Free Osprey eBooks - Week 4

Yes, they fixed the server :)

Tip of the hat to Thad.

Across the world, many people are staying at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. While self-isolation might be a bit daunting, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up on your reading. To help pass the time, we are giving customers five free eBooks each week for four weeks. Read through this week's options, add the eBook to your basket and use the code FREEBOOKS4 at checkout to get your free eBooks.

AEU 15: Jagdgeschwader 52 by John Weal
Artwork by John Weal

Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) was the most successful and highest-scoring fighter unit, not just in Germany's World War 2 Luftwaffe, but in the entire annals of aviation history. No other fighter group has ever come close to matching its staggering total of around 9000 enemy aircraft shot down in combat. And yet, because much of that combat took place over the tractless wastes of the Russian front, very little has been written in English about the exploits of this charismatic unit. This book provides a full combat history of JG 52 and its members, including the three top-scoring aces of all time, who claimed a total of 900 victories between them.

CAM 200: Japan 1945 by Clayton K. S. Chun
Artwork by John White

In this 200th Campaign series title, Clayton Chun examines the final stages of World War II as the Allies debated how to bring about the surrender of Japan. He details Operation Downfall (the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands).Chun explains why these plans were never implemented, before examining the horrific alternative to military invasion - the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki with nuclear weapons. With a series of illustrations, including detailed diagrams of the atomic bombs, a depiction of the different stages of the explosions and maps of the original invasion plans, this book provides a unique perspective of a key event in world history.

CBT 27: Viking Warrior vs Anglo-Saxon Warrior by Gareth Williams
Artwork by Peter Dennis

In the two centuries before the Norman invasion of England, Anglo-Saxon and Viking forces clashed repeatedly in bloody battles across the country. Repeated Viking victories in the 9th century led to their settlement in the north of the country, but the tide of war ebbed and flowed until the final Anglo-Saxon victory before the Norman Conquest. Using stunning artwork, this book examines in detail three battles between the two deadly foes: Ashdown in 871 which involved the future Alfred the Great; Maldon in 991 where an Anglo-Saxon army sought to counter a renewed Viking threat; and Stamford Bridge in 1066, in which King Harold Godwinesson abandoned his preparations to repel the expected Norman invasion in order to fight off Harald Hard-Counsel of Norway.

Drawing upon historical accounts from both English and Scandinavian sources and from archaeological evidence, Gareth Williams presents a detailed comparison of the weaponry, tactics, strategies and underlying military organization of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and considers the developments which took place on both sides in the two centuries of Viking incursions into Anglo-Saxon England.

DUE 18: M1 Abrams vs T-72 Ural by Steven J. Zaloga
Artwork by Jim Laurier

The Gulf War bore witness to a number of deadly encounters between these two great adversaries. Heavily armoured, highly mobile and capable of killing at over 2500m the M1 Abrams is, to this day, a veritable fighting machine. Superior to both Iraq's Soviet era T-55 and T-62 tanks, nearly all sources claim that no Abrams tank has ever been destroyed by enemy fire. Despite entering service in 1980, the M1 Abrams remained untested in combat until the Gulf War in 1991, where it was to be confronted by its archenemy the Iraqi-assembled Soviet-designed T-72. Entering production in 1971, the T-72 arguably outstripped its contemporaries in a balance of mobility, protection and firepower. By the time of Operation Desert Storm, however, the tables had turned and the tank suffered due to low quality ammunition and poorly trained crews. In this fascinating study, Steven Zaloga pits these two great fighting machines against one another, plotting the development of the Cold War until both tanks met in combat in the deserts of Iraq and Kuwait.

CMD 17: Bill Slim by Robert Lyman
Artwork by Peter Denni

Bill' Slim was one of the greatest British generals of World War II. In a career that stretched from 1914 until 1958, Bill Slim's greatest triumphs came in India and Burma in the long war against the Japanese. Thrust into a desperate situation, he orchestrated the longest retreat in British Army history in the withdrawal from Burma. He then turned on the Japanese in India, shattered their army, and pursued them to destruction. Apart from his great military victories, Slim also left a legacy of training and morale building that endures in the British Army to this day. This book examines both Bill Slim's military career and his place in military history by examining some of his greatest battles and the strategy and tactics that set him apart from his contemporaries.

Indiegogo -Lost Menagerie (Mike Mearls)

This is the perfect tie for small, inexpensive crowdfunding projects. Lost Menagerie is from Necromancer Games - 8 bucks in PDF, 22 bucks in print plus PDF. Available in 5e, Pathfinder and Swords & Wizardry versions.

Lost Menagerie is a challenging adventure for characters of 7th to 9th level*, written by Mike Mearls, one of the two Lead Designers of Fifth Edition Dungeons & Dragons.

In the distant past, the great wizard Arfaleo the Seeker claimed favors from four mighty elemental lords to create a self-contained world. The wizard populated his microcosm with strange creatures, to monitor what changes might occur to them over time, even bringing a small settlement of humans into the interplanar cavern. Eventually, though, the wizard’s interest in his experiment waned and he moved on, leaving behind the bizarre anomaly he had created.

Since this time, the microcosm has changed in many ways, for it did not remain isolated from other planes of existence. New creatures have made their way into the wizard’s carefully-maintained experiment, and — there is no other way to say it — things have gone very wrong.

