Destroy Your Original Copies of D&D Releases and You Too Can Get $50 in OBS Credit

So, it appears WotC and OBS are going whole hog into putting out digital copies of the WotC catalog, but they want YOU to do the dirty work.

Here's the pitch:

Help us preserve classic D&D — and earn a bounty for it! 

Our goal at DriveThruRPG has always been to support the RPG hobby by making every RPG title ever published available to RPG fans at a click. To that end, together with Wizards of the Coast, we have been digitally re-mastering hundreds of classic D&D titles and offering them through DriveThru and DMSGuild.com.  We still have about 600 more classic D&D titles to go, and we need the help of D&D fans to get them all. 

If you’ve got some classic D&D titles in your collection and you have access to a scanner, you can help us re-master and preserve these titles. In return, you’ll get a $50 bounty per title (once we verify your scan meets our specifications below). We are looking for  high-quality scans, but these days, most inexpensive home scanners can handle the specifications if set correctly.

You can read the rest here.

So, if you are willing to destroy your collection (see screen shot above) you MAY (if your scans meet standards) qualify for a $50 bounty.

No thank you. Can you imagine the actual time it would take to scan a 128+ page book on the usual home scanner? Add in the fact that you need to destroy the original and all this is is an attempt by OBS / WotC to have someone do their work for them.

As an aside, I thought the parent company was OneBookshelf. I wonder if this means the RPGNow branding is going to be put aside at some point in the near future.

Kickstarter - World Architect Cards (from the guy that brought us the Far Away Land RPG)

If it seems like I'm on a Kickstarter "kick", I very well might be. This isn't a planned post however, as I just stumbled across the announcement in my email when I woke up. I've enjoyed everything that +Far Away Land RPG (Dirk Stanley) has released, and I expect nothing less from the World Architect Cards Kickstarter.

Really, it looks like a great tool for a DM that likes to sandbox. What's in the next hex? Let me pull out a card. I've got graphics, descriptor words and even a random weather table on the bottom of the card.

How does this actually work?

Each card has an image of an overworld map location (like a forest, mountain, desert, etc.) on the front and back of the card. Cards are chosen at random to create map locations. Each location has a series of descriptors to describe the location. The location is then drawn on a piece of paper and described. The map maker continues to draw cards and create locations. Other cards in the deck can be used to describe specific locations within a map (like a mine, temple, bridge, etc.). These cards also feature a series of descriptors to inspire the map maker and easily describe the location. The goal of the World Architect Cards is to take the guesswork and time out of creating a map from scratch.

I really like Dirk's art and I think it's a prefect fit for a project like this. Heck, it was a prefect fit for the Dungeon Architect Cards, which you can also snag from this Kickstarter.

I'd really love to run a campaign using the 2 decks and something simple like White Box or Far Away Lands itself. Maybe this summer...

Kickstarter - The Black Hack (OSR Ruleset)

I've had a busy week, as you can gather from the posting frequency (or lack there of) here at The Tavern.

I've been trying to put together a post that details - without going into too much detail, how The Black Hackack differs from other OSR style rulesets. From my personal impression, I think it would play out amazingly well in a convention or pick up game type of set up, as it looks to play fast and deadly. Still, putting the how and why into a coherent post hasn't been easy (possibly because putting together a coherent post at all hasn't been easy - heh).

So, what do I see in my email?

This nice little summary (and example of the layout of The Black Hack):

So, what can I expand upon?

Usage Die - awesome concept for consumables. Stop counting arrows. A quiver starts at a 1d10 and goes down from there. It may last 4 shots or 20 or more. I like it. It's used for rations, holy waster, oil, herbs, torches, wineskins - the consumables.

Out of Action - I'm yoking this flat out

Advantage & Disadvantage - borrowed from 5e but I'll allow it

Armor Points - feels like Tunnels & Trolls and I like it

I'm very happy to be in for multiple copies :)

Oh, yeah, the PDF is done. I have a copy. If I can get a playtest done before the Kickstarter funding runs it's course, I will but don't count on it. Work seems to be getting busier just as I'm running up to my retirement date. Go figure.

(The Black Hack, not The Black Hand. Warning, posting while your dog is incessantly barking for you to go to bed is dangerous ;)

Kickstarter - The Lost Temple of Forgotten Evil (5e/OSR adventure)

We know I'm heavily into the OSR. I also enjoy sandbox and / or non-linear adventures. The Lost Temple of Forgotten Evil offers to fill both desires for me, as well as delivering it's print version with a detachable cover. How cool is that?

So, what does Temple of Forgotten Evil offer?

