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Tavern Chat

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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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 22 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • Dec 14, 2025 · 12 min

    The OSR’s Lost Megadungeons: What We Never Got to See

    The deepest mysteries in old-school gaming were never meant to stay hidden. From the real Castle Greyhawk to the unfinished levels of Dwimmermount, Blackmoor’s strangest experiments, and the megadungeon projects that vanished into notebooks and half-mapped ideas — these worlds shaped how we play today, even if we never saw them completed.In this episode, we dig into the roots of the megadungeon, why the OSR brought it roaring back, and how “lost” designs continue to influence everything from Stonehell to Barrowmaze to Castle Zagyg’s modern revival.If you love OSR history, B/X-style dungeon crawling, or the stories behind the worlds we never fully explored, this one goes deep.

  • Dec 14, 2025 · 9 min

    The Three-Layer Encounter: The OSR Trick That Instantly Makes Your Encounters Better

    Bring your encounters to life with the Three-Layer Encounter Method—a simple OSR prep tool that turns static dungeon rooms into living, reactive situations your players will never forget.In this episode of DM’s Toolbox, we break down how to build encounters that feel alive:• What the players think is happening• What’s actually going on under the surface• And what happens when everything goes sidewaysPerfect for B/X, OSE, Swords & Wizardry, Shadowdark, and any old-school style of play.Plus, a Christmas bonus recommendation: a fantastic OSR stocking-stuffer that fuels smarter, faster prep.If you want stronger emergent play, richer dungeon moments, and encounters that surprise your players every time—this one’s for you. Pull up a stool and join the Tavern.

  • Sep 11, 2024 · 14 min

    What is the BrOSR?

    Jeffro - What is the #BrOSR? The #BrOSR is real D&D. It is AD&D played as intended. It is successful fantasy campaigns that just won’t quit. It is a fundamentally different type of play that is distinct from the conventional approaches to roleplaying that have dominated hobby gaming over the past forty years

  • Sep 11, 2024 · 10 min

    When Were YOU Introduced To D&D, and By Who?

    Some of us were introduced to the world of gaming by friends, others by siblings, parents, or teachers. How were you introduced to the world of gaming? Call The Tavern's Voicemail at 347-509-5168 and tell us how you were introduced to the magic of gaming. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIdpAASpAI7vu-bZx6pP_mQ/join

  • Sep 3, 2024 · 8 min

    Ex-Employees Bash WotC - Profits Over People?

    Greg Tito and Dan Dillon have some choice words for their former employer. Looking to support The Tavern? Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/Humble Amazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • Sep 3, 2024 · 8 min

    Ability Checks in D&D Go Back to the Player's Handbook in 1977 - What!?!

    AD&D PHB (1977, p. 76): Any creature at the edge (1’) of such a pit uses its dexterity score as a saving throw to avoid falling into the hole, with a score equal to or less than the dexterity meaning that a fall was avoided. Looking to support The Tavern? Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/Humble Amazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • Aug 28, 2024 · 23 min

    Project Sigil - A Natural Extension of Baldur's Gate 3 AND a VTT for ALL RPG Rulesets? What!?!

    WotC's new VTT, Codename: Project Sigil, sure looks pretty. I'm not surprised that WotC firmly has the Baldu's Gate 3 Community solidly in their sights, but I was surprised to find them pitch Project Sigil for use with OTHER (unnamed) RPGs. Project Sigil begins around 12:40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3RqehN6hS0 Looking to support The Tavern? Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/Humble Amazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • Aug 26, 2024 · 6 min

    D&D Beyond Update 2024 Shift: WotC Listens, Adjusts Plans

    Members of the DnD Beyond community, and 2014 5e community, in particular, were heard by the powers that be at WotC. Late on a Sunday Nignt WotC announced a course change, and it is huge: "Players who only have access to the 2014 Player’s Handbook will maintain their character options, spells, and magical items in their character sheets. Players with access to the 2024 and 2014 digital Player’s Handbooks can select from both sources when creating new characters. Players will not need to rely on Homebrew to use their 2014 player options, including spells and magic items, as recommended in previous changelogs." https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1806-2024-d-d-beyond-ruleset-changelog-update?utm_campaign=DDB-PHB-2024-&utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_content=14476792382 Looking to support The Tavern? Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/Humble Amazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • Aug 25, 2024 · 8 min

    WotC is Seeking a Game Designer... After Firing Many of its Game Designers Late in 2023

    What is a sign of corporate greed? https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/game-designer-d-d-at-wizards-of-the-coast-4007920428/ Looking to support The Tavern? Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/Humble Amazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • Aug 20, 2024 · 10 min

    Why Designing a Convention Adventure Differs From Designing a Home Adventure or One for Publication

    I run games at various conventions, and writing an adventure for convention play is greatly different than for your home campaign or for publishing. Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/HumbleAmazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • Aug 20, 2024 · 13 min

    Monetization of Project Sigil & the Future of the Digital D&D Brand

    I found an excellent article at Rascal.news that offered some insights into WotC's new VTT, codename Project Sigil. Most of the article is behind a paywall, but I think it was well worth the buck I paid ;) Follow on X @tenkar https://www.rascal.news/d-d-cant-properly-market-project-sigils-not-quite-video-game-features/ https://tenkars-tavern.games/StarTrek Looking to support The Tavern? Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/Humble Amazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • Aug 19, 2024 · 1 hr 19 min

    Dungeons, Dragons, & Discourse Live! Sunday, August 18th @ 8 PM ET

    Join Ol' Man Grognard and Tenkar for a special Sunday Night Triple D Livestream. Use our affiliate links and help yourself to some good stuff while helping The Tavern! DTRPG: tenkars-tavern.games/DTRPG Humble Bundle: tenkars-tavern.games/Humble Amazon: tenkars-tavern.games/Amazon Acorns makes it easy to save and invest. Join me and you'll get a free $5 investment! As a perk of referring users, I can get a reward too. Learn more and see the terms here. https://acorns.com/share/?advocate.partner_share_id=3776334518723731626&shareable_code=84YJGJW

  • S2 · E1
    Aug 17, 2024 · 9 min

    Is D&D For Everyone?

    There is a discussion on ENWorld where it is asked "Is D&D for Everyone?" I think the answer is YES, but not every group or every campaign is for everyone.⁠ tenkars-tavern.games/cRPG⁠ (Affiliate link)

  • S2 · E53
    Dec 24, 2021 · 14 min

    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.

  • S2 · E52
    Dec 24, 2021 · 20 min

    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/

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