Kickstarter - Iconic Mythical Collection RPG Dice Sets by Kraken Dice

The Iconic Mythical Collection RPG Dice Sets by Kraken Dice is one of those Kickstarters I had to bring Rach over to my computer screen to look at the dice because even though I wasn't all that excited about the project, I thought Rach might be interested. Boy, was I on the money. Rach wants at least two sets if not three, at which point w may as well be on for four sets (that's where the stretch goals extras kick in)

There was a 20k goal - its surpassed 363k with 10 days to go.

All that and Rach is encouraging me to back a Kickstarter. Go figure ;)

State of The Tavern - Gathering of Fools and Further Foolishness

Art by Craig Brasco
Somehow he captured Tenkar the Dwarf when I wasn't looking ;)

Today is the annual Gathering of Fools, where my old gaming group from the High School and College years gather to remember our friend Paul, who we lost on 9-11. Paul's birthday was in late May, so May or early June is when we usually gather.

I always distribute gaming goodness to the group. The first year I gave out goodies, it was first printings of the Castles & Crusades Player's Handbook. This year will be Swords & Wizardry Continual Light copies being handed out. What a surprise ;)

On the blog side, the plan is to start pushing out the Tenkar's Tavern Kickstarter Do's and Don'ts posts sometime next week.

On the podcast side, expect the Hero's Brew Podcast to make a triumphant return after the three of us (James, Glen and myself) work out the logistics at NTRPG in a few weeks.

Also on the podcast side, The Tavern Chat Podcast will be doing a series of posts catching people up on certain long-running themes, such as the Gygax Memorial Fund and #ConManKen. I find myself being asked for recaps, and I figure the podcast is an excellent way to do so. I'm planning on starting the Gygax Memorial Fund background episodes tomorrow and see how it goes from there.

I appreciate the support Y'all have given the Tavern Chat Podcast already. The way I see it, by keeping the majority of the episodes between 10 and 15 minutes, you can listen in daily chunks or treat it as a longer episode and just listen to a series of releases at once. Best of both worlds. Remember to leave voicemails using the Anchor App if you want to participate. This is your podcast and I want to be responsive to The Tavern's Community.

To see more samples of Craig Brasco's artwork, go here:  https://www.artstation.com/orgosan

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #3 - Let There Be Light (SWL)

Yep, Episode #3 of The Tavern Chat Podcast is live. You can listen using the player on the upper right side of this very page. It is now also on iTunes as well as Pocket Casts.

What's in it?

- Tim Shorts and James Spahn leave voicemails basically telling me to be a bit more energetic - enunciate less and New York more ;)

- I talk a bit about Swords & Wizardry Light

- Thad's OSR patch gets a shout out :)

If you download the Anchor app to your phone you can leave me a voicemail. Feedback is always welcome as well as discussion topics. Much like The Tavern itself, The Tavern Chat Podcast can only get better with community participation.

OSR Embroidered Patches for Sale - 5 Bucks a Pop Shipped

Yep, that's an actual OSR patch above. Get yours before they are all gone!

Seriously, this patch is going to sell fast.

Interested? Embroidered OSR patches are 5 bucks, shipped domestically (international orders need to inquire about shipping cost first.

You can send your 5 bucks via Paypal to thaddeus.g.mooreATgmailDOTcom. International buyers should inquire at the above email for exact cost including shipping.

(remember to correct the email for "@" and "." - I'm trying to protect Thad from site scrappers looking for email addresses)

Note:  The OSR logo by Stuart Robertson is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #2 - Episode # 2 Dave and some Inappropriate Characters

Woot! Now available on Pocket Casts! (link: https://pca.st/zYQe)

Here's your link at Anchor to episode #2 of the Tavern Chat Podcast.

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode--2-Dave-and-some-Inappropriate-Characters-e1g8ig

Where I touch upon:

The Humble Book Bundle: Super Nebula Author Showcase 2018

HeroPress Blog: #RPG Dave Arneson's World of Blackmoor...

Inappropriate Characters - Youtube - Venger Santanis, RPG Pundit and Grim Jim

Heroes Brew Podcast

Gygax Memorial Fund Update - Who's Dave?

Yesterday I remarked that the Gygax Memorial Fund website was down for over a month and that the GMF Facebook page hadn't been updated in over two months.

