Free RPG - Classic Traveller Facsimile Edition

I was searching around DTRPG when I stumbled across the Classic Traveller Facsimile Edition, priced for Free (and only 9 bucks in Print). Everyone should have a PDF of Classic Traveller, especially at this pricing! ;)

This is the original text of the 1981 edition of Classic Traveller based on page image Scans.

It includes Books 1-2-3, with errata and corrections inserted (where possible; and additional material in an errata appendix). This text is essentially an errata corrected edition faithful to the original Classic Traveller of the early 1980's.

The PDF has been OCR'ed. Margins are upgraded to 6x9 (from 5-1/2 x 8-1/2) for better margins.

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Deal of the Day - Cepheus Universal

The various Cepheus releases have always been top-notch. Built off of the Mongoose Traveller SRD and the OGL, Cepheus has a very active community of creators.

Today's Deal of the Day is Cepheus Univeral. Typically, it is 19.99 in PDF, but until tomorrow morning, it is on sale for 6 bucks.

This universal science fiction RPG allows players and Game Master to emulate most kinds of sci-fi gaming, from time travel or near future cyberpunk, to space opera; from modern-day Solar System exploration to a far future that enjoys antimatter power, matter transportation and food replicators. As much attention is given to low-tech societies as mid-tech and far future, high-tech societies. You'll find options for gunpowder weapons, disintegrators, fusion power, portable shield generators, flint tool production and using beasts of burden. The scope of Cepheus Universal is huge.

The 2D6-based Cepheus rules are adaptable but not complex, and easy enough for players new to sci-fi gaming (or to roleplaying in general). Character creation is purely by design, and features a life path system that adds depth and which connects them to the setting. Create a character in 5 minutes or less.  

Packed with material that you can use to build your setting, or adapt your favourite setting from a novel or movie, it includes systems for building not just characters, but starships, animals, robots, vehicles, AI machines, star systems, spacesuits … you name it. Pick the parts you need to build the type of setting you desire. No setting is included, but three examples are provided to give you an idea of the scope of these rules.

Note that the core part of these rules previously featured in Zozer Game’s Hostile and Modern War RPGs. The book contains no AI art. Also available for Cepheus Universal:

Fast Magic - An improvised magic sysyem for use in your setting. 

Godstar - A feudal sci-fi setting on a desert planet, full of intrigue and danger. 

Player's Book - All the essential sections from the rulebook, for players use. 

Street Knight - 80s crime fighting with cyberagents and supercars. 

Sundivers - Far-future space pilots compete in the most dangeous interstellar sport.

War of the Worlds - A Victorian campaign pack for adventuring within HG Well's novel.

Academic Specialities - Leveraging Education to create science and academic specialities as skills.

 

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Bundle of Holding - Dread Thingonomicon

I own the Dread Thingnomicon in Print & PDF, one of my collection's most useful and referenced books.

Adventurer! For one week only, this Dread Thingonomicon Quick Deal presents, for a special promotional price, the complete 476-page The Dread Thingonomicon compendium from Raging Swan Press with system-neutral lists for every overworked gamemaster of tabletop fantasy roleplaying games. These 76 chapters, compiling hundreds of tables Raging Swan has published over the past seven years in its 20 Things line of mini-supplements, give you the tools to add flavor and detail to any fantasy RPG session. (Check out Raging Swan's free 54-page Thingonomicon sample.)

Pay just US$7.95 for the fully bookmarked 476-page Dread Thingonomicon (retail value $28). You get the .PDF in two versions, one optimized for printing and the second for screen reading. You also get all 73 chapters as separate text files.

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Bundle of Holding - Kenneth Hite's Cthulhu

Kenneth Hite's Cthulhu Bundle is an awesome self-gift for a Spooky October :)

Investigator! Kenneth Hite's Cthulhu Bundle is a new collection of diverse Cthulhu Mythos ebooks from Atomic Overmind Press by star tabletop roleplaying game designer Kenneth Hite.

