Gareth Hanrahan

Credits Contents
D e v e l o pment and Layout Introduction 2
Richard Neale
Character Creation 9
Cover Art Vocations 30
Randy Nunley Skills and Feats 43
I n t e r i or Illustrations Outfitting 81
Jesus Barony, Eric Bergeron, Anthea Dilly, Marcio Rules of the West 98
Fiorito, Tony Parker, Danilo Moretti, Stacy Drum Shooting, Knife-fighting 118
& Rich Longmore
and Brawling
S t udio Manager Luck 147
Ian Barstow
Horses 151
P r o d uction Manager
Wildlife 156
Alexander Fennell
The Western Town 161
P laytesting
Just Plain Folk 168
Mark Gedak, Kent Little, Murry Perry, Patrick A.
Kossmann, Tammy Gedak, Mark Howe, Mark Native Americans 172
Sizer, Daniel Scothorne, Mark Billanie, Micheal Rogues Gallery 183
Young, Alan Moore, Daniel Haslam, Jamie Games Mastering 194
Godfrey, James Sparling, Shannon Sparling, Western Adventuring 210
Shannon Sparling, Jimi Braun, Jason Thornton,
Tables 221
Bill 'Urklore' Schwartz
Index 232
P r oof Reading
Character Sheet 237
Mark Quennel
Licence 240

OGL Wild West is 2004 Mongoose Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction of non-Open Game Content of
this work by any means without the written permission of the publisher is expressly forbidden. OGL Wild West is
presented under the Open Game License. See page 240 for the text of this licence. With the exception of boxed story
text and character names, character creation rules detailing the mechanics of assigning dice roll results to attributes and
the character advancement rules detailing the effects of applying experience, all text within OGL Wild West is declared
as open content. Printed in Canada.

1
 INTRODUCTION
introduction
T
his is a game about the American West.
Some of the book is about how it was,
and some is about how it is remembered.
It is up to the players and Games Master to find their own
version of the West, finding their own trail between truth
and legend. If the players want a historically accurate game
where miles are miles, events occur as they truly did, and
death comes more often from disease than a bullet, then
they will find the tools they need in this book. Alternatively,
if the players want a game inspired by movies and dime
novels, where the history is just a painted backdrop and
heroes ride high in the saddle, then they too will find their
desires catered for within.
The characters may be counted among those who build
America, who drove the railroad across the continent and
built the Western states. They may be soldiers who fight
at the famous battles of the West, or adventurers who blaze
the trails through the wilderness. They can be statesmen
or scoundrels, outlaws or lawmen, the quick or the dead.
They will either become part of the legend, or die in some
godforsaken hot and dusty place and be forgotten.
A Timeline of
the West
1803: President Thomas Jefferson completes the Louisiana
Purchase, doubling the size of the country. The Lewis &
Clark expedition is sent out to explore the new reaches of
the United States.
1811: The first steamboat to travel the Mississippi, the
New Orleans, takes to the river.
1813: The Creek wars pit settler against native in
Alabama.
1819: The United States purchases the Spanish territories
in Florida after General Jackson conquers them.
1822: First fur-trapping expeditions up the Missouri.
1825: The Creek nation cedes its remaining territory to
the United States.
1827: The Winnebago nation is defeated.
1828: The Cherokee cedes its lands in Arkansas Territory,
and migrate west of the Mississippi.
1832: All territory west of the Mississippi is declared by
Congress as Indian Territory.
1836: The Republic of Texas secedes from Mexico. The
2
following war includes the infamous battle of the Alamo.
1837: Following the imprisonment of their leaders, the
Seminole nation is defeated.
1838: 18,000 Cherokee are driven from Georgia to the
lands west of the Mississippi. One in four die along the
Trail of Tears.
1842: The Oregon trail, a route west from Independence,
Missouri to Fort Vancouver, Washington is begun.
1844: The telegraph is introduced to the United States.
1845: The concept of Manifest Destiny is invented it
is Gods will that the United States should rule North
America.
1846-1848: The United States clashes with Mexico over
Texas, which wishes to join the Union. Meanwhile, in
California, the Bear Flag Revolt takes control of the region
from Mexico and gives it to the Americans. Mexicos
surrender includes concessions of land in California and
Texas.
1849: Soon after the United States gains control of
California, gold is found in the South Fork of the American
river. The news sparks a gold rush, and thousands move
west to seek their fortune. They are referred to as 49ers.
1852: Wells, Fargo & Company stagecoach and banking
company formed.
1858: Silver strikes in Nevada; gold strikes in Colorado.
1860-1865: The Civil War. The Union battles the
Confederates over states rights and abolition. Many troops
are pulled from the western forts, leading to a general
period of lawlessness and chaos on the frontier.
1865: President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated.
1866: The Sioux under Red Cloud ambush eighty soldiers
commanded by Captain Fetterman. The battle is known
as the Fetterman Massacre.
1867: Alaska is purchased for seven million dollars.
1867: Joseph McCoy runs the first great cattle drive.
Instead of selling meat in the depressed southern markets,
he drives his herds north to the town of Abilene, where
they are loaded onto the railroads and shipped to the rich
slaughterhouses of Chicago.
1868: Colonel Armstrong leads the Seventh Cavalry on
an attack on the Cheyenne village of Washita.
1869: The railroads from west and east meet, forming a
single railroad that crosses the continent.
1872: Dodge City founded.
1874: Gold is discovered in the sacred Black Hills in
Montana, at the heart of Indian territory.
1875-1876: The Sioux fight a war to defend the Black
Hills from encroaching miners. The Seventh Cavalry
under Custer loses a battle to Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse
at the Little Big Horn. Despite this victory, the Indians are
outnumbered and outgunned. They are attacked at winter
camps, starved out, and forced to surrender.
1877: Chief Joseph of the Nez Perces tribe surrenders
after a thousand-mile fight against invaders, during which
The classic period of the West made famous by movies,
books and legends was from the 1850s to the 1870s.
Before the California gold rush, the West was relatively
thinly settled and unexplored. By the 1880s, railroads and
barbed wire had tied down the frontier and ended the days
of cattle drives and wild cattle towns.

The Wild West

he outmanoeuvres a superior force several times.
1881: Sitting Bull emerges from hiding and surrenders.
1881: The gunfight at the OK Corral.
1881: Billy the Kid is shot by Pat Garrett.
1882: Jesse James is shot dead.
1886: Geronimo of the Apaches surrenders after a fifteen-
year war with the Union.
1887: The Great Blizzard in Montana causes the Great
Die-Up, wiping out vast number of cattle.
1889: The territory of what would become Oklahoma is
given up, to be claimed as farmland.
1889-1890: The Ghost Dance religion, preached by the
Paiute named Wovoka, claims that the land will soon be
restored to the Indians. It causes widespread unrest in the
reservations.
1890: Sitting Bull is killed while being arrested. Chief Big
Foot of the Sioux attempts to move his followers to avoid
military retribution. They are intercepted at Wounded
Knee Creek by the Seventh Cavalry, and almost half the
Sioux present are killed.
States
Joining The
and OGL Games
The basic system used in OGL Wild West is fundamentally
identical to that used in the other Core books from
Mongoose Publishing. The skills and feats are similar, as is
the combat and task resolution systems. If you are familiar
with other games using the same system, the rest of this
chapter can be safely skipped.
Characters and Dice
When a gang of bandits throw down on you, they may hit
or they may miss wildly. In a movie, their success or failure
would be part of the script. In a roleplaying game, this is
determined by random chance based on the skill of the
bandit in question. Since there is a variable involved, dice
become a necessary part of the roleplaying medium.
When a person goes to a shooting range, the variance of
his shots is mostly based on their skills but can also be
influenced by luck, timing, and a thousand other factors.
These are summed up by rolling a d20 (that is, a 20 sided
die) with a high number representing most of the factors
aligning in a favourable way and a low number meaning

Union
the opposite. Dice are used to determine success when
using your characters skills, when deciding how enduring
Arkansas: 1836 or intelligent he might be, and when you absolutely,
Michigan: 1837 positively need to put a bullet in someone and keep it
Florida: 1845 there.
Texas: 1845
On The Naming of Dice
Utah: 1846
Iowa: 1846
Wisconsin: 1849 Dice in roleplaying games go by a series of shorthand codes
California: 1850 that are very easily to learn but look confusing at first
Minnesota: 1858 glance. A four-sided die (the singular form of dice) is also
Oregon: 1859 called a d4. (The d stands for dice.) In this book, dice
Kansas: 1861 will be referred to by this code preceded by the number of
West Virginia: 1863 them needed for any given roll required by the rules.
Nevada: 1864
Colorado: 1876 For example, if a deranged miner Burke Talbot wants to
North Dakota: 1889 throw a bundle of dynamite at an approaching band of
South Dakota: 1889 lawmen, he would need to succeed at an attack roll and
Washington: 1889 his soon to be piecemeal victims would need to roll Reflex
Montana: 1889 saving throws on 1d20. (Do not despair; terminology like
Idaho: 1890 attack roll and Reflex saving throws will be explained soon.)
Wyoming: 1890 If this d20 check is successful, the investigators would only
Oklahoma: 1907 take half damage when the dynamite detonated.

3
 The exploding dynamite might deal 10d6 points of
damage. The 10d6 means Talbots player would roll one
six-sided die, note the number, then roll it again nine more
times and add the results to the first roll. Out of 10d6, a
player can get a range of numbers from 10 (all ten dice roll
a 1) to 60 (every die rolls a 6). When multiple dice are
indicated by this shorthand code, the values of the rolls are
always added together.
introduction
Everything a character wishes to do, from waking up and
putting on his socks to filling a band of miscreants full of
hot lead, is an action. Actions come in different types and
have different rules attached to them.
Simple actions are things that do not require rolls
except in the most adverse of conditions. Under normal
circumstances, a character is allowed to tie his shoes

without needing to make a die roll for success. If that

One last dice note concerned the idea of a d100, also called
a d%. This is also called a percentile roll in roleplaying
parlance. To do this, roll a d10 twice. The first roll is for
the tens digit; the second roll is for the ones digit. If you
were to roll a 4 and then a 2, that generates the number
42. When rolling a percentile, two 0s count as the number
100. Some dice sets have a special d10 with a two-digit
number (10, 20, 30 and so on) stamped on each of its
faces to make this easier, but such dice are certainly not
necessary.
Multipliers
Certain modifications to dice rolls exist within the rules
that, instead of adding a set number or an addition
die or dice to a roll, multiply the result. These
are listed as x2 or some other multiplication
value. Multipliers apply to every numeric
modifier and the basic dice involved in the
roll but not to additional dice added as a
modifier to the roll.
Multipliers can stack but regardless of
their values, they stack in a specific way.
When a check or value has two or more
multipliers, the highest value multiplier
is kept and every addition multiplier
increases the first ones value by 1.
same character had just been run over by a stagecoach
after staggering out of a saloon blind drunk, it might be
a different story. Whenever a character needs to make a
simple action, something they can normally do everyday
with no special skill or talent required, the Games Master
will generally simply declare success or, like in the example
just given, require a roll (also called a check) or simply
declare failure.
Contested actions make up the largest part of the rule
mechanics for combat and skills in this book. Everything
that a character does what might have a chance of
failing because of the actions of someone else, skills, or
abilities, the result is a contested roll. Contested checks
are never guaranteed and even the most masterful of
sharpshooters can miss his mark once
in a while. Saving throws, which are
a special type of check made to see if
a character can escape the effects of
something adverse, are another kind
of contested roll.

Actions
Once you have a
character and some dice,
you have all the tools you
need to begin playing. Rounds
of play usually consist of the
Games Master (the person
guiding the story and the
action of a game) asking
questions and describing
scenes and players
suggesting
actions their
characters wish to
take in response to
these descriptions.

4
 The Core Mechanic Ability Scores
When in doubt about how to resolve any given Every character in a d20 game has six basic abilities. Each
action, keep this simple piece of advice in mind. Any one represents some aspect of that characters mental or
attempted action that has some chance of failure can physical prowess. In most cases, a character will have a
be handled by rolling a twenty-sided die (d20). To positive value of some kind in each of the six scores,
determine if a character, be it a player character or indicating some development (or lack thereof ) in that
one controlled by the Games Master, succeeds at a area.
task, do this:
Ability Modifiers
Roll a d20 Each ability, after changes made because of age or other
campaign factors, generally has a modifier ranging from 5
Add any relevant modifiers to +5. The Ability Modifiers table shows the modifier for
each score. Ability score modifiers can range higher than
Compare the result to a target number +5, but they cannot go lower than -5 because the status of
a creature or object changes when its ability scores drop to
If the result equals or exceeds the target number, the 0. See below for further details.
character succeeds. If the result is lower than the
target number, the character fails. The modifier is the number you apply to the die roll when
your character tries to do something related to that ability.
You also use the modifier with some numbers that are
A term used during contested rolls is DC, short for Difficulty not die rolls. A positive modifier is called a bonus, and a
Class. The DC of a contested check is the number a d20 negative modifier is called a penalty.
check, plus or minus modifiers, that a character must roll
or higher to succeed. A roll that is lower than the given Ability Modifiers
DC for an action fails. The d20 is the most common type Score Modifier
of die rolled during an average gaming session, making it
1 5
crucial to the system and the single most important die for
23 4
any player to own.
45 3
Astute players may have realised at this point that if 67 2
contested checks have to beat a listed DC and they are 89 1
all made using a single d20 then actions with a DC of 1011 0
21 are impossible. On the surface, this is correct, that is 1213 +1
where characters come in. Characters and the skills and 1415 +2
abilities they gain come with modifiers that are added to or 1617 +3
subtracted from certain kinds of checks. These modifiers 1819 +4
can theoretically make ay check possible, no matter how 2021 +5
high the DC might be. 2223 +6
2425 +7
Though it is often a convention with games running
2627 +8
the d20 rules to allow all rolls of 20 on a d20 to be an
automatic success, this is not always the case. By the same 2829 +9
token, a roll of 1 (called a natural 1 because it is the actual 3031 +10
result on the die roll, just as with a natural 20) is not an 3233 +11
automatic failure. Instances in the rules where a natural 1 3435 +12
or 20 indicate automatic success or failure will be clearly 3637 +13
marked in the text of the rules themselves. 3839 +14
4041 +15
4243 +16
4445 +17
Etc

5
 The Abilities
Each ability partially describes your character and affects
some of his actions. Abilities are not the sum total of a
characters personality or capabilities, but they do provide
the framework around which skills and d20 checks are
typically made, making them a very important part of the
characters description.
Introduction
S t r e n g t h ( S T R)
Strength measures your characters muscle and physical
power. Strength also limits the amount of equipment your
character can carry.
You apply your characters Strength modifier to:
Melee attack rolls.
Damage rolls when using a melee weapon or a
thrown weapon (including a sling). (Exceptions:
Off-hand attacks receive only one-half the
characters Strength bonus, while two-handed
attacks receive one and a half times the Strength
bonus. A Strength penalty, but not a bonus, applies
to attacks made with a bow that is not a composite
bow.)
Climb, Jump, and Swim checks. These are the
skills that have Strength as their key ability.
Strength checks (for breaking down doors and the
like).
D e x t e r i t y ( D EX)
Dexterity measures hand-eye coordination, agility, reflexes,
and balance.
You apply your characters Dexterity modifier to:
Ranged attack rolls; including those for attacks
made with bows, pistols and rifles, and other
ranged weapons.
Defence, provided that the character can react to
the attack.
Reflex saving throws, for avoiding explosions
and other attacks that you can escape by moving
quickly.
Balance, Escape, Hide, Move Silently, Open Lock,
Ride, Sleight of Hand, Tumble, and Use Rope
checks. These are the skills that have Dexterity as
their key ability.
6
Constitution (CON)
Constitution represents your characters health and
stamina. A Constitution bonus increases a characters hit
points, so the ability is important for all classes.
You apply your characters Constitution modifier to:
Each roll of a Hit Die (though a penalty can never
drop a result below 1 - that is, a character always
gains at least 1 hit point each time he advances in
level).
Fortitude saving throws, for resisting poison and
similar threats.
Concentration checks. Concentration is a skill
that has Constitution as its key ability.
If a characters Constitution score changes enough to alter
his Constitution modifier, the characters hit points also
increase or decrease accordingly.
Intelligence (INT)
Intelligence determines how well your character learns and
reasons. It is important for any character who wants to
have a wide assortment of skills.
You apply your characters Intelligence modifier to:
The number of skill points gained each level. (But
your character always gets at least 1 skill point per
level.)
Craft, Decipher Script, Disable Device, Forgery,
Knowledge, Repair and Search checks. These are
the skills that have Intelligence as their key ability.
An animal has an Intelligence score of 1 or 2. A creature of
humanlike intelligence has a score of at least 3.
Wisdom (WIS)
Wisdom describes a characters willpower, common sense,
perception, and intuition. While Intelligence represents
ones ability to analyse information, Wisdom represents
being in tune with and aware of ones surroundings. If you
want your character to have acute senses, put a high score
in Wisdom. Every creature has a Wisdom score.
You apply your characters Wisdom modifier to:
Will saving throws (for negating the effect of mind-
altering phenomena).
 Listen, Profession, Sense Motive, Spot, Survival
and Treat Injury checks. These are the skills that
have Wisdom as their key ability.
Charisma (CHA)
Charisma measures a characters force of personality,
persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead and
physical attractiveness. This ability represents actual
strength of personality, not merely how one is perceived
by others in a social setting. Every creature has a Charisma
score.
You apply your characters Charisma modifier to:
Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Gather Information,
Handle Animal, Intimidate, and Perform checks.
These are the skills that have Charisma as their key
ability.
Checks that represent attempts to influence
others.
While any loss is debilitating, losing all points in an ability
score can be devastating.
Strength 0 means that the character cannot move
at all. He lies helpless on the ground.
Dexterity 0 means that the character cannot move
at all. He stands motionless, rigid, and helpless.
Constitution 0 means that the character is dead.
Intelligence 0 means that the character cannot
think and is unconscious in a coma-like stupor,
helpless.
Wisdom 0 means that the character is withdrawn
into a deep sleep filled with nightmares, helpless.
Charisma 0 means that the character is withdrawn
into a catatonic, coma-like stupor, helpless.

When an ability score changes,

all attributes associated with
that score change accordingly.
Most of these changes are also
retroactive; a character receives
or loses additional hit points for
previous levels if an increase or
decrease in Constitution occurs.
One important exception to
this retroactive rule regards
Intelligence. A character does
not retroactively get additional
skill points for previous levels if
he increases his intelligence, nor
are skill points lost if Intelligence
is lowered for any reason.

Ability
Score Loss
Various attacks cause ability
score loss, either ability damage
or ability drain. Points lost to
ability damage return at the rate
of 1 point per day (or double that
if the character gets complete bed
rest) to each damaged ability, and
certain chemical or mechanical
effects offset ability damage as
well. Ability drain, however, is
permanent, though some effects
can restore even those lost ability
score points.

7
 Keeping track of negative ability score points is never If a characters Constitution score drops, then he loses 1 hit
necessary. A characters ability score cannot drop below 0. point per Hit Die for every point by which his Constitution
Having a score of 0 in an ability is different from having no modifier drops. A hit point score cannot be reduced by
ability score whatsoever. Some effects and abilities impose Constitution damage or drain to less than 1 hit point per
an effective ability score reduction, which is different from Hit Die.
ability score loss. Any such reduction disappears at the
end of the effect or abilitys duration, and the ability score
immediately returns to its former value.
Introduction

He had been riding with Death with three days now, ever since leaving Dodge.

At first, hed put it down to pain from the bullet in his side. His shirt was matted with blood and tangled with the
punctured skin of his flank, and every breath send spikes of pain shooting through him. Still, hed been shot before.
This was different. Though the heat haze rising from the hot ground, he could see that pale horse and skeletal rider.

He had seen it dimly on the first day, but he had ignored it.

On the second day, he had seen Death clearly, riding along beside him. Deaths horse left no prints in the dirt.

And on the third day, hed started to talk to Death.

***

The posse left Dodge a day after Big Bob had been shot. Big Bob had not been a good man, or even a popular man, but
he deserved better than what he got. Dodge was a wild city in those days, and putting down Bobs killer like a rabid dog
was their version of a memorial. Bob had given his own eulogy with his last bullet, wounding his killer in the side.

They cut sign of the killer two miles outside Dodge, and tracked him for two days.

***

The way I figure it, he said to Death, is that youre a fast rider. I shot that fat man in Dodge in the face, and you
mustve been there to take him. But now youre here with me, so you must have rode hard to catch up. You dont need
to stick with me, cos you could come for me right quick when I die.

Youre waiting for something.

They rode in silence for a while, then he glanced over his shoulder. A cloud of dust was rising a few miles behind him.
He was being followed.

Me or them? he asked, but Death did not reply.

He took out his sidearm. One bullet for Bob was gone, but there were still four shots left in the chambers. His other
gun was fully loaded. The posse couldnt have more than six or seven men in it, surely.

He turned his horses head towards the dust cloud and spurred it forwards.

And he could swear that Death rode forward with him.

8
 Character
Creation
C
reating a hero for OGL Wild West requires
only a few minutes to assign ability scores,
calculate skill ranks, pick abilities and so on.
Before the player begins, though, he should take some time
to consider his characters concept and story and to consult
with the Games Master and the other players to make sure
the character works with those of everyone else.
Co n c e p t
Who is the character? A grizzled veteran, or a greenhorn
just off the train from the east? A cowboy or a soldier? Is
he looking to settle out here, or is he just looking to get
rich on the frontier? Is he meaner than a rattlesnake, or
an upright and God-fearing citizen of the Union? Young
or old? White or Black or Red or Yellow? What is his
name?
Talk with the Games Master about how tough and
experienced the character is supposed to be. If you are
playing in a game with a 3rd level character, you are not
going to be the fastest gun in the West. You can aspire
to that title, of course, and maybe even live long enough
and gain enough levels to claim it. On the other hand,
if the game is using 10th level characters, then that fastest
gun line does not seem quite so out of place. As a rule of
thumb:
Character
Generation
Checklist
Come up with a concept
Determine ability scores
Choose a character class
Choose a vocation
Select skills and feats
Finishing touches
1st to 3rd level characters are weak and inexperienced they
are either fairly young, or have never been challenged or
endangered before.
4th to 6th level characters are average, but competent they
have learned to cope with life on the frontier and have
doubtless endured tragedy and hardship in their lives.
7th to 9th level characters have made a name for themselves.
They are tough and skilled enough to deal with almost
anything.
10th to 12th level characters are famous. Stories and rumours
flock around them like buzzards over a wounded buffalo.
At this level, the character is one of the best, if not the best
in the West at whatever he does.
Above 12th level, the character is legendary. Such heroes
have inhuman degrees of speed and skill. Everyone has
heard of them or fears them.
It is assumed that the characters will begin at 1st level, but
the Games Master is free to change this.
Give some thought to the characters background, although
there is no need to lavish vast amounts of time and research
on this. Three or four lines is enough to for most characters
many people went West to leave their pasts behind, but a
little unfinished business can give the Games Master some
plot hooks to work with.
Make sure that your character has something to distinguish
himself from the other player characters. Having a gang
of taciturn nameless gunfighters is fine, as long as each one
has some little quirk or dark secret in his background to
give him his own unique edge.
Ability Scores
Each character has six ability scores; Strength, Dexterity,
Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma.
Beginning scores range from 3 to 18. There are three
methods to determine a characters ability scores the
Games Master can either let the players pick their favourite
method or just specify which one is used in his game.
9
 U n f i n i s h e d B u s i ness
Most people have left problems behind them. When
Character Creation
creating a player character that is above 3rd level, the
player should roll 1d8 for every level after 3rd. If the
roll is less than the characters level, then the character
has some piece of Unfinished Business. The player
should consult with the Games Master as to the nature
of this business perhaps the character left the girl he
loved behind, or shot a man whose brother has sworn
revenge, or merely owes money to some gambler
back in Dodge. Roll once for each level after third,
as a character can have multiple pieces of Unfinished
Business.
R a n d o m G e n e r a tion
Roll 4d6 six times, dropping the lowest scoring dice from
each roll. Total each roll, then allocate each result to a
particular ability score. For example, if you get a 4d6 roll
of 3, 3, 4 and 5, you drop one of the low threes, total the
result (12) and assign it to one of your ability scores. If you
wanted to have a character of average agility and speed,
then assign the 12 to his Dexterity score.
P l a n n e d G e n e r ation
Instead of rolling dice, you may select the scores you want.
You have 25 points to spend on ability scores. Each score
starts at 8, and the costs to increase a score are given below.
You may also drop scores below 8, gaining one point
for every ability point deducted. For example, taking a
Strength of 3 would give you another 5 points with which
to buy other abilities. You may not drop a score below 3
without the approval of the Games Master.
Planned Generation
Score Cost Score Cost
8 0 14 6 about the capabilities of each class, keep the following
9 1 15 8 terms in mind.
10 2 16 10
11 3 17 13
12 4 18 16
13 5 sustain before dying. The characters initial hit points are
S t a n d a r d S c o res
Finally, you may also just take a set package of ability scores
and assign them as you see fit. This standard package is 15,
14, 13, 12, 10 and 8.
10
Character
Classes
In the West, a man was expected to be able to turn his
hand to anything a man might start out trying to make
his fortune by mining, then become an outlaw, then a
castle rustler, then a rancher, then maybe even win the
respect of his neighbours and become a sheriff. It was a
time when determination and sheer grit counted for far
more than training. Therefore, while a character does have
one or more careers (see below), he is really defined by his
character class. This is basically shorthand for what sort of
hero the character is.
There are six character classes
The Strong Hero
The Fast Hero
The Tough Hero
The Smart Hero
The Dedicated Hero
The Charismatic Hero
Each class has ten levels and beginning characters possess
one level of one of them, usually determined by their best
ability score (but not always, as some characters choose a
low score to augment with the capabilities of their chosen
class). Players are free to choose any class for their first
level and may make any choice for levels beyond 1st. See
the rules for Multiclassed Characters at the end of this
chapter.
Every class uses certain similar terminology. When reading
Hit Point Bonus
A characters hit points measure how much damage he can
equal to his Constitution score, but at each level, he gets
bonus hit points from his character class. His Constitution
modifier is applied to these bonus hit points after first
level. So, at first level, a characters hit points are equal to
his Constitution score plus the bonus hit point value for his
class, while at every other level, he gains hit points equal
to his Constitution modifier plus the bonus hit point value
for his class.
 Class Skills
This section of a class description provides a list of class
skills and also gives the number of skill points the character
starts with at 1st level and the number of skill points gained
each level thereafter. A characters Intelligence modifier is
applied to determine the total skill points gained each level
(but always at least 1 point per level, even for a character
with an Intelligence penalty).
A 1st level character starts with 4 times the number of skill
points he receives upon attaining each level beyond 1st.
The maximum ranks a character can have in a class skill is
the characters level +3.
A character can also buy skills from other classes skill lists.
Each skill point buys a half rank in these cross-class skills,
and a character can only buy up to half the maximum
ranks of a class skill.
Starting Feats
The feats gained at 1st level in the class. If a feat chosen at
this time has a prerequisite, it must be met by the statistics,
other feats, talents, and/or skills available to the character
at 1st level.
Class Table
This table details how a character improves as he attains
higher levels in the class. It includes the following
information.
Level: The characters level in the class.
Base Attack Bonus: The characters base attack
bonus and number of attacks.
Fort Save: The base save bonus for Fortitude saving
throws. The characters Constitution modifier also
applies.
Ref Save: The base save bonus for Reflex saving
throws. The characters Dexterity modifier also
applies.
Will Save: The base save bonus for Will saving
throws. The characters Wisdom modifier also
applies.
Class Features: Level-dependent class features,
each explained in the section that follows.
Class and Level
Bonuses
An attack roll or a saving throw is a combination of three
numbers, each representing a different factor: a random
element (the number you roll on the d20), a number
representing the characters innate abilities (the ability
modifier), and a bonus representing the characters
experience and training. This third factor depends on the
characters class and level. Each class table summarises the
figures for this third factor.
Base Attack Bonus
Check the table for your characters class. On an attack
roll, apply the number from the Base Attack Bonus column
to the d20 die roll. Use the bonus that corresponds to the
characters level. Numbers after a slash indicate additional
attacks at reduced bonuses: +12/+7/+2 means that a
character of this level makes three attacks per round, with
a base attack bonus of +12 for the first attack, +7 for the
second, and +2 for the third. Ability modifiers apply to all
these attacks.
When a characters base attack bonus reaches +6, he is
entitled to make an extra attack at a +1 base attack bonus.
However, if the characters attack bonus reaches +6 or
higher because of modifiers, the character does not get this
extra attack. A character only gets these extra attacks when
using a melee weapon or certain ranged weapons; the attack
rate with a firearm is dictated by the type of firearm.
For example, a 6th-level Fast Hero has a base attack bonus
of +4. When using a pistol or other ranged weapon, he
adds his Dexterity modifier. Even if this increases his attack
bonus to +6 or higher, he does not gain an additional attack.
For these purposes, only the base attack bonus counts. If
a character has more than one class, add the base attack
bonuses for each class together to determine the characters
base attack bonus. (See the Multiclass Characters section
for an example.)
Base Save Bonuses
Check the table for your characters class. It lists the base
saving throw bonuses for the three types of saves: Fortitude,
Reflex, and Will. Use the bonuses that correspond to the
characters level. If a character has more than one class,
add the base save bonuses for each class to determine
the characters base save bonuses. (See the Multiclass
Characters section for an example.)
Defence
Check the table for your characters class. It lists the base
defence bonus for your class. This number is added onto
your Dexterity modifier and other values to calculate your
Defence Value. (See Combat, page XX.) Use the bonus
that corresponds to the characters level. If a character has
more than one class, add the base defence for each class to
determine the characters base defence. (See the Multiclass
Characters section for an example.)
11
 Level Dependant Benefits Ability Increases: This column indicates the levels
Cross-Class at which a character gains ability score increases.
Character Class Skill Skill Max Ability Upon attaining 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th level,
Character Creation

Level Max Ranks Ranks Feats Increases a character increases one of his ability scores
1st 4 2 1st, 2nd - by 1 point. The player chooses which ability
score to improve. The ability improvement is
2nd 5 2.5 - -
permanent. For multiclass characters, career
3rd 6 3 3rd -
talents, feats and ability score increases are
4th 7 3.5 - 1st gained according to character level, not class
5th 8 4 - - level. Thus, a 3rd level Charismatic Hero/1st
6th 9 4.5 4th - level Strong Hero is a 4th level character and
7th 10 5 - - eligible for her first ability score boost.
8th 11 5.5 - 2nd
9th 12 6 5th - For example, a Charismatic Hero with a
10t 13 6.5 - - starting Charisma of 16 intending to trade with
11th 14 7 - - the Indians might improve to Charisma 17 at
12th 15 7.5 6th 3rd 4th level. At 8th level, the same character might
13th 16 8 - - improve Charisma again (from 17 to 18) as this
would increase his ability modifier for Charisma
14th 17 8.5 - -
to +4. This will occur even if the Charismatic
15th 18 9 7th -
Hero has been moonlighting between 4th and
16th 19 9.5 - 4th 8th level and is a 6th level Charismatic/2nd level
17th 20 10 - - Smart Hero.
18th 21 10.5 8th -
19th 22 11 - -

Class
20th 23 11.5 - 5th

In addition to attack bonuses and saving throw bonuses,

Features
This entry details special characteristics of the class,
all characters gain other benefits from advancing in level.
including bonus feats and unique talents that are gained as
The Level Dependant Benefits table summarises these
a character attains higher levels in the class.
additional benefits.

Class Skill Max Ranks: The maximum number of ranks a Talents

character can have in a class skill is equal to his character
level +3. A class skill is a skill associated with a particular
class. Class skills are listed in each class description in this
chapter.
Cross-Class Skill Max Ranks: For cross-class skills (skills
not associated with a characters class), the maximum
number of ranks is one-half the maximum for a class skill.
Maxing out a cross-class skill costs the same amount of
points as buying the maximum rank in a class skill. (For
example, at 1st level, a character can pay 4 points for 4
ranks in a class skill, or spend the same 4 points for 2 ranks
in a cross-class skill.) The half ranks (.5) indicated on the
table do not improve skill checks; they simply represent
partial purchase of the next skill rank and indicate that the
character is training to improve that skill.
Feats: This column indicates the levels at which a character
gains feats (two at 1st level, one more at 3rd level, and one
more at every 3rd level thereafter). See the Feats Chapter
for feat descriptions.
Every basic class offers a selection of talents to choose
from. A character may also select talents from his vocation.
A character gains a talent upon attaining each odd-
numbered level in a class (including 1st level). Talents are
considered to be extraordinary abilities. Some talents have
prerequisites that must be met before a character can select
them. Characters may use available feat selections to take
talents they qualify for, but only in the same character class
as the one they just advanced in to get the feat in the first
place or in their current vocation. Level prerequisites listed
for talents refer to the characters total level as opposed to
specific levels in the class associated with the talent unless
otherwise specified. As with all skill prerequisites, any
number listed with a skill is the number of true ranks before
any statistic or other modifiers.
Bonus Feats
Every basic class offers a selection of bonus feats to choose
from. A character gains a bonus feat upon attaining each
third level, i.e. at 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th and 18th level. These
bonus feats are not dependent on which class the character
has progressed in; they are given whenever the characters
total level reached the specified value. Some feats have

12
prerequisites that must be met before a character can select
them. Bonus feats given from occupations, character
classes, and the two chosen at first level count towards
these prerequisites normally.
Extreme Effort: The effort requires a full-round
action and provides a +2 bonus on the check.
Improved Extreme Effort: The effort requires
a full-round action and provides a +2 bonus that
stacks with the bonus provided by extreme effort

The St r o n g H e r o
This is the brawler and the farmhand, the strongman who
is as dangerous with his bare hands than he is with a gun.
This is the man you want on your side in a fistfight or on a
railroad work-gang - strong as an ox and almost as big.
Ability: Strength
Hit Point Bonus: +2
(+4 total).
o Prerequisite: Extreme effort.
Advanced Extreme Effort: The effort requires
a full-round action and provides a +2 bonus that
stacks with the bonuses provided by extreme effort
and improved extreme effort (+6 total).
o Prerequisites: Extreme effort, improved
extreme effort.

Class Skills: The Strong Heros class skills (and the key
ability for each skill) are: Climb (Str), Craft (any except
chemical and writing) (Int), Demolitions (Int),
Handle Animal (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge
(streetwise, tactics) (Int), Profession (Wis),
Ride (Dex), Repair (Int) and Use Rope
(Dex).

Skill Points at 1st Level: (3 + Int modifier)

x4

Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 3 + Int

modifier

Starting Feats
In addition to the two feats all characters get at
1st level, a Strong hero begins play with the Simple
Weapons Proficiency feat.

Class Features
The following are class features of the Strong Hero.

Talents
At 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th level, the Strong Hero selects a
talent from the following talent trees or from his vocation.
Some trees have a set order that must be followed, while
others provide a list to choose from. As long as the hero
qualifies, he can select freely from any and all talent trees.
No talent can be selected more than once unless expressly
indicated.

Extreme Effort
T a l en t T r e e
A Strong Hero can push himself to make an
extreme effort. The effort must relate either
to a Strength check or a Strength-based skill
check. You must decide to use this ability
before making the check.

13
 The Strong Hero
Base
Character Creation

Class Attack Fort Ref Will Class

Level Bonus Save Save Save Defence Features
1st +1 +1 +0 +0 +1 Talent
2nd +2 +2 +0 +0 +2 Bonus Feat
3rd +3 +2 +1 +1 +2 Talent
4th +4 +2 +1 +1 +3 Bonus Feat
5th +5 +3 +1 +1 +3 Talent
6th +6/+1 +3 +2 +2 +3 Bonus Feat
7th +7/+2 +4 +2 +2 +4 Talent
8th +8/+3 +4 +2 +2 +4 Bonus Feat
9th +9/+4 +4 +3 +3 +4 Talent
10th +10/+5 +5 +3 +3 +5 Bonus Feat

I g n o r e H a r d n ess Bonus Feats

Talent Tree At 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th level, the Strong Hero gains
a bonus feat. This feat must be selected from the following
The Strong Hero has an innate talent for finding weaknesses
list, and the Strong Hero must meet any prerequisites.
in objects. This allows a Strong Hero to ignore some of an
objects hardness when making a melee attack to break it.
Animal Affinity, Blind Fight, Builder, Brawler, Crafter,
Cleaver, Endurance, Great Cleave, Great Fortitude, Greater
Ignore Hardness: The Strong Hero ignores 2
Weapon Focus, Martial Weapons Proficiency, Martial
point of an objects hardness.
Longarms Proficiency, Improved Bull Rush, Improvised
Weapon Proficiency, Literacy, Martial Arts, Power Attack,
Improved Ignore Hardness: The Strong Hero
Run, Simple Weapons Proficiency, Simple Sidearms
ignores 2 additional points of an objects hardness
Proficiency, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Spirited
(for a total of 4).
Charge, Trample, Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialisation,
o Prerequisite: Ignore hardness.
Whirlwind Attack.
Advanced Ignore Hardness: The Strong Hero
ignores 2 additional points of an objects hardness
(for a total of 6).
o Prerequisites: Ignore hardness, improved
T h e F a s t H e ro
The Fast Hero relies on his nerves and his speed he has
ignore hardness. whip-fast reactions and is usually an excellent shot. He
may not have the savvy to stay out of trouble, but he can
M e l e e S m a s h T a lent usually dodge the consequences when they come. The Fast
Tree Hero is also a fine rider, and possibly something of a thief.
The Strong Hero has an innate talent that increases melee
Ability: Dexterity
or brawling damage.
Hit Point Bonus: +1
Melee Smash: The Strong Hero receives a +1
bonus on melee or brawling damage.
Class Skills: The Fast Heros class skills (and the key ability
for each skill) are: Balance (Dex), Craft (mechanical) (Int),
Improved Melee Smash: The Strong Hero
Drive (Dex), Escape Artist (Dex), Handle Animal (Cha),
receives an additional +1 bonus on melee or
Hide (Dex), Knowledge (current events, streetwise) (Int),
brawling damage (+2 total).
Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sleight
o Prerequisite: Melee smash.
of Hand (Dex), Tumble (Dex) and Use Rope (Dex). Also,
the starting occupation the character selects can provide
Advanced Melee Smash: The Strong Hero
additional class skills to choose from.
receives an additional +1 bonus on melee or
brawling damage (+3 total).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (5 + Int modifier) x4.
o Prerequisites: Melee smash, improved
melee smash.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 5 + Int modifier.

14
 The Fast Hero
Base
Class Attack Fort Ref Will Class
Level Bonus Save Save Save Defence Features
1st +0 +0 +1 +0 +3 Talent
2nd +1 +0 +2 +0 +4 Bonus feat
3rd +2 +1 +2 +1 +4 Talent
4th +3 +1 +2 +1 +5 Bonus feat
5th +3 +1 +3 +1 +5 Talent
6th +4 +2 +3 +2 +6 Bonus feat
7th +5 +2 +4 +2 +6 Talent
8th +6/+1 +2 +4 +2 +7 Bonus feat
9th +6/+1 +3 +4 +3 +7 Talent
10th +7/+2 +3 +5 +3 +8 Bonus feat

Starting Feats
In addition to the two feats all characters receive at 1st
level, a Fast Hero begins play with the Simple Sidearms
Proficiency feat.

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Fast
Hero.

Talents
At 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th level, the Fast Hero selects
a talent from the following talent
trees or from his vocation. Some
trees have a set order that must be
followed, while others provide a list
to choose from. As long as the hero
qualifies, he can select freely from
any and all talent trees. No talent can
be selected more than once unless
expressly indicated.

Defensive
Talent Tree
The Fast Hero gains the ability to improve
his innate defensive talents as the hero attains
new levels.

Evasion: If the Fast hero is exposed to

any effect that normally allows a character
to attempt a Reflex saving throw for half
damage, the Fast Hero suffers no
damage if he makes a successful
saving throw. Evasion can only be
used when wearing light armour or
no armour.

Uncanny Dodge: The Fast Hero retains

his Dexterity bonus to Defence regardless

15
 of being caught flat-footed or struck by a hidden
attacker. (The hero still loses his Dexterity bonus to
Defence if the hero is immobilised.) The character
Character Creation
does not gain his Reflex bonus when caught
flatfooted and attacked with a ranged weapon.
o Prerequisite: Evasion.
All-Around Awareness: The Fast Hero can
no longer be flanked; the character can react to
opponents on opposite sides of himself as easily as
he can react to a single attacker.
o Prerequisites: Evasion, Uncanny Dodge.
Defensive Roll: The Fast Hero can roll with a
potentially lethal attack to take less damage from
it. When the Fast Hero would be reduced to 0
hit points or less by damage in combat (from a
ranged or melee attack), the Fast Hero can attempt
to roll with the damage. A Fast Hero spends 1
luck point to use this talent. Once the point is
spent, the hero makes a Reflex saving throw (DC =
damage dealt). If the save succeeds, he takes only
half damage. The Fast Hero must be able to react
to the attack to execute a defensive roll - if the hero
is immobilised, he cannot use this talent. Since
this effect would not normally allow a character to
make a Reflex save for half damage, the Fast Heros
evasion talent does not apply to the defensive roll.
o Prerequisites: Evasion, uncanny dodge.
I n c r e a s e d S p eed
Talent Tree
The Fast Hero can increase his natural base speed.
Increased Speed: The Fast Heros base speed
increases by 5 feet.
Improved Increased Speed: The Fast Heros base
speed increases by 5 feet. This talent stacks with
increased speed (10 feet total).
o Prerequisite: Increased speed.
Advanced Increased Speed: The Fast Heros base
speed increases by 5 feet. This talent stacks with
increased speed and improved increased speed (15
feet total).
o Prerequisites: Increased speed, improved
increased speed.
Bonus Feats
At 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th level, the Fast Hero gains a
bonus feat. This feat must be selected from the following
list, and the Fast Hero must meet any prerequisites.
16
Advanced Two-Weapon Fighting, Agile Riposte, Alertness,
Blind Fight, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Elusive Target, Fan,
Improved Aim, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative,
Improved Trip, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting,
Lighting Reflexes, Literacy, Martial Arts, Martial Weapons
Proficiency, Mobility, Mounted Fire, Moving Shot,
Nimble, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Reload,
Ride-by Attack, Run, Simple Weapons Proficiency, Simple
Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Shot
on the Run, Skip Shot, Spring Attack, Stealthy, Vehicle
Dodge, Weapon Finesse.
T h e T o u g h H e ro
The Tough Hero has grit he keeps going no matter
what, forcing his way through the blood haze of a wound,
through sandstorm and desert, through whatever the world
throws at him. He can take more punishment that a man
should be able to bear, and still keep standing.
Ability: Constitution
Hit Point Bonus: +3
Class Skills: The Tough Heros class skills (and the key
ability for each skill) are: Climb (Str), Concentration
(Con), Craft (mechanical, structural) (Int), Drive (Dex),
Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge
(current events, streetwise) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride
(Dex), Spot (Wis) and Survival (Wis). Also, the starting
occupation the character selects can provide additional
class skills to choose from.
Skill Points at 1st Level: (3 + Int modifier) x4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 3 + Int modifier.
Starting Feats
In addition to the two feats all characters get at 1st level,
a Tough Hero begins play with the Improvised Weapons
Proficiency feat.
Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Tough Hero.
Talents
At 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th level, the Tough Hero selects a
talent from the following talent trees. Some trees have
a set order that must be followed, while others provide a
list to choose from. As long as the hero qualifies, he can
select freely from any and all talent trees. No talent can be
selected more than once unless expressly indicated.
 The Tough Hero
Base
Class Attack Fort Ref Will Class
Level Bonus Save Save Save Defence Features
1st +0 +1 +0 +0 +1 Talent
2nd +1 +2 +0 +0 +2 Bonus feat
3rd +2 +2 +1 +1 +2 Talent
4th +3 +2 +1 +1 +3 Bonus feat
5th +3 +3 +1 +1 +3 Talent
6th +4 +3 +2 +2 +3 Bonus feat
7th +5 +4 +2 +2 +4 Talent
8th +6/+1 +4 +2 +2 +4 Bonus feat
9th +6/+1 +4 +3 +3 +4 Talent
10th +7/+2 +5 +3 +3 +5 Bonus feat

Damage Reduction
Talent Tree
The Tough Hero has an innate talent to ignore a set amount
of damage from attacks. Before the hero can select a talent
from this tree the hero must have previously selected at
least one talent from the Incredible Health or Unbreakable
Talent Tree.

Damage Reduction 1/-: The Tough hero ignores 1

point of damage from melee and ranged weapons.
o Prerequisite: One other talent from either
the Incredible Health Talent Tree or the
Unbreakable Talent Tree.

Damage Reduction 2/-: The Tough hero ignores

an additional 1 point of damage from melee and
ranged weapons (DR 2/- total).
o Prerequisites: Damage reduction 1/-, one
other talent from either the Incredible
Health Talent Tree or the Unbreakable
Talent Tree.

Damage Reduction 3/-: The Tough hero

ignores an additional 1 point of damage from
melee and ranged weapons (DR 3/- total).
o Prerequisites: Damage reduction
1/-, damage reduction 2/-, one
other talent from either
the Incredible Health
Talent Tree or the
Unbreakable
Talent Tree.

17
 I n c r e d i b l e H e a lth
Talent Tree
Character Creation
The Tough Hero is particularly resistant to illness, infection
and poison. The following talents can be selected in any
order.
Disease Resistance: The Tough Hero has a +4
innate bonus to Fortitude saves against contracting
diseases, such as cholera.
Infection Resistance: The Tough Hero has a +4
innate bonus to Fortitude saves against infection
from wounds.
Poison Resistance: The Tough Hero has a +4
innate bonus to Fortitude saves against poison.
U n b r e a k a b l e T alent
Tree
The Tough Hero is particularly resilient thanks to the
following talents.
Remain Conscious: The Tough Hero gains the
ability to continue to perform actions when he
would otherwise be considered unconscious and
dying. When the Tough Heros hit points reach
1, the hero can perform as though he were
disabled, making either an attack action or a move
action every round until the hero reaches -10 hit
points (and dies) or the heros hit points return to
1 or higher. The hero can choose to succumb to
unconsciousness if he thinks that doing so might
prevent him from taking more damage.
Robust: The Tough Hero becomes especially
robust, gaining a number of hit points equal to his
Tough Hero level as soon as he selects this talent.
Thereafter, the hero gains an additional +1 hit
point with each level of Tough Hero he gains.
o Prerequisite: Remain conscious.
Stamina: The Tough Hero recovers twice as fast as
normal. The hero recovers twice his Constitution
bonus per evening of rest, 2 points of temporary
ability damage per evening of rest, and awakens
in half the normal time after being knocked
unconscious.
o Prerequisite: Remain conscious, robust.
Bonus Feats
At 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th level, the Tough Hero gains a
bonus feat. This feat must be selected from the following
list, and the Tough Hero must meet any prerequisites.
18
Animal Affinity, Blind Fight, Builder, Brawl, Cautious,
Endurance, Fan, Far Shot, Focussed, Great Cleave,
Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Disarm,
Improved Trip, Improvised Weapon Proficiency, Iron Will,
Meticulous, Point Blank Shot, Power Attack, Run, Simple
Weapons Proficiency, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Simple
Sidearms Proficiency, Sunder, Track, Trample.
T h e S m a r t H e ro
The Smart Hero might be especially well educated,
coming from some Yankee college back east or even from
Europe. He could also just have more brains than most,
and have learned all he knows from books. Most towns
have a lawyer, newspaperman or preacher who is notably
more learned than the rest of the folk there such people
are Smart Heroes. There are not many of them in West,
but the railroads bring more engineers and scientists every
day.
Ability: Intelligence
Hit Point Bonus: +2
Class Skills: The Smart Heros class skills (and the key
ability for each skill) are: Craft (any) (Int), Decipher Script
(Int), Demolitions (Int), Disable Device (Int), Forgery
(Int), Gather Information (Cha), Knowledge (any) (Int),
Profession (Wis), Repair (Int), Ride (Dex), Search (Int)
and Treat Injury (Wis).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (9 + Int modifier) x4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 9 + Int modifier.
Starting Feats
Smart Heroes get the Literacy feat and two other feats.
Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Smart Hero.
Talents
At 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th level, the Smart Hero selects a
talent from the following talent trees. Some trees have
a set order that must be followed, while others provide a
list to choose from. As long as the hero qualifies, he can
select freely from any and all talent trees. No talent can be
selected more than once unless expressly indicated.
Research Talent
Tree
The Smart hero has a natural aptitude for study and fact-
finding. These talents can be selected in any order.
 The Smart Hero
Base
Class Attack Fort Ref Will Class
Level Bonus Save Save Save Defence Features
1st +0 +0 +0 +1 +0 Talent
2nd +1 +0 +0 +2 +1 Bonus feat
3rd +1 +1 +1 +2 +1 Talent
4th +2 +1 +1 +2 +1 Bonus feat
5th +2 +1 +1 +3 +2 Talent
6th +3 +2 +2 +3 +2 Bonus feat
7th +3 +2 +2 +4 +2 Talent
8th +4 +2 +2 +4 +3 Bonus feat
9th +4 +3 +3 +4 +3 Talent
10th +5 +3 +3 +5 +3 Bonus feat

Savant: Select one of the siills listed in the following

paragraph. The Smart Hero gets to add a bonus
equal to his Smart Hero level when making checks
with that skill. A Smart Hero can take this talent
multiple times; each time it applies to a different
skill. Craft (any single skill), Decipher Script,
Demolitions, Disable Device, Forgery,
Gamble, Handle Animal,
Knowledge (any single skill),
Repair, Search, Treat Injury.

Linguist: With this talent, the Smart Hero becomes

a master linguist. Whenever the hero
encounters a new language,
either spoken or written, he
can make an Intelligence
check to determine if he
can understand it. The check is made
with a bonus equal to the heros Smart
Hero level + the heros
Intelligence modifier. For a
written language, the bonus
applies to a Decipher Script
check instead. The DC for
the check is 20. With this
special ability, a Smart Hero
can glean enough meaning
from a conversation or
document to ascertain the
basic message, but this ability
in no way simulates actually
being able to converse or
fluently read and write in a
given language.
o Prerequisite: At
least two language
Feats.

19
 S t r a t e g y T a l ent
Tree
Character Creation
The Smart Hero has the brainpower to see solutions in
most situations. These talents can be selected in any order,
but before the hero can select a talent from this tree he
must have previously selected at least one talent from the
Research Talent Tree.
Exploit Weakness: After 1 round of combat,
the Smart Hero can designate one opponent and
try to find ways to gain an advantage by using
brains over brawn. The Smart Hero uses a move
action and makes an Intelligence check (DC 15)
with a bonus equal to his Smart Hero level. If
the check succeeds, for the rest of the combat the
Smart Hero uses his Intelligence bonus instead of
either Strength or Dexterity bonus on attack rolls
as the hero finds ways to outthink his opponent
and notices weaknesses in his opponents fighting
style.
o Prerequisite: One talent from the
Research Talent Tree.
Plan: Prior to a dramatic situation, either combat-
or skill-related, the Smart Hero can develop a plan
of action to handle the situation. Using this talent
requires preparation; a Smart Hero cannot use this
talent when surprised or otherwise unprepared
for a particular situation. The Smart Hero makes
an Intelligence check (DC 10) with a bonus
equal to his Smart Hero level. The result of the
check provides the Smart Hero and allies with a
circumstance bonus. A Smart Hero cannot take
10 or 20 when making this check. This bonus can
be applied to all skill checks and attack rolls made
by the Smart Hero and his allies, but the bonus
only lasts for the first 3 rounds. After that time,
reduce the bonus by 1 point (to a minimum of +0)
for every additional round the situation continues,
as the vagaries of circumstance begin to unravel
even the best-laid plans.
Check Result Bonus
9 or lower +0 (check failed)
1014 +1
1524 +2
25 or higher +3
o Prerequisite: One talent from the
Research Talent Tree.
Trick: The Smart hero has the ability to temporarily
confuse a target (a non player character) through
the use of ploy and deception. The target must
have an Intelligence score of 3 or higher to be
20
susceptible to a trick, must be within 30 feet of
the hero and must be able to hear and understand
the hero. To play a trick on a target, the hero must
use a full-round action and make an Intelligence
check (DC 15), adding his Smart Hero level as
a bonus. If the Intelligence check succeeds, the
target can try to think quickly and ignore the trick.
The target resists the trick by making a Reflex
saving throw (DC 10 + Smart Heros class level +
Smart Heros Int bonus). If the saving throw fails,
the target becomes dazed (unable to act, but can
defend normally) for 1 round. A trick can only be
played on a particular target once per encounter.
After the first trick in an encounter, whether the
attempt succeeds or not, that target becomes wary
and immune to such ploys.
o Prerequisite: One talent from the
Research Talent Tree.
Bonus Feats
At 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th level, the Smart Hero gains a
bonus feat. This feat must be selected from the following
list, and the Smart Hero must meet any prerequisites.
Alertness, Creative, Educated, Elusive Target, Focussed,
Improved Aim, Improved Feint, Iron Will, Martial Arts,
Martial Weapon Proficiency, Martial Longarms Proficiency,
Martial Sidearms Proficiency, Medical Expert, Meticulous,
Simple Weapon Proficiency, Simple Longarms Proficiency,
Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Speak Language, Surgery,
Track.
T h e D e d i c a t ed
Hero
The Dedicated Hero believes in a higher power, or a cause,
or simply in himself and his own destiny. His willpower
is insurmountable the sheer strength of his convictions
enables him to endure almost any hardship and overcome
any obstacle. While the Tough Hero has great reserves of
physical might, the Dedicated Heros spirit burns so bright
it overcomes the limits of the flesh.
Ability: Wisdom
Hit Point Bonus: +2
Class Skills: The Dedicated Heros class skills (and the
key ability for each skill) are: Craft (any) (Int), Drive
(Dex), Gamble (Wis), Handle Animal (Cha), Knowledge
(any) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex),
Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Language (none), Spot (Wis),
Survival (Wis) and Treat Injury (Wis).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (5 + Int modifier) x4.
 The Dedicated Hero
Base
Class Attack Fort Ref Will Class
Level Bonus Save Save Save Defence Features
1st +0 +1 +0 +1 +1 Talent
2nd +1 +2 +0 +2 +2 Bonus feat

3rd +2 +2 +1 +2 +2 Talent
4th +3 +2 +1 +2 +3 Bonus feat
5th +3 +3 +1 +3 +3 Talent
6th +4 +3 +2 +3 +3 Bonus feat
7th +5 +4 +2 +4 +4 Talent
8th +6/+1 +4 +2 +4 +4 Bonus feat
9th +6/+1 +4 +3 +4 +4 Talent
10th +7/+2 +5 +3 +5 +5 Bonus feat

Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 5 + Int modifier.

Starting Feats
In addition to the two feats all characters get at 1st level,
a Dedicated Hero begins play with the Simple Longarms
Proficiency feat.

Class Features
The following are class features of the Dedicated
Hero.

Talents
At 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th level, the Dedicated Hero
selects a talent from the following talent trees. Some
trees have a set order that must be followed, while
others provide a list to choose from. As long as the
hero qualifies, he can select freely from any and all talent
trees. No talent can be selected more than once unless
expressly indicated.

Empathic Talent
Tree
The Dedicated Heros innate talents give him a great
capacity for empathy.

Empathy: The Dedicated Hero has a

knack for being sensitive to the feelings
and thoughts of others without
having those feelings and thoughts
communicated in any objectively explicit
manner. This innate talent provides a
bonus on checks involving interaction
skills (Bluff, Diplomacy, Handle
Animal, Intimidate, Perform, and
Sense Motive), provided the hero
spends at least 1 minute observing

21
 his target prior to making the skill check. The
bonus is equal to the characters Dedicated Hero
level.
Character Creation
Improved Aid Another: The Dedicated Heros
bonus on attempts to aid another increases by +1
on a successful aid another check. This talent can
be selected multiple times, each time increasing
the bonus by +1.
o Prerequisite: Empathy.
Intuition: The Dedicated Hero has an innate
ability to sense trouble in the air. The Dedicated
Hero can make a Will saving throw (DC 15).
On a successful save, the hero gets a hunch that
everything is all right, or the hero gets a bad feeling
about a specific situation, based on the Games
Masters best guess relating to the circumstances.
This talent is usable a number of times per day
equal to the characters Dedicated Hero level.
o Prerequisite: Empathy.
H e a l i n g T a l e n t Tree
The Dedicated Hero has a talent for healing.
Healing Knack: The hero has a knack for the
healing arts. The hero receives a +2 bonus on all
Treat Injury skill checks.
Healing Touch 1: The Dedicated Heros ability
to restore damage with a doctors bag or perform
surgery with a surgery kit increases by +2 hit
points.
o Prerequisite: Healing knack.
Healing Touch 2: The Dedicated Heros ability
to restore damage with a doctors bag or perform
surgery with a surgery kit increases by +2 hit points,
which stacks with healing touch 1 for a total of +4
hit points.
o Prerequisites: Healing knack, healing
touch 1.
I n s i g h t f u l T a l ent
Tree
The Dedicated Heros innate insightfulness serves him
well.
Skill Emphasis: The Dedicated Hero chooses a
single skill and receives a +3 bonus on all checks
with that skill. This bonus does not allow the hero
to make checks for a trained-only skill if the hero
has no ranks in the skill.
22
Aware: The Dedicated Hero is intuitively aware
of his surroundings. The hero adds his base Will
saving throw bonus to Listen or Spot checks to
avoid surprise.
o Prerequisite: Skill emphasis.
Cool Under Pressure: The Dedicated Hero selects
a number of skills equal to 3 + the heros Wisdom
modifier. When making a check with one of these
skills, the Dedicated hero can take 10 even when
distracted or under duress.
o Prerequisite: Skill emphasis, aware.
Bonus Feats
At 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th level, the Dedicated Hero gains
a bonus feat. This feat must be from this list, and the
Dedicated Hero must meet any prerequisites.
Alertness, Animal Affinity, Blind Fight, Cautious,
Confidant, Endurance, Focussed, Improved Aim, Iron
Will, Literacy, Lucky, Martial Longarms Proficiency,
Medical Expert, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Run,
Shot on the Run, Simple Weapons Proficiency, Simple
Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Speak
Language, Surgery, Toughness, Track, Weapon Focus.
T h e C h a r i s m a tic
Hero
The Charismatic Hero might be a general or a shyster, a
shaman or a snake-oil salesman. He is adept at inspiring,
guiding and tricking others; his personality is alternately
bright, warm, inspiring or forceful, but never bland or
forgettable. He is larger-than-life, a potential legend in his
own lifetime. Many of the most famous heroes of the West
were far better at self-promotion than shooting
Ability: Charisma
Hit Point Bonus: +2
Class Skills: The Charismatic Heros class skills (and
the key ability for each skill) are: Bluff (Cha), Craft
(writing) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Gather
Information (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate
(Cha), Knowledge (civics, current events, geography,
streetwise, theology and philosophy) (Int), Perform (any)
(Cha), Profession (Wis) and Ride (Dex).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (7 + Int modifier) x4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 7 + Int modifier.
 The Charismatic Hero
Base
Class Attack Fort Ref Will Class
Level Bonus Save Save Save Defence Features
1st +0 +1 +1 +0 +0 Talent
2nd +1 +2 +2 +0 +1 Bonus feat
3rd +1 +2 +2 +1 +1 Talent
4th +2 +2 +2 +1 +1 Bonus feat
5th +2 +3 +3 +1 +2 Talent
6th +3 +3 +3 +2 +2 Bonus feat
7th +3 +4 +4 +2 +2 Talent
8th +4 +4 +4 +2 +3 Bonus feat
9th +4 +4 +4 +3 +3 Talent
10th +5 +5 +5 +3 +3 Bonus feat

Feats
In addition to the two feats all characters get at 1st
level, a Charismatic Hero begins play with the
Simple Sidearms Proficiency feat.

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the
Charismatic Hero.

Talents
At 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th level, the Charismatic
Hero selects a talent from the following talent trees.
Some trees have a set order that must be followed,
while others provide a list to choose from. As long
as the hero qualifies, he can select freely from any
and all talent trees. No talent can be selected more
than once unless expressly indicated.

Charm Talent
Tree
The Charismatic Hero has an innate talent for
being charming and captivating.

Charm: The Charismatic Hero

gets a bonus on all Charisma-
based skill checks made to
influence members of his chosen
gender. (Some characters are charming to
members of the opposite gender, others to
members of the same gender.) The bonus
is equal to the characters Charismatic
Hero level. A Charismatic Hero can
only charm non player characters with
attitudes of indifferent or better. The
charm bonus cannot be used against
characters who are unfriendly or
hostile.

23
 Favour: The Charismatic Hero has the ability
to acquire minor aid from anyone he meets. By
making a favour check, a Charismatic Hero can gain
Character Creation
important information without going through the
time and trouble of doing a lot of research. Favours
can also be used to acquire the loan of equipment
or documents, or to receive other minor assistance
in the course of an adventure. A Charismatic Hero
spends 1 luck point to activate this talent. To make
a favour check, roll a d20 and add the characters
favour bonus, equal to the characters Charismatic
Hero level. The Games Master sets the DC based
on the scope of the favour being requested. The
DC ranges from 10 for a simple favour to as
high as 30 for formidable and highly dangerous,
expensive, or illegal favours. A Charismatic hero
cannot take 10 or 20 on this check, nor can the
hero retry the check for the same (or virtually the
same) favour. Favours should help advance the
plot of an adventure. A favour that would enable a
character to avoid an adventure altogether should
always be unavailable to the character, regardless
of the result of a favour check. The Games Master
should carefully monitor a Charismatic Heros use
of favours to ensure that this ability is not abused.
The success or failure of a mission should not
hinge on the use of a favour, and getting a favour
should not replace good roleplaying or the use of
other skills. The Games Master may disallow any
favour deemed to be disruptive to the game.
o Prerequisite: Charm.
Captivate: The Charismatic Hero has the ability to
temporarily beguile a target (a non player character)
24
through the use of words and bearing. The target
must have an Intelligence score of 3 or higher to be
susceptible to a captivate attempt, must be within
30 feet of the hero, and must be able to see, hear,
and understand the hero. To captivate a target,
the hero must use an attack action and make a
Charisma check (DC 15), adding his Charismatic
Hero level as a bonus. If the Charisma check
succeeds, the target can try to resist. The target
resists the captivation attempt by making a Will
saving throw (DC 10 + Charismatic Heros class
level + Charismatic Heros Charisma bonus). If
the saving throw fails, the hero becomes the targets
sole focus. The target pays no attention to anyone
else for 1 round. This focusing of the targets
attention allows other characters to take actions
of which the captivated target is unaware. The
effect ends immediately if the target is attacked or
threatened. A Charismatic Hero can concentrate
to keep a target captivated for additional rounds.
The Charismatic Hero concentrates all his effort
on the task, and the target gets to make a new Will
save each round. The effect ends when the hero
stops concentrating, or when the target succeeds
on the save.
o Prerequisites: Charm, Favour.
Fast-Talk Talent
Tree
The Charismatic Hero has an innate talent for bending the
truth and dazzling others with a combination of words,
mannerisms, and charm.
 Fast-Talk: The Charismatic Hero has a way with
words when attempting to con and deceive. With
this talent, he applies his Charismatic level as a
bonus on any Bluff, Diplomacy or Gamble checks
the hero makes while attempting to lie, cheat, or
otherwise bend the truth.
Dazzle: The Charismatic Hero has the ability to
dazzle a target (a non player character) through
sheer force of personality, a winning smile and
fast-talking. The target must have an Intelligence
score of 3 or higher to be susceptible to a dazzle
attempt, must be within 30 feet of the hero and
must be able to see, hear and understand the hero.
To dazzle a target, the hero must use an attack
action and make a Charisma check (DC 15),
adding his Charismatic Hero level as a bonus. If
the Charisma check succeeds, the target can try
to resist. The target resists the dazzle attempt by
making a Will saving throw (DC 10 + Charismatic
Heros class level + Charismatic Heros Charisma
bonus). If the save fails, the target receives a 1
penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks
and saving throws for a number of rounds equal to
the characters Charismatic level. This talent can
be selected multiple times, each time worsening
the dazzled penalty by 1.
o Prerequisite: Fast-talk.
Taunt: The Charismatic Hero has the ability to
temporarily rattle a target (a non player character)
through the use of insults and goading. The target
must have an Intelligence score of 3 or higher to
be susceptible to a taunt, must be within 30 feet of
the hero and must be able to hear and understand
the hero. To taunt a target, the hero must use an
attack action and make a Charisma check (DC
15), adding his Charismatic level as a bonus. If
the Charisma check succeeds, the target can try to
resist. The target resists the taunt by making a Will
saving throw (DC 10 + Charismatic Heros class
level + Charismatic Heros Cha bonus). If the save
fails, the target becomes dazed (unable to act, but
can defend normally) for 1 round. A taunt can be
played on an opponent any number of times.
o Prerequisites: Fast-talk, dazzle.
Leadership Talent
Tree
The Charismatic Hero has a talent for leadership and
inspiration.
Coordinate: The Charismatic Hero has a knack
for getting people to work together. When the
hero can spend a full round directing his allies
and makes a Charisma check (DC 10), the hero
provides any of his allies within 30 feet a +1 bonus
on their attack rolls and skill checks. The bonus
lasts for a number of rounds equal to the heros
Charisma modifier. The hero can coordinate a
number of allies equal to one-half his Charismatic
Hero level, rounded down (to a minimum of one
ally).
Inspiration: The Charismatic Hero can inspire
his allies, bolstering them and improving their
chances of success. An ally must listen to and
observe the Charismatic Hero for a full round for
the inspiration to take hold and the hero must
make a Charisma check (DC 10). The effect
lasts for a number of rounds equal to the heros
Charisma modifier. An inspired ally gains a +2
morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, and
damage rolls. A Charismatic Hero cannot inspire
himself. The hero can inspire a number of allies
equal to one-half his Charismatic level, rounded
down (to a minimum of one ally).
o Prerequisite: Coordinate.
Greater Inspiration: The Charismatic Hero can
inspire his allies to even greater heights, bolstering
them and improving their chances of success. An
ally must listen to and observe the Charismatic
Hero for a full round for the greater inspiration
to take hold, and the hero must make a Charisma
check (DC 10). The effect lasts for a number of
rounds equal to the heros Charisma modifier. An
inspired ally gains an additional +1 morale bonus
on saving throws, attack rolls, and damage rolls,
which stacks with the bonus from inspiration for
a total of a +3 morale bonus. A Charismatic Hero
cannot inspire himself. The hero can inspire a
number of allies equal to one-half his Charismatic
level, rounded down (to a minimum of one ally).
o Prerequisites: Coordinate, inspiration.
Bonus Feats
At 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th level, the Charismatic hero
gains a bonus feat. This feat must be selected from the
following list, and the Charismatic Hero must meet any
prerequisites.
Agile Riposte, Animal Affinity, Confidant, Creative,
Deceptive, Dodge, Fan, Improved Feint, Improved
Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Literacy, Lucky,
Martial Sidearms Proficiency, Nimble, Run, Simple
Weapons Proficiency, Simple Sidearms Proficiency,
Simple Longarms Proficiency, Speak Language, Stealthy,
Trustworthy, Weapon Focus.
25
 Choose a When a character reaches venerable age, the Games
Master should secretly roll their maximum age, which is
Vocation the number from the Venerable column on Aging Effects
Character Creation

After picking your characters starting class, the next step
is to pick a vocation. The list of vocations is in Chapter
Three, Vocations. Choose any one of the listed vocations,
but choose wisely some vocations can only be picked
at this step at character generation, while others can be
moved into later in the game. A vocation gives more talent
options, as well as more skills to pick from. It may also
affect a characters Reputation (see below).
plus the result of the dice roll indicated on the Maximum
Age column on that table, and records the result, which
the player does not know. A character that reaches his
maximum age dies of old age at some time during the
following year.
The maximum ages are for player characters but exist only
as a maximum possibility. Most people in the West die
from pestilence, accidents, infections, or violence long
before they reach venerable age.

Sk i l l s , F e a t s
and Talents
Aging Effects
Maximum
The characters class and ability scores determine how Middle Age1 Old2 Venerable3 Age
many skill points and feats he has. Select skills from
35 years 53 years 70 years +2d20 years
Chapter Four. 1
At middle age, 1 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis,
and Cha.
Feats are listed in Chapter Four. 2
At old age, 2 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and
Cha.
Talents are listed in the class and vocation descriptions. 3
At venerable age, 3 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis,
and Cha.
A beginning first level character has at least two feats (plus
any bonus feats from his class), one talent (which can be

Height and Weight

chosen from his class or vocation lists) and the amount of
skill points listed for his class. Remember that a character
can spend a feat slot to take a talent instead. The dice roll given in the Height Modifier column
determines the characters extra height beyond the base
height. That same number multiplied by the dice roll or
Literacy quantity given in the Weight Modifier column determines
the characters extra weight beyond the base weight.
A character with an Intelligence of 9 or more may gain
the Literacy feat for free if he comes from an educated
background.
Random Height and Weight
Gender Base Height Base Weight

Finishing
Height Modifier Weight Modifier
Male 4 10 +2d10 120 lb. (2d4) lb.

Touches Female 4 5 +2d10 85 lb. (2d4) lb.

Select equipment from Chapter Five according to the

initial finances from your vocation. Fill out the character
sheet, remembering to take ability score modifiers when
working out skills.
Reputation
A characters Reputation measures how well he is known
in the West. Reputation is partially based on deeds, but

Age
You can choose or randomly generate your characters age.
Most characters are adults (16+). With age, a characters
personality and exaggerated rumours also play their part.
A characters Reputation begins at a value equal to his
Charisma bonus plus his level. See Reputation, page XX.

physical ability scores decrease and his mental ability scores
increase (see Aging Effects). The effects of each aging step
are cumulative. However, none of a characters ability
scores can be reduced below 1 in this way.
Luck
Luck is a characters edge in a fight, a measure of good or
bad fate and fortune. A characters Luck begins at 6+1d4.
See Luck, page XX. Note that characters who begin play
at a higher level do not have any extra Luck.

26
 Advancement
A western character improves gradually over the course of
his career, gaining new levels. He may also switch vocation
with each new level. The rate of advancement is up to the
Games Master, but the following rates are suggested:
In an episodic game, characters should advance
one level between adventures.
In a continuing game with no gaps between
scenarios, characters should advance once every
four sessions.
Class level is the characters level in a particular class. For
a hero whose levels are all in the same class, character level
and class level are the same.
Hit Points
A hero gains hit points from each class as his level increases,
adding the new hit point bonus to the previous total.
Adding a second class, however, only gives access to the
new classs hit point bonus. As such, your first level in the
second class does not receive maximum hit points as they
would at character creation.
Base Attack Bonus
Add the base attack bonuses for each class to get the heros

Mul t i c l a s s
Cha r a c t e r s
A character may add new classes as he progresses in levels,
thereby becoming a multiclass character. The class abilities
from all of a characters classes combine to determine a
multiclass characters overall abilities.
base attack bonus. A resulting value of +6 or higher
provides the hero with multiple attacks. For instance, a
6th level Fast Hero/2nd level Strong Hero has a base attack
bonus of +6 (+4 for the Fast Hero levels and +2 for the
Strong Hero levels). A base attack bonus of +6 allows a
second attack with a bonus of +1, even though neither the
+4 from the Fast levels nor the +2 from the Strong levels
normally allows an additional attack.

Adding a Second Additional Attacks

Class Base Attack Bonus Additional Attacks at
When a character with one class gains a level, he may +6 +1
choose to increase the level of his current class or pick up +7 +2
a new class at 1st level. The character gains the 1st level +8 +3
base attack bonus, base save bonuses, class skills, other +9 +4
class features of the new class, hit points rolled using the
+10 +5
appropriate die type, and the new classs number of skill
+11 +6/+1
points gained at each additional level (not that number x4,
as is the case for a 1st level character). +12 +7/+2
+13 +8/+3
Picking up a new class is not exactly the same as starting a +14 +9/+4
character in that class. Some of the benefits for a 1st level +15 +10/+5
hero represent the advantage of training while the character +16 +11/+6/+1
was young and fresh, with lots of time to practice. The +17 +12/+7/+2
character gains new hit points equal to his new classes hit +18 +13/+8/+3
point bonus plus his Constitution modifier. +19 +14/+9/+4
+20 +15/+10/+5
Class and Level
Features
To use multiple attacks in the same round, you must use
a full attack, which is a full-round action. Attacking and
As a general rule, the abilities of a multiclass character are full-round actions are explained fully in Chapter Seven:
the sum of the abilities provided by each of the characters Combat.
classes.

Level
Character level is a characters total number of levels. It
is used to determine when feats and ability score increases
are gained, as per the Level Dependant Benefits table (see
above).
Saving Throws
Add the base save bonuses for each class together. A 3rd
level Tough Hero/3rd level Fast Hero gets +3 on Fortitude
saving throws (+2 for the Tough levels and +1 for the Fast
levels), +3 on Reflex saving throws (+1 and +2), and +2 on
Will saving throws (+1 and +1).

