Kickstarter - 5e Fantasy RPG Advent Calendar rammed full of custom gifts!

"A gift filled 24 door Advent Calendar for players of the 5th Edition of the World's Greatest Fantasy Role Playing Game."

I was intrigued when I first saw the 5e Fantasy RPG Advent Calendar rammed full of custom gifts! Kickstarter. I thought "what a cool gift for my who will then be 9 years old niece!" Then I saw the buy-in. 71 bucks plus another 28 for shipping. This is no longer an impulse buy. 99 bucks aint cheap.

TL;DR: 24 doors hiding 24 physical gifts alongside an exclusive Module to download that uses many of the calendars' contents! This includes exclusive metal miniatures commissioned for the calendar, game aids and so forth.  

The calendar front features stunning artwork with a developing cartoon style story and internal pictures behind ever door that further expand on the adventurers journey. Every calendar ships with a poster version of the cover art for when you've torn the doors off! 

If you would like to know a little more about the contents, and are prepared to take the "Full Gandalf" pledge of silence, please drop me a message.

Sorry. For 100 bucks I need more than vague details. Especially from a "First Created, Zero Backed account". I certainly shouldn't need to message the creator directly to find them out. Shame, because it really is a cool, if expensive, gift idea.

Kickstarter - The Koryo Hall of Adventures 5e Compatible Campaign Setting

"A new campaign setting compatible with Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (5e) based on Korean locations, myths, and legends."

One of the most overlooked Asian themed settings in RPGs is Korean. As someone that used to work in and lives near Flushing, NY - often called the second largest "Korea Town" in the United States, I've always been intrigued with Korean history and myths since childhood, having Korean classmates throughout my public school education. To have an RPG setting that covers such background I find pretty exciting. And thus we have The Koryo Hall of Adventures Kickstarter.

In the Koryo Hall of Adventures campaign setting, you can explore four uniquely detailed lands within the continent of Jeosung. Roam the mystical forest wilderness of Haguiliesta or head to the city and meddle in the mercenary politics of Daewanguk. Heroes (or fools) may attempt to infiltrate the hermit kingdom of Haenamguk or brave the frigid peaks of Noonnara. 

You want more? How about taking part in a pilgrimage along the crest of Wunü Mountain, or exploring the eternally dark swampy forest of Hugakneup? You could also participate in the famous Cave Games under Cheonsanju mountain, or even trade grains and brewed alcohols  along the Chassalgil trade route.

Heck, you  can even sample before putting your hard money down:

Would you like to sample the setting? Setting creator Aurélien Lainé has written five free adventures set in Jeosung, containing just enough hints of the campaign world to get a good taste. Best of all, they're available as a free pdf download on his website.

The sweet spot is 35 bucks for the print plus PDF.

Shared without comment:

(original can be found at Frog God Games)

Statement by Bill Webb

Bill Webb here. I am one of the principals of Frog God Games. I have been at the center of a controversy stemming from a series of events that took place at Paizo Con nearly two years ago. For the most part, I have declined to take part in the many, often heated, discussions of these events. But given the strong feelings, opinions, and rumors on the internet concerning the events of that day, myself, and my company, there are some things I need to say.

I want to start by taking ownership of my own bad actions. On the day in question, I acted unprofessionally towards a colleague, BJ Hensley. I was overly familiar with Ms. Hensley and acted in a gender dismissive fashion. To be specific, I put my arm around her shoulders and called her “sweetie.” That behavior was and is not appropriate behavior towards a colleague and, unless one is very familiar with someone and has their consent to speak to them in that manner, that kind of conduct is never appropriate.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of it. While we were out for a cigarette, I offered her one by holding my cigarette pack out towards her so that she could take one. As was my habit, I had my room key in the sleeve of the cigarette pack so that I would not lose it.

I now can imagine how that must have looked. I had absolutely no intention of giving the impression that I was propositioning Ms. Hensley. In fact, my wife and kids were present at the con and my wife would have responded very poorly to additional guests in our hotel room. However, that does not excuse my mistake. I can see that my actions with the cigarette pack could be taken as a pass. I am deeply sorry for making BJ uncomfortable.

I have worked hard since this event to correct my behavior and focused on being more professional in my interactions with both con attendees and colleagues. This in no way excuses my prior behavior.

