Kickstarter - Classic Edition GM Screen by New Big Dragon Games Unlimited

+Richard LeBlanc is one of my favorite creators in the OSR corner of the hobby. His D30 Sandbox Companion is THE go to product on my gaming shelf when I'm short on adventure ideas. Rich knows his gaming stuff, knows his art, knows his layout... yes, he simply knows his shit and it shows.

Rich's New Big Dragon Games Unlimited is running a Kickstarter for a Classic Edition GM Screen. It's what you see above. I actually got to handle a beta version of the screen last June at NTRPG Con and I was very impressed. I can only imagine how much nicer it is with 8 more months of development.

But wait. Your not just getting 2 3-panel GM screens:

6-panel (12-page) BX Game Masters Screen (in two 3-panel pieces) 

This is the most comprehensive GM screen ever created for BX editions of the original RPG and comparable retro-clones. The inside and outside faces of each screen will be printed on 15 pt. cover stock, and glued together to create 30 pt. thickness!!! Additionally, the entire screen will be protected with a UV coating for resistance to abrasion and staining. The exterior of this 6-panel (12-page) screen features artwork by the legendary artist Arthur Rackham, and content panels include all the pertinent information any Classic (BX/LL) GM needs to run their game, including:

-Experience point & spell level progressions for each character class
-Class-based combat & saving throw tables
-Class abilities & attribute adjustments
-Tables for Clerical turning and Thieves' abilities
-Variable damage by weapon; missile fire ranges; AC by armor type
-Step-by-step outlines for both turn sequence & combat sequence
-A simplified Treasure Types table
-Comprehensive cost lists for weapons, equipment, and animals
-Complete movement information (including dungeon, wilderness, airborne, and encumbered movement)
-Henchmen/hirelings, mercenaries & specialists (recruitment, requirements, salaries, and abilities)
-8-page GM Table Reference Document: This 8-page letter-sized piece includes all of the tables from the GM screens in a handle table-ready format. Features additional cover art by Arthur Rackham. Printed on a 60# uncoated cover stock and saddle-stitched.

8 Individual Card Stock Master Character Sheets (1 Generic Sheet + 7 Class-specific Sheets): Each of the 7 class-specific character record sheet contains the most pertinent information each player needs (e.g., notes on which types of weapons & armor may be used by the class, additional experience earned based on prime requisites, and special abilities like clerics' turning and thieves' abilities). In addition to the 7 classic character class sheets (cleric, dwarf, elf, fighter, halfling, magic-user, and thief), an 8th "generic" sheet is usable by any character class. Printed on an 80# uncoated cover stock.

Spells Record Sheet: This record sheet is usable by any spellcasting PC, and includes places to list each known spell's name, range, duration, and area of effect, as well as other pertinent notes. Printed on an 80# uncoated cover stock.

Character Record Log: This record sheet provides a place to write the information a GM needs for up to 6 PCs or NPCs, including the basics (name, class, hp, level, AC, etc.) as well as ability scores, saving throws, equipment/inventory, and other notes. Printed on an 80# uncoated cover stock.

4-page Cleric Spell Handout: The cover of this digest-sized piece notes spells gained by level, and the inside includes all the key information (e.g., range, duration, spell notes, etc.) for all the cleric spells contained in the classic red and blue rule books (plus a few additional core spells from other early editions). Printed on a 60# uncoated cover stock.

8-page Magic-user Spell Handout: The cover of this digest-sized piece notes spells gained by level, and the inside includes all the key information (e.g., range, duration, spell notes, etc.) for all the magic-user spells contained in the classic red and blue rule books (plus a few additional core spells from other early editions). Printed on a 60# uncoated cover stock and saddle-stitched.

That's a lot of stuff for your $43 investment and you get it all in PDF too. If print isn't your preferred media (or if your budget is tight) you can get the total package in PDF for a mere 7 bucks.

Did I mention I love the art used?

