, H~ .

; &
•
SHATTERED FRONTIER
------------.------------
e-A ROLE PLAYING GAM E"""'"

CREDITS
A uthors: Jo lly R. Bhckh uf n. Brian Jelke. Steve Johansson. David Kenzer. Jennifer Kenzer, Mark Plemmons
Editors: Barbara Blackburn. Jennifer Kcnzer. Bev Shideler
Expert Consultation: Sandy Horn. Mark Kenzer, Rebecca Tudor
P b ytcstcrs: Doug Click, Steve Daniels. Luke Dowskc. Gi gi Epps. Nathaniel Garth. Ra y Javier. Charles Jewell
Mark Kenzer, Mark Lane. Don Morgan, Rand y Nelson. John O'Neill. Adam Nicpomnik. Mark Prater.
Bryan Spcgcl. John Randecker, Jason Riddell. Mike Sta ub. Alex Stclford. Roscoe Stelford . David York, O.M. Zwcrg
Art C redits: Frederic Remington, Chulcs Ru ssell and the o ther Old West artists who brought the fronti er to Jife
aided by Bob Burke:. Ste ven Cummings. Brenda n and Br ian Fraim. Be v S hideler, George Vrbanic (, Craig Zipse

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: WELCOME TO ACES & EIGHTS CHAPTER 5: THE ON -GOING GAME
CHAPTER 2: THE BASIC GAME 5.1 - Cattle Ranching ..................... 218
2.1 - Basic Characters .,.".,., ............. 6 5.2 - Running a Cattle Drive ...... . .......225
2.2 - Basic Scrapes .........................8 5.3 - All that Glitters..................... 236
CHAPTER 3: T HE ADVANCED GAME 5.4 - Gamb ling ................. ... ...... 248
3.1 - Character Creation ...................16 5.5 - Goods {, Se rvices ...... . •........... 255
3.2 - Advanced Scrapes ................... .39 5.6 - Frontier Justice ................... .265
3.3 - Wounds {, Healing ........... . ....... 67 5.7 - Drinkin' {, Drugs ................... 275
3.4 - Braw ling ........................... 93 CHAPTER 6: ApPENDICIES
3.5 - Firearms ...........................99 6.1 - History of the Shattered F rootier ..... 292
3.6 - Horses ........................... .122 6.2 - Q ui rk {, Flaw Descriptions .......... .316
3.7 - Advanced Chase Rules .............. .131 6.3 - Skill Descriptions .................. 332
CHAPTER 4: THE CAMPAIGN GAME 6.4 - Taleot Descriptions ................ .378
4.1 - The Aces {, Eights Campaign ........ .138 6.5 - Detailed Character Backgrounds ...... 383
4.2 - Reputation {, Fame ............. . ... .181 6.6 - Frontier Slang .................... .391
4.3 - Awards .................. . ........ .188 6.7 - Index . ........................... .394
4.4 - Profession Paths .................... 193 Silhouettes ............................ .399
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of K...., ... eo"'pny. Pet"" .. i.,."8".,ed 1<, 'he 1"',,1u.<, of ,bit prod"", 1<' repro- ,.,bor' ,m,S;""ic>.. 0'''' ..cd fie""., .. I.....d '.Y 1C>Cmbl..« '0 ",.. I I"',soos, l;v'.B Of
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mONO PRINTING
11Introduttion
 Welcome to Aces & Eights
hrough the gunsmokc and over the slumped
T corpse of a gambler, beyond the sprawl of graz-
ing buffalo on the high plains, above the din of
a saloon in full swing, and farther than the blue sky
atOp the open range lies the Shattered Frontier of the
Aas & Eights game.
A game about the daring adventures and everyday
lives of people in the O ld \Vest, Aces & Eights lets you
tell the talc of the \ Vest that could ha\'c been, in your
own words, deeds and history. The Aces & Eights game
allows for rugged cowboys, brave Indians, murderous
desperados, determined lawmen, sturdy prospectors,
powerful rail barons, and all of the characters we think
of whe n we watch a good western movie or read books
about the expansion of the American frontier.
Although you don't need to know much about this
time period to enjoy the game, western aficionados
will certainly find it engrossing - to say the least. If
you conside r yourself a western history buff, you might
want to set aside what you know and open your mind.
Aces & Eights is set in the West T hat Never Was, an
alternative histo ry created to maximize the role-play-
ing potential of the game by freeing the future from
the inevi table reality of the true West.
\\lhile the setting is firmly entrenched in historical
accuracy, a few small changes in American politics (at
significant moments in history) create a very believable
alternative history of North America. Sprung from
small changes are new nations, businesses, and a slight
acceleration in ar ms technology.
Aces & Eights allows you to create a character from
sc ratch, introduce him or her into this detailed frontier
setting, and forge a new future like so many of the
great pionee rs from the past. Your character's poten-
tial is limi tcd only by your imagination and your grit.
WHAT IS A ROLE-PLAYING GAME?
A role-playing game is a lot like improvisational act-
ing. The players create characters thai they pretend to
be d uring the course of the game. T he rule book
describes methods for dete r mining and recording the
strengths and weaknesses of each character, but his
personality is in the hands of the player. T he rulc-
book, the group of players, or one of the participants
(designated as the referee, narrator or judge of the
game) presents a scena rio to the other player cha rac-
te rs (PCs). Each player then decides how his character
will act in the given scenario.
The judge, or Gamel\'[aster ( G ~r) , uses madc-up
characte rs that arc not controlled by any of the play-
ers (these arc called non-player characters, or N PCs) to
interact with the PCs. And so the game goes on wi th
the players and the G?vl role-playing the characters
they created, in a struggle for fame, fortune, or simple
survival.
WHAT YOti NEED TO PLAY
To play Aces & Eigllts you need at least one sheet of
scratch paper. a pencil, and a se t of standard polyhe-
dral dice with the following sides : 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and
20 . M ultiple dice of diffe rent colors (especially 10-
side rs) arc helpful but not necessary. Throughout
these rules we may refer to the different die types as
"xd6" where "x" is the num ber of dice of a particular
type you should roll. So 3d6 means roll three six-sided
dice. A d 100 (or d'>fo) means roll two d lOs, designating
one as the "tens" SpOt and one for the "ones". A
d 1000 means roll three d lOs, and so on . We also rec-
ommend YOll download a free characte r record sheet
from our website.
A standa rd deck of poker playing cards arc needed
to resolve combat in the game, as is the Shol Clock HI
ove rlay provided with the rules. Poker chips are also
required, if you choose 10 usc the advanced brawling
rules. O ther handy (but non -essentia l) items include a
table to play on, a calculator, miniature figures to rep-
resent your characters, and terrain (such as model
town buildings or simulated vegeLation or hi lls). Most
game, model or hobby shops carry items li ke this to
enhance your game experience. Finally, if you usc
miniatures, you'll want to usc a ruler or tape to meas-
ure weapon ranges during combat .
3
 ,-

21 The Basit Game

 2.11 Basic Characters

f this is your first outing to the Shatte red Frontier, WEAPONS

I you may wish 10 quickly gene rate a character with
which 10 begin play. Late r on, as you become more
familiar with the mecha nics of the game, you will like-
For basic gunfighting, weapons are restricted to a
fcw gene ral categories of firearms (sec Table 2.1-1:
Basic Firearms). You may cither choose your weapon
ly want to flesh out your characte r's abilities, skills, from this list or roll a d6 to randomly dete r mine your
quirks, flaws and so forth using the methods presented armament. In a basic gunfight, there are no modifiers
to Speed or Accuracy based on the type of fi rearm or
in Clwpter 3./1 Character CreatIOn, Bul if you want a sim -
the number of gunfights the charaCter's been involved
ple bandito or marshal for a quick shoot-ern-up. just
in. Chapter 2.21 Scrapes describes the rules for basic gun-
grab some dice and fead on, com padre. There's no fighting in detail.
need to invest the lime if all you ca re about is lead slin -
gin' (or "s hoatin'" to all you greenhorns . BACKGROUND
If you want to get a "feel" for your gunfighter, you
SPEED AND ACCURACY may also choose to roll on one or more of the quick
To create a basic gunfighter, you need (0 know two background tables found on the following page.
things: Speed and Accuracy. \ Vitn an advanced char- O therwise, you're ready to go!
acter, this would be determined by a combination of
the character's Dexterity, Intelligence and Wisdom
scores, but we're not going to slow you down with all
that he re. Instead, all you need is a single d4.
Speed represent s how quick your gunfighter is on the
draw - the lower the better. Accuracy is JUSt what it
seems and higher numbers are beneficial here.
To determine your gunfighter'S Speed, roll a d4.
Record this number then flip a coin to determine if
the value is positive (heads) or negative (tails). T he
result is your gunfighter'S Speed score - somewhe re
betwee n -4 and 4. Repeat the process to determine
Accuracy.
For example, lei's say Ihal Mark rolls a d4 with a result oj 4
and then flips a coin (it lands tails). Th ir means his gunfight-
er's Spud SCOTt is - 4. That's pretty dumJast! Unfortunately,
he then rolls a 3 for his Auura0' and a coin flip tho! again is
tails, meaning this hombre has a - 3 /l uurary SCOTt.

HIT POINTS
Each character has between 21 and 24 hit points
(hp) determined by rolling a d4 and adding 20 . T his
gives you a measure of how much physical damage
your gunfighter can sustain before keeling over.

6
 TABLE 2.1-1: BASIC FIREARMS
Roll (d6) f irc u m Dl magc (bodd Dl magdhead) No. of Shots Reloid Speed
H .... .. P istol .......... d6+1 .......... .. 2d6 . . ........ .6 .. ... .1 cu tr idgc per JO count
5·6 ....... Rifle ..........rl8+ ! ....... ....... 1dS ............. 10 ....... .I c.u tr idgc per 10 count

TAELE 2.1·2: QUICR NAMES (FEMALE) TABLE 2.1-4: QUICR PROFESSIONS

Roll (dlO) Nilmc Roll (d10) P rofe ssion
1 .............. Annil You ng I ........... Band ito
2 .............. Emily Abu ms 1 . · . ... . ..... Banku
3 .............. Esthe r Matthews 3 ............ Bu ber
'1 .............. Hanu h Coronel 4 ............ Bar tender
5 .............. Holl y S.twycr 5 ............ Cowboy
6 .............. b un S lone 6 ............ Dabce Hall Girl
7 .............. Rosa Muti ncz 7 .......... .. 00Cl or
8 .. ...... · .Ruth G udner 8 ........ .... Engineer
9 .. .... · .5m h Snell ing 9 ........ . ... Fumer
10 . .. . . · .Wiushu h Chu mani 10 ........... G ambler
II · .......... Lawman, Deput y
12 · .. ....... .Lawman. M H shal
13 ..... ...... M in er
TABLE 2.1-3: QUICR NAMES (MALE) 14 .... ... .... Poshl Worke r
Roll (dlO) Name
15 .... . . . . . . .P rosti tute
16 ........... Raneher
I .... . . .. . ... A llen H am ilton
2 ........... .Sutch M o ntgome ry 17 · ......... .soldier
w
3 ............ C assidy wDoc Wilso n 18 · ..........S uge Coach Dri ver

4 ............ D us tu Adi hy
19 · ..........Telegraph Operator

5 ............ Ferna ndo Vasquez

20 ....... ... .U nderta ker
w
6 .... . ... . . ..*H andsome Jac k Jones
7 ......... . · .Josiah LedbellCT
8 ............ JUiD de Cisneros
9 ............ M all S antos
10 ........... Zac har iah S mith

7
 2.21 Scrapes
Gabe Smith (0011), fosstd 25 PISOS ililo Ihe large pol, raisillg
"ll ptrspin'ng t'oqllfrO across from llim. !-It had uason 10 hi
(Onjidtnl: no o/u had sun him pull tIlt . Iet rif SpadrJ from his
s/uu, and Aus Or'tT Kings is a mighlJ' halld indud. Timl'
sumtd to 11011 as II" table sat paficllj' siltnl. u'ailingjOr lilt
.\lexiran (ow/ullld 10 make /iis mOL'f. Wiping his brou'. the
(o1L'bC!)' filially calltd tilt bel alld hoth pla,}'tTs laid d01('1I Iheir
hands. Gabe had the hetler halld. hul stopped short as lit
ft(/{Iud for 'ht mon~); Th t .\lex;run J fOrds flad T<1:o Pair u:itll
(III Act kirker lIlt . Iet oj SpadiSf
Looks tiki 01' GObi I/aJ gaUl'll Itillmf! in/a a j(rapr, From
litft, tIlt acli01l (ould film IIgly ill Slum! Wql'S. Gabt (ould filII
10 his horst. illiliotillg a riwSt, lu (ould drau' a Bowie knift alld
oPljo' a kniftjight. he could draw a porkt/ pistol or m-.hoo/-
rr alld S!lQot it out or tT)' his lurk ill a brawl. III thtfOlloll'ill,~
sutions, /L·t 'Il (01"a Iht t'ariolls 1('a)'s f!! gming out rif a s(rapt
.for hi'fta or for I(:Orst,
* GUN FIGHTS * INITIATIVE AND SPEED
The Acts & EigMs gunfight systcm is a realistic table-
top simulation o f a Wild \\'est ~ hootout. The fu nda -
menia l premisc of the system is that a shooter ah\'ays
aims for a spC'cific location or target e.g., the "rustler's
gun hand" ) rmher than an abstract wrget (e.g., th e
"rust ler"). Th e worse the shooter's aim, the funher
from his mark the shot flie s. T hi s also means that a
"el)' near mi ~s ea n be just as deadly as a bull's ('yc.
The shooter determines his pr('ci~e ~hot location h~
using the T arget Silhouelles and Shot Clocks that
come with the game.
A split sccond during a gu nfight can sometimes
mcan the differcnce betwccn survival and a painful
or e"en monal wound. Thus, while time in other
areas of the game ocellrs in terms o f seconds, minllte~
or eyen days at a time, during a gunfight , timc is
always handled in tenths of seconds. Each tenth of a
seeond is referred to hereafter as a "Counl. "
Everything from drawing a weapon to mounting a
mustang to cra\\'ling behind the water trough occurs in
temhs of seconds or Counts.
:w- A N~te ~.Il the 1J~du/af Rule Syste m
These sections appear in a modular fa shion so
that your game need not inco rporate all of the rules
at once. Play with o nly the rules you feel comfort-
able handling. When these become second nature,
you can add mo re advanced rules, or nOt, as you
prefe r.
TAKING ACTION
If you're an a\'id game playe r, chanccs a rc you're
used to choosi ng an action o r actions on your '·turn"
probably from a list of allowable aetions or categories
of act ions. In contrast, ..Ius & E igftls allows you r cha r-
acter to attcmpt any action he wants, at any time.
In real life, to walk across the room, YOli thin k about
walki ng ac ross the room. then you start mo\'ing and
after a certa in numbe r of seconds you accomplish the
task, Likewi ~e, in Aus & Eig"lJ, if your character
\\'ants to take an action such as crossing the sa loon
floor . ~·o u ~ imply declare hi s intent and, after a certain
amount of tim(' if there arc no unexpected obstacl es),
he completes his action. Thus, Acts & Eighls has no
artificialti nH.' "c~mcntat ion such as ··turns,'· '·rounds,"
"~c~mcnh'" or ··phases,'· In Aus & Eighls, your char-
acter's ;kction, arc measured by time and time alon e.
Before di~c u ssin~just ",hat actions arc possible in a
gunfi~ht and ho" 10m;: they takc, it's impo n anl that
wc co,·cr JUSt who goes first. Se\'eral fa ctors affect how
fast a character ca n take action, most notably the cha r-
acter's Speed (the advanced ru les include ot her modi-
fier s suc h as prior gunfight experience, Fame, weapon
model and type, etc.), The final factor is a random
d I 0 die roll to reprcscnt thc variat ion of one character
getting thc drop on another. This die roll is called the
Initiative roll.
At thc onsct of thc action, each characte r rolls a d I 0
for Initiati,'c and adds it \0 their Speed score. The
result i~ the characH'rs Starti ng Initiative. Du ring a
gunfight. each character begins taking action based o n
his Starting Initiati,·e. Since actions take place based
on time and the Count Up described later , it 's best to
ha\'e a low Starting l nit iati,'c, :'\ote that ncgati,'c num-
bers arc possible for exnmplc, a Speed of 3 plus a
"I " on thc Itli ti;H ivc roll equals -2}, but rare, The
Shooting Actions section dcscribes the effects of Ihis
more fully.
GUNFIGHT PROCEDURE
Players u~ e the following proced ure to resolve all
gunfight s:
L When a gunfi ght is aboul to erupt , each player rolls
a d20. Playe rs declare actions in order of lowest score
10 highest score, In cases where gunfights erupt duc to
declared actions '· Fo rget negot iations, I draw o n him

TABLE 2.2-1: GUNFIGIIT PROCEIlURES
I... .. Declue ;an Action
2..... RoIlIDiti~l ivc (dlO)
3..... Calculate SUrling iuiliat i\'c ( Base Speed +
Initiat ive) -
4..... Add Action Couot s to dete rmine when first
Kl ioD occu rs
5..... Take ac:t iOD when Coun t Up fCKhcs su m of
SICP #4 above
now! "), Ihose blurting oul the ir actions \'oluntarily skip
this first ste p.
2. All playe rs ro ll a dlO for lnitiati\'C and calculate
their Starting Initiative.
3. All players add the CountS required for their action
sec Tahlt 2.2-2: lJasi( SllOolillg Actions'"
4. One player or the G~ I begins the Count Up - a sim-
ple slow count up from one until Ihe Count ljp reac h·
es a number where a player has an action declared.
5. Wh en the Count Up rC'lchcs a player's sum total for
his first action, resoke th at fir:;t action.
SHOOTING ACTIONS
Shooting act ions include all actions related to
preparing weapons and discharging them. The~e
include loading (and reloading, firing. aiming, draw-
ing, elc. Tablt 2.2-2: Basic Shooting Actions shows Ihe
available act ions <lnd the Speed (in Counts) that it
takcs to perroI'm eac h of thcsc <l clions.
Fi ring th' First Shot
The timc it takes to fire ofT the first shot depends on
the actions or the shooter and whe re the gun is <It the
time. If unholslercd a nd poimed, the weapon mar be
fircd in a mere 3 Counts. Ir the weapon is holste rcd.
the shooter first needs to draw the weapon rrom his
holsler. Drawing includes cocki ng in one fluid motion.
so there is no additional adj ustme nt ror cocking a
weapon added to th e draw time. From thcre. a gun-
sli nger can Opt to shoot, thus firing rrom the draw o nly
takes <IS long as the draw itself I. S o r 10 Counts.
Actually aimi ng the weapon, or at !cast bringing it up
10 eye levcl, takes a nother 4 Counts.
For txamplt, Cia)' POII.,tll's Bast Spud is - I. His playr
mmo/Illets lhal Iit'll draw his piSlol, tlull rolls 4 all tIlt
Inilia/iL·t, so CIa)' (all slarl (0 acl wlun Iht Count L;p reaches 3
(4-/ =3). 011 3. lit begins /0 draw llis gUll 011 his mellO', Danitl
Ttmnt r. Clay will finish hi.s draw 01/ 8 (it takts 5 Count to
draw and ht .slnrts acting on 3). ,1Yow. Clay can alro Opl to
shoot from tlit hip and firt of! a shot on 8 Counl.
Of coum. .sinet /iipshooling is fairly inaccuratt, Clay could
dlOost 10 ignort tht quick shot opportllnilJl right riff tht draw
alld actllally raist liP tht shoo/in' i,oll to makt lIlt shol mort
Iikt(~ /0 hit. In Ihis cast, u·htn tht COllllt L;p rtaches 8. Clay
alll/Qlln(t.s lit's aiming IJis u:tapon (4 COllllt), alld whtn Iht
COllllt (toches 12 (8 +4=12), htfim.
Arter a character ta kes his first action, that character
picks another action and adds the Counts for that
aClion to the cu rrent num ber in lhe Count Up (i. e., the
same number as his last action occurred on). T he
resultant number is when his next action occurs.
. \ 'ou~ lil'J J(!.J' Ihal Ollr oldfrirnd Clay Powell (frolll tilt prt-
l"ious ttamlilt) lI.'alils 10 firt his pistol again. That's 110 /Iud
jor anollta In ilia/h·t roll: Cltl) simp(), rorks ondfirts IIis piSlol
again. Btcau$t ht laj/fired /Lilt" tht COIIIII Cp rtarhtd 12, ht
firtJ his pistol agalll u-htn tht COII"I Cp rtoe/lts 17
(12+5=17).
Basic Shooting Actions Explained
Firing a Cocktd II tapon: Firing an already-cocked
weapon is the simple act of pulling the trigge r; il lakes
but a tenth or a second I Count. :\I ost other acti\·i-
tics already incorporate this modifie r, and it should nOt
be added a~ an additional time delay 10 other actions
such as dra\\in~ and aiming. It is listed he re solely for
the case where a cha racte r has a cocked weapon
trained on another ch<lractel".
Cocking alld Firmg a Pail/ltd Weapon: It only takes 3
Counts to pull bac k the hammer and shoot at someone
ir your gun is pointed in their direction and has not
been fired for al \caSt one second .
Corkillg and Firing a Pislol (2nd+ shots): After the first
ShOI, it takes a half a seco ndS Count) to coc k a nd fire
a pistol. Furthermore, a pistOl already brought 10 bear
or aimed remains in that position while being cocked
and fired.
Corking and Firing a Riflt (211d+ .shots): Arte r the first
shot, it takes 6 Counts to work thc lever <lnd fire a riOe.
H urried shooters can opt to fire the second shot
unaimed; this action ta kes o nly 6 Counts but is obvi-
ously less accurate see H ipshooling, below. Careful
shoote rs wi ll opt to re-aim the rifle a 10 total Count.
Corking and Firil/g 2"d Shotglm Barrel: After the first
shot. it takes H Counts to steady the gun, cock the
hammer and fire II ir already cocked. H urried
shooters ca n Opt to fi re the second shot without aim-
ing; this action takes only 10 Counts (7 ir already
9

TABLE 2.2-2: BASIC SIlOOTING ACTIONS
Counts
Firins a cocked weapon ............... !-
Cocking and firing a pointed weapon .... J Because the delay could vary from draw to draw, draw-
Cocking and firing i pointed pistol
(2nd+ shots) ..... ............. ...... 5
Cocking and firing iI. rifle (2nd+ shots) ..... 10 (6)
Cocking and firing 2nd shotgun barrel ... 14 (10)
Bringing iI. {ireum to bcarlaimiog ... "
Dnwing a weipon:
P istol/ Knifc/hand axe .............. 5
Riflc/shotgun/spcu/hncelaxc/Silbcr .. 10
Duwing two weapons it once .......... 5
Drawing with off hand ...... ..... ..... 5
Drilwing without holsler .......... ..... d4
Fanfiring .... ·2
Loading:
Pistol (per cut ridge) ................ to
Rcphcing a cylinder .... .. .... ....... 100
Rifle (per cartridge) ............... 10
Shotgun (oDe shell ) .............. 25(23)
Shotgun (two sh ells) ................ 30 (28)
From she ll loop ............ . .... . d4
"This action is free ,,-,hen combined with anorher shooringacrion.
cocked) but is obviously less accurate (see H ipshoOling,
below).
Bringillg a Firearm to Bear/Aiming: This is the time it
takes 1O b ring a drawn weapon up to an aimed position
or aim a pointed weapon. You need 1O take this action
or else you'll be shooting less accurately.
Drawl1lg a J1IeapOll: Pistol/ K nife/ H and axe: The act
of pulling the pistol from a holster, knife from a sheath
or hand axe from a belt loop takes around 5 Counts.
Drawing a lVeapon: RiOe/Spea r / Lance/ Axe: T he act
of pulling the rifle or sabe r from a scabbard , or heft-
ing a spear, lance or axe takes about a 10 Count.
Drawing Two Weapons at Ollce: Drawing two weapons
a t once causes a sl ight decrease in draw Speed to the
tunc of an extra 5 Counts (i.e., each gun takcs 10
counts to draw).
Drawing with 011 Hand: Drawing with the off hand is
slower than the primary hand by 5 Counts. Thi s is not
10
a cumulative penalty if tWO wcapons are drawn at once
(i.c" each gun takes 10 Cou ntS 10 draw).
Drawing lVithout Holster: D rawing from a boot, belt,
pocket, etc., affords an opportunity for the weapon to
get hung up on clothing or other accouterments.
ing without a holster causes a d4 Count penalty.
Fm!firl1lg: Typically, a shooter uses the thumb on the
hand holding the gun 10 pull back the hammer. In
cont ra st, while fanning the hammer or fanfiring the
shooter uses the hand not holding the gun, held palm
down. to pull back the hammer in a fanning motion.
Fanning allows for rapid shooting and affords a -2
Speed bonus. Note, however, that it provides a sub-
stantial Accuracy penalty as well. Fanned guns cannot
be aimed. carefully or otherwise.
/...Qading: Pistol (per cartridge): It takes 10 Count to load
a cartridge into a revolver. Cap and ball revolvers
requi re far more time to reload and arc nOt considered
in the Scrapes section but see Loading: Replacing a
Cylinder,
/...Qading: Replaring a C)'linder: It takes 10 scco nds or
100 Count to remO\'e and replace cylinder on a cap
and ball reml\"er or re\'oh-ing rifle.
/...Qading: Rifle (per cartridge): It takes a 10 Count \0 load
a cartridge into a rifle.
/...Qading: Shotgun (one shell): It takes a 25 Count to load
a shell into a shotgun. Thi s involves breaking open the
shotgun and pulling out a spent shell. If no shells need
to be removed, the time drops to 23 Counts.
/...Qading: Shotgull (two shells): It takes 30 Count to load
two shel ls into a shotgun . This involves breaking opcn
the shotgu n and pulling out the spent shells. If no
shells need to be removed. the time drops 10 28
Counts.
Loading (From Shell /...Qop): Whil e shell and cartridge
loops are handy for holding rounds, it takes a mite
longer to rcmo\'c the cart ridge or shell from the loop
than to si mply grab the round from a coat or vest
pocket. T he penalty is equal to a d4 per round.
SHOOTINa PROCEDURE
Whencver any player decides that his character will
discharge a weapon at a target, whether hipshooting,
taking careful aim, bushwhacking, backshooti ng or
othcrwise, he must follow the procedure outlined in
this section :
}. Declare gene ral target
Wh en your character takes a shot , the first thing
you'll have to do is declare a target. Simply pick out a
 TABLE 2.3-3: SI!OOTING PROCEDURE
~ Declue gencnl urgct
rr Placc the ccnfer of thc Shot C lock ovcr thc intcndcd urgct loc.uion on the TugCl Silhouette
:r Add l l1 Accuracy modifiers
: r Tlkc the shot (i.e .. roll I d20 Ind Idd III modificrs to the roll)
IT Dnw I cHd to determine exltt sbot loclIion (if Decesu ry)
'IT Roll dlmlge (if necessary)

target, point 10 the target's miniature or state which
characte r you plan to target. ;\ote that in order to
shoot at a target, the target must be \·isible. Specific
advanced rules for checking thi s sort of thing come
under the Li ne of Sight rules detailed in Chaptu
3.2l Advallced Scrapes.
2. PIac. lb. cenler of lb. Sbol Clo cl, over lb.
inl.nd.d larg.t location on Ibe 'iiugel Silbouett.
Pick the appropriate Target Silhouelle based on the
target's body position i. e., kneeling, laying
p rone, standing, elc .. Place the Shot
Clock over the Target Silhouelle in
1he exact spot you
want 10 hit. For example, if you want to disarm a
drunken brawler that drew on your partner, you can
try to shoot his gun. On the othe r hand , if your target
is a known horse thief you might feci a powerful urge
to target the face or perhaps knee if you're of a mind
to ha\'e a hanging. See also Cover & Visibility in
Chapter 3.21 Advanced Scrapes.
J. Add aJJ Accuracy modifi. rs
:\ow that you've chosen the target and location, add
your modifiers. ~ l odifiers arc covered in some detail
hereafter, and include things like range, visibility,
movement. personal Accuracy, wounds, etc.
4. 1l!ke Ibe shol
Roll a d20 '·To·hit" your mark and add 10 it all
of your modifiers. ~ot e: these modifiers ca n
sometimes be negative, thus deducting from
the roll). You ' ll need a modified 2S or
higher to hit the exact SpOt you've target·
ed , while a roll of 14 or less is a miss.
(Note: if you roll a 20 on the die,
immediately roll a d6- 1 (one 6·,s ided
die minus one) and add the resultant
o to S to your To-hit roll. Con tinue
• rolling and adding the results!) if you
get a result of 6 on the d6. Thus
e\'en at extreme ranges and with a
• poor shooter, there's a lways a
chance albe it, pe rhaps a mite
small one that a shot will strike
t rue).

5, Draw a card to determine

exact sbot location
(i f n.c.ssary)
If your total To-hit roll was 24 or less,
you'll need to draw a ca rd from a standard
poker deck 10 determine where your shot
went. ~ole that the closer you were to 25,
the closer to cente r the shot was; the poker
Positioning the Shot Clock
If )'ou wallt 10 disarm a drunken brawler Ihal drew
II
on your partner, you can try to shoot his gu n.
ca rd merely determines which direction the shot went
astray (spades = high, clubs = low, diamonds = left,
hearts = right)
6. Roll damag'
If the shot hits anywhere on the target, roll damage
(see "Wounding" on the following page).
MODIFIERS
Range: Range is simply the distance from shooter to
target. If using miniatures, measure ranges from the
tip of the firin g gun to the cente r of the target figure.
You can use whatever scale is appropriate to your
game, but 1" = 5 feet is a mighty cOln-eniem scale. par-
ticularly if you have a I" hex grid or battlemat.
Table No. ZJ ..nt
RAm 10DmERS 10MCURlCY
Accu racy penalty, a shooter needs to look down the
barrel of his firearm or very near it, but need nOt Take
Care ful Aim (as defined later).
Fmifir/llg: Single action revolvers need 10 be cocked
manually, and then ha\'e the trigger pulled in orde r to
discharge. ,\I ost shooters pull the hammer back with
th e thumb of the hand holding the weapon. In orde r
10 get a Speed advantage, some gunslinge rs prefer to
use their ofT hand in a palm down fanning motion to
repeatedly pull back the hammer (possibly while hold-
ing the trigger down). This causes highly inaccurate,
though fast, firing. Fanfiring ca n be efTecti\'e if trying
to eO\'er an area with many shots such as when CO\'e r-
ing a fl eei ng partner, or making for cover across a
Street.
Grabbed by Opponent: If the shoote r has an opponent
grabbing some part of his body, it'll throw ofT his
Accuracy. especially so with a long gun .

,,=,. p~ 11"d.r
"'I"""'r ""'"'r-
GI/II orShootillg HaTld/Arm Crabbed by 0ppoTlenl: If some
pesky vaquero actually grabs your shoot in' arm, it'll
T" 1-'1
5
" "
throw ofT your Accuracy a lot. especially with a long
gun. Someone needs to grab any arm or hand to
T" 101-'1 " " throw ofT a long gun, but ob\'iously only the hand with
To 1-'1
15

T" .w 1-'1
To
"' I-'
,z

~
•
"
,
d
. the gun for a pistOl.
Off Hand: A right-handed person throwing lefty o r
\'ice-\'ersa afTords a -4 penalty to Accuracy.

To ,. I-' ... "

Throwing Two fl/iapolls: T hrowing a weapon from
each hand at the same time incurs a - 4 Accuracy
T.
"I-' ... penalty for each weapon. :\lote that this compounds
T. 1501-'1 ... "
•
with the OfT Hand Accuracy penalty for a total penal-

T. Uol-' .... ~
ty of -8 for the ofT hand.
Rallge: Range is simply the distance from attacker to
To
""' I-' ~ ... target. If using miniatures, measure ranges from front
JOO r juI ~ ... of the attacking miniature to the celller of the target
figure. You can use whate\'cr scale is appropri ate to
your game. but 1" = 5 feel is a mighty conven ient scale,
Off Hand: A righ t-handed pe rson shooting lefty :01" particularly if you ha\'e a I" hex grid or battlemat.
vice-versa) afTords a -4 penalty to Accuracy. Table 3. J-
Table No. Z _. 1-_ 5 .
/3: Handedlless in the advanced rules allows ambidex-
terity.) SIIUA!IOm 10DIFIIRS TOACCURACY
Fin'lIg Two CUllS: Using a pistol in each hand causes a
-2 penalty for each weapon. Note that this co mpou nd s
with the OfT Hand Accuracy penalty for a total penal-
ty of -6 for the ofThand. NI A
Hipshooting: Hipshooting is a catcha ll term fo r point-
Hy.sJt....&.)
ing a nd shooting, but without taking any sort of aim,
such as from the hip. HipshoOling provides a Speed F=/""J NI A
advamage but also an Accuracy penalty. :\lote that G..aJ,bMi 7- °N..-.i-
revolvers fired from ncar the holster as well as long
guns held at \\'aist height fall into this catego ry. Even G"" ot .Jtodi".) Nu,4 / (lA.m

firing chest high causes this penalty. To avoid this G..aJ,bMi 7- °N",.,w

12
WOUNDING PENETRATION DAMAGE
Any time a resul t indicates a character is wounded, Whenever maximum damage is rolled on a damage
roll the app rop riate damage type for the weapon used d ie (e.g., d6, d4, etc. , the roller immediately fe -rolls
(sec Table 2.2-6: Basic Game If(apons Chart). A characte r that die and adds the new die roll tota l mi nus one to
reduced to 0 or fewe r hit points d ies from his wou nds . the p revio us resul t.
For nOlllplt, Antonio ]UOII Julio M iguel M arlinU.jifts /lis
Table No. J.:......L' rifle at ajluing Aparhe brave. ' -Ie rolls all 8 OIl Ihe damage diL
BAlIC GI!E WEIPONS cam for a total r.if 9 points (d8+ I per Tabfl 2.2-6). Sinu hi rolled
tor.,.. . DAm<lp
11/a\imllm damage (an 8 on an 8-sided die). Antonio gels to roll
the d8 again and subtract onl (i.e., a d8-1 ). If hi rolls a Jfor
....... 1~ ca.) damagl. thl ('{tra damagl is +0 (I-I=O)Jor a total r.if 9. If
for n:ampll. .-J ntonio rolled a 6. ht would add 5 damagt (6
AlUf N."d. .tva. (,"~1)
/1/11I//J I} for a grand 10101 r.if 14 (Iht onginaI9+5=14).
Au, -a~) .t l'ol. (l-af )
This proass can contlllllf indljinite/y as long as Anlonio con-
8","" .U'a. cd,.,..,) limIts 10 roll mo.\imlllll millis (i,e, . all 8 ill this (ose). In Ihal
raSI, his totalu'OIdd hi 9 (onginal Toll) /)IIIS 7 (fiTst d8- I) pIllS
&.ow ... oY... t..p v..; 1~ cd-f.)
allother d8-/ Toll,
~f ;wh>t """t', /,,,,,..-.1, -.t 1~ cd"
C&.b, ,u..
fl'lL ' '"J
F.J, .t-, fJ ,~

mL ,~)
""I'
J-', - ,
u",,) 1r&. cd,)

p..w 1"" ,...,. cd"

~_u ... .t va. cd,.,..1)

R-'f< L .... ,dl.-1)

5;_ .tva. ,.uri)

31 The Advanted Game
-
 3.11 Character Creation
The SUI / beal down 011 Ihe weathered slagfcrJadl as it rallied over
Ilu bumpy road. Johnny Illilinwrigkt pured eagerly 0111 the window,
Il/fUryirlg Ihe approaching lown. This was la/lIln)' 's jirst Irip 01.11
west and. while the hastily-erected pille buildings drew doser. he
vowed 10 make a new lifo for hilI/self l!fier all, he lI1used. he IlOd
a flw dollars In !lis pocket along with a good deal of carpentry
experienu. He could open his own bllsiness, find a wife, build (I
house and mise a Jam;!)' ~ all as dis/ant as possible from his
jalher's disapproving qes.
The crisp air swirled dusl ar(lUnd )Ollhl1) £ al/kles when he
stepped off <if the siage, hiS senses taking il af! ill. The lailmrs
gossipillg on the boardwalk, lI,e IIOTUS wailing at 111m hi/ching
posts olliside Ihe SOIOO II, Ihe SOl/lid if a blacksmith pounding out
horseshoes, a pair tljjollng boys rUllnillg through the street alld. /asl
bill not least, Ihe prelty girl smiling 01 him from Ollt flj Ihl' holil
willdows. A II ice, qlliet. peact/ul 10WII. l?s, Ihis u'as difinilt~) lht
placefor him.
Acceplmg IllS bagfrom Ihl' driver alld lipping his hat 10 hisftl-
low passengers, JohnllY strolld toward the hotel. The girl at Ihe
willdow was now gOlle, bul his speculation abolll I,er reasons for
being there was suddenly cut short. Johml.J ttl/sed, starlled b}' Ihe
sound flj gu/lfire eruplingfrom somewhere nearby,
Johnny would later recoulIl the nexi fiw seconds on!) as a blur cif
actioll, as Iwo masked desperadoes burst out cif the saIOOlI. S1l'lIng
onto IllI'ir waiting horses alld tUTned 10 ride dOIt.'n thl' slrut - in
Johnny's direction. They seemed almosl 011 lOp cif him It.·htl/. f((Ol'-
erillg !lis nerve, JohllTl.J flung his bag away and ran for Ihe holel.
slumbling over Ihe boardwalk to lalld face firSI on Ihe drug' plallks,
the wind kllocked oul cif hUll. Harsh laugllter uhoedfrom Ihe n'd-
ers, followed by a pistol shot that splintered the wood Ollry IIIches
from Jol/lllIY 's head,
Inslinclively, JohnllY flillchtd. co~'ering 1m head with his hands
and mmtalry willing himself inlo as small a larget as possible. He
Iqy fro<.en for what seemed like forew, only darillg to lift his head
whtl/ Ihe sound cif galloping hooves Iwd 10llg since fadtd away 11110
Iht distanct. As he did so, he saw Ihal three pairs cif fil'l stood
around him, Iwo if them in hard worn boots, and olle in a dainty
pair of ladies' shoes. !..<Joking up, heftund himselj flanked by lu:o
men, olle a gn;:.;:led sllQpkuper (IIld (IIIOt/,tT a halldsome }'OIwg cow-
boy. BoHI Iwd wide grills on Iheir faers, and Ihest got evell wider
as he stumbled clumsily to his feet. The daillly sllQes were filled b)'
an equalry daillly girl ill a prelty dress, slle who had smiled 01 him
from Ihe holel willdow. Now, however. her e,prusion samed olle cif
pity, perhaps eVlll cOlllempl. 1Vilhout so much as a word, she
swished back through Ihe hOiI'I doors, the handsome }'o/lI1g cowbf!Y
following close bellind. The griuled shopkeeper colltill/ud to grill
at Johnny, thtl/ gave a short chuckle as l,e 100 IlIrned away, reltlfn-
ing to Ihe siorifront nexl door,
l1 'e1l, Johnll)' thoughl, as he dusled !limselj off, so muchfor first
impressiolls,
16
Welcome to the Shattered Frontier! Like J ohnny,
your character may be new to the \ Vcst, or he may bc
a born-and-bred native. Still, no matter what type or
character you choose to play, you can be sure that it'll
be the experience or a liretime. No\\; once you've
mo\'ed beyond single-event "shoot -elll-up scenarios"
and are pre pared ror a longer lasting experience,
you're ready ror the Shattered Frontier, the Aces &
Eighls campaign game. T hc hmdamenta l premise or
the ongoing campa ign is that characters survive
beyond a single night'S session and evolve o\'e r time.
Beyond the rew mom ellis or a gunfight. what is your
cha racter likc? Does he havc a job? A proression? A
partner? Friends? Enemies? Famil y lire?
The most in -depth or Aces & Eights games - the cam-
patgn game first takes shape around on -going char-
acters. These characters begin as a simple series or
numbers and entries scrawled on a sheet or paper, but
through your de\"elopment and choiccs they take on a
name. a personality and come to lire bcrore you r ve ry
eyes. Your character emerges as an aller cgo under
you!" control. thrust into the Shattered Frontier to find
rame. rortune or rate.
Creating an Afts & Eights characte r is simplc enough
ror e\'en the greenest tenderroot, since all you'vc got 10
do is roIlO\,' a re\\' simple steps. o r coursc, one or the
first things you should do is figure Out j ust what type or
characte r you want to play, and why this character (o r
his parcnts) headcd out wcst. Ir you haven't read thc
history appcndix yet, this might be a good time ror
that. It 'll gi\'e you a good reel ror the Shatte red
Frontier and the kind or people that live in il.
You should also consider what type or cam pa ign
you 'Il be playing in. For example, is it going to rows
more on backstabbing politics, wilderness adventures,
ranching, social mancuvering or prospccting? rr
you're unsure, chec k with your compadres and sec ir
they can gi\'c you some advice.
 * CHARACTER GENERATION *
To generate an Arts & Eight; character, simply follow
these basic steps, referring 10 the detailed sections fol-
10\\ ing for morc informalion.
Be Pre pared . ;'\10\\, before you aClually sit down to
rolt up }"our character. make sure you have at least one
sheet of scra tch paper, a pendl or pen and a \'arieIY of
dice d4 , d6, d8, diD. dl2 and d20. You'll also want
to do\\ nload the free Acts & Eights character sheet so
you can IramfeT th(' numbers from your ~cratch paper.
I ) Receive Building Points. Each c haracter
receives 75 Buil ding Points (BPs defined below) for
character creation. Thi s Sinning amount may be fur-
ther modified by such things as ability scores. priors
and particulars. quirb and naws. and so on. You 'll
need to keep tnlck of how many BPs you earn .md
spend during character creat ion .
2) Roll Ability Scores. To determine your charac-
ter'~ abi lity scores, roll 3d6 for each of the foUowing:
Strength. Intclligen ce, Wisdom, Dexterity,
Constitution. Looks and Charisma. You'll also need to
roll d ~'t1 In'prese nted by a dIDO. or twO dlOs of differ-
ent colors, one each for lOs and Is for the fractional
ability of each. This number determines how c1o~e
the character is to reaching thl" next ability score. For
example, a Strength of 13/45 means the character
must increase his fractional ability by 65 points to gain
a Strength of 14110.
If )'ou're unhappy with your roils, you can adjust
th em. However, inc reasing an ability score by I point
decreases another ability score by 2 points. For exam-
ple, improving a 13/45 Stn.:ngth to a 1 '~/"5 Strcngth
requires that another abil ity sco re reduce by two (such
as a Wisdom 15173 to a Wi sdom 13173),
3) Ch oose a Nationality. AI this point, you should
determine your character's place of origin. Is he a
native of the USA, o r the CSA? Is he a Tcxican or
Sequoyan, or is he a 13ritish or French citizen from
their respective colonies? Did hc emigrate from some-
where in Europe? Choosing your nationality no\\ will
give you more insight inlO later aspects of the charac-
ter creation process. Howevcr, if you trul) want 10 roll
randomly, the seClion on priors and particulars pro-
vides tablcs for your charactc r's nationality.
4) Roll Priors and Particulars (optiotlal) . If
you're interested in spending the time to determi ne all
the details of your character's background prior to
heading out to seck hi s fortunc , turn to Chapler
6.51 Dt/ailtd ChoTar/tr Backgrounds.
5) Finali ze Ability Scores and Other
Adjustments. Now it 's timc to finaliz e all your adjust-
menu from Building Points. especially any changes to
ability sco res. One wa)' to increase ability scores with
BPs is by buying fractional ability points. One BP can
incrrase a fractional ability score by 5 points, up to the
first 100 fractional points purchased for that abilit),.
For example, raising a 15173 Strength to a 16173
Strength costs 20 BPs. After you\'e spe nt 20 building
poims in thi~ manner, the ability increase drops to I
BP per +points, and continues to dt'creasc in this man-
ner each timo: you incre:lse Ihe ~aJllC abi ljty by anoth-
er 100 fractional point~. Wh en a franional abilit}
score ~oc~ O\'er 100, the base ~co rc is raised by one and
the 100 i~ discarded. Sec Tobit 3.1- /0: SPilld Slarling
Building PUII/ts.
6) Calcu late Starting Rep utation and Bonus BPs.
:\"0\\ add the w\en :.bilit) ,co re, from Step 2 together
and divide that ~um b) 'C\'{'11 round down any frac-
tiam. If Ilece .. ~a.ry. adjust the result b~ the modifiers
for your Chari~ma and Look ~ ~cores, background, or
quirks and Oaws, Thi ~ is your starting Reputation.
Record the rcsult on your character sheet. Be su re to
check Tohfr 3. I -8: Rrplltntio1l to see if you rccci"e addi-
tional Building Points.
7) Determine Quirks and Flaws. At this point,
you ma)' cho('lse 10 add quirk~ and flaws to your char-
acter in exthangc for honu~ Building Point ~. Quirks
and fla,,, are not rt'quircd, but help bring more depth
to a character, b~ ,lddin~ tho~e little traits and imper-
fections that make us all indi\'iduak Quirks include
mcnta l traits such as habits and prejudices, while flaw s
arc physicaJ traits such as poor cytsi~ht and hearing.
To determine which quirks or flaws the character has,
thc player may eitlwr roll randomly or choose ("cher-
ry pick") specific Cluirk~ or Jlaws.
8) Purchase Sk ills a nd Talents. Now you can
sl){'nd )our I'cma ining BPs on skills and/or talents.
Each time yOlL purcha ~e a skill , you recci\"e one roll of
Ibt, maste ry die to improve that ~kill.
9) Roll Hit Points. Each Aft.! & Eigllts character
recei\'e~ 20+ I d4 hit points. Thi~ IOtal may be furthe r
modified by such thin~~ as talclHs, flaws and your
character's Constitution ability score,
10) Record Base Speed Ilnd Accuracy. A charac-
te r's Base Spced is determined by his Wisdom and
Dexterity modifiers. while Base Accuracy is deter-
mined by his Ill1elligencc aud Dexterity modifiers.
II ) Equip Your Ch a ract er, You should reach an
agreement with the other players and/or Gamc~la s ter
to sec if you arc allowed to (''1uip your character by
choosing off the equi pmt'111 liSIS in Cltapttr 5.51 Coods &
Stroifil. Some groups may choose to limit certain
itcms, or require you 10 role play your character's pllr-
[7
 Record 75
Building Points
(p. 18) Option 1: Record Adjusted
Generate Ability Points Characte r Ab ilities
(p.24)

Option 2:
Generate Record Additional
Roll Ability Extra Building Points Calculatc Starting Building Po ints
Scores (p.24·25) Reputation & ~s flcccss~ry from
3d6 + IdlOO Fame Tables 3.1-2,.3,7,8
(p. 24) Option 3: (p. 25) (p. 2Q, 22-23)
Spend Starting
Building P o intS
(p.25)

chases during the game. If you pu rchase weapons, be
sure to record their statistics on your cha racter sheet as
well.
ElIILDING POINTS
Players can differentiate and personalize their Acts &
Eights characters by increasing their ability scores, pur-
chasing skills and talents, and even influencing their
heritage. Pl ayers accomplish thi s customization
through expenditure of alloted points, known as
"Building Poims" or " BPs". Players most often spend
BPs to buy skills and talems, though they may also be
used to modify ability scores. Furthe rmore, players can
use BPs to buy re-rolls on unwallled quirks and flaws,
or any of the Priors and Particulars tables ( I BP per re-
roll). A player need not spend all BPs during character
creat ion; unused BPs may be held to spend later, or
cashed in to improve starting money (\ BP = S5 .
Each new character receives 75 BPs. As you can see
on the various ability score tables below, a high
intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma or Reputation score
provides additional BPs. Giving your character quirks
or flaws also provides bonus BPs, but with some phys-
ical or emotional penalty (more on this later).
Once a campaign begins, characters also receive BP
awards in return for accomplishing certain goals. See
Chapter 4.3lAwards for more information on gaining
BPs during play.
AEILITY SCORES
Every character in Aces & Eigllts has nine basic char-
acterist ics or abilities, most of these having correspon-
ding ability scores: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom,
Proceed to
Priors & Particulars
(p. 25)
Dexterity. Constitution, Looks, Charisma. Reputation
and Fame. T hese building blocks provide the founda -
tion of your character, but they arc only the firs t
glimpses of your western character as he or she begins
to develop in your imagination . T hese character abil-
ities are described below. Each description gives an
idea of \\·hat that ability encompasses, including tables
with specific game effects and modifiers. Following the
descriptions are details on how to create your ability
scores.
Strength
Strength (Str defines your charac ter's physical
b rawn. It measures you r character's ability to muscle
his way through life. Strength measures a character's
muscle power, and determines the weight a character
is able to lift and ca rry. Vi tally important to brawling
and close quarter comba t, Strength inc reases or
decreases the damage a character causes with hand-
held weapons such as axes, butt stocks, bottles and
chairs. Is he as strong as an ox or weak as a lamb?
Can he knock out a horse with his fist or barely lifl a
bucket of fresh milk? Strength is also impo rtant for
loading wagons, carrying sacks of grain and similar
tasks.
DaIllage Modifier: T his modifier appl ies to close-
quarter combat and weapons used in brawling. Add
th is modifier to the damage roll in sllch situations.
Lift: This figu re represe nts the maximum weigh t of
an object that the character can lift off the ground and
carry with difficulty for a few dozen yards be fore hav-
ing to set it down to catch his breath . in no way can
the character engage in any other activity while so
encumbered.

