Deadlands⁚ The Weird West

Deadlands is a tabletop role-playing game set in a weird and dangerous Wild West. The game is powered by the Savage Worlds rules system and is known for its unique blend of Western and horror themes. The Deadlands⁚ The Weird West core rulebook is a 192-page hardcover book in a graphic novel size. The book features full-color art throughout and is designed to be used with the Savage Worlds Adventure Edition core rules.

Introduction

Deadlands⁚ The Weird West is a tabletop role-playing game that plunges players into a dark and dangerous Wild West where magic, monsters, and the undead roam freely. The game is powered by the Savage Worlds rules system, which is known for its fast-paced and action-packed gameplay. Deadlands⁚ The Weird West is a world where the American frontier is just as perilous as it is beautiful, filled with treacherous landscapes, ruthless outlaws, and sinister forces that lurk in the shadows. Players take on the roles of gunslingers, lawmen, or other adventurous souls who venture into this wild and unforgiving land. The game is filled with exciting action, suspenseful encounters, and a unique blend of Western and horror themes that make it a truly unforgettable experience.

The Deadlands⁚ The Weird West rulebook is a comprehensive guide to the game, providing everything players and game masters need to create and run their own adventures in this twisted Wild West. The book includes detailed information on character creation, rules for combat and magic, descriptions of the setting, and a wealth of adventure hooks to get players started. The game is also supported by a wide range of supplemental materials, including adventure modules, sourcebooks, and character sheets. The PDF version of the Deadlands⁚ The Weird West rulebook is a convenient and affordable way to experience this unique and exciting RPG.

The Setting

Deadlands⁚ The Weird West takes place in an alternate timeline where the Civil War ended in a tense stalemate, leaving the nation fractured and on the brink of renewed conflict. The year is 1884, and the American frontier is a place of stark contrasts. On one hand, it is a land of rugged beauty, vast plains, and towering mountains, attracting those seeking a fresh start and new opportunities. On the other hand, it is a land of darkness and danger, where the ghosts of the past linger, and ancient evils stir from their slumber.

The setting is known as the Weird West, a place where supernatural elements are intertwined with the gritty realities of frontier life. The horrors of the Civil War unleashed a wave of mystical energy across the land, resulting in the emergence of powerful beings known as “The Reckoners.” These creatures, fueled by the dark forces of the underworld, have been a constant threat to the peace and prosperity of the West. The Reckoners are not the only supernatural element in Deadlands. Various forms of magic, including voodoo, alchemy, and shamanism, are practiced by both heroes and villains alike. This blend of the supernatural and the mundane creates a unique and unpredictable world where anything is possible.

The Rules

Deadlands⁚ The Weird West is powered by the Savage Worlds Adventure Edition rules system. Savage Worlds is known for its streamlined and fast-paced gameplay, making it ideal for action-packed adventures. The rules are designed to be easy to learn and understand, even for players new to tabletop role-playing games. The core mechanics of the system are based on a d6 system. Players roll a d6 and add their skill level to determine if they succeed in an action. The system features a number of innovative mechanics, such as the “Wild Die,” which adds an element of chance and excitement to the game.

Deadlands introduces a number of unique rules and mechanics that enhance the game’s setting. The “Weird West” setting adds elements of horror and the supernatural to the traditional Wild West setting. The game features a variety of supernatural powers and abilities, as well as a system for tracking and managing the effects of “The Reckoners” on the world. The game also features a unique “Bennies” system, which allows players to gain extra dice rolls or take other actions in a variety of situations. This system adds an element of player agency and control to the game, allowing players to make choices that can impact the outcome of their adventures.

Character Creation

Creating a character in Deadlands⁚ The Weird West is a fun and engaging process that allows players to bring their unique visions to life. The game provides a wide range of character options, allowing players to create a variety of archetypes, from gunslinging lawmen to mysterious hucksters. The character creation process begins with choosing a “Edge,” which represents a character’s primary skill set. Edges include options such as “Gunslinger,” “Lawman,” “Huckster,” “Outlaw,” “Mystic,” and “Weird Science.” Each Edge provides a unique set of skills and abilities that define the character’s strengths and weaknesses.

Players then choose a “Pace,” which determines the character’s basic stats. The game provides a variety of Paces, such as “Fast,” “Medium,” “Slow,” and “Tough.” Each Pace grants different stat bonuses and penalties, affecting the character’s agility, strength, and resilience. Players also choose a “Background,” which provides additional skills and abilities that reflect the character’s past and upbringing. Examples of backgrounds include “Cowpoke,” “Gambler,” “Ex-Soldier,” and “Outlaw.” Players can customize their characters further by choosing from a variety of “Talents,” which are special abilities that enhance a character’s skills or grant new abilities. Talents include options like “Fast Draw,” “Quick Healing,” and “Arcane Knowledge.”

