Swords & Wizardry Light - Forum

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Wayward Kickstarter - Far West - Time to Punt - Yet Again - Anyone Surprised in the Least?


I was TRYING really hard to give Gareth the benefit of the doubt. I figured I'd give him some breathing room. I'd let him meet his latest deadline without any pressure or comments from me.

What does he do?

The same as always. Fails to meet said deadline and punts.

Oh, and the sympathy grab for NOT going to Gen Con. Who gives a fuck? Really? I say he hits seven years late with nothing to show for it. That's merely 6 more months. Gareth has been doing that for six and a half years without a sweat. This should be no different.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 73 - #ConManKen Plans a Road Trip - I Give Advice ;)


I find it amazing that for a man that insists on a daily basis that he is no longer going to communicate with the person suing him, and repeatedly claiming he is being harassed by said individual, Ken continues to communicate. That in and of itself pretty much invalidates any claims of harassment.

Ken Whitman is Ken Whitman's #1 Enemy ;)
Ah yes, #ConManKen heads to NYC on Wednesday, August 1st to respond to his civil suit. Assuming he even goes, I remind Ken that IF his driver's license is suspended (likely) how best to avoid arrest. Also, Ken's plans for bankruptcy and submission of misleading documentation and evidence. Oh my!
Link to Episode 73 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-73---ConManKen-Plans-a-Road-Trip---I-Give-Advice-e1t36i

Friday, July 27, 2018

#ConManKen - Can't Even Bother to Spellcheck his Submissions to Court - Kenny, Did You Perjure Yourself?

Ah, #ConManKen, AKA Ken "Whit" Whitman. Look Ma! Here's what Kenny submitted as evidence in his civil court case.

Now, ignoring the horrible spelling and grammar (making it "authentic Ken") look at the submitted image. (note - court documentation provided by the NotAnotherDime blog - the place for all things #ConManKen)



Now, let's peek at the ORIGINAL image:


Note - not the promised HQ release. Not pressed by Kenny. Not edited by Kenny. Not Shipped by Kenny. "Rescued" because Kenny failed at his obligations. That isn't "allegedly", those are facts.

Let's end with some words of wisdom from our very own "#conManKen:


Gee, I hope Kenny brings his game face to court next Wednesday. Ah, man, I need to get a press pass. ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 72 - Finding Flumphs & More in the AD&D Fiend Folio

Yep. A number of folks have reached out to me, commented on the blog or social media, that the rabbit with a horn - the Al-mi'raj - that I mentioned on last night's post was an "actual mythological creature". I'll accept that point. Doesn't make it any less goofy for a D&D campaign ;P
Yep, I'm diving into the AD&D 1e Fiend Folio in this episode, looking for the silly, goofy and downright bizarre. Amazingly enough, I only made it as far as "Flumph".
Link to Episode 72https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-72---Finding-Flumphs--More-in-the-ADD-Fiend-Folio-e1surb

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Why is The AD&D 1e Fiend Folio Such a Rabbit Hole?


Rabbit? Check!

Horn? Check!

Rabbit with large, unbalancing horn sticking out from its forehead?

Nope, don't have that yet. Let's call it an Al-Mi'Raj. Who wants to draw one? It needs to look menacing!

Sadly, for every Slaad we have a Al-Mi'Rsj. For every Githyanki, we have two Flumphs.

Yep, tomorrow morning's podcast will be fun ;)



Deal of the Day - The Scenario from Ontario (2018 ENnie Nominated)


Today's Deal of the Day is solidly in the OSR camp of things, as it consists of two scenarios written for Lamentations of the Flame Princess Weird Fantasy (but usable with the other OSR systems) - The Scenario from Ontario.

Normally 9.50 in PDF, until tomorrow morning at 11 AM Eastern time, it's on sale for 3.80.
The Scenario from Ontario is the result of a 24 hour writing competition between Kiel Chenier (Blood in the Chocolate, Hell House Beckons, and others) and Zzarchov Kowolski (Scenic Dunnsmouth, The Gnomes of Levnec, and others). 
Two separate adventures written with the prompt of "Maple Syrup" were combined with professional art, layout, and cartography.
Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Affiliate links support The Tavern and keep the lights on. I thank you in advance.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 71 - Reminiscing about the AD&D 1e Fiend Folio


Ah, the AD&D 1e Fiend Folio. Amazing cover art. Some amazing content. Other content, not so much. It did, however, teach me the proper meaning of "HD" for monsters ;)
The AD&D 1e Fiend Folio holds a special place in my personal gaming history - it was the first time I ever saw HD defined for monsters. My players never had it so good as when I thought 4+1 HD was 5 HP. Doh! 
The quality of the creatures included ranges from awesome to WTF!?!, but you knew that, right? :)

Link to Episode 71https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-71---Reminiscing-about-the-ADD-1e-Fiend-Folio-e1sn69

Support The Taverntenkars-tavern.games/patreon

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Did Someone Say New 5e Settings and e-Sports?



