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# Books and Tours by Stephen Wendell

Exploration • Discovery • Adventure – Curious minds • Living history • Immersive storytelling

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://stephenwendell.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [“Soulstitch”](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/06/soulstitch/) - As a child, the word for me was imbued with mysterious and profound meaning. I understood that it was the longest day in summer and the shortest in winter, but I thought there must be something more to it. And I still do. So on this, the longest day of the year, I wish you
- [Stephen Guides Castle Tours](https://stephenwendell.com/2024/06/stephen-guides-castle-tours/) - The latest issue of my newsletter went out to subscribers today. In this issue of A Peregrine’s Path, you’ll read about how a Tennessee boy left the island of Crete for the castles of Bavaria.
- [The Peregrine Pages on Medium.com](https://stephenwendell.com/2026/03/the-peregrine-pages-on-medium-com/) - I moved the blog formerly hosted on this site to a publishing platform. It retains its name. Only the host is changed to Medium.com. The URL, though, is familiar. You can find the Peregrine Pages at https://blog.stephenwendell.com/. It's Free, No Account Necessary I don’t write behind Medium's paywall, so you can read my work there
- [New Adventure: DONJON LANDS is Moving](https://stephenwendell.com/2026/03/new-adventure-donjon-lands-is-moving/) - This article was originally posted to DONJON LANDS before the blog went dark, March 2, 2026. Following the event, the blog’s writer is still convalescing. Dear Readers, Last year, I set out on a new adventure. I’m writing a book. It’s too early to tell the world what it’s about, but I can tell you
- [15% OFF Booklist “Tyranny, Freedom—Outrage, Courage” at A Peregrine Reads](https://stephenwendell.com/2026/03/15-off-booklist-tyranny-freedom-outrage-courage-at-a-peregrine-reads/) - A collection of 12 books on a pertinent topic:Tyranny, Freedom—Outrage, Courage What all to educate yourself about what’s happening in the US under the current regime—and how to resist. Bookshop.org gave me a Discount Code for 15% OFF all the books on the list, and I’m giving it to you. Copy the Discount Code: BSO15.
- [Stephen Gets Honorable Mention in Writers of the Future Contest](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/05/stephen-gets-honorable-mention-in-writers-of-the-future-contest/) - Some of you read the nearly finished manuscript of “The Periwinkle Tides” in 2016 when I wrote it. Thank you for your feedback on that 2,000-word short story of Lovecraftian horror. A Tentacled Creature Wakes After its rejection from an anthology in 2017, I let the story sleep. I roused it recently to enter it
- [Never Say Die](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/08/never-say-die/) - polyhedron noun: a solid formed by plane faces —Webster’s According to Webster’s, the plural of polyhedron is polyhedrons or polyhedra. When made from high-impact material and their faces numbered or pipped, they’re called dice. The singular as well as the plural have variations. We may say, “one die, two dice;” “one dice, two dice;” or
- [Preface to Littlelot and the Rescue of Gwenevere](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/01/preface-to-littlelot-and-the-rescue-of-gwenevere/) - Following is the preface to Littlelot and the Rescue of Gwenevere, the first story in the Littlelot series of adventure books for children and the grown-ups who read to them. A young reader himself, Littlelot feeds his imagination on legends, myths, and classic tales. So inspired, he tells the stories of his games and adventures
- [AVMP Bibliography](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/02/avmp-bibliography/) - Entering the web addresses from AVMP’s bibliography can be tedious. With the publication of the e-book edition, I have the bibliography in HTML format. For the print reader’s convenience, I copy it here with hyperlinks. Annotated Bibliography The following is a list of selected sources used in research for this book. I give notes on
- [Strategy on the Jousting Matrix](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/07/strategy-on-the-jousting-matrix/) - “Jousting in Chainmail is like playing rock-paper-scissors.” The analogy is as oft cited as apt. In Chainmail (3rd ed., Tactical Studies Rules, 1975), opposing knights each choose, in secret, an aiming point and a defensive position. Each aiming point is then compared against the other’s defensive position on the Jousting Matrix to determine results of
- [75mm Second Hand](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/09/75mm-second-hand/) - A steel chamber holds a brass shell. Inside it, a pin ignites propellant. The confined explosion shoots a projectile and a gout of flame from the 75mm (3 inches) bore. The gun jumps, the earth shudders, a shock wave shatters the air and accompanies a roar that bursts between the ears. Spent, the brass shell
- [The Joust](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/01/the-joust/) - Here I excerpt a chapter of Littlelot and the Rescue of Gwenevere, because everyone likes a joust. In the story, the hero must joust against the villain to rescue Gwenevere. If Lancelot wins, Maleagant frees the queen from the tower prison. If Maleagant wins, Lancelot becomes a prisoner, too. The Joust Maleagant and I charged