- Saddle-Stitched 32+ page adventure
- Detached color cover with classic blue maps on the interior
- 4 half page maps (maybe more)
- 4 pages of art (maybe more)

The sample art from the video is atmospheric as all hell and I'm looking forward to seeing it on print.

I know the stretch goals offer custom dice, but I'd rather see some 8x10 art prints. Yeah, I know, I'm such an art snob ;)

What's the blurb, you may ask?

The Lost Temple of Forgotten Evil is an adventure for three to seven characters between levels four and six. It is designed for use with Fifth Edition and OSR versions of Gary and Dave’s RPG. It can be adapted to any fantasy RPG. 

The Premise 

The small town of Boldon, and its surrounding villages, are afraid. Dozens of people are missing, some speculate lost to some nefarious purpose. Tales of an evil temple and the horrible things within circulate. The few who know the legends and history of the region are beginning to think the dark times have returned, not seen since the fall of the first age of man. People are beginning to feel the icy fingers of fear closing in. Upon arrival, the party encounters a broken man, a homeless drunkard prone to incessant rambling. This inspires an investigation into the stories of a lost temple. Has it been rediscovered by men seduced by its forgotten evil? The drunkard’s tale leads to others who might help the party discover more before they face The Lost Temple of Forgotten Evil.

I wish the art was shown on the Kickstarter page itself, as it would make it easier to share...

Yeah, I captured those pics from the video and they do NOT do the art justice. Watch the video, for the art alone if you must, but watch it.

Print + PDF is $25, PDF is $10

What Updates Do We Have about the Gygax Memorial Fund?

Remember when the hornets' nest was kicked at end of last November? Gail Gygax graciously offered to answer and address the community's questions and concerns about the Gygax Memorial Fund.

Now, maybe I've missed some answers over the last 2 1/2 months. With my current work schedule, that isn't out of the realm of possibilities. Here's the updates I've found:

Updated for the last 2 years of filing. Prior to the questions being raised, only tax returns through 2012 were posted although 2013 could be found elsewhere online (and I profusely thank The Tavern's Community for finding the 2013 return when they did)

One of the bigger questions, at least in my eyes, was how people got their names on the below page, especially after talking to a few who had NO IDEA they were linked to the fund.

After our questions, the page now looks like this:

I expected a purge of some names and titles. This was actually surprising. I have no doubt the new page is an accurate accounting of those actively involved in the Gygax Memorial Fund.

Now, the webstore still has no products in stock, The Tower of Gygax is still blank and the FAQ still lack questions and answers, but there has been some progress. As far as I can tell, there is still no "recent news" but maybe one of my readers has something they've stubbled across.

Tweaking The Tavern Don't Come Cheap ;)

So, as I listened to the latest Roll For Initiative Podcast - yes, the one I was a guest on - I heard Vince talk about podcasts that shill their Amazon webstore, and what point does it become too much?

I've had Amazon ads at The Tavern off and on, and in truth, they really haven't been the most effective. Not sure why, as Amazon is THE online retailer, but I have my suspicions.

I suspect many folks think you need to purchase one of the highlighted product to help the podcast / blog / whatever, but it isn't the case. Just like RPGNow referral sales, just going through the link and making any purchase kicks back to the site.

Now, as many of you know (and many others probably don't) most of the monies from Patreon and RPGNow referral sales get kicked back to the community at large. About 30-40% (the numbers change monthly) of the Patreon monies received in support of The Tavern go right back to supporting other Patreons. Random giveaways (especially of RPGNow GCs) have been a Tavern hallmark, and there should be one or two coming up before the month is out. The rotating Tavern banners highlighting different artists in our community? Some were donated, some were purchased. There's a little over $1,100 in art for your enjoyment in that rotation and I'm always looking to add more. We're sponsoring a room for The Tavern's community, bloggers and podcasters at NTRPG Con 2016- that was $600. This all couldn't have happened without the generosity of all of you, and I thank you.

Of course, there's always more that could be done ;)

In any case, I've put up a link to Amazon on the right side of this page. If you can think of nothing else to support with your Amazon purchases (I support St Jude's, which is way more worthy than The Tavern) please consider using the link provided. It's an easy way to support The Tavern doing something you're probably already doing.

Adding Mythmere Games to the Tabs Above (and other "Old School" News)

It's about time for me to add Mythmere Games to the tabs above. For those that might not have realized it, I'm a HUGE Swords & Wizardry fan. If you are looking for the S&W Core rules or White Box rules in PDF this is the place to snag them for free. Heck, White Box can even be found in RTF format, so you can edit and house rule to your heart's content. How cool is that?

