For Those Wondering, The Tavern, as a Blog and as a Podcast, is Here to Stay

I'm not giving up the written word (the blog) or the spoken word (the podcast) anytime soon. Both serve me well and hopefully serve their readers and listeners well.

If the podcast seems to have moved to the forefront recently, that is due more to spending nearly a week at NTRPG Con and a failing computer both pre and post-con. As I stated last night, I am in catch up mode ;)

Ideally, I'd be averaging three posts a day, one of which shares out the daily podcast episode. We're working on hitting that mark. That should cover both those that desire the written word or the spoken word (and those that enjoy both get a bonus ;)

I try to keep the podcast episodes short - generally 12 to 15 minutes or so (although interviews run longer). Short episodes seem the most flexible for the listener, as it can be squeezed in most anytime or multiple episodes can be listened to at once while on a commute or such.

Daily blogging (haven't missed a day in over 5 years) and daily podcasting (38 straight episodes) is what I do.

So don't worry, Venger. If anything there will simply be more Tavern, not less ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #38 - Interview with Ben Barsh of Pacesetter Games

In the latest episode of The Tavern Chat podcast, I chat with Ben Barsh of Pacesetter Games about the Rise of the Nefarious Kickstarter, the synergy between 5e and the OSR, bringing new and younger blood into old school gaming, Disney, and other goodness.

Link to Episode #38:
https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-38---An-Interview-w-Ben-Barsh-of-Pacesetter-Games-e1mtbi

Link to the Rise of the Nefarious Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/640360422/rise-of-the-nefarious-a-5th-edition-campaign

State of The Tavern - Still Further Behind Then I Planned to Be Post Con

Before I left for NTRPG Con I knew my desktop was dying. Macs tend not to make weird spinning and beeping sounds and mine was. Then came the inability to save to the hard drive, usually after being on for 30 minutes or so. It got worse in the days before the con. Post-con? Only worse.

Did I mention my main login was corrupted, so even though the files transferred to my new Mac I can't access them. I'm going to try rebooting the old and moving my download folder to my Dropbox folder before the drive decides it will save no more.

Oh, and then my Android phone started acting funny post-con, with the screen reading input wrong with random characters. So we had to replace that.

Yeah, last week was pretty much a wash. At best I was treading water, but there certainly was no catch up going on.

This week I've slowly started catching up but I'm still behind - everything from emails and interviews and blog posts and... you get the idea.

I haven't forgotten you. I just haven't gotten to you.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #37 - How I See the OSR

Yeah, I go out and define the OSR. Thankfully, it is only my personal definition, so no need for the tar and feathers ;)

Yep, I screwed up some of the early episodes. Argh! I talk about the OSR and The Tavern as a Neutral Ground. Oh, and a free game for 24 hours only.

Link to Episode #37: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-37---How-I-See-the-OSR-e1mp2a

Link to HUMBLE RPG BUNDLE: 5E DUNGEONS, HORDES & HORRORS BY FROG GOD & FRIENDS:   https://www.humblebundle.com/books/5e-dungeons-hordes-horrors?partner=tenkar

Link to FREE Shadowrun Returns Deluxe (limited time offer):  https://www.humblebundle.com/store/shadowrun-returns-deluxe?partner=tenkar

Those are affiliate links above. A small portion of your monies spent go to support The Tavern.

Free - Shadowrun Returns Deluxe - Limited Time (Humble Bundle)

Fee, as in Air ;)

Shadowrun Returns Deluxe

https://www.humblebundle.com/store/shadowrun-returns-deluxe?partner=tenkar

MAN MEETS MAGIC & MACHINE. The year is 2054. Magic has returned to the world, awakening powerful creatures of myth and legend. Technology merges with flesh and consciousness. Elves, trolls, orks and dwarves walk among us, while ruthless corporations bleed the world dry. You are a shadowrunner - a mercenary living on the fringes of society, in the shadows of massive corporate arcologies, surviving day-by-day on skill and instinct alone. When the powerful or the desperate need a job done, you get it done... by any means necessary.

In the urban sprawl of the Seattle metroplex, the search for a mysterious killer sets you on a trail that leads from the darkest slums to the city’s most powerful megacorps. You will need to tread carefully, enlist the aid of other runners, and master powerful forces of technology and magic in order to emerge from the shadows of Seattle unscathed.

The unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun has gained a huge cult following since its creation nearly 25 years ago. Now, creator Jordan Weisman returns to the world of Shadowrun, modernizing this classic game setting as a single player, turn-based tactical RPG.

Key Features

• Gripping Tactical Combat: When you’re running the shadows, every turn matters. Choose your actions wisely - move to better cover, charge into melee, or lob a fireball into a crowd of enemies. With the variety of weapons and spells at your disposal, every turn is filled with meaningful choices. A successful run requires commanding a team of runners with the right balance of combat, tech, and magical abilities.
• Skill-Based Character Progression: Choose a starting character archetype and build from there! Street Samurai and Physical Adepts use advanced combat skills to dominate the battlefield, Shamans and Mages summon powerful allies and cast deadly spells, while Riggers and Deckers provide critical technological support, projecting their consciousness directly into drones and computer systems. Shadowrun Returns’ classless skill system allows you to grow your character in any direction you choose. Want to start summoning spirits as an ork Shaman and evolve into a cybered-up weapon specialist? Do it!
• Engaging 2D/3D Art Style: Shadowrun Returns mixes dynamic 3D characters and lighting with a vibrant, hand-painted environment. Illustrated character portraits bring every conversation to life. Explore a world filled with detail, from the slums of the Redmond Barrens to the extravagant offices of powerful corporations.

https://www.humblebundle.com/store/shadowrun-returns-deluxe?partner=tenkar

That's an affiliate link. If you purchase something in addition to getting your free game, a small portion goes to support The Tavern.

Deal of the Day - Adventurer Conquerer Kings System (ACKS) PDF 2 Bucks

Until tomorrow, June 22 at 11 AM Eastern you can snag the Adventurer Conqueror King System PDF for the dirt cheap price of 2 bucks (instead of the normal 10).

If you play B/X or Labyrinth Lord, you already know the core system but it has its own flavor:

• Play 12 different classes, including the fighter, mage, thief, cleric, assassin, bard, bladedancer, explorer, dwarven craftpriest, dwarven vaultguard, elven nightblade, and elven spellsword.
• Easily customize your character using a unique, optional proficiency system. Make your fighter a berserker or your mage a necromancer!
• Buy, sell, and trade common merchandise, precious silks and spices, and even monster parts and magic items in a balanced and integrated game economy.
• Construct strongholds, establish kingdoms, and carve out a realm for your character.
• Run a thieves' guild and send your minions to carouse, smuggle, steal, and commit other hijinks.
• Establish a wizard's sanctum and explore the forbidden arts. Crossbreed horrific monsters in an underground laboratory, enact powerful magical rituals, build golems, craft magic items, or even transform yourself and your followers into undead monsters.
• Build and run a living world for adventure on a grand scale. With game mechanics built to support emergent play, ACKS is the ultimate RPG for sandbox campaigns.

Probably my go-to system after Swords & Wizardry, I had a blast running ACKS and still use it as a resource.

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Kepp the taps cold and the lights on at The Tavern by using The Tavern's affiliate links.

Check out the ACKS "Kilodungeon" Kickstarter Secrets of the Nethercity, currently funding.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #36 - Champions! Its Coming Backs as Its Old Self

Yep, Champions is getting a retro boot. Yeah! Or is that "eh"?

There's a new Top Secret adventure being Kickstarted. The Origins Best RPG Game Award Winner is none other than our own James Spahn (and a dozen others). A look at the Champions Now! Kickstarter.

Link to Episode #36:  https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-36---Champions--Its-Coming-Backs-as-Its-Old-Self-e1mjpq

Champions Now!  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/herogames/champions-now/description

Operation: Arctic Blast - A Top Secret: NWO Adventure  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/newcometgames/operation-arctic-blast-a-top-secret-nwo-adventure

Adventures in Middle Earth Player's Guide (Amazon) https://amzn.to/2K8f9vc

5e Dungeons, Hordes & Horrors  http://bit.ly/DungeonsHordesHorrors

Note, there are affiliate links above. Keep the taps cold and support The Tavern using out affiliate links.

