On the Eight Day of OSR Christmas, My Gaming Group Gave to Me....

I have caught up with emails through Sunday. The work continues ;)

So, this year will be giving the previous day's gift giving with the announcement of the new gifts in the mix. Trying to keep the post spam to a minimum.

Those being gifted from yesterdays post are:

Joseph Bloch - The Midderlands in PDF each with The Midderlands Additions in PDF 

dogrodeo - The Demon Stones (Swords & Wizardry version) in PDF 

Jan Egil Bjune - $10 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store

Sarah Gilman - Swords & Wizardry Continual Light in Print (US Only - others will receive $7 US via Paypal)

Now for today's gifts:

1 - White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game - Print - US Only (original receiver is outside the US and will be receiving PayPal funds to purchase SWCL / whatever they wish)

1 - Orb of Undying Discord (PDF) and 1 Copy of Silver Bulette's next release (PDF)

1 - The Blight - Frog God - Print - US Only

For the above, comment below with your Holiday Wishes before 11 AM Eastern, Friday, December 22nd, 2017. Gift receivers will be randomly chosen from the comments placed in that time.

Remember, Gaming Ballistic is hosting their own daily OSR Christmas Giveaway. So, leave your daily comments at Gaming Ballistic and get in the mix!

Note - I'm receiving your emails but this has been a busy weekend  still busy but catching up- three birthday celebrations and mouse infestation cleanup in the Tenkar kitchen. Communication catch up commences tonight / tomorrow morning soon! I apologize for the email silence.

Santa's Bag

Tony T                   (1)  White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game - Print - US Only (original receiver is outside the US and will be receiving PayPal funds to purchase SWCL)

Paul Baldowski     (1) Chtulhu Hack Bundle in PDF (The Cthulhu Hack, From Unformed Realms,                                                             The Haunter of the Dark, Thro' Centuries Fixed, Three Faces of the Wendigo,                                                         The Dark Brood

Hog Town Games  (2)(3) Print and (2)(3) PDF Copies of Dice Roll Zine (OSR)

Monkeyblood Designs (4)(6) copies of The Midderlands in PDF each with The Midderlands                                                             Additions in PDF.
                                     (4)(6) copies of The Demon Stones (Swords & Wizardry version) in PDF.

Brett Slocum           (1) The Petal Hack - Print

Grim & Perilous      (1) Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - core book PDF
                                 (1) Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - GM screen PDF
                                 and possibly Arcane and Divine Magick cards PDF

Barrel Rider Games  (3)(4) White Star Galaxy Edition PDFs
                                 (2) The Hero's Journey PDFs

@Padre's                (1) $25 RPGNow Gift Certificate

Edwin Nagy            (1) Return From Dragonmount - Print      Gifted


Frog God Games:   (1) Copy of The Blight - for Swords & Wizardry - Hardcover / Print
                                (1) (2) $20 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store
                                (1) (3) $10 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store

Silver Bulette        (2) Copies Orb of Undying Discord (PDF)
                               (2) Copies of their next release (PDF)

Gaming Ballistic   (2) Copies Dungeon Grappling in Print - (6) Copies of DG in PDF (note - handled
                               (2) Copies Lost Hall of Tyr in Print - (6) Copies of LHoT in PDF (at                                                                                                                                              (www.Gamingblastic.com)

Precis Intermedia(1) Choice of one issue of RPG Pundit Presents in PDF
(Brett Bernstein)   (1) Supergame: Super-Powered RPG (Classic Reprint) in PDF

Crossplanes         (5) (6) Copies Wizardry Unearthed in PDF

The Tavern           (3) (6) Copies Swords & Wizardry Continual Light in Print

The Tavern
Monkeyblood Design (1) Copy Midderlands in Print

As a side note, don't expect print copies to ship prior to Christmas ;)

Wherein I Receive a Surprisingly Honest Answer From Anuj (re: Top 100 RPG Blog List)

"Not everyone is paid. We compiled the list organically."

Which means, the top of the list is just that - and the rest of the list is paid for.

So, yes - ENWorld, The Pundit, Dieheart and others made the list legitimately - but sadly, the list itself is illegitimate.

You can't have a legit Top 100 of Anything list when part of the list is paid for. It should have stopped at top 20 or top 25.

What surprises me the most is that a site would give itself props for making a list without actually looking at the list. When a Top 100 List for RPG Blogs tops out at 75, when the bottom of the list has little if any actual web traffic, you think you might ask questions before patting yourself on the back.

