Episode 32: Cruel

Episode 32: Cruel

From Swords Against Madness by Brian C. Rideout

February 28, 2026 · 35 min · Season 1 · Episode 32

About this episode

Miria reflects on her past while navigating a beautiful yet cruel landscape inspired by the Chronicles of Amber.

Miria contemplates her past as she, Edryk, and Kale cross the Divine Seed of Amber, a place of beauty, perfection, and cruelty. This episode draws its inspiration from the setting of the Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny, one of the top six inspirations for Dungeons & Dragons listed in AD&D ‘s Appendix N . This scifi-dense story is mostly told in flashback. Much of my Scifi elements of my campaign are played using Cepheus Deluxe and White Star: Swords & Wizardry in Space, Galaxy Edition . I also mention a classic D&D monster, the Flail Snail. This issue introduces a race of humanoid cyborgs, The Zaeth . Zaeth: HD : 1; AC : 5 [14]; Att : Sonic Disruptor (1d6); SV : 18; Special : agility, bionics, sonar; MV : 12; AL : Neutrality; ML: 7; No. Appearing: 1d4; CL/XP : 3/90 Agility : Zaeth have thief abilities at a level equivalent to their hit dice. Bionics: Zaeth are immune to poison and disease. Their body temperature is always the same as the room. They cannot be healed with healing magic. Ultrasound: Zaeth can see texture in perfect darkness up to 120 feet away. I am also collecting emails for an AMA bonus epsiode!! Get in touch with me here! Music in this…

People in this episode

Host: Brian C. Rideout

Topics covered

  • flashback
  • sci-fi
  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • humanoid cyborgs
  • fantasy
  • game mechanics

Keywords

  • Amber
  • sci-fi
  • Zaeth
  • D&D
  • Flail Snail
  • Cepheus Deluxe
  • White Star

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Free Music Alliance, Free Music Archive

Products: Cepheus Deluxe, White Star: Swords & Wizardry in Space, Galaxy Edition, Flail Snail

Books & works: Chronicles of Amber

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