Now, +Matt Finch has put out a "call to arms" to old school publishers and purveyors of stock art in the NTRPG Con Community on Facebook. I'm just adding my voice to the frequency to get the message out. Message Matt via Facebook or G+ if you're interested. As he says, it will be a confidential conversation.

Don't ask me details...

Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Be There or Be Not

Yep, it's another Tavern Chat tonight!

Last week it was a Who's Who of the OSR dropping in to say "hello". Tonight? Who knows?

How do you drop in yourself?

See the Tavern Chat window on the right hand side? Log in using the social media service of your choice and join the chat.

See you then!

OD&D Supplement II: Blackmoor (0e) in PDF for 5 Bucks on RPGNow

OD&D Supplement II: Blackmoor (0e) is a mere 5 bucks in PDF on RPGNow. If you've ever wanted to see where the hobby had it's beginnings, you've never had a better chance than now.

I may pick this up just to save wear and tear on my dead tree copy...

Join Vince, Tim Brannan and Myself on the Latest Episode of the Roll For Initiative Podcast!

Hey! I was on the Roll For Initiative Podcast! (follow the link to download the episode)

If I have to say so myself, I think this was an excellent episode ;)

(details are as follows - ripped for the RFI website)

Join Vince this week as he is joined by two special guests from the gaming community to chat about the various topics that are seen on Facebook and talked about in the gaming community.

Special Guests:

– Timothy Brannan, writer and blogger of the Otherside blog
– Erik Tenkar, Blogger of Tenkar’s Tavern.

Topics:

Dungeon Mastering?
– Is charging for seats in a local game (none conventions) fair or just greedy?
– charging to teach newbies how to play and be a DM?

Patreon/Kickstarters?
– playing a simple AD during a podcast is enough, but asking and throwing in plugs more then once is that over doing it?
– Are Kickstarters hurting the hobby or helping?

Buying Books?
– Amazon vs Local Store

Forums vs Social media platforms?
– Which is more helpful vs less informative
– Which encourages more interaction and thoughtful comments?

(and White Star - there must be White Star)

How Long Before Hasbro Buys Out OneBookShelf?

How long before Hasbro buys out OneBookShelf? Sure, it's a question that can't be answered yet, but it is an interesting thought.

All of WotC's digital products are being sold through OBS (except it's VTT products, which are on Fantasy Grounds - that's a whole 'nother post)

At this point, WotC / Hasbro is the dominant publisher on OBS and the Dungeon Master's Guild is going to lead to a HUGE amount of licensed D&D 5e products. That glut has the potential to seriously tilt the online market towards 5e if it hasn't already. Assuming a limited pool of money to be spent by consumers on RPG products, the Dungeon Master's Guild can seriously drain that pool.

When does it become more profitable for Hasbro to own it's online distributor for it's PDF releases?

What does this mean for the smaller publishers?

When the Dungeon Master's Guild was announced, most of the fear I heard was "it's going to be the D20 era again, with a few gems hidden in piles of dung." Now, I think the fear should be for the market shift and the potential harm to publishers that aren't in the DM's Guild Market (which has huge restrictions and lack of ownership - again, another future post)

The last event that had this much influence on online distributing of RPG products came with the RPGNow / DriveThruRPG merge. Was that merge good for consumers and small publishers? I truthfully don't know, but less competition rarely benefits those spending the cash.

Now, has the current trend benefiting WotC / Hasbro and has it boosted D&D 5e? Is it adding dollars to the coffers of OBS? Of course to all. The question is: What is the long term cost to the hobby?

Some New Gear for StarSlinger

Hey guys, it's +James Spahn  again. Wanted to throw out some more StarSlinger stuff your way. So here's some cybernetics, weapons, armor and equipment. Hope you like it.

Cybernetics

Palm Shuffler: This enhancement can be installed into a cybernetic hand. A small chamber inside the cybernetic hand stores a single deck of cards which can be shuffled and dispensed at the character's mental command. These can be (and often are) modified to shuffle the cards in a fashion that ensures that specific cards are dealt to specific players. Because of this, the gamblers who use them are regarded with particular distrust. They do not count against a character's normal limit on cybernetic enhancements.

Dead Eye: This large, bulky modification to the a cybernetic eye is obvious to anyone who sees it, typically appearing as a single goggle-like cover over one of the character's eyes. It is typically colored red, though others are possible. Characters with this modification have a +1 to all ranged “to-hit” rolls.

