GoFundMe - Michael Desing (Game Designer) Has Terminal Cancer

I've followed Michael Desing and his various works, from The Splintered Realms to Army Ants and beyond, for over a decade. I've always enjoyed Michael's releases, even if I've never had an opportunity to run them.

Both Rach and I are cancer survivors, and we've both lost family members to cancer. Although I can relate to what Michael and his family are going through, the enormity of what Michael and his family are facing is beyond anything I've personally dealt with.

If you can help Michael and his family during their time of need, please do so via the linked GoFundMe. If you can't, please spread the word. Tenkar

My friend of over 30 years, Michael T. Desing, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. His prognosis is poor and will leave behind his wife, Mary, and teenage daughter, Grace.

If you know Michael, you know the kind of man he is: a devoted husband, a great father, and one of the most trustworthy, stand-up guys I’ve ever met. Among our circle of friends, I consider him the best of us.

Michael is also a passionate educator, gamer, and author. If you’re part of the tabletop roleplaying community, you may recognize his games, including Army Ants, Sentinels of Echo City, and his current project, Stalwart, which he continues to work on even in the face of this diagnosis.

Michael will soon begin chemotherapy to manage his pain. This fundraiser is to support Mary and Grace as they face not only the emotional toll but also the financial challenges of his illness and the loss of his income.

Please donate if you can, and if you're unable to, sharing this with others would help tremendously. Thank you for supporting Michael and his family during this difficult time.

(Your donations will be going directly to Michael, Mary and Grace.)

 

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. The Tavern DOES NOT do "Paid For" Articles and discloses personal connections to products and creators written about when applicable.

DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat cast on Rumble or YouTube - Tenkar 

THANK YOU! For Supporting a Gaming Family!

This community repeatedly shows what it means to be a Gamer with a capital "G." I thank you all for giving and sharing in this time of need.

Quick update - Christopher Travis has hit his GoFundMe Goal of $2k (with The Tavern's match of $250 putting Chris over the line)

You can still give; I am sure any additional help will be appreciated.

Reminder: When you support The Tavern by using our affiliate links, you enable us to offer funding matches like we did with Christopher. Your money at work :)

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. The Tavern DOES NOT do "Paid For" Articles and discloses personal connections to products and creators written about when applicable.

DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat cast on Rumble or YouTube - Tenkar   

Support a Gaming Family Facing Eviction

The below GoFundMe was brought to my attention by James Spahn (White Star and far more). The subject of the GoFundMe, as James told me, is:

Chris Travis has run the RPG Gamers Secret Santa tirelessly and thanklessly for years. He's having a shitshow of a situation and could use a hand.

There comes a time when help is needed, not just for yourself but for your family. Chris is having that time.

Support a Family Facing Eviction

It is Saturday night, September 14th, at approximately 10 PM ET. 

The Tavern will match the first $250 raised by members of The Tavern's Community by Monday night, September 16th, at 10 PM ET. The window is short because Chris has a brief time window to correct his violations.

Comment below if you donate or, if you wish to remain anonymous, email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing with your donation amount. Please feel free to spread the word. 

 

GoFundMe for Funeral Expenses of Ben Shields, Son of James Shields

I was just informed of the suicide of Ben Shields, son of artist James Shields. I have no words. I have seen suicide impact the families of friends and coworkers far too often. If you find yourself in a desperate state, the Suicide Hotline Number is 988 in the United States. You can also text the number if that is a more comfortable form of communication for you.

The Tavern will match the first $250 raised for Ben's funeral expenses by the members of this community, with a minimum donation of $100. We'll be making the donation no later than 6 PM Thursday Night, January 4, 2024. Simply comment below with the amount of your donation. When we hit $250, The Tavern will make a matching donation - Tenkar

Here's Gary Oliver's post from Facebook:

It is with great sadness that I am reporting one of our NTX family members and contributors, James Shields lost his son Ben to suicide on 12/31/23. The family is in mourning and very overwhelmed by all of this. James told me I could inform the community and let everyone know that they appreciate everyone’s condolences and support but may not respond directly to people for a while.

James has helped the convention with our logo the last couple of years. He is also a good friend to me personally as well. To help the family with expenses related to the final arrangements and other costs I am setting up a GoFundMe for Ben’s memorial. I know that this group will be supportive with not only post of condolences but will also help financially in this time of great despair and sadness for the Shield’s family.

