New Release - FrontierSpace Referee's Handbook

The FrontierSpace Referee's Handbook just released (its the companion book to the FrontierSpace Player's Handbook). If FrontierSpace brings you the warm fuzzy feelings of classic Star Frontiers, its meant to. Its not so much a clone as a homage, presented with the care of folks that truly do love and respect the source material.

So, what do you get in the FrontierSapce Referee's Handbook that you don't get in the Player's Handbook? Well, if the player's book gives you the nuts and bolts of the system, the ref's book shows you how to put it all together for campaign play.

A Referee is many things: host, writer, actor, and judge. While players play, you have to do everything else. It’s almost like work, and isn’t for everyone. But you’re different; you LIKE the job. It’s a big job to do, and your toolkit should stack up to the size of your job.

The Referee’s Handbook is the essential toolkit for the FrontierSpace roleplaying game. While it does contain rules for action, adventure, and combat – it is full of so much more. A wealth of game preparation tools accompany this rulebook.

Inspiration is contained herein. Add psionics to your games. Design security systems and corporate installations to infiltrate. Customize characters, weapons, robots, vehicles, and starships. Design your own species and creatures. Build a campaign setting of your own, or flesh out the one provided. Generate star systems and planets to explore. You just add imagination!

The Referee's Handbook is the essential toolkit for every FrontierSpace Referee. Contained in this book you'll find all the rules you need for running the game. This is a companion volume to the Player's Handbook, available here.

FrontierSpace is built upon the foundation of the d00lite system, the same game engine used to power BareBones Fantasy and Covert Ops roleplaying games. Years of feedback and continued game system development has evolved this product into something that flows at the game table while getting out of the way of a good story.

The FrontierSpace Referee's Handbook is 9.99 in PDF. The FrontierSpace Player's Handbook is also 9.99 in PDF, but 17.99 gets you the rules in softcover and PDF.

I've been impressed with the FSPH. I'll need to catch up on the FSRH after I return from GameHole next week.

Those are affiliate links above. Affiliate links keep the lights burning at The Tavern.

Free RPG - Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG (Illustrated PDF Version) for free until November 1st (WFRP Clone)

For those of you that have thus far resisted the temptation to pick up a copy of the Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG (Illustrated PDF Version), now is your opportunity to grab it for free. Yep, through November 1st you can snag this houseruled clone of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 1e.

Its a damn good book and the price of free can't be beat. Don't hesitate too long, because if you do you'll miss out.

ZWEIHÄNDER Grim & Perilous RPG is a retro-clone spiritual successor to Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, an unrepentant OSR heartbreaker released under Creative Commons License Share-Alike. It is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game, one where adventurers will:

• Live in a gritty, ‘realistic’ fantasy world
• Make morally grey decisions & enact vicious reprisals
• Uncover insidious plots & political intrigue
• Desperately fight in clandestine & open field combat
• Defend themselves from injuries, madness & mutations
• Take part in heart-pumping chase scenes
• Venture into the wilderness & survive its perils
• Encounter sanity-blasting creatures & their minions

Using the classical D100 system, you will create grim characters, write perilous adventures and build low fantasy & dark fantasy campaigns. These rules are perfectly suitable to run Renaissance and medieval-styled adventures, too. You can also use this book to craft homebrew stories set in the works of Andrzej Sapkowski, George R.R. Martin, Glen Cook, Scott Lynch and other ‘grimdark’-inspired worlds.
This 692 page, all-in-one game includes most of what you need to play: a character creation guide, game mastery rules and a bestiary brimming with creatures both fair & foul. All that’s left to gather are a few friends, pencils and a handful of dice.
ZWEIHÄNDER awaits, and the fate of your grim & perilous tale hangs in the balance!

ZWEIHÄNDER print-on-demand now available! The book comes with a full color cover, with black & white interior. We used the Hardcover Color Book (Standard Heavyweight) option to make the B&W images richer. In addition, the heavier paper weight makes this book retail quality! 

Weekend Wonders - Knife of the Warden of the Lower Realms (SWCL / OSR)

The Knife of the Warden of the Lower Realms was created for and issued to Meagenbrand, Ranger and Warden of the Lower Realms, an area away from the larger kingdoms and empires of the world. The knife if a + 1 Knife that allows its bearer a 3 in 6 chance of tracking in the outdoors. In the hands of a Ranger, its true power shines through. The knife's enchantment becomes + 3 and inflicts double damage on goblinoids. In addition, the rangers tracking only fails if 2 "6s" are rolled on 2d6.

Meagenbrand fell to a warband of orcs and his knife was never recovered.

Art copyright Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games. Used with permission.

OGL

All Castle OldSkull releases (except one) on Sale for 99 Cents Each through Halloween

I'm realizing now that I have gaps in my Castle OldSkull PDF collection. Time to fill the gaps!

Oldskull Adventure Generator - 700+ pages - normally $12.99 - now 99 cents - I actually have this and it is good. For 99 cents? Amazing

The Classic Dungeon Design Guide - almost 400 pages - normally 9.99 - now 99 cents - I don't have this one. Time to grab.

Oldskull Dungeon Generator - damnit! another I don't have - grabbing now

K - I think I need about half the collection.

The full collection can be found at the Castle OldSkull Page at RPGNow

Yep, those are affiliate links. Affiliate links help keep the lights on here at The Tavern and we thank you.

