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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)

@wood-jasond.bsky.social

236 followers 629 following 274 posts

I write RPG stuff over at madcleric.com Currently playing... - LotR RPG (weekly) - Cairn & Shadowdark one-shots - Earthborne Rangers: Legacy of the Ancestors - Marvel Champions: The Living Card Game Currently reading... - The Phantom of the Opera

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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

First game: D&D 4e Latest game: LotR 5e Longest game: AD&D 1e Favorite game: FFG Star Wars RPG and Shadowdark Favorite mechanics: all things exploration Favorite setting: Greyhawk Favorite art: today? @wuggy.bsky.social

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Instead of a blog this week, how about a video? The RPGuild hosted a seminar last night called "Random Encounters Done Right." Here's what I've learned in fifteen years of GMing: youtu.be/Adl2-3a5-Js Lots of talk about traditional and #osr implementation of Random Tables. #ttrpg

RPGuild Seminar: Random Encounters Done Right

YouTube video by RP Guild

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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

After running #shadowdark for my church's youth group, I got lots of questions about how to get started in D&D. Here's my OSR-informed, but open-minded response: madcleric.com/starting-dun...

Starting Dungeons & Dragons: A Beginner’s Guide

Helping people new to D&D figure out how to get started in the hobby.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

It took a few days, but here's my top five games that I played at #garycon 18! madcleric.com/garycon-xvii... @3d6downtheline.com @limithron.bsky.social @revivifygames.bsky.social @mynarlenahan.bsky.social @wilyirishhobo.bsky.social

GaryCon XVIII (2026) Game Report

I’m happy to report back that GaryCon XVIII was a resounding success from my perspective. This is my fourth year in attendance, joined by two members of the RPGuild (a shared gaming Discord).…

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Days 3 & 4 of #garycon have concluded! Day 3: Liminal Horror Salvage (a sci-fi Savage Worlds hack) Pirate Borg (epic multi-table game) Day 4: Mausritter It was a great con once more. Full report on madcleric.com soon!

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

This likely means I'm old. I don't read RPG books unless they're in print. If they're pdf only, I print them. If I don't print them, they don't get read no matter how sincere my intentions. That said, PDFs have a purpose. They're handy for (CTRL-F) double-checking things.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Day 2 of #garycon on the books: Seminars from: Between Two Cairns Shadowdark & Ship of the Dead Dolmenwood AD&D Full report to follow on madcleric.com

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Day 1 of #garycon on the books: Pirate Borg AD&D 1E ShadowDark Full report to follow on madcleric.com @limithron.bsky.social

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

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...

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,…

Reposted by Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)

Frank&Stein @brandtandstein.com · 06/09/2025

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 ❤️

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

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

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

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

Adventure Review: Raiders of the Hidden Temple

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

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

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.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

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 3

Jason makes the argument that RPG group styles fit into four general categories: Fixed Plot, Living Plot, Emergent Character, and Emergent World.

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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

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-...

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

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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

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

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

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

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

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

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.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

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

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

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!

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

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

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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

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

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

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

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

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

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Here's a little preview of tomorrow morning's blog, inspired by my BlueSky conversation with @flintlock.bsky.social

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

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

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…

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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

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-...

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…

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

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...

kickstarter.com

The Secret of the Ruby Water

A Shadowdark RPG Adventure!

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

This game is good. You should buy it, read it, and play it. #osr @limithron.bsky.social

Reposted by Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)

The Merry Mushmen @themerrymushmen.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

Front page for our next game. Whoever doesn't get the reference is a green baboon. Art by Nydenlafee

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

@bastionland.bsky.social are you aware of any retailers in the US who are carrying Mythic Bastionland?

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

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-...

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…

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

Why do this year's #Ennie nominations seem so much more interesting to me this year? Is there a stronger #osr presence than normal? Or am I somehow more up-to-speed with the great stuff being published? Just surprised how familiar I was with the list.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

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

Mastering DMing: Solving Schedule Chaos

The #1 challenge for DMs? The gaming group calendar.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

Really appreciate the recommendation of the Mad Cleric blog!

Reposted by Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)

SlyFlourish.com @slyflourish.com · 05/07/2025

RPG tip: Let players engage in crazy ideas. Don't punish them for it. #dnd #ttrpg

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

Enjoyed a nerdy 4th of July and I hope you did as well! Afternoon: played solo Earthborne Rangers by @earthbornegames.bsky.social. Evening: played Circus Maximus with family members. It's a chariot racing simulation/wargame from 1979: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/24...

boardgamegeek.com

The race goes on in this game of cinematic chariot contests in the Roman circus.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Do you have trouble getting players scheduled for your RPG session? Here are some tips that have worked consistently for me: madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg #calendar #scheduling

Mastering DMing: Solving Schedule Chaos

The #1 challenge for DMs? The gaming group calendar.

Reposted by Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)

Space Penguin Ink @spacepenguinink.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

The Cairn 2e Warden’s Guide includes tools, tables, and advice for running Cairn, with procedures to generate content that fits into the Vald setting or any fantasy world of your imagining. spacepenguin.ink/products/cai...

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

The biggest challenge for DMs of every caliber? Getting players to show up consistently. madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg #scheduling #hack

Mastering DMing: Solving Schedule Chaos

The #1 challenge for DMs? The gaming group calendar.

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Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Time to play devil's advocate. DMs, how has this gone well for you...or poorly? madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg

Mastering DMing: Tell Players “Yes”

Making a habit of telling players “no” ruins fun. So I’ve got three ways you can lean into telling them “yes” instead.

Reposted by Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric)

Marco Ortiz Walters @ortizwalters.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Wizard with hatchling dragon. #wizard #wizardart #fantasyart #fantasyillustration #dungeons #osr #oldschoolart #magicart #dragon #dragonart #illustration #wizarddrawing #sorcererart #ttrpg #inkart #ortizwalters

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Now this is a refreshing way to do a Kickstarter. They let you read the whole adventure before backing it; the goal amount is reasonable; the backing costs are even more reasonable. Check it out! #osr #ttrpg #kickstarter

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Of course, after writing this blog this week, in last night's session, I'd have to tell a player "no." madcleric.com/mastering-dm... I still stand by what I said. #ttrpg

Mastering DMing: Tell Players “Yes”

Making a habit of telling players “no” ruins fun. So I’ve got three ways you can lean into telling them “yes” instead.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

I personally find this DMing trick extremely rewarding and fun. Give it a shot! madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg #osr #cairn

Mastering DMing: Tell Players “Yes”

Making a habit of telling players “no” ruins fun. So I’ve got three ways you can lean into telling them “yes” instead.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

A really helpful and interesting review of Mythic Bastionland on a first read.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

This looks like a promising and fun dungeon module. Thanks, @notbuchanan.bsky.social!

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

I'm not sure who needs to see this, but just in case:

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

My most recent installment in the Mastering DMing series: madcleric.com/mastering-dm... For new and veteran DMs of all systems. Enjoy!

Mastering DMing: Steal Stuff

Don’t plagiarize or bootleg. But borrow stuff liberally.

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Ok, #osr folks: What, in your opinion, is the most important element of a #TTRPG session? Asking for a friend...

Jason Wood (The Mad Cleric) @wood-jasond.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Some of the best ideas for my RPG group... Don't come from my imagination and ingenuity, but From my players and their creativity. STEAL THEIR IDEAS madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg #osr

Mastering DMing: Steal Stuff

Don’t plagiarize or bootleg. But borrow stuff liberally.