Barrel Rider Games Releases "The Hero's Journey" RPG as PWYW

+James Spahn had shown me an early beta version of The Hero's Journey. I liked what I saw, but lack of free time prevented me from giving it a proper review. Now that time is freeing up, I should get to that review in the next week or so. Which is good, as James has released The Hero's Journey as a PWYW product on RPGNow.

Here's the blurb:

The Hero's Journey Fantasy Roleplaying™ is a complete tabletop roleplaying game based on and compatible with Swords & Wizardry WhiteBox™. It provides fourteen classes, a complete bestiary, rules for adventuring, with optional rules to help you tailor your gaming experience and tell the legendary stories that you've always imagined. All you need is this book, a few dice, and a stout heart. 

Inside these pages you've find information from previous supplements in the White Box line of products published by Barrel Rider Games that have been compiled, updated, streamlined and integrated with the material found in Swords & Wizardry WhiteBox™ to create a complete roleplaying game. This information has been packaged in a clean, visually appealing design to create a game with the options of fantasy gaming from the 1980s and 1990s while holding to the simplicity and flexibility of the early days of the hobby. 

Download it. Use it whole or use pieces of it.

And the Winners of Last Week's Contest Are...

I apologize for the delay in awarding the prizes. Walking into retirement isn't always the smooth sailing you expect it to be. It's not Die Hard crazy, but it's been a busy couple of nights ;)

So, the winners of $10 RPGNow Gift Certificates are:

Linneman

Godzilla Geek

The above need to hit me up at tenkarsDOTtavern at that Gmail thing and I'll get them out to you :)

Real Life Intrudes on the Muse

This is one of those rare days I'm literally at a loss for what to post. Sometimes, the muse does not awake when I do in the morning (er, afternoon for at least 2 more days)

At least, I'm at a loss as to what to post gaming related, but as for life and death, real life, I do have something to say.

My last shift I can damn close to losing someone I know. Not through the actions of another, not through carelessness nor the vagaries of fate, but through his own actions. Intentional actions.

I know very well that threats of suicide are most often calls for help but I've seen too often the impulse succeed before the calls are heard, let alone answered.

Thankfully this morning ended well or as well as can be under the circumstances.

There are places to call, people that listen. Nothing is worth losing a life over. Especially not your own.

These last few days are proving rougher than expected...

(As for the local PD whose actions saved this life, my heartfelt thanks)

Kickstarter - City State of the Invincible Overlord - Not so Invincible Anymore

City State of the Invincible Overlord (reprint / revision) Kickstarter - everything was fine until it actually funded.

Lost main author? Check

Maps taking longer to produce than expected? Check

Spent money on add on miniatures before setting aside enough funds to actually produce the funded project and stretch goals? Check! (minis are a money sink - only one man can pull them off successful as part of a non-mini project. He's named below)

Senior generation calling out the younger generation and assigning blame? Check and check.

Spent money on hookers and blow? Er, no. At least, not yet. Give it time. Wait, project is in the red. Do they take credit? Edit - direct reference to a statement made by Tavis Allison in regards to the Dwimmermount fiasco. Said in jest then, said in jest now. Just adding context for those who might need it. 

I've seen melt downs on Kickstarters before, but I'm ready to wash my hands of this one.

As of February 2015, it was already potentially 12k in the RED. Shipping has only gone up I'm sure. And why does anyone except for +Zach Glazar include minis with their Kickstarter? It's insane!

Then there was Bob II and his quasi public posting last week criticizing Bob III.

Out of context? That's what they say. It's also a severe case of hoping that folks understand that Goodman Games is running the current reprint Kickstarter for Judges Guild, not Judges Guild themselves. BTW, from what I've been told the Bledsaws are fine folk. It's just that Kickstarter is a dangerous mistress that can turn on one without warning. Boon and curse, it's all one and the same. Sometimes you need money just to lose it.

Goal was $28k. Over $85k was raised. If they'd raised less money, maybe the amount of red would have been less.

