OSR Patches - Swords of Crom now Available

From Thaddeus Moore:

100% embroidery coverage "Sword of Crom" patches are ready to be shipped!

You may order "Sword of Crom" or "Blue Map" patches by sending $5.00 per patch (shipping included) in the US via the paypal link: paypal.me/thaddeusgmoore or thaddeus DOT g DOT moore AT gmail.

Please ensure your NAME and ADDRESS are correct and specify type "Sword of Crom" or "Blue Map" and quantity you desire.

Outside the US send $7 for one patch or $5 thereafter up to 3 patches. 2 patches = $12, 3 patches = $17. This is the maximum I can fit inside an envelope. If you would like more than 3 patches the same pricing applies per envelope of 3 as specified above.

Quantities are limited. Thanks for all the support OSR Community!

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #54 - Delving Into OSRIC

OSRIC / AD&D 1e was my choice of system when I returned to the  GM's role after many years of absence. The two work seamlessly together, and I referred to either as my whims would have it. Can't say that about all of the OSR systems.

In this episode, I delve into OSRIC, which I see as the point in time where the OSR truly came into being. The first old school ruleset freely offered to the gaming community.

Link to Episode #54 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-54---Delving-Into-OSRIC-e1p7in

Link to OSRIC - http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric/

State of The Tavern - The Times, They are a Changing - Discord Server Update / Podcast / Patreon

Time stops for no man. I swear that I had more free time before I retired. I also had fewer naps, so I guess it is a fair trade-off. Damn it!

We've got some changes coming up. They are good but noticeable.

The first change is that The Tavern's Discord server is going to be "absorbing" the Frog God Discord server. There has always been a significant overlap of the audience between the two and after speaking with Pexx we've decided to pool resources. If you are a member of The Tavern's Discord server you should see few changes. The Common Room will function as usual. The Wednesday Night Tavern Chat on the voice channel will be held every Wednesday. "Don't be a dick!" will still be the unwritten - or written - word.

There will be a new "Group" on the left-hand side - the Frog God Pond. It will have channels devoted to all things Froggish. It will also be where we test new scripts and bots. This is where our friends and neighbors from the Frog God Discord server will find refuge. Great them with open arms as they are ours. Resistance is futile. We are Borg. Er, what? ;)

Pexx has also been added as a moderator to The Tavern's Discord server as well as near-deity status in the Frog God Group ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast hit 53 daily episodes today. That's 7 1/2 weeks of shows. Yeah, I'm stunned too. Look at all of the places its carried now:

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday each had over 300 downloads of the podcast. The daily episodes are hitting 100 downloads in about 12 hours or less. This is all because of readers and listeners like you.

Please, leave emails, voicemails, blog comments, skywriting - whatever you need to do to leave feedback or suggest topics. I really do want to give the listeners what they want.

Which brings me to The Tavern's Patreon. I'm going to rejigger it this week to better reflect what The Tavern is and where my efforts have been going. We're talking TenkarsTavern.com, otherwise known as The Tavern or The Blogside. Then there is the Tenkar's Tavern Facebook Community. As discussed above, the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server / Community is going to be growing and then there is the time involved with Tavern Chat (a daily podcast). Oh, and of course, trying to be available as much as I can for queries and feedback and general bullshitting with the community via various channels. I love it all or I wouldn't do it, but your support allows The Tavern to support other causes and events (Like ShireCon 2018 which The Tavern is helping sponsor). Oh, and beer. Your Tavern Keeper enjoys a good beer or two with his lunch. Thank you for keeping me in beer. Wait, that doesn't sound right ;)

Alright, further updates throughout the week. Thanks again for your time and support.

The Tavern Chat - Episode #53 - Voicemails & an Unexpected Rant - Thanks Kenny

I went into this morning's episode with an idea of what I was going to talk about, and I started out on track before getting derailed by fucked up Kickstarters and #ConManKen. I do love to rant though, and Ken makes it so easy ;)

In this episode, I answer some voicemails, get distracted by Kickstarter failures and enter rant mode...

