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Episode #45 - Answering Comments and ShireCon in the Fall
An episode of Tavern Chat
By erik tenkar
Support this podcast
"I listen to the Tavern Chat podcast every morning, sometimes I think its NPR, till the F bomb drops then I remember I am in geek heaven instead!" Enjoy a daily chat with your Old School Gaming Bartender :)
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Available on 13 platforms
Support this podcast
E313 - 100k Plays, A Big Kaboom & More Gaming
The Tavern Chat Podcast should surpass 100k plays sometime on 3/25/19. Woot! In the first session of James Spahn's new Swords & Wizardry Complete Campaign, we blew ourselves up. And I get to play in Tim Shorts' new campaign tonight. Support Tavern Chat https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 25, 2019
E312 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Owlbear (D20 Pro Virtual Table Top)
In this entry in the Designers & Makers series of Fireside Chats I sit down with Tobias / Owlbear of the D20Pro Virtual Table Top. We talk VTTs, gaming, systems and more. https://d20pro.com/ Support Tavern Chat https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 25, 2019
E311 - Bits & Pieces - Numbers, Wayward and Grabbing a Seat as a Player x2
Tavern Chat is less than 500 plays from 100k. The Tenkar's Tavern Discord has over 1800 members. Ernest Gary Gygax Jr.'s Marmoreal Tomb Campaign Starter Kickstarter hits more snags - detailed critical review forthcoming. Oh, and I'm going to be playing in not one but TWO OSR campaigns starting Sunday / Monday. As a player! Woot! Support Tavern Chat https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 23, 2019
E310 - Designers & Makers Fireside Chat with Alex Macris - Redux (New Release - Arbiter of Worlds)
Yep, I sat down, again, with Alex Macris, best known in the OSR for the Adventure Conquerer King System rules, to talk about his new release available on Amazon - Arbiter of Worlds: A Primer for Gamemasters https://amzn.to/2UPlfWp (note - this is an affiliate link and using such will support The Tavern) Link to the original Fireside Chat with Alex Macris https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/episodes/E258---Designers--Makers---Fireside-Chat-with-Alexander-Macris-AutarchACKS-e32h9c Support Tavern Chat https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 23, 2019
E309 - Talking Crit with Erik & Mike - Gary Con & More
This is the first of a weekly series called Talking Crit with Erik & Mike. Michael Badolato (Bad Mike) and myself (Erik Tenkar) are well known to be able to riff of each other for hours on end. We've been told we should take the show to the podcast airwaves and so we have. We talk Gary Con, a pulled Kickstarter, Paizo, WotC and whatever else catches our attention. Squirrel! Support Tavern Chat https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 22, 2019
E308 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Jeff "Jolhoeft" (Virtua Rasa VTT)
In today;s Fireside Chat I talk with Jeff "Jolhoeft" of the Virtua Rasa Virtual Table Top. We had some technical issues with the voice server on Discord while recording the first 25 minutes or so, but we ended the chat strong :) Basic Access to Virtua Rasa is free. We're trying to fund Virtua Rasa entirely with the community's support! We don't collect anything but your email address, and we don't sell anyone's personal information or send any unsolicited email — we only need your email to help you reset your password if you forget it. https://virtuarasa.com/vr/ Support Tavern Chat https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 21, 2019
E307 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Janet (World Anvil)
I sat down with Janet of World Anvil for a Fireside Chat. World Anvil is an amazing tool for authors, artists and most importantly for us, Gamemasters. Janet and I discuss the history of World Anvil and some of its many features. Best of all, its basic features are free :) https://www.worldanvil.com/about Support Tavern Chat https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 20, 2019
E306 - How Swords & Wizardry Light Came to Be or Ain't Retirement Grand?
There is a narrative going around the gaming community that I wrote Swords & Wizardry Light to steal the thunder from Swords & Wizardry Complete 3rd Printing. I figured its time to set the record straight. Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 18, 2019
E305 - Designers & Makers Fireside Chat with Courtney Campbell (Hack & Slash) Round Two
Today we bring back Courtney Campbell, he of the Hack & Slash blog and author of the recent Autarch release - Eyrie of the Dread Eye. (there is an affiliate link above. using the Tavern's affiliate links help to support The Tavern) Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 18, 2019
E304 - Found My Voice and Huge Kickstarter Roundup
Tonight I highlight well over a dozen really cool gaming Kickstarters. Google is your friend :) Strange New World Gazetteer: Weird Colonial Roleplaying Zine An RPG and OSR setting zine for adventuring in a strange fantasy version of colonial America. Fearsome creatures, witchcraft and weird. Xboat: a Traveller RPG 'zine A fanzine supporting the Traveller role-playing game. #ZineQuest Fantasy World Creator + APP: Modular tiles for TABLETOP RPG Write your adventure with the included APP, create maps and make them live with creatures token. REPRINTED and UPDATED VERSION DCC RPG Module: Reckoning of the Gods-Into the Shadow Realm Trespass into a parallel realm to heist the hoard of an ancient evil. A booklet of two level 3 DCC RPG adventures (adapts to any RPG). The City of Great Lunden A City Setting for Old School RPGs - The Midderlands setting compatible. Spiral Isles A pointcrawl adventure module for 5th Edition and Swords and Wizardry rulesets. Lost Classes and Cannibal Corpses - Two Original RPG Zines One Zine featuring re-imaginings of two character classes from proto RPG days. One adventure module. Terror of the Stratosfiend : A DCC RPG Zine A new tentacle and sorcery zine for the DCC RPG. (ZineQuest) Traveller RPG: The Journal of the Travellers Aid Society The Journal of the Traveller's Aid Society returns, in a brand new full colour, slipcase format. Wizard Burial Ground: A Dungeon-Punk RPG Book (Zine Quest) Prog Rock inspired Dungeon-Punk resource book full of plot hooks, monsters, NPCs, and magic items (Zine Quest) Metal Gods of Ur-Hadad Zine Returns! Four years in the making, the original Metal Gods team returns for three more issues of metal-fueled mayhem for the DCC RPG Draugr & Draculas An old-school RPG zine about undead vikings and vampires Mercenaries Spies & Private Eyes RPG by Michael Stackpole A New Edition of the rulebook for Mercenaries, Spies, and Private Eyes (MSPE) a modern role playing game by Michael Stackpole. Secrets of the World Harvesters An RPG adventure for DCC (Dungeon Crawl Classics) The Folio: Black Label #1 A fantasy adventure for a more refined RPG gamer in both classic AD&D and 5th Edition D&D formats.
March 17, 2019
E303 - Designers & Makers Fireside Chat with Aurelien (Koryo Hall of Adventures)
In today's entry in the series of Designer's & Makers Fireside Chats I sit down with Aurelien Laine, writer and designer of the forthcoming Koryo Hall of Adventures, a setting book and adventure seeds and hooks with a Korean twist. http://hallofadventures.com/ Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 16, 2019
E302 - Dramatic Reading of a Con Man Ken Email Exchange
Huge tip of the hat to Louis Desy Jr, without whose ability to engage Ken in conversation, this would not be possible. Thanks to Ken for bring Ken. Oh, and thanks to Spinward Traveler, the gift that keeps on giving...
March 15, 2019
E301 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Ben (Virtua Rasa VTT)
In this, the latest Designers & Makers Fireside Chat, I sit down with Ben from the Virtua Rasa Virtual Table Top. We talk VTTs and other gaming goodies.
March 14, 2019
E300 - I Got Fake Newsed By Frank - Oh, and its Episode 300!
So, apparently Frank was making a funny about the DNC being in Milwaukee in July. Ah well, I still appreciate my usual sources that send me links and screenshots, even if we did get punked ;) 300 episode 300 in 300 days - damn. 8 Fireside Chats in 8 days starting tonight. Double damn!
March 12, 2019
E299 - Frank Con, Con Man Ken and Con Crud - What a Day
Oh my. What a day. Rach and I returned from Gary Con earlier today. Not as early as it would have been if taxis had been running as usual at LGA. Getting on the wrong Select Bus and heading towards 106 Street in Manhattan wasn't helpful. I think I'm coming down with some con crud. Frank M wants to do a con in July and needs organizers. I also think he needs more time - its in 4 months. And the return of Con Man Ken.
March 12, 2019
Gary Con Fireside Chat with Rach
Gary Con Fireside Chat with Rach
March 11, 2019
E297 - Gary Con Day 3 and Ken Whitman Spins His Wheels with the Spinward Traveller Kickstarter
Rappan Athuk - The Mouth of Doom 3d Terrain was auction off at Gary Con earlier today. Tomorrow is my last day to run it. Ken Whitman gives the Spinward Traveller Kickstarter its first update in 2 1/2 years. You go Kenny!
March 10, 2019
E296 - Gary Con Day 2 - Unionized Demons Renovate Rappan Athuk's Mouth of Doom
We kicked off the Rappan Athuk: Mouth of Doom series of sessions at Gary Con this morning. The set up is a bit mixed up, but that's what happens when unionized demons are in charge of the renovations ;)
March 9, 2019
E295 - Kotaku Article on Gygax is Out - Fluff Piece Gone Wrong
The Kotaku article on Gail Gygax went live today. It was supposed to be a fluff piece for Gail, but instead it makes her look paranoid and in need of some professional help. The two paragraphs on me were interestingly full of inaccuracies. The only Memorial Gary needs is Gary Con.
March 8, 2019
E294 - Follow Up on Falling Down and Some Legal Thoughts on Trademarks
We have voicemails from Jason Hobbs and Joethelawyer as well as an anonymous (but known by me) email regarding falling from grace. Why listen to me when you can listen to my betters :)
March 6, 2019
E293 - Reporter Redux - Now With Secret Offensive Jokes
Yep, our reporter friend is back, now with secret screenshots of me making offensive jokes about Gail Gygax. As you might expect, I talk about the latest letter.
March 6, 2019
E292 - Designers & Makers Fireside Chat with VBWyrde Elthos RPG & Mythos Machine)
In tonight's Designer's & Makers Fireside Chat I sit down at the virtual bar with VBWyrde. VB has written his own RPG called Elthos but also a world building app / service called the Mythos Machine. We delve deep into the granularity of both and I begin to fanboy the Mythos Machine. You have been warned ;) Elthos RPG Website: https://elthos.com/ Elthos RPG Rules Books: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/9675/ElthosRPG or https://elthos.com/product/elthos-rpg-core-rules-book/ Mythos Machine - Live Site: https://mythosmachine.elthos.com/ Mythos Machine - Free Open Beta / Test Site: https://test.mm.elthos.com/ Mythos Machine - World Weaver's Strategy Guide: https://mythosmachine.elthos.com/OutwardDocumentation/WorldWeaverStrategyGuide.htm Elthos Project - Total Scope: https://elthos.com/elthos-project/ Questions can be directed to the #Elthos Channel on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server - link below Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 5, 2019
E291 - Are We at Fault? Have we Made Godlings out of Imperfect Heroes and Doomed them to Fall from Grace?
