LotFP Referee Book Indiegogo Update - This IS How Project Updates SHOULD Be

Wow. Is the latest update on the LotFP Referee Book brutally honest? Yes. Is it spam? Fuck no! This is what a project update should be. No holds barred, no vagueness, no bullshit dates that aren't going to happen anyway. 

I'm thankful James shared this via the project's page. I suspect not everyone follows him on G plus or catches him at Cons and this is probably the best way to ensure all backers have access to the update.


posted by James Raggi
Nov 24, 2017 • 1:09PM PST
Update November 2017

OK. Media-mandated update.

First note about why no updates: Because if I don't have anything definite to tell you, I'm wasting your time and mine. I back a fair number of crowdfunding campaigns, and I hate 'just keeping in touch' updates. It's spam.

As it was I was telling people at Gen Con "my part will be done by Spiel" and then at Spiel "by Dragonmeet" and now Dragonmeet's next week and it won't be ready by then. Hoping by the end of the year.

Because one thing I've learned over the last few years is that saying "I'll have it done by x date," or that anyone else telling me "I'll have my thing done by x date," (you all think I like only having one commercial release for the whole year?) basically is wishful thinking, so why in the world keep telling people that when I am quite obviously full of shit with it?
So that's why no official updates. If you're actually wondering if I'm still alive, I'm not hard to find either on social media or at conventions, but I don't consider it anything special to say anything on this specific website.

So the FAQ:

Why is it taking so long? Honest answer: I'm an idiot. Seriously. I'm going for an AD&D 1e DMG level of masterpiece. To give you an all-time great work of gaming. That's pretty much impossible to do on purpose, but even missing that mark it should be damn good. And writing such a thing, and not a workaday kind of thing, is significantly more difficult, and there are other excuses that aren't good excuses, and I'm slow as shit even at the best of times.

Is the project dead? FUCK NO. It's coming. Pretty much every crowdfunding thing I've ever done has been late as shit, and that's not at all a good thing, but it arrives. (and after the Ref book stuff there's still odds and bobs from other campaigns to get to as well...)

This is coming.

Are you working on other things at the same time? Besides managing other peoples' projects (mainly just acting as traffic cop), not really except for the few weeks in Nov/Dec doing the Free RPG Day thing, which has just been monsters or spells, projects of disconnected items that don't need grand narratives. (yes, it's that time again... will be out of the way very soon.)

So shouldn't there be some sort of penalty for this? OK, that's more a question I made up, but to let you know that every day there's no Ref book available, I'm losing quite a bit of income. Rules & Magic sales were up 50% between 2015 and 2016, and up another 25% for 2017. I have every reason to believe a Ref book would have sold similarly had it been available during that time. There has been a financial cost, so those of you into such things, you can enjoy that I've lost that while dragging my ass on the project.

For those of you being patient, I thank you. For those of you not so patient, I understand, and I just ask that you keep your understandable discontent to less-than-mad-rage levels because it's all going to be worth it.

Now for the audience distraction poll... one of the people set to be a "guest commentator" on the book is Frank Mentzer. He's been put into the naughty house recently. Is this a problem for you?

Attention Backers of the City State of the Invincible Overlord Kickstarter - Some Good News!

Reposted with permission:

I am Rob Conley one of the cartographers on the Wilderlands Maps. I wish I knew more about what going on but I haven't had any communication with Robert Bledsaw III for a while. I do have some good news for the backers of this kickstarter. As you all know I got the City State map and my Wilderlands maps done in late 2016. It now been a year and nothing has happened.
In addition to doing work for this Kickstarter, I have a business relationship with Bob III's father Robert Bledsaw II through my company, Bat in the Attic Games. I have a limited license to produce material for my take on the Wilderlands known as the Majestic Wilderlands. So I decided to talk to Robert Bledsaw II about the maps. There are things that could effect the Wilderlands maps so I can't do anything at the moment with them. However that not the case with the City State map. So we talked and came to a license arrangement. I have permission to release the map as a Judges Guild authorized product for the Wilderlands of High Fantasy through Bat in the Attic Games.