18
 given with the presumption that the weight is
TABLE 3.1-1: STRENGTH e\'enly distributed a nd stowed in packs bo rn
primaril y on the shoulders, back or wai st.
Ab.ility Store D~m~8e Modifier Ljft (lbs.) Cm.y_(J.b.s.) Dug (lbs.)
Obviously, a character wi th 15 Strength ca r-
1/ 01 ............. ·7 ............ .11 ..........9 .......... 28
rying a 90-pound bag of sih'er coins in his
1/ 51 ........ ·6 ............25 ........ .12 .......... 63
W ....... . 4 ........... ~ ........ ~ ..... . ... ~ arms is going to face restrictions on his ability
2/ 51 ...•.... ·5 . . . ......... .51 ........ .17 . . ....... .128 to gunfight , so some measure of judgment is
3/ 01 ...•.... ·5 . . ..........61 ......... 20 ........ .160 wa l'fanted .
3/51 ............. ·1 .76 .........22 ........ .190 Drag: This is the maximum dead weight
1/ 01 ......... . ... 1 ............88 .... 24 ......... 220 that a character can drag over a wooden Ooo r
1/51 ............. 1 ....99 ......... 26 ......... 248 or hard packed soil at no more than a crawl
5/01 ........ . ·3 ........... .110 ......... ~ ..... 275
speed. T he objec t mu st naturally possess some
5/51 ........•.... ·3 . •......... .120 ......... 31 ......300
sari of hand-holds or have a rope fa stened
6/01 ........ . .... ·3 ........... .130 ......... 32 ......325
6/51 ............. ·Z ... 110 .........31 ......350 about it. This fi gure should be reduced by half
7/01 ............. ·2 ............ 149 .........36 .........373 for unfavorable surfaces such as mud.
7/51 ........... ·2 . .157 ...38 ......... 393
8/01 ........... . . ·1 ... . ........ 166 .........39 ........ AI5 Int.JJig.ne.
8/51 ........... .. ·1 . . ........ . .173 ......... 10 ........ .133
Intelligence (Int) defin es your character's
9/01 ............ . ·1 ............ 181 ...... 12 . . . . .. .153
me mory, reaso nin g and abilit y to think
9/51 ............. ·1 ............ 187 ...... 13 ... . . .... 168
th rough p roblems and situations. It measures
10/ 01 ........ . ... NoDe .......... .191 ........ .11 ..... . . . .185
10/ 51... . .. NoDe ........... 200. . ..... 45 . .. ... . ..500 your character's rational th ought process .
11/ 01 ............ NODe ... . ....... 205 .... . ... .1S . . .. ... . .513 Can he add up his ta b at the hardwarc Slore,
II/ 51 ............ NODe . . . .. . .. ... 210 . . ...... .52 ........ .525 pay for it and not ~et cheated? Does book
12/01 ............. +1 ...... .. . ... 215 .........56 .........538 learning come naturally o r is it a struggle?
12/51 ............. +1 ............220 .........61 .........550 Intellige nce is \'e ry im portant fo r book learn-
13/ 01 ..... . . . . .. .. +1 . . .......... 225 ........66 .. . ..563 inge ngineering, science, history, medicine,
13/ 51 ... +1 ............ 230 ........ .71 ........ .575 etc.!. Intelligence is importa nt to all cha rac-
11/ 01 ............ +2 ............235 .........77 .........588 ters because it also affects shoo ting Accuracy,
14/51 ............ +2 ............ 210 ........81 ......... 600 brawling agilit y and the ability to learn
15/01 ............ +2 ............ 215 .........91 .. ..613
Academia-based skills.
15/51 ............ +3 ............ Z67 ........99 .........668
16/01 .... +3 ............ 291 ........ 108 ..... .728 Accuracy Modifier: The Intelli gence
16/51 . +3 ............ 318 ... 118 ........ .795 Acc u racy modifier combine s with th e
17/01 ............ +1 ............ 317 ........ 129 .........868 Dexterit y Accuracy modifier 10 provide th e
17/51 . +1 ............ 380 ... 1'12 ....950 charact er's Ba se Acc uracy. The Base
18/01 ............ +1 ............ '117 ....... .156 ... .1013 Accuracy, of course, modifies a character's
18/51 ............ +5 ............ 158 . .Ill ..... 1115 chance to hit a target.
19/ 01 .......... +5 ........... 501 .. .... .189 ... .1260
19/51 ............ +6 ........... .551 ........ 209 ... .1385 BP Bonu s: This is a special one-time bonus
20/01 ............ +6 ............ 612 ........231 ........ .1530 rece ived at character creation. The
20/51 ............ +7 ............675 ........ 256 ....... .1688 Intellige nce BP Bonus may only be used on
21/01 ............ +7 .......... .7'17 ........ 285 ....... .1868 skills with Intellige nce as a relevant abilit y, so
21/51 ............ +8 ............828 ........317 ........ Z070 don 't mix them in wilh your other BPs. (BP
22/ 01 ............ +8 ............919 ........351 ........2298 bonuses arc explained later in the Skills sec-
22/ 51 ............ +9 .......... .1021 ........396 ........ 2553 tion.)
23/ 01 ....... . .... +10 ......... .1137 ........ 1'13 ........ 28'13
Skill Learning Modifier: The Intelligence
23/ 51 ........... . +11 .......... .1268 ....... .198 ........3170
21/01 ........... +12 .......... .1'117 ........560 ....... .3513 Skill Learning ~ I odifier represents the case o r
21/ 51 ............ +13 ........... 1)85 ........631 ....3963 difficult y with which a character can lea rn
25/ 01 ........... +11 .......... .1777 ....... .714 ........ 1113 skills based on Int elligence. A positive value
indicates an addition al credit of BPs available
any time a character attempts to learn a skill
Carry: This column lists the weight a character may that requires Int elligence. Thus, an intelligent person
carryon his person wilhout hindering his combat abil- will find learning advanced math easie r than a dimwit.
ity or limiting his movement. Thcse limitations arc
Th e negative modifi ers show the diffi culty that slow

19
 (and worse) individuals have learning any Int-based
TABLE 3.1-2: INTELLIGENCE skill. The Skill Learning Modifie r is described more
AhiJi t.y5t.or.c Accumy..Modi.£icr BPJ:pnus SkilU. .wniDg Modifier fully in the Skills section following.
1 . ....... ·3 .. . . .. 0 .............. -9
2 .,........ . -3 ... 0 . . . . ....... -8 Wisdom
3 . -3 ..... 0.. . .. ·7 Wisdom (Wis) defines your character's common
4 ·2 ... 0 . . . ... .. . -6 sense and empathic ability. It 's a combination of how
S -2 ... 0 .............. -5
practically a person thinks, his good judgment,
6 -2 ... 0 . . . . .. ' '1
7 ..... ·1.. . .. 0. .J
willpower, stro ng headedness and how well he can
8 .............. .\ . . .0.. .. ·2 sense the emotions and feelings of othe rs. Can he
9 .\ .. . .. 0 -I sense when a bear is ready to charge? Does he know
10 . . . . 0 .......... 0 .0 bener than to chase buffalo through hostile territory?
11 . . . . 0 . . . . .0 . . . . 0 Is he a good listcner and does he notice when things
12 ... . ........ I ...... .! .............. 1 are amiss? Wisdom is important for animal training,
13 ... . ... I ............ 3 .2 tracking and reacting to others, such as in a gunfight.
14 ..... . ..... I .....6 . . . .3
Speed Modifi er: T he Wisdom Speed Modifi er
IS.. . ... 2 ..... 10.. . ...... 4
combines with the Dexterity Speed J\'l odifier to pro-
16 .. .... 2 ....... [5.......... .5
17 .. . .. 1 .....•.•..•21 . .•. . .. 6 vide the character's Base Speed. The Base Speed, of
18 .. .......... 3 .... 28 ............. 7 course , modifies Initiative and determines how quickly
19 .. 3 ..36 ... ..8 a character can react in a stressful situation .
10 .. .. 3 ........... '15 .. 9 BP Bo nus: This is a special one -tim e bonus received
11 < .... .55 .. . ... JO at character creation. The Wisdom BP Bonus may
< ......66 ........•..•. 11
"
13 4 ......•.. 78 •..•. .1 2
only be used on skills with Wisdom as a relevant abili-
ty, so don 't mix th em in with your othcr BPs. (BP
14 ... .. 5 ..... 91 .. . ... 13
....... 5
bonuses are explained later; see the Skills section of
15 ....... IOS .. 14
this chapter.)
Skill Learning Modifier: The Wisdom Skill
TULE 3.1-3: WISDOM Learning ~ I odifier representS the ease or difficulty
Ahilit):..Smr.c Spetd}.Jodilicr Bf..honus Skill Lwning M.odi!icr \\'ith which a character can learn skills based on
I. ..... 5 ..... 0 .............. ·9 Wisdom. A positive value indicates an additional cred-
2 .............. S .. . . .. 0 ......... ..... ·8 it of BPs available any time a cha racter attempts to
3 ........ S ... 0.. .. ·7 learn a skill that requires Wisdom. Thus, an intuitive-
4 4 ..... 0... . ... -6 ly empathetic person will find learning to train animals
5 4 ....... 0.. .. ·S easier than an insensitive lout. The negative modifiers
6 4 ..... .. 0. . .. ·4 show the difficulty that imperceptive individuals have
7 .............. 3.. . .. 0. . .... ·3 learning any Wisdom-based skill. T he Skill Learning
8 .• 3 •.......... 0 .. -2 Modifier is described more fully in the Skills sect ion
9 . . .... 3 . .. 0 .. .. -1
following .
\0 .. .. . . 2 .. . .. 0 ... .0
II .. 2 .......... 0.. 0
11 .1 . . . ..1 . .. ... . .. 1 Dexterity
13 I ..... 3 ... ... .2 Dexterity (Dex) defines your character's agility, coor-
14 I..... ..6... .. .. 3 dination and deftness. It encompasses reflexes, bal-
IS .. ..0 .. 10.. ..4 ance, Speed and Accuracy. Can he draw fast and
16 .. .. 0 .. 15 S shoot straight? Is he good at riding and bronco bust-
17 .. 0 .... 21. . ... . ... 6
ing? Dexterity is important for shooting, riding, rop-
18 .. .. -\ ..... ... m ... 7 ing and fighting.
19 ·1 .......... .36 ..... 8
20 ... . .. -1 .... .. ..... e ............. 9 Speed Modifier: The Dexterity Speed i'vIodifier
21 ... . ·2 ..... SS .. .10 combines with the Wisdom Speed Modifier to provide
22.. -2 ....66 ... II the character's Base Speed. The Base Speed, of
23.. -2 ..... .78 ..... 12 course, modifies Initiative and determines how quickly
H. ·3 ........... 91 .... . ... 13 a character can react in a stressful situation .
15. ... .•. ·3 ..•........ IOS ........ 14

20
 The Base Accuracy, of course, modifies a character's
TABLE 3.1-4: DEXTERITY chance to hit a target at range.
Accuncy 6 To-hit Modifier: T he To-hit M odifier adjusts a
Ahilily.-SrolC Sp_t.cd..M.o.dificr IQ:hil.JnQdiLicr character's chance to hit a target at close quarters.
1/01 .... . .... 8 ..... , .. -5
1/51 .8 ....... ·4
2/ 01 ............ 8 .... ·4 ConsUiution
2/51 ...... 7 . -4 Constitution (Con)
TABLE 3.1·5: CONSTITUTION
3/01 .. .......... 7 . ·4 defines your character's AbiJily...5.rorc l:iit.P..ointModilicr
3/51 ........ 7 . ~ health , hardiness and 1 ..... ·9
4/ 01 .. .......... 6 ....... . ....... ~ stoutne ss . It affects the
z ......... ... .. ·8
4/51 .. . ...... 6 .... . . .J 3 .. . ...... ·7
character's hit points
5/01 .. ..6 . .. .J 4 ... ... ·6
5/51 5 ..... ·2
and chances of survivi ng 5 .. .. -S
6/01 5 .. ·2 surgery and wounds. 6 ......... ·4
6/51 .•. 5 .. -2 How many wounds can 7 ............ ·3
]/01 ........... 4 .. -2 he suITer before suc- 8 .. -Z
7/51 .... 4 ... -J cumbing? Can he march 9 . ·1
S/OI .. 4 ..... .•.•• -1 through miles of bone- 10 ... 0
8/51 .3 ............... . ] bleaching desert without 11 ... 0
9/01 .3 .. -1 stopping for a breather? 12
9/51 .3 .. 0 Does he shake ofT 13 ........ . 2
10/01 .............. 2 ............... 0 14 .•. ... 3
punches, or does he ha\'e
10/51 ... 2 ............ 0 IS ............. ~
II/OJ ... 2 what's called a glass jaw?
.".0 16 . ..... ... .. S
II/51 .. ..0 Constitution is impor-
17 .. ... . ... 6
12/01 I .. ...... \ tant for brawling, resist- IS 7
11/51 ..... . 1 .1 Illg physical lIlJury, 19 ... .8
\3/01 .. . ... 0 .1 recovering from wounds, ZO .•. . ....... 9
13/51 " .0 .I and endurance. 21 . 10
1-'1 /01 ... 0 "' ..... "...... 2 2Z •. . ... II
Hit Point Modifier:
1-'1 /51 · ., .........•.. 2 23 .. . ...... 12
IS/OJ . -1 .2
T he H it Point tvlodifier
H. 13
IS/51 .... • • . ] .2 is added to, or subtract-
2S ... . .. 14
16/01 .... ·2 .. 3 ed from , the hit points
16/51 .. · ·2 . ... 3 for the character (base
17/01 ... 2 .. .. 3 d. + 20).
\7/51 .. ......... ... -3 .. .
IS/ O! .. .J .... .
. ... 3
.. , Looks
IS/SI. . . . -3 ..... 4
Looks (Lks) defines your character's physical attrac-
19/01
I9/SI
.. - ~
.. - ~
..... 4
.. , tiveness and appearance. Looks indicates beauty,
handsomeness and first impressions; it determines ini-
ZO/Ol ....... - ~ .S
20/SI ............. ·S ............... S tial reactions to the character, even al a distance. Do
21/01 ·S .S all tbe ladies swoon as he makes his way past the
21/S1 ...... ·S .S church on Sunday? Do men propose whenever she's
22/01 ·6 ........... 6 alone with them? Do artists and photographers seek
22/SI ·6 6 this person out as a model? Is she best described as
23/01 ·6 .. 6
comely or homely? Looks is important for influence,
23/SI · ·7 .. 6
HIOI ... -7 ........... 7
initial reaction and interaction with the opposite sex.
HISI ... ........ ·7 .... . .. 7 It is important to note here that Looks is not
25/01 ......... ~ .... . .......... 7 Charisma. Looks, however, can affect Charisma on a
permanent basis. A character's Charisma ability score
Accuracy Modifier: The Dexterity Accuracy mod- is modified by the character's Looks score, as seen on
ifier combines with the Intelligence Accuracy modifier Table 3.1-6: Looks.
to provide you with the characte r's Base Accuracy. Charisma Modifier: This modifier indicates the
number that should be initially added to the charac-

21

TABLE 3.1-6: LSSRS
Modifier \0 Stuting RepUIllioD STming FlInt
AbiliTY Score Chnisnu M.odificr Modifier
! ........... -7 ............ ·9 ....... . .... -9
I . .... . ..... -6 ............ -8 ............. -8
J ........... ·5 ............ -7 ............. ·7
4 ........... ·4 ............ ·6 ........ , .... ·6
5 .•. , •...... -3 ............ -5 .. , .......... -5
6 ........... -2 ..... , .... , . .'1 ........... , -'1
7 ........ ·2 .. . ......... -3 ............. -3
8 .......... . ·1 ............ ·2 ............ ·2
9 ........... .] •............ -1 ...........•.. -1
10 ......... 0 ..... •....... 0 .............. 0
11 .•......... 0 ..... • ..•.•. ,0 .•.. .......... 0
IZ ........... 0 ... • ... , •. , •. I .............. I
13 ......... • . I . . . • . . . . • . . . . 1 ...... . .. .. ... 2
1'1 .••.•.•.. • . 1 ............. 2 .............. 3
15 ........... 2 ............. 2 .............. ~
16 ........... 2 .... .. ....... 3 .............. 5
17 ........... 3 ............. ~ .............. 6
18 ...... . ... ~ ............. S .. . .... . .... . . 7
19 ........... 5 ............. 6 .... . .. . ...... 8
20 ........... 6 ............. 7 .... . ......... 9
21 ........... 7 ............. 8 .............. 10
22 ..... .. .... 8 ............. 9 .............. !!
23 ........... 9 ............. 10 ............ 12
24 ........... 10 ............ !! ........ . .. .. 13
25 ........... II ............ 12 ............. Ii
ter's Charisma (this is a one-time modifier.
After character creation, if a characte r's
Looks score IS raised or lowered, whether
by disease, malmmg or some ot her reason,
Charisma should be similarly affected on a
point-for-point basis (a loss of one pOll1t of
Looks results In one point of Charisma lost
as well).
Starting Reputa tion Modifi e r: The
Starting Reputation ~ I odifier indicate s the
number to be added to the character's sta rt-
mg Reputat ion (covered 111 del ail later).
Like it o r not , physical beauty affects how
people are viewed by society. Clearly, news
of a striking individual can spread locally if
nOt regionally.
Starting Fam e Modifier: The Starting
Fame i\ lodificr indicates Ihe number to be
added to tbe character's starting Fame (cov-
ered 1Il detail later). Like the Reputation
modifie r, news of a st riking individual may
spread over a wide area.
22
Charisma
Charisma (Cha) defines your character's cha rm , wit,
personal influence and leadership abili ty. It is not a
measure of beauty but rather of persona! magnetism
and thus IS affected by Looks. Charisma also affects
Reputation and Fame. Can he negotiate a peace
treaty between the hostiles and the camp? Can he
influence the town councilor quic kly form a posse?
Can he talk his way IntO a cheap poke? Charisma IS
important for negotiation , running for elections, wield-
ing influence and intimidating others. It dictates the
total number of henchmen a character can retain and
affects the loyalty of cohorts, henchmen, servants,
Cfomes. sidckicks and others.
BP Bonus : T hese bonus BPs arc a one-time bonus
rcceiyed at character creation. T his special BP Bonus
may on ly be used on skills with Charisma as a relevant
ability, so don't mix them In with your other BPs. (BP
bonuses are explained later in the Skills section.)
Skill L earn ing M o di fier: Th e Charisma Skill
Learning .\Iodifi er represents the case or difficulty
with which a character can learn skills based on
Charisma. A positi\'e value indicates an additional
credit of BPs a\'ailable any time a character allempts
to learn a skill that reqUIres Charisma . Thus, a cow-
poke with a magnetic personality will find lea rning to
TABLE 3.1-7: CHARISMA
Skill Lwoiog MiX. Number Stifting Rq)lmtioD
Ab,ilit.y S core BP..Boous Modifier Comp.iIIiols Modifier
1 ...........0 ......... .·9 .............0 .............. ·9
2 ...........0 ..........·8 .............0 .............. ·8
3 ...........0 ..........·] .............0 ...... . ....... ·]
~ ...........0 .......... ·6 ............ .I .... . ......... ·6
5 ........0 .... .-5 ........... J ...... . ....... ·5
6 ...........0 .......... ·4 ... . ... .I ............. . ~
7.... . ..0 ..........·3 .............2 ............. ·3
8 ........... 0 ..........·2 ............. 2 .............. ·2
9 ........... 0 ..........·1 ............. 3 .............. ·1
10 ........... 0 ...........0 ............. 3 .............. 0
11 .......... 0 . ..........0 ............. ~ .............. 0
12 ..•..•..•. .1 ...•. .1 ....•..•.•.. 5 .•..•.•..•.... 1
13 ..... 3 ........... 2 ............. 6 ............. 2
14 ...........6 ...........3 .............8 ........... 3
15 ........... 10 .......... ~ ............ .10 .............. ~
16 .......... 15 ..........5 ............. 12 .............. 5
1] .......... 21 ..........6 ............ .15 .............. 6
18 .•....... 28 ...•..... .7...... ..20 ............ . . 7
19 ..... 36 ..........8 ............ 25 ... ........... 8
20 ......... .4S ..........9 ............ 30 .............. 9
21 ..........55 .......... 10 ............ ~O ............. 10
22 ..........66 ......... .11 ............ 50 .............. II
23 ......... .78 .......... 12 .........60 ............. 12
2~ ..........91 . ......... 13 ........... .70 ............. 13
25 ......... 105 ......... 14 ............90 ............. 14
fast talk others easier than a jerk will, The negative nat e CircumStances,
modifiers show the difficulty that socially inept indi- TABLE 3J.B: REPUTATION might possess a mis-
viduals have tearning any Charisma-based skill. The RCpU Ul ioll Buildiog.I'.oiDIS erable Reputation.
Skitt Learning :\I odificr is described more fully in the I ...............0
Reputation IS
Skills section below. 2 ...............0
3.. . .....0
more a measure of
Max . Numb er Compatriot s: The :\ Iaximum 4.. . .....0 the deeds accom-
l\"umber of CompatriotS statistic states the number of 5.. . .....0 plished by the indi-
non-player characters that can potcntially se rve under 6.. . . ..5 vidual and so me-
the character. Cohorts, followe rs. henchmen , cronies 7 .............. 10 times his family ' , as
and sidekicks arc types that will serve freely in tough 8 .............. 15 well as those with
times and will follow that characte r bccause of who he 9 ... . ... 20 whom he associates
is. In mher words, hired workers and the like do not 10 .............. 25 himself (his partne rs
fait under th is category or count toward the maximum II .............. 25 or gang). It is an
allowed. 12 .............. 25 indication of such
13 ..............30
Starting Reputation Modifi er: The Starting things as success in
14 •....•..•..•.•30
Reputation ~'l odifie r indicates the numbcr to be added gunfights or politics,
15 .. .35
to the character's staning Reputation covered in [6.. . AO loyahy, talent and
delail later). 17..... .. . AS success, qualities
IS ..............50 that can be held by
Abilit y Checks 19 ..............55 anyone character
20 ..............60 regardless of dispo-
At certain times throughout the ad\'anced rules, 21 .............. 65 sinon.
we'l! mcntion ':A.bility Checks." These are situations 22 .. . .. .70
where the affected character mu st roll a d20 under his T o truly ha\'e
23 ... . .. .75
re!evam ability sco re o r, for very difficult checks, under Reputation IS to
24 ......80
half his ability score rounded down. For example, a 25+ ••.•.••.••.••85 command respect.
Wisdom check for a charactcr with 13 /50 Wisdom is " ' hen a characte r
successful on a 13 or less on a d20. The same charac- loses Reputation, he
ter would succeed in a Wisdom check against half his loses honor. Reputation is so essential to the character
Wisdom on a roll of 6 or less 011 a d20 half o f 13/ SO that it i~ renee ted in his \'cry countcnancc. People can
is 6.75 rounded down to 6'. sense hOh much Reputation a PC has just by sta nding
in his presence. ,\ nd sometimes if his Reputation is
Repuiation through the roof' they can tcll JUSt by looking at him.
Reputati on can also dictate what a character bound
Reputation (Rep) defines how thc character meas-
to such a concept will do in a gi\'en situation. For
ures up to society's ideal s of cou rage, integrity and
exam ple, when the men of the blue and the gray
inner strength. Can his partner count on him in a
knowingly marched across that ' narrow deadly space·
scrape? Is his word his bond or is he a liar? Will he let
at Gettysburg to certain death it was a matter of
someone question his honor without a fight? Is he a
Reputation. Th ere was nothing else for such men of
cheat, backshoOter o r cowa rd ? Reputation is impor-
Rcputati on to do when placcd in that situation.
tant because it innuences the way others treat your
Leaving the field of battle in the hands of the cnemy
charaetcr and can affect your luck.
was unthinkable so th ey fought.
As mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, the
How to create your starting Reputalion score is
Reputation ability is treated a bit differently than the
described in the preceding pages. Chapttr 4.21 Reputation
other character abilities. Fo r one thing. you don't roll
& Faille deals with Reputation in more detail and how
3d6 to determine your Reputation. Secondl y,
ii's uscd in thc game. It cxplai ns how you can earn
Reputatio n nuctuates depending on the character's
Reputation and to what usc you can put it.
actions and beha\·ior.
Reputation is not a judgement of good and evil. ;ame
Individuals of high Repu tation are nOt ncccssarily
good and those with low Reputation arc not necessar- (Fame defines how well known the character is.
ily evil. A cruel rail baron may vcry well possess high Docs everyone in tOWI1 know him ? \ Vhen he rides into
Reputation while a goodly prostitute, through unfortu- a new community docs word sp read of his arrival? Do
saloons front him a generous tab to induce him to fre-

23
quent, as a way of anraeling new patrons? Fame
begins low, or even at zero and increases throughout a
character's carec!:
How to create your starting Fame score is described
in the following section .
CREATING ABILITY SCORES
Okay, let's get sta rt ed. The very first step in gener-
ating a character is rolling his ability scores. So grab
three 6-sided dice, percentile dice a dlOO, or twO
d lOs). a blank charac ter sheet and a pad of scratch
paper. The first seve n ability scores are determined
randomly (beginning Repu tation and Fame arc han-
dled differently and will be created la st). Scores arc
dete rmin ed by rolling three six-sided dice (3d6) to
obtain a \'alue from 3 (the wo rst) to 18 (th e best) and
then a percentage roll to show where in a particular
number range you r charaCier's scores actually rest.
TABLE 3.1-9: GENERATE ABILITY POINTS
Currcnt Ability s.:orc CoSI 10
10 be Impro"cd Tudc Up
7Olrkss... . .. .I rorl
8 · 10 .. . ............... HOld
11-13 ......3fOlrl
14 · 16 ........................>1fo,1
17 ·20. ... . .............5 for I
21+ .. .. .. . .10 for 1
Rolling Ability Scores
Roll the three 6-sided dice (3d61 for each ability; the
tOtal shown on the dice is your character's ability
score. Then roll percentage (dOo, d I 00 or two 10-sided
dice, to ge t a number from I to 100). Record each
fractional ability on your scratch paper next to the
appropriate ability like this: xx/yy whe re "xx" is the
result of the 3d6 and "yy" is the result of the dO,<:..
For example, let's say your 3d6 roll for Strength is II
and you just rolled a fractional ability (d%) of 61 .
Your Strength should now read I 1/61. Repeat this
step for the first seven abilities in order (St re ngt h,
Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity, Constitution, Looks
and Charisma).
For purposes of play, Ihe ability score is considered
the lowest integer associated with the ability. For
exa mple, a ga mbl er with 3/54 Strength would still be
considered to have 3 Strength. :'-I"ote that it is possible
to have a fractional ability of ! 00, such as a cowboy
with 9/ I 00 Dexte rit),. When a fract ional ability score
goes over 100, the base scorc is raised by one and the
100 is discarded (th e cowboy would now have I % I
Strength).
2'
Adjusling Abilily Scores
Now that you'ye rolled for each ability score, you
have an opportun ity to adjust a ny of the first six
scores. If you think of the first seven ability scores as
your characte r's average potential, then co nsider rais-
ing and Iml"ering scores as practice and development
of certain abilities at the expense of others. Kote that
Looks cannot be modified in th is way; a cha racter is
slUck with whate\'er beauty or bruti sh ness nature pro-
vided. Further, Reputation and Fame are handled dif-
ferently and cannot be adjusted during this step.
There arc three options to choose from when adjust-
ing scores. You can choose any or all as many times as
you wish as long as you don't lo\,'cr an ability to less
than I in the p rocess.
Adjust01ent Option 1 - Generate Ability Points:
This option allows you to sac rifice points from one
ability score and increase another. Table 3.1 -9: Generalt
Ability Points shows the relative costs to increase one
ability score at the expense of another. T hink of this
as a charac ter letting certain of her abilities degrade
while she hones and impro\'es other skill s.
For example. if your character had a 10 Str, 18 int,
and a 13 \\'i5 you could sacrifice 2 points of i nt Ireduc -
ing it from 1810 16 and add I point to your Strength
raising it from 10 to II In this case, your characte r
might hm'e been born with an outstanding natural
intellect, but chose to quit school at a young age in
order to help with farm chores. O n the other hand,
you could add a point to your Wisdom instead (rai sing
it from 13 10 14), but this will decrease your
Intelligence (or whatever score yot! chose) by 3 points.
You can lower or raise as many abilities as you want
with these few limitations:
'3r You can'l sacrifice points from an ability if it
would result in that abilit)' being lower than 1.
1fjST You can't sacrifice points from twO different
abilities - i.e. you couldn't take I point orr your
Strength and I point orr you r Wisdom. All points
must come off the sa me ability.
"S.Ir Only whole integers arc adjusted. You can' t
adjust Fractional Ability scores during this ste p. A
Strength of 14/48 raised one point would result In a
15/48 Strength.
9r Looks may nOt be raised or lowered.
Adjustment Option II - Generating Extra
Building Points: This option allows you to sacrifi ce
points from an ability score in order to generate extra
Building Points (see the Priors and Particulars section
for more on BPs). You'll receive a certain amOunt of
Building Points later in the cha racter creation process.
BPs are used to purchase such things as skills, talents,
starti ng money, give you rerolls on ccrtain tables and
ma ke improvcments to your character.
Fo r eve ry point you sacrifice from one ability, you
generate 7 Building Points that are recorded and later
added to your starting quot a of Building Points. As
with Option I , you can't sac rifice points from an a bili-
ty if it would result in that ability being lower than 1.
~ote that each option is a separate process.
For example, dropping an ability score 2 points
results in gene rating 14 Building Points OR 1 a bility
point (which could be appl ied to another ability score
curren tly at 10 or below). It 's one or the other - not
b o th !
Adju stmen t Op t i on III Spend Startin g
Buildin g Points :
T his option allows you to spend some of your start-
ing Building Points in order to raise fractional ability
scores . T he cOSt is one BP per fi\'e fractional ability
points for the first 100 fractional points purchased for
that ability. Thereafter, the benefit for further pur-
chases in that ability begins to decrease as shown in
Table 3.1 -10: Spend Startillg Bllildillg Poillts.
TABLE 3.1·10: SPEND STARTINGBUILDING POINTS
~ PoinISJncrc~sed
up to l00'1i ........ ... ,.+5% per 1 BP
101 to 200%
201 to 300'1t ..
.. ..+4% per 1 BP
. ... .+~It per 1 BP
301to 400% .. ... .. .. .. ...+2% per 1 BP
4010/-+ '" .. +1% per 1 BP
For example, if SlIe "Ha/chet" 1ViLwn has a Dexterity of
12/86,)'OU call spend 3 BPs and increase ller Dex by 15frac-
tiona! poillts to 13/01. If ),011 spelld allother 17 BPs (for a
tolal rif 20), her Dex is now 13/86. Sillct)'Ol/'ve 1I0W pl/r-
chased 100 fractional poillts for Dexterity, to Improve her Dex
fllrtlur will cost olle 8 ;>for evuy 4 fractional poillis so 4 more
BPs will afford a Dex of 14/02 ( I BPs at +4% per BP is
+16%).
Remember, you ca n only use your starting BPs to
help adjust your ability scores. BPs gained later (from
quirks and flaws, Reputation , elc,) canna I be used to
adjusl ability scores.
Calculaling Slarling Repulalion
Calcu late your character's starting Reputation by
averaging the prcvious scvcn abil itics. Add all scvcn
abilities (Str, Int, Wis, Dcx, Can, Lks and Cha) tOgeth-
er (including fractional points as decimal places, e.g.,
add a 14/22 ability as 14.22), divide the total by scven
and round to the neareSt integer.
Now add a ny Reputation :'v[odificr provided by your
Charisma and Looks. Next, add any modifiers from
your character's background tables (if you chose to use
these), This gives you your starting Re putation score.
Kow you ca n consul t Table 3.1-8: Replltat/oll to see your
additional Building Points.
Again, reme mber that you can only use your staning
BPs to help adjust your ability scores. BPs gained from
Reputation cannot be used to funher adjust your abil-
ity scores.
When a cha racter loses Reputat ion such that his
score becomes negative , it is called Notoriety,
~otorietr has sim ilar categories as Reputation but
offers none of the same be nefits. See Chapter
1.21 Replltation & Faille for marc information on
~ otoricty.
Calculating Slar!ing Rlm'
Your character's Fame begins at zero, plus any mod-
ifie rs from Table 3.1-6: woks. Fame might be furthcr
modified by the background tables in Priors and
Particulars, below. If this would bring your character's
final Fame score to less than zero, round up to precise-
lY zero a character cannot ha\'e a Fame less than zero),
* PRIORS AND PARTICULARS *
Your character's ability sco res gi\'e you some basic
insight into his raw ta lents, but it's only a skeleton of
the character. By now you should be ready to put
some fle sh on those bones and find Out mo re about
you r character, The following tables determine such
things as your cha racter's staning age, social class, ci r-
cumstances of birth, and so on . You and the ot her
players may make use of this information during the
course of your character's caree r to furt her detail his
background. Of course, this won't happen overnight
- it'll come to you slowly, over the course of many
game sessions. You'll find that playing your character
suggests background details that you might nOt have
thought of otherwise,
For example, let's say that sheriff Andrew Lewisjinds him-
self cui qJf from his posse ill hostile territory wilh a savage
grollp rif Apaches hOllnding his every footstep. He's low 011 hit
poillts, and his sitllatioll isn't lookillg too good. At this POillt,
his pla)'er might recollect that he's got a sister who's interested in
saving the souls rif Ihese "poor heathms, ., as she calls them. SI/e
headed Ollt inlo the Shattered FrOlltier )'ears ago and lIever
relurned home (that's asJar as Ihe pla),erfleshed out the details),
25
 Choose P lace of Roll
Origin or Roll S!arling y" Ron H andcdncss
on Table 3.1.11 Ago (p. 27)
(p. 26)
"' 2~

Spen4 1 8.P' Sptnd I 8.P'

Roll Roll Determine

Roll Starting
Heigh! Weigh!
y" So<; ial 0." Money
(p.29)
"' 2~ (p. 28)

Spend I B.P.

Spend I B.P.

",m No
a..pcu6.5
Dc.:ide "l.y Chlr.1.Cler
Proceed to Quirks, Flaws , has tn'-ckd \X'est or
Skills and Talents (p. 30) Ron on Table 3.1.17
"' 2~
At this point, a diver pla;·er migltt suggtst to Ihe GamiiIJosler backgroulld is now revealed. O J course, this could flOve an
Ihal Itis devoted sister actually set up a mission in this very uno.pecled twist, such as Andrew arriving at Ihe mission only to
"hoslile tern·lory" in the middle rif which hi now finds himself find it a bumed oul ruill, wilh the weathiTed bOlles rif some poor
strandid. He informs lhe GAl that his sister wrote Itim a letter soul (his sister?) lyillg in what used to be lhe cour!yard, or some
witlt all tile details whin he was )"Ounger, alld lhal Alldrew is other laliT twist Ihal makes the characlif's life more intereslillg.
carejidly making his u:ay to the missioll to seek refuge.
Now, tlte GM mighl (or might not) accept that suggtstion. Place of Origin
Still, it's worlh a shot. .I/ost GJ ls welcomi Ihe opportullif)'fo r \\"ant to know where your character came from? You
a plo]er to expand llis backgroulld in SUell a creatiVl mallller. If can simply choose your place of origin or roll randomly
the GM bzrys this suggtstioll, then another bit rif Ihe charae/iTS on TahIR 3.1-11: Place if Origin/Birth.

TABLE 3.1-11: PLACE OF ORIGIN / BIRTH OUTSIDB NORTH AMBRICA SUBTABLB

Roll (dIOO ) Birthphce
Roll (d20) Birthphce
01·10 . .. .. ... ... Outside No rt h Americl (sec sububle)
01·02 .... .. . ... Enghnd
lJ·JZ ... .. ... .. .Mexico (indigenous)
13-19 . .......... Mexico
. OJ. . .. ..... . . · .Scotilnd
0'1·10 .. . . . . .... .lrehlld
20· Z1 .. ... ..... .Tens ( L ouisiln~n DiSlfitl)
22·Z8 ... ..... .Teus (Gulf Cout)
11·12 .. .. . .... · .Chinl
...
13·18 . . .. ..... · .Germ ~ ny
29 ... ... .. ... .West Tens
30·31 .. ... .. ... .5equopb
.
19·20 .. .. ... . .. St1ndin~vi~
'Europ~a"s, M r",i(ans and Qutbttois are projicient in thdr
32-3'1 ... ..... .lndi ~ n (illdigenous) nat;1Je fMgue. Tluy musl purrhasr (he Language (English) skill if
35·36 ......... Deserel Ihty wanl 10 (ommunirale with the Eng/ish-sJuding majority.
37·39 ... ... ....Cll1~dl (Anglophone)
'10·'11 .. ..... ... .CllUdl (Q~ebewis) '
..
British, S,oltish and Irish immigrants are naturally an e",uption.
Charartas hajJing /rom Fre",h Or/rans are former
4Z· 47 ... ... .... USA: New Eng Iud (ME. NH. VT. MA. CT, RI) Louisianans dissatisjird with French administration. They art all
English speakm .
48-56 . .. . . . .. . .USA: E~ SI (NY, PA. NJ. KN)
... German rharartrrs may a/ternati1Jrly ,hoost to have tmigral-
57·63 ... .. ... .. USA: Cellini (OH. IN, IL. WI, MI) rd from Auurja, Switurland or other German sprding regions of
6'1-69. .. ..... . . USA: South (KY, MO ) untral Europ •.
70·7'1 .. . USA: West (MN. lA, territories)
75·80 ... .. ... . .CSA: Nortbeu! (DE. MD, Columbi~ Count y (formerly DC))
81·87 . . ... . . . ..CSA: Athntic Selboud COld Soutb ~: VA. Cuolius. CAl
88·91 .. ... . . . .. CSA: Southml (FL. CUbl)
92-99 .. ... .. . .. CSA: West (MS, AL. TN)
..
100 .... ....... . Frellch Orlel ns

26
 TABLE 3.1-12: AGING EFFECTS
Agc Weight" Abilities
Middling (30 yeus) . . . . . .+2 Bod y Mm Index Modifier .po c h ~ pgc
35 ...... ... +1 Booy Mm Inde x Modifier . . .po ( hi Dge
'10 . . . . . .. .+1 Body Mm Index Modj(jer... . .... . . . .DO elu pge
O ld Timet (45 reus) . .... .... .+Z Body Mm Modifi er . ....... . ..... . .. .... ,-' SIr/ Con: +1 Wis (no Spted bon us ); +1101:
Geezer (60 yem) .. . . . ..+1 Body Mm Modifiu . . . ..... . .-2 Slr! Dex: -I Con: +1 Wis (no Speed bonus): +1101:
°If us ing opliouJ Body l\hss Indo: 10 determ ine weight (see the H eighl l Dd We ight section)

Age Roll on Table 3.1 - /3: Handedness to determine which

hand your characte r favors. If you don't like the
i\'iost characters start play between 15 and 26 years
result, you may purchase a re-roll on this table for a
of age. Calculate your character's base age as
COSt of I BP or choose your handedness for a COSt of 5
14+ldI2. If you roll a 12, apply penetration (add
BP. You may purchase as many re-rolls as you like, as
anothe r 0-11 (d 12- t) and continue to do so as long as
long as you have BPs remaining.
you roll 125 on the die). If you don't like the result, you
may pu rchase a re-roll for a cost of I BP. You may TABLE 3.1-13: IIANDEDNESS
purchase as many re-rolls as you like, as long as you
Roll (d[OO) H ~ ndtdnt SS
have BPs remaining. Alternatively, you may choose 01·90 ...... .. ... .. .. Right
the age you prefer by expending 5 BPs. So if you real- 9 [·9') .. . ..... .Ldt
ly want to playa geezer, you can just spend the S BPs. 100 .•. . .... .. .. . ....Ambide xTrous-

As a characte r ages, his ability scores are directly ·AmJJjd~"tTOUl rharo""f suffir a ~1 Spud pmafty.jor
affected . After all, life on the frontier isn't easy, and tINy often MI;tat. for ajTaaion 0/(1 strand. aJ though

the hard life takes its toll on all men and women. (hoesing 'U'h;ch hand to WI.
Upon reaching 45 years of age, the character loses I
point of Strength and I point of Constitution, but he Heigh t and Weight
ga ins I point each for his Intelligence and Wisdom. To determine the height of your charactel; simply
Upon reaching 60 years, he loses 2 more points of roll randomly on Table 3.1-/-/: C/wracler Hright. If you
Strength, 2 points of Dexterity, and I more point of don't like the result, you may purchase a re-roll on this
Constitution, but he gains I point of Intelligence and table ror a cost of I BP. You may purchase as many re-
Wisdom. Even if an improved Wisdom score due to rolls as you like , as long as you have BPs remaining.
age would norma]!y improve his Speed, ignore this
effect. He also gains a little more weight as he ages. TABLE 3.1-14: CHARACTER IIEIGIIT
All aging adjustments are cumulative. See Table 3.1- Roll (d\OO) Fem ~ le Height (in ) M11e H eight (iD)
12: Aging Effects for a summary of those eITects. OJ . ....60·[d[2 . ... . . .....6S-[dI2
02·03 . .. .. .58 ...... . ........ .. .63
Handedness 04·05 . . ... . .59 ..64
06·12. . .. . .... . ...60 ........ . . ..65
Knowing whether your character is left-handed, 13-20 .. . ..61 .....66
right-handed , or ambidextrous is important in forma- 2]·29 .62 ...67
tion in many situations . 30·'11 .. . .63 ... .. . .. ..... 68
42·61.. . .. .6'1 . ....69
Por example, let's say Texas Pete is lift-handed. if he gels a .. . .70
62-75. .. ... .. ......65
bllilet or a knife throllgh it. thai hand's g01/1W be IIseless for a 76-85 . .. ... .. .. .66 ... .71
while (maybe forever) . He's going 10 have to start usmg his right 86·91 ......67 ...... .. ... .72
hand inslead, giving him a -4 Accuracy penalty alld a +2 Speed 92·96 ...... .... . ... .68 .. . .73
penal!)! for firillg with the off-hand. 97-98 ....69 ..... .74
99 .. .70 . ... .7S
Likewise, a right-handed pickpocket or locksmith ()() ..67 + [dlZ . ..... .. . . . .72 + [dll
would find it harder to operate (-20'% to related skill
checks) without the usc of his main hand. Through Finding your character's weight is equally simple.
time ( ld6 months), a charactcr forced to usc his non - Using Table 3.1-15: Character JIIeigM, locale your height
favored hand for tools or weapons can overcome these range grouping and sex. T he chart lists a base weight
penalties.

27
BODY MASS INDEX BODY MASS INDEX TABLE
An alternative method of determining your character's weight is slight-
ly more complicated. E rst, roll your character's Body ~bss Index on the Roll (d20) Fem~le M~Je

Body ~Iass Index table. Next, multipl y this result by your height in inch- 01 .......... . .. 28 - Id6 .............30 - Id6
es squared, and divide by 1000. You now have your character's weight. 02 .................2] .. 29
0),04 . . .......... 28 ...30
For example, Sally J o, a female, rolls on the Body ~bss Index table for
OS-OS. . ... . . ... 29 .31
a result of 13, giving her a Body l\lass Inde x of 31. Sally stands 64 inch-
09·\1 ..30 . .32
es lall, and multiplying 31 x 4,096 (64 x 64=4,096) gives a result of
!H3 ..... . ......31.. . ..33
126,976. Dividing 126,976 by 1,000 results in 126.975, or 127 pounds.
H .. . .... .32 . . .. .....34
Lei'S try another example JUSt so you've got the hang of it. Te xas Pete [S .................33 ... .. .35
rolls a 20 on the Body l\ lass Index table, for a modifier of 37 + d12. H e 16 .... .34 ......36
rolls a 3 on his d12. This gives him a Body l\lass Total of 40 (37 + 3=40). 17 .. .35 . ..... .37
Texas Pete stands 72 inches tall, and multiplying 40 x 5,184 (72 x 72 = 18 .......36 ..............38
5,184) gives a result of 207,360. Dividing 207,360 by 1,000 results in 19 . . .3] .. .. ..........39
207.360, o r 207 pounds. 10 .. . . .....35 + Idl1 ............37 + Idl1
If you don't like the results, you can spend I BP to purchase are-roll.
You may purchase as many re-rolls as you like, as long as you have BPs to :\Iust be all thai booze, plus the fact that he ain't as lively as he
spend. You may alternatively choose you r starting BM! (from the possible used to be.
range of 24 to 49) by spending 5 BI'. When Pete turns 35 years of age, his Body l\-lass Total of 42
Note that a character's weight also tends to increase slightly with age. becomes 43, and after recalculating his weight, it appears he
When a character reaches 30 years of age, add an additional +2 Body now weighs in at 223 pounds (a gain of 16 pounds over his
:\Iass Modifier to his previous Body :\Iass TotaL For example, when career. Then, at the ripe old age of 40, Pete's Body Mass
Texas Pete reaches 30 years of age, his previous Body ;<..Iass Total of 40 Total of 43 becomes a 44. Again recalculating his weigh t, we
increases to 42. l\lultiplying 42 x 5,184 (72 x 72 = 5,184) gives a result of see Ihal he now weighs 228 pounds. Pete has gained another
217,728. Dividing this by 1,000 results in 217 .728, or 217 pounds. Pete 5 pounds.
has gained 10 pounds since he started his career as a player character.

and a number of dice to roll to determine your actual STARTING MONEY

weight. All player cha racte rs start with some amount of
You may spend I BP and re-rolJ if you are not satis- cash. This nest egg may be your pistOlcer's life savi ngs,
fied wit h the result. You may purchase as many re - a gift from his upper-crust parents, or it might be a bag
rolls as you desire, as long as you have BPs remaining. of gold eagles looted from an unwary cowpoke. H ow
he came by this money is nOt necessarily important ,
but you ought to invent some stOry that fits into your
TABLE 3.1-15: CIIARACTER WEIGilT background, just in case.
Heigbl Fem~Je Weigbt (Ib) ~'hle Wei gbl (Ib) You'll probably spend most of this cash on equ ip-
60" or less ......... .105 + ~d~ .. . ... .109 + 4d6 ment, but be sure to save some for accommodations.
61- - 64" . . . . .. .110 + Sd~ .. . .... .120 + Sd6 You don't want your character to blow all his money
65' - 68" .......... .121 + 5d6 ...... .135 + Sd8 on that sweet new saddle and then find he's got no
69- - ]2" .. . . .. .\28 + 4d8 . . ...1.50 + ~d11
73" - 76" money for a hotel room .
. .I~O + ~dlO ........ .170 + Sdl2
77- or more ... . .1SO + ~dlO . . . .185 + Sdl2 To fi gure out your character's starting money, roll a
dlOOapply the modifiers from his social class back-
ground if you opted to determine those details) and
FAMILY & SOCIAL CLASS consult Table 3.1 -16: Character Starlillg MOlley. This is the
Determining Ihe detail s of your cha racter's family amount in dollars that the character has to obtain
and social class is of great interest to some, wh ile hard- equipment and save for whatever else he needs on
ly a conce rn to others. T he latter a rgue that familial down the trail.
obligations and the strictu res of a rigid social order are
principal reasons behind th eir decision to migrate REASONS TO GO WEST
west. Why did your characte r come to the Shattered
The se reasons notwithstanding, such information Frontier? Some of the most obvious reasons to head
can come intO play during the course of a campaign. west include exploration, fortun e, land, a fresh start
Reference Chapter 6.5 1Detailed Character Backgroullds to and a new identity. O thers may be somewhat less
determine these facts about any player character. obvious - a character with poor health may have come
west to escape the damp and humid air of his home,

28
 TABLE 1.1-16: CHARACTER STARTING MONEY roll randomly on this table as well. You do not need to
spend a BP to reroll on this particu la r table.
Roll (diDO) SUrtjog CHh....{l)
<01·05 .HCfcdituy Dcbt· You may also want to tic this decision in with your
06-10 .Busted/ Flu Broke character's ability scores. For example, if your char·
IJ.!5 ... .5 acter has a low Constitution, you may decide he came
16·20 . .5+ld-'l
west for health reasons. Likewise, a character with a
21·25 ..... .10
26-30 ... .I0+ld4 high Charisma may be seeking poli tical office, or one
31-35.. . ....... .15 with a high Strength may have been working on the
36·40 .......... [5+ld6 railroads.
41-45 . . . . . . . . . ..... 20
46-50 ..... 20+ld6
51-55 .................. 25
TABLE 3.1-17: REASONS TO GO WEST
56-60 ... 25+ld6
Roll (dlOO) RmollS
61-65 ..30 01·02 .. Avoiding f,,,ory wOlk
66·70 ... 30+1d8 03·04. . .Open 1 bordel lo
7].75. . ......35
05·08 . .Open 1 sdoon
76·80 ..... 35+ld8 09·16 ..Open I business
81·85 ......... AD 17-19 .Flee i plegDiOCY
86·90 ... 40+ld8 20·23 .. . .Build i IiDch
91·95 ................ .45 24-27 .. .Build i fum
96·100 . .45+ldlO 28-30 ........JouloiliSl seekiog Slories
IOJ-IOS .•..•.••........ .50 31·32 .... Fleeing depressed economy
106·110 ......5O+ldIO 33-35 ........ Writer seekiog new topics
ltJ-llS .... 60+2dlO 36·37 ........ Arti st seekiog oew subjecTS to p,iot/sketch
116+ ... .70+3dlO 38·39.. .Flteing HliDged mil rilge
'Cb#r4<ftr is obfil4ud I. rl"'y h;s p4rt~ts· d,bl w;lh;~ dll 40·43. . .. .Disowned by flmily
"n
lam' m<nlhs. R,·,.." thi' lorbl. 'lnd m"'liply tIK ,..,,,11 by 10 to 44·47. .Freedom from strict fOimil y Sl/Utlurc
d.t ..",in, Ih' "",O"nt __ d. GM duid" to w ham Ih' d.b! is """d
"n
"nd th. pmaltil' for d.fa"lting """,.nt.
48-49 ...... Min ing co,l for llilrOlds
50-51 .... Fleeing miljUTy co nscriptioo
52·53 . . .Bui ldillg "i lr olds
while a strongly religious character may want to save
54·59. . .scck iog hod ownnshjp
the souls of the heathens, or an emigrant from Europe 60-63 .Brought with hmi ly
may desi re to escape agricultural ha rdships, economic 64·65 ....... T lioS£errcd to weSiern regimeot
crises, politica l and religious discontent, or c\'c n popu- 66·68 .... M iliu ry deserter
lation pressure. 69·70 ........ See kiog drin d imue for hnlth TClSOOS
71·72 .S.viog the souls of Ihe huhens
Ideally, you defin e your own reasons for heading into 73-77 .. .Fleeing crimioOi I proseculion
the Shattered Frontier. Some sa mple ideas are pre- 78·87 ........ Lure of ldvcnture
se nted on Table 3. / -/7: Reasons To Go I+'esl. However, if 88·96 .Cold fe ver
you reall y need some inspiration (o r you a re a 97·98.. .Freedom from ncill persecutioo
99-100 ... Freedom from religious perseculioo
GameMaster creating a non· player characte r), you can

29
 * QUIRKS AND FLAWS *
Quirks and flaws represent those aspects of your
character that make him a true individual - those lit-
tle imperfections and unique traits that make us all
human. Characters with quirks and flaws become
more rcal, as we can all relate to people who arc differ-
ent. Besides, learning to deal with challenges along the
path to adventure gives role playing its true Oavor.
Quirks arc mental in nature, and include habits, prej -
udices, and so on. These quirks affect how a character
behaves in c\"cryday life and how he interacts with oth-
ers in social situAtions. T hey make him \\"ho he is and
often represent innate behaviors he-eannot COntrol.
~
Flaws, on the other hand, arc physical in nature.
Some examples of flaws arc poor eyesight , facial sca rs,
and even missing limbs. They rep resent hardships that
need to be overcome and/or compensated for, in order
for the character 10 function among people who do not
have that same Oaw.
EARNIN~ BP FOR QUIRKS AND FLAWS
You gain extra Building Points for your charaCters by
ta king quirks and/or Oaws. You ca n choose "cherry
pick") which ones you want, or roll for them random -
ly. Unless specified elsewhere in the rule s, the o nly
time a characte r takes on quirks and/or Oaws for BPs
is during the initial creation process. There may be
other instances in the game wh en the character
receives an additional quirk or flaw (s uch as if he loses
an arm), but these don't allow tbe character to gain the
bene fi t of the BPs associated with the co ndition.
TABLE 3.1-19: IlUlRB:S &. FLAWS
RoJJ (dIDO) I.l.ble
01·07 ... .Roll on T~ble 3.1·19: Comh u Qu irks
08·18. .Roll on T~bk 3.1-19: Eco nom ic Quirks
19·27 ........ Roll 0 0 T~ble 3.1·19: Extrovemd Qu irk s
28·38.. . .. Roll 00 T~ble 3.1-19: H ~bilud Q uir ks
39·'17.. . . .Roll on T~hle 3.1-19: Hygie nic Quirks
'1S·56 ... Roll on Tlhle 3.1-19: Intro ve rled Quirks
57·65. .Roll 00 T~ hJe 3.1-19: McotJl Quirks
66·73 ... Roll 00 T ~b lc 3.1·19: ReS! ~od RehutioD Qu ir ks
7'1-8'1. . ... Ro ll on T.l.bJe 3.1-19: Soei~1 Quirks
85·98. .Roll on T ~b Je 3.1·20: Commol! Fhws
99 .. Roll on T ~b Je 3.1·20: Rue FJlws
100 ........ Roll twice on T~b k 3.1-18: Q ui. ks Iud Fllws
Cherry Piclring
With this option, you can choose which quirks and
Oaws you want. Unlike rolling randomly, howe\'er, you
don't earn as many Building Points. Choosing your
first specific quirk or Oaw only provides BPs wonh half
the listed valuc. Choosing additional quirks or flaws
also drops the BP \'a lue by half, as well as an addition-
alS BP pe nalty.
For fxamplf. Hank Stram choosfS Deathwish for his first
qui,k. DeathlL'ish is 1I0rmal!;' u:orlh 20 BP, bul Hank receives
on!;' 10 BPs (20xO.5=10). _\ 'ou'. let's say Ihal Hank chooses
w::,), for his suolld quirk. w{Y is normally worlh 15 BPs, but
hf loses half (15xO.5=i. rounded down) because III is cherry
picking, alld thm he suffers a -5 BP pmalty (7-5=2) because
it is his second chosen quirk). So, he receives Ollty 2 BPs for
choosing the w{Y quirk.