A WTF Kickstarter - wasteland tabletop game (Think of it as tabletop version of D&D meets fallout meets Warhammer)

As is often the case, a tip of the hat to the fine folks in the Kicksnarker Community on G+. My God, what a gem.

So, what sets this "wasteland tabletop game" apart from other games?

Let me show you in pictures:

BTW, that is the ONLY reward level.

So, it's a joke, right?

Watch the video, because it is truly incisive. As an aside, do not post video selfies to Kickstarter, as the motion you bring to the table makes me want to rip your beard off.

But hey, he's got the right motivation:

He's the guy on the left. The other two would probably prefer not to be recognized or identified.

Real glad Kickstarter has such a strong vetting process...

Shit, almost forgot his OTHER project, running at the same time - One Piece RPG

TableTopLibrary.com Goes Live - PDF and Print - Competition is Good!

I first heard about TableTopLibrary last month but had to keep my yap shut. I'm happy that OBS will finally have some competition and as publishers will retain 75% of the sale price of their PDF goods at TTL (at OBS, it's 65% or 70%), it will hopefully spur more quality self publishing - Your Humble Barkeep

PRESS RELEASE

Kobold Press, Frog God Games, Troll Lord Games, Green Ronin, Rite Publishing, Super Genius Games, Expeditious Retreat Games, Hero Games, Rogue Comet, Metallic Dice Games, Pacesetter Games and Simulations, Eldritch Enterprises, Far Future Enterprises and TableTopLibrary.com

March 10, 2016

Kobold Press, Frog God Games, Troll Lord Games, Green Ronin, Hero Games, Rogue Comet, Pacesetter Games and Simulations, Eldritch Enterprises, Far Future Enterprises and TableTopLibrary.com are jointly announcing that, effective immediately, our companies will all be offering our Fifth Edition, Pathfinder, Traveller, OSR, Hero System, Fate, and other products through a new RPG download store called TableTopLibrary, as a one-stop shop for OGL Fifth Edition products. TableTopLibrary, website https://tabletoplibrary.com/ is a newly-formed online store for RPG books and pdfs designed to offer both electronic versions and hard copy versions of books produced by your favorite publishers. TabletopLibrary will also offer a full slate of products and resources for other role-playing games, including Pathfinder and OSR-games. All of us will continue our own websites and stores, but TableTopLibrary offers a place to draw all these products together in one place for convenience.

At this time, by coming together as a consortium, we can offer the high-quality products we pride ourselves on; provide a one-stop shopping spot with outstanding customer service; and allow  a better experience for publishers, and more importantly, for customers . Centralized electronic book fulfillment, kickstarter fulfillment, and single-location warehousing will improve our delivery speed, accuracy, and customer service in the RPG download market.

Our reasons for setting up a consortium at this time include (1) each partner retains ownership and editorial control over the individual campaign worlds and other “intellectual property” that our fans have known and loved for years; (2) our desire to offer physically higher-quality printing, paper quality, and binding than print on demand outlets offer; and (3) the desire to continue drawing upon and increasing the vast resources of Open Game Content as opposed to other alternatives.

TableTopLibrary is committed to offering a deep and broad-based marketplace of Fifth Edition products, superior to any other online store, as well as many other game system products. We are joined in a partnership of many large publishers in this project, and expect many more to join us as time goes on. TableTopLibrary will be issuing its own press release soon, describing the advantages and the procedures involved in joining.

You can continue buying products directly from each of us, as always. But if you want to browse the whole library of Fifth Edition and other products produced under the Open Game License over the years, we’re letting you know that there’s a new online game store in town.

Check out TableTopLibrary at TableTopLibrary.com - The Leading Source for RPGs and watch us grow! We think you’ll be impressed.

Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Lets See Where the Tavern Goes "Post Retirement" :)

Today is Thursday.

Tonight. 9PM Eastern. Tavern Chat.

In a week, we will be in the "post retirement" stage for The Tavern.