Link to Episode #53 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-53---Voicemails--an-Unexpected-Rant---Thanks-Kenny-e1p103

Tavern Chat is now available on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5PrKxXwIrfRm6SXPrEiqBq

Matt Finch has Interviewed ALL of the OSR Creators Nominated for the 2018 ENnies - and WE Have the Links

The following was sent to me by Matt Finch himself:

Erik - here is a list of interviews I've done with OSR candidates for ENNIES this year, so people can see them face to face, as it were. :)

Get to know some OSR ENNIE award nominees!
These are the ENNIE Nominees I have interviewed on Uncle Matt’s D&D Studio (use this link to follow Matt's Youtube Channel - Erik)

Jason Hobbs:
Best Podcast (Hobbs & Friends of the OSR)

This is a really fun interview, and it’s on the very day Jason learned he’d been nominated.

Zak Smith:
Best Interior Art (Frostbitten & Mutilated)
Best Monster/Adversary (Frostbitten & Mutilated)
Best Setting (Frostbitten & Mutilated)
Best Writing (Frostbitten & Mutilated)
Product of the Year (Frostbitten & Mutilated)

Interview 2 (which is about terrain) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb661ACZsg4
Interview 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hhc_D76ODs

Jacob Hurst:
Best Adventure (The Dark of Hot Springs Island)
Product of the Year (The Dark of Hot Springs Island)

James Raggi:
Best Free Product (Vaginas are Magic!)

Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uDnPAOJHWs
Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJwnUei8Yb4
Part 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXWYSPXvQt4&t=3s
Part 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXjRr90mmLQ

Glynn Seal:
Best Cartography (The Midderlands)

Kiel Chenier:
Best e-book (Scenario from Ontario)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #52 - The OSR Rulesets - Swords & Wizardry

So much stuff to talk about but its time to kick off the series of episodes focusing on the various OSR rulesets. First up, my true love, Swords & Wizardry ;)

Time to start looking at the various OSR rulesets. First up is Swords & Wizardry. Also, the full listing of OSR nominations for the 2018 ENnies.

Link to Episode #52 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-52---The-OSR-Rulesets---Swords--Wizardry-e1otk4

News - Steve Ditko, Spider-Man co-creator, dead at 90

The end of an era.

Full article at Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/07/06/steve-ditko-spider-man-co-creator-dies-at-age-90.html

Kickstarter - The Mighty Dragon Bag for RPG

The Mighty Dragon Bag for RPG Kickstarter. That is a sample bag from the video. I'm nearly speechless. Dragon-tongue is the model. 49 Euros.

Before you ask, yes, there are better-looking bags available in this Kickstarter.

75 Euros - holds 40 dice

Now, this is 7 Euros:

These bags hold 25 dice each. Too flashy for me but the price is right for a leather bag. Just hope it doesn't have that cheap leather smell that flea-market belts tend to have.

This is also 7 Euro plus shipping. This is more my style.

I wasn't supposed to be tempted by this. Sigh. I might actually back this.

Video has some issues. I could swear I've heard the music before, numerous times. Poor focus with the different shots is jarring. Again, sometimes less is more and maybe they should have ditched the video.

Shots like this should have been avoided.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #51 - ArenaNet Fires two Devs for Dissing Customers

It never ceases to amaze me when folks employed in the gaming community forget that they represent their employer even when they aren't working. Social media is not a free for all when you are paid for your work by another.

Timely News - ArenaNet fires two developers for getting into a pissing match with customers via Twitter on July 4th. Employees are accountable for their social media feed and interactions.

Link to Episode #51 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-51---ArenaNet-Fires-two-Devs-for-Dissing-Customers-e1onab

Battletech/Robotech - Harmony Gold And Piranha Games Lawsuit Resolved

In the near corner Piranha Games, publisher of Battletech Online.

In the far corner, Harmony Gold, in yet another lawsuit regarding its Robotech franchise.

Resolution?