I am not responsible for what happened with the kickstarter nor do I have any financial stake. But we are a small hobby and the Judges Guild name has been dragged through the mud because of the mismanagement of this kickstarter. That effects what I do with my work as Bat in the Attic Games. I feel what is right is to offer each and every kickstarter backer a complimentary coupon for the release. Understand it is PDF only. RPGNow/DriveThruRPG are not able to print poster sized maps through print on demand. I think you will find that the City State Map PDF package to be a nice one.
Now for the logistics. this Friday I am going to post a code in the comment section of the September 2017 backer only post. You can use that code to get your complimentary copy. I would ask you spread the word to any other backer you know. So you know the number of times the code can be used is limited to the number of backers (965). I will be posting my email address in the comment so you can contact me if there are any issue.

As for the Wilderlands maps, if there no movement by March 2018, then I will talk again with Robert Bledsaw II and see what can be done.

If you are a backer, go here:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/judgesguild/city-state-of-the-invincible-overlord/posts/2001214

Indigogo - LotFP Hardcover Referee Book - Last Update was 13 Months Ago, and it Wasn't a Feel Good One

I knew that the LotFP Hardcover Referee Book Indigogo project was going to be long in the tooth, but no update in 13 months (and the last update basically saying "I never should have crowdfunded this") is not a positive sign.

In any case, for those that missed +James Raggi 's last update on this project, here it is:

Yeah, 4 years now.

Edit: Hate to say it, but I really no longer have a use for this, having moved on.

Amazon - $5 off $20 in Books - Stock up on Swords & Wizardry Continual Light ;)

I love The Taverners, as they share some amazing stuff that might otherwise escape me. Shared in The Tavern's Facebook Community earlier today is a coupon for 5 bucks off a purchase of 20 bucks or more in dead three - printed - books.

Grab 3 copies of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light for 21 - 5 - 16 bucks and free Prime shipping.

Or grab some Basic Fantasy Roleplaying. Or 5e. Or some fantasy fiction. Whatever. Save 5 bucks.

The code is: GIFTBOOK17

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light

Any purchases you make through the above link helps The Tavern. If I find other deals I'll be certain to share them.

Reddit Has a Tread on Vaporware RPGs - and The Tavern has Covered Many That Got Mentioned

Ah, sweet Reddit. Where the rabbit holes go deep and wide.

The Vaporware RPG thread is an interesting read. The Tavern even gets linked for a Far West post from this summer.

It is a long and winding thread with projects familiar and others not. Still, an enjoyable read and an eye opener.

Enjoy your Turkey Day (and read about some turkeys on Reddit ;)

RPGNow Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale is Live - Save 17% on over 32k Titles

The RPGNow Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale is live right now. I'll try and find time to go through some picks but its damn near everything (including a benefit bundle, if you can believe it)

Yes, even Swords & Wizardry Continual  Light is on sale. The price for the PDF drops from 2.50 to 2.08.

You probably already have a copy ;)

Yep, affiliate links keep the lights on here at The Tavern...

Tavern Chat Reminder - Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - We MAY Have a CSIO Update

Now, as always, possible news and updates are subject to change but we MAY have a CSIO related update tonight in Tavern Chat. If you backed the Kickstarter you'll probably want to hear this.

Other than that? The usual BSing and related tangents ;)

9 PM Eastern in The Tavern's Discord channel:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

See you tonight :)

Kickstarter - Dungeon Alphabet 4th Printing (Goodman Games)

I love the Dungeon Alphabet. Each printing adds more stuff and seems to come closer to perfection than the one before. There hasn't been a new printing in over 4 years.

Now its back with the Dungeon Alphabet 4th Printing Kickstsarter.

What's new? Well, the pricing is insane in a good way. Print plus PDF is only 12 bucks plus shipping. Seriously. Black Friday special and all that.