Lasso Launcher: A coiled cable of highly flexible steel mesh is installed into a character who already has both a cybernetic arm and cybernetic hand. At the character's command, a length of this cord can spring forth already knotted in a lasso. If the character declares they are using a lasso before initiative is rolled during combat, they receive a +1 bonus to initiative.

Knuckleduster: These are little more than retactable metal studs installed into the knuckles of a cybernetic hand. The character must already have a cybernetic hand to make use of knuckledusters. They grant a +1 bonus to all unarmed melee damage and do not count against a character's normal limit on cybernetic enhancements.

Internal Holster: A portion of the character's cybernetic leg is hollowed out, allowing for a retractable holster to be installed. This holster can hold pistols and other one-handed weapons. Some characters even store daggers or other small melee weapons in them. The character must already have at least one cybernetic leg to receive this modification. These are often used to conceal weapons, but do not count against a character's normal limit on cybernetic enhancements.

Hand Laser: Similar to a Lasso Launcher, this modification for a cybernetic hand allows the character to fire a laser beam from their index finger if this is installed. This does the same damage as a laser pistol. Larger versions of this can be installed, doing damage as a laser rifle, though these larger modifications are obvious. Hand lasers require an energy cell, and large hand lasers consume energy cells twice as fast as normal and are capable of only ten shots before the cell must be replaced.

Teetotaler's Filter: Characters with cybernetic modification cannot get drunk, no matter how much alcohol they consume. They also receive +1 to all saving throws made to resist poisons.

Counter's Computer: This small chip is installed at the base of the character's neck, easily concealed by a human's hair. It allows the character to count cards without error as well as perform basic mathematical equations instantly.

Weapons

Buckstar: Similar to Star Swords, these are heavy handles (often of ivory) that cause a short broad bladed blade of laser energy to spring to life. They do not do as much damage a Star Sword, but are still quite deadly. Any character capable of wielding a Star Sword can use a Buckstar.

Electro-Lasso: Favored by those who herd cattle and atomic bovines, these long cords of flexible metal mesh can be used to restrain and subdue creatures large and small. Once a target has been roped (see below), the attacker can activate a small power cell which causes target to suffer the listed damage.  Robots suffer double damage from the charge of an electro-lasso.

Plasma Shotgun: These double-barreled monstrosities are short ranged and brutal. Their long barrels are often sawed down to make the weapon more concealable at the expense of a shortened range. They fire a massive blast of white-hot plasma that does extraordinary damage, but are only capable of two shots before requiring a new power cell.

Boomer's Rang: These appear to be truncated boomerangs, but when thrown two small laser beams (similar to the full length blades of a Star Sword) spring to life, making this a deadly weapon. After being thrown the attacker must roll a d20 and score equal to or under his Dexterity ability score. If successful, the weapon returns to the attacker's hand whether or not the attack misses.

Armor

Atomic Duster: Made from the hide of atomic bovines, these dusters can be worn over light or medium armor and provide some minor additional protection. These long, bovine leather coats are often dyed black or brown for style. Any character who is able to wear light armor can wear an Atomic Duster. It can be combined with the benefits of light armor, medium armor or shields, but not with heavy armor.

Equipment

Peacemaker Pack: This special cylindrical energy cell can only be used in laser pistols and laser rifles. These laser weapons require special modification to even accept the Peacemaker Packs, which costs 25% of the weapon's purchase price. Peacemaker Packs draw enormous amounts of energy to fire deadly, but short ranged blasts. They are expended after six shots and any weapon using a Peacemaker Pack has its range reduced by one-half. However, the weapon receives a +2 bonus to damage.

Melee Weapon	Damage	Cost	Weight
Buckstar	1d6+2	75 credits	2 lbs
Eletro-Lasso	1d6	50 credits	3 lbs

Ranged Weapons	Damage	Rate of Fire	Ammo Capacity	Range	Cost	Weight
Boomer's Rang	1d6+2	1	–	40 feet	35 credits	2 lbs
Plasma Shotgun	3d6	1	2	30 feet	175 credits	10 lbs

Armor	AC [AAC]	Cost	Weight
Atomic Duster	-1 [+1]	15 credits	10 lbs

Equipment	Weight	Cost
Peacemaker Pack	0.5 lbs	20 credits

Head 'em Up

When a character attacks with a regular lasso or electro-lasso they can attempt to disable a target. If the attack roll is successful, the target must make a saving throw. If the saving throw is failed, the target is unable to move or attack for one round. Each following round, the attacker can choose to maintain their grip and the target may make a new saving throw to slip free. Attempting to break free is extraordinarily difficult, requiring the defender to roll a d20 and add their Strength ability score modifier. If this is successful, they have broken the lasso. The defender is free and the lasso is destroyed. 

