NTRPG Con - Tegal Manor - Not a Safe Place

And down goes Rocky!

Ah, Tegal Manor. Come for the atmosphere. Stayed for dinner. Or be dinner...

I ran Tegal from 9 AM until 1230 PM or so. Pexx ran it from 1 PM until 430 PM or so.

The map is large a beautiful.

We do it all again tomorrow.

Good Omens - Rainbow Seen from NTRPG Con

I woke up this morning and Rach told me there was a rainbow outside our hotel window at the Westin. Lo and behold, there was. Not as big as I might have expected - I thought all things were bigger in Texas, but still a good omen overall.

Now to head downstairs for some breakfast and booth set up.

Now Appearing at the Dallas Westin and the NTRPG Con - Erik Tenkar!

For a little while, I was unsure I'd ever make it to NTRPG Con. Sre, the flight started fine. Heck, even the TSA was good to us. Then the flight landed at DFW 30 minutes early and it went downhill from there.

You see, it appears that the DFW airport had a brief but intense rainstorm shortly before we landed. Flights were delayed or canceled, which meant there no gates available for us to disembark at. We were a ship without a port for nearly 90 minutes.

But Rach and I are here now, for a 5-night engagement at the beautiful Westing Hotel - ignore the renovations behind the curtain ;)

Time for me to head downstairs and start putting up the Frog God Booth.

See ya at the con ;)

You Can Now Support All Things Tavern with Ko-Fi - Buy Your Bartender a Beer :)

For those that haven't noticed, I don't take direct ads from gaming companies and the like. The monies The Tavern receives are mostly from affiliate sales - DriveThruRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle. Anchor occasionally runs sponsorships (it's active now on the Tavern Chat Podcast) and it helps.

We also have a Patreon and I truly appreciate the backing of members of this community that put forward their hard earned cash on a monthly basis to support The Tavern. For those that don't like Patreon, we also offer a way to directly offer monthly support through Paypal.

One thing I've been asked (often enough that I've looked for a solution) is an easy method to offer this bartender a simple tip. I have found that method and it is Ko-Fi.

Ko-fi is a simple interface that allows you to tip creators you like using their interface and Paypal. They don't keep any part of the tip as a transaction fee (so more of your hard earned cash goes to the person you are looking to support), they make their profits from those that upgrade to Gold. Yes, I upgraded for the simple reason I could change "coffee" to "beer" ;)

How much does a "beer" cost? 3 bucks. Buy as many as you want (David Baity bought me 5 ;)

I appreciate the support this community has given me over the past 10 years. I expect to still be around and doing this and more over the next 10 years and beyond. I thank you in advance.

For those going to NTRPG Con this week, hope to see you there :)

Here's The Tavern's Ko-Fi link:  ko-fi.com/tenkar

FINALLY Back to Gaming - and its Not Even NTRPG Time!

Renovations and the recent holiday weekend killed my opportunity to get into my regular Monday Night Game run by Tim Shorts for over a month. Tonight, I finally get to make a triumphant return. Well, at least "a return."

Woot! Rathgar is now a second level cleric.

Of course, best-laid plans often kick you in the face. After the game, I have to drive my son's fiancee home as she has a killer migraine.

Still, it's amazing how much I missed this. The game, the bullshitting, the escape from the daily grind.

Fuck - we split the party!

Yearly Gathering of Fools in Memory of a Lost Gamer (9-11)

Paul is middle back row

My old gaming group has been gathering yearly in the Spring since 2002 in memory of a dear friend that we lost when the Towers came down on 9-11-01. They don't approve of me referring to us as a Gathering of Fools, but I do think it's appropriate.

We formed our friendships during the early-80s in High School and kept gaming at least once a week until early 1997. A few years later we migrated to MMOs.

Brian hosted as usual, and he inherited Paul's gaming collection when he passed.

Paul, we miss you. Rest well.

More Down to Earth Pricing for the Enemy Within Campaign Pre-orders (less than $30 a book) (WFRP 4e)

Thanks to Thaddeus on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server, we have some easier on the wallet options to preorder the initial books in the Enemy Within Campaign for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4e.