The book now stands at 80 pages. Third print was 64 pages. First was 48 pages.

It funded in less than 12 hours.

I'm quoted in the Kickstarter ;)

I stand by those words...

What Is The Dungeon Alphabet? 

The Dungeon Alphabet is a book of fantasy inspiration. It is filled with random tables that are themed to letters of the alphabet. For example, A is for Altar, B is for Books, and C is for Crypts. The target audience is dungeon masters and anyone who wants ideas for dungeon design. We have heard over the years that many players also enjoy looking through the book as well. 

Each page of The Dungeon Alphabet uses a letter of the alphabet to provide inspiration. In the first printing, so many years ago, there were 26 entries for the 26 letters. With each new printing, we have doubled-up on select letters to add even more material. This 4th printing is now up to 41 entries, including 2 completely new ones and others collected from our annual Gen Con Program Guides, to add a total of 7 letters that are new since the 3rd printing: 

C is also for Crypt
G is also for Guardians
H is also for Hazards
L is also for Levels
O is also for Omen
Q is also for Quests
U is also for Underwater

Goodman Games - Black Friday Sale - 40% off Print & PDF at the Goodman Online Store - Starts Now

Literally just got the email and its too good not to share right away!

Black Friday Tuesday!

Black Friday starts early! This year we’re really getting into the holiday spirit with an amazing offer!

We are giving you 40% off…on everything. Yes, EVERYTHING! Every item in our online store is 40% off if you use the coupon code blackfriday2017. This applies to both print and PDF items. The sale only lasts until Cyber Monday (that would be Monday, November 27th) so act fast!

The sale includes EVERYTHING in the online store – including great gift items like the ones shown below. Buy these for your favorite dungeon master, dungeon mistress, buddy, stranger, or even yourself! With this kind of bargain, it’s okay to be generous!

If you are looking for a few stocking stuffers, may we recommend things like:

• The DCC Dice Sets!
• The DCC Quick Start Rules!
• The latest DCC Adventure Modules!
• A Fifth Edition Fantasy Adventure!
• Or some fabulous Goodman Games Apparel!

You get 40% off EVERYTHING IN OUR ONLINE STORE with the coupon code blackfriday2017!

Goodman Games Online Store link

Kickstarter - Tome of Horrors: Reborn for Fifth Edition (Frog God Games)

If you are a 5e gamer - DM or player - this is probably a book you don't want to miss. Tome of Horrors: Reborn for Fifth Edition. I have the Swords & Wizardry edition and it is awesome. Heck, I'm tempted to grab the 5e version with all the new color art simply for the art.

Or I can get a set of Tokens of Horrors. What's that? That is this (punch out printed tokens and VTT versions):

At least 200 tokens. 20 bucks for the VTT and 40 for the punch out type AND VTT version. I think I'm in for tokens. Shit. They simply are system neutral.

What? You want pricing on the actual book? Hardcopy starts at $50 (and includes the PDF) That's a damn fair price for a Frog God book.

Damn it. Why the hell am I jonesing for tokens. I'll actually need to start using them ;)

Frog God Games' wants to unleash the next iteration of its iconic Tome of Horrors series for 5th Edition . Hordes of sinister adversaries, restless dead, and other horrific monstrosities to gleefully challenge your players' expectations. Bursting with hundreds of creatures, new additions as well as converted classics, in a library-bound and stitched full color volume, the next Tome of Horrors will be a must have for your 5th edition campaign.    

Everybody needs more monsters.  

These days I swim in the Frog God pond. They publish and distribute for free Swords & Wizardry Light and allow me to work the booth at cons. I work for a warm bed and three hots at cons- and beer. And yes, I'm definitely backing for the tokens ;)

About The Tavern's Wayward Kickstarter Posts - Why "Something Fishy" Doesn't Cut it and Other Stuff

I get numerous requests to cover various Kickstarters that are late. A Kickstarter being late doesn't necessarily bring it to the level of a "Wayward Kickstarter" as The Tavern looks at it. If it did, I'd be posting such daily as the vast majority of gaming Kickstarters fulfill late. No, I dont have a percentage.

