?

For the first time, Labyrinth Lord and the Advanced Edition Companion will be seamlessly combined into one volume! Fans have been asking for this for several years, and it is my pleasure to make it happen! All of the basic and advanced options, magic items, and monsters will be brought together under one cover for easy reference. 

Here are some facts about the combined book: 

• This is not a new game.
• This is simply a combined book.
• You will still be able to separate "basic" from "advanced" game options.
• Much interior art will carry over from the original books, but new interior art will be featured in addition.
• This combined book does not replace the current separate books. Those books will remain in print.

30 bucks gives you the PDF and a POD at cost coupon (you pay print cost and shipping)

We're Back! Old School Blues: The Revival! (Podcast)

We're back! Yep, the old School Blues podcast is BACK! Join Vince, Glen and your's truly as we discuss NTRPG Con.

God, it feels great to be back :)

Remember when you were kid, and you ate, drank and slept D&D in the '80s? Well maybe you have been doing that all these years or simply found your way back into the fold of gaming! Join us each episode as we sit around and chat about various D&D games, our experiences and open your eyes to new things in the OSR (Old School Roleplaying)! Want to know about the latest product out from Swords and Wizardry? Labyrinth Lord? Mazes & Perils? or maybe you want to know about something someone wrote, about the original games you loved to play for D&D, Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars and anything else!

Link to the Podcast: https://anchor.fm/oldschoolblues/episodes/Old-School-Blues-Podcast-Episode-11---Season-2-Starts-here-e1lvov

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #33 - I Rant, I Curse, I've Warned You!

It takes a lot to get me worked up and to truly rant. It happened this morning. Be warned, I curse like a New York City Police Officer within.

Yes, a classic rant complete with a warning. I don't appreciate bags of shit littering my social media threads overnight and say so. F-bomb carpet-bombing in effect.

Link to Episode #33 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-33---I-Rant--I-Curse--Ive-Warned-You-e1ls2f

Kickstarter -Secrets of the Nethercity (ACKS / OSR)

I've slowly been playing catch up after NTRPG Con. Didn't help that my desktop's hard drive was failing before the con and I had to replace the computer on Friday (and had to reschedule the recording of the return of... yeah, let's get that recorded before I mention it) Then my smartphone died. Yep, it's been that kind of week.

Just trying to explain why, being that I have an unformatted word document of Secrets of the Nethercity, I won't be referring to the document with this post. I will get to it, hopefully over the next few days. When I've read it I'll post a follow-up.

So, let's peek at Secrets of the Nethercity. It includes the following:

• An epic "kilodungeon" with 240 location entries spread across 20 different dungeon sub-regions that can be explored in a nonlinear fashion over the course of your campaign 
• 12 new monsters, including the chryselephantine statue, faewyrd, hydropian, and terror of death
• 30 new magic items, including the bag of faerie seeds, the funerary barge of the cults, horn of the eagles, scepter of sacred power, and shadowcowl robe
• 4 new character classes, including the elven cultist, hierophant, and warlord
• A special appendix providing step-by-step worksheets to adapt the Nethercity to your favorite campaign setting
• A home base (the city of Cyfaraun) for use by your adventurers in between dungeon delves. The city is presented in summary format in the adventure itself, and the city and the sewers below it are presented in more detail in a supplement called Capital of the Borderlands (available at $20 and above pledge level). With every bonus goal, we'll expand the city and sewer levels!

So, why "kilodungeon"?

The Nethercity is bigger than an ordinary dungeon (like Sinister Stone of Sakkara) but not as big as a megadungeon (like Dwimmmermount). Get it? Kilo instead of mega... Let's just read on.

What are the price points?

10 for the PDF of Secrets of the Nethercity. 20 for the Nethercity and Capital of the Borderlands supplement.

30 for the softcover of Secrets of the Nethercity PLUS the Nethercity and the supplement in PDF.

40 gives POD at cost coupons for both books, PDFs of both books AND and early access playtester version of the PDF.

I think I'll be in for 40 bucks. There are other levels with many other goodies, but 40 is my sweet spot.

The Tavern Chat Podcast -Episode #32 - Father's Day Advice - Its Not What You'd Expect ;)

No, I'm not suggesting which rules systems to use to play games with your kids. I'll leave that for others ;)

It's Father's Day. I spew some gaming and other advice out of my ass and suggest some places where fathers can get free swag today ;)

Link to Episode #32: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-32---Fathers-Day-Advice---Its-Not-What-Youd-Expect-e1lk2p