Clerics and their Blunt Weapons

Its long been a staple that the cleric in most role playing games, notably Dungeons and Dragon and Castles and Crusades, must shed no blood, or at least wield blunt weapons in battle. This dates from early in RPG history.

Though I cannot say exactly why, we do know this. When William the Bastard conquered England he brought with him a large army of knights, retainers, and mercenaries. One of those that traveled with him (at least we think he did) was his half brother Odo of Bayeux. Odo was an articulate, learned man, and was elevated to the role of Bishop of Bayeux. He never set aside his secular upbringing and did not become Bishop for religious reasons, but was appointed by his brother William, Duke of Normandy because he was loyal. Odo was a violent man as well and campaigned fiercely during the war that ended King Harold's life and the rebellions that followed.

Odo is the man who commissioned the Bayeux Tapestry and oversaw much of its creation. He is also depicted frequently on the tapestry in a central role. In his main depiction, where he is rallying William's troops he is carrying a mace or club of some type.

Are they related? Maybe. Maybe not.

But this we know, Odo was a pretty tough dude (he died on his way to the Holy Land with the First Crusade), learned, but violent.

Here is his commissioned portrait.