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Tavern Chat

Tavern Chat

By erik tenkar

"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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TSR Filed for an Extension of Time to File a Statement of Use, re: Star Frontiers Trademark

TSR Filed for an Extension of Time to File a Statement of Use, re: Star Frontiers Trademark

Ah, sweet, sweet TSR3. Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the bullshit, because it is heavy in these three letters. And boy, oh boy! Justin decided to troll the Gamers' Health video I did with my niece Shannon on Christmas Day. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHju_pmM80M&t=787s

Let's Go, Justin!

Dec 27, 202113:27
Gamers' Health with Shannon & Tenkar Christmas Special

Gamers' Health with Shannon & Tenkar Christmas Special

Niece Shannon joins Tenkar for a special Christmas Day Gamers’ Health.

Dec 27, 202130:18
On Communication at the Gaming Table - It is More Than setting a Scene and Interpreting Die Rolls

On Communication at the Gaming Table - It is More Than setting a Scene and Interpreting Die Rolls

Yesterday, Rach and I talked a bit about consent at the gaming table. The conversation that has popped up about that cast has been amazing, both on YouTube and on Facebook, and thanks to that ongoing conversation, I think I missed something yesterday. Communication at the gaming table has to occur before consent can even be an issue, and part of that communication is being honest with your GM before the session even starts.

Dec 24, 202114:10
On Consent at the Gaming Table Over Removing Complete Themes (re: recent Paizo response)

On Consent at the Gaming Table Over Removing Complete Themes (re: recent Paizo response)

Strangely enough, I find myself inching closer to X-Cards at the gaming table for organized play / convention games over completely removing themes that some may find triggering. Rach joins me for this one, as I figured we needed the opinion of one that was NOT a grognard ;) https://owenkcstephens.com/2021/12/13/from-a-freelancer-an-open-letter-to-erik-mona/

Dec 24, 202120:30
Arduin - Alignment, Good & Evil, Law & Chaos, and In between

Arduin - Alignment, Good & Evil, Law & Chaos, and In between

Digging back into the Arduin Trilogy, we take a look at Dave's view of alignment.

Dec 24, 202112:25
Marmoreal Tomb Goes to Print in January PLUS a Far West update (kinda)

Marmoreal Tomb Goes to Print in January PLUS a Far West update (kinda)

It's the tale of two Kickstarters. Both very late. Both announcing the time for release is finally near. Why do I believe one, and not the other?

Dec 24, 202110:55
PDFs are Convenient, But Print Can't be RetConned - Is WotC Making 5e Earlier Printings Collectible

PDFs are Convenient, But Print Can't be RetConned - Is WotC Making 5e Earlier Printings Collectible

It's all over the interwebs. WotC has been making stealth changes to the lore of many of its releases, to correct language that it sees as possibly problematic. This is both the advantage and curse of digital content. But has this made earlier 5e printing more valuable and collectible? https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/races-alignments-lore-removed https://boundingintocomics.com/2021/12/16/wizards-of-the-coast-removes-lore-deemed-problematic-from-dungeons-dragons/ https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2021/12/dd-wotc-removes-racial-alignments-retcons-drow-in-new-batch-of-errata.html https://www.reddit.com/r/dndnext/comments/rg4jut/writeup_of_all_the_lore_thats_beein_removed_from/

Dec 24, 202114:57
Why is Tenkar called "Tenkar"? A Brief History of the Name and Why it is Used

Why is Tenkar called "Tenkar"? A Brief History of the Name and Why it is Used

Ah, you've gotta love the internet trolls. On yesterday's video, a troll spammed the comments section with my "real" last name (not a secret, it's been public for years on Swords & Wizardry Light and Swords & Wizardry Continual Light). I figured it was time to explain where the name came from, why I used it, why I continue to use it, and more.

Dec 24, 202112:19
TSR3 Voluntarily Dismisses Suit Against WotC Without Prejudice

TSR3 Voluntarily Dismisses Suit Against WotC Without Prejudice

As it says on the tin, TSR3 has voluntarily withdrawn its legal action against WotC without prejudice.

Dec 16, 202110:49
Talking Crit Special Edition - Why Is TSR3 Filing Suit over Trademarks that it Has Abandoned?

Talking Crit Special Edition - Why Is TSR3 Filing Suit over Trademarks that it Has Abandoned?

