The Rambling Cleric – Page 10 – Digressive Musings on Old-School D&D

Infravision. No, Thank You.

On July 6, 2021

Personally, I don’t like infravision as a demihuman ability, and I haven’t run a game with demihuman infravision (or “darkvision”!) for years. But hey, that’s just me. There is, of course, nothing wrong with running a game using infravision. I’ve run and played in games with infravision and had a blast. However, in the original Dungeon & Dragons three booklets, the classic demihuman choices (dwarves, elves, and halflings) did not have infravision. Men & Magic contains no mention of this ability in the demihuman descriptions. The ability exists, but it is a 3rd-level magic-user spell.

Infravision: This spell allows the recipient to see infra-red light waves, thus enabling him to see in total darkness. Duration: 1 day. Range of infravision: 40-60′.
Dungeon & Dragons, Men & magic Vol. 1

Slayed by a Mage on Father’s Day

By The Rambling Cleric

On June 20, 2021

In Fantasy Skirmish Games

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there! It’s a difficult, but rewarding, gig. At least that’s how I often experience fatherhood. Four of the six people in my current game are dads, and I appreciate the constant adjusting of schedules and balancing of parental responsibilities that takes place in order to ensure we continue to get together for our D&D game. Today, no D&D session. However, my spouse and oldest son did humor me by playing a skirmish game of A Song of Blades and Heroes (again, it’s Father’s Day). It was a blast (even though I lost)! It also allowed me to bust out some minis and one of my crafted boards and terrain.

The Priests of Niotha Qurghai

By The Rambling Cleric

On June 13, 2021

In Campaigns

Long time no write! Ah, the other demands of life. Work has been good, but busy. I’ve gotta new batch of students motivated to learn about providing emotional and spiritual support in a hospital setting. I like teaching, but this kind of work is nothing like teaching in a university setting. The transition is stressful at times, but I’ve got great support from my own family and friends. Being with them really fills my cup when it’s empty.

Anyway, I’ve been rolling a Sword & Sorcery campaign around in my head for a few months now. Unfortunately, I’ve only made two posts on the topic. Of course, there is no rush since I’m already running a game that continues to be awesome (thanks guys!). I just like to work on this other idea in my free time so it will be ready to go in the future. I could just be lazy (or smart and efficient, it’s a matter of perspective) and set the new game in the land of Hyperborea, the city of Lankhmar, or even the city of Sanctuary and simply move on. But where’s the fun in that? I think I’ll just use such literature for on-going inspiration and ideas.

Now, on to the Priests of Niotha Qurghai . . .