“Harmony Gold and Piranha Games are delighted to announce that they have ended their dispute. Piranha Games will continue to use the “classic” BattleTech designs and Harmony Gold and Piranha Games look forward to continuing to serve their respective fans and customers.”

Why can't we all be mechs? Maybe this would simply go away. Or end in a mech on mech fight to the death!

At least all claims are dropped, including against Catalyst Labs.

For some background on the lawsuit, go to ENWorld.

For the source article, go to Sarna.net.

Looking for court documents, you dirty minded gamer?  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIAGuxzEy3ZE4_mjyj-jiw4TMuwoIn3g/view

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #50 - ENnies Nominations 2018 - Tavern Picks

Time to offer up The Tavern's annual ENnies picks, this time for 2018.

Yep, its that time of the year again and its time to offer The Tavern's picks and suggestions for the 2018 ENnies. Congrats to Jason Hobbs for the podcast Hobbs and Friends of the OSR making it to the final five.

Link to Episode #50 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-50---ENnies-Nominations-2018---Tavern-Picks-e1ojgq

Link to the Hobbs and Friends of the OSR Podcast -   http://misdirectedmark.com/category/podcasts/hobbs/

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Will there Be Fireworks? ;)

Tonight is a Wednesday Night and that means Tavern Chat. It's also the 4th of July so there may be a small turnout. Then again, it may be huge.

We'll open The Tavern's doors at 9 PM and see how it goes ;)

Link to The Tavern's Discord Server:  https://discord.gg/fReGmuD 

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 49 - The Beginning of the OSR - A Look Back

Thanks to this post at the Multiverse blog: http://multiverse.world/blog/2018/07/02/what-is-the-osr-old-school-revival/ (well worth the reading( I've been inspired to do a series of podcast episodes covering various OSR ruleset. In the first episode of the series, I look at the beginning of the OSR.

The first in what will become an (ir)regular series of episodes. Hackmaster 4e to Castles & Crusades to OSRIC to Labyrinth Lord and finally to Swords & Wizardry, its the birth of the OSR.

Link to Episode #49 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-49---The-Beginning-of-the-OSR---A-Look-Back-e1of91

Kickstarter - SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City Tabletop Roleplaying Game

Doesn't look at all like Batman & Robin

After this morning's podcast episode highlighting a small assortment of Kickstarter, it was suggested I look at the SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City Tabletop Roleplaying Game Kickstarter from Bloat Games. Bloat Games is pretty good at knowing the OSR feel of things and this Kickstarter doesn't look half bad. Actually, it looks pretty good.

You know my complaint where Kickstarter creators fail to leave any graphics for bloggers and such to use in their posts about said projects? That not an issue here. Instead, except for the Risks and Challenges section, the whole project is posted as a series of JPEGs, which makes it impossible to cut and paste anything, so I'm not going to try. Want to see the stretch goals or backer levels? Go to the project's page, because I'm not retyping it.

Now, this doesn't make it a bad Kickstarter. It just makes it one that is impossible to share effectively. I understand why they did it in certain places, trying to get the "comic book lettering feel", but it is overused in my opinion.

I don't know if I need another supers game at this point (although I will gladly look at the free sneak peek) but if I did, this might be tempting.

SURVIVE THIS! has surpassed its funding goal and has hit a number of stretch goals.

The Player's book is $10 in PDF. Add in the GM's book and the pair are $17. The Print plus PDF for both books is $34.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #48 - Kicking it w/Kickstarter - All Weather Dice Tubes?

This is the second weekly Kickstarter episode of the podcast. It will be a more or less regular thing on Tuesdays.

It's the second weekly Kickstarter Roundup. We look at the City of Brass, Towns & Dungeons RPG Decks, Pocket Companion: A Tavern Guide, and All Weather Dice Tube. Yes, you read the last one correctly ;)

Links:

Link to Episode #48:  https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/48---Kicking-it-wKickstarter---All-Weather-Dice-Tubes-e1o9ie

City of Brass

Towns & Dungeons RPG Decks

Pocket Companion: A Tavern Guide

All Weather Dice Tubes

Deal of the Day - B/X Essentials: Core Rules

Today's Deal of the Day at RPGNow is the B/X Essentials: Core Rules.