Tonight is the night to make suggestions for any themes or post for future Tavern fodder ;)

Quick Tavern Update and Small Contest

So, earlier today I got an appointment for my "Administrative Day". That's the day where I turn in my Department property, finalize stuff with the pension section, turn in my shield and ID and get my retired ID - all that good stuff. It will be in early May. Very bitter sweet. Next Wednesday is my last working day before running accumulated time. I'll be on the books until mid July.

What does that mean for those that frequent The Tavern? My job starting March 17th - well, that's St. Patrick's Day, so maybe starting the following day - my job, starting March 18th will be "the Blogs" and writing gaming material. It's as simple as that. Oh, and podcasting.

The aim is to get posting at The Tavern back to two posts a day minimum, posts at Tenkar's Taproom (the beer blog on hiatus singe last September) back at a rate of 2 to 3 posts per week starting the week after next and Saturday Knight Special (stories mostly of my rookie years as a cop) back at a rate of 2 to 4 posts a month starting early April (I've identified stories that can be written and posted before the summer months)

The Path of Legends Podcast records every other Sunday. There are one or two other podcasts that may or may not come to fruition. Only time will tell and thankfully time will soon be on my side.

Now, here's where you, my kind readers come in. I'd like to start a series of posts here at The Tavern or more than one series of posts), something that would be weekly, but damned if I know what. Drop your ideas into the comments of this post and maybe you can spark some ideas. I'll choose 2 random commenters sometime after 3 pm eastern this Saturday afternoon (March 12th) to each receive $10 RPGNow Gift Certificates, perfect to use with RPGNow's current GM's Day Sale.

What Makes a Blogger / Blog Trusted?

What makes a blog / blogger trusted? It's an interesting question and one that was brought to my attention earlier today.

Is it social media views? Does 2 million views on G+ make you trusted as a blogger? Damned if I know, and I'm at over 20 million.

Does 2m views make "Somebody One Of The Most Trusted RPG Bloggers on Social Media"? That would make me infallible in comparison.

Views on G+ and likes on Facebook mean nothing.

Build a community. Allow yourself to be challenged by that community. Be as honest and true true to yourself as you can be. Earn respect and trust should follow.

Hell, 20 million views on G+ is nothing in the larger scheme of things, and I can easily count off multiple members of my Saturday Night gaming group that have more that 2.5 million views on G+ that also blog and I don't trust them ;)

Well, I trust them depending on the circumstances :)

edit: (the tag line I mention above is actually on a RPG blog - I just find the assumption of what views on G+ coverts to to be - inaccurate at best)

It's Official - The Path of Legends Podcast is Live! (Cue "Evil Laugh")

The announcement can now be officially made. The Path of Legends Podcast, a member of the TSR Podcast Network, is now available to download on iTunes or you favorite podcast catcher.

So, what is the Path of Legends Podcast? It's three old school gamers talking about Dungeons & Dragons 5e from the old school perspective. We discuss ways to make 5e play out more like 1e, and even how to bring some 5e elements into your OSR gaming.

Who are the three old dudes? +Vincent Florio , +Sal Valente and myself. If the names look familiar, we were co-hosts on The Brainstorm podcast. Vince and Sal are also co-hosts on Roll For Initiative (where even I have made a guest appearance recently)

We're so legit, you can even leave us your feedback via voicemail ;)   702-744-PATH (7284)

Or email at PathOfLegendsPodcast@gmail.com

Give it a listen as we can only succeed with your feedback.

GM's Day Sale OSR Picks at RPGNow - 30% Off PDF Titles - Part 4

Yep, the GM's Day Sale keeps rolling along. Time for Post # 4 in the series of OSR Picks. You can catch the earlier GM's Day Sale posts here.

In no particular order:

Strange Stars by +trey causey "is a setting for any game where modern transhuman science fiction meets classic 70s space opera." Might be a good fit for your next White Star or Stars Without Number campaign.

The Dungeon Alphabet by +Michael Curtis (and art by Erol Otus). Random tables, amazing art, you really can't got wrong.

Of course, you can't have just one alphabet. The Monster Alphabet by +Jobe Bittman is also on sale (with a huge assortment of artists). More
tables, more better.