Tonight is a Wednesday Night and that means we have our weekly Tavern Chat.

Topics? Everything, but I'm sure the new settings for D&D 5e that have been announced as well as the recent interview with Hasbro's CEO.

Link to the chat - https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

Tavern Chat is a weekly gathering of folks from The Tavern's Community where we talk RPGs and geek stuff from 9 PM Eastern until...

The Tavern Chat Podcast - 5e e-Sports? Say What?



The numbers look good for Dungeons & Dragons 5e. Double-digit growth. Millions of viewers on Twitch. e-Sport. e-Sports?
Hasbro's Chairman and CEO was on CNBC talking D&D growth figures and "e-Sports competition. Does this mean interparty conflict is now expected ;)
Link to Episode 70https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-70---5e-e-Sports--Say-What-e1sfbt

Link to Article - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/23/hasbro-ceo-dungeons--dragons-is-having-its-best-year-ever.html

Link to The Tavern's Patreontenkars-tavern.games/patreon

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 69 - 7/24/18 Kickstarter Roundup & 2 New 5e Settings



I know folks are disappointed that Greyhawk was not the setting released to the GM's Guild yesterday (I know I shared in the disappointment) but I'd prefer to see it in its original form anyway.
Yep, WotC has gone and done it. Eberron is the new setting up on the DM's Guild and the Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica releases in hardcover in the fall. 
As far as Kickstarters, we look at City of Brass, The Fantasy Trip, The GM's Tarot and All Weather Dice Tubes. Oh My!
Link to Episode 69https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-69---72418-Kickstarter-Roundup--2-New-5e-Settings-e1s2qj

Links to 5e settings mentioned:

Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron (5e) - http://www.rpgnow.com/product/247882/Wayfinders-Guide-to-Eberron-5e?src=hottest&affiliate_id=1446

Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica - https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/23/17603740/dungeons-dragons-magic-the-gathering-crossover-book-ravnica-dnd-mtg

Links to Kickstarters mentioned -

THE FANTASY TRIP – Old-School Roleplaying! - http://tenkars-tavern.games/TheFantasyTrip

The GMs Tarot - Story Telling Made Easyhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/778845804/the-gms-tarot-story-telling-made-easy?ref=user_menu

City of Brass: Epic Adventure for 5e and Swords and Wizardry -https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/froggodgames/city-of-brass-epic-adventure-for-5e-and-swords-and

Dice Tube - All Weather - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1871496317/all-weather-dice-tube

Yep, there is an affiliate link up above. Keep the lights on and the beers cold at The Tavern by using our affiliate links ;)

Monday, July 23, 2018

Kickstarter - The Fantasy Trip RPG (Steve Jackson Games - Funded in Hours - Blowing through Stretch Goals)

I've been looking forward to The Fantasy Trip Kickstarter from the moment I heard it was in the works. More accurately, the moment Steve Jackson regained the rights. Apparently, that applies to others too, as it literally funded in hours. As I type this it is well over $55k in funding (with a $20k goal left in the dust).

So, what's in the Legacy Box? ($60 pledge level)

  • The two original mini-games, Melee and Wizard, each in its own mini-box.
  • The three roleplaying books (In The Labyrinth, Advanced Melee, and Advanced Wizard), combined and updated into a single volume of 160 pages, with the index that the original release lacked.
  • The classic dungeon-crawl adventure, Tollenkar’s Lair, with a full-color labyrinth map.
  • Maybe more, depending on what stretch goals are reached. 
The Legacy Box is definitely the sweet point to back. Although, for $30 you can back for just the two mini-games - Melee and Wizard - and forgo the extras.

Damn it! They've already blown through their stretch goals. We need more! Steve! Phil! Get on that! ;)

I have an interview ready to be posted about The Fantasy Trip Kickstarter. Steve himself was gracious enough to answer my questions. If you have any questions, comment below and I'll see if I can get answers and I'll add them to the interview :)

Use the link tenkars-tavern.games/TheFantasyTrip to learn more and back The Fantasy Trip Kickstarter.


#ConManKen - Marketing Genie for Swords & Wizardry (Complete / Light) - Episode 68 of The Tavern Chat Podcast

Hey, what we got here is a "dual purpose post" ;)

Seriously, I wrote up the Marketing Genie for Swords & Wizardry last night for posting today, then realized that the process I used to create the Marketing Genie applies to how I create pretty much all of my creatures for Swords & Wizardry, so why not do an episode going through the process.
In today's episode, I describe the process I use to create creatures in Swords & Wizardry, in this instance, a #ConManKen inspired Marketing Genie.
Link to Episode 68https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-68---ConManKen---Creating-a-Marketing-Genie-for-SW-e1ro43


Marketing Genie - By David Leroy - used under the CC BY 3.0 license
Ah, the mystical, magical backwater Marketing Genie. If one didn't know better, they might suspect they had come in contact with some backwoodsman that had avoided contact with sentient creatures for the last dozen-odd years, but they would be sorely mistaken. No, despite their disheveled appearance and "natural" odor, there is much more here than is seen by the naked eye (or smelled by even the most sensitive noses).