Some Sword & Wizardry Continual Light Updates and Upcoming Releases

Monday morning will make 2 weeks since Swords & Wizardry Continual Light went on sale at RPGNow (early Thursday morning of that week it went on sale in print at Amazon, so about a week and a half there)

So far just under 650 copies of SWCL have been sold via RPGNow / OBS (645 as I type this) A further 72 print copies have sold via Amazon with another 50 copies coming with me to Gamehole next Wednesday, to be sold at the Frog God booth. The 50 copies for Gamehole will be signed and numbered. Not sure of the pricing yet as I am not the one pricing ;)

+Glen Hallstrom and I are hoping to have Wards & Necromancers, an undead sourcebook for SWCL hopefully ready by the end of November. 13 new undead creatures, a fleshed out Necromancer class, a Death Knight class, new spells, new magic items and whatever else we decide to squeeze in there.

Print copies of SWCL should be available at RPGNow and Lulu in late November / early December.

The Elementalist class for SWCL (originally written for S&W Appreciation Day earlier this year ) will be released at PWYW pricing on RPGNow either just prior to or just after Gamehole.

RPGNow link for Swords and Wizardry Continual Light PDF - PWYW

Swords Wizardry Continual Light - Print  $7 - Prime Shipping

RPGNow Halloween Sale - OSR Picks - The Astonishingly Complete Silent Visceral Shadow Under The Forbidden Caverns

Yeah, normally I make these picks earlier in the sale, but October has been a fairly busy month. Still, we do have some picks for your OSR bookshelf. Prices are good through the 31st of the month.

Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea (Second Edition) - I have the first edition and it is awesome - ASTONISHING SWORDSMEN & SORCERERS of HYPERBOREA™ is sword-and-sorcery role-playing at its pinnacle. Play an Amazon fighter, Atlantean magician, Esquimaux shaman, Hyperborean warlock, Ixian necromancer, Keltic barbarian, Kimmerian cataphract, Pictish thief, Viking berserker, or one of many other possibilities. The heroes of a HYPERBOREA campaign delve the mazes and labyrinths of vast dungeons filled with horrifying monsters, lethal traps, and bewildering puzzles. They explore savage frontiers, breach hostile borderlands, probe ancient ruins, and investigate cursed tombs. They plunder for treasure and magic in a decaying world inhabited by bloodthirsty beasts and weird, otherworldly beings. Now in its second edition, AS&SH™ has been expanded to include new classes, new spells, new monsters, new magic items, and more! It also includes a new, full colour map, an introductory town and adventure, as well as hundreds of new illustrations! This new edition is backwards-compatible with the original edition of the game. Explore endless challenges and infinite realms of imagination with this complete sword-and-sorcery role-playing game!  19.00  13.11

Barrowmaze Complete - there's a whole lotta adventure for your buck in here. you may even find a Tavern related Easter Egg ;)- Barrowmaze Complete (BMC) is a classic old school megadungeon for use with Labyrinth LordTM and other fantasy role-playing games. BMC includes everything in Barrowmaze I and II in the same book in addition to new material, art, layout, and cover art by Ex-TSR artist Erol Otus. Barrowmaze Complete will keep your players on their toes and your campaign going strong. BMC is brought to you by the Old School Renaissance (so don’t forget your 10’ pole). This edition includes art by the aforementioned TSR artists Erol Otus, as well as Tim Truman, Jim Holloway. New old-school artists include Peter Pagano, Cory Hamel, Stefan Poag, Zhu Bajie, Stephan Thompson, and others. 35.00  24.15

Dungeon Crawl Classics 2017 Halloween Module: Shadow Under Devil's Reef - A level 1 adventure for DCC RPG – specially themed for Halloween horror! The perfect October release! A raging storm has made the waters around Devil’s Reef impossible to navigate safely. The noble galleon, The Royal Dawn, has run aground and Princess Kaeko from faraway Fu-Lamia is now missing! Untold riches and glory await those who successfully find the princess and safely deliver her to Black Sand Port. As the greedy and ambitious adventurers set out to find the princess, their thoughts linger on the few Royal Dawn survivors that washed up on the beach with bodies that were corrupted by strange frog-like mutations. What kind of evil awaits the adventurers on that forbidden island?
6.99  4.82

Hubris: A World of Visceral Adventure - 2017 Ennies Winner - Hubris is a weird fantasy setting that  uses the awesome Dungeon Crawl Classics rules!  In this book you will find 10 territories filled with tables and charts to generate interesting locations and encounters, new occupations, 4 new classes, 5 new playable races, 3 new spells, 4 new patrons, including 3 patrons spells for each, 11 new and terrible gods, 14 tables and charts for a GM to use to aid them in their game or create interesting/fun situations, two new adventures to kick off a campaign, and 51 new enemies (including enemies that are unique thanks to random generation).  Hubris is hackable!  Each territory can be used as the GM wills!  Need a desert, swamp, or frozen tundra for your game?  Use what's in Hubris!  14.99  10.34