27
 D e f e n c e B o n us
Add the Defence bonuses for each class together. A 4th level
Strong Hero/ 2nd level Smart Hero has a Defence bonus of
Character Creation
+3 plus +1, for a total of +4. If the same hero then picked
up a level of Dedicated Hero, he would add +1 to increase
his Defence bonus to +5.
Skills
A multiclass hero uses his character level to determine the
maximum ranks he can have in a skill. If a skill is a class
skill for any of a multiclass heros classes, then use character
level to determine a skills maximum rank. (The maximum
rank of a class skill is 3 + character level.)
C l a s s F e a t u r es
The character gets all class features (talents, bonus feats,
or other special abilities) of all classes for the levels he
possesses.
Feats
A multiclass character receives a new feat every three
character levels, regardless of individual class level (see the
Level-Dependent Benefits table). Taking one level in a new
class does not entitle a character to receive the two feats that
a beginning 1st level character gets.
28
Ability Increases
A multiclass character increases one ability score by +1
every four character levels, regardless of individual class
level (see the Level-Dependent Benefits table).
Advancing a Level
Each time a multiclass character attains a new level,
he either increases one of his current class levels by one
or picks up a new class at 1st level. When a multiclass
character increases one of his class levels by one, he gets all
the standard benefits that characters receive for attaining
the new level in that class: more hit points, possible
bonuses on attack rolls, Defence, Reputation, and saving
throws (depending on the class and the new level), a new
class feature (as defined by the class) and new skill points.
Skill points are spent according to the class that the
multiclass character just advanced in (see the individual
class descriptions for skill points per level). Skills purchased
are purchased at the cost appropriate for the class level that
gives them to the character.
 Vocations
A
characters Vocation is his current career.
A man was expected to be able to turn
his hand to anything in the West, and
many went through all sorts of jobs during their lives.
Some turned from farmers to outlaws to cattle rustlers to
cowboys to sheriffs and back again, all in the space of a
few years.
Each vocation provides a number of class skills for the
character, in addition to the class skills gained from his
class. A vocation also has a list of talents; a character can
take a talent from a vocation whenever he could normally
acquire a new talent.
A character can change vocation whenever he gains a new
level, so long as he fulfils any prerequisites listed.
Gun s l i n g e r
The gunslinger is the quintessential hired gun he lives by
the gun and dies by the gun. Most gunslingers drift from
one side of the law to the other. Sometimes, he rides with
bandits and thieves; the next year or the next county, and
he is working to defend some homestead against his former
compatriots. His only loyalty is to the gun.
Prerequisites: Quick Draw, Simple Sidearms Proficiency.
Vocation Skills: Intimidate, Spot, Repair and Ride.
Wealth: Poor.
Reputation Bonus: The gunslinger gains a Reputation
bonus whenever he beats another gunslinger in a duel,
if the other gunslinger had a higher Reputation. The
bonus gained is equal to half the Reputation of the other
character.
Quick Draw Talent
Tree
The gunslinger is a master of drawing before the other
guy.
Improved Quick Draw: The gunslinger gains a
+2 insight bonus to his Initiative score.
Shoot from the Hip: The gunslinger may gain a
+3 bonus to Initiative for every 2 penalty to his
attack roll in a duel. For example, a gunslinger who
accepts a 6 penalty to his attack roll would gain a
+9 bonus to Initiative. This is 50% better than the
normal +1 Initiative for 1 to hit exchange rate
used in a duel.
Twitch: If the gunslinger is outdrawn, he may
make a Reflex save (DC equals the Initiative total
of the highest Initiative opponent). If the saving
throw is successful, then the gunslinger acts at the
exact same time as his opponent their attacks are
resolved simultaneously.
o Prerequisites: Improved Quick Draw,
Shoot from the Hip
Trick Shooting
Talent Tree
The gunslinger knows all sorts of trick shots and fancy
moves.
Improved Skip Shot: The gunslinger suffers no
attack penalties for making a skip shot, and the
damage from the attack is not halved.
o Prerequisite: Skip Shot Feat
Exact Shot: The gunslinger gains a +4 insight
bonus to his attack roll shooting at a Tiny or smaller
target. He cannot use this bonus when firing at an
enemy, but can use it when trying to shoot a rope,
hare, lantern, nickel, gun out of an enemys hand
and so on.
Between the Eyes: The gunslinger can now apply
his +4 insight bonus to attack rolls from the Precise
Shot feat to called shots against enemies. He only
gains this bonus when making an attack against
a particular location (see page XX, Called Shots
Against Locations).
o Prerequisite: Precise Shot feat
29
 Dude
Dudes are relative newcomers or even tourists from more
civilised places or, at least, they affect the fashions and
manners of more civilised people. A dude might be
seen in the silk top hat and dinner jacket of an English
nobleman, or be wearing the latest suits from Boston or
Washington. Few are adept at gunfighting, but some have
trained in boxing Queensbury rules of course or even
knife fighting. A dude might survive by his wits alone, or
else be merrily wasting an inheritance or investment from
Vocations
backers at home.
A dude must choose if he is genuine (he really is rich and
backed by money from the east) or a phoney (he merely
pretends to be wealthy and is really a con artist).
Prerequisites: Charisma 13. A character must begin play
as a genuine dude and cannot take this Vocation later in life
under normal circumstances (although there are exceptions
a penniless cowboy might turn out to be the heir to a vast
fortune. Such revelations are up to the Games Master.)
A character can become a phoney dude whenever he can
normally change career.
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge (art, civics,
current affairs, history, theology & philosophy)
Wealth: Varies (Poor to Very Rich).
Reputation Bonus: The genuine dude gains no Reputation
bonus, but may make a Diplomacy check at a DC of 10+his
current Reputation to gain a +1d6 Reputation bonus by
playing on his connections back home. A phoney dude
may use Bluff instead of Diplomacy.
30
Genuine Dude Talent
Tree
These talents relate to the dudes standing back east.
Connections: The dude has contacts back home,
which he can call upon when he needs to. Each
time the dude takes this talent, he must write or
telegraph back home to call upon one of these
contacts. The contacts influence can give the dude
a permanent +6 circumstance bonus to any Bluff,
Diplomacy or Intimidate roll that targets a member
of an organisation with ties back to the Federal
government, eastern institutions or businesses and
so on. Examples would include the US Army, the
Wells Fargo stagecoach company, most banks, the
Pinkertons and so on. A different contact (and
hence, another use of this talent) must be used
to impress each different local organisation. This
talent can therefore be taken multiple times.
Backing: The dude can call for money from
back home. Whenever he takes this talent, his
current Wealth is reset to Wealthy. This is a once-
off change the dude can spend or squander this
money again, and his wealth will not reset unless
he takes this talent again. This talent can be taken
multiple times.
Fancy Pants Talent
Tree
The dude brings a measure of civility and style to the West
that can impress others.
 The latest style: By dressing in a fancy and
stylish fashion, the dude gains a +2 bonus to Bluff,
Diplomacy and Profession checks.
A Confidante of Dame Rumour: The dude
can spread news of events back east, tales of wars,
scandals and market crashes that can cause alarm
in the West. He may substitute his 10 + his current
Reputation for the d20 roll when making a Bluff
check.
Stylish Attack: The dude may substitute his
Charisma modifier for his Dexterity modifier when
making a melee attack with Weapon Finesse.
o Prerequisite: Weapon Finesse feat.
Moun t a i n M a n
Fur trappers and early settlers have been living on the edges
of the West for decades. Such grizzled pioneers usually live
alone in log cabins or other isolated settlements. Solitary
and taciturn folk, they prefer to be left alone with the
earth and sky, and fight like cornered grizzlies when their
solitude is threatened.
Prerequisites: Constitution 13.
Vocation Skills: Climb, Craft (traps, woodworking),
Handle Animal, Hide, Survival.
Wealth: Poor.
Reputation Bonus: The mountain mans Reputation
increases by +1 per two years spent out in the wilderness.
Mo u n t a i n M a n T a l e nt
Tree
The mountain man has survived in the wild for years, and
has picked up a few tricks that even the Indians do not
know...
Self-sufficiency: The mountain man has learned
to make his own tools and maintain his own
weapons. He has a +4 insight bonus to any Craft,
Repair or Treat Injury checks he makes, but only
when making such checks for his own possessions,
his animal companion or on himself. For example,
the mountain man gains a +4 insight bonus when
treating his own wounds, not those of another.
Trapper: The mountain man is a skilled trapper.
He has a +2 insight bonus to Craft (traps) rolls,
and the base DC to find his traps is increased to
15.
Trust nobody 'cept yourself: As long as the
mountain man has time to prepare the ground, he
can set up all sorts of traps, weapon caches, hides,
foxholes and other useful tricks. For every twenty
minutes spent preparing a site, the mountain man
may set up some trick that acts like an Aid Another
action in this case, the other that the mountain
man aids is actually himself when he is in the
prepared location. The character does not have to
specify what these tricks are in advance the player
may choose in any round to take an Aid Another
action, as long as he can justify it with some trick
the mountain man could have set up in advance.
Only the mountain man can use these tricks. A
character can have a maximum number of these
tricks set up equal to the number of ranks he has
in Craft (traps).
o Prerequisites: Trapper
Animal Companion
Talent Tree
With nothing around except land and sky, some mountain
men become quite attached to a wolf, hawk, bear or other
animal.
Animal Companion: To take this talent, the
mountain man must win the friendship of an
animal and begin taming it with the Handle
Animal skill. He gains a +4 insight bonus to all
Handle Animal checks made with the animal. He
may also handle the animal as a free action or push
it as a move action. The animal companion has
an Intelligence score of at least 2, as the mountain
man has a knack of selecting only the smartest
critter to be his companion.
Enhance Companion: The animal companion
gains an animal level. This talent may be taken
multiple times.
o Prerequisite: Animal Companion.
Faithful Friend: The animal companion has an
eerie affinity with the character. It is always able to
find him, and tends to turn up in the nick of time.
The character may spend a luck point to have his
companion appear nearby.
o Prerequisites: Animal Companion.
31
 Miner
The lure of gold and other precious metals drew many men
out West. From California to the Black Hills, prospecting
and mining is the fastest way to get rich quick or lose it
all on an empty riverbed or worked-out vein. Miners tend
to be interested solely in making their fortune and then
heading home few intended to come out West forever.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocations
Vocation Skills: Balance, Craft (structural), Demolitions,
Repair, Search.
Reputation Bonus: A miners Reputation increases by
+1d6 whenever he makes a strike.
M i n i n g T a l e n t Tree
The desire for wealth drives such men, and this is reflected
in their talents.
Obsessive Work: The miner may push himself to
an astonishing degree. When making any Craft,
Demolitions or ability score check that requires at
least eight hours of work, the miner may take 20
in the time it would normally require to take 10
for the purposes of volume of work done. A miner
might not be able to build a better wall in less time,
but his obsessive focus does let him build a bigger
or longer one quickly.
Familiar Tools: The miner is adept at using
mining tools to defend himself. He gains a +2
insight bonus to his attacks when using a pick or
shovel.
Sixth Sense: The miner is quick to notice cave-ins
and foul air, and this has trained him to keep his
eyes, ears and especially his nose open. The miner
may spend a luck point to avoid being flat-footed
in the face of an ambush or unexpected danger.
Strike!: The miner has found gold or some other
precious metal. He may either increase his current
wealth category permanently by one, or else by
three for 1d6 months.
Lawman
Communities in the West were often lawless save for a
sheriff and a handful of deputies. There are was no formal
qualification for becoming a peace officer the townsfolk
generally choose someone from among their number who
seemed trustworthy and tough enough to enforce justice.
32
Prerequisites:
Proficiency.
Good Reputation +3, Simple Sidearms
Vocation Skills: Gather Information, Intimidate,
Knowledge (law), Sense Motive.
Wealth: Poor to Average for most towns; Well Off to Rich
in more dangerous places.
Reputation Bonus: The lawman gains a Reputation
bonus whenever he brings in a criminal, if the criminal
had a higher Reputation. The bonus gained is equal to half
the Reputation of the criminal.
Law Enforcement
Talent Tree
Bringing the law to the West requires specific talents.
Demand Aid: The lawman may attempt to round
up a posse or obtain other help from upstanding
people. Anyone he demands aid from must make
a Will save equal to the total of the lawmans
Reputation plus their Reputation. (Count bad
Reputations as negative for the purposes of
calculating the Will save DC). If the save fails then
the target must give some help to the lawman. This
can be no more than token help, but the target
must do something that will aid the lawman. This
ability cannot be used on those actively opposed to
the lawman, but can be used on prisoners, to try to
convince them to talk.
Silver Star: The lawmans status makes him more
intimidating. While pursing his duties, he gains
a +4 bonus to Intimidation checks made against
criminals.
Gets His Man: The lawmans devotion to duty
keeps him going against the odds. He may spend
a luck point to regain a number of hit points equal
to the Reputation of the criminal he is current
chasing. He may use this talent once per day.
o Prerequisite: Silver Star.
Storekeeper
Civilisation grew up in the West around trading posts and
general stores. While few famous heroes of the West made
their reputation through trading alone, a season or two as
a storekeeper can be a welcome break for an exhausted or
injured gunslinger.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Bluff or Diplomacy, Knowledge (civics,
streetwise), Profession.
Wealth: Poor to Average.
Reputation Bonus: Storekeepers gain no permanent bonus
to Reputation, but gain a temporary bonus depending on
the influence of their store. Having the only store in town
might be worth a +3 bonus; being just another trader in a
large cowtown might be worth only +1 (or +2 if your stock
is especially good).
Trader Talent Tree
In an age where gold strikes, wars and changing fortunes
made the value of a dollar a wild card, the canny trader
learned to read both the market and his customers.
Sociable: The general store owner gets to know
everyone. Each time this talent is taken, the
storekeeper either gains a +1 Reputation bonus or
a +2 insight bonus to Knowledge (streetwise) and
Gather Information checks.
Careful Trading: The storekeeper knows the
value of an item. He gains a +4 insight bonus
when trading (see page XX).
Ambitions: Many storekeepers had high hopes
for the success of their business and dreamed of
founding their own mercantile empires to rival the
Hudson Bay Company. The storekeeper gains a
+4 insight bonus to running a business (see page
XX).
o Prerequisite: Careful Trading.
Stableman
A stableman is skilled at taking care of horses, stagecoaches
and other vehicles. Some are stagecoach drivers, whipping
a team of horses across the plains. Others work at way
stations or in stables. Wherever they find themselves,
stablemen are more comfortable with animals than people
and generally reckon that a good horse is more honest than
most men.
Prerequisites: Exotic Weapons Proficiency (whip),
Handle Animal 3 ranks.
Vocation Skills: Drive, Handle Animal, Repair, Ride.
Wealth: Poor.
Reputation Bonus: Stablemen gain no Reputation
bonuses.
Stable Talent Tree
The stableman is talented at taking care and guiding
horses, but can turn his whip into a weapon should the
need arise.
Insightful Care: The stableman gains a +4 insight
bonus to Handle Animal and Treat Injury checks
when aiding a horse. He may also spend a luck
point to push a horse or team of horses as a free
action.
Whip-hand: The stableman gains a +2 insight
bonus to attack rolls with whip or lasso.
o Prerequisite: Exotic Weapon Proficiency
with the appropriate weapon.
33
 Masterful Driver: Under the stablemans steady
hand, he can keep a stagecoach moving and intact
no matter what the conditions. The stableman
may choose to transfer damage from a vehicle he
is driving to himself as a free action. This damage
takes the form of bruises and fatigue, not wounds.
Cowboy
Vast herds of longhorns and white face cattle now graze
Vocations
where the buffalo once roamed. The huge ranches employ
cowboys to keep watch over their stocks, to bring them
in for branding and to drive them north to the cowtowns
and the slaughterhouses. At the end of a drive, gangs of
cowboys, flush with pay, ride into town and raise hell.
Prerequisites: Handle Animal 3 ranks.
Vocation Skills: Handle Animal, Ride.
Wealth: Varies Well Off at the end of a trail drive,
dropping down to Struggling or Penniless later in the
year.
Reputation Bonus: Cowboys gain no Reputation
increases.
C o w p u n c h i n g T alent
Tree
The art of the cattle drive requires its own specialised
techniques.
Cowpuncher: A cowboy can bring a steer down
by wrestling it to its knees. When grappling, the
character may ignore size modifiers to grapple
checks when dealing with creatures that are within
one size category of himself (he may grapple Large
creatures without penalty).
Animal Dodge: Dealing with thousands of fearful
stampeding cattle has given the cowboy a sixth
sense when it comes to avoiding getting trampled.
He gains a +4 dodge bonus to Melee Defence when
facing a Large animal.
Lariat Master: The cowboy has a +2 insight bonus
to attack rolls with a lasso.
o Prerequisite: Exotic Weapon Proficiency
(Lasso)
34
Riding the Range
Talent Tree
Much of the cowboys time is spent out on the range,
hunting strays or guarding against rustlers.
The Long Ride: Cowboys must ride for long
days, trekking across countryside on the range. A
cowboy may regain hit points over a days ride as if
he were resting in bed.
Far Range: The cowboy is adept at pushing his
mount and finding the best route along a trail. He
may travel 10% more miles per day instead of the
usual amount.
Life in the Saddle: The cowboy may always take
10 on Ride checks, even in dangerous or stressful
situations such as combat.
Scout
The trails were blazed by scouts; they move through the
wilderness like ghosts, appearing when needed or when
they find their quarry. Their paths criss-cross the country,
from sea to shining sea. Many of the best scouts are Indian
or mixed-blood, travelling paths now lost to their people.
The army employs many scouts, while others can be found
on what frontier is left.
Prerequisites: Survival 3 ranks, Track feat.
Vocation Skills: Handle Animal, Ride, Spot, Survival.
Wealth: Poor.
Reputation Bonus: A scouts Reputation increases by +1
every year he spends travelling.
Scouting Talent Tree
The scout is astonishingly stealthy and cunning.
Whisper of the Land: The scout has learned to
put his ear to the ground and hear the rumours of
the land. He may retry a failed tracking check and
use his Listen skill instead of Survival.
o Prerequisite: Track feat.
Trailblazer: The scout may identify the best path
through any terrain. Anyone following a scout
gains a +2 morale bonus to any Fortitude saves,
Drive or Ride checks used to navigate or endure
hardships on the trail.
Stealth: The scout is a master of stealth in the
wilderness. He gains a +2 insight modifier to Hide
 and Move Silently checks in the wild.
o Prerequisite: Trailblazer.
Favoured Horse
Talent Tree
Most scouts have a single trustworthy steed that has carried
them across the land.
Animal Companion: To take this talent, the scout
must have a suitable horse. He gains a +4 insight
bonus to all Handle Animal or Ride checks made
with the horse. He may also handle the horse as a
free action or push it as a move action. However,
if the animal companion is slain, the scout loses
all his luck and suffers a 2 morale penalty to all
rolls until he obtains a replacement companion by
retaking this talent.
Enhance Companion: The horse gains an animal
level. This feat may be taken multiple times.
o Prerequisite: Animal Companion.
Faithful Friend: The horse has an eerie affinity
with the character. It is always able to find him,
and tends to turn up in the nick of time. The
character may spend a luck point to have his
companion appear nearby.
o Prerequisites: Animal Companion.
Improved Mount: The scouts companion gains
an extra horse feat. This talent may be taken
multiple times.
Rustler
Thurs wealth in them thar cows. With free-range grazing
being the most common type of ranching in the West, and
good money being paid for beef up north, the practise of
stealing cattle has become common. Almost every cowboy
has mavericked a calf from a neighbouring ranch and some
have become full-time rustlers, raiding cattle from the
herds and illegally selling them to other ranchers even,
on some occasions, back to their original owners.
Prerequisites: Exotic Weapons Proficiency (lasso).
Vocation Skills: Handle Animal, Hide, Ride, Survival.
Wealth: Penniless.
Reputation Bonus: Rustlers gain no Reputation.
Rustling Talent
Tree
Stealing cows out from under the nose of watchful ranches
requires a certain daring.
Cause Stampede: The rustler is skilled at
scattering and alarming herds of animals. He has
a +4 insight bonus to all attempts to cause panic
among animals.
Swift Rope: The rustler can throw a lasso extremely
quickly and accurately. He has a +2 insight bonus
to all attack rolls with lassos.
o Prerequisite: Exotic Weapon Proficiency
(lasso)
35
 Vanish into the Wild: The DC to track a rustlers
trail is increased by +1 for every two ranks the
rustler has in Survival.
Robber
The explosion of wealth in the West from mines, land
claims and so on, coupled with the general lawlessness and
lack of law enforcement means that many try their hands
as bank or train robbers, stagecoach hijackers or payroll
Vocations
thieves. It is a lot easier to make a fortune by donning a
mask and pointing a pistol in some poor clerks face but
it is also a quick route to the hangmans noose.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Intimidate, Hide, Move Silently.
Wealth: Struggling.
Reputation Bonus: Robbers automatically have a Bad
Reputation. They gain a +1d4 Reputation increase with
every successful robbery.
R a i d i n g T a l e n t Tree
A good robber learns to commit his crimes quickly, then
make for the hills before the law shows up.
Improved Intimidate: The robber may substitute
his 10 + Reputation for the d20 roll when making
an Intimidation check against any character who is
of lower level than the robber.
Planning the Job: If the robber spends one hour
casing a building, he may plot the best method to
attack it. Any cover bonuses are reduced by one
category a clerk hiding behind a desk has only
one-quarter cover, not one-half should the robber
shoot at him.
Overwatch: The robber may ready an action to
shoot anyone within 30 feet. He may act normally
while holding this readied action, but may not
attack (mechanically, he has two move actions
each round). When the robbers readied action
is triggered, the robber must make a Reflex save
(DC equals the initiative score of the character
who triggered the readied action). If the save is
successful, the robbers shot happens first; if the
save is failed, then the robber shoots after the other
character has acted.
o Prerequisite: Improved Intimidate
36
Safecracking Talent
Tree
Blowing open a vault with dynamite is the easiest approach,
but is noisy and draws unwelcome attention.
Improved Demolitions: The robber can
guess just how much explosive to use to blow
open a container. He has a +4 insight bonus to
Demolitions checks when blowing items open
(but not when blowing items apart, or up)
Keen Ear: The character can hear the fall of
tumblers inside a mechanical lock. He may take
10 on an Open Lock check even when stressed or
under fire.
Boatman
The great Missouri-Mississippi is the border between East
and West, travelled by paddleboats, steamers, floating
casinos and cargo ships of all descriptions. Further West,
water becomes much less common until the Pacific, but
there are still rivers and lakes to be navigated. The boatman
is a crewman or croupier on the larger vessels, or master of
his own smaller ship.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Gamble, Repair, Swim.
Wealth: Average.
Reputation Bonus: Boatmen do not gain in Reputation.
Boatmans Talent
Tree
The boatman has a few unique talents to call his own.
Confined Spaces: The boatman is adept at
fighting inside very confined spaces such as below-
decks on a ship. He gains a +1 Dodge bonus to
his Defence when there are two walls within ten
feet of him, or in conditions where there are lots of
obstacles and barriers scattered around.
Knock Overboard: One good solid punch can
knock a man overboard. The boatman may
choose to knock an opponent back with a brawl
attack instead of dealing damage. The target is
knocked back one foot for every point of damage
that would normally be inflicted. This attack only
works on creatures the same size or smaller than
the boatman. A boatman may only make one
Knock Overboard attack per round.
 Bar t e n d e r Know Everything That Goes On In Town: The
bartender is a clearing house for rumours. While
Drinking and gambling are the two most common pastimes
running his own bar, he automatically hears any
in the West, and both can be found in the saloon. The
rumours that come through town without having
bartender is often the centre of a community all life passes
to make a Gather Information check. This talent
through his saloon, so he is the first to hear gossip and
can only be used while the bartender is running
rumours. The bartender is often something of an authority
his own drinking establishment for at least two
in town, on a par with the mayor or preacher in terms of
weeks.
influence.

Settler
Prerequisites: None.

Vocation Skills: Diplomacy, Knowledge (streetwise), Sense
Motive.
Wealth: Average.
Reputation Bonus: Bartenders gain a +1 Reputation
increase every two years.
Tending Bar Talent
Tree
The bartender has a knack for uncovering secrets.
Duck Behind The Bar: If the bartender is within
five feet of a bar or similar cover (water trough, bed),
he may take cover behind it as a free action. He
may take this action outside of the normal initiative
cycle.
The vast plains of the Midwest have attracted thousands
of settlers. Some have their own small farms, others work
on ranches or dwell in small towns practicing some craft.
The simple life of a settler is peaceful and perhaps dull
compared to riding the range or working as a hired gun,
but it is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer,
and offers the chance to raise a family in comparative
security.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Craft (any), Handle Animal.
Wealth: Poor.
Reputation Bonus: Settlers do not increase in
Reputation.

Talkin About It: The bartender may wheedle

secrets out of drinkers at his bar. He gains a +3
insight bonus to Gather Information or Sense Motive
checks made against drunk people. He also gains
a +3 bonus to Fortitude saves against impairment
from drunkenness.

37
 S e t t l e r T a l e n t Tree
Settlers gain few unique talents from their choice of
vocation.
Leisure Time: Because the settler has time to
practise and relax in the long evenings, he may
spent two talent choices to gain any other talent
from any vocation. This talent may be taken
multiple times.
Vocations
Unrecognised Talent: The settler may take this
talent, but gains no immediate benefit from it.
However, when he changes vocation, he may spend
a luck point at any time to change this talent into
a talent granted by the new vocation. This talent
may be taken multiple times.
Recover from Injury: Over time, a wounded
settler can adapt to a changed situation. If the
character has lost a limb through infection or injury,
he can learn to cope with his reduced abilities and
overcome the penalties caused by amputation. See
Amputees, page XX.
Retire: The final settler talent allows a character
to put his gun aside, settle down and raise a family.
The player may transfer half his remaining luck
points to his next player character. This talent
may only be taken by a character who is level 5 or
higher.
Soiled Dove
The West needs women. The ratio of men to women is
heavily tilted away from the fairer sex in some regions,
there are forty men or more to one woman. Such a tense
imbalance has led to the rise of all sorts of immoral activities
dance halls, bordellos and so on. The soiled dove is a
woman who came West due to involvement in such things
(or perhaps was forced into this life when tragedy and
penury befell her). Sometimes an object, sometimes a
performer, sometimes a confidant or even a true love, the
soiled dove may be trying to escape her immoral fate or
consider it just another way to survive in this harsh world.
Prerequisites: Character must be female.
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information,
Perform.
Wealth: Average to Well Off.
Reputation Bonus: Soiled Doves do not increase in
Reputation.
38
Soiled Dove Talent
Tree
Soiled Doves can use their position and talents to gather
information or inspire others.
Pillow Talk: If the soiled dove spends a few
minutes talking with a man, she gains a +4 insight
bonus to Sense Motive and Gather Information
checks made against him.
Inspire: The soiled dove can transfer luck points
to another character. She may transfer up to half
her current luck points to another character as
a free action. This talent may be used once per
day. The soiled dove regains these transferred luck
points normally.
Rose of the Prairie: Even the cruellest bandit
might pause at the thought of hurting a woman.
The soiled dove may spend a luck point to activate
this talent for ten rounds anyone trying to attack
her must make a Will save at a DC of 10 + her
Charisma bonus or be unable to attack her this
round.
Tenderfoot
While the dude has come West for only a short time, the
tenderfoot is here to stay assuming he survives. The
tenderfoot has almost no clue about how to survive in the
West, but he is a product of the culture and breeding of the
civilised East coast and therefore is surely better than any
unwashed cow-herder or Indian.
Prerequisites: A character must start play as a tenderfoot
to take this vocation.
Vocation Skills: None.
Wealth: Well Off.
Reputation Bonus: Tenderfoots do no increase in
Reputation.
Tenderfoot Talent
Tree
Tenderfoots have few applicable talents, other than learning
quickly.
Unrecognised Talent: The tenderfoot may take
this talent, but gains no immediate benefit from
it. However, when he changes vocation, he may
spend a luck point at any time to change this talent
 into a talent granted by the new vocation. This
talent may be taken multiple times.
Beginner's Luck: The tenderfoot gains 1d6 luck
points whenever he does anything amazingly
stupid due to his ignorance of Western culture and
conditions. He only gains these luck points the
first time he risks life and limb.
Tr o o p e r
The United States army has forts throughout the West,
to keep watch on Indian reservations or to guard the
borderlands against Mexican adventurers. Actively serving
troopers can be found in saloons and whorehouses near
these forts. Other ex-soldiers went West after the Civil
War; some wanted to forget their pasts, while others hoped
to put their military training to use as hired guns.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Ride, Search, Spot.
Wealth: Average.
Reputation Bonus: A trooper gains +2 Reputation
whenever he is promoted, and a +1d6 increase in Reputation
if in command during a major battle.
Cavalry Talent Tree
The famed U.S. Cavalry was formed to fight on the wide-
open plains and prairies.
Improved Mounted Combat: The penalties for firing
weapons from horseback is halved.
Sound the Charge: The familiar bugle of the cavalry
has sounded on many battlefields and killing grounds.
The character gains a +2 morale bonus to attacks and his
Defence score when charging.
In The Nick Of Time: The cavalry tend to show up just
when they are needed. A cavalry officer gains a +2 bonus
to Survival, Spot, Search and Ride checks when searching
for someone in need of rescue.
Infantry Talent
Tree
The Civil War was primarily fought with infantry, marching
through the smoke and carnage of the battlefield. The
famous Buffalo Soldier units were formed during this
era, made up of black soldiers who were later assigned to
western forts.
Veteran: The soldier has killed before, and is
capable of doing so again. He has a +1 bonus to
ranged attacks.
Through the Smoke: The soldier is used to
fighting in difficult conditions. He may reduce the
miss chance due to concealment by up to 25%.
39
 Indomitable Endurance: An infantry soldier
often carries old wounds, but is tougher and has
learned to cope with the pain. He may reduce his
permanent hit point total by up to four points, and
reduce the impairment penalties from wounds by
an equal amount. This talent may only be taken at
character generation, or after the character takes a
serious (or worse) wound.
S o l d i e r i n g T a l ent
Tree
Vocations
This tree of talents relates to a characters rank within the
army. High-ranking characters have more experience in
command.
Corporal: The officer is or was in charge of a
squad or handful of men. He may use the Smart
Heros Plan talent. If he already possesses that
talent, he gains a +5 insight bonus to any attempt
to use the Smart Hero Plan talent. This talent also
counts as being part of the Research tree for the
purposes of taking that feat.
Captain: The officer once commanded a company,
and has a certain level of respect and fame. He
may substitute his current 10 + Reputation instead
of rolling a d20 when making an Intimidation,
Diplomacy or Charisma check.
o Prerequisite: Corporal
General or Major: The officer was once in charge
of a whole regiment. He may request aid from the
army, requisitioning equipment or even borrowing
soldiers for private enterprises.
o Prerequisite: Captain
J o u r n a l i st
Small-town newspapers were founded in many towns; the
journalist was also the editor, printer and publisher. As
the appeal of the West grew, many famous gunslingers
and lawmen (and bandits) attracted their own biographers
and chroniclers. Exaggerated tales of heroism and danger
became wildly popular, and the myth of the West became
firmly embedded in the public consciousness. The scouts
and cowboys may have built the West, but it was the
journalists and writers that created it.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Craft (writing), Diplomacy, Gather
Information, Knowledge (any), Search, Sense Motive.
Wealth: Well Off.
40
Reputation Bonus: A journalist or writer gets a +1d6
bonus in Reputation whenever he has a major newspaper
scoop or popular new novel.
Power of the Press
Talent Tree
This talent tree emphasises manipulating public opinion
and fame.
Reputation Boost: By writing an article praising or
damning an individual, the journalist may increase or
decrease the targets Reputation. The journalist may make
a Craft (creative writing) check at a DC of the targets
Reputation; if the check fails, then the Reputation is
increased or decreased by one.
Moral Outrage: The journalist can write an article that
attracts a great deal of attention from his readership,
provoking strong emotions and even action from them.
The journalist must make a Craft (writing) check; the DC
is at least 10, and varies depending on the issue at hand.
For every point by which the journalists result beats the
DC, 1d6 people take action. Note that only a fraction of
these people will take effective action.
Investigative Talent
Tree
This talent tree centres on ferreting out the truth.
Hard-hitting Questions: By bombarding a target
with a series of questions, the journalist may force
a target to say something they did not mean to.
The journalist may make a Bluff check opposed
by the targets Will save; if successful, the target
automatically fails his next Bluff check made
against the journalist.
Pursuit of the Story: The journalist receives a +2
morale bonus to Hide, Listen, Move Silently and
Spot checks while trying to investigate a potential
story. The journalist must spend a luck point to
activate this talent.
Preacher
From well-meaning missionaries trying to bring Christianity
to the heathens (both white and red) to fire-and-brimstone
preachers, the man of God is a common sight in many
towns. Out in the wilderness of mining camps and
isolated communities, the only religion might come from
the occasional visit of a wandering cleric. Even in larger
towns with multiple religious leaders, the townsfolk often
could not afford a church for each denomination, so the
various faiths were often forced to share a single building
until the towns wealth and population grew.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge
(any), Perform.
Wealth: Well Off.
Reputation Bonus: A preacher may add his Charisma
modifier to his reputation every year.
Preacher Talent
Tree
This talent tree covers the power of faith and belief.
Blessing: By firing up his faithful with the power of the
Lord, the preacher may transfer up to a quarter his luck
points to another character or group of characters. The
preacher regains these luck points normally.
Moral Outrage: The preacher sways hearts and minds,
provoking strong emotions and even action from his flock.
The preacher must make a Perform check; the DC is at
least 10, and varies depending on the issue at hand. For
every point by which the preachers result beats the DC,
1d6 people take action. Note that only a fraction of these
people will take effective action.
Righteous Anger: The preacher may make a Knowledge
(theology and philosophy) check to justify his actions
according to his faith; the DC for this check ranges from 5
(genuinely good acts) to 20 (tortuous logic and blind faith
are needed). If the check succeeds, the preacher gains a +2
morale bonus to Will saves and Concentration checks for
the rest of the day.
Gambler
A man with sufficient nerve and luck could make a good
living as a gambler or card sharp. Games like poker were
very popular diversions in the West, so fleecing flush miners
and cowboys of their hard-won money. Unsuccessful
gamblers had to be quick with their guns, too; cheating
could lead to shooting in quick order.
Prerequisites: None.
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Concentration, Gamble, Gather
Information, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand.
Wealth: Varies, usually Average.
Reputation Bonus: A Gambler gains a +1 Reputation
bonus for every $1,000 he wins or loses.
Gambling Talent
Tree
While the gambler normally relies on his Gambling and
Sleight of Hand skills, these talents give him an extra
edge.
Poker Face: The gambler is careful to hide any
signs that might give away his current state of mind.
He may add half his ranks in Concentration to any
Bluff checks that are being opposed by anothers
41
 Sense Motive. This does not make a lie any more
believable, but does ensure that the gamblers face
is virtually unreadable.
Devil's Luck: The gambler gains 2d6 luck points,
but can only use these luck points for gambling.
The gambler may take this talent multiple times.
Detect Mark: The gambler has a knack for finding
those with more money than sense. He may make
Vocations
Sawbones Talent
Tree
A specialised doctor learns several extra talents beyond
simple medicine.
Improved Surgery: The doctor gains a +4 insight
bonus to Treat Injury checks for surgery.
o Prerequisite: Surgery feat.
Improved Care: Patients under the doctors care

a Gather Information check (DC 10) to locate any

games of chance in town, or to locate people open regain 6 + their Constitution bonus in hit points
to gambling. per day instead of 4 + their Constitution bonus.

Get Back On Your Feet: The doctor may cure

Doctor
In the violent and dangerous West, a doctor was a necessity
for any community. Anyone with a basic knowledge of
anatomy and medicine could practise as a surgeon.
ability score damage. He may make a Treat Injury
roll at a DC of 5 + (amount of ability score damage
x 5). If the check is successful, he cures one point
of ability score damage. This talent may only be
used once per day on a particular patient.

Prerequisites: Treat Injury +1.

Vocation Skills: Craft (chemical), Knowledge (physical

sciences), Treat Injury.

Reputation Bonus: A doctor gains a +1 bonus to his

Reputation for every year of practising.

42
 Skills And
Feats
A
character has a number of skill points (see
Chapter Two, Character Creation) that
are used to buy skills. The characters
class and Intelligence modifier determine the number of
points received. If the character buys a class skill, he gets 1
rank in the skill for each skill point spent. If the character
buys a cross-class skill, he gets rank per skill point spent.
Half a rank does not add anything to the modifier for
using that skill, but it does allow a check when the skill can
only be used trained.
Using Skills
To make a skill check, you roll 1d20 and add the
appropriate skill modifier. Skill modifiers follow a simple
equation: Skill modifier = skill ranks + ability modifier
+ miscellaneous modifiers. Miscellaneous modifiers can
be anything from synergy bonuses (we will get to those
later on) to circumstantial bonuses and penalties based on
where you are doing the skill and how many desperadoes
are blazing away at you. To be a little more specific:
Skill Ranks: A characters ranks in a skill is based
on the number of skill points the character has
invested in the skill. Some skills can be used even
if the character has no ranks in the skill; doing this
is also called making an untrained skill check.
Ability Modifier: The ability modifier used in the
skill check is the modifier for the skills key ability
(the ability associated with the skills use). The key
ability of a skill is noted in its description.
Miscellaneous Modifiers: Miscellaneous
modifiers include bonuses provided by feats
and class features, and penalties such as the ones
associated with injuries, among others.
Acquiring Skill
Ranks
Ranks indicate how much training, experience, or innate
talent a character has with a given skill. Each skill has a
number of ranks, from 0 (for a skill in which a character
has no training at all) to 23 (for a 20th-level character
who has increased a class skill to its maximum rank). Skill
modifiers can be much higher than 23 once ability bonuses
and other factors are added in, but skill ranks themselves
can never be higher than 23. When making a skill check,
a character adds his skill ranks to the roll as part of the skill
modifier.
Skill Checks and
Automatic Rolls
Unlike with attack rolls and saving throws, a natural roll
of 20 on the d20 is not an automatic success when making
a skill check, and a natural roll of 1 is not an automatic
failure. This reflects the fact that bonuses and penalties
with skill checks can often be wider than the twenty point
margin of the die roll itself, and that some tasks become so
simple and some people become so adept that skills failing
one time in twenty just is not reasonable.
Difficulty Class
Some checks are made against a Difficulty Class (DC). The
DC is a number set by the Games Master (using the skill
rules as a guideline) that a character must attain to succeed.
This number is the sum total of every condition inherent
in the check itself and does not include environmental
factors or aspects outside the scope of the basic skill. Those
are circumstantial or synergy modifiers and they augment
the check, not the Difficulty Class.
Difficulty Class Examples
Difficulty (DC) Example (Skill Used)
Very easy (0) Notice something very large in plain
sight (Spot)
Easy (5) Climb a knotted rope (Climb)
Average (10) Palm a coin (Sleight of Hand)
Tough (15) Rig a wagon wheel to fall off
(Disable Device)
Challenging Safely ride a horse at full speed over
(20) rocky terrain (Ride)
Heroic (30) Leap across a 30 foot chasm (Jump)
Nearly Track a warparty of Indians across
impossible (40) hard ground after 24-hours of heavy
rainfall (Survival)
43
 O p p o s e d ( C o n t e sted) be used only if the character is trained in the skill; there

Checks
are very few circumstances that will allow untrained use
of such a skill.
Some skill checks are opposed checks. They are made

Favourable and
against a randomised number, usually another characters
Skills and Feats

skill check result. For ties on opposed checks, the character

with the higher base skill bonus wins. If those scores are the Unfavourable
same, the highest key ability score wins the tie. If these are
also the same, every character involved rerolls the check.
Conditions
Some situations may make a skill easier or harder to use,
resulting in a bonus or penalty to the skill modifier or a
Example Opposed Checks change to the skill checks DC. The Games Master can
Attempted Action Skill Opposing Skill alter the odds of success in various ways to take into
Trying to sneak past Move Listen account exceptional circumstances.
a guard dog Silently
Convincing a sheriff Bluff Sense Motive Give the skill user a +2 circumstance bonus to
that you did not represent conditions that improve performance,
see which way they such as having the perfect tool for the job, getting
went help from another character, or working under
Hiding from a war Hide Spot conditions that are significantly better than
party normal.
Chasing after a Ride Drive
stolen stagecoach on Give the skill user a 2 circumstance penalty to
horseback represent conditions that hamper performance,
Disguising yourself Disguise Spot such as being forced to use improvised tools or
as a preacher possessing misleading information.
Grabbing the bag Sleight of Spot
of gold dust off the Hand Give the skill user a +2 synergy bonus for having
counter without another skill that directly aids with the current
being seen task.
Recognising Forgery Forgery
Give the skill user a 4 circumstance penalty for
that a $10 bill is
not having appropriate tools for the job, if the
counterfeit
task requires tools. (Improvised tools reduce the
penalty to 2).

Trying Again Reduce the DC by 2 to represent circumstances

If a character fails a skill check, he can sometimes try that make the task easier, such as having a friendly
again. Check the applicable skill description to find out if, audience when making a Perform check.
and under what circumstances, a character can try again.
Many skills have natural consequences for failing that Increase the DC by 2 to represent circumstances
must be accounted for. Even if these offer another try, the that make the task harder, such as making a
consequence must be suffered first. Some skills cannot be Perform check in front of a hostile audience.
tried again once a check has failed for a particular task. If
the use of a skill carries no penalty for failure, a character Conditions that affect a characters ability to perform the
can take 20, as per the rules given below, and assume that skill change the characters skill modifier. Conditions that
he keeps trying until he eventually succeeds (assuming he modify how well the character must perform the skill
has enough of a modifier to succeed.) to succeed change the Difficulty Class. A bonus on a
characters skill modifier or a reduction in the DC of the
U n t r a i n e d S k ill check has the same result - they create a better chance for
Checks
success. But they represent different circumstances, and
sometimes that distinction is important.
Generally, if a character attempts to use a skill he does
not have any ranks in, the character makes a skill check as
described. The characters skill modifier does not include
skill ranks because the character does not have any. The
character does get other modifiers, though, such as the
ability modifier for the skills key ability. Some skills can

44
 Time and Skill making a single check (2 minutes for a skill that

Checks
can normally be checked in 1 round).

Using a skill might take a round, several rounds, or even
longer. It might take no time at all. Types of actions define
how long activities take to perform within the framework of
a combat round (6 seconds) and how movement is treated
with respect to the activity. See the skill description for
specifics on how long a skill takes to use. In general, using
a skill that requires concentration while in close combat
is dangerous. Nearby opponents get to make attacks of
opportunity against a character when he lets his guard
down. When people make attacks of opportunity with
firearms, bleeding happens.
Aiding Another
In some situations, characters can cooperate to accomplish
a given task. One character is designated as the leader in
the effort, while the others try to aid the character in his
efforts. A character aids another by making a skill check
(DC 10). This is an attack action, and the character cannot
take 10 on this check. If the check succeeds, the characters
ally gains a +2 circumstance bonus to apply to his skill
check to complete the task.

Checks without
Rolls
A skill check represents an attempt to accomplish some
goal, usually in the face of time pressure or distraction.
Sometimes, though, a character can use a skill under more
favourable conditions and eliminate the luck factor. Two
kinds of diceless skill checks exist.

Taking 10: When a

character is not
being threatened or
distracted, he may
choose to take
10. Instead of
rolling 1d20
for the skill
check, calculate
the result as if
the character
had rolled a 10
(an average roll on
a d20). For many
relatively routine
tasks, taking 10 results
in a success. Distractions
and threats make it impossible for a
character to take 10. A character also cannot
take 10 when using a skill untrained, though
the Games Master may allow exceptions for truly
routine activities.

Taking 20: When a character has plenty of time,

is faced with no threats or distractions
and the skill being attempted
carries no penalty for failure, a
character can take 20. Instead of
rolling 1d20 for the skill check, calculate
the result as if the character had rolled a
20. Taking 20 is the equivalent of attempting the
check over and over again until the character gets
it right. Taking 20 takes twenty times as long as

45
 In many cases, a characters help will not be beneficial or
only a limited number of characters can help at the same
time. The Games Master may always limit aid another
attempts as he sees fit for the conditions.
Skills and Feats
M o d i f i e r T y p e s and
Stacking
A modifier provides a bonus (a positive modifier) or a
penalty (a negative modifier) to a die roll. Every applicable
modifier, positive and negative, is added to the check result,
but special attention must be given to named modifiers.
Bonuses with specific descriptors, such as equipment
bonus, generally do not stack (combine for cumulative
effect) with others of the same type. In those cases, only
the best bonus of that type applies. The only specific
bonuses that stack are dodge bonuses, synergy bonuses, and
sometimes circumstance bonuses. Circumstance bonuses
stack only if they are provided by differing circumstances; if
two circumstance bonuses caused by similar circumstances
apply, they do not stack.
Specific bonuses that do not stack include competence,
cover, equipment, morale, natural armour, and size. Any
bonus without a descriptor (such as simply a +1 bonus)
stacks with other bonuses. All penalties stack, regardless
of their descriptors.
S k i l l D e s c r i p t ions
In OGL Wild West, skills are presented in alphabetical order
in the following format. The first line of every skill listing
includes the following:
Skill Description Format
Skill Name (Key Ability)
Trained Only; Check Penalty (if applicable)
Key Ability: The abbreviation for the ability whose
modifier applies to the skill check.
Below the primary skill line, the following information is
given:
Check: What a character can do with a successful
skill check, and the checks DC. The majority of
the skills entry occurs in this section.
Try Again?: Any conditions that apply to repeated
attempts to use the skill for a particular purpose.
If this entry is omitted, the skill check can be tried
again without any inherent penalty other than
taking additional time.
46
Special: Any particular notes that apply, such as
whether a character can take 10 or take 20 when
using the skill.
Untrained: Any details about using a skill
untrained. If this entry does not appear, it means
the skill works the same even when used untrained,
or that an untrained character cannot make checks
with this skill (true for skills that are designated
Trained Only).
Time: How much time it takes to make a check
with this skill.
When reading a skill description, keep the following details
in mind:
Trained Only: If Trained Only appears on the
line beneath the skill name, a character must have
at least 1 rank in the skill to use it. If Trained Only
is omitted, the skill can be used untrained. If any
particular notes apply to trained or untrained use,
they are covered in the Special section (see below).
Check Penalty: If Check Penalty appears on the
line beneath the skill name, apply the check penalty
for any encumbrance caused by the characters
equipment load to checks involving this skill.
Balance (Dex; Check
Penalty)
Balance is used when trying to run along a roof-beam in
a barn, inch your way along a rocky ledge high above a
canyon, walk along the top of a moving train, or in any
other situation where standing tall is a lot harder than
normal.
Check: The character can walk on a precarious surface.
A successful check allows the character to move at half
his speed along the surface as a move action. A failure
indicates that the character spends his move action keeping
his balance and does not move. A failure by 5 or more
indicates that the character falls. The difficulty varies with
the conditions of the surface. A damaging surface is any
walking area that causes the character to take damage while
he is contiguous with it, such as a burning window ledge.
Balance Check DCs
Narrow Surface DC* Difficult Surface DC
712 in. wide 10 Uneven or angled 10
26 in. wide 15 Slippery surface 10
Less than 2 in. 20 Damaging surface +5
wide
*Add +5 to the DC if the narrow surface is slippery or
angled; add +10 if it is both slippery and angled.
Balance Surfaces
Surface DC
Moving train roof 15
Crumbling ledge 15
Tightrope walk 20
Being Attacked While Balancing: While balancing, the
character is flat-footed (the character loses his Dexterity
bonus to Defence, if the character has one), unless the
character has 5 or more ranks in Balance. If the character
takes damage, he must make a Balance check again to
remain standing.
Accelerated Movement: The character can try to cross
a precarious surface more quickly than normal. The
character can move his full speed, but the character takes
a 5 penalty on his Balance check. (Moving twice the
characters speed in a round requires two checks, one for
each move action.)
The character can attempt to charge across a precarious
surface. Charging requires one Balance check at a
5 penalty for each multiple of the characters speed (or
fraction thereof ) that the character charges.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Balance
check, but cannot take 20. A character with the Focused
feat gets a +2 bonus on all Balance checks.
Time: Balancing while moving one-half the characters
speed is a move action. Accelerated movement, allowing
the character to balance while moving his full speed, is also
a move action.
Bluff (Cha)
This skill is used by liars and cheats to, well, lie and cheat.
A good Bluff can convince a mark that this horse is not
lame (it just walks funny), or that this gold dust is real, or
that you did not see which way they went, or that there is
a rattlesnake coiled around their left boot and they really,
really should not move a muscle
Check: A Bluff check is opposed by the targets Sense
Motive check when trying to con or mislead. Favourable
and unfavourable circumstances weigh heavily on the
outcome of a bluff. Two circumstances can work against
the character; the bluff is hard to believe or the action that
the bluff requires the target to take goes against the targets
self-interest, nature, personality, or orders.
If it is important, the Games Master can distinguish
between a bluff that fails because the target does not
believe it and one that fails because it asks too much of the
target. For instance, if the target gets a +10 bonus because
the bluff demands something risky of the target, and the
targets Sense Motive check succeeds by 10 or less, then
the target did not so much see through the bluff as prove
reluctant to go along with it. If the targets Sense Motive
check succeeds by 11 or more, he has seen through the
bluff, and would have succeeded in doing so even if it had
not placed any demand on him (that is, even without the
+10 bonus).
A successful Bluff check indicates that the target reacts as
the character wishes, at least for a short time (usually 1
round or less), or the target believes something that the
character wants him or her to believe. A bluff requires
interaction between the character and the target. Targets
unaware of the character cannot be bluffed.
Bluff Checks
Sense Motive Example Circumstances
Modifier
The target wants to believe the character (I 5
knew there was gold in those hills).
The bluff is believable and does not affect +0
the target much one way or the other (so,
theres a war party of Cheyenne down the
trail? Ill take the left fork instead).
The bluff is a little hard to believe or puts +5
the target at some kind of risk. (Ill let you
take my horse so you can warn the fort, but
only if you swear to come back with it right
after.)
The bluff is hard to believe or entails a +10
large risk for the target (They hung someone
else for the robbery, so now I can go back to
town?)
The bluff is way out there; it is almost too +20
incredible to consider. (Whadya mean,
mechanical men?)
Feinting in Combat: A character can also use Bluff to
mislead an opponent in combat so that the opponent
cannot dodge the characters attack effectively. If the
character succeeds, the next attack the character makes
against the target ignores his Dexterity bonus to Defence
(if the opponent has one), thus lowering his Defence
score. Using Bluff in this way against a creature of animal
intelligence (Int 1 or 2) requires a 8 penalty on the check.
Against a non-intelligent creature, feinting is impossible.
Creating a Diversion to Hide: A character can use Bluff
to help him or her hide. A successful Bluff check gives the
character the momentary diversion needed to attempt a
Hide check while people are aware of the character. (See
the Hide skill).
Sending a Secret Message: A character can use Bluff to
send and understand secret messages while appearing to be
speaking about other things. The DC for a basic message is
47
 10. Complex messages or messages trying to communicate
new information have DCs of 15 or 20. Both the sender
and the receiver must make the check for the secret message
to be successfully relayed and understood.
Skills and Feats
Anyone listening in on a secret message can attempt a Sense
Motive check (DC equal to the senders Bluff check result).
If successful, the eavesdropper realises that a secret message
is contained in the communication. If the eavesdropper
beats the DC by 5 or more, he understands the secret
message. Whether trying to send or intercept a message,
a failure by 5 or more points means that one side or the
other misinterprets the message in some fashion.
Try Again?: Generally, a failed Bluff check makes the
target too suspicious for the character to try another bluff
in the same circumstances. For feinting in combat, the
character may try again freely.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a bluff
(except for feinting in combat), but cannot take 20. A
character with the Deceptive feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Bluff checks.
Time: A bluff takes at least 1 round (and is at least a full-
round action) but can take much longer if the character
tries something elaborate. Using Bluff as a feint in combat
is an attack action.
C l i m b ( S t r ; C h eck
Penalty)
This skill is used to climb a rope (easy), a wall with plenty
of handholds (not too bad), a tree, a rocky slope (doable),
or even a sheer cliff (tricky).
Check: With each successful Climb check, the character
can advance up, down, or across a slope or a wall or other
steep incline (or even a ceiling with handholds). A slope
is considered to be any incline of less than 60 degrees; a
wall is any incline of 60 degrees or steeper. A failed Climb
check indicates that the character makes no progress, and a
check that fails by 5 or more means that the character falls
from whatever height he had already attained (unless the
character is secured with a rope or other equipment).
The DC of the check depends on the conditions of the
climb. If the climb is less than 10 feet, reduce the DC by
5. Since the character cannot move to avoid an attack,
he is flat-footed while climbing (the character loses any
Dexterity bonus to Defence). Any time the character takes
damage while climbing, make a Climb check against the
DC of the slope or wall. Failure means the character falls
from his current height and sustains the appropriate falling
damage.
48
Accelerated Climbing: A character can try to climb more
quickly than normal. The character can move his full
speed, but the character takes a 5 penalty on his Climb
check. (Moving twice the characters speed in a round
requires two checks, one for each move action.)
Catching Yourself When Falling: It is practically
impossible for a character to catch himself on a wall while
falling. Make a Climb check (DC equal to walls DC + 20)
to do so. A slope or tree is relatively easier to catch on (DC
equal to slopes DC + 10).
Special: Someone using a rope can haul a character upward
(or lower the character) by means of sheer strength. Use
two times a characters maximum load to determine how
much weight he can haul in this way.
A character can take 10 while climbing, but cannot take
20.
A character with the Athletic feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Climb checks.
Climb Checks
DC Example Wall or Surface or Task
0 A slope too steep to walk up.
5 A knotted rope with a wall to brace
against.
10 A rope with a wall to brace against. A
knotted rope.
10 A surface with sizable ledges to hold on to
and stand on, such as a rugged cliff face.
15 Any surface with adequate handholds and
footholds (natural or artificial), such as a
rough natural rock surface or a tree, or a
chain-link fence. An un-knotted rope.
Pulling yourself up when dangling by your
hands.
20 An uneven surface with just a few narrow
handholds and footholds, such as a coarse
masonry wall or a sheer cliff face with a few
crevices and small toeholds.
25 A rough surface with no real handholds or
footholds, such as a brick wall.
25 Overhang or ceiling with handholds but
no footholds.
A perfectly smooth, flat, vertical surface
cannot be climbed.
Modifiers Condition
10* Climbing inside a chimney or other
location where one can brace against two
opposite walls (reduces normal DC by
10).
 5* Climbing a corner where a character can
brace against perpendicular walls (reduces
normal DC by 5).
+5* Surface is slippery (increases normal DC
by 5).
*These modifiers are cumulative; use any that apply.
Time: Climbing at one-half your speed is a full-round
action. Moving half that far (one-fourth the characters
speed) is a move action. Accelerated climbing, allowing
the character to climb at his full speed, is a full-round
action. A character can move half that far (one-half his
speed) as a move action.
C o n c e n t r a t i o n ( C o n;
Some Trained Only)
Concentration is used to overcome impairment penalties
from wounds. The Games Master may also call for
Concentration checks when a character must focus on a
task in difficult circumstances.
Check: To ignore the impairment penalties from wounds, a
character must make a Concentration check (DC 15). The
total impairment penalty is always applied to this roll, but
if the Concentration check succeeds, then all impairment
penalties are ignored for the rest of the round. This use of
Concentration cannot be performed untrained.
A character makes a Concentration check whenever he
may potentially be distracted (by taking damage, by harsh
weather, and so on) while engaged in some action that
requires the characters full attention. Such actions include
using skills that provoke attacks of opportunity while in
a threatened square. In general, if an action would not
normally incur an attack of opportunity, a character
does not need to make a Concentration check to avoid
being distracted. If the check succeeds, the character may
continue with the action. If the Concentration check fails,
the action automatically fails. The check DC depends on
the nature of the distraction.
Concentration DCs
Distraction
DC
Damaged during the action * 10 + damage
dealt
Taking continuous damage during 10 + half of
the action ** continuous
damage last
dealt
Vigorous motion (bouncy vehicle 10
ride, small boat in rough water,
below decks in a storm-tossed
ship, riding a horse)
Violent motion (very rough 15
vehicle ride, small boat in rapids,
on deck of storm-tossed ship,
galloping horse)
Extraordinarily violent motion 20
(earthquake)
Entangled in net or snare 15
Grappling or pinned 20
Weather is a high wind carrying 5
blinding rain or sleet
Weather is wind-driven hail, dust, 10
or debris
* Such as an activity that requires more than a single
full-round action. Also from an attack of opportunity or
readied attack made in response to the action being taken
(for activities requiring no more than a full-round action).
** Such as from catching on fire.
Try Again?: Yes, though a success does not cancel the
effects of a previous failure, such as the disruption of an
action that was being concentrated on.
Special: By making a check against DC 15, a character
can use Concentration to attempt an action defensively,
so as to avoid attacks of opportunity altogether. This does
not apply to other actions that might incur attacks of
opportunity (such as moving). If the Concentration check
succeeds, the character may attempt the action normally
without incurring any attacks of opportunity. A successful
Concentration check still does not allow a character to take
10 on a check when he of she is in a stressful situation;
the character must roll the check as normal. If the
Concentration check fails, the related action automatically
fails (with any appropriate ramifications) and the action
is wasted, just as if the characters concentration had been
disrupted by a distraction.
Special: Since Concentration checks are called for in
stressful situations, a character cannot take 10 or take 20
on such checks.
Craft (Int; Some
Trained Only)
This skill encompasses several categories, each of them
treated as a separate skill: Craft (blacksmithing), Craft
(bowmaking), Craft (chemical), Craft (gunsmithing), Craft
(fletching), Craft (leatherworking), Craft (mechanical),
Craft (structural), Craft (woodworking), Craft (writing)
and so on. Craft skills are specifically focused on creating
objects. To use a Craft skill effectively, a character must
have a kit or some other set of basic tools.
To use Craft, first decide what the character is trying to
make and consult the category descriptions below. The
49
 character must acquire appropriate raw materials before Craft (chemical) ( Int;
Trained Only)
beginning. If the character succeeds at that check, make
the Craft check against the given DC for the object in
question. If the character fails the check, he does not This skill covers both the production of explosives and
make the object, and the raw materials are wasted (unless other industrial chemicals, as well as drugs and other
Skills and Feats

otherwise noted). pharmaceuticals.

Generally, a character can take 10 when using a Craft skill Type of Chemistry (Examples) Craft DC Time
to construct an object, but cannot take 20 (since doing Simple (acid, gunpowder, 15 1 hr.
so represents multiple attempts, and the character uses up disinfectant)
the raw materials after the first attempt). The exception Moderate (chloroform) 20 12 hr.
is Craft (writing); a character can take 20 because the Complex (dynamite) 25 24 hr.
character does not use up any raw materials.
Special: A character requires the raw materials for the
Craft item he desires, along with specialised equipment.

( b l a c k s m i t h i n g ) (Int;
Craft (gunsmithi ng)
T r a i n e d O n l y)
This skill allows a character to forge items from iron and (Int)
steel. Blacksmithing is also used to make metal melee This skill is used to make firearms and other gunpowder-
weapons, such as knives and sabres. based weapons such as cannon. It is also used to make
bullets.
Type of Blacksmithing
(Examples) Craft DC Time Type of Gunsmithing
Simple (batch of nails) 10 1 hr. (Examples) Craft DC Time
Moderate (horseshoes, 20 12 hr Simple (Cast bullets) 10 4 hr.
hunting knife) Moderate (pistol, rifle) 20 8 hr.
Complex (steam engine parts, 25 24 hr Complex (machine gun) 30 48 hr.
rapier, sabre)
Special: A character with the Crafter feat gets a +2 bonus
Special: A character cannot use blacksmithing without a on all Craft (gunsmithing) checks.
forge and metalworking tools.
Craft (mechanical)
A character with the Builder feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Craft (blacksmithing) checks.
(Int; Trained Only)
This skill allows a character to build mechanical devices
and engines, such as steam engines, oil derricks, mills,
C r a f t ( b o w m a k ing) pumps and so on.
( I n t ; T r a i n e d O nly)
This skill is used to make bows and arrows. It is primarily Type of Scratch-Built
used by Indians, but a few outsiders have learned the Mechanical Device (Examples) Craft DC Time
craft. Simple (tripwire) 15 1 hr
Moderate (mechanical clock) 20 12 hr.
Type of Bowmaking (Examples) Craft DC Time Complex (steam engine) 25 24 hr.
Simple (arrow) 15 1 hr.
Moderate (normal bow) 20 12 hr. Special: A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a
Complex (masterwork bow) 25 24 hr. 4 penalty on Craft (mechanical) checks.

Special: A character with a knife and suitable raw materials A character with the Builder feat gets a +2 bonus on all
can make a bow no special tools are required. Craft (mechanical) checks.

50
 Craft (structural) Craft (traps) (Int;
(Int) Trained Only)
This skill allows a character to build wooden or stone This skill allows a character to build and hide traps for
structures from scratch, including bookcases, desks, walls, catching animals or people.
houses, and so forth, and includes such handyman skills as
house painting, roofing, and building cabinets. Type of Trap Craft
(Examples) DC Time Damage
Type of Scratch-Built Simple (tripwire, 10 1 hr Entangle
Structure (Examples) Craft DC Time snare)
Simple (bookcase, false wall) 10 12 hr. Moderate (concealed 15 3 hr. 1d6
Moderate (shed, stable) 15 24 hr. pit, bear trap)
Complex (house) 25 120 hr. Complex (lethal 20 6 hr. By weapon
boobytrap) used
When building a structure from scratch, the character
describes the kind of structure he wants to construct; The base Search DC to find a trap is DC 10 the character
then the Games Master decides if the structure is simple, building the trap may take a penalty to his roll to increase
moderate, or complex (or more!) in scope and difficulty. the Search DC by an equal amount.

Special: A character without basic tools such as a hammer Craft (woodworking)

(Int)
and nails takes a 4 penalty on Craft (structural) checks.

A character with the Builder feat gets a +2 bonus on all Woodworking it used to whittle items from scraps of wood,
Craft (structural) checks. or to carve fine works of art or masks or useful tools. It is
also used to prepare lumber for construction work.

51
 Type of Woodworking
(Examples)
Just whittlin away,
biding my time
Skills and Feats
Craft does.) The Games Master secretly makes both the skill
DC Time check and the Wisdom check so the character cannot tell
5 Until Judgement whether the conclusion drawn is accurate or not.
Day
Try Again?: No, unless conditions change or new

Simple (planks of 10 4 hr.

lumber)
Moderate (rifle stock, 15 8 hr.
coffin)
Complex (artistic 25 24 hr.
carving)
Special: A character with the Crafter feat gets a +2 bonus
on all Craft (woodworking) checks.
C r a f t ( w r i t i n g ) (Int)
This skill allows a character to create short stories, novels,
eloquent diary entries, stage players, newspaper articles,
and similar works of writing. When creating a work of
writing, the player simply makes a Craft (writing) check,
the result of which determines the quality of the work.
Skill Check Result Effort Achieved
9 or lower Untalented amateur
1019 Talented amateur
2024 Professional
2530 Expert
31 or higher Master
Creating a work of writing requires at least 1 hour, but
usually takes a day, a week, or more, depending on the
scope of the project.
Special: A character with the Creative feat gets a +2 bonus
on all Craft (writing) checks.
D e c i p h e r S c r i p t (Int;
T r a i n e d O n l y)
This skill is used for code-breaking, reading cryptic or
foreign documents and other forms of text analysis.
Check: A character can decipher writing in an ancient
language or, more often, in code. This can also be used
to interpret the meaning of an incomplete text. The base
DC is 20 for the simplest messages, 25 for standard codes,
and 30 or higher for intricate or complex codes or exotic
messages.
If the check succeeds, the character understands the
general content of a piece of writing, reading about one
page of text or its equivalent in 1 minute. If the check fails,
the Games Master makes a Wisdom check (DC 10) for
the character to see if he avoids drawing a false conclusion
about the text. (Success means that the character does not
draw a false conclusion; failure means that the character
information is uncovered.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Decipher
Script check, but cannot take 20.
A character with the Studious feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Decipher Script checks.
A character cannot take ranks in this skill without having
the Literacy feat.
Demolitions (Int;
Trained Only)
A character does not need this skill to use dynamite and
other explosives lighting the fuse and running away is
simple enough. However, correct placement and using
explosives safely falls within the purview of this skill.
Check: Setting a simple explosive to blow up at a certain
spot does not require a check, but connecting and setting
a detonator does. Also, placing an explosive for maximum
effect against a structure calls for a check, as does disarming
an explosive device.
Place Explosive Device: Carefully placing an explosive
against a fixed structure (a stationary, unattended inanimate
object) can maximise the damage dealt by exploiting
vulnerabilities in the structures construction. The Games
Master makes the check (so that the character does not
know exactly how well he has done). On a result of 15 or
higher, the explosive deals double damage to the structure
against which it is placed. On a result of 25 or higher, it
deals triple damage to the structure. In all cases, it deals
normal damage to all other targets within its burst radius.
Disarm Explosive Device: Disarming an explosive that
has been set to go off requires a Demolitions check. The
DC is usually 10, unless the person who set the detonator
chose a higher disarm DC. If the character fails the check,
he does not disarm the explosive. If the character fails by
more than 5, the explosive goes off.
Special: A character can take 10 when using the
Demolitions skill, but cannot take 20.
A character with the Cautious feat and at least 1 rank in
this skill gets a +2 bonus on all Demolitions checks.
Time: Setting a detonator is usually a full-round action.
Placing an explosive device takes 1 minute or more,
depending on the scope of the task.

52
 The Games Master chooses the characters
initial attitude based on circumstances.
Most of the time, the people the characters
meet are indifferent toward them, but a
specific situation may call for a different
initial attitude. The DCs given in the
accompanying table show what it takes to
change someones attitude with the use of
the Diplomacy skill. The character does
not declare a specific outcome he is trying
for; instead, make the check and compare
the result to the table on the next page.

Try Again?: Generally, trying again

does not work. Even if the initial check
succeeds, the other character can only be
persuaded so far. If the initial check fails,
the other character has probably become
more firmly committed to his position,
and trying again is futile. The Games
Master is the final authority on retries of
this skill, but second chances should be
expensive in time, gifts, or both.

Special: A character can take 10 when

making a Diplomacy check, but cannot
take 20.

A character with the Trustworthy feat gets

a +2 bonus on all Diplomacy checks.

Time: Diplomacy is at least a full-round

action. The Games Master may determine
that some negotiations require a longer
period of time.

Diplomacy (Cha) Attitude Means Possible Actions

The Diplomacy skill is used for smooth-talking and
Hostile Will take risks Attack, interfere,
persuasion. Styles of diplomacy vary, from a barrage of
to hurt or avoid berate, flee
fast talk or legal mumbo-jumbo to reasoned and respectful
you
debate.
Unfriendly Wishes you ill Mislead, gossip, avoid,
Check: A character can change others attitudes with a watch suspiciously,
successful check (see the table below). In negotiations, insult
participants roll opposed Diplomacy checks to see who Indifferent Does not care Act as socially
gains the advantage. Opposed checks also resolve cases much expected
where two advocates or diplomats plead opposing cases Friendly Wishes you well Chat, advise, offer
before a third party. limited help, advocate
Helpful Will take risks Protect, back up, heal,
Diplomacy can be used to influence a non player characters to help you aid
attitude.

53
 Difficulty Table for Diplomacy Checks disable a trap, unless the character is trying to prevent his
Initial New Attitude tampering from being noticed.
Attitude Hostile Unf. Indif. Friendly Helpful
A character with the Cautious feat and at least 1 rank in
Hostile 19 or 20 25 35 45
this skill gets a +2 bonus on all Disable Device checks.
Skills and Feats

less
Unfriendly 4 or 5 15 25 35
Time: Disabling a simple mechanical device is a full-round
less
action. Intricate or complex devices require 2d4 rounds.
Indifferent 0 or 1 15 25

less
Friendly 0 or 1 15
less
D i sa b l e D e v i c e (Int;
T r a i n e d O n l y)
Disable Device is used to pick locks and safes, sabotage
equipment or to disarm traps. It is essentially the opposite
of the Repair skill (see below).
Check: The Games Master makes the Disable Device check
so that the character does not necessarily know whether he
has succeeded. This skill can accomplish several different
things, all of which a given character can attempt assuming
he has the proper equipment on hand to do so.
Open Lock: A character can pick conventional locks or
finesse combination locks (such as those on safes). The
character must have a lockpick set. The DC depends on
the quality of the lock.
Lock Type (Example) DC
Cheap (house) 20
Average (sheriff s office) 25
High quality (bank) 30
Traps and Sabotage: Disabling (or rigging, or jamming) a
simple mechanical device has a DC of 10. More intricate
and complex devices have higher DCs. The Games Master
rolls the check. If the check succeeds, the character disables
the device. If the check fails by 4 or less, the character has
failed but can try again. If the character fails by 5 or more,
something goes wrong. If it is a trap, the character springs
it. If it is some sort of sabotage, the character thinks the
device is disabled, but it still works normally. With this
skill, a character can rig simple devices to work normally
for a while and then fail some time later (usually after
1d4 rounds or minutes of use). Building anything more
permanent also requires use of the Craft (structural) skill
and additional time.
Try Again?: Yes, though the character must be aware that
he has failed in order to try again.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Disable
Device check. A character can take 20 to open a lock or to
Disguise (Cha)
This skill is used to walk into a town plastered with Wanted
posters of your ugly mug, or to pretend to be someone
else in a high-stakes poker game. It is a skill for spies and
conmen.
Check: A characters Disguise check result determines
how good the disguise is. It is opposed by others Spot
check results. Make one Disguise check even if several
people make Spot checks. The Games Master makes the
characters Disguise check secretly so that the character is
not sure how well his disguise holds up to scrutiny.
If the character does not draw any attention to him or
herself, however, others do not get to make Spot checks.
If the character comes to the attention of people who
are suspicious, the suspicious person gets to make a Spot
check. (The Games Master can assume that such observers
take 10 on their Spot checks.) The effectiveness of the
characters disguise depends in part on how much the
character is attempting to change his appearance.
Disguise Modifier
Minor details only +5
Appropriate uniform or costume +2
Disguised as different sex 2
Disguised as different age category 2 *
* Per step of difference between the characters age category
and the disguised age category (child, young adult, adult,
middle age, old, or venerable).
If the character is impersonating a particular individual,
those who know what that person looks like automatically
get to make Spot checks. Furthermore, they get a bonus
on their Spot checks.
Familiarity Bonus
Recognises on sight +4
Friend or associate +6
Close friend +8
Intimate +10
Usually, an individual makes a Spot check to detect a
disguise immediately upon meeting the character and
each hour thereafter. If the character casually meets many
different people, each for a short time, the Games Master

54
checks once per day or hour, using an average Spot modifier Check: Routine tasks, such as ordinary driving, do not
for the group (assuming they take 10). require a skill check. Make a check only when some
unusual circumstance exists (such as inclement weather or
Try Again?: No, though the character can assume the an icy surface), or when the character is driving during
same disguise again at a later time. If others saw through a dramatic situation (the character is being chased or
the previous disguise, they are automatically treated as attacked, for example, or is trying to reach a destination in
suspicious if the character assumes the same disguise a limited amount of time).
again.
Try Again?: Most driving checks have consequences for
Special: A character can take 10 or take 20 when failure that make trying again impossible.
establishing a disguise.
Special: A character can take 10 when driving, but cannot
A character without a disguise kit takes a 4 penalty on take 20.
Disguise checks.
Time: A Drive check is a move action.
A character with the Deceptive feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Disguise checks. Escape Artist (Dex;
A character can help someone else create a disguise for him Check Penalty)
or her, treating it as an aid another attempt. A character can use this skill to squirm out of ropes,
handcuffs or other restraints even the hangmans noose.
Time: A Disguise check requires 1d4 x10 minutes of
preparation. The Games Master makes Spot checks for Check: Make a check to escape from restraints or to
those who encounter the character immediately upon squeeze through a tight space.
meeting the character and again each hour or day thereafter,
depending on circumstances. Restraint DC of Escape Check
Ropes Opponents Dex check +20
Drive (Dex) Net 20
This skill is used for controlling a horse, ox or team of Leg Irons 25
such animals as they pull a stagecoach or other vehicle. It Handcuffs 35
is also used to control automobiles, if the campaign is set Tight space 30
late enough to include such innovations. Grappler Opponents grapple check

For ropes and chains, a characters Escape Artist check is

opposed by the Dexterity check result of the opponent
who tied the bonds. Since it is easier to tie someone up

55
 than to escape from being tied up, the opponent gets a +20 Check Examination
bonus on his Dexterity check. Document Type Modifier Time
Simple (letter) +0 10 min.
For a tight space, a check is only called for if the characters
head fits but his shoulders do not. If the space is long, such
Skills and Feats

Moderate (claim, -2 20 min.

as in an airshaft, the Games Master may call for multiple
business form)
checks. A character cannot fit through a space that his
Complex (stock -4 1 hr.
head does not fit through.
certificate, legal
document)
A character can make an Escape Artist check opposed by
his opponents grapple check to get out of a grapple or out Difficult (passport) -8 4 hr.
of a pinned condition (so that the character is just being
grappled). Doing so is an attack action, so if the character
escapes the grapple he can move in the same round. Extreme (Banknote) -16 4 hr.

Try Again?: A character can make another check after a

failed check if the character is squeezing through a tight Familiarity* Modifier
space, making multiple checks. If the situation permits, Unfamiliar (seen once for less than a -4
the character can make additional checks as long as he is minute)
not being actively opposed. Fairly familiar (seen for several minutes) +0

Special: A character can take 10 on an Escape Artist check. Quite familiar (on hand, or studied at +4
A character can take 20 if he is not being actively opposed leisure)
(a character can take 20 if he is tied up, even though it is Forger has produced other documents of +4
an opposed check, because the opponent is not actively same type
opposing the character). Document includes specific signature -4

A character with the Nimble feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Escape checks.
Time: Making a check to escape from being bound by
ropes, handcuffs, or other restraints (except a grappler)
requires 1 minute. Escaping a net is a full-round action.
Squeezing through a tight space takes at least 1 minute,
maybe longer, depending on the distance that must be
crossed.
*: Use all modifiers that apply from this list.
The Games Master makes the characters check secretly so
the character is not sure how good his forgery is. A forger
is allowed to know the check result and gains a retry if
the documents final check is 10 or less. Quality is hard
to judge, but a lousy piece of work is recognisable to all.
Only moderate level forgeries can be attempted without at
least one rank in this skill.

F o r g e r y ( I n t ; S ome The Forgery skill is also used to detect someone elses

T r a i n e d O n l y)
forgery. The result of the original Forgery check that
created the document is opposed by a Forgery check
The skill of Forgery is used to fake official-looking by the person who examines the document to check its
documents, copy handwriting, print false banknotes and authenticity. If the examiners check result is equal to or
so on. higher than the original Forgery check, the document is
determined to be fraudulent. The examiner gains bonuses
Check: Forgery requires materials appropriate to the or penalties on his check as given in the table below.
document being forged, and some time. To forge a
document the character needs to have seen a similar
Examiners Condition Modifier
document before. The complexity of the document,
the characters degree of familiarity with it, and whether Type of document unknown to examiner 4
the character needs to reproduce the signature or Type of document somewhat known to 2
handwriting of a specific individual, provide modifiers examiner
to the Forgery check, as shown below. Forgery of legal Type of document well known to +0
documents (including coins and banknotes) is known as examiner
counterfeiting. Document is put through additional tests +4
*
Examiner only casually reviews the 2
document *

56
* Cumulative with any of the first three conditions on the
table. Apply this modifier along with one of the other
three whenever appropriate.
A document that contradicts procedure, orders, or previous
knowledge, or one that requires the examiner to relinquish
a possession or a piece of information, can increase
the examiners suspicion (and thus create favourable
circumstances for the examiners opposed Forgery check)
as determined by the Games Master.
Try Again?: No, since the forger is not sure of the quality
of the original forgery.
Special: To forge documents and detect forgeries, one
must be able to read and write the language in question.
A character can take 10 when making a Forgery check, but
cannot take 20.
A character with the Meticulous feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Forgery checks.
A character without a forgery kit takes a 4 penalty on
Forgery checks.
Time: Forging a short, simple document takes about 1
minute. Longer or more complex documents take 1d4
minutes per page or longer.
Gamble (Wis)
A character with the Gamble skill is familiar with games
of chance, and has either a streak of luck a mile wide or is
adept at counting cards and calculating odds, or both.
Check: In simple situations, opposed Gamble checks are
used to see who won a particular game of chance. For
more complex gambling rules, see page XX (Rules of the
West).
Try Again?: No, unless the character wants to play another
game.
Special: A character cannot take 10 or take 20 when
making a Gamble check.
A character with the Confident feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Gamble checks.
Time: A Gamble check requires 1 hour.
Gather Information
(Cha)
A character can use this skill to find out what is going on
in a town or region; it covers listening to rumours, reading
between the lines in local newspapers and so on.
Check: By succeeding at a skill check (DC 10) and
spending 1d4+1 hours passing out money and buying
drinks, a character can get a feel for the major news
items in a neighbourhood. This result assumes that no
obvious reasons exist why information would be withheld.
The higher the check result, the better the information.
Information ranges from general to protected and the cost
and DC increases accordingly for the type of information
the character seeks to gather, as given in the table below.
Type of Information DC Purchase DC
General 10 5
Specific 15 10
Restricted 20 15
Protected 25 20
General information concerns local happenings, rumours,
gossip and the like. Specific information usually relates
to a particular question. Restricted information includes
facts that are not generally known and requires that
the character locate someone who has access to such
information. Protected information is even harder to
come by and might involve some danger, either for the
one asking the questions or the one providing the answer.
There is a chance that someone will take note of anyone
asking about restricted or protected information.
A character can use bribery to loosen tongues an
appropriate bribe gives a +2 circumstance bonus to the
check, but the cost of the bribe varies depending on the
information desired. Buying a drink counts as a bribe for
general information, but trying to convince someone to
tell you where the Hole-in-the-Wall gang hide out would
cost far more.
Try Again?: Yes, but it takes 1d4+1 hours for each check,
and characters may draw attention to themselves if they
repeatedly pursue a certain type of information.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Gather
Information check, but cannot take 20.
A character with the Trustworthy feat gets a +2 bonus on
all Gather Information checks.
Time: A Gather Information check takes 1d4+1 hours.
57
 H a n d l e A n i m a l (Cha; Come (DC 15): The animal comes to the

T r a i n e d O n l y)
character, even if it normally would not do so.

The Handle Animal skill is used to tame and train animals. Defend (DC 20): The animal defends the
It is of paramount importance on cattle drives, hunts, or character (or is ready to defend him if no threat
Skills and Feats

just to keep a horse under control in dangerous situations. is present), even without any command being
given. Alternatively, the character can command
Check: The DC depends on what the character is trying the animal to defend a specific other character.
to do.
Down (DC 15): The animal breaks off from
Task Handle Animal DC combat or otherwise backs down. An animal that
Handle an animal 10 does not know this trick continues to fight until it
Push an animal 25 must flee (due to injury, a fear effect, or the like) or
Teach an animal a trick 15 or 201 its opponent is defeated.
Train an animal for a general 15 or 201
purpose Fetch (DC 15): The animal goes and gets
something. If the character does not point out
Rear a wild animal 15 + HD of animal
a specific item, the animal fetches some random
1
See the specific trick or purpose below.
object.

General Purpose DC General Purpose DC
Combat riding 20 Hunting 20
Fighting 20 Performance 15
Guarding 20 Riding 15
Heavy labour 15
Handle an Animal: This task involves commanding an
animal to perform a task or trick that it knows. If the
animal is wounded or has taken any damage, the DC
increases by 2. If the characters check succeeds, the animal
performs the task or trick on its next action.
Push an Animal: To push an animal means to get it
to perform a task or trick that it does not know but is
physically capable of performing. This category also covers
making an animal perform a forced march or forcing it
to hustle for more than 1 hour between sleep cycles. If
the animal is wounded or has taken any damage, the DC
increases by 2. If the characters check succeeds, the animal
performs the task or trick on its next action.
Teach an Animal a Trick: A character can teach an animal a
specific trick with one week of work and a successful Handle
Animal check against the indicated DC. An animal with
an Intelligence score of 1 can learn a maximum of three
tricks, while an animal with an Intelligence score of 2 can
learn a maximum of six tricks. Possible tricks (and their
associated DCs) include, but are not necessarily limited to,
the following:
Attack (DC 20): The animal attacks apparent
enemies. The character may point to a particular
creature that he wishes the animal to attack, and it
will comply if able.
Guard (DC 20): The animal stays in place and
prevents others from approaching.
Heel (DC 15): The animal follows the character
closely, even to places where it normally would not
go.
Perform (DC 15): The animal performs a variety
of simple tricks, such as sitting up, rolling over,
roaring or barking, and so on.
Seek (DC 15): The animal moves into an area
and looks around for anything that is obviously
alive or animate.
Stay (DC 15): The animal stays in place, waiting
for the character to return. It does not challenge
other creatures that come by, though it still defends
itself if it needs to.
Track (DC 20): The animal tracks the scent
presented to it. (This requires the animal to have
the scent ability)
Work (DC 15): The animal pulls or pushes a
medium or heavy load.
Train an Animal for a Purpose: Rather than teaching an
animal individual tricks, the character can simply train
it for a general purpose. Essentially, an animals purpose
represents a pre-selected set of known tricks that fit into
a common scheme, such as guarding or heavy labour.
The animal must meet all the normal prerequisites for all
tricks included in the training package. If the package
includes more than three tricks, the animal must have an
Intelligence score of 2.

58
An animal can be trained for only one general purpose,
though if the creature is capable of learning additional
tricks (above and beyond those included in its general
purpose), it may do so. Training an animal for a purpose
requires fewer checks than teaching individual tricks does,
but no less time.
Combat Riding (DC 20): An animal trained to
carry a rider into combat knows the tricks attack,
come, defend, down, guard, and heel. Training
an animal for combat riding takes six weeks.
The trainer may also upgrade an animal trained
for riding to one trained for combat riding by
spending three weeks and making a successful
Handle Animal check (DC 20). The new general
purpose and tricks completely replace the animals
previous purpose and any tricks it once knew.
Fighting (DC 20): An animal trained to engage
in combat knows the tricks
attack, down, and
stay. Training an animal for fighting takes three
weeks.
Guarding (DC 20): An animal trained to guard
knows the tricks attack, defend, down, and guard.
Training an animal for guarding takes four weeks.
Heavy Labour (DC 15): An animal trained for
heavy labour knows the tricks come and work.
Training an animal for heavy labour takes two
weeks.
Hunting (DC 20): An animal trained for hunting
knows the tricks attack, down, fetch, heel, seek,
and track. Training an animal for hunting takes six
weeks.
Performance (DC 15): An animal trained
for performance knows the tricks come, fetch,
heel, perform, and stay. Training an animal for
performance takes five weeks.
Riding (DC 15): An animal trained to bear a rider
knows the tricks come, heel, and stay. Training an
animal for riding takes three weeks.
Rear a Wild Animal: To rear an animal means to
raise a wild creature from infancy so that it becomes
domesticated. A handler can rear as many as three
creatures of the same kind at once.
A successfully domesticated animal can be taught
tricks at the same time it is being
raised, or it can be taught as a
domesticated animal later.
59
 Action: Varies. Handling an animal is a move action, while
pushing an animal is a full-round action. For tasks with
specific time frames noted above, the character must spend
half this time (at the rate of 3 hours per day per animal being
handled) working toward completion of the task before he
Skills and Feats
can attempt the Handle Animal check. If the check fails,
the characters attempt to teach, rear, or train the animal
fails and he need not complete the teaching, rearing, or
training time. If the check succeeds, the character must
invest the remainder of the time to complete the teaching,
rearing, or training. If the time is interrupted or the task is
not followed through to completion, the attempt to teach,
rear, or train the animal automatically fails.
Try Again: Yes, except for rearing an animal.
Special: If you have the Animal Affinity feat, you get a +2
bonus on Handle Animal checks.
Untrained: A character with no ranks in Handle Animal,
uses a Charisma check to handle and push domestic
animals, but he cannot teach, rear, or train animals.
H i d e ( D e x ; C h e ck
Penalty)
The Hide skill is used to skulk in shadows and to conceal
yourself. It can also be used to spot places to hide or take
cover.
Check: A characters Hide check is opposed by the
Spot check of anyone who might see the character. The
character can move up to half his normal speed and hide
at no penalty. At more than half and up to the characters
full speed, the character takes a 5 penalty. It is practically
impossible (20 penalty) to hide while attacking, running,
or charging.
The Hide check is also modified by the characters size:
Size Modifier
Small +4
Medium +0
Large -4
If people are observing the character, even casually, he
cannot hide (though talents or feats might alter this).
The character can run around a corner so that he is out
of sight and then hide, but the others then know at least
where the character went. Cover and concealment grant
circumstance bonuses to Hide checks, as shown below.
Note that a character cannot hide if he has less than one-
half cover or concealment.
60
Cover or Concealment Circumstance Bonus
Three-quarters +5
Nine-tenths +10
Creating a Diversion to Hide: A character can use the
Bluff skill to help him hide. A successful Bluff check
can give the character the momentary diversion needed
to attempt a Hide check while people are aware of the
character. While the others turn their attention from the
character, he can make a Hide check if the character can
get to a hiding place of some kind. (As a general guideline,
the hiding place has to be within 1 foot for every rank the
character has in Hide.) This check, however, is at a 10
penalty because the character has to move fast.
Tailing: Also called shadowing, a character can use Hide
to tail a person in public. Using the skill in this manner
assumes that there are other random people about, among
whom the character can mingle to remain unnoticed. If
the subject is worried about being followed, he can make a
Spot check (opposed by the characters Hide check) every
time he changes course (goes around a street corner, exits
a building and so on). If he is unsuspecting, he generally
gets only a Spot check after an hour of tailing.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Hide
check, but cannot take 20.
A character with the Stealthy feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Hide checks.
Time: A Hide check is an attack action.
Intimidate (Cha or
Str, Characters
Choice)
There are men you simply do not cross; desperados so
tough and mean that your hand shakes and your will fails
before the force of their mere presence. Intimidation can
force others to obey you or just terrify them and make
them realise who is in charge here.
Check: With a successful check, a character can forcibly
persuade another character to perform some task or behave
in a certain way. A characters Intimidate check is opposed
by the targets level check (1d20 + the targets character
level or Hit Dice). Any modifiers that a target may have
on Will saving throws against fear effects apply to this level
check. If the character succeeds, he may treat the target as
friendly for 10 minutes, but only for purposes of actions
taken while in the characters presence. (That is, the target
retains his normal attitude, but will answer questions, offer
limited help, or take simple actions on the characters behalf
while intimidated.) Circumstances can dramatically affect
the effectiveness of an Intimidate check.
There are limits to what a successful Intimidate check can
do. The character cannot force someone to obey his every
command or do something that endangers that persons
life. If the character fails by more than 5, the target may
actually do the opposite of what the character wishes.
Staredown: A staredown (where two characters face off
against each other) can temporarily shatter an opponents
will. Both characters must choose to enter the staredown
(but Intimidation can be used to force another character
into the staredown.) Both characters then make opposed
Intimidation checks; the loser must make a Will save (DC
equal to the winners Intimidation check result). If the
loser fails this Will save, his will is temporarily broken.
He suffers a 4 morale penalty to any Will saves or skill
checks made in opposition to the winner, as well as a 2
penalty to any attack rolls made against the winner. This
effect is permanent until the loser beats the winner in
another staredown or counts some significant coup over
the winner.
Try Again?: No. Even if the initial check succeeds, the
other character can only be intimidated so much, and
trying again does not help. If the initial check fails, the
other character has become more firmly resolved to resist
the intimidator, and trying again is futile.
Special: A character can take 10 when making an
Intimidate check, but cannot take 20.
A character may add a +2 bonus to his Intimidate check for
every size category the character is larger than his target.
Conversely, the character takes a 2 penalty to his check
for every size category the character is smaller than his
target.
A character with the Confident feat gets a +2 bonus
on all Intimidate checks and on level checks to resist
intimidation.
Time: An Intimidate check is a full-round action. A
Staredown can take several minutes, depending on how
tough the participants are.
Jump (Str; Check
Penalty)
Used for impressive and possibly live-saving jumps.
Check: The DC and the distance the character can
cover vary according to the type of jump the character is
attempting. The characters Jump check is modified by his
speed. The DCs specified below assume a speed of 30 feet
(the speed of a typical human). If the characters speed is
less than 30 feet, he takes a penalty of 6 for every 10 feet
of speed less than 30. If the characters speed is greater
than 30 feet, he gains a bonus of +4 for every 10 feet over
30.
If the character has ranks in the Jump skill and succeeds on
a check, the character lands on his feet (when appropriate)
and can move as far as the characters remaining movement
allows. If the character attempts a Jump check untrained,
the character lands prone unless he beats the DC by 5 or
more. Standing from a prone position is a move action.
Distance moved by jumping is counted against maximum
movement in a round. A character can start a jump at the
end of one turn and complete the jump at the beginning
of your next turn.
Long Jump: This is a horizontal jump, made across a gap
such as a chasm or stream. At the midpoint of the jump,
the character attains a vertical height equal to one-quarter
the horizontal distance. The DC for the jump is equal to
the distance jumped (in feet) + 5. The DCs for long jumps
of 5 to 30 feet are given in the table below. A character
cannot jump a distance greater than his normal speed.
All Jump DCs covered for a Long Jump assume that the
character can move at least 20 feet in a straight line before
attempting the jump. If this is not the case, the DC for
the jump is doubled.
Long Jump Long Jump
Distance DC * Distance DC *
5 feet 10 20 feet 25
10 feet 15 25 feet 30
15 feet 20 30 feet 35
* Requires a 20-foot move. Without a 20-foot move,
double the DC.
If the character fails the check by less than 5, he does not
clear the distance, but can make a Reflex save (DC 15)
to grab the far edge of the gap. The character ends his
movement grasping the far edge. If that leaves the character
dangling over a chasm or gap, getting up requires a move
action and a Climb check (DC 15).
High Jump: This is a vertical leap, made to jump up to
grasp something overhead, such as a tree limb or ledge.
The DC for the jump is 2 + the height x4 (in feet). The
DCs for high jumps of 1 to 8 feet are given in the table
below. All Jump DCs covered here for the High Jump
assume that the character can move at least 20 feet in a
straight line before attempting the jump. If this is not the
case, the DC for the jump is doubled.
61
 High Jump High Jump A character can take 10 when making a Jump check. If
Distance DC * Distance DC * there is no danger associated with failing, the character can
1 foot 6 5 feet 22 take 20.
2 feet 10 6 feet 26
A character with the Acrobatic feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Skills and Feats

3 feet 14 7 feet 30
Jump checks. A character with the Run feat gains a +2
4 feet 18 8 feet 34 competence bonus on Jump checks preceded by a 20-foot
* Requires a 20-foot move. Without a running start,
move.
double the DC.
Synergies: Tumble can provide a +2 synergy bonus on
If the character succeeds on the check, he can reach the
Jump checks.
height. The character grasps the object he was trying
to reach. If the character wishes to pull himself up, the
Time: Using the Jump skill is either a move action or
character can do so with a move action and a Climb check
a full-round action, depending on whether the character
(DC 15). If the character fails the Jump check, he does not
starts and completes the jump during a single move action
reach the height, and lands on his feet in the same square
or a full-round action.
from which the character jumped.

The difficulty of reaching a given height varies according Knowledge (Int; Some
to the size of the character or creature. Generally, the Trained Only)
maximum height a creature can reach without jumping This skill encompasses several categories, each of them
is given in the table below. (As a Medium-size creature, a treated as a separate skill. These categories are identified
typical human can reach 8 feet without jumping.) If the and defined below. The number of Knowledge categories
creature is long instead of tall (such as a horse), treat it as is kept purposely finite. When trying to determine what
one size category smaller. Knowledge skill a particular question or field of expertise
falls under, use a broad interpretation of the existing
Creature Size Maximum Height categories.
Colossal 128 ft.
Gargantuan 64 ft. Check: A character makes a Knowledge check to see if
Huge 32 ft. the character knows something. The DC for answering a
Large 16 ft. question within the characters field of study is 10 for easy
Medium-size 8 ft. questions, 15 for basic questions, and 20 to 30 for tough
Small 4 ft. questions.
Tiny 2 ft.
The Knowledge categories, and the topics each one
Diminutive 1 ft.
encompasses, are as follows.
Fine 0.5 ft.
Appraisal: The fine art of studying goods and
Hop Up: The character can jump up onto an object as
determining their worth.
tall as his waist with a Jump check (DC 10). Doing so
does counts as 10 feet of movement. The character does
Art: Fine arts and graphic arts, including art
not need to get a running start to hop up (the DC is not
history and artistic techniques. Antiques, modern
doubled if the character does not get a running start).
art, photography, and performance art forms such
as music and dance, among others.
Jumping Down: If the character intentionally jumps
from a height, he can take less damage than if he just falls.
Business: Business procedures, investment
The DC to jump down from a height is 15. The character
strategies, and corporate structures. Bureaucratic
does not have to get a running start to jump down (the
procedures and how to navigate them.
DC is not doubled if the character does not get a running
start). If the character succeeds on the check, he takes
Civics: Political and governmental institutions
falling damage as if the character had dropped 10 fewer
and processes. Civil law and legislation.
feet than he actually did.
Current Events: Recent happenings in the news,
Special: Effects that increase a characters speed also
sports, politics, entertainment, and foreign affairs.
increase the characters jumping distance, since the check
is modified by the characters speed.
Geography: Lands, terrain, climate, people.

62
 History: Events, personalities, and cultures of the
past. Archaeology and antiquities.
Indian Lore: Customs, traditions and current
dispositions of the various native tribes of the
West.
Law: Criminal law, law enforcement techniques as
well as officers and notorious criminals.
Local: Local events and personalities, rumours.
Nature: Animals, plants, seasons and cycles,
weather, vermin.
Physical Sciences: Astronomy, chemistry,
mathematics, physics, and engineering.
Streetwise: Street and urban culture, local
underworld personalities and events.
Theology and Philosophy: Religion and related
matters.
to hear something. A character can also make a Listen
check voluntarily if he wants to try to hear something in
the characters vicinity. The Games Master may make the
Listen check in secret so that the character does not know
whether not hearing anything means that nothing is there
or that the character failed the check. A successful Listen
check when there is not anything to hear results in the
character hearing nothing.
DC Sound
10 A battle
0 People talking
10 An unarmoured person walking at a slow pace,
trying not to make any noise
15 A 1st-level Fast hero sneaking up on someone *
20 A mountain lion stalking prey *
30 A bird flying through the air
+5 Listening through a door
+15 Listening through a solid wall
* This is actually an opposed check; the DC given is a
typical Move Silently check result for such a character or
creature.

Try Again?: No. The check represents what a character
knows, and thinking about a topic a second time does not
let the character know something he never knew in the
first place.
Special: An untrained Knowledge check is simply an
Intelligence check. Without actual training, a character
only knows common knowledge about a given subject.
A character can take 10 when making a Knowledge check,
but cannot take 20.
A character with the Educated feat gets a +2 bonus on any
two types of Knowledge checks.
The Games Master may decide that having 5 or more ranks
in a specific Knowledge skill provides a character with a +2
synergy bonus when making a related skill check.
Condition Check Penalty
Per 10 feet of distance 1
Listener distracted 5
Try Again?: A character can make a Listen check every
time he has the opportunity to hear something in a reactive
manner. As a move action, the character may attempt to
hear something that he failed (or believes he failed) to hear
previously.
Special: When several characters are listening to the same
thing, the Games Master can make a single 1d20 roll and
use it for all the listeners skill checks.
A character can take 10 or take 20 when making a Listen
check. Taking 20 means the character spends 1 minute
attempting to hear something that may or may not be
there to hear.