Low and behold, what pops up on Facebook but the above (it also popped up on Twitter too).

Now, while it's nice to know that SOMEONE at the GMF reads The Tavern on a regular basis, the above screenshot leads to further questions beyond "Why the heck is the Gygax Memorial Fund website STILL offline?"

- Who is Dave? Seriously, who is he?

- Why tell Dave his shirt is coming via Facebook and Twitter? Wouldn't email be more efficient? He may follow neither Facebook nor Twitter. If such is the case, Dave still doesn't know his shirt is on the way. Ah yes, tell the world you still exist WITHOUT acknowledging either The Tavern's article or the fact that the Fund's website is down.

- Doesn't the shirt also come with pencils?

As far as I can tell, the only way to order a shirt is the GMF website, which has been down for over a month. Which means Dave has been waiting a fairly long time for his shirt.

If you are going to use Facebook and/or Twitter to update the status of the Gygax Memorial Fund, why not actually address the elephant in the room? What happened to the fund's website?

Humble Book Bundle: Super Nebula Author Showcase 2018

It's times like this I remember how much I used to read. A bundle like the  Humble Book Bundle: Super Nebula Author Showcase 2018 might have kept me occupied for a summer. Alright, maybe a tad more ;)

There are four "bundle levels" and instead of listing them, I'm going to show them to you:

Yep, that works out to a mere 10 cents a book.

This makes it a total of 24 books for 8 bucks. Shit, alright, this would probably have covered me for two seasons worth of reading material.

Right. 34 books for 15 bucks. Good thing I'm retired.

20 bucks. 42 books. At a book a week you have more than three seasons covered.

Multi-format means it will work with PDF readers, Amazon Kindles, the Nook and other e-readers. Damn it.

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/super-nebula-2018-books?partner=tenkar

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Affiliate links help fund The Tavern and all we do. Help us do the do we do ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast Launches - Duck and Cover!

Yes, I have done did it. The first episode of the Tavern Chat Podcast is live. It may take a day or so to make its way through iTunes and such but you can listen now on the Anchor.fm website and the Anchor app (iOS and Android).

It's less than 7 minutes in length so it won't steal much of your time if you decide its simply too much Tenkar ;)

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Wherein-your-Bartender-introduces-himself-e1g31v

A Month Later, Still No Gygax Games Website / Gygax Memorial Fund Page Still Offline

Remember the announcement from April 17th of this year, abut the Gygax Games / Fig partnership to use Gary's IP for computer games? Well, there still is no website for Gygax Games 30 days later.

At the same time, the Gygax Memorial Fund's webpage has been offline for at least as long.

I can chalk up the lack of a Gygax Games website to poor planning, but having the Gygax Memorial Fund's page offline is simple mismanagement. Being that Gail and Alex are the main folks behind both projects, this doesn't bode well for either at this point.

(I also checked the GMF's page on Facebook - no update since March and no explanation as to why the website is down)

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern

Ah, sweet Wednesday Night. When The Tavern opens its doors to lively discussion. Wait! That's tonight!

Yep, tonight is Tavern Chat, hosted over on The Tavern's Discord Server starting at 9 PM Eastern.

You can use the following link to find it:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

See you tonight :)

The Adventures of Conman Sven #5 - What is Best in Life!?!

Yep, I think I peaked early. Not sure I can hit this high again, at least not without some serious work. Damn you Sven!

Still, got stuff in the works cartoon strip-wise as well as the podcast.

A bartender's job is never done...

Tavern Chat Podcast - Putting the Idea to the The Tavern's Community

I like what Tim Shirt's did with the Gothridge Manor Podcast. I've also been seriously looking at doing some Youtube videos. Like, to the point of researching editing software.

Then I started looking at the podcast host that Tim was using - Anchor.fm. It more than a host, it's a full podcasting suite. Works well with phones using the Anchor app and makes bringing in others to the podcast a breeze.

I think I'm sold ;)

The question becomes, what kind of podcast does The Tavern's Community want from a podcast coming from your OSR Bartender?

- Short (5 to 15 minutes per episode) 4 to 7 times a week

- Longer (30 to 60 minutes per episode) 4 to 8 times a month

- A combination of the above - short episodes for news and gaming thoughts and blog recaps, longer episodes with guests

I'm thinking I'd talk about recent posts at The Tavern, interesting posts from other gaming blogs and forums, gaming news (not all of which is appropriate for the blog but the podcast could direct you on where to find current newsworthy stories not covered at The Tavern) and other assorted sundries.