Note: Links take you to GameNerdz

WARHAMMER FANTASY RPG 4TH EDITION: ENEMY IN SHADOWS - THE ENEMY WITHIN CAMPAIGN PART 1 (PREORDER) $39.99 $27.97

WARHAMMER FANTASY RPG 4TH EDITION: ENEMY IN SHADOWS COMPANION (PREORDER) $34.99 $24.47

WARHAMMER FANTASY RPG 4TH EDITION: ENEMY IN SHADOWS COLLECTOR'S LIMITED EDITION (PREORDER) $149.99 $104.97

If only you also got the PDFs with preorders from other than Cubicle 7 - I know from the originals there is a huge amount of handouts, and I won't cut up my RPG books ever again ;)

Tenkar's Tavern is 10 Years Old Today - Huge Thanks to All & Some Thoughts on The Tavern's Success

Here's the first true Tavern Post:

Yeah, I didn't quite know what direction The Tavern was going to take 10 years ago. I certainly never dreamed it would still be around 10 years later, and no longer just a blog either.

The Tavern wouldn't be what it is without all of you.

I've been asked over the years to share the secret to The Tavern's success. Sadly, I can't bottle the secret and sell it, but there are some things that I believe are certainly part of that success's foundation.

1 - Just do it. Seriously, if you want a successful blog, podcast, whatever you actually need to start that blog or podcast. Talking about it doesn't do anything. Find the time and do it.

2 - Be yourself. Sure, some popular and/or controversial personalities in our community are acts, but over time folks will appreciate knowing the real you. Besides, it much easier being you than somebody else.

3 - Be passionate. Don't blog or podcast about a subject because you think it with have a built-in audience. It might at first, but without that passion, you won't retain them. As if you couldn't guess, I'm passionate about tabletop gaming ;)

4 - Be persistent. Keep at it. Even if the early parts are rough, practice and persistence will allow you to hone your craft.

5 - Be patient. I've been blogging for over 10 years, involved in podcasting for over 5 years and have had my solo podcast for over a year. Success did not come quick or easy, and in truth, I can't pick out a moment where I realized that The Tavern was "a success", but I think its hit that spot.

6 - Listen. To both praise and criticism. An echo chamber is NOT to your benefit.

7 - You can't please everyone. This is a hard one to come to terms with. Some folks don't like change (the podcast) and others may feel intimidated or worse by any success you may achieve. Don't ignore that they have concerns, but understand that not all of their concerns are your's to correct.

8 - Remember your community. Successful blogs, podcasts, Facebook groups, Discord servers and the like often have communities that form around them. Any influence you might have is because THEY grant it to you. It is a responsibility and an honor to be granted such. Do not abuse it.

9 - Invest. Time is probably the biggest investment, but there is also money, emotion and so much more. Success requires some sacrifice. You must be willing to do so.

10 - Have fun. If at some point it no longer is fun for you, it's probably time to take a break. I'm blessed that I enjoy it all and I have an amazingly supportive community. I'll warn you all if I need a break ;P

Again, 10 years. Holy Shit. No longer just a blog, The Tavern is a thriving Facebook Group (with just under 2400 members), an active Discord Server (with exactly 2000 members), the Tavern Chat Podcast (379 episodes and more each day) and of course, the Tenkar's Tavern Blog.

There are some huge plans for the blog-side and hopefully, I'll be able to get some of it in place this summer. New host, additional bloggers and more. No exact timeframe as I'm juggling multiple balls at the moment but I hope you'll enjoy the ride ;)

WFRP The Enemy Within Collector’s Edition - 10 Books - 750 Bucks

I really shouldn't be tempted by the WFRP The Enemy Within Collector’s Edition. Certainly, the $750 price point should have me turn away quickly and. I mean, who the FUCK puts down 750 bucks for an RPG campaign?

But it IS Warhammer, and not the abomination that was WFRP 3e.

Oh, and it is the Enemy Within Campaign, one of the best - if not the best - fantasy campaign for ANY system.

You can also buy it piecemeal, and each of the five adventure books is matched with a companion book. 10 books. Damn.

Each set of two books is $150, so there is no savings in preordering the set, but then you don't get:

Developer Diaries 

If you buy the complete Enemy Within Collector’s Edition, we will send you regular Developer Diaries. These are emailed updates from WFRP Producer Andy Law detailing the progress of the new version of the campaign, including exclusive art previews, developer and artist interviews, production commentaries, amusing asides, and so much more. The Developer Diaries provide you with a unique insight into exactly what is included in the Director’s Cut of The Enemy Within, and why. 

So, do you want to know how Bögenhafen is being updated? Or what maps will be included? Or what new Chaos cults are included? Or what happens in the two new additions to the campaign, The Horned Rat and Empire in Ruins? If so, then the Developer Diaries are for you.

