Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Bundle of Holding - OpenQuest 2
I'm a huge fan of OpenQuest and have been since I first found the first edition of the rules. Clean, concise with much of the feel of the classic RuneQuest Chaosium rules of old.
I'd be all over this Bundle if I didn't already own it al in PDF (and most of it in print)
The Bonus Collection is just under 20 bucks.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Wizards of Aus - (webseries)
I didn't know what to expect when my Saturday Night Gaming Group drop this link on me. I kinda imagined some weird Wizard of Oz take off.
Not even close.
Funny as hell, decent effects and quality acting.
I'm loving the juxtaposition between the fantasy world and "the real world"
Ah, just watch it. Give the first episode a try. You'll thank me. Probably.
Why You Should be Concerned that Alpha Blue got Temporarily Pulled From OBS
If you read The Tavern you probably already know my opinion of +Venger Satanis 's Alpha Blue. Based upon the blurb alone - juvenile, sexually oriented campy humor done in poor taste - Porkey's meets Deep Space 9 I'd guess. No, never read it. Until last week I didn't have time to read the RPGs I was deeply interested, let alone those I wasn't. It simply wasn't "my bag" as presented, but it did appeal to a sizable audience.
Still, this in no Tournament of Rapists, whose very blurb made it seem like the PCs were supposed to be rapists (yes, the author explained how that perception was wrong but he wrote the very words that led to that perception)
You can't miss the fact that Alpha Blue (dead link for now) is over the top in it's campy portrayal of sex. It doesn't hide the fact. Shit, look at the cover.
It was, however, available on OneBookShelf for MONTHS and sold relatively well (after a successful Kickstarter campaign). Pulling it now for review (and taking up to 2 weeks to review it) seems half assed.
Now, OBS does have an "adult content" filter and I have no idea if Alpha Blue was behind that or not. I generally see their filter at the R rating area - be an adult or let your parent buy it for you section. If it was behind that restriction already and it's been pulled now, I'd be really pissed if I were Venger.
This is not censorship in the "free speech" sort one usually thinks of. OBS is not the government. It is, however a slippery slope and one where I'd prefer the content stay live and a review be conducted expeditiously in the meantime. I suspect on some level the new closeness between OBS and WotC had something to do with this.
Edit - Girls Gone Rogue IS NOT suspended. Go figure.
Mini Review - Albatross Hexbook (Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make me a Map...)
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| Damn dog! Placed it on the bed for a minute and she thought it was a new chew toy ;) |
I'm going to put this through it's paces when the weather warms up and i spend my mornings in the back yard.
The Albatross Hexbook is $6.95 on Lulu. It's about 6" x 8" in size, 64 pages in total. Simply put, it is what it says on the tin. (and yes, as it is Lulu, wait for a code to appear before buying)
A handy pocket sized notebook with 64 pages of hex and graph paper for sketching out your campaign ideas on the go. The hexes are 1/2 inch and the graph paper is 4 squares to the inch. since it is saddle-stitched, the notebook can be laid flat.
Monday Morning Kickstarter Update - Conan Conquers A Godbound Drunken Quest for a Classic Screen Folio
One thing I'm guilty of is highlighting Kickstarters, good or bad, and then never returning them to the spotlight, which I think is a shame. Most of the good ones deserve a second look and some of the bad ones certainly have more sacrifices to make to the community on our behalf. The Monday Morning Kickstarter Update should be a weekly feature (although the title itself is subject to change).
Without further ado...
Robert E. Howard's Conan Roleplaying Game - how many 112 page sourcebooks were funded by stretch goals? Fifteen!. If that doesn't get a "Holy Shit!" I don't know what does and it ain't over yet. They're still taking funding at their company website via Paypal and the next book in the stretch goals is none other that the Kull sourcebook. Oh, and you can grab the free Conan Quickstart here.
Classic Edition GM Screen - +Richard LeBlanc steps into the crazy world of Kickstarter and it's a beauty. Two screens, reference booklet, class master cards (don't leave home without it), spell record sheets, spell summary booklets and a character record log. Buy in is as low as $7 in PDF for the lot. Seriously, it's a steal. Me? I'm in for 2 sets in print. I'm building a fortress...
