Tenkar's Tavern

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Kickstarter - DarkSpace (Sci-Fi Rules for Shadowdark)

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Shadowdark. In the eyes of some in the OSR, for that heresy alone, I should be forced to carry The Dice of Shame. I do strongly believe that Shadowdark has been a net boon to the OSR, and like it or not, as a system, it has brought fresh eyes and blood into the OSR. But I digress. :)

DarkSpace brings scifi to the Shadowdark system, and who doesn't want an opportunity to play some OSR (or OSR-adjacent) SciFi? It's kinda like peanut butter and chocolate.

DarkSpace is a sci-fi rules hack for the award-winning Shadowdark RPG! Use Shadowdark's lightweight rules to craft your own sci-fi adventures in whatever setting and genre of science fiction you want!
This 200-page, HARDBACK edition of DarkSpace expands on the best-selling DarkSpace Core Rules, giving GMs and Spacers many new options for their campaigns:
Revised Archetypes, including the all-new Machine-Based archetype, which expands on the Multi-Function Android archetype from the Core Rules and allows for tech-based spacers, including Power Armor!

DarkSpace PDFs are 19. Print (Hardback with Ribbon *NOT POD) plus PDF is 49. Reasonable pricing, especially for the Print version.

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Saturday, November 15, 2025

Kickstarter - Full Metal Tilt (Jousting Rules for OSR)

Truth be told, I don't know how much of a use jousting rules will be for the average player, but if I were playing an Unearthed Arcana Cavalier (or Paladin), Full Metal Tilt would have been a perfect fit.

Full Metal Tilt is a dynamic supplement for the Dragonslayer RPG, a classic fantasy role-playing game inspired by Moldvay Basic and First Edition AD&D, created by Greg Gillespie. It can also be used with other OSR systems. Published by Greycloak Publishing, this work is authored and designed by Travis Fauber, with editing by Fauber and Mariah Hinshaw. It introduces a detailed jousting system, allowing players to engage in thrilling medieval tournaments, jousts, and tourneys where knights compete to prove their martial prowess and honor. The supplement includes rules for jousting matches, melee combat, chivalric conduct, new equipment, ladies’ favors, heralds, crowd mechanics, two adventures, and much more. Alongside all of this are three new Dragonslayer RPG character classes (Knight and two updated optional Paladins), jousting tables, tournament brackets, and specialized Full Metal Tilt Cards for strategic gameplay. Featuring evocative cover art by Henrik Karppinen and contributions from illustrators like Frank Avila, Carlos Castilho, Del Teigeler, William McAusland, Ryan Nilsson, Paddy's Parlor, The Basic Expert, and others. Full Metal Tilt brings the excitement of lance-wielding combat to the tabletop, perfect for players seeking to test their mettle in the lists.

The list of artists is literally second to none.

Full Metal Tilt is available via Kickstarter for $20 in PDF and $30 (plus costs) for POD and PDF. You can also back it for additional adventures for Dragonslayer/OSR.

Full Metal Tilt stands out from other jousting systems in tabletop role-playing games by offering a highly strategic and immersive experience tailored for the Dragonslayer RPG and other OSR systems. Unlike other jousting mechanics that rely on basic combat system dice rolls or static outcomes, Full Metal Tilt introduces a dynamic, updated system inspired by the Jousting Matrix from Chainmail (Rules for Medieval Miniatures). You can use pencil and paper, the specialized Full Metal Tilt Cards, or The Knight Marshall to quickly determine results. The system has multiple jousting tables (Table O, A, B, C, D, and E), providing 288 unique outcomes. This variety ensures unpredictable and engaging matches. The system emphasizes tactical depth through Aiming Points and Defensive Maneuvers, where players must balance risky and safe strategies to outwit opponents, with outcomes such as Broken Lance, Crest Strike, Fumble, or Unhorse Checks adding narrative flair. Additionally, its integration of chivalric codes, detailed injury tables, crowd momentum, and the option for melee combat resolution sets it apart, creating a rich experience. Full Metal Tilt delivers a jousting simulation unmatched in its depth and replay ability.

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Friday, November 14, 2025

Kickstarter - Crypt Classics Miniatures (Fat Dragon Games)

Fat Dragon Games is Tom Tullis's print-on-demand miniatures company. I've known Tom for about a decade, and he is, despite appearances, one of the nicest people in our hobby. If you have questions about 3d printers, feel free to hit Tom up - he has the answers.

Crypt Classics Miniatures is Fat Dragon Games' latest Kickstarter. My 3d printer is still New-in-the-Box, but these minis are tempting me to find a place to set it up. Dwarves Ho!

To celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2025, we’re launching this Kickstarter with something truly extraordinary:
ALL stretch rewards are unlocked from day one! That’s right, every stretch goal for your chosen pledge level is already unlocked the moment you back.
Your incredible support over two decades made this possible, and this is our way of saying thank you.
This Kickstarter campaign offers 65 FDM-friendly 3D printable miniatures and also over 350 new Lost Sewers terrain models! Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of our new Crypt Classics sculpts, with intricate details and expertly crafted overhangs to eliminate the need for slicer supports. PLEDGE NOW AND GET OVER 400 MODELS FOR ONLY $49!

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Why "Swords & Wizardry?"

Believe me when I say I have them all in dead tree format. I have OSRIC in full size, trade paperback and the Player's Guide. I have LL and the AEC (and somewhere OEC, but I can't find it at the moment). Obviously I have Basic Fantasy RPG. Actually, I have the whole available line in print. Way too much Castles & Crusades. We all know my love for the DCC RPG. I even have Dark Dungeons in print, the Delving Deeper boxed set, Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea. BOTH editions of LotFP's Weird Fantasy and some dead tree copies of the Greyhawk Grognards Adventures Dark & Deep

I am so deep in the OSR when I come up for breath it's for the OSR's cousin, Tunnels & Trolls

So, out of all that, why Swords & Wizardry? Why, when I have been running a AD&D 1e / OSRIC campaign in Rappan Athuk am I using Swords & Wizardry and it's variant, Crypts & Things, for the second campaign? (Actually, now running a S&W Complete campaign, soon to be with multiple groups)

Because the shit works.

It's easy for lapsed gamers to pick up and feel like they haven't lost a step. I can house rule it and it doesn't break. It plays so close to the AD&D of my youth and college years (S&W Complete especially) that it continually surprises me. Just much less rules hopping than I remember. (my God but I can run it nearly without the book)

I grab and pick and steal from just about all OSR and Original resources. They seem to fit into S&W with little fuss. It may be the same with LL and the rest, but for me the ease of use fit's my expectations with S&W.

Even the single saving throw. That took me longer to adjust to, but even that seems like a natural to me now. Don't ask me why, it just does. Maybe it's the simplicity of it. At 45 52, simplicity and flexibility while remaining true to the feel of the original is an OSR hat trick for me ;)

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