Time: A Knowledge check can be a reaction, but otherwise A character with the Alertness feat gets a +2 bonus on all
requires a full-round action. Listen checks.

Listen (Wis) A sleeping character can make Listen checks, but takes a
The Listen skill is used to hear noises, detect enemies 10 penalty on the checks.
trying to move silently, notice a rifle being cocked, or hear
the whistle of an incoming train. Time: A Listen check is either a reaction (if called for by
the Games Master) or a move action (if a character actively
Check: Make a Listen check against a DC that reflects takes the time to try to hear something).
how quiet the noise is that a character might hear or against
an opposed Move Silently check. The Games Master may
call for a Listen check by a character who is in a position

63
 M o v e S i l e n t l y ( Dex;
C h e c k P e n a l ty)
Move Silently is, obviously enough, the skill used to sneak
around quietly, for ambushes and other low-down dirty
Skills and Feats
tricks.
Check: A characters Move Silently check is opposed by
the Listen check of anyone who might hear the character.
A character can move up to half his normal speed at no
penalty. At more than half speed and up to the characters
full speed, he takes a 5 penalty. It is practically impossible
(20 penalty) to move silently while attacking, running,
or charging.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Move
Silently check, but cannot take 20.
A character with the Stealthy feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Move Silently checks.
Time: Move Silently is a move action.
P e r f o r m ( C h a)
This skill encompasses several categories, each of them
treated as a separate skill. These categories are identified
and defined below. The number of Perform categories is
kept purposely finite. When trying to determine what
Perform skill a particular type of performance falls under,
use a broad interpretation of the existing categories. Also,
keep in mind that the ability to perform does not make a
character a trained performer in a stage sense; take ranks
in Profession (performer) if the character should be able to
make money and hold known performances with his skill.
Check: The character is accomplished in some type of
artistic expression and knows how to put on a performance.
The character can impress audiences with his talent and
skill. The quality of the characters performance depends
on his check result. The Perform categories, and the
qualities each one encompasses, are as follows:
Act: The character is a gifted actor, capable of
performing drama, comedy, or action-oriented
roles with some level of skill.
Dance: The character is a gifted dancer, capable
of performing rhythmic and patterned bodily
movements to music.
Instrument: The character is skilled at playing a
particular instrument piano, drum, harmonica,
flute, violin and so on. He can also play related
instruments (a banjo player could play a guitar)
with slightly less ease (-2 circumstance penalty to
the Perform check).
64
Preach: The character is an orator, capable of
holding the attention of a crowd while he speaks
on some topic. If he actually wants to persuade the
crowd of something, he should use a Diplomacy
check while preaching to them.
Sing: The character is a musician gifted with a
talent for producing musical tones with your
voice.
Result Performance
10 Amateur performance. Audience may
appreciate your performance, but is not
impressed.
15 Routine performance. Audience enjoys your
performance, but it is not exceptional.
20 Great performance. Audience highly
impressed.
25 Memorable performance. Audience
enthusiastic.
30 Masterful performance. Audience awed.
Try Again?: Not for the same performance and audience.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Perform
check, but cannot take 20.
Every time a character takes the Creative feat, he gets a +2
bonus on checks involving two Perform skills the player
designates. See the feat description for more information.
Time: A Perform check usually requires at least several
minutes to an hour or more.
Profession (Wis)
The Profession skill covers the basic knowledge and training
needed to hold down a particular skilled job. It is a mix of
rules-of-thumb, experience and specialised knowledge. A
Profession can earn the character a living.
Check: The basic use for a Profession check is to make
enough money to keep the character fed and sheltered.
Some professions provide more resources, but also require
a greater amount of training and investment. See Running
a Business, page XX.
Repair (Int)
The Repair skill is used to jury-trig quick fixes to broken
items. It can be applied to any structure, item, device
or weapon, but any repairs made using the skill will
probably only last a short time it is a stop-gap skill.
More permanent repairs are normally performed using the
appropriate Craft skill.
Check: Most Repair checks are made to fix complex
electronic or mechanical devices. The DC is set by the
Games Master. In general, simple repairs have a DC
of 10 to 15 and require no more than a few minutes to
accomplish.
Try Again?: Yes, though in some specific cases, the Games
Master may decide that a failed Repair check has negative
ramifications that prevent repeated checks.
Special: A character can take 10 or take 20 on a Repair
check.
Repair requires tools; if the character does not have the
appropriate tools, he takes a 4 penalty on the check (or
may be unable to do the repair at all at the Games Masters
option).
Synergies: Having the appropriate Craft skill gives a +2
synergy bonus to the Repair check.
Time: Varies, but repairing an item using Repair is much
faster than rebuilding it properly.
Ride (Dex)
One of the most important skills for the traveller in the
West, Ride is used to guide and control a horse or other
mount.
Check: Typical riding actions do not require checks. A
character can saddle, mount, ride, and dismount without a
problem. Mounting or dismounting an animal is a move
action. Some tasks, such as those undertaken in combat or
other extreme circumstances, require checks. In addition,
attempting trick riding or asking the animal to perform an
unusual technique also requires a check.
Guide with Knees (DC 10): The character can react
instantly to guide his mount with his knees so that the
character can use both hands in combat or to perform some
other action. Make the check at the start of the characters
round. If the character fails, he can only use one hand
this round because the character needs to use the other to
control his mount.
Stay in Saddle (DC 10): The character can react instantly
to try to avoid falling when his mount rears or bolts
unexpectedly or when the character takes damage.
Fight while Mounted (DC 20): While in combat, the
character can attempt to control a mount that is not
trained in combat riding (see the Handle Animal skill). If
the character succeeds, he uses only a move action, and the
character can use his attack action to do something else. If
the character fails, he can do nothing else that round. If
the character fails by more than 5, he loses control of the
animal.
For animals trained in combat riding, the character does
not need to make this check. Instead, the character can
use his move action to have the animal perform a trick
(commonly, to attack). The character can use his attack
action normally.
Cover (DC 15): The character can react instantly to drop
down and hang alongside his mount, using it as one-half
cover. The character cannot attack while using his mount
as cover. If the character fails, he does not get the cover
benefit.
Soft Fall (DC 15): The character reacts instantly when he
falls off a mount, such as when it is killed or when it falls,
to try to avoid taking damage. If the character fails, he
takes 1d6 points of falling damage.
Leap (DC 15): The character can get his mount to leap
obstacles as part of its movement. Use the characters
Ride modifier or the mounts Jump modifier (whichever
is lower) when the mount makes its Jump check (see the
Jump skill). The character makes a Ride check (DC 15) to
stay on the mount when it leaps.
Fast Mount or Dismount (DC 20; Check Penalty
applies): The character can mount or dismount as a
free action. If the character fails the check, mounting or
dismounting is a move action. (A character cannot attempt
a fast mount or dismount unless he can perform the mount
or dismount as a move action this round, should the check
fail.)
Special: If the character is riding bareback, he takes a 5
penalty on Ride checks.
A character can take 10 when making a Ride check, but
cannot take 20.
Animals ill suited as mounts provide a 2 penalty on their
riders Ride check.
Time: Ride is a move action, except when otherwise noted
for the special tasks listed above.
Search (Int)
The Search skill is used to closely and methodically
investigate an area; searching for tracks, clues, signs of a
shootout or break-in and so on.
Check: The character generally must be within 10 feet
of the object or surface to be examined. A character can
examine up to a 5-foot by 5-foot area or a volume of goods
5 feet on a side with a single check. A Search check can turn
65
 up individual footprints, but does not allow a character someone is trying to bluff him.) Using Sense Motive to
to follow tracks or tell the character which direction the get a sense of someones trustworthiness takes at least one
creature or creatures went or came from. minute.

DC Task Sleight of Hand (Dex;

Skills and Feats

10 Ransack an area to find a certain object.

Trained Only; Check
Penalty)
20 Notice a typical secret compartment, a simple
trap, or an obscure clue.
25+ Find a complex or well-hidden secret This skill is used to do small conjuring tricks, pick pockets,
compartment or trap; notice an extremely palm cards and so on.
obscure clue.
Check: A check against DC 10 allows a character to palm
Special: A character can take 10 or take 20 when making a coin-sized, unattended object. Minor feats of sleight of
a Search check. hand, such as making a coin disappear, also have a DC of
10 unless an observer is concentrating on noticing what
A character with the Meticulous feat gets a +2 bonus on all the character is doing. When a character performs this
Search checks. skill under close observation, the characters skill check
is opposed by the observers Spot check. The observers
Time: A Search check is a full-round action. check does not prevent the character from performing the
action, just from doing it unnoticed.
S e n s e M o t i v e ( Wis) When a character tries to take something from another
The Sense Motive skill is used to assess a mans honesty,
person, the characters opponent makes a Spot check to
to read his poker face and see if he is telling the truth or
detect the attempt. To obtain the object, the character must
speaks with forked tongue.
get a result of 20 or higher, regardless of the opponents
check result. The opponent detects the attempt if his
Check: A successful check allows the character to avoid
check result beats the characters check result, whether the
being bluffed (see the Bluff skill). The character can also
character takes the object or not.
use the skill to tell when someone is behaving oddly or to
assess someones trustworthiness. In addition, a character
A character can use Sleight of Hand to conceal a small
can use this skill to make an assessment of a social situation.
weapon or object on his body. It can also be used to
With a successful check (DC 20), the character can get the
manipulate a small object in each hand, so long as one
feeling from anothers behaviour that something is wrong.
is coin sized and the other is no larger than a foot in any
Also, the character can get the feeling that someone is
dimension. Used this way, it can conceal the manipulation
trustworthy and honourable.
from others, though it can be opposed by Spot as noted
above.
Try Again?: No, though the character may make a Sense
Motive check for each bluff made on the character.
Try Again?: A second Sleight of Hand attempt against the
same target, or when being watched by the same observer,
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Sense
has a DC 10 higher than the first check if the first check
Motive check, but cannot take 20.
failed or if the attempt was noticed.
A character with the Attentive feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Sleight of
Sense Motive checks.
Hand check, but cannot take 20.
A character can use Sense Motive to detect that a hidden
A character can make an untrained Sleight of Hand check
message is being transmitted via the Bluff skill (DC equal
to conceal a weapon or object, but must always take 10.
to the bluff check result of the sender). If the characters
check result beats the DC by 5 or more, the character
A character with the Nimble feat and at least 1 rank in this
understands the secret message as well. If the characters
skill gets a +2 bonus on all Sleight of Hand checks.
check fails by 5 or more, the character misinterprets the
message in some fashion.
Time: A Sleight of Hand check is an attack action.
Time: A Sense Motive check may be made as a reaction
to another characters Bluff check. (When that is the case,
the Games Master may roll the characters Sense Motive
check in secret, so the character does not necessarily know

66
 Spot (Wis)
Use this skill to spot bandits sneaking up, to notice that
the gunmans right hand is bandaged and crippled, or to
see the cavalry on the horizon.
Check: The Spot skill is used to notice items that are
not immediately obvious and people who are attempting
to hide. The Games Master may call for a Spot check by
a character who is in a position to notice something. A
character can also make a Spot check voluntarily if he
wants to try to notice something in his vicinity. The
Games Master may make the Spot check in secret so that
the character does not know whether not noticing anything
means that nothing is there or that the character failed the
check.
A successful Spot check when there is not anything to
notice results in the character noticing nothing.
Spot is often used to notice a person or creature hiding
from view. In such cases, the characters Spot check is
opposed by the Hide check of the character trying not to
be seen. Spot is also used to detect someone in disguise
(see the Disguise skill), or to notice a concealed weapon on
another person.
A characters Spot check is modified by a 1 penalty for
every 10 feet of distance between the character and the
character or object he is trying to discern. The check
carries a further 5 penalty if the character is in the midst
of activity.
Try Again?: A character can make a Spot check every time
he has the opportunity to notice something in a reactive
manner. As a full-round action, a character may attempt
to notice something that he failed (or believe he failed) to
notice previously.
Special: A character can take 10 or take 20 when making
a Spot check.
A character with the Alertness feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Spot checks.
Time: A Spot check is either a reaction (if called for by
the Games Master) or a full-round action (if a character
actively takes the time to try to notice something).
Survival (Wis)
The Survival skill is used to navigate the wilderness, identify
and avoid dangers, track an enemy across the desert and
follow trails.
Check: A character can keep himself and others safe and
fed in the wild frontier.
67
 DC Task Each round, the DC of the check increases by 1. If the
10 Get along in the wild. Move up to half the character fails the check, the character begins to drown.
characters overland speed while hunting and
foraging (no food or water supplies needed). The DC for the Swim check depends on the water:
Skills and Feats

The character can provide food and water for

one other person for every 2 points by which the
characters check result exceeds 10.
15 Gain a +2 circumstance bonus on Fortitude
saves against severe weather while moving up to
half the characters overland speed, or gain a +4
circumstance bonus if stationary. The character
may grant the same bonus to one other character
for every 1 point by which the characters check
result exceeds 15.
18 Avoid getting lost and avoid natural hazards such
as alkali flats, prairie fires and so on.
With the Track feat, a character can use Survival checks to
track a character or animal across various terrain types.
Special: A character can take 10 when making a Survival
check. A character can take 20 when tracking, or if there is
no danger or penalty for failure, but not on periodic checks
to get along in the wild.
Time: Basic Survival checks occur each day in the
wilderness or whenever a hazard presents itself. When using
Survival with the Track feat to track a character or animal,
checks are made according to distance, as described in the
Track feat.
S w i m ( S t r ; C h eck
Water DC
Calm water 10
Rough water 15
Stormy water 20
Each hour that the character swims, make a Swim
check against DC 20. If the character fails, he becomes
fatigued. If the character fails a check while fatigued, the
character becomes exhausted. If the character fails a check
while exhausted, the character becomes unconscious.
Unconscious characters go underwater and immediately
begin to drown.
Try Again?: A new check is allowed the round after a
check is failed.
Special: A character takes a penalty of 1 for every 5
pounds of gear he carries, including armour and weapons.
A character can take 10 when making a Swim check, but
cannot take 20.
A character with the Athletic feat gets a +2 bonus on all
Swim checks.
Time: A Swim check is either a move action or a full-
round action, as described above.

Penalty) Treat Injury (Wis)

Obviously enough, the Swim skill covers a characters
This is the skill of sawing bones and pulling teeth, not
ability to swim and dive.
to mention sewing up wounds and digging bullets out of
flesh.
Check: A successful Swim check allows a character to
swim one-quarter his speed as a move action or half the
Check: The DC and effect depend on the task attempted.
characters speed as a full-round action. Make a Swim
A specific intent is needed for a Treat injury check, chosen
check once per round. If the character fails, he makes no
from the listed options below.
progress through the water. If the character fails by 5 or
more, he goes underwater. If the character is underwater
Long-Term Care (DC 15): With the aid of a doctors
(from failing a swim check or because the character is
bag, the successful application of this skill allows a
swimming underwater intentionally), the character must
patient to recover hit points and ability points lost to
hold his breath. A character can hold his breath for a
temporary damage at an advanced rate: 5 plus the patients
number of rounds equal to the characters Constitution
Constitution modifier. A new check is made each day; on
score, but only if the character does nothing but take move
a failed check, recovery occurs at the normal rate for that
actions or free actions.
day of rest and care.
If the character takes an attack action or a full-round
A character can tend up to as many patients as he has
action, the amount of breath the character has remaining
ranks in the skill. The patients need to spend all their time
is reduced by 1 round. (Effectively, a character in combat
resting. The character needs to devote at least hour of
can hold his breath only half as long as normal.) After that
the day to each patient the character is caring for.
period of time, the character must make a Constitution
check (DC 10) every round to continue holding his breath.

68
Revive Dazed, Stunned, or Unconscious Character (DC
15): With a doctors bag, the character can remove the
dazed, stunned, or unconscious condition from a character.
This check is an attack action.
A successful check removes the dazed, stunned, or
unconscious condition from an affected character. The
character cannot revive an unconscious character who
is at 1 hit points or lower without first stopping any
bleeding.
Stem Bleeding (DC10): With a doctors bag, the character
can reduce the bleed caused by a wound. (If the character
does not have a doctors bag, any cloth can be used in
desperation, but this causes a 4 penalty to the Treat Injury
check). The rate of bleeding changes as follows
Bleed Before Stem Bleeding Bleed After
None None
1/round 1/day
2/round 1/hour
4/round 1/minute
A character can also apply a hot iron to a wound. This
deals an extra 1d4 points of damage, but automatically
stems any bleeding.
Treat Disease (DC 15): A character can tend to a character
infected with a treatable disease. Every time the diseased
character makes a saving throw against disease effects (after
the initial contamination), the treating character first makes
a Treat injury check to help the diseased character fend off
secondary damage. This activity takes 10 minutes. If the
treating characters check succeeds, the treating character
provides a bonus on the diseased characters saving throw
equal to his ranks in this skill.
Treat Poison (DC 15): A character can tend to a poisoned
character. When a poisoned character makes a saving throw
against a poisons secondary effect, the treating character
first makes a Treat injury check as an attack action. If the
treating characters check succeeds, the character provides
a bonus on the poisoned characters saving throw equal to
his ranks in this skill.
Reduce Impairment (DC 15): A character can tend to an
injured character, reducing their impairment penalty to a
specific location by 1. Each location can only be treated
once in this manner.
Try Again?: Yes.
Special: The Surgery feat gives a character the extra
training he needs to use Treat injury to help a wounded
character by means of an operation.
A character can take 10 when making a Treat injury check.
A character can take 20 only when restoring hit points
or attempting to revive dazed, stunned, or unconscious
characters.
Most uses of Treat Injury require bandages, hot water,
medicinal alcohol, tourniquets and so on. Surgery requires
a surgery kit. If the character does not have the appropriate
kit, he takes a 4 penalty on the check.
A character can use the Treat injury skill on himself only
to administer first aid, treat disease, or treat poison. The
character takes a 5 penalty on your check any time he
treats himself.
Time: Treat injury checks take different amounts of time
based on the task at hand, as described above.
Tumble (Dex; Trained
Only; Check Penalty)
This skill allows the character to make acrobatic dodges
and rolls.
Check: A character can land softly when he falls, tumble
past opponents in combat, or tumble through opponents.
Land Softly: The character can make a Tumble check
(DC 15) when falling. If the check succeeds, treat the fall
as if it were 10 feet shorter when determining damage.
Tumble past Opponents: With a successful Tumble check
(DC 20), the character can weave, dodge, and roll up to
20 feet through squares adjacent to opponents, risking
no attacks of opportunity. Failure means the character
moves as planned, but provokes attacks of opportunity as
normal.
Tumble through Opponents: With a successful Tumble
check (DC 20), the character can roll, jump, or dive
through squares occupied by opponents, moving over,
under, or around them as if they were not there. Failure
means the character moves as planned, but provokes
attacks of opportunity as normal.
Try Again?: No.
Special: A character with 5 or more ranks in Tumble gains
a +3 dodge bonus to Defence (instead of the normal +2)
when fighting defensively, and a +6 dodge bonus (instead
of the normal +4) when engaging in total defence.
A character can take 10 when making a Tumble check, but
cannot take 20.
A character with the Acrobatic feat and at least 1 rank in
this skill gets a +2 bonus on all Tumble checks.
69
 Time: A character can try to reduce damage from a fall as
a reaction once per fall. A character can attempt to tumble
as a free action that must be performed as part of a move
action.
Skills and Feats
Feats
Feats are gained in four different ways in OGL Wild West.
They can be gained as free feats from a characters class
or vocation occupation, they can be purchased when the
character obtains a bonus feat, they can be granted by
certain levels of the talent trees or class features, or they can
be bought with the extra feat slot afforded to all characters
at 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15, and 18th level. Once gained, the
method of procurement is irrelevant. A character either
has a feat or he does not.
F e a t D e s c r i p t i ons
Here is the format for every feat description found in this
sourcebook. Feats are purposefully left a vague as possible
while still providing all of the rules support needed to run
them in a campaign. This way, the same feat taken by two
different characters can simulate different approaches to
the same basic talent.
Feat Name: The name of the feat.
Prerequisite: A minimum ability score, another feat or
feats, a minimum base attack bonus, and/or the minimum
ranks in a skill that a character must have to acquire this
feat. This entry is absent if a feat has no prerequisite.
A character can gain a feat at the same level at which he
gains all the prerequisites.
A character cannot use a feat if the character has lost a
prerequisite.
Benefit: What the feat enables a character to do.
Normal: What a character who does not have this feat is
limited to or restricted from doing. If there is no particular
drawback to not possessing the feat, this entry is absent.
Special: Additional facts about the feat. If there are no
special features about a feat aside from what it does and its
prerequisites, this entry is also absent.
70
Feats
Advanced Two-
Weapon Fighting
You can fight with two weapons at once, and can combine
ranged and melee weapons.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Two-Weapon Fighting, Im-
proved Two-Weapon Fighting, base attack bonus +11.
Benefit: The character gets a third attack with his offhand
weapon, albeit at a 10 penalty. This feat also allows the
character to use a melee weapon in one hand and a ranged
weapon in the other.
Agile Riposte
You can strike when your opponent attacks.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Dodge.
Benefit: Once per round, if the opponent the character has
designated as his dodge target (see the Dodge feat) makes a
melee attack or melee touch attack against the character and
misses, the character may make an attack of opportunity
with a melee weapon against that opponent. Resolve and
apply the effects from both attacks simultaneously.
Even a character with the Combat Reflexes feat cannot use
the Agile Riposte feat more than once per round. This
feat does not grant more attacks of opportunity than the
character is normally allowed in a round.
Alertness
You have finely tuned senses.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Listen checks
and Spot checks.
Animal Affinity
You are good with animals.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Handle
Animal checks and Ride checks.
Special: Remember that the Handle Animal skill cannot
be used untrained.
Athletic
You are especially fit and quick.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Climb
checks and Swim checks.
 Blind-Fight
You can fight in darkness.
Benefit: In melee combat, every time the character misses
because of concealment, the character can reroll the miss
chance roll one time to see if the character actually hits.
The character takes only half the usual penalty to speed
for being unable to see. Darkness and poor visibility in
general reduces the characters speed to three-quarters of
normal, instead of one-half.
Builder
You have a knack for constructing items.
Benefit: Pick two Craft skills that involve physical
construction. The character gets a +2 bonus on all checks
with those skills.
Special: The character can select this feat twice. The
second time, the character applies it to the two skills he
did not pick originally.
Brawler
You are especially good at brawling.
Prerequisite: Strength 13.
Benefit: Enemies suffer a 1 penalty to their Fortitude
saves to avoid being Winded, Dazed or Knocked Out.
Cautious
You look before you leap.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Demolitions
checks and Disable Device checks.
Special: Remember that the Demolitions skill and the
Disable Device skill cannot be used untrained.
Cleave
You can keep on chopping.
Prerequisites: Strength 13, Power Attack.
Benefit: If the character deals an opponent enough
damage to make the opponent drop (either by knocking
the opponent out due to massive damage or by reducing
the opponents hit points to less than 0), the character gets
an immediate extra melee attack against another opponent
71
 adjacent to the character. The character cannot take a 5-
foot step before making this extra attack. The extra attack
is with the same weapon and at the same bonus as the
attack that dropped the previous opponent. The character
can use this ability once per round.
Skills and Feats
C o m b a t E x p e r tise
You are trained in defensive combat.
Prerequisite: Intelligence 13.
Benefit: When the character uses the attack action or the
full attack action in melee, the character can take a penalty
of up to 5 on his attack roll and add the same number
(up to +5) to the characters Defence. This number may
not exceed the characters base attack bonus. The changes
to attack rolls and Defence last until the characters next
action. The bonus to the characters Defence is a dodge
bonus (and as such it stacks with other dodge bonuses the
character may have).
Normal: A character without the Combat Expertise feat
can fight defensively while using the attack or full attack
action to take a 4 penalty on attacks and gain a +2 dodge
bonus to Defence.
C o m b a t R e f l e xes
You can respond quickly to opponents who let their guard
down.
Benefit: The maximum number of attacks of opportunity
the character may make each round is equal to the characters
Dexterity modifier + 1. The character can still only make
one attack of opportunity on a single opponent.
With this feat, the character may also make attacks of
opportunity when flat-footed.
Normal: A character without the Combat Reflexes feat
can make only one attack of opportunity per round and
cannot make attacks of opportunity when flat-footed.
Confident
You are naturally self-confident.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Gamble
checks and Intimidate checks, and on level checks to resist
intimidation.
Crafter
You are skilled with your hands.
Benefit: Pick two of either Repair, or a form of Craft that
involves making things. You have a +2 insight bonus to all
such skill checks.
72
Special: A character can select this feat twice, selecting
different skills the second time.
Creative
You have a creative streak.
Benefit: Pick two of either a Perform skill speciality, or a
form of Craft that involves creativity and inspiration. You
have a +2 insight bonus to all such skill checks.
Special: A character can select this feat twice, selecting
different skills the second time.
Deceptive
Trust me
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Bluff checks
and Disguise checks.
Dodge
You are adept at dodging attacks.
Prerequisite: Dexterity 13.
Benefit: During the characters action, the character
designates an opponent and receives a +1 dodge bonus
to Defence against any subsequent attacks from that
opponent. The character can select a new opponent on
any action.
Special: A condition that makes the character lose his
Dexterity bonus to Defence also makes the character lose
dodge bonuses. Also, dodge bonuses stack with each other,
unlike most other types of bonuses.
Educated
The benefits of university
Benefit: Pick two Knowledge skills. The character gets a
+2 bonus on all checks with those skills.
Special: A character can select this feat as many as five
times. Each time, the character selects two new Knowledge
skills.
Elusive Target
You can use opponents as cover in combat.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Martial Arts.
Benefit: When fighting an opponent or multiple
opponents in melee, other opponents attempting to target
the character with ranged attacks take a 4 penalty. This
penalty is in addition to the normal 4 penalty for firing
into melee, making the penalty to target to character 8.
Special: An opponent with the Precise Shot feat has the
penalty lessened to 4 when targeting the character.
Endurance
You have great reserves of stamina.
Benefit: The character gains a +4 bonus on the following
checks and saves: hourly Swim checks to avoid becoming
fatigued, Constitution checks to continue running,
Constitution checks to hold the characters breath,
Constitution checks to avoid damage from starvation or
thirst, Fortitude saves to avoid damage from hot or cold
environments and Fortitude saves to resist suffocation or
drowning.
Fan
You can fire a single-action sidearm multiple times a round
by manually fanning the hammer.
Benefit: When using a single-action pistol, you can fire
it multiple times each round by making a Dexterity check
(DC 15) for each shot. If the check is failed, then the
character may make no more attacks this round. The
maximum number of shots you can fan is your Dex
modifier + 1.
A penalty is applied to each shot if the result of the
Dexterity check is less than 20, apply a 2 penalty to the
next attack for every point of different. For example, if
the result of the Dexterity check was 16, then the gunman
could make another attack, but would suffer a 8 (20-
16=4, x2) penalty to the attack.
A character must have both hands free to use the Fan feat.
Far Shot
You are good at attacking from long range.
Benefit: When the character uses a firearm or bow, its
range increment increases by one-half (multiply by 1.5).
When the character throws a weapon, its range increment
is doubled.
Focused
You keep your cool.
Benefit: The character gets get a +2 bonus on all Balance
checks and Concentration checks.
G r ea t C l e a v e
You can cut through hosts of enemies.
Prerequisites: Strength 13, Power Attack, Cleave, base
attack bonus +4.
Benefit: As Cleave, except that the character has no limit
to the number of times he can use it per round.
Great Fortitude
You are tougher than normal.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Fortitude
saving throws.
Greater Weapon
Focus
Choose one type of weapon for which you have already
selected Weapon Focus. You can also choose unarmed
strike or grapple as your weapon for purposes of this feat.
Prerequisites: Proficiency with selected weapon, Weapon
Focus with selected weapon, Base Attack Bonus +8.
Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus on all attack rolls you make
using the selected weapon. This bonus stacks with other
bonuses on attack rolls, including the one from Weapon
Focus (see below).
Special: You can gain Greater Weapon Focus multiple
times. Its effects do not stack. Each time you take the
feat, it applies to a new type of weapon.
Greater Weapon
Specialisation
Choose one type of weapon for which you have already
selected Weapon Specialisation. You can also choose
unarmed strike or grapple as your weapon for purposes of
this feat.
Prerequisites: Proficiency with selected weapon, Greater
Weapon Focus with selected weapon, Weapon Focus with
selected weapon, Weapon Specialisation with selected
weapon, Base Attack Bonus +12.
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on all damage rolls you make
using the selected weapon. This bonus stacks with other
bonuses on damage rolls, including the one from Weapon
Specialisation (see below).
Special: You can gain Greater Weapon Specialisation
multiple times. Its effects do not stack. Each time you
take the feat, it applies to a new type of weapon.
73
 Improved Aim
You are a practised sniper.
Prerequisites: Wis 13, Any Longarms Proficiency.
Skills and Feats
Benefit: When making an aim action with a longarm,
you gain an additional +1 bonus to your attack roll for
every round spent aiming, up to a maximum of your Base
Attack Bonus. This bonus stacks with the +2 or +4 bonus
for aiming.
I m p r o v e d B u l l Rush
You know how to push opponents back.
Prerequisites: Strength 13, Power Attack.
Benefit: When the character performs a bull rush, the
character does not provoke an attack of opportunity from
the defender.
I m p r o v e d D i s arm
You are skilled at disarming opponents.
Prerequisites: Intelligence 13, Combat Expertise.
Benefit: The character does not provoke an attack of
opportunity when the character attempts to disarm an
opponent, nor does the opponent get a chance to disarm
the character.
I m p r o v e d F e i nt
You excel at misdirecting.
Prerequisites: Intelligence 13, Dodge.
Benefit: The character can make a Bluff check in combat
as a move action. The character receives a +2 bonus on
Bluff checks made to feint in melee combat.
Normal: Feinting in combat requires an attack action.
I m pr o v e d I n i t i ative
You react quickly in a fight.
Benefit: The character gets a +4 circumstance bonus on
initiative checks.
I m p r o v e d T r ip
You can follow through on trip attacks.
Prerequisites: Intelligence 13, Combat Expertise.
Benefit: The character does not provoke an attack of
opportunity when the character tries to trip an opponent
while the character is unarmed.
74
If the character trips an opponent in melee combat, the
character immediately gets to make a melee attack against
that opponent as if the character had not used his attack
action for the trip attempt.
Improved Two-
Weapon Fighting
You are an expert at fighting with two weapons.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Two-Weapon Fighting, base
attack bonus +6.
Benefit: The character gets a second attack with his
offhand weapon, albeit at a 5 penalty. Also, this feat
allows the character to use a melee weapon in one hand
and a ranged weapon in the other.
Normal: Without this feat, a character can only get a single
extra attack with an off-hand weapon, and both weapons
must be of the same type (either both ranged weapons or
both melee weapons).
Iron Will
You have a stronger will than normal.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Will saving
throws.
Lightning Reflexes
You have excellent reflexes.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Reflex saving
throws.
Literacy
You can read and write.
Benefit: The character can read and write fully. Literacy
was far from universal in the West. Without this feat,
a character can only make out a few common words
(Saloon, Sheriff , Wanted and so on) and cannot write.
Special: A character cannot take the Decipher Script skill
without this feat.
Lucky
You are unnaturally lucky.
Benefit: The characters Luck Point total increases by
2d6.
Special: A character can take this feat multiple times.
Each time, it increases the characters Luck by 2d6 points.
 Martial Arts
You are trained in scientific boxing or one of the Oriental
martial arts.
Benefit: You can inflict lethal damage with your bare
hands. Your unarmed attacks deal 2 + your Strength bonus
in damage, and you may choose to inflict wounds instead
of brawling.
Medical Expert
You are skilled at aiding the sick.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Craft
(chemical) checks and Treat Injury checks.
Special: Remember that the Craft (chemical) skill cannot
be used untrained.
Meticulous
You are painstakingly accurate and complete.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Forgery
checks and Search checks.
Mobility
You are skilled at dodging past opponents.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Dodge.
Benefit: The character gets a +4 dodge bonus to Defence
against attacks of opportunity provoked when the character
moves out of a threatened square.
Special: A condition that makes a character lose his
Dexterity bonus to Defence also makes the character lose
dodge bonuses. Also, dodge bonuses stack with each other,
unlike most other types of bonuses.
Mounted Fire
You are skilled at shooting while mounted.
Prerequisites: Ride 1 rank.
Benefit: The penalty you take when using a ranged
weapon while mounted is halved: 2 instead of 4 if your
mount is taking a double move, and 4 instead of 8 if
your mount is running.
Moving Shot
You keep your hand steady.
Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot.
Benefit: The penalty to attack rolls caused by the characters
movement is reduced by 2.
Nimble
You have exceptional flexibility and manual dexterity.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Escape Artist
checks and Sleight of Hand checks.
Special: Remember that the Sleight of Hand skill cannot
be used untrained.
Point Blank Shot
You are skilled at making accurate shots at close range.
Benefit: The character gets a +1 bonus on attack and
damage rolls with ranged weapons against opponents
within 30 feet.
Power Attack
You can make exceptional powerful attacks.
Prerequisite: Strength 13.
Benefit: On the characters action, before making attack
rolls for a round, the character may choose to subtract
a number from all melee attack rolls and add the same
number to all melee damage rolls. This number may not
exceed the characters base attack bonus. The penalty on
attacks and bonus on damage applies until the characters
next action.
Precise Shot
You are an excellent shot.
Prerequisite: Point Blank Shot.
Benefit: The character can shoot or throw ranged weapons
at an opponent engaged in melee without penalty.
Normal: A character takes a 4 penalty when using a
ranged weapon to attack an opponent who is engaged in
melee combat.
Quick Reload
You can reload a gun much more quickly.
Prerequisite: Quick Draw.
Benefit: The time needed to reload a firearm is reduced.
Fully reloading a weapon is now a move action. The time
required to reload a weapon that takes multiple rounds to
reload is reduced by one round, the act of reloading can
never, however, be a free action.
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 R e s i s t I m p a i r m ent
You are too mean to die.
Prerequisite: Toughness.
Skills and Feats
Benefit: Reduce all impairment penalties by one.
Special: A character may take this feat multiple times; its
effects stack.
R i d e - b y A t t a ck
You are adept at making hit and run attacks when
mounted.
Prerequisites: Ride 1 rank.
Benefit: When you are mounted and use the charge action,
you may move and attack as if with a standard charge
and then move again (continuing the straight line of the
charge). Your total movement for the round cannot exceed
double your mounted speed. You and your mount do not
provoke an attack of opportunity from the opponent that
you attack.
Run
You are unusually fast.
Benefit: When running, the character moves a maximum
of five times his normal speed instead of four times. If the
character is in heavy armour, the character can move four
times his speed rather than three times. If the character
makes a long jump, the character gains a +2 competence
bonus on his Jump check.
S h o t o n t h e R un
You are a good skirmisher.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Point Blank Shot, Moving
Shot, Dodge, Mobility.
Benefit: When using an attack action with a ranged
weapon, the character can move both before and after the
attack, provided that the characters total distance moved is
not greater than his speed.
Moving in this way does not provoke an attack of
opportunity from the defender the character is attacking
(though it can provoke attacks of opportunity from others,
as normal).
Skill Focus
You are especially skilled in one narrow field.
Benefit: Select a skill. You have a +3 insight bonus to all
skill checks with that skill.
76
Snap Shot
You are adept at taking shots when the opportunity
presents itself.
Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot.
Benefit: When armed with a sidearm, you threaten the
area within two range increments of your weapon.
Normal: A character cannot threaten with a ranged
weapon, and only threatens the area within his reach.
Skip Shot
You can bounce attacks around cover.
Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot.
Benefit: If the character has a solid, relatively smooth
surface on which to skip a bullet (such as a street or a
concrete wall), and a target within 10 feet of that surface,
the character may ignore cover between the character and
the target. However, the character receives a 2 penalty on
his attack roll and the damage from the attack is halved.
Special: The surface does not have to be perfectly smooth
and level; a brick wall or an asphalt road can be used.
The target can have no more than nine-tenths cover for a
character to attempt a skip shot.
Speak Language
You can speak a particular language.
Benefit: The character can speak a language that is not
commonly known. The most common use for this feat
is to speak an Indian dialect (or for Indian translators to
speak English). Versions of this feat include:
Speak English
Speak French
Speak German
Speak Spanish
Speak Latin
Speak Chinese
Speak Sioux
Speak Indian Sign Language
Normal: A character can automatically speak his native
language (English for most characters), but can speak no
other languages.
Special: A character can use Decipher Script to decode
a particular piece of writing even if he does not speak the
language. A character with the Literacy feat can also write
any language he speaks.
S p i r it e d C h a r g e
You are highly adept at using a mount to charge into melee
combat.
Prerequisites: Ride 1 rank, Ride-By Attack.
Benefit: When mounted and using the charge action,
you deal double damage with a melee weapon (or triple
damage with a lance).
Spring Attack
You are good at hit-and-run attacks.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Dodge, Mobility, base attack
bonus +4.
Benefit: When using an attack action with a melee
weapon, the character can move both before and after
the attack, provided that the total distance moved is not
greater than the characters speed.
Moving in this way does not provoke an attack of
opportunity from the defender the character is attacking
(though it can provoke attacks of opportunity from others,
as normal).
A character cannot use this feat if he is carrying a heavy
load or wearing heavy armour.
Stealthy
You go unseen and unheard.
Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Hide checks
and Move Silently checks.
Sunder
You smash items with lan.
Prerequisites: Strength 13, Power Attack.
Benefit: When the character strikes an object held or
carried by an opponent, such as a weapon, the character
does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
The character gains a +4 bonus on any attack roll made to
attack an object held or carried by another character. The
character deals double normal damage to objects, whether
they are held or carried or not.
Normal: A character without this feat incurs an attack of
opportunity when he strikes at an object held or carried by
another character.
Surgery
You are trained in surgical procedures.
Prerequisite: Treat Injury 4 ranks.
Benefit: The character can use the Treat Injury skill to
perform surgery without penalty.
Normal: Characters without this feat take a 4 penalty on
Treat Injury checks made to perform surgery.
Toughness
You are tougher than normal.
Benefit: The character gains +3 hit points.
Special: A character may gain this feat multiple times. Its
effects stack.
Track
You can find and follow a trail.
Benefit: To find tracks or follow them for one mile requires
a Survival check. The character must make another Survival
check every time the tracks become difficult to follow.
The character moves at half his normal speed (or at the
characters normal speed with a 5 penalty on the check,
or at up to twice the characters speed with a 20 penalty
on the check). The DC depends on the surface and the
prevailing conditions.
Surface Track DC
Very soft 5
Soft 10
Firm 15
Hard 20
Very Soft: Any surface (fresh snow, thick dust,
wet mud) that holds deep, clear impressions of
footprints.
Soft: Any surface soft enough to yield to pressure,
but firmer than wet mud or fresh snow, in which
the quarry leaves frequent but shallow footprints.
Firm: Most normal outdoor or exceptionally soft
or dirty indoor surfaces. The quarry might leave
some traces of its passage, but only occasional or
partial footprints can be found.
77
 Hard: Any surface that does not hold footprints at
all, such as bare rock, concrete, metal decking, or
indoor floors. The quarry leaves only traces, such
as scuff marks.
Skills and Feats
Benefit: When you attempt to overrun an opponent while
mounted, your target may not choose to avoid you. Your
mount may make one hoof attack against any target you
knock down, gaining the standard +4 bonus on attack rolls
against prone targets.

If the character fails a Survival check, he can retry after 1

hour (outdoors) or 10 minutes (indoors) of searching. Trustworthy
You seem trustworthy.
Normal: A character without this feat can use the Survival
skill to find tracks, but can only follow tracks if the DC Benefit: The character gets a +2 bonus on all Diplomacy
is 10 or less. A character can use the Search skill to find checks and Gather Information checks.
individual footprints, but cannot follow tracks using

Two-Weapon Fighting
Search.

You can fight with a weapon in each hand.

Condition DC Modifier
Prerequisite: Dexterity 13+.
Every three targets in the group being 1
Benefit: The characters penalties for fighting with two
tracked
weapons are reduced; see Chapter 7, Combat. The
Size of targets being tracked: 1 weapons used must both be melee weapons or both be
Fine +8 ranged weapons (the character cannot mix the types). He
Diminutive +4 may also draw two light or one-handed weapons in one
Tiny +2 move action (or free action if he also has the Quick Draw
feat).
Small +1
Vehicle Dodge
Medium +0 You can swerve out of the way of trouble.
Large 1
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Drive 6 ranks.
Huge 2
Benefit: When driving a vehicle, during the characters
Gargantuan 4 action the character designates an opposing vehicle or a
Colossal 8 single opponent. The characters vehicle and everyone
aboard it receive a +1 dodge bonus to Defence against
Every 24 hours since the trail was +1 attacks from that vehicle or opponent. The character can
made select a new vehicle or opponent on any action.
Every hour of rain since the trail was +1
made Weapon Finesse
Fresh snow cover since the trail was +10 Choose one light melee weapon the character is skilled at
made wielding it swiftly and adroitly.
Poor visibility: 2
Overcast or moonless night +6 Prerequisites: Proficient with weapon, base attack bonus
Moonlight +3 +1.

Fog or precipitation +3 Benefit: With the selected melee weapon, the character
may use his Dexterity modifier instead of his Strength
Tracked target hides trail (and moves +5 modifier on attack rolls.
at half speed)
1
For a group of mixed sizes, apply only the modifier for Special: A character can gain this feat multiple times.
the largest size category represented. Each time the character takes the feat, the character selects
2
Apply only the largest modifier from this category. a different weapon.

Trample Weapon Focus

You are skilled at making your mount crush foes Choose a specific weapon. A character can choose unarmed
underfoot. strike or grapple for your weapon for purposes of this feat.

Prerequisites: Ride 1 rank.

78
Prerequisites: Proficient with weapon, base attack bonus
+1.
Benefit: The character adds +1 to all attack rolls he makes
using the selected weapon.
Special: A character can gain this feat multiple times.
Each time the character takes the feat, the character must
select a different weapon.
Weapon
Specialisation
Choose one type of weapon for which you have already
selected the Weapon Focus feat. You can also choose
unarmed strike or grapple as your weapon for purposes of
this feat. You deal extra damage when using this weapon.
Prerequisites: Proficiency with selected weapon, Weapon
Focus with selected weapon, base attack bonus +4.
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on all damage rolls you make
using the selected weapon.
Special: You can gain this feat multiple times. Its effects
do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies to a
new type of weapon.
Whirlwind Attack
You can hit everyone nearby in one attack.
Prerequisites: Dexterity 13, Intelligence 13, Dodge,
Mobility, Spring Attack, Combat Expertise, base attack
bonus +4.
Benefit: When the character performs a full-round action,
the character can give up his regular attacks and instead
make one melee attack at the characters highest base attack
bonus against each adjacent opponent.
Weapon
Proficiencies
The various weapons listed in Chapter XX: Outfitting
require weapon proficiencies to use. A character who wishes
to use a weapon properly needs to have the appropriate
feat. Most people in the West have at least Simple Weapons
Proficiency and Simple Longarms Proficiency, while a
soldier will have Martial Weapons Proficiency and Martial
Longarms and Sidearms Proficiencies.
Improvised Weapons
Proficiency
You can turn anything into a weapon.
Benefit: You may use an Improvised Weapon without
penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 2 penalty when attacking
with an improvised weapon.
79
 S i m p l e W e a p o ns
Proficiency
You are used to fighting using basic weapons.
Skills and Feats
Benefit: You may use a Simple Melee or Ranged Weapon
without penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with a Simple Weapon without this feat.
M a r t i a l W e a p ons
Proficiency
You are trained in using martial weapons such as sabres.
Benefit: You may use a Martial Melee or Ranged Weapon
without penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with a Martial Weapon without this feat.
I n d i a n W e a p o ns
Proficiency
You are trained in using the weapons of the Indians, such
as bows and tomahawks.
Benefit: You may use an Indian Melee or Ranged Weapon
without penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with an Indian Weapon without this feat.
E x o t i c W e a p o ns
Proficiency
You are trained in using an exotic weapon such as a lasso.
Benefit: Choose an exotic weapon. You may use that
particular Exotic Melee or Ranged Weapon without
penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with the chosen Exotic Weapon without this feat.
S i m p l e S i d e a r ms
Proficiency
You are trained in using commonly available pistols.
Benefit: You may use a Simple Sidearm without penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with a Simple Sidearm without this feat.
80
Martial Sidearms
Proficiency
You are trained in using the choice sidearms of the military
and gunslingers.
Benefit: You may use a Martial Sidearm without penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with a Martial Sidearm without this feat.
Exotic Sidearms
Proficiency
You are trained in using rarely encountered handguns such
as the Colt Buntline Special pistol.
Benefit: Choose an exotic sidearm. You may use that
Exotic Sidearm without penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with that particular Exotic Sidearm without this feat.
Simple Longarms
Proficiency
You are trained in using commonly available rifles and
shotguns.
Benefit: You may use a Simple Longarm without
penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with a Simple Longarm without this feat.
Martial Longarms
Proficiency
You are trained in using the choice longarms of the military
and gunslingers.
Benefit: You may use a Martial Longarm without
penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with a Martial Longarm without this feat.
Exotic Longarm
Proficiency
You are trained in using rarely encountered guns, such as
the Colt Revolving rifle.
Benefit: Choose an exotic Longarm. You may use that
Exotic Longarm without penalty.
Normal: A character suffers a 4 penalty when attacking
with that particular Exotic Longarm without this feat.
 Outfitting
Purchasing
Equipment
Equipment is rated as common, uncommon or rare.
Common equipment can be obtained almost anywhere, and
is produced in most settlements and towns. Uncommon
items can only be found in larger towns and cities. Rare
items must be shipped from the east, and therefore are
found only in the largest cities or are specially ordered.
Trading
Barter and haggling are accepted parts of trade in the West.
A canny trader can barter a bundle of buffalo hides for a
shiny new rifle, even when the storekeeper has a big heap of
hides out back. There are several different styles of bartering
a character may use Bluff (claiming that whatever he is
offering is better than it is), Diplomacy (trying to persuade
the other to give a good deal), Intimidation (veiled or
obvious threats) or Perform (a practised line of patter).
After choosing their approach, both characters make
an opposed skill check. However, each approach is
especially effective against one other approach (giving a +4
circumstance bonus to the roll) and especially vulnerable
to another.
Bluff beats Intimidate and loses to Diplomacy
Diplomacy beats Bluff and loses to Perform
Perform beats Diplomacy and loses to
Intimidate
Intimidate beats Perform and loses to Bluff
For every point by which one character beats the others
roll, he may adjust the worth of his goods up or the worth
of the opponents goods down by 10%. The characters can
haggle again after the first bout of haggling, but the price
change halves to 5%. A third and final round of haggling
has the price change by 2.5% per point of difference.
Equipment
Tables
Equipment items are described by a number of statistics, as
shown on the following tables.
Size: The size category of a piece of equipment helps to
determine how easy that object is to conceal, and it also
indicates whether using the object requires one hand or
two. In general, a character needs only one hand to use
any object that is of his size category or smaller.
Weight: This column gives the items weight.
Cost: The value, in dollars.
Availability: Common, Uncommon or Rare.
Bags and Boxes
Sack: A standard burlap sack, once used to hold flour,
vegetables or some other goods.
Saddlebag: Retrieving an item from a saddlebag while
riding requires a Ride check (DC 5).
Chest: This is a travel chest, one that a family of settlers
might store their treasured possessions in. Such trunks are
often quite well made and ornate. A chest is fitted with
a lock that requires a Disable Device check (DC 25) to
open (Break DC 25) and has a Hardness of 8 with 20 hit
points.
Strongbox: This strongbox is bound in iron. It is the sort
of container that might be carried on a stagecoach, holding
important mail, monies, gold and other valuable items.
The strongbox has a lock that requires a Disable Device
check (DC 35) to open, a Break DC of 30, a Hardness of
10 and 40 hit points.
Barrel: Barrels are still one of the most common ways to
store items. Anything that must keep for a long time tends
to be stored in barrels.
81
 General Equipment
Object Size Weight Price Availability
Bags and Boxes
Sack Small lb. 5c Common
Saddlebag Medium 8 lb. $8 Common
Chest Medium 25 lb. $3 Common
Strongbox Medium 35 lb. $25 Uncommon
Barrel Large 30 lb. $1 Common
Clothing
Outfitting

Business suit Medium 3 lb. $12 Uncommon

Casual wear Medium 2 lb. $5 Common
Formal dress Medium 4 lb. $15 Rare
Uniform Medium 2 lb. $10 Uncommon
Outerwear
Coat Medium 4 lb. $10 Common
Hat Tiny - $3 Common
Leather chaps Small 2 lb. $4.50 Common
Boots Small 2 lb. $5 Common
Spurs Tiny - 50c Common
Bandana Tiny - 10c Common
Professional Equipment
Doctors Bag Medium 15 lb. $25 Uncommon
Forgery kit Small 6 lb. $15 Uncommon
Handcuffs Tiny 1 lb. $3 Common
Lockpick set Tiny 1 lb. $2 Common
Mechanical tool kit Medium 30 lb. $10 Uncommon
Trail Gear
Telescope Tiny 3 lb. $15 Uncommon
Rope (50 ft.) Large 12 lb. 50c Common
Compass Diminutive - $2 Uncommon
Oil lamp Medium 4 lb. $1.50 Common
Tent Large 30 lb. $6 Common
Canteen Tiny 1 lb. 50c Common
Bedroll Large 10 lb. $4 Common
Blanket Medium 3 lb. 50c Common
Trap Medium 6 lb. $1.50 Common
Branding Iron Small 3 lb. $2 Uncommon
Saddle Large 20 lb. $25 Uncommon
Saddle, Masterwork Large 20 lb. $50 Rare
Shovel Medium 6 lb. $2.50 Common
Saw Small 2 lb. $1 Common
Pick Small 4 lb. $4 Common
Weapon Accessories
Holster Small - $1.50 Common
Pistol belt Small 1 lb. $1 Common
Ammo bandolier Small 1 lb. $1 Common
Ammunition, black powder Medium 3 lb. $1.50 Common
Ammunition, .22 Small 2 lb. $1.40 Common
Ammunition, .32 Small 4 lb. $2.50 Common
Ammunition. 38 Medium 4 lb. $3 Common
Ammunition, .45 Medium 6.5 lb. $3.25 Uncommon
Ammunition, .52 Medium 6.5 lb. $3.50 Common

82
 Ammunition, 10 gauge Medium 7 lb. $1 Common
Ammunition, 12 gauge Medium 7 lb. $1.50 Common
Gun cleaning kit Tiny 1 lb. $1.50 Common
Telescopic Sight Diminutive lb. $15 Uncommon
Consumables
Trail rations (one week) Medium 10 lb. $1 Common
Lamp oil Medium 8 lb. 10c Common
Tobacco Diminutive - 10c Common
Luxuries
Banjo Small 12 lb. $12 Uncommon
Deck of Cards Diminutive - 15c Common
Harmonica Diminutive - 50c Uncommon
Newspaper Tiny - 1c Common
Piano Huge 800 lb. $100 Rare
Violin Small 4 lb. $10 Uncommon

Clothing Spurs: A pair of spurs that attaches to any boot heels.

The various outfits listed here have average prices for their
various components a character can splash out on a more
expensive shirt, or buy a second-hand pair of boots to
adjust the price up or down.
Business suit: A dark suit, suitable for an undertaker,
clerk, banker or lawyer. Your average Dude might wear a
robust version of this.
Casual wear: Most men in the West wear sensible
clothing consisting of a cotton shirt, breeches or trousers,
an overcoat in wet weather, boots and a hat. Women wear
heavier dresses and shawls.
Formal dress: This outfit is suitable for a formal dinner,
dance or funeral.
Uniform: An army uniform.
Coat: This heavy leather or buffalo-hide duster protects
the wearer from cold, precipitation and dust. It is also
heavy enough to provide one point of armour.
Hat: This can be the classic ten-gallon hat of the cowboy,
or a more reasonable derby or sombrero. A hat keeps the
sun and the flies off, holds water, works as a fan, and is also
usable as a flag or signalling device.
Leather chaps: These coverings protect the cowboys legs
during long rides, as well as from thorny underbrush and
harsh weather.
Boots: A finely made pair of good boots can cost up to
thirty dollars, but such fancy footwear is normally the
mark of the dude or dandy.
Spurs give a +1 bonus to Ride checks, or a +2 if the rider is
willing to inflict one point of damage on his mount.
Bandanna: This little square of cloth is one of the most
useful items to have on the range. It can be used to shade
the back of the neck from the sun, as a dust mask, a towel,
a strainer for muddy water, a hat tie in windy weather, a
sling or bandage, a face shroud for the dead or a noose for
the guilty. Bandannas are also notoriously used to conceal
ones identity when embarking on hold-ups and robberies,
simply by tying the scarf around the lower part of the face
and pulling a hat down low over the eyes. When used in
this way, a bandanna will provide a +2 circumstance bonus
to a Disguise check to conceal a characters identity.
Professional
Equipment
Doctors Bag: The bag contains bandages, scalpels,
tourniquets and other tools, as well as a selection of balms,
anaesthetics and other drugs. It allows the full use of the
Treat Injury skill, including surgery.
Forgery kit: This is a set of papers, pens and inks, as well
as a magnifying glass, knives and glue. It can be used to
forge documents and letters.
Handcuffs: These sturdy steel manacles have a lock that
requires a Disable Device check (DC 20) to open, a Break
DC of 30, a Hardness of 10 and 10 hit points. These
handcuffs can be for the hands or feet (known as leg irons)
the latter costs an extra dollar.
Lockpick set: This set of probes, skeleton keys and picks
allows a character to use the Disable Device skill without
penalty.

83
 Mechanical tool kit: A box of wrenches, hammers, saws Blanket: A blanket gives a +1 bonus to Fortitude saves
and other tools for use with various Craft skills. against exposure in cold weather.

Trail Gear
Telescope: A small, collapsible telescope that has a
range of 15 miles or so on a clear day. It provides a +2
circumstance bonus to any Spot check to notice a distant
object, providing the user takes a full round action in order
to use it.
Outfitting
Trap: Traps come in various sizes, for catching anything
from squirrels to bears (and, occasionally, people). Some
traps are damaging; others merely entangle the victim. A
trap for Tiny creatures inflicts 1 point of damage when
triggered; a Small trap deals 1d4 damage, a Medium 1d6,
and a Large trap 1d8.

Rope: Good sturdy honest rope that can be used as a
lariat, to tie up a steer, or to corral a horse, not to mention
climb down a cliff or hang a rustler.
Compass: It points north. A compass on its own will not
get a traveller anywhere a man needs to know the trails
and routes through the wilderness to avoid dangers.
Oil lamp: At night, the lamp casts bright illumination
within 30 feet and shadowy illumination within 60 feet.
The lamp has a hardness of 3 and 5 hit points, and spills
burning oil if broken.
Tent: This little tent provides little protection from the
elements, but does shelter the character from light wind
and rain.
Canteen: A canteen holds three days worth of water.
Bedroll: Travellers sleeping under the stars need a bedroll
for a comfortable night.
Branding Iron: Heated in a bonfire, this tool is used to
mark cattle with the signature brand of a particular ranch
or trail herd. Can be used as an improvised weapon,
causing damage as a club, plus 1d4 fire damage if heated
for ten minutes beforehand.
Saddle: A cowboys saddle was among his most prized
(and expensive) possessions.
Saddle, Masterwork: Gives a +1 equipment bonus to
Ride checks.
Shovel: A useful tool designed for digging holes and
shifting earth. Can also act as an improvised club in an
emergency.
Saw: Usually used for cutting branches or working wood,
although it is not unheard of for a humble saw to act as an
improvised amputation tool when there is nothing more
suitable available.

A m munition Types
The art of killing advanced greatly during the 19th century. Wars such as the Civil War provided the impetus for new
types of weapons. One of the major advancements came in the field of ammunition. At the start of the century, black
powder weapons were used. Gunpowder was poured into the weapon, packed down with a ramrod, and then the
actual projectile (a lead ball) was added on top. These evolved into paper cartridge weapons. Each paper cartridge
contained a pre-measured amount of gunpowder and a lead ball. The gunner would tear open the cartridge, pour the
gunpowder in, use the paper as wadding, and then add the ball.

Percussion cap ammunition followed, requiring each chamber to be loaded individually, ramming home the charge
and capping the chamber. Experienced shootists tended to preload spare cylinders to save time. Finally came metal
cartridge ammunition, which contain primer, powder and shot in a single capsule. When the hammer falls, it detonates
the primer, which detonates the powder and expels the shot. Hot on its heels came the full-blown metal cartridge
round.

In most games, the majority of weapons will be metal cartridge, which were in widespread use in the latter half of the
19th century.

Each box of ammunition holds 100 bullets and the appropriate amount of powder.

Ammunition in OGL Wild West is deliberately abstracted, to simplify bookkeeping and allowing players characters to
trade ammunition. To allow this, the calibres of several weapons have been changed from their actual values. Similarly
loading times have been simplified to provide that authentic Hollywood feel.

84
Pick: A combination of axe and hammer, used for Luxuries
anything from breaking rocks to digging tunnels. A vital Banjo: A relatively easy instrument to play, banjos are
component of any mining exhibition, a pick can also be used with the Perform skill.
used as an improvised axe if necessary.
Deck of Cards: Used for gambling. See page XX.
Weapon Accessories
Holster: This holster can be attached to a belt and holds Harmonica: A mouth organ, playable with one hand.
a single pistol. A masterwork holster (costing $15) gives The Perform skill is used to play it well.
a +1 equipment bonus when quick drawing a weapon. It
also protects the weapon from exposure to the elements. Newspaper: Newspapers were common in the West many
small towns had their own newspaper, printed locally. The
Pistol belt: This belt holds twenty bullets, which are printer was often the writer, editor and publisher as well;
easily accessible in a fire-fight. Having one allows a gun to vendettas and petty feuds often raged across the columns
be reloaded quickly in a firefight. of newsprint. They also regularly provide alternate means
of employment for feisty female characters.
Rifle cover: This oilcloth or leather cover protects a
longarm from exposure. See Weapon Maintenance, page Piano: This is an upright piano. It could be a status
XX. symbol to a settler, or play jaunty music in a drinking hall
of debauchery and gambling. Remember, never shoot the
Ammo bandolier: An ammo bandolier is usually worn piano player.
over one shoulder and holds another twenty bullets and
gives the same benefits as a pistol belt, although it can also Violin: Perhaps the most popular instrument in the West,
carry rifle bullets and shotgun cartridges. many found themselves making more money playing the
fiddle than they did through mining or ranching.
Telescopic Sight: Effectively a small telescope that allows
a character to aim any rifle with pinpoint accuracy. A Horses
character using a rifle fitted with telescopic sights gains The West ran on horses. The Cavalry was the premier
a +4 bonus when aiming, instead of the usual +2. (See military unit; communications were carried by pony express
Aiming, page XX). and horse-drawn stagecoach some states considered horse
theft a greater crime than murder. Almost every character
Gun cleaning kit: A gun can quickly become jammed will have at least one horse.
with dirt and other foreign particles. This kit contains
cloths, oils and tools to keep a weapon clean. Failing to Detailed horse rules are in Chapter XX, Horses. The cost
maintain a weapon increases the chance of a misfire see of a horse varies depending on its quality, size and age.
Weapon Maintenance, page XX. Each horse has a number of Horse Feats, which are special
abilities possessed by the mount.
Consumables
Trail rations (one week): Trail rations consist of dried Horses
meat, pemmican, beans and other preserved food. Most Horse Type Cost Feats Availability
supplement this measly diet with hunting, fresh food Mule $80 1 Common
traded for along the way, or the contents of a chuckwagon.
Mule, Ornery $100 1d4 Uncommon
Still, those heading into uninhabited territory should take
Pony $50 1 Common
along a few weeks worth of food.
Pony, Loyal $70 1d4 Uncommon
Lamp oil: This is a large jug of oil, containing one pint Horse, Light $50 2 Common
of lamp oil. Horse, Excellent $80 1+1d4 Uncommon
Light
Tobacco: Smoking or chewing. See The Outlaw Josey Horse, Heavy $60 2 Common
Wales for how to handle chewing tobacco appropriately. Horse, Excellent $100 1+1d4 Uncommon
Heavy
Horse feed: There is not always enough grass to feed a
horse, especially out in the desert. A bag of grain can keep
a horse on its feet after a hard ride. This bag contains
enough for one week.

85
 Vehicles
Vehicles are described by a number of statistics, as shown
on the Vehicles table below.
C (Crew): The standard number of crew. In
most cases, only one person is needed to drive the
Wagons & Cove r
A character inside a wagon has nine-tenths cover when
inside a wagon, or half cover when firing out the front
or the back. As the bed of the wagon slopes upwards, a
character lying in the wagon has total cover.

Circled Wagons
vehicle; other crew members ride shotgun, serve as
porters or engineers and so on.
The most common defence of a wagon train is to
arrange the wagons into a circle, forming a corral in
Outfitting

P (Passengers): The number of passengers (in

addition to the crew) the vehicle is designed to
carry. Vehicles that carry passengers can use that
space to carry additional cargo when passengers
are not present. Each unused passenger slot allows
the vehicle to carry an additional 100 pounds of
cargo.
the middle to hold the horses or oxen and providing a
defensive line to hold out against attackers. Characters
can use the wagons for cover and anyone trying to run
between the wagons or crawl under them will have
nowhere to dodge to and therefore will not gain their
Reflex bonus to Defence.

Team: The number of horses needed to pull Def (Defence): The vehicles Defence.
the vehicle. The number in brackets is the total
Strength needed to pull the vehicle, should the Hard (Hardness): The vehicles hardness.
driver need to use mules or ponies instead of Subtract this number from any damage dealt to
horses. the vehicle.

Cargo Capacity: The amount of cargo the vehicle
is designed to carry. Many vehicles can carry
extra passengers instead of cargo, but doing so
is usually a cramped, uncomfortable, and often
unsafe experience for those passengers. As a rule
of thumb, one additional passenger can be carried
for each 250 pounds of unused cargo capacity.
HP (Hit Points): The vehicles full normal hit
points.
Size: Vehicle size categories are defined differently
from the size categories for weapons and other
objects (they use the creature size categories, not
item sizes).

Init (Initiative): The modifier added to the drivers
initiative check when operating the vehicle.
Man (Manoeuvre): The modifier added to any
Drive checks attempted with the vehicle.
Top Speed: The vehicles maximum speed.
Cost: The price of the vehicle.
Availability: Where the vehicle can be
purchased.
Light Wagon (Buckboard): This is a small cart with
springy suspension under the front seat. It is pulled by
two horses. Another four or five people can be crammed

Vehicles
Top
Vehicle C P Team Cargo Init Man Speed Def Hard HP Size Cost Availability
Light Wagon 1 1 2 650 lb. -2 -2 90 ft. 9 5 12 L $75 Common
(Buckboard) (30)
Chuckwagon 1 1 4 800 lb. -4 -4 60 ft. 8 7 20 H $250 Uncommon
(60)
Conestoga 1 1 6 1,600 -4 -4 60 ft. 8 7 30 H $500 Uncommon
Wagon (90) lb.
Schooner 1 1 4 1,000 -4 -4 60 ft. 8 7 20 H $750 Uncommon
(60) lb.
Stagecoach 2 15 8 +0 +0 120 ft. 8 6 30 H $750 Uncommon
(120)
Buggy 1 1 1 380 lb. -1 +0 120 ft. 9 5 10 L $55 Common
(12)

86
into the back, although it will be an uncomfortable ride for Lifestyle Items
them. The wagon has only a light rail to keep the cargo in, Housing Cost
which provides one-quarter cover. Poor Hotel 25c
Average 75c
Chuckwagon: The chuckwagon accompanies a cattle
Good $2
drive, and contains the cooks equipment and food stores,
along with other supplies such as bedrolls, blankets and Excellent $6
rain slickers. A water barrel sits at the front of the wagon Weeks Rent $1+
and a folding table is at the rear. Underneath is a cowhide Entertainment Cost
sling that holds fuel for the campfires and the wagons Bordello $30+
oven. Early in a drive, the fuel might be dry wood; later, Dance Hall 50c
buffalo chips are used. Tools such as hammers and axes are Musical 50c
stored in a box underneath the drivers seat. Stage Play $1
Whiskey Shot 10c
Conestoga Wagon: This is the classic covered wagon of Long bit (Shot & Beer chaser) 15c
the settler, carrying a whole familys possessions as they Transportation Cost
make for a new life out West. Tools such as the wagon jack
Stagecoach 15 c/mile
for lifting the wagon and changing the wheel are tied to the
Stagecoach, St. Louis to San Francisco $200
sides of the wagon or stored in the back.
Train, cross-country $75
Schooner Wagon: Smaller and lighter than the older Ship, New York to San Francisco $80
Conestoga, schooners appear during the 1840s. Like the
Conestoga, they are covered in canvas. Schooners required
fewer animals to pull them, and their lighter frames were
more suited for crossing rivers and other difficult terrain.
Weapons
The weapons covered here are grouped into three categories
based on their general utility: ranged weapons, explosives
Stagecoach: Stagecoach services started in the 1850s,
and splash weapons, and melee weapons.
carrying passengers, mail and goods across the wide

plains at great speed. Most of the passengers sat inside on
cushioned seats, although a removable leather bench could
be added between the two rows of seats. Another three
passengers could sit atop the roof seat, behind the drivers
box seat. Beneath the drivers seat is a compartment
containing the strongbox, tools, clothes and water. Most
of the cargo was held in the back; excess packages were
strapped to the roof.
A character inside a stagecoach has nine-tenths cover; a
character atop the stage has only one-quarter cover. A
team of four or eight horses pulls a stagecoach, depending
on its load and the speed desired.
Buggy: This is a small horse-drawn vehicle, the sort that
an honest settler might drive to church in of a Sunday. A
buggy provides no cover.
Ranged Weapons
Ranged weapons fall into four general groups: pistols,
longarms, shotguns and other ranged weapons such as
bows or spears. When using a ranged weapon, the wielder
applies his Dexterity modifier to the attack roll.
Ranged Weapon
Traits
Ranged weapons are described by a number of statistics, as
shown on the Ranged Weapons table below.
Range Increment: Any attack at less than this distance is
not penalised for range. However, each full range increment
causes a cumulative 2 penalty on the attack roll. Ranged
weapons have a maximum range of ten range increments,
except for thrown weapons, which have a maximum range

L if e s t y l e
of five range increments.

Lifestyle items include travel expenses, entertainment and
meals beyond the ordinary, and housing. Lifestyle items
are shown on the table below.
Damage: The damage the weapon deals on a successful
hit.
Critical: The threat range for a critical hit. If the threat is
confirmed, a weapon deals double damage on a critical hit
(roll damage twice, as if hitting the target two times).

Action: How the weapon is used, which determines its

rate of fire. See the sidebar.

87
 F i r i n g A c t i o ns self-cocking weapon. Switching between modes is a move
SA Single Action action.
A single action weapon must be manually cocked
before firing. It can be fired once per round, although LA Lever Action
a character with the Fan feat can fire a single-action gun These have a firing chamber filled by a lever mechanism
more often. that also ejects the old round and cocks the hammer. A
lever action weapon can be fired once per round.
SC - Self-Cocking
Outfitting

A self-cocking gun automatically re-cocks itself after BA Bolt Action

each shot. A character can fire a self-cocking gun twice
in a round, but the first attack is at a 1 penalty and the
second is at 3.
DA Double Action
A double action gun can be used as a single action or a
Bolt action weapons are similar to lever action guns, but
are easier to reload. They can be fired once per round.
BL Breech Loading
A breech loading weapon holds a single cartridge and needs
to be reloaded each time it is fired.

Pistols
Weapon Range Inc Damage Crit Action Misfire
Paterson Colt 10 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SA 10
Colt Navy 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SA 15
Remington Army 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SA 15
Sharps Derringer 5 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SA 12
Smith & Wesson no.2 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SA 14
S&W American 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SA 14
Remington-Elliot 5 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 DA 12
Colt Lightning 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 DA 14
Colt Peacemaker 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SA 16
Walker-Colt Dragoon 20 ft. 2d6 19-20/x3 SA 12
Deane-Adams 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SC 14
Deane-Adams Pocket 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SC 14
Tranter Army 15 ft. 2d6 18-20/x3 DA 13
Webley Army 15 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 SA 13
Tranter 15 ft. 2d6 18-20/x3 SC 14
Le Faucheux 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SC 15
Adams Improved 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 DA 16
Walch Navy 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SA 13
Starr Army 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 DA 14
Savage Navy 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 DA 15
Slocum Pocket Arm 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SA 14
Adams Service 15 ft. 2d6 18-20/x3 DA 16
Colt Cavalry 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SA 16
Adams Single Action 15 ft. 1d10 19-20/x3 SA 17
Colt Thunderer 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 DA 15
Colt Shopkeeper 15 ft. 1d6 19-20/x2 SA 16
Colt Buntline Special 20 ft. 1d10 19-20/x3 SA 15
Colt Army 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 DA 16
Webley Bulldog 15 ft. 2d6 18-20/x3 DA 16
Schofield S&W Frontier 15 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 DA 16

88
Misfire: The threat range for a misfire. If a misfire is
threatened, roll again if the roll is below the listed DC,
the weapon misfires. See page XX.
Shots: The weapons magazine capacity and type are given
in this column. The amount of ammunition a weapon
carries, and hence how many shots it can fire before needing
to be reloaded, is determined by its magazine capacity.
Reload: The time required to reload the gun. Feats and
talents can reduce the reload time.
Fully reloading most guns is a full-round action. A
character can load 1d6 rounds into a pistol, 1d4 rounds
into a rifle or one shot into a shotgun as a move action,
but a gun cannot be reloaded and fired in the same round.
Weapons that take more than one round to reload cannot
be partially reloaded as a move action.
Size: Size categories for weapons and other objects are
defined differently from the size categories for creatures.
The relationship between a weapons size and that of its
wielder defines whether it can be used one-handed, if it
requires two hands, and if it is a light weapon.
A Medium-size or smaller weapon can be used one-handed
or two-handed. A Large weapon requires two hands. A
Huge weapon requires two hands and a bipod or other
mount.
A Small or smaller weapon is considered a light weapon. It
can be used one-handed and, as a light weapon, is easier to
use in your off hand.

Shots Ammo Reload Date Cost Category Size

5 .22 1 round 1837 $9 Simple Tiny
6 .32 1 round 1851 $12 Simple Tiny
6 .45 1 round 1857 $15 Simple Tiny
4 .22 1 round 1859 $5 Simple Diminutive
6 .32 1 round 1860 $13 Martial Tiny
6 .45 1 round 1870 $19 Martial Tiny
4 .22 1 round 1870 $5 Martial Diminutive
6 .32 1 round 1877 $17 Martial Tiny
6 .45 1 round 1878 $20 Simple Tiny
6 .45 1 round 1847 $30 Martial Small
5 .45 1 round 1851 $18 Martial Tiny
5 .32 1 round 1851 $15 Martial Tiny
5 .45 1 round 1853 $32 Exotic Small
5 .45 1 round 1856 $20 Martial Small
5 .45 1 round 1857 $30 Exotic Small
7 .45 1 round 1857 $22 Martial Tiny
5 .45 1 round 1857 $22 Martial Tiny
12 .32 2 rounds 1858 $12 Exotic Small
6 .45 1 round 1860 $20 Simple Tiny
6 .32 1 round 1860 $17 Simple Small
5 .32 1 round 1863 $12 Simple Tiny
6 .45 1 round 1867 $40 Exotic Small
6 .45 1 round 1873 $22 Simple Tiny
6 .45 1 round 1875 $26 Exotic Tiny
6 .32 1 round 1877 $20 Simple Tiny
6 .22 1 round 1878 $12 Simple Tiny
6 .32 1 round 1878 $35 Exotic Small
6 .45 1 round 1878 $26 Simple Tiny
6 .45 1 round 1880 $42 Exotic Tiny
6 .32 1 round 1880 $27 Martial Tiny

89
 Sidearms
These weapons use the Sidearms proficiencies.
Paterson Colt: One of the earliest revolvers, the Paterson
Colt was rather delicate and finicky, but was very popular
with the early Texas Rangers.
Colt Navy: This design was popular among Confederate
officers, as well as gunslingers like Wild Bill Hickok.
Outfitting
Remington Army: Reliable and efficient, the Remington
Army was used by Buffalo Bill Cody.
Sharps Derringer: This vicious little four-barrelled
pepperbox is especially lethal at close range if it hits an
enemy within 10 feet and the firer rolls a natural 6 on the
damage dice, then he may deal an extra 1d6 damage.
Smith & Wesson no.2: Despite its nickname of Old
Army, this gun was never issued to soldiers, but was
purchased in large quantities by officers and enlisted men
alike. It was also popular on the frontier.
S&W American: Used by both the American and Russian
armies, this was a popular and powerful revolver.
Remington-Elliot: This little derringer can be used like a
knuckleduster, adding +1 damage to punch attacks.
Colt Lightning: A fast and light gun, popular with
couriers, believed to have been favoured by Billy the Kid.
Colt Peacemaker: One of the most famous and
popular guns of the west, the Peacemaker or Frontier as
it was officially known has become the archetypal western
sidearm. Peacemakers killed Jesse James, Billy the Kid and
Pat Garrett.
Walker-Colt Dragoon: While not as unreliable as the
earlier Walker model, the sheer power packed into the
barrel of the Dragoon means that the gun tends to backfire
badly. Anybody standing in front though is going to know
about it. This is the first genuine hand cannon.
Deane-Adams: Originally English-made, this reliable
pistol was also constructed in Boston.
Deane-Adams Pocket: A smaller version of the regular
Deane-Adams.
Tranter Army: This English-made gun had a double
trigger mechanism, letting it be fired in single or double-
action mode. Many aficionados look upon the Tranter as
the epitome of revolver design during the period.
90
Webley Army: While later Webleys were famously
efficient, this earlier model is not especially noteworthy.
Tranter: This is the regular, single-trigger form of the
Tranter.
Le Faucheux: French-designed pistol, most notable for
possessing one extra chamber, which can be quite a surprise
to an opponent who has counted to six
Adams Improved: Changes to the locking bolt makes
this weapon more resistant to wear and tear.
Walch Navy: This gun has double-sized chambers,
allowing it to carry twice as many bullets.
Starr Army: Third behind Colt and Remington-made
weapons in popularity during the Civil War.
Savage Navy: This curiously designed gun had its
cocking lever positioned inside the trigger guard. A
character unfamiliar with the gun might accidentally re-
cock the gun instead of firing it.
Slocum Pocket Arm: Notable for its elegant design and
front-loading chambers.
Adams Service: This gun became popular during the
Crimean war, and was adopted as the British service
revolver.
Colt Cavalry: The standard sidearm of the cavalry.
Adams Single Action: A simplified version of the
Improved model.
Colt Thunderer: One of the earlier double-action
Colts.
Colt Shopkeeper: A short-barrelled version of the
standard Colt.
Colt Buntline Special: This has a 12-inch long barrel,
giving it a 1 penalty to Initiative in quick draw duels.
Colt Army: The standard army revolver in the latter part
of the 19th century.
Webley Bulldog: A large-calibre British-made pistol.
Schofield S&W Frontier: A well made and comfortable
weapon, especially good for those not used to firearms.
 Rifles and Muskets
These weapons use the Longarm proficiencies.
Indian Trade Musket: This simple weapon was
manufactured by the various fur companies for trading to
the Indian tribes. The musket was a rough-and-ready gun,
lacking the fine lines or decorations of more expensive
weapons, but it was long lasting.
Mississippi Rifle: The M1841 was the first percussion
rifle commonly used in the United States, and was widely
imitated by other manufacturers.
Sharps Rifle: Praised for the high quality of its construction,
this was the first mass-produced weapon from the Sharps
factory.
Sharps Carbine: A lighter and smaller variant of the
reliable Sharps Rifle, suitable for use on horseback. A
character using a carbine may reduce the penalties for
firing from horseback by 2.
Winchester Yellow Boy: One of the earliest repeater
rifles, it earned its nickname thanks to its bright brass
stock.
Trapdoor Springfield Carbine: The trapdoor design
was originally a compromise conversion of older muzzle-
loading muskets into something like a more modern
breech-loading rifle. The Springfield carbine, however,
was a production model that incorporated the trapdoor.
A character using a carbine may reduce the penalties for
firing from horseback by 2.
Winchester Rifle: The famous Winchester rifle was the
single most popular rifle of the Wild West. Endorsed by
many famous hunters including Buffalo Bill himself, the
weapons combination of reliability, range and firepower
made it a favourite.
Squirrel Rifle: A cheap hunting rifle, suitable for
shooting small game.
Hawken Plains Rifle: Popular with settlers and
homesteaders on the Great Plains.
US Musket, mod.1842: A mass-produced military
weapon, many of which found their way out West.
Colt Revolving Rifle: Essentially a revolver with a rifle-
length barrel and stock. What may seem like a great idea
in principle turned out to be a nightmare in practice, as
this weapon had a propensity for misfiring and discharging
all remaining cylinders in one go, generally into the left
hand of the holder. You have been warned!
Volcanic Rocket-Ball Carbine: Notoriously finicky and
underpowered. A character using a carbine may reduce the
penalties for firing from horseback by 2.
Dreyse Needle Gun: One of the earliest breech-loaders,
the earlier needle-guns were underpowered and unreliable.
This more modern design is more powerful but equally
troublesome.
Burnside Carbine: The third most popular cavalry rifle
of the era. A character using a carbine may reduce the
penalties for firing from horseback by 2.
Starr Carbine: This carbine was plagued with problems
and was very vulnerable to jamming if mistreated. A
character using a carbine may reduce the penalties for
firing from horseback by 2.
Springfield Carbine: This was one of the primary weapons
of the U.S. Army during the western era, and was praised
for its range and reliability. A character using a carbine
may reduce the penalties for firing from horseback by 2.
Henry Rifle: Technically ahead of its time, but not
especially popular or common.
Spencer Carbine: Marginally more powerful than the
Springfield carbine, the Spensers rimfire cartridges had
a tendency to misfire. A character using a carbine may
reduce the penalties for firing from horseback by 2.
Sharps Big 50: Built to satisfy the demand of buffalo
hunters for a more powerful weapon, the Sharps Big 50
actually came on the market after most of the great herds
were gone.
Remington Rolling Block: The Remington was
extremely well balanced, giving a +1 equipment bonus to
hit. However, it lacked penetrating power.
Sharps Buffalo Gun: Another heavy longarm, designed
to bring down a buffalo with a single shot. A hit from one
of these can cause massive damage.
Winchester 1-in-1000: A prestige version of the popular
Winchester rifle, this rifle is a masterwork weapon, giving a
+1 equipment bonus to attack rolls.
Winchester 76: This is the commonly available version
of the 1-in-1000, lacking the precision-made barrel that
gives the other gun its superlative accuracy.
91
 Rifles and Muskets
Weapon Range Inc Damage Crit Action Misfire
Indian Trade Musket 80 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 SA 12
Mississippi Rifle 100 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 SA 13
Sharps Rifle 120 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 SA 14
Sharps Carbine 100 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SA 14
Winchester Yellow Boy 100 ft. 1d6 19-20/x3 LA 13
Trapdoor Springfield Carbine 100 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 SA 16
Outfitting

Winchester Rifle 120 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 LA 15

Squirrel Rifle 80 ft. 1d8 19-20/x3 SA 12
Hawken Plains Rifle 120 ft. 2d6 18-20/x3 SA 14
US Musket, mod.1842 100 ft. 2d6 18-20/x4 SA 14
Colt Revolving Rifle 100 ft. 1d6 19-20/x3 SA 10
Volcanic Rocket-Ball Carbine 80 ft. 1d4 19-20/x2 LA 12
Dreyse Needle Gun 100 ft. 1d10 19-20/x3 BA 13
Burnside Carbine 100 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 SA 14
Starr Carbine 100 ft. 1d8 18-20/x3 SA 11
Springfield Carbine 100 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 SA 14
Henry Rifle 120 ft. 1d6 19-20/x3 LA 13
Spencer Carbine 100 ft. 1d10 18-20/x3 LA 12
Sharps Big 50 120 ft. 2d6 18-20/x3 SA 14
Remington Rolling Block 120 ft. 1d8 x2 SA 13
Sharps Buffalo Gun 120 ft. 2d8 19-20/x3 SA 14
Winchester 1-in-1000 150 ft. 1d10 19-20/x3 LA 16
Winchester 76 120 ft. 1d10 19-20/x3 LA 16

Shotguns of targets is equal to the range increment (one at the first

A shotgun or scattergun creates a spray of pellets when
fired. This spray means that it is relatively easy to hit with
a shotgun (+2 to hit), but the damage is spread all over the
target. In game terms, a shotgun does a variable number
of d6 of damage; it does full damage in its first range
increment, and then drops 1d6 per range increment after
that. Each d6 of damage is a separate hit, and the attacker
does not add his margin of success when calculating the
wounds inflicted. (However, do add up all the damage
affecting a single location. 15 points of damage to the
targets chest from three d6s is not three 5-point wounds,
it is one 15-point mortal wound).
Furthermore, a shotgun can hit multiple targets at once, if
they are standing within ten feet of each other. The number
increment, two at the second and so on), to a maximum of
four. A separate attack roll is made for each target, and the
damage dice are split between the targets evenly.
Some shotguns have a pair of barrels, usually mounted side
by side. A double-barrelled weapon is capable of firing
either one-barrel at a time or both barrels at once. Firing
both barrels simultaneously causes double damage to any
target hit. Shotguns require the Longarm proficiency.
Colt Revolving Shotgun: An attempt to combine
the power of a shotgun with the speed of a revolver, the
Colt Revolving shotgun was a single barrelled, 75-calibre
weapon, valued for its speed but with an unfortunate
tendency to jam.

Shotguns
Weapon Range Inc Damage Crit Action
Colt Revolving Shotgun 20 ft. 3d6 x2 SC
Colt Stagecoach Shotgun 30 ft. 4d6 x2 BL
Hartford Cowboy Shotgun 40 ft. 4d6 x2 BL
Winchester Lever Action Shotgun 30 ft. 3d6 x2 LA
Springfield Trapdoor Shotgun 30 ft. 3d6 x2 BL
Meteor double-barrelled Street Howitzer 15 ft. 6d6 19-20/x2 BL
Spencer Slide Action Shotgun 20 ft. 3d6 x2 BA

92
 Shots Ammo Reload Date Cost Category Size
1* Powder & shot 3 rounds 1835 $9 Simple Large
1* .52 3 rounds 1841 $10 Simple Large
1 .52 3 rounds 1856 $13 Simple Large
1 .52 3 rounds 1856 $10 Simple Medium
12 .38 3 rounds 1866 $28 Simple Medium
1 .45 3 rounds 1867 $15 Martial Medium
15 .45 3 rounds 1873 $32 Martial Large
1* .38 3 rounds 1835 $9 Simple Large
1* .52 3 rounds 1840 $12 Martial Large
1* Powder & shot 3 rounds 1842 $15 Martial Large
6 .52 3 rounds 1851 $17 Exotic Large
15 .38 3 rounds 1851 $10 Martial Medium
1 .54 3 rounds 1854 $15 Martial Large
1 .54 3 rounds 1856 $13 Simple Medium
1 .54 3 rounds 1858 $11 Simple Medium
1* .45 3 rounds 1861 $10 Simple Medium
15 .45 3 rounds 1862 $26 Martial Medium
7 .54 3 rounds 1863 $27 Simple Medium
1 .50 3 rounds 1866 $35 Martial Large
1 .45 3 rounds 1873 $17 Simple Large
1 .45 3 rounds 1874 $55 Martial Large
15 .45 3 rounds 1876 $75 Exotic Medium
15 .45 3 rounds 1876 $40 Exotic Medium

Colt Stagecoach Shotgun: The weapon of choice for
stagecoach drivers and guards, the Colt Stagecoach was a
very large, 12-gauge double-barrelled shotgun much prized
for its reliability and intimidation value.
Hartford Cowboy Shotgun: Bulky and intimidating, this
12-gauge double-barrelled shotgun has double cocking
hammers and twin triggers, allowing both barrels to
discharge simultaneously. Despite its name, the Hartford
Cowboy was more likely to be seen in the hands of a
stagecoach driver or guard.
Winchester Lever Action Shotgun: Essentially, the
Winchester lever action shotgun is a shotgun that has
been designed to resemble a standard Winchester rifle.
Although only possessing a single barrel, this 12-gauge
shotgun is capable of loading six cartridges, forced into the
firing chamber by operating the lever mechanism, cutting
down on re-loading times dramatically.
Springfield Trapdoor Shotgun: A single barrelled
shotgun with a trapdoor reloading method, rather than
the more usual breech loading system.
Meteor double-barrelled Street Howitzer: A stocky,
hammerless double barrelled shotgun, the Street Howitzer
is short in range but packs a powerful punch and therefore
became the weapon of choice for fighting at close quarters.
It is notorious as the weapon used by Doc Holliday at the
gunfight at the OK Corral. A character stepping off the
sidewalk toting one of these means business.
Spencer Slide-Action Shotgun: A short, single barrel
shotgun, the Spencer Slide-Action had a revolutionary

Misfire Shots Ammo Date Cost Category Size

10 4 10-gauge 1855 $75 Exotic Large
16 1 12-gauge 1848 $40 Simple Large
16 1 12-gauge 1860 $45 Simple Large
14 6 10-gauge 1887 $35 Simple Large
16 4 10-gauge 1881 $38 Martial Large
15 1 10-gauge 1878 $125 Simple Large
12 8 10-gauge 1880 $55 Martial Large

93
 Machine Guns and Artillery
Weapon Range Inc Damage Crit Action Misfire Shots
Gatling Gun 80 ft. 1d10 19-20/x3 Special 12 Special
Cannon 200 ft. 4d6/5 ft. BL 16 1

Other Ranged Weapons

Weapon Range Inc Damage Crit Type Cost Feat Size
Bow 40 ft. 1d6 20 Piercing - Exotic or Medium
Native
Outfitting

Spear 20 ft. 1d8 19-20/x2 Piercing - Exotic or Large

Native
Throwing Hatchet 10 ft. 1d8 19-20/x2 Piercing - Native Medium
Lasso 10 ft. - - Entangling 50c Exotic Medium
Whip 15 ft. 1d3 20 Slashing 5 Exotic Medium
Throwing Knife 10 ft. 1d4 20 Piercing 1 Exotic Tiny

design that allowed it to carry far more ammunition Other Ranged

Weapons
than a standard shotgun. Cartridges were carried in a
tube beneath the barrel, forced into the firing breech by a
manually operated slider, allowing a much faster rate of fire These weapons use the Simple, Martial or Indian weapons
than a standard breech-loading shotgun. proficiencies.