Thank you, as always, for your support of NTX and all of the friends and family that make this such a great community - Gary Oliver

GoFundMe Link for Ben Shields 

 

GoFundMe - Ernie "The Barbarian" Gygax Needs Aid

 Without further commentary:

Dave Conant is organizing this fundraiser.

We have a friend in need...can you help?

Ernie “The Barbarian” Gygax has been in many D&D battles in his life being the eldest son of the co-creator of the D&D game. Now, he is in a fight for his very life – in fact, he has been in-and-out of hospitals and in-and-out of critical condition over the last few months. He even died for several minutes this past week, but was able to be revived. I won't go into many details, but he has a heart defect that results in not enough blood being pumped through his body and, more importantly, not delivered to vital organs...like the kidney. That means, in addition to heart issues, he is also needing dialysis to help the kidney to do it's job. Like any barbarian though, he keeps fighting – winning each individual battle so far, but he's getting wary and frustrated by his body's growing weaknesses.

The initial reason for this fundraising campaign is to help Ernie and Donna with the medical bills that are already mounting AND to help cover some of the hotel expenses for Donna (Ernie's significant other, soulmate, and Health Care POA), while she stays by Ernie's side every day at the hospital helping him through this and making some VERY difficult medical decisions along the way. Going forward with the time he has left, even accounting for the best possible situation, Ernie will need to follow strict guidelines and be severely limited in his activities...but HOPES that he and Donna can once again offer a place at their home in Lake Geneva for gamers to stop by and roll some dice.

Did you know that:

• The cost for an Air Ambulance (Life Flight) is between $12,000 - $25,000 (used twice),
• Average Ambulance transport in Wisconsin is $1,200 (used twice)
• Average for 1 Day in ICU/Critical Care: Numbers vary widely depending on how sick you are, but an average of $8,000-10,000 is typical – more the first few days and a little less beyond that (More than 10 WEEKS in 4 different hospitals.),
• Average for 1 Day of regular hospital care for heart issue patients is $4,000 (Used 15-20 days),
• Most insurance plans only pay up to 80% of those costs (if they pay them at all)

Today Ernie is fighting for his life...tomorrow they'll both be fighting to dig out from the pile of bills – even with insurance picking up a good portion of that tab. He has used all of those expensive services multiple times during his struggle over the last few months plus many doctor visits for months before that as he began feeling the affects of his body's weakening. Between the various ambulance services, hospitals, numerous doctors, procedures, medications and services provided, they'll be getting bills for many months.

Please lend your aide and contribute what you're able to help a gaming community friend in need.

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. The Tavern DOES NOT do "Paid For" Articles and discloses personal connections to products and creators written about when applicable.

DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat cast on Anchor, YouTube,  or wherever you listen to your podcast collection. - Tenkar    

God Bless James Shields re: Jonathan Thompson Funeral Fund

As I was winding down Day 3 of Total Con at the Best Western hotel bar with Rach and a few other friends, I received a PM from James Shields. Yes, James Shields the artist and prominent member of the OSR Community.

I've known James Shields for a number of years. It is his art that graces the cover of SWCL 1e and will grace the cover of CL 2e. James is an amazing artist and simply a very good person.

In any case, James asked me if the $250 matching goal had been met for the Jonathan Thompson Funeral Fund. I told him, it had not yet been met, with $50 of matching funds raised thus far.

Well, James decided to correct that deficiency, and immediately donated $200 to meet the matching goal.

Now, if James can be generous, so can The Tavern. I'll leave the matching offer open until February 28th, and will now match the first $500 raised by members of the community. Here's the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jonathan-thompson-funeral-fund. Let me know in the comments below if you donate or email me at tenkarsDOTtavernAT if you wish to remain anonymous.

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. 

DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat cast on Anchor, YouTube,  or wherever you listen to your podcast collection. - Tenkar 

GoFundMe - Save Queen Anne! - Darlene Needs Our Help!

I shared this on The Tavern's Youtube Channel this morning and offered to match the first $250 raised by Tavern Members. That was hit with the first donation of $250!