TSR3 has surrendered or abandoned nearly every trademark it has named in its legal action against WotC. In 2 weeks, if TSR3 takes no further action, the Star Frontiers TM will be abandoned. So, why the legal action filed against WotC? https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90276506/STAR-FRONTIERS https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90893809/STAR-FRONTIERS https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90148334/mark https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90148524/TSR https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90124839/TSR-THE-GAME-WIZARDS https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90276510/BLACKMOOR https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90124287/TSR https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90884176/TSR https://www.trademarkelite.com/trademark/trademark-detail/90124788/mark

Dec 16, 202145:08
Why is TSR3 Their Own Worst Enemy? They Just Can't Keep From Stepping on Their Own...

Why is TSR3 Their Own Worst Enemy? They Just Can't Keep From Stepping on Their Own...

Banned and posts deleted from the Castles & Crusades FB Group for spamming. Never consulting with the Gygax Memorial Fund before mentioning the fund as a potential beneficiary of monies raised by TSR on their Indiegogo fundraising page.

Dec 16, 202113:17
TSR3 is Suing WotC for Bullying, Libel, and Slander - $50K Flexible Funding Indiegogo is Live to Raise Funds

TSR3 is Suing WotC for Bullying, Libel, and Slander - $50K Flexible Funding Indiegogo is Live to Raise Funds

If you can believe it, Justin LaNassa is attempting to raise $50k to sue WotC for bullying, libel, slander, and for a bonus action, "will also Fight to Have the WOTC Legacy Disclaimer Removed."  I'm glad I can get a front-row seat for free...  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-tsr-against-wizards-of-the-coast https://dockets.justia.com/docket/north-carolina/ncedce/7:2021cv00210/191410 https://humphriesfirm.law/team_member/justin-k-humphries

Dec 16, 202116:03
Gail Gygax Resigns All Positions at Gygax Memorial Fund, Paul Stormberg Voted President

Gail Gygax Resigns All Positions at Gygax Memorial Fund, Paul Stormberg Voted President

I was surprised when one of The Tavern regulars PMed me to let me know he received an email from Paul Stormberg indicating in Paul's signature that Paul was now President of the Gygax Memorial Fund. So, lo and behold, the http://www.gygaxmemorialfund.org/ website has been resurrected.

Dec 15, 202114:13
Arduin Trilogy - Notes on Treasure

Arduin Trilogy - Notes on Treasure

Today I take a look at Dave's essay on treasure, and the effects that unbalanced magic items can have on the game, and a creative way to remove such.

Dec 15, 202111:16
Cortex Fan License is Published, With Fully Revokable Clause & WTF is up with RPGNEWS.com?

Cortex Fan License is Published, With Fully Revokable Clause & WTF is up with RPGNEWS.com?

Fandom, owner of D&D Beyond and now Cortex Prime, just releases a Cortex Fan License that doesnt seem to do much for Cortex fans.  Oh, and WTF is RPGNEWS.com stealing content from other sites? https://www.enworld.org/threads/cortex-fan-license-published.684470/ http://rpgnews.com/?p=151584

Dec 15, 202109:40
Talking Crit with Bad Mike & Tenkar - Wednesday, 12/1/21

Talking Crit with Bad Mike & Tenkar - Wednesday, 12/1/21

Bad Mike is on the Texas Shore. Tenkar is in the Pocono Mountains of North East PA. Together they will be bringing you your weekly allotment of Talking Crit...

Dec 05, 202102:01:14
Cortex Fan License is Published, With Fully Revokable Clause & WTF is up with RPGNEWS.com?

Cortex Fan License is Published, With Fully Revokable Clause & WTF is up with RPGNEWS.com?

Fandom, owner of D&D Beyond and now Cortex Prime, just releases a Cortex Fan License that doesnt seem to do much for Cortex fans.  Oh, and WTF is RPGNEWS.com stealing content from other sites? https://www.enworld.org/threads/cortex-fan-license-published.684470/ http://rpgnews.com/?p=151584

Dec 05, 202109:40
Gifts For Your GM this Holiday Season - Should be Gifts that Benefit the Entire Gaming Group

Gifts For Your GM this Holiday Season - Should be Gifts that Benefit the Entire Gaming Group

ENWorld has a post about various "eccentric" gifts for your favorite GM. It's my belief that GM gifts should be things that can potentially benefit the gaming group as a whole.

Dec 05, 202109:07
Arduin Trilogy - Notes On Player Character Types

Arduin Trilogy - Notes On Player Character Types

I delve right back into The Arduin Trilogy and take a look at Dave's essay on Player Character Types in fantasy games. After that, I take a short peek at the Individualization of New Player Characters.