Silent Legions - perfect for the season - Silent Legions is a game of modern-day Lovecraftian horror, one carefully designed to support sandbox adventures by hard-bitten investigators and fearless hunters of the dark. Its clean, lightweight old-school rules are compatible with the free Stars Without Number sci-fi game and give both GM and players a steady framework for plumbing the unspeakable secrets of the eldritch night. Now, after a successful Kickstarter with more than 1,100 backers, a Kickstarter completed a month early, this tome of dark secrets can be yours. Silent Legions isn't just about traditional Yog-Sothothery. Silent Legions is a creation kit, a toolbox in the Sine Nomine style for creating your own Mythos, with all-new deities, alien entities, foul magics, accursed artifacts, unaussprechlichen kulten, and diabolical dream-worlds to bedevil your players. These tools are system-neutral, so even fans of other Lovecraftian gaming systems can scoop them up to add a splash of fresh horror to their more familiar tentacular abominations. Not only that, but Silent Legions is built to help the GM create investigative adventures with minimal strain. Within these pages you'll find a modular set of templates and adventure guides that help you snap together an evening's intrepid investigation and fit it neatly into your campaign setting. Like the Mythos creation tools, these guides are system-neutral and can be exported for any occasion when you need something wicked to this way come. So seize now upon this opportunity! Plunder this vault of forgotten lore. Grasp these dark tools of creation and wield their power to fashion your own nightmarish reality. Perhaps none dare name the things that await your animating will, but soon enough the world will know them well…  19.99  13.79

The following technically NOT part of the Halloween Sale but IS on sale for the weekend:

The Forbidden Caverns of Archaia - Current #1 Seller at RPGNow -A new megadungeon from Barrowmaze author Dr. Greg Gillespie! The lost city of Archaia - an ancient ruin sunken into the earth - lies deep in the badlands. In recent years, caravans from Eastdale have come under attack from orcs, goblins, and worse. Some say these blood-thirsty warbands have made lairs in the deep caves and ruins. Sill others say the ancient halls are filled with magnificent treasures left by the Archaians. Are you brave (or foolish) enough to delve The Forbidden Caverns of Archaia? The Forbidden Caverns of Archaia (FCoA) is a 296-page classic old school megadungeon for use with Labyrinth LordTM and other fantasy role-playing games. The pages of Forbidden Caverns are crammed full with new material, maps, amazing art (including special surprizes by former TSR artists), as well as an amazing colour cover art by Ex-TSR artist Erol Otus that matches Barrowmaze Complete as a sister-book. The Forbidden Caverns of Archaia will keep your players on their toes and your campaign going strong for years. FCoA is brought to you by the Old School Renaissance (so don’t forget your 10’ pole).  35.00  29.00

Yep, those are affiliate links above. Using The Tavern's affiliate links keeps the Tavern funded. We thank you in advance.

How I Handle Other Classes Using "Thief Skills" in OSR Games

Art copyright William McAusland, used with permission

This topic came up yesterday in the Swords & Wizardry Facebook Group. It was interesting enough to me that I decided to answer it here.

This is how I see thief skills - they allow for certain tasks to resolved by a simple die roll. Other classes don't have access to these "skills" - its really quite that simple. Its not that they can't attempt to duplicate the results, but they must use other methods.

Locked door? Kick it open. Batter it down. Destroy the lock with an iron spike and hammer. Only thieves can "pick the lock" but others can try other methods.

Locked chest? Bust the lock with a hammer or axe. Use acid on the lock.

Picking a pocket? Really hard for a non thief to attempt, because quite simply, the untrained will nearly always be caught. Getting your subject drunk might be your best option.

Climb walls? Grappling hoop and a rope. Mountain climbing gear. Fly spell. Levitation.

Find Traps? Judicious use of a 10' pole. Searching. Much like secret doors, you probably need to explain where and how you are searching. Thieves just need to roll some dice.

Remove traps? Set them off from a safe distance. Block the mechanism. Of course, you need to find it first.

A thief simply gets a die roll. The rest actually have to puzzle it out and may need to roll some dice.

That's how I roll :)

Mideweek Monster Mayhem - Wicht (SWCL / OSR)

Wichts are related to Wights and Ghouls, with the worst traits of each, simply amplified. Pack hunters, their touch requires a saving throw, failure results in the paralyzation of the victim for 1d6 turns. Wichts stay focused on their paralyzed victims, biting for 1d6 damage automatically each round until their victim dies or the Wicht is destroyed. Damage inflicted by a Wicht's bite heals at the rate of 1 point per week of bedrest. Magical healing works, but only at half its normal effectiveness until all of the bite damage is healed.

Wicht
AC: 3[16]  5[14] when feeding  HD: 4   Attacks: Claw or Bite (1d6) Move: 12
Special: Paralysis

Art copyright Malcom McClinton

Midweek Monster Mayhem is brought to you by the generosity of The Tavern's Patreon Backers.

OGL

Kickstarter - Fantasy Stock Art & RPG Miniatures - Artist James Shields (Cover Artist SWCL)

I know I've already mentioned James' Fantasy Stock Art & RPG Miniatures Kickstarter. Its at least 50 new pieces of stock art / print at home RPG miniatures.

Buy in is as little as 10 bucks for the print at home minis, 25 bucks for half the stock art, 50 bucks for the full 50 plus pieces and more if you want a guaranteed pitch of you idea.

Seriously, James is good. Damn good.

This is James' cover art on Swords & Wizardry Continual Light:

In the words of my six year old niece - "This SELLS uncle! This SELLS!" Yes it does Pinky. Yes it does.

New Release - Wizardry Unearthed for Swords & Wizardry Continual Light

Wizardry Unearthed for Swords & Wizardry Continual Light is the first release supporting Swords & Wizardry Continual Light.

In these 10 pages you get new races, new optional classes, a new mechanics for resolving thief skills and new monsters.

Yep, there's a lot crammed into the 10 pages.

While I think some of the new races are a bit more powerful then the four core, limiting them to the core classes and treating their race as an optional class for advancement purposes would balance it just fine.