Writer and game designer Kenneth HiteDesigner of Trail of Cthulhu, Night's Black Agents, Suppressed Transmission, and more than 70 other RPGs and supplements, Kenneth HIte has analyzed works of HP Lovecraft in treatises such as the two Tour de Lovecraft volumes, and has reimagined the Mythos in gaming sourcebooks like Dubious Shards, The Tarot of Cthulhu, and Adventures into Darkness. This new offer brings you all this Hite-ean erudition for an unbeatable bargain price.

For just US$14.95 you get all six titles in our Hite Collection (retail value $65) as DRM-free ebooks, including Tour de Lovecraft: The Tales, Expanded Edition and Tour de Lovecraft: The Destinations; three Mythos treatises drawn from our October 2013 Bundle of Tentacles – Cthulhu 101, Tarot of Cthulhu: Major Arcana, and Dubious Shards; and an alternate-history sourcebook describing Lovecraft's comic-book work, Adventures Into Darkness.

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Indigogo - Double Holiday Feature from Necromancer Games (OSR, C&C, 5e)

I've always enjoyed the various Frog God Games / Necromancer Games holiday-themed adventures. As we get closer to the holiday season, Necromancer Games has two such releases in one Indigogo.

The Feast of the Fork is the Thanksgiving Day release, while The Twelve Days of Christmas is (obviously) the Christmas release. 

The two releases' PDFs will "ship" in November, while the Print copies are expected in December.

Get ready to deck the halls with a double dose of festive thrills in Necromancer Games’ latest holiday adventure releases! This holiday season, we're bringing you two unforgettable quests that promise excitement, mystery, and a touch of magic!

Prepare for a celebration like no other in this exhilarating adventure written by Alasdair Cunningham. This adventure takes place in the rugged Northlands of the Lost Lands, on a small island where the Hardöen River forks under the might of the Andøvan Mountains. Here, the people can be as grim as the lands in which they dwell, and old angers can fester. In one case, a decades-old dispute between rival families decimated both sides until cooler heads finally prevailed. The peace is celebrated annually with a six-day long celebration known as the Feast of the Fork which is filled with bouts of ale-drinking, pie-eating, and singing … until the first body appears. A wandering shapeshifter named Shadovar hopes to open old wounds and set the families against each other once more. Can you thwart Shadovar's plans and restore peace to this beloved celebration?

This adventure is compatible with 5e, OSR, and Castles & Crusades and suitable for 4-6 adventurers (Tier 1, Level 3-4, and Level 6-8, respectively). 

In this thrilling adventure penned by Rhiannon Louvre, Old Father Yule needs help cleansing Yuletown of foul magic that corrupts the great Yule Tree and makes the citizens fall ill. If the town isn’t cleansed in time for the Yuletide, Father Yule won’t be able to deliver his gifts and blessings to all good children — possibly never again! Even more importantly, winter itself may fall into the domain of a terrible evil, a grave danger to all living things. In The 12 Days of Orcus it’s up to you to defeat the malevolent minions of Orcus and save Yuletown from an unthinkable fate. Will you rise to the challenge and restore the magic of the season? Your epic holiday adventure begins here!

Perfect for fans of 5e, OSR, and Castles & Crusades, this adventure invites 4-6 brave souls (Tier 2, Level 5-7, and Level 9-12) to confront an ancient evil threatening the very essence of Yuletown.

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Death Notice - James Carpio Has Passed

With great sadness, I must report that James Carpio has passed. I have no details yet of the cause of his passing, but James was a kind soul and well-loved in the gaming community and beyond. I have the honor that the only Swords & Wizardry game I ever played as a player was run by James himself. James recently offered to tutor me on the ins and outs of Streamlabs for recordings and live streams, and I regret not having had the time to take him up on his kind offer.

Rest well, James.

I will post an update when more info is available.

Shire Con 2024 Photo Recap

 Alas, there were no bids for the unopened copy of Dungeon Crawl I donated to Shire Con.  Art & Arcana and the Ogre Kickstarter box DID sell.

The shirts were from Bob G's Paranoia session. 