Nov 30, 202111:03
The First Fantasy Campaign - The Original Blackmoor Magic System

The First Fantasy Campaign - The Original Blackmoor Magic System

Today I take a peek at The First Fantasy Campaign, in particular, the Original Blackmoor Magic System. There is much hinted at, yet little is detailed.

Nov 30, 202109:56
TSR Con Rescheduled for Gary Con Weekend - "New" Star Frontiers RPG Out of Stock Before Publication

TSR Con Rescheduled for Gary Con Weekend - "New" Star Frontiers RPG Out of Stock Before Publication

TSR Con has been moved from the weekend of July 4th (when every hotel within 15 miles was likely sold out to non-gamers) to the same weekend as Gary Con (where every hotel within 15 miles is likely sold out to gamers). A not so subtle attempt to steal bandwidth.

Also, there is a Star Frontiers Game listed for sale at the Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum, but it's out of stock. Actually, it hasn't been published yet, nor has it been announced, but the sales page is up.

Nov 28, 202121:20
Giantlands & Wonderfilled Give Us Yet Another WTF Moment

Giantlands & Wonderfilled Give Us Yet Another WTF Moment

Giantlands is trying to virtue signal, and they fail. Badly. TSR3 gets caught in a lie. Rach labels TSR3 The Remora of the OSR :)

Nov 28, 202115:07
Paizo Recognizes UPW Union - Many Striking Freelancers were Likely Also Full-time Paizo Employees

Paizo Recognizes UPW Union - Many Striking Freelancers were Likely Also Full-time Paizo Employees

Paizo states it has voluntarily recognized the United Paizo Workers Union. A WIRED article reveals that many full-time Paizo workers also freelance for the company due to working for low wages.


https://gamingtrend.com/news/paizo-releases-a-statement-recognizing-the-united-paizo-workers/

https://www.wired.com/story/tabletop-rpg-workers-say-their-jobs-are-no-fantasy/

Nov 28, 202115:22
Paizo Freelancers Are on "Strike" - They Demand Recognition of United Paizo Workers Union

Paizo Freelancers Are on "Strike" - They Demand Recognition of United Paizo Workers Union

About 40 of Paizo's freelancers stopped working last month with a list of demands. Those demands have now turned into a singular demand - for Paizo to recognize the United Paizo Workers Union.

Nov 28, 202116:04
Paizo Staff Unionizes - What Impact Will it Have on the Gaming Industry?

Paizo Staff Unionizes - What Impact Will it Have on the Gaming Industry?

Paizo staffers have formed a union. It is not yet known if the company will recognize the union. Paizo is likely the only TTRPG company with enough staff to make the idea of unionizing viable.

Nov 28, 202114:28
Voicemail Catch Up - Social Media, One Sheets, Arduin, Forums, Reviews and More!

Voicemail Catch Up - Social Media, One Sheets, Arduin, Forums, Reviews and More!

Now that we have the episodes uploading to Anchor again, we've been getting voicemails. Randy, Kevin, and Jason call with some observations and follow-ups to some prior episodes.

Nov 28, 202126:21
Arduin - On Dungeons, Caverns, and Other Holes in the Ground

Arduin - On Dungeons, Caverns, and Other Holes in the Ground

Aruin Volume IV, The Lost Grimoire, has a number of essays from Dave Hargrave. Today, I'm looking at Dave Hargrave's article on Dungeon Ecology and how it applies today.


https://empcho.com/specials/

Nov 28, 202113:29
What's Going on with The Arduin Grimoire?

What's Going on with The Arduin Grimoire?

There's an update on the Arduin Grimoire Facebook Page. Not only is it getting a new web store, but it looks like future rights MAY be moving to another. Time to hypothesize. ;)

Nov 28, 202109:16
Wizard's Tower Games Got Sent a Likely Threat of Tortious Interference Via Anonymous Email

Wizard's Tower Games Got Sent a Likely Threat of Tortious Interference Via Anonymous Email

An anonymous douchenozzle emailed a threat of potentially tortious interference to Wizard Tower Games for being a sponsor of TSR Con.

Nov 28, 202110:23
Paizo Partners with Demiplane to bring D&D Beyond Like Features to Pathfinder 2

Paizo Partners with Demiplane to bring D&D Beyond Like Features to Pathfinder 2

Demiplane (the matchmaking service for TTRPG Gamers) and Paizo have teamed up for Pathfinder Nexus, brought to you by the creator of D&D Beyond.

Nov 24, 202110:15
Talking Crit LiveStream - Special Guest Luau Lou - November 3rd, 2021

Talking Crit LiveStream - Special Guest Luau Lou - November 3rd, 2021

Talking Crit LiveStream - Special Guest Luau Lou - November 3rd, 2021

Nov 24, 202102:15:15
Larry Elmore is NOT Doing the Cover for TSR3's Star Frontiers? Or is he? Larry Doesn't Know!