Are we at fault, at least to some extent, for the inability of our gaming heroes to admit to their own faults, their human weaknesses and instead encourage them them to do everything they can to save their image, an image we as a community have helped to create, even if it means mistruths, misdirection and worse being told to that very community? They are, after all, simply human but we don't allow them to ask for that very human gesture - forgiveness. Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 4, 2019
E290 - Wherein I Explain How I Came to My Conclusion over the Frank Mentzer Dragonsfoot Fiasco
I received an email (echoing many of the comments I've seen on Facebook and elsewhere) questioning my conclusions on the Frank Mentzer Dragonsfoot Fiasco based on the grounds that Frank is an honorable man that would not lie. I like Frank. Really. He was one of the first of the "old guard" to acknowledge me and the Tenkar's Tavern blog. That doesn't mean I ignore evidence because I like the man. In today's episode I give some insights into my background in handling investigations such as this. Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 3, 2019
E289 - Kickstarter Roundup - Lost City of Immersive Hexed Booze of the Metal Consortium
In today's episode I highlight seven interesting and currently funding Kickstarters. The World of the Lost Lands - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/froggodgames/the-world-of-the-lost-lands/description City of the Hobgoblin King: 3D Printable Fantasy RPG Terrain - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/700625190/city-of-the-hobgoblin-king-3d-printable-fantasy-rp/description Immersive Battle Maps for Tabletop Roleplaying Games - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/atlasmundi/immersive-battle-maps-for-tabletop-roleplaying-gam Metal Gods of Ur-Hadad Zine Returns! - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/400735011/metal-gods-of-ur-hadad-zine-returns/description Hex Tile content Add-Ons for MapForge map-making software - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/battlegrounds/hex-tile-content-add-ons-for-mapforge-map-making-s Cade's Big Book o' Booze - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1988380379/cades-big-book-o-booze/description Era: The Consortium Miniatures and 5th Anniversary - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadesofvengeance/era-the-consortium-miniatures-and-5th-anniversary?ref=37slcl Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 2, 2019
E288 - Frank M Posts a Rebuttal of Sorts to Facebook - I discuss a small piece of it
Frank Mentzer shared a post on Facebook addressing his Dragonsfoot drama and later Jessica Price accusations. Today I look at Frank's explanation for the Dragonsfoot situation and why it falls apart under scrutiny. https://www.facebook.com/frank.mentzer/posts/2166010183478721 Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
March 1, 2019
E287 - Voicemail Catch Up on the Zak S Drama
Between TotalCon and Fireside Chats, I've been neglecting voicemails. Today, we catch up on voicemails from Laramie (Tavern Mensch on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server) and Spikepit (Podcaster Supreme) Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 28, 2019
E286 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Thom Wilson (Throwi Games)
In this installment of the Designers & Makers series of Fireside Chats I sit down with Thom of Throwi Games. We talk Swords & Wizardry, Gamma World, Kickstarters, Frog God Games, Zines and more. http://www.throwigames.com/ https://www.rpgnow.com/browse/pub/7648/ThrowiGames?affiliate_id=1446 (affiliate link) Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 27, 2019
E285 - Designers & Makers - A Fireside Chat with Don of Hellebarde Games
Today I sat down with Don of Hellebarde Games. We talk Castle & Crusades, Gary Gygax, Troll Lords, Kickstarters and more. https://hellebardegames.com/ Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast https://anchor.fm/rich-fraser
February 26, 2019
E284 - Return from TotalCon & Back to Tavern Stuff ;)
Rach and I have returned from TotalCon, and it was good. Seriously, I don't know how I managed to miss it all of these years.
February 25, 2019
E283 - Mini Fireside Chat with Rach, Recorded Live at Total Con - Special Guest Angela, Con Director
TotalCon with Rach & Angela. It's a mini fireside chat with my wife Rachel, recorded live at the Frog God table at TotalCon 2019. Con Director Angela stops by and says hello.
February 23, 2019
E282 - Gen Con Bans Zak S - Do We Now Have a Slippery Slope?
Its been building over the last week and a half, but the un-personing of Zak S has pretty much been completed. I don't like Zak - I personally think he's a piece of shit. I just don't like companies banning and / or removing folks because they fear the small but vocal outrage brigade.
February 23, 2019
E281 - Total Con - Day 1 - Bar Talk with Lloyd Metchalf, Rocky Garner, and Stephan Pokorny
TotalCon. Beer. Bar. Talk.
February 22, 2019
E280 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with DasMachine (Lost Relic Industries)
In this episode in the series of Designers & Makers Fireside Chats I sit down with Brian / DasMachine of Lost Relic Industries, We talk about their current project - Swords & Shaman of Sonnegard (currently in a playtest beta), Kickstarters and more. https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/13997/Lost-Relic-Industries-LLC?affiliate_id=1446 (note - affiliate link) Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support https://anchor.fm/rich-fraser Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 21, 2019
E279 - Removing Day - Zak S Removed from 5e Consultant credits & Frank Mentzer Removed as Guest of Honor at Gary Con
Wow. The titles literally says it all. The "unpersoning" of Zak S continues. Frank Mentzer is no longer a Guest of Honor at Gary Con. Strange times there are. https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/news/dndstatement https://garycon.com/blog/2019/02/18/harbinger-unheeded/ Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support https://anchor.fm/rich-fraser Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 19, 2019
E278 - Designers & Maker - Fireside Chat with Krillion GreyDragon (D20Pro VTT)
On this episode of Tavern Chat we continue with our Designers & Makers series of Fireside Chats. Today I sit down at the virtual tabletop with Krillion GreyDragon. Krillion is a member of the D20Pro team. D20Pro is a virtual tabletop that allows folks from all over the world to play on a virtual tabletop. (VTT). Krillion and I talk VTTs, D20Pro, customer service, free online tools to make VTT tokens, gaming and board games and much more. https://d20pro.com/ Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support https://anchor.fm/rich-fraser Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 19, 2019
E277 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Sean of Smunchy Games
In this episode, I speak with Sean of Smunchy Games. We talk about an upcoming KS (Paths: Temple of Ukro'Kaahto) give players "a GM in a box." Color me VERY intrigued. We also talk about Kickstarter in general, surveying the marketplace, lowering the bar to the entry to RPGs and much more. https://smunchygames.com/ Support Tavern Chat - https://anchor.fm/tavernchat/support https://anchor.fm/rich-fraser Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 17, 2019
E276 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Rich Fraser (Rich Fraser Productions / Cockatrice Nuggets Podcast)
In this episode I sit down with Rich Fraser (podcaster and small publisher) We talk D&D from Basic to 5e and points between, podcasting (and Rich's podcast Cockatrice Nuggets) and other sundries. Links: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/256659/Nuggets-1?affiliate_id=1446 (note - affiliate link but product is free) https://anchor.fm/rich-fraser Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 17, 2019
E275 - Roll20 Got Hacked - 4 Million Account Records Listed for Sale Online
Yep, Roll20 (and a bunch of other sites) got hacked. 4 million Roll20 accounts are for sale (the bundle has a total of 127 million records for the bargain price of $14,500 in bitcoin.) Roll20 says passwords are safe and no financial data was stolen. https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/14/hacker-strikes-again/ https://app.roll20.net/forum/post/7209691/roll20-security-breach Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 15, 2019
E274 - Zak S Rebuts and a Stacy D Defense of Zak S from 2017 Resurfaces
Yep, its still going on. Zak S responded to Mandy's accusations late last night. A defense of Zak by Stacy D from Feb 2017 resurfaces. Hypocricy at its best. https://archive.is/cPSMA#selection-865.0-869.184 (Stacy D) https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/350822570058055701/545467418265255938/unknown.png?width=333&height=536 (Stacy D) https://officialzsannouncements.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-statement.html (Zak S) Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 14, 2019
E273 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Rob Conley (Bat in the Attic)
Today I sit down with Rob Conley of Bat in the Attic (both blog and publisher). We talk Traveller, Swords & Wizardry, Points of Light, Blackmarsh, Judges Guild, Wilderlands, LARPS, blogs and the like. http://batintheattic.blogspot.com/ http://www.batintheattic.com/ https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/2993/Bat-in-the-Attic-Games?affiliate_id=1446 (note - affiliate link - a portion of purchases help to support The Tavern) Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 14, 2019
E272 - DriveThruRPG Bans All Future Titles Associated With Zak Smith, Contessa Makes a Statement re: Zak
Yep, the title says it all. The fallout continues. https://oneblogshelf.blogspot.com/2019/02/drivethrurpg-responds-to-current.html http://www.contessa.rocks/blog/contessa-statement-on-zak-smith?fbclid=IwAR2AGCWjowuYL4ly7UrStkKRNJku0TcaqetMgKuP7_9xpqSleW5Zy-kj7Pk Links to all things Tavern: Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 13, 2019
E271 - I Look at an Assortment of Virtual Table Tops
I was all psyched to talk VTTs with a developer of the D20Pro VTT when we had to reschedule. So, why not talk VTTs anyhow ;) Excellent listing of VTTs - http://rpgvirtualtabletop.wikidot.com/the-vts Links to all things Tavern: Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 12, 2019
E270 - Morbid Mandy Accuses Zak S of Abuse
Seems like you can't spit without finding allegations of abuse by an RPG creator underneath where your spittle lands. Earlier this evening, Morbid Mandy, Zak S' recently ex-girlfriend, posted a very personal and revealing post of the abuse she claims to have suffered at the hands of Zak. You can find the claims here: https://www.facebook.com/amandapatricianagy/posts/10215845527064252 In today's episode, I talk a bit about the interactions I've had with Zak S online and why my experiences with Zak make Mandy's claims likely to be accurate in my view. Links to all things Tavern: Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 11, 2019
E269 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Puddles (Strange Gods Podcast)
Today I sat down for a fireside chat with Puddles of the Strange Gods Podcast (and soon to be released Swords & Wizardry / Blight Podcast). We talk gaming, cops shows, free range chickens, campaigns, TPKs and more. Oh, and I blush loud enough you should be able to hear it on the podcast. That's a first ;) Strange Gods Podcast - https://strangegodspodcast.com/ Links to all things Tavern: Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 9, 2019
E268 - Designers & Makers Fireside Chat with SagaNick (Saga RPG)
In today's episode of Tavern Chat I have a virtual fireside chat with SagaNick of Saga RPG Publishing. We discuss some Kickstarter strategies, Rappan Athuk and more. Link to Saga RPG products on RPGNow (note - affiliate link) https://www.rpgnow.com/browse/pub/6808/SagaRPG?affiliate_id=1446 Links to all things Tavern: Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 9, 2019
E267 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Courtney Campbell (Hack & Slash)
With this episode I have a fireside chat with Courtney Campbell of the Hack & Slash blog (among many other avenues of creativity.) We talk multiple income streams, creativity, love & hate, real life, drive, emotion, kickstarters, Con Man Ken, Gail, Gareth and everything under the sun. If you listen to only one episode on the Designers & Makers series of fireside chats, this might be the one to listen to. Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast Courtney Campbell Writer/Illustrator Support and Follow me! Hack & Slash Blog: http://hackslashmaster.blogspot.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hackandslash Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/agonarchartist/ DrivethruRPG Storefront: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/5597/Hack--Slash-Publishing Lulu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?contributorId=1205064 Keep up with what's going on! Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/Hackandslash Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hack.Slash.Master Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cccampbell/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hackslashmaster MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/courtney.campbell1
February 7, 2019
E266 - Spotify Buys Anchor & A Reporter Wants to Interview Me (I Declined)
Yep. Anchor is now part of Spotify. Holy shit, right? Then a reporter wants to interview me about Gail Gygax. Yep, its a fun ride ;) https://adexchanger.com/podcast/spotify-buys-two-podcasting-companies-anchor-and-gimlet-in-major-foray-into-the-space/ http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2019/02/interesting-exchange-i-had-with.html Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 7, 2019
E265 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Jerry (Frog God Games)
Today I had a fireside chat with Jerry - Noble Herald Frog of Frog God Games. We had some technical difficulties in the beginning, but thanks to Jerry switching to his cell phone and Pexx adjusting the bitrate we recovered. Jerry is a fine example of backing into a position with a gaming company. I happen to be another example ;) Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 6, 2019
E264 - Quick Looks at Eleven Zine Quest Zines on Kickstarter
I look at 11 Zines releasing during Kickstarter's Zine Quest Month. There are some must haves in the bunch. https://www.kickstarter.com/discover/advanced?woe_id=0&tag_id=346&sort=magic&seed=2582226&page=2 Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 5, 2019
E263 - I Really Hope You Aren't Using G+ for Your Blogger Comments - I Look at the Latest G+ Update
Yep, Google has a new update on the G+ shutdown on April 2, 2019 and its a doozy. Remember when Google pushed integrating G+ and Blogger comments? Well, bend over if you did because it aint pretty. Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 3, 2019
E262 - Milestones Oh My! Podcast, Discord and The Black Isle
Yesterday was the new high water mark as far as the Tavern Chat Podcast goes - over 1700 plays. The Tenkar's Tavern Discord server, where all of the live interviews take place is knocking on 1500 members. Oh, and the crowdsourced setting book, The Black Isle Gazetteer is now available in print for cost. Woot! Support the Tavern Chat Podcast on Patreon Read the Tenkar's Tavern Blog Join the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server RPG Breakfast Club Coast to Coast Podcast
February 3, 2019
E261-You Should Rarely Give Interviews to the Press - Trust Me, They Don't Care About Your Campaign
There are interviews and there are "interviews". I prefer to call what I do Fireside Chats as interviews seem both more formal and intrusive. When the press wants to interview you, even if it seems informal it WILL be intrusive. They have a story to sell and clicks to get clicked.