- [50th Anniversary of the “Forward” to D&D](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/11/50th-anniversary-of-the-forward-to-dd/) - In the FOREWORD FROM THE ORIGINAL EDITION, I read a mysterious fairy tale. It began with “ONCE UPON A TIME, long, long ago . . .” and turned quickly esoteric. There were castles, crusades, and societies. There was a character named Dave Arneson and a map of a “Great Kingdom” and its “environs.” There was
- [Flying Dungeon Stocking Table by the Bluebook](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/03/flying-dungeon-stocking-table-by-the-bluebook/) - While the Monster & Treasure Assortment gives us the particulars of the dungeon’s inhabitants and their wealth, it and Holmes Basic provide only guidelines on when to roll for them. To stock as we explore The Deep Halls, we need an easy method to determine room contents. Further Reading See also “Flying Table by Dungeon
- [Flying Table by Dungeon Geomorphs Sets](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/06/flying-table-by-dungeon-geomorphs-sets/) - Brief instructions below the ENCOUNTER KEY EXAMPLE in Set One: Basic Dungeons gives ‘Approximately 25%’ as the monster probability… While the instructions in Set Three: Lower Dungeons are the same, those in Set Two differ in one respect: In Caves and Caverns, we encounter a monster in half the rooms. —from “Flying Dungeon Stocking Table
- [“Flying” Dungeon Stocking Tables Become Old-School ’77](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/03/flying-dungeon-stocking-tables-become-old-school-77/) - While preparing to stock Dyson Logos’s Deep Halls1 of Amon-Gorloth a couple years ago, we needed a simple way to determine general room contents: monsters, treasures, tricks, and traps. My adoration for Moldvay’s CONTENTS and TREASURE tables (B52) ends at the point I’m wanting to use earlier sources. This is the case for Amon-Gorloth, who
- [Periphron’s Tower and Excavation: Adventure in the Making](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/03/periphrons-tower-and-excavation-adventure-in-the-making/) - The wizard Periphron seeks a powerful artifact called “the Seventh.” His research, which includes use of a crystal ball and multiple castings of contact other plane, aided by a library of esoteric tomes, indicates the Seventh is located within the ruins of an ancient town, purportedly buried under a rocky hill in an arid plain.
- [Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking Tables Coming Soon](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/03/old-school-77-dungeon-stocking-tables-coming-soon/) - Release is set for early in the week. Previously called “Flying Dungeon Stocking Tables,” we used these a couple years ago to help stock a certain twisted and nightmarish dungeon. Lately, they serve in Deep Dungeon Doom when inspiration is short for the daily #Dungeon23. I put the trio of tables, with instructions for use,
- [Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking Tables Now on DriveThruRPG](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/03/old-school-77-dungeon-stocking-tables-now-on-drivethrurpg/) - Roll on one of three d% tables to determine a room’s general contents: monster, treasure, trap, interesting variation, or empty. The tables are derived from guidelines given in three late-1970s’ publications of the world’s most superlative role-playing game. For a one-third chance of monsters throughout the underworld, use the BLUEBOOK table. To differentiate between built
- [Periphron’s Tower and Excavation: Dungeon Map Cover Art](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/04/periphrons-tower-and-excavation-dungeon-map-cover-art/) - To stock the dungeon, I’m using the Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking Tables for general room contents. Look for results here sometime within a week or so. See also “Periphron’s Tower and Excavation: Adventure in the Making” for development notes. Lacking space in the six-page PDF, I omitted a frontispiece. The dungeon map from the cover
- [Periphron’s Tower and Excavation](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/04/periphrons-tower-and-excavation/) - Imagining a cover for Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking Tables, I hit upon the idea to draw a dungeon map with stocking notes, examples from the tables. One thing led to another… —from “Periphron’s Tower and Excavation: Adventure in the Making” Map made, now I’m stocking the dungeon. Look for more at Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking Tables
- [Littlelot at SCBWI BookStop](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/10/littlelot-at-scbwi-bookstop/) - BookStop is open! Hosted by the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, BookStop showcases hundreds of books for your young reader. Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult—something for every age. Littlelot is there with Gwenevere. They’re browsing for their next good read.
- [Firing into Melee](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/01/firing-into-melee/) - Once the party is engaged in melee, arrows cannot be fired into the fight because of the probability of hitting friendly characters. —Holmes, 20 “Kaytar attacks it with his dagger.” “And I shoot an arrow at it.” “You can’t fire into melee.” “Why not?” “You might hit Kaytar.” “He’ll live!” I was never big on
- [Holmes on a Coin’s Weight](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/02/holmes-on-a-coins-weight/) - …for 300 gold pieces are assumed to weigh about 30 pounds (Holmes, 9). Melqart raised the torch over his head. Flickering light glinted off gold and silver. An alabaster frieze decorated the far wall. Before it, coins spilled from coffers, chests, and brass urns. A gold chain adorned with precious stones sparkled red and green.
