talechasertavern
Tale Chaser Tavern
Come for the ale, stay for the stories!
11 posts
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Last Seen Blogs
Text
Artwork by Goseki Kojima pictured above
//The Ultimate Ode to Samurai: A Review of Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus 1
It can easily be argued that Kazuo Koike’s samurai epic from the 80s is one of the best manga series of all time. We’ve seen this story model before in more recent days with the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and Sucker Punch Studio’s Ghost of Tsushima on PlayStation. Each for different reasons, and I won’t spoil it by saying much more than that.
In the first omnibus we are introduced to a widower ronin and his son, wandering Japan as a deadly assassin duo. Each of the 700+ pages is plastered with incredible black and white sketch art by Goseki Kojima. Don’t let the colorless pictures deter you…they are filled with just as much character, depth and emotion as any full-color spread.
Each individual story has a pretty repetitive and predictable beginning, middle and end, but with their own little twists to keep things very interesting. I should make it clear that this is not a read for the faint of heart, as it is visually brutal and unforgiving. An incredible, ancient beauty lies in these pages, gore and violence included. It makes the world more believable and human.
Admittedly, I am new to the world of manga and Lone Wolf and Cub is very dense. Until my pockets are a little deeper or every book is finally available at my local library, I will have to take my time getting through the series, but it has proven so far to be spectacular.
https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Wolf-Cub-Omnibus-1/dp/1616551348
11 notes
·
View notes
Text
Dark Horse Publisher’s latest gem, The Witcher: Ronin by Rafal Jakai, is set to release November 1st of 2022. A sample of the book’s interior is available to read on Amazon, and you can do so via the link below.
Not much has been said or advertised about the upcoming rendition of Andrej Sapkowski’s The Witcher, a saga following the legendary monster-slayer Geralt of Rivia and his adventures across the Continent. What we do know, however, is that the new manga will be set in an ancient Japanese-inspired world in which Geralt will be faced with new monsters, yōkai and oni, on his quest to track down the mysterious apparition known as Lady Snow. She is the key to finding who Geralt seeks, and it is said she won’t be easy to find. I mean, why would she be?
I’ve already flipped through the sample, as well as pre-ordered the book for its early November release. As a huge fan of the original books by Andrej Sapkowski, the Netflix series, and CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt (which I have shamelessly sunk at least 300 hours into on my Xbox One), this new manga is already looking to be one of my top three reads of the year. I think it will be one of yours too.
The Witcher: Ronin, is available for pre-order now! Go check it out.
https://www.amazon.com/Witcher-Ronin-Manga-Rafal-Jaki/dp/1506733506/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3RR904YHBDIUR&keywords=the+witcher+ronin&qid=1658049289&sprefix=the+witcher+ronin%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1
#manga and stuff#manga#fantasy#witcher#Andrej sapkowski#the witcher#geralt of rivia#witcher geralt#ronin#manga news#book news
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
Promotional artwork above is protected under Wizards of the Coast and Magic the Gathering. All credit goes to its respectful owners including the original artist.
Whenever a new line of Magic the Gathering goodies comes out I can’t help but take time to look at all of the incredible art that comes along with it. From cinematic trailers that look like they should be feature films, to art cards in every booster pack, chalk full of detail. I feel we get so caught up in the playing cards themselves, that sometimes we forget about the time and effort put into everything else.
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty has been an absolute treat digging through to say the least, and the art cards are breathtaking. The list of creators and their cards is long, but a few of my favorites so far are “Raiyuu, Storm’s Edge” by Heonhwa Choe, “Guardians of Oboro” by Anna Steinbauer, “Reckoner Shakedown” by Josu Hernaiz, and “Isshin, Two Heavens as One” by Ryan Pancoast.
Magic brings people together, and on the development side of the drops it is a joy to see so many different people having the opportunity to feature their visions. It is amazing how each piece is so unique and displays a signature style, but they all tell one story. They capture a feeling.
As a fan of both ancient Japanese culture and futuristic dystopian worlds like what we see in CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077, seeing such an epic blend between the two styles has my immediate approval.
I nabbed a couple booster packs, got a few great cards, and I plan on reviewing my pull soon. I will be sharing the benefits of investing in this drop, in case the collectible, sci-fi samurai art isn’t enough to tempt you.
Until then, comment below and tell me what you think of the Kamigawa release! Have you dropped money on it yet? What cards have you pulled that you’re excited about?