Dedine

~i_~Q~Q~";i';k~'~&;R~';"~';}__~:::::::____~:;:::::__~1
Cherry Pick (p. 30)
& Flaws and
Record
add BPQuirks
gained
to total
Choose
Skills
(p.33--34)
Roll Randoml y on
Table 3. 1-18 (p. 30)

Rttord Skills
Record final H it
Roll Base and Mastery
Point [Otal modified Record Talents. Choose
Hit Points Level (p. 36)
by Con and/or Subtract BPs spent Talents
20+1d4 Subtract BP
Flaws & Talents (p.38)
",1~ spent

Record Base Speed

and Base Accuracy &juip Your Charncter
(p. 17) ( Chap'" 5.) I Goods & S mittS )

30
 TABLE 3.1-19: ClUIRIIS R<>lL« JQQ) Qw.ks...soci.u BP
01·06 · .B.d Lin ..... 40
RoIL(dlO.O) Quirks. Cambi! Be 07·11 ..... Boiled Shirl ...... 10
01-20 ........ Chupkcd . .. . .............. 20 12·16. .Buck Nun/Nun · .20
2Ho.. ,.De,thwish ......... . .. 20
17-22 . · .Chiv. lrous .......... • .. · .20
4]·60. ....... Doppdg~nl!cr ................. 50
61-80. ....... Holhc,d .. .40. 23·27 · .Clingy · .20
81-100. ...... ,Yellow Belly ... '10 28-33 .......Crude ......•. ..... .. 20
34-38 · .F.nn;c .• 040
RolL(.dlOO) Quirks. Ec.ollomic BP 39-43 · .Fourflusher ...• Z5
01-13 .. Chc'pskuc ... ,. ,40.
44-48 ....... H.yseed .. · .20
14·26 ... Dude/D.ody .. . . .10.
27·39 ... Glutton .... 5 49·53 · .Jingoisl .............. 40
40-S1 ........ Greedy ............... . .IS 54-58 · .Lynch L.wmu ... 30
52·63 ... lndi.n Giver .................. 20 59·63 · .N'ggiDg Conscience .. . .. .15
61-76 ....... PHk Ru ... 20 64-68 ....... Needy ....... 20
]]·88 ....... Soh Touch.. . ..30 69-71 · .Prejudiced Townds Nnion1iily .40
89·10.0. ... SpendThrift .......60. 72-74 .... Prc judic~d Tow1fds Profession .. 20
801L(.dlUO) Quirks. Extr.o.l'.cned BP 75-79 ..... R"isT ............ 40
01·16 ... Dehorn .. .... .. . . ...... 25 80·85 ... Selfish · .25
17·32 ..... Fbnnd MOUTh ................ 20 86·90 ..... Sluighl Shooter .............. 40
33·48 ....... High·Spirited .10 91·95. · .Th ic k Accenl ... .10
49·64 ..... 1I.hdicine Tongue. . . .10 96-100 · .TinhOfn · .20
65-80 ..... Nos y ... 10
81-100 .. Obnoxious ... . .20
TABLE 3.1- 20: FLAWS
RolL(.dH10) Quirks. Hlbitu.l BP
0.1·13 ........ Boor .. .10 RoIL(.dIOO) fh lV'. Common BP
1'1·25 ..... Euly Riser ..... . . .... 5 01·03 ... AcorD C.lf . . ... 35
26·37 .. .iotrus;Yc ... 10
04·06 ....... Anim.1 Antipuhy . . ...... nri.bk
38-52 ... l ue Sleeper ..... . ... 15
53-64 ..... LHy ........... 20 07-09 ....... Bufhlo Muge · .15
65·76 ....... Pider .. .. . ..... ... .. . .. 10 \0·13 ... . .... Bushed ... . . ...........25
77-88 ...... .s,rud~r ............... . .. 10 14·19 ........ Colorblind ........ .5
89·100 ....... T . lk~r .... . . .... 20 20·22 ..... ConsumpTive ....60
23·26 ..... F"i.! Sc" .......25
RoIl(.dlO.O.) Qu.irk.s. H~gicni( BP
OHO ... Clun Fmk .. ... 25 27·34 ....... Fn ·sighted ..... ... .. . .20
41-60 ....... H.les Buhing/ Crooming ... 20 35-37 ..... Cbss J.w ..... 20
61-100 ... Messy ............... . ... 10 38-39 ..... H.m-Fisted .......... . . .. 20
40·43 .. .. .. . Hud of HeHing · .15
Ro.U (dlOO) Qui[k.s..la.tLO.l'.eocd Sf
44-47 ... Impotent ..... .10
01·20 ... Ambiv.lenl ............... .... 15
2HO ... DlUnsy .. . ... .10 48·50 ....... Lisp .. ..... 20
41-60 ... Hnduse ... ....... 5 51·54 ........ Low P.io Tolef1lioo. ...... 35
61·80 ... Ornery .. . ......... 25 55-57 ... Miguines .... .15
81·100 ... Touchy ..... 25 58·62 ..... Missing Digit ... vui. ble
63-67 ... Missiog Eu ..... 20
Roll (dIOO) Quirb.J',teJlu] Sf
01 ·08. . .. AbsenT-minded ........... 20 68·70 ..... Missing Eye. . .......... 45
09-14 · ...... An;m.l Pbobi. . .30/60 71·75 ... Missing Limb ........ . ... vni.blc
15-21 ... S.dm.n ... 25 76·83 ... Nm·sighted ..... 25
22·29 ...Cbuslrophohic ............. 25 84·86 .Ncryous Tic ..... 25
30·36 ...Conspimy Thori$! ........... 10 87·90 ... SJcepw. lkcr ... 20
37-46 ... Feu of Heights ............... \5 91·93 ... STone De.f ... .30/60
47·54 ... Gullible ......... . ...30
94·97 ....... Smoge Body Odo•............ 20
55-60 ... Loco ... AD
61·66 ... Obsusive-Compulsive .........35 98·100 .Trick Knee ... .30
67·76 ....... Pmnoid ... . ........... 25
77·82 ....... SborT·Term Memory Loss ...... 20 RoJJ (diO.O.) Fb'lts. Rue BP
83·89 · ..... .slul!~r ...... . .......... 20 OI·\J .. .Albioo . .... 15
90-100 · ...... SuperstiTious ................. 15 14·26 .Blind in Doc Eye .040
27-38 .Dumb .. .. .... 50
Roll ('!QU) QuiIk.s.JkSJ 6 RchutioD BP 39-50 ....... Epileptic ........ . .040
01·20 ... AbstinenT ....30
21-40 ... Addict ... 040 51·62.. .No Depth Perception ..........35
41-70 ... Chisder .............30 63·74 .Plumb Blind .......90
7\·\00 ... Lusty .. .20 75·87 .Severely l\1.imed ...
88·100 .Sterile . . . . .. . ............. 5

31
Random QU i rks and Flaws
When determining quirks and flaws by chance, you
have vc ry little control o\'cr what quirks or flaws you
receIve you must roll randomly on the quirk and flaw
tables in this section (stan with Tablt 3.1-/8: OJtirks alld
Flows). The one protection you do have is that )'OU may
spend any of your existing BPs to fe -roll on any of the
tables in this chapter. Spending 5 BPs allows you one
re-roll, ignoring the previous result. You can do this as
long as you have BPs \0 spend , afte r which you have to
live by the results of your rolls. The upside of random-
ly determining quirks and flaws is that you can earn sig-
nificantly more BPs than you earn with che rry picking.
Each quirk and flaw and its BP bonus follows on
Tables 3.1-19: Quirks and 3./-20: Flaws, with full details
located in Chapler 6.21 Quirk and Flaw Df5criptiol/J.
Th e BPs earned by ro!ling randomly arc gi\'cn in thc
table. H owe\'er, lhc listed values are only for the fi rst
quirk or flaw taken. Reduce the \'alue of each subse-
quen1 quirk or flaw rolled by an additional 5 BP.
For examplt, flank Stram randomly rolls the Dealhwish
quirk and rereil'ts 20 BPs. Now. let's Sq)' that flank rolls the
La;:,y quirk. This quirk is normally worth 15, but Hank SlY-
Jers a -5 BP penalty because this is his suond quirk, so he only
gets 10 BPs (15-5= 10). Now, lei's say thai Hank mllsJor a
third lime and gels the Facial Scar Jlaw. Facial Scar is nor-
mally worlh 25 BPs, bllt Hank (m(y reuh'es 15 BPs (25-5-
5=15, because thIS is Hank's Ihird quirk/Jlaw). Finallj; let's
say thaI Hank lhell rolls Jor a fourth time GIld gets tlu Latt
Sleeper quirk. Late Sleeper is /lsually worth 10 BPs, bUI Itt
receives (l - 15 penalty (10-5-5-5=-5, or zero) as this is his
4t11 quirkljlaw. Ha nk gill ;:.ero BPs for the Late Slltper quirk.
If he decides to push his hICk and roll pt ago ill, Itis I/ o:l qllirk
or flaw rolled suffers (l lotal pt1lally cif -20 BPs, and so on.
When figuring this penalty for subscqucn1 quirks or
flaws, do not count quirks or flaws forced upon a play-
er (such as those from Abusive or IndifTerent parents,
in Priors and Paniculars ).
Finally, each player muSI create a ba ckstory for aU
quirks and flaws. If a pl ayer fails to do so, his charac-
ler receives only .50% of the BPs earned (rounded
down) for each quirk and/or flaw without a backstory.
* SKILLS *
Skills represent learned knowledge your cha racter
acquired over the years. For a novice character, your
skills probably reflect years of training, work or study.
For experienced characlers learning new skills or hon-
ing existing ones, increasing a skill reprCSCIlIS on-the-
job training, experience and study. Skills have a vaSl
32
array of uses and include such things as Gambling,
Riding, Rope Usc, Tracking, and so forth. They can
be especially valuable for survival, earning a living and
helping a panner in need.
In lois senion, we'll discuss how to acquire, improve
and usc skills. A list of skill s is provided on Table 3.1-
21: SJ:ill List, with ,heir specifics found in Chapter 6.31
Skill Descriptions.
SKILL BASICS
All skills use some basic principles that rcquire a lit-
tle explanation. These are funher defined in the fol-
lowing text. Each ca n also be found as a column on
the skill summary table, and is defined a~ follows:
-ar BP eost: This column reflects the amoulll of
Building Points a player musl spend to have his cha r-
acter train in a particular skill.
:T R el evant Abili ty Scor e: This column indi-
cates the abilities associaled with that skill. You need
to know your relevant abililY ~co re when you deter-
mine yOllr skill mastc ry. The abilities arC li sled in lhe
ta ble and in the skill description. but the ahilil)' score
varies from character to character.
For (xa mple, tlte relevant ability for . lgrtc/lltIl.Tl is Wisdom.
Halik Itas a Wisdom qf 16, so tltat's Itis Tllevalll ability score
for AgrirultllTl'.. Jim, OIllht otlter halld. Itas a !Visdom if 8, so
Ihat's Jlm:~ rt/el'alll ability store for Ihal skill.
Some ~ kills have sc\'cral reicvan1 abilities. For cxam~
plc, Bronc Busting Iis ls Strength, Wisdom and
Charisma. Each is important to a character hoping 10
bust a bronc, bUl the characler is ha ndicapped by his
lowest relevant ability.
Let ~f sqy Halik wanls to {earn Brollc /Justing. If Hank'J
Strengtlt store is 11, Itis J jfisdom iJ '6, and his Charisma is
10, tlten his relevant abilityfcorl' for this skill is 10 (hIS low-
est rdeVOIII ability).
ri1r Master y Di e : Thi s e ntry indicates the type of
die the player ma)' roll when training to inc rease mas-
tel)' of a skill.
rT U ni ver s al : This column notes whether lite skill
is common to cveryone. Universal skills are those skills
that most folks have had some exposure to during their
life or otherwise can try to use without any kind of for-
mal training. If a skill is not a universal skill, charac-
ters do not even know where to begin and may not
even try to use the skill until they receive some train-
ing for it.
r?J"" Pre requisite Skill: Note that some skills
require prior learning of a " prerequ isile" skill.
Prerequisites must ha\"c been purchased at least once
beforc the character can learn a skill that requires the
 TABLE 3.1-21: SRILL LIST
SkiU Nimc BP Cost Rclenot Ability Score MutelY Die lliiYCUl! Prel(quis i1C SkiJ]
AccouDtiog ... 3 ........ INT. . ... ld8 ........ No .. ... M uhemHics 850/, or hemT
Administruio o .. .s ...... J NT! WIS!CHA. Id6 ..... Yu .... ,-
Agriculture .. ...... 2 . ..... W1S. . ....... ldlO ........ Yes ..... -
Aui ml l Empuhy . .1 .... WIS! CHA . .. ldtO .. No ..
Aoi mll H erdiog .. .1 • . ... WIS .... .. ldlQ ..No ..
Aoimil H usblodry .•. 1 •. ... WIS .......... .. ]dlQ ... Yes ..
Aoi mll Lore .•. 1 ........... INT .. _ .. ldlO .. No .... .
Anim.!1 Mim icry ... 1 ... WIS ... . ld8 .... y es ... .
Anim.!1 Tuining ............ .10 .... .. ... .INT/ WIS .. ldlD .. No .ADimd Em plthy ud AO;ffill l orc '19% or hemr
Appniul ....... .. .... 1 ... .INT/ WIS. .ldS .. No ..
Anistic Abi lit y ... 1 .. DEX/ WIS. .. ld6 ... y ts .. .. .
Bhcksmi fh ing/Mmlworkin g . .7 ..........STR/ INT . .ld8 .. No ... .
B O~ l ing .... . .. 2 .. .... WIS .. . . ld8 ........ y es .
Bookb inding ...... 1 · .DEX/ INT . .. ldlO .No ..... LCllhcT'II'Olkiog ,ud SClmslress/T,ilOT 85YI or bemT
Botloy ... . ..... 1 ............ INT ... . .ld8 ..... No
Brewiog .. . .. 1 .. . . .INT.. . ....... ldl2 .. No .....
Brooc Bustiog ............... 2 ..STR/ WIS/C HA. .. Id6 ... Yes ..... Riding SO% or bener
C~lIigflphy/Sigom.!kiog ... 1.. . ... DEX. . ....... IdID .. No ..... Rnding Comprchcnsioll/ Pellm.!lIship 9O'1t or betlcr
C~moufhge .. . .. 6.. .. ..... .WIS. IdID .. . .. Yes ..
Cupeolry . . . ........ 2 ............. INT IdID .. .Yes ..
Clrloguphy ... 1 ............ .INT.. . IdS . Yes ..... Re~ding Comprehellsioo/ Penmuship 90% or beller
Chemistry ..... ...... .. A .INT. . . ..ld6 ... No ..... Muhem.l lics S5% or beller
Climbiog ..... 2 ... .5TR/ DEX. . IdS .Yes .....
Cobbliog ... . ......... 1 .. .DEX ............ ldl2 . .... No ..... Lulherworking 85'1. or bemr
Cooking .. .. .1 .. ....... WIS ... id !2 .. . .. Yes .... .
Culture . . .. . . .1 .. .. .INT..... .... Id!2 . .. No ..... -
Curreot Af hirs ... 2 ............. WIS . . ld6 ... Yes.
Deception . .4 . . . .lNT/ CHA .. . .ld6 .Yes.
Demolition ......... . ....... 6 . . . .... .INT.. .. . ..... Id1 .Yes .....
Deot istry ..... ..5 . ........... .INT. ............ IdS ... No .....
Diplomley .A .INT/ CH A . . . .. IdS ... Yes . .. - .
Disguise... . ......1. .INT/ CHA .. . .ld6 ... Yes.
DiSlmlion ................ .1 ............ CHA. .ldS ... Yes.
Dr iyiog. Sl.igccolch/WlgOO .. .3. . . .WIS. .ld20 ........ Yes .
Eogincering Design . . . . . . . .7 .. . .INT . .ld1 .. ... . . .No ..... Mu heml lies 60% or belief
Enginceriog
Locomotiyc/Stumbou ..J. ..... .INT ............ JdlO ... No ..... Engineeriog Design 80"1. or bemr
Esc.lpe An ist . .....8 · .DEX/ INT .......... ld6 . .Yes .....
Fw T.llking ......... . .I .CHA..... . ... ld8 .. . .. Yes .
F ir c - Buildiog/ E~ting uish;og ... 1 . . .. WIS . ... . . ... ld6 .. .Yes .
Fishing ..................... 1 ...•..•.. WIS ............ JdlO .Yes .....
Forgery . .10 .......... DEX/ INT ... . ... Id1 . . . . . . Yes ..... ReJdiog CompreheosioniPeomloship 65% or beller
Forlune Telliog ..... .1 ..... CHA ......... IdS .Yes .....-
G.lmbliog ... . ..... .7 · .WIS/ CHA ......... Id6 ........ No .....'
Glmiog ............ .1 · .DEX/ INT. .. .. IdS .Yes.
Geology ... .. .. ... .. ~ .. ... .lNT . .... .. ld6 . . .No .....
Gino loformnioo .2 .. .. .lNT / WIS/ CHA. .. ld8 ........ Yes .... .
GrlCcful EDlrlDce/Exil .1 .... CHA. ld6 .... Yes .
Gunsmithiog . ..8 · .DEX/INT .. ..... ld6 ........ No .... .
Hidi oS .... . .........3 ... . . DEX/ INT. Id6 .... Yes.
HiSTOry .............. .I ... .lNT ldl2 ... No . .RCldiog Compreheosion/ Peom.loship SO% or bCller
HUDTiog . ..... .... . •. . .. .s .. ..... DEX/ WIS .. Id6 .. .Yes.
Idle Gossip .......... .1 . ...C HA ............ Jdl2 .Yes .
Inlerroguio D .. . ..'.1 ... .STR/WIS .......... ld6 . ... Yes .... .
]ntimiduioo ... ... .2 .CHA... . .ld4 .Yes .. .
Jewele r ..9 .. ... .INT. .... ..... Id6 ........ No ..... Appuiul (miocr.ls) 90% or betIC •
Joke Telli ng .. ... .1 .CHA.. . .ld4 .Yes .. .

33
 TABLE 3.1-21: SltlLL LIST (CONTINUED)
SkiJUSmtC BP CoS! Rclcv~D LAb.i J j l y_S,o« MUJn)'-Dic U..n.i'i.c.ml l':.tcl.Cqujsilc5kill
JQurJuJism /Co mposilioD ...... 2 ... .INT.. ld6 .No ..... ReldiDg Comprehensioo/Penmlnship 80% or better
Juggling .. 2 .. OEX ..... id8 .... Yes .. .
bDgU~gt .... ..5 . .I NT ... , ......... IdS .No .. .
Ll'Il ... .. ... .. .6 ............. INT. . ... . .... Id6 .No ..... R e~ding Comprehension/Penmlns!!ip 60% or better
Lcuhcr'l'orkiog . . . ... .! .... . .. DEX ! INT. IdS .No
Limning ...............S ......... WIS ... .ld6 · .Yes.
Lock Pickiog ...8 .DEX/IN T . . . ... Id6 · . Yes ..... ListeniDg 8S% or better (prercq for oombin.ltioo locks only)
LocksmiThing ...... 4 .... DEX/INT. ,ld6 . ...... No
Loggins .................... 3 ...... STR/INT ... , ...... ldZO .. No .. .
Ml thioc Opcwiog/ Rcplirio8 .2 , .... INT .. ... IdS ..No .. .
Muhcmuits .....6 ..... INT . ... IdS · .No ..... Rndio g Comprehension/Penmlns!!ip 90'; ' or better
Medici ne ... .. 10 . ... .DEX/INT .. ... .. . ld'! ..No .... .
Miliury Eogioeering ., ....... 2 .. . . .INT. .Id'l ....... No ..... Engineering Design 80% or bener
Mili,uy S,'ucgyITltlics .... .s.. . .... .INT.... . ... ld6 .. No ..... .
Millinery. ,.... . . .1 ........•... .INT ............ IdlO .... No . ....
Mimic Didect .. . . .1 ....... CHA . IdS ... Yes .
Nursing .... .. ... .. . .3 .WIS .... IdS . .. No
Observuion ................ 6. .WIS .... IdS ... Yes .
OruiOD ........... .2 .INT/CHA. ..ldS ... Yes ... .
Photognphy .......... .1 .. .. .INT .... . . ... IdS ....... No ... Chemistry 8S% or better
Pick Poeket ..9 ...... OEX .... . ..ld6 . .... Yes.
Pottery.. .I .......... OEX/ WIS .ldlO ..... No .....
Primitive R ~nged WnpoD Usc .4 .... OEX. . .. Idl2 ........ No
Primitive We~pon Mlking ....6 ............ DEX ..... . ... Id8 ... No
Prospecting ............ . .. 9. . ... WIS .... . .... ld6 ... Yes .....
Relding Comp.lPcnm~nshjp ... ~ ... .INT.. . . . .... ld6 ...... No
Relding Lips.. ..7 ............ '!f\T .... ......... Idi ... Yes ....o·

Recru iting ... ~ ...CHA ... ..ld8 .Yes ·

Religion..... . ... .s . . .INT ............ ldl2 .. .Yes ·
Resist PersuuioD ............ 2 .. WIS .. .. ld8 .Yes
Riding ..... .. ... . .... 3 ... OEX/ WIS .......... Id8 .Yes ·
Rope Use.... ... ..2 ..DEX ............ ld8 .Yes ·
Sdesmmhip... ..7 ...... .INT/W IS/ CHA ....... ld6 .Yes
Se~mSlrc ss/T~i lor . .1 ......•..•..•OEX ............ ldl2 .No ·
SeHching ... S ....... WIS .. 1d8 .Yes ·
Seduction. Art of .J .. CHA/LKS .ld6 .Yes ·
Sct T rIps ......... . . .. 10 ..... OEX IdS .No ·
Skinning/TInning ......... 3 ... STR/WIS .......... IdS ........ Yes
Sbughter .... .. .2 . ......... STR/ INT .. . · .ldlO ....... Yes ..... -
Sleight of HInd ... 2 ........ DEX .. . ..ld6 .. Yes.
Slick TIlker .. .. ... ... .4 . .. INT/CHA.. Id~ ........ No
SOClking .. ........•..•. 08 ... OEX .. . · .ld6 ... Yes .
Socill Etiquette ... .4 ..... C H A .. . · .ld6 ..No .....
Sionemuonry .. .2 ...... STR/ INT. . .. ldlO ..... No .....
Surviu i ..... . . .7 . .CON/INT/W IS ....... ld6 · .Yes .
Swimming .. . ..... 1 ... ..... STR/CON . Idl2 ..... No ..
Telegup!! Opcruing .... .4 .... .INT.. .ldS ..... No ..... Reldiog Comprehension/Penmillship 90% or bemr
Trlckiog .. ..9. . .... WIS .Idi . .. Yes .
Ventriloquism .........8 .. .INT ............. Idi ..... Yes ..
Weil!!er Sense ..........3 .. WIS ............ Idi ... Yes .. .
Wtivjog .... .I .......... OEX/ INT . . ... Id8 . ..... No .....-
prerequisite. Some skills also indicate that the charac·
ler must have a ce rt ai n mastery of the prerequisite
skill. We'll discuss imprO\'ing skills later in this section.
FOT f).ampl" Ranger Stram onfy nuds to hav, purchased the
the Riding skill Ol/le, bifoTt ht (all acquire tht Brollc Busting
skill. On th, oth" hand, ht must l/are 60% or btlltr 11/ tht
.\'Ialhematin skill bifort h, (QlI purdlase th, Engil/uring Design
skill.
ACQUIRING AND IMPROVING SKILLS
Your character can acquire or impro\'c a new skill
si mpl y by spending the indicated number of Building
Points. Each time a c harac ter spends BPs to learn a
new skil!, record one mark or "Tally" neJo.:t to that skill
on the character record sheet.
Charac ters that have been in play may also attempt
to acquire or impro\'c a new skill by spending thc
required BPs, bu t can't acquire or impro\'1~ a skilt that
was not attempt(,d during game play,
For e:mmpft, Ranger Stram has bWI m/)/'lIIg a (011pie qf
Maifan bandilosfrom O,e lerritories 10 a TuiwlI pnsOIl ..W,r
a IIarrowingjourntj. h, arriL'es IIllht holdmg pm and d,liem
his qllarry. If he tarned or had sOllie BPI to 5pend and u'unt·
ed to acqllire Iht Ltmguage (Spanish) skill. ht could do so only
if h, (on~·trStd or fisttned to til, banditos sptaking thtir nati/!t
10ngUt ~ or olhtnt'ist had bun txposed to or con~'mtd with
someone sptaking Spanisll.
When a cha racte r wants to improve a skill, he simply
purchases the skill again. However, each additional
purc hase is marc eJo.:pensive than the last cumulati\·ely
add the o rgi nal HP cost each time }.
For txamplt, J=ilSt JOIIIIII)I bl!,Ys Ellginun'ng Design at its nor-
mal COJI rif 7 BP if Itt wallts to b,!), Engin€"ing Desigll a StC-
ond lillie, it (osls him 14 BP (7+7= 14). Bu)'illg Engilleering
Design a third lime (Osts 21 BP (7+7+7=21), and so on.
Acquiring Skills with Bonus Building Poinis
Any character with a high Charisma, Intelligcnce
a nd/or Wisdom scorers) begins with "bonus" Building
('ainu as shown on th e appropriate abilit), score tables
above. Bonus BPs represent the cha racter's capac.it)' to
learn skills lhal require abilities in which the character
exce ls. When bu ying skills, pla)'er~ spend bonus BP~
just like sta nd ard BPs, but they may only bl! spent on
skills thai usc the ability score from which the bonus
BPs were ea rned.
L~t's say that Handsom, JII(k gains thru bonus BPsfrom a
13 Il'isdolll score. Ht must jptlld Ihost bonliS BPs on skifls
that 1/(/I·t Wisdolll (alld onfy Wisdom) as tlltir relevant ability.
YOll must usc all BP bonuses during charactcr cre·
allan. Unused 13» bonuses arc tOSI forever,
Acquiring Skills with Bonus Building Poinis
[Advanced Rule]
Fo r a more advanced game, apply the BP bonuses in
a prorated r."tshioll. For cJo.:amplc, a skill that uses
Intelligence alone reeeh'es the full BP bonus for high
Intelligence. A skill Ihat uses both Intelligence and
Dcxtcrit} as the releva nt ability scores receives only
half the bonus; the bonus applies on a basis of onc BP
per twO BPs spe nt. A skillthaillses three ability scores,
011(' of wh ich is IllIclligellce, recci\'es the bonu s only
all a ba si~ of one BP per three BPs spent.
For t:mlllplt, JOSIah "Slirk" .lIcGTl/iler 11/1.1i a 16 IlIltlligellu
StOTt alld /I/Us a I j·poillt BP bOIlIlS. This gi/Jt! him I j exIra
BPs 10 spl'lld Oil skill.s that I/Jt IlI tdligtna as a rf/evolll ability
store. Slick uus Ollt qf Ilitsf. bonllS pOinl$ (0 pllrchase Brewillg
(normal cost I BP), leavillg 111m IVilh 1.J bOllllS BPs.
He decidu 10 also purchase Cookillg (lIorlllal COjl I 8P), bill
Ihil rosts him 2 bOllllS 8Ps bemust Cookillg is baud 011
Inltlligrnct and lI';'sdom. I\'illl 12 BPs Iif!, III duidts 10 buy
Gltan Informat/oll (lIorlllll( cot! 2 BPs). Howeur. this skill
(osts hIm 6 bOil/if BPI btcallu Glfall Infirmation has (hTte rei·
nanl abi/j~) leorn (lnltlli.r:enu. I,'ildom alld Charisllla).
.!/Itr makmg thlI puuhaft. he hal 6' botlUS BPs Itft OL'tr 10
lISt III a Jlmila' fafh/on. Df}I'/'l forgtt. Ilnustd BP bonllses orr
10M flrt/.'er.'
Skill Learning Modifier
Another way that Intelligence, Wi sdom and /o r
Charisma srores affect skill acquisit ion or i.mprove·
ment is through the Skill Learning ?\ Iodific r. A posi·
ti\'e modifier l'cp resents .. character's natural ability to
have a gift for learning skill s mo re easily, while a neg·
at ive modifier represent~ the difficu lty in learning
things that require abilities in which the c haracte r is
weak.
In the case of positi\'e modifiers, a character Illay
purchase an)' ~k ill that uses one of those relevant abili·
lies at a lower COSt b) an amoun t equal to thc Skill
Learning ~I odjfier itsell). A minimum of I ac tual BP
must be spent each ti me a characlcr acquires or
improves a ~kill .
For t'Campl,. Fast Johllny has a 16 Inltfligena SCOTt, thus giv-
ing him an Intelligtnce Skill l..Larning .110dijier of 5. If lit
ll'Qnts to b!!)' Enginuring Dts;K" (normal cosl 7 BP), it onfy
costs him 2 BP (7·5=2). if ht wants to buy Engineering
Dwgn a suond time, it ol/(r (osts him 9 lIIort BP (14·5=9).
BI!) il/g Engillurillg Desigll a third tillle 0119' (lists 16 lIlort BP
(21-5=16), ami so 011. f/olL'fI.'er, if Fast Johmty wallts 10 bu)'
o4nimlll Lore (normal cosi I BP), ht must bl!,Y it st/Jtral linlts
IIl1til the 5 BP modifier if "e~ptl/('~d'~ alld I actual BP has been
spent, Fast J ollI/llY /III/st buy Allilllal Lorf onafor I BR agaill
jor 2 BPs, and a third timelor 3 BPs, totaling 6 BPs. He can
nowjully expend his 5 BP modifier, reducing the total BP cost to
ilJ minimum rif 1.
A negative BP modifier is also applied to skills that
use the relevant ability score, but makes it harder for a
characte r to acquire a skill.
For example, lel'.s say thai Fa.sIJohnny ha.s a Charisma score
rif 6 (no wonda lit needs to beja.sl), giving him a BP Hurdle
rif - 4. Still, he wants to acquire the Bronc Bu.stillg .skill (rele-
vant abilitiu Strength, Wisdom and Chari.sma). The normal
co.st rif thi.s .skill i.s Ollly 2 BF, but thallh to Fast Jolmny'.s poor
ChaTi.sma, Ihe Bronc Busting .skill eo.s1S him 4 more,jor a total
if 6 BE
SKILL MASTERY
Before your character can use a skill, you need to
determine you r skill mastery level - the indication of
how good he is al a particular skill. i\'ow, in order to
dete rmine a character's maste ry of a particular skill,
you need to follow a simple little procedure.
First, the character must expend the listed amount of
BPs to acquire or improve this skill. T h is ea rn s the
character a roll of the relevant skill mastery die, as list·
ed on the skills table. Roll one die of this type. ~o\\"
subtraCt the result of this roll from 100. along with the
relevant ability score (see Skill Basics on page 32. The
total result is you r skill mastery level.
FOT example, let's sqy thai ai' Hank buys the nOIl-univasal
skill Blacksmithing (with relevant abi/tiu rif Strength and
Intelligence). Heftrs! spends 7 BPs (the eo.st rif that skill), then
rolls Id8 (that skill's Mastery Die) for a result rif "6". He
subtracts this result along with his lowest relevant ability score
(1 I, since Hank has all 11 Strength and a 12 Intelligence)jrom
100, for a total rif 83 (100·6-1 I =83) . Hank's mastery rif
Blachmithillg is now at 83 %.
If Halik buys the Blacksmithing skill a suond time, he would
have to .sptnd 14 BP (recall that the second tally is twice as
expensive). He then rolls a d8 (getting another "6"). He sub-
tracts this result along with his lowuI relevant abiliry Store (1 I)
jrom his previous mastery score. Sinre hi.s previous mastery was
83, he improves Ids mastery to 66% (83-6-11=66).
Buying Additional Tallies of Universal Skills
For universal skills, characters will already possess a
mastery better than 100. Th is must be factored in prior
to computi ng thc additional benefits from purchasing
the skill.
For example, Halik wallis to buy a tally in 'lie universal skill
Animal Empathy. First, he needs to know ilJ relevallt abiliry
score. Allimal Empathy is based on lVisdom and Charisma and
since Hank's Wisdom score is 16 alld his Charisma is 10, his
36
relevant abili0> .scorefor this skill is 10 (the lownt). He thus has
a mastery rif 90% in this skill.
He then spmds 2 BPs (the cost rif that skill) and roll.s 1d 10
(that skill's Mastery Die) for a result if "4". He sub/raclS this
result alollg with his relevant abiliry score (J OJ.from 90 (his cur-
rent maJtery levdfoT this skill) for a total rif 76 (90-4- I 0=76).
Hank's mastery rif Animal Empathy is now 76%.
Skill Kaslerf laval,
Table 3.1-22: Skill Mastery Levels categorizes various
levels of skill maStery in order to help players under-
stand how good a character is at a particular skill.
TABLE 3.1-22: SRILL MASTERY LEVELS
MUlel): R' bS' (Yo) Skill Level
100 .. .. ....... ... Unskilled. Ch, n Clcrs m,y only
use uoivern l skills i t this leve/.
99·75 .. . ...•.. .. .• Novice
7'1·50 . . . .. . . . . ... .Avenge
'1 9·25 .. .. ... . ...• •AdVlDced
Z'I.\3 .............Expert
12-0 ... . ..• •...•. •Mu tt<
A ~ovice has basic knowledge of the skill, only with
no real training. He or she might have dabbled in it a
few times. This range is typically where most skill
mastery scores fall for skills with only one Tally.
T he A\·crage le\·el character has typically had some
schooling or training in the skill. He has a working
knowledge and has a reasonable chance to perform
routine tasks involving the ski ll though he is unable 10
effectively teach others what he knows.
A cha racter with Advanced skill mastery has detailed
knowledge and experience. Only the most complex
aspects of the skill typically trouble him or he r.
Advanced characte rs can teach basic elements of the
skill to others willing 10 learn (students must still spe nd
the corresponding BPs) but only to a skill maStery
score of 49% .
A character with Expert ski ll maSte ry has very
detailed knowledge and expe rience. He can mastcr
even very complex aspects of the skill much of the time.
Expert characters can teach advanced elements of the
skill to others willing to learn (students must still spend
the corresponding BPs) but only to a skill mastery score
of 24%.
M aster characte rs have gone beyond what their
teachers or mentors were able to teach them and have
learned on their own . T hey are considered among the
utmost authorities on the skill subject matter. They
are capable of expanding the field by developing new
ideas and techniques. Master characters can teach
others (students must still spend the corresponding BPs)
down to a skill mastery of 12%.
A character's skill mastery may nOt improve below 0%.
USING SKILLS
Skill checks are required whenever a character
attempts to perform a skill. To make a skill check, the
player simply rolls a d I 00 (or 2d I Os as percentile dice,
designating one die as the "tens" and another as the
"ones"). If the resu lt is greater than or equal to his
skill mastery value for that skill, the skill check suc-
ceeds and the character has accomplished what he sct
out to do with a reasonable degree of proficiency. If
the result is less than his or her skill mastery, then the
skill check fai ls and the character is not able to accom-
plish the task.
The situation may require the addition or subtrac-
tion of any conditional modifiers, depending on the
level of difficulty of the task being attempted. The
task level of difficulty is a subjective determination
based on a variety of facto rs. Examples of factors to
conside r when determining level of difficulty include
weather conditions (rain , heat, cold), noise. use of
improvised tools, restraints and being rushed or othe r-
wise distracted. The five levels of difficulty are Trivial ,
Easy, Average, Difficult and Very Difficu lt. T he skill
check modifie r for each is defined in Tablt 3.1-23: Skill
Check Modifiers.
TABLE 3.1-23: SKILL CHECK MODIFIERS
Diffic ulty Modifier to Roll
Tri vid . . . ....+9(101.
En r .+8{1%
A\'er ~8e .... ...... .. +~O%
Difficult ... .001.
Very Difficult . ... . .. ..·10%
Universal Skills
\ Vhen a characte r attempts to use a universal skill for
which he has no tallies, the calculation works slightly
differently. To use a universal skill, the character rolls
a d lOO and adds his relevant ability for that skill. If
the mod ified roll surpasses 100, he has succeeded in
his skill check . The calculation on universal skills is
done this way to avoid the need to record every uni -
ve rsal skill on a characte r's record sheet.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
T wo or more characters may combine their skills
and areas of expertise in order to accomplish a job or
perform a task that they couldn't do, or wouldn't be as
good at individually. If charaClers have the same skill,
and conditions allow for it, one character may attempt
a skil! check to assist the Olher characte r in the task . A
successful check indicates that the primary cha racter
(usually the character with the greatest mastery of that
skill) completing the task gains + 10% to his skill check.
O nly one character may effectively assist in such a
fashion.
If twO characters have complementary but not iden-
tical skills, they may also attempt to assist one another
at the discretion of the GameM aste r. An example of
complementary skills might include a character with
the Tracking skill helping another character with the
H unting skill. T he definition of which skills are com-
plementary to one another is left to the discretion of
the GameJ\ laster.
Another way to use complementary skills is when
characters try to comple te a task for which they might
nOt be qualified on their own.
For example, suppose a group if settlers is hting stalked by
hos/ile natives. TIle settlers rtali<.t they nud to build a hasty
fort to hdp defend themselves against the heathms, and quick{y
discuss u'ha/ skills they havt as a group. One person has the
.\lilitaT)· Enginten'ng skill, another has the Engineering Design
skill alld a third has the Admlllistralioll skill. . In addition,
twelve if Iht settlers have the Carpmtry skill. As a group, they
sum to have the neussary skills to build a wooden palisade.
The skill mastery numbers are added foget/ur and averaged to
delerlllint the effective mastery if lhe group 01 completing the
task. Then a membtr of the group rolls the skill cluck using Ihe
group's skill mastery as the target number to exceed.
PARTIAL SKILL FAILURE [ADVANCED RULE]
While a successful skill check means that the charac-
ter succeeded in his skill attempt, and a failed check
means fai lure, cha racters thaI "barely fail" at their
check still have some measure of possible success. A
GameMaster may al!ow that, if a skil! failed by less
than 10%, the character can still salvage the failed
check in some manner.
Explanations of part ial ski!! failures should be rea-
sonable and balanced, but always with a deleterious
impa ct for the character. Partial skill failures are not a
"cheat" for that character. Instead, they represent the
truth that some good can come out of failure.
For example, let's say t/wl Fast Johnny is brewing up some
hooch. if he fails his Brewing skill check by less than 10%, the
brtw is simp{y if poor quali!J, though a skilled liar may still be
able to sell it at a rtduad rale. A Brewing skill checkfailed by
10% or more, however, indicates that the product is nasry and
obvious{y unsellable.
37
 In another example, RUllning ll'llter (an Indian) attempts to
lise the Primitive l ~apon Making skill. Hefails his check by
less than /0 %, illdlcating that the weapon is slightly q[f bal-
alice (-J to Accurary checks with that weapon). A checkfailed
by 10% or more means thallhe weapon is so poorly made as to
be unusable.
* TALENTS *
Tal ents, like skills, improve your character's abilities
in one manner or anothe r. However, unlike skills that
must be learned, talents arc natural gifts that each
cowpoke is born with . For example, a character with
the Blind-shooting talent is capable of better marks-
manship in conditions of poor or no light, than a char-
acter without this talent.
Each talent costs a certain number of BPs. The tal-
ent and its cost can be found on Table 3./-24: Talenls,
with full details locat ed in Chapta 6.-1 I Talent
Descriptions.
TABLE 3.1-24: TALENTS
Taltal BP ,"O.S J
Advanced Sighting .. ... . . . ......... .70
Astute Observ.u ion .............. • ........ 50
Bl ind-shooTing .......................... .'IS
Couuge . ........ .............•.
Cmk Shot .......... ..... •...• _. _....... 50
Damage Bonus ....... .... _.•...•........ .75
.10
Dead Eye .... _...... .... . . . ..• ___ .. ..... 50
Dead ly Shot ..... ...... ... _. ••. . .•.... ... 50
Dodge ... ... ... ..... . .•.•...•.•.•....... 25
Endurance ........ . . . . . ... ........... .... 15
Fan Firing ...... ...... .... . . . . . . • ...... .35
Fas! Hel ler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... 10
Forgetuble Face .. ........ .•. •.• .•....... 25
Grelsed Lig htning .... .... • . • . • . • . • ....... 20
Great Ambidexte rity ........ ...... .. ... ... 25
Grit ........ ........ .... . .•.•.•. • ...... .50
Guardian Ange l ........ .. . . . . . . .. •....... 30
Hearty .... ........ . _• ... .. . •.•. •....... 50
H ip Shooter ............... ..... ......... 25
Hit Poin t Bonus ........... _. •.• _•. ...... 20
Hold Your Liquor ......... .... ........... 10
Improved Arc of Fire ........ .. . . . ........ 15
IlIher iUllce ................ .. . ... ....... .10+
Jack Rabbit S peed .............. .... ...... 20
Kelltucky Windage ... ...... . • . ...•....... 45
Mounted MHksmuship ...... . . . . . • ...... .'10
Perceive Tendency .. ........•.•.•......... 20
Quick Aim. . . . . .. ..... . _. _. . .. . .. .'10
Q uick Thinking ...... ...... .............. 10
Rapid Reload . .............. . •.• _.. ...... 20
Re puwioo BODus .............•. • . . .......35
Resist Di seastl IofcClion ...... ............. 20
Shot 00 the Run ............. .. . • . • . .... ..50
Spr inter .................... . ... . .......30
Tough as Nails ......... • . •.. .•. . . ........ 25
Veteran G unfigh te r ... .. • ..... •. .......... 20
Wcapoll Bonus ......... • . • ... •. . .... ..... 50
3.21 Advanced Scrapes
 bl uk " .. T •• " _ _ ""~~~~''''"' Shot c.oc~
..II " ..
far we've discussed the vcry basics of gun-

S
O blu," " •
fig hting rules. To add more realism to your I .. • .... ..
pu"pl• • •
game, consider introducing some of the
advanced concep ts desc r ibed in this sec tion.
Some concepts are vcry simple, such as addi -
tional modifiers, while othe rs are more complex
- such as mounted movement.
T he Advanced Rules afC presented in a
modular format so that any advanced rule that
takes your fancy can be added 10 your game.
With few exce ptions, the Advanced Rules are
independent of one anothe r, but a couple
build on one another and make more sense
when used together. While the Ad\'anccd
Rules build upon the basic game, ther intro-
d uce enough new concepts and complexity to
be considered an entirely new role playing
system. :\10 mailer how experienced in west-
ern or ot her R PGs you feel your group is, we
can't stress enough that you shoilid NOT try
to inclilde the Advanced Rilles in your first
game session . The result will inevitably be a
game bogged down in minutia while you pore O\'er
the rules again and again. The good news is that the
basic game plays just fine and so you needn't learn all Figure 3.2-1:
the Advanced Rules in one sitting; it's best to learn and
Shotguns Shot Clock
add them grad ually. Add one or two new rules when
you and your fellow players feel the need 10 expand the
game or make shoot outs more realistic. In no time,
they'll become second nature and you'll be ready for
fifth step determine exact shot location), things begin
still more Advanced Rules.
to change:
1. Declare general target
ACTION ORDER
Unli ke the random method employed in Basic Scrapes, 2. Place t h e c enter of th e Shot C lock over the
each player in order of lowest Wisdom 10 highest intended target location on the Target Silhoue tte
Wisdom declares an ac tion when a gunfight is about 10 3. Add all Accuracy modifie r s
erupt. In cases where gunfights erupt due to declared 4. Take the s hot
act ions (" Forge t negotiations. I draw on him now!" , 5 . Draw a c ard to d e t ermine the ce nter of the
those blurting out their actions voluntarily forfeit this s hot gun blast
potential advantage.
If your total To-hit roll was 24 or less, you' ll need to
draw a card from a standard poker deck to determine
SHOTGUN SHOOTING PROCEDURE the center of your shotgun blast. As with standard
Shotgun shooting is only a bit more complex than shoot ing procedures, the close r you were to 25, the
rifle and pistol shooting. T he added complexity comes closer to center the blast center was; the poker card
from tracking twelve (or twenty-four if firing both bar- merely determines which direction the center of the
rels) separate projectiles. To further complicate mat-
blast shot was located ( . = high, '" = low, • = left,
te rs, each shot pellet heads in slightly different trajec-
• = right).
IOries and thus moves fanher from center with inc reas-
6. Place the cente r of the Shotguns Shot Clock on
ing targe t distance. H owever, the early steps of shot-
the center of the s h otgun blast
gun shooting procedure arc ident ical to the first four
steps of the general shooting procedure (declare tar- The dispersal pattern originates from this poin t.
get, place Shot Clock on target location, add Accuracy 7. Rotate the Shotguns Shot C loc k
modifiers, take the shot (roll d20)). Starting \\'ith the

10
 Figure 3.2-2: Shot Clock ExtrapoLation
Draw a card and rotate the Shotgu n Shot Clock so
that the edge of the Shot C lock that has thc card
drawn is pointing directly up. ;"I ake certain to keep
the center of the dispcrsal patte rn on the center spot
as dctcrmined in Step #5.
8. De t e rmine dis p e rsal di a m e t e r based o n range
and trac k shots
Find the range from the target on the Shotgun Shot
Clock (each band has a maximum range listed. Follow
the color codcs associated with the range to track indi-
vid ua l pellcts.
9. Ro ll damage (if n ecessar y)
If any shot hits anywhere on the target, roll damage
(see Chapter 3.31 Wounds and Healillg as well as Chapter
3.5 1Firearms fo r information on determining damage
and resultant incapacit ation).

PRIMITIVE RANGED WEAPONS

Use of prim it ive ranged weapons work a linle differ-
ently than firearms. While anyone can use a primiti\'e
ranged weapon, accurate lise of the bow, spear, thrown
axe and knife takes a lot of practice and skill. So
before a man can shoot a target with an arrow, he'll
need to sllcceed in a skill check for that particular
weapon see the Primitive Ranged Weapon Csc skill
unless he's reached E.xpert maslCry. If successful. he
can use the shot clock to 1'011 To-hit as normal.

