Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)

it did! I just approved it and will give it a read.

Oh sick! Thanks!

Ah-ha! That's a big difference. I'll send you a private message with follow-up questions then, so I'm not littering Bluesky with spoilers!

It's worth mentioning that I put together a dungeon to supplement Yochai's adventure. So if you're interested, check it out!

madcleric.itch.io/the-cult-of-...

Adventure Review: The Feast of Tegny Wood A Cairn Adventure by Yochai Gal NOTE: Spoiler warning appears further down—this section is safe for players. This adventure is… A forest crawl (using Cairn rules) that further introduces Vald,…

I'm a big fan of @yochaigal.bsky.social and his work. Recently ran his latest adventure. We had lots of fun, but I have questions. Looking forward to a good conversation with him--and any of you--on how my experience relates to the OSR/trad game divide.

madcleric.com/adventure-re...

Good morning, chums!

It’s the weekend once again, so my DMs are open to all new comics creators who need advice on writing, art, or the industry at large!

If that isn’t you, please do share for maximum reach ❤️

Adventure Review: Raiders of the Hidden Temple A review of Kelsey Dionne’s Shadowdark adventure, Raiders of the Hidden Temple

I've got six 4th-level pregens for #Shadowdark ready for play, linked in my review of Kelsey Dionne's Raiders of the Hidden Temple. Check it out!

madcleric.com/adventure-re...

#osr #review #ttrpg

Adventure Review: Raiders of the Hidden Temple A review of Kelsey Dionne’s Shadowdark adventure, Raiders of the Hidden Temple

A review of Kelsey Dionne's free #Shadowdark adventure: Raiders of the Hidden Temple!

Also, I've got six pregens available for free download that will work for the adventure.

madcleric.com/adventure-re...

#osr #ttrpg #review

A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part 3 Jason makes the argument that RPG group styles fit into four general categories: Fixed Plot, Living Plot, Emergent Character, and Emergent World.

I agree with the #osr maxim that system matters. But what matters even more is the intent/desire of the GM and players.

Any system can be hacked.

It's more important to have clear expectations in your #ttrpg group.

madcleric.com/a-new-model-...

A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part 3 Jason makes the argument that RPG group styles fit into four general categories: Fixed Plot, Living Plot, Emergent Character, and Emergent World.

At risk of oversimplification, I've attempted to narrow down #TTRPG styles into four different types:

(1) Fixed Plot
(2) Living Plot
(3) Emergent Character
(4) Emergent World

Each has a different set of demands for GM and player, but all have their strengths.

madcleric.com/a-new-model-...

A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part “2” The Y axis on Jason’s model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles: GM radius of management

As a Game Master, how much control do you want over your game world? And...then, how many plates are you willing to keep spinning, as it gets more complex?

madcleric.com/a-new-model-...

ah yes. I misspoke. I've tried to use that in AD&D several times, but it always collapses into players just telling me.

I haven't read that particular book, but several of those in the same historical vein. Braunstein was, from my understanding, another good example of a GM-type person who was a fairly neutral arbiter.

So, it looks like they're only selling their products? Are they planning to expand the offering?

That's a good response, right there!

I have REALLY enjoyed reading Shadowdark and playing about five sessions. I'm running my first session next week at a small gathering of friends

So what systems do you play primarily? I feel like I might have asked you this last week....

A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part “2” The Y axis on Jason’s model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles: GM radius of management

As a Game Master, do you enjoy preparing for RPG sessions?

Or does it feel like work to you?

How does that impact your choice of game system or adventure?

madcleric.com/a-new-model-...

#ttrpg #osr

A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part “2” The Y axis on Jason’s model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles: GM radius of management

Last week, we talked about the impact that players have on your #ttrpg world. This week:

What do different RPGs and game groups demand of GMs, in terms of world generation...and upkeep?

If prepping for RPGs is starting to feel like work, what needs to change?

madcleric.com/a-new-model-...

#osr

Last night, I had the rare chnace to play (not DM) a game of AD&D 1st Ed. I was filling in for another player who dropped out, in a party of mostly new players.

I faced off one-on-one with a young white dragon...and ended up taking it out single-handedly! As it turns out, +4 Longswords are great.

I'm happy to report that upon concluding, the game assigns a mission that tells you all the side quests, so that you can satisfy any completionist urges!

@zachbunn.bsky.social

Today, I wrapped up the main storyline of #EarthborneRangers, a narrative-driven card game akin to Arkham Horror. It took twenty-two in-game days (22 sessions of play). Really happy I Kickstarted this release and its followup, which is waiting in the wings!

@earthbornegames.bsky.social

1. First played TTRPG: D&D 4e
2. First I ever ran: 4e
3. Played the most: Star Wars: Edge of the Empire
4. Run the most: AD&D 1e
5. Favorite: Edge of the Empire and 1e, most likely
6. Most recently played: 1e
7. Most recently run: Edge of the Empire

I promise, I play more than these!

So you're speaking more broadly than in the TTRPG world, then...

How is the phrase typically used, when you hear it?

Is the "weird little guy" in reference to a grubby little NPC fellow who lives in a dungeon? If so, it's from Between 2 Cairns and it's mostly the fault of @bradkerr.net.

#osr

A revision of my classification of RPG Systems and Playstyles The Mad Cleric makes a redaction and revision of his classification of RPG Systems from 7/7/2025

As a Game Master, how much impact and creative input do you want your players to have on the world?

madcleric.com/a-revision-o...

#osr #ttrpg

A revision of my classification of RPG Systems and Playstyles The Mad Cleric makes a redaction and revision of his classification of RPG Systems from 7/7/2025

The kind of RPG you want to play demands a different level of trust from the GM or the players. Have you recognized that and leaned into it?

madcleric.com/a-revision-o...

#osr #ttrpg

Give it time! There's some really great ones out there

Oh wow. I have not! Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

Have you unlocked any reward cards that are manifestations yet? I don't want to spoil any, but I have thoughts....