The sad thing is, the top sites don't need the extra traffic, the bottom sites don't deserve it and the middle sites SHOULD be highlighted - but not this way.

Props to Anuj for being honest when asked. Shame he isn't as honest with the list itself.

Prior posts here and here.

Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

This will be the last Tavern Chat before Christmas. Yes, Santa Tenkar is STILL catching up on OSR Christmas Emails, so if I seem to lose my attention span tonight on occasions, I'm probably working on the emails.

Tavern Chat takes place on The Tavern's Discord Server at 9 PM Eastern and generally lasts until 11 PM and beyond.

Here's the invite if you need it: https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

When you log into the server, you want to go to tavern-chat-wed for the text chat room.

Voice chat is held in the Open Bar.

You can and probably should be in both text and voice chat, as the text chat often gets relevant links and images from the voice chat.

You don't need to speak in the voice chat if you don't want to. Many do lurk as listeners and that is fine.

Hopefully we'll "see you" tonight ;)

Follow Up to the Feedspot 100 Top RPG Blog List - New Email and ENWorld Denial

So, it looks like someone really wants my 3 bucks a month. This is from earlier today:

If you subscribe to Feedspot Gold, we will feature you in our Top 100 RPG Blogs post - which doesnt have 100 blogs / Reddits / Youtube Channels - whatever. Its sitting at 75.

Now, Morrus over on ENWorld says you don't have to pay to make the list, and in his case, he might be right - but I've had confirmation from others that paying is what got them on the list. ENworld may have made the list legitimately but much (most? all?) of that list is paid for.

Alright, email sent. I'll share the answers I get.

and yes, a damn typo. doh!

edit: lets see the Alexa rankings of some of these top sites.

at #45

at #50

at #60

at #62 

at #63

#64

Now, here's an unlisted number that hasn't paid:

I'm not saying every site on the list has paid, but this fairly random sampling shows some obvious ones that did.

On the Sixth & Seventh Days of OSR Christmas my DM Gave to Meeeeeee....

I took yesterday off in the hopes of catching up on OSR Christmas emails - needless to say, I'm still catching up and today will be a busy day as well. You are not forgotten. I'll probably be working on emails during tonight's Tavern Chat ;)

So, this year will be giving the previous day's gift giving with the announcement of the new gifts in the mix. Trying to keep the post spam to a minimum.

Those being gifted from yesterdays post are:

Jay Murphy - The Petal Hack - Print- US Only

Michael Gross  - The Midderlands in PDF with The Midderlands  Additions in PDF

seaofstarsrpg - Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - core book PDF with Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - GM screen PDF and Arcane and Divine Magick cards PDF

The above need to email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing with "I've been gifted!" in the subject - state your name / pseudonym and the gift you are receiving. 

Now for today's gifts:

1 - The Midderlands in PDF each with The Midderlands Additions in PDF 

1 - The Demon Stones (Swords & Wizardry version) in PDF 

1 - $10 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store

1 - Swords & Wizardry Continual Light in Print (US Only - others will receive $7 US via Paypal)

For the above, comment below with your Holiday Wishes before 11 AM Eastern, Thursday, December 21st, 2017. Gift receivers will be randomly chosen from the comments placed in that time.

Remember, Gaming Ballistic is hosting their own daily OSR Christmas Giveaway. So, leave your daily comments at Gaming Ballistic and get in the mix!

Note - I'm receiving your emails but this has been a busy weekend  still busy but catching up- three birthday celebrations and mouse infestation cleanup in the Tenkar kitchen. Communication catch up commences tonight / tomorrow morning soon! I apologize for the email silence.

Santa's Bag

Tony T                   (1)  White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game - Print - US Only 

Paul Baldowski     (1) Chtulhu Hack Bundle in PDF (The Cthulhu Hack, From Unformed Realms,                                                             The Haunter of the Dark, Thro' Centuries Fixed, Three Faces of the Wendigo,                                                         The Dark Brood

Hog Town Games  (2)(3) Print and (2)(3) PDF Copies of Dice Roll Zine (OSR)

Monkeyblood Designs (5)(6) copies of The Midderlands in PDF each with The Midderlands                                                             Additions in PDF.
                                     (5)(6) copies of The Demon Stones (Swords & Wizardry version) in PDF.