M a c h i n e G u n s and
Artillery
Gatling Gun: One of the earliest incarnations of the
machine gun, the Gatling gun is capable of firing up to
350 rounds per minute. A character firing a Gatling gun
may make up to four attack rolls each round, as long as
the targets are within 20 feet of each other and are all on
the same side of the gun. Each successful attack results
in 1d4 hits, and each hit does 1d10 damage. Do not add
the margin of success when determining the sort of wound
inflicted by the Gatling gun. If any attack rolls a one, the
Gatling gun jams.
Bow: The wooden bow is the favoured weapon of the
native tribes. More advanced compound bows made of
animal horn count as Masterwork weapons and give a +1
bonus to attack rolls with the bow. A Knowledge (Indian
Lore) check (DC 15) allows a character to identify which
tribes arrows were used in an attack.
Spear: Indians use their spears as lances, charging into
combat on horseback or foot. They can also be thrown
with a range increment of 20 feet.
Throwing Hatchet: This is a smaller hatchet or tomahawk,
which can be thrown in combat.

Cannon: A cannon does explosive damage due to the
force of the impact any characters standing within five
feet of where the cannon strikes take 4d6 damage. The
cannon targets a square rather than a particular character,
and scatters like a grenade. However, the cannon is a
direct-fire weapon, so any characters standing between the
cannon and its target risk being hit if the cannon ball
passes through their square, they must make a Reflex save
(DC15) or be hit.
Characters caught in the explosion may make a Reflex save
(DC15) to take half damage.
Lasso: The target of a successful lasso attack is Entangled
(see page XX), and may be Grappled by the lasso wielder
using his lasso attack instead of his normal Grapple score.
If mounted on a horse, then the lasso wielder can use the
horses Strength bonus instead of his own. A lasso cannot
inflict wounds. A lasso cannot extend beyond its 10-foot
base range.
Whip: A whip can be used to make a Trip attack if the
user hits with a ranged touch attack. A whip cannot inflict
wounds. A whip cannot extend beyond its 15-foot base
range.

Throwing Knife: A small knife balanced for throwing. It

can be used as a melee weapon, but only deals 1d3 damage
due to its small size in melee.

94
 Ammo Date Cost Category Size
.54 1863 $2,000 Exotic Huge
Shell 1835 $850 Exotic Gargantuan

Explosives and Reflex DC: Any creature caught within the burst radius of

Splash Weapons
These weapons explode or burst, dealing damage to
creatures or objects within an area.
Explosives can be thrown or set off in place, depending on
the type of explosive device. Dynamite and or explosive
charges are examples of these weapons. All explosives must
be detonated.
A splash weapon is a projectile that bursts on impact,
spewing its contents over an area and damaging any
creature or object within that area. Generally, creatures
directly hit by splash weapons take the most damage, while
those nearby take less damage. Splash weapons usually
must be thrown to have effect.
Damage/Direct Hit Damage: The primary damage dealt
by the weapon. For explosives, the Damage column shows
the damage dealt to all creatures within the explosives
burst radius. For splash weapons, the Direct Hit Damage
column is used for a target directly struck by the weapon.
Burst Radius/Splash Damage: For explosives, the burst
radius is the area affected by the explosive. All creatures
or objects within the burst radius take damage from the
explosive. For splash weapons, all creatures within 5 feet of
the impact point of the weapon take splash damage equal
to the amount shown in this column.
Damage Type: Damage from explosives and splash
weapons is classified according to type: energy (of a specific
type) or slashing. Some creatures or characters may be
resistant or immune to some forms of damage.
Critical: The threat range for a critical hit. If the threat is
confirmed, a weapon deals double damage on a critical hit
(roll damage twice, as if hitting the target two times).
an explosive may make a Reflex save against the DC given
in this column for half damage.
Range Increment: If the weapon can be thrown, its
range increment is shown in this column. Explosives with
no range increment must be set in place before being
detonated. (See the Demolitions skill).
Size: Size categories for weapons and other objects are
defined differently from the size categories for creatures.
The relationship between a weapons size and that of its
wielder defines whether it can be used one-handed, if it
requires two hands, and if it is a light weapon.
A Medium-size or smaller weapon can be used one-handed
or two-handed.
A Small or smaller weapon is considered a light weapon. It
can be used one-handed and, as a light weapon, is easier to
use in a characters off hand.
Weight: This column gives the weapons weight.
Dynamite: One of the most common and straightforward
explosives, dynamite is very stable under normal conditions.
A stick of dynamite requires a fuse or detonator to set it off.
Additional sticks can be set off at the same time if they
are within the burst radius of the first stick, increasing the
damage and burst radius of the explosion. Each additional
stick increases the damage by +1d6 (maximum 10d6) and
the burst radius by 5 feet (maximum 20 feet).
It is possible to wire together several sticks of dynamite
for even greater explosive effect. Doing so requires a
Demolitions check (DC 10 + 1 per stick). If the character
succeeds on the check, the damage or the burst radius of
the explosion increases by 50% (the characters choice).

Explosives
Radius/Splash
Weapon Damage Critical Type Damage DC Increment Size Weight
Dynamite 4d6 Concussion 5 ft./ 15 10 ft. Tiny 1 lb.
Gunpowder 6d6 Concussion 10 ft./ 15 Medium 5 lb.
Keg
Burning 2d6 Fire /1d6 10 ft. Tiny lb.
bottle of
booze

95
 To set off dynamite using a fuse, the fuse must first be lit,
requiring a move action (and a lighter or other source of
flame). The amount of time until the dynamite explodes
depends on the length of the fuse - a fuse can be cut short
enough for the dynamite to detonate in the same round
(allowing it to be used much like a grenade), or long
enough to take several minutes to detonate. Cutting the
fuse to the appropriate length requires a move action.
Dynamite is sold in boxes of 12 sticks. It is considered
Outfitting
Cost: The price of the weapon, in dollars. If no price is
listed, then the item is either free as it can easily be found,
or not generally available for sale.
Damage Type: Melee weapon damage is classified
according to type: bludgeoning (weapons with a blunt
striking surface), piercing (weapons with a sharp point) and
slashing (weapons with an edged blade). Some creatures or
characters may be resistant or immune to some forms of
damage.

to be a simple explosive for the purpose of using a Craft

(chemical) check to manufacture it.
Gunpowder Keg: A keg of black power can be detonated
in the same way as dynamite, and can be combined with
other kegs or with dynamite. Each additional keg increases
damage by +2d6 (maximum 10d6) and the burst radius by
5 feet (maximum 30 feet). Gunpowder must be placed in
position; it cannot be thrown.
Bottle of Burning Booze: This is a simple incendiary
grenade, make up of a burning rag and particularly strong
whiskey. Being hit by it may be less damaging than
drinking it. One day some Russian chap might give it a
proper name. Its worth pointing out that some alcohol
out west is so strong that you may not need to bother with
the rag.
M e l e e W e a p o ns
A characters Strength modifier is always added to a melee
weapons attack roll and damage roll.
Melee Weapons Table
Melee weapons are described by a number of statistics, as
shown on the Melee Weapons table below.
Damage: The damage the weapon deals on a successful
hit.
Critical: The threat range for a critical hit. If the threat is
confirmed, a weapon deals double damage on a critical hit
(roll damage twice, as if hitting the target two times).
Feat: The feat needed to have proficiency with the weapon.
A character not proficient with the weapon suffers a 4
penalty to attack rolls with the weapon.
Size: Size categories for weapons and other objects are
defined differently from the size categories for creatures.
The relationship between a weapons size and that of its
wielder defines whether it can be used one-handed, if it
requires two hands, and if its a light weapon.
A Medium-size or smaller weapon can be used one-
handed or two-handed. A Large weapon requires
two hands.
A Small or smaller weapon is considered a light
weapon. It can be used one-handed and, as a light
weapon, is easier to use in a characters off hand.
Weight: This column gives the weapons weight.
Brass Knuckles: These increase damage from a punch
attack by +1. A strike from brass knuckles is considered
an unarmed attack.
Small Knife: This is a standard kitchen or wood-whittling
knife.
Bowie Knife: The famous razor-sharp trail knife, found in
the outfit of most travellers. Tradition has it that it should
be made from the broken blade of a sword, although most
are actually made specially.

Club: A cosh or other simple club.

Axe: A wood-chopping axe.

Melee Weapons
Weapon Damage Crit Cost Type Feat Size Weight
Brass knuckles +1 20 2 Bludgeoning - Tiny 1 lb.
Small Knife 1d3 19-20/x2 1 Piercing Simple Tiny 1 lb.
Bowie Knife 1d6 19-20/x2 2 Slashing Simple Tiny 1 lb.
Club 1d4 19-20/x2 - Bludgeoning Simple Small 3 lb.
Axe 1d6 19-20/x2 2 Piercing Simple Medium 4 lb.
Sabre 1d8 19-20/x2 5 Slashing Martial Medium 4 lb.
Hatchet 2d4 19-20/x2 1 Slashing Native Small 4 lb.

96
Sabre: A slashing sword, suitable for using from horseback
or as a fencing weapon. Most likely found in the hands of
US cavalrymen or captured by Indians.
Hatchet: A heavy metal or stone-bladed Indian hatchet.
Heavy Coat: A leather duster or buffalo-hide robe is tough
enough to marginally reduce the damage from attacks.
Wooden Breastplate: Several Plains Indians tribes wear
wooden breastplates into battle.

See also Improvised Weapons, page XX. Metal Breastplate: Worn by some cavalry officers
underneath their jackets, along with Clint Eastwood in A

Ar m o u r
Fistful of Dollars

Armour reduces the damage dealt by attacks. However,

the weight of the armour causes penalty to certain skills Armour Cost Protects Damage Armour
these skills have the note armour penalty listed next Reduction Penalty
to them. Heavy $10 All, save 1/- -1
Coat legs and
Armour was rarely worn in the West, but it can be a head
useful edge for a character with a low Defence. Each Wooden $10 Torso, 2/- -2
item of armour lists its Damage Reduction, the locations Breastplate Abdomen
it covers, and its armour penalty. Metal $50 Torso, 4/- -4
Breastplate Abdomen

97
 Rules of
Rules of the West

the West
T
his chapter covers all sorts of conditions
and situations that may arise during a
game. There is no need for the players or
Games Master to memorise all these this chapter should
be consulted whenever it is needed.
Carrying
load counts as medium or heavy armour for the purpose of
abilities or skills that are restricted by armour. Carrying a
light load does not encumber a character.
Lifting and Dragging
A character can lift as much as his maximum load over his
head. A character can lift as much as double his maximum

Capacity
load off the ground, but he can only stagger around with
it. While overloaded in this way, the character loses any
If you want to determine whether your characters gear Dexterity bonus to Defence and can move only 5 feet per
is heavy enough to slow him down, total the weight of round (as a full-round action). A character can generally
all the characters items, including armour, weapons, and push or drag along the ground as much as five times his
gear. Compare this total to the characters Strength on the maximum load. Favourable conditions can double these
Carrying Capacity table. Depending on how the weight numbers, and bad circumstances can reduce them to one-
compares to the characters carrying capacity, he may be half or less.
carrying a light, medium, or heavy load. Like armour, a
characters load affects his maximum Dexterity bonus to Bigger and Smaller
Creatures
Defence, carries a check penalty, reduces the characters
speed, and affects how fast the character can run, as shown
on the Carrying Loads table. A medium or heavy The figures on Carrying Capacity are
for Medium bipedal creatures. A larger
bipedal creature can
carry more weight
depending on its
size category, as
follows: Large
x2, Huge x4,
Gargantuan x8,
Colossal x16. A
smaller creature can
carry less weight
depending on its size
category, as follows:
Small x3/4, Tiny x1/2,
Diminutive x1/4, Fine
x1/8.

Quadrupeds can carry

heavier loads than
characters can. Instead of
the multipliers given above,
multiply the value corresponding
to the creatures Strength score from
Carrying Capacity by the appropriate
modifier, as follows: Fine x1/4, Diminutive

98
x1/2, Tiny x3/4, Small x1, Medium x1-1/2, Large x3, 28 400 lb. or 401800 lb. 801
Huge x6, Gargantuan x12, Colossal x24. less 1,200 lb.
29 466 lb. or 467933 lb. 934
Tremendous less 1,400 lb.
Strength +10 x4 x4 x4
For Strength scores not shown on the Carrying Capacity
table, find the Strength score between 20 and 29 that
has the same number in the ones digit as the creatures Carrying Loads
Strength score does and multiply the numbers in that by Speed
4 for every ten points the creatures strength is above the Max Check
score for that row. Load Dex Penalty (30 ft.) (20 ft.) Run
Medium +3 3 20 ft. 15 ft. x4
Carrying Capacity Heavy +1 6 20 ft. 15 ft. x3
Strength Medium Heavy
Score Light Load Load Load
1 3 lb. or less 46 lb. 710 lb. Armour and
2 6 lb. or less 713 lb. 1420 lb.
Encumbrance for
Other Base Speeds
3 10 lb. or less 1120 lb. 2130 lb.
4 13 lb. or less 1426 lb. 2740 lb.
5 16 lb. or less 1733 lb. 3450 lb. The table below provides reduced speed figures for all base
speeds from 20 feet to 100 feet (in 10-foot increments).
6 20 lb. or less 2140 lb. 4160 lb.
7 23 lb. or less 2446 lb. 4770 lb.
Base Reduced Base Reduced
8 26 lb. or less 2753 lb. 5480 lb.
Speed Speed Speed Speed
9 30 lb. or less 3160 lb. 6190 lb.
20 ft. 15 ft. 70 ft. 50 ft.
10 33 lb. or less 3466 lb. 67100 lb.
30 ft. 20 ft. 80 ft. 55 ft.
11 38 lb. or less 3976 lb. 77115 lb.
40 ft. 30 ft. 90 ft. 60 ft.
12 43 lb. or less 4486 lb. 87130 lb.
50 ft. 35 ft. 100 ft. 70 ft.
13 50 lb. or less 51100 lb. 101150 lb.
60 ft. 40 ft.
14 58 lb. or less 59116 lb. 117175 lb.
15 66 lb. or less 67133 lb. 134200 lb.

Movement
16 76 lb. or less 77153 lb. 154230 lb.
17 86 lb. or less 87173 lb. 174260 lb.
18 100 lb. or 101200 lb. 201300 lb. There are three movement scales, as follows.
less
19 116 lb. or 117233 lb. 234350 lb. Tactical, for combat, measured in feet (or squares)
less per round.
20 133 lb. or 134266 lb. 267400 lb.
less Local, for exploring an area, measured in feet per
21 153 lb. or 154306 lb. 307460 lb. minute.
less
Overland, for getting from place to place, measured
22 173 lb. or 174346 lb. 347520 lb.
in miles per hour or miles per day.
less
23 200 lb. or 201400 lb. 401600 lb.
Modes of Movement: While moving at the different
less
movement scales, creatures generally walk, hustle, or run.
24 233 lb. or 234466 lb. 467700 lb. Each type of movement affects the speed of the character
less and the types of action that can be performed at the same
25 266 lb. or 267533 lb. 534800 lb. time. The Combat chapter will explain simultaneous
less actions in greater detail.
26 306 lb. or 307613 lb. 614920 lb.
less Walk: A walk represents unhurried but purposeful
27 346 lb. or 347693 lb. 694 movement at 3 miles per hour for an unencumbered
less 1,040 lb. person.

99
 Hustle: A hustle is a jog at about 6 miles per hour for an
unencumbered person. A character moving his speed twice
in a single round, or moving that speed in the same round
that he performs a standard action or another move action
Rules of the West
is hustling when he moves.
Run (x4): Moving four times speed is a running pace for
a character. It represents about 12 miles per hour for an
unencumbered human, or 8 miles per hour for a character
carrying a load.
T a c t i c a l M o v e ment
Use tactical movement for combat. Characters generally do
not walk during combatthey hustle or run. A character
who moves his speed and takes some action is hustling for
about half the round and doing something else the other
half.
Hampered Movement: Difficult terrain, obstacles, or
poor visibility can hamper movement. When movement
is hampered, each square moved into usually counts as two
squares, effectively reducing the distance that a character
can cover in a move. If more than one condition applies,
multiply together all additional costs that apply. (This is a
specific exception to the normal rule for doubling)
100
In some situations, your movement may be so
hampered that you do not have sufficient speed even to
move 5 feet (1 square). In such a case, you may use a full-
round action to move 5 feet (1 square) in any direction,
even diagonally. Even though this looks like a 5-foot
step, it is not, and thus it provokes attacks of opportunity
normally. (You cannot take advantage of this rule to move
through impassable terrain or to move when all movement
is prohibited to you.)
You cannot run or charge through any square that would
hamper your movement.
Basic Movement
Characters exploring an area use basic movement, measured
in feet per minute.
Walk: A character can walk without a problem on the
local scale.
Hustle: A character can hustle without a problem on the
local scale. See Overland Movement, below, for movement
measured in miles per hour.
Run: A character with a Constitution score of 9 or higher
can run for a minute without a problem. Generally, a
character can run for a minute or two before having to rest
for a minute.
 Overland Movement Movement and Distance
Characters covering long distances cross-country use Speed
overland movement. Overland movement is measured in 15 feet 20 feet 30 feet 40 feet
miles per hour or miles per day. A day represents 8 hours One Round (Tactical)*
of actual travel time. Walk 15 ft. 20 ft. 30 ft. 40 ft.
Hustle 30 ft. 40 ft. 60 ft. 80 ft.
Walk: A character can walk 8 hours in a day of travel Run (x4) 60 ft. 80 ft. 120 ft. 160 ft.
without a problem. Walking for longer than that can wear
One Minute (Local)
him out (see Forced March, below).
Walk 150 ft. 200 ft. 300 ft. 400 ft.
Hustle: A character can hustle for 1 hour without a Hustle 300 ft. 400 ft. 600 ft. 800 ft.
problem. Hustling for a second hour in between sleep Run (x4) 600 ft. 800 ft. 1,200 ft. 1,600 ft.
cycles causes the character to become fatigued. A fatigued One Hour (Overland)
character cannot run or charge and takes a penalty of 2 Walk 1-1/2 2 miles 3 miles 4 miles
to Strength and Dexterity until he has rested for at least miles
one hour. Hustle 3 miles 4 miles 6 miles 8 miles
Run
Run: A character cannot run for an extended period of One Day (Overland)
time. Attempting to run and rest in cycles- the preferred Walk 12 miles 16 24 miles 32 miles
method for long distance overland travel when time is not miles
an important factor or in short supply- effectively works Hustle
out to a hustle. Run
* Tactical movement is often measured in squares on the
Terrain: The terrain through which a character travels battle grid (1 square = 5 feet) rather than feet.
affects how much distance he can cover in an hour or a day
(see Terrain and Overland Movement). A road is typically
a dirt track. A trail is like a road, except that it allows only
single-file travel and does not benefit a party travelling with
Hampered Movement
vehicles. Trackless terrain is a wild area with no paths. Condition Additional Movement Cost
Difficult terrain x2
Forced March: In a day of normal walking, a character Obstacle* x2
walks for 8 hours. The rest of the daylight time is spent Poor visibility x2
making and breaking camp, resting, and eating. A character Impassable
can walk for more than 8 hours in a day by making a forced * May require a skill check
march. For each hour of marching beyond 8 hours, a
Constitution check (DC 10 +2 per extra hour) is required.
If the check fails, the character becomes fatigued. It is very Terrain and Overland Movement
possible for a character to march into unconsciousness by Terrain Road or Trail Trackless
pushing himself too hard on a forced march.
Desert, sandy x1/2 x1/2
Forest x1 x1/2
Mounted Movement: A mount bearing a rider can move
at a hustle. The creature can also be ridden in a forced Hills x3/4 x1/2
march, but it takes 1d6 points of damage per hour of riding Mountains x3/4 x1/2
after it is fatigued instead of falling into unconsciousness. Plains x1 x3/4
The damage is increased to 1d8 if the animal has a Medium Swamp x3/4 x1/2
or Heavy load.

Mounts and Vehicles

Mount/Vehicle Per Hour Per Day
Mount (carrying load)
Light horse 6 miles 48 miles
Light horse (231690 lb.) 1 4 miles 32 miles
Heavy horse 5 miles 40 miles
Heavy horse (301900 lb.) 1 3-1/2 miles 28 miles
Pony 4 miles 32 miles

101
 Pony (76225 lb.) 1 3 miles 24 miles Moving Within a
Donkey or mule 3 miles 24 miles Single Square
Donkey (51150 lb.) 1 2 miles 16 miles In general, when the characters are not engaged in round-
Rules of the West

Mule (231690 lb.) 1 2 miles 16 miles by-round combat, they should be able to move anywhere
Cart or wagon 2 miles 16 miles and in any manner that you can imagine real people could.
Stagecoach 8 miles 64 miles A 5-foot square, for instance, can hold several characters;
Ship they just cannot all fight effectively in that small space.
Raft or barge (poled or 1/2 mile 5 miles The rules for movement are important for combat, but
towed) 2 outside combat they can impose unnecessary hindrances
Canoe 1- miles 15 miles on character activities.
Keelboat (rowed) 2 1 mile 10 miles
Rowboat (rowed) 2 1-1/2 miles 15 miles
Paddleboat 3 miles 24 miles Vision and
Lighting
Train 25 miles 150
miles

Conditions
1
Quadrupeds, such as horses, can carry heavier loads than
characters can. See Carrying Capacity, above, for more
information. See the table below for the radius that a light source
2
Rafts, barges, keelboats, canoes, rowboats and paddleboats illuminates and how long it lasts. In an area of bright light,
are used on lakes and rivers. all characters can see clearly. A creature cannot hide in an
If going downstream, add the speed of the current (typically area of bright light unless it is invisible or has cover.
3 miles per hour) to the speed of the vehicle. In addition
to 10 hours of being rowed, the vehicle can also float an In an area of shadowy illumination, a character can see
additional 14 hours, if someone can guide it, so add an dimly. Creatures within this area have concealment
additional 42 miles to the daily distance travelled. These relative to that character. A creature in an area of shadowy
vehicles cannot be rowed against any significant current, illumination can make a Hide check to conceal itself. In
but they can be pulled upstream by draft animals on the addition to the obvious effects, a blinded creature has a
shores. 50% miss chance in combat (all opponents have total
concealment), loses any Dexterity or Reflex bonus to
E v as i o n a n d P u rsuit Defence, takes a 2 penalty to Defence, moves at half
speed, and takes a 4 penalty on Search checks and most
In round-by-round movement, simply counting off
Strength and Dexterity-based skill checks.
squares, it is impossible for a slow character to get away
from a determined fast character without mitigating
circumstances. Likewise, it is no problem for a fast Light Sources and Illumination
character to get away from a slower one. Object Bright Shadowy Duration
Candle n/a1 5 ft. 1 hr.
When the speeds of the two concerned characters are equal, Lantern, oil 30 ft. 60 ft. 6 hr./pint
there is a simple way to resolve a chase: If one creature Torch 20 ft. 40 ft. 1 hr.
is pursuing another, both are moving at the same speed, Campfire 25 ft. 50 ft. 2 hr.
and the chase continues for at least a few rounds, have 1
A candle does not provide bright illumination, only
them make opposed Dexterity skill checks to see who is shadowy illumination.
the faster over those rounds. If the creature being chased
wins, it escapes. If the pursuer wins, it catches the fleeing

Character
creature.

Sometimes a chase occurs overland and could last all day,
with the two sides only occasionally getting glimpses of each
other at a distance. In the case of a long chase, an opposed
Constitution check made by all parties determines which
can keep pace the longest. If the creature being chased
rolls the highest, it gets away. If not, the chaser runs down
its prey, outlasting it with stamina.
Conditions
The following conditions can affect a character as a result
of peculiar injuries.
Ability Damaged
The character has lost 1 or more ability score points. The
loss is temporary and these points return at a rate of 1 per
evening of rest. This differs from effective ability loss,

102
which is an effect that goes away when the
condition causing it goes away.

Ability Drained
The character has lost 1 or more ability score
points. The loss is permanent.

Blinded
The character cannot see at all, and thus
everything has total concealment to him.
The character has a 50% chance to miss in
combat. Furthermore, the blinded character
has an effective Dexterity of 3, along with
a 4 penalty on the use of Strength-based
and Dexterity-based skills. This 4 penalty
also applies to Search checks and any other
skill checks for which the Games Master
deems sight to be important. The character
cannot make Spot checks or perform any
other activity (such as reading) that requires
vision. Characters who are blind long-term
(from birth or early in life) grow accustomed
to these drawbacks and can overcome some
of them (at the Games Masters discretion).

Cowering
The character is frozen in fear, loses his
Dexterity bonus, and can take no actions. In
addition, the character takes a 2 penalty to
his Defence. The condition typically lasts 10
rounds.
Dazed
Unable to act, a dazed character can take no actions, but
still gets the benefit of his normal Defence. This condition
typically lasts 1 round.
Dead
A character dies when his hit points drop to 10 or lower,
or when his Constitution drops to 0.
Deafened
The character cannot hear and takes a 4 penalty on
initiative checks. The character cannot make Listen
checks. Characters who are deafened long-term (from
birth or early in life) grow accustomed to these drawbacks
and can overcome some of them (at the Games Masters
discretion).
Disabled
The character has 0 hit points. The character can take only
a single move action or attack action, and takes 1 point of
damage after any action.
Dying
The character is near death and unconscious, with 1 to
9 wound points. The character can take no actions.
Entangled
An entangled character takes a 2 penalty on attack rolls
in addition to a 4 penalty to Dexterity. If the entangling
bonds are anchored to an immobile object, the entangled
character cannot move. Otherwise, the character can move
at half speed, but cannot run or charge. If another person
is holding the entangling bonds, then the two must make
opposed Strength checks whenever either moves the
winner determines which direction the pair move in.
Exhausted
Characters who are exhausted move at half speed and
cannot run or charge. Furthermore, they take a 6 penalty
to Strength and Dexterity. After 1 hour of complete,
uninterrupted rest, an exhausted character becomes
fatigued.

103
 Fatigued
Characters who are fatigued cannot run or charge and take
a penalty of 2 to Strength and Dexterity. After 8 hours
Rules of the West
of complete, uninterrupted rest, a fatigued character is no
longer fatigued.
Flat-Footed
A character who has not yet acted during a combat is
flat-footed, not reacting normally to the situation. A flat-
footed character loses his Dexterity bonus to Defence.
Grappled
When grappled, a character cannot undertake any action
other than attacking with his bare hands, attacking with
a light weapon, or attempting to break free from his
opponent. The character loses his Dexterity bonus to
Defence, except on attacks from characters with whom he
is grappling.
Helpless
Paralysed, sleeping, or unconscious characters are helpless.
A helpless character has an effective Defence of 5 + size
modifier. An attacker can attempt a coup de grace against
a helpless character.
Nauseated
Characters who are nauseated are unable to attack or do
anything else requiring attention or concentration. The
only action such a character can take is a single move
action per turn.
Panicked
A panicked character flees as fast as possible and cowers
(see Cowering, above) if unable to get away. The character
defends normally but cannot attack.
Paralysed
Characters who are paralysed fall to the ground, unable to
move (they have an effective, but not actual, Dexterity and
Strength of 0). They are helpless.
Pinned
A pinned character is held immobile (but not helpless) in
a grapple. The character takes a 4 penalty to Defence
against melee attacks and loses his Dexterity bonus to
Defence.
Prone
An attacker who is prone (lying on the ground) takes a
4 penalty on melee attack rolls and cannot use bows or
thrown ranged weapons. The character gains a +4 bonus
to Defence against ranged attacks, but takes a 4 penalty
to Defence against melee attacks.
104
Shaken
A shaken character takes a 2 penalty on attack rolls, saving
throws, and skill checks.
Stable
A stable character is no longer dying, but is still
unconscious.
Stunned
A character who becomes stunned loses his Dexterity
bonus, drops what he is holding and can take no attack or
move actions. In addition, the character takes a 2 penalty
to Defence. The condition typically lasts 1 round.
Unconscious
An unconscious character is unable to defend himself. The
character is helpless and typically falls prone.
E n v i r o n m e nt
and Hazards
Heat and Cold
Heat is a major danger in the deserts, while cold is a
threat in the winters of the northern Great Plains or in the
mountains.
Heat and cold deal damage that cannot be recovered
until the character counteracts or escapes the inclement
temperature. As soon as the character suffers any damage
from heat or cold, he is considered fatigued.
A character not properly equipped to counteract the heat
or cold must attempt a Fortitude saving throw each hour
(DC 15, +1 for each previous check). Failure means that
the character loses 1d4 hit points. Heavy clothing or
armour provides a 4 penalty on saves against heat but
grants a +4 equipment bonus on saves against cold. A
character who succeeds at a Survival check (DC 15) gains a
+4 competence bonus on the save (see the Survival skill).
Searing heat or bitter cold (desert or arctic conditions)
forces a character to make a Fortitude save every 10
minutes. Failure means that the character loses 1d6 hit
points. Appropriate clothing and successful use of the
Survival skill can modify the save, as noted above.
Catching on Fire
Characters exposed to open flames might find their clothes,
hair, or equipment on fire. Characters at risk of catching
fire are allowed a Reflex saving throw (DC 15) to avoid
this fate. If a characters clothes or hair catch fire, he takes
1d6 points of damage immediately. In each subsequent
round, the burning character must make another Reflex rounds take 1d6 points of damage. Smoke also obscures
saving throw. Failure means he takes another 1d6 points of vision, giving one-half concealment (20% miss chance) to
damage that round. Success means that the fire has gone characters within it.
out. (That is, once the character succeeds at the saving
throw, he is no longer on fire.) Falling
A character takes 1d6 points of damage for every 10 feet
A character on fire may automatically extinguish the of a fall, to a maximum of 20d6 points. If the character
flames by jumping into enough water to douse himself. succeeds on a Reflex saving throw (DC 10, +1 for each 10
If no body of water is at hand, rolling on the ground or feet fallen), this damage is halved. If the saving throw fails,
smothering the fire with blankets or the like permits the full damage is applied.
character another save with a +4 bonus, although this is a
full-round action. A character can make a Tumble check (DC 15) to treat
a fall as if it were 10 feet shorter when determining the
Starvation and damage and Reflex saving throw DC required by the fall.
Thirst
Sometimes characters might find themselves without food Falling Objects
and water. In normal climates, characters need at least 1/2 Objects that fall upon characters (or creatures or vehicles)
gallon of fluids and about 1/4 pound of decent food per deal damage based on their size and the distance fallen, as
day to avoid the threat of starvation. In very hot climates noted on the Damage from Falling Objects table.
such as the deserts or the plains in summer, characters need
two or three times as much water to avoid dehydration. Objects deal the initial damage given in the table below
if they fall 10 feet or less. An object deals an additional
A character can go without water for one day plus a 1d6 points of damage for every 10-foot increment it falls
number of hours equal to his Constitution score. After beyond the first (to a maximum of 20d6 points of damage).
this, the character must make a Constitution check each Objects of Fine size are too small to deal damage, regardless
hour (DC 10, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 of the distance fallen. A successful Reflex save indicates
points of damage. that the target takes half damage. The size of the falling
object determines the save DC.
A character can go without food for three days, in
growing discomfort. After this, the character must make a If the save fails by 10 or more, and the object is at least
Constitution check each day (DC 10, +1 for each previous three size categories larger than the character, the character
check) or sustain 1d4 points of damage. is pinned under the fallen object. A pinned character
cannot move but is not helpless. The character can make a
Damage from thirst or starvation cannot be recovered until Strength check to lift the object off him or an Escape Artist
the character gets water or food, as needed. check (DC 20) to get out from underneath. The Games
Master can modify the DCs for these checks based on the
Drowning circumstances.
A character trapped underwater can hold his breath for a
number of rounds equal to his Constitution score. After Damage from Falling Objects
this period of time, the character must make a Constitution
check (DC 10) every round to continue holding his breath. Initial Reflex Strength
Each round, the DC of the Constitution check increases Object Size Damage Save DC Check DC
by 1. Fine 0 n/a n/a
Diminutive 1 0 n/a
When the character fails one of these Constitution checks, Tiny 1d3 5 n/a
he begins to suffocate or drown. In the next round, the Small 1d4 10 5
character falls unconscious. In the following round, the Medium 1d6 15 10
character is dying. In the third round after failing the Large 2d6 20 20
check, the character dies of suffocation or drowning. Huge 4d6 25 30
Gargantuan 8d6 30 40
Smoke Colossal 10d6 35 50
Characters breathing heavy smoke or similar toxic gases
must make a Constitution check (DC 10, +1 for each
previous check) each round or spend that round choking
and coughing. Characters who choke for 2 consecutive

105
 Natural -6 -5 Two Weeks Forty-five

Healing
Days
-7 -6 Week Fifty-two
Rules of the West

A character naturally heals a number of hit points equal to Days

his Constitution bonus after a night of rest, assuming he -8 -7 Day Fifty-three
has no infected wounds. Days
-9 or more -8 Day Fifty-four
Complete bed-rest allows a character to heal a number of Days
points equal to 2 + his Constitution bonus.
Note that there is a peak from 4 to 6; a character can
If the character has medical care from a trained doctor (any quickly recover from even a mortal wound, enough to
character with 4 or more ranks in the Treat Injury skill), he hobble round and perform basic tasks at any rate, but full
can heal a number of points equal to 4 + his Constitution recovery is a slow and arduous process.
bonus.
A character with multiple impairment penalties in different
R e c o v e r i n g f rom locations reduces the impairment penalties simultaneously

Impairment
an injury in an arm may heal while a leg languishes in
pain.
The higher an impairment penalty, the longer it takes a
character to recover from it.

Current Dropping Recovery Time to full Surgery,

Impairment
-1
To
0
Period
Day
recovery
Day
I n f e c t i o n a nd
-2 -1 Day Two Days Disease
-3 -2 Week Nine Days Medicine was rather underdeveloped in the West.
-4 -3 Two Weeks Sixteen Days Almost anyone could set themselves up as a doctor any
-5 -4 Two Weeks Thirty Days qualification, even a degree in Arts, provided justification
for the title of doctor. Some saved more than they killed,

106
but others were more dangerous to their patients than the
illness.
In j u r i e s , W o u n d s a nd
Infection
A character who is badly shot generally needs surgery to
fully recover from the wound. The surgery check varies
depending on how much damage the surgeon wants to
heal and how survivable he wants the operation to be.
The more work the surgeon does, the more damage he
can repair, but the greater the chance that the patient will
die on the operating table. Operating on a wound also
removes any bleed or impairment caused by the wound.
If the Treat Injury check for surgery fails, then the character
must make a Survive Surgery check anyway, without
gaining any other benefits.
If a character fails a Survive Surgery check, he loses 2d6 hit
points immediately.
Infection
If a wound has become infected, then it does not heal
naturally without surgery. The doctor must reopen the
wound and disinfect it. This variant of surgery does not
restore hit points, but does allow the character to heal
through bed-rest or further surgery and medical care.

Restore Hit Points Infected Treat Injury

Wound Type DC Survive Surgery
Wound Treat Hit Points Survive
Scratch 10 -
Type Injury DC Restored Surgery
Deep 15 10
Scratch 10 1 -
Plugged 20 15
Deep 15 1d4 5
Mortal 30 20
Plugged 20 1d6 10
Mortal 25 2d6 15 A character can also recover from infection by making a
Fortitude save at the listed Treat Injury DC. One save may
be made each week, and each failure costs the character
The surgeon can reduce the DC of the Survive Surgery 1d4 hit points.
check by increasing the DC of his Treat Injury check on a
one-for-one basis. After the surgery, the patient must make If the infected wound is on a limb, then the surgeon can
a Survive Surgery roll or suffer 2d6 points of damage. This choose to amputate the limb instead of attempting to
is a Fortitude save, but the character suffers a penalty as disinfect the wound. Amputating a limb without causing
follows: further damage requires a Treat Injury check (DC 12), and
has a Survive Surgery DC of 10. If the Treat Injury check
Current Hit Points Fortitude Penalty is failed, then the patient suffers 2d6 damage, and must
Less than 0 -4 make the Survive Surgery save to avoid losing 2d6 more.
0-5 -2
5+ -

A mputees
A character who has lost one leg has his movement reduced to 20 feet per round using crutches, and cannot run.
He can still ride. He loses his Dexterity modifier to Defence (but not his Reflex bonus to Defence). He suffers a 4
penalty to the skills affected by damage to a leg (see Wounds, page XX).

A character who has lost both legs can crawl at five feet per round. He can still ride. He is considered prone in
combat, and loses his Dexterity modifier to Defence. He suffers a 8 penalty to the skills affected by damage to a
leg.

Losing one arm means that the character can obviously not use two-handed melee weapons. He can still rest a
shotgun or rifle on the stump, but suffers a 4 penalty to attacks and any other skills affected by damage to an arm
(see Wounds, page XX) if performing a task that relies on using both hands.

Losing both arms means that the character cannot attack except with kicks (brawl attacks). He cannot use any skills
affected by the use of arms.

A character who takes the Recover from Injury talent (Settler Talent Tree, page XX) can overcome the skill or attack
penalties listed above caused by an injury, but is still limited in movement, available weapons and so on.

107
 Diseases A character suffering from tuberculosis suffers 1d4 points of
Cholera was common in the West, especially as its mode damage when he becomes fatigued, and another 1d4 if he
of infection (a bacterium carried in brackish water, infected becomes exhausted.
Rules of the West

drinking or water and waste). It causes terrible dehydration,

diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg cramps. A character who risks
contracting cholera must make a Fortitude save (DC 15)
to avoid infection. If infected, the disease takes 1d4 days
Reputation
A characters Reputation is a vague measure of how well he
to manifest. The character suffers a 4 penalty to all ability
is known in the West. Many small towns had newspapers,
score checks, skill checks, attack rolls and saving throws,
while trail-driving cowboys and stagecoaches brought news
and takes 1d4 points of Constitution damage each day.
and rumour across the country. Bad news travelled faster
The character may make another Fortitude save each day
than wildfire, and stories were retold over and over again
(again at DC 15) to overcome the disease.
in saloons and general stores, magnified each time in the
telling.
While there are plenty of alleged cures and heal-alls for
cholera, few have any effect. A doctor may make a Treat
In short, reputation is about as reliable as a patented cure-
Injury check (DC 15) to give the patient a +4 circumstance
all for cholera, syphilis and baldness.
bonus to his Fortitude save.
Mechanically, a characters Reputation is a bonus that
The scourge of smallpox has partially been dealt with
starts off equal to his Charisma bonus. Reputation can be
due to the invention of inoculation, but it is still a very
increased as follows:
dangerous plague. Smallpox was responsible for wreaking
havoc on the native population whole tribes were wiped
out by epidemics of the disease. A character who has not
been inoculated and is exposed to smallpox
must make a Fortitude save (DC 15) or
become infected. The character shows no
signs of the disease for 6 + 1d10 days, but
is contagious during this time. After this,
the character begins to break out in rash
and becomes feverish. He takes 1d3 points
of Constitution and Charisma damage
each day for the next 6 + 1d6 days. If the
characters Charisma is reduced to 0 by this
damage, the disease permanently blinds
him.

Tuberculosis, a disease of the lungs, is also

known as consumption. It is transmitted by
coughing or sneezing, but is not especially
infectious a character in the presence
of a victim of consumption must make a
Fortitude save (DC 5) to avoid infection,
and holding a handkerchief or taking other
precautions gives a +5 equipment bonus
to the Fortitude save. (The DC for the
Fortitude save increases by +1 for every
other infectious person within the same
room, to a maximum of DC 20). A victim
of tuberculosis must make a Fortitude save
every month (DC 10), or take one point
of Constitution damage. This damage is
only healed if the character recovers from
tuberculosis, by getting a result of 20 or
higher on the Fortitude save. Medical
treatments and a change of air can also give a
bonus of up to +6 to the Fortitude save.

108
 When a character gains a level, he may make a of his Reputation does not change, it just switches to Bad
Reputation check (roll 1d20 and add his current instantly.
Reputation against a DC of 5 + his current
character level). If this check succeeds, his Effects of
Reputation
Reputation increases by +1.

Whenever a character rolls a natural 20 when The primary use of Reputation is to see if a character is
performing a very public act (high noon shootout recognised. Roll a Reputation check against the following
in a town, Perform check in a bar, Diplomacy DC:
check in a courthouse), he may make a Charisma
check (DC 10 + his current Reputation). Success Situation Reputation DC
means that the characters Reputation increases by Character being recognised
+1. Is from the local area 10
Lives within a few days ride 15
A character can deliberately try to increase his Has passed this way before 25
Reputation by telling stories and self-promotion. Is a complete stranger to these 30
This requires a Bluff or Perform check (DC 15 parts
+ his current Reputation). A successful check
The observer
increases the characters Reputation by +1. This
Has five or more ranks in +2
check can only be made once per audience the
Gather Information
character can retell his stories in each new town,
or if a stagecoach-load of new visitors come by, Has five or more ranks in +2
but boring his neighbours with the same tales over Spot
and over again gives no mechanical benefit. The character
Is deliberately trying to hide -5
Whenever the character suffers is Plugged or his identity
suffers a Mortal Wound and survives, the scar Introduces himself by deed +2
gives a +1 Reputation bonus when seen. Deep (Im the man who)
head wounds also give a Reputation increase. Other Factors
Wanted posters +2 to +5, depending on
A character may gain Reputation as a reward for quality of the poster
performing particularly impressive deeds. This is Current newspaper article +2 to +5
a reward for completing an adventure the Games Current gossip and rumour +2 to +5
Master should set the base DC for a Charisma about character
check based on the characters Reputation. The
higher the characters Reputation, the harder it is If a character has been recognised, he can use his Reputation
to improve it. to his advantage, by gaining bonuses to specific skill
checks. The size of these Reputation bonuses depend on
Finally, most Vocations list a way for the character to the characters Reputation level.
increase his Reputation.
Reputation Bonus Size
Good and Bad Reputation Bonus
Reputation 5 or less +0
A characters Reputation can be Good, Bad or Neutral this 6-10 +2
largely depends on who the character is interacting with. A 11-15 +3
Good Reputation implies that the character is seen as being 16-20 +4
on the side of law and order and is fair and generous, while 21+ +5
a Bad Reputation carries connotations being a murderous,
dangerous good-for-nothing. An Indian warlord like The bonus is applied to the following skill checks,
Cochise might have a Good Reputation when dealing with depending on whether the characters Reputation is Neutral
Indians who resist the incursions of white men, and a Bad (people have just heard of him), Good (people have heard
Reputation to the authorities. mostly good things about him) or Bad (people have heard
mostly bad things about him).
Importantly, a Reputation can change from Good to Bad
relatively easily. A character with a Good reputation who is
disgraced does not lose Reputation points the magnitude

109
 Reputation Affects Well-off $6d20 $10,000
Characters Rich 3d20 x $10 $25,000
Reputation is Skill Checks Affected Very Rich 6d20 x $10 $100,000
Rules of the West

Neutral Bluff, Perform Vast Fortune 3d20 x $100 -

Good Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather
Information, Perform Roll a characters spending money at the start of a scenario
Bad Bluff, Intimidate, Perform in an episodic game, or every 1d4 weeks in a continuing
game. A character is assumed to be have covered basic
expenses like food, drink and basic maintenance before
A characters Reputation also affects how much it costs to rolling for spending money.
hire him for a job. A character can make a Reputation
check (DC 15) if the check is successful, the employer
offers the next highest reward category (see page XX) (or
50% more money, if reward categories are not being used), Running a
assuming that the employer can afford this largesse.
Business
While hired guns may drift from town to town, and starry-
A Bad Reputation can also increase the amount of money
eyed miners dream of striking it rich without ever lifting a
offered as a reward for the character increase the reward
shovel, most folk in the West intend to make their fortune
by 20% for every point of Reputation about 10. Therefore,
through honest hard work. For characters who want to
a character with a Reputation of 20 would be worth three
try their hand at running a business, the following rules
times as much as another criminal who committed the
provide a method for determining how successful their
same offences.
endeavours are.

Wealth and
Each type of business is associated with one or more skills.
Each season (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), the character

Purchasing
must make a skill check (or checks). The more successful
the check, the more profitable the business. Different
There are two ways to handle wealth in OGL Wild West. types of business provide different amounts of wealth, as
Some Games Masters may prefer to have the players keep shown on the Businesses table below. Note that in general,
track of every dollar and every grain of gold dust this the more skills required, the more wealth gained.
style of play is best suited to games where the ability of the
characters to survive and prosper in the West is the main The Games Master may choose to reduce or increase the
focus of play, and the Games Master wants to immerse the time between skill checks if a character is retiring for
players in the conditions and decisions of the era. five years to run a quiet saloon, then a check might only
be made each year instead of each season. By contrast, a
The alternative approach is to use semi-abstract wealth saloon in a wild boomtown might require a check every
categories, which show roughly how much spending cash week.
the characters currently have. Each spending category has
a value for how much spending money the characters have,
and also an amount for how much the characters have Complications
if they are prepared to drop into the next lowest wealth Before making the seasonal skill check to see how the
category. This latter amount represents the character business does in the current season, the business owner
selling off personal possessions and assets, taking out loans must first check for complications. To see if a complication
and so on. threatens the characters livelihood, roll 1d20 on the
following table:
The wealth categories are:
Complications
Wealth Category
1d20 Complications
Spending Maximum
<10 0
Wealth Category Money Money
11-15 1
Penniless 1d4 x10 cents -
16-19 2
Struggling $1d6 $20
20+ 1d4+1
Poor $2d6 $200
Average $3d20 $2,000 Add +5 to the roll for the first year of a business most
endeavours meet their challenges early in their lifetimes.

110
Businesses
Business Skills Default Wealth Category
Banker Knowledge (business), Profession (banker) Well-off
Blacksmith Craft (Blacksmithing) Average
Boarding House* Diplomacy Well-off
Candy Store Profession (shopkeeper) Average
Casino* Gamble, Knowledge (business) Rich
Craftsman Craft skill Poor
Doctor or Dentist Treat Injury, Knowledge (physical sciences) Well-off
Farmer, Large Craft (farming), Knowledge (nature) Well-off
Farmer, Small Craft (Farming) Poor
General Store Diplomacy, Profession (shopkeeper) Average
Fur Trapper Craft (Traps) Poor
Lawyer Diplomacy, Knowledge (law), Sense Motive Well-off
Livery Stable Diplomacy, Handle Animal Average
Mining Company Craft (mining), Knowledge (physical sciences) Average
Newspaper Publisher Craft (writing), Gather Information Average
Rancher Handle Animal, Knowledge (nature) Average
Saloon* Diplomacy Average
Undertaker Craft (woodcarving), Knowledge (theology and Average
philosophy)
*: Turbulent business add +1d6 to the roll for Complications.

Businesses
Business Sample Complications
Banker Bank raids, dishonest clerks, devalued currencies
Blacksmith Accidental fires, customers who do not pay, escaped criminals trying to use tools to break their
manacles
Boarding House Puritanical preachers in town, girls running off with current beaus, shootouts and violence on
the premises
Candy Store Over-sugared gunslingers with toothache on the premises, difficulties importing goods from the
east
Casino Card sharps, cheaters, accusations of being a crooked house, shootouts and violence on the
premises
Craftsman Accidents, disease, competition from factories in the east
Doctor or Dentist Accusations of malpractice; criminals and gunslingers coming in for treatment; outbreaks of
plague
Farmer, Large Locust swarms, bad weather, blights, malicious or foolish farmhands
Farmer, Small Locust swarms, bad weather, blights
General Store Lack of supplies, fires, theft
Fur Trapper Unfriendly Indians, over-hunting
Lawyer Rivalry with a judge, vengeful former clients, hanging sheriff in town
Livery Stable Bolted horses, stampedes, thefts
Mining Company Claim jumping, cave-ins
Newspaper Publisher Fires, rivalry with another newspaper
Rancher Rustlers, stampedes, malicious or foolish cowboys, eventful cattle drives
Saloon Brawls, violence or shootouts on the premises, exploding whiskey distilleries
Undertaker Not enough violence and shootouts on other premises

111
 Also add +5 if the business is located in a boomtown, and Bonus to the check. A character may also be able to obtain
+1d6 if the business is a turbulent one. other bonuses through in-game events.

The nature of complications vary depending on the For example, our banker with a margin of success of +2 has
Rules of the West

business. In general, a complication is a problem that must
be resolved by the owner, caused by unusual situations or
events. A complication often requires either outside aid or
the use of skills not normally associated with the business
in question. (In short, a complication is often an adventure
seed). If the complication is dealt with successfully, then
the business may thrive the business owner gains a +2
bonus to the seasonal skill check for every complication
successfully dealt with. However, if the complication is
not dealt with properly, then the business will suffer the
business owner suffers a 4 penalty to the seasonal skill
check for every complication failed.
S e a s o n a l S k i l l Check
The DC for the check is normally DC 15, and a character
may take 10 on the check if no complications arise. If the
business involves multiple skills, a separate check is made for
each of them, and the total margin of success or failure for
all the checks is calculated. (For example, running a bank
requires Knowledge (business) and Profession (banker);
both checks are at DC 15. The character running the bank
gets a 20 for his Knowledge (business) check, but only a 12
for his Profession (banker) check. The first check is passed
by 5, the second failed by 3. 5-3=2; the overall result is a
margin of success of +2.
The result of the seasonal skill check determines how much
money the business made this season, based on the default
wealth category for the business.
an average season; his wealth is Well Off.
Any negative changes to wealth category are permanent,
so the default wealth category for the business drops; any
positive changes last only for the current season, and the
business resets to the default wealth category next season.
A character who gets a result of Good or better can choose
to reinvest his profits in the business if he chooses this
option, then his personal wealth does not increase this
season. However, if profits are successfully reinvested
four times in a row, then the default wealth category for
the business increases by the average amount of profits
reinvested. (For example, assume the banker got results
of +6, +6, +6 and +22. He could choose to be Rich, Rich,
Rich and have a Vast Fortune respectively for four seasons
or he could invest the money in his business and increase
the banks default wealth category to Very Rich for next
year).
Cashing Out
A character can choose to reduce himself to the next lowest
wealth category to gain a lump sum of money (see above).
However, when running a business, the characters finances
are tied up in his trade. Should the character sell off his
possessions to earn money, then the current default wealth
category for the business is used. A character cannot
automatically start up an easy business, get a sky-high
result for the first seasons skill check that boosts his wealth
to a high wealth category, and then cash out to gain the
lump sum for his current wealth category.

Seasonal Skill Result

Margin of Running an
Outfit
Success/
Failure Result Wealth
-10 or more Disastrous Drops by three An outfit is a term for a company of travellers, adventurers
categories or profit-seekers a mining company, cattle drive team or
-9 to 5 Bad Drops by two even a gang of outlaws could be referred to as an outfit.
categories Many western adventures will centre on the characters
-4 to 1 Poor Drops by one having to guide and protect an outfit as it travels or works
categories in dangerous territory, so the Games Master may wish to
0 to +5 Average No change use the rules below to keep track of the status of the outfit.
+6 to +10 Good Increases by one For smaller outfits, numbering only a half-dozen or so
category people, then there is no need for this level of abstraction
+11 to +20 Excellent Increases by two the players can keep track of every hit point and every
categories meal. The intent of these rules is to give the players an
+21+ Outstanding Increases by three idea of the current state of their outfit, and give the Games
categories Master ideas for problems and scenarios along the way.

Add +2 if the business is the only one of its kind in town. The three important qualities of an outfit are:
A character may also add his Good or Neutral Reputation

112
 Morale: The general good spirits of the group. A
low morale means that challenges to the groups
leadership and lack of discipline are common. A
high morale means that everyone in the group is
positive and hopeful. Morale checks are called for
whenever the outfit faces dissension or danger.
+5. Having wagons or pack animals to carry extra gear
brings the Supplies score up to +10. Every character with
five or more ranks in a useful Craft or Repair skill increases
Supplies by +1, to a maximum of +5. Spending money on
masterwork gear or extra supplies can further increase the
outfits Supplies.

Supplies: Supplies covers a groups food,
ammunition and other gear. It is an abstract value
of the outfits ability to cope with problems and
construct solutions. Supplies checks are called for
whenever the group needs equipment beyond the
norm.
Health: Finally, health covers the outfits general
readiness to work or fight. Loss of members,
hunger or disease can reduce an outfits Health.
Each of these qualities has a rating. An outfit may be called
upon to make a Morale, Supply
or Health check, which is resolved
like other checks (1d20 plus the
appropriate rating, and try to beat
a Difficulty Class set by the Games
Master).
Health: Health begins at the average of the Constitution
scores of the members of the outfit. Having a character
with five or more ranks of Treat Injury increases the outfits
health by +4.
Making Checks
A quality is tested by rolling 1d20, adding the quality, and
trying to beat a set DC. An easy check is DC 5, an average
check is DC 10, and checks become progressively harder at
DC 15 or more. If the check is failed, then the outfit lacks
the resources to deal with a problem automatically, and the
players must take action to deal with it.

The precise meaning of a rating varies

depending on the outfit in question.
While Morale is universal, a team
of cowboys needs less Supplies than
a prospecting outfit, which in turn
needs less than a railroad crew.

D e t e r mi n i n g
the Initial
Ratings
Generally, these ratings are only
meaningful when comparing outfits
of the same size and purpose.

Morale: An outfits Morale begins

a level equal to the Reputation plus
the Charisma modifier of the leader.
Excellent pay increases the Morale
by up to +4; poor pay decreases it
by up to 4. Having a good cook
increases Morale by +2 if he has five
or more ranks in Craft (cooking).

Supplies: If everyone in the outfit

has the standard equipment for a job
of that sort, and has food and water
to last a reasonable time, then the
outfit has a starting Supplies score of

113
 Example Checks
Situation DC
Morale
Rules of the West
A native tribe faces an unusually hard winter. 5
A wagon train is lost in the mountains for a 10
week.
An outlaw gang lose one of the members in a 15
botched bank raid.
A trail herd is stampeded, scattering the herd, 20
destroying the chuckwagon and killing two
cowboys. The trail boss orders the rest to
continue.
Supplies
Does the tribe have sufficient blankets and food 5
to survive?
The outlaw gang try to build a fake signal to stop 10
a train.
The wagon train must rig a ferry to get wagons 15
across a swollen river.
Health
The outlaw gang must heal up and recover from 10
the botched train robbery will they be all healed
up in a few months?
The tribe is forced to settle in a swamp, far from 15
the clear mountain air of their ancestral grounds
how badly do they suffer from disease?
F a i l i n g a C h e ck
Morale: If a Morale check is failed, then there is either
despair or discontent in the outfit. Despair causes everyone
in the outfit to suffer a 2 morale penalty to all skill checks
made outside of combat. The period of despair lasts for
a number of days equal to the DC of the Morale check.
Despair can be lifted by good events, celebrations and so
on.
Discontent implies that one or more members of the outfit
challenge the leader. Depending on the nature of the outfit,
this challenge might be a legal one (many wagon trains
held elections and drew up complicated constitutions to
abide by) or a physical one (a brawl or even a shootout).
It is up to the Games Master to determine which route an
outfit takes.
Supplies: Failing a Supply check means that the outfit
needs to get extra equipment or food from somewhere, or
else take another course. The characters must act to obtain
these fresh supplies; they might forage and hunt for what
they need, or trade, or ride into town to buy. Outlaws
might also steal the requisite items.
If an outfits food supplies are in question, due to an
accident, spoilage or a trip that takes longer than normal,
114
then a Supply check can determine how long the outfits
remaining supplies last. The DC to last a week is 5 in
the prairies or forests, 10 in the mountains, and 15 in the
deserts or badlands; after the first week, the DC rises by 5
each week.
Health: A Health check is the most dangerous check to
fail; a failed result means that the outfit has fallen victim
to sickness or disease. Either one member of the outfit is
sickened to the point or death, or all are suffering equally
from the affliction.
If one member is sick, then use the rules for Cholera,
above.
If everyone is sick, then reduce both the Health of the
company and the Constitution scores of everyone by 1 +
1d4. After a week, make another Health check at the same
DC; if the check fails, then the disease continues and the
temporary penalties remain. If the check succeeds, then
the outfit overcomes the illness.
A Health check can also be used to determine the overall
vigour and strength of a company, to see if they can endure
hardship and fatigue.
Changing Scores
Events and circumstances can cause a quality to rise or fall
usually fall.
Morale: If there is disease or starvation in an outfit, then
the companys Morale drops by 1 each week until it is
cured or over. Morale then begins to rise back at a rate
of +1 every two weeks. A celebration raises morale by
+1d6, but it then begins to drop back down at the rate
of 1 each week. If the leaders Reputation or Charisma
modifier changes, then the outfits morale also changes by
a like amount.
Sample Outfit s
The Jones gang are a band of seven outlaws, holed up
in an isolated cabin in the middle of nowhere. The
leader of the Jones gang is Smoky Jones, a fifth level
Fast Hero. He has a Reputation of +6 and a Charisma
of 15, so the gangs beginning Morale is +8.
The outlaws have guns, bandanas, ammo and horses
what more does a bandit gang need, really? Big Sam
even worked as on the railroad for a while, and has
five ranks in Repair. The gang has an overall Supplies
of +6.
Finally, the average Constitution of the group is 11,
giving them a Health of +11.
Supplies: An outfits Supplies bonus drops by 1 whenever
it has to make a Supplies check, as items are used up along
the way. Supplies also rise or fall when an outfit loses
resources; for example, if a wagon goes over a cliff, or a fire
ruins the outfits camp, then the outfits Supplies drops by
1d6 or even 1d10.
Health: An outfits Health scores changes due to disease.
Each member of the outfit who dies also lowers Health
by 1.
Chases
A chase can take place between two characters on foot,
or between riders, or even between riders and vehicles.
Sometimes, a chase is easy to resolve; a man on foot cannot
catch a train that is travelling at full steam. However, two
horses that are nominally the same speed can be ridden
quite differently. If one rider brings his horse along the
level path, but the other rides through sagebrush and into
potholes, then the first horse will catch the second, even if
the second is a racer.
A chase is resolved using opposed Ride, Drive or Dexterity
checks. These checks are modified as follows:
For every 10-foot difference in speed between the
two racers, the faster one gets a +1 bonus to his
check.
Mildly rough ground, such as a rocky plain,
overgrown prairie, hillsides, riverbeds and so on
Chasing Trains
Obviously, a train is not going to be swerving from side or
side or moving through difficult terrain. An engineer on
a train can try to wring more power out of the locomotive
by making Drive checks, but the effectiveness of these
checks are halved i.e., the result of the trains Drive
check is (1d20 + the engineers Drive skill) x + the
modifier for the trains speed.
give a 2 penalty to horses and a 4 penalty to
vehicles.
Rough ground such as mud, broken ground or
forest give a 4 penalty to horses and a 8 penalty
to vehicles.
The character being chased may choose to make the
route more difficult by deliberately taking a harder
route; zig-zagging, riding through barricades or
over narrow paths and so on. For every 4 penalty
that the quarry accepts to his check, then any
pursuers suffer a 1d6 penalty to their checks.
If the result of a roll is a 1 or less, then the racer suffers a
disaster; a character on foot falls, a horse falls and may take
damage from the fall and a vehicle may overturn unless the
driver makes a successful Drive check (DC 15, modified
by the speed of the vehicle).
115
 For every five points of difference between the
results of the two racers, the winner increases or
decreases the distance between the two by 10%.
Rules of the West
Drinking
Whiskey and beer kept the west lubricated. A huge variety
of drinks were available in different saloons and beer halls
across the land. Refusing a drink, or refusing to buy a
drink were both rather dire insults and could quickly lead
to a brawl.
A character can drink a number of shots of liquor, or a
number of pints of beer equal to his 2 + his Constitution
modifier before being affected by alcohol. (Those unused
to strong alcohol, such as those in certain Indian tribes,
begin to be affected after a number of drinks equal to their
Constitution modifier). Every drink after that causes a
2 penalty to most skill checks and Will saves. However,
the character instead gains a +2 bonus to the following
checks:
Will saves to resist fear
Will saves to resist intimidation
Concentration checks to overcome impairment
penalties from wounds
Once the penalty from drink exceeds 10, the character
must begin making Fortitude saves (DC 10) after every
drink, to avoid falling unconscious.
A B o t t l e O f Y our
B e s t W h i s k ey
Taos Lightning: San Fernandez de Taos
Skullbender: Custer City
Apache Tears: Tombstone
Red Dog: Tucson
Pass Whiskey: El Paso
Other brands included Red Dynamite, Joy Juice, Forty
Rods, Tongue Oil, Corpse Reviver and Coffin Varnish.
Rye whiskey was popular in the east; bourbon in the
south and West. Corn whiskey was also popular, but was
generally seen as a cheaper, inferior brew.
116
Gambling
There are no less than four ways to resolve a game of
chance. The two simple options are:
Simply make opposed Gamble checks
Play out the game of poker (or dice, or whatever)
in real life, with a real deck of cards
One option puts all the weight on the dice and the rules
system; the second puts all the weight on the players, and
ignores any mechanical ability on the part of the characters
(so a character with a high Gamble skill will not have any
advantage over one with no Gamble skill).
The other two options are more complicated, but should
be used when a game of chance is especially important.
Resolution using the
Gambling Skill
Complex Gamble check is resolved as follows; firstly, the
Games Master declares how many rounds the game will
go on for (usually three). At each round, each character
involved in the game puts forward a stake and then makes
a Gamble check. The results of each characters check are
revealed. Each character can then choose to fold (losing
their stake) or keep going to the next round and raise by
putting in another stake which must be at least equal to
the highest stake in the last round. In each round, the
character gets a bonus to his Gamble check based on his
previous result.
Previous Round Modifier
Character got the lowest Gamble result 4
Character got a below-average result
Character got the average result*
2
+0
Character got an above-average result +2
Character got the highest Gamble result +4
*: Calculate the average by adding up all the results for that
round and divide by the number of participants.
The winner is the character who gets the highest Gamble
result in the last round.
Bluffing: A character can Bluff, adding up to +4 for his
Gamble check for the round. Each participant in the game
may target a number of other people in the game up to his
Wisdom modifier with a Sense Motive check. If the Sense
Motive check beats the characters Bluff check, then the
bonus added to the Gamble check using Bluff becomes a
penalty instead.
Cheating: A character may cheat, by making a Sleight
of Hand check opposed by a Spot check from everyone
else present. All the characters present should make a Spot
check, even if no-one elected to make a Sleight of Hand
check. Multiple characters may try to cheat, but the same
set of Spot checks are used for all of them. Any character
who makes a successful Sleight of Hand check may add +8
to their Gamble check.
rolls a 1,2,3 or 4 on his attack roll, the gun may not fire
or might jam or misfire. A character with a weapon
maintenance kit may make a Repair check (DC 10 + twice
the result of the d6 roll) to repair the damage done to the
gun.

Resolution using Concealing a Weapon

Live Action A character may attempt to conceal a weapon in a pocket
In this variant, the players deal, draw cards and play poker or under a coat. Other characters can notice the weapon
as normal. However, a characters skills have the following by making Spot checks, at a base DC of 10, modified as
effects on the game: follows:

Gamble: If a character has a Gamble bonus (from a high Circumstance Modifier

Intelligence, ranks in the Gamble skill, feats and so on), Weapon is Diminutive +8
then he may draw extra cards at the start of the game. He Weapon is Tiny +4
may replace a card in his hand with one of these extra cards Weapon is Small -0
at any time; the replaced card is put randomly back in the
Weapon is Medium -4
deck.
Weapon is Large -8
Character is wearing a long coat or other +4
Gamble Bonus Extra Cards concealing garment
Less than +5 0 Character has five or more ranks in Sleight +2
+5 to +10 1 of Hand
+11 to +15 2 Character has five or more ranks in +2
+16 to +20 3 Disguise
+21 or more 4 Clothes are specifically tailored to hide +2
weapon
Cheating: A player may choose to palm cards, deal from
the bottom of the deck and so on. He must make a Sleight A character who uses a concealed weapon may catch his
of Hand check, and it is opposed by the Spot checks of opponents by surprise.
other characters.

Bluffing: Once during each hand, each player may target

one other player with a Sense Motive check. The targeted
player must make a Bluff check; if the Sense Motive result
is higher, then the character making the Sense Motive
check may ask the targeted player one question, which
must be answered truthfully. This question must relate
to the cards in the players hand, but cannot be one that
can only be answered with a specific card. Thus, how
many aces do you have? or do you have any spades are
acceptable, but whats in your hand? or do you hold the
five of diamonds? are not.

Guns
A character is assumed to be taking good care of his guns
under normal circumstances. If a weapon is badly stored,
falls into the water, is buried in a landslide or otherwise
mistreated, then it is much more likely to malfunction
when fired roll 1d6. The gun now misfires if the d20
roll was below the result of the d6 roll.

For example, a character drops his gun into a horse trough.

The Games Master rolls a 4 on the d6; now, if the character

117
 Shooting, Knife-
fighting &
Brawling
Combat

C
ombat in a game is played out in rounds,
and in each round everybody acts in turn in
a regular cycle. Skills, feats and equipment
can modify combat rolls in numerous ways, but it does not
change the basic tenets of how combat operates.
Combat usually runs in the following way.
Each combatant starts the battle flat-footed. Once
a combatant acts, he is no longer flat-footed. If
everyone involved in a combat knows that a battle
is about to begin and spend more than one minute
in full view of each other, no one is flat-footed
during the first round (except to an attack that
comes in from outside the visible opponents).
The Games Master determines which characters
are aware of their opponents at the start of the
battle. If some but not all of the combatants are
aware of their opponents, a surprise round happens
before regular rounds begin. The combatants who
are aware of their opponents can act in the surprise

118
 round, so they roll for initiative. In initiative
order (highest to lowest), combatants who started
the battle aware of their opponents each take one
move or attack action. Combatants who were
unaware do not get to act in the surprise round. If
Strength Modifier
Strength helps a character swing a weapon harder and
faster, so a characters Strength modifier applies to melee
attack rolls.

Size Modifier
no one or everyone starts the battle aware, there is
no surprise round.
Creature size categories are defined differently from the
Combatants who have not yet rolled initiative do size categories for weapons and other objects. Since this
so. All combatants are now ready to begin their size modifier applies to Defence against a melee weapon
first regular round. attack or a ranged weapon attack, two creatures of the
same size strike each other normally, regardless of what
Combatants act in initiative order. Initiative is size they actually are. Creature sizes are compatible with
calculated using a Dexterity check as detailed vehicle sizes.
below.
Size Modifiers
When everyone has had a turn, whether they take Size (Example) Size Modifier
advantage of it or not, the combatant with the Colossal (blue whale [90 ft. long]) 8
highest initiative acts again, and the previous two Gargantuan (grey whale [40 ft. long]) 4
steps repeat until combat ends. Huge (elephant) 2
Large (buffalo) 1

Atta c k R o l l
Medium (human) +0
Small (dog) +1
An attack roll represents a characters attempts to strike Tiny (housecat) +2
an opponent on the characters turn in a round. When Diminutive (rat) +4
a character makes an attack roll, he rolls 1d20 and adds Fine (horsefly) +8
his attack bonus. If the result equals or beats the targets
Defence, the character hits and deals damage. Many
modifiers can affect the attack roll. Dexterity Modifier
Dexterity measures coordination and steadiness, so a
A natural 1 (the d20 comes up 1) on the attack roll is characters Dexterity modifier applies when the character
always a miss. When using a firearm, a natural 1 is also attacks with a ranged weapon.
a potential misfire. A natural 20 (the d20 comes up 20)

is always a hit. A natural 20 is also always a threata
possible critical hit.
If the character is not proficient in the weapon he is
attacking with (the character does not have the appropriate
Weapon Proficiency feat), that character takes a 4 penalty
on the attack roll.
Attack Bonus
A characters attack bonus with a melee weapon is:
Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + size
modifier
Range Penalty
The range penalty for a ranged weapon depends on what
weapon the character is using and how far away the target
is. All ranged weapons and thrown weapons have a range
increment (see the Outfitting chapter). Any attack from a
distance of less than one range increment is not penalised
for range. However, each full range increment causes a
cumulative 2 penalty on the attack roll. A thrown
weapon has a maximum range of five range increments.
Ranged weapons that fire projectiles can shoot up to ten
increments.

With a ranged weapon, a characters attack bonus is: Damage

Base attack bonus + Dexterity modifier + range
penalty + size modifier
When a character hits with a weapon, he deals damage
according to the type of attack. Firearms and most other
weapons inflict both wounds and damage, which bleed
and take a long time to heal. Other attacks (such as
unarmed attacks) just deal damage. A character who is
wounded takes damage both from the wound and from
the subsequent bleeding.

119
 Damage is deducted from the targets current hit points.
Attacks against objects are dealt with in a separate section
detailed below.
M i n i m u m W e a pon
Damage
If penalties to damage bring the damage result below 1,
a hit still deals 1 point of damage. This can be negated
by Hardness or Damage Reduction to 0; the minimum
damage of 1 rule only applies to internal penalties on the
damage roll itself.
S t r e n g t h B o nus
Combat
When a character hits with a melee weapon or thrown
weapon, add his Strength modifier to the damage. The
Weapon Finesse feat applies only to attack rolls, not
damage.
Off-Hand Weapon: When a character deals damage
with a weapon in his off hand, add only half of the
characters Strength bonus.
Wielding a Weapon Two-Handed: When a character
deals damage with a weapon that he is wielding
two-handed, add 1.5 times the characters Strength
bonus. However, the character does not get this
higher Strength bonus when using a light weapon
two-handed; in such a case, only the characters
normal Strength bonus applies to the damage roll.
M u l t i p l y i n g D a mage
Sometimes damage is multiplied by some factor, generally
a x2 or more due to a critical hit. Roll the damage (with
all modifiers) multiple times and total the results. Bonus
damage represented as extra dice is an exception. Do not
multiply bonus damage dice when a character scores a
critical hit.
Critical Hits
When a character makes an attack roll and gets a natural
20 (the d20 shows 20), the character hits regardless of the
targets Defence and the character has scored a threat of a
critical hit. To find out if it is actually a critical hit, the
character immediately makes another attack roll with all
the same modifiers as the attack roll that scored the threat.
If the second roll also results in a hit against the targets
Defence, the attack is a critical hit. (The second roll just
needs to hit to confirm a critical hit; the character does not
need to roll a second 20.) If the second roll is a miss, then
the attack just deals the damage of a regular hit.
A critical hit multiplies the characters damage. Unless
otherwise specified, the multiplier is x2. (It is possible
for some weapons to have higher multipliers, doing more
damage on a critical hit.) Some weapons have expanded
120
threat ranges, making a critical hit more likely. However,
even with these weapons, only a 20 is an automatic hit. The
Critical columns on the weapon tables in the Outfitting
chapter indicates the threat range for each weapon on the
tables.
Misfires
Firearms have a small risk of misfiring due to damage or
flaws in the ammunition or firing chamber. Each firearm
lists a Misfire range, which works just like a critical threat
range. For most firearms, the misfire range is 1, meaning
the weapon only risks misfiring on a natural roll of a 1.
If a misfire is threatened, then the attacker must make a
misfire check. Each weapon also lists a Misfire DC. To
see if a potential misfire is a dangerous explosion or merely
a jam, the attacker should roll 1d20 and compare the roll
to the Misfire DC. If the result is equal to or above the
DC, then the gun has jammed and cannot be fired until it
is repaired. It is a full-round action to un-jam a gun and
requires a Repair check (DC 10). If the result is below
the DC, then the round was a dud and the gun can fire
normally next round. If the result is a natural 20, then
the gun explodes in the users hand, dealing the weapons
normal damage to the hand.
D e f e n c e V a l ue
A characters Defence Value (DV) represents how hard it
is for opponents to land a solid, damaging blow on the
character. It is the attack roll result that an opponent needs
to achieve to hit the character. The average person has a
Defence of 10. A characters Defence Value is equal to:
10 + Dexterity modifier + equipment bonus + size
modifier
Dexterity Modifier
If a characters Dexterity is high, he is particularly adept at
dodging blows or gunfire. If a characters Dexterity is low,
he is particularly inept at it.
Sometimes a character cannot use his Dexterity bonus,
whether because of an entanglement, being caught
flatfooted, or for some other reason. If a character cannot
react to a blow, that character cannot use his Dexterity
modifier to Defence.
Size Modifier
The bigger an opponent is, the easier it is to hit in combat.
The smaller it is, the harder it is to hit. Since this same
modifier applies to attack rolls a creature does not have a
hard time attacking another creature of the same size. Size
modifiers are shown on the Size Modifiers table, below.
Size Modifiers
Size Size
Size Modifier Size Modifier
Colossal -8 Small +1
Gargantuan -4 Tiny +2
Huge -2 Diminutive +4
Large -1 Fine +8
Medium +0
Other Modifiers
Other factors can add to a characters Defence Value.
Feats: Some feats give a bonus to a characters Defence
Value.
Dodge Bonuses: Some other Defence bonuses represent
actively avoiding blows. These bonuses are called dodge
bonuses. Any situation that denies a character his Dexterity
bonus also denies his dodge bonuses. Unlike most sorts of
bonuses, dodge bonuses stack with each other.
Touch Attacks
Some attacks disregard armour. In these cases, the attacker
makes a touch attack roll (either a ranged touch attack
roll or a melee touch attack roll). The attacker makes his
attack roll as normal, but a characters Defence does not
include any equipment bonus or armour bonus. All other
modifiers, such as Dexterity modifier or size modifier,
apply normally.
Hit Points
A characters hit points tell how much punishment he
can take before dropping. Hit points are based on the
characters class and level, and the characters Constitution
modifier applies. When a characters hit point total drops
to 0, he is disabled. When it drops to 1, he is dying.
When it drops to 10, the character is dead. Wounds may
hasten a characters demise see Wounds, below.
Speed
A characters speed tells how far he can move in a move
action. Humans normally move 30 feet, but some
creatures move faster or slower. Wearing armour can slow
a character down. A character normally moves as a move
action, leaving an attack action to attack. The character
can, however, use his attack action as a second move
action. This could let the character move again, for a total
movement of up to double his normal speed. Another
option is to run all out (a full-round action). This lets the
character move up to four times his normal speed, but a
character can only run all out in a straight line, and doing
so affects the characters Defence (see Run).
Saving Throws
Generally, when a character is subject to an unusual or
magical attack, he gets a saving throw to avoid or reduce
the effect. A saving throw is a 1d20 roll plus a bonus based
on the characters class and level (the characters base save
bonus) and an ability modifier. A natural 1 (the d20 comes
up 1) on a saving throw is always a failure. A natural 20
(the d20 comes up 20) is always a success.
A characters saving throw bonus is:
Base save bonus + ability modifier
The Difficulty Class for a save is determined by the attack
or effect itself.
Saving Throw Types
The three different kinds of saving throws are:
Fortitude: These saves measure a characters ability
to stand up to massive physical punishment or
attacks against his vitality and health such as poison
and paralysis. Apply a characters Constitution
modifier to his Fortitude saving throws.
Reflex: These saves test a characters ability to dodge
massive attacks such as explosions or landslides.
(Often, when damage is inevitable, a character gets
to make a Reflex save to take only half damage.)
Apply the characters Dexterity modifier to his
Reflex saving throws.
Will: These saves reflect a characters resistance to
mental influence, domination and psychological
effects. Apply the characters Wisdom modifier to
his Will saving throws.
Initiative
Every round, each combatant gets to take their allotment
of actions. The combatants initiative checks, from highest
to lowest, determine the order in which they act, from first
to last.
At the start of a fight, each combatant makes a single
initiative check. An initiative check is a Dexterity check.
Each character applies his Dexterity modifier to the roll,
and anyone with the Improved Initiative feat gets an
additional +4 bonus on the check. The Games Master
finds out what order characters are acting in, counting
down from highest result to lowest, and each character acts
in turn. On all following rounds, the characters act in the
same order (unless a character takes an action that results
in his initiative changing; see Special Initiative Actions).
121
 If two or more combatants have the same initiative check
result, the combatants who are tied go in order of total
initiative modifier (including Dexterity modifier and
Improved Initiative bonus, if applicable). If there is still
a tie, roll a die.
Flat-Footed: At the start of a fight, before the character has
had a chance to act (specifically, before the characters first
turn in the initiative order), the character is flat-footed. A
character cannot use his Dexterity bonus to Defence while
flat-footed.
Joining a Battle: If characters enter a battle after it has
Combat
begun, they roll initiative at that time and act whenever
their turn comes up in the existing order.
Surprise
When a combat starts, if a character was not aware of his
enemies and they were aware of the character, that character
is surprised. Likewise, a character can surprise his enemies
if the character knows about them before they are aware of
the character.
122
Quickdraw Duels
Pistol duels operate according to slightly different rules.
Each participant may gain a bonus to their Initiative by
accepting an equal penalty to any attack rolls made this
round.
For example, two characters face each other in a pistol
duel at high noon. One character takes a +10 bonus to
Initiative, which means that his attack will be at a 10
penalty. The other character takes a +3 bonus, giving
him a 3 penalty. The first character may shoot first,
but is unlikely to make his mark.
The Surprise Round
If some but not all of the combatants are aware of their
opponents, a surprise round happens before regular rounds
begin. The combatants who are aware of the opponents
can act in the surprise round, so they roll for initiative.
In initiative order (highest to lowest), combatants who
started the battle aware of their opponents each take an
attack action or move action during the surprise round (see
Action Types, below). If no one or everyone is surprised, a
surprise round does not occur.
Unawa re
Combatants
Combatants who are unaware at the
start of battle do not get to act in the
surprise round. Unaware combatants are
still flat-footed because they have not acted
yet. Because of this, they lose any Dexterity
bonus to Defence.
 Actions in Combat Use a piece of equipment No
The fundamental actions of moving and attacking cover Climb (one-quarter speed) No
most of what a character wants to do in a battle. They Crawl No
are described here. Other, more specialised options are Draw a weapon3 Yes
touched on in the Actions in Combat table, and covered in Holster a weapon Yes
Special Initiative Actions and Special Attacks. Move a heavy object Yes
Open a door No

The C o m b a t
Pick up an object Yes
Retrieve a stored object Yes

Round
Stand up from prone, sitting of
kneeling No
Each round represents about 6 seconds in the game world. Start/complete full-round action Varies
A round is an opportunity for each character involved Swim No
in a combat to take an action. Anything a person could Use a skill that takes a move
reasonably do in 6 seconds, a character can do in 1 round. action Usually
Full-Round Actions
Each rounds activity begins with the character with the
Bull rush (charge) No
highest initiative result and then proceeds, in order, from
Charge No
there. Each round of a combat uses the same initiative
order. When a characters turn comes up in the initiative Coup de grace Yes
sequence, that character performs his entire rounds worth Full attack No
of actions. (For exceptions, see Attacks of Opportunity Overrun (charge) No
and Special Initiative Actions.) Run Yes
Withdraw No
For almost all purposes, there is no relevance to the end of Extinguish flames No
a round or the beginning of a round. A round can be a Use a skill that takes a full round Usually
set amount of game time starting with the first character Reload a firearm Yes
to act and ending with the last, but it usually means a span Un-jam a firearm Yes
of time from a certain round to the same initiative number Free actions
in the next round. Effects that last a certain number of
Drop an Object No
rounds end just before the same initiative count that they
Drop to prone, sitting or
began on.
kneeling No
Speak No
Actions in Combat Action Type Varies
Attack of Disarm4 Yes
Action Opportunity1
Grapple4 Yes
Attack Actions
Trip an opponent4 No
Attack (melee) No
Use a feat5
Varies
Attack (ranged) Yes
No Action
Attack (unarmed) Yes
Delay No
Attack (aid another) No
5-foot step No
Bull rush (attack) No 1
Regardless of the action, if a character moves out of a
Escape a grapple No threatened square, the character usually provokes an attack
Feint (see the Bluff skill) No of opportunity. This column indicates whether the action
Ready (triggers an attack action) No itself, not moving, provokes an attack of opportunity.
Make a dying character stable Yes 2
If the object is being held, carried, or worn by a creature,
Attack a weapon Yes yes. If not, no.
Attack an object Maybe2
3
If the character has a base attack bonus of +1 or higher,
Total defence No he can combine this action with a regular move. If the
Use a skill that takes an attack Usually character has the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, he can draw
action two light or one-handed weapons in the time it would
normally take to draw one.
Move Actions 4
These attack forms substitute for a melee attack, not
Move your speed Yes
an action. As melee attacks, they can be used once in an
attack or charge action, one or more times in a full attack

123
 action, or even as an attack of opportunity.
5
The description of a feat defines its effect.
A character can take a move action in the place of an attack
action. If a character moves no actual distance in a round,
that character can take one 5-foot step before, during, or
after the action.

Action Types Full-Round Action

The four types of actions are attack actions, move actions,
full-round actions and free actions. In a normal round, a
character can perform an attack action and a move action
(or two move actions; a character can always take a move
action in place of an attack action), or a character can
perform a full-round action. A character can also perform
as many free actions as the Games Master allows.
Combat
A full-round action consumes all a characters effort during
a round. The only movement the character can take
during a full-round action is a 5-foot step before, during,
or after the action. Some full-round actions do not allow
a character to take a 5-foot step. A character can also per-
form free actions (see below) as the Games Master allows.

In some situations (such as in the surprise round) a Free Action

character may be limited to taking only a single attack or Free actions consume a very small amount of time and effort,
move action. and over the span of the round their impact is so minor
that they are considered free. A character can perform one
Attack
Action
An attack action allows
a character to do
something. A character
can make an attack, use a
skill or a feat (unless the
skill or feat requires a full-
round action to perform;
see below), or perform
other similar actions.
During a combat round,
a character can take an
attack action and a move
action. A character can
take a move action before
or after performing an
attack action.

Move
Action
A move action allows
a character to move
his speed or perform
an action that takes a
similar amount of time.
A character can move his
speed, climb one-quarter
of his speed, draw or
stow a weapon or other
object, stand up, pick
up an object, or perform
some equivalent action
(see Table: Actions in
Combat).