Drinking Quest: Journey into Draught - it fucking more Drinking Quest! Do you need to know more than that? Holy shit! I need to run a weekly session online or something. No, seriously. Not that the sessions would be all that serious, but I'm serious.
Godbound: A Game of Divine Heroes - +Kevin Crawford . Need I say more? Don't forget to read Kevin's update where he discussing the whole time sink involved in running and completing a Kickstarter. (His previous update is about the funds themselves) It's a good and necessary read for ANYONE looking to run a Kickstarter.
The Folio #8 The Hidden Valoria - I've posted about the previous releases in the Folio series but this one is special. It's actually has Dwarven Forge's stamp of approval and is set in Dwarven Forge's World of Mythras. Yes, THAT Dwarven Forge. If you are looking to get a chance to play in +Stefan Pokorny 's campaign world, here's your chance. The adventure and accompanying material are written for use with AD&D 1e and D&D 5e, so you're covered if you are a regular reader of The Tavern.
Without further ado...
Robert E. Howard's Conan Roleplaying Game - how many 112 page sourcebooks were funded by stretch goals? Fifteen!. If that doesn't get a "Holy Shit!" I don't know what does and it ain't over yet. They're still taking funding at their company website via Paypal and the next book in the stretch goals is none other that the Kull sourcebook. Oh, and you can grab the free Conan Quickstart here.
Classic Edition GM Screen - +Richard LeBlanc steps into the crazy world of Kickstarter and it's a beauty. Two screens, reference booklet, class master cards (don't leave home without it), spell record sheets, spell summary booklets and a character record log. Buy in is as low as $7 in PDF for the lot. Seriously, it's a steal. Me? I'm in for 2 sets in print. I'm building a fortress...Drinking Quest: Journey into Draught - it fucking more Drinking Quest! Do you need to know more than that? Holy shit! I need to run a weekly session online or something. No, seriously. Not that the sessions would be all that serious, but I'm serious.
Godbound: A Game of Divine Heroes - +Kevin Crawford . Need I say more? Don't forget to read Kevin's update where he discussing the whole time sink involved in running and completing a Kickstarter. (His previous update is about the funds themselves) It's a good and necessary read for ANYONE looking to run a Kickstarter.The Folio #8 The Hidden Valoria - I've posted about the previous releases in the Folio series but this one is special. It's actually has Dwarven Forge's stamp of approval and is set in Dwarven Forge's World of Mythras. Yes, THAT Dwarven Forge. If you are looking to get a chance to play in +Stefan Pokorny 's campaign world, here's your chance. The adventure and accompanying material are written for use with AD&D 1e and D&D 5e, so you're covered if you are a regular reader of The Tavern.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Kickstarter - Strange World Cthulhu: Shadow Over Texas (Horror RPG with Amazing Video)
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| Didn't he play BJ on M.A.S.H.? |
Alright, what else can I say about the Strange World Cthulhu: Shadow Over Texas Kickstarter?
Simply this.
Watch the video.
Start at the beginning, and after the female narrator drones you nearly to sleep, skip ahead to 5:57. Seriously, you can skip the rest. From here, hang on for a thrilling ride. You may need to increase the volume a bit, as Donald Saxman is a soft spoken man. Maybe wear your headphones and crank it to the max. It's not like the end credits haven't had their volume equalized to the rest of this exciting video.
Wait. What about the RPG itself?
Shadow Over Texas is a major new role playing campaign based on monster hunting in Texas in the Roaring Twenties. It is based on the Strange World game engine and is compatible with a variety of game systems including Dungeons and Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, and These Strange Worlds.Yep, simply put, Shadow Over Texas is the swiss army knife of horror RPGs - at least the ones set in Texas in the Roaring 20's with Dark Ones and such.
What's that? You suffered hearing loss by listening to the credits? Fuck dude, it's a horror game. Be glad you didn't lose sanity points...