February 2, 2019
E260 - Catching Up with the Top 10 RPG Podcasts According to ENWorld
Its becoming rarer and rarer to find interesting articles on ENWorld. Not saying I found such today, but I might have ;)
February 1, 2019
E259 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Tyson (Smunchy Games)
In today's episode of The Tavern Chat podcast, I hang out with Tyson of Smunchy Games. I'm eagerly awaiting the board game/RPG hybrid. https://smunchygames.com/
January 31, 2019
E258 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Alexander Macris (Autarch/ACKS)
In this installment of the Designers & Makers series of fireside chats I sit down with Alex Macris, the main man at Autarch publishing and best known for the Adventurer Conquerer King System (ACKS). We talk awards, projects past and present, old Commodore 64 video games and more :)
January 30, 2019
E257 - Dungeons & Dragons - 45 Years Old and Strong as Ever
This past weekend - according to many on social media - Dungeons & Dragons celebrated its 45th birthday. 11 official versions (and countless hacks, clones and derivatives later) it is still going strong. Link to the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server https://discord.gg/aEMemPf
January 29, 2019
E256 - Follow Up on Aging in AD&D 1e, Savage Worlds Community Program and a Poopie Situation ;)
Spent the late morning and much of the afternoon dealing with a backed up sewer pipe. Ick! Voicemails from Joethelawyer Jeremy "frothof" regarding the aging table in the AD&D 1e DMG and the Savage Worlds Community program respectively.
January 28, 2019
E255 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Melkor (Strange Gods Podcast)
On today's episode I hang out with Melkor of the Strange Gods Podcast (and the fairly soon to be released Swords & Wizardry powered and Blight setting podcast) We talk old school, new school, OSR, Pathfinder ! & 2, 5e and more. Houserules and on the fly conversions. We forgot to bring the beer :(
January 27, 2019
E254 - New Recording Limits on Anchor & Savage Worlds Adventurer's Guild goes Live
Anchor now limits recording made via the web app to 30 minutes (doesn't effect mobile apps nor recording made with outside software) Pinnacle launches the Savage Worlds Adventurers Guild a bit differently then similar programs - less IP available for use but creators retain more of the royalties. https://support.drivethrurpg.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020874952-Savage-Worlds-Adventure-s-Guild-SWAG-Content-Guidelines
January 26, 2019
E253 - Looking at Aging in the AD&D 1e DMG
Today I look at the Aging section on page 16 of the AD&D 1e DMG. I don't ever recall moving my newly rolled characters through the Age Categories for ability score adjustments. Do you?
January 25, 2019
E252 - Designers & Makers - Kevin Watson/Dark Naga Games (Writer/Publisher)
In the latest episode in the Designers & Makers series of fireside chat I get to sit down with Kevin Watson of Dark Naga Games. We talk OSR & 5e as well as Kickstarters past, present and future.
January 24, 2019
E251 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Elfstar (Adventure & Computer Game Designer)
With this episode we present the latest in the Designers & Makers series of fireside chats. This time I chat with Elfstar, adventure and computer game designer. We hit on some hexcrawl/sandbox points of interest that may be of interest to others ;)
January 23, 2019
E250 - Woot! 250 Episodes in 250 Days
Yep, this is the 250th episode of the Tavern Chat podcast. We have a voicemail from JoeTheLawyer and I talk about what's currently in the hopper.
January 22, 2019
E249 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Robert/Sizzoul (Strange Gods Podcast)
In the latest of the Designer's & Makers series of interviews / fireside chat, I talk with Robert/Sizzoul of the Strange Gods Podcast and we learn more about the upcoming Blight/Swords & Wizardry podcast they have in the hopper ;)
January 21, 2019
E248 - Back in the Saddle Again - Spikepit and Tim Shorts Call In - Talking about Old School Modules
After two miserable weeks I'm finally feeling more like my old self. Catching up on all things Tavern related. Spikepit and Tim Shorts call the show. I mention some sources for old school styled adventures - detached covers and such.
January 20, 2019
E247 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Humble Joe / Izzy (Strange Gods Podcast)
In this episode of the Tavern Chat Podcast, we continue with the Designers & Makers series of "fireside chats". This time I sit down with Humble Joe / Izzy of the Strange Gods Podcast, am actual play podcast featuring Pathfinder (and soon to include a sister podcast featuring Swords & Wizardry). Join us, won't you? :)
January 18, 2019
E246 - Starting Spells for Magic-Users in AD&D 1e - Do You use the DMG Table on page 38?
The AD&D 1e Dungeon Master's Guide is glorious in the haphazard array of information that is presented within. One fine example of such is hidden on page 39 - ACQUISITION OF MAGIC-USER SPELLS - and the tables given for starting spells. Join me as I take a peek.
January 17, 2019
E245 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Skeeter Green (Bard's Gate)
Today I sat down with Skeeter Green, formerly of Frog God Games and currently with Skeeter Green Publishing. Skeet wraps up talking about his upcoming Kickstarter. Take my money already...
January 17, 2019
E245 - My 2019 New Year's Gaming Resolutions
I was asked privately what my New Year's gaming resolutions were for this year and they are simple - sorta. More gaming, more creating, simply more :)
January 16, 2019
E244 - Anchor Issues and a Look at the Latest Mythoard
Damn it but the Anchor web interface for recording is still offline. So, to my phone I do go. The latest Mythoard arrived today and it includes issue #1 of Gygax magazine signed by the whole crew. Woot!
January 15, 2019
E242 - Designers & Makers - Fireside Chat with Josh Beckelheimer (Swords & Wizardry One Sheets)
In today' s episode of the Tavern Chat Podcast we have the latest in the series of Designers & Makers "fireside chats". That's what we are calling it now. Josh talks about his venture into gaming, his relative youth, why one sheet adventures are a passion of his and future plans.
January 14, 2019
E241 - Gareth Gets an Update - A Posse Was Forming - Voicemails
Thank you all! Your support is and was amazing. Gareth's comment was deleted from Facebook but the screenshot lives forever at TenkarsTavern.com ;) Voicemails from Spikepit, JoeTheLawyer, Old Man Grognard and Chris Clark.
January 13, 2019
E240 - Gareth Skarka of Far West Shame Threatens to Punch Your Host in the Throat (& calls me names)
Ah, good old Gareth Skarka. He has more empty promises than a politician. Now, on social media, he has alluded to punching me "in the fucking throat" in addition to calling me some choice names. Why is he so upset? Because for the same seven years Far West has been late I've been publicly throwing his own words back at him. Guess that makes me a c-word ;P https://www.mutedhorn.net/far-west-delivery-estimates
January 11, 2019
E239 - Save Vs... More Podcast Talk... Voicemails from Spikepit & JoeTheLawyer. I feel like Poop :(
Final(?) follow up to the Vince Florio interview. Voicemails from Spikepit and JoeTheLawyer. Your host is now on antibiotics. Yes, its been that kind of a week.
January 11, 2019
E238 - Where I See the Anchor Podcast Community Now and in the Future
Yesterday's interview with Vince Florio has certainly been a discussion generator when it comes to the Anchor Podcast Community. Obviously, I use Anchor and I'm in its debt, as it lowered the entry bar to podcasting, much like Blogger lowered the entry bar to blogging. I suspect the influx of Anchor podcasts will level out once the new shiny has worn off. In this episode, I talk about where I think the Anchor community is right now and where I suspect it will eventually be.
January 10, 2019
E237 - Designers & Makers - I Hang Out with Vince Florio (Wild Games Productions)
In the latest Designers & Makers entry, I hang out with Vince Florio, podcaster, Youtube and game designer, Vince is the main man at Wild Game Productions and is the main designer of the ENnie award winning Mazes & Perils. He is also the man that introduced me to the world of podcasting. See, now you know who to blame ;) http://www.wildgamesproductions.com/
January 9, 2019
E236 - Did Gameplay Change Between AD&D 1e & AD&D 2e?
In today's follow up to Episode 231, Rich Frasier calls in to discuss parley and xp for gold. Is this where the rules as written encouraged a certain type of gameplay, and did the transition from 1e to 2e change the dynamic?
January 8, 2019
E235 - Thoughts on The Man in the High Castle
Some quick (and incomplete) thoughts on the Amazon Prime series Man in the High Castle. Last night's stomach bug may have enlightened me - or maybe that was just the fever and sweats ;)
January 7, 2019
E234 - Designers & Makers "Fireside Chat" with Omer Golan (Stellagama Publishing)
In today's episode of The Tavern Chat Podcast I hang out with Omer Golan of Stellagama Publishing. Omer has a number of releases in support Stars Without Number and White Star but is perhaps best known currently for Cepheus Light, a reworked and reedited version of Cepheus, which is itself an OGL clone of Mongoose Traveller 1e. Come for the Traveller talk, stay for the AD&D 2e observations ;) . Above includes an affiliate link. Affiliate links keep the beer cold at all things Tavern.
January 6, 2019
E233 - Designers & Makers - I Sit Down with Ian McGarty of Silver Bulette Publishing
Today we have the next installment in the Designers & Makers series of interviews. I am actually loath to call them interviews at this point, as they have turned more into friendly chats than scripted interviews. This time I sit down with Ia McGarty of Silver Bulette Publishing. You can find their releases here - https://www.rpgnow.com/browse/pub/11366/Silver-Bulette?affiliate_id=1446 And yes, that is an affiliate link. When you use our affiliate links, your purchases help support The Tavern.
January 5, 2019
E233 - Not So Wondrous Tavern Chat Episode 2 - Pub Con 0.1 - Scouting a Potential Locations
JoeTheLawyer, Rach and myself had lunch at my local pub, which is also the possible location to host a potential Pub Con. Hilarity ensues ;)
January 4, 2019
E231 - Defeat Doesn't Need to Equal Death for Your PCs
As was discussed earlier in the Tavern Chat weekly hangout on our Discord server, too often we see character defeat equal death. Retreat and capture rarely if ever seem like options and perhaps they should be.
January 3, 2019
E230 - Potential Pub Con Talk before getting Stealth Bombed by My Cat
Happy New Year! The first week of 2019 will include more Designers & Makers interviews, hanging with JoeTheLawyer to scout out a potential Pub Con location and apparently also included my cat Ashley pooping a big one as I look to wrap up the episode. I hope that a good sign for the rest of the year ;P
January 2, 2019
E229 - Its New Year's Eve! - Closing Out 2018 and Looking Forward to 2019 with All Things Tavern
Time to wrap up 2018 and look forward to 2019. A look at where we are and where we are going with all things Tavern related.
January 1, 2019
E228 - Avengers Infinity Gauntlet & More Thoughts on Artifacts & PC Defeat vs Death
Tim Shorts calls in with his thoughts on artifacts and I use Avengers Infinity War as an example as to how to use use an artifact as a campaign plot device. Then i go off the rails and discuss why I think defeat shouldn't always mean PC death.
December 31, 2018
E227 - Designers & Makers - I Hang With Jason Hobbs (Hobbs & Friends, Hex Talk, Random Screed)
This morning we recorded another in a series of interviews with Designers & Makers in tabletop gaming. With this episode I hang with Jason Hobbs, of the Ennie nominated Hobbs & Friends of the OSR, Hex Talk and Random Screed podcasts. Jason and I have been friends for a while and it was great to catch up with him :)
December 29, 2018
E226 - I Dig Deeper into the AD&D 1e DMG and dig up some Artifacts & Relics
In my experience, one of the most abused aspects of AD&D 1e was the Artifacts & Relics in the DMG. While the DMG was often treated like a Sear Catalogue among many players, the Artifacts & Relics section took that to 11 (Spinal Tap for the win)
December 29, 2018
E225 - Did You Say "Intelligent Sword?" - I Dig Into the AD&D 1e DMG
Intelligent Swords were both boon and bane in my early days of gaming.