This adventure module is available for 5th edition, Pathfinder first edition, and Swords & Wizardry (OD&D).

*For Swords & Wizardry, the module is for characters level 6-8.

What's inside? Adventure!

• A lost plane of existence, abandoned for centuries by its creator
• Another sun, shining upon a strange, jungle oasis.
• The realm of a bizarre lich, and his twisted zoo, filled with mutated creatures
•  A sandbox adventure where terrible creatures dwell, and the tribes of the deep wander free
• Designed to fit into any fantasy setting
• Contains three adventure locations (all mapped), a small village under threat, and many challenges to overcome.

COVID-19 Effect: The printing for this adventure is done by a family-owned shop in Arizona, where a shelter-in-place order is in effect, making us one of their largest customers. Sales like this also allow us to keep a stream of income moving to our freelance artists, authors, layout artists, and editors during the shut-downs. Frog God will come out of this crisis intact, so this isn't a "keep the doors open" plea, but we want to let you know that your purchase is one that you can feel comfortable about. It directly affects small businesses and households. We hope that all of you remain safe and well for the duration!

Kickstarter - Dungeon Escape (Do NOT launch your KS like this)

Its been a while since I pointed out a Kickstarter that hit multiple "don't use this Kickstarter as an example of what to do with your Kickstarter" points. Ah, Dungeon Escape Kickstarter, let me count the ways...

1 - The sample art used for this Kickstarter is NOT what you want to use.

2 - Zero backed. If you can't spend a few dollars to learn how Kickstarter works, you don't deserve my money.

3 - First project, $30k goal. Does Not Compute.

4 - THIS is the sample game board!?!

5 - The game is aimed at parents to play with young childer. Again, look above.

6 This is what a marketing and PR professional offers?

The pandemic isn't causing this one to fail. It's doing fine on its own.

Happy Easter! Time to Give Thanks

Yew, we are in the midst of a pandemic, and yes - I am fighting my second bout with pneumonia in a month, but there is much to be thankful for.

First, I'm still kicking ;)

Second, I'm part of an amazing community.

Third, I expect the rest of 2020 can only be better.

Happy Easter and a Blessed Passover to all.

Gareth Skarka has Time to Write a Comic Book, but no Time for Far West

‘Nuff Said!

Deal of the Day - SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City - Core Rules

SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City is powered by Swords & Wizardry. Normally 9.99, on sale through tomorrow morning for 3 bucks.

From the creators of SURVIVE THIS!! Dark Places & Demogorgons comes SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City, a gritty, street-level, superhero game set in the near future.

Vigilante City is heavily inspired by Batman:  The Animated Series.  Along with the X-men, Spider-man and TMNT cartoons of the 1990s.

Vigilante City utilizes the familiar ruleset of the world’s most popular fantasy RPG, mixing the old-school with modern mechanics for the best possible gaming experience. With it’s modular system design, you can easily play to the exact style of super’s game you want!

SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City - Core Rules features ALL the rules to make a vigilante and play the game.

Complete Modular Independent rules for Humans, Mutant Animals, Borg Conversion and Power Armor, Magic, Mutant Abilities, Psionics, Speedsters and Super Soldier Drugs, that are designed to be added or removed easily to allow your game of Vigilante City to be tailored to the exact style of superhero game that you want to play! There is also, Background/Origins, Weapons, Equipment, Gadgets, Vehicle Upgrades, Vehicle Combat, Ranged & Melee Combat, Morale, Skills, Usage Die & so much more!

Vigilante City features both Human (no powers) and MegaHuman (powers) classes!

Yep, that's an affiliate link above.

Deal of the Day - The Great Pendragon Campaign

Simply a great Deal of the Day - The Great Pendragon Campaign. Normally 24.99 in PDF, on sale till tomorrow morning for 10 bucks.

For 1500 years King Arthur’s story has been told around campfires, in noble courts, in taverns, books, movies and now, with the prize-winning King Arthur Pendragon roleplaying game, at your game table. 

The Great Pendragon Campaign begins during the reign of Arthur’s father King Uther, when player knights can participate in the events of Arthur’s conception. The long and brutal Interregnum of Saxon wars is forever altered when Arthur draws the Sword from the Stone to start his great and glorious reign. The Boy King leads his knights through periods of consolidation and expansion until the entire Western world is brought under his sway. Then, to High Adventure! Knights gain Glory and lands in the periods of Romance and Tournaments, and at last engage in the greatest adventure of all, The Quest for the Holy Grail. Then, amidst tragedy and broken dreams, the Twilight Period draws the epic to a close. 

Eighty years of campaign detailed year-by-year provide the background, on-going events and adventures that define structure of King Arthur’s glorious reign. 

The Magic is in The Details, and The Details are in This Book. 

Included in this book are:
* Year-by-year details from 485 to 566.
* Maps and descriptions of Logres, Cambria. Cornwall, Brittany, Cumbria, the North, Ireland and France
* Maps of the important cities of Britain, including Early and Late Camelot and London
* Over 100 Adventures
* Statistics for over 50 Faerie Creatures and Nonplayer Characters
* Expansions for the Pendragon rules 

“I’ve been working on this book for over 20 years, since the first publication of King Arthur Pendragon. This is the culmination of forty years of research, pleasure and gaming. It’s a tremendous joy to bring my love of the legend all together here.” –Greg Stafford, designer of King Arthur Pendragon

Yep, that is an affiliate link above. Keep the beer cold and the food fresh at The Tavern by using our affiliate links.