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| Print to Play EMAIL? |
Looking at the Sanctum Secorum Podcast (DCC RPG Related)
I've been long overdue in highlighting the various podcasts that I listen to and I do listen to a large number (unlike many other podcasters I know). Part of the reason I listen to so many
One of the recent additions to my podcast list is Sanctum Secorum. It's a DCC RPG related podcast in that the themes that come up are often referred to in DCC RPG terms, but that's just the surface. What Sanctum Secorum truly is is a podcast about gaming related fiction and it just oozes with inspiration.
Your hosts +Bob Brinkman , +Jen Brinkman and +David Baity are knowledgable of their source material and have excellent chemistry amongst the three of them. Favorite episode thus far? Episode #07 – Who Fears the Devil? Manly Wade Wellman's works are the topic of conversation and +Michael Curtis makes an appearance as guest host (I so dearly need to run The Chained Coffin). Seriously, if there is an episode to be a "first time listener" this is the one. All the episodes are good to great but #7 goes to 11 ;)
If I have a quibble, and it's minor, it's that the background / mood music, which is barely perceptible, would give me motion sickness on more than one occasion while driving and listening. As I no longer commute, the quibble is moot... heh
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Ken Whitman - Criminal Defense Civil Attorney at Law (or does he just play one on TV?)
This should be the last post sharing this thread disturbing thread, as Ken blocked the other half of it immediately after this conversation. BTW, Ken has gone from saying he is going to file Criminal charges to Civil charges now.
Thursday
Ken Whitman
3/18, 4:24am
Ken Whitman
Sufflatus Lorem
3/18, 4:37am
Sufflatus Lorem
Hey, Kenny! Missed ya man!
Ken Whitman
3/18, 4:37am
Ken Whitman
http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/georgia-defamation-law
Attachment Unavailable
This attachment may have been removed or the person who shared it may not have permission to share it with you.
Ken Whitman
3/18, 4:38am
Ken Whitman
"refers to the trade, office, or profession of another person, and is calculated to injure him."
Sufflatus Lorem
3/18, 4:39am
Sufflatus Lorem
" In Georgia, the elements of a defamation claim are:
a false statement about the plaintiff; "
Nothing I have said is false.
However, each moment spent by you doing 'legal research' is another moment you wont be scamming people out of their money.
Thursday
Ken Whitman
3/18, 4:24am
Ken Whitman
Sufflatus Lorem
3/18, 4:37am
Sufflatus Lorem
Hey, Kenny! Missed ya man!
Ken Whitman
3/18, 4:37am
Ken Whitman
http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/georgia-defamation-law
Attachment Unavailable
This attachment may have been removed or the person who shared it may not have permission to share it with you.
Ken Whitman
3/18, 4:38am
Ken Whitman
"refers to the trade, office, or profession of another person, and is calculated to injure him."
Sufflatus Lorem
3/18, 4:39am
Sufflatus Lorem
" In Georgia, the elements of a defamation claim are:
a false statement about the plaintiff; "
Nothing I have said is false.
However, each moment spent by you doing 'legal research' is another moment you wont be scamming people out of their money.
State of the Tavern - What a Beautiful State it Is :)
Know what the hardest part of retirement mode is thus far? Returning to normal sleeping habits, or at least, the sleeping habits of normal people. I did midnights for nearly the last seven months and even sleeping normal hours (such as they are) still hits me for a late afternoon nap. That too, shall change.
So, here's the Monday thru Thursday breakdown for my time sinks:
- 2 hours a day of game related reading. I am SO behind on reading my gaming purchases and review copies that I've accumulated. Current goal is 3 to 4 mini reviews a week.
- 2 hours a day devoted to the 3 blogs - The Tavern, The Taproom and Saturday Knight Special - posts, research, and the like. These have the greatest chance to be multiple post days.
- 2 hours a day to creating - StarSlinger, random tables, maps, items, spells, classes - the intent is to build a slush pile of content without forcing myself into one type of content. Of course, much of this will be going up on The Tavern and out to my Paetreons.
So, in a way, it's 6 hours a day 4 days a week related to the 3 blogs and gaming material, directly or indirectly. Obviously, 90% of the time will be related to The Tavern and gaming.
Fridays are "Uncle & Pinky Day". So it is written, so it will be done. Probably a single post day.
Saturday will be the day Rach and I scout out local NY Breweries and Brew Pubs. Saturday night is my gaming night. Again, single post day most likely.