What an amazing time! My hat's off to Thom, the volunteers, the attendees, and the venue for the best Shire Con to date. As they've all been awesome, that says a lot ;)

ShireCon 2024 - Random Picture Dump - Friday September 27th

 

Kickstarter - Tome of Worldbuilding (Mythmere Games)

Matt Finch, the main man behind Mythmere Games, is best known for the Swords & Wizardry retro-clone, but Matt is virtually the Godfather of the OSR. What is often overlooked is he was one of the guiding hands behind OSRIC which helped kick off the old school renaissance as we know it.

Matt's current Kickstarter is the Tome of Worldbuilding, a system-neutral sourcebook to fuel your desire to create new worlds. As it's from Matt Finch, you know it going to be damn good.

30 bucks get you the Tome of Worldbuilding and the Nomicon (a book of names) in PDF. 55 bucks get you the Tome of Worldbuilding in Print plus PDF.

These sourcebooks for world creation are system-neutral, and can be used with any fantasy roleplaying game, of any edition.

The Tome of World Building is written by ENNIE-award winning author Matt Finch, author of the critically-acclaimed Tome of Adventure Design. Using the Tome of World Building, you can create fantasy worlds quickly and fill them out with a wealth of detail from the random-generation tables in this book.

This Kickstarter offers two high quality hardcover books to create a trilogy of creative power with the Tome of Adventure Design. The first is the Tome of World Building, allowing you to create maps, cultures, countries, wilderness regions, and all the history and backstabbing politics of a fantasy world. The second is the Nomicon, with tables to invent fantasy names for everything you'll generate using the Tome of World Building.

This book contains advice, real-world facts, systems, and LOTS of random generation tables to help you create a fantasy world for tabletop adventuring.

Want to know more? Join the live stream, Wednesday Night, September 25th, at 8PM ET 

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Bundle of Holding - Hackmaster

HackMaster is a solid OSR-style system, whether we are talking about the (parody) 4th edition or the now more than a decade-old 5th edition (which is what this current Hackmaster Bundle is all about).

Adventurer! We've resurrected (for a second time!) our March 2016 HackMaster Bundle featuring HackMaster, the tabletop fantasy roleplaying game from Kenzer and Company. Originally a parody introduced in Jolly Blackburn's long-running gaming comic Knights of the Dinner Table, HackMaster has evolved into a full-fledged, serious (well, semi-serious) FRPG. Once again this HackMaster offer – revived alongside our all-new companion offer from Kenzer, KoDT Trouble 7 – gives you everything you need for your own HM campaign, including all the core rulebooks, for an unbeatable bargain price.

For just US$12.95 you get all five titles in our Player Collection (retail value $57) as DRM-free ebooks, including the complete 405-page HackMaster Player's Handbook; two volumes of priest spells, Zealot's Guide: Book 1 and Book 2; and the adventures In the Realm of the Elm King and its sequel Legacy of the Elm King.

And if you pay more than the threshold price of $28.45, you'll level up and also get our entire Gamemaster Collection with three more supplements worth an additional $95, including the 370-page HackMaster GameMaster's Guide, the 387-page Hacklopedia of Beasts monster manual, and the campaign setting Frandor's Keep.

 

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Bundle of Holding - Knights of the Dinner Table, Bundle of Trouble 7

I've been reading Knight's of the Dinner Table off and on since the days of Shadis Magazine. I always snag the KotDT bundles when they appear on Bundle of Holding - they are simply amazing value for your dollar.

Hoody-hoo! This all-new KoDT Trouble 7 Bundle presents Jolly Blackburn's long-running comic about tabletop roleplaying games, Knights of the Dinner Table from Kenzer and Company. This "bundle of Bundles" gathers Knights of the Dinner Table Bundle of Trouble compilation volumes #61-70, collecting KoDT issues #219-258 (2015-2018), plus the Midnight Special. All these Trouble-some collections make it easy to pull up a chair, get to know HackMaster gamemaster BA Felton and his Knights, and enjoy the longest-running and most successful comic strip in RPG history.