The new classes are fun and the new monsters are just asking to be used. I can never have enough monsters (and I owe one for this week here at The Tavern)

Wizardry Unearthed for Swords & Wizardry Continual Light is just $1.25 in PDF.

Grab a copy :)

Those are affiliate links up above - using The Tavern's affiliate links helps to support The Tavern.

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - The Continual Light Conversation - 9 PM Eastern

Tonight is a Wednesday Night and that means - you guessed it - Tavern Chat!

Its held on The Tavern's Discord Server. For those that haven't joined yet, here's the link:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

Open Bar is where the voice chat takes place.

Chat starts at 9 PM Eastern and lasts - well, last week it lasted until 3 AM. Ouch ;)

Folks aways want to know topics. Well, I'll be happy to talk about Swords & Wizardry Continual Light - PDF is PWYW on RPGNow and Print is 7 bucks with Prime shipping on Amazon.

Swords Wizardry Continual Light - Print

Its been a good week overall since the last chat :)

Back to Basix Issue #3 Preorders are Live

If you haven't grabbed and issue of Back to Basix - the zine covering the BX edition of D&D, here's your chance.

Issues #1 and #2 are 5 bucks each.

Issue #3 is a preorder and is also 5 bucks,

Order all three for $12.50. Shipping is included in all cases.

I grabbed a copy of BtB at NTRPG in June and it was excellent. I ordered the three-pack because I can always use an extra copy ;)

Here's the order link: http://throwigames.com/purchase_b2bx.html

As always, this issue will have a comic from Travis Hanson (part 3 of the Broken God of the Crimson Abbey), an interview with an industry legend, a product review, articles on new monsters and spell casting, and two adventures. It should be 16 pages but might creep into 20 - tbd.

Kickstarter - The Folio #16 & #17 Double 1E & 5E Adventure Set (1e & 5e)

You know what one of my favorite part of the various Folio releases is? The covers. Seriously, pretty much each one is something you'd like to see in a print suitable for framing.

The stuff behind the covers is pretty good too. Detached covers (hey, i guess i could frame them), maps on the inside of the covers like classic TSR era adventures (hmm, maybe I won't frame the covers), adventure and setting material (which I happily steal from to use in my own going campaigns), new monsters - seriously, the whole series os good.

The current Kickstarter is for Folio issues 16 and 17. What's inside?

What’s in the adventure? All original content built in the Art of the Genre world of the Nameless Realms. Incorporating tidbits from previous Folios such as Roslof Keep, the Taux Trilogy, and of course The Isle of Jade (setting for Folio #14 & #15) these new adventures will allow players to start at mid-level as they encounter a half sunken ship that leads them to Distant Turtle City.  This Asian inspired port has fallen to the power of the dark sorcerer Molo of the Thirteen Wives, and only the players can free it while continuing on their quest to help save the world from Molo's ultimate plan. 

Here's the 2nd cover:

Come on! You know you want to ;)

PDF only of the two issues is 10 bucks. Print plus PDF of the two issues is 30 bucks.

Weekend Wonders - Kite Shield of the Damned Lords (SWCL/ OSR)

The Kite Shield of the Damned Lords is one of three surviving magic items associated with the Lords of The Crestfalls. Two brothers and a sister of the noble house of Avinier were sent on a quest to retrieve a piece of ancient knowledge. None of the three siblings returned, but their ghosts have been spotted roaming the streets of Town of Crestfallen, writhing in eternal pain.

The Kite Shield of the Damned Lords is a well worn shield, pitted and dented but still a solid piece of smithy work. Its enchantment comes into play when what would be a killing blow is struck. At such a time, the shield heals its wielder for 1d6+1 Hit Points. Otherwise it is treated as a + 1 magic shield. This effect may be invoked once per day.

Note: No natural healing from rest will be enjoyed by the wielder after its enchantment is invoked. Ex: Healed for 3 HP, for the next 3 days no natural healing will occur.

OGL

artwork copyright William McAusland, used with permission

Thanks to The Tavern's supporters at both The Tavern's Patreon and directly through Paypal, we have a monthly backing of over $150. This means 4 to 5 monsters for Swords & Wizardry Light / OSR per month, 4 to 5 Swords & Wizardry Light / OSR magic / wondrous items per month AND backers at $1.50 a month or higher via Patreon will get a collected PDF of the prior month's releases emailed to them. Paypal backers will need to email me in the middle of October to receive theirs. This is the fourth release for the month of October.

Layout for September's postings has commenced. Swords & Wizardry Continual Light has released on RPGNow in PDF Amazon for POD.

Gamer in Need - Stacy Dellorfano Cancer Fight Fund

Let me start this by saying my opinion of Stacy hasn't changed. I still hold a huge grudge against Stacy for her dismissive and belittling comments she made against my wife, Rachel. So, consider this a big step for me.

You see, I'm a cancer survivor. Cancer is the great equalizer. Rich, poor, black, white, whatever your gender, simply "whatever" - it doesn't care. Its probably the scariest thing that can happen to someone, as its a possible death sentence that you have a damn long time to think about every day.

I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Stacy is being hit with all the expenses that go along with a long term illness that health insurance does not cover. Thats a heavy burden when you are fighting for your life.

Link to Stacy's Cancer Fund - link removed at Stacey's request

I'm pledging two days of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light royalties to Stacy's Cancer Fund, today's and tomorrow's sales both on RPGNow and Amazon. If it comes to less than 50 bucks, I'll send her 50 on Wednesday.