Sundays are a bit of everything. Podcast recording every other Sunday. Maybe more often in other podcast come to light. I'd really like to do a weekly OSR News podcast that hits the 15 minute mark, but we'll see. I expect a morning post and a later day post.
As for a series of posts with a specific theme (thank you for some awesome ideas everyone who commented here):
- I'd like to do a series of posts where I informally interview some of the movers and shakers, big and small, in the OSR. This might be done as a podcast with posted transcript. I need to figure this out.
- I like the idea of mining (for lack of a better term :) obscure rules from the early editions of the D&D / AD&D. This might also make an appearance in some form on the Path of Legends Podcast.
- Giving the various neighborhoods of NYC a fantasy rewrite is an awesome idea. Will take some work and research to kick this off properly. Of course, this ties in with the idea of a series of city articles as well as some law enforcement articles.
- I like random tables. I don't much like writing them ;)
- Stories from the Gaming Table. God, yes but then I become the guy at the Con everyone wants to walk away from :)
- Obscure OSR genres? Hmmmm
Alright, I'm thinking about them all. More then one will come to be. Some may be limited in scope, others might be indefinite. God, I do so love it when there's a plan. Even when it's written on a paper napkin ;)
So, here's the Monday thru Thursday breakdown for my time sinks:
- 2 hours a day of game related reading. I am SO behind on reading my gaming purchases and review copies that I've accumulated. Current goal is 3 to 4 mini reviews a week.
- 2 hours a day devoted to the 3 blogs - The Tavern, The Taproom and Saturday Knight Special - posts, research, and the like. These have the greatest chance to be multiple post days.
- 2 hours a day to creating - StarSlinger, random tables, maps, items, spells, classes - the intent is to build a slush pile of content without forcing myself into one type of content. Of course, much of this will be going up on The Tavern and out to my Paetreons.
So, in a way, it's 6 hours a day 4 days a week related to the 3 blogs and gaming material, directly or indirectly. Obviously, 90% of the time will be related to The Tavern and gaming.
Fridays are "Uncle & Pinky Day". So it is written, so it will be done. Probably a single post day.
Saturday will be the day Rach and I scout out local NY Breweries and Brew Pubs. Saturday night is my gaming night. Again, single post day most likely.
Sundays are a bit of everything. Podcast recording every other Sunday. Maybe more often in other podcast come to light. I'd really like to do a weekly OSR News podcast that hits the 15 minute mark, but we'll see. I expect a morning post and a later day post.
As for a series of posts with a specific theme (thank you for some awesome ideas everyone who commented here):
- I'd like to do a series of posts where I informally interview some of the movers and shakers, big and small, in the OSR. This might be done as a podcast with posted transcript. I need to figure this out.
- I like the idea of mining (for lack of a better term :) obscure rules from the early editions of the D&D / AD&D. This might also make an appearance in some form on the Path of Legends Podcast.
- Giving the various neighborhoods of NYC a fantasy rewrite is an awesome idea. Will take some work and research to kick this off properly. Of course, this ties in with the idea of a series of city articles as well as some law enforcement articles.
- I like random tables. I don't much like writing them ;)
- Stories from the Gaming Table. God, yes but then I become the guy at the Con everyone wants to walk away from :)
- Obscure OSR genres? Hmmmm
Alright, I'm thinking about them all. More then one will come to be. Some may be limited in scope, others might be indefinite. God, I do so love it when there's a plan. Even when it's written on a paper napkin ;)
Kickstarter - Robert E. Howard's Conan Roleplaying Game
Wow.
Simply wow.
The numbers raised. Wow.
With just over a day to go in it's funding, Robert E. Howard's Conan Roleplaying Game raised over half a million dollars. Over $500,000 for those that need it in numeral form.
Amazing numbers, and it's not just the licensed property itself that is driving those figures. What you can get for you money as a backer is, quite simply amazing.
For $58 you can get the core book and all the stretch goals in PDF format. Right now, the stretch goals account for 11 112-page sourcebook and adventure books (with more to be added if further stretch goals are met. $87 gets you the core book in print and PDF and all the stretch goals in PDF. I just need the core in Print personally - the rest in PDF is fine and dandy. There are levels to get all stretch goals announce in Print and PDF but I don't see the same value as the $87 level.