For just US$24.95 you get all eleven DRM-free comics in our Troublesome Collection (retail value $151), including KoDT Bundle of Trouble 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70, along with a compilation of long-lost strips, the KoDT Midnight Special.

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Bundle of Holding - Baker Street RPG

Ever want to solve mysteries like Sherlock Holmes? Well, here's the opportunity for your gaming group to do exactly that.

Detective! We've resurrected our January 2022 Baker Street Bundle featuring the entire line of the Victorian investigative tabletop roleplaying game Baker Street: Roleplaying in the World of Sherlock Holmes from Fearlight Games. Sherlock Holmes is missing and presumed dead. In the Great Detective's absence, the stoic Dr. Watson asks you and your fellow intrepid investigators to solve the most baffling crimes in history. The wide-ranging investigations in these casebooks send you to rescue the Queen, face the Hound of the Baskervilles, solve the Jack the Ripper murders, and foil many other nefarious plans of crafty villains. Victorian streets, foggy nights, and crime most foul await.

For just US$19.95 you get all five titles in this revived offer's Detection Collection (retail value $80) as DRM-free ebooks, including the complete Baker Street: Roleplaying in the World of Sherlock Holmes core rulebook; Sherlock by Gaslight, a complete campaign about the Whitechapel murders; and three casebooks that together present 19 complete investigations: Baker Street Casebook #1, #2: Missions from Mycroft, and #3: Strange Cases & Distant Places.

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Humble Bundle - DeathWatch & Rogue Trader RPG Bundle

As mentioned earlier in the week, I'm a fan of Warhammer 40k fiction. Sometimes, you want to experience the universe of that fiction. You can do just that with the current DeathWatch & Rogue Trader RPG Bundle.

I suggest the $25 Bundle level, as you get everything, including the core books for both games.

From our friends at Cubicle 7, play your own role in the Warhammer 40,000 universe with two unique approaches to tabletop RPGs! In the Deathwatch line, you’ll be placed on the frontlines of the Imperium’s battle to spread humanity’s influence across the galaxy. In Rogue Trader, you’ll be thrust into the unknown regions of space searching for profit and plunder. Get core rulebooks for both experiences along with dozens of expansions, campaigns, and resource kits, and help support Children’s Health Ireland!

 

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Kickstarter- Dice Coins Reborn

An evolution of dice and coins that offers a more immersive gaming experience! Original Dice Coins reborn with a base unit & new size.

I like coins, especially fantasy coins, and like most gamers, I love dice. It's in my blood.

These Dice Coins are literally the dangerous combination of two of my loves.

You can snag one Dice Coin and a base from the Kickstarter for 24 bucks plus shipping, but if you are like me, you probably want the full set (with a base) for 99 bucks plus shipping. 

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Deal of the Day - Heckin' Good Doggos

Alright, an RPG about roleplaying dogs? I'm in, if only because I know my wife will be in 110%.

Today's Deal of the Day, Heckin' Good Doggos, usually is 10 bucks, but until tomorrow morning, it is $4.

Heckin’ Good Doggos is a family friendly, all ages role-playing game where the players take on the roles of humankind’s best friends: The dog! It is a game of "Dogs doin' Dog Stuff" that focuses on the kinds of stories and adventures dogs can get into such as:

Finding their favorite treats.

• Barking at that squirrel up in the tree.
• Finding their human Best Friend who has gone missing.
• Banishing an ancient spirit that threatens the neighborhood.
• Scavenging for supplies in a futuristic wasteland.
• And so much more!

Heckin’ Good Doggos is a game of make believe where players can experience the world from an animal’s point of view. Some things will seem familiar, like protecting their backyard from potential threats and protecting their owners, while others are purely fantastic and whimsical situations they find themselves in like helping a ghost resolve its business so it can leave this world. It is simultaneously serious and silly, with an emphasis on crafting scenarios that make players have a blast while also having to solve the many challenges they will experience in ways that only doggos can.

