The Tavern Chat Podcast - E118 - Remembering 9-11 From One Who was at the WTC

17 years. 17 fucking years. As I finished recording today's podcast, I received a text from a friend that her husband was diagnosed with 9/11 related renal cancer. Both my friend and her husband are retired NYC Police Officers who responded that fateful day.

No bumpers this episode. Music didn't feel appropriate.

This is NOT a Kickstarter Round-up episode. This is an episode recounting my experiences on 9-11 as a NYC Police Officer. This episode is dedicated to Paul Benedetti - Husband, son, gamer.

Link to Episode 118 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/E118---Remembering-9-11-From-One-Who-was-at-the-WTC-e26hs9

Link to Paul Benedetti's Memorial Page - http://www.legacy.com/Sept11/aon/Story.aspx?PersonID=114885&location=3

Further Transdimensional Tavern Thoughts

On this morning's podcast, I talked a bit about my ideas for making Tenkar's Tavern a transdimensional location, complete with a portal between the different "shadows" of The Tavern.

My current idea is to put together a number of random tables to help with descriptors, staffing, patron types, type of dimensional doorway, special highlights, drink menu and the like as well as set few features that are common across all locations.

As I type this, I've had two voicemails in regards to this idea and I'll gladly take feedback / ideas to mine from commenters here.

Figuring the tables will be released via the OGL and the use of Tenkar's Tavern would simply require a statement that Tenkar's Tavern and Tenkar are trademarks of Erik "Tenkar" Stiene, used with permission.

Thoughts?

The Tavern Chat Podcast - E117 - ENWorld has News & Transdimensional Tavern Thoughts

Strange how Chris Helton left ENWorld nearly two months ago and only now are they announcing it. Oh, I blame Joe D for transdimensional tavern thoughts...

Yep, ENWorld has news. Helton is officially gone and Mike Tresca is now managing editor of the ENWorld Columnist program. I have some thoughts on a Transdimensional Tenkar's Tavern.

Link to Episode 117 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/E117---ENWorld-has-News--Transdimensional-Tavern-Thoughts-e2684h

Link to ENWorld Article - http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?5584-The-New-EN-World-Columnist-Program

Weekends No Longer are for Free Time

Before I retired, I could find time to post a half dozen times or more on the weekends.

Now that I am retired, I'm lucky to do half that. Time, it seems, has other ideas than I do. Weekends were the time to relax. Now, it seems its when "I'm working". Cleaning, shopping, family time and more. Weekdays are my downtime now.

Not complaining though. Just observing.

Will play catch up tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm enjoying Jack Ryan on Amazon. But not on weekends...

The Tavern Chat Podcast - E 116 - Win a Month of Humble Bundle Monthly & CRPG Talk

Humble Bundle has been truly generous with me this month and we have yet another giveaway, this time for a month free of Humble Bundle Monthly.

Listen to this episode to learn how you could receive a month of Humble Bundle Monthly (9 games) - I talk about classic CRPGs.

Link to Episode #116 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/E-116---Win-a-Month-of-Humble-Bundle-Monthly--CRPG-Talk-e261b6

www.humblebundle.com/monthly?partner=tenkar (affiliate link)

Flash Giveaway - Humble RPG Book Bundle: Pathfinder 2018 By Frog God Games - Time to Award the Gift Bundle

This picture has been popping up everywhere for me, so I may as well share it here now ;)

In any case, who gets the Humble RPG Book Bundle: Pathfinder 2018 by Frog God Games?

Joe Kushner gets the gift :)

Joe, email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing and I'll get that code out to you.

Hmm, what else do we have in the Humble Bundle prize closet...

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. If you aren't Joe and you aren't getting the bundle for free, there is still time to grab your own. A portion of monies spent at Humble Bundle via The Tavern's affiliate links goes to support The Tavern.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 115 - Where is WFRP? Is ENWorld now Evergreen?

Yeah, I woke up cranky today ;)

News and observations. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay is 2 months late in print. ENWorld no longer lists dates or authors with articles linked on the main page. Is this due (in part) to Chris Helton leaving?

Link to Episode 115 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-115---Where-is-WFRP--Is-ENWorld-now-Evergreen-e25slo

Flash Giveaway - Humble RPG Book Bundle: Pathfinder 2018 By Frog God Games

Yep, I have another code for a Humble Bundle to giveaway. This time it's the Humble RPG Book Bundle: Pathfinder 2018 By Frog God Games.

We are giving away the full 15 buck bundle. All you need do is name your favorite Frog God Product, regardless of system, as a comment below prior to 1 PM Eastern tomorrow morning. One random commenter will be gifted.

Yes, it is for Pathfinder, but any DM with their salt should be able to convert to the OSR ruleset of their choice on the fly and you can't beat the price.

Note, if you make a purchase via The Tavern's Humble Bundle affiliate link, a portion of your purchase price goes to support The Tavern. Also, it appears we've been getting more gift codes from Humble Bundle due to the use of The Tavern's affiliate links. I thank you.