Table No. J..J,~

PSlllmB WEAPON ACCURACY IODIFlBns SHOT CLOCK EXTRAPOLATION
In the basic game, all To- hi t rolls of 14 and lower
"-~p ""/-, Au ~ 'i'- s." automatically miss the target. Unfortunately, when tar-
geting certain body locations such as the head or upper
To S jui ~, ., chest, this rule essentially eliminates the possibility of
To 10 jui ~. TO
injuring the target's foot 0 1' vice ve rsa in the case of an
aimed shot at the knee or ankle. Use this ad\'anced
To 1$ jui 0 ~,
rule to bring those possibilities back into play.
To .:.0 jui ... d
The Shot Clock E.xtrapolat ion rule works this way:
To Jo jui .,. rL whene\'er a shot has a result that would move it off of
To 50 jui ... "
the Shot Clock, extrapolate the Shot C lock's radian
lines by one inch for e\'ery num ber below 15 on the
To ~o f'J ~ 0 modified To-hit rol l. For example, if a shooter target-
To 1$0 jut ing the knee rolls a modified 12, measure 3 inches out
~ "-
from the Shot Clock. T he direction measured is. of
To .t.o jut ~
.,. course, determi ned by the random card drawing per
To .300 jui ~ ... usual.

To J.5 0 jut ~ "-

REPUTATION EFFECTS ON SCRAPES
To ~ jut .,.
... Characters of low esteem tend to get rattled and lose
~

.OO~ ;'J ~
their cool when the going gets tough. O n the other

0/1 HANi ... ... hand, those desen'ing of respect arc great individua ls
that rise to the occasion, however difficult . In Ihe Aces
T"'-owlA) Two W".,.~ ... "'0

II
 TABLE 3.2-2: REPUTATION EFFECTS ON SCRAPES
Disrepuublc: ...CUlt ... ............... Leave fight immcdi1lCly
Low .......... 25% or more: HPs losl .. .Immediately seck cover uad flee: if shot at aga in
Avenge: ....... SIJI'Io or morc: HPs lost .. .Immediately scck cover lnd flee if injured 19lia
Grell ......... Any ...................Chuae!cr has fu ll cho ice to suy or ru n
Lc:gcnduy .... .Any .. ................ ,Chancter may never run fro m .I l igh l
& Eights game, we measure Ihis by Reputation. If
you\'c read the Reputation section of this book, you
know that Reputation has a great many effects on the
game, one of which is fighting. In gunfights.
Reputation affects how a character reacls when faced
with her own mortality. If a character has a high
Reputation, he' ll sra nd taU in th e face of mortal dan-
ger. But those of lower Reputation will flee if winged
or wounded. Table 3.2-2: Reputation Effects 011 ScrapfS
shows just how long a character will stick around if
wounded in a shootout.
For example, let's say Ihal Caleb Brown has an Average
Reputation. In the pw.'ious example, u:t't'e alread), sun him gtl
shot up for 5 points 10 Ihe torso. 2 poinls 10 the legs. "poinls to
Ihe shoulder, and anothtr arrow hil for 2 points - a total oj 13
poinls. Xow, we alread)· ktww ht only has 25 hit points. so he s
losljust a /illie bil mou Ihal/ .50%. Caleb has to immedialeh
seek cover and}lu if he gels S/IOt again. If lie Iwin'l gollell h~'l
by Ilwl lasl arrow, he could still sta)' right u'here hes al and
fig/II for a spell. Nole Ihal he doesn'l nud 10 flee Ihe fighl after
he seeks cover; he can continue 10 shoot from behind cour. Bul
if he suffirs so much as a gra<e, he'll IUed to skeedaddle and
headfor long-Ierm safilJ:
FAME EFFECTS ON SCRAPES
Even the sturdiest character can get flustered if
faced with a famous opponent. Depending on the
Fame and Reputation of a characte r, his opponent can
ca use nervousness and panic before a gun is e\'en
drawn. Of course, if the opponents have no idea \\ho
FIliNG
Ate B
Figurt 3.2-30: Arcs qf Fift jor a right-kolldrd pistol skoour
(also applicabltJor II 11l-halldtd rijltmoll)
12
they 're up aga inst, Fame has no
effect.
XOu.) if the infamous killer.
.\Iexican Bob, ambushes a cowbo)' ill
a can)'Oll alld the cowpoke Ollfy sus
gllllsmokefrom behind a rock, he's 1101
afficted by Mexican Bob's Fame.
floweur, if ,\lexicon Boh had called him oul ill a saloon. aliT
cou.poke might be shakin' in his boots.
. \ character of Ayerage Reputation suffers a + I
Speed penally and -I Accuracy pe nalty for e\'ery 25
points of Fame he is below his opponem . A characte r
of Low or Disreputable Reputation suffe rs a +2 Speed
penalty and -2 Accuracy penalty for every 25 points of
Fame he is below his opponent. A character with a
Great or Legendary Reputation, or equal or greater
Fame than his opponent, is never affected by his oppo-
nem's Fame in a gunfighl.
FACING
Clearly. it's a mite easier to shoot straight ahead than
behind you. It's also a lot harder to sec an opponent
"hose stalking at your backside than strolli ng up to
your rrotll side. In order to take these mailers into
account, we'll need to know which way a given char-
actcr is fac ing at a given momelll in time. T he Facing
rules require miniatures for clean adjudication; wit h·
out figurines or markers of some SOrt it becomes much
more difficult. If you don 't usc miniatures with your
game. the G:\ I and/or other players must decide
which way a character is facing based on the p layer's
stated actions or positioning. Application of the
Facing rules is the sam e if miniatures arc used or not.
A moving character's front facing is almost always
the direction in which that character is heading (only
exceptions being when a character is sidestepping or
FIRING
ARc B
FIliNG
ARC C
Front
(chest direction)
FIRING
Figurr 3.2-3b: Arcs oj Firtjor a ngh/-handtd rifftmarl
(also applicabltjor a 11l-handtd pistol shoo/a)
backing up. A stationary cha racter's frOllt fa cing is
ALWAYS the d irection his chest is facing. A character
suffers both Speed and Accuracy penalties the further
Ih at charaeler fires from his front facing. Figurt 3.2-30
a nd Figurt 3.2-3b: Arcs 0/ Firt defin es Ihe specifi c arcs of
fire. Tablt 3.2-3: Firillg Art .llodifitrS lists associated fir-
ing penahies.
TABLE 3.2-3: FIRING ARC MODIFIERS
LocHio n Speed Accunc ),
Firing in Arc B ........... I ........... -1
Fir ing in Arc C ......... .2 ........... ·2
F iri ng in Arc 0 .......... 5 ........... ·5
Arc A is always in fro nt of the characte r, so there's
no particular Speed or Accuracy pcnalty for firing
there. Likewise, Arc D is always behind the character.
Howeve r, the location of Arc B and Arc C \'ary
depending on the shooter's weapon hand. For a right-
handed shooter with a pistol. Arc B is on his right and
Arc C on the left. For an hombre with a pistol in his
left hand , Arc B is o n the left and Arc C on the right.
Hold your gun hand out in front, and then swing it to
the side. NO\\' swing it to the othe r side. You'll find it
easier to aim on the sa me si de as the gun hand.
Of course, if you' I'c holding a long gun, Ares B a nd
Care gonna swap. For a right -handed shooter with a
long gu n, Arc B is on his Icft. For a left-hander with a
long gu n, Arc B is on lh e right. That's because you 're
stretch ing the off-hand out to hold the barrel. If you
want to try it, bring up your arms like you're holding a
shotgun in your off-hand and pu lli ng the trigger with
your main hand. Swing your al'lns to one sidc, then to
the other (with your legs and lower body firmly plant-
ed where they are, of cou rse). As you can sec, it 's eas-
ier to move to the side with the outstretched hand.
01 2
4 Spud ptllalty alld 5 Accuracy jJtllalty, since he's a/flatly
Pe~ulli{1
For txamplt, Francis Dodgtr alld Wilbllr .\Iarshall artfirillg
shots at tadl otlttr ill tilt Wlttr rif .\Inill Stmt. IVilbur's shots
art gtlling pUll)' r/Ost, so Frallcis dtcidts to rUTI down a sid{
slrut, glancing ot·tr his shollldtr alldfin'ng balk at IVilbllr tht
whole timt. Sina ht's shooting bthind himstif (in Arc D).
Francis s~JJtrS a +5 Spud ptllalty alld a -5 Acrurary ptllalty.
Facing and 11uget Acquisition
Facing also affects the Speed in which a character
can change targets. Depending on a character's facing
relative to the ne\\' target, he suffers a penalty to his
Speed as listed ill Tabit 3.2- 4: Targtl Acquisition Penaltits.
TABLE 3.2-4: TARGET ACQUISITION PENALTIES
Acquisi tion Speed Penalt y
Acquire new tuget < 30° from center . ...... .l
Acquire ncw urget < 90 0 from ce nter ........ 2
Acquire ncw tuget < 150 0 fro m ce nte r ...... .4
Acquire ncw urget > 1500 from centcr .......8
Further. an~ time the shooter looks away completely
into a different .\re or the target goes out of view and
reappears in a differellt location such as ducking
behind a waler t rough and crawling 10 the ot her end
before poppi ng back up , the shooter will need to re-
acquire his target.
For txamplt, Itt's say titat Frallcis Dodger stops TUlllling. alld
tums to/aa II i'lbur. _\'Ow ht'sfiring in Arc A again (no addi-
tiollal Spud or . Imlfary penaltits). Suddtnly, Frallcis decidu
to changt targtts alld sltool at Charles Grant illstead. If IVilbur
alld Charles art standillg right IItxt to each other, that's all wtll
alld good silla C!wrlu is Ius than 30"/rom Frallcis'last lar-
gel (WilbuT), tltert's /10 Spud penall)'for acqllin'lIg a Ilew tar-
gtt. Bill wlial if Charles is //Iort Iltan 30' away, 011 the oppo-
site side rif tilt slrut? I II lliailliis installce, Francis Itas to 111m
his ga<.e, or tWI IItad and body, and look for and acquire his
new target. In t!wt caSt, he suffers a +2 Spud pellall),
I II anothtr txamplt. Frands alld II 'ilbllr art on !lOrs{b alk,
wilh Frallcis ill tht Itad alld II 'ilb"r in pllrsuit. Francis tUTIIS
aroulld alld ai//ls his pistol at Wilbur a +B ptnalfy to Spud
for utqllirillg a IItW largtt //IOrt thall 150· from (lllttr (in this
cast aboul /BO '). Frands also gtlS an additional +5 ptnalty
10 Spud (+ /3 tOlaf) and a -5 ptlla/l)' to Auuracy for firing in
Art D. I-IOWtt·tr. 011 his stfolld shot, Francis on!J sufftrs the +5
acquirtd Il 'ilbur as a targtt.
0/ courSt, if Frmltis tur"s arollnd/or a whilt, Ilttll lit has to
acquire I Vilbllr as a target agaill. a ll tlie otlier hand, if he stays
looking at Wi/bllr, he dotsll'l ha~·t to acqllirt him as a I/tW tar-
get, and his Spud alld AUllracy penaltits unwill tlte same.
LINE OF Sla HT etc. - simply place those over the Target Silhouette and
A characte r can only fire on another character if he you're ready to roll.) If the shO! hits cover, roll damage
has a straight line of sigh t to the target - if a player as normal and consult Table 3.2-5: Hardness Values.
can pull an unobstructed piece of string or shoot a
lase r pointer between the miniatures then the shooter TABLE 3.2· 5: HARDNESS VALUES
has line of sight and may fire normally. Note that if Mneri~J One hp_Redu ted Per (iothes)
line of sight is obstructed comp letely or by cover but is Timber/wood. hard (OJ.k. etc.) ..... 1/2-
otherwise straight (i.e. , not firing around a corner), the Timber/wood. soft (piDt. etc. ) ..... ]1/2-
shoote r may still take the shot and hope to shoot Iroo (e.g .. skillet) ........... . ... l/S-
through th e cover (sec "Cover & Visibility") andlor W~ lcr (e.g., io ~ trough ) ,. ... 4-
B~ ltd Hay .. .... . .6-
cause the target to duck down or otherwise remain in
cover (sec " Flinching").
SaDd ......... ..... . .. .. r
Lcnm/dirl .... ..Z-
Clay (e.g .. pottery) ...........•.. I/i -
COVER AND VISIBILITY Leather (e.g .. ndd le) l/f
It 's only natural that a right-minded pe rson wants to Flesh (horse. humlo. tIC.) ..... 11/2-
take cove r while returning fire rather than stand in the BoDe (mao or aoimal) .. .. ... l/f
open. There arc no modifiers for CQ\'cr in the A rts & TiD (taos. sigll. CIt.) ... . ..... 1/2-

Eigflls game. T he Shot Clock system handles this situ-

ation very well without the need for separate modifie rs.
If a CO\\1)oke is sta nding behind a bouldel; trough or in
a window, simply use a piece of paper to obscure the
portion of Ihe Target Silhouette that is behind cove r
and use the Shot Clock overlay normally. (If you have
a download or accessory with scale cmouts of various
sta ndard items - barrels, troughs, windows, doorways,
Deduct one hil point from the damage for each inch
or fraCiion of an inch of cover material as listed . If
the damage number drops to 0, the bullet is lodged in
the cover. If the remaining damage of the bullet is
greater than 0, the bullet passes th rough th e cover and
if th e shot would ha\'e hit the T arget Silhouette,
injures the target in the appropriate location.
 Figurt 3.2-5: Missed shots Ihal might (QUSt Flinching
For example, let's say that our old buddy Clqy Powell is
slallding at Ihe edge if a porch, beilind a wooden barrel. Some
ornery balldito hiding in the bushes takes a potshol at Clay with
a rifle, but misses his chest and shoots at his legs instead, hil-
ting the barrel for 6 damage. The empty baml is made qf
hardwood and is a half-inch thick (remember, the bullet must
travel through both sides). Instead qf dealing its normal 6
poinls qf damage, the bullet deals only 4 (6-1-1) points qf
damage (assuming it wouldn't have gone between or around
Clay'S legs).
Under certain other conditions, a target might be
obscured due to visibility conditions but not otherwise
under hard cove r. In these cases, the target is simply
harder to see and thus harder to hit. Therefore, the
ta rget rece ives no physical protection from its conceal-
ment, bu t the shooter suffers a visibility modifier to his
To-hit roll as set forth in Table 3.2-6: Visibilit), J/odiJim .

TASLE 3.2-6: VISIEILITY MODIFIERS

VisibililY Modifier
Sbooling blind. complete diTkness . . . . . . . . .. . ..g
Poor visi bilily .. .. . ....... ... -\ 10 ·7
We ~ k moonligbl. dense foli~gc. OVCtC~SI fuJI moon -7
Full moonligbl _.. .... . .. ...... . ..... ......... .. .. ·6
Tbick foli,gc. th ick cum ins . _. .. __ . ...... _.. ... . .. ...... -5
Dim lighting. dusk. silhouettes, hc~vy sbOldo"'s. vcry thic k fog .. - ~
fiTl y d~"'II. forchligbt. fog. Tbick smokc ............... _. -3
0 1",n. hrighTligbts OUTdoors ~ t DigbT. thick hue. smoke .. -2
Light smoke. hn e. Tbin fobg' .. .... ................. . .. ·1

Using the same example as above, Itt's say that Clay was
standing on that porch in the dark, taking a gander at the stars
and musing on his lifo's work. The bandito gets a -6 penalty
10 Accurary, because the moon is full, tlu sky isn't clouqy, and
Clay isn't hidden fry any shadows. If Clay's backlit by a win-
dow or open door, on tht other hand, he's no harder 10 spot than
if ht Wert III Iht middle qf lHaill Street al II/gh I/oon.
FLINCHING
Flinching can occur whenever a character is shot or
a missed shot comes close enough for the target to feel
or hear the miss.
These instances include the following:
":? Shots hitting a spur, reins, hat, clothing, saddle,
gun or other accout rement.
: ? Any miss within one pie slice of a hit or graze to
the head as shown on the shot clock (see Figure 3.2-5).
9r Any miss that hits cove r or other hard terrain
within two pie slices of a hit or graze anywhere on the
body as shown on the shot clock (see Figure 3.2-5).
A shot that close to a man might give him pause to
consider his own mortality. T he target's requi red 10
check his willpower by making a Wisdom check modi-
fied by deducting one for every gunfight the eharac·
ter's been in (sec the "Experience" section for more
information on \\'hat is and isn't a gunfight). A failed
result indicates that the target has flinched and ducked
under cover (if available) or othe rwise turned his head
and suffers a Speed penalty to his next non-Movement
(see '·i\ !o\·ement") action. Likewise, any time a char-
acter is shot, he must check his willpower by making a
Wisdom check modified by deduCting one for every
gunfight the characte r's been in and further modified
by adding the wound severity/hit points suffered as a
result of the wound.
T he flinching penalty is equal to the number that the
roll failed by_ If the target has cove r, the minimum
flinch time for failure is 5 CountS as he drops behind
the cover. Further, the ducking character loses line of
sight, any acquired targets and any consecutive shot
bonus.
For example, Itt's say tltat Theodore "Thee" lVilry and
Fernando I'ilsque~ had a bit qf a dispute that tllflltd into a bit

15
 qf a gunfight in the salooll. Femando takes a shot at Th ee, alld
Femalldo's playr rolls To -hil. He misses, bill IIie bullel passes TABLE 3.2-9: MOVEMENT ACTION RATES
wilhill Iwo pie stiers qf what would have beell a hit on Ihe SIIOI ACTion CoUDIS
Clock, strikillg Ihe wall jusl behind Tlue. That sound ain'l Drop prone . . . ...... .3 Couo"
Cuwl/molJ ... . . ....... . . .5 £(cl/ 20 CoU ll!
exacl!>' cOl/iforting, so Thee has 10 make a I Vlidom dud 10
W~ l k . .. .. . .... . ..... .5 fw / lD CoU DI
avoidjlinching. His IVisdom's on!>' an II, and he's on(y beell Jog ....... .... ..5 fl/S Count
ill OIU gUlifighl. His pla)'ff rolls a 13, minus one Jor the gUII- Run .s
.. . .. . £« 1/3 CoUOT
fight, Jor a 10101 qf 12. He lleeded all 11 (Thee's Wisdom Spri nt" ' ..... ... .10 fec!lS Count
score) or lower, so Ihal mealls he failed. Thee flillches. He Hd l run/sp rioT ..... .. ......... ..... .. .10 feCI o,'cr 01 10 CoUOI
failed his roll by 1 (12- 11 = 1). so he's gala +1 Spud p(1lol- Chaoge F,,;o8 (I h ee) . . .1 CoUDI
!y 10 his lIeXIIlOIl-AJovemelll actiOlI. Alternalive(y, if Thee fwd Chaoge Flci n8 (2 h ees) . . ... . . . . . . .2 CoUOI
ChOlRgC F" ing (3 fms) . . ...... .. .. . .3 CoUDI
ally cover to drop behilld, he would've had 10 use iI, Mding Sit/ kneel fro m proDe. . . . .3 Couot
behind ilfor 5 CounlJ (instead qf slifftrillg Ihe Spud pellalfy). Knee l/siTfrom shn ding .... . .... . ...2 CoUOI
Suod from sittio g (ground) ..... ..5 Co UDI
EXPERIENCES Suod from koccliog/silliog (chOi ir) .. ... .3 CoUDI
Pick up dropped wcapon . . .. . . . .5 CoUOI
It's a well -known fact that slugs of hot lead heading Check .... clpon: ]nad .. . . ....... .[0 Coull!
in a body's direction tend to make folks uneasy. espe - Chec k wClpon: ..ot king order .. .. .. . .. ..2(1 Co nn!
cially so when the man fi ring the shootin' iron is in a
killing mood. Ofl times the difference betwixt li\'ing '0 CoulH when combined with aDother move on this chart.
and dying is the ability of a man 10 stand firm under " 5 seconds mal' pa hour
Dodging/ol£'uS Spetd by one increment {e.g.. Run becomes l og}
such d ire situations. While most neyer get fully co m-
fortable with being shot at, the edge dulls a bit the Counts associated with it. as listed in Table 3.2-8:
more a man gets exposed to such a hazard. :l lovemelll Aclioll Roles.
Specifically, the more times a charactcr has fired on an Obviousl}; a charactcr ca n't sprint from a sta ndstill,
opponent that eit her fire d first, fired back or was draw- nor stop on (l dime from a full sprint. From a st anding
ing o r otherwise fixin ' to fire back. the beller that char- position. a character can begin to walk or jog immedi-
acter becomes at keeping his cool under fire. Table 3.2-
ately, but nOt run or sprint. A walking or jogging char-
7: Experiener M odifiers shows the Speed and Accuracy actcr can mo\'c to a run or sprint. A character can halt
disadvantage s of inexperience and ad\'antages of a walk or jog at any timc and may halt a run or sprint
experience. Note well that to quali fy for a gu nfight,
over 10 fect and a 10 Count ( I second).
the character must have been shOi at or be in real dan-
ge r of receiving return fire heading in his direction Xote that if (l character docs not havc sufficient
(such as in a showdown, quick draw, etc.). Sniping room in which to halt his run or sprint (e.g. a wall is in
from a second Story window at a target doesn't count hi s way), he will still come to a stop - albeit it grace-
as a gunfight unless th at ta rget spots the yellow-bellied lessly. Running into a solid object req uires a Dex
shooter and returns fire. check. If this is successful, the character only suffers a
10 count penalty. If unsuccessful, he suffe rs d6-4
TABLE 3.2-7: EXPERIENCE MODIFIERS points of damage, incurs a 20 cou nt penalty and must
G unfight s S ur vived Speed Aceurlcy roll on Table 3.2-1-/: .\ (m- Il eapon IlIjllry Localiol/. (Roll
o(g reen ) .. .. .. A .. .·2 3d20+24 to determine injury location and d6 for f\on
1 ...... ••. .2 .. .........0 \\'eapon Injury Type.)
2-3 .I ..... .1
4·6 .. .. .. .... .. ...0 ..2 Sprinting into a solid object is usually more injuri-
7·10 ..·1. .. .3 ous. In this case, the characte r docs not receive a Dex
11+ ... . . ••.. .. ..-2 .. ........ .'1 check to mitigate the impact. He suffers d6~2 points of
damage, a 20+d20 count pena lty and must roll on
TACTICAL MOVEMENT Table 3.2-14: Non- IVeopol/ Injury Localion . (Roll 3d20+24
Despite the excitement of an in-your-face show· to determine injury location and dlO for Non-Weapon
down, at some point most characters want to do more Injury Type.)
than stand in one spot in a tact ical si tuation. T reat A standing, crawling or walking characte r ca n
movement during a shootOut or other time-sensitive change fa cing at any time. A jogging character ca n
situations like d ischarging a weapon; the character change onc or twO facings per move, a running char-
declares where he wants to move and how fast , then acter may only change one facing per move and a
moves. Of course, each move has a certain amount of sprinting character may not change facin g.

16
 For example, tHigutl Marlinei! Garcia decides lie's gonna run
down tile slrut and pick up a gun some fool lift selling in Ille
dust. His pia)'er rolls a d 10 for initialive, gelling a 4, and
Aliguel's base Spud IS a +3, so lie can start walking or jogging
when Ihe Counl Up reaclles 7. On 7 Count, lie starts jogging
(moving 5 fiet per 5 COllnt). I Vhen the Count Up rearlus 12
(7+5), he's moved 5 fiel. "vow he can kup jogging or start run-
ning (moving .5 fiet per 3 COUllt). Miglltl decides 10 rull. On
15 Count (12+3), he's moved another 5feel (lOfee! total).
.l1iguel call keep running or start sprinlillg (lO fiet per 5
Count). He setS the pistoll,ying Oll[y about 15 feet awa)' alld
knows he'll haL'e to slow down ill a bit, so he keeps rWllling.
movillg another.5 fiet whelllhe Count Up reacltes 18. He starts
slowing his mil (to halt at 10 fiet over a 10 Counl), stopping
0/1 28 COUllt almost rigll! 011 top d the pistol. He kneels dowlI
to pick it up, which lakes 2 COUlltS. picks up the gUll for 5
COUllts and thell stands liP agaill, wltiell lakes 3 more Counts.
011 38, he's standing wilh the pistol in his hand. It look him
3.B seeo/lds (38 COUllt) to rlln to the pistol and pick it up.
1kctical Mounted .Vovemeni
J USt as soon as a characte r manages to buy (or stea l)
a horse, you'll be needi ng rules for horse movement.
Hand!e mounted movement in much the same way as
movement on foot - decla re action and, after a certain
amount of time. your character and mount have
moved. Table 3.2·9: MOllllted "lovement Aclion Rates
shows the rates of mounted movement and other
actions.
TAm 3.2-9: MOUNTED MOVBMBNT ACTION RATBS
~e 1ion Speed Modifier
WIlking ...5 fcc1l1O Coun1
Tro1ling. . ..5 fil S Coun!
Loping ... . . ..5 feet/ 2 Count
G~lloping .. . . . . .s fect/ l CoUll!
Turn sunding horse .. .. ..... ....... .3 Count per h eing
Turn moving horse I fleing or less . ...0 Coun!
Turn moving horse 2 hcings or less .. ... ..3 Coun!
Turn moving horse 3 h eings or less .. ... . .6 Coun!
Moun! horse ....... ... ....... .. .....20
Jump from horse's bOie k . .. .. ... .. ... . . . .\0 Count
Horses accelerate slower than humans and must
move through eve ry gait when accelerating; a horse
must first move at a walk, then trOt, then lope then full
gallop. A walking or trotting horse ean stop immedi-
ately. A loping horse may stop after! 0 Counts and .;
feet of movement. A galloping horse can stop on ly
after 20 feet of movement over 40 CountS (! 0 feel over
10 Counts followed by 10 feet over 30 Counts).
A standing horse can change facing at any time (at a
rate of 3 CountS per face). A walking horse may
change up to 3 facings pe r 5 feet moved. Horses mo\'-
TABLB 3.2-10: MOUNTBD TURNS
Horse Gl i! SOIfd ), Turn Up To: With Ri de Check CIDTurn Up To:
Wl lk . .. . . ... Any . .. . . . ....... ..... N/A
Tro! . . .. . 60 degrees / I fOieing . .. .. ..90 de grees I I 11I hei ngs
Lop< ... ~5 degrees Il/~ h eing .....60 degrees I full hci ng
GOIHop. ... 30 degrcts II11 filcing .... . .~S degrees I Vi heing
ing faster than a walk may be turned no faste r than
once per second; the turn takes place at the cnd of any
full second with no prior turn. The degree of turn
\'aries by how fast the horse is moving.
A trotting horse can turn safely up to 60 degrees
one facing or 90 degrees (one and one-half facings)
with a successful Riding check (fai!ure indicates the
horse only turns one facing and requires another
Riding check. failure of the second indicates the rider
has been thrown from Ihe saddle).
A loping horse ca n turn -1-5 degrees ('/4of a facing) or
less without penalty, 60 degrees a full facing) with a
successfu l Riding check failure indicates the horse
only turns '4 of a facing and requires another Riding
check. failure of the second indicates the rider bas
been thrown from Ihe saddle).
A galloping horse can turn 30 degrees one half fac-
ing) without penahy or 45 degrees '% facing \ with a
successful Ride skill check failure indicates the horse
turns one half facing and requires another Riding
check, failure of the second indicates the rider has
been thrown from the saddle .
A skilled rider ca n make a special slide-stop maneu-
ver to stop andlor turn a gaHoping horse faste r than
normal. With a difficult Riding check, a mount going
at a full out gallop can stop by gathering its legs under
it, sliding with its hind legs (hooves still down) while its
forelegs remain moving. The result is a ncar-complete
stop oyer 3 seconds covering a mere fifteen feet with
the horse turned 90 degrees from original position.
Furthermore, at the horse or rider's option, the horse
can lope right out of the stOP without moving through
the othe r gaits (the decision to move to a lope mUSt be
made immediately and the move continues as no rmal,
i.e. , 2 CountS after the slide-stop is complete the horse
moves'; feet in the new direction). Failing the Riding
check indicates that the rider has been thrown.
Nolt\ whal if Migllel lHarlinei! Garcia wants to mOl/lit a
horse and gel tile lull Ollila !OWII? l'I'e saw 111 Ihe previous exam-
ple thai lie was stalldillg ill the slrut wilh a pistol whm Ihe
COllnl Up reached 38. I I'ell, let's sa)' he's 011(;' 5feel awa),
from a horse tied 10 a nearby hitching post. He jogs (moving 5
feet per 5 Count) to the horse, reaching it on 43 COl/III
(38+5=43). It takes him 20 COUllt to unhitch and moulIl the
horse, so he's mOllnted when the Count Up reaches 63. He turns
"
Ihe slmlding horse 2jacings (3 COUll! each,jor a folal of 6), so
if's fumed Ihe way he wanfs fa go when fhe Coullf Up reaches
69 (63 +6=69).
He nudges lhe horse iI/to a walk (5 jeef per 10 COUI/f), so it's
moved 5 feet when fhe CO/lilt Up rtaches 79. He speeds up to
a Irol (5 ji per 5 Count), so Ihe horse has 'raveled anotiter 5 feet
(10 feet loIal) when the Count Up reaches 84. Migud urges the
horse illto a lope (5 feet per 2 COllllt), so il moves allolher 5 jeel
all 86 (for a lolal if 15 jeet).
Thrown f rom Ihe Saddle
Being thrown from a horse can result in serious
injury. How serious depends on the speed of the horse.
In all cases, a 30 COUIll penalt), is applied and any
hand-held items are dropped. Further specificity
depends on the horse's gait.
Walking : The character suITers I d6--J. points of
damage from the fall but recei\'es a Dex check to miti-
gate the impact. Failing this means must roll on Table
3.2-14: NOI/- ll-eapoll byury Location . (Roll a d6 for Non-
Weapon Injury Type.)
Trotting: T he character suITers ld6-3 points of
damage from the fall but receives a Dex check (made
at a -4 penalty) to mitigate the impact. Failing this
means must roll on Table 3.2-14: ..\ oll- ll eapon IlIju7)'
Localion. (Roll a d8 for :\'on-Weapol1 Injury Type.
18
Loping: T he character suITers I d6-2 points of dam-
age from the fall. He must also roll on Table 3.2-/4:
Non-lVeapoll Injury Location . (Roll a d I 0 for Non -
Weapon Injury Type.)
G a lloping: The character suITers I d6 points of
damage from the fall. He must also roll on Table 3.2-
I.J: Xon- ll-eapon Inju ry LocatiOll. (Roll d8+2 for Non-
Weapon Injury Type.)
Note: For any Hyperextension injury to the back , roll
a d20. A "1" indicates permanent pa ralysis. If such
injury is suffered to the neck , roll a d I 0 with a "I"
indicating permanent paralysis.
Movin g 11ugets
Clearly, mO\'ing targets are more difficult to shoot.
This truism is reflected in Table 3.2-/ I: Target Movemenl.
T here is no Accuracy modifier for moving targets trav-
elling in a direction less than 30 degrees (half a facing)
directly away from or directly at th e shoot er. However,
dodging modifies the shooter's Accuracy regardl ess of
the direction of th e moving target. Furthermore, the
Accuracy penalty for a dodging target compounds
with any other Accuracy modifier for movement.
TABLE 3.2-11: TARGET MOVEMENT
.... ction A((u rlcy
tnwling/ strolling .... . . .-1
wI lking ... . ...-2
JogglDg .. ....J
ru np ing ••-4
dodg ing" .. .-2
moupted"
WIlking ... ,·2
IrOlling . . ... . .. ...-4
loping . ... . ... . .. . ... . . .-6
g)lloping .. . . ... .. ... ... .......... ..·8
"Dodging adds IJ;ith other mOllCmlnt types
"·Con hit horse - ,hed, silhouette for misses
For example, a dodging target (-2 To-hit) moving at
a run -..J. To-hit) will have a combined penalty of - 6 to
the shoote r. If, in the foregoing example, the dodging
runncr was running directly away from the shooter, the
tOtal penalty would only be -2 for the dodge. T he - ..j-
for running doesn't count because the runner is mov-
ing at less than 30 degrees (a half facing) relative to the
shooter.
ut's say Ihal I\1Jiguel !\larlil/ e~ Garcia (from the previous
example) IS still riding Ihal loping IlOne down Ihe slm! towards
Ma rshal Cody and lhe Count is at 86. M arshal Cody already
Iws his g"n drawn, so he aims it (4 Count) at Miguel, bill
decides to Fire Deliberalely (+ 4 Speed, +2 Accura0'), so his
 SIIOI goes W 011 94 (86+4+4=94). In Ihe meantime, Miguel's
horse has slarled galloping (5 fiel per I Counl), mid all 94 he's
alreaqy moved 40 fiel. He's passing the marshaL so Cody gets
a - 8 Accuraq penalty 10 hil M iguel. He makes his To -hil roll
alld adds his modifiers (including Ihe +2 Accurary for Firing
Delibera/ely), bullu misses. Now, if M iguel decides 10 shoot at
Coify, Miguel's penalties will be a little different, since he's Ihe
one movmg.
Combining Movemenl and Shooling
Once you've mastered th e rules ror shoot ing and
movement , you'll naturally want to combine the two.
This adds a whol e new level or complexity to you r Aces
& Eights game, so please be certain that you 've mas-
tercd th e shooting and mO\'ement rules berore using
them both at the same time. BtH don't be put off too
much; arter practicing these rules a couple or times
mOSt playcrs easily master th ese as welL or course,
combining movement and shooting gi\'es rise to a sct
or new modifiers list ed in Table 3.2-12: .Ilol.'fmtnt
Modifiers to Shooting.
TABLB3.2-12: MOVEMBNT MODIFIBRS TOSHOOTING
Sutus Spt:td Penah):' Awmty Penalty
t rawlins ..........Must stop .............. Must SlOp
strolling ....0 .............0
..alkins .. . .. .1 ..... .. ......... .. ... ~ 1
jogging ............... 2 .. -3 pistoV ·6 rifle
fUODlOg ... .. A . . -'I pistol! ·8 rifJc
dodging" .... ..2 ............ 'I pistoV ·8 rif le
MouDted
studing .......2 ......................0
....alking .. .2 .1
trolling . ........ 1 . S pistoV ·10 rifle
Joping ....3 .... .... . . ·3 pistol! ·6 rifle
gaJloping ... . ... . ....3 ...... .. ... .J pistoV 6 rifle
'Mowmenl Spud penaltifs never modify move ment actions. only
gunfight related actions.
"Dodging reducts actual mowment Spud by one degree.
Since moving and shooling are completely separate
act ions, all players need to keep track or their moving
and shooting actions separately. T his is handled dur-
ing the Count Up in exactly th e same way as each
moving and shooti ng were handled bero re: declare
your action and it occu rs at the time it takes to com-
plete.
For example, M iguel Martine:::. Garcia (from the previous
example) wants 10 ride his horse down Ihe slmt whilefin'ng as
fast as he can from his six-shooler al Marshal Cody, wllo's
slandlllg in the slrul. /..e/'s assume this gunjight is afread), in
progress, the Count Up is a194, and Coqy hasjuslfirtd a shot
on COUllt 94 - missing M iguel. Miguel already has his weapon
drawn .
Ht spends .j CO/lilt 10 aim, pIllS another 3 buause rif his gal-
loping horse (from Table 3.2-1 2), al/d so can fire on Count 101
(94+ 7=1 0 ' ). In the meanlime, llis horse galloped allother 35
fiet (5 fiet per I Count), so M iguel's range modifier ml!)' fwv(
gal/ell a lillie worst (as has Coqy's). When tlte Count Up
reaches 10J, he fires a shot at a -3 Accurary pel/alty Jar gal-
lop/llg - and misses. Normally he couldjiTe his six-shooler olue
every 5 Count, but because if Ihe 3 CO/IIII Speed pmaltyfor gal-
loping. he can'lfire again unlill09 (101+ 5+3 -=-109). He
mous anolher 5 fiel 01/ 102. agalll on 103. J04, 105. 106,
107. and 108. On 109, he fires agaill alld moves allotlier 5
fief. alld so 011.
T he best way 10 keep track or these tWO types or
actions is separately. ~I ost players find it easiest 10
keep a running tall y or when their next move occurs
and when their next firin g action OCCllrs. \\'henever a
modifier crops up that affects one or the other, simply
add th e modifie r to the next action's Count numbe r.
MISHAPS & FAILURES
Any time a character rolls an unmodified " I" on his
To-hi t roll. his shot automatically misses (ir it 's even
fired at all and he probabl y suffers some form or
mishap or railure. To detcrmine the problem, roll a
dO,o 1-100 and consult Table 3.2 ·1 3: M ishaps and
Failures locatcd on the rollo\\ing page .
Mechanical Rlilure
Bclow are the descriptions or the possible mcchani-
cal ra ilures ror firearms. Ir the table indicates a result
that does not affect that type or weapon (ror example,
broken cylinder rod for a gun without a cylinder), do
nOI reroll; the shooter gOt lucky and there's no adverse
effect ror that mishap .
Butts tock/Grip: The buttstoc k (rine or shotgun)
or grip (pistol) is badly broken. A long gun with a bro-
ken buttstock ca n no longer be shoulder fired or aimed
(in other words, all shots are hipshots). A pistol with a
badl y broken grip cannOt be fired.
C ylind er Rod: Th e cyl inder will not remain in
place and rall s ou! when the cyli nder rod is broken.
Obviously, th e gu n cannot bc fired. No effect on gu ns
without cylinders.
Eje ctor / Extrac tor: A broken ejector (in thc case
of a rine or most pistols) or extractor (in Ihe case of a
shotgun) won't eject spent cartridge cases. A rine with
a broken ejector cannot be fired since a casi ng remains
lodged in the gun. T he affected shotgun barrel cannOt
be reloaded. A pistol (or revolving riOe) can no longer
be fired on ce oul or shots.
HalDlDe r: Wh en the hammer breaks, the firin g pin
or primer eannot be struck, rendering the gun useless
 TAELE 3.2-13: MISHAPS 8. FAILURES SUETABLE 3.2-13A: MECHANICAL FAILURES
BclL(.dJOO) Mi,b.pwil=
RclL(.dllill) Mi,b'pLE,mm
01-09 ......... Buttstock/ grip
01-02 ....... Consult Subublc 3.2-13A:
10·18 .........Cylinder rod
Mcchaic.J.l F~ilurcs
19·27 ......... EjeClor/ exluctor
Ammo FJi/urc
28-36 ......... Himmer
03-]0 ....... Dud
37·'15 ........ .I ntern)l put
11-12 ........ UnderlOid, minor
46-54 ........ Lever
13-14 ....... UnderlOid, ffiljor
55-61 ......... Loiding gile
15 .......... Blown primer or overloid
62-71 ......... Migazine spring
(50% chi OCt of either)
72-80 . . ....... Miinspring
16-19 ....... Cise scpH.l.tion
81-90 . .. ...... Sight
20-21 ...... .Incorrect sizing_ ffi.l.jor
91-100 .. . . .. .. Trigger
22-23 ...... .Incorrect sizing. minor
24 ......... Ch.l.infirc
25 ......... Fhmillg debris
Cedt Flijutc
26 ......... Boot/ foOlgCiT brc.l. ks
27-29 _. _.... S.l.ddlcb.l.8 bmks
30-32 ....... Belt / holster brc.l.ks
33 ... . .. Holster loosens
34-35 .... Shirt lem
36-37 ....... Vest rips
38·40 .. ButtoD pops
41-42 ....... Hat torD
43-44 ....... Piots leH
45-47 ....... Sick/ big/ pucci bmks
AcciacntlJ Shots
48-50 ....... Hil bystander
51 -53 ...... .shot neuby livestock/ horse
54-56 ....... Diffiige building
57 -59 _______ Damige uec/cicluS
60-63 _. _.. __ Fire during duw (dlO: I guze own
fOOl; 2 shoot own fOOl; J.IO shoot ground)
6'1-65 ....... Acc idenlil disc huge
Hindfilnce
66-69 __ .. __ SwCit in eyes
70-73 ....... Smoke in eyes
7'1-77 ....... Sun/ glire in eyes
7S-S0 _..... .smoke obstructs view
Clumsiness
SI-S4 ...... .stumble
S5-S7 ....... Slip
8S·91 ....... Off bilincc
92-94 ....... Dislm.ted
95-97 ....... Drop wCipon
98-100 ...... Non ·weipon injury

:iO
for shooting. Only affects one barrel of a shotgun
(most recently fired).
Interna l Part : An intern al part breaks preve nting
the gun from revolving or cycling. No effect for shot-
guns.
Leve r: When a rifl e's lever breaks the act ion won't
cycle and the rifl e call no longe r be fired. No clTecr on
pistOls and shotgu ns (or rifles without a levcr).
Loading Gate : T he side of the cylinder rCIll<lins
un covered whc n the load ing gate breaks. When the
cylinder is uncove red, the cartridges fall out and /o r
jam the cylinder. O nly affects re\'olving gu ns with
load ing gates.
M agazine Spring: 1\"0 effect unless the weapon is
a rifle with a magazine. When the magazine spring
brea ks, the cart ridges won't load from t hc magazine
and shooler will have 10 hand load each bullet.
Mainspring : When Ihe mainspring breaks, the
hamm er won't drop and the gun cannot be fired . Only
affects one barrel of a shotgun (most recently fired l.
Sight: Rifle (or target pistol) has a broken sight no
effect for a shotgun or other pistol). Rifle cannOt be
aimed or aimed ca refully.
Topl ever: Shotgun's topleyer breaks (no effect for
rifles or pistols). Since the action can't open, th e gun
ca nnot be reloaded.
Trigger: The trigger mechanism breaks inside the
gu n, which can no longer stay cocked. The shooter
must now manuall y drop th c hammer or fanfire the
gun (-2 to Accuracy). O nly afleets one barrel of a
shotgun (most reccntly fired).
Ammo ll!iiure
Below arc the descriptions of thc possibl e ammuni-
tion failure s for firea rms. If the table indicates a result
that does not affcct that type of weapon (for example,
incorrcct sizing for a pistOl or shotgun), do not rero!!;
the shooter got lucky and there's no adverse effect for
that mishap.
Blown Primer: T he primcr blows off causing gas
and/or debris to shoot back into the shooter's facc.
For pistol s: The shooter suffers Id4- I damage to th e
face . If lhe fa ce result is 0, roll Id4-1 to the head. If
this results in 0, roll Id4-1 to the neck. If lhe neck
result is also 0, rhe shooter escaped a painful mi shap.
For rifles and shotguns: usc th e sa me p rocess but
replace lhe d4 with a d6.
Cas e Separati on : T he case se parates and only the
head of the ca rtridge is extracted. The rifle cannot be
fired unt il the case is removcd (with a special tool). No
effect for shotguns or on additional chambers.
C bainfire: A chain fire ca n only occur with a cap
and ball revolvcr or Remington re\'olving rifl e. Id6-1
addi donal shots fire . T he shooter suffers Id6-1 dam-
age 10 the hand.
Dud: T he cartridge or shell didn't ignite. Apart
from the dead round being in need of ej ect ion , no
other adverse effects.
Fla ming Debris: Flaming debris shoots from the
ba rrel , se tting firc to any cu rmi ns o r othe r flammabl es
in the area.
Inc orreC I Sizing, Minor: T he ca nridge was of
the wrong sizc and the shot was never fired. The gun
is now j ammed and must be recycled to clear the poor-
ly sized ca rtridge. No effecl for shotguns, pis LOis o r
riflc s with cylindc rs.
Incorr ect Sizing, Major: The ca rtridge was of
the wrong size and thc shot was nC\'e r fi red. T he gun is
now jammed and must bc disasscmbled 10 clear the
poorly sized ca rtridge. :'\0 effect for shotguns, pistols or
rifles with cylinders.
Ove rlo a d : The bullet or shell was packed with LOO
much pm,·de r causing it LO explode in the ba rrel or
cylinder (for cylinder-based weapo ns). The gun is
destroyed and th e shooter suffers I d4- 1 damage to Ihe
hand. If this results in D, roll Id4- 1 10 the fa ce. If the
fa ce result is also D. roll 1(14- 1 to the head. If this
results in 0, roll Id4-1 10 th e nec k. If thc ncck result
is also 0, the shooter escaped an ago nizing accident.
U nde rload , Minor: A mum ed report lets [he
shoote r know his shot failed to hit the mark beca use il
dropped h<lrmlessly int o th e dirt due to an underload.
Unde rloa d, Major: r\ major underload has virtu-
ally no report and moreover the bullet tra\'c!s virtu<llly
nowhere; il is now lodged in the h<lrrcl rendering the
gun useless until rep aired. Any shooter failing an Int
check with a - 10 bonus to the roll will go ahead and
fire fhe next shot. If thi s happens, the gun blasts open
(destroying il) and Ihe shoot er su ffers Id4-1 damage to
the hand. If this results in 0, roll Id4-1 to the face. If
the face result is also 0, rollld4-1 to th e head. If this
results in 0, roll Id4-1 \0 th e neck. If the neck result
is also 0, consider the doh lucky. Of coursc, you ha\'c
to be dumber'n cowcrap \0 shoot a gun again after a
major u nderload. Fo r shotgu ns, treat this result as a
i\'Iinor Underload result.
GeBI Failure
Belt/Holster Bre aks: Buckl e breaks droppi ng
belt or tears at se am (75/ 25 percent chance of e<leh).
,5 1
 Boot/Footgear Breaks: Sale or heel panially
separates or tears from top or cracks (50/50 percent
chance of either).
Button Pops: Shooter pops a button on shin,
pants, vest or coat (50/50 percent chance of either).
Hat Torn: Shooter tears his hat. If not worn. no
effect.
Holster Loosens: Holster loosens causing a +2d6
Speed pena lty to any d raw attempts. If not worn, no
effecl.
Pants Tear: Shooter tears his pants. If nOt worn.
no effect.
Sack/Bag/Parcel Breaks: A sack, bag or parcel
rips open at the scam, spilling 1-10 percent of its con-
te nts per second. If more than one bag. roll random-
ly. If not worn, no effect.
Saddle Bag Breaks: A saddlebag rips open al the
scam, spilling 1-10 percent of its coments per second.
If more than one saddle bag, roll randomly. If not
worn, no effecl.
Shirt Tears: Shoote r tears a scam or pocket on
shi n (50/50 percent chance of ei lher).
Vest Rips: Shoote r tears a seam or pocket on \'(Sl
(50/50 percent chance of either).
Accid ental Sbots
Accide ntal Di scharge: Shooter accidentally dis-
charges imo the air or ground.
Damage Building: Shoote r accidentally shOalS
out a window. door hinge. sign. or other building pan
in field of fire. Randomly determine location, if nec-
essary. If none available, no effect.
Damage Tree/Cactus: Shooter accide ntally
shoots a tree, cactus or other plant in field of fire. If
none available, no effect.
Fire During Draw: Shooter fires during draw (roll
= =
a d 10, I graze own fOO l, 2 shoot own foot. 3- 10
shot ground). Disregard if 2nd or later shot andlor
the gun was drawn previous to shol.
Hit Bystande r: Shooter acciden tally shoots a
bystander in field of fire. Randomly determine injury
location. If none available, no effecl.
Shot Ne arby Livestock/Horse : Shooter acci-
dentully shoots a mount or livestock in field of fire.
Randomly dete rmine injury location. If none avail-
able, no effect.
52
IIindrance
SDloke in Eyes: Shooter has smoke in his eyes and
suffers a -4 Accuracy penalty for any shots fired during
the next 15 Counts.
SDloke Obstructs View: Smoke obstruc ts the
shooter's view of the fi ring arc he's shooting in. Any
additional shots fired that direction in the next 10
Counts arc at a -3 Accuracy penalty.
Sun lGlare in Eye s: The sun, lamplight or a
reflection temporarily blinds the shooter. He suffers a
-10 Accuracy penalty for any shots fired during the
next 5 Counts.
Sweat in Eyes: Shooter has sweat in his eyes and
suffers a -6 Accuracy penalty for any shots fired during
the next 10 Counts.
Clumsiness
Distra cted: Something in the \'icinity distracts
shooter: a bird flying past. someone he knows, a pros-
tiulle calling, whateycr is appropriate al the time.
Shooter suffers a 5 COUIll delay.
Drop Weapon: Shooter drops weapon and must
retrieve it. Roll a d 12 fo r direction (as a clock with 12
o 'clock the front facing of the shooter) and a d4 for
distance in feet (penetration rules apply).
Off Balance: Shooter falls off balance and suffers
a -2 to Accuracy for 10 Counts. If moving at a run or
sprilll, must make a Dexterity check or fall prone.
Slip: Shooter slips 011 mud. blood, water, whiskey or
whatever else mighl be nearby. If moving faSler tha n
a stroll, he suffers a Speed penalty of 10. Additionally.
if moving at a jog, run or sprint, the character must
make a Dexterity check or fail prone. -4 to Accuracy
for 10 Counts.
Stumble: Shooter stumbles. If moving fasler than
a walk. he suffers a Speed penalty of +5. If moving at
a run or sprint, the character must make a Dexterity
= check or fall prone. -2 to Accuracy for 5 Counts.
NON-WEAPON INJURIES
A non-weapon injury occurs when a character suf-
fers a hyperextension, pulled muscle, sprain or twis!.
First. to deter mine injury locat ion, roll d'l!o on Table
3.2- I 4: . \'i.m~ lI'eapol/ II/jIlT)' Location.
The following general effects apply to non-weapon
injury results.
Hyperextension: A body pan bends or extends
beyond its normallimi! to cause bone and lor ligament
damage.
 Sprain: A sprai n is similar to a pulled muscle, but
TABLE 3.2-14: NON-WEAPON INJURY LOCATION with more stretching and tearing - and much more
RQ1L(dIOO) LOC~lioD painful.
01-06 . ........ foot - rig hT
07-12 ...... .. .fOOT - left Sprain in the back , hips or lower extreIDi-
ties: The character su ffers a +4 penalty to Speed for
13-19 ..... 1Dk1C- rig ht
all movement related actions (but not mounted move-
20·26 ......... lDk lc - left
27-32 .... ... knee - right ment) for Id6 days.
33-38 ......... knee - left Sprain in the arID, shoulder, n eck or back:
39-4'1 ..... .... hip - right T he character suffers +2 Speed penalty for shoot ing-
45·50. . . . .h ip - left related acti\'ities i.e., nOt movement) and a penalty of
51-56 ......... wrist - rig ht - ld4 to Accuracy for ld6-l days. Natu rally, if it is an
57-6 2 ......... wr is t - ltf! arm or shoulder injury, he also d rops any items carried
63-68 ........ elbow - right by that limb.
69-74 ........ elbow - left Twist: When a characte r su ffers a twist, he slightly
75-80 ......... shoulder - right st retches a (non-joim) muscle.
81-86 .... .. ... shoulder - left
Twist in the back , hips or lower e xtreIDities:
87-93 ......... nec k
Th e cha racter suffers a + I penalty 10 Speed for all
94-100 .... .... back
movement related actions (but nOt mounted mm'e-
men!) for I d3 days.
After determining IOCHioD. fol1 a d/O to feuD whH type
of injury results. Twist in the ann, shoulder, nec k or back:
The character suffers + I Speed penalty for shoot ing-
Boll(d.lO) Non:..W.cap.on Injul-r-IyjU: related actiyities i.e., not movement) and a penalty of
01-03 .... .....Twist -I to Accuracy for Id3 days. ~aturally, if it's an a rm
04-06 ... ..... P ulled M uscle or shoulder injury. he immediately drops any items
07-09 .........Spuin carried by that limb.
10 .... ....... Hyperexte nsion