- [Recalculating a Coin’s Weight](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/02/recalculating-a-coins-weight/) - In “Holmes on a Coin’s Weight,” we take the Editor’s proposed weight of a standard coin—twice that of a quarter—and calculate that 40 coins make a pound. This was prompted by questioning the validity of old-school D&D’s standard, ten coins to a pound, to measure encumbrance. Now I’m curious about the real weight of coins
- [The Holmes Spirit: Simple and Unique](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/04/the-holmes-spirit-simple-and-unique/) - I hesitate to put into words what I mean by “the Holmes spirit.” Certain qualities of the brief rules booklet set it apart from other D&D editions. Holmes’s simplicity is one. Keeping—or rather reinstating—d6 weapon damage from OD&D is an example. Another example, while some might use the term incomplete, I count the lower-level limitation
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars Coming to E-Book](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/06/blue-flame-tiny-stars-coming-to-e-book/) - This month makes 40 years I’ve been playing D&D. Last year I wrote down all the stories from my earliest experiences with the game, playing Holmes Basic with my best friend. I am now at work editing the anecdotes together into a short book. Blue Flame, Tiny StarsComing this summer in electronic formats to DriveThruRPG
- [Polyhedrons](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/01/polyhedrons/) - The first part of this article later became the first chapter of Blue Flame, Tiny Stars. I add the second part, which picks up at the photograph, to the book’s bonus material. MY BEST FRIEND, whose name was Garth, told me the best way to learn to play the game he called “Dee-an-dee” was to
- [Man vs. Machine: Chainmail Jousting Live Tournament](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/07/man-vs-machine-chainmail-jousting-live-tournament/) - If ever Dan challenges you to a game of Chainmail Jousting, don’t do it. Just don’t do it! He has a system… —Paul Siegel, Wandering DMs I was properly warned. But when I got an email from Wandering DMs co-host Dan Collins earlier this week with the subject line: “Jousting Sunday?,” did I heed the
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars: A Memoir](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/09/blue-flame-tiny-stars-a-memoir/) - Last year, I recorded a series of anecdotes on DONJON LANDS about my early experiences learning to play Dungeons & Dragons with my best friend. On the occasion of my 40th anniversary playing D&D, I’ve edited the anecdotes into a short book. Blue Flame, Tiny Stars is set for release by the end of next
- [Release Suspended](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/09/release-suspended/) - The release of Blue Flame, Tiny Stars is temporarily suspended. It’s too early to say why I’ve done so, but—potentially—it is good news for the book. I will give more details here as soon as I am able. Thank you for your patience.
- [Considering a Print Edition](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/10/considering-a-print-edition/) - The release of Blue Flame, Tiny Stars is back on. The bad news is a publishing deal for a print edition didn’t work out. The good news is I am thinking to do it myself. The book is short—about 30 reading pages, hence my reluctance. With front and back matter, it comes to 45 total.
- [A Craft Store Discovery](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/10/a-craft-store-discovery/) - The Story ContinuesThis is the next episode following my early experiences playing Holmes Basic D&D, recounted in Blue Flame, Tiny Stars. Memory fades like a ship on a foggy horizon when there is nothing to anchor it. So, the remainder of the summer passed into obscurity. I started high school in the fall, made new
- [Three Paradigms: Evolution of Ability Score Adjustments and the Prime Requisite Bonus in Old-School D&D](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/11/three-paradigms-evolution-of-ability-score-adjustments-and-the-prime-requisite-bonus-in-old-school-dd/) - Because the 1981 Basic and Expert were the first D&D rulebooks I read and understood thoroughly, I see earlier editions through B/X-colored reading glasses. For examples, when in the 2000s I got my hands on the original 1974 Dungeons & Dragons rules, I understood that elves were fighter/magic-users, a magic sword +1 grants a bonus
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars Book Trailer](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/12/blue-flame-tiny-stars-book-trailer/) - Warning:Reading this book will make you want to play D&D! Buy Now Available in paperback, e-book, and PDF.
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars Bonus Material](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/12/blue-flame-tiny-stars-bonus-material/) - I mention in the preface to Blue Flame, Tiny Stars that several articles or parts of articles from Anecdotes and Old Games are omitted from the text, as they are impertinent to the memoir. Because they may be of interest to old-school role-players and fans of Holmes Basic D&D, I include an index to the
- [In Honor of the Game We Love](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/01/in-honor-of-the-game-we-love/)
- [The Giant Kingdom: Another Holmes Uniquity](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/11/the-giant-kingdom-another-holmes-uniquity/) - From the map of the “land” of the “Great Kingdom” and environs — the territory of the C & C Society — Dave located a nice bog wherein to nest the weird enclave of “Blackmoor”, a spot between the “Giant Kingdom” and the fearsome “Egg of Coot”. —Gary Gygax, from the FOREWORD FROM THE ORIGINAL
- [Stephen on Raised on DnD Podcast with Nick Cardarelli](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/11/stephen-on-raised-on-dnd-podcast-with-nick-cardarelli/) - Interviewed for the Raised on DnD podcast, I talk with Nick Cardarelli about old-school editions of D&D, a little about how they differ from newer editions, but mostly about how I love all the editions and how D&D is good for us. Raised on DnD podcast helps enrich your family’s gaming experience by bringing you
- [Celebrating D&D](https://stephenwendell.com/2024/01/celebrating-dd/) - Back in 1980, a reporter who asked if D&D was only a passing fad learned that “Gygax and Blume think not. D&D, they say, will last fifty years or more.” As unlikely as it was in the 1970s that this esoteric offshoot of the wargaming hobby might become a pop-culture phenomenon, it is just as
- [A Happy Day in France](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/04/a-happy-day-in-france/) - It was a happy day in France. April 12, 1919, the 137th Infantry Regiment waved goodbye to the country B. F. Potts later described as “a very muddy place.” A morning march, loaded with all their gear, took them to the docks [at Brest]. From there, they were conveyed by light boats to a transport
- [Praise for A Very Muddy Place: War Stories](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/04/praise-for-a-very-muddy-place-war-stories/) - A Very Muddy Place is one of the most fascinating books I’ve read about the humble soldier’s point of view. It focuses on the experiences of the author’s great grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Potts, who fought with the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I. The book is a vivid and deft mingling of
- [Soldier Entitled to Travel Pay](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/05/soldier-entitled-to-travel-pay/) - While transcribing B. F. Potts’s discharge paper, I was curious about the dollar amount noted in pencil on the back: “89.05.” Potts got remaining pay and a $60 bonus, plus train fare for home. The army paid five cents a mile. A private earned $30 per month. Prorated for the first twelve days of the
- [Five Map Sheets from La carte de l’état-major](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/06/five-map-sheets-from-la-carte-de-letat-major/) - I love maps—especially pretty ones and especially old ones. These are both. The 273 rectangular sheets that constitute La carte de l’état-major cover all of France at 1:40,000 scale. Elevation (in meters) is marked on hilltops and mountain peaks. Steepness is indicated by hatch marks, lines like rays from a peak. The closer together these
- [AVMP in the Library at the Friends of Vauquois](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/08/avmp-in-the-library-at-the-friends-of-vauquois/) - I had a message from Alain Jeannesson, president of Les Amis de Vauquois et de sa région (Friends of Vauquois), to whom I sent a copy of A Very Muddy Place. Mr. Jeannesson informs me that the book takes its place in the association’s library and is to be accompanied by a summary in French.