Me, I'm leaning towards a combination of long and short episodes myself.

Give me your thoughts in the comments below and vote in the survey in the upper right corner of this page.

Podcast - Gothridge Manor - Tim Shorts Speaks

I'm annoyed I only came across this today (as it's been going since at least April 23rd). Damn you, Tim! Keep me in the loop next time, damn it!

Here's the link to the Gothridge Manor Podcast.

Episodes are, for the most part, 15 minutes or less, which is about my sweet point these days. Long episodes are ideal for driving, but for listening at home, 10 to 15 minutes is ideal.

Tim uses Anchor.fm, which is not just free but looks damn simple to use. I've been thinking about doing Vidcasts, but podcasting with Anchor seems ideal. More thoughts on that later today.

In the meantime, catch Tim's Gotheridge Manor Podcast.

Bundle of Holding - Campaign Cartographer (Mapping Software)

I've owned the Campaign Cartographer software for a number of years. In the right hands, the results are amazing. In my hands - eh, not so much. I wasn't able to get by the learning curve. Also, I've moved to Macs for most of my computer use (this is Windows only). For those that can get past the learning curve, the Campaign Cartographer Bundle is an awesome deal.

For 30 bucks you get the Campaign Cartographer 3+ software and the Tome of Ultimate Mapping.

ProFantasy's Core Collection includes the latest Windows version of Campaign Cartographer 3+ (retail price $40) plus the Tome of Ultimate Mapping (retail $20), a 710-page tutorial guide with more than 150MB of support files like example maps, symbol catalogs, tutorial files, and templates.

The Bonus Collection includes the following:

If you pay more than the threshold price of $64.41, you'll level up and also get serial numbers redeemable for ProFantasy's Bonus Collection with no less than fourteen more products worth an additional $136: the fabulous Dungeon Designer 3 plug-in (retail $40) for CC3+ and more than a dozen Style Packs, tool sets, and map collections originally released as part of ProFantasy's Cartographer's Annual series. The entire offer has a total retail value of $201, one of the richest in Bundle history.

Campaign Cartographer is an amazing tool in the right hands and this pricing is hard to beat.

The Adventures of Conman Sven #4 - Talk to Me

Yeah, I expect there may be some pushback with this piece of The Adventures of Conman Sven.

First, here's a link: https://concussionfoundation.org/CTE-resources/what-is-CTE

Second, here's the relevant quote (especially applicable to the time the claim by Sven was made):

HOW IS CTE DIAGNOSED? 

Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed after death through brain tissue analysis... In fact, until recently there were relatively few doctors who knew how to diagnose CTE.

Third, here's the background: When you self-diagnose yourself with a disease that can only be diagnosed after death, in an attempt to further yourself from your Kickstarter responsibilities, you deserve to be mocked. Maybe next time, Sven will pick a different random illness.

I really hate having to explain a joke, but if you haven't been following along from the beginning it may just be a bit obtuse.

Don't worry, tomorrow should cheer up all of the Conan Fans ;)

News - Bob Bledsaw III Removed from CSIO Kickstarter - Bob Bledsaw II now at Helm

I'll give the long story short - Bob Bledsaw III has been removed from the City State of the Invincible Overlord Kickstarter. Bob II says he "appointed the wrong manager" and the capital was "mismanaged". I think those are both HUGE understatements. The money is, however, gone and then some, so outside funds will be needed to bring this to completion. Oh, and Bob II needs to change the Kickstarter password like NOW. - Tenkar

Below is the update:

Update #97

May 14 2018

Slow but Sure Progress - Change of the Guard (link to original)

There has been a major change made in management of this project.
Until today, it was in the hands of Bob III (my son) and now I finally can take the helm and ultimate responsibility of this important task. In fact, this is my first time logging into the account, and seeing the backers list - all who pledged and what amounts are due. Anyone wishing to reach me can use jgww@comcast.net or facebook.

I cannot ask for time, you all have given that, and your support.

