Indiegogo - 1975 - MCMLXXV (S&W, Pathfinder, 5e Adventure)

An introductory-level adventure for 5e, Pathfinder 1e, and Swords & Wizardry by Bill Webb!

I ran a few sessions of MCMLXXV for some personal friends a few years back using Roll20, Discord, and the Swords & Wizardry Complete Rules. We had a blast. It's a great adventure.

The Adventure 

A treasure map, a mysterious valley, and a group of untried adventurers -- what could possibly go wrong? This introductory-level adventure is written for a free-form, old school type of play, as the characters go "hex crawling" through the wilderness to discover the secret of a strange map that has fallen into their hands. 

This classic adventure was originally published in 2010, and contains the original introduction about how to approach "old-school" type play with Dungeons & Dragons and similar RPGs. The edition is re-done and is printed in premium quality for three rules-systems: D&D 5e, Pathfinder 1e, and Swords & Wizardry.  

The Project  

• Frog God Games projects on Indiegogo are simple, focused, and short.
• Short in duration (2-3 weeks)
• Fast delivery of PDF once funding is completed
• Limited to a single title
• Have options priced between $5-$30
• Stretch goals and project bonuses (if any) affect the principle reward only (usually both the PDF and the softcover).
• Are the only guaranteed method to get the premium* print copy (NOTE: the softcover versions  in this printing will not be sold on our website: see FAQ for explanation).
• Have a simple fulfillment process that does not use Backerkit
• *Premium means heavyweight glossy interior pages enhancing the art and color elements. The  thick, glossy cardstock brings out the vibrant color of the cover illustration. These are the nicest softcover books we have ever sold and we only print a title this way once.

Humble Bundle - Star Trek Adventures RPG

Currently, on Humble Bundle, the Star Trek Adventures RPG is available for as little as a buck. Buy-in at the 8 buck level and you can snag a physical copy of the Star Wars Adventures core rulebook at half price.

Purchases made via the Humble Bunde link linked on this page add a small portion of the purchase price to your bartender's coffers. I thank you in advance.

An Analysis of Torchlight Sales (Currently #1 in Small Press)

Torchlight is currently the #1 Hottest Seller in Small Press on DTRPG and #2 under 5 bucks (it held #1 very briefly). This is the first time I've released a product with discount coupons and I've found the results to be eye-opening.

In the 36 hours or so that Torchlight has been available for sale, it has sold 108 copies. 78 copies were sold via the discount code shared here and on the Discord Server. 20 copies were sold via the discount code that went out via email to purchasers of prior releases, mostly SWCL (there were over 700 emails sent). 10 copies have been sold at full price, theoretically organic sales for placing high on the DTRPG sales charts.

The numbers in the wishlist and carts are interesting but little more. Clicking a DTRPG coupon code puts the title in your cart automatically.

What is the takeaway? Successful sales on DTRPG require a lot more than placing high on a sales chart. It requires an audience and community looking forward to your release. Without this very community, Torchlight would be withering on the vine right now.

It also means The Tavern has a responsibility to share and highlight new OSR releases as they come out. Sadly, I don't have the time to constantly scour the interwebs looking for new releases and many will pass me by. You can, however, email me, whether you are a publisher or just a fan. I can't guarantee I'll get to them all, but I will certainly give it the yeoman's try.

I can be emailed at:
tenkarsDOTtavernATgmail.com 

Torchlight Zine is Currently Number 2 on the DTRPG Hottest Small Press

Talk about humbling. I want to thank everyone for the support and please, don't stop ;)

Want to grab Torchlight for a buck? Just use this link!

The next issue is planned for September and then the intention is to go quarterly, but we may do special issues in addition to the usual ones.

Oh, and a Copper Best Seller too!

The Premier Issue of Torchlight is LIVE - Discount Code For Taverners Below!

Holy crap! I can't believe the premier issue of Torchlight is LIVE! This has been weighing me down for ages and its here, Now. Woot!

Torchlight will be a quarterly zine, but the next issue, Issue #1 is planned for the end of the summer. We have some great contributors lined up.

The premier issue is priced at $2.00, but if you use the code below, you can snag it for a measly buck:

Snag Torchlight's Premiere Issue for a buck

I seriously can't thank this community enough for the support you all have given me, especially in the trying times I went through earlier this year with my health.

Torchlight - The Zine in support of all things Swords & Wizardry

Words Whispered in a Tavern

What was imagined as a small zine grew into the idea of a quarterly magazine. My personal health issues earlier this year caused that to implode on itself, so I decided to return to the small zine format as initially imagined. Will we stay small? Too early to tell, but at this time and place in my life, this is a size I think I can handle. Please do join me for the ride - Tenkar

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Affiliate links keep the lights on and the beers cold at The Tavern.