 

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Humble Bundle - Tales of the Space Marine Chapters 2024 Black Library

I've been a Black Library Warhammer fiction fan for years, but I prefer audiobooks over electronic copies. Humble Bundle bundles are a fantastic way to catch up for those who prefer digital copies.

Tales of the Space Marines Chapters 2024 is the latest Black Library Bundle. You get 24 digital books for 18 bucks - or six books for a buck.

Discover the fearless exploits of the Adeptus Astartes—the elite Space Marines of the Warhammer 40,000 universe—in this collection of novels & fiction from Black Library! This galaxy-spanning bundle gathers war stories of Chapters and squads from across the Imperium, charged with defending humanity against the relentless forces of Chaos. Explore the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and support EveryLibrary with your purchase!

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THANK YOU! For Supporting a Gaming Family!

This community repeatedly shows what it means to be a Gamer with a capital "G." I thank you all for giving and sharing in this time of need.

Quick update - Christopher Travis has hit his GoFundMe Goal of $2k (with The Tavern's match of $250 putting Chris over the line)

You can still give; I am sure any additional help will be appreciated.

Reminder: When you support The Tavern by using our affiliate links, you enable us to offer funding matches like we did with Christopher. Your money at work :)

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. The Tavern DOES NOT do "Paid For" Articles and discloses personal connections to products and creators written about when applicable.

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Backerkit - Gaslight Victorian Fantasy Revised and Expanded for 5E

Imagine a Victorian world, but not as history tells us it was, but as the literature implies that it was. Believe that the literature from the period was more than just stories; instead, it was first-hand accounts of the events that happened in the world.

At NTRPG Con this past June, I talked about the forthcoming Gaslight Victorian Fantasy Backerkit with Jonathan Thompson. I told Jonathan I was very much NOT a 5e player, but the more he pitched the setting, the more I was tempted. I am still very much NOT a fan of 5e D&D, but I do expect I'll be adding Gaslight Victorian Fantasy to my gaming shelves, digital and/or physical (but damn, I'm running low on space for new physical purchases)

Sixteen years ago, Jonathan M. Thompson and Stephen Miller introduced the world to Gaslight Victorian Fantasy. Battlefield Press is proud to bring you the revision that Jonathan was working on when we lost him. A fully updated and revised version for 5E Fantasy. This edition features an all-new cover brought to us by William W. Connors! 

Imagine a Victorian world, not as history tells us it was, but as the literature implies that it was. Believe that the literature from the period was more than just stories, but instead first-hand accounts of the events that happened in the world. Imagine a world populated by the lost boys of J.M. Barrie, the Beast Men of Dr. Moreau, and even tales of an immortal vampire named Dracula. Included in these are organizations bent on determining what is best for humanity, and they have launched a secret war against others so that only one will prevail. 

In Gaslight, you will find:

• A History of Gaslight Earth
• Races detailed for Gaslight Earth
• New interpretations of Victorian Economics, including both a cash and target-based wealth system 
• Rules for Social Standing
• Weapons and equipment from the Victorian era
• A Reliquary containing a few artifacts from the history of the Earth of Gaslight.
• A detailed Gazetteer and Timeline, including *NEW* information on other parts of the world, both the British Empire and its adversaries.  
• *NEW* Secret Organizations 

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Support a Gaming Family Facing Eviction

The below GoFundMe was brought to my attention by James Spahn (White Star and far more). The subject of the GoFundMe, as James told me, is:

Chris Travis has run the RPG Gamers Secret Santa tirelessly and thanklessly for years. He's having a shitshow of a situation and could use a hand.

There comes a time when help is needed, not just for yourself but for your family. Chris is having that time.

Support a Family Facing Eviction

It is Saturday night, September 14th, at approximately 10 PM ET. 

The Tavern will match the first $250 raised by members of The Tavern's Community by Monday night, September 16th, at 10 PM ET. The window is short because Chris has a brief time window to correct his violations.

Comment below if you donate or, if you wish to remain anonymous, email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that gmail thing with your donation amount. Please feel free to spread the word.