Osprey Publishing - Free eBooks: Week 3

More free ebooks :)

Free eBooks: Week 3
Posted by Minal Daswani on 8 April 2020 15:00:00 BST
In Military History, Featured

Across the world, many people are staying at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. While self-isolation might be a bit daunting, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up on your reading. To help pass the time, we are giving customers five free eBooks each week for four weeks. Read through this week's options, add the eBook to your basket and use the code FREEBOOKS3 at checkout to get your free eBooks.

COM 32: B-25 Mitchell Units of the MTO by Steve Pace
Illustrated by Jim Laurier

B-25 Mitchell Units of the MTO

From November 1942 through to May 1945, the backbone of the USAAF's medium bomber force was provided by the clutch of bomb groups equipped with the B-25 Mitchell. First seeing action in North Africa in the wake of Operation Torch, and in the Battle of El Alamein, the ‘bombing twin' proved to be one of the most successful allied combat types in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations (MTO). The first of four volumes planned for the Combat Aircraft series on the Mitchell, this title includes first-hand accounts, 30 colour profiles and more than 100 colour and black and white photographs of the B-25 in the MTO.

WPN 2: The Rocket Propelled Grenade by Gordon L. Rottman
Illustrated by Ramiro Bujeiro, Tony Bryan

The Rocket Propelled Grenade

The RPG-series of weapons is the most widely used family of lightweight antitank weapons in the world today. RPGs have been used not only against their intended targets, but against personnel, fortifications, buildings, soft-skin vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft. Lightweight, relatively compact, easy to operate and maintain, they meet most of the requirements of any armed group. Like any weapon system, RPGs and their ammunition have their limitations. While these limitations are much touted by proponents of more advanced weapons, they lose sight of many armed groups' requirement for lightweight, compact, inexpensive, easy to operate and maintain weapons. Most sophisticated weapons tend to be just the opposite - heavy, cumbersome, excessively expensive, and requiring extensive training and an advanced support infrastructure. They are also more difficult to obtain due to export controls and restrictions. To be effective, an army actually needs a mix of both sophisticated and uncomplicated weapons. Gordon Rottman provides a detailed analysis of perhaps one of the most important weapons to be developed in the 20th century.

WAR 38: Fallschirmjäger by Bruce Quarrie
Illustrated by Velimir Vuksic

Fallschirmjäger

Few of the combatants of World War II have captured the imagination as compulsively as the Fallschirmjäger. Boldness and courage were vital characteristics in the rigorous selection process, and their training was highly demanding. Hitler's airborne troops were involved in some of the most daring actions of the whole war; from the 1940 assault on Eben Emael and the invasion of Crete in 1941, to the rescue of Mussolini and the attempt on Tito's life. In addition, they saw service as elite line infantry in the key theatres of North West Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Front. This title looks at the life and experiences of the average Fallschirmjäger, and includes first-hand accounts from different theatres and periods of the war.

CAM 256: Fallen Timbers 1794 by John F. Winkler
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

Fallen Timbers 1794

Following the defeat at Wabash, in 1792 the Washington administration created a new US Army to replace the one that had been destroyed. The man chosen to lead it was the famous Major-General "Mad” Anthony Wayne. Having trained his new force, Wayne set out in 1793 to subdue the Ohio Indians. Wayne faced many of the same problems as St Clair including the logistical and intelligence problems of campaigning in the wilderness, not to mention the formidable Ohio Indians. Wayne faced additional problems including the likelihood that he would have to fight both British and Spanish forces, not to mention an American army led by the celebrated commander George Roger Clark. He also faced an insurrection in western Pennsylvania, "Whiskey Rebellion”, and a conspiracy led by many of his officers and contractors. Despite all these difficulties, Wayne managed to defeat the Ohio Indians at the battle of Fallen Timbers. This was a decisive defeat that led directly to the Treaty of Greeneville the following year which ended 20 years of conflict between the Americans and the Ohio Indians.

MAA 445: Medieval Polish Armies 966–1500 by David Nicolle, Witold Sarnecki
Illustrated by Gerry Embleton, Ian Rotherham

Medieval Polish Armies 966–1500

The history of Poland is a fascinating story of a people struggling to achieve nationhood in the face of internal and external conflict. Poland became a unified Christian state in AD 966 and by the 12th century a knightly class had emerged - a force that was integral to the defence of Poland against increasingly frequent foreign invasions. Intent on crushing rival Christian states, the Templars, Hospitallers and Teutonic Knights all mounted attacks but were beaten back by the Poles, as were invading Mongols and Turks. This book reveals the organisation, equipment and battle histories of the medieval Polish armies as they developed and modernised to emerge as one of the dominant powers of Eastern Europe.

Tip of the hat to Thad

State of the Tavernkeeper - It's Bac!(terial infection returns)

Looks like 4 weeks to the day of being admitted to the hospital for pneumonia, I now have a secondary bacterial infection.

Antibiotics start tomorrow.

Kickstarter - The Fantasy Trip: The Book of Unlife & Red Crypt

New books for The Fantasy Trip! A guide to many of the known kinds of unlife and a new solitaire adventure. Choose one or choose both!