- [Private Potts’s Interactive Itinerary](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/09/private-pottss-interactive-itinerary/) - The 18th of September [1918] was a Wednesday. It was the day Benjamin Franklin Potts turned twenty-four years old. Any letters from home wishing him a happy birthday would have found him around Foucaucourt-sur-Thabas, six miles west of Les Charmentois, sixteen miles south of the Butte of Vauquois. —from A Very Muddy Place: War Stories
- [AVMP Kindle Edition on Pre-Order](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/10/avmp-kindle-edition-on-pre-order/) - I am happy to announce the Kindle Edition of A Very Muddy Place: War Stories is available for pre-order. If you order now, you get ⅓rd off the regular price and the book will be delivered to your Kindle on its release date, scheduled for November 1.
- [Thank You](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/10/thank-you/) - On this otherwise unremarkable day, I’d like to thank you, Dear Reader, for your support. Your feedback and encouragement since the posting of the first chapters of my great grandfather’s story have made the past year and a half exceptionally rewarding. I would also like to ask those of you who have enjoyed A Very
- [ABMC Maps](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/04/abmc-maps/) - To accompany its series of books summarizing the operations of each US Army division in World War I, the American Battle Monuments Commission produced maps showing each division’s position during the battles in which it participated. High-resolution digital versions of the two ABMC maps referenced in A Very Muddy Place: War Stories are given here.
- [Presentation: A Bavarian King of Greece](https://stephenwendell.com/2024/12/presentation-a-bavarian-king-of-greece/) - Fluke of European history: we had a Bavarian King of Greece for a while.—Things Stephen gets to say on castle tours I am pleased to be presenting this week to the Chania Historians and Archaeologists group at their monthly 1st-Thursday meeting in Crete. It’s a hybrid meeting. From Bavaria, I present online to the group
- [Announcing A Peregrine’s Path](https://stephenwendell.com/2016/11/announcing-a-peregrines-path/) - The first issue of my newsletter goes out to subscribers this weekend. Subscribe now and GET A FREE E-BOOK Success, happiness, and daring to do the most impossible things, three haiku inspired by Sun Tzu, Matthieu Ricard, and a magpie flight instructor. The most extraordinary book of three haiku ever published! To give you an
- [A Peregrine’s Path, Issue no. 2](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/05/a-peregrines-path-issue-no-2/) - The second issue of A Peregrine’s Path goes out to subscribers on Saturday. CONTENTS Now Available in PaperbackThe first two books in the Littlelot series Leap from a high branchHaiku illustrated by Cristina Basile (shown right) Muses of MontparnasseFuture project preview Subscribe now and get a free e-book An Arthurian legend with knights and damsels
- [A Peregrine’s Path, Issue no. 3](https://stephenwendell.com/2018/08/a-peregrines-path-issue-no-3/) - Issue no. 3 of A Peregrine’s Path goes out to subscribers this afternoon. In this issue, you’ll read a rhyming excerpt from the next story in the Littlelot series, learn about a novel in progress, and see exclusive photos of a second-century Roman road.
- [War Stories and Miracle Making](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/03/war-stories-and-miracle-making/) - In A Peregrine’s Path issue no. 4: War Stories and Miracle Making, we see the cover of A Very Muddy Place and learn of Stephen’s plans for the year.