December 28, 2018
E224 - Post Christmas Voicemails from Prior to Christmas - Go Figure ;)
Christmas is now in the rearview mirror and we're catching up on voicemails. JoeTheLayer and Laramie the Tavern Mensch call the show.
December 27, 2018
E223 - Merry Christmas and Thank You
Its Christmas Day. Time to thank those that have added positively to your experience. No, I'm not referring to XP either ;)
December 26, 2018
E222 - Christmas Eve with Pinky (My Niece)
My niece Pinky joins me on this episode of Tavern Chat to talk about some of the gifts she has received thus far (dice!) and somme of her plans for 2019. Hint: it includes Swords & Wizardry Light
December 25, 2018
E221 - It is Time for the Majority of Gamers to be Heard. Support That Which You Love
Sadly, it doesn't stop. Since yesterday's episode, Stacy has now gone so far as to insinuate that violence maybe be used to achieve her goals (what those goals are exactly, aside from attacking Gary Con, Bill Webb and the OSR are ill defined. We've allowed her to be the only voice for too long. Its time to defend our hobby, our creators, our publishers, our conventions and our communities. Speak up!
December 23, 2018
E220 - The OSR is Under Attack - Roll for Initiative!
The attempted boycott of Gary Con continues. The target is no longer one guest, or one convention - the whole of the OSR is under attack by Stacy Dellorfano. You can stand by and do nothing, or you can support the creators, conventions and communities that are part of the larger OSR.
December 23, 2018
E219 - Coming Soon - Starfinder Beginner Box - I Do So Love the Format
Paizo is releasing a Starfinder Beginner Box. I love the format and its something we've seen in the hobby since D&D Basic. I want mores! https://paizo.com/products/btq01wrs?Starfinder-Beginner-Box
December 21, 2018
E218 - Designers & Makers - I Interview Douglas Cole (Gaming Ballistic)
In this episode of the Designers & Makers series of interviews, I talk with Douglas Cole of Gaming Ballistic. We talk GURPS, OSR, Kickstarter, usable unarmed combat rules for OSR gaming, as well as Doug's current Kickstarter - Lost Hall of Tyr (2nd Edition) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2101297466/lost-hall-of-tyr-2nd-edition-maps-and-print-run
December 21, 2018
E217 - Designers & Makers - I Talk with Zach Glazar (Frog God Games)
Today I interviewed Zach Glazar (Frog God Games). No Hawk the Slayer question, because the man has never seen the movie. Sigh. Support The Tavern at https://www.patreon.com/tenkarstavern.
December 20, 2018
E216 - Unboxing the new Call of Cthulhu Starter Set
I received the new Call of Cthulhu Starter Set today. Its Tavern Chat's first unboxing and it's an awesome product. 24.95 for the box with free PDFs with purchase.
December 19, 2018
E215 - Designers & Makers - I Talk with Carl Heyl (Save or Die Podcast)
In this instalment of the Designers & Makers series of interviews, I talk with Carl Heyl of the Save or Die and The Crusader Podcast. Yes, we even talk Hawk the Slayer ;)
December 18, 2018
E214 - I Found Myself Agreeing with Stacy D and Then...
Someone pointed me to a blogpost from Stacy D of Contessa from 2016 and I found myself nodding my head in agreement. But then I was reminded of her current call to boycott Gary Con and I realized she lacked the conviction to follow her own words and stated rules. http://www.contessa.rocks/blog/founders-forum-the-future-of-contessa
December 17, 2018
E213 - Designers & Makers - I Talk with Tom Knauss (Writer/Freelancer/Frog God Games)
On today's episode of the Tavern Chat Podcast, I talk sit down across the virtual table with Tom Knauss, best known for his work as a writer for Frog God Games. We talk RPGs, art, Hawk the Slayer and more ;)
December 15, 2018
E121 - Follow up to Hawk! News - New D&D Show Starring Daredevil's Deborah Ann Woll
Tim Shorts calls the podcast. Designers & Makers Networking Group kicks off on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server. Daredevil's Deborah Ann Woll to headline a new D&D show for streaming. New drama, same drumbeat. Link to the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server: https://discord.gg/fReGmuD
December 15, 2018
E211 - Hawk the Slayer - I Finally Watched from Beginning to End
Yep, apparently I never actually watch Hawk the Slayer in its entirety until this morning. You can find it to stream on Amazon (3 bucks to rent / 10 to buy) Its a fun movie so long as you go into it accepting its limitations - low budget, poor acting, lame special effects, and a horrid script. Pass me the beer and popcorn please!
December 13, 2018
E210 - Designers & Makers #1 - Interview with Michael "BadMike" Badolato (NTRPG Con/Frog God Games)
Today we kick off the Designers & Makers series of interviews (with about 40 interviews currently on the grid over the next three months). Michael "BadMike" Badolato has the notoriety of being our first guest in the series. BadMike is one of the main guys behind the NTRPG Con, works for Frog God Games and does his own business selling old school games on eBay. Join us as BadMike answers "Ths Five Questions" after which we free range a bit ;)
December 12, 2018
E209 - Episode Zero of Designers & Makers - Wherein Your Bartender Interviews Himself ;)
We'll be kicking off the Designers& Makers series of interviews in the next couple of days, but to prepare folks for what's in store, I asked myself (and answered) the five questions that will be asked of all. These are not the be all and end all of the questions, but simply a common baseline. Enjoy :)
December 12, 2018
E208 - 52.5 Million G+ Accounts Exposed to Private Data Breach Bug, Shutdown Moved Up to April 2019
Google has proven to be an unreliable custodian of personal data, with 52.5 million accounts' personal data exposed.
December 11, 2018
E207 - Podcast Nominations at ENWorld and some Minor Rants
ENWorld is looking for nominations of the Best Podcasts of 2018. I rant a bit about the LotFP Referee Book and Far West, then look at the POD of the AD&D 2e rulebooks on DriveThruRPG.
December 10, 2018
E206 - Annual Tavern Meeting Roundup and a Look at ENWorld's Most Anticipated Games of 2019
Last night was the first annual Tavern meeting. We are on pace for an amazing 2019. ENWorld has posted the results of its most anticipated games of 2019 - any wonder the pic on the ENWorld splash page is number 10 on the list - but their own release.
December 8, 2018
E205 - What's Your Experience with Experience Points?
Much like Hit Points, Experience Points do not have a direct relationship with the real world. Sometimes a game must be seen from the game's perspective.
December 8, 2018
E204 - So, What Exactly are Hit Points in AD&D?
Today we look at page 82 of the AD&D 1e DMG and discuss Hit Points. If the class will open their DMGs and follow along ;)
December 6, 2018
E203 - Languages in AD&D 1e - Even the Dumbest Thief Starts Out with Three. Why?
Ever since last night, some of the language rules in AD&D 1e have been irking me. Alignment tongues, Druid and Thief languages, nine starting languages for elves (ten if they are a thief) - this and more make me question how language was used in 1e.
December 5, 2018
E202 - News - She Bleeds update and an OSR Survey
James Raggi gives us an update on the She Bleeds controversy and I have some issues with a current OSR survey.
December 5, 2018
E201 - Zero or More Copies of She Bleeds are Allegedly Destroyed - But No Details as to By Who
I posted about the alleged destruction of Zero or more copies of the LotFP release of She Bleeds by an unidentified warehouse (Raggi claims he knows the warehouse and the numbers are unknown and could be Zero). With some additional information I dig deeper, and the more we know, the less we know.
December 3, 2018
E200 - The Not So Wondrous Tavern Chat Episode One, With Special Guest JoeTheLawyer
Join JoeTheLawyer, Rach, Judd & myself as we record a live episode of The Not So Wondrous Tavern Chat at the Faile Pun on West 33rd Street in NYC. We had a great time recording this episode and we hope you'll have a great time listening :)
December 3, 2018
E199 - OSRChristmas Kicks Off & a Follow up on The Common Tongue
Yep, OSR Christmas kicked off today. Go to tenkarstavern.com for more details on how to be gifted. Also, I read some comments from the blog side about the common tongue.
December 2, 2018
E198 - How Common is the Common Tongue?
I talk about my thoughts on the Common Tongue as it is used in most "Old School" RPGs
November 30, 2018
E197 - A Look at Using Mundane Items in Your Fantasy Gaming
Pexx brought this up earlier today on The Tavern's Discord Sever - Favorite mundane items and why? I poke around the topic a bit.
November 30, 2018
E196 - Do you Use Spells with No Save Against your Player Characters?
JoeTheLawyer calls in with an interesting observation regarding spells with no saves (Cloudkill, Powerword Kill, Sleep, etc). I respond with thoughts of my own.
November 28, 2018
E195 - Save or Die? Maybe, but what else can we do?
Save of Die sounds great, but it takes some of the true challenges out of the game IMHO. Character death generally needs more meaning, and random death by Save or Die lacks that in my eyes
November 28, 2018
E194 - Planning a Tenkar's Tavern Pub Gathering on Dec 2 - Kicks Off Noon at the Complete Strat
JoeTheLawyer and I have finalized plans for a Tenkar's Tavern Pub Gathering on Sunday, Dec 2 at Noon. We move to Stout across the street after a wee bit of shopping. First round is on me. We are at 10 gifters for OSR Christmas and the emails keep coming in. I talk a bit about the Dreams of Mythic Fantasy OSR News Blog and a bundle price on the Far Away Land RPG.
November 27, 2018
E193 - It's Beginning to Look Like OSR Christmas, Everywhere You Go!
JoeTheLawyer and I plan to hit the Complete Strat in Manhattan next Sunday, December 2, and then follow up with some beers at a local pub - and record a podcast episode. Join us if you can. Also, OSR Christmas is coming up. Don't be left out.
November 26, 2018
E192 - News - There is Now a Gygax Game site - But They Don't Mention FIG (Alex does have a sidegig)
Voicemails and then a peek at the brand new Gygax Games website. What it doesn't say speaks volumes...
November 25, 2018
E191 - Tegel Manor is Live on Kickstarter - and some more Black Friday Sales
Tegel Manor is live on Kickstarter, raising over 17k in less than 3 1/2 hours. Give it a peek - it looks damn good. Also, some more Black Friday sales for your shopping pleasure.
November 23, 2018
E190 - Thanksgiving & Black Friday Sales for the RPG Gamer
It's Thanksgiving. Do you use holidays and their associated celebrations in your RPG Campaigns? Also, its time for some Black Friday sales :)
November 23, 2018
E189 - Tavern Plans for 2019
I sat down with Pexx today to go over some of the plans for all things Tavern in 2019. It should be a good year :)
November 22, 2018
E189 - Dreams, Crossovers and the Sunsetting of the RPGNow Storefront
Its a news episode of sorts. I discuss a future crossover episode that will be recorded with JoeTheLawyer and others, the return of the Dreams of Mythic Fantasy blog and the soon to be closing of the RPGNow Storefront. https://dreamsofmythicfantasy.blogspot.com/
November 21, 2018
E187 - The Games You Own vs The Games You Play vs The Games You Want to Play
I blame Joe the Lawyer for today's topic. I own far more RPG material than I will ever play or even read for that matter and yet have games I want to play that I have yet to do so.
November 19, 2018
E186 - TARGA - Its History, Its Death and an Inside View - Are We Doomed to Repeat?
I apologize in advance for the extra-long episode. As I was putting the pieces of the episode together, I discovered a post on our very own TenkarsTavern.com from 2014 that shed further light on the battle for the soul of TARGA, from the one that fought said battle. Additional material is at the end of the episode. It was too relevant to not include. I touch upon the current OSR logo drama too.