You don't need to like everyone in your community to care about everyone in your community.

edit - 10.24.17  1150 AM

The response has been excellent. When I posted this last night, $420 had been raised since Monday morning. It's now over $2,500 and halfway to goal.

14 shares on G plus alone. This community certainly rocks!

Just some further background on me. In my career in law enforcement, fundraisers for cops or their immediately family members for medical expenses beyond health insurance coverage was part of the culture. You gave what you could. Didn't matter if they were your best friend or the asshat you refused to work a single tour in a radio car with. In the end, it was a cop or a cop's family in need and that's all that mattered. Because one day, you too might be in need.

Its probably why I make announcements such as this at The Tavern when I find out about them. Most are folks I don't know personally. Some I didn't know of at all prior to their need.

We are all gamers. This is OUR community. We take care of our own.

Thank you.

edit 10.24.17 306 PM 

Apparently my assistance is not wanted. I will not be donating 50 or more dollars to Stacy's cancer fund AT HER REQUEST. The link to the fund has been removed AT HER REQUEST.

I'm sure it can be found with a simple Google search and I still encourage you to give. Cancer is a horror I wish on no one.

God bless.

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light - One Week Later - Still Holding #1 Hottest Small Press at RPGNow

I can hardly believe that Swords & Wizardry Continual Light released a week ago today in PDF at RPGNow.

SWCL has held the Number 1 spot in the Hottest Small Press category at RPGNow steadily since last Tuesday (and is currently at 14 in Bestselling Titles) It also secured a "Copper Pick" rating at RPGNow.

Print sales of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light currently happen over on Amazon. There, SWCL sits at the 72nd spot in Books - Science Fiction & Fantasy - Gaming

Swords Wizardry Continual Light - Print

There's a bunch planned going forward for Swords & Wizardry Continual Light, both from third parties and myself. Good times ahead.

State of The Tavern - October 23, 2017 - Ups, Downs and All Arounds

Its been a hell of a week.

One the plus side, Swords & Wizardry Continual Light released a week ago. With over 550 sales to date in PDF (and over 50 copies in print) I'd call it a rousing success. I've got plans going forward which I suspect those of you that have grabbed a copy will like. The PDF is PWYW, so really, you should grab it.

On the negative side, I've received two threats of legal action in the past week. Yes, they are both groundless and no lawyers would actually act on them (let alone any court) but the stress remains. How many of you can claim to have the same shit hanging over you let alone twice in a week?

Which brings me to the bullshit side - I've seen comments on G+, Facebook and elsewhere that "Tenkar is taking a dive on the current controversy! What an ass! Why isnt he..." and all that other shit.

To those that are saying such (most of you already dislike me or worse already, so this is just a handy excuse for y'all to bitch) kindly go fuck yourself. You aren't being hit with threats of legal action. You haven't gone through the stress. If I decide a topic or subject is one that I don't plan on addressing, accept it. I have my reasons. God forbid I actually had to raise money for a legal defense, you are the same fucktards that would scream "don't give him money! he deserves what he gets!"

There, that feels much better.

And no, I'm not revealing the contents of the first threat of legal action. Many have already drawn their own conclusions as to who made the threat in question. While I will neither conform nor deny any theories, I would have been proud to have had many of you in my squad of detectives when I was still actively employed. You do good work ;)

Edit: I mistakenly left this open to comments, which wasn't my intent, as I specifically went out of my way NOT to name a specific person. Live and learn.

For those voicing support, thanks.

For Jason - I told a selection of folks to "kindly go fuck themselves." "Fucktard" would apply if I needed to raise legal funds and the same selection of folks lobbied against it. You can't claim the title yet and hopefully you aren't put in a position to do so.

As for your second issue, there is a response that was posted in the relevant RPG.net thread last night. I am not a partner in any company aside my own little publishing corner. I don't get consulted on issues that you refer to and it wasn't on my radar until a third party brought it to my attention early yesterday. I am not omniscient but I am flattered that you think I am.

Deal of the Day - How to Write Adventure Modules That Don't Suck (Goodman Games)

How to Write Adventure Modules That Don't Suck is today's Deal of the Day at RPGNow. I backed the Kickstarter and have the dead tree of this and I must say, its and enjoyable read with lots of advice you can pick and choose from.

Normal price is $6.99, but for the next 23 hours you can grab the PDF of How to Write Adventure Modules that Don't Suck for $2.10

Over the last 15 years, Goodman Games has established a reputation for publishing some of the best adventure modules in the industry. Now we present our advice on how you can write great adventures! This compilation of articles is authored by two dozen of the industry’s best-known adventure writers. Each article gives a different perspective on how to write adventure modules that don’t suck, written by authors with decades of experience and prominent published credits. By the time you’re done reading this book, you’ll be on the path to designing great adventure modules on your own. 

Whether you’re an experienced writer or an aspiring novice, you’ll find something of value in this book! 

New expanded edition! This PDF is now updated to include the 160-page edition published in 2017. It also includes the shorter 32-page edition originally published at Gen Con 2007.

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Using The Tavern's affiliate links keeps us in beer, er... I mean, keeps us lubricated... I mean, keeps us doing what we do best!

ConManKen Would Like YOU to Replace his Image with Something More Appropriate

Sunday's are a magical day. Second day of the weekend. Birds are chirping. The dog licks your face. There's an email from #ConManKen requesting the removal of all of his images from The Tavern:

So, there you have it. A challenge. #ConManKen would like his images removed so lets get some replacements / photoshops / penisheads crowdsourced by the community. Don't worry about the videos, those are all links to hosting sites.