- [In Memoriam](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/03/in-memoriam/) - Coming, as it does, between the original edition and Advanced D&D, the Basic Dungeons & Dragons (1977) edition is in many ways curious. Intended to be only an introduction to the game, it lacks much that was already part of the original 1974 edition. Modifiers for high and low ability scores, initiative, variable weapon damage—these
- [“Hack-9”](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/03/hack-9/) - If the Monster & Treasure Assortments had got more play… —“What’s your Hack-9?”—“What’s that?”—“You know, your attack level—what do you need to Hit Armor Class 9?” AL = level of attack by monster as expressed by the monster’s base number to score a hit on an unarmored opponent (armor class 9) —Monster & Treasure Assortments
- [Family Keepsake](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/03/family-keepsake/) - The photograph measures 2-3/4 by 5 inches. The image shows a young man, clean-shaven, dressed in wide-legged trousers, coat, and tie. A carnation adorns the left lapel. He wears a wristwatch. He sits, legs crossed, in a chair with a high back and one arm, made of wrapped rattan. The chair rests on a thin
- [From St. Louis to the BnF](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/03/from-st-louis-to-the-bnf/) - A Very Muddy Place readers will recognize the title. I read it from a PDF at archive.org. Journalist Claire Kenamore compiled the book from notes and newspaper articles he wrote while following the 35th Division across France during WWI. Back in St. Louis, it was published by Guard Publishing in 1919. The Klincksieck bookstore in
- [Armistice Day Veterans Giveaway](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/11/armistice-day-veterans-giveaway/) - Dear Veterans, I want to give you a copy of my book. If you’re an armed forces veteran of any country, tell me what unit you served in, and I’ll send you an electronic copy of A Very Muddy Place: War Stories. Send me a message through the Contact page. The book is available in
- [Print Proof](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/10/print-proof/) - I got the print proof this week. I note for future reference: that’s two weeks from ship date, plus four days from proof submission. The thing in hand, I think a print edition is worth the paper and the effort necessary to get it into shape. A few corrections to be made: The background blue
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars: Now Available on DriveThruRPG](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/12/blue-flame-tiny-stars-now-available-on-drivethrurpg/) - Blue Flame, Tiny Stars Now available on DriveThruRPG in paperback, EPUB, and PDF Stephen’s delightful memoir makes you want to travel upstream to your own formative D&D headwaters, dig out your old graph-paper maps and worn dice, and rediscover the gateway to what the author calls ‘the fantastic path.—Ethan Gilsdorf, author of Fantasy Freaks and
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars—December Release](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/11/blue-flame-tiny-stars-december-release/) - I got the second print proof last week. The color looks a lot better, outside and in. It’s a story of two friends, RGB and CMYK. One looks nice on screen, the other on paper. Perfect foils, they take turns being hero and villain. I mentioned the too-tight margins in the first proof and thought
- [Imminent Release](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/09/imminent-release/) - If inspiration for everything I write comes from a source, this book is about the source. My latest book is due for release anytime now. This one, though short, is close to my heart. If inspiration for everything I write comes from a source, this book is about the source. Could be a day, could
- [Coming in September: Blue Flame, Tiny Stars](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/08/coming-in-september-blue-flame-tiny-stars/) - A celebration of dice, maps, friendship, and, above all, imagination—the very stuff from which the hobby of role-playing is made.—James Maliszewski, author of Grognardia: Musings and Memories from a Lifetime of Roleplaying Stephen’s delightful memoir makes you want to travel upstream to your own formative D&D headwaters, dig out your old graph-paper maps and worn
- [Littlelot and the Rescue of Gwenevere](https://stephenwendell.com/2022/08/littlelot-and-the-rescue-of-gwenevere/) - In 2016, I published my second book. The first in a series, its title is The First Story of Littlelot. Neophyte self-publishers tend to accrue regrettable decisions. Either by careful choices or dumb luck, I am fortunate to have few of these regrets. One of them, though, is that title—a small one, as far as
- [Happy Awesome New Year 2019](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/01/happy-awesome-new-year-2019/)
- [Welcome to DONJON LANDS](https://stephenwendell.com/2021/01/welcome-to-donjon-lands/) - DONJON LANDSSimulation games of exploration, adventure, and war using miniature figurines, pencil and paper, and many-sided dice
- [Coming Soon…](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/12/coming-soon-2/) - DONJON LANDSAn old-school D&D weblog
- [Bookshop Gift Cards](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/12/bookshop-gift-cards/) - Looking for a gift for a book lover? It’s difficult to know what book they might enjoy. Plus, most book lovers already have a whole slew of titles on their To-Be-Read list. A gift card is often the best solution. Now you can send a gift card and support independent bookstores with Bookshop gift cards!
- [Introducing Stephen’s Bookshop Storefront: A Peregrine Reads](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/11/introducing-stephens-bookshop-storefront-a-peregrine-reads/) - A Peregrine Reads is Stephen’s storefront on Bookshop. When you click through and make a purchase from Bookshop’s extensive catalog, Stephen earns a commission. What’s more, you select which independent bookstore gets the profit from your purchase. Learn more about Bookshop.org here: “Your Local Independent Bookstore: Online!” Thank you for your support.
- [Your Local Independent Bookstore: Online!](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/10/your-local-independent-bookstore-online/) - Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. —Bookshop.org Exciting news for book lovers: You can buy books online and get them delivered to you in a couple days—just like buying on Amazon. But it isn’t Amazon—it’s your local brick-and-mortar independent bookstore. We believe that bookstores are essential to
- [Coming Soon: AVMP Hardcover Edition](https://stephenwendell.com/2020/11/coming-soon-avmp-hardcover-edition/) - I am happy to announce the imminent release of A Very Muddy Place: War Stories in hardcover. It will appear soon at your favorite book retailers, including your local, independent bookstore—online—through Bookshop.