Not all Kickstarters are suffering during the Pandemic. The Fantasy Trip: The Book of Unlife & Red Crypt is successfully funded with 10 days to left.

The Book of Unlife includes 44 creatures for The Fantasy Trip (visit the official website), a guide to the general powers and vulnerabilities of the unliving, and a complete adventure setting, The Haunting of Holner House. 

Red Crypt is a programmed adventure for a single character. It is designed for The Fantasy Trip: In The Labyrinth (available in both hardcover and print-on-demand softcover). If you instead have both Melee and Wizard, you can still play, with a few simplifications. 

This adventure establishes locations, gives you decisions to make, and tells you the outcomes of those decisions. You will need six-sided dice, a straightedge, and scratch paper, along with counters and megahex tiles.

Deal of the Day - Umerica Unnatural (DCC)

More fun for your post-apocalypse DCC campaign - Umerica Unnatural is today's Deal of the Day. Normally 7.99, until tomorrow morning you can snag it for 3.20

A Gonzo Post-Apocalyptic Campaign Sourcebook

Are the twisted wilds and wastes of Umerica not weird enough for you?

This tome has everything you need to spice up your gonzo post apocalyptic campaign!

• A complete psionic system with seven disciplines of mental mayhem to massacre mutant monsters with.
• 18 new Wizard and Cleric spells, levels 1-5, capable of wrecking the most carefully planned out plots and perilous encounters.
• Five new character classes: Wasteland Psion, Psi Mutant, Psylatan, Beastkin, and Shifter.
• The Cache of Astonishing Salvage containing wasteland treasures ranging from favorite forgotten foodstuffs to new Graytech, plus the ever popular alien raygun generator tables.

No Umerica campaign is truly complete without the weirdness contained within these pages!

Yes, that is an affiliate link above. Keep the beer cold and fresh by supporting The Tavern by using our affiliate links.

Free - The RuneQuest Coloring Book

As 90% of the US (and much of the rest of the world) is currently under some form of "stay at home" orders and many schools are closed, there is now a need to occupy children and our selves. The RuneQuest Coloring Book is one such time sink, and it's free. Print out the pages as you need them or you will waste paper with every other page ;)

Be safe.

Yes, that's an affiliate link above. Sure, is free but maybe you will buy something else ;)

Indiegogo - The Book of Taverns: Volume One

Would you suspect that I have a soft spot for Taverns? I may need to get in on one of the later volumes ;)

System Neutral. $6 in PDF, $17 (plus shipping) for the Print plus PDF.

Book of Taverns One: The Trireme and Vain Robert's Gibbet 

Your heroes are going to be stopping at a tavern sometime, right? All adventurers need a drink some time, and with this book it's not hard to turn a pint of the local ale into a memorable gaming experience! Book of Taverns One  gives you a choice of two exciting places to stay the night, find adventure, and (let's face it) probably burn the place down. That's why we include two of them - one's a burn-down, and the other one is for hiding from the city watch. Both of these taverns offer NPCs for the characters to interact with (or slay), a diverting history, and convenient descriptions, as well as adventure hooks that will be so irresistible to the greedy characters that the clerics and paladins will have no choice in the matter.

The Trireme (11 pages, color cover, color interior) by Chris Jones presents a quiet tavern just outside of town, dedicated to philosophical debates, epicurean delights, and a private drinking room. Local philosophers are welcomed here as long as they can pay their tab, and visitors to the tavern can expect to be embroiled in some lively debate as to the nature of the world and the soul. Try the pecan cakes, but save some money for the extensive wine list. Or burn the place down - it's always an option.

Vain Robert's Gibbet (11 pages, color cover, color interior) by Chris Jones is a scurvy dive bar on the docks. Those passing by usually speed their steps, for only the lowest class of sailors stop in for a drink here. The tavern keeper doesn't mind at all, since Vain Robert's Gibbet is only the front for a coven of elite seafarers who battle a growing evil out in the depths of the sea. Note: this one would be more dangerous to burn down.

Humble Bundle - 3d Printable Dungeons & Dragon Lairs Terrain Bundle

Stuck at home for weeks if not months on end? Check!

Looking for an excuse to buy a 3d printer? Check!

433 bucks worth of 3d terrain for 15 bucks? Check!

Damn it Amazon! Where's my Same Day Shipping?

3d Printable Dungeons & Dragon Lairs Terrain Bundle

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. Affiliate links keep the lights on at The Tavern.

Free - Castles & Crusades Player’s Handbook PDF

Troll Lord Games is offering the Castles & Crusades Player’s Handbook for FREE.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we'll be through it sooner than you think, of that there is little doubt. In the meantime, we must all do our part and stay out of the public sphere. To help you through this, for a limited time you can download the Castles & Crusades Players Handbook for free. It's everything you need to run and play a game of Castles & Crusades. Also, enjoy A Houseless God and Other Tales, four short stories of Eurich Gunshoff and Ava, a ranger of some renown.

Osprey Publishing - Free eBooks = Week 2

Link to free eBooks:  https://ospreypublishing.com/blog/Free_eBooks_week_2/

Many people all over the world are staying at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. While self-isolation might be a bit daunting, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up on your reading. To help pass the time, we are giving customers five free eBooks each week for four weeks. Read through this week's options, add the eBook to your basket and use the code FREEBOOKS2 at checkout to get your free eBooks. 