Free Time isn't so Free (and other time sinks)

It's not a huge secret that I'm nearing my service retirement. Twenty years in law enforcement isn't quite the same as many other professions - my mother wanted me to have an "office job" out of college ;)

I've accumulated a large amount of time off over the last year or two and I've been slowly using it to ease myself into "non active status" at the end of March which will lead to actual retirement this summer. Damn quick twenty years on one level, slow as all hell last year on so many others.

You would think having some three day and four day weekends would lead to more productivity on the posting and game writing side and it has in short bursts, but overall it hasn't, as my 5 y/o niece has decided that uncle being off for long weekends means more time for sleepovers and "Uncle / Pinkie" time. She's already told me that when I retire, Uncle / Pinkie day will be on Fridays - pick her up from her parents', lunch at the pub, walk the dog at the park, watch some Spongebob, make a fort out of the bed, wait for auntie to come home from work, sleepover and take her home Saturday afternoon. Yes, all that in one breath and without writing down a list.

She was over yesterday and decided to make it a sleepover. Tomorrow into Wednesday? You guessed it. Another sleepover. Thank God her mother is a published writer and Shannon understands the process. She just doesn't understand it as it applies to Uncle.

I'm in trouble.

If we've spoken and I owe you something, I'm working on it as time (and work and niece) allows. The next two things I want to get short reviews / overviews up for are +James Spahn 's The Hero's Journey and The Black Hack (I'm in possession of the PDF from the current Kickstarter)

Ah well, back to work tonight...

Kickstarter - Baby Bestiary Volume 2 & Vol. 1 Reprint

Art. I'm a sucker for good art in an RPG product. The art in the original Baby Bestiary wasn't just good, it was inspiring. The associated text reminded me of the ecology series of articles in Dragon Magazine, complete with hooks hidden within the text. But to be honest, I've sent most of my time with the original Baby Bestiary just looking at the art. Quite simply, it's amazing and evocative.

Which means my only question with the new Baby Bestiary Volume 2 & Vol. 1 Reprint Kickstarter is: do I get Volume 2 as a stand alone, or do I opt for the slipcase?

Did I mention it's systemless? From OSR to 5e, you should be able to find use for this in game.

Here's what will be in Volume 2:

I Was a Guest Host on Roll For Initiative Earlier Today

See those new tabs up above? One is for +Dyson Logos ' blog and the other is for the Roll for Initiative Podcast. I just happened to guest on the RFI episode recorded this afternoon along with +Timothy Brannan (The Otherside Blog) and show regular +Vincent Florio . We had a blast. One of the topics was nothing other than RPG Kickstarters. I bet you can't guess the angle I took. No, really. I bet you cant. Heh!

The episode should get released midweek, so I'll update everyone when it lands. I've missed podcasting and expect to be getting much more involved come March / April in Podcast Land ;)

Of Tabs and Links and Other Sordid Details...

It was suggested to me, not without good reasoning behind it, that I should monetize the "Tabs" you see right below the header art. It was a reasonable suggestion and oh so tempting, but it's not to be.

You see, the issue for me it is becomes an endorsement for something or someone that I might not be that huge a fan of. Selling my integrity (what there is of it - I do have ads here at The Tavern, they help keep the lights on, especially as I transition into retirement) for 10 bucks a month (or whatever the pricing) seems  - whorish, to say the least.

That being said, there will be new tabs added of the special friends I've made over my years of blogging in the OSR. This will happen over the next few days. Yes, I endorse them. No, none of them asked for me to add a link or a tab to their site. Yes, they are cool folks and they produce awesome content.

Some tabs may be more or less temporary (if I ad any Kickstarters, they will by nature be temporary). Check them out. You never know what you may find.

(I may in the future install "drop down tabs". This currently requires more programming knowledge than I have neither time nor desire to learn, but it would be neat)

RPG Computer Games are the Time Sink From Hell... but I Love Them ;)

Well, there goes 2 hours of potentially productive time down the drain ;)

For those that enjoy computer RPGs, Steam is running a sale and I've been making a few purchases.

The two games I picked up between last night and today can both be played on the Mac and can be played multiplayer (but aren't MMORPGs)

Last night I grabbed Sword Coast Legends. Sure, I've heard mixed reviewed (and the Mac version can be a little buggy to get started) but the bit's I played of it last night weren't bad at all. 10 bucks for the basic edition, 15 for the bells and whistles.