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 114 - Back to BasiX Gets Goodman'ed & OSR Sales

Huge congrats to Thom Wilson for getting Goodman Games as the print distributor of his Back to Basix Zine!

Goodman Games is now the distributor of Thom Wilson's Back to BasiX zine in print. Victorious and Amazing Adventures Bundle. Barrel Rider Games 25% off sale for all PDFs. 

Link to Episode #114 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-114---Back-to-BasiX-Get-Goodmaned--OSR-Sales-e25oe1

Other links from the episode:

goodman-games.com/store/product/back-to-basix-issue-1/

www.rpgnow.com/product/215938/Back-to-BasiX--Issue-1?affiliate_id=1446

www.drivethrurpg.com/product/123060?affiliate_id=1446

www.rpgnow.com/browse/pub/4417/Barrel-Rider-Games?affiliate_id=1446

Yep, those are affiliate links above. Support The Tavern. Shop Smart. Shop Affiliate Link Smart! ;)

Sale - Barrel Rider Games (White Star / White Box / LL) - ALL PDF Releases 25% Off

You want more James Spahn for less? Well, THIS is your chance!

For the month of September, James Spahn / Barrel Rider Games has put each and every PDF they've released on sale at 25% off.

You want more White Star? More White Box? More Labyrinth Lord? And you want it for less? Now is your chance!

Seriously, some of the best OSR material available for any system is on sale at 25% off. I'd say even nicer things, but James is a good friend of mine, and I feel awkward making 6 foot tall Hobbits embarrassed by saying nice things...

Note: No Six foot plus tall Hobbits were harmed in the creation of this sale. More sales mean more new products down the line. PWYW is already priced at "tip jar" pricing. Remember, Hobbits gotta eat! ;P

Yep, that's an affiliate link above. The Tavern runs on affiliate sales... and beer. Mmmm! Beer!

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 113 - State of the Tavern Keeper - Don't Mind Me ;)

Doctors say the darndest things at times. Short-term memory loss? Check. Inability to focus? Check. Poor concentration? Checkity check check.  A cancer survivor with eight months of chemo? Ah, you have Chemo Brain.

Tim Shorts drops in with his thoughts on how much magic he likes in fantasy settings. Your Tavern Keeper has been diagnosed with "Chemo Brain" related symptoms. Don't blame me if I forget your name ;)

Link to Episode #113 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-113---State-of-the-Tavern-Keeper---Dont-Mind-Me-e25itu

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - Be Warned, Your Host is Beat ;)

Yep, today is a Wednesday and that means tonight is Tavern Chat. Be warned, I'm beat to hell this week (ass dragging at its pinnacle) but I'll be there :)

So, 9 PM on The Tavern's Discord Server.

It's where I'm making the early announcement of the next Flash Giveaway - another gaming related Humble Bundle.

Here's the link: https://discord.gg/zeqKKa

Flash Giveaway - Humble Digital Tabletop Bundle - Time to Award the Gift Bundle

Yep, back from my appointment and time to give away the prize. Hmm, 10 entries on the original post... d10... 5

Carl Heyl, you've got a bundle coming to you :)

Email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that Gmail thing and I'll get the code out to you.

For those still interested in the Digital Tabletop Bundle, the link (its an affiliate link) is here:

https://www.humblebundle.com/games/digital-tabletop-bundle?partner=tenkar

A portion of monies paid via the above affiliate link go to supporting The Tavern and its ever humble bartender ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 112 - Follow Up Discussion - How Much Fantasy?

I really do love it when folks leave voicemails and emails in response to an episode. It makes this whole process much more interactive ;)

Wow. Three voicemails and an email. I guess the episode 110 discussing "How much fantasy do you like in your settings" was a good discussion driving episode. This was a blast to respond to and record :)

Link to Episode 112 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-112---Follow-Up-Discussion---How-Much-Fantasy-e2595l

Link to Radio Grognard (Glen Hallstrom) - https://anchor.fm/radio-grognard

Link to Spike Pit Podcast - https://anchor.fm/spikepit

Flash Giveaway - Humble Digital Tabletop Bundle - 18 hours (more or less) to Comment

We are giving away (with the generosity of Humble Bundle) a $15 key to the Humble Digital Tabletop Bundle. All you need do is comment on which game in the Digital Tabletop Bundle you would really like to play - or already like to play. One random commenter will be gifted sometime tomorrow afternoon (I have an appointment in the morning, so upon my return ;)

You can use the link here: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/digital-tabletop-bundle?partner=tenkar to see which games are in the bundle. If you decide to purchase this bundle (or another bundle) a portion of the monies you spend will go to support The Tavern.

Good luck to all. I may have another flash giveaway tomorrow ;)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 111 - Kickstarter Roundup for September 4, 2018

It's a Tuesday, and that means another Kickstarter Roundup here at the Tavern Chat Podcast.