Beyond this, I have been accused of doing several other things that day. I have seen stories on the internet accusing me of assault, getting into a fight, and attempting to drug Ms. Hensley at PaizoCon and acting like a sexual predator and a violent drunk at other cons. I am posting a series of screen shots below which I hope will address these other accusations. None of these things happened at PaizoCon or any other con.

The company decided a while ago that when I’m at a convention now, I am always accompanied by another FGG associate, which is a policy I agree and comply with.

At the end of the day, I accept full responsibility for what happened that day and accept the  consequences. All that I can do is to try to be a better person. What truly has been the worst part of the aftermath of the incident with BJ are the attacks on Frog God Games. I am just one of many people who work for this company. None of the other people at FGG had anything to do with this incident and none of them have ever conducted themselves in such a poor fashion. They are all perfectly decent and respectful people. It saddens me that they have had to pay for my poor actions from years ago by having our projects attacked by third parties. Many of these projects I have nothing to do with, yet my colleagues must continue endure their company being disparaged because of my poor behavior.

I am not asking for anyone’s forgiveness here. I acted like an idiot that day. That is the full truth of the matter. And I am deeply sorry. At this point, all that I can hope for is that with regard to this incident is that people will form their opinions of me and FGG based the truth and my actions, and not on the basis of rumors and fictional accounts created to fit a desired narrative.

Thank you,

Bill Webb

Craig Brasco - Artist Available for Freelance Work

I LOVE Craig's artwork. He's done a few pieces for me over the years and they are, quite simply, amazing.

If you're looking for an artist that does quality work on time, look no further than Craig Brasco.

cbrasco@gmail.com is his email. His website has more samples of his work, both black and white as well as color: craigbrasco.com

That is all :)

Kickstarter - Paths: World of Adia tabletop RPG

"Paths: World of Adia is a tabletop RPG that supports both classic Game Master group play and Solo Gameplay."

I've interviewed members of Smunchy Games on the Tavern Chat Podcast and we've spoken about the Paths: World of Adia Kickstarter. Here are the links to the interviews:

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/E335---Designers--Makers-Fireside-Chat-with-Jacob-Nerdolopedia-Smunchy-Games-e3oqq9

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/E277---Designers--Makers---Fireside-Chat-with-Sean-of-Smunchy-Games-e37v69

https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/E259---Designers--Makers---Fireside-Chat-with-Tyson-Smunchy-Games-e32rb7

I'm intrigued. Paths can be run both with and without a GM. That is a bold move and one I fully support. Who hasn't had an RPG session where no one wanted to GM. Now you have an option. Heck, you can even play solo:

The world of Adia needs adventurers, and understands the limits players have in their personal lives. We’ve developed a system where players can play together, even without a Game Master. Branching choices and required checks are handled within the module itself. This allows for groups or a single player to interact with the world and progress even when real life gets in the way.

I think the sweet points to back are 80 bucks (includes the "GM in a Box" cards) and 110 (which adds in a hardcover module).

I'll probably be in for 110 myself. I may need to go back to work to supplement my Kickstart habit ;)

Tavern Chat Hangout - 9 PM Eastern on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server

Yep. It's a Wednesday yet again and that means this evening is Tavern Chat, a time to hangout out and talk with others in the hobby, big and small (mostly small ;) about going ons in the gaming hobby and general nerd stuff. Come on, you know you want to ;)

Looking for a link? Here ya go:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

The text chat channel is #tavern-chat. The voice channel is the Speakeasy.

See you tonight!

Huge Fat Goblin Games Sale - Most of the Catalogue is Priced at a Buck a Piece

Here's your link to the Fat Goblin page at DriveThruRPG:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/3865/Fat-Goblin-Games?affiliate_id=1446

There's even a sale on Stock Art.

Yes, that is an affiliate link above. Purchases made with The Tavern's affiliate links help keep the lights on and the taps flowing here at The Tavern. I thank you in advance - Tenkar

Kickstarter - RPG Random Encounter Dice (New Comet Games)

"Easy to use Random Encounter Dice for your Fantasy RPG game. Usable with 5E, PF, B/X, S&W, 1E/2E, DCC and more."

Dice. The final frontier.

Seriously, one thing I can never seem to have enough of is dice. Weird sizes, strange colors, unexpected uses - I have all types.

New Comet Games is tossing a new idea (at least to me) onto the table. RPG Random Encounter Dice.

RPG Random Encounter Dice are the perfect tool when you need a new monster to fill in on the fly during a game, when building your dungeon or populating a full world.  

