The Literary Mercenary

They always say not to judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to the games we make that's a very real possibility. If you're operating on a budget, but you need to get eye-catching art for your RPG, Tabletop Mercenary will walk you throught the process, and help you find the resources you need. Products Mentioned in The Video (Note, I Am The Author, and These Are Affiliate Links): - Army Men: A Game of Tactical Plastic https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/452622/Army-Men?affiliate_id=688223 - Cities of Sundara: Ironfire https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/347334/Cities-of-Sundara-Ironfire-PFRPG?affiliate_id=688223 - Cities of Sundara: Moüd https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/350664/Cities-of-Sundara-Moud-PFRPG?affiliate_id=688223 - The Price of Iron: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418007/The-Price-of-Iron?affiliate_id=688223 - Crier's Knife: https://amzn.to/3Psr6j5 Support Tabletop Mercenary In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Outro music is "Robot Scrapyard," by Tabletop Audio: https://tabletopaudio.com/

Barabbas was a simple man in a complicated world. A husband. A father. A butcher. His life was small, but it was his... until it was taken from him. Shackled in the darkness of a mine, his wife and children taken from him, he was on the verge of being executed for leading a slave revolt... until a demon whispered to him from the blackness. There are some bargains a man cannot afford to turn away. Remade in the green hellfire of Malfeas's own heart, Barabbas emerged a force to be reckoned with. Some shook the devil's hand for glory, prestige, or postion... but there is nothing more dangerous than a man who damned himself in the name of love, as those who destroyed his old life will soon find out for themselves. This story is the first in a series of character trailers for Exalted's Second Edition. The intention at time of uploading is to tell the tales of Barabbas's other companions as they seek to undo the many flaws and faults of Creation. Will they truly change the world for the better? Or will this Green Sun Prince and his allies merely damn those they touch, despite their good intentions? Subscribe to the channel today, and find out! In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following to help me as a creator: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Music in this production includes Lord of Bones, Demon Army, Castle Jail, Burning Village, and Vault of Terror from Tabletop Audio!

In the publishing world there is nothing more likely to give you serious problems than chasing trends. If you want to hit a moving target, you need to aim where it's GOING to be, not where it was. And it's better to learn that lesson before you invest a huge amount of time, energy, and money into a product that would have been a smash hit 4 years ago, instead of connecting with the audience of today. Support Tabletop Mercenary In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Outro music is "Robot Scrapyard," and transitions feature pieces of the tracks "Warlock's Whispers" and "Dark City" by Tabletop Audio: https://tabletopaudio.com/

Making money as a TTRPG professional is tough, and you need to use every weapon in your arsenal. If you aren't currently using the affiliate system offered by sites like Drive Thru RPG, Amazon, and other sites, this week's video explains what these programs are, how they work, and why you should add them to your business strategy as soon as possible! For those who are interested in checking out the supplement mentioned in this video, "I Know A Guy" can be found here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/424493/i-know-a-guy?affiliate_id=688223 Support Tabletop Mercenary In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Outro music is "Robot Scrapyard," and transitions feature pieces of the tracks "Warlock's Whispers" and "Dark City" by Tabletop Audio: https://tabletopaudio.com/

A lot of us, when we decide to throw our hats into the ring to become TTRPG designers jump right into the deep end, feet first. However, if you're planning on making your very own TTRPG from the ground up, you should take a moment to evaluate whether this is really what you want to do. Because while there are pros to this strategy, there are also cons that you should keep in mind before putting the pedal to the metal, and committing to this path of action. Support Tabletop Mercenary In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Outro music is "Robot Scrapyard," and transitions feature pieces of the tracks "Warlock's Whispers" and "Dark City" by Tabletop Audio: https://tabletopaudio.com/

We managed to muddle our way through the challenges of Fall, but even as Winter settles its grip over the city, there's turmoil beneath our very skin. A lost Promise has vanished, and the light brush of Snow has disappeared right alongside it. In a pivotal moment, we are all left exposed... but the answers to where this moment had its birth can be found many years in the past. Those answers, though, will not help undo that which has been done. [META] This is a Radio Free Fae broadcast for the House of Cards LARP for Changeling: The Lost set in Chicago. This radio play was written by Neal Litherland, the backing track is "Beat Tape- Ghost Town" by AntipodeanWriter, hosted on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/beats-beat-tape-ghost-town-140843/) If you enjoy this particular piece, consider purchasing a copy of the Changeling: The Lost supplement "100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases, and Meanings," and subscribing to the Azukail Games YouTube Channel, both listed below: - Mourning Cant Supplement: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/356649/100-Mourning-Cant-Dialects-Phrases-and-Meanings?affiliate_id=688223 - Azukail Games YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames

I have spent the past 10 years of my life as a TTRPG designer in one way, shape, or form... but this wasn't my goal when I started. In fact, I sort of fell into this professional by accident. However, there were some definite watershed moments that led me from where I was, to where I am now, and I thought I would walk folks through them, and explain what you all can learn from my journey so that yours can be that much shorter. And remember, we're all in this together! So if you have questions, comments, or curiosities, feel free to leave them in the comments! Support Tabletop Mercenary In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Outro music is "Robot Scrapyard" by Tabletop Audio: https://tabletopaudio.com/

In this second episode of Tabletop Mercenary I cover the basic ways you make money as a professional in this field. From a broad overview of freelance work, into self-publishing your own game, and into all of the associated media that makes up the tabletop RPG ecosystem. Though I touch on a lot of topics in this video, and I provide some numbers as to what you're going to be looking for as a gaming professional, I don't get too deep into the details this time around. If you do have questions, though, make sure you leave them in the comments so I can break out the charts and references when I do dig a little deeper in future videos. Support Tabletop Mercenary In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Outro music is "Robot Scrapyard" by Tabletop Audio: https://tabletopaudio.com/

Tabletop Mercenary is a new show from Neal Litherland, in partnership with Azukail Games. The goal of this show is to, as I say in this episode, pull back the curtain on the TTRPG industry and answer all the questions the audience has about what goes on behind the scenes in this little corner of the publishing world. So if there's a a question you've had about how the business of tabletop gaming works, make sure you leave it in the comments so that I can answer it in future episodes! Support Tabletop Mercenary In addition to subscribing to the channel, and liking and sharing the video, consider doing the following: - Subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames - Become a Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Buy Me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Outro music is "Robot Scrapyard" by Tabletop Audio: https://tabletopaudio.com/

Even as we find ourselves in mourning for the Summer Season, it's important to remind ourselves that we are entering the Fall. It's the season of pumpkin spice, jack-o-lanterns, and fear, we need to make sure we decide whether we will be the hunted, or the hunters. Keep your teeth sharp out there, friends and fiends, and make sure you keep a clarity of mind as you do what needs to be done. [META] This is a Radio Free Fae broadcast for the House of Cards LARP for Changeling: The Lost set in Chicago. This radio play was written by Neal Litherland, the backing track is "Beat Tape- Ghost Town" by AntipodeanWriter, hosted on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/beats-beat-tape-ghost-town-140843/) If you enjoy this particular piece, consider purchasing a copy of the Changeling: The Lost supplement "100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases, and Meanings," and subscribing to the Azukail Games YouTube Channel, both listed below: - Mourning Cant Supplement: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/356649/100-Mourning-Cant-Dialects-Phrases-and-Meanings?affiliate_id=688223 - Azukail Games YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames

The Summer season is upon us once again, friends, and those of us living a life filled with glamour need to keep our wits about us. So open your ears, and sharpen your eyes, because Mr. Nowhere has another Emotional Weather Report for you. [META] This is a Radio Free Fae broadcast for the House of Cards LARP for Changeling: The Lost set in Chicago. This radio play was written by Neal Litherland, the backing track is "Beat Tape- Ghost Town" by AntipodeanWriter, hosted on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/beats-beat-tape-ghost-town-140843/) If you enjoy this particular piece, consider purchasing a copy of the Changeling: The Lost supplement "100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases, and Meanings," and subscribing to the Azukail Games YouTube Channel, both listed below: - Mourning Cant Supplement: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/356649/100-Mourning-Cant-Dialects-Phrases-and-Meanings?affiliate_id=688223 - Azukail Games YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AzukailGames

There are things man was not meant to know. Truths about the universe too terrible to contemplate. These secrets, whispered in cult rituals and recorded in the curling pages of ancient grimoires, are what make up the Cthulhu Mythos... and if you are in need of some Yog-Sothothery, as H.P. Lovecraft himself would have called it, then enjoy these short tales of terror! The original stories may be found at: https://vocal.media/fiction/50-two-sentence-horror-stories-cthulhu-mythos-edition To help The Literary Mercenary keep making content like this, consider leaving a tip, or becoming a patron: - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Follow the author's social media for the latest updates: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/nlitherl - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealFLitherland - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/neallitherland/ Background music from Tabletop Audio: - Escape From Shadow - Swamp Thing