- [Coming in April—A Very Muddy Place: War Stories](https://stephenwendell.com/2019/03/coming-in-april-a-very-muddy-place-war-stories/) - I am pleased to announce A Very Muddy Place: War Stories will be released in April. May through November last year, I followed my great grandfather from Tennessee to the Great War in France a hundred years ago. Over the winter, I edited the three dozen articles into a 153-page book and wrapped it up
- [A Very Muddy Place in Print](https://stephenwendell.com/2018/11/a-very-muddy-place-in-print/) - Tomorrow, the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, we’ll relive a big moment with Private Potts in A Very Muddy Place. Today, I assembled the twenty-six articles of the series into a single document. At 17,000 words, the 80-page manuscript should make a print book of something over a hundred pages. A Very Muddy PlaceMy great
- [Denouement](https://stephenwendell.com/2018/10/denouement/) - A Very Muddy PlaceMy great grandfather, like many veterans, didn’t talk much about his wartime experience. His family has only his discharge paper and a few anecdotes.One hundred years later, I’ve discovered a few documents that bear his name. From draft registration to discharge, I’m following the paper trail of B. F. Potts’s journey to the
- [Looking Ahead from A Very Muddy Place](https://stephenwendell.com/2018/09/looking-ahead-from-a-very-muddy-place/) - A Very Muddy PlaceMy great grandfather, like many veterans, didn’t talk much about his wartime experience. His family has only his discharge paper and a few anecdotes.One hundred years later, I’ve discovered a few documents that bear his name. From draft registration to discharge, I’m following the paper trail of B. F. Potts’s journey to the
- [Limited Time Only—Download Littlelot and Petit Lot Free](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/11/limited-time-only-download-littlelot-and-petit-lot-free/) - To celebrate last week’s paperback release of Petit Lot et le Grand Cor de la licorne, I’m giving away ebook editions of Littlelot and Petit Lot. Right now you can download The First Story of Littlelot, Littlelot and the Real Monster, as well as Petit Lot et le Grand Cor de la licorne, for free
- [Vict’ry Paperback Release Sale](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/08/victry-paperback-release-sale/) - RELEASE SALE Get the paperback edition ofThe Way to Vict’ry: Haiku Illustrated by Cristina Basileat up to half off the cover priceThis offer won’t last long — Get it now! Sale Price €3.49 EU — $6.49 US — £3.49 UK Taxes not included. The Way to Vict'ry: Haiku Illustratedby Cristina Basile The most extraordinary book of three haiku
- [Haiku Illustrated—Proof Copy](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/08/haiku-illustrated-proof-copy/) - The proof copy of The Way to Vict’ry: Haiku Illustrated by Cristina Basile has arrived! It looks great, but the printed proof reveals a couple problems that can be fixed. Perfection is possible on rare occasions. This is one. The corrections are easily made, and the proofing process will require only a couple more days
- [Vict’ry Illustrated for Pre-order](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/07/victry-illustrated-for-pre-order/) - To be released Friday, July 14, the Kindle edition of The Way to Vict’ry: Haiku Illustrated by Cristina Basile is now available for pre-order at a reduced price. Place your order now to get this beautifully illustrated e-book for only 99 cents. The book will be delivered automatically to your Kindle device on Friday. The price
- [Countdown Sale—The First Story of Littlelot](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/06/countdown-sale-the-first-story-of-littlelot/) - To celebrate Littlelot’s print release, we’re having a Countdown Sale on the Kindle edition of The First Story of Littlelot. The countdown sale begins today 8 a.m. PST at $0.99. The 99-cent price will hold through the weekend. The price goes up to $1.99 Monday 4 p.m. PST. The sale ends next Friday at midnight
- [Littlelot—Now Available in Paperback](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/06/littlelot-now-available-in-paperback/) - Peregrine Publishing is pleased to announce Littlelot’s print release. The First Story of Littlelot and Littlelot and the Real Monster are available in ebook and, now, in paperback. The First Story of Littlelot is also available in a Full-Color Illustrated Edition. The frontispiece and six chapter illustrations by celebrated artists Arthur Rackham, N. C. Wyeth,
- [“Take this book!” Terror Wight Giveaway](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/03/take-this-book-terror-wight-giveaway/) - Roy really wants you to have a copy of his e-book. Right now, he’s giving away the Kindle edition of Littlelot and the Real Monster. Roy (right), terror wight and cover model for Littlelot and the Real Monster. Roy says, “Take this book!”Kindle Price: $0.99NOW: $0.00 The terror wight still doesn’t grasp the concept of an electronic book.
- [Haiku Illustrated Coming This Summer](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/06/haiku-illustrated-coming-this-summer/) - Coming this summer The Way to Vict'ry: Haiku Illustratedby Cristina Basile The most extraordinary book of three haiku ever published! In ebook and paperback editions
- [Littlelot Print Proofs](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/02/littlelot-print-proofs/) - Currently available in electronic form, The First Story of Littlelot and Littlelot and the Real Monster will be in print in the spring.