Larry Elmore is NOT Doing the Cover for TSR3's Star Frontiers? Or is he? Larry Doesn't Know!

Tom V sent me an interesting email describing his interactions with Michael from TST and Larry Elmore. Tom also did an amazing video describing the details and more.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4JIN4TSjCM

Nov 24, 202118:53
GaryCon Follow Up Email on Vax & Mask Requirements

GaryCon Follow Up Email on Vax & Mask Requirements

GaryCon sent a follow-up email to its August 31st, 2021 Covid-19 announcement. The most interesting part of the statement is that Ernie Gygax WILL NOT be running games at Gary Con, although he will be there to socialize. I suspect that Ernie WILL be running games at the DHSM sans mask.

Nov 24, 202119:39
Game Wizards by Jon Peterson - First Impressions

Game Wizards by Jon Peterson - First Impressions

I'm about 11% into Jon Peterson's new book, Game Wizards, and Jon knocks it out of the park. Truly well written, entertaining, and full of amazing bits of history. Here's the Amazon link if you want to support the channel: 

https://amzn.to/3GDZmlk

Note, this is an affiliate link. 

Also, as I type this we've raised 1467 for St Jude's Children's Hospital. I've just ordered blue hair dye...

Nov 24, 202114:08
Iron Rations Livestream with JoetheLawyer & Tenkar - 11/12/2021

Iron Rations Livestream with JoetheLawyer & Tenkar - 11/12/2021

Joe and Tenkar return for another Friday night of mayhem and D&D memes...

Nov 24, 202101:54:33
The CWA (Paizo Workers Union is a Subsidiary) Files Unfair Labor Practice Charges at Blizzard+

The CWA (Paizo Workers Union is a Subsidiary) Files Unfair Labor Practice Charges at Blizzard+

BlizzardActivisionKing employees are seeking to organize and possibly unionize. Was Paizo's Workers Union merely a move on the chessboard for the Communications Workers of America (CWA)? 

https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/employees-of-activision-blizzard-file-unfair-labor-practice-charge-against-gaming https://www.inverse.com/gaming/activision-blizzard-union-abetterabk-could-change-the-games-industry

Nov 24, 202111:35
Why Many Players Enjoy Playing Murder Hobos (with apologies to Ernest Hemingway)

Why Many Players Enjoy Playing Murder Hobos (with apologies to Ernest Hemingway)

Why do so many players enjoy player Murder Hobos? I strongly suspect its the adrenaline rush attached to risk and reward.

Nov 24, 202113:55
Dungeons, Dragons & Discourse - LiveStream - Friday, 11/19/2021

Dungeons, Dragons & Discourse - LiveStream - Friday, 11/19/2021

Glen and Tenkar are back with a Friday Night Livestream

Nov 24, 202101:25:20
Not Quite an Arduin Unboxing, But Certainly a Treasure Trove of Arduin Goodness

Not Quite an Arduin Unboxing, But Certainly a Treasure Trove of Arduin Goodness

When George from Emperors Choice offered to send me a few copies of various Arduin releases for me to cover, I never expected this amount, not just the pure number, but literally the amount of gaming content.

Christmas arrived early for your Tavern Keeper ;)


https://empcho.com/

Nov 24, 202115:22
Phylactery - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow or Do Good for the Sake of Doing Good, Not for the Cred

Phylactery - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow or Do Good for the Sake of Doing Good, Not for the Cred

Last week Geek Native posted an article that Paizo was changing the word "phylactery" to "Soul Cage", and that they mentioned such change in the preface of their newest release in their current Adventure Path. Aside from the fact that "Soul Cage" is simply boring, it appears that Paizo is making such change more for getting the credit for doing so instesd of such change being "the right thing to do." 

https://www.geeknative.com/136257/soul-cages-paizo-drops-religious-phylacteries-from-pathfinder/

Nov 22, 202110:02
HeroQuest is In Hand - Why We Should Model Adventures on the HQ Quest Book

HeroQuest is In Hand - Why We Should Model Adventures on the HQ Quest Book

How detailed do we need our adventures? At what point is too much detail detrimental to adding a commercial adventure to your campaign. Is less more?

Nov 22, 202111:45
Diamond Comics Suffers Ransomware Attack - Robinhood Gets Hacked - How Vulnerable is Our Hobby?

Diamond Comics Suffers Ransomware Attack - Robinhood Gets Hacked - How Vulnerable is Our Hobby?