AVG 6: Hawker Hurricane Mk I–V by Martyn Chorlton
Illustrated by Adam Tooby, Simon Smith

At the outbreak of World War II, only 111 Squadron and a handful of others were equipped with the Hurricane. Thanks to sudden massive orders and a well-organized Hawker sub-contracting production to Gloster and General Aircraft, more squadrons rapidly became operational. Cutting their teeth during the Battle of France, it was during the Battle of Britain that the type excelled and came to form the backbone of Fighter Command. While the Hurricane was steadily overtaken by the Spitfire in the fighter defence role, it remained the fighter of choice in North Africa and the Far East. Despite a large number being shot down in these far-flung conflicts, many received hasty repairs and returned to the fray while more fragile designs were permanently grounded. The Hurricane may not have been the prettiest or, the best-performing aircraft but, as Francis Mason stated: ‘The Royal Air Force was glad to get the Spitfire…it had to have the Hurricane!'

CAM 276: Waterloo 1815 (1) by John Franklin
Illustrated by Gerry Embleton

To commemorate the 2015 bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo, one of the defining campaigns in European History, Osprey replaced its single volume Campaign title covering the whole of the battle with three highly detailed volumes. Based on new research drawn from unpublished first-hand accounts these volumes will provide a comprehensive resource for every aspect of the battle. The first of this trilogy details the battle of Quatre Bras where an initial 8,000 Allied troops faced 48,000 men of the French Armée du Nord under Marshal Ney. Realising his error, Wellington concentrated his troops at the strategic crossroads of Quatre Bras where they just managed to hold off Ney's attacks. The battle ended in a tactical stalemate but, unable to link up with Blücher's Prussians, Wellington retreated back along the road to Brussels to new positions at Waterloo. Featuring extensive photographs, full colour artworks, maps and bird's-eye-views, this first instalment is not to be missed.

MAA 447: The Czech Legion 1914–20 by David Bullock
Illustrated by Ramiro Bujeiro

The Czech Legion was not just a single military unit, but a volunteer army that fielded up to 100,000 troops on the Allied side on all three main fronts of the war. Since only the defeat of Austro-Hungary and Germany offered any hope for Czech national independence, they were amongst the most motivated and steadfast of the Allied forces. After the Bolshevik Revolution, they fought their way across Russia, captured the Russian national gold reserves and used this as a bargaining chip to force the Bolsheviks to allow them to return home. Today the Legion is recognized as the founding fathers of Czech nationhood. This very colourful force of World War I has never before been detailed in English and is illustrated with an astonishing array of never-before-published photographs.

NVG 214: US Heavy Cruisers 1943–75 by Mark Stile
Illustrated by Paul Wright

This title follows on from a companion book covering the US heavy cruisers that were built prior to the war, together forming the definitive guide to the US's heavy cruiser classes. Versatile warships, the heavy cruisers of the Baltimore class, and their successors in the Oregon City and Des Moines classes, commonly acted as carrier escorts throughout World War II, but also performed bombardment duties in support of amphibious landings. Post-World War II, the heavy cruisers continued to see service, chiefly in Korea and Vietnam. Even after the heyday of the heavy cruiser had passed, the ships continued to serve - several were converted into the earliest examples of guided missile cruisers, and created an enduring legacy in the US Navy. From an established expert on the US and Pacific naval history, this is an invaluable resource richly illustrated with artwork and photographs.

WAR 7: Samurai 1550–1600 by Anthony J Bryant
Illustrated by Angus McBride

This title details the culture, weapons, armour and training of the elite samurai warrior class in the fascinating Age of Battles period (1550-1600). This was a period of vital importance not only because of the political effects of the chaos but also due to the changes in warfare that occurred. In 1542 the Portuguese introduced the matchlock musket into Japanese warfare, and this book traces the effect that this important innovation had on the samurai. Life outside the field of battle is also examined, making this an unmissable book for those interested in this brave warrior caste.

Hat tip to Thad.

Death Notice - Brian Blume (TSR)

From Wikipedia:

Brian John Blume (January 12, 1950 - March 27, 2020)[1] was a game designer and writer, principally known as a former business partner of Gary Gygax at TSR, Inc., producers of the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons.

Blume met Gary Gygax at the Gen Con game convention in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Gygax and his friend Don Kaye had recently formed Tactical Studies Rules in Lake Geneva in order to publish a new type of game that Gygax and Dave Arneson had developed, Dungeons & Dragons. Gygax and Kaye had each invested $1,000 into the venture, but still did not have enough money to print the game. In December 1973, Blume offered to become an equal partner in the company for an investment of $2,000.[4]:78 Using Blume's money, the three partners printed a thousand copies of the new game and sold their first copy in January 1974. Blume and Gygax also coauthored the Warriors of Mars miniatures wargame adaptation. Before the end of 1974, the first printing of D&D had sold out, and demand for the game was skyrocketing.

As various new rules and products for D&D were created, Blume provided material for The Rogues Gallery,[9] and co-authored the Dungeons & Dragons supplement Eldritch Wizardry with Gygax in 1976,[10] naming the character Vecna as an anagram of Jack Vance. Blume and Gygax also co-authored the Boot Hill role-playing game as a tribute to Don Kaye, who had been a fan of Westerns.[11][12] Blume also authored the Panzer Warfare miniatures wargame in 1975.