- [Read All About What Happens Next](https://stephenwendell.com/2017/01/read-all-about-what-happens-next/) - Littlelot and the Real Monster is now available. Find it and The First Story of Littlelot on Littlelot’s page. Littlelot must overcome his fear to confront the monster that threatens to eat him and his family too! NOW AVAILABLE
- [Coming in October](https://stephenwendell.com/2016/09/coming-in-october/) - Littlelot and the Real MonsterAn encore episode of Littlelot
- [Littlelot at Large](https://stephenwendell.com/2016/12/littlelot-at-large/) - The First Story of Littlelot comes out this month. Subscribers to my newsletter will get this e-book for free. In his game of make-believe, a boy must make a choice—break his oath to the king or break the heart of the woman who gave him the most meaningful gift. An Arthurian legend with knights and damsels
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars on DriveThruRPG](https://stephenwendell.com/2023/01/blue-flame-tiny-stars-on-drivethrurpg/) - Stephen’s delightful memoir makes you want to travel upstream to your own formative D&D headwaters, dig out your old graph-paper maps and worn dice, and rediscover the gateway to what the author calls ‘the fantastic path. —Ethan Gilsdorf, author of Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks: An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers,
- [Coming Soon!](https://stephenwendell.com/2015/04/coming-soon/) - The Peregrine PagesWorks of fiction by Stephen Wendell
- [Welcome to the Peregrine Pages](https://stephenwendell.com/2015/05/welcome-to-the-peregrine-pages/) - My name is Stephen. I write fiction, and I share my work onThe Peregrine Pages
- [Stephen Guides Museum Tours](https://stephenwendell.com/2025/02/stephen-guides-museum-tours/) - Magnus of Füssen, missionary and dragon slayer, died in the mid-8th century. When his uncorrupted corpse was discovered a hundred years later, the cleric was canonized and St. Mang’s Abbey founded. The abbey was home to a community of Benedictine monks for a thousand years, until it was dissolved in the German mediatisation at the

## Pages

- [Peregrine Aerie](https://stephenwendell.com/) - Exploration • Discovery • Adventure – Curious minds • Living history • Immersive storytelling
- [Books](https://stephenwendell.com/books/) - BooksExploration, discovery, and adventure in worlds real and imagined Blue Flame, Tiny StarsA Memoir of Early Experiences Playing the Holmes Edition of the World’s Most Superlative Role-Playing Game Warning:Reading this book will make you want to play D&D! Learn More Buy Now on Drivethrurpg A Very Muddy PlaceWar Stories An intimate account of a soldier’s
- [Bookshop](https://stephenwendell.com/bookshop/) - A Peregrine ReadsStephen’s storefront on Bookshop.org Stephen prefers Bookshop.org All book sales made through Bookshop.org directly benefit independent bookstores. At checkout, you select which independent bookstore gets the profit from your purchase—as if they made the sale! Look for the purple B for BookshopWhen buying books, look for Bookshop’s B in purple. A Peregrine Reads
- [About](https://stephenwendell.com/about/) - About StephenAuthor and Tour Guide Stephen was born in Michigan, grew up in Tennessee, and escaped from a college in South Carolina. In 2001, he adventured to Europe. Since then, he has lived in Paris, France, and on the Greek island of Crete. Now, he makes base camp in Bavaria, Germany, where he also guides
- [Newsletter](https://stephenwendell.com/newsletter/) - NewsletterJoin Stephen’s next adventure on Peregrine are travelers with whom we cross paths and share stories. A few times a year, I share my story with peregrine. Each email contains a short personal note concerning my whereabouts and projects, an excerpt from a current work, or an opportunity unavailable elsewhere. Enter your email address to sign
- [Confirmation](https://stephenwendell.com/newsletter/confirmation/) - You are now subscribed to Subscription confirmedThank you for subscribing to A Peregrine’s PathA welcome message is on its way to you. Browse Books
- [Blog](https://stephenwendell.com/blog/) - The Peregrine PagesA wanderer's blog about all the interesting people, places, and things along the way Peregrine are travelers with whom we cross paths and share stories. Articles and stories, fiction and nonfiction Exploring culture and history, books, authors, and other artists Delving into old-school Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy RPG adventures and campaigns First, third,
- [Legal Notice](https://stephenwendell.com/legal-notice/) - Legal Notice Site CopyrightUnless otherwise noted, all content on this site is Copyright © 2015-2026 Stephen Wendell. All rights reserved. Affiliate DisclosureStephen Wendell is an affiliate of the following retail outlets: Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and DriveThruRPG. When you follow a link and make a purchase at one those stores, Stephen earns a
- [Littlelot](https://stephenwendell.com/books/littlelot/) - The Littlelot SeriesAdventure books for children and the grown-ups who read to them A young reader himself, Littlelot feeds his imagination on legends, myths, and classic tales. So inspired, he tells the stories of his games and adventures in this children’s series for ages 6 to 10. Littlelot and the Rescue of GwenevereLittlelot Book 1
- [Thank You](https://stephenwendell.com/newsletter/thank-you/) - Thank you for subscribing to One more step…We need to confirm your email address.To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|
- [Bonus Material](https://stephenwendell.com/books/littlelot/bonus-material/) - LittlelotAdventure books for children and the grown-ups who read to them Bonus Material
