Kickstarter - The Great Kingdom Documentary ordered offline by Courts

It wasn't long ago that the folks behind The Great Kingdom (a D&D documentary) ran a Kickstarter to raise funds for the endeavor. Which was interesting, as two of the folks behind this documentary were formerly behind the OTHER D&D documentary: Dungeons & Dragons, a Documentary.

Shortly after the new project was announced, the folks behind the first project sued. All this was going on while money was being raised for the new project, which successfully funded.

As of now, The Great Kingdom is literally offline, with a take down order issued by the NYS Supreme Court.

I didn't support either Kickstarter, but the lawsuit made me extra nervous about the second one. Seems I was right to be nervous.

No idea what this means for those that supported the project that is currently suspended.

How Important is Character Class Balance?

How important is character class balance between the various classes? Sure, were talking OSR gaming with this question, and for many the answer will be "who cares about balance?", but for the rest of you, how important is it?

In AD&D the classes are roughly balanced by the various experience point tables (and demi-humans are balanced against humans by using level limits.)

In LotFP, classes are balance by giving each class it's own niche, with little to no overlapping.

In Adventures in the East Mark, warriors get a d10 for HD while their two sub-classes get d8s - balancing extra abilities with HP potential.

I'm sure there are other examples, but I'm barely awake ;)

So, how important are balanced character classes to you in the games that you play?

Initial Impressions of No Salvation for Witches by Rafael Chandler (Indiegogo)

This is most certainly NOT a review. I haven't read far enough along to get to the review part of this. Instead, this is my initial impressions of No Salvation for Witches, of which I was graciously given a PDF copy of (thanks to +Rafael Chandler and +James Raggi ).

First, a little background. I enjoy +Rafael Chandler 's writing and generally appreciate the look and feel of the LotFP releases, if not the actual game-ability (yeah, I have some usability issues with some most of James's recent releases - party fucks are not my style.) So, if nothing else, you know my final assessment will be a fair one, even if I am predisposed to have high expectations of Raf's work.

The release of No Salvation for Witches is via an Indiegogo project which is offering the 64 page hardcover for the risky pricing of Pay What You Want (minimum one Euro plus shipping). Leave it to James to find a way to go off the rails ;)

NSFW (which could be applied to nearly all recent LotFP releases) is set in England in 1620. It seems historical locations and times are high on the LotFP list, which is fine. It's easy enough to change the setting to something more fanciful, but the real world touches do add a certain sense of historical realism.

Now, on to the initial impressions:

Art - James never skimps on art. Ever. Much of it is disturbing. Doesn't make it less good.

Layout - not the final version, but pleasing to my middle ages eyes.

Backstory - classic Rafael. If the rest of the adventure is as good as the set up, I really don't care if I get to run it, as I'll be enjoying the story on it's own merits.

Characters - the movers and the shakers of NSFW. Real, legit motivations and characterizations. Again, I expected nothing less from Raf.

First encounter - even if I don't use the adventure as written, I'm using this. Definitely using this.

Color me impressed thus far. Give me a few days to digest this and I'll offer up my review.

iTunes and RSS Feeds for the Tenkar & The Badger Podcast are Live

Yep. You can now subscribe to the Tenkar & The Badger podcast over at our Tavern Radio site. You should do it to. All the cool kids are.

While you are at it, catch some of the cool cop shows from the 70s over at YouTube to get yourself in the right mood ;)

Ideal Number of Hosts on a Podcast - Thoughts and Observations

Although +Jason Paul McCartan and I just recently kicked off our Tenkar & The Badger Podcast, I've been a podcast consumer for the last three years or so, and I have some thoughts on the number of hosts that are idea for a podcast.

First, there is no hard number. Two works well for the Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff. I feel that Happy Jacks often suffers under the weight of "too many voices, too little substance" curse that follows when listeners can't figure out who is talking (or no longer care). Well that and just far too much belching.

When Jason and I finalized plans for the podcast, we decided we wanted a rotating third chair. While we feel we have the chops to have an entertaining show with just the two of us, the third voice adds a dimension we would be lacking otherwise. At the same time, we also like the idea of frequent guests, and our fear was that a regular three plus a guest per episode would leave someone with limited airtime.