So now here's the new goal. If members of The Tavern can get us to $1000 or more raised for Darlene by this community, The Tavern will donate $500 total in the name of the members of The Tavern.

Skip your next cup of Starbucks coffee and give it to Darlene and save her home.

https://gofund.me/9e7c994b (I wish I had figured out how to do a team link earlier)

Queen Anne is dying. She was born in 1901 in a small town in North Carolina. I’m doing all I can to save her, but I need your help.

I am a retired artist whose claim to fame is being the first woman artist for Dungeons and Dragons. Choosing a life devoted to art cost me financial security. I’ve always lived close to the bone and have no means to help her.

Queen Anne is my house, a Victorian lady in serious trouble. Your contribution will help to repair her windows (so she can see); remove the overgrown vines, bushes and branches (they scratch her); a new roof (her hair is falling out); along with mold remediation from a leak (the result of her tears); and a new coat of paint (to protect her skin and restore her beautiful face).

Although her foundation is sound, and she’s paid for, Queen Anne sadly faces a point of no return. Repairs need to be done ASAP while they can still be easily managed. Also, the town is after her, insisting she be brought up to what they call “minimum standards.” They mostly don’t like to see windows without sills… Thus, my immediate need.

The amount I’m asking will take care of the minimum requirements so I’m not in trouble with the town. Anything over this amount will help defray the costs of a new roof and, hopefully, a paint job.

I hold out the hope someday soon she will again be the beautiful southern belle she once was. Won’t you help me refurbish this grand dame?

 

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern. 

You can catch the daily Tavern Chat vidcast on YouTube - Tenkar 

GoFundMe for Steve Perrin's Wife's Medical Expenses - The Tavern Will Match the First $250 Raised by The Tavern's Community

It was brought to my attention that Steve Perrin had started a GoFundMe for his wife's medical expenses for at-home hospice care. Steve passed last week, and I suspect his wife will need more support than was initially planned for.

As such, The Tavern will match up to the first $250 raised by The Tavern's community. All you need to do is mention the amount you donated and under what name/handle. You can post it as a comment here, on the YouTube video linked below, or if you wish to do so in private, you can email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing with "Steve Perrin" in the subject line.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/care-for-the-phoenix

If you can't afford to give, and many can't, spreading the word is just as valuable.

My wife Luise Perenne, known as Luise of the Phoenix in the early days of the SCA, an artist in both dance and illustration, is going into hospice care after a very close call from a heart attack and pneumonia. She is extremely weak and at age 76 needs more help than I (at age 74) can provide. She starts hospice care at home on Monday. We need a caretaker to come in a couple of hours a day to help Luise, take care of her personal needs, and so forth. The usual charge is $25.00 an hour. Assuming 2 hours a day for a caretaker,  that's $1500 a 30-day month, and I am  asking for more  to cover extra time or other emergencies.  After the 1st month we will have a better idea of what is needed and I will do another GFM. 

Offers to physically help from local friends are always appreciated.

        Steve Perrin 

GoFundMe to defray Jayson "Rocky" Gardner's post surgery expenses

I've known Rocky for years. He's one of those "good folks" in our corner of gaming. Well, Rocky was recently diagnoses with lung cancer and is recovering from some fairly aggressive surgery. This means that not only is Rocky not working but his wife Kendra is stretched a bit thin, with caring for Rocky, the kids, and her employment.

As a community, we've also stepped forward when members of our own have been in need, and this certainly is one of those times.

The Tavern will match, at a minimum, the first $250 raised by the readers of The Tavern for Rocky's GoFundMe. Simply note your donation below as a comment. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing.

If you can't afford to give, and in the current economy that is sadly more likely than it was in the past, positive thoughts and prayers for Rocky and his famiy are always welcome.

Rocky has finally quit smoking but one of his lungs took off in protest. Funds from this will be used to help cover household and medical expenses while the family is not able to work full time while they work through these medical challenges. This will help to make sure the boys stay fed, clothed, and the family is not worried about paying to keep the electricity on during this challenging time

Jason Hobbs has a GoFundMe

I've known Jason for years. He was a player in one of my earlier VTT campaigns. Hobbs and Friends is one of my favorite podcasts and his Anchor cast inspired my very own Tavern Chat.

Jason is looking to raise some cash to provide improved content, both podcast and video.