Time to dig into some Kickstarters! Triskelion Space Tabletop RPG, Jungle Tomb of the Mummy Bride, Outdoor Encounter Cards, Atmar's Cardography: Full RPG Modules & Random Dungeon Decks, True Level Adventures for 1E and 5E gaming, Metal, Magic and Lore Fantasy RPG - Revised Edition!, and Dice Adventures.

Link to Episode 111 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-111---Kickstarter-Roundup-for-September-4--2018-e2560r

Kickstarter related links:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1059971838/triskelion-space-tabletop-rpg/
https://dieheart.net/exodus-system-srd-review/
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/219694/Exodus-System-SRD?affiliate_id=1446 (affiliate link)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/planetxgames/jungle-tomb-of-the-mummy-bride

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/102137316/outdoor-encounter-cards-for-use-with-many-tabletop

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/norsefoundry/atmars-cardography-full-rpg-modules-and-random-dun

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/563681582/true-level-adventures-for-1e-and-5e-gaming

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1725754599/metal-magic-and-lore-fantasy-rpg-revised-edition

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/356066346/dice-adventures

New Release - FX1 Fifty Fiends from New Big Dragon Games Unlimited

I am a huge fan of New Big Dragon Games. Rich LeBlanc bleeds OSR, B/X in particular. Fifty Fiends is a bargain and a half for a buck :)

Extra-planar beings come in many forms, and for outsiders hailing from the lower planes, almost every one of them comes in some shade of evil. 

From the vicious malevolence of the demons of the Abyss, to the merciless schemes of the devils of Hell, to the psychopathic sadism of the yamadutas of the Naraka, the planes provide an unending parade of cruelty, immorality, corruption, and depravity. 

Collected herein are 50 fiends from the darkest reaches of the outer planes, including the Abyss, Hell, Naraka, Pandemonium, Limbo, the Dreamlands, and the Beyond (a terrifyingly remote place of madness, aberration, entropy, and pure chaos.) 

This book is designed for use with classic (BX/BECMI/LL) editions of the world’s original role-playing game, and with Old School Adventures Accessory PX1: Basic Psionics Handbook. It additionally provides information on dual-axis alignment, the planes of existence, languages spoken throughout the planes, and descriptions for a number of planes- and fiend-related spells and magic items.

Those are affiliate links above. Keep your Tavern Keeper in cold beer, shop using The Tavern's affiliate links :)

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 110 - How Much Fantasy Do You Like in Your Settings?

Ah, Endless Quest Books. I loved them back in the day. Time to see if my niece will love the new ones as I loved the old ;)

Looks like the new Endless Quest Books have released. More importantly, I talk about fantasy settings and how much fantasy is right for me - and would like to know how much is right for you. 

Link to Episode 110 -  https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-110---How-Much-Fantasy-Do-You-Like-in-Your-Settings-e252ar

Amazon link to the new Endless Quest Books: amzn.to/2wCP1DS (affiliate link)

Tenkar's Tavern Patreon: tenkars-tavern.games/patreon

Deal of the Day - Adventures Dark and Deep Players Manual

Today's RPGNow Deal of the Day is the Adventures Dark and Deep Players Manual by Joseph Bloch. Do you remember the classic Marvel Comics series "What If?" Well, Adventures Dark & Deep is a "What if Gary Gygax's vision of an AD&D 2e had come to be?"

You want takes on some of the classes mentioned in Dragon Magazine that never saw the light of day.? You'll find them in the Adventures Dark and Deep Players Manual along with other old school goodness.

Normally 9.95 in PDF, from now until tomorrow morning at 11 AM Eastern, you can snag the  Adventures Dark and Deep Players Manual for $4.97

The Adventures Dark and Deep™ Players Manual contains all the rules you need to create and run a character; character classes, races, spells, rules for combat, equipment, social class, skills, and much more. 

The Players Manual is the first core rulebook for the Adventures Dark and Deep™ game, an expansion and revision of the original 1st Edition rules that defined the role-playing hobby for a decade. Based on the original plans for expanding the game, Adventures Dark and Deep™ gives you new character classes like the jester, savant, mystic, and mountebank; new spells; a new combat system; new monsters; rules for weather and natural hazards; new magic items, and tons more. And it's all compatible with most old-school games, so you can use it with all your old and new adventures, settings, and supplements. 

If you liked 1st Edition, you'll love Adventures Dark and Deep™

The above includes an affiliate link. Get a great deal and support The Tavern at the same time. 

The Tavern Chat Podcast - Episode 109 - Using Skills Learned from RPGs in Real Life

Some of my most useful real-life skills I learned from playing RPGs.

Whether in retail or law enforcement, I used skills learned in my formative roleplaying game years to help me in my chosen careers. I'd love to hear from others how RPGs have impacted their lives, in employment and beyond.

Link to Episode 109 - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/Episode-109---Using-Skills-Learned-from-RPGs-in-Real-Life-e24qc5

Link to The Tavern's Patreon - tenkars-tavern.games/patreon