Diamond Comics got hit with a ransomware attack and has yet to fully restore functions 3 days later. Robinhood - the stock trading company - got hacked by a hacker who got access to the data of 7 million customers.  Just how vulnerable is OneBookShelf, Frog God Games, Paizo, Goodman Games, Itch.io and so many others?  

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/diamond-comics-switches-to-emergency-website-reports-delays/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/diamond-comic-distributors-targeted-by-ransomware-attack/ https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/8/22770861/robinhood-7-million-customers-hacker-breach-extortion-security

Nov 22, 202114:07
Do You Read RPG Forums? Which Ones and Why or Why Not?

Do You Read RPG Forums? Which Ones and Why or Why Not?

Back in the old-time, Google+ and Forums ruled the roost. Blogs were looming large. Today, Google+ is dead, blogs are dying, and forums are suffering. It is the day of social media, podcasts, and YouTube. Do you read RPG forums? Which ones? If you don't, why not?

Nov 22, 202113:18
Follow Up - The Gaming Industry Pays Poorly and Market Size is Only Part of the Issue

Follow Up - The Gaming Industry Pays Poorly and Market Size is Only Part of the Issue

No one has "game designer" as a fall back position in their potential jobs list. You become a "game designer" because you want to create games, not because you failed in some other occupation. 

There are so many would be game designers, and so few positions that pay a fulltime salary, that anyone going into the "game industry" as their primary occupation better think good and hard. Because if game design isnt your side gig but your primary occupation, you likely need a lucrative side gig.

This does not mean that creatives are paid what they are worth. They are, however, likely paid what the market can bear.

The opportunities to make a living wage in game design are few, and as a general rule, only go to the most skilled. Being "good" at game design simply isnt good enough, not when there are thousands of would be game designers vying for a small handful of well paying spots.

Nov 22, 202115:54
G4 Network to Return with D&D Branded Actual Play Live Show Later This Month - Invitation to Party

G4 Network to Return with D&D Branded Actual Play Live Show Later This Month - Invitation to Party

The failed G4 Network will return later this month and Invitation to Party is one of the network's new shows. Live audiences on Twitch and Youtube will affect the direction of each episode. https://www.thathashtagshow.com/2021/11/11/g4-announces-dungeons-and-dragons-presents-invitation-to-party/

Nov 21, 202115:58
Dungeon Hobby Shop Closed to the Public - Open to Gamers by Appointment Only

Dungeon Hobby Shop Closed to the Public - Open to Gamers by Appointment Only

Well, it looks like "Duck" Leason is returning home, leaving the Dungeon Hobby Shop without its curator. Ernie Gygax states that the DHS Museum is closed, but will open to gamers by appointment.

Nov 21, 202108:11
Is The Gary Gygax Estate Dispute Coming to a Negotiated Settlement?

Is The Gary Gygax Estate Dispute Coming to a Negotiated Settlement?

There is a potential deal in the making between Gail Gygax and Luke Gygax, re: the EGG Revocable Trust (Gary Gygax's Estate)

Nov 21, 202107:13
Inconvenient Truth - RPGs pay poorly, but people who create RPGs don't deserve to be poor - Wrong!

Inconvenient Truth - RPGs pay poorly, but people who create RPGs don't deserve to be poor - Wrong!

I read this in a thread at ENWorld, announcing the recruitment by WotC of a Senior Game Designer position. 

It is a painful truth.


https://www.enworld.org/threads/wizards-is-hiring-a-senior-game-designer-for-dungeons-dragons.684230/

Nov 21, 202110:08
Talking Crit Live! - Special Guest Douglas Cole (Gaming Ballistic) Wednesday, 11/17/2022)

Talking Crit Live! - Special Guest Douglas Cole (Gaming Ballistic) Wednesday, 11/17/2022)

Bad Mike & Tenkar are joined by Douglas Cole (Gaming Ballistic, Dungeon Grappling, Dragon Heresy, and much more.

Nordland Bestiary and Enemies Book launched 11/18/21

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gamingballistic/nordlond-bestiary-and-enemies-book?ref=39cpby&token=7308c8b7

Nov 20, 202101:48:01
Arduin, The First Fantasy Campaign and More - Some Thoughts Going Forward

Arduin, The First Fantasy Campaign and More - Some Thoughts Going Forward

As I've been delving into Arduin, I've been treating it almost like an archeological dig. I've been more interested in essays than crunch, and I've been focused on finding how the earlier works have influenced later and current game design. Is this the path the viewers want me to walk?

Nov 20, 202108:19