Free Map Tuesday

It's nearly my birthday (and Gary's birthday was yesterday)

I need to register as a GM for the Frog God Game Weekend in September (more on that with a later post).

Today I am highlighting The One Page Dungeon Generator website, probably one of the best free resources for GMs - and publishers too, as the maps are free to use commercially, no attribution necessary.

If these maps don't speak to you, nothing will. Grab them, use them, maybe submit them with an adventure to the Torchlight Zine (editing is done on the Premiere issue - we are sooo close...).

Kickstarter - Foldable Metal Dice for RPG Tabletop Gaming (d20)

I thought I had seen just about every option for unique dice, but a foldable D20? Fuck it, I'm in. I'm going to be 53. It's been decades since I kept a condom in my wallet, but a D20 might see some use ;)

Pricing is Canadian. Five dice came to about 38 bucks plus shipping to the US. Ask me how I know. I DARE ya ;)

Foldable Metal Dice - if you collect dice you need at least one...

Follow Up to the "Inspired By" Art Disagreement

Dave spoke with Lloyd. Dave also spoke with me. I spoke with Lloyd.

Dave apologized to Lloyd.

As far as I'm concerned it is over and done.

Any further updates will come from the involved parties.

Edit:

I’m told Dave posted a video apology on FB

I can’t view it. Apparently I’m blocked (but I am mentioned)

Now Dave is requesting to join The Tavern’s FB Community

Why ask to join a community when you’ve blocked the owner of said community?

Denied.

Art Theft in the Gaming Community? Say it isn't so Johnson Games!

First, I'm sure 98% of you are going "who the fuck is Johnson Games?" I know I did when I was shown the following piece:
https://my-site-101402-107830.square.site/product/Skull-Mountain-poster/7?fbclid=IwAR0Lw6OrZ9_smnnmgNHMMYPd9VzuhKyJkfrVyxrBrnMbha-pTTYVupxI-bE

Notice the "12" x 18" of my original work" part?

Here's Lloyd Metcalf's original work of art: https://www.instagram.com/p/CABztcpA6_Z/?fbclid=IwAR1K7lhUPrJAl4YaMwDqKrqYNZEybvA3rhrHsNK92iXnkbUeSQ7r83qMZdY

I've spoken with Lloyd. He did not authorize this use of his work, nor is he credited.

This is NOT how things should happen. It reminds of the days of Shipman in the Tunnels & Trolls community. Theft is theft, plain and simple. "Original work" my ass.

There is also the question of dice using a Pelgrane Games trademark. I'll reach out to them later today and see if it is authorized.

Edit: Found the answer, and the use is legit and authorized

This is a quick FYI as I run out to handle today's chores (vet time for Danke). I'll followup later.

Edit:

Follow Up to the "Inspired By" Art Disagreement
Dave spoke with Lloyd. Dave also spoke with me. I spoke with Lloyd.

Dave apologized to Lloyd.

As far as I'm concerned it is over and done.

Any further updates will come from the involved parties.

Tomorrow is Gary Gygax Day and I Think you Should Celebrate

Tomorrow is Gary Gygax Day and while not a "real" holiday to the general public, and definitely not something my employer would be keen on giving me the day off to celebrate, it is a good time sling dice with family and/or friends.

Now I don't know about you, but a lot of the friends I've made over the gaming table have been as close to me as family, but that might be a post for another day.

Unfortunately I've never met Mr. Gygax. I did briefly meet Dave Arneson and I have been fortunate enough to meet a lot of designers and my own "heroes" in the industry. Unless you go to a bunch of game conventions and/or just get lucky, odds are you haven't been able to meet your own RPG heroes....definitely not all of them.

While I think most people with access to a stage like I have here (thanks Erik!) would probably tell you to pick up some dice and roll a few in Gary's honor.....I know I am on my own blog tomorrow....but I'd like to offer up an alternate method of celebrating Gary Gygax Day:

Honor Gary's memory by reaching out to a RPG author/designer/creator of a product you've enjoyed and let them know how much you appreciate their work!

That's it, it can be simple, but if you are able.....step it up a notch. Instead of firing off an email, send a card, send a letter. You can usually reach these folks through their publishers if you don't already have their contact info.

Don't wait for your favorite creatives to pass away to honor them. Play their game, read their books, and let them know how their work has impacted you. Their work, your enjoyment, it's all just a couple steps removed from Gary Gygax and his work on D&D. I don't call myself a fancy author or great designer, but I know the joy that comes from hearing someone else enjoys your work........and Gary Gygax Day is about sharing & spreading joy, or at least that's how I see it!