Hyperextension in the bac k, hips or lower

CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT
e xtreIDities: The character su ffers a +5 penalty to Whether a brawl gone bad, a knife fight, a savage
attack or some other situation, at some point you will
Speed for all movement related actions (but nOt
mounted movement) for 2d6 weeks. be faced wilh the situation of mortal combat in close
quarters. Fighting in this manner is resolved in a sim-
Hyperextension in the arID , s houlder, n eck ilar fasbion to gunfights. Even ts still occu r over time,
or back: The character suffers a +3 Speed penalty to but typi cally, attacks are much quicker (sec Table 3.2-
shooting-related activities (i.e., not movement) and a - 15: Basic C1Qse QjtaT(er Actiolls).
I d4 Accuracy penalty for 2d6 weeks. Naturally, if it is
an arm or shoulder injury, he immediately drops auy TABLE 3.2-15: BASIC CLOSE QUARTER ACTIONS
it ems carried by that limb. Coupts
We~pon·bOlSl:d
Pulled Muscle: \\Then a character pulls a muscle, AlUck with R t~dicd Thrusting Wc~poo ........ . . .2
one or more joint tissues stretch or tear. Atuck .... ith Rwlicd Swio ging WClpoD ...•'1

Pulled IDuscle in the bac k , hips or lower WClpons RCld)' Speed Rcco"cr S~td
extreIDeties: The character su ffers a +2 penalty to Axc. hlDd . .1 .............3
Speed for all movement related ac tions (but not ..he. woo<kuttipB . . . .5 .. .. .... .12
mounted movement) for 2d6 days. B l rODt!....... ..1 ..... 2
Bouk ....................... ...2 .. .4
Pulled IDuscle in the arID, shoulder, nec k or Bowie Knife . .... .... ..1 .. ..2
back: the character sutTe rs +2 Speed penalty for Buttsloc k. pommel.............. ..0 . . ..2
shoot ing-related activit ies (i.e., not movement) and a C lub (uble leg. dllir. tIC.) .. ..2 .... . ... ..
penalty of -I d3 to Accuracy for 2d6 days. ~a turally, if iO;lilJ Cub ........ .... ..0 ...... .......2
it is an arm or shoulder inj ury, he immediately drops Kpj(c . .. .....................0 .. ..1
Loog guo. swung. . .......S . . .10
any items carried by that limb.
PiSTol whip .. ....... . ............... .1 .............3
PUDch/mike (fisi . shoulder. knee ) .......0 ........ .2
Spel' ... . . ........... .J •..... ..2

53

To make an atlack in close quarter combat, follow
the Shooting Procedure outlined previously, with one
modification: the Target Silhouette for the defendcr
must be chosen based on the type of weapon and/or
attack made. Thrusting weapons (knife, bayonet,
spear, buustock) use the standard T arget Silhouette
based on the facing of the opponent (typically directly
toward you). If you have additional Target Silhouettes
(available separatcly), then use a Target Silhouette
turned 90 degrees (to the side most likely) for hacking
weapons (axes, bowie knives, clubs, swung long guns,
etc.). A top view is also possible if the attacker specif-
ically states a downswing.
Ready: Ready indicates the time it takes to move a
weapon from a rclaxed hcld position to a ready-to-
attack position. For example, holding a club in your
hand is not a Ready position, but holding it drawn
back to your shoulder, ready to swing on some poor
dude, is the Ready position (for a club).
Attack with Readied Thrusting Weapon: It
takes a mere 2 Counts to poke some feller with a read-
ied thrusting weapon. T hrusting weapons include all
5·1
---
weapons that you primarily poke people with. T hese
include fists, most knives, bayonets, spears, grabbing
people, jabbed buttstocks, etc.
Attack with Readied Swinging Weapon: It
takes 4 Counts to whack your rival with a readied
swmgmg weapon. Swinging weapons include all
weapons that you primarily hack, swing or slash at
folks. These include clubs, bottles, bowie knives,
swung long guns, axes, pistOl whipping, etc.
Recover: Recove r indicates the time it takes to
move a weapon, whether JUS t swung or jabbedlthrust-
cd, back to a ready held position. For example, the
time it takes to fe-heft a woodcutting axe after taking
a chop with it is the recovery lime (in this case 12
Count).
Clo se Quar!er Accuracy Modi fi ers
All standard Accuracy modifiers apply, including
those for wounds and range (Accuracy is +8 for under
5 feet). Beyond Accuracy modifiers, twO additional
modifiers apply to the attacker's To-hit roll: the attack-
er adds his Dexte rity Accu racy ~'I odifier and deducts
the defender's Dex terity Accuracy Modifier.
Lei's say Ihal Clay Powell is in a salooll, IInder attackJrom
AnlOllio Jllan Julio JI/igllelll/arline.:, all al/g')' valjuero with (I
wlliskry hollfe. It takes Antonio 2 Counls to rea1J' Ihis u'eapon
and 4 Counts 10 swing i/ (as he would a hacking weapoll), so il
lakes 6 Coullifor Alliollio s blow 10 strikt. Bolh comba/allts are
within 5 fotl, so AII/ollio rueives a +8 hOlillS to Accuracy.
adding a +1 bO/llls dlle to his 12 Dexterity scort and a -2
pmallj due 10 Clafs I" Dtxterify score. Alltollio's 10/01 To-hil
modifitr IS -I (/-2=- 1) plus 8for A[cllra~)" gh·t.) hill! a +7
10101. Afltr his allark. illakes Antonio .j COllllts to bring [/lis
weapon up IIgaill for (llI o/l,er IIllack.
III allo/Jur example. Alliollio takes care rif CllIlllud moves on
to tlu bartender. Bolh combatOllis are willJill 5 Jeel. so Alltollio
rueives IIIe +8 bOl/us to ACCI/rary for rallge and adds a + 1
bonlls due 10 his 12 Dexteril)' Storr. Howel'er, Ihe barlrndrr has
an 8 Dexterity (- I modifier). /11 Ihis case. AII/Mios lotal To-
hil modifitr is +2 (1-(-/)=2) pltu 8Jor Aauracy gll"iS him a
+ I 0 modifier lotal.
Close Quarler Wounding
Close Quaner Wound damage occurs much like
with ranged weapons. Each \\'eapon has a range of
possible damage just as with guns, but unlike firearms
the attacker adds his Strength bonus (or penalty, but
remember that damage ca nnOt be reduced to less than
zero). T hus, the stronger the attacker, the more devas-
tati ng the club hit, the more deep the knife thrust, and
so on.
NolL', fel's say Ihal Alliollio Jllall Julio Miguel Martint<:.
pulls oul a Bowie kll!ft alld stabs tlte barttl/der in Ihe chtst. 01'
Alltollio has (/ +1 Strenglh BOllus (12 Sirenglh), so he denls
Id4+ I poinls rif damage, il/s/tad flj the standard Id4.
Wreslling
Sometimes one or both opponents may want \0
grapple and wrestle rather than shoot, st ab or beat.
Perhaps one opponctlt is desirous of subduing the
other, or he might be unarmcd and is looking to grab
his opponem's \\·eapon. In thesc instances, the <lltac.k-
er makes a wrestling or grabbing attack. T hese are
resolved the same "'ay as Close QuaneI' Combat with
all grabbing attacks couming as thrusting wcapons. A
result th<lt hits anywhere on the opponent's T<lrget
Silhouelle indicates a successful grab in that location.
Any Accuracy penalties for wounds apply to an to-hit
and conteslCd rolls during wrestling.
For (.-.:amp":. Bill.;' Bob Oa.·ens gets 11/ a salooll fight with
Cluestrr Halt:kim. Cht.JfrrS pltl)·tf dedares Ihal Cheslrr draws
his piswt. Ralhrr tltUII 11"..1' to outdraw Clus/tr: Billy Bob's
pla;'tr decidls tllat he'5 goillg If) grab for Cltester's gml !talld.
Bif!y Bob's modified Spud alld dec/a red action tet him act wIlen
the CoulIl Up rtadus 3, alld 011 this COIIIII. Bif(), Bob grabsJor
Chester's wrisl.
--,
""
.~
55
 Billy Bob's pla),eT makes his To-hil roll as normal, IIsillg Ihe
Slwt Clock alld Targel Sillwutlle. His modified roll and his
card draw are bolh good, so he successfully grabs Chester's
wrist. Now, these two rascals are wrestlillg witll eadl other.
Arter grabbing an opponent, the attac ke r can
altempt 10 lOSS him down (except arm results), fight for
a weapon on the body pari gra bbed, hold him or
injure him. Each of these requires the attacker to beal
the defender with a contested attack roll using either
Strength or Dexterity as the basis (attacker's choice).
To make a contested roll, each player rolls a d 20 and
adds her character's relevant ability (eithe r Strength or
Dexte rity); the highe r roll wins, tied rolls (modified) go
to the defender or otherwise result in a draw, but not a
reroll. The defender may break away from the hold on
his auack by making a successful cOllies led roll of the
defender's choice. Additionally, the grabbed defender
needn't make a successful grab a\tempt before making
a wrestling attempt he's already locked-in thanks to
his opponent's grab. Th e players take turns making
contested roils, cach roll taking 20 Count in time.
Chesler's action COllies up lIexl, and II( duides to try to slip
away Jrom Billy Bob IIsillg his Dexterif)' rather Ihml musele his
way oul wilh his Strength. Cll(ster rolls a d20 Jar a mull oj
8, alld adds IllS 14 Dexlerity abili!>, score instead oj his 11
Strengtll,for a lotal oj 22. Billy Bob only has a 12 Dt.tleri(l
score, bu.t ht rolls a 15. for a 10101 oj 2 i. Cllesta isn·t goillg
all)'wlwe.
I f a cha rac ter tries to grab another armed character
and misses, that armed character can go ahead and
shoot but might be delayed if he had to move his gun
or body to dodge the grab. If the aHacker rolled a 15
or highe r on his grab attempt , that attack forced the
armed defender to movc about and that a rmed char-
acter suffe rs a +5 Speed penalty to his next attack.
Fight for Weapon: If the attacker attempts to
wrest control of a weapon from the defende r, he needs
to sLlcceed in one Strength attack to loosen his oppo-
nem's grip, then a second Dexterity-based Fight for
Wea pon attack to grab co ntrol of the loosened
weapon. If the first Strength-based Fight for Weapon
attack succeeds and the Dexterity Fight for Weapon
attac k fails, the defender must make a standard
TABLE a.2·16: PISTOL DISCHARGE DURING WRESTLING
Roll (d6) Result
[ ........ Opponent m~y mempt ~ shot with Shot Clock but
wilh no Accur~cy modifier for riDge
2 .. ......unno l dischuge
3-4 .. . ... .shot dischugcs indfeelivcl)·
.>-6 . .... . .shooter m~y mempt I shot with ShOTClock bUT
wi th no A ccur~ty modifier for ruge
56
Wisdom check or drop the weapon to the ground.
Only two consecutive Dexte rity -b ased Fi ght for
Weapon attacks will allow either wrestler to gain con -
trol of a gun dropped on the ground.
Any playe r in cont rol of a p istol (but not a long gun)
may attempt to discharge it at his opponent once per
20 Count while wrestling. If he wants to take this
chance, he'll need to roll a d6 and consult Table 3.2-16:
Pislol Discharge During IlImtliTlg.
Billy Bob 's determiTled to gel thaI gun awa)' from Chesler. so
on his next aclioll, he tries tofightfor the weapon. Bil!y Bob's
Stre1lglh score is 16, and he rolls a d20 for a resull oj II,for
a 10101 oj 27. Chesler, on fhe other hand, rolls a 14, but his
Strenglh score is OI/ly II, so his total is 25. Billy Bob willS
again, looselling Cllesler's grip. When his next action comes up
(afler another 40 COUlit - 20 Jar Chesler's aclioll 0I1d anolher
20 IIlIli! Billy Bob's IItxl action), Billy Bob can try 10 gellhe
pislol olll of Clltsla's hand.
In the meanlimt. however, Clusler decides to }ire Ihe pistol 01
Billy Bob while Ihey're strugglillgJor (olltrol. He rolls a 3 all
a 1d6, meaning Ihe pistol }ires bllt misses Bil!;' Bob (and
Chester himself, for thai mat/er). Chester can }ire or wrestle
agaill In OIlOlher 40 Count, but Billy /Job 's turn comes bifore
thaI.
Bil!;' Bob still wallts Ihal Pislol, so 1I0W he makes anolher
d20 roll (u·ith a mllit oj 6) alld adds his Dexteri!>, (ill Ifljs
case. 12) for a tolal oj 18. Chesler has a 14 Dexterig; alld he
rolls a 19 Jar a resull if 33. Cluster u·ills, so he keeps conlrol
oj ti,e gllll.
Billy Bob still wallis Ihal glln, bill what Billy Bob doesn't
know is Ihat was Chesler's last shot; the glln is emp!>'. Chesler
decides Ill's going 10 try and toss this big oaJ down .
Toss Opponent Down: To throw an opponel1l
down, the attacker needs to sllcceed at either a con-
tested Strength or Dexterity attack . Success with
either throws down his opponen t. Success with a
Strength-based attack inflicts damage up 10 a maxi-
mum of the attacke r's damage adjustment (the a11ack-
er may choose 10 inflict less or zero damage on the
defender). A tie indicates both opponents fall, but nei-
the r suffer damage.
The sly Cllesla knows he's 1101 as strollg as Billy Bob, so he
decides to u.se a Dexlen·!>'-based attack 10 toss I,is OPPOlltllt.
Cllester makes a d20 roll (witll a mult oj 10) and adds his 14
Dfxterity for a lola! oj 24. Bil!;' Bob rolls a 14, addillg his
12 Dexteri!>, for a resllit oj 26. Chesler's tossillg at/empt Jailfd.
and bolll combalOllts rell/am upnghl.
Injure Opponent: To injure an opponcnt, the
attacker needs to makc a contested Strength attack.
Success injures his opponent in the body part held for
up to a maximum of the attacker's damage adjustment
 the attacker may choose to inflict less or zero damage
on the defender.
. VOU\ Billy Bob's kinda IIpstt that Chuta trird to toss him,
alld ht's gonna tll:ist Chtsttr's arlllwhm ht's holding it. Bil!y
Bob rolls a d20 alld gits a 13, adding his 14 Strmgth for a
total of 2 7. Chuttr rol/s a 7, al/d adds his I J Strmgth for a
rrsult tif 17. BilO Bob dials 2 points tif dalllagi, s;nu his
/4 /23 Strrllgth storr has a Damagt Alijustmtnt 4 +2. It
IlIIrts, bul Chisltr a;II't givillg up )·tl.
Hold Opponent: To hold down a cowpoke. the
attacker needs to make a contested Strength attack
against an al ready-grabbed opponent. Succcss indi-
cates he's gOt a firm hold on him. There's nothing
stopping more than onc or cven up to six guys from
trying to hold onc man down. T hey each make a sep-
arate Hold O pponent attack on their turn . Attacks arc
made at +4 for every additional body grabbing or
holding the victim (including the attacker). O nce held ,
a feller can only try to break away and nuthin' more.
Sinft Chtsler's s/illjigllting. Billy Bob 's gonlla IT)' and hold
him still. Billy Bob ralls a d20 and gils a 16. adding his 12
Slrrng/h for a total oj 28. Chrs/ir rolls a 5. adding his II
Sireng/hfor a (otal4 16. Billy &b Ii'ins and managrs to hold
Chtsler dowI/.
Break Away : To break away from one or more
foes, the held character needs to make a contested
Stre ngth attack. Success loosens the hold of the other
guy. If there are several dudes holding one guy he 'll
have to beat each of them in a Strength a!lack.
if Billy Bob's holding Chesltr. film Ch esttr can't attack, but
he can attempt 10 brrak away. Of CO/lrSt, he really nttds a good
roll. Fortllnately, Glm teT rolls a d20 for a resllil oj 18, adding
Ilis J J Stretlglh 10 gel 29. Billy Bob, 011 Ihe olher hand, onty
rolls a 9, adding liis 12 Strength for a total rif 21. O ester
breaks away.
* MORE ADVANCED RULES *
ADVANCED WEAPON-BASED MODIFIERS
O bviously, you ca n draw different wcapons at differ-
C ill speeds, evcn wit hin thc sa mc category - such as
revolvers. Fast d raw pieccs \\~th shorter barrels and a
quick draw rig d raw far quicker than a long barrelcd
model with a cross-draw holste r. T he statistics in the
TABLE 3,2-17: PERSONAL WEAPON MODIFIERS
AClioD Speed Accu n cy
Unfl miliu . itb wupon ................ . ... Z ... .. .. .. -2
UsiDg your .. upon . .. ... . .... . ......... . ... 0 ...... , .. 0
Using ume wel po n model 15 your wCl pon . ... . I .. .. . ..... ·J
Using your sigDl turc wu pon .. . ............. 1 . .. , . . ... +1
adva nced weapon s tables sec Chapttr 3.5!FiTlarms~
reflect these differences. Add itionally, certai n modi-
fiers arc ba sed not on the weapon and modell)1)e, but
the actual gun itself. Variations in manufacturi ng,
care, sighting a nd feel ca use shooters (0 be morc accu-
rate with their olIn weapons than those borro\\'cd
pe rhaps from a fallen foe. Tablt3.2-17: Personai l l tapon
.\ lodifitrs reflects this handicap in game terms.
UnfalYlili a r With Weapon: Being unfamiliar \\'ith
the way a weapon discharges carries penahies 10 both
Speed and Accuracy. Any weapon fired br a character
100 times eliminates this penalty.
Using Your We apon: After flring a weapon 100
times, the character no longer receives penalties fo r
being unfamiliar Ilith it. T he character need not actu-
ally own the weapon ; it can be borrowed, for example.
T he 100 shOis need nOt be fired in anger: simply tak-
ing a box of J 00 shells and practicing outside of (O\\'n
will do the tric k.
Using SaOle Weapon Make and Model as
Your \Ve apon : While flring a nell' weapon alwars
cau,es a penalty. the differences arc slimmer in the
ca ...e where a characte r u~cs the same make and model
of a weapon that he already fired 100 times. For
example, a cha racter that owns a Colt Peacemaker can
pull a different Peacemaker rrom a dead man"s hol ster
and use that almost as effectively as his oll"n Colt.
Using Your Signature Weapon : Each character
ca n make o ne weapon that he's fired at least 500 times
his signalUre weapo n. He mU Sl choose a particular
make, model , caliber, et c. Gunmcn oftcn become
known fo r carrying that particu lar gun. and there's
good reason for that: a character gai ns a I point bonus
to both Speed and Accuracy when using that weapon .
A character call ncver change his signature weapon;
once a character chooses a particular gun for this
esteemed role, that particular \\'capon is his signa ture
weapon rorcvcr.
ADVANCED ACTION-BASED MODIFIERS
Certain shooter action s ca n imp rove or reduce firing
Accuracy as set ro rth in Table 3.2- 18: A ftion- Bastd
J/odifim.
St e ady Hand : This maneuve r im'oh'CS bringing a
second hand up to hold steady a pistol held in the
other hand. A slight loss in Speed is balanced by an
increase in Acc uracy. A character ca n on ly perform a
Steady Hand action if the second hand is free/empty.
This action only applies to p istols.
Fire Deliberately: T hose gunslingers capablc of
taking their time in the face of enemy fire, in order to
make their Accuracy more ce rt ain, are known as delib-
5i
 Taking C areful Aim: Taking carefu l aim invokes
TABLE 3.2-18: ACTION BASED MODIFIERS sighting a target for 1-2 seconds while maintaining
Action Speed " tCUrley relaxed or controlled breathi ng in order to ma ke the
SIndy Hud (pislol onl y) . ... , ............. 2 ... ... . .. +2
shot count. You cannOt combine this action with
Fi re DdibmtcJy. pislol .. . . ... .. ...... 4 ... .. .. . . +2
Ti king Cm ful Ai m. piSTOl ..•.•....•••..••. 10 ........ +3
Firing Delibe rately. A man Firi ng Deliberately can
Fire Delibmtcl y. rifle . . .... . ............... 8 .. . .. ... . +i choose nOI to shoot and conlinue aim ing to gain the
Ti kiog urdul Ai m. rifle .. . .............. 20 .•••..•• +6 Taking Careful Aim bonus, but only one bon us is
u y; ol! Prone ...... ... . . .. .. .......... 4 . ... .. ... +2 thereby obtained (the greater one - Taking Careful
UOiWUC of Opponept .... . . .. . . ........ 10 ... . ... . 0 Aim). Injuring the shooter disrupts the Taking Careful
Restipg WCipoP ODsolid object , .... , ....... ," ..... . . +2 (+ 1)
Aim aClion; he will have to begin the 1-2 second (10·
ResTing Wupon ODbOIse (live) . .. .. .... . . .. +1 (-4)
lDd shOI i t Slrn c u rgtl ...... . ..............' ......... +1 20 Count action anew if wounded. Likewise, a char-
Jrd+ sbol i l $.l.mc UIgCI .. . ... . ..•.....•....." .... +2 actcr forced to ninch also loses any careful aim bonus
Second shol in <het ...... . .. .. ............." .......... ·1 and must start Taking Careful Aim anew.
Third shoe ill <bee... . ••...................... .J
Laying Pron e : Laying nat allows the shooter to
Fourth shoe ;11 <2 sec . ••. . ......... .. . .. 6
Fiflh ShOTill <2 sec .. . ............... -10 brace himself against a surface be it street, hillock or
SiXTh ShOT;1I <lsee ...... .. .. .. .............· . . . . -15 rooftop. Such a gunman fire s a bit slowly, but increas-
es his chances of a successful shot. Additionally, the
crate shooters. Firing Deliberately rewards with shooter presents a much smaller target to his enemies.
increased Accuracy those with the gutS to stand in
Unaware of Oppon e nt: If one hombre knows the
there and ignore their opponen ts' gunshots. Injuring
other is there and catches him unawa res, it putS such
the shooter d isrupts the Fire Deliberately action; if
an hombre at an advantage. Or, said another way, the
wounded, he must begin the 4· Count action anew to
one caught by surprise is at a disadvantage. Any lime
gain the Fi re Delibe rately modifiers. A ninehing char-
an opponent knows a cha racter is there but the larget
aCler also loses any deliberate fire bonus 'or must start
is unaware of the opponent, the target character suf-
a new Fire Deliberately action.
fers a one second 10 Count penaity.

38
 Resting Weapon on Solid Object: A shooter
resting his gu n on a water Irough, rai ling, windowsill ,
dead horse or olher solid object affords himself an
Accuracy advantage, In most instances, such a solid
object also has the hel pful side effect of affordin g
cover, Resti ng the weapon against the s ide of a solid
object affords only half the Accuracy advantage,
Resting Weapon on Horse: A shoote r resti ng his
gu n on a li,'c horse or othe r creature such as mule,
sheep, dog, partner's shoulder or wounded and pros-
trate individual affords him a small Accuracy advan-
tage, In most instances, such gun rest also has the
helpful side effect o f affo rding CO\'e r, at least unti l the
fir st shot hits. Note that resting across the rib cage of
a living crealUre provides no bonus, bUl rather a -+
penalt y, so take care to usc the hind quarters, shoulder.
etc.
2nd Shot at Same Targe t: A second shot at the
same non-moving or steadily-moving target lets a
shooter beller home in on his target because he can see
how fa r off he was and adjust (o r keep doing the sa me
thing in the case of a hit. If the target is dodging,
moving irregularly or if line of sight is broken includ-
ing the shooter flin ching or ducking this bonus does
not apply.
3rd+ Shot a t Same Target: Each successi"e shot
at the sa me non-moving o r steadily moving target letS
a shooter bette r hone in on his target, but with a max-
imum adva mage at three shots. As with the second
shot , if the target is dodging, movi ng irregularly or if
line of sight is broken (including the shoote r flinching
or ducking) this bonus docs not apply.
Second, etc., Shot in less than Two Seconds:
Firing more rapidl y than one shot e"ery 2 seconds
ca uses inaccuracies due to fa ctors such as fast cocking
and recoil. Failing to take the time to steady a weapon
on ly inc reases the problem.
ADVANCED PENETRATION DICE
With Adva nced Penetration Dice you fo llow the
sa me rules for Penetration Dice gi"e n at the end of
ChaP/~r 2.2ISaaPtJ') but for all rolls, i.e .. not merely
damage rolls. Except during cha racte r creation,
wheneve r you roll maximum on a di e e.g., 6 on a d6,
4 on a d4, etc.), you immediately re-roll that die and
add th e new die roll total minus one to the pre,;ous
result.
Furthermore , in lhe Ad\'anccd Penetration Dice
rules, all dice also penetrat e downwa rd, that is, when-
ever you roll minimum on a die (e.g., I on a d6, I on a
d4 , etc.), you immed iately fe-ro ll that d ie and deduct
the new die roll tota l minus ail e from the previous
result. This allo\\'s for damage results of one or 0
minimum ; no negati\'c results in Cl ose Quarter
Combat sit uations whe re the attacker has a Strength
damage bonus. Thus, e"en characters with 18
Strength can sometimes injure a foe with a light
sc ratch. One exceptio n: da mage from ranged
weapo ns never penetrates down .
For tA-amplt, ThtodoTt 'I 'ilty, a strong folia with a +3 10
damagt Oil alCounl oj his Slrtllgll" whacks a cowpokt in Iht
htad witl, his rifltjor 2d6 points oj damagt. He rolls a I and
a 4 on tht damagt diet. This is 1I0rmoily 5 poinls of damogt
pillS anolha Ihrtt (3)for his SITtllgih adjustllltlltJor a total of
8. 8111 sillet ht ,0Utd 0 I, lit rolls and sublracls a d6-1 {and
gtts a 5 all tlu dit. or a 4 for tIlt d6-1 reslllt),for 010101 dam -
agt of 4 (8--1). TlIOI still smarts bllt could'a bftn a lot worst.
Finally. some dice that penetrate usc different pene-
tration dice. The larger dice, d 20 and d% (or d I 00),
pe netrate with a d6 and d20 respecti\·ely. Examples of
use of large r dice include rolling To-hit, Ability
Ch ecks and Skill Chec ks.
PRIMITIVE RANGED ATTACKS
Ranged attacks with primiti\'e projectiles such as
kni,·es. axes and the like. are handled in the sa me fash-
ion as firearm~ .. \ character may shoot arrows or hurl
other weapons O\-er an obstacle to hit a target that is
either behi nd cover or obscured. TobIt 3.2-19: II/dimt
Firt describes the To-hit penalty for this t)'Pe of attack.
TABLE 3.2-19: INDIRECT FIRE
Cover AccUrlty Modifier
Shooliag bliDd. tOmplele cover ......... .s
PUlil1 Co\'u .............. ·1 10 ·7
H c~d sho ..iag oaly .................... ·7
Upper chesl lad neck vi sible .......... .(j
Solu plexus ~ad lbove vis ible .. . ...... .,;
Covered from the 'nisl ............... ·4
Covet from mid·thigh ................ ·3
KDees ud k lo ..... ................. . -2
Feel IDd uklu co\'cted . .............. -I
:\'ote that CO\'e r o n the Target Silhouette should be
placed from the pe rspective o f the incoming projectile
typica lly at 45 degrees from abo,·c. This means that
the target, unless he has eo,'er from above, loses some
cover from the front. Adjust your cover representation
by loweri ng it on the T arget Silhouette by 50°'0 to
refl ect this fa ct.
La Reala
Use of 10 rtota, o r the la riat , wo rks a little diffe rent ly
lhan most other ranged primi tive \\'eapons. Like other
primiti\'e ranged wea pons, a man has to have skill,
59
especially to rope a cow or person.
So before a cowboy tries to lasso a
calf or an opponent, he 'll need to
possess the Rope Usc skill at
Average mastery (or Advanced if
on horseback) and then succeed in
a skill check. If successfuL he can
usc the Shot Clock to roll his To-
hit. But on a 25 or higher, he's not
only successfully hit his mark, he's
caught the body part in question.
A roped mall is considered
grabbed and suffe rs all penalties
associated with being grabbed.
Two ropers working together or a
single mounted roper can control a
roped man , but on foot a contested
•
Strength check is required to con -
trol a roped hombre.
Note: Unlike other ranged
primitive weapons, the lariat is lim-
ited to a maximum range of 30
feet.
ARTILLERY &. EXPLOSIVES
Larger artillery may come into
play, especially if a military force is
im'olved in the action. although
civilians might al~o capture or find
these weapons. The typ ical
weapons of this type to turn up in
the Shallered Frontier arc Gatling
guns and small cannons. Shots
fired from it piece of arliUery may
be aimed neither Carefully nor
Deliberately; further, all rounds a rc
considered Hipshol with respeCt to
Accuracy modifiers. Explosives. in
the form of dynamite and nitro-
glycerin, arc much more common
in the typical tOwn.
Galling Guns
The Gatling gun is a ten- barrel
rifle that call fire up to 400 rounds
per minute unde r ideal eondi-
1Ions. Turning a crank
revolves the barrels and
fires ofT the ~hots.
L" n fort una lely,
the guns now
become easily fouled in action COunt all .\ Iishap
results of Clumsiness and Ammo Failure as jams that
must be cleared by the gun crew taking 100 Count to
clear. Under careful usc, the Gatling gun fires one
shot per 3 Counts, but can be fired as fast as one shot
per 2 Counts. In the laller usage case, all :'Ilishap
results count as jams.
T he Galling gun ope rator can change his field of
fire anywhere within his frOI1l three arcs of fire without
Speed penalty, but the penalty to .\cc uracy for chan~.
ing arcs is doubled.
Cannons
.\ Iost cannons used in the Shallered Frontier hurl
l2·pound shells, but can also be llsed for mOrtars and
grapeshot. An experienced anillcry crew can fire a
cannon once per 30 seconds .300 Co unt. Cannons
arc typically used for larger scale militar~ operatio ns
and rarely come into play.
Ex pi,,;v,s
Explosi\·es arc far more common in the Shattered
Frontie r than art illery. Because they arc used for min-
ing and other demolition pu rposes, nitroglycerin and
dynamite may be found in any mining community. Of
course, it's incvitable that creati\'c hombres will try to
find a way 10 blow their encmies 10 smithercens using
dynamite and possibly nitroglycerin.
Dynamite, having the distinct advantage of stabilit)~
is dearly the better choice for throwing at a ri\·al. Four
is the maximum number of sticks of dynamite that can
be thrown any considerable distance. Characters that
insist on thl"Owing nitroglycerin run the ri~k of detona-
tion merely by the act of tOssing the cxplosive ' 20%
chance}. In either casc, the following tables gi\·c the
full results and etTects of explosives thrown a nd delO-
nated ncar li\'ing creatures. For set explosi\'cs that
happen 10 detonate at a time when folk s arc nearby,
skip on down to TaM, 2. 3-2/: E\plosit'n Damagt and
t..1fra s.
Determining Loca.tion of lIurled Explosives
If a hurled explosive such as dynamite) docs not
result in a direct hil, you need to know just where that
rascal landed. The distance you ' re ofT when ),ou toss a
stick or more of dynamite depends on your To-h it roll
.\ ccuracy · and the distance you a rc from the target. If
your throw is otT by a lillie bit , and you 're throwing a
short distance, there won't be much of an etTect. On
the other haml. if you're throwing a long way, being otT
by JUSt a tad will ca use your tosS to go far wide. If
you 're otT by a lot, whether it's short or long distance,
TABLE 3.2-20: DYNAMITE MAXIMUM RANGES
II of Sticks Muimum RInge
1 ....................... 100
2 .......................90
,
3 .... ..... ... ...........Il!)
........... ........... .70
TABLE 3.2-21: EXPLOSIVES DAMAGE a. EFFECTS
Dis\,au (fttl ) Cuds D.lm.lge Die Specid
,,3 ......... .10 .. . ......dB .......J:)Wcn. Stun.. 0111 Cold
J 105 .... ..... J .........d6 ....... J:)Wcn. Sruo, 0111 Cold
1010 ......... ..5 . ........d4 ....... J:)Wcn.SIIlD.0IIICOId
10 IS ..........4 ..... ....dJ .......Dc.lfen
to 20 ......... .J .........dJ .... .. Dcden
",-, .. ....... 2 .........dJ
,,30 ........ . .1 . .... . ... dJ
TABLE 3.2-22: SPEED OF IIURLED DYNAMITE
II of Slicks Mo'·emenl Speed
1 ......................... .s {eel/Coupl
2 ......................... .s fttl/CouPt
,
3 ......................... .s fcct/ ZCounts
......................... .s fcct/Z ClUPIS
TABLE3.2·23: HURLED EXPLOSIVE DII!ANCE MODIIIERS
RInge (feel ) Disupce Modifier (fttl)
10 ... ........... . . . ............." ,
15 .............. ..... ...... ..... .1
20 ............ • .................dJ
30 . ..........•..................d4
'10 ••.•••...••..•••..•••.••••.•••d6
11l .... ....... .............. ....dB
60 ................••............dlO
80 .... ....... ...................d12
1110 ........ ...... ...............d12
TABLE 2.3·24: EXPLOSIVE DISTANCE IROM TARGET
To-hil Roll I"cremenls Off Tugel
1.1+ .........................0 (Direel hit)
20·24 .............................. [
19 ...........•...................2
IS .............................. .J
17 .............................. .4
16 ... ..... ..... ....•••..•••.••• ..5
15 .... ....... .. . ......... . .......6
10 [5 ..... . ... ..... .............. .7
you might be in trouble. Table 2. 3-23: /-Iurled Explosivn
Dis/allu Modifim and Table 2. 3-24: Etplosives Dis/ali ce
From Targel arc used toget her to let yOlL know just how
far ofT a throw might be. D raw a card and usc the Shot
C lock laid nat on the table, to dete rmine in whic h
direction your toss missed the target.
For f mmple. lei's sa)' that Chn Ur It'allts ,eullgt 0 11 Billy
/Job. alld joT some reasoll dtcides that &lIallli/e is lite wa)' to go.
Late olle lIighl. Itt spots Bill)' Bob abollt 20 JUI away! slagga-
(i!
ing Itome l!fter a good night tif carousing. Cluster lights tlufuse
and Ihmws Ihe stick!
Chester makes his To-hil roll (for txploslves, just a d20 plus
tiny Accllrary bonus willt no range modifiers), gelling a rnull tif
12. According to Tablt 2.3-23: Explosives Distance From
Target, thai mians tht 51ick IS 7 increments r:ifJ the target. Billy
Bob (wlto's 100 daTIl drunk to even notice).
ChiSler's disltlnct modifier for 20 fiil is a d3 (Set Table 2.3-
22: Hurled Exp/osivts Distance M adifiers agam), sa Chester's
throw is r:ifJ by 7d3 flet - in this case, he rolls a 15 for a lotal
tif 15 ficl. Cllester's plapr /lOW places Ihe Shot Clock on the
table in frolll tif himselj, visualizillg ChiSter as bemg r:ifJ tlte
chart, below the . quadrant. He now draws a rard - 5. ,
whicll means llwt Chester's throw is qfJ ta tilt right tif the lar-
gel by 15 Jeet.
Maximum Distance
;\l OW, a man can thro\\" a stick of dynamite only so
far. Th at distance is 100 feet. Of course, the more
sticks of dynamite you throw, the less distance you can
get behind it. Check Tablt 3.2-20: DYllamitt Jlaximum
Ranges to sec the full ranges for multiple sticks of dyna-
mite. Remember, if you throw more than one stick of
dynamite, you best tic them IOgether. Finally, it's
importam 10 note that any particular toss can go some-
what beyond the maximum range as a result of an
overthrow, and the results from Table 3.2-23: Hurled
Explosivis Distance Modifiers and Table 3.2-24: Explosivn
Distance From Target.
Explosives Damag'
Once you know the location of the blast relative 10 a
person (be they friend , foe or the one that litltossed
the explosive), you can determine the damage and any
special effects via Table 3.2-21: Explosivts Damage alld
EJftcts. T he procedure works as follows - first, draw
the number of cards indicated by Table 3.2-21:
Explosives Damage alld I:.""Jftcts. Second, for each card
that is 10 or higher (i.e. , aID, J , Q, K or A), roll a
damage die as indicated under the appropriate range
(sa me row as the number of cards drawn). Finally,
determine any special cffects as ind icated by Tablt 3.2-
21: Explosives Damage and llfftcts.
Distance: The distance in feet between the explo-
sive and the yictim at the time of detonation.
Cards: Number of cards drawn per stick of dyna-
mite (or vial of nitroglycerin) used to determine wound
potential at that distance.
Damage Die: Die rolled for each wound (as deter-
mined by the cards drawn).
62
Special: If a special injury (Deafen and/or Stun) is
listed then there is a chance that additional special
effects beyond damage affect the viClim as described
below.
Deafen: Victim loses all hearing. After one com-
plete second , a successful Constitution check indicates
that hearing has returned. Every succeeding second
the victim may continue 10 attempt a Con check until
successfu l.
Stun: If any of the damage cards drawn were a
J oker or IWO \\"ere fa ce cards (including Aces), the vic-
tim is stunned for 2d6 Counts. A stu nned character is
dazed, disoriented and otherwise unable to respond to
his su rroundings. After the 2d6 Counts have ticked
off, a successfu l Wisdom check indicates that the char-
acte r is no longer stunned. A failed Wisdom check
indicates that the victim remains s1l1nned for another
2d6 Counts, at which point he may attempt another
Wi sdom check and so on.
Out Cold : If (lilY of the damage cards drawn were
a J oker. or ,,'ere an Ace plus a face card, or three were
face cards, the blast knocks the victim unconscious for
2d6 seconds. After the 2d6 seconds have tic ked off, a
successful Constitution check indicates that the char-
acter is now stunned see above. A failed Constitution
check indicates that the victim remains out cold for
another 2d6 seconds, at which point he may attempt
another Constitution check and so Oil.
l1'ell, as we saw in Ihallast txample, 01' Chesler's throw was
J 5 fiet off to (l,e riglll of Bilry Bob. To figllre 0111 if IllOt was
close enough to do any damage, Chester's plrryiT consulls Table
3.2-21: Explosives Damage and Efficts and sus Ihat he nuds
to draw fOllr cards. These iIId liP beillg a 2, 4, 7 and an Ace.
Since onry one tif thest cards (the Ace) equals 10 or mort, he
only Iluds 10 roll aile damage die. Checkillg that same tahle. we
see it's a d3. He rolls, alld gets a rtsuit tif 2, so Billy Bab only
takes 2 points tif damage (from tht txplosi01l aT Ihe fallout tif
debris).
Hawever, checking that lable again, we see there's also a result
tif 'D tafen." Billy Bob loses all hearingfor one complete sec-
ond (J 0 CaUl/Is). Billy Bob needs ta Tall a SIIccesiful
Constitulion check each 10 Caunt. IVhen he succeeds, his hear-
illg retuflls.
Ti ming Issues
Dynamite call be set with a wick of varying length.
A successful Demolitions skill check will let a charactcr
delermine within d3-1 seconds of accumcy how long a
wick will burn (50% chance of being off in either
direction). If the characte r bas no competency in this
area or fails his skill check, roll a d8-1 to determine
how many seconds oIT in either direction. If the situ-
ation requires extreme accuracy, follow with a d I 0- 1 to
see how ma ny Count s until the wi ck burns down (to
give tenths of seconds). To determine where and whe n
a Slick of dynamite explodes, you'll have to calculate
the du ration of Ihe wick, then add the time it takes for
tossed explosives to ge t to their target. T hrown dyna-
mite travels at the rates set fonh in Table 3.2-22: Speed
qf Hurled Dynamite.
Now, how did Chester figurejllsl how 10llg 11101 dynam itl'Juse
would bllrn? Firsl he made a slIccl'siful Demolitiolls skill {hnk,
so he knew wilhill d3 -I seconds (in this {ase. J S({Olld or 10
Count} how long i/ would take for thejim to bllrn dOlfn. On
the other hand, if ht had Jailed that skill chcck, hl' might hau
bUll d! bJ' a d8-1 seconds.
[lie also know how long it look that there t(ynamite 10 reach
Billy Bob. Sill{t Chuter Ollly thrcw aile stick, it traveled 5 JUI
per Coulli (Iclllh oj a second), for a tolal qf 20 fiet in less thall
a secolld. if Bi/~)' Bob had I/otiud Clmler or the dynamitl'
before it weill riff, he might flavt Iried to move awq}' bifore Ihl'
explosion.. or maybe eVlI/ tried 10 shool Ihe stirk olltia the air.
Shooting .Dy namite
A bullet through a stick of dynamite is another good
way to set it ofT. For those attempting this type of shot
on purpose, it takes a keen eye and a steady hand -
you'll need a 25 on your modified To-hit roll to hit a
stick of dynamite \I~th a + I bonus To· hit for cvery 3
addit ional sticks. If the dynamite is in mid- flight such
as it bcing tOssed in your direction , that 25 To-hit roll
is further modified as if it were a targct that's running
a nd dodging (so if it 's thrown directly at you, the run-
ning modifie r won' t apply, but the dodging will).
Bark to our example wilh Chester alld Billy Bob, let's say Ihat
Billy Bob had tried to shoot Ihe dynamite Ollt if tIll' air beftu il
reached him. He'd lleed to get a 27 all his To -hit roll (becauSl'
if tht - 2 dodging modifier) to hil Ihat 25. None too likely,
especially since Billy Bob's Ihreer/uels 10 Ihe wind, but ils pos-
sible.
* DETAlLED EXAMPLE OF A GUNFIGHT * 7,8,9...
Gab,. Smilh fllld the vaquero across the table stared down at
11M fwo hands oj cards - and tht two Am if spades! Looking
liP. Gabe saw the expressioll on the vaquero'sJau, and he knew
- there was no talking his way out if this ont.
T he following exam ple of play assumes only two
players (for simplicity's sake, though there are usua!!y
more ). T heir characters are Gabe Smith and lhe
vaquero (Rodrigo Baca Gui tierrez), respectively. As
we enter the action, Ihe players have just finished a
hand of poker, and Gabe has been caught cheating.
Each character's basic statistics are as foHows:
~ Gabe Stnith: hp 2 1; Spd 4. Acc 2; SIr 12/24 ,
Int 12148, Wis 10/64, Dex 13/65, Can 11171, Cha
11/14; Lks 9/19; Rep I I (Low), Fame 0; Weapons
Colt Bisley . '~5 caliber 5 1/2" barrel revolver (draw 5,
aim +, d6+ I body, 2d6 head , 6 shotS); Colt 1868 shot-
gun (draw 10, a im 4, d4- body, 2d4 head, 2 shots) o n
horse; Gun fi ghts I (+2 Speed , +0 Accuracy already
factored in)
'I7§T" Rodrigo Baca Guitierrez: hp 25; Spd I, Ace
6: Str 11173. [nt [6 / 4 I, \Vis [211 9, Dex 14/39, Con
11/12, Cha 10/67, Lks 11/69; Rep 13 (Low), Fame 0;
Weapons Colt SA-\ .45 calibe r 4 31+" barrel re\'olver
draw 5, :"lim 4-. d6+ [ body, 2d6 head, 6 shot s);
Winchester 1863 .38 caliber rine (draw 10, aim 4,
d6+ I bod}". 2d6 head. 15 shots) on horse; Gunfights 5
1+0 Speed. +2 Accuracy already factored in)
Since a gunfig-ht is about to erupt, the players must
dedare actions in order of lowest Wisdom (Cabe 10)
to highest \\"i sdom Rod rigo 12. Gabe's pla~'e r
declares Cabe will stand :"Ind draw. then Rodrigo's
player dedares that Rodrigo wilt also stand and draw.
By simpl y declaring "dralling" . each can decide later
if he'll hipshoot, aim, fire deliberately, etc.
Noll'. both Cabe and Rodrigo's player~ need to rott a
d I 0 for Initiative and add their base Speed. Cabc rolls
a 6, adding +4 Speed for a total of 10, and Rodrigo
rolls 5, adding + I Speed , for a tOlal of 6. At this point ,
the Count Up begins.
I. 2. 3. " 5.
On 6, Rodrigo can act. Rodrigo stands up from hi s
seat at the table '3 Count) and draws his pistol (5
Count)' so th e pistol will be drawn on 14 (6 + 3 stand -
ing + 5 drawing = 14' . Bringing it to bear (aiming)
takes another 4- Count, but Rodrigo also wantS to Fire
Deliberately (another 4 Co unl, but a +2 to Accuracy),
so his shot witt go ofT when the Counl Up reaches 22
(14 + 4 aiming + 4 Fire Deliberately = 22).
On 10. Cabe stands and draws (keeping sec ret that
he plans to hipshoot at Rodrigo's chest). Standing up
from the table takes Gabe 3 Counts, and drawing his
pistol takes 5 COUI1I S, so the pist ol wilt be drawn on ! B
(10 + 3 standing + 5 drawing = 18). Aiming it nor-
mally takes another 4 Count, bur Gabe decided to hip-
shoot instead (0 Count s, bUI a -4 to Accuracy). Gabe's
pistol will discharge when the Count Up reaches 18
(18 + 0 hipshooting [8).=
II , J2, J3. J..J. J5. 16. 17...
On 18, Gabe chooses to hipshoOI, aiming at
Rodrigo's chest. Gabe 's player places the Shot Clock
63
on the Target Silhoueue, centering lhe bullseye on the
chest (since that's where he declared he was aiming).
Gabe rolls a d20 "To-hit " for a result of 19, adding his
base +2 Accuracy. -+ for hip shooting and a +8 for a
range within 5 feet (they are 3 feel apan ), geuing a
IOtal of 25. The shot hils directly where Gabe aimed
at Rodrigo's chesl, dealing d6+ I poillls of damage. H e
rolls a "I" on Ihe die resulting, in this case. in 2 points
of damage ( I + 1=2). The damage is slight.
Checking the wound se\'erit}" table for the chest
re\'cals that such a light wound has no se\'e rc effect on
Rodrigo, and since th e \\ ound damage total equaled
less than h"lf the number of total gunfights Rodrigo
h"s been in (5), he receives no delay penalty to his
actions. H owever, since th is wound dealt damage - a
loss of less than 251)/0 of his hit points - Rodrigo suf-
fers a + I Speed and - I Accuracy penalty to shooting
aCtions umilthe wound is healed this penalty docs not
apply to movement ). Because these pena lties lake
place immediately, it delays Rodrigo's currelll :;hOl
from firing when the Count ep reaches 22; il will no\\"
fire on 23.
On 19, Gabe declares he's going to walk backwards
li'olll the table (and Rodrigo), and fire again. His pis-
tol is already drawn, but he will bring it to bear -I-
Count) while sta rting to walk towards the open door.
His pistol should then be brought to bcar on 23 19 +
+ aiming = 23). It takes 10 Count one second to walk
back 5 reet, so Gabe will ha\'e moved 2 1/2 feet on 24,
and the rest or the way on 29. H owever, walking adds
a + I Speed modifier to aiming his weapon, so he can't
fire his pistol until 24 (23 + I walking penalty = 24).
20,21,22 ...
On 23, Rodrigo has his revolver aimed and cocked,
and he fires. Rodrigo's player pl aces the Shot Clock
overlay on the "Luget Silhouette, choosing 10 place the
bull seye on Gabc's face. He rolls his To-hit, and gets a
resu lt of I on the die. Uh-ob - that's nOl good.
Because he rolled that I, Rodrigo's shot automatically
misses and he potentially suffe rs some form of mishap.
He rolls percentile dice (a d I 00 or 2d I 0) on Table 3.2-
13: .l'lislwjJs mid FaiiElfts, and gets a 53, which lists "Shot
nearby livestock/horse." Since both characters arc
inside a saloon, it seems that the shot must ha\"c gone
out the window and struc k a horse hitched up outside.
Still, the embarrassed Rodrigo decides \0 keep firing.
He has to spend the next 5 Counts cocking his pistol
for a second shot, and his wound adds a + I penalty, so
he can't fire again until 29 (23 + 5 cocking and firing
+ I wound penalty = 29).
Note: At this point, a Gl\'1 mighl secretly decide that
it's a possibility that either Gabe or Rodrigo's horse
61
was the one that got shot. He may determine this
based on where the players stated they tied up their
horses, or with a random die roll. In any ease, it's not
something that Gabe or Rod rigo wi!! be aware of until
they go outside, or have it O!henl'ise made known 10
them.
On 24, Gabe fires at Rodrigo. He places the Shot
Clock over the Target Silhouettc, deciding to center
the bullseye on Rodrigo's c hest. H e rolls an 8, and
with his +4 range modifier (betwee n 5- 10 feet from
Rodrigo), +2 Ac<.:uracy, + I Accllra<.:y for 2nd shot at
same target, - I Accuracy fi'om walking, and addition -
al - I Accuracy from !iring 2nd shot in less than 2 sec-
onds, he gets a IOtal of 13 - a miss. H is pistol still
pointed at Rodrigo, Gabe decides that he']) COll\inue
10 back tOwa rds the door, rather than stop and do
something clse. H e can fire again on 30 (24 + 5 cock-
ing and firing + I walking penalty = 30). (While his
weapon is brought to bear on Rodrigo, he doesn't need
10 add the ·1 COUll! for aiming. )
25. 26. 2i. 28....
011 29. Rodrigo'~ next shot fires. Rodrigo's player
puts the Shot Clock 0\'('1' the Target Silhouette, decid-
ing to place the bullseye 011 Gabe's face. H e only rolls
a 9. bill with hi~ +4 range modifier, +6 Accuracy, + I
Accuracy for 2nd shot at same target, I Accuracy
from the wound and I Accuracy for 2nd shot in less
than 2 seconds. gets a tOlal of 18. (Since G abe is fac-
ing him, and moving directly backwards, Rodrigo does
not rcce i\'e an Accuracy penalty for shooting 11 moving
targcl.)
Rodrigo draws another card, getting a 240 ! Looks
like he's hit Gabe's left shoulder - too bad it's not his
firing arm. Rodrigo's player now rolls the damage to
the shoulder d6+ I . getting a 3 for a total result of 4
' 3+1=+ !
Gabe immediately loses + hit points. and his player
checks the Wound Severity table 10 sec the effect or
this hit. In the "Shoulder" lable, by the number 4, he
sees that Gabe must make a Strength check or fal!
down and drop all the items he's holding (in this case,
his pistol). Since Gabe's Strength score is 12, he must
roll a 12 or lower on a d20. Fortunately, he rolls a 9,
so Gabe is still up.
Because this wound caused hit point damage (a total
loss of less than 25% of his hpj, Gabe suffers + I Speed
and - I Accuracy penalties 10 shooting actions (not
movement) until th e wound is healed. Since his move-
ment is unaffected, Gabe will still finish his current
movement on this count. H owever, he cannol fire
again until 31, not 30 (24 + 5 cocking and firing + I
walking penahy =- 30, but 30 + I Speed penalty from
wound = 31 ).
~ I eanw hi le , Rodrigo readies himself to lire again on
35 (29 + 5 cocking and firing + I wound penalty = 351.
On 29, Gabe co mpleted his movc mcnt putting him
10 fect from Rodrigo with the door directly to hi s
right. T his i.'! fortunate for Gabe, as he's just realized
that he onl y had two bullets left in his pistol when the
poker game began. II 's empt y! Gabc's plarer now
holds Gabe 's actions and lets a f('\\ Counts slip b)' the
dummy) whi le deciding whether 10 nee or dive into
dose quarter com bat. Finally. he decides that it 's time
to get out of here, so hc takes I COUllt (33) to change
Gabe's fa cing towards the doo r.
On 3'1, Gabe stansjoggi ng oUll hc open saloon door
towards hi s horse (since he ca nnot Slal'l at a run), mO\'-
ing 5 feet every 5 Count. I-I e \\'ill hm'e moved 5 feet
when th e Count Up reaches 39 3H5 = 39.
On 35, Rodrigo's player places the Shot Clock O\'cr
the Target Silhouette. Howeve r. because Gabe i~ fac-
ing sideways, in relation to his enem),. Rodrigo's play-
er now uses the appropriate profil e T arge t Silhouette.
He decides to place th e Shot Clock on Gabe's chest.
He rolls a 13 on a d20, :lnd with his +4 range modifi-
er, +6 Accuracy, +2 Accuracy for 3rd+ shot at sam e
target, - 3 Accuracy from shooting a moving targel and
3 Accuracy (3rd shot in less than 2 gecondsl gets a
result of 19. He now draws a ca rd the Ace
:\lormally that would be a great shot , bm with Gabe
turned sideways, Rodrigo didn't have a "cry wide tar-
.!
get. It 's a miss.
Rodrigo now decides to chase after Gabe. He stan s
at a jog, and will be in lin e wit h the doorway \ I 0 fect
away) by the lime the COlillt Up reaches 45 (35 + 5
jogging + 5 jogging = 45).
36,37, 38...
On 39. Cane has jogged 5 feet. and reached his
horse tied up just outside the saloon door, while
Rodrigo is still inside. Gabe brieny considers mount-
ing his hor~ e and j ust riding away. bUi he knows Ulat
doing so will take some time, and likely get himself
shot in the back. Instead , Gabe decides to drop his
cmpty p istol and take 10 Count 10 rlra\\' his shotgun
from its holste r on the horse's back. He will have it
drawn wh en the Count reaches 50 (39 + 10 drawing +
I \I Dlmd penalty = 50).
-10,41,42,43. U ...
On oJ5. Rodrigo is in line with the ~ aloo n doo rway.
It ·s about 2 more feet 10 the door itself, so Rodrigo
decides to change facing towards th e doorway (I
Cou nt) and keep jogging those 2 feet (since j ogging
moves at I foot per COllnt1 l1nti l the Count rcaches ~8
(oJ5 + I facin g + 2 partial jogging = 48 .
46.47...
On 48, Rod rigo decides to ~lOp , ~tnd find s himself
standing in the open doo rway (no I the smartCSI move
he cou ld have madel. Looking Oll t, h" sees Gabe draw-
ing his shotgun . Rod rigo decidcs to lise the sa loon wall
fo r CO\'e r, so he takes one ~ t e p to the side figuring I
Count to wa lk sideways 2 feet, where he will ani)' be
\'i~ib l e to Gabe if he shows himself. Rodrigo wi ll then
he completely concealed when the Count L'p reaclH:S
52 148 + oJ walking = 52 .
-19..
On 50. Gabe has drawn his shotgun. He nOlI
dec ides 10 aim it towards till' ope n door, in case
Rodrigo co mes outside. This takes anOther 4- Count 10
bring it to bear on the ce nte r of the open doon"ay, so
Gabc '~ ~hotgtln will he brought to bear on 55 50 + I
aiming + I ,,'ound pena lty = 55 .
31...
On 52, Rodrigo's player dcci:lres th at his cha racter
I\ill pcek around the wall . brill1\' his gun to bear and
fi re on Gabe 4 Count, thcn duck back in fo r covcr.
His revoker is Slill drawn , so his shot will fi re when Ihc
Count Up reaches 57 52 + + aimi ng + I wound penal-
ty = 56). As he docs so, hc naturall)' sees Gabe aimi ng
his shotgun at the doorway, but decides to remain
where he is, hoping that his luck will hold OUi ·a nd that
none of Gabc's shotgu n pelle ts will strike his exposed
face and ~lIn hand.
Also on 52, Gabe sees Rodrigo, and decides to bri ng
hi~ shotgun to bear all Rodrigo's exposed chest.
Howeve r, this fe-aimin g means that Gabe 's shol will go
ofT on 57 (52 + 4- aiming + I wound penalty = 571.
53, 54, 55, 56...
On 57, bOlh shots firc simultancously. )\ote that
since Gabe and Rodrigo fo rmerly lost sight of each
o ther and had to re-acquire their targets in new loca -
tions, they treat each othe r as new ta rge ts, meaning
that Gabe a nd Rodrigo no longer receh'e Accuracy
bo nuses for 2nd or 3rd+ shn l ~ at the same target.
Rodrigo's player put~ the Shot Clock over the Targct
Silhouctte, deciding to center th e bullseye on Gabe 's
face. He rolls a d 20, and ge t ~ a 20! Using Ihe
Ad\'fulced Penetration Rul es, II-e know tha t Rodrigo's
pl a}cr must now roll a d6. and add the new die roll
total minus one to the previ ou~ result. He rolls a 4-. so
his fi nal "To-hit" result is 23 20+4-1=23. Adding in
his base +6 Accuracy, +8 Accuracy fo r range Iwithin 5
fect) and - I Accuracy from the wound, Rod rigo's IOIaI
is 36 (23+6+8-1 =36)! Th :ll's a hit dead center wher!"
0.';
he aimed! Rodrigo's player now rolls the damage dice
(2d6 for headlface shots), getting a 2 and 3 for a total
result of 5 (2+3=5)!
Gabe immediately loses 5 hit poims, and his player
checks the Wound Seve ri ty table to sec the effect of
this hit. In the " Face" table, by the number 5, he sees
that Gabe's Dexterity temporarily drops by - 3 points
(from 13/65 to 10/65). Because Dexte rity is a key
component of both Speed and Accuracy, he recalcu -
lates his base Speed and Accuracy, which arc now
Speed 5 and Accuracy I until this wound is healed.
Gabe must also make a Constitution check, fall
prone and drop all held items (in this case, his shot-
gun). Since Gabe's Constitution score is II, he must
roll an II or lower on a d20. Unfortunately, he rolls a
16, so Gabe falls down and drops his shotgun . Of
course, since both Gabe and Rodrigo fired simultane-
ously, Gabe's shot was already hurtling through the air
towards Rodrigo, so these penalties and problems
don't affect that shot.
Gabe's player chose to fire one shotgun barrel at the
visible area of Rodrigo's chest. Howe"er, since
Rodrigo was part ially protected by the wall, Gabe first
puts down a piece of paper over the Target Silhoutte.
covering up the equivalent amount of Rodrigo's body
that the players agree was behind the wall. He no,,"
puts the Shot Clock over the Ta rget Silhouette. ccnter-
ing the bullseye on Rodrigo's chest. This time. he rolls
an II. He recei,'cs his base +2 Accuracy bonus. along
with a +8 bonus for range and a - I wound penalty, fo r
a grand total of 20. Gabe now draws a card to deter-
mine the cemer of the shotgun blast. He gets the 5. ,
and now places the center of the special Shotgun Shot
Clock on top of the hit location (the crosshair where
the 20 line intersects the 5 . line). Of course, since
every shotgun blast is diffe rent, he now draws another
card - in this case, the 2 • .
He then rOtates the Shotgun Shot Clock so that the
2 . line is pointing directly up, keeping the center of
the dispersal pattern on the center Spot determined on
the standard Shot Clock. To make the Shotgun Shot
Clock easier to read, he removes the standard Shot
Clock and determines the dispersal diameter based on
range.
Since Gabe was less than 5 feet from Rodrigo wben
he fired, he checks the range on the Shotgun Shot
Clock and sees that for ranges within 10 feet, he counts
all twelve pellets on the Shot Clock that are within that
66
range. Gabe's player countS one on the neck and ten
on the chest, plus another pellet that misssed Rod rigo
and bit into the saloon wall.
Gabe's player then rolls d4 damage for each of the
eleven pellets that stru ck. For the neck, he rolls a 3.
For the ten in the chest, he rolls I, I, 1, 2,2,2,3,3,4
and 4 for a total result of 23 points. However, since he
rolled the maximum on IWO dice (4 on a d4), he foHows
the penetration rule. He must now re-roll those dice
and add the new die roll total minus one to the previ-
ous result.
On these penetration re-rolls, however, he gets
results of .J- and .J- again, for 3 (4-1 =3) and 3 (4-1 =3)
morc point s a grand total of 29 (23+6=29).
However, e,'en though those rolls only dealt 3 points of
damage, the actual rolls were 4s, so penetration applies
and he has to roll them again.
T his time he rolls a 2 - and another 4! That's I more
point of damage for the first d4 (2-1 = I), and 3 more
4- 1=3) for 33 tOtal (29 + I +3=33). He follows the pen-
etration rule and rolls the d4 again, getting a 1 - no
add itiona l damage (1-1=0; a wound always docs at
least I point of damage, but penetration is merely
additional damage, so a zero is an acceptable result).
That's a total of 3.J- points of damage (33+ I =34) JUSt
to the chest!
It's already clear to both players that the shotgun
blast will kill Rodrigo, but Gabe's playe r is determined
to know every last point of damage dealt, so he decides
to check if that last pellet (the one tbat struck the wall)
hit Rodrigo. The GM decides that the walls of this
cheap saloon arc made of soft wooden planks only '/2"
thick. According to Table 2.3--/-: Hardlless VaiutJ, this
type of wood reduces I hp per W' of thickness. Gabe
now rolls a d4- to determine the damage deal by this
pellet, and gets a 3. The wood absorbs I point of
damage, so Rodrigo stlffers 2 more points (3-1 =2) to
his chest from the pellet that passed through the wall.
Since Rodrigo suffers a total of 36 points of damage
from a close range shotgun blast (more hit poims than
he possesses), he dies as the pellets rip into his body.
His lifeless corpse falls into the open doorway, striking
the ground with a sickening thud.
Fortunately for Gabe, he's down but not out. On ce
he staggers to his feet, he might be able to ride OUI of
tOwn before the local lawman (or members of
Rodrigo's gang) a rrive. And Gabe's day had started
out so well. ..
 3.31 Wounds & Healing
"Listen up, partner. There's nothing scan"u 10 a cou,'P0ke Ihon
gelling shol up in a gurifight. II can hl/f/ as bad as flaving a brand-
ing iron slllck to )'our backside, bill pain has a way cif fading over
time. The dangerolls part is that those holes ill )'0/11 belly Imd /0
foster. I I's a darned lucky man that can live lhe rest if his nolural
days willI a big 01' ellUl/A- 'if lead where il ollght nol 10 be.
Now, I hope my ealltionary lale ain'l pul)'ol/ tiff atD'. Gelling
shol is bad, 110 doubt 'bolll !I/O!. But le!lillg a mall had )'ou like
Jome longllOTI! SlftT just 'cause }'oll're 100 plumb )'tllou) 01 Ihe
though! of kim putlwg a bullel in JOllr coward!;' gills is a lot worst.
if JOII tkink like Ihis,),oll oughllo have 5/0)'(d back in Connecticut
alld bun happy [0 work dawn /0 dusk in somt jocl0T)' instead tif
buolhing the fret opell air with the mt of 115.
ih9'ways, Olily lilt lIIosl IImle brained among us is goillg to let a
bad woulld jesler. That old sawbOllts may be a drl/llk and all, bill
I'd sooller raise with a pair of dillas tlwn trl/st I'!Y doctoring skills
over his. Heck, he might have leaf/lid his trade ill Ihe [lin I hiard
lelllhat plmty of them soldiiTS Ihal gal shot up liud 10 Set Ihtir kin
agaill. 'Collrse, I aill 'l met ant pemJllallj"
Su, Ihem lit/Ii nicks and seralchts)"Ou /llIghl gfl ain'l I/olhing to
soil )"ollr britclus over. Darned 'liar illiT)'one gets a CIII nou alld
agaill. and )"ou don'l see all of Ihem kuling over. lI s I/u stnol/s
wounds }"Oll have to pay allmlion to. Now, if .1011 'll jllSI sil heff a
minule, I'll til/JOU a lillie more. Heck, il migltt jllsl keep }"ouftom
mding liP ill a pine box ... ,.