So, what are the B/X Essentials Core Rules?

The B/X Essentials line is a restatement of the classic Basic/Expert fantasy adventure gaming rule set, given a fresh, new presentation focused on usability:

• Basic and Expert rules seamlessly combined.
• Streamlined presentation optimised for ease of reference during play.
• Meticulously researched; a guaranteed 100% accurate rendition of the classic rules of yesteryear.
• Carefully clarified, ironing out ambiguities in the original rules.
• This first book lays out the core rules of the game, including: encounters, combat, dungeon and wilderness exploration, seafaring, spell casting, and magical research.

Normally $2.99 in PDF, the B/X Essentials Core Rules are just $1.50 until 11 AM Eastern, July 3rd, 2018.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #47 - Charging at Cavaliers in the AD&D 1e UA

Sometimes I think the only things of value we took from the AD&D 1e Unearthed Arcana was weapon specialization and the new spells offered.

In this episode, I take a look at Cavaliers and why I think balancing in-game abilities with roleplay restrictions often fails in practice.

Link to Episode #47 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-47---Charging-at-Cavaliers-in-the-ADD-1e-UA-e1o6p6

If you listen on iTunes, a review would be appreciated. It really is the currency of podcasting ;)

Kickstarter - Towns & Dungeons RPG Decks

Notice how the title of this project - Towns & Dungeons RPG Decks doesn't match the graphics - Gamer's Tool Kit Towns & Dungeons? That's simply sloppy. That being said, I like this Kickstarter.

The sample maps shown for towns and dungeons look pretty good. The only problem I see is that they will literally be the size of a playing card. Still, someone asked about digital files in the comments section and the creator sounds receptive. Digital files would make this a "must have" in my opinion. As simple decks of cards - and at $32 for the two decks (the only support level aside from the one buck donation) it becomes more of a luxury purchase.

I'm in for a buck to see what transpires...

In any case, a decent first day of funding.

Untold Adventures (S&W WB Hack) Now Available in Print

Our very own James Spahn has released his Untold Adventures (a Swords & Wizardry White Box Hack) in Print on Demand on Lulu for $7.99. Untold Adventures is available in PDF at RPGNow at Pay What You Want pricing.

There is a free shipping code: Get free mail or 50% off ground shipping! Use Code: SHIPIT2018 Cannot be combined with other offers. Does not apply to ebooks or services. Ends 2 July at 11:59 PM

What is Untold Adventures?

Instant Adventure Awaits!  

No distractions. Just raw potential. 

Untold Adventures: Minimalist Fantasy Roleplaying is a streamlined adaptation of Swords & Wizardry White Box. This complete game reimagines several core concepts of White Box to create an even faster gaming experience. Classes, races, equipment, weapons, armor, magic spells, encumbrance, and several other foundational elements are modified to create super-fast play where rulings (not rules) are the order of the day! 

Yet with all its changes, Untold Adventures is 100% compatible with Swords & Wizardry products with no adaptation! You can drop your favorite adventures, items, and monsters, on the table and go! 

Someone mentioned I should start doing some reviews on The Tavern Chat Podcast. This might be a good choice to start with.

Note, that is an RPGNow affiliate link above (there is no Lulu affiliate program).

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode #46 - Poking Around the AD&D 1e UA - Polearms

It's going to be a hot one today with temperatures knocking on 100 degrees here in NYC. So, its a perfect day to look at polearms ;)

Ah yes, polearms. Often misunderstood and truthfully, rarely used in game, polearms get a special treatment in the AD&D 1e Unearthed Arcana. Why?

Link to Episode #46:  https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-46---Poking-Around-the-ADD-1e-UA---Polearms-e1o2l3

Link to the blog post on Spontaneous Gaming