Hey everyone. I am Jason Hobbs, Host and Creator of the TTRPG podcast Hobbs & Friends. I've been podcasting for the RPG industry for a couple of years and have started streaming my tabletop role-playing games on Twitch. The stream and podcast are not living up to their potential because my equipment is garbage! My old laptop overheats and some of my streams have to be canceled in the middle of a show because of hardware issues. The sound quality of Hobbs & Friends is also not up to par and this new setup will help with that too! 

Here is what I have in mind: 

New PC Rig  

New audio interface, boom, and cords 

The sooner I get this equipment, the sooner the quality of the shows will improve. 

I feel a little uncomfortable about asking from help from you guys but I'm hoping I can make more content with higher quality with your assistance!  Instead of buying me a beer or coffee at a con, I'm asking if you could possibly help this way instead. Then, I'll buy you a beer or coffee at the next con!

Link to Jason's GoFundMe.

GoFundMe for Corey Langeslay - Flooded after Tropical Storm Imelda

I simply can't imagine living in a flood-prone location. If I get an inch of water in my basement I'm out of sorts for days. Yet here I am looking at a water line 3 feet high in this room. Simply scares the shit outa me.

Our home was flooded during TS Imelda.  We will be forced to move after just finishing a rebuild from Hurricane Harvey.  FEMA has not declared this a disaster at this time and we are living at a friends home.  our car and RV were destroyed.  Since we lived in the RV last time now we don't have a place of our own to sleep.   You can clearly see the waterline above 3 feet in this room, other areas had 65 inches of water. 

 https://www.gofundme.com/f/flooded-after-ts-imelda

Corey is a gamer and he and his family could use some help from the gaming community. If you can't help financially, please share this among the social communities you are a part of.

GoFundMe - Rick Loomis - Lymphatic Cancer (Flying Buffalo) - Gamer in Need

I know I've said this before, but cancer is the great equalizer. It doesn't play favorites, rich or poor, young or old, it doesn't care and you can't predict the outcome. The treatment is almost universally to poison your body and possibly irradiate it. Treatment sucks. Seriously. I know, cause I'm a survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a form of Lymphatic cancer.

To see someone else in our gaming community come down with cancer strikes home for me every time. Recently, it was Tim Kask (in remission). Currently, it is Doug Reah (NTRPG Con) and Ernie Gygax (also Hodgkin's Lymphoma).

Now, Rick Loomis of Flying Buffalo is suffering from Lymphatic Cancer. Truly, it seems like cancer is striking many of those we hold dear in the gaming community.

Rick and his family need our help. If you can donate to the fund, that is awesome. If you can't, simply share this post and hopefully, others will be able to.

The Tavern will match the first $200 raised by The Tavern's Community. Simply note your donation here as a comment or send me an email to tenkarsDOTtavern AT that gmail thing and let me know the amount you donated. When we hit $200 The Tavern will add its donation to the mix. Please DON'T stop donating when we hit $200 - Rick and his family are in great need.

From the GoFundMe page:

Rick Loomis has been an important part of the game industry for almost 50 years, and now he is in the fight of his life with cancer. Even though he is a US army veteran and qualifies for medicare, Rick's share of the medical bills are now in the tens of thousands of dollars. Please help his family through this terrible time and help keep the  legacy of Flying Buffalo going strong. 

Rick was one of the founding members of the Game Manufacturing Association and served as its President several times when they needed him. He started Flying Buffalo Games back in 1970 and was one of the first people to ever run a Play-by Mail game on a dedicated computer. He has traveled the world to promote role-playing and card games and over the years Rick has befriended hundreds (thousands!) of people at conventions from his Flying Buffalo Games booth and company.  He published Tunnels & Trolls, the Nuclear War Card Game, Grimtooth's Traps and so much more. Rick truly is a legend.  But being a legend doesn't mean you are wealthy, it just means that some people have respect for your accomplishments. 

Now Rick is 72, and in February he found out he has lymphatic cancer. Rick's biggest worry is not himself, but for his two sisters that live with him and the legacy of his company, Flying Buffalo. 

Both his sisters (Nancy and Laura) have been trying to help Rick as best they can, but he has needed specialized medical care in a rehabilitation facility.  Rick was recently sent back to the hospital and the bills have been overwhelming. They need some help taking care of the medical bills and catching up with other expenses that Rick usually took care, of but has been unable to, due to his illness.  