Recently, the Save or Die Podcast went from four hosts to three. While I'm not sure if that's a temporary change or a permanent adjustment, the show does seem to flow better. I suspect that it's because the three remaining hosts have more time to make their own points and observations and not because of any particular change in the line up.

Spellburn recently went from three to four hosts, and while it works, it tends to suffer a bit when they add a guest. Not because the guests they have aren't awesome, but now you have a conversation with five folks, and that can get unnecessarily busy and again, runs the risk of leaving someone on the sidelines.

If I do have one complaint, it's the excessive reading of letters on the air. This goes for just about every podcast out there. I find letter reading to be a common crutch on podcasts in the RPG Community. There is no need to read every one, let alone every sentence of each of them. Edit them to the kernel that will drive the discussion - the rest is just annoying filler usually.

The Chair Squeaks as the Wife Coughs and the Puppy Makes an Appearance

I've heard it said that puppies are like newborn babies. It's not quite true, so far as I can tell. There is no diaper changing and less puking. Sleeping is, however, an issue.

Danke (I didn't pick the name - husbands rarely have such authority) is a damn good puppy that is only happy at night sleeping between mommy and daddy. Which usually means a head tucked into my armpit as I try not to roll over on said puppy throughout the night. As a generally light sleeper, this means I am acutely aware of all of said puppies movements and adjustments (as well as my own) throughout the night. I sleep, but not deeply. The other option is not to sleep at all, as the pup will whine and bark half the night if placed in her crate.

Rach was diagnosed with bronchitis yesterday at the doc in a box yesterday, which explains the cough she couldn't get rid of. Did I mention that wakes me at night too?

Oh, and the chair still squeaks, though not as bad as before.

Why bring this up? All this and more make an appearance in yesterday's recorded live G+ Hangout - as well as Ashley's tail.

There is a sense of intimacy with these live recorded hangouts. Also a sense of rawness, with trains making their presence known, coughs that leak in from the next room and a roaming puppy that needs comforting.

+Jason Paul McCartan and I will need to do more ".5" episodes - even if it's more spur of the moment to address something that just popped off in the hobby or to address a spark of our own brilliance, or more likely, stupidity.

Still doesn't address my like of sleep though. Heh.

Tenkar & The Badger - Live Recorded On Air Hangout - Adventures in the East Mark - Episode 1.5 :)

Watch the video or wait for the audio only to go live - but the video will show your some of the actual awesomeness that is Adventures in the East Mark

If you were there when we recorded, you could have won some prizes. Next time we do this ya better find the time to join us ;)

Whereupon I Decide Greygor Will be a Warrior With 18 HP at 1st Level (DCC RPG)

After Greygor, the woodcutter with the amazing stats survived the initial funnel, the hard decision was which class to go with. I was leaning heavily on either a paladin or a bard from Crawl!, but in the end went with the simple warrior. There is something about +4 to HP every level with a d12 for hit dice that is hard to beat.

At 0-level, Greygor had 7 HP. Rolling a 7+4 for 1st level, he now has 18. I really can't complain.

He'll mostly be wielding a well crafted but non magical two handed sword he was rewarded with at the end of the funnel, so he will strike slow but hard. Oh, and take one hell of a beating.

The two other PCs are a cleric and a thief. All the halflings died in the funnel :(

Free Hoard of the Dragon Queen Supplement for 5e at WotC (who thought hot pink was a good choice?)

Not friendly to ANY sensibilities

Looking for some magic items, monsters and even new spells for use with the free 5e Basic Set? Look no further.

WotC has a downloadable document for use with Hoard of the Dragon Queen. Good, usable stuff even on it's own.

Grab the printer friendly copy or your eyes will bleed ;)

Much more friendly version, printer or otherwise

Goodman Games to Release 5e Adventures at Gen Con

5e OGL? 5e OGL! We don't need no steenkin' 5e OGL!