Gameplay

Deadlands⁚ The Weird West gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, designed to capture the excitement of the Wild West while incorporating elements of horror and supernatural mystery. The game uses the Savage Worlds rules system, known for its streamlined mechanics and intuitive approach to character creation and combat. The core mechanic in Deadlands is the “d6” system, where players roll a six-sided die and add their character’s skill rating to determine success or failure. The game features a variety of skills, such as Shooting, Fighting, Notice, and Persuasion, which players can use to perform actions and overcome challenges.

Combat in Deadlands is fast and furious, with players rolling dice to determine the outcome of attacks and defenses. The game features a variety of weapons and gadgets, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and even supernatural weapons like spirit guns. Players can also use special abilities, like “Quick Draw” and “Grit,” to gain an advantage in combat. The game’s “Weird West” setting adds a unique element to combat, with players encountering supernatural creatures, such as ghosts, demons, and even undead cowboys. These encounters require players to use their wits, skills, and courage to survive.

Adventure Hooks

Deadlands⁚ The Weird West offers a plethora of adventure hooks for players to explore, drawing from the rich tapestry of the game’s setting, which combines the Wild West with supernatural horror. These hooks can vary from classic Western scenarios to supernatural mysteries involving haunted towns, forgotten ruins, and ancient conspiracies. One common adventure hook involves investigating a ghost town, where players must unravel the town’s dark past and face the ghosts of its former inhabitants. Another popular hook is the “treasure hunt,” where players embark on a quest to find a lost artifact or hidden fortune, often involving perilous encounters with supernatural creatures or rival treasure hunters.

Deadlands also offers a variety of pre-made adventures, like “Devils Night,” which showcases some of the new rules found in the Savage Worlds Horror Companion. These adventures provide ready-made plots and challenges for players, while allowing Game Masters to customize and adapt them to their own campaign settings. The game’s unique blend of western and horror themes allows for a wide range of adventure possibilities, from classic Western shootouts to supernatural investigations. These adventure hooks offer players a chance to experience the thrill of the Wild West while facing the terrifying unknown.

Deadlands⁚ The South

Deadlands⁚ The South, a supplement for the Deadlands role-playing game, delves into the unique and often overlooked history and folklore of the American South during the late 19th century. This sourcebook provides a wealth of information for Game Masters and players seeking to explore this region, offering new locations, factions, and characters. It delves into the simmering tensions between the North and South after the Civil War, exploring the lingering effects of slavery, the rise of new social and political movements, and the burgeoning presence of the supernatural in the region.

The book includes detailed descriptions of Southern cities, such as New Orleans, Charleston, and Atlanta, as well as rural areas like the swamps of Louisiana and the mountains of Appalachia. Players can encounter new threats and challenges, including voodoo practitioners, swamp creatures, and vengeful spirits linked to the region’s troubled past. This supplement also introduces new character options, such as the “Cajun” and “Hillbilly” archetypes, reflecting the distinct cultures and traditions of the South; Deadlands⁚ The South allows players to experience a different side of the Weird West, where the ghosts of the past are intertwined with the burgeoning future, creating a rich and compelling setting for adventure.

Resources

For those eager to delve deeper into the Weird West of Deadlands, a plethora of resources are available to enhance the gaming experience. Pinnacle Entertainment Group, the publishers of Deadlands, offers a wealth of supplementary material, including adventure modules, sourcebooks, and character sheets. These resources provide additional lore, character options, and gameplay mechanics to expand the Deadlands universe.

The official Deadlands website serves as a hub for information and community engagement. Here, players and Game Masters can find errata, FAQs, and forums for discussing the game. Additionally, numerous online communities, such as the Savage Worlds subreddit and various forums dedicated to Deadlands, provide a platform for players to share experiences, discuss strategies, and access fan-created content. Furthermore, websites like DriveThruRPG and RPGNow offer a wide selection of third-party products, such as custom adventures, character backgrounds, and even new rules for Deadlands. These resources empower players and Game Masters to customize their Deadlands experience, ensuring a truly unique and engaging journey into the Weird West.

Deadlands⁚ The Weird West offers a captivating and thrilling experience for players and Game Masters alike. The unique blend of Western and horror themes, coupled with the dynamic Savage Worlds rules system, creates a richly immersive world filled with danger, intrigue, and supernatural elements. Whether you’re a seasoned role-playing veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Deadlands provides a compelling and memorable journey into a world where the Wild West meets the Weird.

From its engaging setting and diverse character options to its exciting combat system and compelling narrative possibilities, Deadlands offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure. The game’s focus on player agency and creative storytelling empowers players to shape their own destinies and forge unique stories within the Weird West. For those seeking a truly unique and unforgettable role-playing experience, Deadlands⁚ The Weird West is a must-have addition to any game collection. Its blend of action, suspense, and supernatural elements guarantees an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Weird West.