You can watch the promotional trailer below, as well as listen to the official soundtrack on Spotify via the link I provided!
https://youtu.be/sdXwsqmVoUI
youtube
https://open.spotify.com/album/1eDA8miCpRgLFYx7RbnkF1?si=qUcLVfA9TheAU5k_yRO1KQ
#kamigawa: neon dynasty#fantasy#mtg review#mtgcommander#mtgcommunity#mtg arena#mtgcards#mtgcollection#mtgaddicts#wizards of the coast#magic the gathering#Youtube#Spotify
0 notes
Text
// Critical Role Vox Machina Origins Part 2 of 6 by Matthew Colville and Matthew Mercer
Interior art by Olivia Samson and cover art by Nick Robles //
It is safe to say I have been reeled in by the wonderful Vox Machina Origins series, as I continued reading promptly after finishing my review of the first installment. Fresh cup of coffee in hand, I ventured on, and it’s been a blast.
Origins issue two kicks off with two more characters that will eventually make up the maniac mercenary crew of Vox Machina. This time, Grog Strongjaw, a barbarian, and Scanlan Shorthalt, a gnome and bard. (It’s important you mention he’s a bard, otherwise his feelings get hurt).
Since we know all of these characters are destined to meet in the town of Stilden where our story began with Vax and Vex in issue one, it is of no surprise we find Grog and Scanlan accompanying some companions into this cursed town themselves. They are very quickly assaulted by the same group of assassins we see in the first issue. This “episode” also includes but is not limited to Scanlan scamming the local bartender and a Dragonborn investigator of the Stilden curse, leading to some tavern shenanigans. Every great fantasy story has tavern troubles! It was bound to happen.
I enjoyed this issue much more than the first. The dialogue was more filled out, the humorous bantering of Scanlan and Grog shined, and there was a sense of urgency conveyed, as the plot thickens quickly. It is the right amount of disheartening, frightening, and funny, while still maintaining excellent storytelling at an attention-grabbing pace.
You can continue Vox Machina Origins thanks to the link below, which will take you to volume two.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0767MFH5M?ref_=dbs_p_pwh_awm_anx_cl_1&storeType=ebooks
If you want to read my review of the first issue, click the link below!
https://talechasertavern.tumblr.com/post/689720163463004160/amazoncom-critical-role-vox-machina-origins-1
#dnd stuff#fantasy#matthew mercer#critical role#adventure#vox machina#scanlan shorthalt#grog strongjaw#comic review
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
// Critical Role Vox Machina Origins Part 1 of 6 by Matthew Colville and Matthew Mercer
With interior art by Olivia Samson and cover art by Deborah Hauber //
All I can say is, Vox Machina is any high fantasy lover’s dream. Period.
If you have not seen the original Vox Machina gang in action, a link will be provided below to Critical Role’s YouTube page, where you can follow the dungeons and dragons-esque campaign led by dungeon master and voice actor, Matthew Mercer. Before the Prime Exclusive show even came into fruition, the Critical Role team was able to bring their tabletop tale to life in a brilliant new way with a comic series dedicated to building more backstory and lore behind their sprawling fantasy world.
I am a huge fan of the show, but it left me wanting more. I fell in love with every character of Vox Machina and the world they galavanted around. Their adventures together perfectly encapsulate love, fear, friendship, good, evil, and classic fantasy magic. Origins so far, is giving me exactly what I was wanting. More of everything! More adventure, character development, and connection to these characters I love.
The Origins series, which consists of six issues, takes place in a medieval fantasy world known as Tal’dorei following the comical yet deadly group of mercenaries known as Vox Machina. As we journey through each issue of Origins, we come to find how this motley crew meets over a dangerous plot to kill off the inhabitants of Stilden, a small town.
In the first issue (which I just finished), the brother sister half-elf duo, Vax’ildan (Vax) and Vex’ildan (Vex) come to find that there is mystery brewing in Stilden. We are given the implication that stillborn children are becoming an epidemic for the locals, and Vax and Vex are hired to find out why. Their coin-giver? A father who tragically lost his own wife and children to an assumed “curse” exploiting the town. Vax and Vex quickly discover the so-called curse to be so much more, and wind up in more danger than they could have ever expected. They even encounter an unexpected ally who you’ll get to meet early on.
I don’t wish to spoil the story much more, but so far I am absolutely adoring this series. It was a quick read but the writing and art had me from the beginning. A couple pages in and I already had questions. Why is a baby being thrown into the river? What is killing all these people? Who is behind this horrible curse?