November 18, 2018
E185 - Does the Graphic Define the OSR or Does the OSR Define the Graphic? Does the Graphic Matter?
Voicemails on Mundane Magic kick us off. It really seems to have an audience. Then we address Stuart R's OSR Logo / Graphic and whether it was ever really needed. I think a TARGA follow up episode will be needed.
November 17, 2018
E184 - Mundane Magic - Spells and Items - Why is This Overlooked in Most Fantasy RPGs?
I got it into my head today to think about mundane magic. I understand why RPG rulebooks focus on the magic aimed for adventuring, but in societies where magic replaces technologoy, wouldnt there be more mundane uses?
November 17, 2018
E183 - I Tell a Story of Mid 80s Convention Play, Rules Lawyering and the Mantra "Don't be a Dick"
I'm not sure if I actually made my save vs Con Crud. It may be a delayed reaction. Back in 86 or 87, I went to my first gaming convention at Columbia University in Manhattan. It was one of the few times I've up and up "rules lawyered" and I probably use my druid's Rock to Mud spell in a way the rules as written did not expect.
November 16, 2018
E182 - There's a Humble Bundle for Warhammer & 40k Audio Fiction - and one with Digital Talisman Too
Its not often that I talk about something that is time sensitive, but both the Warhammer / Warhammer 40k Audio Collection and the Warhammer / Warhammer Digital Games Collection have about 6 days left as this episode releases. If you enjoy the fiction or the digital games set in the Warhammer settings, it's hard to pass up. https://tenkars-tavern.games/warhammer - A portion of sales made via this link goes to support The Tavern
November 14, 2018
E181 - A True Story and a Possibly True Story of the TSA - Who Watches the Geeks that Watch Us?
The adventures of a gamer going to and returning from a game convention. Someone made a huge luck roll - allegedly...
November 14, 2018
E180 - Home, Tired and Thoughts on How to Combat Con Crud (and other offenses)
I flew home from Madison and boy are my arms tired. My legs, back, and body overall have joined in. I have some ideas on how to combat Con Crud as well as some ideas on personal hygiene at cons. Stinking Cloud spell is not the effect you want.
November 13, 2018
E179 - GameHole Day Four Wrap with Random Thoughts and Observations
Gamehole Con has wrapped up. As we await the yearly Frog God Dinner, I give my final thoughts on Gamehole VI.
November 11, 2018
E178 - Gamehole Con Day 3 - Down The Well and Other Adventures
Gamehole day three is coming to an end. Huge thank you to Phil Reed of Steve Jackson Games for adding goodies to The OSR Christmas Swag Bag. I had a blast running The Mouth of Doom this morning with a truly challenging group. Shout outs to everyone that took the time to say hello.
November 11, 2018
E177 - GameHole Day Two with Bad Mike, Ben Barsh, Zach Glazer and Rach
I hang out and discuss Gamehole and related stuff with Bad Mike, Ben Barsh, Zach Glazer and my wife Rach. Ambient noise supplied by Dwarven Forge ;)
November 10, 2018
E176 -GameHole Day One - Sales, Ciders & Community
Day One of GameHole Con is wrapping up. I'm blessed to have met many members of the Tavern's community today. Oh, and nice S&W sales. Did I mention cider?
November 9, 2018
E175 - As I Get Ready to Head to GameHole, I Talk a bit about Running Convention RPG Sessions
More follow up on game balance with two new voicemails. Then it's on to running games and conventions and how it differs from home campaigns.
November 7, 2018
E174 - Balance Scmalance! Its all in the Way You Play the Game
Yesterday's episode about game balance was well received. We have four voicemails on the topic, or rather, two voicemails each from two listeners. They both make good points and I follow up on both.
November 6, 2018
E173 - But we Decide which is Right and which is an Illusion - I talk briefly about Game Balance
Love me some Moody Blues. I talk a bit about game balance and why I think the true balance belongs not in the rules but in the adventures.
November 5, 2018
E172 - The Music in My Head is at Your Gaming Table - E171 Followup
Wow. Some amazing feedback on yesterdays episode about music and ambient audio at the RPG table. I respond to some voicemails from the listeners.
November 5, 2018
E171 - Do You Use Music and / or Sound Effects in Your RPG Sessions?
JoeTheLawyer had an interesting question - do you use music and or sound effects in your RPG sessions? I talk about my experiences, my thoughts and I seek your feedback.
November 4, 2018
E170 - Episode #1 of the TavernSpike Podcast - Join "SpikePit" and Myself on a Podcast Crossover
It has finally happened. There has been a melding of worlds. A mashing of podcasts. Yep, this is the first in a series of "podcast crossovers". Today, I hang with Colin "SpikePit" Green. We touch on many topics related to gaming, geekdom and beyond. Enjoy the podcast that spans both sides of the "pond" ;)
November 2, 2018
E 169 - OSR Podcasts Unite - Very Positive Feedback on the Cross Promo Idea
Wow. Three voicemails, all enthusiastic about the cross promotion idea for the various OSR podcasts. Can I get a Huzzah!?! Did I mention tomorrow's episode will kick the whole thing off? Welcome to TavernSpike :)
November 2, 2018
E168 - Just How Easy IS Anchor? So easy your Bartender can do it on a Daily Basis
Joe the Lawyer left me a voicemail on my cell phone asking questions about Anchor and its ease of use. Sadly, the voicemail is not downloadable, but it did lead me to answer Joe's inquiry in today's episode. Simply put, Anchor is downright simple - or as complicated as you want to make it,
October 31, 2018
E167 - DnD Sports is now RPG Sports - Would you choose Tissue Paper over Kleenex? Me Neither
Tim Shorts follows up on my idea of cross-promoting the various OSR podcasts. On the news side of things. DnD Sports is now RPG Sports, supposedly because there is such a huge push to expand beyond D&D. Don't you beleive it...
October 30, 2018
E166 - I Fall Into the Spikepit and Spitball some Ideas for Cross-promotion of Some OSR Podcasts
Colin (AKA Spikepit) asks a question about self-promotion. I answer with some thoughts on cross-promotion. Let me know what you think about the ideas I through out.
October 30, 2018
E165 - Horror in My White Box? I Want Horror on My Fantasy White Box!
Ont the blog side I asked about folks running horror-themed games for the Halloween season. Tonight, I spitball some ideas to add some OSR horror, via Joe Salvador's Eldritch Tales, to a more standard fantasy setting. Lets see where I meander to...
October 29, 2018
E164 - A Look at Multi and Dual Classing in the AD&D 1e Player's Handbook
I still have my AD&D 1e Player's Handbook by my desk. Today, I look at multi and dual classing in the 1e rules (as well as question why certain races had NPC clerics only) - edit - episode was blank - re-recorded with my niece ;)
October 27, 2018
E163 - An OSR Star Trek Ruleset - Starships & Spacemen 2e
We have two voicemails in response to reading history from your old gamebooks. Then I look at Starships & Spacemen 2e - the OSR Star Trek substitute.
October 26, 2018
E162 - Reading the History of my Original AD&D 1e Player's Handbook
I pulled my original copy of the AD&D 1e Player's Handbook off my shelves to "read its history." Some pieces it revealed surprise even me ;)
October 25, 2018
E161 - Finding Hidden Treasures in Second Hand RPG Acquisitions
Glen Halstrom left a voicemail with an interesting note - he picked up an RPG book second hand and it included the prior owner's unique map for their fantasy world. I find that the little extras - notes, remarks, names and even underlining, imparts a sense of history with some second-hand RPG purchases. What are your thoughts? You can leave a voicemail at (347) 509-5168
October 24, 2018
E160 - Kickstarter Roundup - Blighted Dice and Giant Wine
We have voicemails from Glen Halstrom and Chris Clark. We peek at Island of Blight, In Vino Gigantus and Dice of Unusual Size. I then rant about Far West. Ah, sweet ranting, you will be mine! ;)
October 23, 2018
E159 - ENWorld Commenting and Chit Sheets, Oh My!
Yep, I commented on a thread over on ENWorld yesterday, because inaccurate statements regarding D&D editions really annoy me. Lo and behold, I never knew I had a "chit sheet" in one of my Basic Boxes.
October 22, 2018
E158 - The Birth of the RPG Breakfast Club - The Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server
This episode is going up late because this morning was the first RPG Breakfast Club hosted chat on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server. I talk about this morning's chat as well as other hosted chat's throughout the week (and more in the future) on The Tavern's Discord Server. If you enjoy this podcast, you'll probably enjoy popping into a scheduled chat or two with us ;)
October 21, 2018
E157 - The Complete, Untold Story Behind the Origins of Swords & Wizardry Light
Man, the amount of tinfoil hats in our corner of the hobby is simply amazing at times. No, Swords & Wizardry Light was not written to usurp legitimacy and authority from Swords & Wizardry Complete. How could it? They are both published by the same company. No, Swords & Wizardry Light was not written to "dumb down" the OSR and lead to its destruction from within. It was written to lower the barriers of entry to the OSR. Gather around children and your bartender will tell you the true story of the Origins of Swords & Wizardry Light...
October 20, 2018
e156 - The Pinky Interview - My Seven Year Old Niece Talks Dungeons, Dragons and Imagination
Shannon has been asking Uncle to interview her on the podcast pretty much since i kicked off the podcast. Today was another day of Uncle duties, as Shannon has an ear infection to go along with her chest cold. We decided to do the "interview" today. She had so much fun, she wants to do it monthly ;)
October 19, 2018
E155 - Confessions of an RPG Hoarder
My niece has gotten me to go hot-n-heavy when it comes to cleaning out the living room. In doing such, I've unearthed a large amount of partially forgotten RPG material I've acquired as well as identified a significant amount of duplicates. Do you have RPG hoarding tendencies? How do you cope with such if you do?
October 18, 2018
E154 - Wherein I Talk a bit about Swords & Wizardry
Still fighting a cold. Currently serving out my Uncle Duties. Thanks to Colin, I talk about Swords & Wizardry ;)
October 17, 2018
E153 - I Guess D&D eSports IS a Thing! DnD Sports is Coming to a Twitch Near You
Way back in Episode 70, I talked about how Hasbro's CEO mentioned D&D eSports, and everyone said that the CEO didn't know what he was talking about and I was being foolish for even mentioning it. Well, take a peek - https://dndsports.tv/news/what-is-dndsports/
October 16, 2018
E152 - The Times, They are a Changin' - but I still have a cold ;)
Yep, I'm still a miserable fuck, having woken up 1130 in the morning - damn cold. The Tavern has been around for nearly 10 years. I expect it will be around for many more 10s of years. If you look at the history of the Tenkar's Tavern blog, you'll see it has always been in a process of change. Pexx over on the Discord side of all things Tavern is indexing those nearly 10 years of blog posts, and just a few months in he's already seeing changes. Growths. Missteps. All part of the process. All that which will bring us where we are, not just yesterday, but today and tomorrow too. Yes, change sucks. Yes, change is great.
October 15, 2018
E151 - Thoughts and Ideas on The Tavern 3.0
I posted on Saturday Night on the blog side about some enhancements I'm looking to do on the blogside of things to help the community get more involved. Feedback was great, especially in regards to the future platform(s) I should explore.
October 15, 2018
E150 - Would You Groo?
Voicemails, emails and Groo talk. What better way to celebrate 150 episodes of Tavern Chat?
October 13, 2018
E149 - Followup to E148 - Delving into the Preface of the AD&D 1e DMG - Comments & a Phone Call
There was a lot of feedback to E148 was passionate. Three comments on the blogside and a phone call from Chris Clark himself. Guess I need a Google Number for longer voicemails :) I respond to all.
October 12, 2018
E148 - Delving into the Preface of the AD&D 1e DMG
Fourth time is the charm ;) I delve into the preface of the AD&D 1e DMG, an interesting read, even if it appears a bit contradictory.