Today I grabbed Torchlight II. I played the shit outa Torchlight I and II is better than I. Well, maybe not, as it doesn't have the same specialness that the first version of the game had, but for 5 bucks? I will get way more than my 5 bucks worth. Way more. It's damn good.

Just over six weeks to go before I'm allowed to have regular time sinks ;)

Alright, onward to reading more of +James Spahn 's The Hero's Journey. Hopefully I can put up a good teaser post later this evening ;)

Ken Whitman Reveals the Fate of the KotDT: LAS Videos

Watch the video. 

Ken reveals all.

Wait for the GoFundMe Campaign to raise money for the ransom later this month.

Tip of the hat to +Tim Snider

OD&D Supplement I: Greyhawk $4.99 in PDF

Sure, the new cover art sucks but that's not the point

Color me surprised.

Quickly on the heels of the Original Dungeons & Dragons Boxed set releasing in PDF we now have Supplement I: Greyhawk in PDF for $4.99

What's next? Gamma World 1e?

Wait, that would be pretty cool...

Quick Draw Rules for StarSlinger

Hey gamers. It's +James Spahn here. Since StarSlinger is kinda my fault, I agreed to write the quick draw gunfighting rules for +Erik Tenkar. With his permission, I'm posting them here for your enjoyment. I wanted something that evoked the tension and feel of classic old west gunfights - something that built to a tense and climactic confrontation, but still kept it simple and quick. A gunfight in all the classic westerns was always something that was as much in the mind of the combatants as in their speed and accuracy.

 So if'n ye ain't yellah, give 'em a read.

“I'm calling you out. Draw, if y' ain't yella'.”

The Quick Draw Duel

Two men. One street. The blink of an eye and the crack of a pistol. A long silence. Justice is served. In StarSlinger there are two kinds of people: the quick and the dead.

The only way to determine who is quick and who is dead is a Quick Draw Duel. But there's a lot more to this than just two intergalactic hombres steppin' into the street and skinnin' their smoke wagons. A Quick Draw Duel has several steps and its as much a test of the gunslinger's gumption as it is his speed. All bonuses to Quick Draw Initiative are cumulative.

Step One: The Call Out

A Quick Draw Duel begins with a formal challenge from one gunfighter to another. This can be as blatant as one of approaching the other and quite literally saying “I'm callin' you out,” but it's usually a bit different in each instance. The more subtle instances are simply when both gunfighters look at each other and nod – they both know the challenge has been issued and it won't be settled until one man is dead. In other cases, it's a large public display where one man insults the other in front of a crowd.

Though player characters can call out NPCs whenever they wish, the referee is the final arbiter of whether or not a formal Call Out has been issued. Once a call out has been issued, both the challenger and the challenged must make a saving throw. They may add their Wisdom modifier to this saving throw roll. Other modifiers may apply based on the classes of the challenged and challenger as well as how well the scene is role-played. If the Quick Draw Duel isn't occurring immediately, this is typically when the time and place of the fight is named.

If the saving throw is successful, both the challenged and the challenger receive a +1d6 bonus to their Quick Draw Initiative. The Quick Draw Duel then moves into Step Two: The Crowd

Step Two: The Crowd

Quick Draw Duels rarely take place privately. The occur out on the street, in the open – a public display of blood and speed. The townsfolk and witnesses to the both the Call Out and the Draw itself have a subtle impact on the Duel. If the townsfolk strongly support one gunfighter over the other, their subconscious hope in their champion's victory can actually grant him a benefit during the duel.

If the Quick Draw Duel isn't occurring immediately after the Call Out, both challenger and challenged can attempt to sway the witnesses to their side. This is done through roleplaying and thematic actions. A heroic gunfighter might try to convince the townsfolk that the time has come to end the rule of a villainous murderer, while a dastardly gunslinger might bribe or intimidate the town into supporting him.

Just before Step Three: Staredown begins each gunfighter makes a Charisma saving throw. Based on their actions they may receive anywhere from a -2 to a +2 modifier to this saving throw. If it is successful, then the gunfighter adds +1d6 to their Quick Draw Initiative.

Step Three: Staredown

The Quick Draw Duel is fought in the mind as much as with the hand. When the two gunfighters face off in the street, they often spend moments staring at one another. They size up their foe or trade hard words before blood is shed. Each gunfighter makes a saving throw, adding his level to the roll. If the saving throw is successful the gunfighter adds +2d6 to their Quick Draw Initiative.

Step Four: Draw!

Finally, the moment of truth comes and lead leaves leather. The moment of truth has come. Each gunfighter rolls their Initiative, applying both their Dexterity bonus and any Quick Draw Initiative dice they have earned. So a gunfighter who succeeded in the saving throws for all three steps would roll 5d6 (1d6 base, 1d6 call out, 1d6 townfolk, 2d6 staredown), plus their Dexterity modifier.