124
or more free actions while taking another action normally.
However, the Games Master puts reasonable limits on what
a character can really do for free. For instance, dropping
an object, dropping to a prone position and speaking a
sentence or two are all free actions.
Attac k A c t i o n s
Most common attack actions are described below. More
specialised attack actions are mentioned in the Actions in
Combat table and covered in Special Attacks.
Ranged Attacks
With a ranged weapon, a character can shoot or throw at
any target that is within the ranged weapons maximum
range and in line of sight. A target is in line of sight if
there are no solid obstructions between the character and
the target. The maximum range for a thrown weapon is
five range increments. For weapons that fire projectiles, it
is ten range increments.
Shooting or Throwing into a Melee: If a character
shoots or throws a ranged weapon at a target that
is engaged in melee with an ally, the character
takes a 4 penalty on his attack roll because the
character has to aim carefully to avoid hitting the
ally. Two characters are engaged in melee if they
are enemies and they are adjacent to one another.
(An unconscious or otherwise immobilised
character is not considered engaged unless he is
actually being attacked.) If the target is so big
that part of it is 10 feet or farther from the nearest
ally, the character can avoid the 4 penalty, even
if it is engaged in melee with an ally. Because of
the weapons unwieldy shape and size, an attacker
using a rifle takes a 4 penalty on attacks against
adjacent opponents.
Shooting at a Group: A character can fire a ranged
weapon into a group of targets and aim for the
group as a whole instead of individual targets
within it. The group is treated as a single creature.
To calculate the effective Defence of the group,
add up the sizes as follows:
Shooting into a Group
Creature Size Total Size Effective Size
Size Value Values (Defence)
Small 1 <3 Medium (-0)
Medium 1 3-4 Large (-1)
Large 2 5-6 Huge (-2)
Huge 4 7-10 Gargantuan (-4)
Gargantuan 6 10+ Colossal (-8)
Note that groups do not apply their Reflex or other
Defence bonuses to their Ranged Defence, so it is
very easy to shoot into a group. Creatures smaller
than Small or larger than Gargantuan cannot be
part of a group. To work out which member of a
group is hit, use the Size values to construct a table.
For example, a group of two riders is composed of
two Large creatures (the horses) and two Medium
creatures (the men riding them). Each horse has a
two-in-six chance of being hit, and each rider has
a one-in-six chance.
All the members of a group must be within five feet
of each other to count as being part of a group.
As a special exception, a character can apply his
own Defence bonus to his mount when riding.
The pair will still count as a Large target.
Movement: If a character moves more than five
feet, he suffers a 2 penalty to his ranged attack
roll. (A character moving or a horse or vehicle uses
different modifier see below). For every twenty
feet that a character moves in a round, he has a +1
dodge bonus to his Ranged Defence value.
Shooting into Confined Spaces: A character who
does not have at least three five-foot squares to
dodge into cannot apply his Dexterity bonus to
his Ranged Defence. For example, if a character
has to pass through a narrow gap in some rocks,
he cannot dodge and therefore cannot use his
Dexterity bonus. This rule only applies to ranged
attacks.
Aiming: A character can take the time to properly
aim a gun. In each round spend aiming, the
character makes an attack roll against his target. If
this attack hits, then the character has successfully
aimed, and gets a +2 circumstance bonus to his
next attack roll against that target. A character
must either aim again or fire next round if the
character goes a round without aiming, the bonus
is lost. A character using a longarm with sights or
one resting on a tripod or other support gets a +4
bonus from aiming instead of a +2 bonus.
Switching targets with a longarm: A character using
a longarm or shotgun must declare who he is firing
at. When he switches to another target, he suffers
a 4 penalty to his attack that round. This penalty
is ignored if the new target is within 20 feet of the
old target.
125
 M e l e e A t t a c ks
With a normal melee weapon, a character can strike any
enemy within 5 feet. (Enemies within 5 feet are considered
adjacent to the character.) A character capable of making
more than one melee attack per round must use the full
attack action (see Full-Round Actions, below) in order to
make more than one attack.
damage inflicted by the hit. An accurate shooter can deal
a mortal wound with even a tiny pistol, but a large-calibre
rifle in the hands of a kid can still blow some damn fools
head off.
Add the margin of success in the attack roll to the damage
to determine the wound value.

F i g h t i n g D e f e n s ively Wound
Value
Wound
Type Effects
A character can choose to fight defensively while making a
0-4 Scratch None
melee attack. If the character does so, he takes a 4 penalty
on his attack in a round to gain a +2 dodge bonus to 5-8 Deep Bleed 1/round,
Impairment 2, Infection,
Combat

Defence in the same round.

Extra Damage +2

T o t a l D e f e n ce
9-12 Serious Bleed 2/round,
Impairment 4, Infection,
Instead of attacking, a character can use his attack action Surgery, Extra Damage
simply to defend. This is called a total defence action. +4
The character does not get to attack or perform any other 12+ Mortal Bleed 4/round,
activity, but does get a +4 dodge bonus to his Defence for Impairment 8, Infection,
1 round. The characters Defence improves at the start of Surgery, Extra Damage
this action, so it helps against any attacks of opportunity +8
the character is subject to while performing his move
action.

Wounds A Scratch is just a cut or gash it bleeds a little, but not

Firearms and most other weapons cause wounds. The enough to cause continuing damage. Normal wounds
severity of the wound is determined by how much the will heal without any further intervention, and do not risk
attack roll beat the targets Defence, and by the amount of becoming infected.

E x a m p l e B i l l and Aaron shoot the hell

o u t of each other
Bill has a Defence Value of 15, while Aaron has a Defence Value of 12. Bill has an attack bonus with his Colt
Peacemaker of +4, while Aaron has an attack bonus of +2. Aaron has won initiative and so is going first.

Aaron rolls and gets a 14. Adding his attack bonus of +2 gives him a 16 a hit. He rolls damage, and gets a 5. Bill
loses 5 hit points. The margin of success for the hit was only 1 (DV16 - attack of 15); adding that to the 5 hit points
results in a total of 6, a Deep Wound. The wound is on Bills right arm, so Bill suffers a 2 penalty to attack rolls
and skill checks using that arm.

Bills turn. Firstly, he loses another hit point from the Bleed. Bill has the Two Weapon Fighting feat (which allows
any character to use either hand with equal ability), so he flips his gun over to his left hand and shoots with that. He
rolls a natural 20 a potential critical. He rolls again, and gets a 6. 6 + 4 (his attack bonus) is only a 10, less than
Aarons DV of 10, so the critical is not confirmed.

However, it is still a very accurate shot. The margin of success was a huge 24, a full 12 higher than Aarons DV.
Adding the damage (4) gives a total of 16, a mortal wound. Aarons going to lose 4 hit points a round and has an
Impairment of 8. He also takes another 8 damage, killing him stone dead.

On his next round, Bill loses yet another hit point from the Bleed, and starts tying his injured arm up with his
bandana (Treat Injury). If he were not able to shoot with his off-hand so accurately (and did not have the Two
Weapon Fighting feat), he would have suffered a 2 to his attack rolls from Impairment, and so would only have
dealt Aaron a serious wound. It would probably have been enough to kill Aaron, but Bill still counts his lucky
stars

126
A Deep Wound is a much nastier hit perhaps bones
have been broken or an organ grazed. The character now
has a Bleed of 1/round, an Impairment of 2, and risks
Infection.
Bleed 1/round means that the character continues to lose
one hit point each round due to blood loss. A successful
Treat Injury check (see page XX) can stem bleeding,
preventing further loss.
Impairment 2 means that the character suffers a 2 penalty
to certain skill or ability checks. The exact skills or checks
affected by impairment vary depending on where the
character was hit see Hit Locations, below. A character
must keep track of the impairment for each location
separately. See Recovering from Impairment, page XX.
Extra Damage is added onto the damage inflicted by
the attack, but does not increase the type of wound. It
represents systemic shock caused by the attack.
Hit Locations
It makes a big difference where a bullet hits a hit to the
leg means the poor target will be limping or crawling, not
running. A hit to the arm throws your shooting off, while
a wound to the gut there are easier and quicker ways to
die.
The location of a hit depends on the type of wound.
Normal wounds are just scratches and cuts, so their location
actually is fairly irrelevant. Do not bother rolling, or just
assume that the target was just winged in the shoulder or
side.
Deep wounds are normally on the limbs or shoulders,
which tend to be more exposed in a firefight. Serious or
mortal wounds are almost always in the centre of mass
the chest, abdomen or head. The closer a shot is to the
vital organs, the more damaging it is. To determine hit
location, first work out the type of wound, then roll 2d6
on the appropriate table.

Finally, Infection means that there is a chance the

wound will be infected unless properly treated. The
Hit Location
character must make a Fortitude save (DC 10) or be Scratch or
infected. See Infection, page XX (Rules of the West). Roll Deep Serious Mortal
2 Left Hand Stomach Stomach
When a character has a Serious Wound, the wound has 3 Left Shoulder Left Leg Stomach
gone right into an organ or other vital bit of meat, and 4 Left Arm Left Arm Stomach
the character is in real danger of dying. He now has a 5 Left Leg Left Chest
Bleed of 2/round and an Impairment of 4, and must make Shoulder
a Fortitude save (DC 15) to avoid infection. Furthermore, 6 Left Leg Chest Chest
the character will never recover fully until the wound is 7 Chest Chest Chest
operated on (to remove the bullet, set the bone and so on). 8 Right Leg Chest Chest
See Surgery, below. 9 Right Leg Right Chest
Shoulder
A Mortal Wound works the same as a Serious Wound, but
10 Right Arm Right Arm Head
the amount of Bleed, Impairment and extra damage are all
11 Right Shoulder Right Leg Head
increased.
12 Right Hand Head Head

Location Impairment Effects

Location Skills Impaired Ability Score Impaired Actions Impaired
Hand Climb, Craft, Demolitions, Disable Device, Dexterity when Ranged Attacks
Drive, Repair, Sleight of Hand manipulating
Arm Climb, Craft, Drive, Sleight of Hand, Swim - Melee Attacks
Shoulder Climb, Craft, Drive, Swim Strength All Attacks
Leg Balance, Jump, Move Silently, Swim, Tumble Dexterity when moving Movement, Defence
Value
Stomach Climb, Drive, Jump, Ride, Swim Con -
Chest Climb, Swim - -
Head Listen, Spot - All

127
 Dexterity when manipulating: Apply the impairment
penalty to any Dexterity checks that involve the use of
the hands for fine manipulation of items tying a knot,
playing a piano, loading a gun and so on.
Dexterity when moving: Apply the impairment penalty
to any Dexterity checks that involve fancy footwork or
agility, such as dancing, dodging, moving over a narrow or
uneven surface and so on.
Ranged Attacks: Apply the impairment penalty to any
ranged attack rolls made by the character.
Combat
Melee Attacks: Apply the impairment penalty to any
melee attack rolls made by the character.
Movement: Multiply the impairment penalty by five, and
subtract that many feet from the characters movement.
For example, if the character has an impairment of 2, then
subtract 10 feet (5 x 2) from the characters movement. If
the impairment penalty is 2 or greater, then the character
cannot run.
Defence Value: The character cannot dodge attacks
as effective; subtract the impairment penalty from the
characters Defence Value.
D a m a g e a n d D y ing
A character who is reduced below 0 hit points is considered
to be unconscious. A character does not actually die until
he reaches 10 or lower hit points.
Move Actions
With the exception of specific movement-related skills,
most move actions do not require a check. In some cases,
ability checks might be required.
Movement
The simplest move action is moving the characters speed.
If a character takes this kind of move action during his
turn, the character cannot also take a 5-foot step. Many
non-standard modes of movement are also covered under
this category, including climbing and swimming (up to
one-quarter the characters speed), crawling (up to 5 feet),
and entering a vehicle.
M a n i p u l a t i ng
Objects
In most cases, moving or manipulating an object is a move
action. This includes drawing or holstering a weapon,
retrieving or putting away a stored object, picking up an
object, moving a heavy object, and opening a door. If the
128
character has a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, he can
draw a weapon as part of his normal movement.
Standing Up
Standing up from a prone position requires a move action.
It provokes an attack of opportunity from opponents who
threaten the character. A character can make a Tumble
check (DC 20) to stand without provoking an attack of
opportunity. If the Tumble check result is 30 or better,
standing is a free action instead of a move action.
Start/Complete Full-
Round Action
The start/complete full-round action move action lets a
character start undertaking a full-round action (such as
those listed on the Actions in Combat table, above) at the
end of his turn, or complete a full-round action by using
a move action at the beginning of his turn in the round
following the round when the character started the full-
round action. If the character starts a full-round action
at the end of his turn, the next action that character takes
must be to complete the full-round action.
Full-Round
Actions
A full-round action requires an entire round to complete.
If it does not involve moving any distance, a character can
combine it with a 5-foot step.
Charge
Charging is a special full-round action that allows a
character to move more than his speed and attack during
the action. However, there are tight restrictions on how
and when a character can charge.
Movement during a Charge: The character must move
before his attack, not after. The character must move at
least 10 feet and may move up to twice his speed. All
movement must be in a straight line, with no backing up
allowed. The character must stop as soon as he is within
striking range of his target (the character cannot run past
the target and attack from another direction). A character
cannot take a 5-foot step during the same round as a full
charge.
During the surprise round (or any other time a character
is limited to taking no more than a single attack action on
his turn) the character can still use the charge action, but
he is only allowed to move up to his speed (instead of up
to twice his speed).
 Attacking after a Charge: After moving, the
character may make a single melee attack. The
character gets a +2 bonus on the attack roll. The
character also takes a 2 penalty to his Defence for
1 round (until the beginning of the characters turn
in the following round).
Even if the character has extra attacks, such as from having
a high enough base attack bonus or from using multiple
weapons, a character only gets to make one attack after
a charge. Instead of attacking the target, a character can
attempt to push the target back. See Bull Rush.
Full Attack
If a character gets more than one attack per action because
his base attack bonus is high enough, because he fights
with two weapons, or for some special reason, the character
must use the full attack action to get his additional attacks.
The character does not need to specify the targets of his
attacks ahead of time. The character can see how the
earlier attacks turn out before assigning the later ones.
Full attack is a full-round action. Because of this, the only
movement a character can take during a full attack is a
5-foot step. The character may take the step before, after,
or between the attacks. If a character gets multiple attacks
based on his base attack bonus, the character must make
the attacks in order from highest bonus to lowest. If the
character is using two weapons, the character can strike
with either weapon first.
Committing to a Full Attack Action: A character does
not have to commit to a full attack until after the
first attack. The character can then decide whether
to make his remaining attacks or to take a move
action. Of course, if the character has already
taken a 5-foot step, he cannot use his move action
to move any distance, but the character could still
draw or put away a weapon, for instance (see Move
Actions, above).
Fighting Defensively: A character can choose to
fight defensively when taking a full attack action.
If the character does so, he takes a 4 penalty on
all attacks in a round to gain a +2 dodge bonus to
Defence in the same round.
Two-Weapon Fighting Penalties
Circumstances Primary Hand
Normal penalties 6 10
Off-hand weapon is light 4 8
Two-Weapon Fighting feat 4 4
Off-hand weapon is light and Two-Weapon 2 -2
Fighting feat
Firearms and the
Full Attack Action
The number of attacks made with a firearm are restricted
by the weapons Rate of Fire most weapons can only
fire once per round. A character armed with a gun that
only fires once per round can only make one attack in a
round with the gun (although he could combine shooting
the gun with an unarmed attack or even a melee attack).
Melee weapons, thrown weapons and bows do not suffer
from this restriction.
Attacking with Two
Weapons
If the character wields a second weapon in his off hand,
the character can get one extra attack per round with that
weapon. Fighting in this way is very difficult, however
the character takes a 6 penalty on the regular attack or
attacks with his primary hand and a 10 penalty on the
attack with his off hand. Characters fighting with two
weapons can use any weapon that he can comfortably
hold in one hand (typically, Medium or smaller in size)
but both must be melee or both ranged in nature unless
the character possess the Two-Weapon Fighting feat. A
character can reduce the penalties inherent in this kind of
combat in two ways.
If the off-hand weapon is light, the penalties are reduced
by 2 each. An unarmed strike and pistols of Small size or
smaller are always considered light. Also, the Two-Weapon
Fighting feat lessens the primary hand penalty by 2, and
the off-hand penalty by 6. The Two-Weapon Fighting
Penalties table below summarises the interaction of all
these factors.
Double Weapons: A character can use a double
weapon to make an extra attack as if he were
fighting with two weapons. The penalties apply as
if the off-hand weapon were light.
Run
A character can run all out as a full-round action. When a
character runs, he can move up to four times his speed in
a straight line. (The character does not get a 5-foot step.)
The character loses any Dexterity bonus to Defence since
Off Hand
129
 he cannot avoid attacks. However, the character gets a +2
bonus to Defence against ranged attacks while running.
A character can run for a number of rounds equal to
his Constitution score, but after that the character must
succeed at a Constitution check (DC 10) to continue
running. The character must check again each round
in which he continues to run, and the DC of this check
increases by 1 for each check the character makes. When
the character fails this check, he must stop running. A
character who has run to his limit must rest for 1 minute
M i s c e l l a n e o us
Actions
Some actions do not fit neatly into the above categories.
Some of the options described below are actions that take
the place of, or are variations, on the actions described
earlier. For actions not covered in any of this material,
the Games Master determines how long such an action
takes to perform and whether doing so provokes attacks of
opportunity from threatening enemies.

Use Feat, Skill or

(10 rounds) before running again. During a rest period, a
character can move normally, but cannot run.
Special Ability
Combat

A run represents a speed of about 14 miles per hour for an
unencumbered human.
Withdraw
Withdrawing from melee combat is a full-round action.
When a character withdraws, he can move up to twice his
speed. (The character does not also get a 5-foot step.) The
square the character starts from is not considered threatened
for purposes of withdrawing, and therefore enemies do not
get attacks of opportunity against the character when he
move from that square.
Certain feats let a character take special actions in combat.
Other feats are not actions in themselves, but they give
a character a bonus when attempting something he can
already do. Some feats are not intended to be used within
the framework of combat. The individual feat descriptions
tell a character what he needs to know about them. Most
uses of skills or abilities in a combat situation are attack
actions, but some might be move actions or full-round
actions. When appropriate, the description of a talent or a
skill provides the time required to use it.

If while withdrawing, the character moves through another

threatened square (other than the one started in) without
stopping, enemies get attacks of opportunity as normal.
Some forms of movement (such as climbing and
swimming) require skill checks from most creatures.
A character may not withdraw using a form of
movement for which that character must make a
skill check.

130
 A tt a c k s o f
Opportunity
The combat rules assume that combatants are actively
avoiding attacks. A player does not have to declare
anything special for his character to be on the defensive.
Sometimes, however, a combatant in a melee lets his guard
down, and does not maintain a defensive posture as usual.
In this case, combatants near him can take advantage of
this lapse in defence to attack for free. These attacks are
called attacks of opportunity.
Weapon Type
A character can use a melee weapon to make attacks of
opportunity whenever the conditions for such an attack
are met (see Provoking an Attack of Opportunity, below).
In addition, a character can make attacks of opportunity
with unarmed attacks if the characters unarmed attacks
count as armed (see Armed Unarmed Attacks).
T h r e a te n e d S q u a r e s
A character threatens the squares into which he can make
a melee attack, even when it is not the characters action.
Generally, that is all squares adjacent to the characters
position. An enemy that takes certain actions while in
a threatened square provokes an attack of opportunity
from the character. A character can only make attacks
of opportunity with melee weapons, never with ranged
weapons.
Pr o v o k i n g a n A t t a ck
of Opportunity
Two actions can provoke attacks of opportunity: moving
out of a threatened square, and performing an action
within a threatened square that distracts from defending
and lets the characters guard down.
Moving out of a Threatened Square: When a
character moves out of a threatened square, that
character will generally provoke an attack of
opportunity. There are two important exceptions,
however. A character does not provoke an attack
of opportunity if all he moves is a 5-foot step, or if
the character withdraws. If the character does not
start in a threatened square, but moves into one,
the character has to stop there, or else he provokes
an attack of opportunity as he leaves that square.
Performing an Action that Distracts the Character:
Some actions, when performed in a threatened
square, provoke attacks of opportunity because
they make a character divert his attention from the
fight at hand. Using a ranged weapon, in particular,
provokes attacks of opportunity. The Actions
Exception: Snap
Shot
A character with the Snap Shot feat can threaten an
attack of opportunity with a ranged weapon.
in Combat table (above) notes many additional
actions that provoke attacks of opportunity.
Making an Attack of
Opportunity
An attack of opportunity is a single attack, and a character
can only make one per round. A character does not have
to make an attack of opportunity if he does not want to.
An experienced character gets additional regular attacks (by
using the full attack action), but at a lower attack bonus.
A character makes his attack of opportunity, however, at
his normal attack bonus - even if the character has already
attacked in this round.
Movement and
Position
When using a grid to represent characters movement, the
standard scale equates 1 inch (or a 1 inch square) to 5 feet
in the game world. When rifles come into play, it is often
worth switching to a larger scale (1 inch to 10 feet) to
represent the full range of the rifle on the battlefield. The
smaller scale should be used for situations where pistols
and fists are the more common weapons.
Standard Scale
One inch (or one square) = 5 feet
Next to or adjacent = 1 inch (5 feet) away (or in
adjacent square)
30mm figure = A human-size creature
A human-size creature occupies an area 1 inch (5
feet) across (or one square)
One round = 6 seconds
How Far Can a
Character Move?
Characters normally move 30 feet, although armour can
slow a character down. A characters normal speed is
sometimes called base speed.
131
 Encumbrance: A character encumbered by carrying
a large amount of gear or a fallen comrade may
Combat
move slower than normal. Modifiers
This section covers offensive and defensive modifiers
Movement in Combat: Generally, a character can provided by position.
move his speed as a move action. If a character

Favourable and
uses his attack action as a move action, the
character can move again (for a total movement of
up to twice the characters normal speed). If the Unfavourable
character spends the entire round to run all out,
he can move up to four times his normal speed.
Conditions
Generally speaking, any situational modifier created by the
If a character does something that requires a full
attackers position or tactics applies to the attack roll, while
round, he can only take a 5-foot step.
Combat

any situational modifier created by the defenders position,

state, or tactics applies to the defenders Defence. The
Movement in Darkness: If a character moves when
Games Master judges what bonuses and penalties apply,
he cannot see, such as in total darkness, his speed
using the Defence Modifiers table and the Attack Roll
is limited to one-half normal. The Blind-Fight feat
Modifiers table as guides.
reduces this penalty.

P a s s i n g T h r o ugh
Defence Modifiers
Circumstance Melee Ranged
Sometimes a character can pass through an area occupied
by another character, creature, or object. Defender sitting or kneeling1 2 +2
Defender prone1 4 +4
Friendly Character: A character can move through Defender stunned or cowering2 2 2
a square occupied by a friendly character. Defender climbing 2 2
Defender flat-footed +2 +2
Unfriendly Character: There are two ways to Defender running +2 +2
move through a square occupied by a resisting Defender grappling (attacker +2 +2
enemy. The character can attempt an overrun. A not) 3
character can move through a square occupied by Defender pinned4 4 +4
an unfriendly character who does not resist as if Defender helpless (such as 4 6
the character was friendly. paralysed, sleeping, or bound) 4
Defender has cover See Cover
Square Occupied by Creature or Object Three Sizes
Defender concealed See
Larger or Smaller: Any creature can move through
Concealment
a square occupied by a creature or object three size 1
May instead improve bonus to Defence granted by cover.
categories larger or three categories smaller than it See Cover, below.
is. 2
The defender loses any Dexterity bonus to Defence.
3
Roll randomly to see which grappling combatant the
Flanking character strikes. That defender loses any Dexterity bonus
If a character is making a melee attack against an opponent, to Defence.
and an ally directly opposite the character is threatening the 4
Treat the defenders Dexterity as 0 (5 modifier).
opponent, the character and his ally flank the opponent.
The character gains a +2 bonus on his attack roll. The
ally must be on the other side of the opponent so that the Attack Roll Modifiers
opponent is directly between the character and the ally. Circumstance Melee Ranged
Attacker flanking defender1 +2
A character does not gain a bonus for flanking when
Attacker on higher ground +1 2
making a ranged attack.
Attacker prone 4
1
A character flanks a defender when he has an ally on the
opposite side of the defender threatening the defender.
2
Some ranged weapons cannot be used while the attacker
is prone.

132
 Cover
The more cover a character has, the bigger the bonus. In
a melee, if a character has cover against an opponent, that
opponent probably has cover against the character, too.
With ranged weapons, however, it is easy to have better
cover than the opponent. The Games Master may impose
other penalties or restrictions on attacks depending on the
details of the cover.
he has side cover when attacking around a corner or other
obstacle.
A character can hide behind cover, or fire over it. Obviously,
hiding gives a bigger bonus to cover, but a character cannot
shoot while hiding. A character must choose on his action
whether he is firing or hiding, and the appropriate cover
applies until the characters next action.

Degree of Cover
Cover is assessed in subjective measurements of how much
protection it offers. The Games Master determines the
value of cover. If the bottom half of a characters body is
covered, that only gives one-quarter cover, because most
vital areas are still fully exposed. If one side or the other
of a characters body is covered, the character gets one-half
cover.
Maximising and
Moving Cover
A character who kneels behind low cover can increase the
level of cover by one category, to a maximum of nine-
tenths. Lying down can increase the level of low cover by
two categories, again to a maximum of nine-tenths (just
because a character is cowering behind a rock does not
mean he can obtain total protection from an attack).

Cover Reflex Save

Bonus
The Cover table also gives the Reflex save bonuses for
different degrees of cover. Add this bonus to Reflex saves
against attacks that affect an area. This bonus only applies
to attacks that originate or burst out from a point on the
other side of the cover.
Hit Locations
Protected
Some locations will not be hit when the character is behind
cover reroll if the result of a wound location is one of
the protected locations. If the second result is the same as
the first, then it is caused by a ricochet or other unlikely
confluence of events. A character has low cover when his
legs and lower body are primarily protected by the obstacle;
A character can scuttle along, keeping his head low. This
increases cover as if the character were kneeling, but the
character only moves at half his normal rate and suffers
a 2 penalty to all attack rolls made while moving. A
character can crawl, increasing cover as if he were lying
down, but moves at only five feet per round and suffers
a 4 penalty to all attack rolls made while moving. A
character can make a double move, but not a run while
scuttling or crawling.
Striking the Cover
Instead of a Missed
Target
If it ever becomes important to know whether the cover
was actually struck by an incoming attack that misses the
intended target, the Games Master should determine if the
attack roll would have hit the protected target without the

Cover
Hit Locations Protected (Low cover or
Degree of Cover (Examples) Hiding Firing Reflex Saves side cover)
One-quarter +2 +2 +1 Legs or L/R Shoulder & Arm
(standing behind a 3-ft. high wall, standing beside a rock)
One-half +4 +3 +2 Legs & Stomach or L/R Shoulder, Arm &
Leg
(standing at an open window; behind a creature of same size, fighting from around a corner or a tree)
Three-quarters +7 +4 +3 Legs, Stomach, L/R Shoulder, Arm &
Leg
(hiding behind a big rock, peering around a corner or a big tree)
Nine-tenths +10 +5 +4* Legs, Stomach, Head, Off-hand Shoulder,
Arm and Leg
(firing out a narrow window; behind a door that is slightly ajar)
Total
(on the other side of a solid wall)
*: Half damage if save is failed; no damage if successful.

133
 cover. If the attack roll falls within a range low enough to
miss the target with cover but high enough to strike the
target if there had been no cover, the object used for cover
was struck.
This can be particularly important to know in cases when a
character uses another character as cover. In such a case, if
the cover is struck and the attack roll exceeds the Defence
of the covering character, the covering character takes the
damage intended for the target.
If the covering character has a Dexterity bonus to Defence
or a dodge bonus, and this bonus keeps the covering
Combat
character from being hit, then the original target is hit in-
stead. The covering character has dodged out of the way
and did not provide cover after all. A covering character
can choose not to apply his Dexterity bonus to Defence
and/or his dodge bonus, if the character so desires.
Co n c e a l m e n t
Concealment includes all circumstances in which nothing
physically blocks a blow or shot, but something interferes
with an attackers accuracy.
Degree of
Concealment
Concealment is subjectively measured as to how well
concealed the defender is. Examples of what might
qualify as concealment of various degrees are given in the
Concealment table below. Concealment always depends
on the point of view of the attacker.
C o n c e a l m e n t Miss
Chance
Concealment gives the subject of a successful attack a
chance that the attacker missed because of the concealment.
If the attacker hits, the defender must make a miss chance
percentile roll to avoid being struck. (Actually, it does not
matter who makes the roll or whether it is rolled before
or after the attack roll. When multiple concealment
conditions apply to a defender, use the one that would
produce the highest miss chance. Do not add the miss
chances together.)
134
Concealment
Concealment (Example) Miss Chance
One-quarter (light fog; light 10%
foliage)
One-half (shadows; dense fog at 20%
5 ft.)
Three-quarters (dense foliage) 30%
Nine-tenths (near total darkness) 40%
Total (attacker blind; total 50% and must
darkness; thick smoke; dense fog guess targets
at 10 ft.) location
Helpless
Defenders
A helpless foe - one who is bound, sleeping, unconscious,
or otherwise at the attackers mercy - is an easy target. A
character can sometimes approach a target who is unaware
of his presence, get adjacent to the target, and treat him
as helpless. If the target is in combat or some other tense
situation, and therefore in a state of acute awareness and
readiness, or if the target can use his Dexterity bonus to
Defence, then that target cannot be considered unaware.
Further, any reasonable precaution taken by a target,
including stationing bodyguards, placing his back to a
wall, or being able to make Spot checks, also precludes
catching that target unaware and helpless.
Regular Attack
A helpless defender has an effective Defence of 5 + his size
modifier. If a character is attacking with a ranged weapon
and is not adjacent to the target, the character can use a
full-round action to make the attack, and gain a +5 bonus
on the attack roll. If the character is attacking with a melee
weapon, or with a ranged weapon from an adjacent square,
the character can use a full-round action to deliver a coup
de grace.
Coup de Grace
As a full-round action, a character can use a melee weapon
to deliver a coup de grace to a helpless foe. A character
can also use a ranged weapon, provided the character is
adjacent to the target. The character automatically hits
and scores a critical hit.
Delivering a coup de grace provokes attacks of opportunity
from threatening foes because it involves focused
concentration and methodical action. A character cannot
deliver a coup de grace against a creature that is immune
to critical hits.
 Sp e c i a l action, taking the move action on the characters initiative
count and the attack action at a later point. On the
Ini t i a t i v e characters turn, he prepares to take an action later, if a

Ac t i o n s
specific trigger is met. Then, later in the round, if the
readied action is triggered, the character takes it, acting
Usually a character acts as soon as he can in combat, but before the triggering action. Readying does not provoke
sometimes a character wants to act later, at a better time, an attack of opportunity. (The characters move action,
or in response to the actions of someone else. and the attack action he readies, may both provoke attacks
of opportunity normally.)
Delay
By choosing to delay, the character takes no action and Readying an Action
then acts normally at whatever point in the initiative count A character can ready an attack action or a move action.
the character decides to act. When a character delays, he To do so, the character specifies the action he will take
voluntarily reduces his initiative
result for the rest of the combat.
When the characters new, lower
initiative count comes up later in
the same round, the character can
act normally. The character can
specify this new initiative result or
just wait until some time later in
the round and act then, thus fixing
the characters new initiative count
at that point. A character cannot
interrupt anyones action with a
delayed action (as a character can
with a readied action; see below).

Delaying
Limits
The longest a character can delay
before taking an action is until
after everyone else has acted in the
round. At that point, the delaying
character must act or else forfeit any
action in that round. If multiple
characters are delaying, the one
with the highest initiative modifier
(or highest Dexterity, in case of a
tie) has the advantage. If two or
more delaying characters both want
to act on the same initiative count,
the one with the highest initiative
modifier gets to go first. If two or
more delaying characters are trying
to go after one another, the one with
the highest initiative modifier gets
to go last; the others must go first or
lose their action for the round.

Ready
The ready action lets a character
prepare to take an action later,
to interrupt another character.
Essentially, the character splits his

135
 and the conditions under which the character will take
it. Then, any time before the characters next action, the
character may take the readied attack action in response
to those conditions. The readied action occurs just before
the event that triggers it. If the trigger is part of another
characters actions, the readied action interrupts the other
character. The other character continues his actions once
the readied action is completed.
The characters initiative count changes. For the rest of the
encounter, it is the count on which the character took the
readied action, and the character acts immediately ahead of
the character whose action triggered the readied action.
Combat
A character can take a 5-foot step as part of his readied
action, but only if the character did not otherwise move
any distance during the round.
If the character comes to his next action and has not yet
performed the readied action, the character does not get
to take the readied action (though the character can ready
the same action again). If the character takes his readied
action in the next round, before his regular turn comes up,
the characters initiative count rises to that new point in
the order of battle, and he does not get your regular action
that round.
Spe c i a l A t t a c k s
This section covers firearms, grappling, explosives, attacking
objects and an assortment of other special attacks.
Aid Another
In combat, a character can help a friend attack or defend
by distracting or interfering with an opponent. If the
character is in position to attack an opponent with which
a friend of the character is engaged in melee combat, the
character can attempt to aid the friend as an attack action.
The character makes an attack roll against a Defence of
10. If the character qucceeds, he does not actually damage
the opponent - but the characters friend gains either
a +2 circumstance bonus against that opponent or a +2
circumstance bonus to Defence against that opponent
(aiding characters choice) on the friends next turn.
Explosives
The most common explosive used in the West is dynamite
or TNT, although stocks of gunpowder and other explosive
compounds can also present a danger.
T h r o w n E x p l o s ives
An attack with a thrown explosive such as a stick of
dynamite is a ranged attack made against a specific 5-foot
136
square. (A character can target a square occupied by a
creature.) Throwing the explosive is an attack action. If
the square is within one range increment, you do not need
to make an attack roll. Roll 1d4 and consult the table to
see which corner of the square the explosive bounces to:
d4 result Corner of Targeted Square
1 Upper Left
2 Upper Right
3 Lower Right
4 Lower Left
If the target square is more than one range increment away,
make an attack roll. The square has an effective Defence of
10. Thrown explosives require no weapon proficiency, so
a character does not take the 4 non-proficiency penalty.
If the attack succeeds, the explosive lands in the targeted
square. Roll 1d4 and consult the table above to see which
corner of the square the explosive bounces to.
If the character misses the target, the explosive lands at a
corner of a square nearby in a random direction. Consult
the tables below to determine where the explosive lands. If
the weapon was thrown two to three range increments (11
to 30 feet), roll 1d8.
Roll on
d8 Location Struck
1 Upper left corner, one square beyond target
2 Upper right corner, one square beyond target
3 Upper right corner, one square right of target
4 Lower right corner, one square right of target
5 Lower right corner, one square short of target
6 Lower left corner, one square short of target
7 Lower left corner, one square left of target
8 Upper left corner, one square left of target
For ranges of up to five range increments (31 to 50 feet),
roll 1d12.
Roll on
d12 Location Struck
1
2
Upper left corner, two squares beyond target
Upper right corner, two squares beyond target
3 Upper right corner, one square beyond and
right of target
4 Upper right corner, two squares right of target
5 Lower right corner, two squares right of target
6 Lower right corner, one square short and right
of target
7 Lower right corner, two squares short of target
8 Lower left corner, two squares short of target
9 Lower left corner, one square short and left of
target
10 Lower left corner, two squares left of target
11 Upper left corner, two squares left of target
12 Upper left corner, one square beyond and left
of target
After determining where the explosive landed, it deals its
damage to all targets within the burst radius of the weapon.
The targets may make Reflex saves (DC varies according to
the explosive type) for half damage.
Planted Explosives
A planted explosive is set in place through the use of the
Demolitions skill, with a detonator or fuse determining
when it goes off. No attack roll is necessary to plant an
explosive; the explosive sits where it is placed until it is
moved or explodes. When a planted explosive detonates,
it deals its damage to all targets within the burst radius of
the weapon. The targets may make Reflex saves (DC varies
according to the explosive type) for half damage.
Splash Weapons
A splash weapon is a ranged weapon that breaks apart on
impact, splashing or scattering its contents over its target
and nearby creatures or objects. Most splash weapons
consist of liquids in breakable containers.
To attack with a splash weapon, make a ranged touch
attack against the target. Thrown splash weapons require
no weapon proficiency, so characters do not take the 4
non-proficiency penalty. A hit deals direct hit damage to
the target and splash damage to all other creatures within
5 feet of the target.
A character can instead target a specific 5-foot square,
including a square occupied by a creature. Use the rules
for thrown explosives. However, if a character targets a
square, creatures within 5 feet are dealt the splash damage
and the direct hit damage is not dealt to any creature. If the
character misses the target (whether aiming at a creature or
a square), check to see where the weapon lands, using the
rules for thrown explosives. After determining where the
object landed, it deals splash damage to all creatures within
5 feet.
Attacking
Objects
Strike an Object
Objects are easier to hit than characters because they
usually do not move, but many are tough enough to shrug
off some damage from each blow.
Object Defence and Bonuses to Attack: Objects are
harder or easier to hit depending on their size and whether
they are immobile or being held, carried, or worn by
opponents. The base Defence of objects is shown on the
Size and Defence of Objects table.
Size and Defence of Objects
Size (Example) Defence
Colossal (whole train) 3
Gargantuan (train car) 1
Huge (typical cart) 3
Large (big door) 4
Medium (bicycle) 5
Small (chair) 6
Tiny (lantern) 7
Diminutive (paperback book) 9
Fine (pencil) 13
If a character uses a full-round action to make an attack
against an inanimate, immobile object, the character gets
an automatic hit with a melee weapon, or a +5 bonus on
his attack roll with a ranged weapon.
An object being held, carried, or worn has a Defence equal
to the above figure, plus 5 plus the opponents Dexterity
modifier plus the opponents class bonus to Defence.
Striking a held, carried, or worn object provokes an attack
of opportunity from the character who holds it. (If a
character has the Sunder feat, he does not incur an attack
of opportunity for making the attempt.)
Hardness: Each object has hardnessa number that
represents how well it resists damage. Whenever an object
takes damage, subtract its hardness from the damage.
Only damage in excess of its hardness is deducted from the
objects hit points (see Table: Substance Hardness and Hit
Points and Table: Object Hardness and Hit Points).
Hit Points: An objects hit point total depends on what it is
made of or how big it is (see the Substance Hardness and
Hit Points and the Object Hardness and Hit Points tables
below).
137
 Substance Hardness and Hit Points Simple 5 10 13
Substance Hardness Hit Points wooden door
Paper 0 2/inch of thickness Strong 5 20 23
Rope 0 2/inch of thickness wooden door
Glass 1 1/inch of thickness Steel door 10 120 35
Ceramic 1 2/inch of thickness Cinderblock 8 90 35
Ice 0 3/inch of thickness wall
Wood 5 10/inch of thickness Chain 10 5 26
Concrete 8 15/inch of thickness Handcuffs 10 10 30
Steel 10 30/inch of thickness Metal bars 10 15 30
Saloon 1 2 5
window
Combat

Common Armour, Weapon, and Shield * Figures for manufactured objects are minimum values.
The Games Master may adjust these upward to account
Hardness and Hit Points for objects with more strength and durability.
Weapon or Defensive Item Hardness HP1
Knife 10 2
Sabre, tomahawk 10 5 Immunities: Objects are immune to critical hits.
Average small-calibre sidearm 10 10 Saving Throws: Unattended objects never make saving
Average large-calibre sidearm 10 20 throws. They are considered to have failed their saving
Axe or other hafted weapon 5 5 throws. An object attended by a character (being grasped,
Two-handed hafted weapon 5 10 touched, or worn) receives a saving throw just as if the
(shotgun) character herself were making the saving throw.
Projectile weapon (bow) 5 5
Armour Special2 Armour
bonus Breaking Objects
x5 When a character tries to break something with sudden
1
The hp value given is for Medium armour and weapons. force rather than by dealing damage, use a Strength check
Divide by 2 for each size category of the item smaller than to see whether he succeeds. The DC depends more on
Medium, or multiply it by 2 for each size category larger the construction of the object than on the material. If an
than Medium. object has lost half or more of its hit points, the DC to
2
Varies by material; see Substance Hardness and Hit break it decreases by 2.
Points.
Larger and smaller creatures get size bonuses and size
penalties on Strength checks to break open doors as follows:
Object Hardness and Hit Points Fine 16, Diminutive 12, Tiny 8, Small 4, Large +4,
Object Hardness Hit Points Break DC Huge +8, Gargantuan +12, Colossal +16.
Lock
A crowbar or ram improves a characters chance of breaking
Cheap 0 1 10
open a door.
Average 3 5 15
High quality 5 10 20
DCs to Break or Burst Items
Manufactured objects*
Fine 0 1 10 Strength Check to: DC
Diminutive 0 1 10 Break down simple door 13
Tiny 1 2 10 Break down good door 18
Small 3 3 12 Break down strong door 23
Medium 5 5 15 Burst rope bonds 23
Large 5 10 15 Bend iron bars 24
Huge 8 10 20 Break down barred door 25
Gargantuan 8 20 30 Burst chain bonds 26
Colossal 10 30 50 Break down iron door 28
Firearm, 5 7 17
Medium
Rope 0 2 23

138
 Repairing Objects
Repairing damage to an object takes a full hour of work and
appropriate tools. (Without the tools, a character takes a
4 penalty on his Craft or Repair check.) At the end of the
hour, make a Craft check using the appropriate Craft skill
or a Repair check (DC 20). Success restores 2d6 hit points.
If damage remains, the character may continue to make
repairs for as many hours as it takes to restore all the objects
hit points. There are certain situations where repairing a
specific item works in other ways; these exceptions are part
of the items description when applicable.
Bra w l i n g &
Finally, a character who fails his Fortitude save against a
Knockout strike is, unsurprisingly, Knocked Out. He
remains unconscious for 1d6 - his Constitution modifier
hours (minimum 10 minutes) or until another character
makes a Treat Injury roll to awaken him.
Martial Arts
A character with the Martial Arts feats (see chapter XX)
can inflict damage with an unarmed attack even if the
target makes a successful Fortitude save.
Extra Attacks
A character who makes a Full Attack while brawling can
gain extra attacks, even if his base attack bonus does not

Unarm e d C o m b a t
normally give him extra attacks. He may apply a 2 penalty
to all his attacks this round to gain one extra attack at his
A character who is tough enough can shrug off the effects highest base attack bonus, or apply a 4 penalty to all his
of a punch or kick (brawling attacks are collectively called attacks this round to gain two extra attacks at his highest
strikes) through sheer grit. A brawling attack is resolved base attack bonus.
like a melee attack to determine whether or not the
character is hit. Improvised Weapons
Grabbing bottles, chairs and tables to smash over the head
The damage dealt by an unarmed attack is 1 + the Strength of an opponent is a standard tactic in a bar fight. These
bonus of the attacker. However, if a character is struck by weapons inflict slightly more damage than an unarmed
a blow, the target must make a Fortitude save at a DC of strike, and can make certain effects easier to obtain.
the damage dealt + the margin of success. If this Fortitude However, a character without the Improvised Weapons
save is successful, then no damage is inflicted by the attack Proficiency feat suffers a 2 penalty to attacks with these
the victim is tough enough to just ignore the effects of weapons.
the blow.
Common Improvised Weapons
However, if the Fortitude save is failed, then the character
may be staggered or even knocked out by the blow, Item Damage Critical Special
depending on how powerful the strike was. Bottle 1d2 19-20/ Automatically
x2 Threatens Daze
Bar Stool 1d3 20/x2 -2 penalty to
Strike Value Strike Type Effects saves against
Daze or
0-5 Normal None
Knockout
5-10 Solid Winded
Table 1d4 20/x2 Requires Strength
11-15 Devastating Dazed, Winded
16 or higher,
16+ Knockout Knocked Out automatically
threatens
Knockout
A Normal strike has no further effects if the Fortitude
Wooden 1d4 20/x2 -2 penalty to
saving throw is failed, apart from the damage from the
Two by saves against
attack actually being subtracted from the hit points of the
Four/ Daze or
target.
Branch Knockout
If the Fortitude save against a Solid blow is failed, then Pistol Butt 1d4 19-20/ -2 penalty to
the target is Winded he suffers a 4 penalty to his next x2 saves against
Fortitude save against the effects of a strike. Daze or
Knockout
A character who fails his saving throw against a Devastating Rifle Butt 1d4+1 19-20/ -2 penalty to
attack is both winded and Dazed (cannot act this round). x2 saves against
Daze or
Knockout

139
 If a weapon automatically threatens a condition such as
Dazed or Winded, then the victim of the attack must
make a Fortitude save at a DC of the damage dealt plus
the margin of success or suffer that condition. If the attack
was powerful enough to threaten the condition anyway,
then the victim must still only make one Fortitude save.
A free grapple attempt means that the weapon can be
used to set up a grapple attack the attacker may make a
grapple check without first needing to make a touch attack
or risking an attack of opportunity.
See under grappling, below, for rules on slamming enemies
Combat
into obstacles or throwing them through windows.
U s i n g M e l e e W e apons
in a Brawl
A melee weapon such as a pistol butt can be used in a brawl
as an improvised weapon it inflicts the same damage as it
does in a normal melee, but does not deal wounds (meaning
that a character is much less likely to kill someone in a
brawl). However, the character suffers the usual 2 penalty
to attacks for using an improvised weapon.
An improvised weapon can be used to deal wounds a
character can, say, bash someones skull in with a bar stool
but using an improvised weapon in this fashion incurs a
4 penalty to attacks.
Bull Rush
A character can attempt a bull rush as an attack action
made during his move action, or as part of a charge. (In
general, a character cannot make an attack action during
a move action; this is an exception.) In either case, the
character does not get a 5-foot step before, during, or after
the bull rush attempt. When the character bull rushes,
he attempts to push an opponent straight back instead of
attacking the opponent. A character can only bull rush an
opponent who is one size category larger than the character,
the same size, or smaller.
I n i t i a t i n g a B ull
Rush
First, the character moves into the targets square. Moving
in this way provokes an attack of opportunity from each
foe that threatens the character, probably including the
target.
Second, the character and the target make opposed Strength
checks. If the character and the target are different sizes,
the larger combatant gets a bonus on the Strength check
of +4 per difference in size category. The character gets
a +2 bonus if he was charging. The target gets a +4
140
stability bonus if he has more than two legs or is otherwise
exceptionally stable.
Bull Rush Results
If the character beats the targets Strength check, the
character pushes the opponent back 5 feet. The character
can push the target back an additional 5 feet for every 5
points by which the character exceeded the targets check
result, provided the character moves with the target. A
character cannot, however, exceed his normal movement
for that action. (The target provokes attacks of opportunity
if moved. So does the character, if he moves with the
target. The target and the character do not provoke
attacks of opportunity from each other as a result of this
movement.)
If the character fails to beat the targets Strength check, the
character moves 5 feet straight back to where the character
was before the character moved into the opponents square.
If that square is occupied, the character falls prone in the
square.
Overrun
A character can attempt an overrun as an attack action
made during his move action, or as part of a charge. (In
general, a character cannot make an attack action during
a move action; this is an exception.) In either case, the
character does not get a 5-foot step before, during, or
after the overrun attempt. With an overrun, the character
attempts to move through an opponents area, going past
or over the opponent. A character can only overrun an
opponent who is one size category larger than the character,
the same size, or smaller. A character can make only one
overrun attempt per action.
First, the character must move at least 10 feet in a
straight line into the targets square (provoking attacks of
opportunity normally).
Then the target chooses either to avoid the character or to
block the character. If the opponent avoids the character,
the character keeps moving. (A character can always
move through a square occupied by someone who lets
the character by.) If the opponent blocks the character,
make a trip attack against the opponent (see Trip). If the
character succeeds in tripping his opponent, the character
can continue his movement as normal.
If the character fails and are tripped in turn, the character
falls prone in the targets square. If the character fails but
is not tripped, the character has to move 5 feet back the
way he came, ending his movement there. If that square is
occupied, the character falls prone in the square.
 Call e d S h o t s
A character can attempt to make a called shot against a
particular location. This requires accepting a penalty
to the attack roll, but if the attack hits, then the attack
automatically hits the specified location. The penalty for
making a called shot does not apply when determining
what sort of wound was inflicted by the shot.
Called Shot Penalties
Location Penalty
Hand -6
Arm -3
Shoulder -3
Leg -4
Stomach -4
Chest -2
Head -6
Trip
A character can try to trip an opponent, or otherwise knock
him down, as an unarmed melee attack. A character can
only trip an opponent who is one size category larger than
the character, the same size, or smaller.
M a k i n g a T r i p A t t a ck
Make an unarmed melee touch attack against the target.
Doing this incurs an attack of opportunity from the target
as normal for unarmed attacks.
If the attack succeeds, make a Strength check opposed by the
targets Dexterity check or Strength check (using whichever
ability score has the higher modifier). If the character and
the target are different sizes, the larger combatant gets a
bonus on the Strength check of +4 per difference in size
category. The target gets a +4 stability bonus on his check
if he has more than two legs or is otherwise exceptionally
stable. If the character wins, he trips the target. If the
character loses, the target may immediately react and make
a Strength check opposed by the characters Dexterity
check or Strength check to try to trip the character.
Be i n g T r i p p e d ( P r o n e)
A tripped character is prone (see the Defence Modifiers
table). Standing up from a prone position is a move action,
as listed above.
Tripping with a
Weapon
Some weapons, such as the whip, can be used to make trip
attacks. A character does not incur an attack of opportunity
when doing so. If the character is tripped during his own
trip attempt, the character can drop the weapon to avoid
being tripped.
Disarm
As a melee attack, a character may attempt to disarm his
opponent. If the character does so with a weapon, he
knocks the opponents weapon out of his hands and to the
ground. If the character attempts a disarm while unarmed,
the character ends up with the weapon in his hand.
If a character is attempting to disarm the wielder of a melee
weapon, follow the steps outlined here. Disarming the
wielder of a ranged weapon is slightly different; see below.
Step One: The character provokes an attack
of opportunity from the target he is trying to
disarm.
Step Two: The character and the target make
opposed attack rolls with their respective weapons.
If the weapons are different sizes, the combatant
with the larger weapon gets a bonus on the attack
roll of +4 per difference in size category. If the
target is using a weapon in two hands, he gets an
additional +4 bonus. Also, if the combatants are
different sizes, the larger combatant gets a bonus
on the attack roll of +4 per difference in size
category.
Step Three: If the character beats the targets
attack roll, the target is disarmed. If the character
attempted the disarm action unarmed, he now has
the weapon. If the character was armed, the targets
weapon is on the ground at the targets feet.
If the character fails the disarm attempt, the target may
immediately react and attempt to disarm the character with
the same sort of opposed melee attack roll. The opponents
attempt does not provoke an attack of opportunity from
the character. If the opponent fails to disarm, the character
does not get a free disarm attempt against the opponent.
Ranged Weapons
To disarm an opponent wielding a ranged weapon, the
character makes a melee attack or unarmed attack to strike
the weapon in the opponents hand (see Attack an Object).
If the weapon is held in two hands, he gets a +2 bonus to
its Defence. If the characters attack succeeds, the ranged
weapon falls to the ground or winds up in the characters
hands (if the character made the attack unarmed). This
kind of disarm attempt provokes an attack of opportunity,
but if the character fails, the target does not get to make a
disarm attempt against him.
141
 Disarming an opponent by using a ranged weapon (the
famous shooting the gun out of the bad guys hand
manoeuvre beloved of certain Western heroes) is only
possible if the character doing so possesses the Improved
Disarm feat.
G r a b b i n g O b j e cts
A character can also use disarm to snatch away an object
worn by a target. Doing this works the same as a disarm
attempt (see above), except for the following.
Attack of Opportunity: If the targets attack of
opportunity inflicts any damage, the attempt to
Combat
grab the object automatically fails.
Modifiers: If the object is well secured or otherwise
difficult to grab from the target, the target gets
a +4 bonus. On the other hand, if the object is
poorly secured or otherwise easy to snatch or cut
away, the attacker gets a +4 bonus.
Failed Attempts: Failing an attempt to grab an object
does not allow the target to attempt to disarm the
character.
Grapple
Grappling means wrestling and struggling hand-to-hand.
Grappling can be a dangerous proposition, but it can be
a useful combat option in certain cases where normal
methods of assault may not advisable or possible. There are
three stages to grappling: grabbing, holding, and pinning.
Grabbing: Normally, a grab is just the first step
to starting a grapple. If the character grabs
an opponent, but fails to go on to hold him,
the character does not actually start a grapple.
However, sometimes all a character wants to do is
grab the target.
Holding: Once a character has established a
hold, he is involved in a grapple. From a hold,
a character can attempt a number of actions,
including damaging the opponent or pinning the
opponent. A character cannot get a hold on any
creature more than two size categories larger than
the character. (However, such a creature can get a
hold on the character - so while a character cannot
initiate a grapple with a creature more than two
size categories larger than him, a character can still
end up in one.)
Pinning: Getting the opponent in a pin is often
the goal of a grapple. A pinned character is held
immobile.
142
Grapple Checks
When a character is involved in a grapple, he will need to
make opposed grapple checks against an opponentoften
repeatedly. A grapple check is something like a melee attack
roll. A characters attack bonus on a grapple check is:
Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + grapple
modifier
Grapple Modifier
A creatures size works in its favour when grappling, if that
creature is Large or larger in size. Conversely, a creature of
Small or smaller size is at a disadvantage because of its size
when grappling. Instead of using a creatures size modifier
on a grapple check (as would be done for a melee or ranged
attack roll), use the appropriate grapple modifier from the
Grapple Modifiers table below.
Grapple Modifiers
Grapple
Size (Example) Modifier
Colossal (blue whale [90 ft. long]) +16
Gargantuan (grey whale [40 ft. +12
long])
Huge (elephant) +8
Large (lion) +4
Medium (human) +0
Small (German shepherd) 4
Tiny (housecat) 8
Diminutive (rat) 12
Fine (horsefly) 16
Starting a Grapple
To start a grapple, a character first needs to grab and hold
his target. Attempting to start a grapple is the equivalent
of making a melee attack. If the character gets multiple
attacks in a round, he can attempt to start a grapple
multiple times (at successively lower base attack bonuses).
Follow these steps.
Step One: Attack of Opportunity: A character
provokes an attack of opportunity from the target
he is trying to grapple. If the attack of opportunity
deals the character damage, the character fails to
start the grapple. If the attack of opportunity
misses or otherwise fails to deal damage, proceed
to step two.
Step Two: Grab: The character makes a melee
touch attack to grab the target. If the character
fails to hit the target, the character fails to start the
grapple. If the character succeeds, proceed to step
3.

Step Three: Hold: Make an opposed grapple
check. (This is a free action.) If the character
succeeds, the character has started the grapple, and
deals damage to the target as if with an unarmed
strike. If the character loses, he fails to start the
grapple. The character automatically loses an
attempt to hold if the target is two or more size
categories larger than the character is (but the
character can still make an attempt to grab such a
target, if thats all he wants to do).
Step Four: Maintain the Grapple: To maintain
the grapple for later rounds, the character must
move into the targets square. (This movement is
free and does not count as part of the characters
movement for the round movement.) Moving,
as normal, provokes attacks of opportunity from
threatening enemies, but not from the target. The
character and the target are now grappling.
If the character cannot move into the targets square,
the character cannot maintain the grapple and must
immediately let go of the target. To grapple again, the
character must begin at step one.
Grappling
Consequences
While a character is grappling, his ability to attack others
and defend himself is limited.
No Threatened Squares: A character does not
threaten any squares while grappling.
No Dexterity Bonus: A character loses his Dexterity
bonus to Defence (if the character has one) against
opponents the character is not grappling. (The
character can still use it against opponents he is
grappling.)
No Movement: A character cannot move while held
in a grapple.
If the Character is
Grappling
When a character is grappling (regardless of who started the
grapple), he can attempt any of several actions on his turn.
Unless otherwise noted, each of these options is equivalent
to an attack. (If the character normally gets more than one
attack per attack action, he can attempt as many of these
options as he has attacks available, using his successively
lower attack bonus for each roll.) The character is limited
to these options only; he cannot take any other actions.
Damage the Opponent: Make an opposed grapple
check; if the character succeeds, he deals damage
as with an unarmed strike.
Bash off Object: Make an opposed grapple check;
if the character succeeds, he slams his opponent
into a wall or other hard surface, inflicting damage
equal to the (hardness of the surface + characters
Strength bonus). This damage is also dealt to the
object, and may result in the opponent being
slammed through the surface.
Throw: Make an opposed grapple check; if the
character succeeds, the opponent is moved one
foot for every point by which the winners grapple
check beat the losers (round up to the nearest five
feet). If the loser runs into an obstacle, treat it as if
he had been bashed off the object. This manoeuvre
can also be used to hurl opponents off of cliffs, off
the top of buildings and so on. In this case, the
character being thrown also takes falling damage
equal to the distance fallen.
Pin: Make an opposed grapple check; if the
character succeeds, he holds the opponent immobile
for 1 round. The opponent takes a 4 penalty to
Defence against all attacks from other people (but
not from the character); however, the opponent is
not considered helpless. A character cannot use
a weapon on a pinned character or attempt to
damage or pin a second opponent while holding
a pin on the first. A pinned character cannot take
any action except to attempt to escape from the
pin.
Escape from Grapple: Make an opposed grapple
check. If the character succeeds, he can escape the
grapple. If more than one opponent is grappling
Thrown Through A
Window
A character thrown through a window takes damage
equal to (1 + attackers Strength modifier), and
must make a Fortitude save to avoid being dazed.
The DC for this Fortitude save is equal to the damage
dealt plus the difference in grapple checks. This is a
brawl attack, and does not deal wounds.
Sliding Down The
Bar
If a character is adjacent to a saloon bar or other slick
surface, then he can be thrown down it after a grapple.
The character slides twice as far as normal (i.e., twice
the difference between the grapple checks), but takes
no damage.
143
 the character, the grapple check result has to beat
all their check results to escape. (Opponents do
not have to try to hold a character if they do not
want to.)
Drag: The winner of the grapple check may move
up to one-quarter of his movement, bringing his
opponent with him.
Alternatively, the character can make an Escape Artist
check opposed by the opponents grapple check to escape
from the grapple. This is an attack action that the character
Combat
may only attempt once per round, even if the character
gets multiple attacks. If the character has not used his
move action for the round, the character may do so after
escaping the grapple.
Escape from Pin: Make an opposed grapple check.
If the character succeeds, he can escape from being
pinned. (Opponents do not have to try to keep
the character pinned if they do not want to.) The
character is still being grappled, however.
Alternatively, a character can make an Escape Artist check
opposed by the opponents grapple check to escape from
the pin. This is an attack action that the character may
only attempt once per round, even if the character gets
multiple attacks.
Break Anothers Pin: Make an opposed grapple
check; if the character succeeds, he can break the
hold that an opponent has over an ally.
Draw a Light Weapon: A character can draw a light
weapon as a move action.
Attack with a Light Weapon: A character can attack
with a light weapon while grappling (but not while
pinned or pinning). A character cannot attack
with two weapons while grappling.
I f t h e C h a r a c t er is
Pinned
When an opponent has pinned the character, he is held
immobile (but not helpless) for 1 round. (The character
cannot attempt any other action.) On the characters turn,
he can attempt to escape from the pin. If the character
succeeds, he is still grappling.
J o i n i n g a G r a p ple
If the target is already grappling someone else, a
character can use an attack to start a grapple, as above,
except that the target does not get an attack of opportunity
against the character and the characters grab automatically
144
succeeds. The character still has to make a successful
opposed grapple check and move in to be part of the
grapple.
If multiple enemies are already involved in the grapple, the
character picks one against whom to make the opposed
grapple check.
Multiple Grapplers
Several combatants can be in a single grapple. Up to
four combatants can grapple a single opponent in a given
round. Creatures that are one size category smaller than the
character count as one-half creature each; creatures that are
one size category larger than the cjaracter count as two
creatures; and creatures two or more size categories larger
than the character count as four creatures.
When involved in a grapple with multiple opponents, the
character chooses one opponent to make an opposed check
against. The exception is an attempt to escape from the
grapple; to escape, a characters grapple check must beat
the check results of all opponents.
S t r a n g u l a t i on
When a character is strangled by an instrument or an
attacker, use the rules below. A character can strangle
or choke a target of the same size category or one size
category larger or smaller. The strangling attempt incurs
an attack of opportunity.
To begin the choke, the attacker must succeed at an
opposed grapple check. If the grapple succeeds, the
attacker can choose to deal normal unarmed damage as
well as choke the target. The target can hold his of her
breath for a number of rounds equal to his Constitution
score. After this period of time, the target must make a
Constitution check (DC 10, +1 for each previous check)
every round to continue holding his breath. The target
begins to suffocate on a failed check (see the rules for
Drowning in the Rules of the West chapter).
If at any time the target breaks free or slips free of the
grapple, the stranglehold is broken (although any damage
that was dealt remains). Note that a grappled target who
is not pinned can use his attack action to strangle his
attacker.
Reload
A character can reload a weapon as a full-round action.
This draws an attack of opportunity if done in a
threatened area. Most guns take one round to reload fully.
A gun can be partially reloaded using a move action; the
character can slot 1d4 bullets into a pistol or one shot into a
shotgun. A character must have ammunition immediately
to hand, in a pistol belt, bandolier or scattered on the
ground in front of him. Ammunition stored in a box
cannot be used to reload on a move action.
Longarms take multiple rounds to reload, and cannot be
partially reloaded using a move action.
Mount e d C o m b a t
The horse is everywhere in the West. While there may
be steam engines and trains on the coast or back east, it
is the horse that pulls the wagon and the stagecoach, or
carries the mail or the cavalry trooper through Indian
country. The horse is as ubiquitous and as popular as the
combustion engine is in the modern day.
Horses in Combat
Most horses are easily spooked by combat. If the rider
does not dismount, he must make a Ride check (DC 20)
each round as a move action to control such a horse. If he
succeeds, he can perform a standard action after the move
action. If he fails, the move action becomes a full round
action and the rider cannot do anything else until his next
turn.
A mount acts on the riders initiative count as he directs it.
The rider moves at the mounts speed, but the mount uses
its action to move.
A horse is a Large creature and thus takes up a space 10 feet
(2 squares) across. For simplicity, assume that the rider
shares his mounts space during combat.
Combat while
Mounted
With a Ride check (DC 5), a character can guide his mount
with his knees so as to use both hands to attack or defend.
This is a free action.
When a character attacks a creature smaller than his mount
that is on foot, he gets the +1 bonus on melee attacks for
being on higher ground. If a mount moves more than
5 feet, the rider can only make a single melee attack.
Essentially, the rider has to wait until the mount gets to his
enemy before attacking, so he cannot make a full attack.
Even at a mounts full speed, the rider does not take any
penalty on melee attacks while mounted.
If a mount charges, the rider also takes the Defence penalty
associated with a charge. If he makes an attack at the end of
the charge, he receives the bonus gained from the charge.
145
 A character can use ranged weapons while a mount is
taking a double move, but at a 4 penalty on the attack
roll. A rider can use ranged weapons while his mount is
running (quadruple speed), at a 8 penalty. (This does
not stack with the 2 penalty to ranged attack rolls for
moving more than 10 feet.) In either case, the rider
makes the attack roll when his mount has completed half
its movement. A character can make a full attack with a
ranged weapon while a mount is moving. Likewise, he can
take move actions normally.
I f A M o u n t F a l ls in
horse the DC is equal to the result of the Intimidation
check. The rider may make one Handle Animal check
immediately as a free action to prevent the horse being
spooked at all; if this first check is failed, then another
check may be made each round as an Attack action.
A spooked horse runs away from any perceived danger. If a
rider tries to regain control of the horse and fails the Handle
Animal check by five or more, then the horse may buck in
the next round. A bucking horse only makes a normal
move, but the rider must make a Ride check opposed by a
Strength check from the horse or fall.

Battle
Combat

If a mount falls, the rider has to succeed on a Ride check
(DC 15) to make a soft fall and take no damage. There is
a 25% chance that the mount falls on top of the character,
trapping him. (By raising the DC for the Ride check to
20, the character can automatically avoid the risk of being
trapped). If the check fails, the ex-rider takes 1d6 points
of damage from the fall, or 2d6 damage if the horse falls
on top of him.
A trapped character must make a Strength check (DC 20)
to pull himself out from beneath the horse.
I f T h e R i d e r Is
Dropped
If the rider is knocked unconscious, he has a 50% chance
to stay in the saddle. Otherwise, he falls and takes 1d6
points of damage.
Without a rider to guide it, a mount avoids combat.
Deliberately
S p o o k i n g A H o rse
A character can make an Intimidation check to scare a
horse. The horse must make a Will save (DC equals the
result of the Intimidation check). The character gains a
+4 circumstance bonus to his Intimidation check if he can
make a loud noise (say, with a gun) or hits the horse.
If the horse currently has a rider, then the rider may make
a Handle Animal check each round to regain control of his
V e h i c l e C o m b at
The vehicles used in the West are all relatively simple
horse-drawn carriages and stagecoaches, or the occasional
train or barge; as such, none of them are especially agile or
fast modes of transport.
A character driving a wagon or stagecoach may have the
horses or other animals pulling the vehicle speed up, slow
down or turn 45 degrees as a free action. A horse-drawn
vehicle speeds up or slows down by one speed category per
round, as follows:
By making a Drive check (DC 15), the driver can make a
60-degree turn or accelerate or slow by up to two categories
on one round. However, a penalty is applied to this Drive
check depending on how fast the vehicle is travelling. If
the check is failed, then the manoeuvre fails and the driver
must immediately make a second Drive check (again,
DC 15) to avoid overturning the vehicle (if turning) or
spooking the horses (if changing speed).
An overturning vehicle inflicts the listed falling damage for
the current speed. The spooked horses will move at full
speed away from any danger. A successful Handle Animal
check at DC (15 + 2 per horse) will calm the horses.
If a character falls from a moving vehicle, he takes the listed
falling damage. A successful Acrobatics check at DC15
halves the damage if the character is deliberately jumping
off the wagon.

Vehicle Speeds (Wagon or Stagecoach)

Category Speed Drive Penalty Horses Action Falling Damage
Stationary 0 feet - - 0
Slow 15 feet - Move 0
Medium 30 feet - Move 1d3
Fast 45 feet -1 Move 1d6
Very Fast 60 feet -2 Double Move 1d6
Galloping 75 feet -4 Double Move 2d6
Full Tilt 120 feet -8 Run 3d6

146
 Luck
A
more poetic individual might describe
it as Manifest Destiny. The faithful
might call it Providence, or even divine
intervention. Chinese railroad workers might call it joss or
even karma. If the Indians have a word for it, no one has
learned it. Most people just call it luck.
Luck is measured in luck points.
Usi n g L u c k
A character can spend luck at any time, but only once per
round. Luck can be spent to achieve the following effects:
Activate a feat or talent
Gain a bonus to a dice roll
Reroll a dice roll
Reduce a wound type
Halve damage from an attack
Make an attack miss
Establish or change an item or event
Counter another's use of luck
Activate a feat or
talent
Some feats or talents require the expenditure of a luck
point to activate. The cost for a talent or feat is listed in
its description.
Reroll a dice roll
A player can spend a luck point to reroll a skill check,
ability check, attack roll, saving throw or any other roll.
This can only be done once per round, and the player must
accept the result of the second roll even if it is less than
the first.
Beginners Luck
A character starts with 6+1d4 luck points. The
Lucky feat can increase this initial total still further.
This is the maximum luck that a character can
possess at any one time. The maximum can only
increase if the character takes the Lucky feat, or
increases in level. An excess Luck points are lost.
Gain a bonus to a dice
roll
A player can spend a luck point to gain a +4 luck bonus
to a skill check, ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
Only one luck point can be spent per roll.
Ignore Impairment
By spending a luck point, a character can cancel all
Impairment penalties to rolls that are currently affecting
him. This allows a character who has been severely shot to
act normally for one round.
Reduce a wound type
A character can spend two luck points to reduce a wound
by one category. A Mortal wound can be reduced to
merely Serious, Serious to Deep, or Deep to a Scratch.
The character still takes the normal hit point damage, but
does not risk bleeding, impairment, infection and so on.
Note that a player can reduce the wound type after the
wound has been inflicted. A character could get shot
during a fight, keep conserving his luck until the fight
is over, and then spend his remaining luck to reduce the
wound type to prevent himself bleeding to death.
Make an attack miss
Five luck points can make an attack miss altogether. The
luck points must be spent immediately after the damage
for the attack is rolled.
147
 E s t a b l i s h o r c h ange window just as a character is thrown out is not entirely

a n i t e m o r e v ent
unexpected. The less immediate the effect, the cheaper
it is.
The most flexible use of luck points is for dramatic editing
changing aspects of the world or having convenient
Two Points
coincidences happen. The Games Master is free to overrule
a players use of luck in this fashion, but should normally
Lesser Item: The character finds a slightly rarer
give the player a bonus luck point as compensation for
useful item a weapon, ammunition, the tool he
overruling him.
needs in a place where it could conceivable be.
Uses of luck include:
Lesser Background: A slightly less common
item or person is established the town sheriff
One Point is nearby, a non player character from a previous
game happens to be in town, there is a stagecoach
Minor Item: The character happens to have a due in the next hour.
Luck

common useful item in his pocket (can opener,

nail, piece of string, pocket knife).
Minor Background: A common item or person is
established (a wagon full of hay, there is a barrel of
water in the corner, an old drunk is wandering the
streets).
Three Points
Minor Event: A common event occurs (the wagon
passes under a window, the drunk begins shouting
abuse or begging change off another person).
Note that the common events build on things that have
already been established. The players have already seen
the wagon in the game, so it turning up underneath the
Lesser Event: A change in weather, a useful
coincidence such as a lamp blowing over or a door
being left unlocked. A spooked horse breaks free
at just the right time.
A one point change happens immediately, without
the need to establish anything. Instead of the
wagon being seen rolling down the road earlier,
then moving underneath the window, there just
happens to be a wagon there at the right time.
Major Item: The character finds exactly the item
he is looking for, or finds a
useful item in an unlikely
place. Examples might
include a character lost in the
desert finding an abandoned
rifle, or happening to find a
dropped key to a door.

Major Background:
Establish that a major
character is in town, establish
that there is an unlikely
building or facility nearby
(fort, railroad outpost),
incredibly fast horse in the
livery stables and so on.

Major Event: A bomb

fuse begins to splutter and
will give out in a few rounds,
a dam begins to break, the
cavalrys bugle is heard on the
wind.

148
Four-point and five-point uses include two- or three-
point uses happening immediately, or even more unlikely
things being established. The Games Master has the final
decision on how much luck a particular change costs.
The players should not use this form of luck to solve
problems directly it should be used to set up more
dramatic scenes and make the game more interesting. The
emphasis should be on the dramatic.
Counter anothers
use of luck
Finally, a player can spend luck to counter another players
or the Games Masters use of luck. This costs the same
amount of luck again, plus one. Only one person can
counter another use of luck if two people wish to attempt
to counter anothers use of luck at the same time, they must
make an opposed Luck check. The highest roll may make
the counter attempt.
The person whose Luck is being countered may spend luck
equal to that spent by the countering character, plus one.
This is an exception to the normal rule about spending
luck only once per round. Both characters may continue
to spend luck to counter each other, spending one extra
point each time, until one gives up and the original use of
luck is either countered or is effective.
Use Cost
+4 bonus to skill check, ability check, attack 1
roll or saving throw
Reroll a die 1
Ignore impairment 1
Reduce wound type 2 Playing the harmonica
Make an attack miss 5
Dramatic editing 1 to 5
Counter a use of luck +1
Non player
ch a r a c t e r s a n d L u c k
Major non player characters may also have luck scores. In
general, a non player character should have Luck equal to
their character level, minus a certain amount depending on
how important they are to the plot. Minor characters need
not have any luck, but a major antagonist should have his
full complement of luck.
Luck Checks
If the Games Master wishes to randomly decide if fortune
favours a character, he can call for a luck check. A luck
check works just like any other sort of check the player
rolls 1d20, adds his current luck, and tries to beat a
Difficulty Class.
The DC for a Luck check varies depending on the whim
of the Games Master. An easy luck check is DC 10 even
without Luck, most people have a 50% chance of passing
such a DC. DC 15 Luck checks will only be passed by the
genuinely lucky, while anything above DC 20 will only be
possibly for fortunate player characters.
Gaining Luck
A character that has spent luck does not regain it
automatically (however, in an episodic game, the Games
Master may choose to declare that all characters regain
luck between stories). A character must act to regain luck,
as follows.
Luck Rewards
The simplest method is for the Games Master to hand
out luck points in a similar manner to how he distributes
experience points. One or two luck points can be given
for an especially funny line, good roleplaying, cool scene or
other event that impresses the Games Master. The higher
the luck point flow, the more cinematic the game will
be.
Quirks
As part of character generation, a player can choose a quirk
for their character. Indulging this quirk as part of the game
allows the player to regain luck. Same quirks include:
Chewing tobacco
Drinking
Praying
Superstitions like a lucky rabbit's foot
Long ranting speeches about the evils of the Union
and how the wrong side won the war
If the character's quirk comes up in a game session, he may
regain one previously spent luck point. A quirk can be
used a maximum of twice per game session. (For quirks
that would get tiresome if mentioned too often, such as
the long ranting speech, then the Games Master should
only allow the quirk to be used once per session, but have
it restore two luck points instead of one).
149
 Bonus luck points should be given if the use of the quirk
ties into the story that is unfolding.
G a i n i n g a L e v el
When a character gains a level, he gains one luck point.
doubt, but that will be affected by player characters actions.
The player writes down the situation, the outcome he is
betting on, and the amount of Luck he is gambling. The
Luck in question comes from the characters permanent
Luck total, not his current Luck.

G a m b l i n g L u ck
A player can also choose to gamble the characters luck.
This can be done once per storyline as a rule of thumb,
once per three game sessions, although groups with
especially short or long sessions may allow gambling luck
more often. Luck can only be gambled at times when the
characters are not in combat or engaged in any important
or hazardous tasks. Sitting in a saloon or riding out in the
Luck
Any Luck gambled by players is added to a pot tied to
that situation. Furthermore, any Luck points spent by non
player characters are divided among the pots; the division
is proportional to the size of the pot.
When the situation is finally resolved, then any players
whose bets match the outcome share in the pot of Luck.
Anyone who made the wrong bet lose whatever Luck
they had allocated. A character may bet multiple times,

wilderness are perfect times to gamble luck. but only takes the winnings from the last pot he bet on.
Remember that betting can only happen before hazardous
To gamble luck, the player chooses some as yet unresolved and dramatic scenes; scenes where a character would need
situation. The situation must be one whose outcome is in Luck to survive unscathed.

A n E x a m ple of Gambling Luck

Four gunmen Buck, Jed, Caleb and William have been hired to defend an isolated ranch from rustlers and bandits.
Jed ends up falling in love with the ranchers eldest daughter. The characters shoot one of the rustlers, then discover
that the bandit gang is coming that night to burn down the farmhouse. While sitting and waiting for the bandits to
attack, the four players secretly pass their bets to the Games Master.

Both Bucks player and Calebs player bet three points of Luck that they will successfully defend the farmhouse.

Jeds player riskily bets all his Luck (never a good thing) that his character will end up with the girl. Cruelly, Williams
player secretly bets that Jed will not get the girl. So, the final bets are:

Buck: The ranch will survive 3

Caleb: The ranch will survive 3

Ranch Pot: 6

Jed: I will marry Mary-Sue 8

William: Jed will not end up with Mary-Sue 2

Mary-Sue Pot: 10

During the raid, the Games Masters bandits spend another six luck points. These six points are divided amongst both
pots two points to the ranch pot, and four to the Mary-Sue pot. Sadly, Mary-Sue dies when she is taken hostage,
and William fails to shoot her captor before he pulls the trigger. Still, the ranch survives. The final pots, and the final
Luck awards are:

Ranch Pot: 8.

Buck gains 4 Luck. Caleb gains 4 Luck.

Mary-Sue pot: 14.

William gains 14 Luck!

150
 Horses
Hor s e F e a t s
These are special feats only available to horses and other
mounts. Horses all have at least one feat, plus another
one feat for every 15 Hit Points. Furthermore, a mount
may have one or more bonus feats some horses are just
better than others. However, unlike normal feats, not all
horse feats are beneficial; qualities like Lame or Sickly are
also represented by feats. Think of horse feats as traits
that distinguish one mount from another, not necessarily
advantages.
Horses may select from the following normal feats in
addition to these special horse feats:
Alertness, Blind-Fight, Dodge, Endurance, Great Fortitude,
Improved Bull Rush, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip,
Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Mobility, Power Attack,
Run, Spring Attack, Stealthy, Toughness, Track.
Biter (Negative)
The animal has the habit of biting people.
Benefit: The animal has a Bite attack at its base attack
bonus + Strength modifier +2 (add +2 to its Bite attack
bonus if the horse already has a Bite attack). The bite deals
1d4 + Strength modifier in damage, and can be used as part
of the animals normal attack. If anyone moves in front of
the mount without making a successful Handle Animal
check (DC 10), then the mount makes a bite attack on
them if possible.
Charger
This horse is capable of surprising bursts of speed.
Benefit: When the horse charges, the distance covered is
increased by twenty feet. For example, a horse that would
normally charge 120 feet can charge for 140 feet with this
feat.
Cutting Out
This mount is swift and agile, eminently suitable for
herding work.
Benefit: If the DC for a Ride check is 15 or higher, then
the rider gets a +4 insight bonus to his Ride check from
the mount.
Distinctive
This animal has a special marking or brand.
Benefit: Anyone who sees the animal automatically
recognises it if they have seen it before, and the rider has a
+1 bonus to his Reputation while riding the animal.
Easy Ride
This mount is noticeable more gentle and easy-going than
most animals, making it a good mount for ladies and
tenderfoots.
Benefit: This horse gives a +4 insight bonus to Ride
checks, but only on checks with a DC of 10 or less.
Fast
The horse runs like the wind.
Benefit: Increase the mounts base speed by five feet.
Headstrong
(Negative)
The mount often chooses its own path.
Benefit: If the rider fails any Ride check, then in the next
round, the animal moves as it wishes. The rider may regain
control by making a Ride check (DC 10).
Heavy-Footed
(Negative)
The mount is noticeably slow to react.
Benefit: The animal suffers a 2 penalty to all Reflex
saves.
151
 High Jumper
The mount is capable of impressive jumps.
Benefit: The mount has a +2 bonus to Jump checks, and
the distance covered is not limited by the mounts size or
base movement.
Loyal
This mount is especially loyal to its current owner.
Benefit: If anyone other than the mounts owner attempts
to use the Ride or Handle Animal skill on this mount,
they suffer a 4 penalty to their Ride or Handle Animal
checks.
Luck
K i c k e r ( N e g a t ive)
This mount is liable to kick people who move behind it.
Benefit: The animal has a Kick attack at its base attack
bonus + Strength modifier +1 (add +2 to the horses Kick
attack bonus if it already has a Kick attack). The bite deals
1d6 + Strength modifier in damage, and can be used as part
of the animals normal attack. If anyone moves behind of
the mount without making a successful Handle Animal
check (DC 10), then the mount makes a kick attack on
them if possible.
N e r v o u s ( N e g a tive)
This horse tends to rear up when startled.
Benefit: Whenever the rider rolls a 1 on a Ride check,
the horse bucks. The rider must immediately make a Ride
or Strength check (riders choice), opposed by the horses
Grapple check. If the horse wins, then the rider is thrown
and suffers 1d6 damage from the fall.
O r n e r y ( N e g a t ive)
This animal is mean and stubborn.
Benefit: Increase the animals Will save and the DC of any
Handle Animal or Ride checks by 4.
S k i t t i s h ( N e g a tive)
This mount is fearful and nervous.
Benefit: The animal suffers a 2 penalty to all Will saves.
Smart
This animal is smarter than the average.
Benefit: If separated from his horse, the animals owner
may spend a Luck point to have the horse go to a particular
place, such as a ranch or hiding place known to the horse.
152
Normal: An uncontrolled animal will either stay where it
was left, wander off in search of good grass and water or
flee strangers and predators depending on the situation.
Stable
This horse has a notable even and steady gait.
Benefit: The penalty for shooting from a moving animal
is reduced by two.
Steady
This mount is used to loud noises and shocks, and is
unlikely to bolt or panic.
Benefit: This mount has a +4 morale bonus to its Will
save to avoid being deliberately spooked. The rider does
not need to make a Ride check to control the mount when
it enters combat.
Slow (Negative)
This horse is especially slow and soon falls behind.
Benefit: Reduce the animals base speed by five.
Sickly (Negative)
This horse is ill.
Benefit: The horse suffers a 2 penalty to all Fortitude
saves.
Unbroken (Negative)
This animal is not used to saddles and reins.
Benefit: Increase the DC of any Ride checks by +8.
Wild
The animal mistrusts many people, and is unnerved by the
approach of strangers on foot.
Benefit: The animal takes 10 on all Listen and Spot checks,
and will react (neigh, attempt to flee, shuffle nervously)
when it notices other creatures approaching.
Animal
Statistics
Donkey
Medium Animal
Hit Points: 11
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Defence: 13 (+1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 11,
 R a n dom Traits
When determining the traits present in a group of horses, roll on the following table. The DC of the Handle
Animal check to recognise that a horse has a particular trait is also listed.

Roll (1d4 x 1d10) Feat Handle Animal DC

1 Alertness 30
2 Biter 25
3 Blind-Fight 35
4 Bucker (Negative) 20
5 Charger 20
6 Combat Trained 15
7 Cutting Out 25
8 Distinctive 10
9 Dodge 15
10 Easy Ride 20
11 Endurance 20
12 Fast 20
13 Great Fortitude 25
14 Guide 25
15 Headstrong (Negative) 20
16 Heavy-Footed (Negative) 15
17 High Jumper 20
18 Improved Bull Rush 25
19 Improved Initiative 25
20 Improved Trip 25
21 Iron Will 20
22 Lame (Negative) 15
23 Lightning Reflexes 25
24 Loyal 30
25 Kicker (Negative) 20
26 Mobility 30
27 Power Attack 30
28 Run 20
29 Sickly (Negative) 15
30 Skittish (Negative) 15
31 Slow (Negative) 15
32 Smart 30
33 Spring Attack 30
34 Stable 25
35 Stealthy 30
36 Toughness 25
37 Track 30
38 Unbroken (Negative) 20
39 Wild 15
40 Roll Again Twice -

153
 flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+1
Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d2)
Full Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks:
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4
Skills: Balance +3, Listen +3, Spot +2
Feats: One feat (usually Endurance)
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a donkey is up to
50 pounds; a medium load, 51100 pounds; and a heavy
load, 101150 pounds. A donkey can drag 750 pounds.
Skills: Donkeys have a +2 racial bonus on Balance
Luck
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +4
Feats: Two Feats (Usually Endurance and Run)
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a light horse is up
to 150 pounds; a medium load, 151300 pounds; and a
heavy load, 301450 pounds. A light horse can drag 2,250
pounds.
Mule
Large Animal
Hit Points: 22 hp

checks. Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Defence: 13 (1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural), touch 10, flat-

Horse, Heavy
footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+9
Large Animal Attack: Hoof +4 melee (1d4+3)
Hit Points: 19
Initiative: +1
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Defence: 13 (1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural),
touch 10, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+9
Attack: Hoof +4 melee (1d6+4)
Full Attack: 2 hooves +4 melee (1d6+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks:
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 2, Wis
12, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +4
Feats: Two feats (Endurance, Run)
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a heavy
horse is up to 200 pounds; a medium load,
201400 pounds; and a heavy load, 401
600 pounds. A heavy horse can drag 3,000
pounds.

Horse, Light
Large Animal
Hit Points: 19 hp
Initiative: +1
Speed: 60 ft. (12 squares)
Defence: 13 (1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural),
touch 10, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+8
Attack: Hoof +3 melee (1d4+3)
Full Attack: 2 hooves +3 melee (1d4+3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks:

154
Full Attack: 2 hooves +4 melee (1d4+3) pounds; a medium load, 76150 pounds; and a heavy
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft. load, 151225 pounds. A pony can drag 1,125 pounds.
Special Attacks:

Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +1
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6
Feats: Two feats (Usually Alertness, Endurance)
Mules are sterile crossbreeds of donkeys and horses. A
mule is similar to a light horse, but slightly stronger and
more agile.
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a mule is up to 230
pounds; a medium load, 231460 pounds; and a heavy
load, 461690 pounds. A mule can drag 3,450 pounds.
Skills: Mules have a +2 racial bonus on Dexterity checks
to avoid slipping or falling.
Advancement
A characters horse can improve over time, just like a
character can. Whenever a character gains a level, one of
his horses can also be improved. Even if the character rides
several horses, or drove a team pulling a stagecoach, each
level advancement can improve only one horse.
Animal levels work in a similar fashion to normal class
levels.
At each level, the animal also gains 3 hit points and 2 skill
points. Every third level, the animal gains a bonus feat,
which can be taken from the list of horse feats.
The Scout and Mountain Man talent trees also allow the
character to improve his companion more quickly.