October 11, 2018
E147 - Kickstarter Roundup for October 10, 2018 - Dice, Wands, Bunnies, Airships, Mutants, Oh My
Our Kickstarter Roundup is a day late, so we cover not five, not six, but seven current Kickstarters: Bunnies and Burrows, Phantasmagoria #1, Dragon-Slayer: RPG & Cosplay Wands, Dragon Scales - Dual Drake Metal Gaming Dice, Calidar "On Wings of Darkness", Mutant Mayhem Minis, and "Table Breakers" - Super Heavy Solid Metal Poly Dice Set.
October 10, 2018
E146 - Google to Shut Down G+ After Exposing User Info - OSR Migration has Started to MeWe
What do you do if you expose the user info of half a million of your users? Shut down the service, that's what. Google has given G+ users a 10-month warning that its social media platform is going the way of the dodo. Most migration in the OSR Community appears to be heading towards MeWe. https://www.tenkarstavern.com/2018/10/google-plus-to-come-to-end-august-2019.html https://www.tenkarstavern.com/2018/10/the-mass-migration-of-osr-from-google.html
October 9, 2018
E145 - Level Draining - Is It the Result of an Overwrought & Drunk DM or Something More Sinister?
Level Drain - never liked it, never will. In today's episode, I discuss some alternatives to the classic level drain threat.
October 8, 2018
E144 - Social Norms, Unexpected Actions & Freedom to Do What U want at the Table - Where's the Line?
I try to avoid the F-bombs today. No idea if I succeeded ;) I talk about unexpected actions, thinking out of the box, freedom to do what you want and social norms at the game table.
October 7, 2018
E143 - Did Evil Hat Get Too Big? Layoffs and Product Cancellations Announced
I received review copies of Dungeons & Dragons - Art and Arcana: A Visual History yesterday and they look amazing. Doesn't translate well to a podcast though ;) Black Hat is laying off stay and canceling some planned releases. They are hoping to be back in "the black" in 2019, which means they are "in the red" for 2018...
October 6, 2018
E142 - Protecting Your Reputation from Groundless Accusations
We have some voicemails related to Episode 141 and the Tome of Adventure Design. Afterward, I talk about steps you can take to protect yourself and your reputation from groundless accusations on social media. Quite simply, screenshot anything and everything in a conversation online that may go south.
October 5, 2018
E141 - Finding Inspiration in the Tome of Adventure Design
Last night, while recording the latest episode of The Old School Blues podcast (here on Anchor) we touched on the topic of "adventure inspiration" and I totally forgot to mention the Tome of Adventure Design
October 4, 2018
E140 - Review - Illwinter's Floorplan Generator (Maps)
I had put a call out for mapping programs that were easy to use and the results were usable commercially. Illwinter's Floorplan Generator fits the bill perfectly. Its affordable (7 bucks) and cross-platform )PC/Mac/Linux.
October 3, 2018
E139 - GMF - 2017 Tax Return is In - Not What I Expected
Back in early June of this year, Alex Gygax messaged me to let me know that the latest filed tax return was being updated and refiled. I thought that meant an accounting of the monies WotC indicated it had been forwarding to the Fund since 2015 for the 1e reprints. I thought wrong...
October 2, 2018
E138 - Four Wayward Kickstarters, See How They Run - Or Not
I've been meaning to so this episode for a couple of days now. I guess I was kinda busy ;) I talk about the following Kickstarters: Yarr! The Pirate ArrPG Hardcover : Make 100 Edition, Far West: Western/Wuxia Mashup adventure game, Artisan Dice Does Handcrafted Polyhedrals, and Appendix N Adventure Toolkits (DCC RPG Modules).
October 1, 2018
E 137 - Meltdown in the Roll20 SubReddit Makes Newsweek
First, thank you for all of the support. It means more than you know. We have voicemails from Jason Hobbs and Old Man Grognard. The news section is about Roll20 moderator, cofounder and manager Nolan T banning a Reddit user, the backlash and dumpster fire that resulted and the actions taken to resolve the public relations nightmare.
September 30, 2018
E136 - Stacy D's Allegations re: Myself - Debunked
Stacy Dellorfano unmasked herself as the individual referred to in episodes 134 and 135. While doing so, she makes some fairly nasty and unfounded accusations against me. Here's my response, along with a transcript of sorts to follow along with at https://www.tenkarstavern.com/2018/09/the-tavern-chat-podcast-episode-136.html
September 29, 2018
E135 - Follow up to Beware the OSR Thought Police
Wow. Yesterday's episode was well received. Lots of feedback, much direct, some by voicemail and comments on the blog side. I share and respond to some of the feedback.
September 28, 2018
E134 - Rant - Beware the OSR Thought Police
I kinda got worked up on last night's weekly Tavern Chat hangout on The Tavern's Discord Server. Today I rant about the idea of telling people who they can and can not follow on social media and the danger that comes with it. Which gaming books will you burn?
September 27, 2018
E133 - 1st Look @ The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide
I take a first peek at The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide (releasing October 2nd, 2018). Review to come later. Excellent tool for sandbox campaigns BTW. Also, how to get banned from Gen Con for being punched in the face.
September 26, 2018
E132 - Kickstarter Roundup for September 25, 2018
We've got it all! Midderlands patch info, a Tim Shorts voicemail and a peek at four Kickstarters: Svilland: The Norse Mythology Setting for DnD 5E, Dortoka: an OSR + PbtA City Module, Bunnies and Burrows, and Bloodwraith: A Fantasy World of Survival and Torment.
September 25, 2018
E131 - Community Follow Up to Gamemaster Anxiety
Yesterday's episode about Gamemaster Anxiety struck a nerve with The Tavern's Community. We listen to voicemails and read some comments and I give my feedback to all. Community rules!
September 24, 2018
E130 - Do You Also Suffer from Gamemaster Anxiety?
I know I suffer from Gamemaster Anxiety. Right before I have to run a session, that feeling of dread, nervousness, and fear slips in - and immediately leaves the moment I start running the game. Do you suffer the same or similar? How do you handle it?
September 23, 2018
E129 - ShireCon 2018 and How to GM for a Con RPG Session
Today was the ShireCon #1, and it was a blast. Huge props to Thom Wilson. I ran a game of Swords & Wizardry Light today and I discuss on this episode my thoughts on running a successful convention RPG session.
September 23, 2018
E129 - Podcast & Blog - Mutually Exclusive or Complimentary?
In the past few days, there has been some concern over the perceived lack of content on the blogside (tenkarstavern.com) and the moving of much of my gaming talk to the podcast. I address the concerns while offering no true solutions. Sucks, don't it? ;)
September 21, 2018
E127 - Is the Journey or the Destination More Important?
I ramble on about the importance of the journey (playing the campaign) and the destination (completing the campaign) in my games.
September 20, 2018
E126 - Voicemails & Comments regarding Henchmen & Hirelings
In Episode 124 I discussed my thoughts on henchmen and hirelings in RPG campaigns. Today, we listen to some feedback from The Tavern's community. Huzzah!
September 19, 2018
E125 - Kickstarter Roundup for September 18, 2018
Tuesdays are Kickstarter day here at The Tavern Chat Podcast. We look at 5E Stat Appendix for Fiendish Monster Hardcover, Adventure Realm RPG Tiles - Village and Riverland set, Gorgeous RPG Dice Sets for DnD and other roleplaying games, Mutant Mayhem Minis - RPG Post-Apocalyptic Figures for MCC, and Pirates of the Undead Seas: Fantasy Pirate Miniatures. Oh, and I rant about Far West and Gareth.
September 18, 2018
E124 - Henchmen, Hirelings & Followers - Yea or Nay?
In this episode, I discuss the use (or lack thereof) of henchmen, hirelings and followers in fantasy RPG campaigns.
September 17, 2018
E123 - How Important is it for U to Create a Homebrew World?
Another peek and reaction to a handful of questions from the Dungeons & Dragons Survey. I also talk a wee bit about the new MidderZine #1 release. https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4495590/ddsurvey https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/251643/Midderzine-Issue-1?affiliate_id=1446 (affiliate link) http://monkeyblooddesign.co.uk/The-Midderlands/
September 16, 2018
E122 - Are Game Sessions with Constant Action Good Gaming?
I'm really enjoying the D&D survey posted by WotC. Some of the questions are thought-provoking. They certainly drive the conversation. I'd love to hear some community response to the questions I covered on this episode :)
September 15, 2018
E121 - WotC has a D&D Survey Up - I Encourage You to Take It
WotC has an in-depth survey up about tabletop Dungeons & Dragons, the editions you play, how you play and such. There are a number of questions that may even lead to their own podcast episodes. http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/news/dd-survey-1
September 14, 2018
E120 - Transdimensional Taverns, Unsung Heroes and Art
In today's episode, we listen to a voicemail, read some emails and discuss art preferences in the OSR - B&W vs Color. Oh my!
September 13, 2018
E119 - A Wee Bit of KS and Transdimensional Voicemails
There isn't much in the way of Kickstarters that excite me much this week, but there is a ton of excitement with the idea of a Transdimensional Tenkar's Tavern. Woot!
September 12, 2018
E118 - Remembering 9-11 From One Who was at the WTC
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.
September 11, 2018
E117 - ENWorld has News & 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.
September 10, 2018
E 116 - Win a Month of Humble Bundle Monthly & CRPG Talk
Listen to this episode to learn how you could receive a month of Humble Bundle Monthly (9 games) - I talk about classic CRPGs. https://www.humblebundle.com/monthly?partner=tenkar (affiliate link)
September 9, 2018
Episode 115 - Where is WFRP? Is ENWorld now Evergreen?
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?
September 8, 2018
Episode 114 - Back to BasiX Gets Goodman'ed & OSR Sales
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. http://goodman-games.com/store/product/back-to-basix-issue-1/ https://www.rpgnow.com/product/215938/Back-to-BasiX--Issue-1?affiliate_id=1446 https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/123060?affiliate_id=1446 https://www.rpgnow.com/browse/pub/4417/Barrel-Rider-Games?affiliate_id=1446 (rpgnow and drivethrurpg include affiliate links)
September 7, 2018
Episode 113 - State of the Tavern Keeper - Don't Mind Me ;)
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 ;)
September 6, 2018
Episode 112 - Follow Up Discussion - How Much Fantasy?
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 :)
September 5, 2018
Episode 111 - Kickstarter Roundup for September 4, 2018
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.
September 4, 2018
Episode 110 - How Much Fantasy Do You Like in Your Settings?
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 the Endless Quest book release on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wCP1DS (affiliate link)
September 4, 2018
Episode 109 - Using Skills Learned from RPGs in Real Life
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. tenkars-tavern.games/patreon
September 2, 2018
Episode 108 - Making Morale Checks - Real Life & In Game
Its the first day of September, which means its the anniversary of the Invasion of Poland. Pete Spahn has put WWII: Operation White Box at PWYW pricing to commemorate. It also means the anniversary of 9-11 is sneaking up, and I use it as an example of a real-life moral check as well as how to use it as an example of how to adjust morale checks in game. https://www.rpgnow.com/product/251318/OWB001-WWII-Operation-WhiteBox-FREE?affiliate_id=1446 (affiliate link)
September 1, 2018
Episode 107 - Of Dogs, Men and Critical Fumbles
Recorded on the back porch in The Poconos. I talk about the benefits of using dogs over henchmen for low-level PCs as well as critical fumbles.
August 31, 2018
Episode 106 - Some Critical Thoughts on Critical Hits
Critical hits are something I've always loved and hated as a player of RPGs. Today, I explain why that is. https://www.humblebundle.com/games/digital-tabletop-bundle?partner=tenkar (affiliate link)
August 30, 2018
Episode 105 - How Unique are Your Magic Items?
The most memorable magic items your players' characters will find in their travels are the ones the players haven't seen before. Unique and useful magic items will stay with the characters even as they grow in level.
August 29, 2018
Episode 104 - Kickstarter Roundup for August 28, 2018
Time to dig into some Kickstarters! Dungeons of Doom V: Law Vs Chaos, Modular Dungeon Rooms, TROIKA! RPG: Numinous Edition, Create Your Own Fantasy RPG Adventure - RPG Resources Books, and a shout out to The LotR Humble Bundle - tenkars-tavern.games/LotR-RPG-Bundle
August 28, 2018
Episode 103 - Wanna Work on Cards Against Humanity?