The winner has drawn and fired first. He then makes an attack roll against an AC of 9 [10]. His target is, after all standing still and unprotected. If the attack is successful the winning gunfighter rolls his weapon damage PLUS the total of the initiative roll and inflicts that much damage on his opponent – likely killing him.

If the loser is not dead, he can return fire – but he receives no bonus from his initiative roll. Combat proceeds normally from this point with one exception. If both gunfighters roll the exact same number on their initiative then both draw and fire at the exact same moment and both of them add their initiative total to the damage rolled. In all likelihood, this will leave both of them dead.

House Rule: Quick or Dead

If the referee wants to reinforce the climactic tension and deadly nature of the Quick Draw Duel, he can forgo the attack roll made during Step Four: Draw! and assume that the winner of initiative automatically hits with their attack.

House Rule: Hot Lead, Burning Laser

If the winner of the Quick Draw Duel rolls an unmodified, natural 20 on their attack roll, the damage for both the weapon and the added damage dice from initiative are all doubled - almost guaranteeing a lethal attack.This House Rule cannot be combined with the Quick or Dead House Rule.

So, there you have it. It ain't all sunshine and gold panning in StarSlinger - so be quick, or be dead.

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern

Almost for got to post the reminder.

It's been that kind of a week.

See ya 'all in just over an hour.

BTW, BIG announcement should be coming this weekend. I'm only a messenger. Lips sealed beyond this small hint ;)

RPGNow Deal of the Day - 2015 Dodecahedron Cartographic Review (Dyson Maps)

You know the quality of Dyson's maps. You might not know it's his maps when you see them, but you should. Heck, his blog Dyson's Dodecahedron, is a virtual sampler of the work he does. And it is good. Damn good.

Until 1059 AM Eastern, tomorrow morning, Dyson's latest release, the 2015 Dodecahedron Cartographic Review is on sale for $3.75 (normally $7.50) in PDF. This makes it perfect for use in the various VTTs.

Need to know more about the 2015 Dodecahedron Cartographic Review?

The 2015 Dodecahedron Cartographic Review is an 88-page curated collection of most of the maps and descriptions thereof that appeared on Dyson's Dodecahedron throughout 2015. Designed to be a letter-sized spiral bound book, this digital edition also includes a second version of the book where many of the maps have been resized (larger) to better fit the page once all the text has been removed. 

Unlike the maps of Dyson's Delves I and Dyson's Delves II, the maps I drew for the Dodecahedron in 2015 were predominantly drawn on letter-sized paper, so a different format of map book was needed for this review of the year's cartography. The PDF edition of these maps is provided as a convenience for readers of the blog and fans of RPG cartography and contains no exclusive content - everything in this PDF can be hunted down on the Dyson's Dodecahedron blog and downloaded at high resolution. What this collection gives you, however, is that material collected in one place, sequenced, and annotated from the notes on the blog.

Kickstarter - Myth & Magic Player's Guide - 2E Reviled with No More Updates!!! (One Year Later)

Myth & Magic Player's Guide - alas, we had so much hope. We saw pictures of books, and knew they existed, but now?

Now, Tom sent enough copies to silence the more vocal (and more visible) critics. Yes, even I got my copy, nearly 2 years ago. Sure, Tom posted my shipping info in the comments section and Kickstarter had to promptly remove the info upon my request, but I received my copy and it wasn't soaked in urine.

Still, here we are, 3 1/2 years after the project was supposed to ship, and Tom has gone all turtle on us. Folks are still waiting on their copies - years after all were supposedly shipped. Last update? A year ago tomorrow - February 4th, 2015.

Apparently "back on track" means different things to Tom than the rest of us in the real world. Last update on the GM's Guide was July of 2015. I don't have access to that but I'd sure love to know the stroke job Tom gave in that update.

here's the rest of the update:

Safe to assume most international backers are still waiting on theirs. BTW, "constant blackout periods" does not do Tom justice.

Update 62 - December 5th, 2013

Update 63 - April 22nd, 2014

Update 64 - February 4th, 2015

We're at a new record of silence from Tom.

Well done sir, well done!

Actually -no. Not well done, but not unexpected. Another fine example of Kickstarter success resulting in a larger failure than one could have ever done on their own and the lies used to attempt to hide that fact. I empathize with Tom and the hole he has dug himself. Easier to come clean at this point and admit failure and move on. Josh did so with the Quantum RPG KS, and while it isn't a satisfying resolution for anyone it does allow for closure.