Goodman Games (much like Frog God / Necromancer) has apparently decided there is no need to wait on a specific 5e OGL / GSL / whatever may be down the road. Instead, Goodman Games is releasing two 5e adventures at next week's Gen Con.

Fifth Edition Fantasy #1: Glitterdoom

A Level 3 Adventure for 5E

Fifth Edition Fantasy is here! This level 3 adventure module is fully compatible with the fifth edition of the world’s first fantasy RPG, and ready to play in your home campaign!

Centuries ago, the glitterdoom came to the dwarves of Steelhand Clan! This divine curse transformed the dwarves into hellish forms with an insatiable greed for gold. Now, a chance encounter breaks open long-sealed gates to unleash the glitterdoom again. Can your adventurers delve into the forgotten halls to confront the subterranean menace?

This all-new 5E adventure module includes a new dwarf sub-race and a new PC background!

Digital Edition: All print purchases of this module include a code to download a free digital edition. This digital edition will be updated regularly as needed to remain current with 5E rules and learnings. As a print purchaser you will always have access to the latest edition of this module! (The author is Michael Curtis, so it should be good regardless of system)

Fifth Edition Fantasy #2: The Fey Sisters’ Fate


A Level 1 Adventure for 5E

Fifth Edition Fantasy is here! This level 1 adventure module is fully compatible with the fifth edition of the world’s first fantasy RPG, and ready to play in your home campaign!

The cries of battle echo in the rustic wilderness, as a pair of fey sisters defend the ancient Briarwood against invaders. When the town of Bur Hollow sends militia men to support their fey allies, they disappear without a trace. The adventurers must enter the Briarwood and save them!

This all-new 5E adventure module includes two new spells and a new PC background!

Digital Edition: All print purchases of this module include a code to download a free digital edition. This digital edition will be updated regularly as needed to remain current with 5E rules and learnings. As a print purchaser you will always have access to the latest edition of this module! (The writer of this one is Chris Doyle)

On Air Hangout with the Man Behind "Adventures in the East Mark" - and we have Prizes!

The Tenkar & The Badger Podcast, in conjunction with eXtra-Dimensional Publishing's David Wilson Brown, is going to do an On Air Hangout (G+) on Sunday, August 10th at 3pm Eastern.

David will be fielding questions in regards to Adventures in the East Mark, an OSR retroclone that has come to us via Spain.

Consider this episode 1.5 of the podcast.

There will be prizes randomly awarded to those that participate in the Hangout, both in PDF and print (the cost to mail the print copy of Adventures in the East Mark will be covered by the podcast, but the prizes are being provided by eXtra-Dimensional Publishing).

Further details will be provided at the Tavern Radio G+ Community page.

Holy Sh!t! The First Episode of Tenkar & The Badger is Available for Download (iTunes Forthcoming)

From the TavernRadio website:

Behold! For you listening pleasure (or pain), you can now download the inaugural episode of Tenkar & The Badger with our very special guest Matt Finch. In this introductory episode, we talk to Matt about his Quick Primer to Old School Gaming, as well as cover a lot of ground as to what we all think the OSR is and isn’t. Your mileage may vary. 

Also in the podcast, we give special mention to a special Hangout On Air that we’re doing at 3pm EDT on Sunday August 10th with David Wilson Brown of Extra Dimensional Publishing, where we’ll be talking to him about the new Adventures in the East Mark game. We’ll be looking for lots of questions to be able to present to David about the game, but you’ll want to hangout with us and ask questions live on air as there’s going to be some special rewards for doing so.

There may be some adult (juvenile) language involved. I haven't had a chance to listen yet, but knowing my potty mouth, consider yourself warned.

DOWNLOAD TENKAR & THE BADGER EPISODE 1 in MP3

When Did Gaming Become a Hotbed for Social Issues? (Rant Warning)

When did gaming, RPGs in particular, become a hotbed for social issues?

Everyone with an agenda is trying to use the RPG hobby to spread theirs. No, not the writers or the publishers. I'm talking about the talking heads, the social media big shots (or so they see themselves) and the big mouths.

Do I need a set of gaming rules to let me play a transexual vampire, bisexual hobbit or lesbian dwarf?