Reminder - Tavern Chat - Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - I'll Try to Avoid the F-Bombs ;)

Tonight is a Wednesday Night and that means it is time for the weekly Discord hosted Tavern Chat. I may be late, as today is Rachel' birthday and I am taking the lovely lass out to dinner for her birthday. Happy birthday, hun :)

Anyhow, I did some ranting, venting, f-bombing on Monday's episode of the Tavern Chat podcast. I'm sure it will come up tonight.

Looking forward to seeing the regulars (and irregulars) tonight.

Link to The Tavern's Discord Server:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #35 - Kickstarters Old & New and the Return of a Pod

There are a number of old-school Kickstarters currently funding and I give three of them a well-deserved shout-out. Did we mention that the Old School Blues podcast has made its triumphant return?

I talk about three current Kickstarters you should think of backing and one that is six and a half years overdue. Also, the return of the Old School Blues podcast.

Link to the episode: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-35---Kickstarters-Old--New-and-the-Return-of-a-Pod-e1mcah

Kickstarter links:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Adamant/far-west-western-wuxia-mashup-adventure-game/posts/2216732

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1730454032/the-black-hack-rpg-second-edition/description

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1895361773/advanced-labyrinth-lord

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/autarch/secrets-of-the-nethercity

Old School Blues links:

https://anchor.fm/oldschoolblues/episodes/Old-School-Blues-Podcast-Episode-11---Season-2-Starts-here-e1lvov

Kickstarter - The Black Hack 2nd Edition

Holy shit! Talk about a runaway Kickstarter hit. The Black Hack 2nd Edition Kickstarter is doing extremely well - over $44k raised from a goal just over $6,600. It's sneaking up on 1k backers and still has 11 weeks left to fund.

Let's pull out our checklist:

Well done and short video? Damn near perfect for this project. I'd give it an 'A'.

Experienced project manager at the helm? Yep, Peter Regan - SquareHex / Gold Piece Productions. Another solid 'A'

Well explained rewards section? You have no idea how often this is forgotten or overlooked. Yep, another 'A'

Ah heck, let's just give the whole thing a solid "a" :)

There is a magic to The Black Hack and it is immensely "hackable". Definitely looking forward to this one.

I'm not sure of the sweet spot is $40 or $53 (levels 3 and 4). Argh! Need to think ;)

• Level 0 - No reward.
• Level R - This is for retailers only. By selecting this pledge level you will get updates and the option to place a trade order if you wish in October.
• Level 1 - PDFs of both The Black Booklet and The Black Hack rules, plus PDFs of the 3 panel GM's screen and Character Sheets - £5
• Level 2 - All the PDFs, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets - £12
• Level 3 - All the PDFs, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 124 page The Black Hack rules in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets. Beta Document access- £30
• Level 4 - All the PDFs, Black box, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 124 page The Black Hack rules in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets, 2 drop table box inserts, edgy black pencils, moody black dice (d4, 3d6, d8, d10, d00, d12, 2d20) & dice pouch, Beta Document access - £40
• Level 5 - All the PDFs, Black box, 20 page The Black Booklet in print, 124 page The Black Hack rules in print, 3 panel GM's screen in print, 4 character class sheets, 2 drop table box inserts, edgy black pencil, moody black dice (d4, 3d6, d8, d10, d00, d12, 2d20) & dice pouch, Beta Document access. PLUS an additional copy of the 124 page The Black Hack hardback with cloth/silver foiled covers exclusive to Kickstarter - £70

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #34 - AD&D 1e Bard - Broken & Overpowered

I figured I needed a little grounding and therefore reached for my AD&D 1e Player's Handbook this morning.

Tim Shorts leaves a voicemail. A look at the AD&D 1e Bard as presented in the Player's Handbook.

I even drop an f-bomb or two ;)

Link to Episode #34: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-34---ADD-1e-Bard---Broken--Overpowered-e1m3ok

Kickstarter - Advanced Labyrinth Lord

First, there was Labyrinth Lord. It was followed by the Advanced Edition Companion. Now, with the Advanced Labyrinth Lord Kickstarter, the two are now one.

Very cool and long overdue ;)

So, what are the facts?

For the first time, Labyrinth Lord and the Advanced Edition Companion will be seamlessly combined into one volume! Fans have been asking for this for several years, and it is my pleasure to make it happen! All of the basic and advanced options, magic items, and monsters will be brought together under one cover for easy reference. 