Each die has 10 different monsters grouped into similar monster categories.   

Each set includes 3 different dice for 30 different monsters. The complete collection includes 12 different 10 sided dice for 120 Unique Monster Outcomes!

A complete collection of all 4 sets is 30 bucks (and includes a bonus die). A single set is 9 bucks. Decisions, decisions...

Gygax Beer - You Know You Want One!

I'm guessing Gail missed the lucrative "liquor and beer" section when she registered the Gygax trademark. That, or she can defend it. Either way, looking forward to this can cooling down enough to drink ;)

Kickstarter - How Many RPG Pins Projects do We Need? (I Count Three Funding Right Now?)

Everyone like decorative pins, right? I mean, if you subscribe to Loot Crate you get one every month. My niece's school bag is flooded with such. That being said, how many RPG Pin Kickstarters do we actually need?

Well, I found three that are funding right now. All want about 10 bucks a pin. One shows physical samples of the actual pins, two just show concept art.

Here they are for your perusal:

RPG Pins show off your love of roleplaying games! Series 1.5

Sure the graphic says "& Patches" but
we don't need no stinkin' patches!
Oh, there are no patches

D20 RPG Hard Enamel Class Pins

Look! Actual samples!

Potion Shoppe: RPG enamel pins

Maybe it's just me, but I find this
to be the least impressive

Sale - Castles & Crusades Print plus PDF - Starting at 10 Bucks

Some examples are shown below.

Link to the Castles & Crusades sale page

News - DriveThruRPG Partners with Astral Virtual Tabletop

I consider this interesting news for multiple reasons. I'm surprised that DriveThruRPG is teaming up with ANY Virtual Table Top. They don't produce games, they distribute games. Secondly, I've never heard of the Astral Virtual Tabletop. Obviously, I don't know every of the existence of every VTT on the market, but I would have expected a more well known VTT to be part of an announcement like this. That being said, Astral appears to be well along in development - Tenkar

Astral Virtual TableTop is the easiest way to create, host, and play tabletop roleplaying games. Astral has partnered with DriveThruRPG to launch a new experience that makes running tabletop roleplaying games immersive, simple, and fun for both Game Masters and players. Use Astral to play with friends online, or as a helpful tool around the gaming table. Play any tabletop roleplaying system in Astral by importing and sharing your favorite titles purchased through any DriveThru site, including DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Master's Guild. 

All accounts come with a ready-made starter template, tokens, audio files, and a helpful guide to help you get started. Use Astral for free, or level up to a Pro plan to unlock automation tools and 10,000 assets (designed by Mythic Portal Games) that come with every Pro account.

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern

Barrel Rider Games is now linked with Gallant Knight. Fantasy Grounds is releasing an AD&D 2e ruleset I expect those will just some of many topics tonight during the live Tavern Chat hangout at 9 pm Eastern.

Tavern Chat is held weekly on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server, each Wednesday night.

Talk, listen, ask questions, chew the fat. It's all good. You never know who may turn up :)

https://discord.gg/PqSkRc3

News - Fantasy Grounds has just released Officially Licensed AD&D 2E modules for the PHB, MM, DMG and N1 Adventure

I received the following from Doug Davidson (Fantasy Grounds) via the Tenkar's Tavern Facebook page:

Fantasy Grounds just released officially licensed AD&D 2E modules for the PHB, MM, DMG and N1 adventure.  

We added a 2E ruleset to all Standard and Ultimate licenses where people can enter their own data if they don't want to buy the preloaded module content we sell. 

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store/?sys=27

I would have preferred 1e or B/X but this is a heluva good sign that there are more classic rulesets in the works. Notice that the adventure converted to Fantasy Grounds is N1 - a classic AD&D 1e adventure.

Interesting times!

edit - From a comment of Facebook:

There is a free extension that makes the 2e ruleset a AD&D ruleset.
You actually get the rules engine (automation) free with the program. You need to buy the books to get the content, but you could enter is all yourself if you wanted to.
DCC also got an official ruleset the same day.

News - Gallant Knight Games partners with Barrel Rider Games

I've had an inkling that this was in the works - glad it can be officially announced - Tenkar

Full press release from the Gallant Knight website:

Ogden, UT – April 15, 2019 – Gallant Knight Games is excited to announce they have signed a deal with Barrel Rider Games, to help produce tabletop roleplaying games! James M. Spahn is a talented designer, whose creative art and game design have powered Barrel Rider Games, and his flagship work White Star to the top tiers of classic d20 style gaming!