Sigh...

I need to run a GoFundMe ;)

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight & Renovations are Complete

Today is a Wednesday, which means tonight is Tavern Chat. Hang out with gamers and creators from the OSR and beyond from all around the world at 9 PM Eastern.

Voice chat (but if you don't want to talk, all you need do is listen) Its been likened to a live podcast that isn't recorded, so if you miss it - you really missed it ;)

Use the following link to join:  https://discord.gg/4sHwScH

Kickstarter - Apex Coasters: Fantasy/RPG Series

"Amazing ceramic coasters, cork backing, durable imprinted art. Perfect for the gaming table, computer desk, table art, or as a gift."

I have a sizeable collection of coasters. Sadly, they get little use these days.

Apex Coasters: Fantasy/RPG Series is actually cool. I do love the art.

I summon James Spahn!

Note. J.M. Ward is James Michael Ward and the creator of this project, not Jim Ward. Apparently, Jim is feeling a wee bit defensive and fears there may be some confusion.

4 coasters start at 28 bucks plus 9 for shipping in the US.

State of The Tavern - I May Have Imbibed Too Much :)

So, I had an excellent weekend in the Poconos Mountains. Away from the hustle and bustle. 12 pack of a local brew for 6.99. Severe lower back pain. Maybe no perfectly excellent, but memory can be selective.

Tomorrow I hit Pexx with my immediate schedule of free time, so as to enable us to get in some more Fireside Chats.

Also, more work on the Shire Con adventure.

Further thoughts on a possible 4-page monthly zine.

More thoughts on updating / changing hosts for this blog.

Did I mention updating the Tenkar's Tavern One-Shot Community?

It commences tomorrow...

I need to sleep off 8 pints and a shot.

Warhammer Fantasy Role-play 4e - First Look

This past Friday I was at the Complete Strategist on 33rd Street in Manhattan with JoeTheLawyer and my wife Rach. On a shelf near the Pathfinder books I saw a lone copy of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4e, the new edition from Cubicle 7.

I've heard good things about the latest edition, and it wasn't long before i grabbed it in my greasy paws. 60 bucks (plus tax) later and it was mine. I must say, I am impressed.

Physically, it is a beauty to behold. The art simply screams Warhammer, and although it steps away from the black and white art that I've always felt was iconic of WFRP 1e, the color art does a fine job on its own.

Character generation detail is superb. What I really like is that 4e encourages "roll in order" and "take what is rolled" by offering bonus XP for doing so, but still allowing players that are unhappy with what is rolled some further choice.

Ambitions are personal and / or party goals that can be minor or major. Accomplishing such offers bonus XP.

Player Character races are well detailed and have some nice details about the races opinions of each other.

Just started reading the classes. I really want to run this.

WFRP 4e is available on Amazon for 47.44 (ships Prime) - and yes, this is an affiliate link.

More as I dig further...

Kickstarter - RPG Achievement Stickers

"Achievement stickers for your favorite tabletop roleplaying game!"

What do you get the tabletop RPG gamer that has everything? Stickers, just like they were getting in the early years of grade school. RPG Achievement Stickers that is!

Oh, my bad. Like they get in video games. Actually, I'm not sure which is worse in my opinion for the adult gamer. For my 8-year-old niece, I'm sure they'd work for a bit before becoming old hat and put to the side.

2 1/2 days left to fund as I type this. Short just less than 20% of its funding goal.

10 bucks for one sheet, 20 bucks for all four. I guess if are willing to pay for one sheet, four is a no brainer.

Best Dungeons & Dragons Movie - In Less then Two Minutes & In Portuguese

Yep, its the car commercial from Brazil that uses the iconic characters from the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon. Enjoy!

Wayward Kickstarter - Erotic Adventures - Apparently it Has Performance Anxiety

Ah yes, this winner of a Kickstarter, Erotic Adventures. I backed for a buck just for the drama ;P

The Erotic Adventures book, compatible with 5th edition, will feature the sexual attraction system, fetish rules, new spells, new items, new feats, new races, new monsters, new gods, and new specialties. Play a barbarian maenad and use sex to recharge your rage. Play a rogue paramour and manipulate others using seduction. Cast a spell to enlarge your breasts, or gain an additional penis. Fight a gender bending semen ooze. And much, much more...  

The goal is 1000 dollars, but, for each additional 100 dollars I raise, I will add a picture to the book. If we reach 2000 dollars, I will make an android app based on the book and put it for sale on SlideMe.  