GRAZES AND LIGHT WOUNDS

Sometimes wounds as indicated in the Shot Clock arc
less seve re because theY\'e only winged or grazed the \·ic- J·""'i.gure 3.3-1: Shot Clock Pie Slices
tim. Any time that a body pan fills less than half o f a
Shot Clock "pic slice" (sec Fig1lrr 3.3-/: Shot Clock Pie
Slices), the wound is a graze for one point of damage only
TABLB 3.3-1: WOUND MODIFIBRS TO SBOOTING
(i.c., no damage roll is necessary). Type or Sneri ty of WouDd Speed Peu hy' Accurlcy PCDi hy
Further, any time that a body part fills more than half Wounded < 25% of hp I ·1
but less than all of a Shot Clock pic slice, halve the dam-
age rolled for the wound (i.e., roll damage as normal then
Wounded - zs.SO'; ' of hp
Wounded - 51-75% of hp ,3
.,
·2

Woundtd:> 75% of hp 10 ·6
halve and round down).
Elch grue in firing urn/ lun d' o(I)" ·1
Elch wound in (iring urn' Opr ' ·3
WOUND EFFECTS Ed. wound in kg. foot or hip' , (0)" o
All wounds include penalties to Speed and Accuracy Arrow wound' 2 ·2
for each action taken as shown in Table 3.3-/: llimlld
EiCh held wound' I ·2
!lIodijiers. Note that certain modifiers compound.
• [hUlllits compound wilh ofhu wounds
Percentages are the perccntage of the wound's damagc
.. list porfnlhtlical nllmbt!rsfor shooting modifirn
lotal from the character's original hit point total.
Besides mcre hit points of damage and the aforemen- assigncd a se\'crity level cqualto thc hit points in damage
tioncd penalties, cach wound may also impart specific delivcred. T hus, a 5 hp wound is also a sC\'crit)' 5 wound.
debililalive effccts on the victim. Thcse range from drop- To dete r minc the additional effects of a wound, si mply
ping itcms carricd or falling prone to broken bones, cross rcfe rcnce the wound's severity level with the wound
scvcre bleeding, impairmems to mO\'cment or outriglu location and damage type on thc following tables.
death. Thc sc\'crity of these specific effects is dctermined Kote that any spccial cffects of the wound (such as pro-
by the damage associated with thc wound; each wound is fuse bleeding) are unknown to the charactcr unless the

67
 •

,
•o .
~f
r

--.
\'ictim takes one second per scn:rit} level or the wound to
examine it thus, 60 Counts ror ,I 6 hp wound. The
ad\TrSC' effects should remain a mysterr until arter exam-
ination of Ihe wound. Even then, II ithout the aid or a
doclor, internal bleeding and organ effects should always
remain a mystery, A character lIIay assume he has inter-
nal bleeding or a chunk mi5~ing rrom a kidney due to thl'
hole in his gut. but there'~ no way to peck inside and con-
finn it ror sure.
Fo' t\amplt. Colth 8'01('11 has 25 I,il poillis. bul jl!i!m a j-
p01ll1 u'oulld to tht lorlO, Sillct a j-pomt lI'Olllld is 20·~iJ oj 25.
tIll UVJ//nd (OUIl.! a I point pnUJIIj' to Spud and II / 10 AcruraC:l:
Ij /It lattr n!ffm anothtr 2 POll/ts f!f gm::,tJ 10 thl Itg:; and a -I
point 111110 lIlt shollldn ({or a total of / / damagt). ht'd ht dou'"
4-1 % oj his lIps ( J / oJ! oj 25) allli 111111 IllS Spud W{JII!d hi mod-
ified (i,1 toto/) hy 3 arid IllS . lccllm(I' ~l' -2.
If /loor Colth 1(lllT sl@trJ Il/I orrOI/' 1('01(111/ for ollolhtr 2 poiots
oj dall/agl. //t'/I ftllt:t losl 52° .. f!/' 1m I,ps 01111 11111:> sllj[rr a
SprtdlAcrllrac:r pt1lollj' W51-4. HOII 'E I 'ER, lioer Ihat last hit
lI:as flam 1111 amm' io tht thigll (a paillflll aifair) ht sllffrrs all
addilionol 21-2 (or a tOlalof 71-6),
So aSjllml "Olt- Ihat Cafth tri~ to dmll' his Colt and Jl/(1al hock
at tht /Ildioll Ihot shol Ihl onolt'. Sill(( his pmaltit5 !t'm 71-fi.
dra1{'ing his pistol will lakt J2 Cmwl II/Iuod flj' Ihe flandard j
(5 +7=12). Aiming lokl.! (1I/OI/llr 1/ COUII/ (-I .,/olldard +7 for
Iht wOlmd) alld I/If ucond alld tach uddiliollll/ shol ((quirts orlolh-
tr J2 COIIllI as u'el/ (5 + 7. o.f!,oill). So il tokts ("llh 23 CoulIl
10 aI/II alld shoot hil firsl shol al/d Ollotllfr 12 10 shOal the suood
shot. /11 Iht 35 COl/ol i/ loklS hI/II to]iTt a mm 2 shots cifJ a
"eolt~r Caltb (ould ho{'( tmptltd his It'holt 6 shoottT!
Additiollal!J\ (Mh shol is 01 610-hit.
HEALING TIME
It·~ becn said that timc heals ,Ill wounds, and thcrc's
certainly truth \0 that, particularly in the Shattered
Frontie r. Assuming rour wounds don't gl't inrccted more
on this below), they'll heal up ill due course. or course,
the ratc or heal ing depends on how badly your character
i.s hit.
Any wound your character takes will heal in a number
of day~ equal to the damage the wound caused. You then
grct one hit point back and th~ wound drops \0 tile next
10\lest 5l'\<c rit }'. t\ -\ hp wound will take 4 days or rest 10
bccollll' a 3 hp wound. Artl'r 3 more day, or rest, anOlh-
er hI' is regained and the injur} become a 2 hp wound.
For namplt, It/'s sa)' /hal U\'(/S Pelt gelJ jhol up by a brlllch 0'
balldilos. He lakes /lifer wounds ;'1 11101 scrap,. Firsl, ht lakts a
3 IIp woul/d 10 Iht arm. Steond. a j I,p 1('OIlIId 10 Ihe Ihigh alld.
la~t{}l. a / I,p 1('OllIId in (ht halld.
. \ ou. PtU mnaoglS 10 m(lke il hack 10 a 10ltll u·ilh jUJI (tIol/.f!,h
.lItucolI jilin to hall up i'l afritlld~)- litlll 'Jlablishmtlll u:;lh
plln~l' oj P"/~)' lodits 10 i!'Qil all 111m. p(1t lIud:. 10 ucuptraftfor
Jix days 011 Q{(OIW/ oj Ihe hil 10 hiJ (lrm (3 lip; fO afartoria! oj
3 + 2+ /. or 6), jiftull dl!Js jar Ilu llil 10 lilt Iltigh (5 1,/1; lO
]+4+3+2+/ =
/5). and alIt do) (1 hp:sojuslOlltdoy)forlhl
halld. Of (OllTSt, sina alf Iht u'OIlIIds Iltol simu/tOlllOIlJIj, P,'r
jhOll1d ht c~mplrltly hea/,d in fiflull dQ)'J.
You d o n ' t use penetrati o n rules fo r h ealing.
IIealing and IIlt Points
As )'ou\e seen, the na~t} pan about wounds is that the
more ~e\'t're they are. the longer Ihey lake to heal. An~
hooplchead can understand that. \\'h.\I im't so apparent
i~ the rate at which they heal. Wounds take a number or
da}. equal to their severity to Illl'nd and to bccome, in
em·ct. a wound or one les!> severity. A ~cI'erily 5 wound.
;.fter lin" day~ ur recuperating, would bccome a sevcrit}
-1 wound, and any pl'llalties .. ~sociatcd wilh the original
injury then change to Ihust: ,Is~ociatcd \Iith a se\'crit) <I-
wound. While this may entai l ;111 t'xtenclcd period of
dowmilllc ror characters s llm' rin~ Ji:ril'vous injuries, )OU
can take comrort in thc ract that your wounds heal simul -
taneousl}.
Fur t\ampll. Itlj re/1I111 to Iht afltrlllalll oj Ptlt j tllCOllllla u'illl
lIlt bml(liloJ. Tht IIt'(l dll) afitr gtlllO' shot, his hlllld U'Q5 (om-
pl'lt!~ cllffd. il beillg a IOIl-!), / h/l s(m/(h. T1('o dq)'s 1(lltr (Illftt
dqlJ /dtol). hi; artll gtlJ a bil btt/tr. droppillgfro/ll Q 3 hp II'allOd
10 a 2 hp it'lI/lOd. TiI'O d"-I'J {aln (fit'( d"-I'1 /01(1), lriJ 2 hp It'IJ/llld
drops to a ! hp /(oulld. alld Ihr IIt\/ d"-) II drops h)' I hp 10 (j lip
(hen/rd).
S{II/II gors for Ih, Ihlgh. Firt d(p's ajl" Ih, i1l1'li/lllfljury. hij j
hp wOII/ld drops to -I hp. OIld Iht n/(Jl'l'lIlrnl pt/lo/~y ht Jujfrred u'c1I1
away It/ling him c(lith tht /odiu ht'.! bun rhosiag. Four d"-"l
laltr (mnt lotal), Iht -I lip 1('olJt/d huomtJ (I 3 lip It.'oUl/d_ alld hu
Ol\'lerll)' f!tllalty disappears.
AI IhiJ pOilll, Ptltjigum hl'd besl htod 0111 as hiJ si/l'(( is "III
"ill' Jllo'l. .10 lit heads 0111 01/ (I" tr(1i/. TIm, lIIort d,!.I·j' (I1('rlu
lotol) flllI/l,is Ihigh wOlllld drops to 2 lip, TlI'o df!Jls laler ([o" rl((o
!otol), Itis Illigh il/jll~Y htcomrJ II I "11 wound alld I},e Jallrm'illg
do)~ ii's comp/tlely c/lred. J\ou.'.fiflun da..vs !tlltr. Pele 's ill primt
cOlldi(ioll and ((at!;' 10 },tad riOlt'lI 10 Uti/Illahl/a ill $lordl of
Teullgr.
These rules for healine: as~umt' optimal conditions.
Particularl}' sevcre \\'ound~_ lack or proper Ilursing, inrec-
tions and ancillary \\ouud effects all scrve to complicate
mall("r~ making recover.... a more tCnllOll ~ affair.
Bleeding Damage and II.ali ng Tim e
Cenaiu wound~ ma> hal'e all ;Idditional effect of severe
bll'cding, internal bleeding or inte rnal hemorrhaging. All
of the~e have the potential \0 causc additional hit points
of damage.
In \0 far a£ healing time is cOllcel'lled assuming. or
course, that tin' character has not bled oul . the additiou-
al hleeding damagc is counted as a separate and distinct
wound from the injury that caused the bleeding to occur.
69
 For example. JosllI/(I. Sm.illt sl!lJers a " lip WOl/nd il/ Ihe abdom.en
olldjails his 'A Co. \. chrek. Ht illCUTS 011 additional 4 hp rif blad- TABLE 3.3-3: WOUND SEVERITY THRESIIOLD
ing damage from Ihe lI.'olllld (over tlu (Ollrse rif 3 hOIlTs) bifore il Loc nio n St\'crilY..Ihrcshold
ceases bleedillg. III the same glllifight. lu also Slisioil/(d a 3 lip Foo! , .... . ...... . ..5
wound 10 Ihe neek u'illt accompall),illg severe bleeding 11/01 caused 5 A nklc .. .. ... . . .5
hp bifore if was slarlllclted willt a pressuTe bandage, Lowcr Icg . . . ..... .... ..... .5
Knee . .s
To compule healing lime. Joshua 1/05 laIal rif jQllr waullds: a
II
T high..... ........... ... ..5
4 lip wound 10 II,e abdolllm. a 4 hp bleedillg /I.·QUlld 10 lite IIbdolllm, H ip/Bull oc k ......... . ....... .... ... .4
a 3 hp wOlllld 10 Ihe neck and II 5 11/, bleedirlg lI.'OIJlld 10 Ihe nuk. Groin.... .. . .......... .3
AbdomcD ........ .4
Con stit ution Bonus and Penalties B~ck .. . .4
C hcst .. . .. .5
Very robust and healthy indi\'iduals as indic<lted by a Arm ... .. .5
high Constitution score will reeo\'(:r from injuries more Fo r~Hm ........... .5
quickly whilc sickly ones will languish. The healing H ud ................. ....... .5
acljusIIlletlt applies to each step of the hit point reco\'e ry Shou lder ...... 4
process but cannot lower the time below one day. Nc~ k .... .5
Flec .. . .5
H Cld ....... ,6
TAiLE a,a·2: CONSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTMENTS 10 BEALING
CON scorc Helling Adjustmcnl during the War of Southe r n Independence, so properly
17 -18 . .. ..... . . . . ..-2 treating an injury can mean life or death.
14-16 .. .. .....-1
S· 7 ........ , •. . ..+1 For any serious wound sustained, a charactcr must
J- 4 ". . ..............+2 make a Constitution check known only \0 the C\I (or
other players if playing without a C \I) 10 ascertain if the
wound has the potential to become infccted. The base
For example, a character SIIslaills a 4 hp wOlllld. Ordillllrilj, Iflis
number to roll under is the character's Constitution .
WOIJ!d take -I dfl)'s 10 ruot'(r tlu firsl hp. II,rII 3 dap Jor Ihe second,
2d lOis used for thi, chec k and the amount by which the
2 dapJor the Ihird alld anoiller dll)'jor Ihe 10.51 poillt,Jor a /()fill rif
wound exceeds the ~e\'erity threshold ,see 'Table 3.3-3:
10 da),s. if ht had a 17 CQI/slillilioll, the tlllle 10 reCOl'ef)' each
II /mild Sarrir) TlmshQId is added 10 the 2dl0 score.
POlllt is reduced flj' 2 (It'ilh a minimum rif I daJ). He IhaifQre
IlIkes 2 dap 10 regllirl lIisftrslll/! (4-2=2). I daJJor Ihe second Let;; 511.)' II dwraeter /I.'as sllOl illllle thigh (Sn'ui!! TllTfshold 5)
(3-2 =1), alld I da.)'jQT e(lcll oj tlu {(malllillg 2 poillis (SlIIce IIQ alld Sllffers 6 IIil poil/ls rif damage. Sillce Ille damage exceeds the
sirp call be redllud in lime below I da.}') jQr a IQlal rif j da.\'J fQ 1I 01llld Saenl)' Tlmsllold ~I' I (6-5=}), lie musl mil 2dl0 alld
recuperalr. add I 10 the roll. if II,e rUlilt is liSS fhall or equal 10 flis
COlislillltiQII abilil)' SCQre, tlu wOl/l/d has nof bewme il!fec/ed.
COI/lJUseljt if he IlIId a " CQIISfil1JfiQII. 2 da)'s /I.:ould bt added
tQ eadl ste/I. He /I.·Quld Iwve IQ restJor 6 da)'s (4+2) to mOl'tr tlte Properly cleaning and dressing wounds in a timely
first hp. 5 Jor the secol/d (3+2), "Jor file Iflird (2+2) IIl/d allolll· manner generall} within an hour) C,lIl mitigate the
tr 310 regaill I,is lasl pQm! (1+2). His IQlal rUQvtr)' till/eft' 1111 chance of infection. For e\'ery 10% over the minimum
idmtical wQI/IId IS 18 da),s. neces~ary 10 wccessfully make th is skill check (Easy for
:'\ursing and Tri\"ial for .\I edicine), the wounded charac-
Nursing ter may sublrac t 1 from the 2d 10 roll abm·e.
If it is determined that a wound is infected, the affect-
Proper nursing is essential to ensure that any injuries
ed characte r must make a Constitution check two days
heal in the quickest time possible. Foregoing nursing will
later to 5ta\'C ofT the resultant disease. This chec k is made
cause wounds to heal more slowly. In game terms, add
against 2d8 and a penalty of +3 is added to the 2d8 roll
one day to the total for each hit point recovered. For
for ,Ibdominal wounds.
example, an un nursed 3 hp wound takes 4 days to reco\'-
er the first point, 3 days to recO\'cr the second and an A successful check results in the character having to
additional two days before the injury is completely endure a mildly d ebilitating illness for I d3 weeks during
healed. which time he suffers a temporary penalty of - 2 to his
Strength, Dexterity and Constitution abilities. Fail ure,
howc\'er, indicates that the wound has become grossly
INFECTIONS
infccted. If the injury is to an extremity such as an arm
Infections arc a frequent side efTcct of bullet wounds
or leg, it will be necessary \0 amputate the limb, If the
"!ld particularly common to injuries caused by edged
infection is endemic to the torso or head, Ihe character
weapons such as knives, axes and arrows ..\I any more sol-
will die of sepsis \\'ilhin 2d 12 days.
diers died of infccted wounds than of the original injury.

70
SPECIFIC INJURIES
Bear in mind that all wounds affect a character's com -
bat ability. T hese penalties are in addition 10 speci fic
debilitations that may be listed in Ihe wound SC\'C ri ty
tables located at the e nd of this chapter.
Followi ng arc detailed specific injmies that may result
from combat , their e ffec l~ and remedies the affected
character may pursue.
Broken Bon es: A broken bone requires a much
longer reco\'cry time, typically a number of days equal to
60+2d8 minus twice .he character's Constitution score.
Until Ihe bone is healed, all penalties of the wound con-
tinue to apply.
For example, if JOIIIIll)' I fain wright (Con 10) II/SIl/i,lS (/ 7 lip
wOlllld tltal breaks his arm. ht conllol list Ihal limb until it is
healed. If I,r had bro4t11 ilis (lnkfl~. lit would be unablt to walk
wit/lOut the aid oj mllthts untlllht u;t)ulld Ilta/ed.
Recovery of hit points is also handled a lil1le different-
ly. Ordinarily, the 7 hp wound mentioned abo\'(' would
take 28 days to fully heal (7+6+5+4+3+2+ 1 . However.
since a broken bone is involved, the recovery time is
increased to 60+2d8- 1O-l 0 days.
Let'S assume we determine that the broken bone and
hence the wound will take 50 days to heal. We know that
an 'ordinary' Ivound of this se\'e rity takes 28 days to heal
see abm·e j. The differenc('" between Ih(' tim(' required to
heal the broken bone 50 days and the ordina ry tim('
required to heal a wou nd of this ~e\"e rit } 28 days i.s 22
day ~ . This time is added to the time required to recover
the first hit point mean ing that it will take 29 (22+7; days
for the character to recover his first hit poilll of damage
from the wound. Additional hit points arc then recovered
as normal (i.e. an additiona l 6 days arc required to heal
the second hit point and so fOl"lh ).
To guarantee proper healing, broken bones must be set
by someone I\'ith the i\ ledicine skill. lypically a doctor.
Failure to do this risks a 50% chance that the bone will
heal improperly. In such a case, a mishealed bone in the
foot, leg or ankle will permanently limit the character's
maximum mo\'eme m to " walk. Poorly set arm Dr hand
bones permanently increase that character's speed by 5
and reduce his accuraq by 2. Untended broken ribs will
result in a permanent + 1 Sprcd and - I Accuracy penahr
Inte rnal Bleeding: The wound has caused damage
to an internal organ, artery or ,'ein such tha t it is bleed-
ing into the victim's body cavity. Such wounds are not
immediately appare nt. If someone wilh the r-.ledicine or
Nursing skill docs not diagnose th at the injured character
has internal bleeding, all hit poiTH loses the characler suf-
fers should be kept sec ret.
The injured person s unc r ~ d6·3 hp· of damage per
hour. A lIatural "I" o n the damage roll means the inter-
nal bleeding has stopped on ilS OW1\.
A char-tcter \\"ith at least Advanced mastery in the
i\ ledicine ski ll may attempt surg!'!ry to halt internal bleed-
ing. This call be a risky endeavor. It is both a Difficult
skill check fo r the surgeon and injurious to the patient .
This type of surgery ca uses Id4-1 hp of damage \pene-
tration applies .. f\ dditionally, si nce onl), the most skilled
medical practitioncn are aware of the latest advances in
an tiseptic theory, the re is great risk of in fection. A pa tient
must make a Consti tution check against half his score to
avoid having his wound fe ster.
Internal HeJnorrhaging: This is simila r to internal
bleeding but fa r more severe a nd inevitably fatal. T he
victi m sustail18 d4+ 1 hp· per hour until he dies. As is the
case with inlemal blcedin,l{. the \'ictim should not be
informed of his hit poim loss unless it is diagnosed.
Surger} ma,· be ;Ittrmptcd to halt internal hemorrhag-
ing but it i~ ~ \'ef) Difficult ~ kill check for the surgeOIl.
Except lo r the increased difficult\" of the skill check, the
surgery is handled as de"cribed under internal bleeding.
Mangled: The e:.:t remit} in question has suffered
damage beyo nd the ability of a medical practitioner to
repair. This may take the form of severed ligamellls or
tendons. nerve damage or catast rophic tissue loss.
Regardless of the specifics. the body part will scab o\'er in
the normal healing time for a wound of its sewrilY the
.. e\,en ty of lhr wound exp res~ed as a factorial in days} but
lIeyer a~'lill will it be functiona l..\t angled body parts
affect those down~tr('am e.g. a mangled ~ h o u lder rende rs
the entire arm u~eJes~ . Cha racters with a mangled arm
use a shotgun or line with a -3 accuracy penalty.
MoveJnent Type Not Possible: T he damage to the
alll ictcd body pal"! makes the movcme nt type noted (or
an)' fa ster muvement impossible until the wound is
healed.
Se vere Bleeding: The \\ound has opcned up a major
\·cin or artery resulting in profuse blood loss. Untreated
se\'e re bleeding continues to cause damage a t the rate of
d6·2 hp· per minutc. Howeler, a natu ra l" I" on the dam-
age roll indicates that the wound has clotted sufficiently
on its 0\\ II to halt fu rther hp loss.
..\ character with ei ther the Nursing o r \ fedicine skills
can ~l:lUn c h the bleeding wit h a pressu re bandage. This
~quires a minimum of 300 cou nts. Pressure must be
maintained thereafter for at least 20 minutes or the
,,'ound will continue to bleed.
U n consciou snes s: Vi ctim is incapac it ated for
10+2d20 minutes.
71
Lodged Bullets
~ I any of the more sc\'crc wounds liS! 'bulle! lodged' as
an ancillary wound effect. T his encompasses only those
bullets too deeply impacted for a lay person to easily
remove.
While not absolutely mandatory to Ireat , lodged bullets
represent a sc\'crc infection threat. A day after sustaining
~ll("h a wound, the character IllUSt make a Constitution
check \'ersu~ half his score. If unsuccessful. Ihe wound
has begun to feslcr.
A fe stering bullet wound will cause I d+-2 hp per day.
Every third day, the character may attempt another
COHSlitulion check to determine if the wound has healed
on its own. Howc\'cr, each subsequ('!11 check is made al a
cumulative + 1 modifier. For example, a character with a
12 Constitution receives a gunshot that lodges a bullet in
his leg. He must roll a 6 ,half his Con sco re o r lower for
the wound not to fester. If it docs, he can anempt anoth-
er Can check in three days time so set: if the wound has
healed. However, he must add 1 to the d20 roll meaning
that the lI'ound is only 25 0 '0 likely to have healed on its
own.
A medical practitioner can anempt to rcmo\'C the bul-
let by making a ~ l ediC'ine skill check although a ccrta in
mastery level is required, depending on the bullet's loca-
tion: see the ~ I cdicille skill description. Upon succes~ful
surgery, rhe pariellt must attempt a Constitution check to
determine if thc wound becomes (or remains) infected.
2d 10 a rc used for this check and a penalty of + I is
applied for e\'cry three days the bullet was in the patient
be/ore being remo\'{·d.
If a wound becomes (or continues to bel infected after
surgery to n'l1love a bullet. use the infcction rules abo\'c
to determinc the result.
SEVERE WOUNDS
While minor wounds wil] heal properly leaving no pcr-
mancl1l disability, the sallle is not always true for more
serious itliu ries. ~ I any of the most severe inju ries list per-
manelll consequences that will remain with the charaCler
evet] artc r the wound has healed (see the \'ariOl!' wound
sC\'crity tables).
Detailed Exa!Jlpl, of Complicat , d Wou nds
•Wer Iltaling from his lasf w()/I/Id, UX(1J Ptlt joins up wilh a
lIew gang. Tflis lime/If lIIakts JUri 10 inelade someolle who k/lows
a bit (Ibolll medicine (a Te;al/o namidJorgt). Sina he has 110 skills
/t'itll wflich to pursue a lau:·abiding career, he allempts a bank rob·
be~p - fhiJ time in ,I ll/skagit. L'nfortllllafe/y, t/lere art a lot mfm
peoplt ill Ilu 10lL'n and Ihe at/tm/lled bank job r(Julu ill a wild gun
bnllie. Pelt is shol ill Ihe ligM arm u.:ith a rifle bullet for 7 hit
points that also hrokr I,is arm. He was also shot ill the abdolllenfor
5 hp. This u'OI/f1d has tIll po/mlialfor internal bludillg alld abo
lodged a bl/lltl in his gUI.
i2
Neilher rif lluse wounds ripresellted all immldiate chance oj
dying so Pete's player waited unlil (ombal was rtsoh'ed to deal with
the addi/iollal problems his wOIJllds lIIigllt entail.
Their foray into t01L'1I resulted ill Ihe gang having to high lail il
10 a pre-arTIIllged meeling pOilll, ..11/ hO/lr aj/er sus/aillhlg his gill/-
sIlO! wounds, Peltji'lOfly has lilllefoT Jorgt to IlJUSS the damage.
Jorge /.-nows a lit/It aboul medicille (skilllel'el 85), sufficunl to
u/ a hroken limb, dress wounds and probabr.), de/crmi'll if Pete has
sustaintd mort sm'olls ilyllTies.
Hisjirsllask is 10 dean and harldage up Pdt 's wounds. ThiJ is
a trivial tasl-for him alld as such he gets a +90% modifier 10 llis
j/.-ill chuk. He Tolfs II 76 for Prie's IIrlll wound and a 25 for his
gill wound alld SIlC((S~fll/fY bOlldages tach. He trered hi.f II/inimllll/
SCQre h] 86%jor Iftt arm u'ound and 25%]or thegul woulld giv-
ing Pell' a +8 alld +2 bonus rnpecti!'t!J' wlun determillillg if lIlt]
buomt irifecled.
77le G.\I tht'f/ rolls 10 detmmnt if the wounds htcomt infield Pete's
COY JCore U 12. and hi.! arm /t.'fJllI/d ttueds Ihe wound srvtriry thresh-
old hy 2. Ordinari{", Ihe wound would becollle infec/cd all all 11-20.
Howa'tTj becamt il was (uoned so well Oorgt exued 'lli minimllm score
fry 86%), onry on 1/ roll if J9-20 on 2d I 0 does fill i'!fiction st! ill. TIll'
C. II rolls a 6.
Tht gilt It'Oulld is a lillit trickier. TMJ Wail/iii e.tueds Ihe tltresh-
old h)' ont resu/ling in a I penalIJ1 10 the eh((k. Jorg( didn'l cleml
this lim: qllite liS u'ell gll-illg Oll!l' a +2 modifier. Fae/orillg ill tluse
1II0difim. Iht u.t(J1md !t'ill buomt IlIfected 0/1 It 13-20 all 21110.
Tht C.II rolls a. 13 IIItnrling thaI flt'l) days laler Pele u·ill h(//Ielo
makt a Conslltlliioll rlllck againsl 2d8 to sa if Ite sun'ius tilt
itiftetioll.
Jorge I/ltl has 10 Sfl Pele'J broken arm. Even at his Xouiu mas-
ter), if Iht ,,\Irdi(ll!(~kill. II,is is a lask fir can altemp! to perform.
II's an ltl{l' cliuk so il is ulllikelyJorgr willfail. He rolls a 41 and
suc((isjil/!~ sets Pdt's arm.
r1'Ililf treatirlg Pete. JOlge 1I0ted Ihat he hnd a seriolls glllwOUl/d
Ilnd mighl haue internal bleeding. Irhilt he ISII'I skilletl enough to
lreat ill/tTl/al bluding, diagllosing il willallenslllla/.-t Pele aware
of it. (Peft has alre(l(lj' sllstained I hp oj damage frolll the woulld
durillg Ihe lost hOllr a jact ((Irwltry hring kepI from Mill.) This
too is (III Easy check, Jorge rolls a 22 and ~P slicctsifully diagnos-
ing Ihe inlernal bleeding leis Pete kllou; tile extenl rif his wounds.
From now all, Pelt s pla]er is kepi il/firllled oj Ihe hp lie is losing
dllt to illiernal bleeding.
Jorge IlIIs now dOl/ e all he wllfor Pele. Remm"illg the Iwo lodged
bllllets and trealing his intmllli bltt/II-ng art b~}'ond his skiflle!.e/
to lUll attempl .
Fortllllately jor PeU. the gong knows if a Ilfel!} good doctor
(" Jedicine skill mastery 15 %) aboul tII)O days ride aWa)l if Pelt
can surllioe al/olher cou/lle rif dIllS, he might liue 10 Itll the talt if
Ilu exp/oilS in tile Sha/lered FrOlilier.
Pele ongillallj' had 23 liP. However, lie has sl!ffirld 12 lip from
Ihe gl/nshot wOlil/ds alld 1 hp more from his wlemal hleedillg. OueT
Ihe lIu/lhrtt hOllrs, he SIIffers I lip, thm J hp aIldJillalry I hp more
whm heftlllliry rolfs a "I" indicating thallhf illteTlla! bludillg has
 slopped on ils own. He has now suslained 18 IIp rif damage and is
fieling il. if he Iwd 10 fire his pulol, his Spud penalty would be
+13 alld his ;l ccurary -9. (Pele u wOlmdedfor >75% rif his hp
lolal which per Table 3.3-1: iVoulld .Hadifiers la SllOolillg cauus a
Spud penalty rif + 1 0 and all Accurary penalty of -6. To Ihis musl
be added the penalties specific 10 allY wOlmds [if applicable). T he 5
hp wound 10 his abdomen, allhough il resulted ill inlemal bleedillg,
does not imparl any addilional Speed or Accurary penalty. The 7 hp
wound to his right [firillg} arm has na addltiOlwl penalty lisled 0"
page 79 but per Table 3.3-1 : l\'imlld Modifiers 10 Shooting, "tacll
woulld in firing arm/hand" imparls a +3 [shooting) Speed modifi-
er and a -3 Accurary penalf)')
Halfway 10 II,e doc (a day laler), Jorge checks on the condition
rif tile Iwo bullels Pele has lodged ill him. Pete has 10 roll under or
equal 10 half his Constitulion score 10 avoid having Ihe bulletsfes-
ler ill his wounds. He ralls a 6 for his arm woulld wilh Ihe result
lilat il scabs over without becomillg iifected, Should he so choou, he
could leave Ihal bullel where il is without al/)'thing worSt omlTring
lilan a nasty scar. UnJortunately he then rolls a 13 Jor h,s gut
wound mealllng Ihat ils buome ;,iftCItd. Pete suffers ld4-2 hp (J
hpj during Ihe secolld day's journl)' to tilt doc.
Il'hen Ihey reach the doc, he Immediately has Pete lifted ontQ his
table. Because he's performing an Advanced medical procedure, ii's
essenlial 10 anesthelhe Pele so Ihal he can have the best chance Jor
success dllring Ihe operation. This is all Average chuk and rolling
an 87 easily accomplishes Ihis.
Removing a bulletff(jm the gUI is a Difficull procedure. Altlwugll
he's pretty skilled, success is by no meal/s guarallleed. Th e doc lIuds
to roll a 45 or higher to get the bullet out. Fortunately Jor Pelt. lit
rolls a 48 and gets Ihe slug out.
Because the bllllet is now removed, Pele gets a chana to see if
this clears liP tilt iifeClioll. He at/empls a Constitulion chuk and
fails, rolling an 11.
-----------------
Pete has now TIm Ihe gauntlel rif medical help. He holes up in a
holel room and hires the doc's nurse to take care rif Mm as he
sweats aut Ihe infeclion. Forllmately she's liP 10 Ihe lask of nursing
a severely mjlmd palienl (Xursing skill mastery 72%). Two days
laler, Pete musl at/empt a entlcal Conslilulion chuk 10 see if ',e
survives Ihe infection currently raging in his gill wound. Ordinarily
he would have 10 roll a 12 or lower 011 2d8, However, since it's a
gUI wound, a -3 pmalty u applIed. He rolls a 9 and is relieved
that IllS fever breaks.
Having survived his wounds, all he has 10 do now u bide his time
while his i,yllries heal. To complile healing lime, Pele efficth'ely has
Ihree wounds: a 7 hp gunshot wound 10 Ihe arm (complicated by the
broken bone wilh Ihe resull Ihal illstead rif laking 28 days 10 Iltal
[7+6+5 +4+3+2+1=28j, illakes 60 + 2d8 -2x Pete's CON
score. He rolls "16" on 2d8 meaning it will lakes 60+ 16-24=52
days to hea!), a 5 hp gunshol wound to the abdomtll and a 6 hp
bleeding wound 10 Ihe abdomen,
His arm will take 52 days 10 heal. His gill wounds, however,
begin 10 heal immediately. Sina he'll slill be feeling the residual
if/tCIS rif his infection Jor another week (1 d3), he decides to remain
in his bed. He rolls a " ~I"~ meaning 111U! af/er a week lu'U shakes
W any remaining pmaltiesfrom Ihe mftction,
A.fter 5 days. he gaills back I hp from his gill wound. The next
day (day 6), lu gains a IIp back from the internal bleeding damage
alld theJollowing day (day 7) eliminatts the -2 penalty he suffered
to his Slrmglh, Dexterity and Constitution abilities as a result rif
tilt iifec/ion.
In eigllt more days (day 15) hIS gunshot gut woulld will be com-
plelely' healrd bllt il u:ill be anollter six days (day 21) bifore he's
fully TUouredfrom Ihl blood l()ss. However, it's still len days (da)'
31) bifore hl glts back fhi first rif hIS hil points loslfrom Ihe iI!J'lIry
to his arm.
73
 LOWER LEG -
Woubd
Foot Ankle Knee
Se verit y

"
3
• no additional effect

• Sprinting IlOl possIble

• 00 additional effect

• Sprinting IlOl possible

• 1\0 additional effect

• Sprinting DOl """,ible

• • Spnnllng Of Runnong 001

""",ible
• Spnnung Of Runmng IlOl
"""ible
• Spnnung or Running IlOl
possible

, • Sprulting. RUIIfIIJII or lOUin' • Sprinlln,. Runnm, Of lOU'lli • Sponllng. Runnmg or JOUm,

I'lOl possible noI possible not possible

, • Spriming. Runmng. louin, or • Sprinting. Running. JOCi,ni Of • Spnnl,"g. Runmng. Jogsmg or

Wal~ing IlOl possible Walkmg not poss,ble WalkIng not pos"blt
• Broken Bone • Brulcn Bo,," • Brolen 80 ....
• CIwlocIer may .... ver Spnm .galn

• Sprin11llg. Runnm,. Joai,n, Of • Sponung. Runmng. Jonm, or • Spnnlln,. RIIIIIIlIII . Jon,nl Of

Wa.lhng no! ",,"'ble Walking IlOl possible: Wllbn, IlOl possible:
• BrokC1l Bone • Brokcn Bono • Broten Bono
• Se'"Cfe BleflIlIIg • So,...., BletdJn, • Se'~re Bkcdin,
• O\mocltt may Ole'"'" Sponl ljatn • CIwlocIer may ,,"~r Sponl or
Run qaLO

• • Sprinting. Running. JOSI,n, or

Wal~ing 001 pos.ible
• Sprint.n,. Runn,na. JOUIOIl
Wllling no! po,sible
Of • Sponling. Runn,n,. Jou,na or
Wall'"t not poss,ble
• Broken Bone • Bruhn Bollt • Brulen Bo,,"
• $c"ere Bleed,ng • So,.~ Bleedong • Se,c~ Bleed,ng
• Chanocler may nc"er Spnn( .S~'" • Clw'ac!(r may 1It'~r Sponl Of • Clw'actcr rna) ,,"'.r Spnnl or
Run again Run _,ilLn

, • Sprinting. RUM,n, . l OU'''I or • Sponling. RunnUlI . Jon,nll or • Spooling. Runn'ng . Jou,n,

Wll);,ng IlOl po:»ibk
Of
Walkong noc pot.5ible Walk,ng noI poss,bk
• Broken Bone • Brotm Boac • Broken Boac
• $c"en: Blee,hng • So'-ere Bleedinl • Se,"ere Bleeding
• c::'IwKlC'r moy Ile"« Spnnl or • Owxltt may Ole'~r Sprint or • CIwacter rna) never Sprim. Run
Run ap.in Run again Of Walk again

• Sprinting. Runn,",. 10Uini or • Sprinling. Running . JOIUl,nll Of • Sprinllng. RUnn,"g. Joggms Of

Walking 001 possible
• Broken Bone
• Severe Bleedinll
• Chanoct .... may 1>C"~r
or Jog aga.in
Walking OO! po!;$ible Walk,ng DOl po:»ible
• Bru~cn Bo,," • Bro~en Bone
• Severe Bleeding • 50,-.... Bleed,"g
Spoot, Run • Chanctu may ... '-cr SponL. Run • Characler may ,,"'-" Sprinl. Run
Of JOI again Of Walk agam

11 • Spnnung. R\lIlnmg. JOUJ"I or • Spnnung. Runn,ng. Jon,ng Of • SprinWlg. RLLIlIlLtII. Jon'", or

WaIkinj DOt ponible Walking IlOl poo>ible Walking IlOl possible
• Broten Bone • Brot... Bone • Broten Bone
• $c"ere Bleeding • So"ere Bleed,ng • Severe Bleedinl
• Clw'atler .... y nco'"tf Spont. Run • ChaTlloClt'r may ooly .... alk .... ,ll! • Clwact.r may ooly walk. ",,"l!
or Jog agwn Cf\JlChe!; 00<;. huled cnuche!; once bealed
• Amputation Rtqu,re(\ • CON check Of unconscious • CON check Of unconscious
• CON check or unconscioul

", • Sprint;n,. Runnlll,. lOC,'nl

po:»;bI<
WaIkin, IlOl
Of • Sprinllng. Runn,nll. JOCll'nll
Walking IlOl """.;ble
Of • Sprinllng. Runni"l!. Jogginll Of
Walki", IlOl """.,b1o:
• Brotm Bono • Brotcn Bono • Broten Bone
• $c'-c~ BletdJn, • $c.-ere BIeed,ng • Se,·.re Bleeding
• CIwacter may OlenT Spmu. Run • CIwlocIer may ooly "''IIlk ",ll! • CIwlocIer may only ",-al); .... ul!
Of Jog aa::lin Cf\Jtcho:$ once healed cnuche!; once healed
• Foot $c\'c~ • Leg .se,·cred at Anl:1e • L.el Se"cred 3,1 Knee
• In CON check Of ulIOOfIscioul • Unconscious • Uncon..... iou.