The agreement allows James & Barrel Rider Games to focus on his game and product design while retaining complete control over both new and existing properties. Gallant Knight Games will assume most of the role traditionally associated with a publisher, including sales, marketing, and inventory. All of the games with be co-branded by both Gallant Knight Games and Barrel Rider Games.

FROM ALAN

“James has worked with me on various projects for the last year, and during that time, we’ve learned that our views on gaming and community strongly align! James is a talented creative, and we’re pleased that we can team up with him to help Barrel Rider Games become even stronger!”

FROM JAMES

“Alan’s vision as a publisher and generosity as a collaborator have shown themselves to be of the highest quality. With the support and creative freedom of this partnership with Gallant Knight Games, Barrel Rider Games will more easily be able to create new content of superior quality with far more confidence than when operating as an independent entity. The future for Barrel Rider Games is far brighter than I ever imagined!”

UPCOMING FROM BARREL RIDER GAMES

The first joint project released by BRG and GKG will be James’s long-awaited Viking White Box roleplaying game! The game will seek funding on Kickstarter in a short campaign for PDF and print-on-demand delivery!

Following that, a collected edition of James’s White Box productions will be produced, with all new art, graphic design, and additional content, in a massive single tome containing the full White Box rules!

Other exciting projects await, including a Fifth Edition adaptation of White Star, and much more!

Tenkar's Terrible Theurgy - Blood Pudding for Swords & Wizardry

Art by Gary Dupuis
Used under license

Blood Pudding
Hit Dice: 8
Armor Class: 5 [14]
Attacks: Attacks 1 to 6 attacks per round at (1d6) damage per attack
Saving Throw: 7
Special: Piercing attacks may cause blood spray. Heal damage by absorbing the recently killed
Move: 3
Alignment: Neutrality
Challenge Level/XP: 10/1,400

Blood Puddings are a disgusting magical construct created by draining the lifeblood of over a dozen sentient creatures. The detailed tome to create such a creature is held close by the Heretics of Dumas and is never willingly shared with outsiders.

Created with the blood and life energies of living creatures, Blood Pudding will reveal some of their histories when they attack. Humanoid heads, monstrous claws, spiked tails and more have been known to form and strike at opponents, before being absorbed back into the pudding, only to have a different number and appearance of appendages striking out on the following round.

Piercing weapons do normal damage but may do a "blood spray" (50% chance). Opponents within 20 feet must save or be blinded for 1d6 rounds as they wipe the blood from their face and eyes.

Blood Puddings can heal themselves by absorbing the blood of a recent kill. This takes 2 rounds and heals 2d6 Hit Points. The pudding may still attack during this period of time but may not move.

OGL

I meant to complete this over the weekend, but alas, life had its own ideas on that ;) Tenkar

Kickstarter - Static Cling Table Top RPG Terrains and Interior Decals

"Reusable static cling decals to design RPG games and scenarios. There are terrain, foliage, dungeon tiles and interior items.   "

You might be scratching your head over this Kickstarter. I know I did for a bit. And then it came to me! Static Cling Table Top RPG Terrains and Interior Decals Kickstarter is Colorforms for RPG terrain. Which is kinda cool, and then so not cool at the same time.

I had the Peanuts Colorforms back on the day. Loved it. This version for RPGs? Not so much.

Hi, I'm Benito Garcia and we are hard at work designing reusable static cling decals  that can be used on your vinyl mats and map books to enhance your favorite roll playing game. Watch your maps pop with color. Each pack will have two 12”x12” sheets packed full of reusable decals.  We will start with, foliage, rocky terrains, interiors for taverns and homes as well as shops. Also there will be a dungeon pack with corridors, rooms,
hidden passages  and cool traps to make your game more fun and visually appealing for your players.  We will move into elements as well, things like fire, ice and waterways after the first sets are completed. The Rough Terrain pack will have 18 decals just on its own and we'll do all we can to pack the others full to make a more fun game for everyone. Your imagination will have no limit. No more dry erase marker doodles and scratches on maps. These high quality reusable decals are also washable so they never lose their stick. That means hundreds of game scenarios. You may come up new ideas you hadn't thought of after you open the packs and see whats inside.   

I'm looking for like minded supporters  to get this off the ground and moving forward so everyone can have a great experience when it comes to playing RPGs. 