I can only offer candor and truth. The books ARE still in progress. I have already begun sending out the miniatures to those who paid for them. I go into this with none of the capital you pledged, as it was mismanaged. I have had no access to the pledged funds ... and have sunk over 6k of my own funds into the layout and maps (I am not a rich man, or this would have been fixed long ago) ... things WILL get done as I can afford to do them. All JG profits from the Goodman Games/ Judges Guild kickstarter went to this kickstarter layout and map costs.

I ask that you back (publicly if not financially) any other projects JG may do by way of other publishers, as those funds will come here to help resolve this floundering venture as well. I do understand your anger and disgust with all this. I agree with that sentiment; you have all waited far too long, and so have I.

My goal when this kickstarter was first proposed was simply to revamp and produce our original campaign maps... all else was added as an afterthought by the project manager. My short-term goal is to fulfill this kickstarter as soon as possible. My long-term goal is to see as many of JG's classic titles as possible available to the public.

I did not make the decisions that got us to this point, but I failed you all in appointing the wrong manager. I have always strove to make JG look good, and you cannot imagine how sorry I feel at this point. I know that our biggest backers were our dearest fans; those who have bought our products for decades and literally put food on my family's table. My work is ahead of me here, and I will try to get past this to everyone's satisfaction.

Sincerely -
Bob Bledsaw II - Judges Guild
jgww@comcast.net

Deal of the Day - For Coin & Blood (OSR / S&W WB)

For Coin & Blood is today's RPGNow Deal of the Day.

Normally 10 bucks in PDF, until 11 AM tomorrow morning, For Coin & Blood is only 4 bucks.

FOR COIN & BLOOD is an old school fantasy roleplaying game with a twist... 

...a twist of the knife! 

Embracing the literary genre known as "grimdark", and inspired by stories of mercenaries, sellswords and blackguards, FOR COIN & BLOOD keeps you on your toes, as you tell stories about the terrible things that happen to people, when they head out in search of coin, passion, and revenge... 

FOR COIN & BLOOD uses a modified version of Swords & Wizardry: WhiteBox, but is a complete game.

That's an affiliate link above. Keep the lights on and the taps flowing at The Tavern using our affiliate links.

Note: The Summer Indie Game Expo Bundle (PDF) also includes For Blood & Coin in the bundle.

The Adventures of Conman Sven - Part 3 - Why Can't We Be Friends?

Figure I'd release the third part, then take a break for a day or two. Conman Sven is hot right now. Can't imagine why. ;)

I've got a handful more already done and waiting, but if you have ideas feel free to send them this way.

Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No, really!

The Adventures of Conman Sven - Part 2 - Authentic Sven

I figured I'd put the second piece out there as the reception to the first was extremely strong.

I've already got more in the hopper.

Good ole' Conman Sven. He practically writes these himself ;)

Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No, really!

The Adventures of Conman Sven - Part 1 - The Residuals

Made using the free ToonDo.com web tools.

This may very well be the first in a series. Be afraid. Be very afraid ;)

Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No, really!

Coming in September - Dungeons & Dragons Endless Quest Books (pre-orders are open)

They're back! Well, soon to be back, that is. Endless Quest Books are making their return in September but you can pre-order now.

9 bucks for the softcover, 17 bucks for the hardcover on Amazon.

Four books, one for each of the core classes.

After failing in my uncle duties yesterday (my niece fractured her wrist under my watch) I think I'll be ordering all four in hardcover :(

Kickstarter - Town & Cityscapes : Fantasy Civilization Series for RPGs (Digital art and Image creation package)

I love maps. I love mapping software, even if I lack the skills to use most to their fullest. I'm in love with the results attainable from the Town & Cityscapes : Fantasy Civilization Series for RPGs Kickstarter, even if I know the results are not obtainable by me on any level.

What do I mean?

Town and Cityscapes (the first in the Fantasy Civilization Series) is a cohesive system-independent image package designed from the ground up to place creative power in the hands of the user. Create maps, illustrations, handouts, etc. of any classic fantasy settlement in your favorite image editing software affordably and without the need for any artistic skills. (emphasis mine)

I have never used imaging editing software beyond removing the occasional red-eye or cropping a photo. So, yeah, I suspect this is beyond my abilities. However, if this IS in your wheelhouse, the potential this Kickstarter holds for you is huge.

I'm looking forward to seeing the results of the backers even if I won't be one of them.

Just over 2 days to go on this one.