74

Wound
Gunshot Wound
Severit y
• no additional tiT"",!
"
3 • no additional effect
, • Sprinting 001 !X>ssible
• STR 'heck or fall prone & drop
all held items
, • 112 STR ch«k or fall pro .... &
drop aU held items
• Sprinting or Running n~ pouible
• Sprinting. Running or JoggIng
001 possible
• Fall prone & drop alll>eld items
o Spnnling. Running. Jogging or
Wal~ing not possible
o Fall Jlf")M & drop all held items
• o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
o Fall prone & drop all held items
o Broken Bone
, o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
o Fall prone & drop all held items
o Broken Bone
o $e,.... bl«ding
00 o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not ]XISsible
o Fall prone & drop all held items
o Broken Bo""
o $e"ere bl""dlng
• Character may ne,'er Sprint again
U • Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Fall"""", & drop all held items
• Broken Bone
• $e".re bleeding
• Character may never Sprint or
Run again
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Fan pn>II<' & drop all held ItemS
• Broken B<lne
• $e"ere bleeding
• Character may nc,'cr Sprinl, Run
or Wal~ again
- THIGH -
Slashing Wound
• 00 additional effect
• 00 additional effect
• no add,li(mal effect
• STR ched. or fall pro"" & drop
all held items
• Sprinting 001 possible
• STR ohed Or fall prooc: & drop
all held items
o Sprinting Of Running not
possible
o 112 STR chec~ Of fall prQlle &:
drop all held ite"",
o Sprinung. Running or Jogging
not possible
o SprintJllg. Running. Jogging or
Wal~lng n01 pos,ible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
WaI~ing not possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not po"ible
• Fall prone & drop all held ,terns
• Broken Bone
o Se"ere bl""ding
o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
o Fall prone & drop all held items
o Broken Bone
o 5o"ere blee<ling
o Character may ne,·.r Sprint
agalll
o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walling 001 po,sible
o Fall prooe & drop all held l1emS
o Se"ere bleeding
o u.g ""ered
Bludgeoning
Piercing Wound
Wound
• no additional effect • no additional effoct
• no additional effect • no additional effect
• no additional effect • Sprinllng not possible
• STR ch«k or fall pro"" & drop
all held items
• STR ch«k Of fall prone & drop • STR ched Or fall prone & drop
all held items all held items
• Sprinting no! possible • Spriming nOi possible
• 112 STR check or fall prone & • 112 STR ,""ek or fall prone &
drop alilleid ilCms drop all h<:1d l1eml
o Sprinting or Runoing not o SprintIng or RunnIng nOI
po"ible possible
o Fall prone &: drop all held items o Fall prone & drop all held items
o Sprinting. Running or JoggIng o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
IKII possible Wal~ing not possible
• Spnnung. RunnIng. Jogg,ng or
Walklllg n01 pos,ible
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging Or
Walking nOl possibk
o Fall prone & drop all held items • Fall prone & drop all held items
• Broken Bone
o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
o Spriming. RUnning. Joggmg or
Walking not possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items • Fall prone & drop all held items
• Broken Bone • Broken Bone
o Sprinting. Running. Jog!ing or • Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking nOl pos,ibk Walking not possible
o Fall prone & drop aU held items • Fan prone &: drop all held items
o Broken Bone • Broken Bone
o Seyere bl""ding o Sewre bleedIng
o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or o Spriming, Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible Walking not possible
o Fall prone & drop all held ;tems o Fall proM &: drop all held items
o Broken Bone o Broken Bone
o Severe bleeding o Se"ere bleeding
o Charact.r may neVer Sprint o Character may ne,'er Sprint
agalll again
o Sprinling. Running. Jogging or o Sprinting. Running. JoUing or
Walking not possible Walking nol possible
o Fall prone & drop all held l1emS o Fall prone &: drop all held items
o Broken Bone o Broken Bone
o Se"en: bleeding o Se"ere bl«ding
o Character may ne,'er Sprinl or o Character may ne,'er Sprint or
Run again Run again
75
 Wound
Severity
Gunshot Wound
", • 00 additi()llal effect
• no additio<tal cffect
, • Spnnting nOt possibl~
• 5TR check or fall prone & drop
all held items
5 • In STR check or rail pro"" &
drop all held ite<m
• Sprinting or Running not ponible
• • Sprinting, Running or Walking
nOl possible
• Fall pro"" & drop all held Itcm,
• Sprin1lng. Running. Jogging or
Walking oot possible
• Fall proIIC & drop all held items
• Effectivc STR ·1
8 • Sprinting. RunnIng. Jogging 0.-
Walking not possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Effecti"e STR ·2
• Broken Bone
• Bullet lodged
• o Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking I\O! possible
• Fall pro"" & drop all held ilems
• Effecti,·c STR .J
• Broken Bone • Bullet lodged
• Severe bleeding
• Sprinting. Running, Jogging or
Walking I\O! possible
• Fall proIIC & drop all held items
• Effecti"e STR-4
• STR permanently·1
• Broken Bone 0 Bullet lodged
• Se"cre bleeding
• Charnetcr may ne"" Sprint agaIn
u • Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking IIOt possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Effecti,'e STR -4
• STR permanently·1
• Brokcn Bo""
• Severe bleeding
o Character may never Sprint or
Run again
o CON check or unconsdoos
• UnCQn>eious
• Effective STR·~
• STR permanently·2
• Mangled
o $e"ere bleeding
• Character may only walk with
cnltches once healed
76
HIP/BUTTOCK
Slashing Wound
o no additional effect
• no additional effect
• Sprinting not possible
o STR check or ran prone & drop
all held item,
o In STR check or fall prot1e &
drop all held items
o Sprinting or Running I\O! possible
• Sprinung, RunnIng or Walking
I\O! possible
• Fall prone & drop all held Items
• Sprinting. RunnIng. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Fall pro"" & drop all held items
• Effective STR ·1
o Sprinting. Running. JoggIng or
Walking not possible
o Fall prone & drop all held "ems
o Effective STR .2
• Sprinting. Running, Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• Effecti"e STR·3
• Broken Bone • Bullet lodged
• Seve'" bleeding
• Sprinting. RUlll1ing, JoggIng or
Walking not possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Effecti,'c STR ·4
• STR permanently ·1
• Brohn Bone
• Se'e", bleeding
• Charactcr may ne'-er Sprint again
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
o Fall prone & drop all held items
o Effecti"e STR .4
o STR pennanently.1
• Broken Bon<:
• Seve", bleeding
o Character may nev.,. Sprint or
Run again
o CON check or unconscious
• Unconscions
• EffWi,·c STR·5
• STR permanently·2
• Amputation "'quire<!
• $e'-e", bleeding
• Character may only walk with
crutches 00<:<: healed
• CON check or unCQn",ious
-
Piercing Wound
• no addiliooal effect
• no additional effect
• Sprinting not jXl>sible
• STR check or fall prone & drop
all held item.
• In STR check Or fall proIIC &
drop all held items
• Sprinting or Running I\O! possible
• Spnnting, Running or Walking
I\O! possible
• Fall prone & drop all held Item,
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking 001 possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Effecti,'. STR ·1
• Spnoting. Running. Jogging or
WalkIng not pos"ble
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Effccti'e STR ·2
o Brol.en Bone
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging Or
Walking not pos>ible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Effecll"c STR·3
• Broken Bone
• Se,-c", bleeding
• Spnnung. RunnIng. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Fall prone & drop IU held items
• Effectile STR -4
• STR permanentl}·1
• Brokcn Bo""
• Seve", bleeding
• Character may ne"" Sprint agaIn
• Spnnting. Running. Jog,ging Or
\>"atking nOl possible
• Fall prone & dn:>p all held items
• EffeC1i"e STR-4
• STR permanently·J
o Broken Bone
o Seve", bleeding
• Character may nev" Spnnl or
Run again
• CON check or uDC:onsdous
• Unconscious
• Effecti,'e STR·~
• STR permanently·2
• Mangled
• Se"e'" bleeJing
• Charnet" may only " 'al).: " 'Ilh
crutches on<:<: tlealed
• CON check or unC<)nsciOllS
Bludgeoning
Wound
• 1'10 additional effect
• no additiOllal effect
o no additiOll.1 effect
• STR check or fall prone & drop
all held items
• Sprinting not possible
• Sprinting. Running or Walking
not possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
WalkIng not possible
• 112 STR check or fall proIIC &
drop all held items
• Effective STR.I
• Sprinting. Running . Jogging Of
Walking not possible
• Fall prone & drop all tleld Items
o EffcclI"c STR·I
o Broken Bone
• SprintIng. RUnnlOS. Jogging or
Walking IIOt possible
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Effwi"e STR ·2
• Broken Bone
• Sprinting. RunnIng. JoggIng or
Walking not possible
• Fall prone & drop all held item,
• Effect;"e STR ·3
• STR permanently·1
• Broken Bone
• CON check or internal bleeding
• Character may ne"er Sprint again
o CON ctleck or uTlConscioos
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking I\O! possible
• Fall prone & drop all held Items
• Effecti,·c STR-4
• STR permanently ·1
• Broken Bone
• In CON cbeck or internal bleeding
• Characler may ne,'ct Sprint or
Run again
• In CON check or uDC:on>eioos
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Fall prone &: drop all held items
• Effect;,'e STR ·4
• STR permanently·1
• broken bone
• internal bleeding
• Character may only walk with
crutches once healed
 GROIN
Wound Bludgeoning
Gunshot Wound Slashing Wound Piercing Wound
Seve rity Wound
• no additional cffecl • no additional effect • no additional effect • no additional effecl

3 • CON check or fall prone &: drop
all held ilcm'
, • 112 CON check or fall prone &:
drop all held ilems
• Spriming n01 possible
• no additi()J\al effect
• CO,,", ehed or fall prone &: drop
all held nems
• Spnnting noI possible
• no additional effect
• CON check or fall prone &: drop
all held items
• Sprinl1ng not po,sible
• CON check or fall prone &: drop
an held items
• 112 CON check or fall prone &:
drop all held items
• Sprinting not possible

5 • 112 CON check or fall prone &: • ]12 CON check or fall prone &: • 112 CON check or fall prone &: • 112 CO,,", check or fall prone &
drop all hdd items drop all held items drop all held il<m, drop all held ilems
• Sprinling or Running nol possible • Spriming or Running noI possible • Sprinting or Running not possible • Spriming or Running not possible
• Effecti,'e STR·I • EffeCl;,'c STR.I • EffeCli"e STR .I • Effec1i'e STR·I

• Fall prone &: drop all held ile ms

6 • Fall prone &: drop all held ilems
• Sprinting. Running. JQgging or
WalkIng n01 pos,ible
• CON check or i"lcrnal bleeding
• Effec1ive STR·I
• OOllelloog«l
1 • Fall prone &: drop all held ilemS
• Sprinting. Running. JQgging or
Walking n01 possiblc
• 112 CON ch«k or imernal bleming
• Effecti' e STR·2
• Bulletloogcd
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking noI po"ible
• Eff.Cli,. STR·I
• Fall prone &: drop all held items
• Spriming. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• EtJec1i~e STR·2
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not po;;sibk
• EffeCli'e STR·I
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Sprinung. Running. Jogging or
WailIng not pos5ible
• Effec1"'e STR·2
• Fall prone &: drop all held items
• Sprinting. Runnms, Joggmg or
Walking I>Ot possible
• CON check or internal bl..,ding
• Effecli"e STR ·2
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Sprinting. Running. logging or
Walking not possible
• ]/2 CON cbeck or intcrnal bleming
• Effffii"e STR ·21SO

8 • Fall prone &: drop all held item, • Fall prone &: drop all held Items • Fall prone &: drop all held ilems • Fall prone & drop alll>eld itemi
• Sprinting. Running. loggIng or • Spnollng. Runnmg. Jogging Or • Sprimmg. Running. Jogging or • Spnnl1ng. Running. logging or
Walking nol pos,iblc Walking not possible Walking not possible Walking I>Ot por.sible
• Intemal bleeding • Se,-".,.. bleeding • Se,.....,
bleming • Internal bleeding
• Effwi,"e STR ·3 • Eff.cI,,·e STR.3 • Effec1i"e STR·3 • Effecli'e STR ·3
• Bullet looged

9 • Fall prone &: drop all held items
• Spriming. Running. Jogging or
Walking noI possible
• lntemal bleming
• Effective STR-4
• Bulletloogcd
• CON check or u!>COnsciol"
• Fall prone & drop all held i!ems
• Sprinting , Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Se,.....,
bleeding
• Effe<:livc STR-4
• CON cbe<:k or u"","scious
• Fall prone & drop all held ile""
• Sprinting, Running. logging or
Walking not possible
• :;e,....., bleeding
• Effe<:livc STR-4
• CON check or UOCQ<liiCious
• Fall prone & drop all held items
• Sprinting. Running. Jogging or
Walking not possible
• Intemal bleeding
• Effe<:ti,"<= STR -4
• CON check or unC<lnscious

• Fall prone &: drop all held Items • Fall ~ & drop all held i!ems • Fall prone & drop all held ilems • Fall prone & drop all held items
• Spriming. Running . Jogging or • Sprinting. Running. Jogging or • Sprinting. Running. JoggIng or • Sprinting. Runmng. Jogging or
Walking noI possible Walking not po.Iiible Walking not possible Walbng I>Ot possible
• Im.ma1 bleming • Se,.....,
bleeding • Se,·~ bleeding • Intemal bleeding
• Effecti"e STR·5 • Effccli,'c STR ·5 • Effecti"e STR·5 • Effect"'. STR ·5
• STR pennancmly·1 • STR pennaDemly·1 • STR permanentl} · 1 • STR permanently.l
• Bullet looged • 112 CON check or u!>COnsciou, • 112 CON check or unconscious • 112 CON cheek or unc()J\scious
• 112 CON check or unconscious • Broken bone

H • Unconscious • Unconscious • Unconscious • Unc()J\scious

• Imemal bleeding • Se,....., bleeding • Sevm: bleeding • Internal bleming
• Effec1i,·c STR·6 • Effe<:ti,"<= STR ·51SO • Effe<:ti"e STR ..(j • effec1ivc STR·('
• STR pcrmanenlly.2 • STR permanently·2 • STR permanently·2 • STR pennanently·2
• Bullet looged • Character may ne~er Sprim or • Character may neVer Sprinl again • Character may ne"or Sprim again
• Character may ne"er Sprint again Run again • CON check or internal bleeding ' Broken~

• UnC<lnscious • Unconscious • Unconscious • Unc()J\scious

• ImcmaJ bleeding • Se,....., bleeding • s.,..", biffiJing • Intemal bleming
• EffeCli"e STR·7 • Effecti"e STR ·6 • Effective STR ·6 • Effecti"e STR·7
• STR pennanenlly·3 • STR permanently·3 • STR permanently·3 • STR pennanenlly·3
• Characler is neulered • Character is neutered • Character is neutered • Character is neutered
• Character may never Sprim or • Character may ne".r Sprinl. Run • Character may ne,'cr Sprint or • Character may ne'·.r Sprint or
Run again or Walk again Run again Run agaIn
• 112 CON check or Internal bleedIng • Broken bone

77
 Wound
Gun shot Wound
Severity
" • no ilddilional ~m:<'1
3 • no additional dfe<:1
• 112 STR cilcck Or fall prone &
drop all held it~m s
• CON check Or imemal bleeding
5 • Fall pro"" & drop allileld Uems
• 112 CON check or imernal
bleeding
• Bullellodgl'd
• • Fall prone & drop aU beld ilems
• Internal bl""ding
• Bullel lodged
7 • Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• Inlernal bl«:ding
• Bullet lodged
8 • Fan pro"" & drop allilcld ilems
• [nlemal bleeding
• Bullellodgl'd
• CON check or unconscious
, • Fall prone & drop alll>eld il~ms
• Internal bleeding
• Buller lodged
• In CON check Of uoconsc;ous
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• CON check or inlernal hemor-
rhaging (else imernal bleeding)
• Bull"t lodged
• 112 CON check or unconscious
u • Fan pro"" & drop all htld II"ms
• CON check or inlemal htmor-
rhaging (else inlemal bleeding)
• Bullel [odgl'd
• 112 CON check or uoconscious
• CON penn"""nlly lowered by I
12. • Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• CON check or in,,,rnal hemor-
rhaging (else imernal bleeding)
• Bullel lodged
· In CON check or unconscious
• CON penna""ntly lo"·,,red by 2
78
- ABDOMEN -
Slashing \Vound
• no addilional .ffecl
• no addilional effecl
• 112 STR check or ran prone &
drop all held Ilems
• Fall prone & drop all held Items
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• Fall pro"" & drop all htld Ilems
• Severe bl«:dmg
• Fall prone & drop all held Ue""
• Se'·ere Bleeding
• CON check or unw o><: IOU.
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
- Se'·cre Bleeding
o CON check or unconscious
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• 112 CON check or uncon><:ious
• Severe Bleeding
• Uoconscious
• Se'·.re Bleeding
• CON ~nlly lowered by 1
• Dead (disemboweled)
Piercing Wound
• no addilional effecl
• no addilional effecl
• 112 STR check or rail prone
o CON check or inlemal bleeding
• fall prone & drop all held nems
• 112 CON check Or in'crnal
bleedIng
• Fall pro""
• 112 CON check or internal
bleeding
• Fall prone
• [olernal Bleeding
• Fall prone & drop all held "em.
o Internal bleeding
o CO N chec k or unconscious
• Fall prone & drop.1l held ilems
• lnlemal bleeding
o 112 CON check or unconscious
• Fall prone & drop all htld items
• CON check or internal htmor·
rhagmg (else inremal bleeding)
• 112 CON check Or unconscious
o fall prone & drop alll>eld ilems
o CON check or inlemal hemor-
rhaging (else internal bleeding)
• 112 CON check or unconscious
o CON permanently lo"·,,red by I
• Fan pro .... & drop all htld ilem,
• In CON check or inlemal htm·
orrhaging (else internal bleeding)
• 1/2 CON check or unconscious
• CON permanently lo\\"e",d by 2
Bludgeoning
Wound
• no ilddilional eIT""1
• 00 additional "ffe<:l
o 112 STR check Or fall prone &
drop all held Items
• Fall prone & drop all htld ilems
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• fall prone & drop all held i1ems
• CON check or internal bleeding
o fall prone & drop.ll held ilems
o CON check or unconsciou,
- 1.'2 CON ch""k or Inlemal
bleedIng
o Fall prone & drop all htld ilems
o Inlemal bleeding
• 112 CON check or unconscious
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
• CON check or inlernal bcmor·
rllasing (else inlemal bleeding)
• 112 CON check or unconscious
o Fall prone & drop all htld ilems
o CON check or inlernal htmor_
rllaging (else internal bleeding)
• 112 CON check or unconscious
o CON perma .... mly low~red by I
• Fall prone & drop all held ilems
o CON check or inlemal hemor-
rllaging (else imemal bleeding)
o 112 CON check or uncon><:ious
o CON permanenlly lo"'·ered by 2
 ARM
Wound
Arm (Upper) Forearm Hand
Severity
,2 • no additional effeet o 00 additional effect • 00 additional effect

3 • STR ,bed or fall prone & drop • STR check or fall prone & drop • STR check or fall prone & drop
all held items all held items all held items

4 • In STR check Or fall prone & • 112 STR check or roll prone & o STR cheek or fall prone &. drop
drop all held items drop all held items all held items

, • Fall prone & drop all held items • Fall prone &. drop all held items • 112 STR cheek or ran prone &.
drop all held it.""

, o Fall prone & drop all held items • Fall prone & drop an held items • 112 STR cheek or fall prone &.
drop all held lIemS

3 o Fall prone & drop all held items • Fall pron< &: drop all held Items o Fall prone &. drop all held items

o Broken Bone • Broken Bone • Bro~n Bone

8 o Fall pro ... &. drop all hdd items • Fall prone & drop all held items • Fall prone & drop all held "em,
o Brohn Bo ... • Broken Bone o Broken B()!le

o Bullet lodged

9 • Fall prone & drop all held items • Fan pron< & drop all held items • Fall prone &. drop all held itelltJ
o Broken Bone • Broken Bone • Broken Bone
o Bullet lodged

" • Fan prone & drop all held ilCm,

• Broken BOlle
o Bullet lodged
o Fall prone & drop all held items
• Broken Bo ...
• Se'"ert" bleeding
• Fall prone &. drop all held lIems
• Broken Bone

o ~vert" bleeding

o CON check or Unconscious

n o Fall prone & drop all held items • Fall prone &. drop all held lIem! o Fall prone &. drop all held items
o Broken Bone • Broken Bone o Broken Bone

o Bullet lodged • Bulkt lodged • ~'ert bleeding

o ~"ert" bleeding • ~"ert" bleeding • Haod mangled
• Arm mangled o Arm mangled

• In CON check or Unconscious • CON check or Uncon.>cious

". • Fall prone & drop all held items

• Broken Bo ...
• Fall prone &. drop all held items
• Broken Bone
• Fall pro ... & drop all held 'lems
o Broken Bone
o Bullet lodged • Bullet lodged o Bullet lodged
• Se"crt" bleeding o ~"ere bleeding • Severt bleeding
• Arm must be amputated • Arm muSi be amputated • Hand mu,t be amputated
• Unconscious • 112 CON check or Unconscious • CON cheek or Unconscious

79
 Wound
- CHEST -
Bludgeoning
Gunshot Wound Slashing Wound Piercing Wound
Severity Wound
• 110 additional effe<:! • no addi{iOllal dfce! • no addit;OOlal effect • no additional effe<:t
"
3 • no additional effect • no additiooal effoct • 00 additional dfect • no additional dfe<:{

• • Effecti,-. STR_2 • Effe<:li'-e STR·2

• STR check or fall prone & drop
• Effecti'-e STR ·2
• STR check or fall prone & drop
• Effecti". STR ·2
• STR check or fall prone 8:. drop
all held items an held items all held i!em s

, • Effe<;li,'c STR·2 • Effe<:th-c STR ·2 • Effecli--e STR ·2 • Effective STR ·2150

• Broken bone • Broken bone • Broken bone • Broken bone
• CON che<:k or fall prone 8:. drop • CON check or fall prone 8:. drop • CON check or fall prone 8:. drop • CON check or fall pro"" & drop
all held items all held items all held items all held items

• • Effect;'-. STR ·3
• Broken bone
• Effective STR ·3
• 112 CON ehed or fall prone &
• Elfeen'" STR ·3
• Broken bone
• Effect"-. STR .3
• Broken bone
• 112 CON check or faU protl~ & drop all Mid n~m\ o 112 CON checl; Of fall prone &: o 112 CON cl>eck Of fall prone &
drop alll>eld Items drop aU l>eld 'terns drop alll>eld items

, • EIf..::t;"e STR -.l
o 8roken bone
o Bullet lodged
o Fall prone &: drop aU l>eld items
o CON check or internal bleeding
• Elfttth'e STR-.l o Elfecti,-. STR-.l o Elfe<:t;"e STR -.l
• Fall prone &: drop alll>eld items o Broken bone o Broken bone
o CON check or internal bleeding o FaU prone &: drop alll>eld items o Fall prone &: drop all bcld items
o CON check or internal bleeding

8 • Elfe<:tive STR·~ o Elfect"·. STR .5 o Elfecll'e STR ·5 o EIf..::ti,·. STR ·5

• Broken bone o broken bone o Brolen bone o Broken bone

o Bullet lodged o Fall prone &: drop alll>eld ltelIt> o Fall prone & drop aJll>eld ,tems o Fall prone & drop aU held items
o Fall prone & drop alll>eld itemS o CO", cMck or ulKOfls.cious o CO'" check or Internal bloed,ng o 112 CON check or internal bloeding
o 112 CON check orimemal bleedins o CON cbec k or unoonsc,ous o CON ch..::k or unconsci()lls
o CON cl>eck or unconscious

, o Effective STR-6 o EIf..::lh·e STR -6 o EIf"::I;ve STR -6 o EIf..::t;'·e STR.6

o Broken bone
o 8ulletlodged
o Fall prone & drop all held items
o Internal bleeding
o In CON check Of unconscious
o Broken bone
o Fall prone & drop all MId ilems
o 112 CON cl>eck Or Se,..,~ bleeding
o 112 CON cl>eck Of u!>Conscious
o Broken bone
o Fall prone & drop all held ilems
o 112 CON check or Internal bleeding
o 112 CON check or unconscious
o Severe bleeding
• Broken bone
o Fall prone &: drop alll>eld items
o Imernal bleeding
o 112 CON check or unconscious

o EIf..::ti,·e STR .7 o EIf..::ti,"e STR .; o EIf..::t;,·. STR.; o Elfective STR-;

'" o STR permanently .1
o Broken bone
o STR permanently.1
o Broken bon.
o STR permanently.1 • STR permanently.J
• Broken bone • Broken bone
• Bullet lodged o Severe bl«dlltg o Internal bloedlllg o Internal bleeding
o Internal bl=ling o Unconscious o Unconscious o Unconscious
o Unconscious o Se"ere bleeding

11 • EIf..::tive STR ·8 o Effective STR.8 o Elfecti,'. STR .8 o EIf..::t;'·e STR ·8

o STR permanently.2 o STR permanently.2 o STR permanently.2 o STR permanently.2
o Broken bone o Broken bone o Broken bone o Broken bone
o Bullellodged o Se,=
bleeding o Internal bleeding o Internal bl=ling
o Internal bl«dlO8 o CON check or iIllernal bleeding o Se,= bleeding o Se'"re bleeding
o Se'-ere bl«ding o Unconscious o Unconscious o UIICQfIs.cious
• Unconscious

o Dead (sl>ot through hean)
o EIf"::li,"" STR .9 • Dead {aorta ruplured} • EIf..::th·e STR ·9
o STR permanently .3 • STR permanenlly.)
o Broke n bone o Broken bone
o $c'-ere bl=ling o Internal bleeding
o 112 CON d ..d or internal bleeding • Unconscious
o Unconscious

80
 - BACK
Wound Bludgeoning
Gunshot Wound Slashing Wound Piercing Wound
Severit y Wound

", • 00 addit;Oflal effect

• STR cM;k Of fall prone &: drop

• no additional effect

• no i>ddnional df«1
• nO additional effeel

• no addl100nal ~ffe<:t
• 00 additionoJ effect

• no addiuonal dfttt
all held items

• • STR ch«l or fall prone

all bold items
&; drop • STR check or fall prone &: drop
all held "ems
• STR check or fall prone & drop
all ""Id "cm~
• STR m...-k or fall prone &: drop
all held "ems

• • 1/2 STR chttk or fall prone &

drop all held ilems
• 112 STR choed or fall prone &:
drop all held ilCms
• STR temporanly.l • STR ttmporarily.)
• Brolcn ~ • Broken Bone
• 112 STR ,hotel<. or (all prone &:
drop all held ile"'"
• STR temporarily -I
• Srolen Bone
• 112 STR d.eek or fall prone &:
drop all bold items
• STR temporarily.j
• Broken Bone

• • Fall prone & drop all hdd lIems

• STR temporarily_\
• Fall prone &: drop all held Item5
• STR temporuil) ·1
• Fall prone &: drop all held lIems
• STR temporanl} ·1
• fall prone &: drop all held items
• STR l(mporanly.J
• Broken Bone • Stolen Bone • Brolen Bone • Brolen flO!\(

• Fall paw: & ckopall held ..... • Fall paw: &: ckop III held III:mS • ~ paw: &: ckop all held _ • I'll paw: &; ckop III held .::ms
• STR Iemporanly·2 • STR temporarily·2 • STR IemponrUy-2 • STll tmIpOrVil)-1
• CON che<:k or internal bleedlllJ • M~lup\t' Brulen Bono:s • Mulupll: Brulen Booes • Brol..cn Bono:
• Bullet lodged • $e,...." Bleeding • $e"en: Bltcdrng

• • Fall f-"OO(: & Wop all hdd iIc:mi

• STR tcmporarily-2
• Fall f-"OO(: & QoqI all hold Rm!i
• STR temporarily-2
• f.¥i pooe &: QoqI all hold IIttm
• STR tempornnl) -2
• fall f-"OO(:&: QoqIall hold IICI11S
• STR temporaril} -I
• CON chock or inlcrnal bl~ong • Multiple Brot.cn Bonc~ • Multiple Brol;.cn BODOS • a.Ql..cn Bones
• Bullet lodged • s."-c,,, BI~lng • $e"e", Bleeding • CON cMd or internal bleed,ng

•
-.
• ~ pooe & <top all hold ..... • fall pme & QoqI all hold ..... • fall pooe & ~aII hdd lItmi • filii pme& <top all hdd .....
• STlllCmponrily-3 • STlltemponrily_3 • STlltemponn:ly-3 • STR temponrily-2
• Internal bleedi", • 1>bltlpll: Brulen Bono:s • Muh,pII: Brulen Bones • Consl,I\II_ che<:k or internal
• Bullet lodged • 5<:"cn: Bitcdong • $even: Blredin,
• CON chttk Of unronsciouJ • CON check Of unoonsciouJ • CON ehe<:k or unoonscioul; • CON check Of unronscinu.

• Fall prone & <top III hold Ik'mi
" - STR temporarily-3
• STR perm"""ntly-I
• Intemal bleeding
• Bullet lodged
• 112 CON dv:d or unconscious
• Fall pooe &: Wop III hold ......
• STR temporarily_3
• Mult'ple Broken Bones
• Se,'en: Bleeding
• 112 CON check or unconJoCious
• Fall prone & <top allldd !Itm';
• STR lcmpornnly-3
• M uh'ple Broken Bo"".
• 5<:"e", Bleeding
• 112 CON check or ullCQflsci()Us
• Fall pme & <top all hold IICmS
• STR lemporanly-2
• Multiple Brot.en Booes
• 112 CON check or Internal
Bleed,nll
• 112 CON chec~ or unconsci()Us

11 • fall prone &: <top. h::Id ...,.. • UlICOfI5Cinu, • Fall prone &: drop all beld ilmU • Fall prone &: drop all held ,tems
• STlltemporvily -4 · 5/:,-= BIotd,ng • CON check or internal • CON check or Internal
• STll pe~tlY-2 • CON permanently '""'-ned by I htmoot.aging (else mle:f1lal htrnonh:ai,nl (else ,me-t'ml
• Internal bIced'"g bJcN.rnJ) bieNtI,g)
• Bullet Iodgtd • 112 CON che<:k or uro:onsciouJ • 112 CON chttk or UnconSCIOUS
• 112 CON cltc:ck or unconsciouJ • CON perm10emly '""'~ by I • CON permanently low(:!1!d by I

12. • Fall prone &: QoqI all hdd ......., • Dead (spinal cord severed) • Dead (spinal cord "'''erro) • Unoonsci()Us
• STR temponrily-4 • Internal hcl1lOl'Thaging
• ST1l permanently_2
• Inte-t'ml HCntOI'TaI\'lIi
• Bullet lodged
• UnconsciouJ

81
 Wound
Gu nshot Wound
Severity
" • no Iddillonal df«t
3 • no ldduK'ln.aI cfl'«t
, • STR d~~k or fall
all Mid i,e""
proM &:;
• • 112 STR check or fall prone &
drop all held Ilems
• STR & DEX IC:mporarily .]
• • Fall proM & drop all held items
• STR " DEX temporarily .2/.]
7 • Fall prone &: drop all held items
o STR &: DEX temporarily.2
8 o Fall prone &: drop all hold l1ems
o STR &: DE>.:: lemporanl~' .).1
o Broken boDe
• • Fall prone &: drop all held lte""
• STR &: DEX temponnly ·31·2
• Bullet lod~
• Broken booc
.. • Fall prone &: drop.lI held ilem •
• STR &: DEX tcmpomily .)1·2
• Bull.. lodged
o Broken bor.e
• STR pl'rmanentl)' -I
• CON ~hod 01' unconscious
U • FlU prone &: drop all hold items
o STR &: DEX temponnly -41·3
o Bullet lodged
o Brokc:n bone
o STR penl\lI'K"IItly.2
• DE){ pennanently.1
• 112 CON chrck 01' unconscious
• UnconSCIOUS
• STR &: DE)( ,.mporanly _y_)
• Bulletlod~
• BroIo.en bone
• ,Sc"cre bleedlnll
• STR permanenlly.)
• DEX permallently·2
• Manilled
82
- SHOULDER -
Bludgeoning
Slashin g Wound Piercing Wound
Wound
• no addItiOnal .«fa
• 00 adduional cff«t • no IIddJIIODIl eifect
• no adduional df«t • no addiTIonal effect • CON ch«k Of fall ~" drop
"'I bold ilt ....
drop • STR check or fall proM &. drop
all held items
• STR chook or fall prone &. drop
III held Ilcm!
• STR cbed or raU prone &: drop
all held ;1(:....
• In STR check or fall prone &
drop a11beld 'term
• 112 STR cbeck or fall prone &:
drop all Mid items
• 112 STR che-ck or fall prone &:
drop all held items
• STR &: DEX temporarily ·1 • STR " DEX temporarily · 1 • STR &. DEX temporarily .]
o Fall prone &. drop aU hdd items
• STR &. DEX temporarily .2/.]
• Fall prollC &. drop all held "ems
• STR" DEX temporarily ·2/·1
• Falll'f'Ol" & drop all held lIemS
• STR &: DEX temporarily .2/.]
• Fall prone &; drop all held items • Fall prone &. drop III held ilem5 • FaU prone &: drop all held Items
o STR &: DE>:: temporarily.2 o STR &: D£X lemp:nrily.2 o STR &: DE>:: tempomily·2
o Broken boDe
• Fall prone &: drop III held '~!N • Fill prone &: drop III held Items • Fall prone &: drop all held i,ems
• STR &: DE>.:: ~mporanl) ·)·1 o STR &: DEX lemporanl) ·~·1 • STR &: DEX ICmporanl) ·).'·2
o BroIo.en bone: • Broken boDe
• Fall prone &: drop all held ite""
• STR &: DEX ICmpomily ·31·2
• Fall prone &: drop all held ite""
• STR & DEX ~mporanly ·31·2
• Fill prone &: drop all held ile""
• STR &: DEX temponnly ·31·2
o Broken boDe • Broken bone o Broken booc
• Fall prone &: drop all held i'entS
• STR &: DEX tempomnly ·)/·2
• Fall prone &: drop all held itcms
• STR &: DEX temporarily ·)/·2
o FIn prolle &: drop all held items
• STR &: DEX lemporarily -31.2
• Bro~.n bone o Bro~en bone • Broken oone
• STR permallent)y·1 o STR permanently.1 o STR permanently_l
• Fall proI'II:' &: drop all hold ,tentS o fall prone &: drop all held ,tems • Fall prone &: drop all held items
• STR &: DE)( temponrily -4.J o S11I. &: DEX temporanly -41-3 • STIt &: DEX tcmporanly -41_3
• Broten bone o Brolen bone • Broken bor.e
• STR permanently·2 o STR perm&ncnlly.2 • STR pennancntly·1
• DE>:: permanently_I • DEX pmnanently -1 • DEX pennmenlly ·1
• CON chrck 01' unronsciow • CON chrck 01' UJl('Oftscious
• Unoonscious • UIXOI'ISCIOUI • UlIoCOfUCious
• STR &: DEX 'emporanly ·Y-3 • STR &: DEX t.mporanly .~i·3 • STR &: DEX temporarily .y.)
• Broken bone o Broken booc • Broken bone
• ,Sc,'ere bleeding • ,Sc"ere bleNlnll o ,Sc,'.", bleeding
• STR permanently.J • STR pl'rmanently_3 o STR permanently·3
• DEX pl'rmanenlly·2 • DEX perman<'nlly·2 • DEX permallently·2
• Arm l'eqUII'C, amput.',on • Mangled
• CON chttk or internal bleeding
 - NECK -
Wou nd Bludgeoning
Gunshot Wound Slashing Wound Piercing Wound
Severity Wound
• no additional effcct
" • no addit ional effect • 110 additional effcct • no additional effect

3 • no addItIonal effect • no addiuonal effect • no ..Jd'lional df«1 • 110 Iddnional ,,!feet

, · Sc,-= blecdinS • $e".n: bleeding

• STR ebtck or fall ~ &. drop
• Sc'"<=n: bleed,ng • no Id"lJtionaJ effcct

III held lie"",

• • Seven: bIttd,ng
• 112 STR check Of fall prone &:
• Se''Cre bleedln,
• 112 STR check or fan prone &.
• Sev= blttd,ng
• 112 STR check or fall prone &
• 112 STR check Of faJl prone &.
drop all hodd ,Ierm
drop all held Items drop all held Items drop all held ,!tms • CON lemporanly-2

• • s.c'-en: bleeding
• CON ch«k or UncofllelOUs
• Snert bl«<.lms
• CON check or l:noon><ious
• Sc,-c", bltedIng
• CON check or l'ncoo;.coous
• Sc,e", bl«d,ng
• CON chc<:k or UROOr'I!ICious
• CON temporarily-2

7 · s.c,~ bletdmg • Seven: bIeed"'g • Seven: blecdl"ll • $e'en: blced'''1

• CON check or UlI<XInKious • CON check or UlIoCOmCious • CO:-: check or U"""""",;""5 • CON dl«k or Unconscious
• CON temp:nrily.3

8 • $e'-e", bleeding • $e"ere bkeding • St,·Ut bleed;ng • St'·ere bl«dmg

• 1/2 CON cllttk or UnoonsciOlis • 112 CON check Of Uncon",;ous • 112 CON cllttk Of Unron",;ous • In CON cl>cck 01" Unconscious
• CON lCmporviJy .~

• • $ev= bleedln,
• UlICOft>Cious
• St,-= blet<bng
• Unconscious
· Sev=b~bn,
• UlOCOI1l.I:ious

" • $evere bl«ding

• Unron"'ious
• Se,·ere bl«ding
• Unco"",ious
• $e'·ere bleeding
• Uncon",iou,
• St'·ere bl«d,ng
• Uncon",;ou,

• Dumb flaw
" • Quadnpkgot"
• UlICOIISCious
• Quadnplcgic
• UnconSCIOUS • UnconSCIOUS

12~ .",,, .",,,

83
 Wound
- HEAD -
Bludgeoning
Gunshot Wound Slashing Wound Piercing Wound
Severit y Wound

", • 00 additional dT«1

• DEX temporarily_2
• nO addnional effect

• no additional effect
• no addillOnal effect

• no additional effect
• I>() additional effect

• DEX temporarily -I

4 • DEX temporarily·3 • DEX temporarily-I • DEX temporarily·l • DEX temporarily·2

• CON check or fall p!'OlI(C &. drop
all Mid items

• • DEX temporarily-4
• CON check (I( fall prone & drop
• OEX «:mporarily-2 • DEX temporarily·2 • DEX temporarily-3
• 112 CON check or fall prone &.
all held items drop all held items

, • DEX temporarily.5 • DEX temporarily-3 • DEX temporarily .J • DEX temporarily-4

• CON check or UnCQnsdous • CON clleck or Unconscious • CON clleck or Unconscious • CON check or Unconscious

7 • DEX temporarily·6 • DEX temporarily-4 • DEX temporarily -4 • DEX temporarily.5

• 112 CON choCk or Unconscious • 112 CON check or Unconscious • 112 CON check or Unconscious • 112 CON <httk or Un<:OIll'Cious
• DEX permanently-I • DEX pemunently_[ • DEX permanently-l

8 • DEX t~mporarily_7 • DEX tcmporarily-~ • DEX temporanl) ·5 • DEX temporarily -6

• In CON check Of Unconscious • In CON check or Unconscious • 1'2 CON check or Unconscious • 112 CON cheek or UnCQnscious
• DEX permanentl}'-2 • DEX permanentl} _2 • DEX permanently-2 • DEX permanently_l
• $e,'Cr'I: bl«ding • $e.-~r'I: bl""ding • Severe bl""d,ng • Se'"ell: bl""d,ng

8 • DEX ICmporarily_7 • DEX temporarily -6 • DEX temporarily -6 • DEX temporarily-7

• Unconscious • Unronscious • Unconscious • Unconscious
• DEX p"rmanenlly-3 • DEX p"rmanently-J • DEX permanently·J • DEX permanently.2
• $e'-CIl: blffi1ing • $e"ell: bleeding • Severe bleeding • Severe bleeding
• Bullet lodged • Gain Migrane5 flaw (no BPi
• Gain Epileptic flaw (no B p)

• DEX temporarily-6 • DEX temporarily-7 • DEX tcmporu.rily-8

• Unconscious • Unconscious • Unconscious
• DEX p"rmaneml) .J • DEX permanently -liSO • DEX permanently ·USO
• $e'-ere bl""ding • $evere bl""ding • $e,..,re bleeding
• Gain Migra""s flaw (no BP)

u .",,,, • DEX tcmporarily-6'SO • DEX temporarily-7 • DEX temporarily-8

• Unconscious
• DEX permanemly ·lISO
• $e'-ere bleeding
• Unconscious
• DEX permanemly-2
• $e'"ere bleeding
• lnternall>emmorhaging
• UlICOIlscious
• DEX p"rmanently -USO
• $e,-ere bl«ding
• CON check or internal hem·
momilling doe internal bleeding
• Gain Epileplic flaw (no BP)

.",,,,

84
 FACE -
Wou nd Bludgeo ning
Gunshot Wou nd Slashing Wound Piercing Wound
Se verit y Wound
• 00 additional effecl • no .dditiooal effect • 110 addi lionaleffect • no IIddl1lonai effect
"
3 • DEX temporarily_] • no add,hQll.ll\ effect • no additional d fect • DEX rcmporarily.J

, • DE:< temporanly_2 • DEX It'mponrily .] • DEX rcmporanly-l • DE}( tcmporanly·2

• CON ~h.ck or faU prone 4:: drop
,II held U.1m

• • DEX tempon.rily·]
• CON check or fall prone &; drop
• DEX ICmpcnrily_2 • DEX t=lponrily_2 • DEX ccmporarily ·3
• 112 CON cheel:: or fall prone &
drop all held ncnu
all held items

• DEX temporarily-4 • DEX temporarily -3 • DEX temporarily·3 • DEX temporarily ·J

• CON check or Unconscious • CON .bed Of Unconscious • CON check or Unconscious • CON eh«k or UIICQIl,cious
• d6 broken I«th

• DEX temporarily_S • DE:< ICmporanly-4 • DE>.: tanpcnrlly -4 • DEX temporarily-5

• 112 CON chtck 01 Unoom.cious • 112 CON check or U..::orucious • In CON check or Uncocucious • 1/2 CON cll«k or Unconscious
• DEX permIDmIl}' .J • DEX permanently -I • d6 brokm teeth
• Glm Facial Scar n .... (00 HPJ

• • DEX temporarily-6
• 112 CON check or UnronJtIOUS
• DEX permantntlY_1
• .sc,-...., bJe<:,Jing
• DEX temporarily.~
• 112 CON check or Unconscious
• DEX temporarily-S
• 112 CON check or Unron~ious
• DEX tcmporanl) ..(i
• 112 CON check or Uocoo~iou!
• DEX permanemly-2 • DEX permantntly_2 • DEX perma""mly-l
• .sc,-...., bJe<:,Jing • Scvc~ bJe<:,Jing • ScVt~ bJe<:,Jin&
• Gain Facial Scar flaw (no DP) • d8 broken leeth

• • DEX Il'mponrily -7
• UI'ICOIISCi<':tii
• DEX & LOOKS perrna.nendy-2
• $c,-...., bke<l,n,
• 0 1.111 Epileptic flaw (no DP)
• DEX lemponrily -6
• Uncomcious
• DEX lemponrily -6
• U...:omcious
• DEX Itmponrily·7
· Unron~iow
• DEX pel1l1Ul(:otly-1 • DEX pentIUItfIuy-1 • DE>: permancmly-2
• $c,'...., bl«ding • $c,'...., bl«dina; • $e"ere bke<lill1
• Gam Facial Scar fla,,· (no DP) • Gaon Facoal Scar fllw (no DPj • Oaon M,pmoes fla .. (00 DP)
• dlO brolen leeth

" • DEX lempornrily·'

• Unronscious
• DEX & LOOK S permant".ly-)
• ,Sc"ere bleeding
• Bullellodged
• Dt~ chc<:k or miss'lli cyc IlIw
• CON check or imemal bIeed,n&
• Gam Facoal Scar fla .. (no DP)
• DEX temporarily--6
• Unronsciou\
• DEX permancolly-l
• Sc"ere bleed,ng
• DEX check or mi!0511111 car fla ..
• Gaon Facial Scar flaw (no DP)
• DEX lemporarily·7
• Unconscious
• DEX perma""ntly _ISO
• $c,'''''' blee<,hng
• Oo:~ check or m,i,I'ng cj'e flaw
• Gaon Faclll Scar flaw (no DP)
• DEX lemporarily·8
• Unconsciou,
• DEX perm.""n.ly -!ISO
• $cvcre bleeding
• Ga,n M'lJlI""s fla .. (no SP)
• d 12 broten leelh

II .D<" • DE>: lemponrily -61SO • DE>: lemponrily _7 • DE>: Icmporarily-$

• Uno;orI5ClOlIS
• DEX permar,emly -\00
• ,Sc"ere bke<ling
• 112 DEX check or miSlill1 car
fl ••
• Oaon Facial Scar flaw (no DP)
• UI'ICOIISCIOUS
• DEX pmnanently_2
• $c,'...., bleed,"g
• Imemal hemmomagin,
• 112 Dtx check or misslllg O)'C
fl,.
• Oalll Facial Scar flaw (no BP)
• UnronSCIOW
• DEX pmnanemly -2ISO
• $c,'''''' blccding
• CON check or inlemal hem-
mOltlllling else in.emal bleeding
• Gain Epileptic flaw (no DP)
• d 12 broken leelh