Here are some facts about the combined book: 

• This is not a new game.
• This is simply a combined book.
• You will still be able to separate "basic" from "advanced" game options.
• Much interior art will carry over from the original books, but new interior art will be featured in addition.
• This combined book does not replace the current separate books. Those books will remain in print.

30 bucks gives you the PDF and a POD at cost coupon (you pay print cost and shipping)

We're Back! Old School Blues: The Revival! (Podcast)

We're back! Yep, the old School Blues podcast is BACK! Join Vince, Glen and your's truly as we discuss NTRPG Con.

God, it feels great to be back :)

Remember when you were kid, and you ate, drank and slept D&D in the '80s? Well maybe you have been doing that all these years or simply found your way back into the fold of gaming! Join us each episode as we sit around and chat about various D&D games, our experiences and open your eyes to new things in the OSR (Old School Roleplaying)! Want to know about the latest product out from Swords and Wizardry? Labyrinth Lord? Mazes & Perils? or maybe you want to know about something someone wrote, about the original games you loved to play for D&D, Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars and anything else!

Link to the Podcast: https://anchor.fm/oldschoolblues/episodes/Old-School-Blues-Podcast-Episode-11---Season-2-Starts-here-e1lvov

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #33 - I Rant, I Curse, I've Warned You!

It takes a lot to get me worked up and to truly rant. It happened this morning. Be warned, I curse like a New York City Police Officer within.

Yes, a classic rant complete with a warning. I don't appreciate bags of shit littering my social media threads overnight and say so. F-bomb carpet-bombing in effect.

Link to Episode #33 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-33---I-Rant--I-Curse--Ive-Warned-You-e1ls2f

Kickstarter -Secrets of the Nethercity (ACKS / OSR)

I've slowly been playing catch up after NTRPG Con. Didn't help that my desktop's hard drive was failing before the con and I had to replace the computer on Friday (and had to reschedule the recording of the return of... yeah, let's get that recorded before I mention it) Then my smartphone died. Yep, it's been that kind of week.

Just trying to explain why, being that I have an unformatted word document of Secrets of the Nethercity, I won't be referring to the document with this post. I will get to it, hopefully over the next few days. When I've read it I'll post a follow-up.

So, let's peek at Secrets of the Nethercity. It includes the following:

• An epic "kilodungeon" with 240 location entries spread across 20 different dungeon sub-regions that can be explored in a nonlinear fashion over the course of your campaign 
• 12 new monsters, including the chryselephantine statue, faewyrd, hydropian, and terror of death
• 30 new magic items, including the bag of faerie seeds, the funerary barge of the cults, horn of the eagles, scepter of sacred power, and shadowcowl robe
• 4 new character classes, including the elven cultist, hierophant, and warlord
• A special appendix providing step-by-step worksheets to adapt the Nethercity to your favorite campaign setting
• A home base (the city of Cyfaraun) for use by your adventurers in between dungeon delves. The city is presented in summary format in the adventure itself, and the city and the sewers below it are presented in more detail in a supplement called Capital of the Borderlands (available at $20 and above pledge level). With every bonus goal, we'll expand the city and sewer levels!

So, why "kilodungeon"?

The Nethercity is bigger than an ordinary dungeon (like Sinister Stone of Sakkara) but not as big as a megadungeon (like Dwimmmermount). Get it? Kilo instead of mega... Let's just read on.

What are the price points?

10 for the PDF of Secrets of the Nethercity. 20 for the Nethercity and Capital of the Borderlands supplement.

30 for the softcover of Secrets of the Nethercity PLUS the Nethercity and the supplement in PDF.

40 gives POD at cost coupons for both books, PDFs of both books AND and early access playtester version of the PDF.

I think I'll be in for 40 bucks. There are other levels with many other goodies, but 40 is my sweet spot.

The Tavern Chat Podcast -Episode #32 - Father's Day Advice - Its Not What You'd Expect ;)

No, I'm not suggesting which rules systems to use to play games with your kids. I'll leave that for others ;)

It's Father's Day. I spew some gaming and other advice out of my ass and suggest some places where fathers can get free swag today ;)

Link to Episode #32: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-32---Fathers-Day-Advice---Its-Not-What-Youd-Expect-e1lk2p

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #31 - Free RPG Day and a New Player in Gaming Podcasts

Yep. It had to happen. There's a new podcast in town from one of the "big boys". Well, at least I'll get to enjoy an authentic English accent if I listen in.