I highly recommend picking up this series. Whether you’re into comics or not, if you love beautiful art and well-paced storytelling, Vox Machina Origins is absolutely worth getting into.
You can pick up each issue at your local comic book shop or via the Amazon link below.
https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Role-Vox-Machina-Origins-ebook/dp/B075SKF5G3/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?crid=29LEY1O2BU060&keywords=critical+role+vox+machina+origins+volume+1&qid=1657767999&sprefix=critical+role+vox+machina+origins+volume%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-16
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1tiwbzkOjQz7D0l_eLJGAISVtcL7oRu_
14 notes
·
View notes
Text
(Cover art above by Junggeun Yoon)
// Comic Review Series by Rhy Hudson // Magic: Master of Metal written by Mairghread Scottwith
BOOM Studios! is here to wow a wide range of fans thanks to an approval of acquiring comic book rights to Wizards of the Coast’s world-renowned card game, Magic the Gathering. I know I am late to the game by a few months, as this new series kicked off with Master of Metal back in December 2021 but regardless, I’m sure I’m not the only one to have gotten caught up in the chaos of the holidays and missed/overlooked this drop. So here’s a little tidbit on what you should know.
Magic: Master of Metal begins with the metal master himself, Tezzeret of Esper, a cruel artificer you may recognize from your own MTG card collection, cold and calculating, and freed of his old master. Tezzeret travels from place to place across the Multiverse in search of something. An answer to a long-standing question in his mind, and he will do anything to reach it.
I was at my favorite local comic shop when this stunning cover caught my eye. At first I didn’t realize it was based in the MTG Universe, but discovered that to be the case very quickly. The eyes of the artificer pulled me in and I simply had to take this home with me.
It was a quick read as most comics are, with incredible, boldly colored artwork. The characters are (so far) pretty stereotypical, and the dialogue is decent. I usually have some trouble getting pulled into a new comic series, as I am very picky about what I sit down to read in this specific genre, but Tezzeret as a character, is already fueling my mind with questions. He doesn’t hold himself back from anything, and resorts to swift, brutal violence in his encounters across the Multiverse. He is on a quest for answers to questions I’m not yet clear on, and that’s an enticing situation to continue reading into.
The intrigue for the reader comes from not knowing much, and I believe that that is an intentional move on Scottwith’s part in the way he fails to explain a lot of the imagery we are faced with early on. Most of what’s happening feels lost on me, like I’ve walked in on the end of the conversation. Yet that’s what is making me look forward to continuing this journey deeper into the developing lore behind all we know of MTG, and for that matter, behind our protagonist (or potentially antagonist), Tezzeret. His story is worth following.
You can read Magic: Master of Metal using any of the links below:
https://www.scribd.com/book/540169314/Magic-Master-of-Metal-1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=knowledge_graph
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?pcampaignid=books_read_action&id=6eVOEAAAQBAJ
It is also available on Apple eBooks, Kindle, the BOOM Studios! website, or a comic book shop near you.
#magic master of metal#mtg review#mtgcommander#mtgcommunity#comics#comic related#comic books#comic review#tezzeret
8 notes
·
View notes
Text
An Amateur’s Review of MTG Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate
If there is one thing we know about the extensive product lines of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) and Magic The Gathering (MTG) it’s that neither ever falls short in the cosmetic department. Wizards of the Coast is at it again, as they have just dropped a gorgeous new collectible bundle designed around the critically-acclaimed world of Dungeon’s and Dragons and Baldur’s Gate.
While it is not a requirement to purchase the Battle for Baldur’s Gate Bundle, it so far has proven itself to be well worth the average $49.99 retail. I have gotten into MTG in more recent years, and this was my first major purchase (apart from my beginning commander deck), with the intent of mixing and matching my old cards with the new.
The new bundle comes packed in a matte, heavy cardboard box printed with richly-detailed, classic fantasy art set in a Dungeons and Dragons universe, and boasts a set of 8 booster packs, cardboard token sheets sporting stunning original artwork, a spin down life counter, card storage box, and a large d20. Each package contains unique foil and regular cards, left up to you to thumb through and discover, but the one specific card you are guaranteed is a foil alt-art promo card (the Wand of Wonder artifact), to top off this latest addition to your collection.
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with purchasing my first bundle. I have grown accustomed to buying singles at my local comic book shop very sparingly. I try to keep it easy and not spend too much on the hobby. This bundle exceeded my expectations in both quality and value.