Starter Adventures by +Tim Shorts . An excellent way to introduce new players to old school gaming. Don't forget to pick up some copies of the Manor zine.

Did I mention that Purple Duck Games appears to have put it's entire catalogue of over 1,100 releases on sale. Find adventures for Labyrinth Lord, Dungeon Crawl Classics, Pathfinder, Stock Art and more on sale.

And Thus it Was - A New Podcast Was Recorded, and it Was Good

Earlier today, Vince, Sal and myself recorded the first episode of a new podcast. Its OSR without being OSR. New and Old. Yeah, we got it like that.

I can't say anything official until the first episode is published, so consider this a teaser.

Yes, occasionally I am a fucking ass.

Soon I should be following this with an "official" announcement, with links and all that jazzy shit.

Hopefully another podcast announcement or two are coming up. Time will soon be on my side...

Kickstarter - Judges Guild Deluxe Collector's Edition

At this rate I may have to postpone my retirement to pay for all of this "Kickstarter Goodness" ;) Seriously, there have been some amazingly cool gaming Kickstarters in the past week and the Judges Guild Deluxe Collector's Edition is certainly one of them.

I have a soft spot for Judges Guild. While the production value may have been on the lower end, the imagination and usefulness of their releases are second to none for the time they were initially released.

Goodman Games is producing this series of reprints (and they did an amazing job with the Metamorphosis Alpha reprint (that oversized book certainly stands out))

Here's the details of the Judges Guild reprints:

Quick Summary of the Kickstarter 

This Kickstarter funds the scanning, digital restoration, and print publication of classic Judges Guild RPG supplements. 

Our goal is to create two products. The first is the oversized 13"x18" hardcover Judges Guild Deluxe Collector's Edition. This huge compilation contains Tegel Manor, Thieves of Fortress Badabaskor, Citadel of Fire, five issues of the Judges Guild Journal, and additional articles and new game material. 

The second product is a series of four 8.5"x11" reprints of classic JG modules. We are calling these the tabletop editions. There is a tabletop edition reprinting each of these products: Tegel Manor, Thieves of Fortress Badabaskor, Citadel of Fire, and Dark Tower. 

The project is about 90% complete as of now. All scanning, art, and editing is complete, and a rough layout is complete.

I think I'm in for the Deluxe Collector's Edition...

Kickstarter- Drinking Quest: Journey into Draught (Drinking Quest IV)

My Gods, how did I miss this? Jason Anarchy is kickstarting Drinking Quest: Journey into Draught, which is actually Drinking Quest Volume IV. I'm so in!

Seriously, if we get to organize an informal PubCon spring / summer of 2016, Drinking Quest WILL be played.

Cards, dice, RPG elements and booze. What could be better?

Well, more content for DQ is always better. Instead of 4 quests like each of the original games consisted of, Drinking Quest IV has 6. 50% More drinking!

as for the Risk & Challenges:

Risks and challenges 

I do this for a living so my reputation is on the line if I don't keep backers happy. 

I'm very experienced with the printing and fulfillment process. 

The game is done but I'm just doing final text editing and formatting so the files will be ready for print with no delay after the campaign ends. 

It is my mission to keep backers happy and get them their games!

To think I actually played a session with Jason Anarchy himself of DQ Volume 1...

edit - did I mention it's funded and blowing away stretch goals with 24 days to go?

GM's Day Sale OSR Picks at RPGNow - 30% Off PDF Titles - Part 3

The more I look, the more I find.

Yep, RPGNow's GM's Day Sale is in full swing and The Tavern is picking out some of the OSR highlights. This is the third post in the series. Post One is here and Post 2 is here.

Goblinoid Games appears to have put it's entire catalogue on sale. That means titles such as Labyrinth Lord, Crypt World, Rot World, Starships & Spacemen, Realms of Crawling Chaos and others.

Kort'thalis Publishing has also put it's entire catalogue on sale. My picks would be Liberation of the Demon Slayer and Revelry in Torth.

