Swordbearer 1e (1982) & The Tavern (1983): Two old school RPG releases linked by a common author

Heritage Models (aka Heritage USA and Dwarfstar Games) was a metal miniatures manufacturer that expanded into boardgames and roleplaying games. One of the principals, the late Arnold Hendrick, developed a number of familiar titles, including the Swordbearer RPG with B. Dennis Sustare. After the demise of Heritage in 1983, Hendrick took an in-development accessory – The Tavern – to publish under the Genesis Gaming Products mantle.

See also: Barbarian Prince by Arnold Hendrick from Dwarfstar Games

BARBARIAN PRINCE: Easy-to-play, hard-to-win Old School Solo Game (1981)

Swordbearer, 1st Edition

Swordbearer, 1st Edition [BOX SET]

1982 … B. Dennis Sustare & Arnold Hendrick & Denis Loubet … Heritage 8250 (books 8250a, b, and c)

Check Wayne’s Books Inventory (I have 2e reprint books in stock for $15)

Noble Knight

See the rest of the Swordbearer items at my RPG reference site

“[Swordbearer] had originally been commissioned by Heritage as a competitor to D&D. The result was an innovative RPG with evocative magic and some ideas that almost seem pre-indie (such as abstracted wealth and encumbrance systems). Its tactical combat also got some acclaim…”
Shannon Appelcline, Designers & Dragons: The 70s

Swordbearer is also notable for the outstanding fantasy line art by Denis Loubet (spelled “Dennis” in the SB credits). See photos below.

The 1st edition Swordbearer books are a shock to the first-timer… It looks like your box is missing parts! Only Book 1, 3 and 5 are visible. However, Books 2, 4, and 6 are incorporated into their respective volumes. A very peculiar design choice IMO.