Brett Slocum           (1) The Petal Hack - Print

Grim & Perilous      (1) Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - core book PDF
                                 (1) Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - GM screen PDF
                                 and possibly Arcane and Divine Magick cards PDF

Barrel Rider Games  (3)(4) White Star Galaxy Edition PDFs
                                 (2) The Hero's Journey PDFs

@Padre's                (1) $25 RPGNow Gift Certificate

Edwin Nagy            (1) Return From Dragonmount - Print      Gifted


Frog God Games:   (1) Copy of The Blight - for Swords & Wizardry - Hardcover / Print
                                (1) (2) $20 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store
                                (2) (3) $10 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store

Silver Bulette        (2) Copies Orb of Undying Discord (PDF)
                               (2) Copies of their next release (PDF)

Gaming Ballistic   (2) Copies Dungeon Grappling in Print - (6) Copies of DG in PDF (note - handled
                               (2) Copies Lost Hall of Tyr in Print - (6) Copies of LHoT in PDF (at                                                                                                                                              (www.Gamingblastic.com)

Precis Intermedia(1) Choice of one issue of RPG Pundit Presents in PDF
(Brett Bernstein)   (1) Supergame: Super-Powered RPG (Classic Reprint) in PDF

Crossplanes         (5) (6) Copies Wizardry Unearthed in PDF

The Tavern           (4) (6) Copies Swords & Wizardry Continual Light in Print

The Tavern
Monkeyblood Design (1) Copy Midderlands in Print

As a side note, don't expect print copies to ship prior to Christmas ;)

Dungeons & Dragons Movie - Coming July 23, 2021

Variety reports that the next Dungeons & Dragons movie is slated for July 23, 2021. Something tells me not to hold my breath on this.

Actually, I find it more exciting that there is a Micronauts movie is on the calendar October 21st, 2021. Shit, that's even further out.

Ah well, no one is associated with either project yet. Maybe that's for the best...

Frog God Games Day 5 & 6 Christmas Freebies

I missed yesterday's Frog God Games freebie, so today is a two-fer :)

Holiday Day 5 -- One Night Stands #1 - Pathfinder or Swords & Wizardry in PDF

Holiday Day 6 -- Razor Coast Freebooter's Guide - Pathfinder or Swords & Wizardry in PDF

Shop Smart - Shop Frog-Smart ;P

22 Hour Warning - The Frog God Games / Kobold Press 5e Humble Bundle is Coming to a Close

Real quick, as I'm running around like a headless chicken today. The Frog God Games / Kobold Press 5e Humble Bundle is coming to an end in just over 22 hours. I would have loved to have made this a 24 hour warning, but such was not to be.

Listen, even if you only go in for a buck, the rewards - no matter your system of choice - are well worth your money.

Heck, you can give it all to charity if that's your choice:

Support charity. Choose where the money goes – between the publisher, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and, if you'd like, a charity of your choice via the PayPal Giving Fund. If you like what we do, you can leave us a Humble Tip too!

Listen, I'm an OSR guy, but I can convert 5e to OSR on the fly - and at these prices, you can too ;)

State of The Tavern - Playing Catch Up with Santa

There will be no OSR Christmas post this morning. I need to catch up on matching gift receivers with gift givers, so a day off will hopefully allow such. Tomorrow will be two days worth of gifting.

Last night was also the first night in weeks that I got a solid night's sleep. I think Rach worked out most of my sciatica tightness last night. You don't realize how poorly you've been sleeping until you sleep well.

I'm hoping to make an announcement or two regarding certain projects before the year is out, some of it is in regards to ideas I've pitched. Just working out the details and timing.

As busy as the weekend was it was awesome :)

When you Have to Pay to be on a "Top XX List" is it REALLY a List of Value?

ENWorld last week had a posting about their being #2 on the Top 100 RPG Blogs List. Now, there are some really obscure sites listed on that list - which currently only goes up to 75. There is some sort of equation using Twitter, Facebook and Alexa ranking that pulls it all together.

Following the link to the Top 100 RPG list I found on ENWorld, I noticed you had to submit your site for consideration. I figured, what the heck - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Then I received the above email this morning.

So, in order to be listed, I would need to subscribe for 3 bucks a month. A list of 100. The list can potentially bring in 300 bucks a month, 3600 a year.

And Feedspot has "Top XX" lists for everything.

But if you have to pay to be on such a list, what is the true value of the list?

First, they aren't all blogs. Youtube channels and Reddits are also on the list. Which is why the competing titles are confusing.

Second, Congratulations for paying to be on a list!

Third, the list is FAR from the "most comprehensive list of best RPG blogs on the internet." But I guess Anuj is "honored" to take your cash every month.