We want some top notch work as it needs to be worthy of the Great Kenny Whit Whitman!

You can use http://www.tenkarstavern.com/search/label/conmanken to find the more recent posts about Ken. BTW, he does not own ANY of his Walking Dead pics - that's AMC. I'm sure he has a great working relationship with them at this point. Come to think of it, does Ken own the rights to his own Facebook avatar?

Oh, and he commented on the previous #ConManKen post. Damn it Kenny, you are sooooo funny!

edit - here's an example already submitted:

Midweek Monster Mayhem - Armored Skeleton - (SWL / OSR)

Aye, you need to watch out for them skellies with armor. Not saying they're intelligent, but I am saying they aren't your usual bucket o' bones. Simply put, these buggers are harder to hit and hit harder. Faster too, almost like they be feeding on the blood of those they be deading. They just ain't good lad, and I'd avoid them if the choice be mine.

Armored Skeleton
AC: 4[15]    HD: 2   Attacks: By Weapon   Move: 12
Special: Free attack when striking the killing blow against an opponent they receive a free attack on a new opponent.

Art copyright Eric Quigley

Midweek Monster Mayhem is brought to you by the generosity of The Tavern's Patreon Backers.

OGL

SWCL released this week. Its PWYW in PDF and 7 bucks on Amazon in Print on Demand

Frog God Games Sale - 25% off Print & PDF

This came in me email overnight:

25% Off Everything, 7 days only!!

Bill has spoken and in his wisdom has decreed that for the next week get 25% off all orders at the webstore (except the Blight)!!

www.froggodgames.com

Use the coupon code -

PRE-GHC-25

at checkout!

Hero's Brew Podcast - Episode #3 - Hanging with (Jason) Hobbs

Finally! Yeah, its taken some effort to nail down episode Three of the Hero's Brew Podcast, but nail it we did.

James, Glen and myself had an amazing time with our special guest Jason Hobbs. Yes, the same Jason Hobbs from the Hobbs & Friends of the OSR Podcast.

Dare I say it? Best. Episode. Evah! Yeah, its only our third, I know ;)

You can listen above or use the link below to download: https://herosbrew.podbean.com/mf/play/i97gd7/Brew_03.mp3

It should be live on iTune and Google Play right now.

Enjoy!

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light went "Copper Pick" Earlier Today!

Yep. Swords & Wizardry Continual Light made "Copper Pick" at RPGNow earlier today. To say that the response to SWCL has been exciting and awesome doesn't even come close. Thank you all!

Still sitting at #1 in the Hottest Small Press ranking too :)

Remember, the SWCL PDF is priced at PWYW.

Print copies at Amazon are 7 bucks - shipping is free if you have Prime.

Swords Wizardry Continual Light - Print

This weekend will be layout weekend for my Patreon backers as I put together the September monsters and magic. These will be available at RPGNow down the line but not for at least another month.

There are plans for more SWCL content, not just from me but also others in our community. I love this shit! :)

Oh, before I forget, if you are new to SWCL please join the Swords & Wizardry Legion on Facebook. Its an awesome community with active posters and content for your games (and you can have free stuff actually mailed to you!)

Deal of the Day - Mithgarthr RPG Core Rulebook

Sorry this post is a bit late but today was a busy day. Today's Deal of the Day at RPGNow is the Mithgarthr RPG Core Rulebook.

What is Mithgarthr? I'd say its 5e without the bloat and presented from the old school perspective. Oh, and it's extremely well done. I may need to grab the print copy of this.

The Mithgarthr RPG Core Rulebook is usually 19.99 in PDF, but until tomorrow morning at 11 am eastern its on sale for 9.99. Damn good deal.

Introducing Mithgarthr: The Roleplaying Game! Enter a rich, original world inspired by Norse and Germanic culture. Explore the dark places where Gooblitts and Dýrverr roam. Battle against the treacherous forces of Chaos led by Orcus and The Thrir. Die horribly at the hands of greenskins while trying to get rich quick with your friends! 

Mithgarthr takes its mechanics from the fifth edition of the world's most popular role playing game, but molds them against its grim setting. Characters start at zero level with just the skills they have from their mundane profession (of which there are nine to choose from) and a desire to make a better life for themselves. Players may choose from seven races including the murine Ratten and the winged, hawk-like Fjothr. Life is cheap and death comes often, but those adventurers who survive long enough to attain first level have eight iconic classes to choose from. Magic is cast using a point system, and is less common than usual. Monsters have their own magic system, drawing their power from Orcus. 

Included in the core rulebook are everything you need to play the game! Character creation rules, combat, adventuring, equipment, magic, monsters, world setting information, and even a fully fleshed out town and surrounding wilderness to start in. 

That's an affiliate link above. Purchases made via The Tavern's affiliate links help support all that happens here at The Tavern. 

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light - 420 Copies Sold - Still Holding at #1 Small Press Title at RPGNow

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light went live at RPGNow just over 4 days ago late Monday morning. As I type this, we've sold 420 copies via RPGNow (and a handful in print via Amazon)

Remember, the PDF of SWCL is current PWYW, so there is no reason not to grab a copy.

The Print version of SWCL is currently available on Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, it ships free. POD via RPGNow and Lulu are probably a few weeks out.

Swords Wizardry Continual Light - Print

I appreciate the reviews. They are humbling. This whole experience is humbling, as I never expected the amazing reception Swords & Wizardry Continual Light has received.

Thank you all.

Now, back to work for this old bartender...

