Old-School Grit in the I Am Minotaur TTRPG World
In Episode 42 of the Wizards Respite Sanctorum, we interviewed Paul Ehrlich, founder of Clever Recluse Games. Paul shared how his love for classic RPGs, especially the red box D&D set, led him to create indie titles grounded in challenge and grit.
His debut, A Shadowed House, pays homage to old-school dungeon crawls with modern 5e accessibility. Now, Paul is turning heads with I Am Minotaur TTRPG—a game built around bold mechanics and player-driven intensity.
With a design that pushes back against overly safe and streamlined gameplay, Paul’s projects focus on tension, tactical risk, and memorable moments. For players tired of predictable outcomes, this is a breath of fresh, horned air.
Why Minotaurs? The Soul of I Am Minotaur TTRPG
Instead of offering dozens of fantasy races, I Am Minotaur TTRPG dives deep into the culture, conflict, and complexities of a single, iconic race: the minotaur. Paul reframed these mythological beings as an empire in decline, battling internal strife and magical ruin.
The world draws heavily from Greek myth, but reimagines its elements through a post-war, post-apocalyptic lens. Players will explore ravaged deserts, cursed landscapes, and labyrinthine ruins, all while participating in an honor-based society rich with ritual and tradition.
With custom careers, Greco-inspired weapons like the spatha, and a fresh pantheon, this game offers a unique setting that’s familiar and alien all at once.
Combat, Chaos, and Mystery in I Am Minotaur TTRPG
The I Am Minotaur TTRPG system flips a lot of expectations. Players automatically hit in combat—no attack rolls needed. This speeds up encounters and emphasizes timing, initiative (which is hidden from players), and critical effects.
Percentile-based gameplay makes outcomes clear while keeping things tense. Magic is equally wild: over 100 unique spells create an unpredictable casting experience where effects vary based on careers and context.
The goal isn’t to min-max or number crunch. It’s to immerse players in high-stakes, immersive, role-driven play. If you like fast-paced, deadly combat where every decision matters, this system delivers.
Design Philosophy Behind I Am Minotaur TTRPG
Paul’s game design motto? Wooden roller coasters, not steel ones. He favors rough, unpredictable experiences that prioritize emotion and engagement over polish and perfection.
I Am Minotaur TTRPG started life as a generic fantasy game, but Paul stripped it down to focus on one idea—and built it back up with narrative depth and brutal gameplay. He sacrificed mechanics he loved to create something focused, fast, and fun.
The result is a game that flows, adapts, and surprises. Paul believes games should make people happy, not bog them down in endless rules. That mindset makes I Am Minotaur a standout experience.
Join the Herd: Back I Am Minotaur TTRPG
If you’re into evocative settings, strategic roleplay, and fast-paced combat, it’s time to support I Am Minotaur TTRPG. This game redefines what a minotaur story can be—and it’s available now for backers.
Head over to the official site or Kickstarter to get involved, see art previews, and check out gameplay demos from their YouTube channel:
Support I Am Minotaur on Kickstarter
Watch gameplay previews on YouTube
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