Last, as I said above - the list doesn't even hit 100.

In any case, I won't be paying to play and neither should you.

On the Fifth Day of OSR Christmas my DM Gave to Meeeeeee....

So, this year will be giving the previous day's gift giving with the announcement of the new gifts in the mix. Trying to keep the post spam to a minimum.

Those being gifted from yesterdays post are:

Mike Bauer 1 - White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game - Print - US Only

Kevin Searle 1 - Chtulhu Hack Bundle in PDF (The Cthulhu Hack, From Unformed Realms,                                                             The Haunter of the Dark, Thro' Centuries Fixed, Three Faces of the Wendigo,                                                         The Dark Brood

Tim Shorts 1 - $20 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store

Michael S 1 - The Demon Stones (Swords & Wizardry version) in PDF

The above need to email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing with "I've been gifted!" in the subject - state your name / pseudonym and the gift you are receiving. 

Now for today's gifts:

1 - The Petal Hack - Print- US Only

1 - The Midderlands in PDF with The Midderlands  Additions in PDF

1 - Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - core book PDF with Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - GM screen PDF and possibly Arcane and Divine Magick cards PDF

For the above, comment below with your Holiday Wishes before 11 AM Eastern, Tuesday, December 19th, 2017. Gift receivers will be randomly chosen from the comments placed in that time.

Remember, Gaming Ballistic is hosting their own daily OSR Christmas Giveaway. So, leave your daily comments at Gaming Ballistic and get in the mix!

Note - I'm receiving your emails but this has been a busy weekend  still busy but catching up- three birthday celebrations and mouse infestation cleanup in the Tenkar kitchen. Communication catch up commences tonight / tomorrow morning soon! I apologize for the email silence.

Santa's Bag

Tony T                   (1)  White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game - Print - US Only 

Paul Baldowski     (1) Chtulhu Hack Bundle in PDF (The Cthulhu Hack, From Unformed Realms,                                                             The Haunter of the Dark, Thro' Centuries Fixed, Three Faces of the Wendigo,                                                         The Dark Brood

Hog Town Games  (2)(3) Print and (2)(3) PDF Copies of Dice Roll Zine (OSR)

Monkeyblood Designs (5)(6) copies of The Midderlands in PDF each with The Midderlands                                                             Additions in PDF.
                                     (5)(6) copies of The Demon Stones (Swords & Wizardry version) in PDF.

Brett Slocum           (1) The Petal Hack - Print

Grim & Perilous      (1) Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - core book PDF
                                 (1) Zweihänder Grim & Perilous RPG - GM screen PDF
                                 and possibly Arcane and Divine Magick cards PDF

Barrel Rider Games  (3)(4) White Star Galaxy Edition PDFs
                                 (2) The Hero's Journey PDFs

@Padre's                (1) $25 RPGNow Gift Certificate

Edwin Nagy            (1) Return From Dragonmount - Print      Gifted


Frog God Games:   (1) Copy of The Blight - for Swords & Wizardry - Hardcover / Print
                                (1) (2) $20 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store
                                (2) (3) $10 Gift Certificates to the Frog God Store

Silver Bulette        (2) Copies Orb of Undying Discord (PDF)
                               (2) Copies of their next release (PDF)

Gaming Ballistic   (2) Copies Dungeon Grappling in Print - (6) Copies of DG in PDF (note - handled
                               (2) Copies Lost Hall of Tyr in Print - (6) Copies of LHoT in PDF (at                                                                                                                                              (www.Gamingblastic.com)

Precis Intermedia(1) Choice of one issue of RPG Pundit Presents in PDF
(Brett Bernstein)   (1) Supergame: Super-Powered RPG (Classic Reprint) in PDF

Crossplanes         (5) (6) Copies Wizardry Unearthed in PDF

The Tavern           (4) (6) Copies Swords & Wizardry Continual Light in Print

The Tavern
Monkeyblood Design (1) Copy Midderlands in Print

As a side note, don't expect print copies to ship prior to Christmas ;)

Frog God Day 4 Christmas Freebie - The Brain Gorger's Appetite (5e)

The Brain Gorger's Appetite is the Day Four Freebie at the Frog God website. The author, Alex Kammer, is the main man behind Gamehole Con.

Written for 5e it should also work fairly easily with the OSR system of your choice.

Link for the Brain Gorger's Appetite.

Link for the rest of the Frog God freebies.

OSR Christmas will be delayed until later today - busy morning and afternoon for your bartender ;)