The Rambling Cleric – Page 14 – Digressive Musings on Old-School D&D

Weird Shout-Out

On March 31, 2021

I just wanted to give a quick shout-out about some recent posts by Martin Thomas at his blog, Daddy Rolled a 1. He’s been writing a series on making characters weird. So far, he’s posted random weird trait tables for the fighter and cleric classes. I’ve had a blast reading about these traits, and I feel there are some good (and often humorous) ideas that could spice up the standard classes if your group is not opposed to “weird” elements. Not sure if you want to bother reading his stuff? Well, here’s an example of one of his weird traits for clerics:

“SEVERED HEAD. You carry the severed head of the previous leader of your religious order. The head speaks to you and gives advice on faith. Others can’t hear it speaking to you. One day, a disciple of yours will carry your head in the same manner.“

Haha, that’s awesome! If this kind of color and flavor floats your boat as well, then it may be worthwhile to read his stuff. If anything, his ideas may spark your own creativity. Here are the links:

Making Characters Weird: Clerics

Making Characters Weird: Fighters

The Fortress of Zulma Kal & the Red Hands

By The Rambling Cleric

On March 28, 2021

In Campaigns

Well, I was hoping to get another post out earlier this week about some sword & sorcery campaign ideas; however, other life stuff took precedence. Work at the hospital this week wasn’t too bad since I was not super overwhelmed like much of the past year. Instead, the week was steady, not overwhelming, and I had a lot of meaningful visits with patients and families. Still, I’m definitely glad to have the weekend off! I threw down with some chicken wings last night, and I was even able to enjoy some cocktails and beer on the porch. Feeling good. Anyway, I want to get some of my initial ideas out for this new campaign setting. Everything is preliminary, of course. For this post, I’m just going to include some basic writeups of notable areas and a little about the Red Hands.

A New Sword & Sorcery Campaign

By The Rambling Cleric

On March 21, 2021

In Campaigns

Overlooking the Plains of Ruin and the Weeping River sits the Fortress of Zulma Kal and the Red Hands. Devoted to the Ancestors, Beloved of the Wind, Protector of Secrets, and Keeper of the Way, Zulma Kal rules the wide-ranging steppe all the way to the Peaks of Dawn. Behind towering sandstone walls built on the bones of slaves sits Zulma Kal surrounded by decadent and debauched sycophants. Protected by the 100 Companions of the Wind, and advised by enigmatic sorcerers with tattooed red hands, Zulma Kal knows no rival and demands tribute from all.