Blume died on March 27, 2020, at the Lakeland Nursing Home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin from Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease

Deal of the Day - City of Brass (5e)

City of Brass is one of the best-looking releases from Frog God Games. I think it does an amazing job of showcasing their new stable of artists as well as presenting an entertaining adventures / setting. The City of Brass PDF is normally 50 bucks - yes, not cheap - but as the Deal of the Day, it is on sale for $15.

If you want City of Brass in Print PLUS PDF (or for Swords & Wizardry), it's normally 100, but you can snag it for half off if you go to yesterday's Tavern post ;)

Good folk have vanished. Those who were once disparaged and forgotten now wield power unlike anything seen before. Rulers and sages turn a blind eye to the disturbing events unfolding around them. In every corner of the Lost Lands, the Cult of the Veiled One spreads unchecked. 

Prophesizing a cleansing jihad of flames and the coming of the Burning One, the cult has erected its brazen spires in every land. What follows depends on the wit and courage of mighty heroes who must rise to the occasion and take the fight to the enemy in its very stronghold. Will they succeed, or will they succumb to the temptations of the Veiled One’s court and join in the conquest of their home world? A fabled city of wishes on the edge of an eternal flame. The City of Brass is a rich combination of sand-box style role playing adventure, planar exploration, and twisted dungeons designed to test even the most seasoned adventurers. 

Adventure Begins Across Planes of Fire and Deceit 

Beginning with low-level challenges in the familiar confines of the Lost Lands, the adventure leads characters on a thrilling journey through multiple planes of existence culminating in the exploration of the City of Brass itself. The gleaming towers and floating platforms of the city hold terrors and wonders such as the Great Repository and the Minaret of Screams. Characters may choose to take a turn in the Circus of Pain, raid the floating Pyramid of Set, or join the resistance to the Sultan’s oppressive rule and lead an assault on the palace itself! A phoenix rises fully formed from the ashes of the past. The City of Brass is re-imagined for the new renaissance of fantasy role playing games, brought to you in the epic style of old school fantasy campaigns of yesteryear. 

About City of Brass 

From the design team that brought you Bard's Gate and Sword of Air, the City of Brass is an adventure unlike any other. With full color art and maps, new content and new organization, the City of Brass returns bigger and better than ever! An Adventure Sourcebook for characters level 1-20. New versions for Fifth Edition of the world’s most popular role-playing game. 

So what’s new in this release compared to the original Necromancer Games Boxed Set? 

This new release of The City of Brass includes all new color maps by Alyssa Faden and Robert Altbauer. Plus amazing new color art by Colin Chan, Adrian Landeros, Terry Pavlet, Michael Syrigos, C. J. Allan Marsh, and Artem Shukaev. 

The original City of Brass was divided into 3 sections and has been revised and reorganized throughout with 150,000 new words of adventures and material. 

Section 1: Cult of the Burning One - Now includes the following adventures

• Lornedain the Secret Flame: An introductory adventure for characters Levels 1-3.
• Freegate: the Brazen Spire (For Levels 4-6), giving new details to the Lost Lands city of Freegate as the characters investigate the arrival of a new cult and its magical tower.
• The Sea of Baal: (For levels 5-8). Adventures in the Titian Isles, the Elemental Plane of Air and Beyond as they travel across the Sea of Baal to the continent of Lybinos!
• Numeda a Caliphate in Flames: (For levels 6-9). Arriving in Lybinos the characters discover that the city of Cirtius in the Caliphate of Numeda is over-run by the forces of the Sultan of Efreet. Help free the survivors or join the Sultan in his conquest of the Lost Lands!
• The Path of the Prophet: (For Levels 8-10). Rewritten from the original with new content.

Section 2: The City of Brass is now newly organized with details on factions, new locations in the Plane of Molten Skies. 

Section 3: Tales of Brass features new adventure locations including:

• Ard’s Sanctuary: An adventure location for 11-14th level characters.
• Freeman’s Tower: An ultra-dimensional apartment complex and home base located in the lower city. Conquer the tower and live rent free under the Sultan’s nose! For 11th-14th level characters.
• The Apartment of Ra Po Jejh!: An old enemy makes a surprise return. Find his phylactery and finish him off once and for all! For 16th-18th level characters!
• Cathedral of the Lightbringer: The cathedral of the Lord of Infurnace’s minions serving as his consulate in the City of Brass. Steal the Sword of the Lightbringer if you Dare!

That there is an affiliate link above. Affiliate links keep the beer cold and the taps flowing here at The Tavern.

Frog God Games - 50% Off Print plus PDF

I think I already own it all ;)

Frog God Games is running a 50% off sale, store-wide, until the end of April. We have a warehouse - feel free to empty it. Use coupon code specialgarycon50

https://froggodgames.com/ 

Huzzah!

Deal of the Day - Solar Blades & Cosmic Spells

I've always enjoyed Sword & Planet as a fiction genre. It just enough over the top to hit my sweet tooth. If you have a similar sweet tooth, Solar Blades & Cosmic Spells may just satisfy your cravings.

Normally priced at 19.99 for the PDF, as today's Deal of the Day you can get Solar Blades & Cosmic Spells for 6 bucks. Not bad at all.

What will you do when the forces of the Void close in? 