Did I mention they are also including the Mongoose D20 releases of Conan to PDF for everyone at the "everything" levels as well as a D20 to 2D20 (the system Conan will be using) conversion booklet. Hell, I'm tempted to use the material I'll be getting in PDF to covert to an OSR system or 5e.
In any case, amazing value to be had and impossible to pass up if you are a Conan fan.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Tales from the Game Tavern: Issue #3 is Out (System Neutral)
This probably should have been posted on St Patrick's Day, but things have been busy here at The Tavern. Still playing catch up on all things gaming related, Tavern related, other blogs related. Soon ;)
The contents of the latest Tales from the Game Tavern include:
Ecology of the Redcap: Murderous wee folk that haunt ruined places.
SÃdhe Fungus Gardens: Strange fungi and bacteria of the faerie mounds.
Crock of Gold: A drop die table for use in your campaign.
Mr. Tweed’s Spectacles: A mid-level adventure involving a leprechaun.
Beer Bread: They will be begging for it every game session (mmmmm... beer)
So yes, very St Paddy's Day in flavor. All you need is some green beer.
(edit - no affiliation to Tenkar's Tavern - but a damn cool name for a zine none the less)
Tales from the Game Tavern is 6 bucks in Print and 3 bucks in PDF
Middle Earth Coming to D&D 5e This Summer (Gollum!)
As announced over at the Escapist, EnWorld and other places online, Cubicle 7 is bringing the world of Middle Earth to D&D 5e (which, by extension and minimal tweaking means it should be accessible to every edition except 4th)
"We're all very excited to be building on the success of The One Ring Roleplaying Game and bringing Middle-earth to D&D players," Cubicle 7 CEO Dominic McDowall said in a statement. "Uniting two things very close to the hearts of gamers, me included, is very cool - I can't wait for the summer."
Cubicle 7 will base its new Middle-earth game around The One Ring, and has brought designer Francesco Nepitello on as a consultant. Presumably the games won't have too many content differences, but simply give D&D players a chance to play using a more familiar rules system. Details will be announced soon, but we're expecting an initial release date sometime in Summer 2016.The driving question will be, as always: is Gandalf a 4th Level Magic-user?
Ken Whitman and the Wall of Text (Grab your reading glasses)
As a follow up to yesterday's post of screenshots of a conversation on Facebook between Ken Whitman and an anonymous third party, I have now been given the text file of the conversation in full. Be warned, it is huge. It is long. It is crass and rude and full of legal threats that just aren't valid IMHO. No one is getting extradited across state lines nor even county lines for Ken's complaints. Just ain't happening.
I've been offered access to the Facebook account of the anonymous user to verify the conversation was, in fact, with Ken. I have not yet accepted said request. I don't see a need. That may change. Actually, my mind may be changing already, as the linked conversation would go back to Ken's account with the new photo, if he did in fact change it. Hmmmm.
I am not cleaning this up or making it easier to read. There simply is too much. It can get confusing at times. Again, it is long.
BTW, I'm not looking to prevent Ken from making money (one of the frequent theme's contained in the conversation.) I'm just trying to provide folks that are out of their money, their pockets, accurate information on the status of the projects they backed AND give future backers enough information so they can do due diligence on any projects in the future.
Ken says KotDT LAS is DONE. Ready to go. No hard drive needed apparently. Huzzah! Announcement in a few weeks, so figure around April 1st I'm guessing. Fitting.
Ken, if you want to tell your side of the story, I'm all ears. Not giving you a dime to pay for an interview but if you are up for one I guarantee it will deal only with FACTS and be as vulgarity free as you can make it. The questions will be tough but fair. Your call.
Edit - seems like Ken is still leaving destruction in his wake. See NotAnotherDime
Alright. Get a glass of water. Put on those reading glasses. Strap yourself in so you don't fall over from vertigo...
I've been offered access to the Facebook account of the anonymous user to verify the conversation was, in fact, with Ken. I have not yet accepted said request. I don't see a need. That may change. Actually, my mind may be changing already, as the linked conversation would go back to Ken's account with the new photo, if he did in fact change it. Hmmmm.