The threat of a Marketing Genie is that one underestimates what one sees. In truth, although quick to engage in conversation, they only make nonsensical statements in an effort to confuse their opponents (When engaging a Marketing Genie in any kind of discourse, Save or suffer -4 to all actions for 1d6 rounds. Succesful save causes rage in the opponent, +2 to all attacks against the Marketing Genie for 1d6 rounds)

The main attack of a Marketing Genie is its breath weapon - it can emit a foul odor causing all within a 15' radius to save or be unable to take any actions for 1d6 rounds, followed by 1d6 rounds of all actions at -2. In combat, a Marketing Genie prefers flight to fight and will flee combat at the first opportunity. If forced to fight, it attacks as a second level creature for 1d6-2 damage (minimum 1 point) and will complain continuously about old football injuries.

If one is able to successfully capture a Marketing Genie, it will promise its captor one wish, which it says it will grant when the stars align and the moon is bright and the dew falls at just the right... in any case, a situation that will never occur. Such it is with a Marketing Genie.

Additional power, only one in six Marketing Genies have the following ability:

Threats. When confronted with the possibility of combat, the Marketing Genie will make threats about summoning the Fantasy Beast Inquisitors to deal with troublemakers. This is an empty threat; as the Marketing Genie has no such special power at its disposal. (thanks to Adam M)

Marketing Genie

ARMOR CLASS   5 [14]
HIT DICE   4
TOTAL HIT BONUS   +2 (see above)
ATTACKS   Fists 1d6-2 (minimum 1 point)
SAVING THROW 10 (save bonus due to pure obstinance)
SPECIAL - breath weapon, confusion
MOVEMENT 12 / 15 when fleeing combat




Sunday, July 22, 2018

New PWYW Release - Unsung Heroes (Barrel Rider Games / Swords & Wizardry)

When James Spahn releases a new product, everyone on the OSR turns their head to see what it is. And if they don't, they should ;)

Untold Adventures is James' houseruling of the S&W White Box rules. It is damn sweet and was released at PWYW pricing and should be on every OSR gamer's digital game shelf. Go ahead, grab a copy, I'll wait,

Unsung Heroes is 18 pages of optional rules for Untold Adventures BUT is pretty much out of the box usable with ANY of the Swords & Wizardry flavors, from Light to Complete. Probably Labyrinth Lord too. Damn but its good!

Did I mention that Unsung Heroes is also priced at PWYW?

You know you want it...

The above has affiliate links. Affiliate Links (and The Tavern's Patreon) help keep the lights on and the taps flowing.

The Tavern has Three New Patrons This Week



The revamp of The Tavern's Patreon is going well. I'd like to send personal thanks out to:

Anthony C, Sam C, and Laramie W

Yourselves and those like you are huge assets to the community and I personally really appreciate it. Every backer helps me do more of the things I enjoy doing for the community and hopefully everyone benefits.

We are 11 patrons away from adding a monthly Tavern Chat session on the Discord Server that should better align timewise with community members across the pond or even the other side of the world. This would be in addition to the weekly chats on Wednesday nights.

We do have a bit to go to get to where we can set up and run an online OSR gaming con, but we'll get there ;)

As an aside, i may put the extra money to buying a new desk chair - i've heard the jokes that my chair is my plus one on the podcast and the weekly chats and may need to address it sooner than later ;P

Link to The Tavern's Patreontenkars-tavern.games/patreon

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 67 - There's a Succubus Holding a Monster Manual!


Ah, the beauty of late 70's / early 80's advertising. She could have been on a Ratt album cover back in the day ;)
You fiend! Yep, that IS a Succubus holding a Monster Manual. Who would have thought? With this episode, I look at demons & devils in the AD&D 1e Monster Manual and my personal experience with the Satanic Panic from back in the day ;)
Link to Episode 67https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-67---Theres-a-Succubus-Holding-a-Monster-Manual-e1rfv3

Christmas in July - Entire Line of Fat Dragon Games Printable Terrain (Paper and 3d)

Dragonlock 3d Printed Mouth of Doom (Painted) at Gary Con X
Fat Dragon has probably the best printable terrain one can find. Heck, its Dragonlock line gives Dwarvenite a solid run for its money at a fraction of the cost (we're talking the 3d printed terrain here).

The paper terrain is no slouch either, with multilayered PDFs to give you just the effects you want. Since you print it yourself, you can have as much as you want.

All of the Fat Dragon files, 3d print, and paper, are 25% off for the RPGNow / DriveThruRPG Christmas in July Sale. As I type this there are about 10 days left in the sale.

If you make a purchase please mention it in the comments below. I'll rub Tom's bald head for luck for each of you that comments when I see him at Gamehole in November. Maybe we'll take a pic or two ;)

Just an FYI, but Fat Dragon Games / Tom Tullis has always been very supportive of The Tavern.

Those are affiliate links up above. Affiliate links help fund The Tavern and keep the beers cold ;)