Pony
Medium Animal Fatigue and
Mounts
Hit Dice: 11 hp
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares) A horse can move for eight hours at a moderate pace
Defence: 13 (+1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 11, flat-footed without much trouble, as long as it takes time to rest
12 and graze at intervals. A heavy load slows the animal, as
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+2 does bearing a rider. Often, a character will bring several
Attack: Hoof +2 melee (1d3+2) horses, switching between them to prevent any one from
Full Attack: 2 hooves +2 melee (1d3+2) becoming exhausted.
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: A horse can maintain a run (gallop) for a number of minutes
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent equal to its half its Constitution score. After that, it must
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 begin making Fortitude checks every minute. The DC
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4 for this check begins at DC 5, and increases by +1 every
Skills: Listen +5, Spot +5 round. If the check fails, then the horse either takes 1d6
Feats: One Feat (Usually Endurance) points of damage or becomes fatigued (riders choice).
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a pony is up to 75

The Animal Hero

Base
Class Attack Fort Ref Will Class
Level Bonus Save Save Save Defence Features
1st +0 +1 +0 +0 +1 Bonus Feat
2nd +1 +2 +0 +0 +2
3rd +1 +2 +1 +1 +2
4th +2 +2 +1 +1 +3 Bonus Feat
5th +2 +3 +1 +1 +3
6th +3 +3 +2 +2 +3
7th +3 +4 +2 +2 +4 Bonus Feat
8th +4 +4 +2 +2 +4
9th +4 +4 +3 +3 +4
10th +5 +5 +3 +3 +5 Bonus Feat

155
 Wildlife

W
hile the deserts and mountains Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Wildlife

of the West support all sorts Saves: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +1
of animals, only the more Abilities: Str 13, Dex 17, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
dangerous creatures are described below. Skills: Jump +7, Listen +5, Spot +5, Survival +1*
Feats: Alertness, Track

Buffalo
The statistics presented here describe a fairly small dog of
about 20 to 50 pounds in weight. They also can be used
Large Animal for small wild canines such as coyotes.
Hit Points: 37 hp
Initiative: +0 Skills: Dogs have a +4 racial bonus on Jump checks.
Speed: 40 ft.
Defence: 15 (1 size, +6 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 15 *Dogs have a +4 racial bonus on Survival checks when
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+13 tracking by scent.
Attack: Gore +8 melee (1d8+9)
Full Attack: Gore +8 melee (1d8+9) Grizzly Bear
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Stampede Large Animal
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Hit Points: 51 hp
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +1 Initiative: +1
Abilities: Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4 Speed: 40 ft.
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +5 Defence: 15 (1 size, +1 Dex, +5 natural), touch 10, flat-
Feats: Alertness, Endurance footed 14
Stampede: A frightened herd of buffalo flees as a group in a Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+16
random direction (but always away from the perceived Attack: Claw +11 melee (1d8+8)
source of danger). Anything caught in the stampede takes Full Attack: 2 claws +11 melee (1d8+8) and bite +6 melee
1d10 damage per round per buffalo, to a maximum of 5d10 (2d6+4)
per round. The character may make a Reflex save (DC 18) Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
to halve the damage and may subtract his Defence score Special Attacks: Improved grab
from the damage dealt. A character caught in a stampede Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
must also make a Balance check (DC 15) each round or Saves: Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +3
will fall prone. Abilities: Str 27, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +7, Swim +12

C o y o t e o r D og
Feats: Endurance, Run, Track

Small Animal These massive carnivores weigh more than 1,800 pounds
Hit Dice: 6 hp and stand nearly 9 feet tall when they rear up on their hind
Initiative: +3 legs. They are bad-tempered and territorial.
Speed: 40 ft.
Defence: 15 (+1 size, +3 Dex, +1 natural), touch 14, flat- Improved Grab: To use this ability, a grizzly bear must hit
footed 12 with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/3 a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
Attack: Bite +2 melee (1d4+1)
Full Attack: Bite +2 melee (1d4+1) Skills: A grizzly bear has a +4 racial bonus on Swim
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. checks.
Special Attacks:

156
 Improved Grab: To use this ability, a puma
must hit with its bite attack. It can then
attempt to start a grapple as a free action
without provoking an attack of opportunity. If
it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold
and can rake.

Pounce: If a puma charges a foe, it can make a

full attack, including two rake attacks.

Rake: Attack bonus +6 melee, damage 1d3+1.

Skills: Pumas have a +8 racial bonus on Jump

checks and a +4 racial bonus on Hide and
Move Silently checks. Pumas have a +8 racial
bonus on Balance and Climb checks. A puma
can always choose to take 10 on a Climb check,
even if rushed or threatened.

Rattlesnake
Tiny Animal
Hit Points: 1 hp
Initiative: +3
Speed: 15 ft. (3 squares), climb 15 ft., swim
15 ft.
Defence: 17 (+2 size, +3 Dex, +2 natural),
touch 15, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/11
Attack: Bite +5 melee (1 plus poison)
Full Attack: Bite +5 melee (1 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 2-1/2 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Poison
Special Qualities: Scent
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +1
Abilities: Str 4, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis
Puma
12, Cha 2
Skills: Balance +11, Climb +11, Hide +15, Listen +6, Spot
Medium Animal +6, Swim +5
Hit Dice: 19 hp Feats: Weapon Finesse
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft (8 squares), climb 20 ft. Poison: A snake has a poisonous bite that deals initial and
Defence: 15 (+4 Dex, +1 natural), touch 14, flat-footed secondary damage of 1d6 Con. To resist, the victim must
11 make a Fortitude save (DC equals 8 + the margin of success
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+5 of the snakes attack).
Attack: Bite +5 melee (1d6+3)
Full Attack: Bite +5 melee (1d6+3) and 2 claws +2 melee
(1d3+1)
Scorpion
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Tiny Vermin
Special Attacks: Improved grab, pounce, rake 1d3+1 Hit Points: 4 hp
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Initiative: +0
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +2 Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 19, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6 Defence: 14 (+2 size, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed
Skills: Balance +12, Climb +11, Hide +8*, Jump +11, 14
Listen +6, Move Silently +8, Spot +6 Base Attack/Grapple: +0/8
Feats: Alertness, Weapon Finesse (Claws) Attack: Sting +2 melee (Poison)
Full Attack: Sting +2 melee (Poison)
Space/Reach: 2-1/2 ft./0 ft.

157
 A nimal Abilities
While most special abilities possessed by animals are described in the individual entry for each species, a few abilities
are common:

Low-light vision: A creature with low-light vision can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight,
and similar conditions of shadowy illumination. It retains the ability to distinguish colour and detail under these
conditions.

Poison: Poison attacks deal initial damage, such as ability damage (see page 305) or some other effect, to the opponent
on a failed Fortitude save. Unless otherwise noted, another saving throw is required 1 minute later (regardless of the
Wildlife

result of the first save) to avoid secondary damage. A creatures descriptive text provides the details.

A creature with a poison attack is immune to its own poison and the poison of others of its kind. A successful save
avoids (negates) the damage.

Scent: This special quality allows a creature to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense
of smell. Creatures with the scent ability can identify familiar odours just as humans do familiar sights.

The creature can detect opponents within 30 feet by sense of smell. If the opponent is upwind, the range increases to
60 feet; if downwind, it drops to 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the
ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk, can be detected at triple normal range.

When a creature detects a scent, the exact location of the source is not revealed - only its presence somewhere within
range. The creature can take a move action to note the direction of the scent.

Whenever the creature comes within 5 feet of the source, the creature pinpoints the sources location.

A creature with the Track feat and the scent ability can follow tracks by smell, making a Wisdom (or Survival) check
to find or follow a track. The typical DC for a fresh trail is 10 (no matter what kind of surface holds the scent). This
DC increases or decreases depending on how strong the quarrys odour is, the number of creatures and the age of the
trail. For each hour that the trail is cold, the DC increases by 2. The ability otherwise follows the rules for the Track
feat. Creatures tracking by scent ignore the effects of surface conditions and poor visibility.

Special Attacks: Poison Skills: A scorpion has a +4 racial bonus on Climb, Hide,
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft. and Spot checks.
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +0
Abilities: Str 3, Dex 10, Con 14, Int , Wis 10, Cha 2 Scorpion Swarm
Skills: Climb +0, Hide +12, Spot +4
Feats: Weapon Finesse Diminutive Vermin (Swarm)
Hit Points: 31 hp
Poison: A scorpion has a poisonous sting that deals initial Initiative: +4
and secondary damage of 1d4 Con. To resist, the victim Speed: 20 ft., climb 20 ft.
must make a Fortitude save (DC equals 8 + the margin of Defence: 18 (+4 size, +4 Dex), touch 18, flat-footed 14
success of the scorpions attack). Base Attack/Grapple: +6/
Attack: Swarm (2d6 plus poison)
Darkvision: Scorpions can see in the dark out to 60 feet. Full Attack: Swarm (2d6 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./0 ft.
Tremorsense: A scorpion can sense vibrations in the Special Attacks: Distraction, poison
ground, and can locate hidden creatures using these Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., immune to weapon
tremors. A character must use Move Silently, opposed by damage, swarm traits, tremorsense 30 ft.
the scorpions Spot to move within 60 feet of the creature Saves: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +3
without being detected, even if there is no line of sight Abilities: Str 1, Dex 19, Con 8, Int , Wis 10, Cha 2
between the two. Skills: Climb +12, Spot +4
Feats: Weapon Finesse

158
 Swarm
Swarms are dense masses of Fine, Diminutive or Tiny creatures that would not be particularly dangerous individually or
in small groups, but can be terrible foes when gathered in sufficient numbers. For game purposes, a swarm is defined as
a single creature with a space of 10 feet - gigantic hordes are actually composed of dozens of swarms in close proximity.
A swarm has a single pool of hit points, a single initiative modifier, a single speed, and a single Defence score. It makes
saving throws as a single creature.

In order to attack, a single swarm moves into opponents spaces, which provokes an attack of opportunity. It can
occupy the same space as a creature of any size, since it crawls all over its prey, but remains a creature with a 10-foot
space. Swarms never make attacks of opportunity, but they can provoke attacks of opportunity.

Unlike other creatures with a 10-foot space, a swarm is shapeable. It can occupy any four contiguous squares, and it
can squeeze through any space large enough to contain one of its component creatures.

V u l n e r a b i lities of Swarms
Swarms are extremely difficult to fight with physical attacks. However, they have a few special vulnerabilities, as
follows:

A lit torch swung as an improvised weapon deals 1d3 points of fire damage per hit.

A lit lantern can be used as a thrown weapon, dealing 1d4 points of fire damage to all creatures in squares
adjacent to where it breaks.

Distraction: Any living creature that begins its turn with
a scorpion swarm in its space must succeed on a Fortitude
save (DC 13) or be nauseated for 1 round. The save DC
is Constitution-based.
Poison: Injury, Fortitude DC 13, initial and secondary
damage 1d4 Con. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Rat Swarm
Tiny Animal (Swarm)
Hit Points: 13 hp
Initiative: +2
Speed: 15 ft. (3 squares), climb 15 ft.
Defence: 14 (+2 size, +2 Dex), touch 14, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/
Attack: Swarm (1d6 plus disease)
Full Attack: Swarm (1d6 plus disease)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Disease, distraction
Special Qualities: Half damage from slashing and piercing,
Disease: Rats carry all sorts of diseases - Fortitude DC
12, incubation period 1d3 days, damage 1d3 Dex and 1d3
Con. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Distraction: Any living creature that begins its turn with
a swarm in its square must succeed on a Fortitude save
(DC 12) or be nauseated for 1 round. The save DC is
Constitution-based.
Skills: A rat swarm has a +4 racial bonus on Hide and Move
Silently checks, and a +8 racial bonus on Balance, Climb,
and Swim checks. A rat swarm can always choose to take
10 on all Climb checks, even if rushed or threatened. A rat
swarm uses its Dexterity modifier instead of its Strength
modifier for Climb and Swim checks. A rat swarm has
a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some
special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to
take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered.
It can use the run action while swimming, provided it
swims in a straight line.

Small Furry Animal

low-light vision, scent, swarm traits
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +2
Abilities: Str 2, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 2 Tiny Animal
Skills: Balance +10, Climb +10, Hide +14, Listen +6, Spot Hit Dice: 3 hp
+7, Swim +10 Initiative: +2
Feats: Alertness, Weapon Finesse Speed: 30 ft.
Defence: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 size), touch 14, flat-footed 14
A rat swarm seeks to surround and attack any warm- Base Attack/Grapple: +0/-12
blooded prey it encounters. A swarm deals 1d6 points of Attack: Bite +4 melee (1)
damage to any creature whose space it occupies at the end Full Attack: Bite +4 melee (1)
of its move. Space/Reach: 2 1/2 ft./0 ft.

159
 Special Attacks:
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +0
Abilities: Str 3, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +4, Hide +4, Spot +4
Feats: Weapon Finesse (bite)
This category covers creatures such as hares, prairie dogs
and other small, harmless animals that do not pose a
combat threat to a character, but might still be shot at for
food or fur.
Wildlife
Steer
Large Animal
Hit Points: 20 hp
Initiative: +0
Speed: 40 ft.
Defence: 15 (1 size, +6 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+10
Attack: Kick or trample +5 melee (1d8+6)
Full Attack: Kick or trample +5 melee (1d8+6)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Stampede
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +1
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +5
Feats: Alertness, Endurance
Stampede: A frightened herd of cattle flees as a group in
a random direction (but always away from the perceived
source of danger). Anything caught in the stampede takes
1d8 damage per round per steer, to a maximum of 5d8 per
round. The character may make a Reflex save (DC 18)
to halve the damage, and may subtract his Defence score
from the damage dealt. A character caught in a stampede
must also make a Balance check (DC 15) each round or
fall prone.
Wolf
Medium Animal
Hit Points: 13 hp
Initiative: +2
Speed: 50 ft.
Defence: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed
12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+2
Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+1)
Full Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Trip
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Hide +2, Listen +3, Move Silently +3, Spot +3,
160
Survival +1*
Feats: Track, Weapon Focus (bite)
Trip: A wolf that hits with a bite attack can attempt to
trip the opponent (+1 check modifier) as a free action
without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of
opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot
react to trip the wolf.
Skills: *Wolves have a +4 racial bonus on Survival checks
when tracking by scent.
Wolverine
Medium Animal
Hit Points: 28 hp
Initiative: +2
Speed: 30 ft., burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft.
Defence: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed
12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4
Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2)
Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite 1 melee
(1d6+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Rage
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6
Feats: Alertness, Toughness, Track
Rage: A wolverine that takes damage in combat flies
into a berserk rage on its next turn, clawing and biting
madly until either it or its opponent is dead. It gains +4
to Strength, +4 to Constitution, and 2 to Defence. The
creature cannot end its rage voluntarily.
Skills: Wolverines have a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks
and can always choose to take 10 on Climb checks, even if
rushed or threatened.
 The Western
Town
T
he town is one of the greatest symbols more in larger towns), while the rest will be some sort of
of civilisation in the West, and therefore commercial enterprise.
must be defended by the guns of the
player characters. Western towns varied depending on their Settlements and towns that grew up from settlements are
location and origin, but do fall into a few simple categories. built around a grid pattern, centring on one main street.
This can be used as templates to design a town. The earliest buildings in the town will line along this main
street; as the town grows, other buildings will be located
Settlements are small communities established by a in side streets. Assume that there are roughly twenty
handful of settlers, looking for a new life in the West. Some buildings per block. Special buildings, such as a cemetery,
of these towns would slowly grow into larger cities; others were always built on the outskirts of town.
would turn into mining or trail towns if a boom hit.
Mining towns and other scratch-built boomtowns were
Mining Towns sprang up near the mines, at whatever far less regular, with buildings and tents being thrown up
half-suitable locations they could find. These towns were wherever they would fit. Such places generally had a main
built to service the needs of the miners, so they were full street of sorts, but it could extend indefinitely along a rail
of drinking establishments and other entertainments, as line, twist back on itself, or just degenerate into a mess of
well as tool shops and assayers. Mining towns appeared, lean-tos and randomly placed buildings.
flourished and vanished at breathtaking speed when the
claims were producing gold, then the towns were bustling, The tables below list common and uncommon buildings
raucous places; but when the claims were worked out, the for each sort of town.
towns were soon abandoned. Similar towns grew up around
other industries, such as trapping or buffalo hunting.
Settlement
Trail Towns were settlements near a railroad. Cattle Common Business
drives were brought to such towns, so the beeves could be
Blacksmith
shipped north to the slaughterhouses and the markets. Of
General Store
course, the cattle drives also brought cowboys and drovers,
hurrahing as they rode into town in search of drink and Saloon
women. Few trail towns lasted more than a few years, as Schoolhouse
the railroad moved onto a more convenient settlement or Uncommon Business
the town leaders ordered that the cowboys move on. Stage Station
Trading Post
Railroad Towns were equally wild places, built alongside
the growing railroads to support the needs of the workers.
Mining Town
Finally, the ultimate fate of a community was to either Common Business
become an Established Town, big and rich and civilised, Bank
or an abandoned Ghost Town.
Gambling Den
General Store
Town Layout Hardware
As a rule of thumb, a town has one building for every Restaurant
four or five people living there, so the Games Master Saloon
can just divide the population of the town by five to give
Uncommon Business
the number of buildings. Many of these will be private
Armourer
homes (half in a smaller community, up to four-fifths or

161
 Barber Saddlemaker
Blacksmith Saloon
Bordello Stable
The Western Town

Cemetery Uncommon Business

Church Armourer
Dentist Bank
Dry Goods Barber
Surgery Church
Cemetery
Clothier
Buffalo/Trapping Dentist
Business Hardware
Armourer Newspaper
Bank Post Office
Corral Sheriff s Office
Dry Goods Stage Station
Gambling Den Surgery
General Store Train Station
Restaurant Undertaker
Saddlemaker
Saloon
Stable Rail
Trading Post Common Business
Uncommon Business Bordello
Barber Gambling Den
Blacksmith Saloon
Bordello Surgery
Church Restaurant
Cemetery Train Station
Clothier Uncommon Business
Dentist Armourer
Hardware Barber
Hotel Blacksmith
Newspaper Dentist
Post Office Drugstore
Sheriff s Office Dry Goods
Stage Station General Store
Surgery Hardware
Train Station
Undertaker
Established
Common Business
Cow Town Armourer
Common Business Bank
Blacksmith Barber
Bordello Blacksmith
Corral Clothier
Dry Goods Corral
Gambling Den Dry Goods
General Store Gambling Den
Hotel General Store
Restaurant Hardware

162
 Restaurant False-Front
Buildings
Saloon
Saddlemaker
These are fake structures that make a one-story board
Schoolhouse
or log building look like an elaborate two-storey edifice.
Uncommon Business Most saloons and many other businesses had false
Bordello fronts, to make them appear much more impressive and
Cemetery sophisticated. Bizarrely, this gave historical Western
Church towns the appearance of a movie set
Courthouse
Dentist
behind a counter that gives them half cover, although
Distillery banks in more dangerous places have grills and windows
Drugstore that give three-quarters cover. A bank has either a safe
Hotel (DC 30, 30 hit points) or a large bank vault (DC 40, 60
Newspaper hit points).
Post Office
Sheriff s Office Barber
Stable Marked by their signature striped red-and-white poles, the
Stage Station barber was usually the first stop for a cowboy just off the
Surgery trail, to have his hair cut and his moustache waxed and
Theatre shaped to the height of fashion. A barbers razor deals 1d4
Train Station slashing damage, threatens a critical on a 17-20, but is an
Town Hall Improvised Weapon. In some towns, the local barber also
Trading Post doubled up as a surgeon.
Undertaker
Blacksmith
Blacksmiths tended to be located on the edge of town,
Ghost towns have the same spread of businesses as they did because of the risk of fire. Most tools and metal goods
before the bust, but only the common businesses might were made back east the West could not compete with
still be operating. The saloon was normally the last to go. established industries, although there were numerous
attempts to start factories and foundries. Most blacksmiths
were therefore employed in repairing items and shoeing
Armourer horses.
An armourer sells pistols, rifles and other firearms, along
with ammunition and other accessories. Firearms were Bordello
commonly available in the West at trading posts and general Call it a whorehouse, cathouse or brothel; the bordello was
stores, so a gunman only needed to visit an armourer when a fixture in the wilder Western towns. As a town became
looking for a Martial or Exotic firearm. Gunstore owners more civilised, the bordello might become less obvious,
were usually adept at using their goods, and took further or just move to the edge of town (the Devils Addition
precautions to dissuade theft, such as good quality locks in Abilene, for example). The prostitutes, euphemised
(DC 25 to Disable), heavy doors (Break DC 25) and as fancy women, soiled doves or fallen angels, were
barred windows. comparatively respected in society the scarcity of women
brought out chivalry in the miners and cowboys, and once
Bank such a woman was married, her past was politely ignored.
Local banks were common in new towns, but the volatile,
boom-and-bust nature of the Western economy meant The term red light district originated in rail-town
that few financial institutions had any significant cash whorehouses, where customers would hang the red warning
reserves. It took backing from an established eastern bank lanterns from the trains on the door, to show that the place
or financier for a Western bank to have any sort of stability. was occupied.
Western banks also issued their own currency and bonds,
but these were of uncertain value. Gold dust or silver were Cemetery
preferred in the early days of the West. The graveyard in Dodge City was on Boot Hill, because
it was for those who died with their boots on i.e., were
A bank has good quality locks (DC 25), heavy doors (Break shot dead. The term was later applied to any cemetery in
DC 25) and barred windows. The clerks are generally a wild town. Funerals tended to be elaborate affairs in the

163
 West, with the whole town turning out
to mourn a respected or famed citizen.
The Western Town
Grave markers were often less impressive
while some did pay for an impressively
carved headstone, many were buried
beneath a simple wooden marker or
cross.
Church
Churches were built by
donations from the public, and
the theft of church funds was
common. The denomination
of the church varied depending
on the local population in
some towns, several faiths shared
the same building. Church pastors
were expected to give entertaining
sermons from the pulpit.
Clothier
High fashion was important. Men
dressed up in suits, or sometimes
more ornate version of the usual
cowpoke outfit. Women preferred the
latest fashions from the east, or even
Paris and London.
Courthouse
Any county with more than a hundred
and fifty people was supposed to have
a courthouse, and simple courts were
convened in log buildings or even prayer
halls or saloons. The courthouse was a
surprisingly violent place not only were
there criminals and lawmen shooting the place up,
but rival communities might raid a courthouse, as
the town that possessed the county courthouse was
significantly more politically influential and prosperous.
Corral
A corral is a pen for horses or other animals on the edge
of town.
Dance Hall
The dance hall was a curious western institution. The men
bought tickets to enter; the women were in the employ
of the owner. The real money, though, was made with
the drinks. The men were expected to buy the women
expensive cocktails and champagnes (up to five dollars a
glass), which were actually non-alcoholic drinks like weak
tea. The dancing girls got a commission on each drink
purchased. The owner kept a careful eye on his girls, to
164
ensure that he did not lose any of the popular ones to
marriage. Still, dance halls were wildly popular.
Dentist
Dentistry was a rough-and-ready affair in the 19th century,
but the agonies of toothache drove people to any lengths
to relieve the pain. Pliers and laudanum were the
common tools of the trade. Like a barber, it was not
unheard of for a dentist to double up as a surgeon.
Distillery
Distilling spirits locally made great economic sense
in the West leaving aside any jokes about a ready
market for booze, barrels of whiskey or other liquids
were far more portable than big sacks of grain. A
distillery was a sign of a growing and confidant town.
(With player characters around, though, the distillery
may be a sign of an explosive and burning town. For
any missed shot in a distillery, roll 1d20. On a 20, then
the bullet has hit something flammable and caused a
fire. Every round after that, there is a cumulative 5%
chance of an explosion.)
Drugstore
Selling both genuine medicines and a selection of
cure-alls and snake oils; the 19th century was a time of
enthusiastic medical experimentation.
Dry Goods
The dry goods store sold clothing, blankets and other non-
perishable goods.
Gambling Den
Some gambling halls were part of saloons; others were
dedicated solely to gaming. Faro was the miners game;
poker was preferred in cow country (see Gambling, page
XX). Gambling halls varied from simple tents to ornate
gaming palaces. Many had secret passages, concealed
mirrors or spy-holes so that cheats and thieves could be
spotted easily.
Gambling dens were popular, raucous places, the centre
of many communities. The oddest people could be found
within as well as gamblers, dealers, pretty waitresses and
thieves, preachers and professors used to lecture in gambling
halls, and the buildings were also used as courthouses or
even chapels.
General Store
The general store provided everything a small community
might need, from basic food supplies to clothes and
ammunition. They also served as a meeting place, post
office, stage station and de facto town hall. As the town
grew, the general stores role might be usurped by multiple
specialised shops. In most towns, though, the general store
was the most important building in town.
Hardware
Selling tools, nails, building material and so on. One
controversial development in the West was the cheap
production of barbed wire, which signalled the end of the
open range.
Hotel
While many towns had a hotel, the quality and purpose
of the hotel varied greatly. Cow-towns had a hotel to
provide accommodation for the drovers who brought the
herds of animals in; such places provided a bed, a bath and
little more at a high price. Other hotels were far more
upmarket, to cater for eastern tourists or investors.
Newspaper
Many towns would print their own newspaper, detailing
all local events as well as whatever world events the editor
had been able to discover (although they were often wildly
inaccurate). The newspaper office usually held the only
printing press in the town, so would also be responsible for
Telegrams and
Communications
costs
A telegram cost 50 cents a word. Letters cost two or
three cents when the mail service was established; during
the earlier part of the century, messages home could cost
anything up to five dollars.
whatever printed material was available to the town. It was
often used to produce wanted posters.
Post Office
The post was carried by pony express in the early days,
then stagecoach, then by rail. With the coming of the
railway came the telegraph wires, linking the town to the
rest of the country.
Restaurant
A meal cost two bits (25c) on average. Food was generally
composed of whatever could be shot nearby, but this gave
many eateries a surprisingly wide menu, from loin of buffalo
to antelope steak in mushroom sauce. Others relied on
the classic four Bs - sourdough biscuits, beef, beans and
bacon, with wild onions
on the side to protect
against scurvy. Coffee
was the only commonly
available drink.
165
 Saloon
The saloon is the most instantly recognisable part of the
western town; immortalised in a thousand movies. The
The Western Town
historical saloon was largely identical to its cinematic
counterpart, from the swing doors to the upright pianner
in the corner (although it is unlikely that every town
included an elderly piano player whose sole task was to
stop playing suddenly whenever a stranger moseyed into
the saloon). Early saloons were little more than beer tents,
but impressive mirrors and long walnut counters were
brought in by train and steamer as soon as possible.
Saloons were incredibly common Deadwood had more
saloons than it had other types of business, combined,
while Leadville, Arizona had 4 banks, 4 churches, 10 dry
goods stores, 31 restaurants, 19 beer halls, 120 saloons,
and 118 gambling houses and private clubs selling liquor.
In boomtowns, most of these places were open 24-hours
a day.
The bar was always located on the left-hand side of the
saloon. Towels and spittoons were lined up along the bar,
one per four customers. (In a brawl, spittoons were used
as impromptu gauntlets). A brass rail ran along the bar
at foot-height, for patrons to rest their boot-heels on. A
large mirror, called the altar, stood behind the bar. Light
was provided by hanging oil or kerosene lamps, or from a
chandelier.
Most saloons were decorated with paintings and murals
(often semi-tasteful classical nudes), or stuffed animal
heads. In the 1880s, Budweiser distributed thousands of
copies of a heroic rendition of Custers Last Stand, which
caused innumerable brawls because of disagreements over
what actually happened at the battle.
A spittoon acts like a knuckleduster, increasing the
damage from a punch by +1.
Swinging from the chandelier requires a Jump
check (DC 15) to get up there, and gives the
character a +4 bonus to his next Jump check. A
falling chandelier inflicts 2d6 damage, although a
successful Reflex save (DC 15) allows a character
to dodge out of the way in time to avoid any
damage.
A thrown bottle deals 1d3 damage.
To keep playing a piano during a bar fight, the
player must make a Perform check (DC 10 at
least), and cannot take 10 on the check, unless he
has the Cool Under Pressure talent.
166
Saddlemaker
The saddle was one of the cowboys most prized possessions,
and the saddlemaker was a respected craftsman.
Schoolhouse
A schoolhouse appears only in towns with enough
children to warrant the employment of a schoolmaster
or schoolmarm. Early schoolhouses were just one-room
cabins, with a second-rate teacher (an educated man could
make more money as a clerk). Later, as the towns grew,
a standardised curriculum and better teachers greatly
improved the schools. Higher education was limited,
although some religious groups such as the Methodists ran
academies.
Sheriffs Office/Jail
The building of a jail and the hiring of a sheriff or city
marshal was another step on a towns growth towards
maturity. The office was normally quite fortified, to
protect against drunks with guns. The jail contained
several barred cells. Some were used as drying-out tanks;
others held criminals awaiting trial.
The jail walls are foot-thick cinderblock walls (hardness
8, 90 hit points, break DC 35). The doors are hardened
(hardness 5, 20 hit points, Break DC 28) and locked
(Disable Device, DC 25), while the individual cells also
have their own locks on the doors. The bars have hardness
10, 15 hit points, and a break DC of 30. The sheriff and
his deputies have copies of the keys to the cells.
Stable
The livery stable provides horses for sale or hire, as well as
providing stabling and grooming for a small fee. A horse
could be hired for a dollar a day.
Stage Station
A stagecoach station had a ticket office, a room for
overnight passengers to rest, and a team of fresh horses
waiting for the next couch.
Surgery
A doctors surgery, containing an examining table or
chair (complete with straps to tie down patients awaiting
amputation), medicines, surgical tools, towels and hot
water, and (presumably) a doctor. A visit to a doctor
would cost five dollars or more, depending on the nature
of the complaint.
Theatre
Theatres or opera houses were built in larger towns.
Eastern theatre companies and singers toured the lucrative
Western circuit, although many Western audiences were
considerably rowdier than they expected. Lectures on
various topics were also given in theatres. A ticket cost
50 cents.
Train Station
At its simplest, a Western train station was a raised platform
on the side of the track, next to a water tower. It might also
have a bunker containing fuel (coal or wood) for the train,
or a metal hook on which a mailbag was hung. Using a
special hook, the train could collect the mail as it sped past
without stopping. Larger stations had ticket offices and
signal huts. The presence of the railroad is another sign
that a town is making it big.
Town Hall
Another major sign of an established town. Generally
somewhere to head when you urgently want to shoot the
mayor.
Trading Post
The network of trading posts was established by the fur
companies in the early days of the West. Trappers would
bring their furs to the post and exchange them for goods
and money. Later, the posts began trading with Indian
hunters or buffalo hunters - the discovery that buffalo hide
made excellent belting for industrial machinery revitalised
the fur trade. Some trading posts became the seeds from
which larger towns grew.
Undertaker
A growth industry in many Western towns. In case any
character tries hiding in a coffin, the wood has hardness 5
and 10 hit points.
167
 Just Plain
Folk
Just Plain Folk

T
he following cast of minor non-player
characters covers most of the random
encounters and trivial meetings in most
games. To give them a bit more character, roll on the
Physical Quirk or Personality Quirk tables. A selection of
names is also provided.
Cowboy
Fast Hero 1; HP 16; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 15, touch
15, flat-footed 13; BAB +0; Grap +1; Atk +1 melee (2,
punch) or +2 ranged (1d6/19-20, S&W No. 2); Full Atk
+1 melee (2, punch) or +2 ranged (1d6/19-20, S&W No.
2); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV Fort +2, Ref +3, Will -1;
Rep +2; Str 13, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills: Gamble +1, Handle Animal +7, Ride +8, Survival
+1, Use Rope +6.
Feats: Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Animal Affinity.
Vocation: Cowboy.
Talents: Cowpunching: Animal Dodge.
Experienced Cowboy
Fast Hero 2/Tough Hero 2; HP 29; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.;
Defence 18, touch 18, flat-footed 16; BAB +2; Grap
+4; Atk +4 melee (3, punch) or +4 ranged (1d6/19-20,
S&W No. 2); Full Atk +4 melee (3, punch) or +4 ranged
(1d6/19-20, S&W No. 2); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV Fort
+4, Ref +4, Will -1; Rep +5; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 15, Int
10, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills: Craft (woodworking) +2, Gamble +2, Handle
Animal +6, Ride +6, Survival +5, Use Rope +6.
Feats: Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Animal Affinity, Literacy.
Vocation: Cowboy.
Talents: Cowpunching: Animal Dodge, Cowpuncher;
Unbreakable: Remain Conscious; Riding the Range: Long
Ride.

Random Quirks
Roll Physical Personality
1 Very tall Charming
2 Very short Irritating
3 Unusual hair colour/bald Very religious
4 Squints/wears glasses Very political
5 Limps Longwinded
6 Terrible cough Curt or quiet
7 Sunburnt Suspicious
8 Dresses ostentatiously Very open-minded
9 Unusual scar or birthmark Generous
10 Allergic to common item Jealous
11 Very thin Easily angered
12 Very fat Cowardly
13 Unkempt Well-informed
14 Fastidious Deceitful
15 Alcoholic Nave
16 Teetotaller Calm
17 No sense of balance/cant ride Volatile
18 Amputee/missing fingers Dour
19 Handsome/beautiful Happy
20 Bearded Insane

168
 Random Names
Roll Male Female Family
1 Robert Anne Williams
2 Jack Sarah Tucker
3 William Mary Smith
4 Samuel Jessie Roberts
5 Clint Elizabeth Phillips
6 Charles Cynthia Murphy
7 Edward Rebecca Moody
8 Frank Mae McCarthy
9 George Rose Johnson
10 Jim Sallie Jennings
11 Tom Kate Hill
12 John Caroline Jones
13 James Lillie Casey
14 Peter Amanda Kilkenny
15 Henry Dora Clay
16 Benjamin Jane Brown
17 Abraham Virginia Dixon
18 Lewis Eliza Fortune
19 Michael Chastity Harris
20 Ezekiel Prudence Summers

Ranch Boss Feats: Simple Longarms Proficiency, Iron Will, Great

Fast Hero 3/Tough Hero 3/Smart Hero 1; HP 41; Init +2;
Spd 30 ft.; Defence 18, touch 18, flat-footed 16; BAB +4;
Grap +6; Atk +6 melee (3, punch) or +6 ranged (1d6/19-
20, S&W No. 2); Full Atk +6 melee (3, punch) or +6
ranged (1d6/19-20, S&W No. 2); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.;
SV Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +2; Rep +8; Str 14, Dex 14, Con
15, Int 11, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills: Craft (woodworking) +4, Gamble +2, Handle
Animal +10, Knowledge (business) +4, Ride +8, Search
+5, Survival +7, Use Rope +8.
Feats: Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Animal Affinity, Literacy, Iron Will, Guide.
Vocation: Cowboy.
Talents: Cowpunching: Animal Dodge, Cowpuncher,
Unbreakable: Remain Conscious, Damage Reduction 1/-;
Riding the Range: Long Ride, Life in the Saddle; Strategy:
Plan.
Settler
Dedicated Hero 1; HP 17; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 12,
touch 12, flat-footed 11; BAB +0; Grap +1; Atk +1 melee
(2, punch) or +1 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3, Sharps Carbine);
Full Atk +1 melee (2, punch) or +1 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3,
Sharps Carbine); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV Fort +5, Ref
+1, Will +5; Rep +0; Str 13, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 10, Wis
14, Cha 8.
Skills: Craft (structural) +4, Handle Animal +5, Drive +5,
Knowledge (civics) +4, Profession (farmer) +4.
Fortitude.
Vocation: Settler.
Talents: Empathic: Empathy.
Established Settler
Dedicated Hero 3; HP 25; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 13,
touch 13, flat-footed 12; BAB +2; Grap +3; Atk +3 melee
(2, punch) or +3 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3, Sharps Carbine);
Full Atk +3 melee (2, punch) or +3 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3,
Sharps Carbine); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV Fort +6, Ref
+2, Will +6; Rep +2; Str 13, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 10, Wis
14, Cha 8.
Skills: Craft (structural) +6, Handle Animal +6, Drive +6,
Knowledge (civics) +4, Perform +1, Profession (farmer)
+6.
Feats: Simple Longarms Proficiency, Iron Will, Great
Fortitude.
Vocation: Settler.
Talents: Empathic: Empathy, Improved Aid Another;
Settler: Unrecognised Talent.
General Store
Owner
Dedicated Hero 1/Charismatic Hero 1; HP 14; Init -1; Spd
30 ft.; Defence 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; BAB +0; Grap
+1; Atk +1 melee (2, punch) or 1 ranged (Winchester
Shotgun 3d6/x3); Full Atk +1 melee (2, punch) or -1

169
 ranged (Winchester Shotgun 3d6/x3); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 Talents: Healing: Healing Knack; Sawbones: Get Back On
ft.; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +3; Rep +3; Str 12, Dex 8, Your Feet.
Con 10, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 13.
Skills: Bluff +5, Diplomacy +7, Gather Information +8,
Knowledge (Appraisal) +5, Knowledge (Business) +6, 49er
Knowledge (Civics) +5, Knowledge (Current Events) +8,
Just Plain Folk

Strong Hero 1/Tough Hero 1; HP 22; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.;

Knowledge (local) +4, Profession (Shopkeeper) +6, Sense Defence 13, touch 13, flat-footed 12; BAB +1; Grap +3;
Motive +6. Atk +3 melee (3, punch) or +2 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3,
Feats: Simple Longarms Proficiency, Simple Shotgun Winchester); Full Atk +3 melee (3, punch) or +2 ranged
Proficiency, Skill Focus (Knowledge (Current Events)), (1d8/19-20/x3, Winchester); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV
Trustworthy. Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3; Rep +2; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 15,
Vocation: Storekeeper. Int 8, Wis 13, Cha 10.
Talents: Trader: Careful Trading, Sociable. Skills: Craft (structural) +3, Gamble +2, Profession
(miner) +5.
Feats: Endurance, Iron Will, Simple Longarms Proficiency,
S a l o o n O w n er Simple Weapons Proficiency.
Tough Hero 2/Charismatic Hero 2; HP 20; Init +1; Spd Vocation: Miner.
30 ft.; Defence 14, touch 14, flat-footed 13; BAB +2; Grap Talents: Miner: Obsessive Work; Extreme Effort: Extreme
+4; Atk +4 melee (3, punch) or +3 ranged (Winchester Effort.
Shotgun 3d6/x3); Full Atk +4 melee (3, punch) or +3
ranged (Winchester Shotgun 3d6/x3); Space/Reach 5 ft./5
ft.; SV Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +2; Rep +6;
Str 14, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 8, Wis 15,
Cha 14.
Skills: Bluff +6, Diplomacy +6, Gather
Information +6, Knowledge (local) +2,
Profession (bartender) +5, Sense Motive
+6, Treat Injury +5.
Feats: Simple Shotgun Proficiency,
Trustworthy, Skill Focus (profession).
Vocation: Bartender.
Talents: Tending Bar: Duck Behind
the Bar, Talkin About It; Unbreakable:
Remain Conscious.

Doctor
Smart Hero 2/Dedicated Hero 2; HP 18;
Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 15, touch 15,
flat-footed 13; BAB +2; Grap +1; Atk +1
melee (0, punch); Full Atk +1 melee (0,
punch); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV Fort
+2, Ref +2, Will +6; Rep +5; Str 8, Dex
14, Con 10, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Skills: Craft (chemical) +9, Decipher
Script +9, Diplomacy +4, Gather
Information +6, Knowledge (natural
history) +9, Knowledge (Physical Science)
+9, Knowledge (Civics) +9, Knowledge
(theology and philosophy) +7, Profession
(Doctor) +9, Ride +7, Treat Injury +16.
Feats: Endurance, Literacy, Medical
Expert, Run, Surgery, Skill Focus (treat
injury).
Vocation: Doctor.

170
 Outlaw
Fast Hero 1/Tough Hero 1; HP 18; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.;
Defence 16, touch 16, flat-footed 14; BAB +0; Grap +2;
Atk +2 melee (3, punch) or +3 ranged (1d6/19-20, Colt
Lightning); Full Atk +2 melee (3, punch) or +3 ranged
(1d6/19-20, Colt Lightning); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV
Fort +2, Ref +3, Will -1; Rep +3; Str 14, Dex 15, Con 13,
Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills: Hide +6, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (streetwise) +4,
Move Silently +6, Ride +6, Survival +3.
Feats: Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Weapon Focus (Colt).
Vocation: Robber.
Talents: Raiding: Improved Intimidate, Overwatch.
Tougher Outlaw
Fast Hero 2/Tough Hero 2; HP 24; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.;
Defence 19, touch 19, flat-footed 16; BAB +2; Grap +4;
Atk +4 melee (3, punch) or +6 ranged (1d6/19-20, Colt
Lightning); Full Atk +4 melee (3, punch) or +6 ranged
(1d6/19-20, Colt Lightning); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV
Fort +3, Ref +5, Will -1; Rep +5; Str 14, Dex 16, Con 13,
Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills: Hide +7, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (streetwise) +7,
Move Silently +7, Ride +8, Survival +5.
Feats: Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Weapon Focus (Colt), Improved Initiative.
Vocation: Robber.
Talents: Raiding: Improved Intimidate, Overwatch,
Planning the Job.
Toughest Outlaw
Fast Hero 4/Tough Hero 4; HP 36; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.;
Defence 21, touch 21, flat-footed 18; BAB +6; Grap +8;
Atk +8 melee (3, punch) or +10 ranged (1d6/19-20, Colt
Lightning); Full Atk +8 melee (3, punch) or +3 ranged
(1d6/19-20, Colt Lightning); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV
Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; Rep +9; Str 14, Dex 16, Con 13,
Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 13.
Skills: Balance +4, Climb +3, Drive +6, Escape Artist +5,
Handle Animal +5, Hide +5, Intimidate +3, Knowledge
(current events) +4, Knowledge (streetwise) +4, Move
Silently +5, Ride +7, Sleight of Hand +5, Spot +1, Tumble
+5, Use Rope +5.
Feats: Dodge, Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple
Longarms Proficiency, Weapon Focus (Colt), Improved
Initiative, Quick Reload.
Vocation: Robber.
Talents: Raiding: Improved Intimidate, Overwatch,
Planning the Job; Defensive: Evasion, Uncanny Dodge 1;
Unbreakable: Remain Conscious, Stamina.
Deputy
Tough Hero 3; HP 25; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 14,
touch 14, flat-footed 12; BAB +2; Grap +3; Atk +3 melee
(2, punch) or +5 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3, Colt Peacemaker);
Full Atk +3 melee (2, punch) or +5 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3,
Colt Peacemaker); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV Fort +3, Ref
+3, Will +3; Rep +4; Str 12, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 8, Wis
14, Cha 10.
Skills: Sense Motive +6, Spot +5, Ride +7.
Feats: Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Weapon Focus (Colt), Improvised Weapon
Proficiency.
Vocation: Lawman.
Talents: Unbreakable: Remain Conscious; Damage
Reduction: Damage Reduction 1/-.
Sheriff
Tough Hero 3/Charismatic Hero 3; HP 33; Init +7; Spd
30 ft.; Defence 16, touch 16, flat-footed 13; BAB +3; Grap
+4; Atk +4 melee (2, punch) or +7 ranged (1d8/19-20/
x3, Colt Peacemaker); Full Atk +4 melee (2, punch) or +7
ranged (1d8/19-20/x3, Colt Peacemaker); Space/Reach 5
ft./5 ft.; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4; Rep +6; Str 12, Dex
16, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills: Knowledge (law) +4, Gather Information +5, Ride
+8, Sense Motive +7, Spot +7, Survival +7.
Feats: Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Weapon Focus (Colt), Improvised Weapon
Proficiency, Track, Improved Initiative.
Vocation: Lawman.
Talents: Unbreakable: Remain Conscious; Damage
Reduction: Damage Reduction 1/-, 2/-, Law Enforcement:
Demand Aid, Silver Star.
Cavalry Officer
Fast Hero 4/Charismatic Hero 4; HP 31; Init +3; Spd 30
ft.; Defence 19, touch 19, flat-footed 16; BAB +5; Grap +6;
Atk +6 melee (1d8+1/19-20, sabre) or +8 ranged (1d8/19-
20/x3, Colt Army); Full Atk +6 melee (1d8+1/19-20,
sabre) or +8 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3, Colt Army); Space/
Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SV Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2; Rep +10; Str
12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills: Diplomacy +9, Knowledge (civics) +4, Knowledge
(history) +4, Handle Animal +4, Hide +7, Intimidate +8,
Move Silently +7, Ride +12, Search +6, Survival +5.
Feats: Dodge, Mounted Fire, Moving Shot, Martial
Weapons Proficiency, Ride-by Attack, Simple Sidearms
Proficiency, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Spirited Charge,
Trample.
Vocation: Trooper.
Talents: Officer: Corporal, Captain; Cavalry: Improved
Mounted Combat, Sound the Charge.
171
 Native
Native Americans
Americans
B Apache
efore the arrival of Europeans, the North
American continent and the land that was
to be the West was the home of dozens of
native tribes and nations. A few common bonds of culture
and religion connected the tribes, a shared respect for
nature and the land. Wars between nations were common,
although mass bloodshed was rare compared to slave
taking, scalping and counting coup.
The tribes were divided into groups numbering less
than three hundred, called bands. Among the nomadic
northern tribes, these bands lived in villages of tipis or
huts and followed the buffalo during the summer months.
In the south, the tribes practised agriculture and dwelt in
more permanent structures.
The 19th century and the great push West broke the
nations. Hopelessly outnumbered by technologically
superior settlers and soldiers, the various tribes were pushed
and herded onto reservations. A series of Acts of Congress
and other laws alternately granted and took land from the
Indian tribes.
The Tribes
This is only a fraction of the various tribes and nations that
exist, but these are the ones that are likely to play a part in
a Western game.
N a t i v e v s . I n d ian
Indian was, of course, erroneously used by Columbus
and the other early explorers as a term for the native
peoples of the American continent the explorers were
looking for a route to the Far East, but instead they
found the West. Throughout most of this book, the term
Indian is used; from cowboys and Indians to the look
out! Injuns! of dozens of movies, it is much too much a
part of the genre to be ignored. Most of the rest of this
book presents Indians from the perspective of the white
settlers, as savages (noble or fearsome) or enemies.
This chapter, on the other hand, is intended to briefly
describe the native tribes as they see themselves and the
West. Hence, the term native is mostly used.
172
The nomadic Apaches lived in the mountains. They were
skilled raiders, preying on the neighbouring Pueblo bands
as well as on other Apache and Navahos, not to mention
whatever settlers claimed the land. The Apaches were a
problem for successive Spanish, Mexican and American
governments. One chief, Cochise, fought a war with
invading white settlers for almost a decade. His chief
opponents were General George Cook and the famous
scout, Kit Carson.
In 1871, an Apache village was attacked by settlers and
other Indians, and over a hundred Apaches were killed.
Following a series of battles and negotiations, Cochise
accepted a treaty with the United States and the Apaches
were moved to reservations. However, this did not spell
the end of the Apache Wars resistance movements fought
against invaders from 1877-1880, under Victorio, and
from 1881-1886 under the great Geronimo.
The Apaches were loosely organised into small bands only
a great chief possessed of extraordinary force of personality
could unite the nation.
1787: The Northwest Ordinance promises that the
utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the
Indians.
1830: The Indian Removal Act moves all Indians west
of the Mississippi.
1834: The Trade and Intercourse Act creates an Indian
Territory between the Red and Missouri rivers. This
territory is for Indians alone; no white settlements
would be permitted, and only licensed traders would
be allowed do business with the Indians.
1871: No Indian nation or tribe is considered an
independent power with whom the United States may
contract by treaty.
1887: The reservations are divided into parcels of
land and divided among the natives; the surplus
of more than half the reservation land is allocated to
homesteaders.
 Cheyenne continued after the Comanche were placed in a reservation,
The Cheyenne were one of the group known as the Plains the Texas Rangers and the army launched campaigns
Indians, horse-riding buffalo hunters and nomads. They against the Comanche.
were organised into the Council of Forty-Four, made up of
the chiefs of the various bands who made decisions about The Civil War drew off many of the troops facing the
alliances and treaties. Their warriors were also part of Comanche (indeed, the Confederates even supplied the
military societies, such as the Bowstring Wolves and Dog Comanche with guns in the hopes of winning their loyalty).
Soldiers. During the middle part of the 19th century, the Kit Carsons troops continued the attacks, and found that
Cheyenne were divided into the Northern Cheyenne, who attacking during the winter was far more effective. The
lived at the headwaters of the Platte River, and the Southern natives were used to fighting during the summer and living
Cheyenne of Kansas and Colorado. The Northerners were peacefully off stockpiled supplies during the winter, so the
allied with the mighty Sioux; the Southern Cheyenne were whites willingness to attack in the cold months proved
alternately enemies and allies of the Arapaho, Comanche surprising. This practise continued after the war.
and Comanche.
More damaging, though, was the virtual extinction of
In 1858, gold was discovered in the territory of the Southern the buffalo. Like the other Plains Indians, it was a vital
Cheyenne, and attempts were made to force the tribe off part of the Comanches lifestyle. Food supplies began to
their hunting grounds. In 1864, Colonel John Chivington dwindle. Under their leader, the well-educated half-breed
launched a brutal attack on the Cheyenne. Black Kettle, Quanah Parker, the Comanche allied with the Arapaho,
the chief of the Cheyenee,
brought six hundred of his
people to Sand Creek near
Fort Lyon to surrender.
Chivington attacked instead
this became known as the
Sand Creek massacre. The
few survivors spread word
of the massacre to the other
tribes, sparking off a long
series of intermittent wars
across the Plains, lasting
until Wounded Knee in
1890.

The Northern Cheyenne

under Dull Knife allied
with the Sioux, and their
warriors were among those
who defeated Custer at
Little Big Horn.

The Cheyenne were known

for their elaborate rituals,
both religious and social.

Comanche
Known as raiders and horse-
thieves, the Comanche lands
were in the Southern Plains,
primarily Texas and New
Mexico. They had no tribal
councils or any authorities
other than peace and war
chiefs for each band. They
raided wagon trains during
the 1850s; when these raids

173
 Cheyenne and Kiowa and began to raid settlements and
attack buffalo hunters. General Sheridan drew troops from
Texas, Kansas and New Mexico to quell the resistance, and
eventually defeated the alliance at Palo Duro Canyon.
Native Americans
Quanah surrendered in 1875, later becoming a significant
statesman and religious leader.
F i v e C i v i l i s e d T ribes
These tribes were among the first to contact white settlers,
as their traditional grounds were along the east coast.
The tribes adopted white customs and beliefs, becoming
Christians, owning farms, livestock and slaves, and
intermarrying with the settlers. Despite this, the 1830
Indian Removal Act moved them West.
This forced move, which killed nearly a third of the
Civilised Tribes, was known as the Trail of Tears.
Cherokee: The Cherokee were staunch allies of the
Americans; one of their chiefs even saved Andrew Jacksons
life during the Creek Wars. They established a republican
government for themselves, developed their own written
language and had their own tribal constitution and
newspaper by 1828. Still, the discovery of gold on
Cherokee land forced their removal along the terrible Trail
of Tears to the Indian Territory.
Chickasaw: The Chickasaw were famed for their law of
hospitality, which dictated that they provide generously
for guests. Many of the tribe voluntarily moved west in the
1820s, and the nation as a whole did not suffer as much as
others did on the Trail of Tears. Disease haunted them in
the Indian Territories, diminishing their power.
Choctaw: This tribe also adopted many white customs
and fought in the American armies.
Creek: The Creek were skilled farmers, and built strong
permanent villages. During the early part of the 19th
century, they became divided into the White Stick and
Red Stick factions; the Red Sticks supported Tecumsehs
revolt in 1809-11, and launched their own rebellion, the
Creek Wars, in 1813-14.
Seminole: The Seminole dwelled in the Florida Everglades.
Many were opposed to slavery, and provided shelter to
runaways. This policy sparked the punitive First Seminole
War in 1817-18. Like the other Civilised Tribes, many
of the Seminole were forced West along the Trail of Tears.
However, a large portion of the tribe hid in the Everglades,
resisting even the attempts made to force them out (the
Second and Third Seminole Wars).
174
Kiowa
Allies of the Comanche, the Kiowa are notable for their
strong tradition of warrior societies. The greatest of these
was the Koitsenko, the Principal Dogs, made up of the ten
best warriors of the tribe. The leader of this society bore a
long sash, which he fastened to the ground with a spear in
battle. He could not retreat from this spot unless another
Principal Dog removed the spear. Other elements of Kiowa
culture, such as their tradition of inscribing tribal records
in pictograms on buffalo hide, suggest a connection to the
ancient cultures of the far South.
The Kiowa also produced some of the greatest leaders of
the era, such as the warriors Sitting Bear and Big Tree, as
well as the diplomat Kicking Bird and the shaman Sky
Walker.
Navaho
The shepherding Navaho were one of the largest tribes.
Allies of the Apache, the Navaho fought in many of
their wars. They also clashed with the white settlers over
grazing and water rights. In the 1860s, Kit Carson led
a campaign against them, targeting the Navajo farms
and livestock. Many thousands of Navaho surrendered.
They were relocated to a reservation in the barren Pecos
River valley, where many sickened and died. In 1868, the
survivors were permitted to return to a new reservation on
traditional Navaho land.
The Navaho are known for their sandpainting and other
fine arts.
Nez Perce
This North-Eastern plateau tribe was untroubled for most
of the century. It was a proud claim of their tribe that
they had never killed a white man. Then, in 1871, the
tribe was ordered to relocate to a reservation and leave their
ancestral valley behind. The Nez Perce under their young
chief Joseph refused, and violence erupted.
Joseph proved to be a skilled general. The Nez Perce war
began when army soldiers fired at six Nez Perce, who were
approaching under a flag of truce. In the ensuing battle,
34 soldiers were killed, but not a single Nez Perce fell.
Still, the Nez Perce retreated for 1,7000 miles. Joseph
had decided to lead his people to Canada, and brought
his band of refugees through the wilderness for months.
No less than three armies were dispatched to stop the Nez
Perce, and Joseph managed to evade or defeat them all for
months. He was finally stopped only thirty miles short of
the border by the sympathetic General Oliver Howard.
Josephs surrender speech is one of the most famous and
most quoted statements from the entire century.

I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking
Glass is dead. Toohulhulsote is dead. The old men
are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no.
He who led the young men is dead.
It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children
are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have
run away to the hills and have no blankets, no food.
No one knows where they are - perhaps freezing to
death. I want to have time to look for my children
and see how many I can find. Maybe I shall find
them among the dead.
Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired. My heart is sick
and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight
no more forever.
Before the Flight of the Nez Perces, the tribe was known
for farming, fishing and horse-breeding.
Paiute
The Paiute of the Great Basin were known contemptuously
by settlers of California and Oregon as digger Indians, as
a major part of their diet came from foraged roots, nuts
and grubs. The Northern Paiute were known for raiding
mining camps, stagecoaches, ranches and other outposts.
Punitive campaigns were launched against them during
the 1860s.
The Paiute also produced the famed shaman Wovoka, who
founded the Ghost Dance religion. According to this belief,
if all the tribes performed the Ghost Dance and ritually
purified themselves, then the world would be destroyed
and reborn in a renewed form, to be inhabited by the tribes
alone. The Ghost Dance unsettled many reservations, and
lead to the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890.
Pueblo
The pueblo tribes of the Southeast were farmers. The
Hopi and Zuni were the largest of the tribes, and lived on
the Colorado plateau. The Pueblo Indians were known
for their large, multi-level apartment buildings, built from
stone and adobe bricks. The Pueblo clashed with the
Mexicans before their territories were handed over to the
United States, but lived (mostly) in peace during the 19th
century.
Shawnee
The glory days of the Shawnee during the 19th century
came during its early years. Two great twins rose to rule
the tribe. One was the shaman Tenskwatawa (Shawnee
Prophet to the whites), who preaches that the Indians must
give up Christian religion and alcohol and return to their
traditional ways. His brother, Tecumseh, tried to unite
all the nations by arguing that no single Indian or tribe
had the right to give up their lands, as the land belonged
to all. He tried to form a united military and indeed, he
had a genuine gift for both oratory and strategy. He was
also highly educated and informed, having studied world
history and politics to prepare for the construction of
an Indian nation. Tecumseh travelled to many different
tribes, trying to forge this alliance.
An attack on the Shawnee lands disrupted his efforts,
especially after his brother drew the Shawnee into a fruitless
battle. Tecumseh later allied with the British during the
War of 1812, and was made a brigadier general. He
proved himself to be a masterful commander, but was shot
dead in 1813. If Tecumseh had lived, history might have
taken a very different course. The Shawnee were pushed
southeast, beyond the Mississippi.
Sioux Nation
The Sioux Nation dominated the Great Planes. They are
perhaps closest to the stereotypical image of an Indian,
with their bright warbonnets and painted tipis. They were
skilled horseriders and hunters. The Sioux are divided into
the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota tribes. They were among
the most resistant to the expansion of the Union.
The Sioux Wars lasted for most of the latter half of the 19th
century, and recounting them all in detail is beyond the
scope of this section. They include:
The Grattan Affair, 1854-1855: A Mormon
family travelling West lost a cow, which wandered
into a Sioux camp. The Sioux were accused of
stealing the cow by an over-ambitious military
officer. The argument escalated into a military
confrontation.
The Minnesota Uprising, 1862: Militant Sioux
attacked settlers in Minnesota. Their chief, Little
Crow, initially argued for peace, but when the war
began, he fought as well as he could. The Sioux
were eventually routed; many warriors including
Little Crow fled into the wilderness, and the
ringleaders who remained were hung.
The War for the Bozeman Trail, 1865-66: The
Sioux begin raiding miners and caravans travelling
to Montana, in concert with the Cheyenne and
Arapaho. The natives used guerrilla tactics,
striking at a wagon train then fading back into the
wilderness. Red Cloud, the leader of the Sioux
fighters, offers a compromise if no more forts are
built, the war will stop. The army refuse. Soon
after, 80 soldiers are killed in an ambush by a
1,500-strong Sioux force under Crazy Horse. The
subsequent slaughter is known as the Fetterman
175
 massacre. New weapons are sent to the army, but
to no avail in 1868, they accede to Red Clouds
demands.
Native Americans
The War for the Black Hills, 1876-1877: Gold
was discovered in the sacred Black Hills, and when
the Sioux hunting parties nearby were forced onto
the reservations, war broke out. The Sioux and their
allies under Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse fought
against the army sent to keep their hunting parties
on the reservation. Initially, the war went very
well for the Sioux a cavalry attack was repulsed,
an army routed, and at Little Big Horn, Custers
Seventh Cavalry was destroyed. This was the last
great Indian victory Dull Knifes Cheyenne were
soon routed, and almost all the Sioux generals had
all surrendered or been captured by 1877.
The Ghost Dance and Wounded Knee: By
1890, the Ghost Dance religion had spread
to the Sioux reservations. The army became
worried about the unrest, and ordered the arrest
of the great surviving Sioux chief, Sitting Bull. A
fight broke out, and Sitting Bull was killed. The
Ghost Dance fever continued, culminating in
the massacre at Wounded Knee. Ghost Dancers,
convinced their magic shirts would protect them,
attempted to retain their firearms when the army
tried to take them. A gun went off when a soldier
tried to confiscate it; more fighting broke out. The
artillery fired. And it was over.
Ute
Relatives of the Paiute and sharing much of their culture,
the Ute were known for their skills at archery. They also
had more mounted warriors than the Paiute. The warlike
Ute clashed with other tribes, and fought white settlers
in 1853 and in the 1860s. They exchanged much of the
lands for a reservation in 1859, after gold was discovered
in their hunting grounds. Under the leadership of the
skilled diplomat and lawyer Chief Ouray, they lived in
relative peace until1879, when the Ute clashed with the
Indian Agent Nathan Meeker, who was trying to bring
Christianity and agriculture to the tribe. This sparked an
armed conflict with the military. An initial expedition to
support Meeker was surrounded and besieged; by the time
a relief force broke through, they found that Meeker had
been killed and the agency raided.
This could have lead to all-out war with the Ute, but Chief
Ouray negotiated a peace and the release of hostages taken
by his warriors.
176
C o m m o n C u s t oms
While each tribe and band has its own unique culture
and traditions, there are some customs that extend across
many native tribes. The most significant cultural group
encountered during the 19th century was the Plains Indians,
made up of the Sioux, Cheyenne, Comanche, Apache and
several other tribes, and the customs described below are
drawn from their beliefs.
Counting Coup
Counting coup involved striking another warrior in battle
without injuring him. A special coup stick was normally
used, although a bare hand or even a lance or other weapon
could be used. A warriors prowess was measured not in
kills, but in how often he had counted coup upon enemies.
Capturing enemy possessions and scalps was also worthy
of praise.
A native character may attempt to count coup by making
a successful touch attack on an enemy. This draws an
attack of opportunity from the target. If the attack hits,
then the warrior has counted coup, and gains a +1 morale
bonus to all attacks for the rest of the day (maximum of +3
morale bonus from counting coup). He may also make a
Reputation check (DC of 10 + his current Reputation) if
successful, he may increase his Reputation by +1.
If the victim of a coup attack follows native beliefs, then
he suffers a 2 morale penalty to all attacks for the rest of
the battle.
Sacred Pipe
Tobacco was considered a sacred source of magic, and the
ornate ceremonial pipes used to smoke it were important
relics. The pipe was also referred to as the peace pipe, as
most outsiders only saw it as part of negotiations for the
cessation of hostilities. A character who smokes the sacred
pipe gains a +4 circumstance bonus to Charisma for the
purposes of diplomacy and negotiation. (Those unused
to the pungent tobacco must make a Fortitude save (DC
10) to avoid choking.)
Scalping
Both sides in the Indian Wars practised scalping it was a
convenient way to bring back proof of an enemys demise,
as well as an item of ritual significance. Bounties of tens
or even hundreds of dollars were paid for Indian scalps.
Scalping involved cutting a circle with a knife through the
skin of the crown of the head, then pulling. A character
might survive a scalping, but the attack deals 10 damage
and causes a Serious Wound.
 Sun Dance
During the summer, the various bands of a tribe gather
together for communal buffalo hunt. Their tipis are
arranged in a great circle, and various celebrations such as
horse races and hunts were held. The sacred Sun Dance was
held near the end of the summer, and involved the raising
of a ceremonial tree trunk, dancing and meditation. One
notable aspect of the ceremony involved self-mutilation
the dancers were impaled with wooden or bone skewers.
These skewers were driven into the dancers chest or limbs.
Some skewers were tied to the ceremonial pole; others
dragged buffalo skulls. This mutilation brought visions
for the dancers, and good luck to the tribe.
The Sun Dance is the Sioux form for the ritual; other tribes
call it by different names.
Vision Quests
Contact with the spirit world was an important part of
native beliefs. The vision quest was the usual method for
establishing contact with the spirits; an individual would
purify himself in a sweat lodge, then strip naked and paint
himself with white clay. He would then fast in an isolated
place, until exposure, hunger, thirst and pain brought on
a vision.
The vision often involved an aspect of the natural world,
such as a tree or animal. A shaman would then advise
and help interpret the vision, and help prepare a medicine
bundle that encapsulated the vision. Vision quests were
usually undertaken before a major event, such as a war.
Undergoing a Vision
Quest
To undergo a vision quest, the character must travel into
the wilderness and wait. Every six hours, he may make
a Concentration check (DC 25) to receive a vision. He
gets a +1 insight bonus to the check for every point of
damage he has suffered from thirst and hunger. For
example, a character who gone without drinking for
four days and taken 8 points of damage would gain a +8
bonus to his Concentration check.
Life on the
Plains
Life for the Plains Tribes had changed greatly in the
centuries before the 19th the horse had replaced the dog
as their main beast of burden, and they had become expert
horsemen. The horse could drag a larger travois (a sled,
which used tipi poles for its framework) and carry more
possessions and even transport those who would otherwise
be too sick or elderly to travel. They could now travel
further and easier, and so became more nomadic, following
the buffalo.
The buffalo was vital to the Plains Indians. Before the
horse, their hunting had been limited to sneaking up on
177
 the buffalo or stampeding them off cliffs or into traps. A
horseman, however, could keep up with the running buffalo
and bring them down with well-placed arrows (or, later, a
more efficient rifle). Meat from the prized buffalo hump
Native Americans
as well as the rest of the body and the tongue, liver and
other organs was eaten or made into pemmican or jerky.
Practically every scrap of the animal was used the skin
was made into leather or rawhide clothing or tipis; thread,
rope and other tools were made from the sinew, and hoof
and horns were also made into tools or ceremonial items.
Campfires were fuelled with dried buffalo chips. Antelope,
deer, elk, bear and other animals were also hunted.
The mobile villages of the tribes mostly consisted of tipis;
buffalo-hide tents erected on wooden poles. The entrance
faced east, away from the prevailing westerly winds. A
smoke-hole at the top allowed fumes from the fire to escape,
and the main entrance could be sealed tightly, allowing the
tipi to stay warm in winter. In addition to being homes
and shelters, they were sacred places containing altars and
symbolising the world.
L i f e o n t he
Re s e r v a t i o n s
The various Indian Territories and reservations were
sometimes on marginal land unwanted by the settlers,
although others were simply placed in isolated regions.
The Indians were expected to keep to their reservations,
while most outsiders were similarly expected to keep out.
The army forts enforced this law. As the buffalo herds paid
no heed to the borders of reservations, the natives desired
to follow the buffalo on their migrations to continue their
hunts, leading to clashes with the army.
I n d i a n A g e n ts
The Department of Indian Affairs assigned Indian Agents
to each reservation. Part ombudsman, part social worker,
the agent was responsible for helping the tribes and keeping
them in check. Some agents tried to convert their tribes to
agriculture, others tried to spread Christianity. The agent
was responsible for issuing passes and licenses to leave the
reservation or operate trading posts there.
The agent was also responsible for distributing the rations
of food and ammunition to those on the reservation.
Many succumbed to despair, living off the meagre rations
provided by the agency and trading for whiskey and
firewater.
T r a d i n g P o s ts
Trading posts run by licensed traders exchanged goods
such as blankets and rifles for furs and other products of
those living on the reservation. Many of these traders were
178
crooked, taking advantage of their virtual monopoly on
the reservation.
Character
Generation
Native characters follow the same rules as other characters,
with the following differences:
Instead of gaining the Simple Longarms, Simple
Sidearms, or Improvised Weapons Proficiency feats
from their starting class, native characters gain the
Indian Weapons Proficiency feat.
Native characters speak the language of their tribe
automatically, and must take the Speak Language
feat to converse with outsiders.
Native characters have access to the vocations
below.
Vocations
Depending on circumstances, a native character can follow
any of the vocations listed in Chapter XX (especially the
Scout). Similarly, a white character adopted or honoured
by a tribe can follow one of these vocations.
Brave
This is the path of the warrior, fighting against other braves
or against the cavalry of the white man. Braves are often
inducted into secret societies within their tribe as they
advance in rank and Reputation. A brave can win great
honour in battle, but also faces the thundering guns of the
enemy.
Prerequisites: Indian Weapons Proficiency.
Vocation Skills: Balance, Climb, Concentration, Craft
(bowmaking or woodworking only), Handle Animal,
Jump, Listen, Ride, Survival, Swim.
Reputation Bonus: A warrior gains a +1d6 Reputation
bonus after each battle. He may also gain Reputation by
counting coup on others.
Brave Warrior
Talent Tree
This tree covers skills used on the battlefield.
Dedication: The brave is used to enduring pain,
from experience in vision quests and the Sun
 Dance. He may reduce the impairment penalty Expert Rider Talent
Tree
from wounds by 2. This talent may be taken
multiple times; its effects stack.
Rage: The brave may enter a rage as a free The natives quickly adapted to fighting and living on
action. While raging, the brave gains a +4 bonus horseback. They can take talents from the Riding the
to Strength and Constitution, but suffers a 2 to Range talent tree or Favoured Horse talent tree, in addition
Defence and cannot use any skills that require to the following talents:
careful thought or concentration. This rage lasts for
a number of rounds equal to 3 + the braves newly Improved Mounted Archery: When using a bow,
improved Constitution modifier. The increase in the character suffers no penalties to attack rolls
Constitution also increases the braves hit points when fighting from a moving horse.
by +2 per level; these are temporary hit points o Prerequisite: Mounted Fire
that vanish when the rage ends. After a rage, the
character is fatigued (-
2 to Strength and
Constitution) for a
number of rounds equal
to the original duration
of the rage. A rage can
be ended prematurely.
This talent can only
be used once per day.
This talent may be
taken multiple times;
each extra talent gives
another use of Rage per
day.
o Prerequisite:
Dedication

Strike from Ambush:

The brave is skilled at
attacking from ambush.
He may use the Ride-
by Attack or Spring
Attack feats if attacking
a flat-footed opponent,
even if he does not
possess these feats or
their prerequisites.

