Exploratory Thread: Wild West, Anyone?

[Teallaura]

I'm working on a game set in the Wild West - or at least the TV version thereof. I haven't found a system yet - suggestions welcome. Would anyone be interested?

[Chaotic Void]

Personally, I'd be interested. I've got a few ideas for characters myself, but it largely depends on what elements are present in the overall campaign.

As for systems, theoretically D&D could be reworked if you could find or make some homebrew rules on firearms and such. Otherwise, I'd recommend something that would require less tweaking (insert shameless Mutants and Masterminds system plug here) to make your ideas work.

[Little Shepherd]

Oh, gosh, where to start . . .

The most obvious would probably be Savage Worlds. It's fast, simple, and handles action-packed games pretty well. Its origins are also relevant. Ever hear of the "weird west" game Deadlands? Well, Savage Worlds was originally created by stripping down, simplifying, and otherwise modifying the original Deadlands system until they got something new that was as easy to learn and quick to play as they wanted. The latest version of the rules is called the "Deluxe Explorer's Edition," not to be confused with the "Explorer's Edition" without the "Deluxe". Recently they finally got around to issuing new Savage Worlds editions of the Deadlands game(called Deadlands Reloaded). The "weird" in it means there are things like magic users, invading horrors from another plane of existence, strange technology, and whatnot, but you can remove those and end up with a pretty interesting alt-history setting in which the Civil War ended in a stalemate(although you'd have to provide your own reason as to why if you remove the weird elements), which had interesting repercussions on westward expansion.

There's a game in production now called Far West. The designers were intrigued by some of the similarities in martial arts and western genre media, and they created their own setting(not an alternate history) in which various tropes from each genre exist side by side. I know you've played 3rd edition D&D at least a little, and this game uses a highly modified version of the d20 rules you'd already be familiar with. It also incorporates some things similar to the "aspect" system used in various FATE-based games, and some other stuff that sounded pretty neat when I read about it. The bad news is that it won't be available for purchase until at least late August.

Another genre mashup is Westward: a Steampunk Western RPG, which uses a variation of the d6 system(the system used in the original Star Wars RPG from the . . . '80s, I think, but which was later expanded into a more universal system, used in other games as well, and eventually released for public use with its own OGL-type document). Beyond that I don't know much. Its kickstarter page has some more info on the setting itself. But it's basically a colonized planet where certain disasters + resource scarcity has resulted in a "wild west" type setting with some steampunk technology mixed in.

Dogs in the Vineyard is a very . . . unique game. It's one of those indie games that isn't focused much on combat at all, and the rules reflect that. You play one of "God's Watchdogs," which is basically a combined judge-jury-executioner type who wanders the land going from settlement to settlement helping out people in various ways. Oh, and enforcing your god's law. They do everything, really. They interpret the law, enforce the law as they see it, and yes, they can come into conflict with each other over their interpretations and whatnot. I believe the author is an ex-Mormon, and the parallels to Mormonism in the game's somewhat mutable fantasy religion are often pretty obvious. It's closer to an alternate actual history setting than any of the above, not so much like most western media, so it's probably not what you're looking for. Still interesting, though.

Others I know the name of, but not much else(and I'm too lazy to look 'em up), include: Aces and Eights, Dust Devils, Boot Hill, a Western HERO supplement for the HERO system, Gunslingers: Wild West Action!, Western City, the Fistful o' Zombies supplement for All Flesh Must Be Eaten, Wild West Cinema, Guns of Laredo, and Coyote Trail.

Oh, and I'd be interested in trying out a Savage Worlds western game or a Far West game when it finally comes out. Maybe other systems, too, depending on what they are(I'd probably have to do some research on most of those I mentioned to know for sure).

[KingsGambit]

I've never done one of these but I would like to give one a try at some point. If you all would be willing to accommodate a newbie like me I'd be in.

[Chaotic Void]

Oh, gosh, where to start . . .

The most obvious would probably be Savage Worlds. It's fast, simple, and handles action-packed games pretty well. Its origins are also relevant. Ever hear of the "weird west" game Deadlands? Well, Savage Worlds was originally created by stripping down, simplifying, and otherwise modifying the original Deadlands system until they got something new that was as easy to learn and quick to play as they wanted. The latest version of the rules is called the "Deluxe Explorer's Edition," not to be confused with the "Explorer's Edition" without the "Deluxe". Recently they finally got around to issuing new Savage Worlds editions of the Deadlands game(called Deadlands Reloaded). The "weird" in it means there are things like magic users, invading horrors from another plane of existence, strange technology, and whatnot, but you can remove those and end up with a pretty interesting alt-history setting in which the Civil War ended in a stalemate(although you'd have to provide your own reason as to why if you remove the weird elements), which had interesting repercussions on westward expansion.