#ConManKen - Aways Working - For YOU!

Oh my fucking God! Yes, #ConManKen is working "for you!" Don't worry, he's got it all under control.

You know the following is authentic. Shit, it has Ken's inability to spell written all over it ;)

"As many of you may know, I, Ken “Whit” Whitman, have been a background Actor on The Walking Dead for three episodes. (he means "Extra") I want to start out by saying it is an honor to have worked on the Walking Dead as an extra.  I love to tell the stories of working on set when I am a guest at stores and events.  (in Ken speak - I like to enhance my BS status as an extra into what it isnt)

Recently I bought a Comic Book shop in Somerset Ky called Little Monsters Games & Comics, LLC. (with "no money down!) We sale all kinds of nerd and geek things.  Comic Book, Magic The Gathering Cards, D&D, Walking Dead, you name it. 

Several weeks ago I met a man named King Jones (bullshit name if I ever heard one, and 20 years as an active LEO I heard lots of BS), from Russel Springs KY, who stated that he was the third largest collector of The Walking Dead merchandise in the world. (might I ask who are numbers one and two? I'm beginning to smell something, and it smells like...)  This 67 year old man (because he gave Ken his exact age - frivolous details are the sign of bullshit) seemed very likable and proceeded to show me his collection that he brought to my store.  He brought me multiple Walking Dead  items, including, 4 Scripts signed by actors, a proto type Negan bat, origianl Funko pop drawings, A couple CGC Walking Dead CGC Graded Comics, and Michonne Boots, saying that the boots were all purchased buy collectors from charity auctions. (No, I did not make any of the typos here)

It took us a few days to figure out they were fake (fuck you Ken - WE told you they were fake you lying sack of shit), and I immediatly reported it to the Police.  Thankfully NONE of the items given to me on consignment were sold.  Mr. King was questioned by the police in my store and he was told to never try to sell these items again. (I call bullshit. Simple bullshit.) 

However, due to how the law works, the fake items were given back to Mr. Jones, who I hope hopefuly destroyed said materials, or is looking for the people who sold him the items. (Kenny, would you like to say any of this under oath?)

I am very happy in my decision to work with the police about this unfortinate situation.  I am not happy that the police did not take the items for any type of evidence and only gave Mr. Jones a warning but in the USA everyone is innocent until proven guilty. (holy fuck dude - if there was a crime committed, he would have been arrested. Are these the same police as your imaginary FBI that were to be waiting at my door? I still have the tea waiting on their arrival) But that is the law folks. Deep down in my heart I hope that Mr. Jones is a victom also (I'm sure he is a "victom" - spell check dude, try it, use it, love it - it makes you look less an imbecile), but fell compelled to let people know of my story so this does not happen again. 

They say, If you don't get what you want to get experience.  I now know what a real CGC comic slab looks like.  I now know how to check letter of authentisties!  (right. Whatever. Just make sure the next forgery looks more "authentisties!") And believe me, I am checking any third party materials that comes in my store.   

AMC Networks, & CGC Comic grading systems have been notified and are fully away of the situation. (they were notified, but not by you. Holy shit Ken, you are spinning one hell of a tale) I can only hope that they contine to pursue these fakes and find the people who ruin fandom for the little guy. 

In conclusion, I am truly sorry for my unknowing envolvment in this situation, and appreceate all our local customers who have stuck beside me during this unfortiunate situation. ("I need rubes, damn it!")

Take care!  Ken “Whit” Whitman"

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light Available in Print on Amazon - Free Prime Shipping

I expected to have to wait until the weekend for Amazon to put Swords & Wizardry Continual Light on sale, but it happened tonight. Holy cow (and Tavern Chat is still up as I type this with Bill Webb on a roll)

The price for Swords & Wizardry Continual Light in print is 7 bucks. If you have Amazon Prime, it ships free.

Swords Wizardry Continual Light - Print

There are about 5 blank pages at the end (minimum book size is 24 pages at CreateSpace) which will be offered, in the future, to third party publishers to freely advertise their support material for SWCL.

Remember, you can grab SWCL at PWYW pricing at RPGNow.

Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Bill Webb on the FGG Discord at 10 PM Eastern - Afterwards? He May Wander Into Tavern Chat

Its Wednesday, so tonight is Tavern Chat!

What are we going to talk about? Well, I'm sure Swords & Wizardry Continual Light will come up among other things ;)

Tavern Chat runs from 9PM Eastern until we start to nod off - usually between 1230 and 1 AM.

Use the following link to join The Tavern's Discord Server:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

Tonight though, the Frog God Games Discord server is running a Q&A with none other that Bill Webb at 10 PM Eastern.

You can use this link to join in:  https://discord.gg/uswugvF

I have it on good authority that Bill MAY (as in, probably but not 100%) pop into Tavern Chat afterwards.

Bill is aways a good time, so catch him in both locations if you can tonight.

State of The Tavern - Juggling Balls of Continual Light

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light has sold over 300 PDF copies in 48 hours at OneBookShelf's two storefronts. Wow. Simply wow. Thank you.

Proof copies of SWCL should arrive from CreateSpace tomorrow and if all goes well print on demand copies should be available at Amazon by the weekend. The plan is to also have a few dozen signed and numbered print copies of SWCL available for sale at the Frog God booth at GameHole. I can only bring what fits in the carry on, so numbers will be limited.

Files for OneBookShelf and Lulu will be worked on this week, so figure a few more weeks before print on demand is available at those sources.