179
 Moving Cover: The character is adept at using
his horse for cover. He may make a Ride check
(DC 15). If this check is successful, then he may
count his horse as one-half cover against attacks by
Native Americans
swinging down behind the horses flanks.
Hunter
Few native tribes practised agriculture, so a successful
hunt was vital to ensure the survival of the band. Hunters
were adept at tracking and trapping smaller animals, and
bringing down the mighty buffalo. Hunters are trained
in stealth and survival, allowing them to vanish into the
wilderness.
Prerequisites: Indian Weapons Proficiency.
Vocation Skills: Concentration, Craft (traps), Handle
Animal, Hide, Listen, Move Silently, Ride, Search, Spot,
Survival, Swim.
Reputation Bonus: A hunters Reputation increases by
+1 every year.
H u n t e r T a l e n t Tree
The hunter may take Talents from the Scouting Talent
Tree in addition to the talents listed below.
Vanish into the Wild: The DC to track a hunters
trail is increased by +1 for every two ranks the
hunter has in Survival.
Read the Land: The hunter is attuned to the
movements of animals and birds, and notices signs
that betray the presence of other humans. The
hunter may spend a luck point to avoid being flat-
footed when surprised. Furthermore, he may make
a Survival check (DC 15) to notice when there are
other humans within three miles.
Chief
The chief of a band bears the awesome responsibility of
leadership. He must guide his followers, ensuring that
the hunts go well and that the Sun Dance is properly
performed, so that the tribe can survive the year. He
decides when the young braves shall go to war, and when
they shall hunt. The coming of the white man has made
the duties of the chiefs even more difficult the bitterest of
choices now lies before the nations of the people.
Prerequisites: Indian Weapons Proficiency, Good
Reputation +10 or more among the tribe.
180
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Concentration, Diplomacy, Gather
Information, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Knowledge
(Indian lore), Ride, Survival.
Reputation Bonus: A chief s Reputation increases by
+1d4 every year.
Chieftain Talent
Tree
Most chiefs will have levels as Smart or Charismatic Hero,
giving them access to the Strategy and Leadership Talent
trees.
Smoke the Sacred Pipe: The chief may use 10
+ his Reputation instead of rolling a die when
making Diplomacy or Intimidation checks against
other chieftains or members of his band.
Send Them On The War Path: The chief may
transfer up to half his luck to other members of
the tribe. The chief regains these luck points
normally.
Wise Leadership: The chief gains a +4 insight
bonus to any rolls relating to day-to-day leadership
of the tribe in non-stressful situations.
Shaman
Tribal shamans are responsible for interpreting omens and
vision quests, and for ensuring that the spirits continue to
favour the tribe.
Prerequisites: Wisdom 13.
Vocation Skills: Bluff, Concentration, Diplomacy, Gather
Information, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Knowledge
(Indian lore, nature, theology and philosophy), Listen,
Perform (preach), Ride, Sense Motive.
Reputation Bonus: A shaman does not gain in Reputation
under most circumstances. Successful interpretation of
major omens can give the shaman a +1d6 or higher bonus,
but this is a rare event.
Shaman Talent Tree
Vision Interpretation: After a vision quest,
the shaman may make a Knowledge (theology
and philosophy) check (DC 12). If the check is
successful, then the character who went on the
vision quest gains a +2 morale bonus to two skills,
or a +1 bonus to base attack bonus or Defence,
depending on what animal the character saw. A
totem animal of a wolf might give a bonus to
attacks, while an owl might give a bonus to Spot
 and Move Silently. These vision bonuses last for
2d6 days.
Medicine Pouch: The shaman may spend a luck
point to give another character +1d6 luck points.
This talent may only be used once per character
per year.
Furious Spirits: This works just like the Moral
Outrage talent from the Preaching Talent Tree.
Sample
Characters
Low-level brave
Strong Hero 2/Fast Hero 1; HP 26; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.;
Defence 17, touch 17, flat-footed 15; BAB +2; Grap +3;
Atk +3 melee (2d4+1/19-20, hatchet) or +5 ranged (1d6,
bow); Full Atk +3 melee (2d4+1/19-20, hatchet) or +5
ranged (1d6, bow); Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. SV Fort +4,
Ref +3, Will +1; Rep +2; Str 13, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10,
Wis 12, Cha 8.
Skills: Hide +7, Move Silently +6, Ride +8, Survival +7
Feats: Indian Weapons Proficiency, Stealthy, Weapon
Focus (bow), Point Blank Shot, Toughness.
Vocation: Brave
Talents: Brave: Dedication, Rage
181
 M e d i u m - l e v e l b rave
Strong Hero 2/Fast Hero 2/Tough Hero 1; HP 31; Init
+6; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 19, touch 19, flat-footed 17; BAB
+3; Grap +5; Atk +5 melee (2d4+2/19-20, hatchet) or
Native Americans
+6 ranged (1d6, bow); Full Atk +5 melee (2d4+2/19-20,
hatchet) or +6 ranged (1d6, bow); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft;
SV Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +1; Rep +4; Str 14, Dex 15, Con
14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Skills: Handle Animal +3, Hide +7, Move Silently +7,
Ride +9, Survival +9
Feats: Indian Weapons Proficiency, Stealthy, Weapon
Focus (bow), Point Blank Shot, Improved Initiative
Vocation: Brave
Talents: Brave: Dedication, Rage; Unbreakable: Remain
Conscious; Damage Reduction: DR1/-.
S k i l l e d b r a ve
Strong Hero 3/Fast Hero 2/Tough Hero 2; HP 40; Init
+6; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 21, touch 21, flat-footed 19; BAB
+5; Grap +7; Atk +7 melee (2d4+2/19-20, hatchet) or +8
ranged (1d6+2, bow); Full Atk +7 melee (2d4+2/19-20,
hatchet) or +8 ranged (1d6+2, bow); Space/Reach 5 ft./5ft,
SV Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +2; Rep +6; Str 14, Dex 15, Con
14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Skills: Handle Animal +3, Hide +7, Listen +3, Move
Silently +7, Ride +10, Spot +4, Survival +10
Feats: Indian Weapons Proficiency, Stealthy, Weapon
Focus (bow), Point Blank Shot, Improved Initiative,
Weapon Specialisation (bow), Endurance.
Vocation: Brave
Talents: Brave: Dedication, Rage, Strike from Ambush;
Unbreakable: Remain Conscious; Damage Reduction:
DR1/-.
182
Chief
Strong Hero 2/Fast Hero 2/Tough Hero 1/Charismatic
Hero 2; HP 39; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 20, touch
20, flat-footed 18; BAB +4; Grap +3; Atk +3 melee (2d4-
1/19-20, hatchet) or +7 ranged (1d6, bow); Full Atk +2
melee (2d4-1/19-20, hatchet) or +7 ranged (1d6, bow);
Space/Reach 5 ft./5ft.; SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +1; Rep
+10; Str 8, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14.
Skills: Bluff +4, Diplomacy +8, Gather Information +4,
Handle Animal +3, Hide +7, Move Silently +6, Ride +8,
Sense Motive +5, Survival +8
Feats: Indian Weapons Proficiency, Stealthy, Weapon
Focus (bow), Point Blank Shot, Improved Initiative,
Trustworthy.
Vocation: Brave, Chief
Talents: Brave: Dedication, Rage; Unbreakable: Remain
Conscious; Damage Reduction: DR1/-; Chief: Wise
Leadership, Smoke the Sacred Pipe.
Shaman
Dedicated Hero 2/Smart Hero 2; HP 24; Init +0; Spd 30
ft.; Defence 13, touch 13, flat-footed 13; BAB +2; Grap
+1; Atk +1 melee (0, punch); Full Atk +1 melee (0, punch);
Space/Reach 5 ft./5ft.;SV Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +9; Rep
+2; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 13.
Skills: Bluff +3, Craft (woodcarving) +9, Handle Animal
+8, Knowledge (Indian Lore) +11, Knowledge (theology
& philosophy) +11, Perform +11, Ride +7, Sense Motive
+9, Survival +9, Treat Injury +9
Feats: Literacy, Speak Language (English), Iron Will,
Educated
Vocation: Shaman
Talents: Shaman: Vision Interpretation, Medicine Pouch;
Healing Talent: Healing Knack; Insightful Talent: Skill
Emphasis (Perform)
 Rogues
Gallery
O
ne of the great appeals of historical
gaming is interacting with historical
figures, serving under Andrew Jackson
or getting arrested by Wyatt Earp. Games Masters with
a concern for historical accuracy may wish to ensure that
the player characters cannot send reality off the rails by
killing President Lincoln early, and have the characters
only encounter historical personages in quick cameos or
carefully planned scenes. Those willing to deviate from
history, however, can include historical characters in their
games as major non player characters or even player
characters. Putting the players into a famous situation, like
the Battle at Little Big Horn or the Gunfight at the O.K.
Corral can be an interesting mini-campaign. (For extra
amusement for the Games Master at least, put the players
on the losing side, and let them try to avoid their fate.)
Billy t h e K i d
Aka Henry McCarthy, William Bonney.
Born 1859, Indiana, Died July 14, 1881, Fort Sumner, New
Mexico
The young Henry McCarthys family moved to Kansas,
then New Mexico during the Civil War. There, his mother
died in 1874, and Billy became involved in petty crime.
He escaped jail, then headed to Arizona where he worked
as a cowboy and labourer in Graham County. In August
of 1877, in a saloon he quarrelled with an Irish blacksmith
named Cahill. Cahill threw Billy to the ground; Billy
pulled a revolved and shot the blacksmith. He fled to
New Mexico, and got a job on a ranch operated by John
Tunstall.
Tunstall was involved with a lawyer named Alexander
McSween and a cattle baron named John Chisum in
a partnership to break the power of a rival syndicate,
the Murphy-Dolan-Riley faction, who operated almost
everything from the saloon to the law in Lincoln County.
The rivalry between the two factions escalated, and the
local magistrate attempted to interdict McSweens ranch,
which was run by Tunstall. John Tunstall went into town
to discuss the matter, and was shot by a posse of some thirty
men in the service of the syndicate. Tunstalls employees,
including Billy the Kid, vowed revenge, and began what
became known as the Lincoln County War.
Billy and the other ranch-hands (known as the Regulators),
led by Dick Brewer, killed two of the posse, and managed
to obtain warrants for the rest. However, the Kid and four
others took the war to the streets of Lincoln. They lay in
wait for Sheriff Brady, who was one of the syndicates men.
When he passed by, they rose up and shot him before
escaping on horseback.
More skirmishes ensued, during which Dick Brewer was
killed, and Billy killed Dicks killer, one Buckshot Roberts.
The high point of the war came soon after. Billy and
Alexander McSween were besieged in Chisums ranch
house by a small army of Murphy loyalists. Chisums
cowboys rode back from a roundup to relieve the siege,
but also brought word of other Regulators in trouble in
Lincoln. Billy led the posse into town, but they were too
late, and ended up barricading themselves into McSweens
big townhouse.
By dawn, the townhouse was surrounded by Murphys men.
An exchange of fire between the trapped Regulators and
those outside turned into a bitter three-day siege. On the
evening of the third day, a company of infantry from Fort
Stanton arrived under the command of Colonel Nathan
Dudley. The colonel was sympathetic towards McSween,
but Murphys new sheriff, George Peppin, was legally the
sheriff of Lincoln and hence the siege was justifiable in
the eyes of the law. During the colonels parlay with the
Regulators, Peppins men set fire to the house.
McSween tried to surrender to buy the lives of his friends,
but was shot dead. The rest of the broken Regulators fled,
and last to leave was the Kid. After the siege, Chisums
faction was gone and the cattle magnate no longer had any
interest in Lincoln. The war was over except for Billy.
He continued his campaign against the killers of Tunstall
and McSween. He fled into the countryside, and from there
he ambushed ranchers who he suspected of participating
in the siege. To end the Kids crusade, the ranchers called
on the President for aid, who appointed a new governor,
General Lew Wallace. Wallace offered the Kid amnesty if
he gave up his arms or left, but Billy refused.
A new posse under Pat Garrett was formed to hunt down
the Kid. They caught him in 1881, and arranged for him
183
 to be hanged. The night before, though, he tricked one of
the guards into playing cards with him. Billy pretended to
drop a card, bent down to pick it up and came back up
holding the guards own gun instead. (Another variation
of the story has the Kid stop to use an outhouse, where he
managed to free his hands and steal or find a gun). He
Rogues Gallery
shot two guards and escaped on horseback.
Two months later, Pat Garrett finally got his man, shooting
Billy the Kid by tracking him to a sweethearts house and
ambushing him.
A d v e n t u r e I d eas
Characters could easily be involved in one side or
another during the Lincoln Country War. If the
characters are part of the Regulators, they will have
to choose between the wildness of the Kid and the
more reasonable leadership of Dick Brewer. If part
of the other faction, then they face being hunted
down and killed by vengeful Regulators.
The government responded to the rancher's pleas
by sending a new governor but that was not the
only action they could have taken. The characters
could be sent in to undercover the root cause of
the Lincoln Country War and bring all those
responsible for unlawful acts to justice.
Billy the Kid
Fast Hero 5/Dedicated Hero 2; HP 28; Init +10; Spd 30
ft.; Defence 21, touch 21, flat-footed 17; BAB +4; Grap +5;
Atk +1 melee (1d6+1,bowie knife) or +9 ranged (1d8/19-
20/x2, Colt Thunderer); Full Atk +1 melee (1d6+1, bowie
knife) or +9 ranged (1d8/19-20/x2, Colt Thunderer);
Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/; SV Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +4; Rep
184
+14; Str 12, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 14.
Skills: Escape Artist +10, Handle Animal +5, Gamble +1,
Hide +11, Intimidate +5, Listen +4, Move Silently +12,
Ride +14, Spot +4, Sleight of Hand +7, Use Rope +10.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Weapon
Focus (Colt), Dodge, Improved Initiative, Quick Reload,
Quick Draw, Iron Will.
Luck: 10.
Vocations: Cowboy, Gunslinger.
Talents: Defensive: Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, All-Around
Awareness; Gunslinger: Improved Quick Draw.
Buffalo Bill
Cody
Aka William F. Cody
Born Iowa, 1846. Died January 10th, 1917.
The legend of Buffalo Bill is as much a testament to the
power of showmanship as it is to Codys own skills. He
grew up on the plains, working from an early age as a horse
wrangler and messenger. He joined the Pony Express
at age 14. He served as a Union scout in campaigns
against the Kiowa and Comanche, then with the Seventh
Kansas Cavalry back east. He then worked as a scout and
messenger again in Kansas.
In 1867, he won the title of Buffalo Bill when he took
a job with the Kansas Pacific Railroad. The rail-workers
needed food, and tons of its was on the hoof across the
plains - in the form of buffalo. Cody killed thousands of
the animals with his rifle. During this time, he had an
eight-hour shooting match with William Comstock, who
also called himself Buffalo Bill. Cody won, and over a
seventeen-month period, he killed 4,280 buffalo by his
own count.
1868 found him back with the army, serving with the Fifth
Cavalry under Custer as a scout. He participated in some
sixteen battles with the Indians and won the Congressional
Medal of Honour. Around this time, he met the writer
E.Z.C. Judson, better known as Ned Buntline, who used
Codys exploits as source material for a series of books,
beginning with Buffalo Bill, the King of the Border Men.
Buffalo Bill became famous. Three years later, in 1872,
Bill was in New York, starring in a stage play called Scouts
of the Prairie. Following a dispute with Buntline, Codys
myth was upheld by Prentiss Ingraham, who wrote many
of the hundreds of frontier tales published in the 1880s.
Between theatre seasons, Cody went back west, escorting
rich tourists or even serving as an army scout in 1876,
following the death of Custer. (During this time, he either
shot, stabbed, or just found the corpse of a chief named
Yellow Hair (or Hand), and scalped him. The event was
being recreated on stage as Buffalo Bills First Scalp for
General Custer within a few weeks.)
Buffalo Bills famous Wild West show started in 1883,
and was a tremendous success. It toured the country and
abroad for three decades. It was so impressive that many
visitors to the 1893 Columbia Exposition (Worlds Fair)
in Chicago went home after seeing the Wild West show
outside the fair, believing that they had seen all that there
was to see there. (The Wild West Show was not an official
part of the show, due to a dispute between Cody and the
fairs management). The show included a buffalo hunt, an
attack on a stagecoach, a Pony Express Ride, trick shooting
and riding, marksmanship, and climaxed in a recreation of
Custers Last Stand. The shows cast even included Sitting
Bull of the Sioux, whose forces had fought at Little Big
Horn.
In 1890, Cody was called back to the West to aid in quelling
the Ghost Dance uprisings. He proposed arresting Sitting
Bull at one point, on the grounds that the chief would
listen to his old friend (especially if Cody brought a wagon
load of candy with him). The army staff at Fort Yates
worried about the effect this might have, so they decided
to get Buffalo Bill drunk and wire Washington to call Bill
home. It took the entire command of the fort, drinking in
shifts, to keep Bill in place, and even then they only barely
managed to stop Cody from riding off.
The Wild West show continued, growing in popularity for
a time, but it declined in the late 1890s as Codys health
and finances deteriorated and his best acts split off to
form their own shows. He finally retired to his ranch in
Wyoming.
Adventure Ideas
The buffalo hunting in 1867 is fertile ground for
adventures. The characters could be rival hunters
vying for the title of the best shot, employees of
another railroad trying to disrupt the hunt, or even
vengeful Indians trying to stem the slaughter.
The Wild West Show offers the chance to take
the West around the world. If the characters
are performers in the show, then they could get
involved in all sorts of escapades in exotic locations
like London or Paris. They could tangle with Jack
the Ripper (who was suspected of being an escaped
Indian from the show), or be hired to assassinate
an archduke in the audience.
Buffalo Bill Cody
Strong Hero 3/Tough Hero 3/Charismatic Hero 4; HP
56; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 17, touch 17, flat-footed
15; BAB +7; Grap +9; Atk +11 melee (1d3, whip) or +9
ranged (1d8, Winchester); Full Atk +11/+6 melee (1d3,
whip) or +9 ranged (1d8, Winchester); Space/Reach 5 ft./5
ft/;SV Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +4; Rep +20; Str 15, Dex 15,
Con 15, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 16.
Skills: Bluff +6, Diplomacy +8, Drive +10, Gamble +6,
Handle Animal +8, Knowledge (Indian Lore) +6, Ride
+11, Perform +8 (ringmaster), Survival +9, Use Rope +6.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Simple
Sidearms Proficiency, Martial Longarms Proficiency,
Simple Weapons Proficiency, Far Shot, Improved Aim,
Moving Fire, Track, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (whip).
Luck: 15.
Vocations: Stableman, Scout.
Talents: Stable Talent: Whip Hand, Masterful Driver;
Scouting: Trailblazer, Stealth; Charm Talent: Charm;
Leadership: Co-ordinate.
Butch Cassidy
& the Sundance
Kid
Butch Cassidy, aka Robert LeRoy Parker
Born Utah, 1866. Died Washington, 1937.
The Sundance Kid, aka Harry Longabaugh.
Born Pennsylvania, 1861. Died Bolivia, 1908.
The Sundance Kid was arrested for horse stealing in
Wyoming when he was sixteen. He continued his criminal
career after serving an eighteen-month sentence, moving
to the fabled Robbers Roost hideout. He held up a train
in 1892 with two other thieves the trio were soon caught,
but Longabaugh escaped.
185
 Meanwhile, Robert Parker had befriended an older thief
called Mike Cassidy, who gave the youngster a gun and a
saddle. Parker ran with Cassidy for a while, which brought
him to the Robbers Roost in Hole-in-the-Wall country.
There, he met many other outlaws, including some who
he would later bring into his Wild Bunch gang, such as
Rogues Gallery
Longabaugh. In 1887, Parker tried to hold up a train,
and robbed banks in 1889. He then hid in Wyoming for
a while, calling himself George Cassidy and working as a
cowboy or butcher (acquiring his nickname of Butch).
He was arrested for rustling in 1892, and after a delayed
trial served two years.
In 1896 Butch Cassidy was released, and formed the
Wild Bunch gang with several other notorious criminals,
including the Sundance Kid. Cassidy masterminded
the Bunchs operations, which included numerous bank
raids. When one of the gang, Matt Warner, was captured,
Cassidy decided rescuing him would be too risky, so
instead they robbed another bank and spent the money
on lawyers. After Warners arrest, the Wild Bunch targeted
trains instead.
The Union Pacific train company tried to buy Cassidy off
by offering him a job, but he robbed another train instead,
then he, the Kid, and Etta Place, a schoolteacher involved
with the Kid fled to South America. There, they robbed
banks and alternately stole or guarded mining company
payrolls. In 1908, the Bolivian army hunted down the
pair. Longabaugh was shot dead, but Cassidy may have
escaped back to the United States where he lived for
another twenty years.
During their criminal career, the charismatic Cassidy
prided on never killing a man, and he was involved in
only a handful of shootouts. The Kid, by contrast, was a
considerably wilder and more dangerous sort.
A d v e n t u r e I d eas
The careers of Cassidy and the Kid can serve as
models for those of outlaw player characters. From
their hideout at Robber's Roost to their series of
bank robberies and trying to keep the Wild Bunch
under control, their exploits can be replicated or
beaten by clever player characters. The player
characters could also be sent to bring the Wild
Bunch to justice.
Cassidy returned to his old haunts in Wyoming
several times before his death, looking for money
from bank robberies that he buried years before.
He never found this loot could it have been
removed sometime in the intervening years?
Matt Warner, for example, was freed after five
years thanks to Cassidy's lawyers, and ended up
186
becoming a sheriff and bootlegger. He might have
known where Cassidy left the money
Butch Cassidy
Smart Hero 3/Charismatic Hero 3; HP 29; Init +0; Spd 30
ft.; Defence 12, touch 12, flat-footed 12; BAB +2; Grap
+2; Atk +2 melee (0, punch) or +2 ranged (1d8/19-20/x3,
Colt Army); Full Atk +2 melee (0, punch) or +2 ranged
(1d8/19-20/x3, Colt Army); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/;SV
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +5; Rep +10; Str 10, Dex 10, Con
12, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 15.
Skills: Bluff +10, Demolitions +7, Diplomacy +7, Disable
Device +5, Drive +5, Forgery +5, Gather Information +9,
Handle Animal +7, Hide +5, Intimidate +7, Knowledge
(law) +7, Move Silently +5, Repair +7, Ride +5, Search +7,
Sense Motive +7, Survival +7, Treat Injury +6.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple
Longarms Proficiency, Combat Expertise, Improved Aim,
Point Blank Shot.
Luck: 6.
Vocations: Robber.
Talents: Raiding Talent: Improved Intimidate, Planning
the Job; Research: Law Savant; Strategy: Exploit Weakness,
Plan.
The Sundance Kid
Fast Hero 6; HP 24; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 18, touch
18, flat-footed 16; BAB +4; Grap +5; Atk +1 melee (1d4+1,
knife) or +7 ranged (1d8+2/19-20/x2, Colt Army); Full
Atk +1 melee (1d4+1, knife) or +7 ranged (1d8+2/19-20/
x2, Colt Army); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/;SV Fort +3, Ref
+5, Will +2; Rep +10; Str 12, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 11, Wis
10, Cha 12.
Skills: Bluff +6, Handle Animal +5, Hide +8, Intimidate
+6, Move Silently +8, Ride +8, Survival +5, Use Rope +4.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple
Longarms Proficiency, Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus
(Colt), Weapon Specialisation (Colt), Moving Shot, Exotic
Weapon Proficiency (lasso).
Luck: 6.
Vocations: Robber, Rustler.
Talents: Rustler: Vanish into the Wild; Robber: Improved
Intimidate, Overwatch.
Cochise
Born Arizona, 1812. Died Arizona, 1874.
Cochise was the son-in-law of a great Apache chief,
Mangas Coloradas, of the Chiricahua Apaches. They
were committed enemies of the Mexicans, but when their
territory became part of the United States, the Chiricahuas
were initially welcoming towards the Americans. Cochise
agreed to allow travellers to cross his country on the way to
California, and his people even worked for the Butterfield
Overland Mail, cutting wood to construct a state way
station in Apache Pass.
In 1861, Cochise was called to come into the station.
Expecting it to be routine matter, Cochise took five members
of his family with him. However, what Cochise did not
know was that a company of soldiers under Lieutenant
George Bascom was waiting. Cattle and a half-breed child
named Mickey Free had been taken from the nearby ranch
of John Ward, and Bascom believed the Chiricahuas were
responsible. When Bascom asked him about the incident,
Cochise said that another band of Apache, the Coyoteros
had raided the Ward ranch, but that he might be able to
arrange a ransom.
Bascom continued to accused Cochise, and ordered that
the chief and his family be arrested. Cochise sprang back
and managed to cut a hole in the tent to escape, but the
rest of his family were captured. Cochise then captured
three white travellers on the trail, and attempted to use
them to ransom his family. Bascom refused to make the
trade unless the kidnapped boy and stolen cattle were
included. Cochice had a very strong sense of personal
honour, and was greatly angered that Bascom refused to
believe that the Chiricahuas were innocent. After trying a
second time to exchange prisoners, Cochise had the three
travellers executed. Bascom responded by hanging three of
Cochises family his brother and two nephews.
It was tantamount to a declaration of war. Cochice
joined forces with his father-in-law, the war chief Mangas
Coloradas, and their bands blocked Apache Pass, raided
wagon trails, stagecoaches and mail deliveries, and drove
several hundred miners off their land. Their guerrilla
campaign continued for months, until an army under
the command of General Carleton was sent to stop them.
Cochise knew that the army would need the water supply
at the abandoned stage station, so he and Mangas set up
an ambush there. However, the army had new cannon
with them, far more powerful than the little artillery
pieces the Apache had encountered fighting the Mexicans.
Cochises forces were driven back, and Mangas was severely
wounded.
Rather than trust Mangas to the medicine men, Cochise
brought the older man into Mexico, to a village where there
lived a great surgeon. Cochise rode up to the surgeons
house and said Make him well. If he dies, this town will
die.
Mangas lived, and continued the war against the army for
some months. He was captured in 1863 when visiting
an army camp under flag of truce, tortured and killed.
Cochise and the other Apache chiefs, such as Victorio,
redoubled their war.
In 1865, the government offered a peace treaty to
the Apache, but it required them to move to the hated
reservation at Bosque Redondo. Not a single Indian
accepted the offer.
1871 found the Commissioner of Indian Affairs sending
messengers to look for Cochise. The government had
decided that it would take the word of the great chief to
bring the Apaches round, but Cochise was hidden in the
mountains and they were unable to track him down. That
April, an unofficial war party from Tucson slaughtered an
Apache camp near Camp Grant, in retaliation for a series of
raids on ranches and outposts. The commander of Camp
Grant, Lieutenant Whitman, had allowed the Apaches to
make camp there as they had surrendered their firearms
and considered themselves prisoners of war. He attempted
to bring the party from Tucson to justice, but the eventual
trial was a farce and the attackers were exonerated.
The Camp Grant massacre did refocus government
attention on Cochise. General George Crook was sent out
with Vincent Coyler of the Indian Bureau to negotiate with
the Apache chiefs. Crook, the Grey Wolf to the Apaches,
sent out five companies of cavalry to find Cochise. They
failed, but Cochise did agree to meet with another general,
General Granger. Granger offered peace, if the Apaches
stayed on another reservation, this one in nearby Canada
Alamosa. Cochise agreed, but then word came that the
Apache were to be moved to yet another reservation, at
Tularosa, far from their beloved mountains.
Finally, in 1872, the one emissary that Cochise could trust
came to him. A white man named Taglito Jeffords had
won Cochises respect by demanding a personal treaty with
him, back when Jeffords was a mail carrier and Cochise
was only just beginning to ambush travellers in Apache
Pass. Between Jeffords, Cochise and General Howard,
an agreement was made to turn a part of the Chiricahuas
territory into a reservation, with Jefford appointed as agent
for the reservation.
Adventure Ideas
The hunt for Cochise could keep a party of bounty
hunters busy for years. A diverse party of characters
say, a diplomat from the Indian Bureau, a half-
breed scout (like a grown-up Mickey Free), a few
soldiers and an old mountain man might be sent
to find the legendary chief and bring an end to the
war.
A Mexican general, still smarting from the loss of
California, hits upon a plan. If the Apache attacks
on traffic to California could increase greatly, then
the Southwest could be partially cut off from the
east and vulnerable to a second take-over. All he
has to do is supply a great deal of weapons and
187
 ammunition to the Apache. Of course, given their
long rivalry with the Mexicans, the Apache are not
going to accept the general's overtures. What he
needs to do is hire some middlemen to smuggle the
guns into the United States and get the Apaches to
accept them and widen their war. Enter the player
Rogues Gallery
characters
Cochise
Strong Hero 2/Fast Hero 3/Tough Hero 2/Dedicated Hero
2/Charismatic Hero 3; HP 60; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; Defence
24, touch 24, flat-footed 21; BAB +7; Grap +10; Atk +10
melee (2d4+3/19-20, hatchet) or +11 ranged (1d6+2,
bow); Full Atk +10/+5 melee (2d4+3/19-20, hatchet) or
+11/+6 ranged (1d6+2, bow); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/;SV
Fort +11, Ref +7, Will +7; Rep +15; Str 17, Dex 16, Con
15, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 12.
Skills: Balance +8, Climb +11, Diplomacy +8, Escape
Artist +8, Handle Animal +6, Hide +10, Intimidate +6,
Jump +8, Listen +6, Move Silently +10, Ride +8, Search
+7, Sense Motive +8, Spot +6, Survival +11, Treat Injury
+7
Feats: Indian Weapons Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Speak English, Iron Will, Dodge, Mobility,
Spring Attack, Weapon Focus (bow), Weapon Specialisation
(bow).
Luck: 10.
Vocations: Brave, Hunter, Chief.
Talents: Brave Warrior: Dedication, Rage, Strike from
Ambush; Hunter: Vanish into the Wild, Read the Land;
Chief: Send them on the War Path, Smoke the Sacred Pipe,
Wise Leadership; Leadership: Co-ordinate, Inspiration.
Do c H o l l i d a y
Aka John Henry Holliday
Born Georgia, 1852. Died Colorado, 1887.
Made famous by his participation at the Gunfight at
the OK Corral, Doc Holliday was born the son of a rich
Southern family. He studied dentistry, but contracted
tuberculosis in his early twenties, and went west in the
hopes of finding a climate more amiable to his weakening
lungs. He found the wild nature of life in the West to his
liking he made his living as a gambler, travelling from
boomtown to boomtown. He showed up in Dallas and Fort
Griffin in Texas, Cheyenne in Wyoming, Dodge in Kansas,
Denver, Leadville and Pueblo in Colorado, Las Vegas in
New Mexico, and Tucson and Tombstone in Arizona.
While in Dodge, he befriended Wyatt Earp, the sheriff of
the town. He also met a peace officer named John Joshua
Webb, with whom he opened a saloon in Las Vegas.
There, he shot a former army scout called Mike Gordon,
whose former mistress was one of Hollidays saloon girls.
188
Another of his saloon girls was Hollidays companion
(and, according to some accounts, his wife) Kate Fisher.
Kate saved Hollidays life in 1878, when he was captured
by the friends of a gambler he had shot. The posse had
locked Holliday in a hotel room; Kate set fire to the hotel
to distract most of the guards, then threw down on the
remaining guard with her six-shooter, forced him to free
Holliday, then escaped with him.
When Wyatt Earp moved to Tombstone, Holliday followed
him. There, Earp became town sheriff, and Holliday was
deputised just in time to fight at the OK Corral against the
Clanton brothers. He killed Tom Laury with a shotgun,
but missed a shot at Ike Clanton with his pistol. Later, he
helped a posse lead by the Earps hunt down Virgil Earps
suspected murderers, Frank Stilson and Florentino Cruz.
Holliday separated from Fisher in 1881, and died six years
later at a health resort from his old nemesis, tuberculosis.
With his distinctive cough, Southern charm and deadly
accuracy (not to mention being part of the most famous
gunfight in history), Hollidays reputation spread far and
wide across the West.
Adventure Ideas
Doc Holliday is one of those characters that players
love to encounter. (Tombstone is pretty much
required viewing before running a game involving
him, and a Southern drawl is an easy accent to do.)
Bring him into a poker game, and let the players
work out who they are up against.
Holliday's reputation and devil-may-care attitude
can combine to trouble the players. Let them
take the place of John Joshua Webb, and go into
business in Vegas with Holliday. 'How can we lose',
think the players, 'with one of the West's foremost
gamblers and shootists here with us?' Then they
discover that Holliday is an unstable drunkard
with a talent for getting into gunfights. Can they
keep Holliday, the business and themselves alive?
Doc Holliday
Fast Hero 7/Charismatic Hero 3; HP 23; Init +10; Spd 30
ft.; Defence 21, touch 21, flat-footed 16; BAB +6; Grap
+6; Atk +2 melee (1d6/19-20, bowie knife) or +11 ranged
(1d10/19-20/x3, Colt Thunderer); Full Atk +2/-3 melee
(1d6/19-20, bowie knife) or +11 ranged (1d10/19-20/x3,
Colt Thunderer); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/; SV Fort +4, Ref
+8, Will +3; Rep +14; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 14, Wis
10, Cha 16.
Skills: Bluff +13, Diplomacy +11, Gamble +18, Intimidate
+11, Ride +7, Sense Motive +10, Spot +10, Sleight of
Hand +14, Treat Injury +6.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple
Longarms Proficiency, Improved Initiative, Point Blank
Shot, Weapon Focus (Colt), Improved Initiative, Improved
Feint, Precise Shot.
Luck: 15.
Vocations: Gambler, Gunslinger.
Talents: Gambler: Poker Face, Devils Luck; Trick
Shooting: Exact Shot, Between the Eyes; Quick Draw:
Improved Quick Draw, Shoot from the Hip.
Kit C a r s o n
Born Missouri, 1809. Died Colorado, 1868.
One of the foremost scouts and adventurers of the West,
Kit Carson was a legend in his own lifetime. He left home
for New Mexico when he was seventeen, and set up a base
in Taos. From there, he ranged west and north on fur-
trapping expeditions, reaching as far as California. During
his expeditions, he became friends with several Indian
tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne. He also
became a skilled hunter and respected mountain man.
After a short period as a hunter in the early 1840s, he went
home to visit his family in Missouri. There, he met John
Fremont, an explorer who was sent to do an extensive
survey of the West. He hired Carson as a guide, and the
two travelled the west for several years. Fremonts report
would be widely read and make Carsons reputation as an
almost superhuman scout.
While guiding Fremont, the pair became involved in the
Bear Flag revolt and the Mexican-American war. Carson
guided soldiers under the command of General Stephen
Kearney into California to help defend Los Angeles against
rebels. After leaving Fremonts service, Carson returned
to New Mexico and became a rancher and sheep farmer.
He used his old trails to bring sheep to the California gold
mines in 1853, making a handsome profit.
Carson was then appointed Federal Indian Agent for
Northern New Mexico, a post he held until the Civil War.
During the war, he led a campaign against the Navaho,
attacking their camps and crops to force them into
submission. Some 8,000 surrendered to him in 1864, and
Carson sent them on the brutal three-hundred-mile Long
Walk from Arizona to New Mexico.
Carson retired to a ranch in Colorado soon after the Civil
War, and died in 1868.
Kit Carson was known for his temperance and politeness (a
great contrast to most other mountain men of his day) and
courage. As one of the Wests foremost scouts, many of his
trails and techniques continued to be used for generations
after him.
Adventure Seeds
While Carson's exploits occur before the time
of most Western campaigns, his deeds can serve
as a template for games set in the first half of
the nineteenth century. Such games would have
fewer shootouts and lack many of the fun Western
stereotypes, but have the advantage of being set in
a wilder and unmapped West.
Carson criss-crossed the continent during his
travels. A game centring on his legacy could be
very interesting. For example, the characters come
across a page of Carson's diary, describing how he
found a vein of gold when travelling with Fremont,
but never had a chance to return to exploit it.
However, the characters need to find the preceding
diary page to work out where the vein actually is
and that diary page could have been lost anywhere
along Carson's many paths
Kit Carson
Dedicated Hero 10; HP 53; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; Defence
17, touch 17, flat-footed 14; BAB +7; Grap +9; Atk +9
melee (1d4+2, knife) or +10 ranged (1d10, Mississippi
Rifle); Full Atk +9/+4 melee (1d4+2, knife) or +10 ranged
(1d10, Mississippi Rifle); Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/;SV Fort
+7, Ref +5, Will +7; Rep +16; Str 15, Dex 15, Con 15, Int
12, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Skills: Diplomacy +7, Handle Animal +8, Knowledge
(Indian Lore) +9, Listen +17, Ride +8, Spot +17, Survival
+15, Treat Injury +7.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Martial
Longarms Proficiency, Track, Alertness, Far Shot, Improved
Aim, Weapon Focus (Mississippi Rifle), Speak Indian,
Simple Weapons Proficiency.
Luck: 10.
Vocations: Scout, Trooper.
Talents: Scouting: Whisper of the Land, Trailblazer,
Stealth; Cavalry: In the Nick of Time; Insightful: Skill
Emphasis (survival), Aware, Cool Under Pressure.
Judge Roy Bean
Born Kentucky, 1823. Died Texas 1903.
One of the most colourful figures of the West, Roy Bean
was a famed judge and saloon owner. His bizarre career
started when he went on a wagon train to New Mexico,
following his two older brothers. He worked for some
time with his brother Sam at a trading post in Mexico;
then Roy headed onto San Diego, where eldest brother
Joshua was making a name for himself.
Joshua had, in fact, become Mayor of San Diego. When
Roy arrived, he was soon appointed a lieutenant in the
189
 state militia and bartender of the Headquarters, Joshuas
saloon. Both brothers got into trouble in 1852 Roy shot
and wounded a man, and was arrested for it. Joshua was
later killed in by a romantic rival.
Roy headed back to New Mexico, where Sam Bean had
Rogues Gallery
become a sheriff. He worked in Sams saloon for years,
tending bar and smuggling weapons to the Confederates
from Mexico. After that, he married a Mexican teenager
and sold stolen booze to support his growing family in San
Antonio.
In 1882, construction started of a railroad across the
scorching Chihuahuan desert between San Antonio and El
Paso, Texas. Sensing opportunity, Roy left his family and
went out to the tiny settlement of Vinegaroon to sell beer.
He set himself up with a beer tent in the even smaller tent
village of Langtry, next to the railroad. The village was
named for the foreman who built it, but Bean preferred to
think of it as being named after the actress Lillie Langtry.
He built a saloon, the Jersey Lilly, and put a picture of her
behind the bar. He lived, worked and was his own best
customer in the bar.
While in Vingeroon, Bean had heard that the county
commissioners were eager to establish a courthouse to deal
190
with the settlements that were sure to grow up along the
route of the new railroad. Bean posted a thousand-dollar
bond and became a Justice of the Peace. The Jersey Lilly
was his courtroom; anyone who was in the bar at the time
was the jury.
Never let it be said that Judge Roy Bean was unprepared
for his legal duties. He had a copy of the Revised Statutes
of Texas, 1879 edition, which he used exclusively. Other
law books, such as the new editions of the Revised Statues,
served as firewood. He would open proceedings in court
with Gents, this honourable court in now in session, an if any
of you gander-eyed galoots wants a snort afore we start, let him
step up to the bar and name his brand.
Tales of Judge Roy Beans creative interpretation of the law
are legendary. He was said to keep a pet bear chained up
outside, and prisoners were seated next to the bear to await
trial. He regularly and drunkenly sentenced men to be
hung from the nearest tree (although the lack of trees in
the desert made such sentences hard to carry out). On one
occasion, a railroad worker was accused of killing a Chinese
laundryman. Friends of the railroad worker threatened
Bean if he found the worker guilty. Bean made a great show
of looking through his book, and eventually declared that
this here book, which is a Texas law book, says that hommycide
is th killin of a human, male or female. They is many kinds
of hommycide murder, manslaughter, neglgent hommycide,
justifible hommycide an praiseworthy hommycide. They is
three kinds of human white men, niggers, and Mexicans.
It stans to reason thet if a Chinymn was human, killin of
him would come under the head of praiseworthy hommycide.
The prisner is discharged on condition he pays f r havin the
Chinee buried. Another time, he asked a cattle rustler if he
pleaded guilty or innocent. The unfortunate rustler spoke
no English, and responded in Spanish. Court accepts your
plea of guilty, replied Bean, the jury will now deliberate,
and if n it brings in a verdict short of hangin, itll be declared
in contempt. The verdict was guilty as hell.
Bean was practised at lining his own pockets. A corpse
was found with 40 dollars and a gun in his pocket. Bean
fined the corpse 40 dollars for carrying a concealed weapon
and pocketed the money. He also built his saloon just far
enough from the railroad that thirsty travellers could see it
when the train stopped to take on water. A traveller might
run up to the Jersey Lilly and hand over a ten-dollar bill for
an outrageously priced one-dollar bottle of ice-cold beer.
Roy would promise to give change in just one moment
then the train whistle would blow, forcing travellers to
sprint back to the train or be stranded in Langtry. Those
who tried to argue were fined for cursing, and the amount
of the fine was strangely equal to the amount of change
they demanded.
Bean died after a drinking binge in 1903.
Adventure Seeds
Using a saloon as a courthouse was far from
unheard of, and while Bean was one of the more
corrupt judges, he certainly was not alone. Players
expecting due process from the law might be
surprised by the state of the judge, and be forced
to have their characters take justice into their own
hands.
The practise of having those sitting in the bar
act as the jury could backfire on the characters.
They happen to be sitting there when a murderer
is sentenced to death. The murderer's brother,
a notorious gunman, hears about the case and
declares that he will kill each and every man who
sat in judgement on his beloved little brother. The
characters and all the other patrons of the bar are
now marked men.
Judge Roy Bean
Charismatic Hero 6; HP 43; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; Defence
13, touch 13, flat-footed 12; BAB +3; Grap +5; Atk +5
melee (3, punch) or +4 ranged (1d10/x2, Remington
Rolling Block); Full Atk +5 melee (3, punch) or +4 ranged
(1d10/x2, Remington Rolling Block); Space/Reach 5 ft./5
ft/; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +1; Rep +10; Str 14, Dex 12,
Con 16, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 15.
Skills: Bluff +9, Craft (chemical) +4, Diplomacy +8,
Escape Artist +4, Gamble +4, Gather Information +9,
Intimidate +11, Knowledge (law) +2, Ride +6, Perform
(acting) +9.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Longarms Proficiency, Simple
Sidearms Proficiency, Improvised Weapon Proficiency,
Brawler, Confident.
Luck: 12.
Vocations: Bartender.
Talents: Tending Bar: Duck Behind The Bar; Fast Talk:
Fast Talk, Dazzle, Taunt; Charm: Charm.
Sitting Bull
Born South Dakota, 1831. Died North Dakota, 1890.
One of the greatest of the Indian Chiefs, Sitting Bull was of
the influential and powerful Hunkpapa band of the Lakota
Sioux. He fought in several wars against the rival Crow
Indians as well as the US Army, and was a member of the
Strong Heart and Silent Eater warrior societies. In 1868,
Sitting Bull became head of the Lakota Sioux.
The sacred Black Hills lay in the heart of Lakota country, a
region granted to the Indians by treaty in 1868. Rumours
began to spread of the vast gold reserves contained in the
hills, and many white miners began to break the law and
sneak into Indian territory to prospect for gold. These early
miners were killed or driven out by the Sioux, but public
clamour rose until the government sent a reconnaissance
expedition into the Black Hills, led by General Custer. He
reported the hills were filled with gold from the grass roots
down. More and more miners followed his expedition in,
and his route came to be known as the Thieves Road.
A delegation was sent from Washington to obtain the Black
Hills. The Sioux were offered first money for the hills, then
just for the mining rights. Sitting Bull utterly refused the
first offer, and the second was met with incomprehension
and anger. Finally, the delegates returned to Washington
empty-handed, and recommended that the Hills be
obtained by forced purchase.
In 1876, troops began to marshal for a campaign in the
Black Hills. The Sioux and their allies knew war was
coming, and they too began to prepare. Sitting Bull
participated in the Sun Dance, and after three days he had
a vision of the white soldiers falling like grasshoppers into
the camp, and he interpreted this as the Great Spirit giving
the soldiers to the Indians to be killed. Soon afterwards,
another mystic, Crazy Horse, led his warriors to victory
over a column of soldiers at the Battle of the Rosebud (the
Battle Where The Girl Saved Her Brother, to the Sioux)
and forced them to retreat.
191
 Sitting Bull was unconvinced that this victory matched his
vision, and he was proved right some weeks later. A column
of troops under General Custer attacked a Sioux camp on
the Little Big Horn. Sitting Bulls adopted brother and war
chief of the tribe, a strong warrior named Gall, rallied the
fleeing Sioux and forced one of the armys flanks to turn
Rogues Gallery
back. More Sioux and Cheyenne from nearby camps came
to the battle, and ambushed the main column of Custers
men as they passed through a ravine. The battle quickly
became a massacre. Custer made a last stand on a ridge,
but was surrounded and destroyed.
Following this victory, the Sioux were hunted. More and
more white soldiers came to the Black Hills, and Sitting
Bull was forced to lead his people north into Canada.
Those Sioux who remained were either hunted down or
forced to surrender and move to a new reservation. By
1881, Sitting Bull too was forced to surrender there were
too few buffalo left alive to support his band. He was
taken as a prisoner of war, and moved to a reservation. He
was the last Sioux to surrender his firearm.
He left the reservation briefly in 1885, to participate in
Buffalo Bill Codys Wild West Show, during which he met
President Cleveland, but Sitting Bull quickly tired of white
civilisation, and returned home. He remained defiant and
proud, still considering himself great chief of the Sioux
and keeping to the old ways, although he did acknowledge
the importance of the next generation of Sioux learning to
read, write and use the weapons and technologies of the
white men.
In 1890, the Ghost Dance religion reached the reservation
of the Sioux. Fearing that Sitting Bull would take advantage
of the unrest caused by the Dance, the government decided
to have him arrested. After considering various options,
they sent a squad of Indian policeman to bring the great
chief in. A group of Sitting Bulls ardent supporters tried
to stop them, and in the fight that broke out Sitting Bull
was shot twice, and died on the spot.
A d v e n t u r e I d eas
As one of the greatest Indian chiefs, the mere
invocation of Sitting Bull's name can be a significant
event. Rumours of his coming, even if entirely
untrue, could cause great turmoil in a community.
Characters might have to stop local bands of Sioux
from doing something foolish because they believe
Sitting Bull will soon be joining them in a war on
the white man.
Characters trying to get rich quick could risk
mining the Black Hills. They would have to avoid
army patrols and the bands of Sioux warriors. If
found by the former, they would be arrested; if
192
captured by the latter, the fate would be much less
pleasant.
When Sitting Bull took refuge in Canada, he was
virtually ignored by the government there, and
given no aid or shelter. The characters could be
American agents sent into Canada to scout the
Sioux encampments, or to persuade Sitting Bull
to surrender. Alternatively, Canadian diplomats
could be sent to the Sioux, or even to drive them
back into the United States.
A few of the Nez Perces Indians under Joseph
did made it across the border, and met up with
the Sioux. If Sitting Bull had known of Joseph's
intentions, perhaps he could have sent aid and
guides and helped the rest of the Nez Perces cross
into Canada. The characters could be sent by
Joseph to send word to Sitting Bull.
Sitting Bull
Strong Hero 5/Dedicated Hero 4/Charismatic Hero 4; HP
65; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; Defence 19, touch 19, flat-footed
17; BAB +10; Grap +13; Atk +13 melee (2d4+3/19-20,
hatchet) or +12 ranged (1d10/18-20/x3, Indian Trade
Musket); Full Atk +13/+8 melee (2d4+3/19-20, hatchet)
or +12 ranged (1d10/18-20/x3, Indian Trade Musket);
Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/;SV Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +6; Rep
+25; Str 16, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 17.
Skills: Concentration +12, Diplomacy +21, Handle
Animal +5, Intimidate +13, Perform (oratory) +13, Ride
+14, Sense Motive +12, Spot +12, Survival +12.
Feats: Indian Weapons Proficiency, Simple Longarms
Proficiency, Power Attack, Cleave, Dodge, Track,
Trustworthy, Combat Reflexes, Animal Affinity, Speak
English.
Luck: 18.
Vocations: Hunter, Brave, Chief.
Talents: Hunter: Vanish into the Wild, Read the Land;
Brave: Dedication, Rage; Chief: Smoke the Sacred
Pipe, Send Them On The War Path, Wise Leadership;
Leadership: Co-ordinate, Inspiration, Greater Inspiration.
W i l d B i l l H i c kok
Aka James Butler Hickok.
Born Illinois, 1837. Died 1876, South Dakota.
Hickoks father was a general store owner, but also operated
a branch of the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves.
Hickok was obliged to help his father in this, but in 1855
he fled to Kansas after a fistfight with another teamster
Hickok believed he had killed Charlie Hudson, but had
in fact merely injured him badly. There, Hickok joined
the militia, and briefly became constable of Monticello
township.
He took a job as a stagecoach driver on the Santa Fe Trail,
then became a wagon master of freight trains working for
Russell, Majors & Waddell. While leading a train through
Raton Pass, he was attacked by a bear. Hickok killed the
bear with pistols and knife, but was badly mauled, and the
freight company sent him for treatment in Kansas City.
To recuperate, he was then sent to Rock Creek Station
on the Oregon Trail. There, he began seeing a woman
called Sarah Shull, who was also the mistress of a rancher
named Dave McCanles. Tensions rose between the two,
until McCanles attacked the stage depot. Hickok shot him
dead, and a short fight broke out between the crew of the
stage depot and McCanles cousin and ranch hand, which
ended in the cousin being hacked to death with a hoe, and
the ranch hand being blasted with a shotgun.
Later that year, Hickok joined the Federal army, serving as
a wagon master, and later as a spy and guide. He obtained
his nickname during this time, for facing down a lynch
mob. After the war, he became a gambler in Springfield,
Missouri, where he killed Dave Tutt after an argument over
cards and a girl named Susanna Moore. He left Springfield
and moved to Fort Riley where his brother worked, and
became a scout for Custers Seventh Cavalry. He tried to
become sheriff of Ellsworth Country, but lost the election.
He became a deputy marshal instead, hunting down
deserters.
1869 saw him become sheriff of Ellis County, which
included Hays City, a wild frontier town. During his
tenure there, he shot a cavalryman named Mulrey for
resisting arrest, and a teamster called Strawhim for shooting
up a bar and causing a riot. He lost the next election for
sheriff to his own deputy, and ended up fleeing Hays after
drunkenly shooting two soldiers in a bar brawl.
In 1871, he accepted the post of city marshal in the wilder
cowtown of Abilene, at the impressive rate of $150 dollars
a month plus a percentage of fines. He served there for less
than a year he got into an argument with the owners of
the Bulls Head Saloon (the dcor offended the city council
of Abilene), and in the ensuing brawl, Hickok killed one of
the owners and (accidentally) his own deputy. The Texans
put a bounty of eleven thousand dollars on his head, and
he left the job at the end of 1871.
From 1872 to 1874, he worked for Buffalo Bill on his
Wild West Show, before drifting westwards once more. He
married a circus owner called Agnes Lake, but soon went
prospecting in Deadwood. In actuality, he went there
to gamble. On August 2nd, 1876, he was playing poker
in Deadwoods Saloon No. 10 against owner Carl Mann,
gambler Charles Rich, and riverboatman Frank Massie.
Wild Bill twice asked Massie to switch seats, so Bill could
sit against the wall, but Massie refused, laughing that no-
one was going to shoot him in the back. A drifter named
Jack McCall came in he had lost $110 dollars to Bill the
day before, and had possibly been paid $200 dollars by
enemies to shoot Wild Bill. Just as Wild Bill Hickok was
deal the famous dead mans hand of a queen, aces and
eights, McCall shot him in the back of the head.
Adventure Ideas
The career of Wild Bill shows that almost any
character can become a lawman if he has the
skills to enforce the law. A bunch of characters
could be hired as sheriff and deputies in a growing
town, even if they have no real idea how to police
a community. Having a loose cannon like Wild
Bill in town could make their lives even more
difficult.
After accidentally shooting his deputy, Mike
Williams, in Abilene, it is said that Wild Bill
never again fired a gun at another human being.
This refusal to fight could bring Bill into trouble,
especially if some young gunslinger decides to make
his reputation by going up against the legendary
marshal of Abilene. If the characters are friends
of Bill, they might have to deal with the young
gunfighter without violence.
Wild Bill Hickok
Fast Hero 5/Tough Hero 5; HP 52; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.;
Defence 21, touch 21, flat-footed 18; BAB +6; Grap +8;
Atk +8 melee (1d6+2/19-20, bowie knife) or +9 ranged
(1d6/19-20, Colt Navy); Full Atk +8/+3 melee (1d6+2/19-
20, bowie knife) or +9 ranged (1d6/19-20, Colt Navy);
Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft/; SV Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +3; Rep
+10; Str 14, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 15.
Skills: Concentration +5, Drive +6, Gamble +5, Diplomacy
+6, Handle Animal +9, Intimidate +7, Knowledge (law)
+5, Ride +10, Search +6, Survival +7.
Feats: Literacy, Simple Sidearms Proficiency, Simple
Longarms Proficiency, Simple Weapons Proficiency,
Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting,
Animal Affinity, Fan, Quick Reload, Brawler, Track.
Luck: 5.
Vocations: Stableman, Scout, Lawman, Gunslinger.
Talents: Stable: Masterful Driver; Scout: Trailblazer;
Law Enforcement: Silver Star; Gunslinger: Improved
Quick Draw; Unbreakable: Remain Conscious; Damage
Reduction: DR 1/-.
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 Games
Mastering
Games Mastering
R
oleplaying in the Wild West presents
a unique set of tools and challenges
for the Games Master. This chapter
describes how the Games Master should adapt his play
style to the genre.
Th e W e s t e r n
Genre
Westerns immediately conjure up images of cowboys
riding the range, of duels at high noon and lawmen
blasting away at outlaws. Two broad trends can be tracked,
in fact the earlier Westerns had shining, faultless heroes
as their protagonists, while later reactionary movies and
novels focussed more on antiheroes. (The depiction of
Native Americans similarly changed, from stereotyped
Indian savages to a more generous portrayal as a noble and
wise tribal people). The genre manages to be both timeless
almost every Western story that is not directly tied to
a historical event takes place in a mythical, eternal West
and simultaneously fading, as nostalgia for a vanishing
West is a common part of almost every story.
The Games Master should discuss with his players what
sort of Western game they will play together. If the Games
Master wants to run a slightly cheesy 50s Western where
the characters are all God-fearing square-jawed sharp-
shooting heroes who do good and save the day, then having
the players show up with a consumptive gambler, a feisty
prostitute and a one-legged miner with a dark secret is less
than ideal. Similarly, a darker game set in a more realistic
version of the West calls for a drifting gunfighter and a
crooked thief, not a posse of morally perfect heroes.
W e s t e r n T h e mes
There are several classic themes that show up again and
again in Westerns. Using one of these as the basis for a
game will make it feel much more like a familiar Western.
A Man's Gotta Do What A Man's Gotta Do: A
character has some duty that he must complete.
He may have given his word to do something, it
could be a result of his chosen profession, or he
194
may have a debt to that he must repay. Whatever
the source of the duty, he will discharge it or die
trying.
To make this work in a roleplaying game, there
must be a strong reason for the character to not
do what he has gotta do. Overwhelming odds are
one option, although some players are quite happy
to go out in a blaze of glory. More effective is a
conflict of interest if the character completing
his duty will ruin something else, then the choice
to complete the duty becomes much more
interesting.
Revenge: This is a variation on A Mans Gotta Do,
but important enough to be worth emphasising
on its own. Coming back to exact vengeance on
a wrongdoer is a common theme. The target of
the revenge may be someone who wronged the
characters, or the characters may have been hired
to be the agents of someone elses revenge.
This is probably the simplest Western plot the
conflict is a very literal one. The characters have to
find their target and destroy him.
Taming the Frontier: This is perhaps a misnomer;
very little of the West is really unexplored by the
time of the classic Western. However, the final
shape of the land is still very much undecided.
Different groups farmers, ranchers, dispossessed
natives, different religious groups and so on all
clashed over the land. It was a wild time, when
there was no clear authority and no generally
accepted way forward. The flipside of this theme
is community building, where different groups
learn to live and work together.
Games where neither side is definitively right and
where disputes cannot be arbitrated by a high authority
push the burden of resolving the story onto the players.
Governments and legal authorities are a far-off thing in
the West, so it is up to the characters to choose a side and
ensure that it wins out.
 The Power of the Gun: The gun has an
obviously iconic status in the Western.
Western
Characters who live by the gun tend to die by
the gun; they cannot put their status as killers
Characters
The Western is a character-driven setting; even scenarios
behind them, no matter how hard they try. The about mining or survival in the wilderness will turn on
gunfighter is outside civilisation he may a characters personality and decisions. Having player
intersect with it in saloons and jail cells, he may characters that work in the setting is the foundation of a
be the danger from outside as an outlaw, he may good Western game.
even defend it as a lawman or hired gun, but he is

Why Is The Character

never part of it.

This theme fits very well with the mission-based
structure of roleplaying games. The player
characters are already set apart from others by
their very nature as player characters, so it makes
sense to reinforce this by setting them apart as
killers and gunslingers too.
Cavalry vs. Indians: The long-running
Indian Wars provide the backdrop for many
classic stories, ranging from simple shootouts,
chases and rescues of virtuous frontier women
kidnapped by dastardly Injuns, to more complex
questions about the morality of war and the clash
of cultures.
Out West?
Really, there are only three answers to this question. The
character might have come from the east, and is now
trying to make a new or better life for himself or to find
his fortune. Secondly, the character may be born and bred
in the West, a second or even third-generation settler.
Thirdly, the character may be drifting, apparently devoid
of a past.
In the first option, the character has some driving goal
to accomplish out West, which can serve as the hook for
scenarios. Characters who came from the east may be
still be somewhat green and unsure of themselves, or they
might be well prepared and even arrogant.

Any military game must deal with the problem

of chain of command if one player character
is in charge of the others, there can be internal
tensions and disputes within the group. If kept
in character, then this tension can provide an
interesting story; if the dispute boils over
into the out-of-character arena, it can cause
problems. The best solution is to keep all the
characters at the same rank or give them all
unique specialities that are outside the chain
of command.

195
 If the character is from the West, the character has family
relatively nearby what are the characters parents doing?
Are they still alive, or is the character hunting down the
outlaw that shot his pa? Reputations and past associations
mean a lot in the West characters will usually have heard
Games Mastering

of others in the same field as themselves, so one gunslinger

may have dealt with another in the past.

Finally, a character who is apparently without a past is

almost certainly hiding some dark secret or tragedy. Will
this be uncovered in the course of play, or will it merely
be hinted at? Who was the character before he started
drifting? (As an aside, it is generally best to leave this sort
of background to higher-level characters. It is rather silly
to have a first-level character walking around with a big
dark secret in his past unless the dark secret belongs to
his family as opposed to the character himself, or unless he
just recently started drifting).

Personality
What sort of person is the character? Generous or miserly?
Kind or cruel? Does he laugh easily, or is he stern and
sober? How does he relax? Did he favour the Union or
the Confederacy, or does he not care either way? What is
the characters attitude towards Native Americans?

It is not necessary for the player to plan every aspect of

the characters personality in advance; a few broad strokes
are fine, as most of the personality should be revealed or
discovered in the course of play.

The Hero Alone

One major aspect of the Western is largely incompatible
with roleplaying games the classic Western hero is a lone
hero, a taciturn gunslinger possessed of an indomitable
will. While the lone hero works very well in movies or
books, where the characters inner psychological struggles
or single-handed victory against all odds can be explored
for the benefit of the audience. Roleplaying games, on the
other hand, are fundamentally group activities, and have
an ensemble cast. The Games Master should make it clear
that having nothing but drifting clones of Clint Eastwood
will not work. Lone heroes do not work in most games
(there are exceptions, which are discussed below in Group
Structures).

Even if the character is a tough, lonesome drifter, then

he should be distinguished from other tough, lonesome
drifters. Give the character a personality quirk or tic that
makes him memorable. (See Quirks, page XX).

Back Histories
Indeed, it is common in Westerns to tie characters together
through previous associations characters who know each
other through previous adventures, or who once rode with
the father of another character, or who shot each other

196
back in Abilene ten years ago. Having the players discuss
their characters backgrounds and past histories can weave
their characters into the plot.
A character should not have too many connections or
events in his back history; you want to make the characters
legend during play, not start at the end of a characters
career. See Unfinished Business in Character Creation,
page XX.
Group
Str u c t u r e s
Making a Western character is easy enough; all players have
seen the movies or even read the novels. As mentioned
earlier, though, most Western heroes tend to be solitary
how does the Games Master bring all the player characters
together?
There are two basic ways to do this either the Games
Master and the players choose a group structure, and
all the characters are designed to fit into this structure,
or else the Games Master and players work to form the
group of player characters during the early sessions of the
campaign. The first option is easier and ensures group
cohesion; the second can produce more interesting inter-
character dynamics and plots, but also runs the risk of
the characters never meeting up properly and going off in
different directions, forcing the Games Master to run four
or five parallel games for four or five characters who have
no connection to each other.
Sample group structures include:
The Posse
All the characters are part of a posse, assembled to hunt
down some miscreant. This structure works best for mini-
campaigns with a set end in sight, as the posse will dissolve
once their quarry is found (unless the members of the
posse have become friends and continue to work together
afterwards). The aim of the posse does not have to be
about bringing someone to justice; this structure works
equally well with a group of characters working to defend
a town, or to bring the runaway son of a rich industrialist
back to Boston. The characters all have a mutual goal,
but each of them can have a different set of skills that help
them reach that goal.
Friends & Family
A simple option is just to declare that all the characters are
friends. The players should co-ordinate their characters
back stories to explain how the characters met up and
became friends. They travel together because that is what
they have done for years, and they will move on to the
next job or next adventure together. This can be a bit
bland, though, unless the players also include conflicts or
tensions within the group. These tensions should not be
so great that the group dissolves in the first session, but
there should always be an undercurrent of danger that can
be played up in important scenes.
A variant on this structure is to have all the characters be
related to each other. Bands of brothers are a common
theme in Westerns, as well as in Western history (the Earps,
for example). Having all the characters be members of the
same family can be a very useful structure, as it gives the
characters a bond to each other without necessarily having
to get on; it gives the Games Master lots of extra non player
characters to play with or put in danger (youve all got to
ride down to El Paso to rescue your sister Daisy).
The Company
All the characters work for the same organisation. They
could all work on the same ranch, or be members of the
Pinkertons detective agency, or all be part of the same
mining company or wagon train. This is a variation on
the Posse structure, but instead of the characters pursing
a single overarching main goal and getting into smaller
adventures along the way, here the characters are dealing
with a series of problems or challenges that face their
mutual company.
Hero & Supporting
Cast
This structure is trickier than the others, and may not suit
every player, but it does get the lone gunman style down
pat. Here, one player has the gunslinging character, and
everyone else plays the support cast the love interest,
the innocent settler who is being defended, the plucky
young greenhorn who idolises the gunman and so on. The
gunman will usually be several levels higher than the rest
of the group, and will carry the bulk of the action. Still,
this structure works well for one-offs and emulating several
classic Westerns. Some players also really enjoy the chance
to get into a minor role.
Working
Without A Group
Structure
If the Games Master does not want to impose a structure
onto the group, then he must try to bring the characters
together to a degree.
197
 Y o u A l l M e e t U p In A
Saloon
It works in fantasy games, and can also work in Westerns.
All the characters happen to be in the same bar when a
Games Mastering
stranger walks in and offers them a job. This really only
works when all the characters are open to being hired for a
similar job; a Games Master can work his head into knots
trying to come up with a job that might appeal to a soiled
dove, wandering preacher, bank robber on the run and
half-breed scout.
Still, you all meet up in a saloon is quick and easy and can
work with many common groups of characters.
O n A S t a g e c o ach
Or on a train carriage, or waiting in a doctors office, or
in any other place where characters of different types and
different social strata would rub shoulders. A stagecoach
has a special appeal, as it can easily be isolated or overturned
in the middle of nowhere to force the characters to work
together to survive. Here, the key is getting the characters
together for the first session once the group of characters
is together, they tend to stay together.
C h a n c e M e e t i ngs
Here, the characters just happen to encounter each other
and fall into a company. This can be very interesting if
done correctly, as the characters form relationships in play
that would never have been predicted normally. All the
Games Master needs to do is put the characters in the same
town, and let them meet up. Often, handing the initial
198
introductions and set-up entirely over to the players works
very well (OK, I need all your characters to be in the
church at sundown, and willing to work for a good cause
sort it out).
The downside is that the characters may never meet up,
and that any plot the Games Master has in mind may not
capture (involve) all the characters.
Recruitment
A variation on chance meetings; give one character a
mission, and have him recruit the other characters to help
him with it. This lets the players form their own inter-
character relationships, but also ensures that no one gets
left behind or out of the group, which is a problem with
the Chance Meeting option. For Recruitment to work,
though, all of the characters must have clearly useful
abilities to offer.
C a m p a i g n D e s ign
Before getting into the actual plot of the campaign, the
Games Master should decide on the following options:
Time: Episodic,
Discrete or
Continuous
An episodic game behaves like a series of movies; characters
may recur from one adventure to another, but each plot is
largely self-contained. There may be an overarching plot,
but it may never get resolved. One game may lead right
into the next one, with no gap of time between the two,
or there may be weeks or even years of downtime between
game sessions.
A discrete game has each adventure be entirely self-
contained. Recurring characters other than the player
characters are rare, and there is no overarching plot. There
are always large gaps of downtime between sessions, and
gains made by characters may be lost by the start of the
next adventure (it does not really matter if the gambler
made his big score at the end of the last game he always
fritters it away during downtime and starts penniless at the
beginning of every adventure).
A continuous game has no gaps at all time progresses
just as it does in real life, and plots may resolve themselves
or linger on indefinitely. This is the best structure for
realistic historical gaming; the other two are much more
suited to a style of play based on fiction.
is that it is hardly history at all, and the players cannot be
sure what events have actually happened. If the year is not
set, then could a character have lost a brother at Custers
last stand at Little Big Horn?
Life: Precious, Cheap
or Variable
Hollywood has lied to us; the streets of every town were
not littered with lead-riddled corpses. Certainly, killing
was alarmingly common in the West, but even the most
famous gunfighters were involved in no more than a dozen
shootouts. Few gunmen ever actually killed anyone, and
those who shot multiple people were even rarer. Killing
had consequences, too; while the law was far away in
most places, it had a long memory and the penalties for
a shooting could catch up with a gunfighter years later.
By contrast, many movies have the hero blasting away and
piling up bodies left right and centre without remorse or

History: Real,
Flexible or Mythic
There is a wealth of information on the historical West,
so it is entirely possible to run a game based directly on
historical events. A sufficiently motivated Games Master
can dig up photographical references, diaries, maps,
handouts and so on, and put the players in the place of
historical figures. (Try starting a game with youre at the
OK Corral, facing down the Earps. Roll for initiative). The
downside of historical gaming is that sources do not always
agree, and the game can get lost in arguments over the
cost of flour in 1860s California, or the exact penetrating
power of a Peacemaker. This style of play works best with
players who are enthused about genuine history if a
well-meaning Games Master spends ages researching and
designing his game, he is likely to be disappointed when a
bunch of players who just want to be Clint Eastwood run
around shooting people and fail to appreciate his careful
reconstruction of Dodge City.

Flexible history tries for the best of both worlds it bases

itself on real events, but leaves enough wiggle room to
cope with the wild-card actions of players. It is a slightly
exaggerated version of the West, focussing more on the
style and atmosphere instead of the niggling details of
correct history. Flexible history tries to get the history
right, but when history and game clash, print the legend
and run the game.

Finally, mythic history ignores real-life events and facts in

favour of an idealised, iconic West. Instead of working
out what the nearest reservation would have been, there
are simply doggone Injuns in those hills. Every town
is a single dusty street with a swinging-door saloon and
moustachioed barman; the good guys wear white hats and
the bad guys wear black. The downside of mythic history

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 consequence. (For that matter, other roleplaying games
also tend to teach the players that the only good enemy
is a dead enemy, and that lethal force is usually the best
option).
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In a game where life is precious, then a killing is an
important thing. Any death will attract attention, and the
characters may have to leave town to avoid being arrested.
Warrants and bounty hunters may dog their heels for years.
While this is historically accurate, and also encourages
players to consider their action and use tactics other than
gunfire, it can throw the Games Masters plot off course.
If a character gets into an argument in the saloon and
shoots someone before the game really even begins, then
the plot will once again turn into the characters run from
the law.
A game where life is cheap, then killings are common and
the characters can blaze away with impunity. While there
may be consequences for a killing, this will be a rare plot
point, not the usual result of a shootout. The characters
can shoot freely as can the non-player characters. It may
not be realistic, but combat is fun in roleplaying games.
Finally, a game where the value of life is variable is
something of a cheat, but works quite well in a roleplaying
game. Here, the characters can shoot the nameless extras
without worrying about consequences, but the shooting
of a character significant to the plot will have bigger
ramifications. As a rule of thumb, assume that any
character with a name is significant to the plot. (This
mirrors some movies very well, where the plot is kicked off
by an important killing, but the killings in vast bloodbath
at the end of the movie are barely mentioned and are far
less significant.)
The key is to give the characters an idea of how much
consequence there is in the game. Most games have either
areas where there is no legal consequence (killing things in
a dungeon) or where consequence must be avoided (the
police cant handle the cult of cosmic evil; we have to deal
with the cult without alerting the authorities). Westerns
vary greatly in the severity of the consequences of killing,
so the players need to know how their characters should
behave in the current campaign.
Campaign
Structures
An aside: campaign is a term derived from military
wargaming, which has come to be applied to continuing
roleplaying games. The term series may be more suited to
an episodic game. This can be expanded to miniseries for
a finite campaign, with a definite ending in store for the
game. A more extreme option is to model the campaign
200
on movies this takes the episodic structure to extremes,
with a different setup to the game every time.
A campaign structure outlines both how the different game
sessions will be connected, but also what the overarching
plots of the campaign, if any, will be.
High Plains Drifters
The characters are wanderers and vagabonds, drifting
through the West without any real direction. Each scenario
in the campaign has the characters running across some
situation that needs their intervention. One week, they are
hired to defend a community against outlaws; in the next,
a saloon keeper falls ill and asks them to run his bar for a
few weeks; the week after that, they come across the corpse
of a murdered miner and are involved in a race with his
killers to a find a cache of gold. The characters never put
down roots or make long-term connections to anything;
the end of every game has them riding off into the sunset
once more.
This structure is suited to an episodic campaign, and does
let the players play through any possible Western plot
imaginable. It gives the Games Master a great deal of
flexibility; the characters are basically wandering around
looking for plot hooks to get involved in. The downside of
this structure is that the players are encouraged not to get
too involved with any of the plots they must always ride
on. To keep the players involved, the game should focus
on the relationships between the characters, which will be
the major continuing element of the game.
This style of play can include an overarching plot the
characters could be searching for something, or on the run,
but it is best to use this plot as a reason for the characters
to keep moving instead of a source of adventures; if the
overarching plot gets resolved, then the characters may
have no reason to stay together and keep drifting.
A gang of former outlaws have a Road-to-
Damascus style conversion following a meeting
with a mysterious preacher, and decide to redeem
themselves by helping those in need. They ride
through the West, looking for situations where
their skills can be used for good. They are being
hunted by a vengeful sheriff who wants to arrest
them for their previous misdeeds.
A beautiful young girl is looking for her long-lost
father. She travels with a band of characters who
have vowed to protect her one is a mysterious
gunslinger, another is her brother, another an old
friend of her father and so on.
 The Law
The characters are sheriffs, deputies, bounty hunters,
soldiers or just hired guns with a knack for investigating
mysteries. The various stagecoach and rail companies
employed detectives to keep an eye on their vehicles;
the larger ranches also employed men to hunt down
troublesome rustlers. In this structure, the characters have
a regular source of missions crimes to solve, problems to
deal with, outlaws to hunt down and so on.
This structure does limit the sort of characters that the
players can have, but it is a quick and easy way of getting
them involved in interesting and potentially violent
challenges.
A large landowner contacts the characters,
claiming that a few mountain men and outlaws
have been causing trouble on the edge of his land.
The landowner is known to be trying to expand
his holdings there is a well near the edge of his
land which is the only water for miles around, and
which would be worth killing over. However, he
is also a close personal friend of the governor, and
therefore the characters must be very careful when
investigating the matter.
A member of a well-known and wanted gang of
bank robbers is found dead drunk on the floor of
the local saloon. The characters arrest him, and
soon the word on the street is that the gang are
going to try to bust him out. Then, the prisoner
tells the characters that the gang are actually going
to hit a stagecoach a few miles outside town. Do
the characters stay in town and guard their jail, or
head out and save the stagecoach? Is the prisoner
lying to them as part of some cunning feint?
A famed killer rides into town. He has numerous
warrants out for his arrest, but his reputation is a
fearsome one he is a stone cold killer, and faster
than greased lightening. He is, in fact, far more
dangerous and skilled than any of the characters.
If they try to arrest him, there is a good chance
they will all end up dead. What do they do?
The Business
The characters are all working for the same business; a
mining company, a ranch, a newspaper, even an outlaw
gang. Their adventures stem from threats to their business
the ranchers must go on a cattle drive each year, the
miners have to defend their claim against claim jumpers
and thieves. The actual adventures can of course be much
more interesting and complex, but the business provides
the initial hook. For example, a team of newspaper
journalists are on the train to meet their investor, when the
train is hijacked by an Indian chief who intends to ride the
iron horse right into the heart of America and make war on
the streets of Washington.
Another team of miners using dynamite accidentally
trigger a huge landslide. The team are killed,
but the player characters discover that half their
dynamite supplies are still up on the mountain.
The dynamite is old and rather shoddily made, and
could explode at any moment. There is a town in
the valley below that will be buried if the dynamite
triggers a second landslide. The characters have to
climb the mountain, recover the unstable dynamite
and deal with it safely. Their efforts are hampered
by a grief-crazed settler, whose family was crushed
in the initial landslide and who now blames all
miners for his loss.
The characters are sponsored by an eccentric
nobleman from Europe, who seems to have almost
endless resources of cash. Then, rumours start that
their benefactor is actually a thief and swindler,
who is using the characters to launder his dirty
money. The characters need this cash to stay in
business what do they do?
Building a Town
This variant campaign combines both the Law and the
Business campaigns. Let each player take a specific role in
a town one might run the saloon, another could be the
sheriff, another owns the general store, another the mayor
or preacher or judge and so on. The characters must
protect and guide the development of their town, making
decision on how it will grow and keeping the law there.
Most adventures have the characters dealing with some
threat to their town a flood, a war, a blood feud between
two local families and so on. Inter-character politics can
also play a part; the preacher might want to ban gambling
and alcohol in town, while the saloonkeeper wishes for
more people to indulge.
A famous opera singer is doing a tour of the West;
bringing her to the town would be a significant and
profitable coup for the characters. However, the
singer is something of a diva, and will only work in
the best of conditions. The characters must make
their rough-and-ready town acceptable to a finicky
European singer, not to mention dealing with
drunken cowboys who do not appreciate opera,
her money-grabbing manager, a deranged assassin
and a dangerous outlaw who is coming to town to
hear her sing.
Strange lights have been seen on Boot Hill.
Rumours of ghosts and spectres are running
rampant. Graves are being desecrated and bodies
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 exhumed. What is going on? Grave robbers and o Harsh and tough
moonshiners, or something more sinister? o Drunken and aging

Cowboys: Even if the nature of the cattle business never

Adventure
plays a part in the scenario, cattle and their handlers were
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a major part of the West. Cowboys can be heroes, villains

Design or mere bystanders.

A good Western adventure requires careful planning. Part
of the appeal of the Western genre is that there are a set
number of elements that recur again and again in different
combinations. The Games Master needs to arrange things
so the elements lead up to a classic confrontation. A
(partial) list of such elements might include:
People
Gunslingers: Most Westerns end with a shootout,
so those who live by the gun are important figures.
A non player character shootist should either be a
major threat to the characters, or a wild card that
they must win over in order to survive.
o Reluctant and retired
o Mysterious and mean
o Young and eager
Dealing with rustlers
Driving a trail herd
Young and inexperienced
Old and leathery
Army: Like the law, the army is a symbol of authority
and law, a step in the civilising of the West. Unlike the
law, however, the army and especially the cavalry is usually
portrayed as an unstoppable force when the army shows
up, then the game is over, one way or the other. By
contrast, games where the characters are part of the army
will emphasise discipline, lack of resources, and being
asked to do the impossible.
Getting help from the nearest fort

Settlers: Usually, ordinary people are the victims

who must be rescued or protected. Sometimes,
they must be rallied to a cause, or taught to fight
for themselves, or learn to survive in the West.
o Honest pilgrims heading West
o Looking for a male relative who went
West earlier
o Helpless greenhorns
o Being menaced by another group

Outlaws: Switching between the two sides of the

law was relatively common. A character might be
an outlaw one season and a farmer the next, turning
to crime only when things are hard. Others are
habitual criminals, who will keep killing until it
kills them.
o Despicable and cruel
o Planning a big heist
o Framed and innocent
o Feuding and self-destructive

Lawmen: The presence or absence of the law makes

a huge difference in a Western. If the embodiment
of the law is absent or corrupt, then it is up to
the characters to take the law into their own hands
and do what is right. If the law is present, then
the characters must ensure that it wins out over
dishonesty.
o Honest and upstanding
o Corrupt, in the pockets of local
authorities

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Local problems have to be sorted before they arrive o Rail bridge
Escorting an important cargo or dignitary o Stagecoach way station

Indians: Historically, the threat of attack from natives Travelling Locations: These locations may also
was exaggerated they were massively outnumbered play a part in the game.
and outgunned, making their few victories all the more o Stagecoach
impressive. Native tribes can also be allies, hiding places, o Trains
advisers or local colour. o Pony Express
Hostile and dangerous o Wagon Train
Old friends of a character o Cattle herd
Defeated and diminished o Buffalo herd

Locations Plots
Towns: The main street of town tends to be the Classic plotlines include:
setting for any big confrontation, from shootouts
to hangings. Dispute over some contested resource: Multiple
o Tiny one-horse towns in the middle of sides are after something land, a box full of gold,
nowhere a woman, control of a town or water supply or
o Chaotic and wild boom towns some other valuable item. Perhaps one side has
o Cities trying for growth and a genuine claim on the resource, or it may be a
respectability simple situation of might makes right.
o Ghost towns Variations:
o A contest of skill (shooting, gambling)
Places in town: In addition to being a vital part will determine who gets the resource
of the towns economy, any of these could be the o The problem is finding the resource
setting for a shootout.
o Saloons Revenge: Someone has wronged someone else,
o Bank and they are out for revenge. They may intend to
o Sheriff s Office/Jail use the player characters as instruments (or targets)
o Livery Stables of this vengeance.
o Brothels Variations:
o General Stores o The revenge is misguided.
o Dry Goods o Lots of people have a grudge against the
o Church character, and the character does not
o Courthouse know which of them is currently trying
o Opera House to kill him.
o Dance Hall o The character has no idea why the avenger
hates him.
Outside Town: Out in the wilderness, the characters
have no one to rely on except themselves. The mission: The characters must deliver an item
o Badlands full of mesas and broken rock or a person safely through hostile territory.
o Deserts Variations:
o Scrubland o The item is dangerous, or the person does
o Mountains not want to go.
o Forested hills o There is a time limit on the mission.
o Farmland
o Open range Survival: The characters have to survive in
dangerous conditions, and may require help from
Places outside town: Getting to any of these others in order to live.
places will require passing through the wilderness. Variations:
o Mining camp o The danger comes from a temporary
o Small settlement phenomenon, such as a storm or blizzard.
o Indian village or reservation Soon, the characters will be able to move
o Army fort on assuming they live long enough.
o River crossing or ferry o The danger comes from the current

203
 location; keep moving, and you will
survive.
Defence of the homestead: A location is going
to be attacked for some reason, and the characters
Games Mastering
must act to defend it.
Variations:
o The characters know they will soon be
attacked, and must find a secure location
to defend.
o The characters must break out of a
besieged location and go for help.
C o m p l i c a t i o ns
Every plot needs a twist of some sort, an added complication
to keep the players on their toes. Complications include:
A change in weather or conditions
A betrayal
The arrival of a third party or other 'wild card'
A change in the goals of one party
An unusual condition (the sheriff bans firearms in
his town)
Putting The
Elements
Together
Once the basic elements of the adventure have been selected
from the lists above, the Games Master must start putting
them together. A scenario needs a beginning, a middle and
an end, just like a story, but there must also be plenty of
room for the player characters to affect events. Often, the
Games Master will design scenes that may or may not take
place, ones that can be slid around. These set-pieces (the
term is drawn from movies, referring to elaborate, carefully
planned and visually breathtaking scenes) will often be
shootouts or other dramatic confrontations.
Beginnings
The beginning of a scenario needs to hook both the
characters and the players. A dramatic opening scene
works wonders dropping the characters into a hazardous
situation or describing some wide-open vista and letting
the characters ride in. Having a little mystery works well
if the characters come across the burnt-out ruins of a
farmhouse, and find signs that someone was carried off by
the raiders, then the players are immediately interested in
finding out what went on.
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Another useful trick is starting the game off with a cut-scene
describe events happening elsewhere that the characters
do not know about, but that will interest the players in
the plot. The Games Master could describe the attack
on the farmhouse by a gang of outlaws lead by a vicious
half-breed with a tattooed hand, who carry off the farmer
for some reason. This immediately shows the players who
the villains of the scenario will be (and, usefully, it lets the
Games Master describe the villains and build them up as
threats without trigger-happy players taking pot shots the
moment the bad guys show up.)
If cut scenes are used, then it is generally a good idea to
give the characters the same information that the players
have as soon as possible. In the above example, the
characters should be told of the attack of the farmhouse
early in the game. Forcing the players to make in-character
decisions while ignoring out-of-character information is
rarely well received (that said, it can work once for a nice
tense scenario the players know that their employer is a
murderous villain and traitor, but their characters do not,
then the players will be on edge waiting for the gun to go
off ).
Most Western characters are tough and able, and willing
to work if hired. They will also protect those in need,
although they tend to complain and pretend to be much
more uncaring than they actually are. In general, it is
better to let the players get their characters involved than it
is to force them into a scenario that does not directly affect
them. Mix adventures where the characters intervene on
behalf of a non player character with adventures where
they themselves are threatened or hired directly at the
beginning of the game.
One useful trick players enjoy the Western sightseeing
part of Western games. Do not be afraid to let the characters
ride into town and amuse themselves for a while before
getting the plot kick-started. While modern characters
tend to sit around nervously and wait for the plot to start,
Western characters usually head into the saloon and get
drunk/into barroom brawls/insult the sheriff s patronage/
spontaneously decide to turn outlaw/fall in lust with
females and so on.
Middles
One very useful tool for plotting a Western game is
plotting the various elements in a diagram. Most Western
plots hinge on a very limited number of characters and
locations. Indeed, ambiguous relationships and past
associations between characters are common themes. Try
giving every element in the diagram at least two links to
other elements.
For example, imagine a scenario where the characters are
hired to defend a town against outlaws (ala the Magnificent
Seven). The elements of the adventure are:
The three player characters
Three factions within the town
o The townsfolk who hired the characters
o Townsfolk who fear the coming battle,
and think that the village should buy the
outlaws off with food and money
o Townsfolk who believe that they can fight
their own battles, and that the characters
are unwelcome and untrustworthy
sheriff wants to keep the gold a secret from the characters
until after the outlaws have stolen it, the fearful townsfolk
are likely the only way for the characters to find out about
the gold.
E: The fighting townsfolk intend to take the fight to the
outlaws having some of the townsfolk get killed will
show the players that the outlaws are dangerous. These
townsfolk can also be used to disrupt the players plans by
shooting too earlier, triggering ambushes and so on.
F: The sheriff is in cahoots with the outlaws, intending to
use them to cement his authority in town.
G: The gold is the outlaws payoff.

The town sheriff H: The outlaws, of course, intend to backstab the sheriff
and take all the gold.
The outlaws
I: The sheriff lives in a small cabin outside of town he
As a complication, the sheriff is actually in league with likes his privacy.
the outlaws he is increasingly unpopular in town, and
intends to let the characters die before he
heroically drives the outlaws off. To pay
the outlaws, the sheriff has arranged for a
shipment of gold to come into town. By
telling the outlaws about the characters
and their plans to defend the town, he
can ensure that the characters fail to stop
the outlaws stealing the gold. The sheriff
and the outlaws then split the gold, the
failure is blamed on the characters, and
the sheriff can win glory by driving off
the outlaws and cleaning up at least some
of the character's messes.

A diagram might look something like

this:

A: The townsfolk who hired the

characters are their initial hook into the
scenario. They look to the characters to
solve all the problems of the town

B: and have decided that the sheriff is

of no use in solving these problems. It is
these townsfolk that the sheriff is trying
to win over in his plot with the outlaws.

C: The townsfolk who hired the

characters generally agree with those
who are willing to fight, but believe that
they need professional killers.

D: The fearful townsfolk know about

the gold shipment perhaps one of them
is the town mayor, or the banker. As the

205
 J: The gold is actually hidden in the sheriff s cabin the
box that the outlaws steal will actually be empty. Once
the gold has been stolen, it can be split secretly between
sheriff and outlaws.
Games Mastering
K: The outlaws will meet the sheriff at his cabin.
The blank spaces on the diagram are almost as important
as the established relationships between elements. It is the
characters actions that will determine how the fighting or
fearful townsfolk will react to them. (As an aside, abstract
groups like fighting townsfolk should be personified by
detailing one or two non player characters who belong to
the group).
There can also be links between elements that are not
immediately apparent at the start of the adventure.
Currently, for example, there is only one link between the
three player characters and the rest of the scenario. What
if a different connection is made between each of the three
characters and three different elements? One character
might know one of the outlaws, having ridden with him in
Texas five years ago. Another might have a relative in the
town, or be offered a job as deputy by the sheriff if he gets
rid of the other two.
By combining one or more of the elements from the main
part of the diagram with the player characters and the
list of locations, the Games Master can assemble scenes
and encounters. (It is worth breaking the town down
into discrete locations, as the players will probably need
a tactical map of the town if they are to defend it). For
example, the characters could track the outlaws to their
camp, or visit the sheriff s cabin before being ordered out
of town.
The sequence of events in the middle of the scenario is:
The characters arrive in town, having been hired.
They meet up with the various characters and
factions. These scenes can take place at any time
and in any order.
The characters hear that the outlaws are coming to
town.
The outlaws raid the bank, carrying off a box.
The sheriff warns them of whatever traps the
players have set.
The players lick their wounds, recover from the
attack, and eventually either track the outlaws to
the sheriff's cabin or else work out that the sheriff
betrayed them and head after him.
The final shootout comes at the sheriff's cabin.
206
Flexibility is key instead of planning everything that
happens in advance, just plan the dramatic set-piece scenes
and rely on improvisation for the rest. As there are only a
limited number of elements, it is relatively easy to come up
with an encounter on the fly.
Endings
Most adventures will end with a shootout or other
confrontation why mess with a classic climax? Of course,
the Games Master cannot always predict how the adventure
will run, as no scenario survives contact with players. One
of the best methods is to design a dramatic finale that does
not involve the characters, and then let their presence alter
it as they see fit let the characters tip the balance one way
or the other.
The end of the adventure should resolve the initial hook
and most of the relationships between elements. It should
also, ideally, have a moral or a twist to make it memorable,
perhaps passing judgement on one of the Western themes
mentioned above.
In the example above, the finale takes place at the sheriff s
cabin. If the characters arrive early, they can confront the
sheriff over his treachery, and deal with him themselves. If
they arrive late, they might stand aside and let the outlaws
murder the sheriff, or join forces with the sheriff and take
cover within his cabin while they fight off the outlaws.
They might switch the gold for a box of dynamite and
a timer, or rally the townsfolk to bring both outlaws and
sheriff to justice.
N o t e s & S u n d ry
The Cinematic Game
The stereotypes of Western films are very well established,
and the Games Master should use them. He can use classic
scenes from movies to describe events or locations in game,
assuming all the players have seen them. Just saying the
house is like the one at the end of The Outlaw Josey Wales
not only conveys to the players that the house is a tough
sod house with narrow windows and only two entrances,
but also gets them in the mood for a vicious siege.
Characters can also be borrowed from the movies, or
history for that matter. Using famous characters lets the
Games Master use all the pre-existing weight they have in
the players minds. If the Games Master describes a skilled
and dangerous gambler and gunslinger, he needs to sell
him to the players, show that he is as skilled and dangerous
as he needs to be for the plot. However, if the characters run
into Doc Holliday, then all that work is already done for
the Games Master all the players already know that Doc
is a brilliant gambler and deadly shot. Similarly, just saying
that a mean-looking drifter bears a strong resemblance to
Clint Eastwoods Man With No Name instantly puts the
fear of God into the players.
Cinematic gaming is more than just borrowing the sets
and actors from movies and history, though. The Games
Master should use distinct scenes, and emphasise scene
framing. Instead of just letting events drift into each
other, have definite beginnings and endings to scenes. Use
cinematic language instead of just saying you ride from
town to the ranch, then describe the terrain, or even have a
montage of images and stirring music as the characters ride.
Start and finish scenes dramatically; instead of beginning
a bar scene by running through how the characters arrive
(so, you all ride inare you tying your horses outside?
Anybody checking round the back of the bar?), just
describe the scene in the bar and let the players narrate
their own entrances (bursting in dramatically through the
saloon doors, silhouetted by the sun, the piano player in
the corner losing his place as they come in). Similarly,
finish scenes definitively and abruptly, cutting once the
climax of events has been reached.
Ranching Terms
Beef: A cow ready for market (over four years). Plural
beeves.
Bell mare: a female horse outfitted with a bell, used to
aid ranchers on the open range; the horses naturally follow
the female and thus the ringing of the bell indicates the
location of the entire remuda, even in the dark when the
horses cannot be seen.
Bronco: Wild or half-tame horse.
Cimarrone: Wild longhorn cow.
Cowpoke: A railroad employee in charge of penned cattle,
or a cowboy.
Drag: The rear end of trail herd; riding drag meant keeping
the straggler cattle in position, amid the dust and heat.
Metaphorically, riding drag was any unpleasant or difficult
duty.

Be generous with luck points and dramatic

licence, but do not let the game spiral out of
control. Think of the game as a movie with
a budget big action scenes and special
effects cost money, so they should only be
used sparingly and when they will have the
most impact.

Involve the players as much as possible

unlike other games, where the accumulation
of power and wealth is a major impetus,
players in a Western game tend to be more
interested in acting like movie characters
and being involved in cool shootouts.
Indulge them in this.

Western
Language
Most of the colourful terms and metaphors
that show up in the Western vocabulary
are drawn from the various industries
(ranching, mining), or from Spanish or
Indian languages. In general, try to keep
the language a character using close to
whatever that character does for a living
the players should be able to distinguish
a cowpoke from a miner from a greenhorn
just by the way they talk.

207
 Drover: Anyone who drives animals to market.
Lariat: Another term for lasso, used in Texas.
Maverick: Unbranded or wild cattle.
Games Mastering
Mossyhorn: An old longhorn.
Point rider: The cowboy in front of the herd; the lead
element in a situation.
Remuda: Herd of horses accompanying a drive.
Mining Terms
Claim jumper: One who takes a claim belonging to
another.
Colour: Signs of gold; a good omen.
Hydraulic mining: Redirecting a river against a hillside to
tear up the terrain.
Panning: Sifting dirt through a pan to find specks of gold.
Pinch: Literally, a pinch of gold dust, the basic unit of
currency in mining circles. Long nails or digging too deep
into another mans pouch were discouraged, but there were
large variations in the size of a pinch (hence the expression
how much can you raise in a pinch?)
Plasser: Gold on a riverbed or sandbar.
Poke: Leather bag to hold gold dust and nuggets.
Rocker: Wooden box rocked back and forth to separate
gold from rock and dirt; sometimes it is called a cradle
because of its resemblance to a babys cradle.
Mountain Man &
H u n t e r T e r ms
Arkansas toothpick: A large, pointed dagger used mostly by
river men and gamblers.
Buffaloed: Confused, lost or tricked.
Buffalo lick: A natural saltlick used by buffalo and other
game animals. Usually a very good place to find game.
Cut for sign: Looking for signs of passage.
Firewater: Whiskey. This term comes from the Indian
practice of throwing a cup of whiskey into a fire to see if
it would burn. If it would not flame up, it would not be
accepted.
208
Make wolf meat: Leaving a dead man where he fell, as a
final insult.
Make meat: To hunt for and lay in a good store of meat;
more generally, prepare supplies and stocks for a long
winter or siege.
Reading sign: Tracking.
Skookum: An Indian word meaning good.
Wampum: An Indian term for belts of small beads or shells
that were used as money. Many mountain men adopted
this term to mean all money.
Stagecoach Terms
Bullwhacker: One who drives an oxen team.
Leaders: The lead horses in a team.
Jehu: A stagecoach driver, taken from the name of a
Biblical character who drove fast and furiously.
Muleskinner: One who drives a mule team.
Rig: Harness.
Road agent: A stagecoach robber.
Road agent spin: Offering a pistol butt-first, then spinning
it around into firing position.
Wheelers: The horses nearest the front of a stagecoach.
General Terms
Boot Hill: The graveyard in Dodge City, also applied to any
frontier cemetery.
Carpetbaggers: Northerners rebuilding the South, named
for their luggage.
Dry gulch: Ambush.
Nester: Homesteader.
Sodbuster: Settler.
Sod house: Cabin built out of piled sod.
A Western drawl, interspersed with innumerable ah
reckons and other clichs can be fun, but putting on any
accent can be seen as a challenge by the players for them to
put on worse ones. Remember that a few carefully chosen
words can be more effective than a long diatribe.
 Sho o t o u t s
A good shootout is the climax of many Western adventures.
The Games Master should attempt to plan when and
where the characters will end up fighting the antagonists,
but given the unpredictability of players, he should be
ready to improvise.
The first factor in a shootout is the location. The location
should offer plenty of cover, but no completely safe
locations you want the players and their enemies to be
scurrying around, darting behind barrels and jumping over
rocks. Locations for a shootout include:
The Besieged House: The characters are all inside
a house or other building, and their attackers are
outside (or vice versa). Those inside the house have
the advantage of defence, but are outnumbered
and cannot retreat or resupply. The attackers have
to find a way into the house; those inside have to
keep watch over every possible entrance.
The Barn: Or a livery stable, or construction site,
or forest. This is a place where there is plenty of
small pieces of cover, but no definite strongpoint.
The characters might hide behind a beam or stack
of bales, but holding the place in a siege is not
an option. The fight is made more complicated
because there are multiple levels characters could
climb trees, or up to the attic of the barn.
The Saloon: Lots of tables to be overturned for
cover, and ducking behind the bar is also an option.
There is plenty of glass to shoot, possibly causing
minor injuries to those in the area of shattering
glass. Alcohol might also be set alight, causing a
fire.
Main Street: A wide-open area in the centre, with
bits of cover like barrels and horse troughs off to
the side.
Running Battle Through Town: A gunfight
might boil out of control, and be taken to the
streets and houses of the townsfolk. Characters
might burst into the kitchen of some poor widow,
or exchange shots with bandits from the cover of
the candy store or funeral home.
The Dry Gulch: The characters are at the bottom
of a canyon or gully; their attackers are on the
heights above. The characters have to find cover
in the flat bottom, then make their way up the hill
to engage the enemy.
Across the River: Characters are on one side of
a river or other obstacle, like a field of briars and
brambles; the enemy is on the other. Anyone
trying to close the distance will be forced to move
slowly through the obstacle, and be an easy target
for shooting.
The Rocky Plain: Plenty of small rocks to hide
behind, but no clear strongpoints.
Range is the second factor if the characters are far away
from the enemy, then aimed shots with longarms are the
order of the day, and the fight will really come down to
who has the best attack bonuses and luck. Up close, the
fighting will be mostly with sidearms, and be much more
frenetic. Characters will also be able to use other tactics
against enemies, such as melee attacks, bluffs and feints
and so on.
Mix the ranges that the characters are engaged at; do not
have every opponent attack at the same range. Force the
players to adapt their tactics to each new situation.
The third factor in a memorable shootout is the
complication what makes this gun battle unique.
Complications might include:
Time Limit for the Attackers: The cavalry or some
other relief is coming. At midnight, the characters
claim on the land will become legal. The attackers
have a very limited amount of ammunition.
Time Limit for the Defenders: One of the
defenders is injured, and needs medical attention
soon. More attackers are coming. The place being
defended is on fire or collapsing.
Time Limit for Everyone: The dam is breaking
and the area will be flooded. The whole area is on
fire. The dynamite will soon explode.
Difficult Situation: The gunfight takes place in
the middle of a sandstorm/snowstorm/rainstorm/
high wind/billowing smoke, making fighting
difficult.
Dangerous Situation: The whole area is unstable/
on fire/filled with scorpions/filled with unstable
scorpions on fire.
A Third Party: A rival gang/vicious rattlesnake/
deranged mountain man is fighting against both
sides.
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 Western
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Adventuring
M
aking ones fortune out West was
the primary reason why so many left
the comparative safety of the settled
states. There was vast land and wealth to be won west of
the Missouri River. Of course, this wealth had to be won
at the expense of the frontier land and the native Indian, or
at the expense of blood and sweat. Wealth brought thieves
and bandits, and there was no law save what the common
folk made for themselves.
Trapping &
Buf f a l o H u n t i n g
Until gold was found and the Indian lands opened up to
ranching and nesting, fur trapping was the major economic
activity of the Western lands. Trappers working for the
Hudsons Bay or American Fur companies would head
up the Missouri river into the mountains. Beaver pelts
were the most sought after, and would sell for $5. Otter,
muskrat, mink, fox and buffalo were also hunted for their
hides. Initially, the fur companies traded with the Indians;
later, most furs were gathered by the mountain men, white
trappers who lived in isolated areas and intermarried with
the native tribes (referred to as squaw men).
Beaver pelts were taken down the mountain to trading
posts established by the fur companies to be exchanged for
money or goods brought from St. Louis.
A character making a living through trapping uses the
Craft (traps) skill to set snares. The traps for beavers were
hidden underwater and baited with beaver musk. Other
traps were hidden in underbrush along animal trails. A
trapper lived out in the wilderness, isolated from civilisation
F u r C o m p a n i es
American Fur Company
Columbia Fur Company
Missouri Fur Company
Pacific Fur Company
North West Company
Hudsons Bay Company
Rocky Mountain Fur Company
210
and other people, and so had to be tough and resourceful
enough to deal with disease and wild animals like bears,
wolves or men.
As the fur trade diminished, attention turned to the huge
buffalo herds. Millions of buffalo roamed the plains in
the 1850s in gigantic herds. The buffalo was a vital source
for meat, hide and sinew for the native tribes, but their
hunts made no impact on the vast numbers of buffalo. By
contrast, white buffalo hunters with firearms effectively
wiped out the buffalo in a scant few years.
Initially, the buffalo were just hunted for meat or hide,
but when it was discovered that buffalo hide make good
machine belting, the demand back east exploded and
buffalo hunting became an industry. The trick was to
keep the buffalo milling around in a rough circle instead
of stampeding off; a new target would move into view
after each shot, allowing a hunter to keep firing again and
again. A good hunter could kill up to a hundred buffalo
a day. Some used Sharps rifles with telescopic sights
mounted on a tripod; others just rode up to the herd with
rifles or shotguns blazing.
When a buffalo was killed, skinners would descend on the
corpse with their knives and peel the animal. The hide
was then pegged to the ground and left in the sun to dry.
The remainder of the animal was left to the buzzards and
the flies. A buffalo hide sold for about $1.50. The wiping
out of the buffalo herds left the plains open to cattle
grazing, ushering in the next phase of the west.
Statistics for buffalo are on page XX. If a character makes
a successful Handle Animal check (DC 15), he can work
out how to shoot to keep the herd milling, thus keeping
the herd together and allowing him to count the whole
herd as a single target (and thus get the attack bonus for
a Colossal target). Skinning a buffalo uses the Survival
skill (DC 5). The main dangers during a buffalo hunt are
stampedes or reprisals from local Indians.
 T r a p p i n g & B u f f alo Hunting Adventure
Seeds
While travelling in the mountains, the characters happen upon a broken trap. It looks like a wolf was caught
in a trap meant for a smaller animal such as a mink, and managed to break free. However, the local mountain
man blames the characters for breaking his trap and begins to harass them as they pass through his domain. He
knows the land much better than the characters do and can stay one step ahead of them. The mountain man
has been alone much too long and is quite willing to murder the characters in revenge for breaking his property.
Meanwhile, there is also an injured and angry wolf roaming the forest

The characters are being guided through the mountains by a mountain man. According to rumour, a hostile
Indian tribe lives nearby. The characters are taken to the mountain man's cabin, where they meet his wife a
squaw. Is their guide's loyalty to the tribe, and is he leading them into a trap?

