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 ❤️

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

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

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-...

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-...

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-...

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

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.

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!

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

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

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 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

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-...

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...

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

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?

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-...

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.

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

Really appreciate the recommendation of the Mad Cleric blog!

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

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...

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here we go! @earthbornegames.bsky.social

GET SALTMARSHED IDIOT 🧂

I invented Critical Role but back then it was just called brunch.

This looks like something to keep your eyes open for!

Love pirates, not piracy. The best DMs steal ideas and inspiration from a wide array of sources. Have you been stealing from the right places? madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg #inspiration #osr @limithron.bsky.social

Last week's #Between2Cairns, paired with my blog this week, seems to argue that my DM style is NOT #osr. That said, I hear the language of story games being used, but I don't know that I've formally played one. Thoughts? The blog: madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg @cairnrpg.com

Celebrate this man by...taking advantage of...his...generosity? I mean, I certainly did. Happy birthday, good sir! #osr

I begin preparing for every RPG session with a blank page. Then I write these three headings: Beginning: Middle: End: madcleric.com/mastering-dm... #ttrpg #DungeonMaster #osr

Happy birthday, indeed!!