More immediately, the monster and magic item releases from September should be laid out and sent to backers by the end of the weekend. Work begins on The Tavern funded adventure this week also. Hope to have that up by GameHole.

Folks have asked about Torchlight, the Swords & Wizardry Magazine. Now that Swords & Wizardry Continual Light has released everything else should start falling into place. I'm aiming for a January release for the Torchlight PDF, but in any case I expect print copies to be available at GaryCon in March.

Clan & Hammer is something I'm excited to start working on beyond my initial notes. Its my dwarven RPG built off of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light. Probably not much will be done there until the first issue of Torchlight is mostly done, but sometimes the muse decides on its own ;)

I am ever grateful for the support I've gotten from the community. Your feedback on the SWCL Beta and SWCL Pre-Release Candidate was invaluable. If you haven't grabbed a copy of SWCL yet, do so. Its PWYW, so there's no reason not to.

If you get a chance, please leave a review at RPGNow, even if its critical. Reviews are the bread and butter of success. And spread the word. The more copies in the wild, the more potential third party support for Swords & Wizardry Continual Light.

Which reminds me. I need to put SWCL together as a .doc file for those looking to hack it into other genres and such. Adding that to the list ;)

Yes, thats an affiliate link above. When you use The Tavern's affiliate link to make your RPGNow purchases, a small portion is forwarded to The Tavern and supports work like SWCL.

Kickstarter - Tales From the Magician's Skull (Swords & Sorcery Fiction)

Have I mentioned I have a real problem reading novels these days? Seriously, I used to read 6 books a month before chemo. Now I'm lucky if i read 2 a year. No problem with short stories though and that's why Tales From the Magician's Skull Kickstarter has a HUGE appeal to me.

Swords & Sorcery short stories? Brought to you by Goodman Games? Holy shit, I'm in! heh

Tales From the Magician's Skull is a printed fantasy magazine dedicated to presenting all-new sword-and-sorcery fiction by the finest modern crafters in the genre. These stories are the real thing, crammed with sword-swinging action, dark sorceries, dread, and ferocious monsters -- and they hurtle forward at a headlong pace. 

Issue #1 is complete and ready for printing. It is brimming with 72 pages and contains 7 stories, each featuring a full page black-and-white illustration. When appropriate to the tale, maps to terrifying tombs and sinister lairs are included as well. Each story has been written, edited, illustrated, and laid out in classic pulp magazine format. A bonus section translates elements from each story - creatures, magic items, and more - into Dungeon Crawl Classics game terms. 

Issue #1 features fiction by James Enge, John C. Hocking, Howard Andrew Jones, Aeryn Rudel, Bill Ward, C. L. Werner, and Chris Willrich. The magazine is edited by Howard Andrew Jones and published by Joseph Goodman of Goodman Games, with layout by Lester B. Portly. 

Each story is lovingly illustrated by industry stalwarts, and issue #1 features art by Jennell Jaquays, Doug Kovacs, Willam McAusland, Brad McDevitt, Ian Miller, Russ Nicholson, and Stefan Poag.

In for two issues, print plus PDF.

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light - 220 Downloads in 24 hours of Release at RPGNow

As I stated yesterday, the response to Swords & Wizardry Continual Light has been amazing. I'm almost at a loss for words and that's damn rare for me ;)

220 downloads of SWCL in 24 hours is humbling, because the bar has been set and I'll need to keep it high.

SWCL is #1 in the Hottest Small Press and #11 in the Bestselling Titles (it briefly held the #3 spot overnight - ah well) at RPGNow.

The one thing Swords & Wizardry Continual Light needs is reviews, especially at RPGNow. Honest ones. I know some of The Tavern's Community have been using the beta rules of SWCL so you may be able to point out its virtues (as well as flaws)

You can download a copy of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light at RPGNow. Pricing is PWYW so feel free to just grab it and tip later if you so desire or not tip at all.

Should be getting proof prints from CreateSpace this week and if all goes well, Amazon sales for print copies will be up by the weekend. Files for RPGNow and Lulu POD will be worked on later this week.

Thank you all.

That is an affiliate link above. Purchases made using The Tavern's affiliate links help fund projects such as this.

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light - Number 1 on the RPGNow Hottest Small Press

Thank you! You've helped drive Swords & Wizardry Continual Light to the #1 spot on the RPGNow Hottest Small Press List.

Woot!

Its also sitting at #12 overall.

If you have grabbed a copy of the PDF, please do. Its priced at PWYW so grab it for free. You can always tip later :)

Print proofs shipped from CreateSpace this morning. If all goes weill, print copies should be on sale at Amazon this week!

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light is LIVE on RPGNow in PDF!

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light is on sale at RPGNow in PDF! It is priced at Pay What You Want (PWYW) so grab it for free if you so desire. (you can always tip later if the urge hits you)

This was a work of love by +James Spahn , +Zach Glazar and myself.

Enjoy and hack at it!

You remember, don't you? The sounds of battle heard through the clatter of dice? The shuffling of character sheets? The war stories shared with fellow campaigners? 

There is a longing in the soul of every adventurer and though it sometimes fades to a whisper, you still hear it. Swords & Wizardry Continual Light marks your return to fantasy roleplaying - or if you're curious what fantasy gaming is all about, this is the perfect introduction. 

This book, a twenty-sided die, and a few six-sided dice are all you need to return to the table, recall those halcyon days of heroism, and forge brand new legends! Welcome back!

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. That being said, you don't have to pay anything. Just dowbload and enjoy :)