Do I need to be told I need to add more women, more trans-genders, more Venusians to my gaming table?

These are all things that are covered by a "code of conduct". Play what you want, they way you want with who you want and all this takes care of itself.

I don't need this spelled out in a rulebook. RPGs are by their very nature social. If you have issues socializing with different types of folks that don't reflect your norms, find a group that does reflect such.

Gaming is not a right. It is not an agenda. It is a hobby and a pastime.

When the noise from agendas drown out the rolls of the dice, it's time to reassess.

Or perhaps I just need to trim my G+ feed a bit more...

Future Podcast Fodder - What Do You See as the Definitive OSR Product?

Just like it says on the tin - what do you see as the definitive OSR product? You'll need to go beyond your comfort zone on this, as we discuss +Matt Finch 's Quick Primer to Old School Gaming in episode 1 (and even this is an entry that people either agree with closely or disagree with strongly - I've noticed little middle ground.)

Is there a certain set of rules, adventure, setting, resource, etc that you can point to on your bookshelf (virtual is fine) that oozes OSR in your mind?

There are no wrong answers (except those that aren't posted ;)

I Have Listened to the First 11 Minutes of the Tenkar & The Badger Podcast, and it is Good

+Jason Paul McCartan did a great job getting rid of the background hiss that infected my side of the recording.

Do I sound a bit awkward? Sure, at points. First podcast episode and I expect much blood to be drawn. That which does not kill me just makes me stronger - or at least makes me a glutton for punishment.

If all goes well, we should be releasing the episode into the wilds later today. If not today, tomorrow.

You can't rush (im)perfection ;)

Kickstarter - Designers & Dragons - A History of RPGs (All initial stretch goals are funded)

I really enjoyed the PDF I have of the original, single volume Designers & Dragons. When I heard there was a 4 volume (possibly 1600 pages total) being worked on, I was thrilled.

It's here.

I'm thrilled :)

For a measly buck you can grab volume 1 in PDF, mobi or epub right now.

For $15, you'll get all 4 volumes in electronic format. Volume 2 should be ready for download by Friday.

For $85 your get all 4 volumes in softcover and electronic format.

Need I say more?

If nothing else, spend a buck and grab Volume 1, the 70's and read about the birth of our hobby.

Who Funds Their Convention Circuit by Begging for Other People's Dimes? (Rant Warning)

Earlier today +Vincent Florio and I had a conversation about folks basically asking for handouts so they can go to Gen Con or whatever con. We both agreed that this shit pisses us off.

I can afford one con a year that includes travel and hotel stay. One.

If I couldn't afford to go to NTRPG Con I simply wouldn't go.

Imagine that. Can't afford something that isn't a necessity in your life, you just don't get to do it.

Instead, there are folks that want others to pay for their frills. This isn't living expenses. It's not Nystul who can barely keep a roof above his head and is probably Ramen Noodles biggest non-college student customer. This isn't someone down on his luck, with medical bills or the like kicking their ass. It's not the vet bill from hell to keep a beloved pet alive.

No, it's folks like you and me - but they want you and me to pay for them to go on a vacation that we aren't going to because it doesn't fit our budget. We can't afford it either, so why should I give money so some other ass can go?

It takes fucking balls. And a certain lack of self respect.

If you want to go that badly, save your pennies or work a second job. Because my job is not going to pay for your fucking vacation.

Remember Those Classic TSR Module Cartoon Map Walkthroughs? You Can Now Buy Prints!

+Mock Man Press is offering preorders (they'll ship in September) of the series of Classic TSR Era Map Walkthroughs as a series of prints. They are as follows:

Expedition to the Barrier Peaks 11" x 22" ($20)

Tomb of Horrors 13" x 18" ($20)

White Plume Mountain 16" X 18" ($20)

Isle of Dread 18" x 24" ($30)

Slave Pits of the Undercity ($30)

Ravenloft 18" x 36" ($30)

Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth Walkthrough Map 18" x 27" ($30)

or all the above bundles for $150

Above prices include a $5 discount on the individual pieces which will be in effect for the next 2 weeks, then they go up.