The packaging itself was super useful in helping me to organize and store all of my new cards. As far as the cards themselves, I got many I was hoping for, and plenty of surprises that worked out perfectly in upgrading my current commander deck. I have already put these cards into play, and they’ve fit right in to the play style I am slowly honing in on. Really…it’s a learning process.
Battle for Baldur’s Gate is absolutely worth a look, even if you ditch the bundle and nab a couple booster packs instead, but if you want the extra goodies and a higher chance of picking up some foil, legendary or mythic cards, this drop is definitely for you.
#baldur's gate#mtg arena#mtgcommunity#mtgcommander#mtgcollection#mtgcards#dnd stuff#fantasy#review#mtg review#wizards of the coast
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
Artist unknown, picture found on Pinterest
“We need to be patient, Obi Wan. Come sit with me.”
Qui-Gon waved his hand in a slight gesture, bringing a pillow cushion across the bedroom to his side. Obi Wan finished fixing his Padawan braid and walked across the room to sit with his master.
“I’m afraid, master.”
“I know. I’ve known of your fear for a long time, Obi Wan.”
“But nothing seems to be out of place.”
Qui-Gon chuckled to himself and fingered through his beard. Obi Wan noticed his master was already starting to grey. A few hairs stood out in his mustache.
“You need to give yourself a moment to think. To go deeper. Past your fear and into your feelings.”
“Is fear not a feeling, master?”
“Fear is an illusion and a distraction.”
“Have you seen something in your meditations, master?”
“There is always much to see. You should see for yourself, my young padawan.
Qui-Gon gripped his shoulder warmly, the way a father would to a son, and with just as much love as those bound by blood. Obi Wan felt most loved when he was alone in the presence of his master. He’d never told him, but that was the beauty of being one with the Force, and bound together by it. Qui Gon already knew, as the feeling was mutual, and had always been.
Obi Wan closed his eyes, wrapped his hands around his knees, sat up straight, and focused hard. He felt his muscles relax and his heart rate slow. At first there was only smoke. He forced as much distraction as he could from his mind and delved deeper.
“He is incredibly powerful,” a voice echoed from the darkness.
“Master Windu?” Obi Wan furrowed his brow and focused in on the Jedi Master’s muttering.
“Qui Gon knows better. That is our problem. He will continue to push for things we don’t approve of. He is continuing to teach in an opposing direction to that of the temple.” Mace Windu’s voice rang out with a flaming intensity.
Obi Wan felt fear rise again in his belly, and began to back out of his vision.
“Obi Wan!”
“Qui Gon!”
The young padawan felt his consciousness suddenly crash back down to the present, back to his room, back to his master, who appeared concerned. He shook his head and Qui Gon held his cheek in his hand, staring his apprentice in the eyes, searching for answers.
“What did you see Obi Wan?”
“I heard what I expect to be a meeting with the Jedi Council. Master Windu’s voice was the only one I could hear.”
“And what did Master Windu say?”
“That he doesn’t trust you? That…that you will continue to teach me your own way and not accurately to the teachings of the temple.”
“How does that make you feel, Obi Wan?”
“I’m confused.”
“Did he say anything more?”
“He says that you will continue to push for things the rest of the council won’t approve of. That you are incredibly powerful. Master I can’t help but to ask…do you believe the Jedi Council fears you?”
Qui Gon smiled. “They fear what isn’t their rule.”
“What does this mean?”
“If you learn nothing else from me Obi Wan, I pray you do that. The Order has always been corrupt. Any organization that holds a higher power is.The Jedi, the Sith, politicians…all of them.”
Obi Wan bowed his head. “Have you always known they feared you and your teachings?”
“They are not as good at hiding their feelings as they would have you think. They don’t doubt the good I stand for, but they do not approve of the way I teach you. The temple is a launch pad, not a binding holy script, and I stand by that.”
“Is there anything we can do, master?”
“You are strong and wise Obi Wan, and I am very proud of you. This is something you shouldn’t fear, but instead take in stride. We must continue to lead by example. Regardless of these things, we still have much to learn from the Order, just as they have much to learn from us.”
Obi Wan nodded and smiled softly at Qui Gon. “Thank you for being so good to me, and for being my master.”
“Hardly a master,” Qui Gon chuckled, “We are in this together Obi Wan.”
8 notes
·
View notes
Text
To give you more of a visual when following the characters and lore surrounding Husgeor Port, I made a map using https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator.
It is a free website that couldn’t be easier to use, and is perfect for any writers or DMs in need of a quick, easy map layout. I welcome you to use this particular map in your own ttrpg campaign if you have one, and to explore around and share with me who else you meet around town! There are plenty of adventures to fall into.