A quick listing of what's available for Free RPG Day 2018. A short rant about blocking folks on social and then talking about them. Morrus enters the world of podcasting.

Link to the Episode:   https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-31---Free-RPG-Day-and-a-New-Player-in-Gaming-Podcasts-e1lgrj

Your Free RPG Day 2018 Shopping List - I'm Not Overly Impressed

Each year the picks get slimmer and slimmer. Ah well, let us see what Free RPG Day 2018 has to offer...

Unknown Armies: Does anyone still play this?

Pathfinder Adventure Cards: will be left at the bottom of the box

Pathfinder Adventure: 5 bucks a pound!  Oops, that's over. Game is already in the discount bins.

Starfinder: This is not the scifi game you are looking for.

Viking Dice - will never make it past the store employees.

Munchkin Card - first few will get snagged fast, then they will sit at the bottom of the box.

T&T Quick Start Japan Adventure - WTF? Seriously. I want a copy just on the WTF grounds.

Goodman 5e adventure - if 5e is your schtick.

DCC RPG Quickstart - not bad, but I already have sans the new adventure.

Numenera - Still can't read the damn book with all the cluttering watermarking.

Renegade Game Studios - never heard of ya.

CoC adventure: Always cool

Chessex Dice - if you collect...

Eldritch Cock - I'd rather see the new Ref Book and the "shock" has gotten old.

Wrath & Glory - eh?

Delta Green - CC Quickstart - Cool

Troll Lord 5e Adventure - if you are into 5e...

Wyrd Mini - again, won't make it past the employees

Midnight Legion Adventure Book - only one copy per box...

D&D RPG Character Folio - snagged by the owner

That's all folks ;)

@ConManKen Confirms he Hasn't Left HIS Store in Kentucky

Sure, there were rumors. Then, there was the pic that seemed to show #ConManKen in the reflection.

Then, Ken shows us this:

Ken can't even do misdirection right.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #30 - Praise and Patience - A Kickstarter Rant

I think I've avoided, for the most part, ranting on The Tavern Chat Podcast. As rants go, this one is mild ;)

Wherein I read a thank you letter and talk about the need for patience when it comes to Kickstarter coverage at The Tavern in its many forms.

Link to today's episode:  https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-30---Praise-and-Patience---A-Kickstarter-Rant-e1lbro 

Kickstarter - Vault of K'Horror A Tunnels & Trolls GM Adventure

Ah, Tunnels & Trolls. The other fantasy RPG from the very early days of the hobby. All you need are some d6 and nary a worry about game balance ;)

I'm a huge fan of T&T. There is something about the system - and the early spell lists - that show an irreverent sense of humor.

It's the one system I truly "collect".

What T&T has a dearth of is GM adventures. Early on it found its niche as the main RPG engine for solo roleplay. Examples of adventures designed and balanced for group play is simply hard to find.

This is why I find the Vault of K'Horror A Tunnels & Trolls GM Adventure Kickstarter so exciting. Its a T&T adventure made to be run by a GM. Woot!

Vaults of K’Horror is a full-size 40+ page gamemaster adventure complete with maps, characters and background material for Deluxe Tunnels & Trolls. All the main art, text maps and graphics for this book are completed and ready to go to press. We are adding some stretch goals, which includes a Vaults of K'Horror based 19 page solo adventure, customized mini-rules, a collection of NPCs submitted by backers, and a backers honor list, but other than that, we are ready to send this project to the printers, so the wait time for you getting this new book is going to be minimal.  

This GM adventure is written by Long-time UK T&T creator Andy Holmes with art by Simon Tranter & Steven Crompton. T&T Creator Ken St Andre has edited the adventure and assured the dT&T stats and numbers. The book is being published by Flying Buffalo inc.

5 bucks for the PDF, 17 for the Print plus PDF and 27 for the signed Print plus PDF.

There are other backer levels but I think these are the sweet spots. I'm in for 27 bucks myself.

With a goal of $7k, it is funded with 3 weeks to go. Fairly impressive.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #29 - Reflections of #ConManKen

Today we start the fifth week of The Tavern Chat Podcast, a daily podcast touching upon the OSR and other gaming related materials.