I was on, of all places, a police forum when I found a link to apply to write for Cards against humanity. I give you the pitch and a link: https://submissions.cardsagainsthumanity.com/
August 27, 2018
Episode 102 - Can Eldritch Tales Bring Insanity to All?
I've really been enjoying the time I've spent so far reading Joe Salvador's Eldritch Tales: Lovecraftian White Box Role-Playing. It's inspired me to think of ways to bring the game's insanity rules and class skills to both fantasy and sci-fi themed OSR rules. I may be insane myself? ;) https://www.rpgnow.com/product/250356/Eldritch-Tales-Lovecraftian-White-Box-RolePlaying&affiliate_id=1446 (affiliate link) tenkars-tavern.games/patreon
August 26, 2018
Episode 101 - R Good & Evil Simply a Matter of Perspective?
Are good and evil simply matters of perspective? Different sides of the same coin? Does evil see itself as "evil?" Can a church in schism view the breakway as evil? Gaming thoughts with your old school bartender. tenkars-tavern.games/LotR-RPG-Bundle
August 25, 2018
Episode 100 - Need I say More?
Woot! 100 episodes in 100 days. I never expected that when I kicked off this little podcast. We also hit some other milestones this week. September 22, 2018 is Shire Con. Guess who is a "notable industry guest"? Really. Guess ;) . http://throwigames.com/shirecon.html
August 24, 2018
Episode 99 - LotR RPG Bundle, Torchwood Bundle and More
My internal clock is doing a flashback of two years and thinks I'm working overnights - oh my! Humble Bundle has a LotR RPG Bundle as well as a Torchwood / Dr Who Audio Book Bundle. Did I mention there is a Munchkin StarFinder release on the horizon? tenkars-tavern.games/LotR-RPG-Bundle
August 23, 2018
Episode 98 - Extended Interview with Darcy Perry -Miniatures
In this episode, I have a (virtual) fireside chat with Darcy Perry of Star Hat Miniatures. Darcy is the sculptor of the official Tenkar miniature. The episode runs 57 minutes and was recorded in front of a live audience with questions and comments via text chat.
August 22, 2018
Episode 97 - Kickstarter Roundup for August 21, 2018
Time to dig into some Kickstarters! Dungeons of Doom V: Law Vs Chaos, The City that Dripped Blood: A Fantasy Adventure, Dungeon Challenge Cards, THE FANTASY TRIP – Old-School Roleplaying!, MAIN GAUCHE, and Precision Milled Metal 60-Sided D20 and Full Set of RPG Dice.
August 21, 2018
Episode 96 - Ken Whitman, Foiled (Machine) Again - Deja Vu
The Tavern Chat Podcast hit over 20k downloads total last night. Can I get a Woot Woot!?! Ken Whitman "allegedly" has a foil machine to make pencils. Of course, earlier in the year he claimed to have two such machines. Also, tonight (Monday, August 20th - 830 PM Eastern - Live Interview with Darcy Perry, The Interview Room on the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server - you can listen and ask questions via text chat) . Invite: https://discord.gg/v2j6ph
August 20, 2018
Episode 95 - Some Creative Thoughts on Offering Content
Sometimes you need to think out of the box. A suggestion at The Tavern's Discord server led to some ideas of how to crowdsource monsters and magic items via The Tavern in its many forms, but especially the blogside. tenkars-tavern.games/JBfund tenkars-tavern.games/Discord tenkars-tavern.games/patreon
August 19, 2018
Episode 94 - Taverner in Need - Josh Beckelhimer
Somethings take precedence. Taking care of a member of The Tavern's Community in need is certainly a precedence. Josh is looking to get his car running and family to doc appointments and himself to work. The Tavern will match the first $250 raised by The Tavern's community. tenkars-tavern.games/JBfund
August 18, 2018
Episode 93 - OSR Freebie Friday - August 17, 2018 - Fantasy
With this episode, we are starting a new weekly feature highlighting various free OSR releases. Today we look at the Free Fantasy OSR Rulesets listing at Tenkar's Tavern. tenkars-tavern.games/freeOSRfantasy
August 17, 2018
Episode 92 - The Fantasy Trip to Open Setting to 3rd Parties
Follow up on yesterday's ENnies episode as I answer a voicemail from Glen. Then I discuss Steve Jackson Games opening up the setting for The Fantasy Trip to 3rd Parties. My, the world is a' changing. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sjgames/the-fantasy-trip-old-school-roleplaying/description
August 16, 2018
Episode 91 - Ennies, They are a Changing (no more stuffing?)
The ENnies Awards blog has posted that there will be upcoming changes in how the winners get picked (few details if any) in response to the "gaming" of the vote by Zak S and James Raggi. The same "gaming" of the vote they tell you not to do while telling you exactly how to do it. The same "gaming" of the vote that has been done for years by others, including major publishers, I am sure. The ENnies are not an industry Award, they are a rigged popularity contest. It just that the wrong folks rigged the contest this year. http://www.ennie-awards.com/blog/ennie-awards-time-for-change/
August 15, 2018
Episode 90 - Kickstarter Roundup for August 14, 2018
Yep, it's a Tuesday, so that means Crowdfunding projects get a peek. But first, an update on Gail Gygax and her "30-year company". Here's are the projects I look at in today's episode: The City that Dripped Blood: A Fantasy Adventure, The Year of Cthulhu - A 2019 Calendar, Dungeon Delve #2: Dungeons of the Dread Wyrm, Brindlemarsh, a 1E & 5E adventure of Dragons and Dungeons, Dungeons of Doom V: Law Vs Chaos + Star Hat Miniatures, and Birthday Gemstone Dice.
August 14, 2018
Episode 89 - Mrs. E. Gary Gygax or Gail Gygax - Flip a Coin
Will the real Slim Shady please stand up! Wait! I mean the real Gail Gygax. Or Mrs E Gary Gygax. Last night (and overnight) Gail was taking the flames to Facebook. I guess this is what a $30 million lawsuit does to the person on the receiving end...
August 13, 2018
Episode 88 - Some Free Adventures & Using Discord to Play
I talk briefly about Dirk Stanley's adventures for the Far Away Land RPG and using them with the ruleset of your choice. I also touch upon using Discord for running RPG sessions online. tenkars-tavern.games/Discord - tenkars-tavern.games/FALadventures (affiliate link)
August 12, 2018
Episode 87 - Thoughts on Using Historical Inspiration
In this episode, I talk a little bit about some of the local histories of Wayne County in the Pocono Mountains, and an idea to use it to inspire a fantasy-themed adventure. Also, let's talk Discord. tenkars-tavern.games/Discord
August 11, 2018
Episode 86 - Is The Punisher Watching the Watchmen?
Some thoughts on the Watchmen, the Netflix Marvel Universe - especially The Punisher, Supers Gaming and such.
August 10, 2018
Episode 85 - $500 Waterdeep Platinum Edition for 5e - WTF?
WotC has licensed a $500 "Platinum Edition" of its upcoming Waterdeep: Dragon Heist adventure, the same adventure that will release 2 months earlier in hardcover for 40 bucks - shipped - on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2vtsgSq (this is an affiliate link)
August 9, 2018
Episode 84 - The Voices in Your Head Will Make Them Believe
Today I talk about using voices - accents and catchphrases, to make your NPCs come to life. I also talk about how the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server has channels for third-party publishers and content creators. tenkars-tavern.games/Discord tenkars-tavern.games/patreon
August 8, 2018
Episode 83 - Kickstarter Roundup for August 7, 2018
As we do every Tuesday, its time to look at some current Kickstarters (and one Indigogo) that strike my fancy. Oh, and a four year overdue KS from someone who shouldn't punch windows... MAIN GAUCHE, THE FANTASY TRIP, The Sinister Stone of Sakkara 5E, Dark Naga - OSR Haunting of Hastur Modules, and Glamazons vs The Curse of the Chainmail Bikini.
August 7, 2018
Episode 82 - How Can a Top 100 List Only Go to 85? Feedspot!
I got squirreled today. An email from Feedpsot drew me back into the rabbit hole of Top 100 RPG Blog Lists that only have 85 entries, where a good portion of the list is "pay to play". Grrrrrr!
August 6, 2018
Episode 81 - Gen Con Update, Post Roundup & Voicemails
Yep, its a bit of a smorgasbord with today's episode. An update on the "Gen Con assault", voicemails, highlighting some interesting posts from the blogside and and update on The Tavern's Discord Server (invite link: https://discord.gg/fReGmuD )
August 5, 2018
Episode 80 - Gen Con - Fisticuffs & ENnies Awards
Gen Con is in full swing - literally. A Youtuber gets attacked at a local bar by a Gen Con exhibitor and Gen Con silences the discussion. The ENnies were announced and the OSR did very well.
August 4, 2018
Episode 79 - New - Freeport Goes CRPG, Robotech RPG & PF2 DL
All the news that's fit to yap. Freeport from Green Ronis is going to be a CRPG in late 2019, Robotech returns to RPGs in 2nd quarter of 2019 and the Pathfinder 2 playtest is available for download.
August 3, 2018
Episode 78 - News - How Did I Miss Gail Gygax Getting Sued?
Yep, Gail is being sued by Tom DeSanto, the Transformers producer that signed a deal two years ago with Gail to market the Gary Gygax IP. Whatever could have gone wrong with that? Note - the Gygax Memorial Fund is back online.
August 2, 2018
Episode #77 - News- Truth, Justice, What Did #ConManKen Say?
Today was to be a trip for #ConManKen to NYC for some fun and a court appearance. Kenny dodged that by finally telling the truth. Also, a look at some sales figures and player stats for the RPG industry from ICv2 and Fantasy Grounds.
August 1, 2018
Episode 76 - Kickstarter Roundup for July 31, 2018
Yep, today is a Tuesday and we have the latest Kickstarter Roundup. Eldritch Century: Monsters Wave 1, Void RPG Logo, Dice Tube - All Weather, Fantasy World Creator, and THE FANTASY TRIP – Old-School Roleplaying!
July 31, 2018
Episode 75 - You Say its My Birthday
I turn 51 today. A look back and a look forward to #ConManKen's court appearance in two days, August 1st, 2018.
July 30, 2018
Episode 74 - Why I Turned Down Working on an Amazing KS
It's never easy saying no to working on a project that looks to be very exciting, with a publisher that has a very strong Kickstarter history. Here's why I did so - for the second time. I blame you ;)
July 29, 2018
Episode 73 - #ConManKen Plans a Road Trip - I Give Advice ;)
Ah yes, #ConManKen heads to NYC on Wednesday, August 1st to respond to his civil suit. Assuming he even goes, I remind Ken that IF his driver's license is suspended (likely) how best to avoid arrest. Also, Ken's plans for bankruptcy and submission of misleading documentation and evidence. Oh my!
July 28, 2018
Episode 72 - Finding Flumphs & More in the AD&D Fiend Folio
Yep, I'm diving into the AD&D 1e Fiend Folio in this episode, looking for the silly, goofy and downright bizarre. Amazingly enough, I only made it as far as "Flumph".
July 27, 2018
Episode 71 - Reminiscing about the AD&D 1e Fiend Folio
The AD&D 1e Fiend Folio holds a special place in my personal gaming history - it was the first time I ever saw HD defined for monsters. My players never had it so good as when I thought 4+1 HD was 5 HP. Doh! The quality of the creatures included ranges from awesome to WTF!?!, but you knew that, right? :)
July 26, 2018
Episode 70 - 5e e-Sports? Say What?
Hasbro's Chairman and CEO was on CNBC talking D&D growth figures and "e-Sports competition. Does this mean interparty conflict is now expected ;)
July 25, 2018
Episode 69 - 7/24/18 Kickstarter Roundup & 2 New 5e Settings
Yep, WotC has gone and done it. Eberron is the new setting up on the DM's Guild and Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica releases in hardcover in the fall. As far as Kickstarters, we look at City of Brass, The Fantasy Trip, The GM's Tarot and All Weather Dice Tubes. Oh My!