#fantasy#cartography#worldbuilding#character creation#map maker#ttrpg stuff#adventure hooks#ttrpg homebrew#ttrpg community#dnd stuff#dnd5e#storytelling
15 notes
·
View notes
Text
Artwork by Anna Helme on Artstation.
Alyana Stratford is the resident barkeep of The Rusty Spoon in Husgeor Port. While she may appear the opposite, Alyana is incredibly strong in both stomach and arm. She has drunk countless men and monsters under the table and brought tavern-goers three times her size to their knees. Alyana holds her own, and the locals know this all too well. Many have challenged her, and all have failed.
The Stratford family has a long history in the region. Born of noble blood, Alyana’s grandparents and parents have lived and served in the noble court of Ollowblund for generations. When Alyana was ten, her parents sent her to a private school in the mainland of Alcynthia, known as Madame Popplewell’s Academy for Ladies. Their hope was that she’d mature into their image of a “real” woman through her studies, and therefore be fit to serve in court when she turned eighteen and was sworn to serve in the noble court, as tradition demanded. Little did they know, Alyana had other plans.
After only a year of studying at the academy, facing expulsion for numerous escape attempts, persistent bad behavior, and stirring up trouble with the other girls, Alyana ran away. Slipping away undetected in the night, she made her way into town with nothing but some stolen kitchen scraps and the bag she’d traveled overseas with.
Since that fateful night, she refuses to tell the story of how she came to be the legendary bartender of the Rusty Spoon. Nobody knows when she returned home to the continent of Husgeor, let alone settled within the port-side community. In fact most of her adult life has continued to be a mystery to most, but she is regarded as a highly respected local figure. She serves under no crest nor expresses any political or religious affiliation.
Maybe you will be the one to learn more of her story…
1 note
·
View note
Text
(Found this artwork on Pinterest, artist unknown).
Known for its notoriously dirty dealings, Husgeor Port is home to a niche marketplace of oddities unfit for the faint of heart. This underground trade center is known to generate high amounts of passive income for illegal business lords residing in the three major cities that make up the region; Westbow, Anicha, and Ollowblund. Common items found around here are dragon eggs, siren pearls, and Hollar Poppy, a rare and potent hallucinogen typically bought and sold by wealthy pirate captains.
Everyone knows everyone. Newcomers are guaranteed to be closely watched, and you will come to notice this very quickly. Eyes are everywhere, and many don’t belong to friendly folk. While you are not the only band of strangers to ever have set foot on these docks, you are definitely some of the most interesting to look at. If you are native to the region, you know not to travel in large groups. No one in your party is familiar with this rule of thumb. Depending on your numbers, someone of local popularity may feel threatened by your general presence around town.
Remember, every single marketeer you encounter answers to a higher power. If you mess with the wrong people, you anger someone much bigger than you, and your time spent in town will become far less comfortable. No one is your friend. Even the kindest-seeming folk of the local tavern have secrets. This is a place of survival and competition, not companionship.. Everyone has their sights set on a lump sum…or a head.
You and your party have just stepped off a barge that ferries visitors and traders to and from the mainland of Alcynthia. You’re freezing cold and wet from the heavy rain that plagued your journey overseas. Just ahead is a muddy road leading into what is considered the East Bank. It is made up of quite a few buildings: The Rusty Spoon, a tavern and hostel, Wittleman’s Wares, a workshop, Lowell’s Law Firm, and assorted complexes of weatherbeaten homes and other, less legible storefronts you can’t quite spot the names of.
The Rusty Spoon stands out to you first, as it looks a lot like the tavern back home that you and your friends often frequent after long adventures. It is two stories tall, with rectangular, glass windows that glow orange from the firelight inside. The front double doors have massive iron handles that look dwarven-made. Whoever built the establishment clearly had a little extra gold.
A couple wooden benches out front are occupied by hooded figures, one of which is smoking a short pipe that smells awfully unappetizing. His long, auburn beard spills out from the hood’s casted shadow in mangy rows of braids all bound together by a leather cord. His partner, a half-orc man, grunts something under his breath and gestures with his pint toward you, sloshing ale onto his own boots. They are clearly talking about you as you approach, and the orc doesn’t seem happy. The two strangers go silent as you come up to the double doors, check to see they’re unlocked, and quickly filter inside.
Why have you come to Husgeor in the first place? Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments! Maybe I’ll write you into the next excerpt.
2 notes
·
View notes