In today's episode:

Ken is reflecting well in a selfie at his old/current store in Kentucky. More ways to listen to Tavern Chat. My Lord, what a 5e Humble Bundle.

Link to Episode #29: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-29---Reflections-of-ConManKen-e1l2a7

Reminder - Tavern Chat - 9 PM Eastern - Post NTRPG Con Report

Yep, it's a Wednesday night and that means tonight is Tavern Chat on The Tavern's Discord Server.

I missed it last week, as I was at NTRPG Con. I really need to find a way to do a con AND Tavern Chat simultaneously, as I'll be attending four conventions a year starting in 2019.

Anyhow, here's the link for tonight's chat: https://discord.gg/KXYMcHJ

Hope to see you all tonight.

Oh, and if you haven't seen the new 5e Humble Bundle: http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2018/06/humble-rpg-bundle-5e-dungeons-hordes.html

HUMBLE RPG BUNDLE: 5E DUNGEONS, HORDES & HORRORS BY FROG GOD & FRIENDS

I heard whispers of this months ago, then rumblings over the NTRPG Con Weekend and finally a sneak peek on Sunday.

Yes, the Humble Bundle RPG Bundle for 5e is (obviously) for 5e. Yes, it is easy as original sin to convert to the OSR system of your choice. Yes, the selection is overkill. Seriously. The Blight and so much more for 15 bucks? Holy shit! The Blight is 160 bucks in hardcover (though we were selling the Pathfinder version for 80 bucks at NTRPG)

Want an easy to remember link?  http://bit.ly/DungeonsHordesHorrors

What do you get?

This is your One Buck Selection. Lots of adventures (eight) and a 30% off coupon good at Frog God Games, Kobold Press and Troll Lord Games.

This is your 8 buck collection. It includes the above plus the following (23 more adventures):

For 15 bucks, you get the above 31 adventures PLUS the following:

The Blight AND The Tome of Adventure Design? Holy shit! Oh, and so much more. Seriously, how do you pass on this no matter what system you prefer? The amount of content for 15 bucks is simply silly beyond belief.

Run, don't walk to Humble Bundle and grab yours.

Note: Yes, I swim in the Frog God Pond. They take me to conventions and I am forever grateful. It doesn't make this any less of a super deal. Also, that is an affiliate link above. Want to support The Tavern making a purchase you would anyway? This is the way. Your purchase also supports the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #28 - GMF Update, #ConManKen Update and Kickstarters

I can't believe we've hit 28 daily episodes of The Tavern Chat Podcast. Thank you all :)

It's a pretty full episode (and four full weeks of daily podcasts). We look at the Gygax Memorial Fund and the POD AD&D 1e reprints over at RPGNow - is there money going to the GMF from these sales? What's #ConManKen up to and where is he at? Oh, and Kickstarters. Can't forget the Kickstarters ;)

Link to Episode #28: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-28---GMF-Update--ConManKen-Update-and-Kickstarters-e1ksq0

Link to The Curse of Roslof Keep Kickstarter:  bit.ly/Roslofkeep

Link to Vault of K'Horror A Tunnels & Trolls GM Adventure Kickstarter:   http://bit.ly/VaultHorror

Link to Secrets of the Nethercity Kickstarter:  http://bit.ly/Nethercity

Kicking the Tavern Keeper in the Privates IS NOT an Endorsed Activity at NTRPG Con (and other updates)

Jason Hobbs took this photo of Greg Gillespie (Three Castles Award Winner), James Spahn and myself. I specifically DO NOT endorse kicking me in the balls. It makes for uncomfortable convention appearances for yours truly ;)

I'll begin post-convention catch-up tomorrow with posts on the following subjects:

Request for questions for Steve Jackson about the upcoming The Fantasy Trip Kickstarter.

A peek at Autarch's Secrets of the Nethercity Kickstarter (I have received preview material I can share here at The Tavern: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/autarch/secrets-of-the-nethercity

A look at Vault of K'Horror A Tunnels & Trolls GM Adventure from Flying Buffalo: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/994700393/vault-of-khorror-a-tunnels-and-trolls-gm-adventure

A HUGE Humble Bundle release

An update on the Gygax Memorial Fund

and more of course. The next few days will be fast and furious ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #27 - Back in NYC - Behind the Scenes at NTRPG Con

The Eagle landed last night and Rach and I are back in New York City. Some behind the scenes at NTRPG Con and some talk of returning to the focus of prior to the con.