Did I mention some of the original art is also for sale?

I may just have to risk drawing wife agro on this...

Not My Kinda Kickstarter but it May Scratch Your Itch - RPG Tees

So as to not have my only two posts for the weekend be Nystulian of nature, I present to you - RPG Tees.

I'm not a huge fan of T-shirts with graphics (although I did make a major exception for the awesome Barrowmaze T-shirts) but many people do like them. I can see the fine Knights of the Dinner table wearing such shirts.

Now, you can get these T's from Cafepress from the creators' own store front for as low as $18 plus shipping. Here your looking at $25 including shipping. Pretty much a toss up - except that you obviously have to wait a few months for the shirt from Kickstarter.

Wayward Kickstarter - More Infinite Dungeon - Mike Follows Up on D3 Kicking it to the Curb - Time to Put it All on "00"

Some people can handle running a Kickstarter. Some people see it as free money when it comes in, then get caught with their pants down when it comes time to fulfill the project, but they spent the money on hookers and blow funding a company and hiring staff when there is no cash flow coming in.

The Nystulian fiasco is a trifecta - or a hat trick, depending on the sport you follow.

I'm going to avoid commenting further, as Mike pretty much tells it as it is (although how he can afford to consult with an accountant and a lawyer when he has no money to fulfill the projects at hand is beyond me)

Update #66 - For backers only Aug 3 2014

D3 Bows Out / Next Steps

D3 Adventures is no longer going to be publishing this project.

I have to decide what to do now.

Where we stand: I will have an ashcan that I can work to complete. D3 had decided that pretty much all the art I originally commissioned (and paid for) wasn't up to their standards so I'd have to either fit what I had back in or find some more somehow. The development of that ashcan also represents a large portion of the investment of the monies I raised.

I have a box of resin minis. They are very nice but were waiting to be shipped until I had the rest of the physical stuff coming to you. Shipping is very expensive.

Some of you have mentioned refunds. At this point, I would be open to the idea but I am in no position to issue any. Between the failure of my Kickstarters, the company I started  (that also failed) and various medical expenses (nothing to do with the KS but party of what I'm up against). I am deep underwater and am barely covering my living expenses. None of the bills that aren't directly involved in keeping a roof over my head are being paid. Because of this I have been exploring bankruptcy but really don't want to take that step unless I have no other choice.

What I want to do is make good. I have been trying. That's what the D3 deal was about, that's why i have been plugging away at bits of this and why my recent efforts were a push to finally get this done.

The plan until D3 backed out was to get you everything but the game itself - they were covering that bit. It was going to be rough but i just might have pulled it off. That ship has sailed.

Option One: Admit defeat. Send the ashcan as close to done as i can get it quickly, send the minis, and gather refund requests and consult an accountant and a lawyer. I hate giving up but it may be the right move.

Option Two: Soldier on. I'd still send the ashcan but I would continue to send more material. The idea would be to get you enough stuff to make you feel like you got your money's worth or at least a hell of a lot closer than you are now.

I have several board and card game designs - some done and with art all ready to go. I have considered trying to sell one or more to cover things I need to do for this project. The tricky bit is my rep is (rightfully) in the shitter and there is no way I will ever use Kickstarter again (my fault but it is what it is) so I'm not sure how to go about it. If i figure something out I will let you know.

I got into this to get a fun idea into the hands of fellow gamers. I screwed up and chewed through the budget before I got it done. I failed and I'm sorry. I will continue to try to make good as long as you want me to.

I am soliciting feedback but keep it civil please. Anything nasty you have to say I have already heard and I may even agree with you. Point taken. Venom won't help us move forward.

To those of you who have remained supportive thank you. It means a lot to me.

EDIT: I need to make a comment after rereading this - at no point did Mike address failing to pay one of the writers on the project

From D3's earlier post:

The property has, from the beginning, incurred one unexpected roadblock after another. The most recent of these concerned a lack of payment for a completed chapter. I was not made aware of this issue when D3 Adventures picked up the IP, and as of this date, the writer has not received the promised payment.