Solar Blades & Cosmic Spells is a rules light, Star & Sorcery Role Playing Game with an Old School spirit. This is a complete Role Playing Game, inspired by the Old School Renaissance, the Pulp Literature and the many Science Fantasy stories brought to us by movies, comics and games. Based on the Sharp Swords & Sinister Spells RPG, this game system provides players and Overlords (that's how we call the GM in this game) a set of flexible and streamlined rules, as well as an array of tools to make gameplay fast and fun, allowing them to have exciting adventures with solar blades and cosmic spells!
What is in the book? 

Although the book has more than 450 pages, it’s filled with hundreds and hundreds of illustrations, tables to generate all sorts of game elementos (from items, NPCs, monsters to an entire galaxy). The rules themselves occupy less than 150 pages (including examples and lots of other helpful things). The game also comes with a ready to play adventure, full os possible endings and with great hooks for future game play! 

So grab a few dice, call your friends and get ready for a life of adventure with Solar Blades & Cosmic Spells!   

Free No-Art Version - https://oldskulling.blogspot.com/2018/10/download-final-text-and-sheets-of-solar.html

Yep, that there is an affiliate link. Keep the beer cold and the taps flowing by using The Tavern's affiliate links. I thank you in advance.

 

Kickstarter - MaximumHP - RPG Zine #003

Tabletop RPG Zine Issue #003 "The Wilderness" A zine for 1E / 2E / OSRIC gamers.

Gotta love any magazine that shows love for AD&D :) Maximum HP is the Kickstarter you are looking for...

At Fail Squad Games, we offer rousing content for your classic tabletop roleplaying games. What follows in this and upcoming issues of Maximum HP are articles, notes, tips, tricks, traps, and treasures for your 1E / OSRIC gaming table. To keep the zines fresh and exciting, we have liberated ourselves from a production deadline to allow us to channel maximum creativity into each issue. 

Our intent is to share the Fail Squad Games style with other old school gamers to enrich their gaming experience. The zine format presents small, easy to digest articles firmly rooted in the spirit of the older edition games and magazines. Although the content may be informal, we want the physical product and presentation to be the best we can deliver for the cost.

Welcome to issue #003 – The Wilderness issue of Maximum HP, The old school zine for a new school world. In this issue we delve into the wild forests of the world. The deep green places oft forgotten on the way to the dungeon. Here there are fey, wild creatures, and hidden secrets kept by nature and the unknown. The game might have the word dungeons in it, but it doesn't end there!

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light Goes Gold - Priced as PWYW Through End of April

DriveThruRPG has changed its Metal Ranking slightly to make it consistent across all storefronts. Lo and behold, I just checked and Swords & Wizardry Continual Light has gone GOLD! Woot!

To celebrate (and to give some additional reading material to those in the community that don't yet have a copy as we all "shelter at home") I've changed the pricing to Pay What You Want. Grab a copy for free. Seriously. Only tip if you want to. PWYW pricing will be in effect through the end of April.

edit - If you want a print copy, its 7 bucks on Amazon (ships Prime)  https://amzn.to/2ULDjls

Yes, that's an affiliate link. Affiliate links keep The Tavern's doors open, the beers cold and fresh and the lights on.

Deal of the Day - Kaigaku Second Edition (Japanese Themed OSR)

I remember being impressed with the first edition of Kaigaku. It appears Kaigaku Second Edition is based on the Stars Without Number ruleset. Huzzah! Normally 10 bucks, until tomorrow it on sale for $4.

As a result of community support for this title, 10% of the proceeds are now going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation! 

This is the core book for the second edition of our bestselling Kaigaku RPG. Based on Stars Without Number Revised, by Kevin Crawford, it brings a more modern rules set to the game, while still respecting what's come before.      

Visit the perilous and beautiful land of Kaigaku as a member of the samurai class, or for the first time as someone born into the less-fortunate castes. Will you play as an honorable samurai? An empowered ascetic who channels ki through gemstones? A devious courtier? Or perhaps a shadowy ninja?       

Building on Stars Without Numbers' original system, you can now create characters using hybrid classes. We've expanded the list of Foci, called Techniques in this game, with three dozen new specialties. Each of the new Techniques is also perfectly compatible with Stars Without Numbers Revised, too. There are several new Ascetic Disciplines, which merge well with SWN's Psychic class. 

If playing as a human isn't your style, the core book offers support for non-human species, including the foxlike kitsune, shapeshifting tanuki and many others. 

There are cultural notes in multiple sections to help you immerse yourself in this world that's based on Japanese lore and history. It's explicitly set in an alternate world to give you more freedom with your storytelling. We believe that you should be able to make Kaigaku your own saga, so we've painted the canon of this world in very broad strokes.

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. With the current pandemic, I've moved to an at-home mini tap system. Please, keep me in fresh, cold beer by using The Tavern's affiliate links ;) 

Five Free e-books from Osprey each week for the Next Four Weeks

Tip of the hat to Thaddeus Moore.

More free stuff!

Link to Osprey

Many people all over the world are staying at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. While self-isolation might be a bit daunting, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up on your reading. To help pass the time, we’ll be giving customers five free eBooks each week for the next four weeks. Read through the options, add the eBook to your basket and use the code FREEBOOKS1 at checkout to get your free eBooks.