1 set of sheets (2 sheets - 18 decals) is 30 bucks. Seems fairly steep and the sample pieces are just not appealing to my eye. Typos in the above don't instill confidence. Oh, this isn't the pith - its the whole description.

Did I mention the wonky math?

1 set is $30.

2 sets are $50

4 sets are $125

Dungeon terrain isn't available until the $125 pledge level.

Hard pass. Interesting idea but the execution is lacking.

Kickstarter - Old-School Essentials (B/X)

"A modular adventure game in the tradition of the beloved 1980s role-playing rules. 100% old-school rules, 100% modern design."

If you read The Tavern, I'm sure you've come into contact with the B/X Essentials ruleset. At the very least, you've heard of it. It has been called the best presentation of the Basic / Expert rules, and that says a lot. Well, Old-School Essentials is a rebranding of B/X Essentials and then some. Let's see what you get with the Old-School Essentials Kickstarter:

Old-School Essentials is an adventure role-playing game of exploration, danger, monsters, and magic. The game is intentionally rules-light, putting the focus of play on imagination, improvisation, and fun. The rules are optimised for ease of use at the table, with meticulous attention to wording and layout clarity. What's more, Old-School Essentials is 100% compatible with the classic Basic/Expert game from 1981, meaning that decades of adventure are at your fingertips!

Old-School Essentials comes in two forms: a chunky tome and a modular boxed set. The content is identical. Choose one or both, depending on your preferred format! 

The Old-School Essentials Black Box: A game box containing five deluxe, sewn-binding, A5 (Digest sized), hardcover rule books presenting the complete rules of the game and everything you need to run games in the classic fantasy genre. 

The Old-School Essentials Rules Tome: A deluxe all-in-one, sewn-binding, A5 (Digest sized), hardcover tome containing the complete rules of the game and everything you need to run games in the classic fantasy genre.

Free Basic Rules PDF: To whet your appetite for this game, you can download a free PDF, featuring the basic rules for creating characters, adventuring in dungeons, combat, magic, and spells. Includes the complete rules for four classic fantasy character classes: the cleric, fighter, magic-user, and thief.

Compatibility: Old-School Essentials is a 100% accurate restatement of the original Basic/Expert rules (B/X), with nothing added, changed, or removed. All material written for the B/X rules over the last 38 years can be used with Old-School Essentials, without any conversion effort whatsoever! 

Refinement: The original Basic/Expert rules form a wondrously solid rules set, but they are not without areas of confusion and contradiction. All known omissions, contradictions, and areas of confusion have been carefully ironed out in Old-School Essentials.

There's a lot more info on the Kickstarter page. I suggest you read it. If you are an old school gamer or are at all interested in old school gaming, this is pretty much a no brainer ;)

Old-School Essentials had a goal of just under $17k USD (it's listed in Euros). With 27 days to go as I write this, it sits at a hair under $58k USD and is knocking down stretch goals like a 10th level fighter swatting down goblins - at least under AD&D 1e rules ;)

11 bucks for the PDFs (17 if you want bother versions). Rules Tome in print is 28 bucks. Black Box with 5 individual books (this is The Tome broken down to shorter books) is 57 bucks. 79 for both versions of physical and PDF books. Damn it! I think I'm in for 79...

Donation Link for James Smith Funeral Expenses

https://www.paypal.me/jamessmithmemory

https://dreamsofmythicfantasy.blogspot.com/2019/04/from-james-family-funeral-expenses.html

Kickstarter - The Folio #22 (1E/5E D&D Adventure)

I've been following The Folio releases since the first issue and have been pleased with the consistent quality of the releases. I expect the same high quality with The Folio #22.

What is included in Folio #22?  This module will provide the adventurers with access to Level 3 of the Kasbah Dungeon as well as a new monster that even threatens the existence of the Infernal Machine.  Dungeon details include 2D standard 'blue' hex maps as well as fully 3D renderings of  Level 3.  It also features a fully removable stand-alone cover that can act as a DM screen.      

Who is this adventure for? It will be based around classic AD&D gaming mechanics, while also have 'grey' stat and treasure blocks for 5th Edition D&D,  so it is easily playable in BOTH formats.  It has been designed for  6-8 characters, roughly levels 11 thru 13, and will include a Virtual Table Top map without secret doors, traps, and numbers. (this is spot on!)

The Folio has released consistently on time and I see no reason why that trend should end.

10 bucks for the PDF, 18 for the Print plus PDF.