Rick has helped his church and the gaming industry for many years, now we are asking you to give a little help to Rick and his family during this very difficult time. Anything you can pledge will be greatly appreciated.
 
Maybe Rick was your camp councilor, or he  got you started in the gaming industry. Maybe he  helped you get a booth for Origins after the deadline or you played in one of his PBM games. Maybe he was just nice to you. If you feel a debt of gratitude for Rick and how he helped you or the game industry - now is the time to show your gratitude.  Help spread the word that a gaming legend and his family need some help.. 

If you can't afford anything - thank you for your time, your prayers and well wishes.  If you can help, we are eternally grateful for your contribution!

GoFundMe - Gary Con Attendee in Need of New Kidney

As gamers, we are part of a larger community. A community that supports and encourages its members. Today, one of our members needs our support.

Dakota was brought to my attention by a gamer / police officer that I know from attending Gary Con: 

This young lady has been attending GaryCon since she was a kid, but hadn’t shared much of her medical problems with gamers until this year. She unloaded on me and my crew and we were afflicted with the Do Something disease that can still seize even the most bitter paladins… Having 3 coppers there, we were determined to blast this out to cops and gamers.

The Tavern will match the first $250 raised by members of The Tavern's Community. Just make a comment below and let me know how much you gave. Please don't stop giving when the $250 is matched. Please DO share this far and wide. Thank you - Tenkar

From Dakota's GoFundMe Page:

Dakota Alvarado-Ortiz teaches before- and after-school programs for K-5 students in Green Bay, WI. She is a sharp, energetic, outgoing young woman who enjoys dancing, modeling, and fantasy gaming. Most importantly, Dakota is the devoted mother of a 2-year old daughter, Scarlett.

Since the age of 6, Dakota has suffered from chronic hydronephrosis: her kidneys fill with fluid, become infected, and ultimately lose function. Hydronephrosis is usually a symptom of another problem, typically a blockage – but in Dakota's case, her doctors have yet to determine the cause. She has endured dozens of surgeries and learned to live with near-constant pain.

Dakota's right kidney had to be removed two years ago; her left one was recently assessed at 20% function and diminishing gradually. When it falls below 15%, she will need to be on continual dialysis. To have a good chance at a healthy, normal life, Dakota is badly in need of a kidney transplant – and there have been obstacles to this.

Because Dakota has a rare blood type, there are no eligible donors among her family and friends. The hospitals that could perform the transplant have not placed her on their kidney lists because the cause of her hydronephrosis is not known, and patients with more certain odds of success are given priority. She has been told that when the function of her remaining kidney drops below 15%, becoming imminently life-threatening, she will have a greater chance of being placed on the list – but has not been guaranteed a spot. IF placed on the list, she would wait on permanent dialysis, with an undetermined number of patients ahead of her. She would not be able to work and would have difficulty supporting her daughter.

There is a much more promising option for Dakota, however: two hospitals would place her at #3 on their kidney list at a cost of $100,000. This figure is not merely a donation to their institutions; it also covers, in advance, all medical costs of the transplant for both Dakota and the kidney donor. A properly functioning kidney would set up Dakota (and Scarlett) for an immeasurably brighter future.

Dakota's family does not possess the financial means to meet this daunting amount, and we are hoping to do so with this fundraiser. Even if we fall short, the funds raised will be an enormous help; Dakota's medical insurance is less than optimal, and she is slowly paying off substantial out-of-pocket costs from prior procedures and emergency medical services. An amount less than needed for placement on the kidney list could alternately enable Dakota to wipe out her existing medical debt, with the remainder placed in her kidney savings account toward her future transplant.

Thank you for your consideration.

The Tavern's Community is Awesome - Far Over $250 Raised for Josh Beckelheimer & Family

As my regular readers know, The Tavern pledged to match the first $250 raised for Josh Beckelheimer & Family for emergency car repairs. Skeeter Green Publishing also agree to do the same match.

Well, The Tavern's Community has done it and then some. The Tavern actually donated $350 thanks to an anonymous donor who sent a $100 donation to us to forward to Josh.

Josh and his family are not out of the woods yet but they are getting closer, because of you.

