Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)
@wood-jasond.bsky.social
I write RPG stuff over at http://madcleric.com/
Currently playing...
- Star Wars: Edge of the Empire
- Earthborne Rangers
- Marvel Champions: The Living Card Game
Currently reading...
- Pendragon: The Grey Knight
- Pendragon: Gamemaster's Handbook
Currently playing...
- Star Wars: Edge of the Empire
- Earthborne Rangers
- Marvel Champions: The Living Card Game
Currently reading...
- Pendragon: The Grey Knight
- Pendragon: Gamemaster's Handbook
Reposted by Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)
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 ❤️
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 ❤️
September 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM
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 ❤️
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 ❤️
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
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
madcleric.com
August 6, 2025 at 2:48 PM
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
madcleric.com/adventure-re...
#osr #review #ttrpg
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
Also, I've got six pregens available for free download that will work for the adventure.
madcleric.com/adventure-re...
#osr #ttrpg #review
Adventure Review: Raiders of the Hidden Temple
A review of Kelsey Dionne’s Shadowdark adventure, Raiders of the Hidden Temple
madcleric.com
August 4, 2025 at 1:44 PM
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
Also, I've got six pregens available for free download that will work for the adventure.
madcleric.com/adventure-re...
#osr #ttrpg #review
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-...
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.
madcleric.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:44 PM
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-...
Any system can be hacked.
It's more important to have clear expectations in your #ttrpg group.
madcleric.com/a-new-model-...
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-...
(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 3
Jason makes the argument that RPG group styles fit into four general categories: Fixed Plot, Living Plot, Emergent Character, and Emergent World.
madcleric.com
July 28, 2025 at 1:50 PM
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-...
(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-...
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-...
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
madcleric.com
July 25, 2025 at 4:19 PM
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-...
madcleric.com/a-new-model-...
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
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
madcleric.com
July 23, 2025 at 11:57 AM
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
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
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
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
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
madcleric.com
July 21, 2025 at 2:47 PM
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
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 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.
July 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM
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 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.
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
@earthbornegames.bsky.social
July 20, 2025 at 7:59 PM
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
@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!
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!
1. First played ttrpg: D&D 3.5
2. First I ever ran: D&D 5e
3. Played the most: D&D 3.5
4. Run the most: Whitehack
5. Favorite: Whitehack or Troika
6. Most recently played: Old School Essentials
7. Most recently run: Mothership
Whatcha doin Friday 3pm EST?
2. First I ever ran: D&D 5e
3. Played the most: D&D 3.5
4. Run the most: Whitehack
5. Favorite: Whitehack or Troika
6. Most recently played: Old School Essentials
7. Most recently run: Mothership
Whatcha doin Friday 3pm EST?
1. First played ttrpg: Adventure!
2. First I ever ran: D&D 5e
3. Played the most: D&D 5e
4. Run the most: yep, same
5. Favorite: Vampire: the Masquerade or possibly Tales From the Loop
6. Most recently played: I think Shadow of the Weird Wizard?
7. Most recently run: Vampire: the Masquerade
2. First I ever ran: D&D 5e
3. Played the most: D&D 5e
4. Run the most: yep, same
5. Favorite: Vampire: the Masquerade or possibly Tales From the Loop
6. Most recently played: I think Shadow of the Weird Wizard?
7. Most recently run: Vampire: the Masquerade
July 20, 2025 at 3:10 AM
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!
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!
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
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
madcleric.com
July 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
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
madcleric.com/a-revision-o...
#osr #ttrpg
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
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
madcleric.com
July 16, 2025 at 1:04 PM
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
madcleric.com/a-revision-o...
#osr #ttrpg
Do you prefer #ttrpgs where players enjoy a fairly pre-scripted experience like a theme park? Or do you enjoy something more akin to a playground, sandbox, or black box theater?
Here's my ongoing discussion of the different kinds of RPG systems and play styles.
madcleric.com/a-revision-o...
#osr
Here's my ongoing discussion of the different kinds of RPG systems and play styles.
madcleric.com/a-revision-o...
#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
madcleric.com
July 14, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Do you prefer #ttrpgs where players enjoy a fairly pre-scripted experience like a theme park? Or do you enjoy something more akin to a playground, sandbox, or black box theater?
Here's my ongoing discussion of the different kinds of RPG systems and play styles.
madcleric.com/a-revision-o...
#osr
Here's my ongoing discussion of the different kinds of RPG systems and play styles.
madcleric.com/a-revision-o...
#osr
Here's a little preview of tomorrow morning's blog, inspired by my BlueSky conversation with @flintlock.bsky.social
July 14, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Here's a little preview of tomorrow morning's blog, inspired by my BlueSky conversation with @flintlock.bsky.social
I've had some helpful pushback on my theory set forth here. Before I go printing redactions or revisions, anybody else want to test out my model for classifying RPGs?
madcleric.com/classifying-...
#osr #ttrpg
madcleric.com/classifying-...
#osr #ttrpg
A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part 1
Part 1, in which the Mad Cleric argues for a conceptual model into which different TTRPGs and play styles fall. This week, he describes the difference between games that emphasize simulation and pl…
madcleric.com
July 11, 2025 at 1:41 PM
I've had some helpful pushback on my theory set forth here. Before I go printing redactions or revisions, anybody else want to test out my model for classifying RPGs?
madcleric.com/classifying-...