There are things in our world that would drive you mad just to know of them. Monsters from the dark, and horrific myths made flesh that should not exist. These things are anomalies, and the only thing protecting us are the personnel of the SCP Foundation. For all their money, influence, and military might, though, it's possible for the anomalies to slip their chains... these are just some of the stories one might hear if they rise high enough to read the foundation's unredacted files. The original stories, as well as the citations for all the anomalies and their origins, can be found at: https://vocal.media/fiction/50-two-sentence-horror-stories-scp-edition To help The Literary Mercenary keep making content like this, consider leaving a tip, or becoming a patron: - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Follow the author's social media for the latest updates: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/nlitherl - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealFLitherland - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/neallitherland/ Background music from Tabletop Audio: - Pattern Recognition - Nightmare

For some people, horror is all about building suspense. It's the slow ratcheting up of tension until you get a sudden explosion of terror, or a glimpse into the cosmic workings of some madman's universe. Two-sentence horror stories, though, challenge you to tell us a story without all that time and space. You have the space of a breath to reach into our brains, and hot-wire that fear response. So let's get started, shall we? Original Article by Neal Litherland: https://vocal.media/horror/50-two-sentence-horror-stories Follow The Author on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealFLitherland Twitter: https://twitter.com/nlitherl If you'd like to support my efforts to keep making content like this, consider leaving me a tip, or becoming a patron! - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Soundtrack: "Existential Dread" by Tabletop Audio

James Garnett is a gambler fallen on hard times. Just when it looks like he might be able to get back on his feet, bad luck comes to his table for one more hand. As the house of cards falls around him, though, Garnett realizes this is more than a mere game. It seems the sins of his past have finally pulled up a chair, and they're going to call his bluff. This story is taken from the collection "The Rejects": https://amzn.to/3OIaN1O CW for those sensitive to flashing images (due to the projector effect). For more from me follow my social media: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealFLitherland - Twitter: https://twitter.com/nlitherl - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/neallitherland/ If you'd like to support my efforts to keep making content like this, consider leaving me a tip, or becoming a patron! - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Stock footage provided by Vedeevo, downloaded from www.vedeevo.net Thank you to Tabletop Audio for the following tracks: - Lonesome West - Antiquarian Study - Nightmare - Dark City

In the grim darkness of the far future there is only war, and horror. From the machinations of the dark gods, to the bloody struggles between the species of the galaxy, to the mundane depravity of man's inhumanity to man, the 41st millennium is a dark place, indeed. So come, and listen to the tales that lurk out in the deep black. The original story can be found at: https://vocal.media/fiction/50-two-sentence-horror-stories-warhammer-40-k-edition To help The Literary Mercenary keep making content like this, consider leaving a tip, or becoming a patron: - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Follow the author's social media for the latest updates: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/nlitherl - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealFLitherland - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/neallitherland/ Background music from Tabletop Audio: - Escape From Shadow - Robot Scrapyard

Dark things live in the City of Angels, and if you look down the wrong alley, or wander through the wrong door, you might come face-to-face with them. Ancient gods and forgotten demons wear the skins of men, and give dark gifts to those who give them sacrifice. Tonight, though, Malachi is going to remind some of the denizens of these shadows there are guardians, as well... and that they aren't afraid to get blood on their hands. This story is taken from the short story collection "The Rejects," and was recorded and read by the author: https://amzn.to/3IySdW2 To help The Literary Mercenary keep making content like this, consider leaving a tip, or becoming a patron: - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theliterarymercenary - Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theliterarymercenary Follow the author's social media for the latest updates: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/nlitherl - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealFLitherland - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/neallitherland/ Thanks to Gretchen VanHeeren for providing the voice of the lamia! Background music from Tabletop Audio: - The Long Rain - Dark and Stormy - Dark Continent Additional Background Music - The Introvert by Michael Kobrin ( https://pixabay.com/users/21039285-21039285/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=10959 ) - Cold Mind Enigma by Gioele Fazzeri ( https://pixabay.com/users/gioelefazzeri-16466931/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=13553 ) - Chasing a Killer by Gioele Fazzeri