I sincerely thank everyone that has donated to Josh and his family.

This is a most amazing community.

Further donations can be made via the following link:  tenkars-tavern.games/JBfund

Taverner in Need - The Tavern Chat Podcast Episode 94 - Josh Beckelhimer

One of the things I am most proud of when it comes to The Tavern and its community is that the community certainly takes care of its own in times of need. Today, the one in need is Josh Beckelhimer and his family.

From the Beckelhimer Family Gofundme page:

The other day, when my husband was driving home from work, the check engine light came on in the car. The car suddenly seemed to have issues changing gears. We took it down to the shop to have it checked out, and the car needs a new transmission. They said that the car was clearly well taken care of and that it was nothing that we could have prevented. They said that unfortunately sometimes these things just happen.  

We have been going with one car for quite some time, which was challenging in itself, but now we have no car. I am on maternity leave, so money is tighter than it usually is, and now we have no way to get back and forth to work or to get our kids to their doctor appointments, etc. Asking for money is really hard for me, but our original quote was $5300. We got a second quote for lower, but it is still more money than we will have until the first of the year at the soonest. Any help we can get would be greatly appreciated.

They are looking to raise $3500. Here's the deal. The Tavern will match the first $250 donated by members of The Tavern's Community. Comment on this post with the amount donated, and when we hit $250 I'll match it. It's that simple.

Edit: Skeeter Green Publishing will ALSO match the first $250 raised by The Tavern's Community. God, I love you all.

Edit: Josh's blog with lots of free OSR content:  http://fantasticalbeckelhimer.blogspot.com/

We've done this before. This is one of the ways your monies, whether from supporting the Patreon or the podcast or shopping via the various Tavern affiliate links, get put to good use.

Somethings take precedence. Taking care of a member of The Tavern's Community in need is certainly a precedence. Josh is looking to get his car running and family to doc appointments and himself to work. The Tavern will match the first $250 raised by The Tavern's community.

Link to Episode 94 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-94---Taverner-in-Need---Josh-Beckelhimer-e21s4q

Link to the Beckelhimer Family Gofundme - tenkars-tavern.games/JBfund

GoFundMe - Braille Printer for Visually Impaired Gamers

I don't know why this hasn't been thought up by the RPG community in the past. The GoFundMe is to buy a braille printer to be able to supply converted RPG material AT COST to visually impaired gamers.

In the video, they use The Black Hack as a sample book to convert, so the OSR is certainly part of this.

For those that don't know, Rach is legally blind. For her, large print (or digital with zoom) is the way to go but we are both very passionate about getting books into the hands of the visual impaired and I think this project is awesome

Their goal is $1,800 to purchase the printer and they are about half way there.

It's a good project to back IMHO with goals we all should be supporting.

Thanks you so much for taking a look at our fundraiser. The DOTS Tabletop Roleplaying Gaming Project is devoted to raising awareness in the gaming community for the need for accessible gaming books and gaming aids for the visually impaired community. 

I am attempting to raise $1,800 ($1,500 for the printer $300 to cover funding fees, sales taxes, and shipping) to fund the purchase a braille embossing printer to be able to produce braille materials for visually impaired gamers. Additionally, the printer comes with a full suite of braille translation and tactile graphic design software. 

Currently the printer is on sale with a $2,000 discount, and if we can purchase the printer in the next couple of weeks, the company will add in a second year warranty for free! So I have to raise the money quickly. 

The cost for outsourcing braille books is astronomical. For example, I just finished translating a roleplaying game into braille and tried outsourcing the printing of a few copies for my visually impaired friends to edit. The companies wanted over $200 for four copies of an 80 page book. With the printer I'm hoping to purchase, it would only cost $1.50 per book. 

Here's something esle exciting! This printer will print tactile graphics...imagine how exciting it would be for a visually impaire game master to be able to feel a dungeon map!

Chris Yoder (Clangador on the Dragonsfoot Forums) has Passed - Family needs Money for Burial

Stuart Marshall asked for my help and that of The Tavern's Community - and the OSR at large:

Hi all 

It'll be no surprise to most regulars when I say that Chris Yoder, known on these forums as Clangador, has passed away. No surprise, but perhaps, still a bit of a shock. His widow and teenage sons are trying to raise money to pay for his funeral. 