I am not cleaning this up or making it easier to read. There simply is too much. It can get confusing at times. Again, it is long.
BTW, I'm not looking to prevent Ken from making money (one of the frequent theme's contained in the conversation.) I'm just trying to provide folks that are out of their money, their pockets, accurate information on the status of the projects they backed AND give future backers enough information so they can do due diligence on any projects in the future.
Ken says KotDT LAS is DONE. Ready to go. No hard drive needed apparently. Huzzah! Announcement in a few weeks, so figure around April 1st I'm guessing. Fitting.
Ken, if you want to tell your side of the story, I'm all ears. Not giving you a dime to pay for an interview but if you are up for one I guarantee it will deal only with FACTS and be as vulgarity free as you can make it. The questions will be tough but fair. Your call.
Edit - seems like Ken is still leaving destruction in his wake. See NotAnotherDime
Alright. Get a glass of water. Put on those reading glasses. Strap yourself in so you don't fall over from vertigo...
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Ken Whitman - A Facebook Conversation with Sufflatus Lorem
Someone (Sufflatus Lorem) sent me screenshots of a conversation they had with Ken Whitman on Facebook. Now, the person conversing with Ken is obviously using a fake name (even Ken calls him on it) but Ken apparently can't help being Ken.
Of course, the boogeyman in the closet is none other than +Jolly Blackburn . Yep, can't make this shit up if I tried.
Quick synopsis - there is a mysterious cabal of six business (men? -es? no idea) helping Ken from behind the scenes, but they don't want to be ID'ed for fear of being targeted by Jolly and his posse. Oh, and the failure of Jolly to provide a hard drive (as opposed to the failure of an unbacked up hard drive with all the video for the KotDT Live Action Series) is what is preventing this whole project from moving forward. 500 GB HDs externals start at 50 bucks at Best Buy. Yes, the mysterious benefactors can't afford 50 bucks for a hard drive...
Be warned, Kenny is a potty mouth. Not safe for work if someone is looking over your shoulder and I suspect not safe to work with as Kenny appears a bit spontaneous. He does seem to have a mother fixation, just not on his own.
edit: The anonymous half of this conversation is not Jolly or anyone else I personally know. Ken is just good at making friends apparently.
Of course, the boogeyman in the closet is none other than +Jolly Blackburn . Yep, can't make this shit up if I tried.
Quick synopsis - there is a mysterious cabal of six business (men? -es? no idea) helping Ken from behind the scenes, but they don't want to be ID'ed for fear of being targeted by Jolly and his posse. Oh, and the failure of Jolly to provide a hard drive (as opposed to the failure of an unbacked up hard drive with all the video for the KotDT Live Action Series) is what is preventing this whole project from moving forward. 500 GB HDs externals start at 50 bucks at Best Buy. Yes, the mysterious benefactors can't afford 50 bucks for a hard drive...
Be warned, Kenny is a potty mouth. Not safe for work if someone is looking over your shoulder and I suspect not safe to work with as Kenny appears a bit spontaneous. He does seem to have a mother fixation, just not on his own.
edit: The anonymous half of this conversation is not Jolly or anyone else I personally know. Ken is just good at making friends apparently.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Reminder - Tavern Chat Tomorrow - 9PM Eastern - Elvis has Left the Building
Tavern Chat is tomorrow night, Thursday, March 17th at 9PM Eastern. It will be my first Tavern Chat post quasi-retirement (I started running time when i got off this morning at 605 AM.
There's a bunch of stuff I'd like to get going now that time is on my side - time to discuss the future of The Tavern tomorrow night (and the soon to be resurrected sister blogs of Saturday Knight Special and Tenkar's Taproom)
To infinity and beyond!
There's a bunch of stuff I'd like to get going now that time is on my side - time to discuss the future of The Tavern tomorrow night (and the soon to be resurrected sister blogs of Saturday Knight Special and Tenkar's Taproom)
To infinity and beyond!
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?
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
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 :)
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 :)
Monday, March 14, 2016
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)
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)
Sunday, March 13, 2016
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.
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