July 24, 2018
Episode 68 - #ConManKen - Creating a Marketing Genie for S&W
In today's episode, I describe the process I use to create creatures in Swords & Wizardry, in this instance, a #ConManKen inspired Marketing Genie.
July 23, 2018
Episode 67 - There's a Succubus Holding a Monster Manual!
You fiend! Yep, that IS a Succubus holding a Monster Manual. Who would have thought? With this episode, I look at demons & devils in the AD&D 1e Monster Manual and my personal experience with the Satanic Panic from back in the day ;)
July 22, 2018
Episode 66 - AD&D 1e PH put me to Sleep - No Save ;)
In today's episode, I look at the Sleep spell in AD&D and how it is handled in some of the retroclones.
July 21, 2018
Episode 65 - The Tavern Wins a No-Prize & The Black Isle
I talk about why The Tavern (in any of its forms) will never win an award. More importantly, I talk about the free, crowdsourced sandbox setting, The Gazetteer to Eilean Dubh: The Black Isle.
July 20, 2018
Episode 64 - Keeping 6th Edition at Bay w/ a Collector's Box
A little bit of this, a little bit of that. We look at the listener stats, some #ConManKen words from overnight and a look at the upcoming D&D 5e Core Book Boxed Set.
July 19, 2018
Episode 63 - #ConManKen - Ken Can't Shut Up Shutting Up
In classic #ConManKen mode, Kenny insists on continuing his conversation with Louis via email and The Tavern's Community via comments on a recent post. Go Kenny!
July 18, 2018
Episode 62 - Kicking it with Kickstarter - July 17, 2018
After tearing apart Arcana Stock Art for repackaging art freely available for use I touch on the following crowdfunding projects: The Forgotten Dungeon Mega Adventure - AD&D, D&D5e, Dice Tube - All Weather, DRINKAGE: The Tipsy Meadows - An RPG Drinking Card Game!, Tiny Dice Buddies | Hard Enamel Polyhedral RPG Pins, NERO Ellipsis Dice and SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City Tabletop Roleplaying Game.
July 17, 2018
Episode 61 - #ConManKen - Marcus Can't Shut Up Either
The #ConManKen Saga just gets more and more entertaining. With today's episode, Ken's enabler Marcus reveals and confirms more than he planned in a series of emails with Louis.
July 16, 2018
Episode 60 - #ConManKen has a Villain Monologue Moment
You know in movies and comics, when the villain has to explain themselves, their motivation and the details fo their plan to the hero they are about to (attempt to) kill? Well, Ken's been having those moments. Stranger than fiction.
July 15, 2018
Episode 59 - Baldur's Gate Lead Designer Goes Greek with 5e
James Ohlen (lead designer Baldur's Gate 1&2 and Neverwinter Nights) has retired from Bioware and is publishing a Greek-themed setting for 5e called Odyssey.
July 14, 2018
Episode #58 - Barbarism in the AD&D 1e Unearthed Arcana
In this episode, I look at the Barbarian class from the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1e Unearthed Arcana and why they are a party pooper ;)
July 13, 2018
Episode #57 - Dramatic Reading of #ConManKen Emails
Ah, #ConManKen. He never ceases to entertain. In this episode I "dramatically" read an email chain between Kenny and the man suing him in a New York court.
July 12, 2018
Episode #56 - Gaming Memories & ENnies Voting is Live
We all have gaming moments that are burned into our memories. I recount some of my earlier memories. Also, ENnies voting is now live!
July 11, 2018
Episode #55 - Kicking it with Kickstarter - July 10th, 2018
In the third weekly installment of Kicking it with Kickstarter, we cover the following current Kickstarters: The Complete White Ship Campaign 1E&5E mega-adventure, City of Brass: Epic Adventure for 5e and Swords and Wizardry, SURVIVE THIS!! Vigilante City Tabletop Roleplaying Game, Hall of Judgment - a Dungeon Fantasy RPG Supplement, The RPG Coloring Book, Secrets of the Nethercity (ACKS) and The Mighty Dragon Bag for RPG
July 10, 2018
Episode #54 - Delving Into OSRIC
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.
July 9, 2018
Episode #53 - Voicemails & an Unexpected Rant - Thanks Kenny
In this episode, I answer some voicemails, get distracted by Kickstarter failures and enter rant mode...
July 8, 2018
Episode #52 - The OSR Rulesets - 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.
July 7, 2018
Episode #51 - ArenaNet Fires two Devs for Dissing Customers
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.
July 6, 2018
Episode #50 - ENnies Nominations 2018 - Tavern Picks
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.
July 5, 2018
Episode 49 - The Beginning of the OSR - A Look Back
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.
July 4, 2018
#48 - Kicking it w/Kickstarter - All Weather Dice Tubes?
Its the second weekly Kickstarter Roundup. We look at City of Brass, Towns & Dungeons RPG Decks, Pocket Companion: A Tavern Guide, and All Weather Dice Tube. Yes, you read the last one correctly ;)
July 3, 2018
Episode #47 - Charging at Cavaliers in the AD&D 1e UA
In this episode, I take a look at Cavaliers and why I think balancing in-game abilities with roleplay restrictions often fails in practice.
July 2, 2018
Episode #46 - Poking Around the AD&D 1e UA - 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?
July 1, 2018
Episode #45 - Answering Comments and ShireCon in the Fall
In this episode, I answer voicemail, email, comments and such regarding recent episodes. Danke makes an appearance. ShireCon is in September and I'll be there.
June 30, 2018
Episode #44 - Unearthing the AD&D 1e Unearthed Arcana - P1
This is Part 1 of a series episodes digging into the AD&D 1e Unearthed Arcana. Today, we look at Method V of generating character stats.
June 29, 2018
Episode #43 - Playing Mind Games with the AD&D 1e PH
Appendix 1, psionics - the bane of many a campaign. Yeah, we tried it.
June 28, 2018
Episode #42 - Be Careful What You Ask 4 & Happy Anniversary
Well, one of the Kickstarters I talked about yesterday got suspended an hour or so after the podcast went live. I did mention that the same creator had two projects funding at the same time. Oh, and the AD&D 1e Player's Handbook is 40 years old this month.
June 27, 2018
Episode #41 - Kickstarter Roundup for June 26, 2018
Some Kickstarters are amazing, some are "eh" and some hit the WTF level. We got you covered. City of Brass, The Forgotten Dungeon Mega adventure, Dragon scales Fantasy RPG and F@ck! Yeah! 20 Sided Dice.
June 26, 2018
Episode #40 - Looking at the AD&D 1e PH, Back to Front
I've been enjoying looking at the old D&D / AD&D rulebooks with fresh eyes. Today I look at the AD&D 1e Player's Handbook, starting with the back cover and then moving to the front. My God, Rangers are powerful at low levels (and powerful again at name level)
June 25, 2018
Episode #39 - OD&D: Stop! Don't Let the Players Roll D' Dice
Tip of the hat to The Tavern's Discord Community for inadvertently giving me today's topic of discussion. Player's don't even roll their characters in OD&D - the DM does.
June 24, 2018
Episode #38 - An Interview w/ Ben Barsh of Pacesetter Games
I chat with Ben Barsh of Pacesetter Games about the Rise of the Nefarious Kickstarter, the synergy between 5e and the OSR, bringing new and younger blood into old school gaming, Disney and other goodness
June 23, 2018
Episode #37 - How I See the OSR
Yep, I screwed up some of the early episodes. Argh! I talk about the OSR and The Tavern as a Neutral Ground. Oh, and a free game for 24 hours only.
June 22, 2018
Episode #36 - Champions! Its Coming Backs as Its Old Self
There's a new Top Secret adventure being Kickstarted. The Origins Best RPG Game Award Winner is none other than our own James Spahn (and a dozen others). A look at the Champions Now! Kickstarter.
June 21, 2018
Episode #35 - Kickstarters Old & New and the Return of a Pod
I talk about three current Kickstarters you should think of backing and one that is six and a half years overdue. Also, the return of the Old School Blues podcast.
June 20, 2018
Episode #34 - AD&D 1e Bard - Broken & Overpowered
Tim Shorts leaves a voicemail. A look at the AD&D 1e Bard as presented in the Player's Handbook.
June 19, 2018
Episode #33 - I Rant, I Curse, I've Warned You!
Yes, a classic rant complete with a warning. I don't appreciate bags of shit littering my social media threads overnight and say so. F-bomb carpet-bombing in effect.
June 18, 2018
Episode #32 - Father's Day Advice - Its Not What You'd Expect ;)
It's Father's Day. I spew some gaming and other advice out of my ass and suggest some places where fathers can get free swag today ;)
June 17, 2018
Episode #31 - Free RPG Day and a New Player in Gaming Podcasts
A quick listing of what's available for Free RPG Day 2018. A short rant about blocking folks on social and then talking about them. Morrus enters the world of podcasting.
June 16, 2018
Episode #30 - Praise and Patience - A Kickstarter Rant
Wherein I read a thank you letter and talk about the need for patience when it comes to Kickstarter coverage at The Tavern in its many forms.
June 15, 2018
Episode #29 - Reflections of #ConManKen
Ken is reflecting well in a selfie at his old/current store in Kentucky. More ways to listen to Tavern Chat. My Lord, what a 5e Humble Bundle.
June 14, 2018
Episode #28 - GMF Update, #ConManKen Update and Kickstarters
It's a pretty full episode (and four full weeks of daily podcasts). We look at the Gygax Memorial Fund and the POD AD&D 1e reprints over at RPGNow - is there money going to the GMF from these sales? What's #ConManKen up to and where is he at? Oh, and Kickstarters. Can't forget the Kickstarters ;)
June 13, 2018
Episode #27 - Back in NYC - Behind the Scenes at NTRPG
The Eagle landed last night and Rach and I are back in New York City. Some behind the scenes at NTRPG Con and some talk of returning to the focus of prior to the con.
June 12, 2018
Episode #26 - NTRPG Con - And Now, Our Time is Done
It's always sad to wrap up a convention trip, but NTRPG Con is even more so, as you are truly saying goodbye to an amazing community for another year.
June 11, 2018
Episode #25 - NTRPG Con - Day 3 - Two Minutes to Midnite
We stayed up for the midnight auction. James ran some SWL in the morning. Tenkar is tired and beat to hell ;)
June 10, 2018
Episode #24 - NTRPG Con - TPK and The Mouth of Doom? You Don't Say
James Spahn ran Rappan Athuk: Mouth of Doom this morning and the bodies hit the floor. The smell acrid was everywhere ;)
June 9, 2018
Episode #23 - NTRPG Con Day One - And Then There Was Fun
A quick recap of NTRPG Con Day One. Our first sponsor. Co-DMing
June 8, 2018
Episode #22 - So Much OSR at NTRPG Con, We Knocked the Power Out!
Yep, we had about 40 minutes without power last night at the Westin. We were wondering if Bad Mike forgot to pay a bill or something ;)
June 7, 2018
Episode #21 - Your Bartender has Arrived at NTRPG Con. Hold my Beer
I'm her e!
June 6, 2018
Episode #20 - Further Thoughts on the AD&D 1e Thief Class
FrDave left some interesting thoughts on Episode #18 on tenkarstavern.com about the 1e Thief.
June 5, 2018
Episode #19 - 1e DMG - Demons & The Devils You Don't Know
A look at APPENDIX D: RANDOM GENERATION OF CREATURES FROM THE LOWER PLANES
June 4, 2018
Episode #18 - AD&D 1e Player's Handbook - The Thief is not Meant to be a Stand Alone Class
In today's episode, I take a look at the AD&D 1e Thief class and why I think it was meant to keep players of demihuman races involved until "the end game" and has less value as a "solo class". Danke makes an appearance and Glen is nowhere to be found ;)
June 3, 2018
Episode #17 - The 1e DMG as a Solo G