I'll say that again. Those boys and their mum are trying to figure out how they can afford to bury their dad. 

Now, I realise that there's a recession on. For a lot of us, money is tight. Some Dragonsfooters aren't working. Others might have jobs, but still be struggling to make the rent each week. If you're in that position, then your well-wishes will of course be quite sufficient. 

But I know that some of us are fortunate enough to be able to donate a couple of quid, a few dollars, maybe a shekel or two. For those people, I'd like to respectfully draw your attention to this link:- 

Chris Yoder burial costs 

Thanks for reading, and all the best, Stuart

Its been a rough couple of weeks here in the OSR. If you can give, literally even if its just a buck, please do. If you can't, and that I'm sure is many in this community, please share either this post or the GoFundMe link. Just by adding to the bandwidth, you are doing a great service for the Yoder family. No one should have to worry about burial expenses in the midst of such a tragedy.

Thank you,
Tenkar

Update - Free Operation: White Box PDF With $5+ Pledge - There is a Fund to Send James Spahn to North Texas RPG Con

I know I posted about this on Saturday, but +Pete Spahn (no relation to James) has sweetened the pot. Now, every pledge at $5 or more gets a copy of Operation: White Box - the OSR rpg set in WWII. Normally 8 bucks in PDF (currently on sale for $5.59 for about another 12 hours) this is a great deal for a great game to help send a great guy to an amazing OSR Con that he his is in the running for an award.

Did I mention +James Spahn is a great guy?

Here's the link to the GoFundMe. Go ahead. Make James blush. I DARE you!  :)

There is a Fund to Send James Spahn to North Texas RPG Con

There is a GoFundMe to send our very own +James Spahn to North Texas RPG Con in June of this year. Its being run by +James Shields without conferring prior to James Spahn, which makes this extra often. Its a other sign of how this community takes care of its own.

Here's what James Shields has to say:

THE GOAL: 

James M. Spahn is a freelance writer and game designer for the roleplaying industry who has created a myriad of works loved by many. His works are among such titles as Swords & Wizardry , The One Ring RPG , White Star , and many others. 

This summer, his talent and works may finally receive the reward and recognition they deserve. His latest work, The Hero's Journey Fantasy Roleplaying , is up for a Three Castles Award at the North Texas RPG Convention. 

However, James is a working family man with little funds to spare and can't afford the trip. Beyond the chance of winning this award, there will be many creators and designers in attendance who have contributed to whom James Spahn is today. This would mean the world to him. 

THE COORDINATOR: 

My name is James Shields. I am freelance artist for the roleplaying industry. A few years ago, I was simply a man who admired James' work. Today I am his friend. I am organizing this campaign because it is something James would never do himself.
I figured I couldn't be the only one who wants to see him there. 

THE DEADLINE: 

While the convention and awards will not be until early June, James needs the funds fairly soon to start purchasing tickets, arranging plans, etc. Ideally, we can reach the goal by the end of March. 

THE FUNDS: 

The amount set forth above should be enough to cover his airfare, convention ticket, hotel room, food, and reimbursement for missed work. Any funds raised above these expenses will go towards either the cost of bringing his family (if possible) or additional spending money at the convention. 

If we don't make this goal, then either: 

A) Hopefully, it will lessen the trip's expenses enough for him to afford it and we will still have helped Send James Spahn to the North Texas RPG Con 

or 

B) This campaign will remain live and continue to raise support to send him to the convention next year. 

All funds will go directly to James Spahn as beneficiary of this campaign. 

THE AWARDS: 

The awards listed are the only thing of value I know to offer. This campaign is my surprise gift to James Spahn. I am sure he'd love to game with and express his appreciation to anybody who helps send him to this convention. 

THE GRATITUDE: 

I trust you already love his work. This is your opportunity to love the man. Thank you so much for what amount you give for my friend.
Help spread the word!

Now, what are the rewards?

Full disclosure: James Spahn is not only a very good friends of mine, he (along with +Zach Glazar ) are my partners on Swords & Wizardry Light / Continual Light. Should the funding goal be met, we'll offer the first issue of the Torchlight Zine at PWYW pricing in PDF to get it in the hands of the entire community.

Thanks in advance. Your Tavern Keeper :)