Link to Episode #27: https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-27---Back-in-NYC---Behind-the-Scenes-at-NTRPG-e1klvm

The Eagle Has Landed! I have returned from NTRPG Con... Time for Some Wrap-Up

I need a new T-Shirt: "I went to NTRPG Con, Played in Zero Games and STILL Had an Amazing Time!"

Seriously, I was supposed to run three games and play in one but I was the Frog God Booth Biatch (or Both Babe - depends on who's asking) and it simply wasn't possible. I have no regrets either because working the Frog God Booth is simply amazingly fun.

Huge thanks to James Spahn for filling my GM shoes better than I could have ever done. TPK the first session of The Mouth of Doom, and it was so good Rach went back for a second (and third) death. One player's character survived the last two sessions from what I understand and he leveled up (yes, we were using Swords & Wizardry Light).

I even channeled my inner Bill Webb. I gave a school teacher every last copy of Swords & Wizardry Light we had at the booth on Sunday as we were packing up. The first printing might be all gone at this point. I also gave her a copy of Swords & Wizardry Complete. I would have given her dice but damn it, we didn't have any. Reminds me, we need to put together a page here at The Tavern linking some free SWL compatible adventures for new gamers to print out and run with (this teacher is a gaming neophyte but knows.

I'll be shipping the OSR patches back to Thad this week, so if you are looking for one (or more) ping Thad ;)

Rach played in four games this North Texas, and I wasn't playing in any of them. That Rach on the right in the pic above, playing with other wives of Frogs / Frog extended family.

Yes, I had a blast, but more importantly, Rach did too :)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #26 - NTRPG Con - And Now, Our Time has Come...

It's always sad to wrap up a convention trip, but NTRPG Con is even more so, as you are truly saying goodbye to an amazing community for another year.

Link to Episode #26 - https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e1ke8r

I'll have some follow up posts AND some follow up interviews, which really excites meSeriously, the folks that expressed an interest in being interviewed for The Tavern Chat podcast impresses even me ;)

Back to NYC in the afternoon...

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #25 -Episode #25 - NTRPG Con - Day 3 - Two Minutes to Midnite

My ass is beat. Long day at the Frog Booth and a late night midnight auction. Rach and I tapped out at 130 AM.

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-25---NTRPG-Con---Day-3---Two-Minutes-to-Midnite-e1kab9

Where you can find the podcast:

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #24 - NTRPG Con - TPK and The Mouth of Doom? You Don't Say

Oh my. TPK. James Spahn. Rappan Athuk. Rach.  Swords & Wizardry Light. NTRPG. Cool Shit. Frog God.

All in one 9 minute episode.

Join us:

Episode #24 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-24---NTRPG-Con---TPK-and-The-Mouth-of-Doom--You-Dont-Say-e1k5q5

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tavern-chat/id1386740882?mt=2

https://play.google.com/music/listen?t%3DTavern_Chat%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16&u=0#/ps/Iduziflps4q5tz5inee5ghtfw3e

https://castbox.fm/channel/id1290778

https://overcast.fm/itunes1386740882

https://pca.st/zYQe

Report From NTRPG Day 2 - The Man, The Booth, the By the Pound Pathfinder Sale

Another fine day at NTRPG Con.

It started with James Spahn running my morning session of Mouth of Doom for Swords & Wizardry Light to amazing success. I was the GM's assistant. Yes, it ended with a TPK, but in all honesty, you might have had half a party of survivors if they had just stopped a bit sooner. Ah well, more tomorrow in the AM ;)

I spent the bulk of the afternoon manning the Frog God booth. I'm grateful to everyone that stopped by to say hello. It truly makes my day to meet members of The Tavern Community.

There are some updates that I need to get to which I may not until I get home from the con. #ConManKen, #GMF, #Kickstarters and more. Conning is very much a full-time occupation when I am here. I apologize if The Tavern feels a bit neglected in the meantime. Trust me, I'll catch up as soon as I can.

Now to track down James Spahn. We need to record a piece or two ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #23 - NTRPG Con Day One - And tThen There was Fun

Today was officially the first day of NTRPG Con, and it was good.