A dude comes West to hunt buffalo, and accidentally starts a stampede. He manages to ride off and stay ahead
of the charging buffalo, but his horse dies of exhaustion and he is lost in the wilderness. The characters must
locate the lost dude and bring him back alive. The best trackers, though, are the local Indians, but they are
none too happy with the mass slaughter of the buffalo.

Mining Commandments of
Mining is something of a misnomer; much of the gold
gathered in the West was found in riverbeds. Panning
for gold involved filtering out the speck and fragments 1.
of precious metal out of silt-filled water. This required
little talent or specialised equipment. As the loose gold 2.
became harder to find, more elaborate methods were used.
Ore-bearing quartz rocks were crushed and mixed with
water, then the resulting milky liquid was panned for gold. 3.
Rivers were redirected to smash into cliff faces and hillsides
to break up earth and rock. Larger mechanical rockers
processed much greater volumes of water than a hand-held 4.
pan could.
In other strikes, such as the Comstock lode in Nevada, the
gold and silver was found deep underground, so miners
had to sink long shafts to reach the metal. This was more 5.
expensive and difficult than the panning of the Californian
riverbeds, and required much greater skill. Gold nuggets
and dust were gathered and exchanged for paper money
or coinage in some regions, or used directly as currency in 6.
wilder places.
As early as 1848, an informal miners code dealt with
disputes over claims. A miner or mining company would 7.
stake out an area and defend it against claim jumpers
trying to steal the area. If a company could be driven off,
another group of miners could move in. Claims could be
registered, but there was little law and less enforcement 8.
for decades. Criminals could also salt an area with gold
nuggets and then sell the claim on the salted earth. Claim
trading was common if a miner did not want to put in
the work needed to develop a claim, he could sell his share
of a company onto another.
the 49ers
Thou shalt have no other claim than one.
Thou shalt not make unto thyself a false claim,
nor shall you jump one.
Thou shalt not go prospecting before your claim
runs out.
Thou shalt not remember what your friends do at
home on the Sabbath day, lest that remembrance
compare unfavourably with what thou doest in
your cabin.
Thou shalt not inquire into your neighbours
name in the states, or whatsoever he did there,
lest he inquire into your past.
Thou shalt not steal a pick or shovel or pan from
a fellow miner, nor borrow tools he cannot spare,
nor return them broken, nor wash takings from
his sluices mouth.
Thou shalt not tell false tales about good
diggings in the mountains, to profit your mule
and provision business.
Thou shalt not keep one or two squaws when a
maiden pines for you in your old home.

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 M i n i n g Adventure Seeds
A mining company starts up on a claim, but finds nothing. One by one, the miners lose faith and leave the
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company, selling their shares onto those who remain. The last one decides to fraudulently salt the claim with
gold and sell it on. However, when he sells it on, the company that takes over strike it big. Now, the other
miners believe that the last one was hiding the strike all along, and merely waited until they all sold their shares
to him before exploiting it. They are willing to attack both the new miners on the claim and the last miner
from the old company.

A classic seed a grizzled old '49er prospecting up in the mountains discovers a rich vein of gold. He draws
a map marking the location of the vein, walks back into town, goes to the saloon to celebrate and dies of
alcohol poisoning. Now, everyone in town is after the map, and blood is going to be shed.

A gang of thieves raid a series of isolated mining camps. Their attacks are not random; in each raid, the thieves
carry off the camp's supply of explosives in addition to money, gold dust, nuggets or whatever else they can
steal. Someone is assembling a great quantity of dynamite for some reason

A mine accidentally breaks through into a vast underground cavern complex, like the famous Mammoth
Caverns. The miners fall through a shaft into the midst of the caves. Climbing back out is impossible to
survive, the miners will have to pick their way through the caves to the surface.

Gold or silver was tested for purity in town in an assayers
office.
A character involved in panning for gold need have no
particular skills, although Spot, Search and Survival are
usually necessary for success. A deep vein miner needs
Craft (mining) and Demolitions to dig into the hard rock.
Miners underground are from risk of cave-ins, foul air,
accidental explosions and banditry gold is easy to steal,
so most miners had to be ready to defend their claims with
force of arms.
A character can make a living working for a large mining
company, but will not strike it rich. Quick wealth only
comes with having shares of a company, or finding a fresh
vein of gold. See the Miner Talent Tree, page XX.
stone. (The routes were described in dozens of pamphlets
and newspaper articles that exhorted pilgrims to go West,
praising the virtues and fecundity of the far West.) Beyond
the Platte, the wagon trains had to wind their way through
the Rocky Mountains. After the first mountain crossing,
the trails divided at Fort Hall, north of the Great Salt
Lake.
The Oregon Trail followed the treacherous Snake River
north across harsh, volcanic plains to Fort Boise, then
west to the almost impassable Cascade Range. The key
to success on the Oregon Trail was ensuring that the train
crossed the mountains before winter. Early in the 19th
century, ownership of the Oregon Territory was contested
by both the United States and the British Empire, and
having plenty of American settlers there was considered
desirable.

Wa g o n T r a i n s &
Settlers
Great wagon trains of settlers set out west along the
Oregon or California trails throughout the middle of the
19th century. Each train would contain a half-dozen or
more wagons, usually drawn by oxen or mules. Some
trains contained tens of wagons and hundreds of travellers.
Other animals were tethered to the back of the wagons.
Progress was relatively slow, often no more than a dozen
miles a day. Crossing the plains could take months.
Both of the major trails started in Missouri. Following
the course of the Platte river west, the wagons passed
along a series of well-known landmarks such as Chimney
Rock, Courthouse Rock and Independence Rock, where
previous travellers had inscribed their names in the soft
The California Trail became popular during the gold rush
of 49, but was still used for decades due to the economic
growth of the southwest. The gold rush brought thousands
West, many with poor supplies and even worse preparations
for the hardship of the trail.
Even while the route was guarded by the US Cavalry,
it was far from a safe or easy journey. Disease was a big
danger; cholera was a major killer on the trail. Wagon
trains sent scouts out to find water or buffalo to hunt,
but an unusually hot spell could dry out a water hole and
leave travellers both hungry and thirsty. Many settlers
overloaded their wagons and had to abandon treasured
possessions on the trail to avoid killing their oxen. Raids
from Indians were also not unknown, although stealing
valued mules was more common than all-out attack. For
safety, the wagon train was normally arranged into a circle

212
 C a l i f o r n i a Trail Events
The dates of these events vary greatly, depending on how fast the wagon train moved and weather conditions.

Day Event/Encounters
0 Departure from Independence, Missouri (or a nearby place such as Fort Leavenworth or St. Joseph).
7 Cross into Indian Territory. The tribes here are mostly peaceable Shawnee and Potawatomis. The
once-dangerous Pawnee have most been destroyed by predation from the Sioux and smallpox.
18 Hit the Big Sandy Creek or Little Blue River; follow it upstream to its source.
24 Meet the Platte river at Fort Kearny.
29 Ford the north branch of the Platte and keep on following the river.
34 Enter Sioux territory.
38 Pass Chimney Rock.
44 Reach Fort Laramie.
50 Cross the Platte again at the Mormon ferry.
51-70 Pass through the mountains to South Pass.
71 Reach Dry Sandy Stream. At this point, the company must choose whether or not to take the longer
route south along the Mormon trail to Fort Bridger and Salt Lake City and re-supply, or head straight
west along Sublettes Cut-Off. The territory ahead is more difficult a mountainous wilderness with
no west-east river valleys to follow.
83 (Sublettes Cutoff ) Reach Raft River, the turn-off for the California Trail.
(Mormon Trail) Reach Salt Lake City.
93 (Sublettes Cutoff ) Reach Steeple Rocks, the junction with the trail from Salt Lake City. Those who
detoured south to Salt Lake City will reach this point two weeks later.
94 Steep descent from the mountains.
97 Reach Thousand Springs Valley.
99 Hit the Humboldt River, and follow it downstream. The terrain becomes progressively more desert-
like. The threat of Indians reappears, due to the Shoshoni and Paiute tribes.
106 Reach Lassens cut-off, a short-cut established in 1849 that crosses the Black Rock desert.
107 Rabbit Hole Wells, the last watering hole before the desert.
108 The Black Rock Desert.
115 Reach High Rock Canyon. The land beyond becomes much more mountainous and difficult.
127 Cross the Warner Range of mountains.
129 Hit the Pit River and follow it downstream to the eastern edge of the mountains.
145 Cross the Sierra Nevada.
153 Reach Lassens Ranch, the easternmost outpost of California.

at night, corralling the oxen or mules as well as any cattle
brought for meat or milk along the trail.
A character travelling with a wagon train faces a series of
challenges; a single failure will not destroy the train, but
each unsuccessful encounter will wear away at the wagon
trains resources and resolve. Encounters include buffalo
hunts to replenish meat supplies; rivers to be forded;
thirsty crossings of dry deserts and fouled water; trading
with Indians and fort commanders; accidents and injuries
along the way; arguments and clashes between settlers;
mountains to be climbed and routes to be navigated.
When a wagon train arrived at its destination, the settlers
would build their first homes log cabins if lumber was
plentiful, or sod houses made of earth on the open plains.
An overlander should have in his wagon two hundred
pounds of flour, 150 pounds of bacon, ten pounds of
coffee, twenty pounds of sugar and ten pounds of
salt.
- Lansford Hastings The Emigrants Guide to Oregon
and California.

213
 W a g o n T rain Adventure Seeds
The characters are accompanying a wagon train through difficult terrain. More and more, they are forced to
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rely on the skills of one of the settlers, a man who is notably stronger and more skilled than the rest. Without
his help, the wagon train would have been destroyed or lost several times. Then, the train overtakes and
incorporates another wagon, also heading West. One of the children travelling with this new wagon recognises
the characters' ally he saw him murder a woman back in Philadephia. Could the child's testimony be true,
and how do the characters deal with a serial killer in the wagon train?

More generally, the concept of the wagon train allows the Games Master to introduce almost any non player
character for a session. A traveller could confront the players with a problem to be solved one week; then vanish
back into the anonymity of the train next week.

Debates over the correct route West runs rampant on most trains. While there are distinct trails to be followed,
there are always shortcuts and cut-offs that could get the train across the mountains much more quickly. A
traveller with the train claims to know a shortcut across the mountains into Oregon, and support for the route
is growing among the settlers. The characters are sent to investigate this supposed cut-off. They must scout
it for hidden dangers and see for sure if it leads through the mountains as quickly as they can, before winter
descends on the caravan.

A wealthy settler heading out West brings several expensive heirlooms with her, such as an ornate cabinet or
other pieces of furniture. When the wagon train runs into difficulty, these items have to be abandoned along
the trail, hidden in a secret cache. The characters are hired to go out into the desert and retrieve the hidden
valuables.

Ca t t l e D r i v e s Once cutting out is completed, the drive proper can begin.

The cattle drives were inevitable in retrospect, formed by
the invisible hand of economics and circumstance. Cattle
grazed the western lands newly cleared of buffalo herds;
the cities of the east were growing quickly, and the fighting
armies of the Civil War needed food; the railroad was
winding out from the coast to the interior of the continent.
Steers could be bought for about $5 in Texas and sold for
$30 or more at the end of a drive.
Cattle were gathered on the ranches and ranges of the
south; then herded north to the railhead, where they were
loaded onto trains and brought to the stockyards and
slaughterhouses of the north. The trail-driving days lasted
until barbed wire and smaller farms tied down the open
range towards the end of the century.
A classic cattle drive began with the roundup, as the cattle
were gathered from all over the ranch. Wilder animals
would have to be chased down and caught with lassos.
The animals were driven into a corral and held there until
cutting out began. Cutting out is the process of separating
the mature, ready-for-market cattle from the young calves.
Cowboys would ride into the herd, find the calves, drive
them out and rope them. Unbranded calves would be
dragged off to be marked with the ranchs symbol; calves
were then returned to the range. Cattle without a brand
could be claimed by anyone (unbranded animals are
known as mavericks).
The cowboys drive the assembled adult cattle before them,
forming the herd into a rough wedge or column. To help
keep the herd in order, a lead steer was put at the head
of the herd this was generally the biggest and meanest
animal in the herd, and all the others would fall into place
behind it. Often, the same lead steer would be used on
several trail drives. Having a strong lead steer gives a +1 to
+3 bonus to Handle Animal checks when trying to change
the direction of the whole herd.
The trail boss, the lead cowboy on the drive, moved a few
miles ahead of the herd, looking for watering holes and
campsites. Behind him came the chuckwagon, driven by
the cook and carrying supplies and food for the cowboys.
A good cook was always hard to find, so cooks had a great
deal of influence and privilege on the trail.
Then came the youngest of the cowboys on the trail,
the horse wrangler. The horse wrangler was responsible
for the remuda, the horse herd accompanying the drive.
There could be anything up to ten horses per cowboy, to
ensure that each hand always had a fresh mount or a horse
specialised in a particular task (cutting out, night herding,
fast riding and so on).
Near the remuda came the herd of cattle. Point riders
moved along near the lead steer, while swing and flank
riders kept the column together. Finally, the worst job went
to the tail or drag riders, who had to ride along behind the
herd, riding through huge clouds of dust and heat.

214
 C u tting Out
Firstly, the cowboy must locate a calf and chase it down, using a Ride check opposed by the calf s Dexterity. He must
then drive it out of the herd, using a Handle Animal or Intimidate check at DC 5 + 1d20. If this check is failed by
more than 10, he causes a stampede. Once the calf is separated from the herd, it must be brought to the ground using
a lasso or bulldogging (Grappling). Finally, it is tied up (Use Rope check opposed by the calf s Dexterity).

B randing
Often, further Grapple or opposed Strength checks are needed to drag a calf up to the branding fire. Applying a
branding iron does not require any check, but the result of a Handle Animal check can be used to determine how neat
and legible a particular brand is.

The Forgery skill can be used to alter a brand, to make one calf appear to be the property of another ranch. Different
ranchers used symbols that were as different as possible, to make such rustling difficult. The DC for the Forgery check
is therefore at least DC 10, and can go as high as DC 30. A failed Forgery check means that the brand is blotched
and has obviously been altered. Using a special iron called a running iron gives a +5 equipment bonus to the Forgery
check, but possession of a running iron is illegal.

At night, some cowboys would be assigned to be the night
watch, keeping the cattle settled and watching for rustlers.
A herd could travel up to fifteen miles a day, but it could
still take up to three months to move from the ranch to
the railhead.
The main dangers faced on a drive were rustlers, flash
floods, Indian attacks and especially a stampede (see
Animals, Page XX). A lack of water was also dangerous
while a man or a horse could survive for a few days
without water, cattle were much more vulnerable to death
by thirst double the damage caused by dehydration for
cattle. Rustling was almost an accepted part of the trail; if
a steer wandered off from the main herd of another drive,
then it could be claimed as a maverick. These animals were
often given to Indians along the way, as payment for the
Indians not attacking the drive.
these. It also acquired plenty of trouble; the unsavoury
extensions to town were referred to as the Devils Addition.
The town also employed a marshal, Tom Smith, to keep
the peace. Despite Smiths banning of guns in town,
Abilenes reputation for violence continued to grow. In
1872, it was announced that cattle drives would not longer
be welcome there.
Other cowtowns took over from Abilene Ellworth,
Wichita and Hays City. Whole buildings, like the Drovers
Cottage, were disassembled and shipped by rail from
Abilene (giving rise to the expression, Hell on Wheels,
which was later applied to any drinking or gambling house
shipped by rail). In each case, the wild cowboys brought
violence, chaos, sin and money to town. Some of the most
famous marshals were employed to keep the towns under
control Whitney in Ellsworth, Wyatt Earp in Wichita,
Wild Bill Hickok in Hays.

Cowt o w n s a n d
Boo m t o w n s
At the end of a cattle drive, the cowboys would bring
their cattle into town; the cattle would be loaded into
railcars and the cowboys would be paid. A cowtown was
a small town with a railroad, grass for cattle and places
for the cowboys to spend their money. Stores, saloons,
whorehouses, casinos, music-halls, barbershops, opera
houses, dance halls and with all those armed drunken
cowboys around, the funeral parlours and gravediggers had
a large share of the trade too.
Abilene was the first of the cowtowns, lasting from 1867
to 1871. It changed from a town of a dozen log huts near
Fort Riley in 1866 into a town with ten boarding houses,
ten saloons, five general stores and four hotels in 1870.
The Drovers Cottage was the first and most famous of
Cowtowns were a subset of the so-called boomtowns;
when wealth appeared, places to spend it appeared there
almost instantly. Mining towns exploded in California or
Colorado; Dodge City grew up to service buffalo hunters.
A boomtown could grow from nothing to a sprawling,
chaotic town in a few months, then vanish again when the
boom went bust. Ghost towns littered the west, marking
places that never made it.
See Page XX for notes and rules on designing a western
town. Running a business in a boomtown is both
unusually dangerous and unusually profitable apply a +5
bonus to the roll for Complications, but also to the result
of the seasonal skill check (note that this second modifier is
applied after the skill check is made being in a boomtown
does not help a business directly, but does make it more
profitable if run correctly).

215
 T r a i l D r i ving Adventure Seeds
Two ranches border on each other, and both are dependant on the success of this season's drive to survive. If
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one ranch does not get its cattle to market, then the owners will be bankrupt and the other ranch can take its
territory. The characters are cowboys employed by one ranch on the cattle drive. They discover that the rival
ranch is driving its beef steers north at the same time along the same trail. How do the characters defend their
herd from saboteurs and rustlers, and do they attack the other herd to stampede it?

Clashes between cowboys and settlers were common; barbed wire and enclosed land were hated by the free-
spirited ranchers. Along the trail, the characters encounter a rich landowner who despises the wild cowboys. He
has deliberately set up farmhouses and fences along the trail route that force the characters to bring their cattle
along more dangerous terrain. Do the characters knuckle under and risk their herd, or cross the landowner's
holdings and risk battle with his farmhands.

The characters receive word that a fort, mining camp or other isolated settlement is in dire need of meat. There
is no railroad there, and no established cattle trail. If the characters could drive a herd of steers through the
wilderness, over mountains and prairies that have never been crossed by cattle before, then they could sell their
beef at a huge profit. The trick is getting there.

One night, one of the characters notices a steer in their own herd that seems to bear the brand of another ranch.
By daylight, they can see that the brand was altered to match the other herd. If the steer had been rustled and
added to the other herd, that would make sense; but it has been left in the characters' herd. The only explanation
is that someone is trying to make others believe that the characters are rustlers. The trail ends in three days, and
the characters will be accused of rustling and lynched unless they get rid of the branded steers and find out who
is framing them.

B o o m t o wn Adventure Seeds
To be honest, just having a group of player characters walk into town with money in their pockets will get them into
plenty of trouble. A badly chosen word or minor argument can result in brawling or even a gunfight and once the
characters have made enemies in town, their revenge can be an adventure in itself.

Similarly, just mentioning a famous marshal can encourage some players to misbehave. Characters could try their hand
(and lose) against Bat Masterson or Wyatt Earp

Refusing a drink could be a deadly insult. One tenderfoot who asked for the wrong drink was physically dragged on
an epic saloon crawl around town by a gang of angry cowboys, determined to show him how to drink in the West.
Even experienced characters can get into trouble in the bar for example, the characters walk into a bar ahead of an
important meeting with a teetotal puritan, and an old cowpuncher or miner tells them to have a drink on him of
the bars most lethal firewater. If the characters refuse, the miner will be furious with them; if they accept, they risk
meeting their puritan contact while drunk.

Even the most mundane activities in a boomtown offer the chance for adventure. An old friend of the characters
opens a business (such as a saloon, hotel or newspaper) and immediately runs into trouble with local toughs or rival
companies. Anything goes in these wild towns, so he asks the characters to help him sort out his problems.

The Law Fortunately for most communities, many problems

Law is a product of civilisation. As Western communities
grew from a handful of rude cabins into thriving towns,
they put their own lawmen and marshals in place. The
influence of eastern law and order was limited to the
presence of the US Army in forts and billets across the
land. Often, the nearest law was several days ride away, so
communities had to deal with their own problems.
could be solved with rough justice. Petty theft was rare;
overcharging, confidence tricks and other minor crimes
faced the disapproval of the community, and in small
towns, everyone knew everyone else and social pressure
was strong. Rustling was a common problem, but crimes
committed out on the range were often solved and justice
dispatched out on the range also. For larger problems, a
marshal or judge could be summoned from another city.

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 L ynching
A character being lynched can survive for a number of rounds equal to half his Constitution score (being strangled
by the full weight of ones own body is more damaging than simply being throttled). Once this time has elapsed, the
character must make a Fortitude save (DC 10) each round; the DC for this check increases by +1 each round. Once
the first check is failed, the character falls unconscious. In the second round after the check is failed, the character is
dying; in the third round, the character dies.

Supporting a characters legs by force alone requires a Strength check each round; the DC for this Strength check begins
at DC 5, but increases by +1 each round.

T h e L a w Adventure Seeds
Adventures centring around law enforcement are easy to set up just give the characters a crime to solve
or a troublemaker to bring in, and let them sort out the details. For example, a dangerous drifter shoots a
farmhand after an argument. The drifter is seen again a few days later, out in the badlands. The family of the
murdered farmhand demand that the characters ride out and arrest the killer, or they will send out a posse and
deal with the murderer themselves.

Keeping the peace without resorting to firearms can be a big challenge for characters, especially in cases where
there is no obvious 'right' answer. A town built on the edge of a reservation or Indian territory would face
clashes between the dispossessed Indians and the settlers from the east.

Going to get the local marshal can also be an adventure especially if the criminals are between the characters
and the nearest civilisation. An isolated village might be at the mercy of a railroad crew trying to drive the
rails through their farmland, or a large rancher with a number of armed cowboys in employ. If the characters
going to fetch the marshal are shot dead in the desert and no one ever finds their bones, is it really a crime?

As a town grew, the townsfolk appointed their own marshal

or sheriff. A respected and capable man was selected from Wanted, Dead or
among the townsfolk, or a famed law dog was brought
in from elsewhere. The cowtowns and boomtowns were
Alive
Bounties were often placed on the heads of especially
especially needful of a strong hand to keep the peace. A
wanted criminals. Some of these bounties were put up
sheriff could choose deputies to aid him.
by the state; others by whatever persons or companies
the criminals had wronged. A bounty usually begins
Court was often relatively informal; only the larger towns
at $50 to $100 dollars, but criminals with a high
had a courthouse and a permanent judge. Hearings were
Reputation can carry a far higher price.
more often held in church halls or even saloons. Many
settlers had a surprisingly good grasp of legal jargon and
Billy the Kid: $500
trivia.
Frank James: $15,000
Jesse James: $10,000
A sheriff s office and town jail were hallmarks of a
community with an established justice system. An

Outlaws &
overflowing Boot Hill (graveyard, originally named after
the one in Dodge City) and hanging tree spoke of one

Rustlers
where the gun held sway.

The Pinkerton detective agency was founded in 1850, and
was heavily involved in intelligence gathering for the Union
during the civil war. After the war, Pinkerton agents rode
shotgun on stagecoaches and railroads as well as hunting
down wanted criminals that could not be captured by local
law enforcement. The Pinkertons pioneered the use of
photographs and other detection methods in the West to
catch criminals.
Characters can also play on the other side of the law.
Holding up trains and stagecoaches is a western clich, but
one well grounded in history. The stagecoach and the train
were vulnerable to attack as they crossed the wilderness
between towns. A band of outlaws with fast horses and a
knowledge of the terrain could ambush a stagecoach as it
travelled, stealing the strongbox and the valuables of the
passengers. One famed thief, Black Bart, was known as the
Po8 for his habit of leaving bad poems when he robbed a

217
 O u t l a w s & R ustlers Adventure Ideas
The characters discover that a bank vault in San Francisco was designed by a man who has since succumbed
WesternAdventuring

to the vices of drink, or perhaps even opium. If the characters can track down the designer, they can find
out if there are any weaknesses or hidden ways into the vault. All they need to do find one drunk out of the
thousands wandering San Francisco's docks and saloons.

A stagecoach carrying a rich cargo is soon to pass through the characters' territory. A trio of famous gunfighters
will be riding shotgun to protect the stage, and a detachment of cavalry is rumoured to be nearby, waiting to
protect the cargo on the next section of its journey. It would be utter suicide to try to steal that cargo then
the characters find out that the stagecoach vanished, that they are being blamed for the theft, and that the
cavalry are coming to get them. The stagecoach has been stolen by the gunfighters guarding it, who hope that
by the time the cavalry kill the player characters; they will have gotten away with the treasure.

A rustler player character is caught by a posse of cowboys, and hung from a tree. Just before he chokes to death
in the noose, he is cut down by a shadowy figure. The character is in no shape to identify his rescuer who
would rescue a common thief, and why?

stagecoach. To dissuade attack, a stagecoach normally had
a guard, riding shotgun alongside the driver.
Trains were robbed when they stopped for water or at
a station, by damaging the rails, or by falsifying signals.
Robbing a train was a far more lucrative, and more
hazardous prospect. In addition to the guards in the mail
car, some rail companies passed out guns to the passengers
to blast away at robbers.
Bank robberies required the thieves to ride into town, but
many towns were wilder than the wilderness. In addition to
the town sheriff and peace officers, most banks employed a
guard or two, especially if they suspected trouble was in the
offing. Player character outlaws should be put up against
such difficult odds; running into town guns blazing will
get them killed, so they must carefully plan their raids,
stake out the bank, arrange distractions for the sheriff, get
the guards drunk and so on.
Games centring on rustling will involve less gunplay than
bank robberies, but are still dangerous rustlers were
lynched without trial out on the range. The best way to
run a rustling game is to draw a map of an area, populate
it with a few ranches, and let the characters run around
freely, looking for a good hiding place, scouting the
ranches, finding buyers for their stolen cattle, and fleeing
from vengeful cowboys.
Railroads &
St a g e c o a c h e s
Railroads were astonishingly successful in the West. They
quickly outstripped every other form of transport and were
a major part of the American economy by the end of the
century, employing nearly five percent of the population.
Irish and Chinese workers employed by the Central
Pacific and Union Pacific laid miles of track every day as
the first transcontinental railroad crossed the continent.
It was completed in 1869.
A train travelled at around 25 miles per hour (although
later, in the 1880s, speeds increased to 40 miles per hour
or more). Most engines pulled about thirty cars in their
train, a mix of passenger cars and cargo. Sleeper cars for
passengers were common, although richer passengers
often had their own luxurious private cars.
At the head of the train, behind the locomotive, was the
express car containing the trains safe the main target of
would-be train robbers. The safe contained money, gold
dust and other valuables, not to mention an expressman
security guard. Robbing a train required stopping it or
getting on board an especially skilled rider could leap
from a galloping horse onto a moving train, but more
commonly a train could be attacked when it was stopped
at a station or to take on water and fuel, or ambushed
by putting a barricade on the track or damaging the rails
ahead of it.
Before the rise of the railroad, the stagecoach was the
primary means of travel and communication between
east and west. Drawn by teams of horses, stagecoaches
rocketed across the deserts and the plains. Every twelve
miles, the coach would stop at a waystation to change
horses and give the passengers on board a break.
War
The West was a violent place, and armed soldiers were
never far away. The major American conflict of the era
was of course the Civil War, but numerous other wars
took place during the 19th century.

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 R a i l r o a d & S t a g e coach Adventure Seeds
Both modes of transport are ideal ways to kick off a campaign involving disparate player characters. Where else
might a gunslinger running from his past, an earnest young doctor out to help the sick and infirm, a recently
freed slave, a miner who wasted his hard-earned money and is now looking for work and a beautiful, fiery young
woman searching for her lost beau all meet up? All the characters are travelling in the same stagecoach or railcar
when some disaster happens, such as the vehicle being attacked or a gunfight breaking out on board. The
characters have to work together, and so become friends.

Speaking of disasters a train offers the chance to run a classic disaster scenario in a western setting. Bridges
could collapse, or a shoddily constructed rail might buckle and bend. Imagine a train that is partially derailed
high above a canyon the locomotive and a few cars run over the edge, but the rest of the train stays jammed in
the rocks above. By some miracle, the whole train stays together. The characters must climb down through the
carriages that are hanging vertically into the chasm, rescuing the survivors and retrieving important documents
from the express car. By the way, the locomotive is on fire and there is a crate of dynamite somewhere in the first
five cars

The construction of the railroads was opposed by many, from Indian tribes to competing stagecoach companies.
To further complicate matters, different railroad companies used different rail gauges, meaning their tracks were
incompatible with each other. Only one rail company could therefore use each route, so the first to make it to a
particular town or pass would have a significant advantage. Every dirty trick and tactic was used to win the rail
race.

W a r A d venture Seeds
A detachment of soldiers come to the area where the characters are currently employed. They are searching for
a band of Indians, who intelligence suggests will soon raid this area. As the weeks drag on, though, there is no
sign of attack, and off-duty soldiers are causing more and more trouble. The characters are asked to tell the
soldiers to move on but what if the army is sent home, and the Indians attack when the area is defenceless?

The characters come upon a wagon in the middle of the trail. The driver is slumped over the reins, the victim
of some slow disease that finally claimed him. The wagon is loaded down with boxes and boxes of ammunition
and rifles. The driver was clearly smuggling weapons, probably stolen from an army fort. If the characters take
the weapons, they may be accused of stealing them; but if they leave them, whose hands will they fall into?

Deserters fleeing the army often travelled west. A group of them take up residence in an abandoned ranch
house. The son of the former rancher arrives in town, and hires the characters to drive the deserters off so he
can claim his inheritance.

In 1812, the United States clashed with the British Empire.

In the south, the United States fought with Mexico over
the status of Texas in 1845, and nearly went to war over
California around the same time. Texas had fought its own
war for independence from Mexico a decade earlier. While
determining the course of such a war or participating in a
pitched battle is somewhat outside the scope of this book,
the wars can provide excellent background for characters.
The Indian wars drove the native tribes off their old
territories and hunting grounds, forcing them onto the
reservations and opening up new land for white settlement.
These wars are more suitable for adventuring, as they were
composed mainly of long-running guerrilla campaigns and
small skirmishes. Scouts were much in demand, to lead
companies of cavalry or infantry up into the hiding places
of the Indians.
Gambling
The fever for gambling in the West was as strong as that for
gold or land. As soon as men started making money, they
started gambling it. Gambling saloons sprang up wherever
there was money (as the railroads spread, gambling houses
were often built into railcars and travelled from place to
place), beginning as rough tents, but quickly transforming
themselves into luxurious and fanciful pleasure palaces.
The games were poker, faro and roulette, although almost
anything could be gambled on, from shooting matches to
jumping grasshoppers. Gambling was a huge industry in
Dodge City at its height, there were a hundred and fifty
professional gamblers in town. Some ran their own games
in the gambling halls, hiring a table from the owner for a
day. Others drifted from game to game, preying on the

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 Faro
The game of faro was believed to be fairer and less corrupt than poker. The rules were simple the faro dealer drew
WesternAdventuring

cards in pairs, and the gambler bet whether or not a specific card would come up. If the chosen card was the first
card of the pair drawn, the player lost. If the chosen card was the second card, the player won. If neither card was
the chosen card, the player could bet again. Drawn cards were placed face-up on the table, so the player could see
what cards were left in the deck and attempt to calculate what was likely to come up. The faro dealer could, with
Sleight of Hand, cheat and arrange cards so the players lost.

Faro cards were drawn from special boxes, usually decorated with a picture of a tiger, hence the game was also
known as bucking the tiger.

G a m b l i ng Adventure Seeds
A big-stakes game can create trouble before anyone even gets near the table all those gamblers carrying all
that money in easily-stealable bags are prime targets for thieves and outlaws. Characters hired to provide
security for a tournament might have to deal with half-a-dozen different gangs of robbers or scam artists.

Curious gambling games can be used for scenarios. For example, an eccentric Russian duke bets the characters'
employer that a band of Indians can easily beat a team of cowboys in a race through a section of badlands. The
characters then find that the team hired by their employer to compete against the Indians have all been killed
by a single assailant armed with a tomahawk. One of the apparently peaceful Creek Indians hired to lose the
race may be an angry and vengeful Apache in disguise and now the characters have to take part in the race
for the honour of their employer.

unfortunate amateur gamblers who were expected to bet

high and lose big.

Professional gamblers, for their part, were quite popular

figures the knights of the green table as one writer put it
and often played on this reputation by giving large sums
to charities or the unfortunate. They were also comparative
chivalrous towards women, and female gamblers were
counted among the best. However, most gamblers were
less than heroic when it came to defending themselves if
an opponent did not lose gracefully, concealed pistols and
knives were the order of the day for solving disputes.

220
 Tables
Feats
Name Prerequisites Benefit
Advanced Two-Weapon Dexterity 13, Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Third Attack with Offhand Weapon
Fighting Two-Weapon Fighting, base attack bonus +11.
Agile Riposte Dexterity 13, Dodge. Get an attack of opportunity against
Dodge target
Alertness +2 to Listen and Spot
Animal Affinity +2 to Handle Animal and Ride
Athletic +2 to Climb and Swim
Blind Fight Reduces darkness penalties
Builder +2 to two Craft skills
Brawler Strength 13 Enemies suffer penalties to Brawl saves
Cautious +2 to Demolitions and Disable Device
Cleave Strength 13, Power Attack Extra attack if you drop target
Combat Expertise Intelligence 13 Increase defence by penalising your
attack
Combat Reflexes Bonus Attacks of Opportunity
Confident +2 to Gamble and Intimidate
Crafter +2 to Repair and Craft
Creative +2 to Perform and Craft
Deceptive +2 to Bluff and Disguise
Dodge Dexterity 13 +1 Defence against nominated target
Educated +2 to two Knowledge skills
Elusive Target Dexterity 13, Martial Arts Use enemies as cover
Endurance +4 bonus to saves against fatigue
Fan Extra pistol attacks
Far Shot Increases range of attacks
Focussed +2 to Balance and Concentration
Great Cleave Strength 13, Power Attack, Cleave, base attack Extra Cleave Attack
bonus +4
Great Fortitude +2 bonus to Fortitude saves
Greater Weapon Focus Proficiency with selected weapon, Weapon +1 to attack rolls with selected weapon
Focus with selected weapon, fighter level 8th.
Greater Weapon Proficiency with selected weapon, Greater +2 to damage with selected weapon
Specialisation Weapon Focus with selected weapon,
Weapon Focus with selected weapon, Weapon
Specialisation with selected weapon.
Improved Aim Wis 13, Longarms Proficiency Bonus to aiming
Improved Bull Rush Strength 13, Power Attack No Attacks of Opportunity for Bull
Rush attempts
Improved Disarm Intelligence 13, Combat Expertise No Attacks of Opportunity for Disarm
attempts
Improved Feint Intelligence 13, Dodge Feint as a move action

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 Improved Initiative +4 to Initiative
Improved Trip Intelligence 13, Combat Expertise No Attacks of Opportunity for Trip
attempts
Improved Two-Weapon Dexterity 13, Two-Weapon Fighting, base Second attack with offhand weapon
Fighting attack bonus +
Iron Will +2 bonus to Will saves
Lightning Reflexes +2 bonus to Reflex saves
Literacy You can read and write
Lucky +2d6 luck
Martial Arts Lethal damage with bare hands
Medical Expert +2 Craft (chemical) and Treat Injury
Meticulous +2 Forgery and Search
Tables

Mobility Dexterity 13, Dodge +4 Defence to avoid Attacks of

Opportunity caused by movement
Mounted Fire Ride 1 rank Halve penalties for mounted movement
Moving Shot Point Blank Shot Reduce penalties for moving fire
Nimble +2 to Escape Artist and Sleight of Hand
Point Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage at close range
Power Attack Strength 13 Increase damage from attacks
Precise Shot Point Blank Shots No penalties for firing into melee
Quick Reload Reduce reload time
Resist Impairment Toughness Reduce impairment by 1
Ride-by Attack Ride 1 rank Make move-by attacks on horseback
Run Increase run speed
Shot on the Run Move-by firearms attacks
Skip Shot Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot Ignore cover
Speak Language Speak an unusual language
Spirited Charge Ride 1 rank, Ride-by Attack Double damage from mounted charge
Spring Attack Dexterity 13, Dodge, Mobility, base attack Move-by melee attacks
bonus +4
Stealthy +2 to Hide and Move Silently
Sunder Strength 13, Power Attack No Attacks of Opportunity for break
item attempts
Surgery Treat Injury 4 ranks You can perform surgery
Toughness +3 hit points
Track Follow a trail
Trample Ride 1 rank Improves overrun attempts
Trustworthy +2 to Diplomacy and Gather
Information
Vehicle Dodge Dexterity 13, Drive 6 ranks, Vehicle Expert
Weapon Finesse Proficient with weapon, base attack bonus +1 Use Dexterity instead of Strength when
attacking with selected weapon
Weapon Focus Proficient with weapon, base attack bonus +1 +1 to attack rolls with selected weapon
Weapon Specialisation Proficiency with selected weapon, Weapon +2 to damage with selected weapon
Focus with selected weapon
Whirlwind Attack Dexterity 13, Intelligence 13, Dodge, Mobility, Hit all adjacent opponents
Spring Attack, Combat Expertise, base attack
bonus +4

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Weapon Proficiency Feats
Name Lets you use
Improved Weapon Anything as a weapon
Simple Weapons Basic weapons such as knives and spears
Martial Weapons Sabres and other military weapons
Indian Weapons Bows and tomahawks
Exotic Weapons A selected exotic weapon
Simple Sidearms Basic, commonly available pistols
Martial Sidearms Military pistols
Exotic Sidearms Unusual variant weapons
Simple Longarms Basic, commonly available rifles and muskets
Martial Longarms Military rifles
Exotic Longarms Unusual variant weapons

Class Talents
Tree Talent Effect
Strong Hero
Extreme Effort Extreme Effort +2 to Strength-based check
Extreme Effort Improved Extreme Effort +4 to Strength-based check
Extreme Effort Advanced Extreme Effort +6 to Strength-based check
Ignore Hardness Ignore Hardness Reduce hardness by 2
Ignore Hardness Improved Ignore Hardness Reduce hardness by 4
Ignore Hardness Advanced Ignore Hardness Reduce hardness by 6
Melee Smash Melee Smash +1 melee or brawling damage
Melee Smash Improved Melee Smash +2 melee or brawling damage
Melee Smash Advanced Melee Smash +3 melee or brawling damage
Fast Hero
Defensive Talent Evasion Half damage from explosions
Defensive Talent Uncanny Dodge Retain Dex bonus when flatfooted
Defensive Talent All-Around Awareness Cannot be flanked
Defensive Talent Defensive Roll Dodge lethal attacks
Increased Speed Increased Speed +5 movement
Increased Speed Improved Increased Speed +10 movement
Increased Speed Advanced Increased Speed +15 movement
Tough Hero
Damage Reduction Damage Reduction 1/- Reduce all damage by 1
Damage Reduction Damage Reduction 2/- Reduce all damage by 2
Damage Reduction Damage Reduction 3/- Reduce all damage by 3
Incredible Health Disease Resistance +4 to saves against Disease
Incredible Health Infection Resistance +4 to saves against Infection
Incredible Health Poison Resistance +4 to saves against Poison
Unbreakable Remain Conscious Keep going after 0 hit points
Unbreakable Robust Gain extra hit points
Unbreakable Stamina Heal quicker
Smart Hero
Research Talent Savant Bonus to chosen Int skill
Research Talent Linguist Understand strange languages
Strategy Talent Exploit Weakness Use Int bonus in combat
Strategy Talent Plan Give bonuses to allies
Strategy Talent Trick Confuse target
Dedicated Hero

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 Empathic Talent Empathy Bonuses to interpersonal skills
Empathic Talent Improved Aid Another Increase aid another bonus
Empathic Talent Intuition Sense trouble
Healing Talent Healing Knack +2 to Treat Injury
Healing Talent Healing Touch 1 Restore +2 damage
Healing Talent Healing Touch 2 Restore +4 damage
Insightful Talent Skill Emphasis +3 to chosen skill
Insightful Talent Aware Bonus to Listen and Spot
Insightful Talent Cool Under Pressure Take 10 on selected skills
Charismatic Hero
Charm Talent Charm Bonus to interaction with opposite gender
Charm Talent Favour Get minor aid
Tables

Charm Talent Captivate Beguile target

Fast Talk Talent Fast Talk Bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy and Gamble
Fast Talk Talent Dazzle Distract target
Fast Talk Talent Taunt Anger target
Leadership Talent Co-ordinate Give bonuses to allies
Leadership Talent Inspiration Inspire allies
Leadership Talent Greater Inspiration Inspire allies even more

Vocation Talents
Tree Talent Effect
Gunslinger
Quick Draw Improved Quick Draw +2 Initiative
Quick Draw Shoot from the Hip Better initiative bonus in quick-draw duel
Quick Draw Twitch Reflex save to fire at same time as enemy
Trick Shooting Improved Skip Shot No penalties for skip shot
Trick Shooting Exact Shot +4 bonus to attacks on Tiny targets
Trick Shooting Between the Eyes Use Exact Shot on Called Shot
Dude
Genuine Dude Connections +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy or Intimidate against
certain officials
Genuine Dude Backing Reset Wealth
Fancy Pants The Latest Style +2 to Bluff, Diplomacy and Profession
Fancy Pants A Confidante of Dame Rumour Use Reputation when Bluffing
Fancy Pants Stylish Attack Substitute Charisma for Dexterity in melee
Mountain Man
Mountain Man Self-sufficiency +4 to Craft, Repair and Treat Injury
Mountain Man Trapper +2 to Craft (traps)
Mountain Man Trust nobody cept yourself Prepare traps
Animal Companion Animal Companion Gain a companion
Animal Companion Enhance Companion Increase companion level
Animal Companion Faithful Friend Summon companion
Miner
Mining Talent Obsessive Work Take 20 quickly
Mining Talent Familiar Tools +2 to attacks with mining tools
Mining Talent Sixth Sense Notice danger
Mining Talent Strike Gain wealth
Lawman
Law Enforcement Demand Aid Get help
Law Enforcement Silver Star +4 to Intimidate against criminals

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Law Enforcement Gets his Man Regain health
Storekeeper
Trader Talent Sociable +2 to Knowledge (local) and Gather
Information
Trader Talent Careful Trading +4 to trading rolls
Trader Talent Ambitions +4 to business rolls
Stableman
Stable Talent Insightful Care +4 insight to horse care
Stable Talent Whip-hand +2 to whip or lasso attacks
Stable Talent Masterful Driver Transfer damage from vehicle
Cowboy
Cowpunching Talent Cowpuncher Grapple Large creatures
Cowpunching Talent Animal Dodge Dodge Large creatures
Cowpunching Talent Lariat Master +2 to lasso attacks
Riding the Range The Long Ride Regain hit points while travelling
Riding the Range Far Range 10% extra distance covered
Riding the Range Life in the Saddle Take 10 on Ride
Scout
Scouting Talent Whisper of the Land Retry Tracking using Listen
Scouting Talent Trailblazer Bonus to Fortitude saves, Drive and Ride in
wilderness
Scouting Talent Stealth +2 to Hide and Move Silently in wilderness
Favoured Horse Animal Companion Gain a companion
Favoured Horse Enhance Companion Companion gains a level
Favoured Horse Faithful Friend Summon companion
Favoured Horse Improved Mount Companion gains a feat
Rustler
Rustling Talent Cause Stampede +4 to cause panic
Rustling Talent Swift Rope +2 to attack rolls with lasso
Rustling Talent Vanish into the Wild Make Tracking harder
Robber
Raiding Talent Improved Intimidate Use Reputation when Intimidating
Rustling Talent Planning the Job Reduce cover
Rustling Talent Overwatch Shoot people who move
Safecracking Improved Demolitions +4 to Demolitions
Safecracking Keen Ear Take 10 on Open Lock
Boatman
Boatmans Talent Confined Spaces +1 to Defence in confined areas
Boatmans Talent Knock Overboard Knock back opponents in brawl
Bartender
Tending Bar Duck Behind the Bar Take cover as free action
Tending Bar Talkin About It Bonuses when extracting info from drunks
Tending Bar Know Everything That Goes On Automatically hear rumours
In Town
Settler
Settler Talent Leisure Time Gain talent from any vocation
Settler Talent Unrecognised Talent Gain talent from new vocation
Settler Talent Recover from Injury Adapt to injury
Settler Talent Retire Leave game
Soiled Dove
Soiled Dove Talent Pillow Talk +4 to Sense Motive and Gather Information
Soiled Dove Talent Inspire Transfer luck

225
 Soiled Dove Talent Rose of the Prairie Men cannot attack you
Tenderfoot
Tenderfoot Talent Unrecognised Talent Gain talent from new vocation
Tenderfoot Talent Beginners Luck Gain luck points
Trooper
Cavalry Improved Mounted Charge Halve penalties for firing from horseback
Cavalry Sound the Charge +2 bonus to attacks and Defence when
charging
Cavalry In the Nick of Time +2 bonus to skills when searching
Infantry Veteran +1 bonus to ranged attacks
Infantry Through the smoke Reduce concealment
Infantry Indomitable Endurance Reduce impairment penalty
Tables

Soldiering Corporal Bonuses to Plan talent

Soldiering Captain Use Reputation for Charisma
Soldiering General Request Aid from army
Journalist
Power of the Press Reputation Bonus Increase Reputation of target
Power of the Press Moral Outrage Inspire emotions
Investigative Talent Hard-hitting Questions Force target to fail Bluffs
Investigative Talent Pursuit of the Story +2 bonus to skills when investigating
Preacher
Preacher Talent Blessing Transfer luck points
Preacher Talent Moral Outrage Inspire emotions
Preacher Talent Righteous Anger +2 to Will and Concentration
Gambler
Gambling Talent Poker Face Bonus to Bluff checks
Gambling Talent Devils Luck +2d6 luck points for gambling
Gambling Talent Detect Mark Notice those vulnerable to gambling
Doctor
Sawbones Talent Improved Surgery +4 to surgery rolls
Sawbones Talent Improved Care Patients regain more hit points
Sawbones Talent Get Back on your Feet Cure ability score damage

Wound Value Wound Type Effects

0-4 Scratch None
5-8 Deep Bleed 1/round, Impairment 2, Infection, Extra Damage +2
9-12 Serious Bleed 2/round, Impairment 4, Infection, Surgery, Extra Damage
+4
12+ Mortal Bleed 4/round, Impairment 8, Infection, Surgery, Extra Damage
+8

Hit Location
Scratch or 7 Chest Chest Chest
Roll Deep Serious Mortal 8 Right Leg Chest Chest
2 Left Hand Stomach Stomach 9 Right Leg Right Chest
3 Left Shoulder Left Leg Stomach Shoulder
4 Left Arm Left Arm Stomach 10 Right Arm Right Arm Head
5 Left Leg Left Chest 11 Right Shoulder Right Leg Head
Shoulder 12 Right Hand Head Head
6 Left Leg Chest Chest

226
Location Impairment Effects
Location Skills Impaired Ability Score Impaired Actions Impaired
Hand Climb, Craft, Demolitions, Disable Device, Dexterity when Ranged Attacks
Drive, Repair, Sleight of Hand manipulating
Arm Climb, Craft, Drive, Sleight of Hand, - Melee Attacks
Swim
Shoulder Climb, Craft, Drive, Swim Strength All Attacks
Leg Balance, Jump, Move Silently, Swim, Dexterity when moving Movement, Defence Value
Tumble
Stomach Climb, Drive, Jump, Ride, Swim Con -
Chest Climb, Swim - -
Head Listen, Spot - All

Balance Check DCs

Narrow Surface DC* Difficult Surface DC 10 A surface with sizable ledges to hold on to
712 in. wide 10 Uneven or angled 10 and stand on, such as a rugged cliff face.
26 in. wide 15 Slippery surface 10 15 Any surface with adequate handholds and
Less than 2 in. 20 Damaging surface +5 footholds (natural or artificial), such as a
wide rough natural rock surface or a tree, or a
*Add +5 to the DC if the narrow surface is slippery or chain-link fence. An un-knotted rope.
angled; add +10 if it is both slippery and angled. Pulling yourself up when dangling by your
hands.
20 An uneven surface with just a few narrow
Bluff Checks handholds and footholds, such as a coarse
masonry wall or a sheer cliff face with a few
Sense Motive Example Circumstances
crevices and small toeholds.
Modifier
25 A rough surface with no real handholds or
The target wants to believe the character (I 5
footholds, such as a brick wall.
knew there was gold in those hills).
25 Overhang or ceiling with handholds but
The bluff is believable and does not affect +0
no footholds.
the target much one way or the other (so,
A perfectly smooth, flat, vertical surface
theres a war party of Cheyenne down the
cannot be climbed.
trail? Ill take the left fork instead).
Modifiers Condition
The bluff is a little hard to believe or puts +5
the target at some kind of risk. (Ill let you 10* Climbing inside a chimney or other
take my horse so you can warn the fort, but location where one can brace against two
only if you swear to come back with it right opposite walls (reduces normal DC by
after.) 10).
The bluff is hard to believe or entails a +10 5* Climbing a corner where a character can
large risk for the target (They hung someone brace against perpendicular walls (reduces
else for the robbery, so now I can go back to normal DC by 5).
town?) +5* Surface is slippery (increases normal DC
The bluff is way out there; it is almost too +20 by 5).
*These modifiers are cumulative; use any that apply.
incredible to consider. (Whadya mean,
mechanical men?)

Climb Checks
DC Example Wall or Surface or Task
0 A slope too steep to walk up.
5 A knotted rope with a wall to brace
against.
10 A rope with a wall to brace against. A
knotted rope.

227
 Concentration DCs Moderate (chloroform) 20 12 hr.
Distraction Complex (dynamite) 25 24 hr.
DC
Damaged during the action * 10 + damage
dealt Craft (gunsmithing) (Int)
Taking continuous damage during 10 + half of Type of Gunsmithing
the action ** continuous (Examples) Craft DC Time
damage last Simple (Cast bullets) 10 4 hr.
dealt Moderate (pistol, rifle) 20 8 hr.
Vigorous motion (bouncy vehicle 10 Complex (machine gun) 30 48 hr.
ride, small boat in rough water,
below decks in a storm-tossed
ship, riding a horse)
Tables

Craft (mechanical) (Int) Trained Only

Type of Scratch-Built
Violent motion (very rough 15
Mechanical Device (Examples) Craft DC Time
vehicle ride, small boat in rapids,
on deck of storm-tossed ship, Simple (tripwire) 15 1 hr
galloping horse) Moderate (mechanical clock) 20 12 hr.
Extraordinarily violent motion 20 Complex (steam engine) 25 24 hr.
(earthquake)
Entangled in net or snare 15
Grappling or pinned 20 Craft (structural) (Int)
Weather is a high wind carrying 5 Type of Scratch-Built
blinding rain or sleet Structure (Examples) Craft DC Time
Weather is wind-driven hail, dust, 10 Simple (bookcase, false wall) 10 12 hr.
or debris Moderate (shed, stable) 15 24 hr.
* Such as an activity that requires more than a single
Complex (house) 25 120 hr.
full-round action. Also from an attack of opportunity or
readied attack made in response to the action being taken
(for activities requiring no more than a full-round action).
** Such as from catching on fire. Craft (traps) (Int) Trained Only
Type of Trap Craft
(Examples) DC Time Damage
Craft (blacksmithing) (Int) Trained Only Simple (tripwire, 10 1 hr Entangle
Type of Blacksmithing snare)
(Examples) Craft DC Time Moderate (concealed 15 3 hr. 1d6
Simple (batch of nails) 10 1 hr. pit, bear trap)
Moderate (horseshoes, 20 12 hr Complex (lethal 20 6 hr. By weapon
hunting knife) boobytrap) used
Complex (steam engine parts, 25 24 hr
rapier, sabre)
Craft (woodworking) (Int)
Type of Woodworking Craft
Craft (bowmaking) (Int) Trained Only (Examples) DC Time
Type of Bowmaking (Examples) Craft DC Time Just whittlin away, 5 Until Judgement
Simple (arrow) 15 1 hr. biding my time Day
Moderate (normal bow) 20 12 hr. Simple (planks of 10 4 hr.
lumber)
Complex (masterwork bow) 25 24 hr.
Moderate (rifle stock, 15 8 hr.
coffin)
Complex (artistic 25 24 hr.
Craft (chemical) (Int) Trained Only
carving)
Type of Chemistry (Examples) Craft DC Time
Simple (acid, gunpowder, 15 1 hr.
disinfectant)

228
Craft (writing) (Int) Familiarity Bonus
Skill Check Result Effort Achieved Recognises on sight +4
9 or lower Untalented amateur Friend or associate +6
1019 Talented amateur Close friend +8
2024 Professional Intimate +10
2530 Expert
31 or higher Master
Escape Artist (Dex) Armour Penalty
Restraint DC of Escape Check
Diplomacy (Cha) Ropes Opponents Dex check +20
Attitude Means Possible Actions Net 20
Hostile Will take risks Attack, interfere, Leg Irons 25
to hurt or avoid berate, flee Handcuffs 35
you Tight space 30
Unfriendly Wishes you ill Mislead, gossip, avoid, Grappler Opponents grapple check
watch suspiciously,
insult
Indifferent Does not care Act as socially Forgery (Int) Some Trained Only
much expected
Check Examination
Friendly Wishes you well Chat, advise, offer Document Type Modifier Time
limited help, advocate
Simple (letter) +0 10 min.
Helpful Will take risks Protect, back up, heal,
to help you aid
Moderate (claim, -2 20 min.
business form)
Difficulty Table for Diplomacy Checks Complex (stock -4 1 hr.
Initial New Attitude certificate, legal
Attitude Hostile Unf. Indif. Friendly Helpful document)
Hostile 19 or 20 25 35 45 Difficult (passport) -8 4 hr.
less
Unfriendly 4 or 5 15 25 35
less Extreme (Banknote) -16 4 hr.
Indifferent 0 or 1 15 25
less
Friendly 0 or 1 15 Familiarity* Modifier
less Unfamiliar (seen once for less than a -4
minute)
Fairly familiar (seen for several minutes) +0
Disable Device (Int) Trained Only
Lock Type (Example) DC Quite familiar (on hand, or studied at +4
Cheap (house) 20 leisure)
Average (sheriff s office) 25 Forger has produced other documents of +4
High quality (bank) 30 same type
Document includes specific signature -4

*: Use all modifiers that apply from this list.

Disguise (Cha)
Disguise Modifier
Examiners Condition Modifier
Minor details only +5
Type of document unknown to examiner 4
Appropriate uniform or costume +2
Type of document somewhat known to 2
Disguised as different sex 2
examiner
Disguised as different age category 2 *
Type of document well known to +0
* Per step of difference between the characters age category
examiner
and the disguised age category (child, young adult, adult,
middle age, old, or venerable).

229
 Document is put through additional tests +4 High Jump High Jump
* Distance DC * Distance DC *
Examiner only casually reviews the 2 1 foot 6 5 feet 22
document * 2 feet 10 6 feet 26
* Cumulative with any of the first three conditions on the 3 feet 14 7 feet 30
table. Apply this modifier along with one of the other 4 feet 18 8 feet 34
three whenever appropriate. * Requires a 20-foot move. Without a running start,
double the DC.

Gather Information (Cha) Creature Size Maximum Height

Type of Information DC Purchase DC Colossal 128 ft.
General 10 5 Gargantuan 64 ft.
Tables

Specific 15 10 Huge 32 ft.

Restricted 20 15 Large 16 ft.
Protected 25 20 Medium-size 8 ft.
Small 4 ft.
Tiny 2 ft.
Handle Animal (Cha; Trained Only) Diminutive 1 ft.
Task Handle Animal DC Fine 0.5 ft.
Handle an animal 10
Push an animal 25
Teach an animal a trick 15 or 201 Listen (Wis)
Train an animal for a general 15 or 201 DC Sound
purpose 10 A battle
Rear a wild animal 15 + HD of animal 0 People talking
1
See the specific trick or purpose below. 10 An unarmoured person walking at a slow pace,
trying not to make any noise
General Purpose DC General Purpose DC 15 A 1st-level Fast hero sneaking up on someone *
Combat riding 20 Hunting 20 20 A mountain lion stalking prey *
Fighting 20 Performance 15 30 A bird flying through the air
Guarding 20 Riding 15 +5 Listening through a door
Heavy labour 15 +15 Listening through a solid wall
* This is actually an opposed check; the DC given is a
typical Move Silently check result for such a character or
creature.
Hide (Dex) Armour Penalty
Size Modifier
Condition Check Penalty
Small +4
Per 10 feet of distance 1
Medium +0
Listener distracted 5
Large -4

Cover or Concealment Circumstance Bonus

Perform (Cha)
Three-quarters +5
Result Performance
Nine-tenths +10
10 Amateur performance. Audience may
appreciate your performance, but is not
impressed.
Jump (Str) Armour Penalty
15 Routine performance. Audience enjoys your
Long Jump Long Jump performance, but it is not exceptional.
Distance DC * Distance DC * 20 Great performance. Audience highly
5 feet 10 20 feet 25 impressed.
10 feet 15 25 feet 30 25 Memorable performance. Audience
15 feet 20 30 feet 35 enthusiastic.
* Requires a 20-foot move. Without a 20-foot move, 30 Masterful performance. Audience awed.
double the DC.

230
Search (Int) 15 Gain a +2 circumstance bonus on Fortitude
DC Task saves against severe weather while moving up to
10 Ransack an area to find a certain object. half the characters overland speed, or gain a +4
20 Notice a typical secret compartment, a simple circumstance bonus if stationary. The character
trap, or an obscure clue. may grant the same bonus to one other character
25+ Find a complex or well-hidden secret for every 1 point by which the characters check
compartment or trap; notice an extremely result exceeds 15.
obscure clue. 18 Avoid getting lost and avoid natural hazards such
as alkali flats, prairie fires and so on.
Survival (Wis)
DC Task
Treat Injury (Wis)
10 Get along in the wild. Move up to half the
characters overland speed while hunting and Bleed Before Stem Bleeding Bleed After
foraging (no food or water supplies needed). None None
The character can provide food and water for 1/round 1/day
one other person for every 2 points by which the 2/round 1/hour
characters check result exceeds 10. 4/round 1/minute
Tumble (Dex) Trained Only; Armour Penalty

231
 Index
A Between the Eyes 29 Catching on Fire 104
Billy the Kid 183 Cattle Drives 214
Ability Damaged 102 Biter 151 Cause Stampede 35
Index

Ability Drained 103 Blacksmith 163 Cautious 71

Adams Improved 90 Blanket 84 Cavalry Ofcer 171
Adams Service 90 Blessing 41 Cavalry Talent Tree 39
Adams Single Action 90 Blind-Fight 71 Cemetery 163
Advanced Two-Weapon Fighting 70 Blinded 103 Charge 128
Advancement 27 Bluff 47 Charger 151
Adventure Design 202 Boatman 36 Charismatic Hero 22
Age 26 Boatmans Talent Tree 36 Charisma (CHA) 7
Agile Riposte 70 Boots 83 Charm Talent Tree 23
Aging Effects 26 Bordello 163 Chases 115
Aiding Another 45 Bottle of Burning Booze 96 Chasing Trains 115
Aid Another 136 Bow 94 Checks without Rolls 45
Alertness 70 Bowie Knife 96 Cherokee 174
Ambitions 33 Branding Iron 84 Chest 81
Ammo bandolier 85 Brass Knuckles 96 Cheyenne 173
Ammunition Types 84 Brave 178 Chickasaw 174
Amputees 107 Brave Warrior Talent Tree 178 Chief 180
Animal Abilities 158 Brawler 71 Chieftain Talent Tree 180
Animal Afnity 70 Brawling & Unarmed Combat 139 Choctaw 174
Animal Companion 31, 35 Breaking Objects 138 Chuckwagon 87
Animal Companion Talent Tree 31 Buffalo 156 Church 164
Apache 172 Buffalo/Trapping 162 Cleave 71
Armourer 163 Buffalo Bill Cody 184 Climb 48
Athletic 70 Buggy 87 Clothier 164
Attacks of Opportunity 131 Builder 71 Club 96
Attack Action 124 Bull Rush 140 Coat 83
Attack Bonus 119 Burnside Carbine 91 Cochise 186
Attack Roll 119 Businesses 111 Colt Army 90
Attack Roll Modiers 132 Business suit 83 Colt Buntline Special 90
A Condante of Dame Rumour 31 Colt Cavalry 90
C Colt Lightning 90
B Colt Navy 90
Called Shots 141
Backing 30 Colt Peacemaker 90
Campaign Design 198
Balance 46 Colt Revolving Rie 91
Campaign Structures 200
Bandanna 83 Colt Revolving Shotgun 92
Cannon 94
Banjo 85 Colt Shopkeeper 90
Canteen 84
Bank 163 Colt Stagecoach Shotgun 93
Captain 40
Barber 163 Colt Thunderer 90
Careful Trading 33
Barrel 81 Comanche 173
Carrying Capacity 98, 99
Bartender 37 Combat Expertise 72
Carrying Loads 99
Bedroll 84 Combat Modiers 132
Cashing Out 112
Beginners Luck 39 Combat Reexes 72
Casual wear 83
Beginners Luck 147 Combat Round 123

232
Compass 84 Demand Aid 32 F
Concealing a Weapon 117 Demolitions 52
Concealment 134 Dentist 164 Faithful Friend 31, 35
Concentration 49 Deputy 171 Falling 105
Conestoga Wagon 87 Detect Mark 42 Falling Objects 105
Condent 72 Devils Luck 42 False-Front Buildings 163
Conned Spaces 36 Dexterity (DEX) 6 Familiar Tools 32
Connections 30 Dexterity Modier 119, 120 Fan 73
Constitution (CON) 6 Difculty Class Examples 43 Fancy Pants Talent Tree 30
Corporal 40 Diplomacy 53 Faro 220
Corral 164 Disabled 103 Far Range 34
Counting Coup 176 Disable Device 54 Far Shot 73
Coup de Grace 134 Disarm 141 Fast 151
Courthouse 164 Diseases 108 Fast-Talk Talent Tree 24
Cover 133 Disguise 54 Fast Hero 14
Cowboy 34, 168 Distillery 164 Fatigued 104
Cowering 103 Distinctive 151 Fatigue and Mounts 155
Cowpunching Talent Tree 34 Doctor 42, 170 Favourable and Unfavourable Condi-
Cowtowns and Boomtowns 215 Doctors Bag 83 tions 44
Cow Town 162 Doc Holliday 188 Favoured Horse Talent Tree 35
Coyote 156 Dodge 72 Feats 70
Craft 49 Dog 156 Fighting Defensively 126
Crafter 72 Donkey 152 Firing Actions 88
Craft (blacksmithing) 50 Dreyse Needle Gun 91 Five Civilised Tribes 174
Craft (bowmaking) 50 Drinking 116 Flat-Footed 104
Craft (chemical) 50 Drive 55 Focused 73
Craft (gunsmithing) 50 Drowning 105 Forgery 56
Craft (mechanical) 50 Drugstore 164 Forgery kit 83
Craft (structural) 51 Dry Goods 164 Formal dress 83
Craft (traps) 51 Duck Behind The Bar 37 49er 170
Craft (woodworking) 51 Dude 30 Free Action 124
Craft (writing) 52 Dying 103 Full-Round Action 124
Creative 72 Dynamite 95 Full Attack 129
Creek 174 Fur Companies 210
Critical Hits 120 E
Cutting Out 151
G
Easy Ride 151
Educated 72 Gaining Luck 149
D Gamble 57
Effects of Reputation 109
Damage 119 Elusive Target 72 Gambler 41
Damage from Falling Objects 105 Empathic Talent Tree 21 Gambling 116, 219
Damage Reduction Talent Tree 17 Endurance 73 Gambling Den 164
Dance Hall 164 Enhance Companion 31, 35 Gambling Talent Tree 41
Dazed 103 Entangled 103 Gather Information 57
Dead 103 Escape Artist 55 Gatling Gun 94
Deafened 103 Established 162 General or Major 40
Deane-Adams 90 Evasion and Pursuit 102 General Store 164
Deane-Adams Pocket 90 Exact Shot 29 General Store Owner 169
Deceptive 72 Example Opposed Checks 44 General Terms 208
Decipher Script 52 Exhausted 103 Genuine Dude Talent Tree 30
Deck of Cards 85 Exotic Longarm Prociency 80 Gets His Man 32
Dedicated Hero 20 Exotic Sidearms Prociency 80 Get Back On Your Feet 42
Defence Modiers 132 Exotic Weapons Prociency 80 Grabbing Objects 142
Defence Value 120 Expert Rider Talent Tree 179 Grapple 142
Defensive Talent Tree 15 Explosives 136 Grappled 104
Delay 135 Extreme Effort Talent Tree 13 Grapple Modiers 142
Delaying Limits 135 Greater Weapon Focus 73
Greater Weapon Specialisation 73

233
 Great Cleave 73
Great Fortitude 73
Grizzly Bear 156
Group Structures 197
Gunpowder Keg 96
Guns 117
Gunslinger 29
Gun cleaning kit 85
H Indomitable Endurance 40
Hampered Movement 101
Handcuffs 83
Handle Animal 58
Hard-hitting Questions 40
Index
Hardware 165
Harmonica 85
Hartford Cowboy Shotgun 93
Hat 83
Hatchet 97
Hawken Plains Rie 91
Headstrong 151
Healing Talent Tree 22
Heat and Cold 104
Heavy-Footed 151
Heavy Coat 97
Helpless 104
Helpless Defenders 134
Henry Rie 91
Hide 60
High Jumper 152
Hit Location 127
Hit Locations 127
Hit Points 121
Holster 85
Horse, Heavy 154
Horse, Light 154
Horse Feats 151
Horse feed 85
Hotel 165
Hunter 180
Hunter Talent Tree 180
I Law Enforcement Talent Tree 32
Ignore Hardness Talent Tree 14
Improved Aim 74
Improved Bull Rush 74
Improved Care 42
Improved Demolitions 36
Improved Disarm 74
Improved Feint 74
Improved Initiative 74
Improved Intimidate 36
Improved Mount 35
Improved Mounted Combat 39
Improved Quick Draw 29
Improved Skip Shot 29
234
Improved Surgery 42 Loyal 152
Improved Trip 74 Luck 26, 147
Improved Two-Weapon Fighting 74 Lucky 74
Improvised Weapons Prociency 79
Increased Speed Talent Tree 16 M
Incredible Health Talent Tree 18 Mississippi Rie 91
Indian Agents 178 Martial Arts 75
Indian Trade Musket 91 Martial Longarms Prociency 80
Indian Weapons Prociency 80 Martial Sidearms Prociency 80
Martial Weapons Prociency 80
Infantry Talent Tree 39 Mechanical tool kit 84
Infection 107 Medical Expert 75
Initiative 121 Melee Attacks 126
Injuries, Wounds and Infection 107 Melee Smash Talent Tree 14
Insightful Care 33 Metal Breastplate 97
Inspire 38 Meteor double-barrelled Street How-
Intelligence (INT) 6 itzer 93
Intimidate 60 Meticulous 75
Investigative Talent Tree 40 Miner 32
In The Nick Of Time 39 Minimum Weapon Damage 120
Iron Will 74 Mining 211
J Mining Talent Tree 32
Mining Terms 208
Journalist 40 Mining Town 161
Judge Roy Bean 189 Misres 120
Jump 61 Mobility 75
Moral Outrage 40, 41
K Mountain Man 31
Keen Ear 36 Mountain Man & Hunter Terms 208
Kicker 152 Mountain Man Talent Tree 31
Kiowa 174 Mounted Combat 145
Kit Carson 189 Mounted Fire 75
Knock Overboard 36 Mounts and Vehicles 101
Knowledge 62 Movement 99
Know Everything That Goes On In Movement and Distance 101
Town 37 Movement and Position 131
Move Action 124
L Move Silently 64
Moving Shot 75
Lamp oil 85 Mule 154
Lasso 94 Multiclass Characters 27
Lawman 32 Multiplying Damage 120
Leadership Talent Tree 25 N
Leather chap 83
Leisure Time 38 Nauseated 104
Level Dependant Benets 12 Navaho 174
Le Faucheux 90 Nervous 152
Life in the Saddle 34 Newspaper 85, 165
Lightning Reexes 74 Nez Perce 174
Light Sources and Illumination 102 Nimble 75
Light Wagon (Buckboard) 86
O
Listen 63
Literacy 26, 74 Obsessive Work 32
Location Impairment Effects 127 Oil lamp 84
Lockpick set 83 Ornery 152
Outlaw 171
Outlaws & Rustlers 217 Repair 64 Shaken 104
Overrun 140 Repairing Objects 139 Shaman 180
Overwatch 36 Reputation 26, 108 Shaman Talent Tree 180
Reputation Bonus Size 109 Sharps Big 50 91
P Reputation Boost 40 Sharps Buffalo Gun 91
Paiute 175 Research Talent Tree 18 Sharps Carbine 91
Panicked 104 Resist Impairment 76 Sharps Derringer 90
Paralysed 104 Restaurant 165 Sharps Rie 91
Paterson Colt 90 Restore Hit Points 107 Shawnee 175
Perform 64 Retire 38 Sheriff 171
Piano 85 Ride 65 Sheriffs Ofce/Jail 166
Pick 85 Ride-by Attack 76 Shootouts 209
Pillow Talk 38 Riding the Range Talent Tree 34 Shoot from the Hip 29
Pinned 104 Rie cover 85 Shot on the Run 76
Pistol belt 85 Righteous Anger 41 Shovel 84
Planning the Job 36 Robber 36 Sickly 152
Point Blank Shot 75 Rope 84 Silver Star 32
Poker Face 41 Rose of the Prairie 38 Simple Longarms Prociency 80
Pony 155 Run 76, 129 Simple Sidearms Prociency 80
Post Ofce 165 Running an Outt 112 Simple Weapons Prociency 80
Power Attack 75 Running a Business 110 Sioux Nation 175
Power of the Press Talent Tree 40 Rustler 35 Sitting Bull 191
Preacher 40 Rustling Talent Tree 35 Sixth Sense 32
Precise Shot 75 Size Modier 119, 120
S Skill Focus 76
Profession 64
Prone 104 Squirrel Rie 91 Skip Shot 76
Pueblo 175 S&W American 90 Skittish 152
Puma 157 Sabre 97 Sleight of Hand 66
Pursuit of the Story 40 Sack 81 Sliding Down The Bar 143
Sacred Pipe 176 Slocum Pocket Arm 90
Q Saddle 84 Slow 152
Saddle, Masterwork 84 Small Furry Animal 159
Quickdraw Duels 122 Small Knife 96
Quick Draw Talent Tree 29 Saddlebag 81
Saddlemaker 166 Smart 152
Quick Reload 75 Smart Hero 18
Quirks 149 Safecracking Talent Tree 36
Saloon 166 Smith & Wesson no.2 90
Saloon Owner 170 Smoke 105
R Snap Shot 76
Savage Navy 90
Raiding Talent Tree 36 Saving Throws 121 Sociable 33
Rail 162 Saw 84 Soiled Dove 38
Railroads & Stagecoaches 218 Sawbones Talent Tree 42 Soiled Dove Talent Tree 38
Ranching Terms 207 Scalping 176 Soldiering Talent Tree 40
Ranch Boss 169 Schoeld S&W Frontier 90 Sound the Charge 39
Random Height and Weight 26 Schoolhouse 166 Speak Language 76
Ranged Attacks 125 Schooner Wagon 87 Spear 94
Range Penalty 119 Scorpion 157 Speed 121
Rattlesnake 157 Scorpion Swarm 158 Spencer Carbine 91
Rat Swarm 159 Scout 34 Spencer Slide-Action Shotgun 93
Ready 135 Scouting Talent Tree 34 Spirited Charge 77
Readying an Action 135 Search 65 Spot 67
Recovering from Impairment 106 Self-sufciency 31 Springeld Carbine 91
Recover from Injury 38 Seminole 174 Springeld Trapdoor Shotgun 93
Reload 144 Sense Motive 66 Spring Attack 77
Remington-Elliot 90 Settlement 161 Spurs 83
Remington Army 90 Settler 37, 169 Stable 104, 152, 166
Remington Rolling Block 91 Settler Talent Tree 38 Stableman 33
Stable Talent Tree 33

235
 Stagecoach 87 Through the Smoke 39 US Musket, mod.1842 91
Stagecoach Terms 208 Throwing Hatchet 94 Ute 176
Stage Station 166 Throwing Knife 94
Starr Army 90 Thrown Through A Window 143 V
Starr Carbine 91 Timeline of the West 2 Vanish into the Wild 36
Starvation and Thirst 105 Time and Skill Checks 45 Vehicle Combat 146
Steady 152 Tobacco 85 Vehicle Dodge 78
Stealth 34 Total Defence 126 Vehicle Speeds 146
Stealthy 77 Touch Attacks 121 Veteran 39
Steer 160 Toughness 77 Violin 85
Storekeeper 32 Tough Hero 16 Vision Quests 177
Strangulation 144 Town Hall 167 Volcanic Rocket-Ball Carbine 91
Strategy Talent Tree 20 Town Layout 161
Strength (STR) 6 Track 77 W
Index

Strength Bonus 120 Trader Talent Tree 33

Strength Modier 119 Trading 81 Wagon Trains & Settlers 212
Strike 32 Trading Post 167 Walch Navy 90
Strike an Object 137 Trading Posts 178 Walker-Colt Dragoon 90
Strongbox 81 Trailblazer 34 Wanted, Dead or Alive 217
Strong Hero 13 Trail rations 85 War 218
Stunned 104 Train Station 167 Wealth and Purchasing 110
Stylish Attack 31 Trample 78 Wealth Category 110
Sunder 77 Tranter 90 Weapon Finesse 78
Sun Dance 177 Tranter Army 90 Weapon Focus 78
Surgery 77, 166 Trap 84 Weapon Prociencies 79
Surprise 122 Trapper 31 Weapon Specialisation 79
Survival 67 Trapping & Buffalo Hunting 210 Webley Army 90
Swarm 159 Treat Injury 68 Webley Bulldog 90
Swift Rope 35 Trick Shooting Talent Tree 29 Western Characters 195
Swim 68 Trip 141 Western Language 207
Trooper 39 Western Themes 194
T Trustworthy 78 Whip 94
Trust nobody cept yourself 31 Whip-hand 33
Trapdoor Springeld Carbine 91 Whirlwind Attack 79
Talkin About It 37 Trying Again 44
Tumble 69 Whisper of the Land 34
Telegrams 165 Wild 152
Telescope 84 Twitch 29
Two-Weapon Fighting 78 Wild Bill Hickok 192
Telescopic Sight 85 Winchester 1-in-1000 91
Tenderfoot 38 Two-Weapon Fighting Penalties 129
Winchester 76 91
Tenderfoot Talent Tree 38 U Winchester Yellow Boy 91
Tending Bar Talent Tree 37 Winchester Lever Action Shotgun 93
Tent 84 Unbreakable Talent Tree 18 Winchester Rie 91
Terrain and Overland Movement 101 Unbroken 152 Wisdom (WIS) 6
Theatre 166 Unconscious 104 Withdraw 130
The Cinematic Game 206 Undertaker 167 Wolf 160
The latest style 31 Uniform 83 Wolverine 160
The Law 216 Unrecognised Talent 38 Wooden Breastplate 97
The Long Ride 34 Untrained Skill Checks 44 Wounds 126
the Sundance Kid 185 Use Feat, Skill or Special Ability 130

OGL WILD WEST

236
 Ability Ability Temp. Temp. Base Ability Misc. Misc. Misc. Misc.
Score Modifier Score Modifier Save Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier
ST R F o rt
Strength CON

DEX Ref
Dexterity DEX

C ON Will
Constitution WIS

IN T
Intelligence Current Maximum Temp. Subdual Hit Dice Misc.

H I T PO I N T S
W IS
Wisdom

CH A WOUND S
Charisma

Base Strength Size Misc. Misc. Misc. Misc. Misc. Temp.

Total Attack Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier
M E LE E = + + + + + + + +
Attack Bonus
Total Attack
Weapon Bonus Damage Critical Range Type Size Weight Notes

Base Dexterity Size Misc. Misc. Misc. Misc. Misc. Temp.

Total Attack Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier
R A N GE D = + + + + + + + +
Attack Bonus
Total Attack
Weapon Bonus Damage Critical Range R.O.F Mag Size Weight Restriction

Misc. Misc.
Total Modifier Modifier
INITIATIVE LU C K REP
= +

Base Dexterity Size Armour Misc. Misc. Misc. Misc.

Total Bonus Modifier Modifier Bonus Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier
D E F E N CE
Value
= + + + + + + + + 10
Armour Notes DV when Touch Max Dex. Armour
Flat-Footed Attacks Bonus Penalty

237
 Key Cross Modifiers
S k ill N a m e Ability Class Total Ability Ranks Misc.
Balance DEX
Bluff CHA
Climb STR
Concentration CON
Craft ( ) INT
Craft ( ) INT
Decipher Script INT
Demolitions INT
Diplomacy CHA
Index

Disable Device DEX

Disguise CHA
Drive DEX
Escape Artist DEX
Forgery INT
Gamble WIS
Gather Information CHA
Handle Animal CHA
Hide DEX
Intimidate CHA/STR
Jump STR
Knowledge ( ) INT
Knowledge ( ) INT
Knowledge ( ) INT
Knowledge ( ) INT
Listen WIS
Move Silently DEX
Perform ( ) CHA
Profession ( ) WIS
Repair INT
Ride DEX
Search INT
Sleight of Hand DEX
Spot WIS
Survival WIS
Swim STR
Treat Injury WIS
Tumble DEX
Use Rope DEX
These Skills may be used with 0 ranks.
Armour check penalties apply to these skills. Total Skill Points

Maximum Skill Ranks Maximum X-Class Skill Ranks

(Level + 3) ((Level + 3)2)

238
Player: EQUIPMENT
Cha ra c t e r :
Le v e l : Class:
Occupation:
Group:
Ge n d e r :
Age: Hair:
Eyes: Hand ed :
Height: Weight:

F E A TS DESCRIPTION

C LA S S A B I L I T Y DESCRIP T IO N

MOUNT Name: FAMILIAR N

Creature: Creature:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX C

Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier Modifier M

LA N G U A G E S
Fort Reflex Will Fort R
Save Save Save Save

HIT INITIATIVE HIT

Points Points
Hit Dice: Bonus: Hit Dice:
Speed: Speed:
DV: AC:
Attacks: Attacks:
NOT ES Space/Reach: Space/Reach:
Skills: Skills:

Feats: Feats:

Special Abilities: Special Abilities:

MOUNT
239
Name: COMPANION N
Creature: Creature:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX C
 OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a
The following text is the property of Wizards of the
Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the
Coast, Inc (Wizards). All Rights Reserved.
1. Denitions: (a)Contributors means the copyright
and/or trademark owners who have contributed
Open Game Content; (b)Derivative Material means
copyrighted material including derivative works and
translations (including into other computer languages),
potation, modication, correction, addition, extension,
upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or
other form in which an existing work may be recast,
transformed or adapted; (c) Distribute means
to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast,
publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute;
(d)Open Game Content means the game mechanic
and includes the methods, procedures, processes and
Index
routines to the extent such content does not embody
the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the
prior art and any additional content clearly identied
as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and
means any work covered by this License, including
translations and derivative works under copyright law,
but specically excludes Product Identity. (e) Product
Identity means product and product line names, logos
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elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork,
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personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special
abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures,
equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects,
logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other
trademark or registered trademark clearly identied
as Product identity by the owner of the Product
Identity, and which specically excludes the Open
Game Content; (f) Trademark means the logos,
names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by
a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the
associated products contributed to the Open Game
License by the Contributor (g) Use, Used or Using respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due
means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify,
translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of
Open Game Content. (h) You or Your means the
licensee in terms of this agreement.
2. The License: This License applies to any Open
Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the
Open Game Content may only be Used under and in
terms of this License. You must afx such a notice to
any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may
be added to or subtracted from this License except
as described by the License itself. No other terms or
conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content
distributed using this License.
3.Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game
Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of
this License.
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for
agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You
a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive
license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the
Open Game Content.
5.Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are
contributing original material as Open Game Content,
You represent that Your Contributions are Your original
240
creation and/or You have sufcient rights to grant the
rights conveyed by this License.
6.Notice of License Copyright: You must update the
COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to
include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of
any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying
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copyright date, and the copyright holders name to the
COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game
Content you Distribute.
7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any
Product Identity, including as an indication as to
compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another,
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of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate
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or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work
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The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content
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and interest in and to that Product Identity.
8. Identication: If you distribute Open Game Content
You must clearly indicate which portions of the work
that you are distributing are Open Game Content.
9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated
Agents may publish updated versions of this License.
You may use any authorised version of this License to
copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content
originally distributed under any version of this
License.
10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy
of this License with every copy of the Open Game
Content You Distribute.
11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market
or advertise the Open Game Content using the name
of any Contributor unless You have written permission
from the Contributor to do so.
12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You
to comply with any of the terms of this License with
to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation
then You may not Use any Open Game Material so
affected.
13. Termination: This License will terminate
automatically if You fail to comply with all terms
herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of
becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall
survive the termination of this License.
14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held
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only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.
15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards
of the Coast, Inc.
Modern System Reference Document Copyright 2002,
Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Bill Slavicsek, Jeff
Grubb, Rich Redman, Charles Ryan, based on material
by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams,
Richard Baker, Peter Adkison, Bruce R. Cordell, John
Tynes, Andy Collins, and JD Wiker.
OGL Wild West is Copyright 2004, Mongoose
Publishing Limited.
This is a game about the American West. Some of the book is about how it was, and some is about how
it is remembered. It is up to the players and Games Master to nd their own version of the West, nding
their own trail between truth and legend. If the players want a historically accurate game where miles
are miles, events occur as they truly did, and death comes more often from disease than a bullet, then
they will nd the tools they need in this book. Alternatively, if the players want a game inspired by
movies and dime novels, where the history is just a painted backdrop and heroes ride high in the saddle,
then they too will nd their desires catered for within.

The characters may be counted among those who build America, who drove the railroad across the
continent and built the Western states. They may be soldiers who ght at the famous battles of the
West, or adventurers who blaze the trails through the wilderness. They can be statesmen or scoundrels,
outlaws or lawmen, the quick or the dead. They will either become part of the legend, or die in some
godforsaken hot and dusty place and be forgotten.

He had been riding with Death with three days now, ever since leaving Dodge.

At rst, hed put it down to pain from the bullet in his side. His shirt was matted with blood and tangled
with the punctured skin of his ank, and every breath send spikes of pain shooting through him. Still,
hed been shot before. This was different. Though the heat haze rising from the hot ground, he could see
that pale horse and skeletal rider.

He had seen it dimly on the rst day, but he had ignored it.

On the second day, he had seen Death clearly, riding along beside him. Deaths horse left no prints in
the dirt.

And on the third day, hed started to talk to Death.

Mongoose Publishing
www.mongoosepublishing.com
US $34.95