This one looks REALLY appealing, actually. I've skimmed some of the sample adventures of theirs. Heck, I might buy the PDF of the rulebook even if we don't wind up using this system.

[Cerebrum123]

I've never done one of these but I would like to give one a try at some point. If you all would be willing to accommodate a newbie like me I'd be in.

That about describes my situation. Although, depending on how things go, I might have to quit(at least temporarily anyway). I could probably come up with a character, but I would need a list of rules and such.

[Teallaura]

Wow.

I'll look over all the stuff (note to self: next time don't post just before a busy weekend!) and get back to y'all. Should have known LS would have a ton of stuff like that...

As for the newbies, I have no problem with that. the more the merrier. I'm thinking it will be planned like TV episodes so people dropping in and out can be accommodated easily.

[Cerebrum123]

Wow.

I'll look over all the stuff (note to self: next time don't post just before a busy weekend!) and get back to y'all. Should have known LS would have a ton of stuff like that...

As for the newbies, I have no problem with that. the more the merrier. I'm thinking it will be planned like TV episodes so people dropping in and out can be accommodated easily.

If you do this, send me the rules for making a character etc. that way i can prepare a little. Thanks in advance.

[Little Shepherd]

This one looks REALLY appealing, actually. I've skimmed some of the sample adventures of theirs. Heck, I might buy the PDF of the rulebook even if we don't wind up using this system.

I actually play in a Savage Worlds game(Sundered Skies setting, if you must know) on Monday nights, and it really does play quite nicely.

[Chaotic Void]

I actually play in a Savage Worlds game(Sundered Skies setting, if you must know) on Monday nights, and it really does play quite nicely.

Nice. I actually just caved and bought the PDF. Definitely looks like it'd be fun to play, either IRL or here on on Tweb.

[Teallaura]

If you do this, send me the rules for making a character etc. that way i can prepare a little. Thanks in advance.

Sure thing - once we have a system we'll have rules (that's really what a gaming system is - a set of rules).

[Teallaura]

Okay, quick synopsis. Bear in mind this is still in the works and subject to change.

Imagine a world where Ben Cartwright, Lucas McCain, Matt Dillon, and others lived close enough to be neighbors but still 'starred' in their own shows. Each PC will 'star' or 'costar' in their own TV Western (PC's can choose to be supporting cast but at the moment I'm expecting that to be all NPC - although I may farm out some of the NPC role play) with all the shows set within 50 miles of each other (closer, in most cases). the campaign will revolve around the interaction - imagine if all your favorite shows crossed over regularly and yes, there will be something to bring the all star cast together - but that would be telling!

Assuming the system allows, I'm planning on allowing 'bonus points' (XP, stats, something...) for the creativity and detail of the PC's show's setting (background and current living arrangements). Anti-heroes aren't barred but you'll need to work harder to make them work - this is set in the golden age of Westerns and the anti-hero is a later development. Renegade turned lawman is well within the genre - spaghetti westerns, not so much.

While I won't promise that the Wild Wild West won't make a cameo, the game will otherwise stick to the Western theme sans other genres - forget the steampunk, horror, et al, stuff.

PC's are allowed to costar - so Bonanza, Big Valley type westerns with multiple heroes are doable - but that's up to the players. Each show will need NPC's and the PC's will have first option on creating the supporting cast (and I'd prefer that you do). I reserve the right to add to any supporting cast and of course the GM will handle guest stars.

If time allows we may do sidelines in a particular PC's show. If an interim is indicated in the campaign (Six months later...) then shows will be assumed to be ongoing (this may be where we insert character changes from advancing levels - we'll see). Such sidelines may be normal episodes or crossovers, depending on who is available and what I cook up .

Anyway, that's the basic idea. Hope y'all like it!

[Littlejoe]

Haven't played a RPG is a looooooong time, but this sounds fun! I would be basically a noob as well...Any objection to me using my "namesake" Littlejoe Cartwright as the name basis for my character?

LJ

[Teallaura]

Haven't played a RPG is a looooooong time, but this sounds fun! I would be basically a noob as well...Any objection to me using my "namesake" Littlejoe Cartwright as the name basis for my character?

LJ

No, no objection - just don't set the show up as Bonanza.

[Meta Knight]

I'd be interested, though I'm currently in two others. Western stuff has always interested me.