Some extreme weather today, but I missed it, slaving away at the Frog God booth. The price of being a "booth babe" ;)

Oh, and we have our first sponsor!

Enjoy :)

Episode #23 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-23---NTRPG-Con-Day-One---And-Then-There-Was-Fun-e1jv6b

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #22 - So Much OSR at NTRPG Con, We Knocked the Power Out!

Yep, the Westin lost power for about 40 minutes last night. Just as I was about to record during the blackout, the power returned. Go figure ;)

Link to Episode #22 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-22---So-Much-OSR-at-NTRPG-Con--We-Knocked-the-Power-Out-e1jqkv

Deal of the Day - Magic Item Card Catalog: Popular Items

Inkwell Designs has the Magic Item Card Catalog: Popular Items as today's RPGNow Deal of the Day. Normally $2.99 in PDF, for another 11 hours it's on sale for $1.49.

Or grab their bundles: Magic Item Card Catalog (5e) PDFs -  Get all 10 PDFs for $20. Want Print plus PDF? 10 printed decks plus PDFs are $90.

Just returned to our hotel room after a 45-minute power outage. NTRPG is going to be REALLY interesting this year. Thank God my phone can double as a hotspot ;)

Yep, those things are affiliate links. They keep the lights on at The Tavern but apparently not at the Westin ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #21 - Your Bartender has Arrived at NTRPG Con. Hold my Beer

Yep, Rach and I have arrived at NTRPG Con.

Yes, I was gifted the original pen and ink drawing of the Cover of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light. Thank you, James and James.

The hotel wifi sucks eggs BTW ;)

I may not be in the Tavern Char Discord session tonight...

If Only One Could Fly with this Set Up ;)

Thank you Rocky for bringing this piece to my attention. Its already putting me in "convention mindset" :)

North Texas RPG Con here I come! Open the taps for the OSR's Bartender!

Heh!

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #20 - Further Thoughts on the AD&D 1e Thief Class

FrDave had an interesting comment on Episode #18:

So...from a world-building perspective, does this view of the Thief Class mean that all demi-humans are sneaky, pick-pockety,and backstabby and are therefore generally untrustworthy? Or is all part of the "alien" nature of these cultures that doesn't value life and property as much as humans do? It is a very interesting POV that has implications far beyond allowing demi-humans into the end-game...

I answer FrDave's questions and delve a bit further:

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-20---Further-Thoughts-on-the-ADD-1e-Thief-Class-e1jdh9

I'm always looking for feedback and comments, either here at The Tavern or as voicemails on Anchor.fm

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #19 - Demons & The Devils You Don't Know

Strange but true, I don't think I ever looked at Appendix D in the 1e AD&D  DMG until now. I'm sure it was one of the first sections jettisoned when 2e came a callin'.

Let's roll some creatures from down under!

Episode #19 - Demons & The Devils You Don't Know

Kickstarter - No One Warps For Free! (Alpha Blue)

Say what you want about Venger, it doesn't change the fact that his production qualities are top notch:

This book will be full-color and feature fantastic artwork.  I got the taste for color with Blood Dark Thirst and Battle Star: Trek Wars... now, there's no going back! 

Here's a look at the interior layout for both the PDF and (CreateSpace / Amazon) softcover by Glynn Seal of MonkeyBlood Design.  He does awesome work and Kort'thalis Publishing is fortunate to have his services at our slimy pink and blue disposal.

Here's the thing - I'm not a huge Alpha Blue fan. I am, however, a huge fan of good adventures. Just like I run DCC RPG adventures in my Swords & Wizardry games I'm quite likely to run some Alpha Blue adventures in my White Star games. Good adventures rise above the system they are written for.

Did I mention you can get the PDF of No One Warps For Free! for 10 bucks?

The art isn't bad either - though most of the samples might push up against Tavern Norms ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast: Episode #18 - AD&D 1e Player's Handbook - The Thief is not Meant to be a Stand Alone Class

In today's episode, I take a look at the AD&D 1e Thief Class and why I think it was meant to keep players of demihuman races involved until "the end game" and has less value as a "solo class". Danke makes an appearance and Glen is nowhere to be found ;)

Link to Episode:

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-18---ADD-1e-Players-Handbook---The-Thief-is-not-Meant-to-be-a-Stand-Alone-Class-e1j22b