Now, while some of the requests include details such as "X is selling their release at GenCon and backers haven't received theirs yet" and "Y just got sick for the sixth time and the dog ate the only copy of the manuscript" some just want me to look at something because its late. Occasionally, I get the "there's something fishy" or "I dont trust Z" without telling my what is fishy or why they don't trust the project creator. That doesn't give me anything to go on,

I very much do need something to go on.

If you follow my Wayward Kickstarter posts, you'll notice I use a fair number of screen shots. I like to back up my findings with evidence and while opinion and likely but unproven conclusions often appear, they too are backed by a trail of evidence, even if it is only circumstantial.

Why is that? Its how I was trained. Shortly before I became a Sgt in the NYPD I was trained as a Compstat officer - statistics, crime patterns, mapping of crimes - all became my new routine. After promotion to Sgt and doing my time on patrol I was made the Precinct Compstat Sgt - preparing weekly Crime Stat books for the precinct. A year and a half later, Internal Affairs was expanding a Corruption Stat unit that looked for patterns of corruption and I was added to the team.

There is a misconception that Internal Affairs looks for dirty cops. They do, but that is not their mission. The mission is to keep good, honest cops from going dirty. To do that, you need to be proactive in addressing corruption within the department. Dirty cops need to be made an example of, not hidden away.

Do I bring some of that to The Tavern and the spotlight it shines on Wayward Kickstarters? Certainly. RPG Gaming is my community. Its where I hang my hat. I want to see the best of the best thrive. I want show the worst of the worst, oftentimes in ways that embarrass them, in the hopes that others will avoid following them. With few exceptions - #ConManKen - I don't think project creators plan to succeed in funding but fail to produce. I don't think they plan to misuse the funds and have nothing left to fulfill. Sometimes the path is a slippery one. But by keeping, as best I can, the largest failures in the spotlight I hope to prevent other larger failures.

The end result is a combination of investigative reporting backed by police investigative skills and experience and it is done because the service is needed.

I remember a few years back, some angry commenter on G plus asked me "Who made you the RPG Police?" I don't think I had an answer for that, or at least I lacked a good enough answer that I can remember it now, but I do know the answer for today - YOU made me the RPG Police. The Kickstarter Police. The GMF Police. You, The Tavern reader, that expects more from their hobby.

I have no authority aside from that given by The Tavern's readership but I have a responsibility to the community. The readership has a responsibility too, to keep me honest. It is very much a two way street. Without your feedback I'll never know how to improve and what I'm doing right - and wrong.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this.

My chills have broken so maybe I wont be as cranky this week ;)

Tenkar

State of The Tavern Keeper - I've got Chills, They're Multiplying...

This afternoon I got hit with a nice chill. Now, I'm the type of guy that wears short sleeves 12 months a year and wears shorts in the house year round. My usual normal temp is 98.2 not 98.6.

I'm running 97.0 today.

Fuck me. If I was running a Kickstarter I'd demand a 5 year reprieve. I haven't been myself for the last 2 weeks.

Ah well, my miserable fuckery will continue I guess...

Kickstarter - Marauder Task Force Roleplaying Game (Break out the Action Figures)

Sometimes a Kickstarter "clicks" and sometimes it doesn't. Despite highly successful prior Kickstarters for action figures and accessories, the Marauder Task Force Roleplaying Game Kickstarter isn't clicking. Its been funding for a week and a half and hasnt even hit 25% of funding. Quite simply, its going to fail to fund or will be put out of its misery prior to that.

Why the lack of interest?

I think the folks that backed the prior Kickstarters for action figures did so because they were action figures - the desire to play with them with actual rules wasn't part of the equation. Someone, somewhere doesn't know their audience. Damn shame.

But hey, you can buy customized figures directly from their webstore.