"Timeline for TSATF" Topic

I want to get my local group into playing The Sword and the Flame. Previously no one was interested in Victorian colonial games. A new member, who is actually an old timer with an interest in this era, has joined and we want to now get the group involved.

I have not played since the last century but very active then, and I have kept up with the game. I have what I think is a complete set of versions from 1 in 1979 to the 20th anniversary edition. I have also
Boxed set of 3rd edition (white cover) 1993/4 with figures, dice and cards
Revision 1 1984
Supplement 1 original (no date) and revised Supplement 1 1986
plus the full set of scenarios and assorted variations.

I want to loan copies to club members. I know 20th is most up to date but is it different from the 3rd edition? Is there anything between 3rd and 20th. I have 2 3rd editions and would like to loan those to players. Is it compatible with 20th? Cannot expect people to buy rules they have never tried:)

Thanks for the info.

Bob,
The 20th anniversary edition is the one I've used most. The main change is the D20 firing.

TSATF is one of those rule sets that no one has to read but the GM. You can explain the whole thing to players in a couple of minutes before the game starts.

I think a concern Bobgnar, and others, have is the continued availability of TSATF now that Lori Brom has so untimely passed.

Indeed, all the many variants and other original rules by Larry Brom all must be remain accessible, if only for Christy Brom's sake.

Has anyone opening this thread bought and received anything via the Sergeant's 3 Website? It would be a help to all if anyone can confirm the site is continuing under Christy's authority.

TVAG

TVAG, I was wondering that myself.

I ordered the 40th Anniversary Edition from the Sergeants 3 website, last September 2022.

That doesn't bode well.

Well, who owns the copyright to TSATF? Someone could offer to purchase the intellectual property and carry the legacy forward. If there are debts or unfulfilled obligations, that could be worked out, inside or outside the context of a probate.

This is exactly what I have been thinking. Hopefully someone can shepherd the IP into the future rather than it melting into obscurity if Sergeants 3 is unable to maintain it.

To me, I have to wonder whether it is worth significant investment. That's something you really need to see the books on for the last 3 to 5 years. Personally, I think there are minimal annual sales to a handful of old farts.

79thPA, I suspect what you say is true regarding the level of sales. However, I suspect that is primarily because Sergeants 3's sales model hasn't been updated to modern standards.

For example, most of the TSATF supplements are clearly photocopies of the original documents, with text and tables on pages often skewed. And none of their products are available electronically in any format.

But if the text and tables were digitized (easy to do with OCR nowadays) and typeset with something as simple as MS Word or Publisher, and then updated with errata, etc., then PDF's, epubs, and new physical copies could be produced.

Visibility for the new, updated line could be increased by posting the electronic media on Wargame Vault or, at the very least, the current website could be refreshed to modern sensibilities, to include the sale of digital media.

All (or any) of these steps would go a long way to restoring TSATF and other Larry Brom rules to greater visibility and to greater sales. The current owners could do the updating themselves or they could bring in outside assistance to get it done. Or, as was mentioned above, they could sell their intellectual property to someone who would make the above changes. But any of those three options would be infinitely better than just letting the legacy of Larry Brom slip into obscurity.

Personally, if I were the current keepers of Sergeants 3, I would take option two and bring in outside assistance to make the updates. That outside help would receive a cut of future sales or perhaps a flat fee for their services, and then I'd sit back and rake in the increased sales!

As a personal friend of the Broms and a huge TSATF fan since the early 80's when I played my first TSATF game with Lori at a Historicon I would strongly urge patience. This is after all our escape, our beautiful hobby, that most of us have literally made life long friends over the gaming tables. I honestly believe this is not the end of TSATF legacy and availability. Keep the Flame burning!

Good counsel, Sgt Guinness. Patience is the right call. I hope that none of the Brom's take the various discussions about options in the last few posts as pressure to act, but rather as heartfelt concern and appreciation for all that Larry, Lori and Christy created.