So back this project, and be one of the first to bring sex into the world of 5e! 

PDF was due in December of 2017. Print book in December of 2018. (It funded October 5th, 2017)

Here's the update from earlier today. At least it's an honest one.

How many Kickstarter Creators suffer from depression? I ask because it crops up A LOT, certainly more than it appears in the general population.

I guess there's still no sex in 5e...

Reminder - Tavern Chat Tonight - 9 PM Eastern - I'll be There - Renovations Willing

Renovations continue yet at La Casa de Tenkar. Last night my contractor wrapped up AFTER 10 pm. Tonight? Your guess is as good as mine. It's that last 2% that takes up 50% of the time.

In any case, the weekly Tavern Chat hangout is at 9PM Eastern tonight and every Wednesday night in the Tavern's Discord Server. Voice, text, pics and more.

Use the following link:

https://discord.gg/fReGmuD

Looking forward to hearing from you tonight...

Rot Grubs - I've Always Hated Them - As a Player and a DM

I've never really seen a Rot Grubs that I've ever liked. Wait, that's a joke, son.

JoeTheLawyer left me a voicemail over on the Tavern Chat podcast (and I'll be putting that episode up later tonight) about, specifically out Tim (Gothridge Manor) using rot grubs to cut down on Joe digging through every piece of garbage in a session looking for loot. And therein lies my issue with rot grubs. They aren't really an adversary. Much like Green Slime, they are more trap or poison than predator.

Here's their description:

Rot grubs are occasionally found in heaps of offal or dung. They are rarely
found in ceilings, walls, or floors. These small creatures will viciously burrow
into any living flesh which touches them, for they greatly enjoy such fare to
dine upon. The victim must immediately apply flame to the wound (1-6 hit
points damage per application) or have a cure disease spell cast upon him.
Otherwise, the rot grubs will burrow to the heart and kill their host in
1-3 turns.

Yep the cure can kill you. I've changed my mind. They are worse than poison...

There is an All Editions D&D Sale Going On - OSR Included (DriveThruRPG)

May is the month for a Massive D&D sale over at DriveThruRPG - and I only just started looking at it tonight. Seriously, I do apologize. There simply has been lots of balls in the air outside of Tavern related activities (renovations at the Casa de Tenkar are continuing. The last bits seem to be the most tedious and time-consuming. So close ;)

Later on tonight and tomorrow I'm going to go through the sale collection and will highlight some OSR friendly choices.

In the meantime, some publishers to check out (in no particular order):

Goodman Games DCC RPG and more

Fat Goblin Games Includes stock art

Autarch ACKS

Frog God Games - Swords & Wizardry adventures

Cubicle 7 - Adventures in Middle Earth

Swords & Wizardry - technically a category ;)

There are affiliate links above. Keep The Tavern's beer cold and the doors open by using The Tavern's affiliate links.

So, What'd the Latest with Far West and Gareth Shirker?

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/shirker

What the latest on Far West and our favorite Shirker?

Absolutely fucking nothing. The last update is STILL from December 22 of last year. But hey, why update your backers nearly five months after your last bullshit update (just sharing the relevant promises)

I'd intended to get all of this done before year's end -- I'll be blunt:  This is unlikely, though possible.  The reason it's unlikely is because I am headed out to spend Christmas with my extended family for the first time in 15 years, and naturally want to be as present as possible -- although I suspect that I'll still find time here and there to get some stuff done (and we'll be back home before year-end).  In all likelihood, though, this will get its final touches once I'm back in the office on Monday, January 7th. 

So we're almost there.  Layout has begun, so the full PDF will follow soon after the final chapter deliveries, and then to the printer.  Thank you all so much for your continued support and patience, which has been far more than anyone could hope for.
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.
"Gor blezzus, errywon."
--
Gareth-Michael Skirker
Lawrence, Kansas
22 December 2018

Hey, gonna threaten to punch me in the throat again, Mr Shirker?

I'll be in Dallas at NTRPG Con June 5th through June 10th. Sorry, I'm not making a trip to Kansas, but I'm sure you'll be welcomed in Texas. Or come to NYC anytime. I'll even buy you a drink, so long as you are okay with waiting 7 1/2 years.

http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2019/01/gareth-skarka-of-far-west-shame.html

Hey publishers? Would you be okay if someone you hired to produce a gaming product was 7 1/2 years late and STILL was no closer to delivery? What about threatening physical violence? How the fuck does Mr Shirker continue to get work in the industry?