#osr #ttrpg
madcleric.com/classifying-...
#osr #ttrpg
The progression of RPGs from highly simulationist to games that emphasize player agency/expression seems a natural sociological progression as the world evolved from modernism to postmodernism.
But that doesn't mean simulationist games aren't worth your time!
madcleric.com/classifying-...
But that doesn't mean simulationist games aren't worth your time!
madcleric.com/classifying-...
A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part 1
Part 1, in which the Mad Cleric argues for a conceptual model into which different TTRPGs and play styles fall. This week, he describes the difference between games that emphasize simulation and pl…
madcleric.com
July 9, 2025 at 1:47 PM
The progression of RPGs from highly simulationist to games that emphasize player agency/expression seems a natural sociological progression as the world evolved from modernism to postmodernism.
But that doesn't mean simulationist games aren't worth your time!
madcleric.com/classifying-...
But that doesn't mean simulationist games aren't worth your time!
madcleric.com/classifying-...
I love how these folks are approaching this project. Super transparent. Product is ready to go.
If you like Shadowdark, #ttrpgs, or the #osr, back this. Plus, it's a good adventure. You can literally read the whole thing below
@penandinkgoblin.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/370...
If you like Shadowdark, #ttrpgs, or the #osr, back this. Plus, it's a good adventure. You can literally read the whole thing below
@penandinkgoblin.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/370...
The Secret of the Ruby Water
A Shadowdark RPG Adventure!
www.kickstarter.com
July 8, 2025 at 8:26 PM
I love how these folks are approaching this project. Super transparent. Product is ready to go.
If you like Shadowdark, #ttrpgs, or the #osr, back this. Plus, it's a good adventure. You can literally read the whole thing below
@penandinkgoblin.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/370...
If you like Shadowdark, #ttrpgs, or the #osr, back this. Plus, it's a good adventure. You can literally read the whole thing below
@penandinkgoblin.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/370...
Free League Publishing: Pirate Borg Core Rulebook
Only $32 ($46 direct from Free League)
#ad amzn.to/4nCvFqi
Only $32 ($46 direct from Free League)
#ad amzn.to/4nCvFqi
July 7, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Reposted by Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)
Front page for our next game. Whoever doesn't get the reference is a green baboon. Art by Nydenlafee
July 6, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Front page for our next game. Whoever doesn't get the reference is a green baboon. Art by Nydenlafee
@bastionland.bsky.social are you aware of any retailers in the US who are carrying Mythic Bastionland?
July 7, 2025 at 4:18 PM
@bastionland.bsky.social are you aware of any retailers in the US who are carrying Mythic Bastionland?
I believe there's a better way to classify TTRPGs than the triad of traditional, #osr, and story games.
Instead, an X-Y axis splits systems and GM styles into four different quadrants. Today I discuss the X-axis that stretches from Simulation to Agency/Expression.
madcleric.com/classifying-...
Instead, an X-Y axis splits systems and GM styles into four different quadrants. Today I discuss the X-axis that stretches from Simulation to Agency/Expression.
madcleric.com/classifying-...
A new model for classifying RPGs and Play Styles – Part 1
Part 1, in which the Mad Cleric argues for a conceptual model into which different TTRPGs and play styles fall. This week, he describes the difference between games that emphasize simulation and pl…
madcleric.com
July 7, 2025 at 2:33 PM
I believe there's a better way to classify TTRPGs than the triad of traditional, #osr, and story games.
Instead, an X-Y axis splits systems and GM styles into four different quadrants. Today I discuss the X-axis that stretches from Simulation to Agency/Expression.
madcleric.com/classifying-...
Instead, an X-Y axis splits systems and GM styles into four different quadrants. Today I discuss the X-axis that stretches from Simulation to Agency/Expression.
madcleric.com/classifying-...
Don't miss the final post in my series "Mastering DMing," with one of the lesser-known DMing skills: coordinating everyone's calendar!
madcleric.com/mastering-dm...
#ttrpg #scheduling
madcleric.com/mastering-dm...
#ttrpg #scheduling
Mastering DMing: Solving Schedule Chaos
The #1 challenge for DMs? The gaming group calendar.
madcleric.com
July 5, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Don't miss the final post in my series "Mastering DMing," with one of the lesser-known DMing skills: coordinating everyone's calendar!
madcleric.com/mastering-dm...
#ttrpg #scheduling
madcleric.com/mastering-dm...
#ttrpg #scheduling
Really appreciate the recommendation of the Mad Cleric blog!
3d6 down the line (podcast/YouTube)
@3d6downtheline.com
The Mad Cleric (blog)
madcleric.com
@wood-jasond.bsky.social
Into the Mega Dungeon (podcast)
@benlaurence.bsky.social
@3d6downtheline.com
The Mad Cleric (blog)
madcleric.com
@wood-jasond.bsky.social
Into the Mega Dungeon (podcast)
@benlaurence.bsky.social
July 5, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Really appreciate the recommendation of the Mad Cleric blog!