Wayward Kickstarter - Ant Simulator "Consultants" Spent Money on Bars and Strippers (Hookers and Blow was a Stretch Goal)

There a story making the rounds about an Ant Simulator video game indie publisher's consultants spending the funding on bars and strippers. Of course, they deny it. Instead, it was on restaurants and bars.

Er, whatever.

The fact remains that success can lead the the worst failures and there is nothing worse than being the entity stuck holding the bag when others have control of the money (Dwimmermount anyone?)

Quote of the day:

Now Ant Simulator is cancelled, because his business partners and ex-best-friends spent the "overwhelming majority" of money from both sources on alcohol, strippers and other activities not really related to making a good videogame.

Read the story over at PC Games N, including the update with the denial:

"It’s completely false. I don’t know why he’s painting that picture, but the reality is that anything that was spent in a bar or restaurant was very reasonable in nature when you look at any business, including video game companies. It was part of our operating budget, it’s not anything that was excessive. It was all reported to the IRS. The picture he’s painting about that is 100 percent bull****."

What a bar or restaurant has to do with creating a video game, I have no idea.

Oh, listen to the video announcement of the cancelation of the project.

BTW, the Kickstarter (Ultimate GameDev Tutorials) itself raised just over $4,400. How the fuck is there a restaurant and bar budget in that? Shit, there's barely Dominos and that's stiffing the driver on his tip...

Kickstarter - Lair of the Black Dragon (A DM-less, systemless adventure module for any level character?)

One of the great things about Kickstarter are the things that make you go "hmmmm"

One of the worst things about Kickstarter are the things that make you go "hmmmm"

Lair of the Black Dragon is both.

I understand very well how DM-less, whether solo or for group play, work. Usually, it's a hidden flow chart with lots of "if this, then go to section 43", etc. I am, after all, a Tunnels & Trolls player.

I understand how systemless adventures work. There is usually a lot of weight pulled by the GM to put in the appropriate mechanical balance for the system in question.

I understand how adventures work that are level adjustable, within reason. It requires changing the adversaries power level based on the system you are using.

I have no fucking idea how these will all come together in a playable mesh in Lair of the Black Dragon.

It's not like you have to risk much to find out, as the the $3 offers:

Heck, estimated deliver is THIS VERY MONTH. I mean, what could go wrong? Aside from everything that is.

Here's the pitch:

As a Player, have you ever wanted to adventure but couldn’t find a DM?
As a DM, have you ever had players wanting to keep going, but you didn’t have anything prepared? 

This is a complete adventure ready to be played through in a single sitting of 2-3 hours. It can be dropped into any campaign, and is designed so it can be played in several different ways; 

What it is: This project is a system neutral, solo-play, one-shot, complete adventure module for characters of any level. 

What that means: 

System Neutral means it is not dependent on any specific rule set or edition, and can therefore be dropped into just about ANY role playing campaign world setting. If your game rules use polyhedral dice, then this will work for you. It was written primarily for the most common traditional fantasy role-playing game settings, but it can be adapted for many other worlds with just a little imagination. 

Solo-Play means it can be played by a single person without a DM. It can be played with multiple players with or without a DM as well. It has a flexible design and concept so it can be used in many different ways. Though it was designed to be played by a lone player by themselves, it can be played with a group of players and multiple characters, or even with a DM. 

One-Shot means it is able to be completed in a single 2-3 hour sitting. This is also flexible in that you can increase the level of challenge (with more or stronger monsters) to increase the length of play time, or you can decrease the number of challenges to shorten the play session. 

Complete Adventure Module means that everything you need to get through this adventure is contained in the PDF, HOWEVER, this is NOT a stand-alone game. SEE ALSO: What it is NOT: 

For Characters of Any Level means that this module is scalable. You can increase or decrease the challenge based on the experience level of your character or characters. 

What it is NOT: This is NOT a stand-alone Role Playing Game rules set. The rules and mechanics for a Role Playing Game are not part of this. This is just an add-on, like an expansion, for whatever Role Playing Game system you currently use. You will need at least the basic guidebooks for whatever Role Playing System you normally use. 

Risks and challenges
There are no risks at all. Well, let's back up. There is the risk that you may not like the content, or you may not have fun playing it, but the module is already finished! All I need is to get enough funding to support my next project and you get a module for a dollar! So there's no risk that you won't get the PDF.

So, for as little as a buck you can buy in. 3 bucks gives you the bells and whistles. I almost feel like 3 bucks will give me my entertainment back, whether this is a hot mess or not.