- [Bonus Material](https://stephenwendell.com/books/blue-flame-tiny-stars/bonus-material/) - Blue Flame, Tiny StarsA Memoir of Early Experiences Playing the Holmes Edition of the World’s Most Superlative Role-Playing Game Bonus Material
- [Bonus Material](https://stephenwendell.com/books/a-very-muddy-place/bonus-material/) - A Very Muddy PlaceWar Stories Bonus Material Message from the AuthorDear Reader,Thank you for reading A Very Muddy Place: War Stories. If you enjoyed the book, please tell your friends about it. Talking face-to-face with another person who enjoys the printed word is how we discover our next good read. Also consider leaving a brief
- [Contact](https://stephenwendell.com/contact/) - Contact StephenComplete this form to send Stephen an email
- [A Very Muddy Place](https://stephenwendell.com/books/a-very-muddy-place/) - A Very Muddy PlaceWar Stories An intimate account of a soldier’s experience in World War I, A Very Muddy Place takes us on a journey from a young man’s rural American hometown onto one of the great battlefields of France. We follow Private B. F. Potts with the 137th US Infantry Regiment through the first
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars](https://stephenwendell.com/books/blue-flame-tiny-stars/) - Blue Flame, Tiny StarsA Memoir of Early Experiences Playing the Holmes Edition of the World’s Most Superlative Role-Playing Game Warning:Reading this book will make you want to play D&D! Buy Now Available in paperback, e-book, and PDF. Thirteen-year-old Stephen is growing up in a mundane world until, during one fateful week in 1982, he discovers
- [The Way to Vict’ry](https://stephenwendell.com/books/the-way-to-victry/) - The Way to Vict’ryHaiku Illustrated by Cristina Basile Success, happiness, and daring to do the most impossible things, three haiku inspired by Sun Tzu, Matthieu Ricard, and a magpie flight instructor. The most extraordinary book of three haiku ever published! Buy Now Available in paperback and e-book. Praise for Title Quote.—Author
- [Petit Lot et le Grand Cor de la licorne](https://stephenwendell.com/books/petit-lot-et-le-grand-cor-de-la-licorne/) - Petit Lot et le Grand Cor de la licorneConte fantastique pour enfants de 6 à 9 ans Petit Lot et ses compagnons d’aventure, Aumeraud et Devrac, partent en quête de cet instrument magique. Acheter maintenant Disponible en relié, broché et livre électronique. La légende… L’aventure ! Au temps jadis, un barde à découvert la corne
- [Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking Tables](https://stephenwendell.com/books/old-school-77-dungeon-stocking-tables/) - Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking TablesRandom Determination of Room Contents for Dungeons from the Late 1970s Like Moldvay’s dungeon room contents tables for earlier editions. Buy Now Available in PDFs for print and phone. Roll on one of three d% tables to determine a room’s general contents: monster, treasure, trap, interesting variation, or empty. The tables
- [Confirmation](https://stephenwendell.com/contact/confirmation/) - Email Sent Thank you for your message. You can expect a reply within 24 hours.
- [Neuschwanstein](https://stephenwendell.com/tours/neuschwanstein/) - Stephen’s Neuschwanstein Storytelling Tour for Curious MindsSkip-the-Line Tickets, Private Tour, Native English-Speaking Guide Who was Ludwig II? Why did he build Neuschwanstein? What else did he do? They say his death was mysterious… Was he really so crazy? Passionate and knowledgeable, Stephen is a local guide and an immersive storyteller. On this tour, you’ll learn
- [Füssen Town Museum](https://stephenwendell.com/tours/fussen-town-museum/) - Füssen Town MuseumExplore the Ruins of a Medieval Abbey Dedicated to St. Magnus, missionary and dragon slayer; home to monks and abbots, bishops and princes. Learn about Füssen, the medieval center of European lute making. Book Now Limited availability. Book early. Description Itinerary2 hours What's IncludedMuseum entrance tickets Praise for Title Quote.—Author
- [Tours](https://stephenwendell.com/tours/) - ToursConnecting curious minds to living history through immersive storytelling Neuschwanstein CastleSkip-the-Line Tickets, Private Tour, Native English-Speaking Guide Who was Ludwig II? Why did he build Neuschwanstein? What else did he do? They say his death was mysterious… Was he really so crazy? Learn More Book Now Hohenschwangau CastleSkip-the-Line Tickets, Private Tour, Native English-Speaking Guide Built
- [Hohenschwangau](https://stephenwendell.com/tours/hohenschwangau/)
- [Füssen High Castle](https://stephenwendell.com/tours/fussen-high-castle/)

## Categories

- [A Very Muddy Place](https://stephenwendell.com/category/books/a-very-muddy-place/)
- [Blue Flame, Tiny Stars](https://stephenwendell.com/category/books/blue-flame-tiny-stars/)
- [Littlelot](https://stephenwendell.com/category/books/littlelot/)
- [Books](https://stephenwendell.com/category/books/)
- [Old-School ’77 Dungeon Stocking Tables](https://stephenwendell.com/category/books/old-school-77-dungeon-stocking-tables/)
- [The Way to Vict’ry](https://stephenwendell.com/category/books/the-way-to-victry/)
- [Tours](https://stephenwendell.com/category/tours/)
- [Neuschwanstein](https://stephenwendell.com/category/tours/neuschwanstein/)
- [Füssen Town Museum](https://stephenwendell.com/category/tours/fussen-town-museum/)
- [Blog](https://stephenwendell.com/category/blog/)
- [Newsletter](https://stephenwendell.com/category/newsletter/)
- [Bookshop](https://stephenwendell.com/category/bookshop/)
- [Petit Lot et le Grand Cor de la licorne](https://stephenwendell.com/category/books/petit-lot-et-le-grand-cor-de-la-licorne/)

## Tags

- [News](https://stephenwendell.com/tag/news/)
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