Expeditious Retreat Press is another publisher that has put their entire catalogue on sale. Looking for OSR adventures? Look no further. ERP has you covered.

Kobold Press looks to have nearly it's entire line up on sale. Have holes in your Kobold's Guide to... series of releases? Now is the time to fill them.

How about +Kevin Crawford 's Sine Nomine Publishing collection? Yep, 30% off the lot of it. If you can get only one I suggest Red Tide: Campaign Sourcebook and Sandbox Toolkit

Purple Sorcerer Games has put 6 of it's 7 DCC RPG releases on sale. Sunken City Omnibus. Enough said.

GM's Day Sale OSR Picks at RPGNow - 30% Off PDF Titles - Part 2

Yep, more OSR picks for RPGNow's GM's Day Sale:

Sisters of the Aquarian Order for White Star (mystics) - Print & PDF is on sale for $5.99!

Pretty much all of Troll Lord Games releases are one sale.

Goodman Games / DCC RPG is also on sale.

The AD&D 1e MM and DMG are 30% off, but not the Player's Handbook. Go figure.

Castle of the Mad Archmage and Adventures Dark & Deep from BRW Games

Ghost Ship of the Desert Dunes, Beneath the Comet and Forgotten Fane of the Coiled Goddess and the rest of the North Wind Adventures catalogue.

Warriors of the Red Planet (swords & planet sci-fan) and Colonial Troopers

GM's Day OSR Picks at RPGNow - 30% Off Titles - Part 1 (because I'm sure I missed many)

Yep, the GM's Day Sale is in full swing at RPGNow. There is a whole swath of RPGs on sale at 30% off, but what if you are looking for an OSR focus?

White Star has a bunch of selections. You have the White Star Core Book, The Graveyard at Lus, Have Death Ray, Will Travel, Between Star & Void and others.

Other White Box powered RPGs on sale include White Lies (spy thriller) and Skyscrapers & Sorcery (modern day magic).

Want OSR Supers? Guardians has you covered.

Enjoy +Dyson Logos ' maps? Pick up the 2015 Dodecahedron Cartographic Review

Somehow haven't yet grabbed Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea? Now is the time.

How about Adventures! for less than a buck?

Looking for a system neutral city setting? Check out Drakonheim: City of Bones

Sale prices are in effect until March 17.

Tavern Chat Tonight - 930 PM Eastern - State of the Tavern Answers (if there are Questions)

Yesterday was a State of the Tavern post. There is much in the hopper, both near term and longer term.

I'll answer any related questions tonight as best I can. There will, of course, be the usual Tavern Chat banter in addition.

Lots of good stuff coming up at The Tavern in the near future ;)

State of The Tavern - March 2016 - The Party Starts in 2 Weeks

If all goes as planned, St Patrick's Day (March 17th) will be my last working day before pre-seperation leave kicks in and official retirement rolls around this summer. So, what does that mean for The Tavern and it's loyal readers?

First things first, I've got a shitload of content that needs to be put in PDF and Print format for my Patreon Backers. It's long overdue, but no longer working overnights is going to be wonderful. Hoping to have PDFs start distribution by 3/24 and Print copies moving by 3/31.

StarSlinger posts have been quiet these past few week and I'll squarely blame it on work and illness. I've been drained. Goal is to have something ready for distribution by mid to late April. More content and more posts coming before that.

PubCon NYC 2016 should have more potential locations scouted by mid April. Small, informal with lots of beer is the goal. Mmmmmm.

Speaking about beer, I'd like to have Tenkar's Taproom, the blog about beer, microbrews and (hopefully) homebrewing back with a fresh post BEFORE St Patrick's Day. We shall see. (still need a custom blog banner)

As for Saturday Night Special, that should kick off again once I am officially retired in July. There are reasons for such a delay, not the least of which is that the posts takes days (sometimes weeks) to properly compose.

Oh, and of course, more posts here at The Tavern. More gaming content. More game reviews. Simple more... ;)