CBT 8: US Marine vs Japanese Infantryman by Gordon L. Rottman
Illustrated by Johnny Shumate

The brutal fighting between US Marines and Japanese infantry on the island of Guadalcanal in many ways came to typify the island-hopping war in the Pacific. This book not only explores the differing tactics and equipment used by the two combatants but also shows how the challenges of fighting in inhospitable tropical jungles impacted on soldiers on the ground, as combatants had to deal not only with their determined opponents but also the twin issues of disease and stretched supply lines. Written by a former special forces veteran with extensive knowledge of jungle warfare, this fully illustrated book lifts the veil on one of the most pivotal and ferocious close combat duels of World War II.


DUE 65: Bf 109E/F vs Yak-1/7 by Dmitriy Khazanov, Aleksander Medved
Illustrated by Jim Laurier, Gareth Hector, Andrey Yurgenson

Step into the cockpits of the Luftwaffe's Bf 109 and the Red Air Force's Yaks 1-7, two fighters which were involved in some of the largest, fiercest aerial battles in history. The Iconic Messerschmitt fighter and its combat hardened pilots inflicted a fearful beating on the Yaks in the beginning of the war. Some of the highest scoring aces in history benefitted from the Bf 109's technical superiority over the overweight and underpowered Yak 1, racking up incredible successes against their poorly trained and equipped adversaries. And yet, as the Soviets accumulated combat experience, their tactics improved, as did their mounts in the upgraded Yak 1B and gradually, the Red Force eroded the Jagdwaffe's dominance of the skies in the eastern front, though with the 109G they would never lose qualitative superiority. Featuring first-hand accounts from veteran pilots, rare archival photographs and expert analysis, this volume brings to life the vicious dogfights that took place between the Bf 109 and the Yak as they vied for mastery of the frozen skies of the Eastern Front.


ELI 110: Sassanian Elite Cavalry AD 224–642 by Kaveh Farrokh
Illustrated by Angus McBride

The Sassanians ruled the last great imperial Empire of Persia before the Arab conquests of the 7th century. Rome's only equal in the classical world, the Sassanian Empire had an enormous impact on the development of architecture, mythology, arts, music, military tactics and technology. Within the Sassanian military, the cavalry was the most influential element, and Sassanian cavalry tactics were adopted by the Romans, Arabs, and Turks. Their cavalry systems of weaponry, battle tactics, Tamgas, Medallions, court customs, and costumes influenced Romano-Byzantine and medieval European culture, and this book allows the reader to see how a little-studied eastern power affected the development of cavalry traditions in the western world.


RAID 37: Blackbeard’s Last Fight by Angus Konstam
Illustrated by Mark Stacey, Johnny Shumate, Alan Gilliland

In April 1713 the War of the Spanish Succession came to an end. During the conflict hundreds of privateers - licenced pirates - preyed on enemy shipping throughout the Caribbean. These privateers now found themselves out of a job, and many turned to piracy. One of theme was Edward Teach - more popularly known as "Blackbeard”. He joined the pirates in New Providence (now Nassau) in the Bahamas, and by early 1717 he had become a pirate captain. From then on he caused havoc off the North American seaboard, in the West Indies and off Honduras, before appearing off Charleston, South Carolina in May 1718. He blockaded this major port for a week, an act that made Blackbeard the most notorious pirate of his day.


WPN 26: The Martini-Henry Rifle by Stephen Manning
Illustrated by Peter Dennis

The breech-loading, single-shot .458in Martini-Henry rifle has become a symbol of both the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the numerous battles in Egypt and the Sudan in 1884-85, but continued to be used by both British and colonial troops well into the 20th century. Its invention and introduction into British service were in direct response to the success of the Prussian Dreyse needle gun, which demonstrated that the breech-loading rifle offered faster loading, improved accuracy and superior range; significantly, the weapon could be loaded and fired from a prone position, thus offering the rifleman greater security on the battlefield. Due to the longevity of service, many Martini-Henry rifles survive today, both in museums and in private collections, and the weapon is highly prized by shooting enthusiasts. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and an array of arresting first-hand accounts and written by an authority on warfare in the Victorian era, this engaging study tells the story of the powerful Martini-Henry and its impact on the battlefield, from the Anglo-Zulu War to the opening months of World War I.

Free RPG - Top Secret / New World Order (TSR)

There have been a number of RPG releases that have been priced at free or PWYW this month. Added to the list is Top Secret / New World Order from the new TSR. It is free until the end of March.

The new espionage role-playing game from Merle M. Rasmussen, creator of the first espionage role-playing game. 

The time: now. The place: everywhere. 

Your mission: preserve peace and stability in a world rife with conflict, mistrust, duplicity, and shadowy organizations. 

You are an agent of ICON: The International Covert Operatives Network. You have been recruited from your former life, trained in the ways of tradecraft, and sent into the field to handle the missions that other agencies cannot, or will not handle. 

One player is the Administrator, describing and controlling the game world, while the other players take on the role of international spies, working behind the scenes where governments won’t go. 

Tense negotiations, dangerous combat, thrilling car chases, tradecraft, surveillance, intrigue, and subterfuge are all at hand with the roll of the dice. 

Top Secret: New World Order is a tabletop role-playing game recommended for 2–8 players. 

There is an affiliate link up above. Affiliate links keep the beer cold and the taps flowing here at The Tavern - Tenkar