Blood in the Dust Notes

[bluelens]

This was a fun and unusual approach to the normal fantasy game. Having the historical Old West as a setting was a first for me. I was initially concerned that Firearms would take away the combat flavor and challenge of the game, but that was not the case. Firearms did not kill everything in sight and most encounters start very close, so a spear, Axe or six gun all do lots of damage. In fact I was amazed at how much damage animal encounters kept doing to me, we forget how nice we have it in the 21st century!

Encounters are realistic and in keeping with a historical game (ie no dragons, trolls, etc). We were slaughtered the first couple of times playing when we took all low IQ gun slingers. We started doing well when we went with a variety of characters from very smart to dumb.

As in most DCGs, taking someone with medic and having a variety of skills in your party is a real plus. Not sure I would rate this as a game for 32 pt characters, since having slightly more experience characters is a real plus and my group likes to role paying rather than be pure tactical fighters.

All in all a good game that I can see a sequel for in this setting. Many other elements for future games could be added like: Settlers, Ex-Union soldiers, Mexican bandits, etc.

My group liked playing the game, but similar to Wolves beyond the Rhine, it left us wanting to see more of this world.

[dare2go]

Thanks very, very much for the comments! The adventures should NOT however, kill a party. Otherwise, the games are no fun. Each adversarial encounter *should* be designed to deliver maybe one or two damage points so that over the course of the adventure, you really have to plan your strategy well.

Animals ARE dangerous. Also, there was a case in Alaska a while back where a grizzly ate a hiker after taking six .357 rounds, and then the bear moved on to a park ranger, who only killed it after pumping it full of 7mm high-power rifle rounds. They found some of the hiker's remains int he bear's stomach.

We are working on several sequels. My next one is going to be a Western.

Thanks!!

[industrialchild]

So glad to read that their is that level of realism, even in this RPG module! That is great news! I was impressed with my first Dark City Games purchase, Battle of the Bulge, for that very reason. Very smart mechanics and rules in that game that help with the realistic feeling of shooting and being shot at! I'm glad to know that I can expect at least a certain level of realism with Blood in the Dust as well!

I agree also! Animals CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS! Glad they are in this game, as they should be!

[mcraun]

I very much enjoyed this module as well. I remember someone saying it does not sell very well so there wasn't a lot of interest in making more West games. Glad to hear that may be changing. Also, this module did kick my butt a few times, with several party wipes. I don't mind that; and I don't cheat it either. If I got through safe and sound the first time and every time, well that isn't much fun! I specifically remember a bout with disease leaving only one of my party left alive. He thought better or the situation and turned back around and went home for a good soak and some whiskey. I did complete it twice though. Nice adventure.