". . D<" .D<" .D<.. .",,,,

85
 * DISEASES *
T here is no true cure for diseases in the Shattered
Frantic l; although there's a lot of home remedies and
patent medicines, and each man or \\'oman is going to
Ii\'c or die depending on how hale and hearty they are.
The common diseases of the Shattered Frontier are
listed below, along with details on how you catch them,
and how you can gel rid of them.
CATCHING DISEASES
E\'cry time a character eats undcrcooked food,
drinks from a pond ,or othe r slow-moving/stagnant
waler source I, spends a day in a settlement with crowd-
ed living conditions and inadequate sewage facilities or
where disease is rampant, comes inlO contact with
another character that's carrying a disease, he has a
chance of contraCling an ailment. Contact is defined
by the disea se . For cxamplc, it might be skin-to-skin
contact or getting breathed/sneezed on, depcnding on
the disease."
To learn whethe r a character catches a disease, the
player must first determi ne which disease the charac-
ler may ha\'c caught. Choose the disease appropriate
to the town or the carri er in your campaign, or roll on
Table 3.3-4: Common DistoJt$ when a random disease is
needed.
TABLE 3.3-4: COMMON DISEASES
Roll (dloo ) Disusc ViTIIlcncc FlCIor
01-70 ............. No rcslllt .................
71-80 ............. PD(umollia ..............28
81-83 .............Crollp .................. Z5
84-86 ............ .lnUl/cPu ............... .Z5
87-88 ............. Broncbitis ............... 25
89·90 ............. Maluia ................ .26
91·92 ........ .. ...Consumption ... .. ....... 27
93·94 ............. Meulcs .................26
9'>-96 .............$carlet FC\'er . ... .. ... .. .28
97 ....... .. .. .. ...Smallpox ... ............28
98 ................ Diplilheria ..............79
99 ................ Brain Fcver ............. .3O
100 ...............Cholera ............... . .J!
!\"ext, the player shou ld roll a dIOO, noting any of
the modifiers from Table 3.3-5: Conditional .lIodifiers that
apply in this situation, and add them all to the roll. If
the total result equals 71 or higher, the character
caught that disease. Of course, if he's really healthy,
he may be able to fight it oIT.
86
TABLE 3.3-5: CONDITIONAL MODIFIERS
Sett lement Modifier
lsolatcd farmhollsc .........................+1
Rllrai llow p ....................•...........+4
City ......................................+6
Crowdcd cpumpmcnl ...........••..........+8
SaniU lio!l
Abo,'c i'·CUgC ............................... ·1
A"cugc ...............••...................+1
Filtby ....................................+10
AS'
Child <4 yUIS old ........................+30
YoulIg 1<14 ycu s old ....................... +15
Old 1>60 yUtS old .........................+10
Othcr Adjustmen"
ChanCIer U!ldc! <25% hp when exposed .......+10
ChUitter alrud y hu i discisc ........... .. . .+10
Chmttcr hiS Buffalo Minge {II.... ..... .... ...+4
ChmtlCf has Consumplive (law ..............+10
ChUltlCr biS Resist Discasc/lnrectioll ulcllt ... 5
To tearn whether the character fights ofT the disease,
roll a d20 and add thc characte r's Constitution ability
score to the result. If the total result equals or cxceeds
the di~ea sc's \'irulence Factor, the charactcr's immune
system fighh ofT the ailment. Otherwise, the incuba-
tion pcriod be~n s. and Stage Onc of the disease
begins after a certain amount of time see the various
disease de~criptions belo\\ .
Hit points temporarily lost to disease return at the
same factori al rate as injuries.
COMMON DISEASES
Erain Fever
You might get brain fever "typhoid fc\'cr" to you
sm,'bones from contaminated food or water, or from
some hombre that's alrcady gOt it. So boil your water
and cook your food, if you're smart. Stage One begins
8+ I d6 days after exposure.
Stage One: Fever, weakness, stom ach pains,
headachc, not feeling hungry, contagious (carrier) and
flat. rose-colored spotS on the skin. CannOt pe rform
stre nuous tabor/act ivity such as running, sp rinting,
hca\'Y lifting. Duration: 4+ I d3 days.
Stage Two: Same as Stage Onc, plus ski n eruptions,
bone aches and inflamed bowels. Also has difficulty
making ski ll checks a 20°'0 penalty to all ski ll checks.
Duratio n: 4+1d3 days. After duration, roll Id20 +
Con against the disease's Virulence Factor. If success-
ful, character returns to normal in 1+ Id4 days. On a
faile d roll, proceed to Stage Three.
 Stage Three: Roll a dIOO. On a roll of 0[·20,
charactcr dies. On a roJ[ of 2 [. [00, character returns
to normal in 2+ld4 days. If the latter, roll another
d I 00. On a resu lt of 0 I ~05, character is pe rmanently
co ntagious.
Broncbitis
You might get bronchitis from breathing in too much
dust, smoke, or JUSt from some nasty germs. T he char~
acter enters Stage One I + I d 3 days after exposure.
Stage One: Sore throat, chills, slight fever, back and
muscle pain, fatigue, runny nose. Cannot perform
strenuous labor/activity (such as running, sprinting,
heavy lifting). Duration: Id3 days.
Stage Two: Same symptoms as Stage One, plus
cough. Character needs to sleep two hours later than
normal, and has difficulty making skill checks - a 10%
penallY to all skill checks. Duration: I d3 days.
Stage Three: Cough (other symptoms disappear).
Character's hit points drop by 25%. Duration: I d-l-
weeks. After this duration. roll Id20 + Can against
the disease's Virulence Factor. On a success. c harac~
ter's body lights off the bronchits. On a failure, pro~
ceed 10 Stage Four.
Stage Four : Cough. Duration: Id3 months. After
Id3 months, the bronchitis seemingly disappears, leav~
ing only an infrequem cough for the next 4+2d4
months. After this time, the Stage One symptoms
rcturn for a duration of I d3 months. T hey subside,
then return after anothe r 4+2d4 months.
Funhcrmorc, the G,M or another player should
secretly roll 4d4, and subtract this amount from the
characte r's maximum age - already defined in the
Prio rs and Particulars section.
Cholera
This disease is picked up primarily through conta m·
inatcd water or food, and not likely to spread through
contact with a diseased person. Still. it's possible.
Some I d4 days afte r exposure, the character enters
Stage One.
Stage One: The characte r ca n't perform strenuous
activity, and suffers vomiting, seve re cramps in the gut
and legs, diarrhea, and general weakness. He has
great difficulty concentrating - a 30% penalty to all
skill checks. Duration: 12+ld12 hours.
Stage Two: Same symptoms as Stage One, plus the
following. Character is bedridden. Very weak and fre·
q uemly thirsty, with ch ills, difficulty breathing and loss
of voice. Character's hit points drop by 50%.
Duration: 12+ld12 hours.
After the duration. roll I d20 + Can against the dis·
ease's Virulence Factor. A failed roll means death in
I d4 hours. A success proceeds to Stage T hree.
Stage Three: Same symptoms as Stage One, but
less severc, plus fever. Character still bedridden. After
6+ I d 12 hours, the fcver breaks. Penalty to skills
reduces at the rate of 10'%) per day.
Consumption
While you can get consumption (what a sawbones
might call "tuberculosis") from drinki ng infected
\unpasteurizedl milk. it can also be passed to othe r
folks through coughing and sneezing - so be careful
who you partner \I'ith,
Stage One: No sym ptoms. Duration: 2d4 weeks.
After duration, roll I d20 + Con against the disease's
Virulence Factor. If successful, the disease becomes
latent and the character su ffers no symptOms.
Howc\'cr, if the character suffers another disease later,
there is a 20% possibility that the late nt consumption
becomes active.
If the roll was unsuccessful, or latent consum pti on
becomes aClin:. proceed to Stage Two.
Stage Two : Weight loss. fever, fatigue, night sweats,
not feeling hungry, contagious (carrier). Character
cannot spri nt. Loss of 25°0 hit points. Duration: 3d4
weeks. After duration, roll I d20 + Con against the
disease's Virulence Factor. If successful, procced to
Stage T hree. If unsuccessful, the character dies.
Stage Three : Same as Stage Two, plus a co ugh and
difficulty breathing. Loss of hit points incn:ases to
50%. Character cannot perform strenuous activity
(includi ng running/sprinting). Duration: Id4 weeks.
After duration , roll I d20 + Con against tbe disease 's
Virulence Factor. If successful, the consumpt ion
becomes latent. If unsuccessful, proceed to Stage
Four.
Stage Four: ConStant tiredness, wheezing, weight
loss, bloody cough. shortness of breath. The can·
sumption has become chronic. Have the GM or
anOlher player secretly roll I d I 00. On a roll of 0 I ~50,
the character dies of consumptio n after thc next 3d6
months have passed. On a roll of 51·80, thc charactcr
dies in I d4+ I years. On a roll of 81 ~ I 00, the charac~
ter dies of consllmption in 6+2d6 years.
Each time the character finishes a strenuous activity
(such as running or sprinting), he must make a
Consti tution check. If he fails, he mllst rest (and do
not hing else) for 10 seconds (100 counts) per each sec·
ond of StrellUOUS activity. If he refuses to rest, he s uf~
fers severe chest pain and sho rtn ess of breath, losing I
87
hit point per 2 seconds (20 counts) he continues to
strain himself. The cha raCler's total hp is permanent-
ly reduced by 10% ,
Croup
Trouble breathing and a constant ·'barking" cough
might mean you've caught the croup. Th e character
enters Stage One some 1<112 hours after exposure.
Stage One: Difliculty breathing. infrequent cough-
ing, contagious (carrier). Duration: I d 12+ 12 hours.
Stage Two: Same symptoms as SUlgC One.
Charaner needs to sleep t\\"o hours later than no rmal.
Duration: 1d3 days. After duraTion , roll I d20 + Can
against the di sease's Virulence Factor. On a failed roll ,
proceed to Stage Three. On a success. charaClcr
returns to normal in another I d 12+ 12 hours.
Stage Thre e : Same symptoms as Stage Onc and
Two. T he charact er loses 25°'0 of hi~ hi t points.
Durat ion: 3+ I d<\ weeks.
Dipbtberia,
Normally, a feve r and sore throat isn't tOO bad. If
it·s diphtheria. though, you better start praying. The
character elllers Stage One some 1+ 1d3 days alicr
exposure.
Stage One: Character can't pcrform ~ trenuous
act ivity (including running/sprinting '. and has ~e\'ere
so re throat , light f('\"cr, contagious carrier. Duration:
24+2d 12 hours.
Stage Two: Same symptOms as Stagc On e, plus loss
of 50% hit points. Duration: 2+ I d+ days. After dura-
tion, roll 1d20 + Con against the disease's Yirulence
FacIOI'. On a failed roll, proceed to Stage T hree. On
a success, character returns to normal in 12+2d 12
hOllrs. Remain contagious for another Id4 weeks.
Stage T h ree: CharaCter has diOiculty breathing,
rapid heartbeat, pale cold skin , anxious appeara nce.
Hit points drop 10 25% of normal. Duration: Id 3
days. Afler duration , make a Constituti on check ver-
sus half Can. On a failure, proceed to Stage four. If
successful, hit points now relurn at the rate of l/day.
and the character can perform strenuous activity in
12+2d 12 hours. Remain contagious for another I d4
weeks.
Stage Four: Roll IdIO. On a result of!. character
dies. On a 2 through 9. the character shakes olT the
disease. The character's total hp is permanentl y
reduced by 10%. Th ere is a 10% chan ce Ihe charac-
ter also loses 1 point of Strength and I point of
Constitution (roll for each). T he character can per-
88
form strenuous activity after Id4 weeks. Remain con-
tagious for anoth er Id4 weeks.
Influenza
Also known just as the "flu ," this is another o ne of
those diseases that sneaks up on you. The character
becomes infectious within J d '~ hours after exposure,
and enters Stage One some I + I d3 days after ex po-
sure.
Stage One: Infrequent cough, headachc, general
weakness. contagious carrier). Duration: I dS days.
After duration , roll Id20 + Ca n against the disease's
Virulence FacIO!". On a failed roll, proceed to Stage
Two. On a success, character returns 10 normal 111
another I d 12 hours.
Stage Two: Character suffers il temporary - 1 \0
Strength, can't perform strenuous activity (including
running/sprinting), a nd has frequent cough, fe\'cl~ sore
throat. headache, extreme fatigue , contagious (ca rri er).
Du ration: Id3 days. After durat ion, roll Id2Q + Con
againsll hc diseasc·s Virulence Factor. On a failed roll,
proceed to Stage T hree. On a success, cha racter
returns to normal in anothe r I d 12 hours.
Stage Three: Sa me ~ymplom~ as Stage T wo, plus
loss of 10°.1" hi t points. Duration: 2d 12 hours. After
du ra tion, ma ke a Constitution check versus half Con.
On a failure, proceed to Stage On e of Pneumonia ,
below. If successful, character rcturns to normal in
12+ld12 hours.
Malaria
You get malaria from infected mosquitoes, though
the folk s of the Shallcred Frontier aren't aware of that
yet. You ' ll have a fever (eal!ed the ·'ague "), and may
feci like you're gell ing a flu. St:\ge One begi ns
10+ I d20 days a ft er getting bit.
Stage One: Chills and headache. Duration: 3d20
minutes.
Stage Two: Temporary loss of 1 point of Strength
and I point of C onstitution. Character cannot per-
form Strenuous activity (including running, sprinting),
a nd has fe,·e r, nausea, vomiting, headache, and int ense
th irst . Duration: 2+ I d4 hours,
Stage Thre e : Feve r with profuse sweating, fatigu e
(no strenuous activity). Duration: 1+ Id3 hours.
Stage Four: Roll ld20 + Con against the discasc·s
Virulence Factor. On a success, continue to repeat thc
above stages cvery Id 3 days, for the next lel4 weeks.
Afterwards. charactcr returns to normal in 24 hours.
On a failu re, th e malaria becomes chronic. There is
a 20% chancc the character permanently los!::s I point
of Strength and I point of Constitution (ro!! for each).
The character can perform strenuous activity after I d4
weeks. Remain contagious for another I d4 weeks.
Character must roll I d 100 eve ry day for the rest of his
life. On a result of I, character has a relapse and suf-
fers Stages One through Three.
Measles
You can spOt this springtime disease from small, red.
irregularly-shaped spots with blue-white cente rs inside
the mouth. Of course, since most folks don't look
inside your mouth too often, you might have to wait a
while to see the large flat red to brown blotches that
start popping up all O\'er the skin. Stage One begins
6+ I d6 days after exposure.
Stage One : Runny nose, cough, slight fe"er that
rises slowly ove r duration, contagious (carrier).
Duration: 4+ I d3 days.
Stage Two: Fever, red blotchy rash, contagious ca r-
rier). Character has difficulty concentrating - a 10°0
penalty to all skill checks. Duration: 4+ I d3 da\·s.
After du ration, roll I d20 + Con against the disease's
Virulence Factor. On a success, character returns to
normal in I d 12+ 12 hours. O n a failure , proceed to
Stage Three.
Stage Three: Th e character suffers comp licat ions -
roll a d I 00. On a result of I, cha racte r suffers inflam-
mation of the brain and dies. On a result of 02-14,
proceed to Stage One of pneumonia, below. In either
case, characte r becomes immune to future exposures
of measles.
Pneumonia
O nce you catch pneumonia, you'll have some sort of
cough, at least. It really depends on what kind you
caught yersclf.
Roll a d20.
"Br On a 01-06. it's bactcrial.
rF On a 07 - 16. it's "iraL
:T On 17-20, it's "walking pneumonia."
Of course. to the folks of the Shattered Frontiers,
there's no difference - it's all just pneumonia . Stage
On e begins I + I cl3 days after exposure.
89
 Stage On e (Bacteria l): Chills, shakes, high fever,
sweating, chest pain, cough with yellow/green mucus.
No strenuous activity (including running/spril1ling).
Duration: 7+1d6 days. After du ration, roll ld20 +
Can against the disease's Virulence FaclOr. On a suc·
cess, characwr returns 10 normal in 3+ld~ days. On
a failure , proceed to Stage Two.
Sta ge One (Viral): Dry cough, muscle pain,
fatigue, fever, headache. Character has difficult), COIl-
centrati ng - a 15% penalty to all skill checks. No
strenuous activity (including running/sprinting).
Duralion: 7+ Id6 da}'s. After duration, roll Id20 +
COil against Ihe disease's Virulence FactOr. On a suc-
cess, character retur ns to normal in 3+ld4 days. On
a failure, proceed to Stage T wo.
Stage On e (Walking): Light cough, fe"cr, mild
fat igue, headache. C haracter cannot sp rint. and suf-
fers a 5% pena lty 10 all skill checks. Duration:
Number of days equal 10 12+3d6, minus Constitlluon
score (minimum 3 days. After duration , charaCler
returns to normal in 3+ I d4 d:\ys.
Stage Two: Same symptoms as Stage One, plus dif-
ficulty breathing, nausea, vomi ting, mental confusion.
Duration: 3+ I d4 days. After d uration, roll I d20 +
Con against the disease's Virulence Factor. On a suc-
cess, character !"e turns to normal in anOlber 3+ Id4
days. On a failure, proceed to Stage Three.
Stage Three : Same symptoms as Stage T\\o. plus
loss of 25% hit points. Duration: 3+ I d+ days. After
d uration, make a Constitution check ve rsus half Can.
On a failure, proceed to Stage Four, below. If success-
ful, symptoms fade in 3+ I d~ days.
Stage Four: Same symptoms as Stage Three, for
the nexi Id4 weeks, followed by death.
Scariet I!ver
T hose darn bacteria - there's not hing 10 be dune
about them. Don't touch somebody with scarlet fever,
or cat from the same plate , because you're sure to get
it. Stage One begins I + I d3 days after exposure.
Stage One: Sore throat, Oushed face, fever, chills,
contagious (carrier). D uration: 12+3d12 hours.
Stage Two: Same as Stage O ne, plus a rash of little
red bumps. Loss of 25% hit points. D uration:
12+ld12 hours. After d uration, roll Id20 + Con
agai nst the disease's Virulence Factor. On a success,
character returns to normal and rash disappears in
anothe r 3+ 1d4 days. On a failure, proceed to Stage
T hree.
Stage Three: Sallle symptollls as Stage Two, plus
higher feve r, nausea, and vomiting. Hit point loss
90
drops to 50%. D uration: 3+ I d4 days. After duration,
roB Id20 + Con against the disease's Virulence Factor.
On a success, symptoms and rash disappear in 2+ 1d3
days. O n a failure , character suncrs complications and
dies.
Small pox
This is a terrible sickness, and even if you sUlvive it,
you're going to be len with a right ugly face. Stage
One begins 7+ld10 da~'s after exposure.
Stage One: Feve r, fatigue , head and body aches,
contagious (carrier), and small red SpOtS develop on
mouth and tongue. Loss of 25% hit points. Character
cannot perform st renuous activity (including jog-
ging/running/sprinting). D uratio n: 12 + ld12 hou rs.
Stage Two: Same as Stage One, but mouth rash
....anishes and rash spreads to all parts of the body. Hit
point loss increases to 50 0 o. Duration:! 2+ 1d 12
hours.
Stage Three: Fatigue, head and body aches, COlHa·
gious (ca rrier), with large pus·fil!ed rash all over body.
Hit point loss increases to 80°/11 . D uration: Id3 days.
After duration. roll I d20 + Con agai nst thc disease's
Virulence Factor. On a success, proceed to Stage Four.
On a failure. roll a d!OO. On a roll of 01-30, blood
forms under the ~ kin , organs begin to bleed and char-
acter dies. On a roll of 31-65, character becomes
blind as the Plumb Blind flaw. On a roll of 66-100,
the disease weakens Ihe character, and he suffers a per-
mane m I penalty to his SIn:.ngth and Constitution
ability.
Stage Four: Same as Stage Three, but bump s start
to crust and scab. Duration: 4+ld3 days.
Stage Five: Same as Stage Three, but bumps start
to fall off, leaving pitied scar~. Duration: -I + I d3 days.
After duration. roll Id20 + Can against the disease's
Virulence Factor. On a success, character suffers a
permanelH I to his Charisma and I Looks ability
scores. On a failure, the penalty is -2 to Charisma and
- I to Looks. III either case, the cha racter's total hI' is
permanently reduced by 10% .
* POISONS *
Th ere aren't toO many homb res who usc poison to
gct rid of their enemies - after all, a bullet is a heck of
a lot cheaper and quicke r. Of course, you still need to
watch out for snakes ..
\\'henever a character gets poisoned (what we call
"pizened" ), he needs to roll a d20 and add his
Constitution score. If this poison Tolerance roll is
 Poison Oak
TABLE 3.3-6: POISONS AND VENOMS This vine or shrub has leaves like an oak tree, but it
T,p< Ddiver ~ Fletor Dlmlgc" CosT isn't nearly as pleasant to touch. Its oil rubs off on the
Arscnic .. . .IDgwed ...... 26 .. Zel20 .... ,$0.08
body, causing rashes and blisters wherever it touches .
Gilt monster . .. .Bile .... . .22 .. .. .2+2d~ .. ,"
MOOllsced . .. . .Iogested ......W ......Zd,! ... ,' Of course, if you wash it off quick you have nothing
PoisoD olk ... . .Coouel .IS ... .. . .ld4 . . .." to worry about (no roll needed if character washes
SeorpioD. buk .stiog ... . .. .25 ..... 2+Zd'1 .... within 2 hours of exposure).
ScorpioD. o ther .sliog ... . .. .l+ld'l .. ,-
$Ol kt. coppc:rhcJd . ... Bile ....... . .23 .... .Z+ld'1 .. .- Scorpion! Bark
$ol ke. co r ~ 1 . . . .. Bilt .. . ...... .22 ... . .l+ld4 .. ,-
SDth. CQ !lonmoulh ... Bile ...24 .... .2+2d4 .... These little straw-colored varmints (about 2-3 inch-
$ol ke. rmJesDlkc .. ...Arrow. Bile ...15 .3+2d4 ....... es long) like to live in trees and moist , dark places .
Spidu. bbck ...idow ... Bile . .25 .... .l+!d4 ...... ,- Aside from the damage they do, you'll ha\·e twitching
Spidu. brown reduse .. Bile ......25 ..... .Id'! ........" facial muscles, cramps and nausea for I d3 hours .
•plus I lly listed dfecTs

greater than the Poison Factor, the character suffers
only half damage (minimum I), Each poison and its
damage is listed on Table 3.3-6: Poisolls alld Velloms, wi th
details below.
Hit points lost to poison o r venom return
factorial rate as normal injuries,
Arsenic
You can ge t this white, tasteless, odorless po\\-der
down at the apothecary shop. Works great for killing
rats, but I reckon you could usc it for people, too, Of
course, I hea r that smaller than usual doses don't real-
ly affect folks.
Lesser doses cause weakness, secretly reducing the
character's hit points by 5% (regained normally).
Gila Monster
This big lizard lives mostly in northwest .\ Iexico,
northwest Arizona, south )Jevada, eastern California
and southwest Deserel. They are usually black and
pink, or black and coral colored, and might be as big
as 20 inches long. Its kin, the l\'Iexican beaded lizard,
can grow up to 3 fect long. Ii 's hard to get bitten
unless you pick one up, so I wouldn't recommend it.
For symptoms, see the rattlesnake entry below.
Scorpion! Other
\Iost scorpions ha\'e colo rs anywhere from straw to
brown to black. and length from less than I to 5 inch-
es long. Fortunately. they·re a little less poisonous.
at the same
Snake! Copperhead
A western copperhead a\·erages about 3 feet long.
Symptoms see rattlesnake begin within Sd20 minutes
of the bite, and last for I d4 hours,
Snake! Coral
The western coral snake lives in cent ral ~1 exico and
the western Republic of Texas. Its coloration is red,
yellow, and black, in alternati ng stripes. Just remem-
ber - " red before yellow and you're a dead fellow."
Unlike most other snakes, this snake dcli\·c rs its \'et1Om
by grooves in the teeth, rather than injecting it. There
is a 50% chancc that you'll take no damage if you pull
the snakc off quick (within 2 seco nds).
Five minutcs after the \·enom enters, the characte r
suffers drowsiness, weakness, blurred vision (~4 to
Accuracyl and slurred speech for the next I d6 hours,
If you roll a I on ),our Tolcrance roll, roll a dIOO. The
charactcr has a 20°0 cha nce (01-20) 10 die from a heart
attack.

Moonseed Snake, Cottonmouth

If you find them in or about the water, you're prob~
Also called Texas sarsaparilla, this vine can grow up
abl), looking at what we call a "cottonmouth." They
to 12 feet tall, with broad maple-like leaves. In J uly,
can get up 10 6 fect long, and have a dark brown body
small yellow or greenish-white flowe rs bloom, and
with a lighter yellowish body, SymptOms (see rat-
small bunches of black, grape-like fruits appear in
tlesnake) appear within 5d20 minutes of the bite, and
September. T hese fruits cause trouble, since unknow-
last for I d4 hours.
ing kids sometimes pick and eat them.

91
Snake, Rattlesnake
T his sna ke's rattle is the best way to figure Out if
you're gelling 100 close.
If bit, roll a diDO.
'i3r On a result of 01-25, the characte r only suffe rs
damage from the bi te.
; ? On a result of 26-60, the character also experi-
ences pain, sligh t bleeding and swelling.
'i3r On a result of 61-85, the character also suffers
nausea, vomiting, fa tigue, severe pain, and the whole
limb swells up.
On a result of 86-100, the character suffers
'Gflr
severe pain and swelling, he has difficulty breathing.
and must make a Constitution check \'ersus half his
Con score. On a failed check, the character lapses into
shock and dies. Symptoms begin within 5d20 minutes
of Ihe bite, and last for I d4 hours.
92
Spider, Black Widow
T his shiny black spider has a reddish hourglass mark
on its stomach. You tend to find them in old closets,
allies, woodpiles, animal burrows, barns, and outhous-
es. The character feels pain around the bite within
3d I 0 minutes. Difficulty breathing, muscle twitching,
eyelid swelling, headache, nausea, and pain in the
abdomen, back and legs appears within I d2 hours.
Spider, Brown Recluse
Brown recluse spiders like dark corners - be carefu l
whe re you stick your hand! The character feels aching
around the bite after 4+ Id4 hours, and there is a 10'%
chance that the character also suffers from nausea and
high fe,·er. for the next 4+ I d3 days. Afterwards, it
becomes a black patch of dead tissue that rots and falls
off after Id4 weeks. This deep wound takes 2+ld4
months to heal. There is a 10% chance (100% if bit-
ten on the face that this causes the character 10 per-
manently lose a point of Looks.
 3.41 Brawling
hese rules cover situations where brawling itself White C hips (Endurance ) represent your staying

T is the center of the action. These situations

might include a challenge to fisticuffs, a heated
fi slfight between two arguing characters (especially if
power in a fist fight. You get a number equal to the
sum of your \ Visdom and Constitution scores. White
chips reduce any damage suffered from opponents by
onlookers are there and honor is at stake), wrestling 2 points per while chip bet.
matches, bare- knuckl ed boxing matches or the classic • For a shQr/er brawl, halve all slarting chips.
barroom brawl. In these instances where the fight
itself is the main encounte r or epicente r of the action,
these brawling rules provide enhanced play and nexi-
bility as well as a more protracted scenario. If you
* BETTING *
Each round of brawling is structured somewhat like
enjoy a good barroom brawl complete with makeshift
a poker game. Each combatant decides how many, if
weaponry (e.g., chairs broken over the back or a
<lny. of his chips he wishes to utilize in any given round
whiskey bottle to the head), these rules will do nicel\".
by tossing them into Ihe pot. H owever, every player

* SETUP *
E<lch ch<lracter begins with <I set numbcr of poker
chips that represent that c haracter's ability to deal and
withstand damage and hit others. These chips come in
precisely three varieties . Each player begins with a
stac k of chips defined by the ir ability scores as follows:
Red Chips (Da11l.age) represent brute strength
and you r ability to innict damage. You receive twice
your Strength score in ch ips. Red c hips dete r mine the
damage bonus of successful hits. Each red chip bet
gives + I point of damage.
Blue C hips (Agility) represent your ability to con -
nect with an opponent. You rece i\'e a IOtal numbe r of
blue ch ips equal to the total of your Intelligence and
Dexterity. Blue chips determine who swings first.
Each blue chi p bet gives a + I "To- hil."
must tO~~ in at lea~t one while " Endurancc" chip.
Anyone controlling any non-player characte rs invoh'ed
will ha\'e to t05S in one white chip pe r character as
\\·ell. Th ese "antes" are then swept and counted 10
make sure C\'cryone that wants to lake an action has
paid a chip and remO\'ed from the fight.
After anteing. each player utilizes his chosen number
of red, blue and white chips by "betting" and tossing
them into the ccnter of the table lor into the "pOI").
Each color is handled in turn and each round of "bcl-
ting" goes from the lowest to the highest Wisdom, thus
the character with the lowest \ Visdom "bets" first.
T he maximum chips that may be bet by any charac-
ter in any given round of brawling is as follows:
Red (Damage): '/7 Strength score
Blue (Agility): '17 Dexte rity score
White (Endurance): '17 Constitution score
• JVole: All scores are rounded do w lI . Titus, a character
wilh an II Dexterity can bet a maximum of 5 Agili!J' cflips.

EXAMPLES OP INITIAL CHIPS DEAL! 24 Red (D ~m~ge ) : 2" Strength (12) Looks . .7/ 03
A chiueter nimed Bill GHrett h~s 24 Blue (Agilit y): Int elligence (15) ChH;sml .. 11/ 53
the following stlts: plus De"terity (9)

StrengTh .. .12/59 20 WhiTe (EnduUDce): Wisdom (6) Jl ke receives The foJJo~' ing chip touls
plus Constitution (14) prior to bnw ling:

-------
Intelligence .15/93
Wisdom .. .6/91
.. .9177 AnOTher chuieter nimed Jike Cuson 22 Red (D imlgc): 2 " Strength (II)
De"terity
hiS the foUoll'ing Silts
CObstituTion .14/73 25 Bl ue (Agility): InTelligence (1 2) +
Strength ......... 11/66 De"teriTy ( 13)
Loo ks .. .9/60
Intelligence .. · .12/ 63 22 White (EnduUDce): Wisdom (10)
Chuismi .7/ 11
Wisdom · .10/86 + Constitution (12)
Bill is therefore deilt out the follow ·
ing quutities of poker chips prior 10 the De"terity · .13/47
brlw l: Constitution ... . .12/32

93
 * BRAWLING *
Players take th eir turns in order of the number of
Agility (blue) c hips beL H ighest goes first (ties are bro-
km by Dexterity scores /0 fI,e 10011, place. ' 'til
Intelligence
scores (0 tlu JOOlh place. then a rf20 roll).
To hit anOTher character, the playe r picks any adja-
celli target, rolls a d20 and adds a + I bonus for each
Agility (blue ) chip bet (back at the sian of the round\.
Tbe defender rolls a d20 and adds his Accuracy/ H it
Probabilit y modifier gran ted by his Dexterity score. If
Ihe attacker's roll exceeds the defende r's roll, the
attack sllcceeds (i.e., tics go to the defender).
Exampl, of }Jetting and the First Pu." h
Bill Garrett ana Jake Carsoll aTe harill' "ltm.uh'('J a brau.f.
Bolh plqyers loss in om! while (hip Jor milt. reducing Ih eir total
by one. Now it's lime to prtpare. Jake decidts he's going (0 btl
the maximum rei! (five) and blut (six) chips ht's allowed, plus
aile wllite chip. Bill's gOl/lla be more constn'alille (md bfis only
Iltru reds and two bllles, plus (lITer l}.:hife chips.
SinCf Jake bel flu most blue (Agility) chipJ, fit' gets 10 roll his
aifackjirsl. He rolls a d20, gelling a resull if 13, alld adds
+1 for each blue chip btl,Jor a tolal if 19. To dffind. Bill
rolls a d20 alld adds his AUI/rag/Hil Probabili~)1 (+0) from
Dextaity for a lolal rif 14. Since Jake; foli beal Bill's difense-.
fht allack succeedJ~
Th e injured player must remO\·c Ihc damage total in
chips from his lhree chi p stacks in any combination he
chooses (e.g., 3 points of damage can be three red
chips, or two red and one blue. or threc white, onc of
each, ele). Damage dealt by a successful punch is one
point plus the number of Damage ch ips (red) bet by
the attacki ng player. H oweve r, if the defender bet any
white chi ps. the damage is reduced by two points for
each one Endurance chip (white) bet by the defending
player (nOte this can reduce damage to zero from a
would-be damaging blow). If {he defending character
is damagcd, the defe nding playcr must remove a num-
ber of hi s own chips (not already in the pOt) equa l 10
the damage suffe red from his stacks. He places them
<lside (the), are lost from the fight ). No hit points arc
lost, just chips.
A natur<ll "I'· on the attacker's roll indicates a vcry
poor miss: the attacker suffers the efTects listed on the
~1i s ll<lp s chan and the defende r may make a free,
immediate coull\er-au<l ck that docs not count as his
attack for that turn but is otherwise the sa me as his
standard allack for that turn in all respects (i.e., usc the
chip tOtals bel that round), A natural "I" on the
defender's roll gives the attacker an immediate free
allack (identical to his first attack). A namral roll of
94
"20'· for the attacker docs double Damage c hips and
the extra Damage chi ps ignore any Enrluf(lIlce chips
played by thc defender (but the first ones bet are not
ignored). A natural roll of "20" by the defender dou-
bles the value of the Enduran ce (white) chips played.
Results of th' First Punch and a Cou nter
Wilh his suuesiful af/ack, .Jake deals oru point rif damage
plus alit poiflt for tach red chip lit bel (fi~'e), for a 10101 rif 6
poiflls. However. Bill bel thru while c/u"ps, which remove 2
points rif da7llagefor each whitt cllip hrt. Thai's three chips X
2 poillts.for a lotalof 6. Bill slluesifully blocked 0/1 rif jake's
damagt. ,Vow it's Bill's lurn 10 allark.
Bil/ rolls a d20, gr/lillg a "slIll rif 8, olld adds + I Jar each
blue chl/; bet (Iu'o). for a 10101 rif J0. To dgelld, .Jake rolls a
d20 and adds IllS Dt>:lrriry dtfinst modifia (+1)fol" a to/aloJ
1-1. Sinct Bill ; rollJoiled 10 beat Jake; defin.ft', Ihe allac/;
Jails.
After any round of fighling. a character with zero
Damage (red) chips is too weak to injure a.nyone
beyond one point. any ch,uacter with zero Agility
(blue) chips is too fatigued to throw a really accurate
punch and thus can·t get a bonus to-hit , and any char-
aCler with zero Endurance white) chips is winded and
muSt spend one round resting see below) or spend one
each of D amage and Agility chips to gain an
Endurance chip for ante.
If at any limc, a character's ch ips arc down to zero
ill all three categories, he's knoc ked and/or pas5ed out.
Damage beyond the final ch ip is removed from the
c haracter's hit point total. This hit point damage is
actual damage - thus, a character without chips can
be beaten to death if his opponent's are not stopped
and of a mind to do so.
Duration of unconsciousness is equal to I d 10 sec-
onds. If the blow that knocked the charac ter un con-
scious dealt more damage than the defending charac-
ter had chips (i.e., he would have a negative number of
chips:, thai character is knocked unconscious for an
additional 10 seconds pcr chip he was shy. Every 10
seconds, (he unconscious character may al\cmpt a
COlHlitLllion check to regain consciousness. Th e char-
acter may not act the first 10 seconds in which he
regaIns conSCIOusness.
THE RAKE
Th e highest natural attack roll (i.e., not modified
by chips) each rou nd wins thal round's pot. less the
rake (sec below). These chi ps arc then added 10 that
character's chips and he can use them in futu re brawl-
ing rounds.
 A percentage of eaeh type of c hip from each pot is
removed as follows: one of each type chip for every I-
10 chips bet or fraction thereof, for every four brawlers
that rolled dice or otherwise contributed !O the pOl.
For example, if the pot consisted of 16 Damage, 21
Agility and 9 Endurance chips and there we re 2-4
brawle rs, two Dam age c hi ps, three Agility chips and
one Endurance chip would be removed. If there were
5-8 b rawle rs double the c hips wou ld be removed. and
for 9- t 2 brawle rs the players would remove triple .
and so on. The simplest way 10 keep track of this is 10
stack the chips in color groups of 10 and remove one
chip from eveq' stack (including fractional slacks I for
every four brawlers. Thus, remove one per 10 for 1-4
brawlers, 2 per 10 for 5-8 brawlers. C IC. In the en'nt
of a tic, the chips remain ill the pal and the winner of
the following round wins bOth pOts!
Example of a Rake
Jake alld Bill hm'e bOlhjinishcd thfir attacks, so iI's til/ufor
the rake. The pOI consists rif all tlte chips Ihey nnled alld bel.
lo/allllg: eight red cflips, tigltt blue chips and sit; I1'lIilf (hips.
Sillce there art Oll(y (wo brawlm and less Ihan '0 (ftip.r if each
color, on(y onf if each (olor is put aside (raked). TIlt remaill -
der rif till' pol (seven ml, swen blut and jiue wltilt) all goes to
Jake. sinet he had tilt highest nltack roll.
TIME
Each round of b rawling equals 10 seconds of dura-
tion. Ea ch rollnd of rest (inaction) ea rns back three
chips of the resling character's choice.
Exam pJe of a Time Out
uls SIiPPOl( thaI. aptr afew rOllnds rif brawling, Bill runs
Ollt of whitt (hipl. On hiJ ne.\ / round, he'll lakr no !lction
(tilher IlUad.· or d~ftllst). Allht beglllning rif the next roulld, ht
rtWrel lIme 1{'IIilf' {hips. Hell hm'e to liSt one rif these white
{ltipsJQr ante, unless he sprnds anotlla rOlllld flStillg.
STUNNING
Any round 111 which a character suffe rs damage
equal to half his re maining Endurance chips, he is par-
tially st unned for the next round. Partially stu nned
95
characters may bet a maximum of '/2 their normal
maximum (or II, the relevant original ability score). If
in one blow a character suffers damage equal to or
greater than his remaining endurance chips, he's
stunned for one action and cannot take his next action
(this round of inaction does not count as " Rest"), falls
prone and is then partially stunned for the following
round. Note that a charaeter's next action could be in
the same round or in the next round depending on
whether hc already attacked that round.
Any character that is stunned (but not partially
stunned) twice within two rounds is knocked uncon-
scious for I round.
ExampJe of Stunning
For example, let's suppose that Bif{ only' has four tdlile
(Endurance) chips Iif!. If lit suffirs 111)0 poinls 0/ damage. he's
partially slunned. 011 his next round. he can only belthrtf red.
two blue alld three white chips. instead 0/ his normal maxi/llll/ll
0/ six ud,jollr bille and seun whitt.
On the other hand, lel''s say Ihal Bill hasfour white chips Iif!,
bill SIIffirs 4 points or //lore oj damage. He can't
96
al/ack or deftnd dllrll1g his next action. bul gains no while chips
jar resting. Tll ejoflowing fOllnd, lit is only partially stUll/ltd,
(IS descn'bed above.
MOVING AND SPECIAL ACTIONS
l\ lost of the time, a brawl isjusl twO drunk hombres
cuffing each other about the head and fa ce. However,
if you want \0 spend some extra chips on your turn ,
you can decla re that you're making a special action.
.\ Jaking a special action is the only lime you get \0
spe nd more chips than you're normally allowed, since
their effects arc different. You arc essentially trading
these extra chips in exchange for being able \0 perfo rm
the special move. T hese chips are taken out of the
game Ihey do not go into the "pot" with the others.
You can only perform one special act ion per attack,
and the special action is only successful if your attack
hits.
Movjng, etc.: ~ I o\'ing is really a catch·all for a
special action that doesn't directly affect another char-
acter. The se include
such Ihin g~ as moving, jum ping behind Ihe bar, picking
up a chair, swingi ng from the chandel ier, or grabbing
a pull ofT Ih al whiskcy bottle that ot her feller see ms to
have forgOl about a nd left unattended-like on the bar.
Th ese actions a ll cost one blu e chip.
Using a Weapon: Actions that do directly alleet
anothe r character cost one of each type of chip. This
includes using a wca pon or a makeshift weapon such
as a chai r. hottle, gun butt. pock(·t pislOl or bowie
knife. Da mage delivered by hitting a character \\'ilh a
wcapon , chair, hott le, and 110 on, i~ rolled per the
weapon and modified by bOlh Stren~th modifiers like
a norlllal hit l and Da mage chip" Thc damagc total
witho ut Damage chips i.e. , the weapon damage plus
St rengt h bOllll'i1 is removed from the defender's hit
poi rllt otn l, and the IOta I damage is I'i.'mo\'(~d fro m thc
ch aractcr's c hips \modifi ed by any Endur;\IlCC ('hips
b e l , of course). Keep in mind, you '1Ilikcly have 10 lir't
perform a ~Io\'ing action to g rilb ,I wcapon lInlcs~ you
had a wcapon read~ whcn the oranl ~tarted .
~apon Damag'
:3J'" Usc !lta ndard wea pon damage
~ Chairs do ld4 for standard chairll, or Id6 for
heavy c hai rs
Fir Boules do ld3 if empty, l eI! if half or more full
Exam ple of Usi ng a ~.pon
I~"l Jf!}' 11,01 Jab dlt/arts h~ /L'a"ls 10 attack /Jillll'ilh all
~mM~ bot/II'. loki htls two fld and Iliru bl,u c/lips. plus ont
u·hiu dlip. 1/, also spcnds one addiriollol h/uf chlpfor ,\loving
(0 pick lip Iht boltlt. Bill bets llL'O reds lind Ilt'O blues. plus two
whilt chips.
Siner Joki btl t/it most hlue (Agili!YJ chips, ht gels fo roll his
allockjirst. lit Tolb a d20, getting a mull W IOJ lind adds
+ I for Mdt bltu chip bel, for a 10/01 of 12. To deftnd. Bill
rolls a d20 01111 adds !Jis AUl/fOry/lIit Probahilil.J (+0) from
DO:ltrily for a lolnl of 9. Sincr la/" 'j roll btat Billj deftl/.It.
tilt allock slI((uds.
II 'iln his SIICWljU/ attack. Joki' dtals , pomt oj damage,
plus 2 points if damage for tnt tlt'O rtfl chip) ht bel. pluJ I d3
(ill this case, +2) for tltt bottle. (/lid +0 from Itis Strength
bOlllls.Jor a tolal of 5/lOillls. Sillre Bill bellwo while c/tips.
he TtmOt'tS 2 poillts qf damageJor tad, whilt' chip bel. TIw,/:5
two chipj .\" 2 /lOiflLl.jor a tolal qf 4. Bill slIrmsfully blocked
off bUI I point qf Joke's damagt. so lit Oll()' losts 0111' chip oj
his choiu. Ilolt:tur. sina Jake used II ll'tllPOII, Bill abo lOla
2 hil poinls (2 poilllS from lilt bollit. and 0 from Jake's
Slrtng/h).
Counter Action: To perform this aClion , a player
simply sets aside two chips of each color (two bluc, IWO
white and twO red l when a nothe r adjaccnt cha racte r
lries to pcrform a Special Action. ~ lI ch as pulling out Ok
shoOl ing iron. At that poi nt, the cha racte r Using a
" 'capon. or ~ I oving, or whatever (in our case dra\ling
Ihe poc ket pistol with a )'I ovin g Action), may add as
mallY blue (Agility) chi ps 10 his Special Action as
desired. Then , the cha racte r playing thc Counter
Actio n m a y bct as many hl ue chips as he desircs. If
Ihe Counter. \ etion has mo n : blue Chips Ihan the
~p('dal .\ction, the Spf'cia l ,\ el ion player mar choo~e
10 add more blue c hips. This biddin~ process contin-
ues until one player i~ tOO COIl il rd ly to up the sta kes
any further.
f inall), the players each roll a d 20 .Itld add a + I pcr
blue chip that that charactl'r played. If the Special
.\ etion p layer\ tota l exceeds the Counter Action
Player's totaL the Special ,\ ct ion may proceed (in this
ca~e. he lila) fire hi, pockcl pi~101 at point blank.
rollinl!: Til-hit and rollo\\in~ the' ~ulllighting mit's nor-
mally. If the Counter .\("Iion plilyer\ total equals or
c ... (·el'd~ the Special .\etion player'~ total, the S pecia l
.\('(ion fai ls the player~ aft· ~trll~g l ing o\'er the
firearm. ~Ii s haps Is and natural tl\t'lltit'~ 205 arc
h:lndlcd as described above in the ~ta ndard b ra\\ ling
rules.
Example of • Counter AcUon
Xou~ if Bill had wallied /0 slOP Jllkt from hiltin' him ldth n
bottle, lit could hart stl oSldt 111.'0 red, Iwo blut. and Iwo I(;hill
chipJ for II Coulller Arlion. Suillg Ihal. JnAe bell Ihru bltlt
CIliPf agaiml Bill'f /It'O blue chips ill tilt COUllttT Aclioll.
{ThtJe particula/" bllle rid/IS dOI/'1 add /0 /lis IIl/ack roll tht.v'rt
jllsi 10 Iltlp hil/l 1'1111 t1J lilt sp((ial aC/1011 alld do 110/ go illio
Ihr /Jol, bIll /h~v do disllpprllr Jrolll his slark 'II (flips.) If 8ill
dotSII '1 be/ al!p IllOrr blur clu'psfllr lilt' COli Iller . Iclioll, Jake call
pTocud willt his Special . Icliol/. TIlt biddillg gOlS bac/;, lind
Jorlh. u'i,', Bill adding 1I110lhtr 11/;0 blllt cllipl (follr lotl/I). /hl'll
Jllkt addillg allothtr two (fit·t 10101). 8ill drcidtJ 1/01 to add 0I~l'
1I/0ft blue chips (hefolds).
JaAt rolb a d20 alld addJ +5 (/il·t Sp((ial Aclioll blut
chips), fo' a 10/01 qf 17, Bill also fOI/S a d20 and adds + 4
(follr CouIII" Aclioll blut cltipJ), jor a lola/ oj 16. Jakr'f
Spuial Ac/ioll rail proeed.
Body Blow: A body blow is when yOLl throw a left
o r right pu nch to the olher guy's ribs. to his g ut , to his
slernum or th(' center of hi s bod y, \\ hal some folks ca ll
Ihe solar plcx u s~ . You have to spend an extra two red
c hips. bill if you hit, aside from thc rcsuhs of your nor-
ma l da m age, you r opponent al~o losl's o ne white chip
from hi ~ stack of unuscd chi ps.
Break Away : Need lO b rea k away from thai hom-
bre that 's got a g ra b or a hold on you? Brea king awa)
97
from a grab costs two red and lWO blue chips, but
breakin' away from a hold costs either four red chips
or four blue chips.
Cross : T he powerful straight punch from the back
fist packs a might)' pop. It costs ya a blue and a white
but adds two red chips to the attack.
Grab: If you wa nt to grab that hombre, such as
with the lefl hand to keep him from avoidin' yer
pu nches from the right, then this move is fo r you. It
costs two red chips, but your opponent can't play more
[han one white chip al a lime (not includ in' ante, of
course) until he breaks frec.
Head Butt: Slammin' ycr hcad into the other guy's
face is what's known as a head bU H. A head butt costs
one of each chip, but reduces the other guy's next
attack (in the same round, or the next one, de pending
on whcthe r or not he already attacked this round\ by
two blue chips and one white chip.
Example of a Head Butt
If uxas Pett wants to head blltt DOli Prtlllcisco, he WIIOIJiS
olle red, one blut alld olle It.'hilt chip from his pile. If f,is at/ack
hits, DOli's IIlxl allack is redurtd by two blue chips alld one
white (hip. If Texas Pete's attack lIIisses, he still loses the chips,
bul Don sl!Utn 7/0 ptnalties.
H a ymaker: T his wild hook from the back fist car-
ries a big wallop. It'll cost you two blue and two white
but adds th ree red chips to the attack.
Hold: Want to grab that varmint and hold him
wh ile somebody else hits him? It costs two red chips
and two blue chips and you can do it. Once held, that
rascal can't play any white chips (except for ante, of
course) or do much other than try to break your hold.
Hook: Pivoting around and hitting the other guy on
the side of his face with rour flush knuckles is wh at we
call a hook . It costs one white chip, but adds one extra
red chi p to your attack.
J a b : T his quick, straight punch can be prelly useful
whcn you need to keep a big feller at bay or just \\"anl
to punch faster than the other guy. It costs two red
chips but adds two blue chips to your attack.
Kick : No, this ain't no fancy judo stull". This is
kic.kin' a man when he's down on the ground. If you
or one of your partners have pushed him down, and
your next attack contes before he can get back up, you
can kick him good. It costs three blue and three white
chips but also adds an cxtra four red chips to your
attack.
Kidney Punch : T his is a punch to the lower back ,
aimin' for thc othe r guy's kidneys. II costs three blue
98
chips and one whi te chip, but your opponent cannOt
reduce damage from this attack with white chips.
Low Blow: A low blow is a hit to the "equipment"
bel\\'cen the other guy's legs. T his doesn't really apply
to the ladies, of coursc. A low blow COStS twO blue
c.hips, but if it hits, the opponcnt can't bet more Ihan
one blue chip on his next action. Using a Low Blow
also reduces that character's Reputation by one,
Push: A push, or shove, lets you put this rascal
down on the ground where he belongs. It costs two red
and one white chip, but the othcr guy ends up down on
the ground, and he has to spend onc of each color next
round to get back on his feel. (H e can't stand back up
and altack in the same round. )
Rabbit Punch: A rabbit punch is a chopping blow
to the back of the neck. It costs four blue chips, but if
successful increases your attack by duee rcd chips.
Spur : If yotl c\·er find yourself standing above somc
poor feller you really don't like, you can cut him with
your spur. II COSts three blue chips, but docs an ext ra
(wo points of weapon damage.
Example of Spurring an Opponent
Let's say thai Jake has Bill dowlI on the ground, and want.s
to kick him with his spur. Jake bets two red alld two blut (hips,
and 110 white chips, /-Ie also spends three additional blue chips
for trying to deal damage with IIis spur. Bill bets one red and
0I1l bllle chip, plus thru white chips.
If Jake's attack is success/ul, he deals i poinl of damage,
plus 2 point.s if damage jr" the two red chips Iu bet, PillS 2 1II0re
points for Ihe spur, and +0 from his Strtngth bonus,for a lotal
if 4 poillts. Since Bill bet two white chips, which rtmovt 2
points if damagejor each witile chip bel. That's two chips x 2
points, for a total of 4. Bill sllaessjully blocked all if Jake's
damage, so he loses 110 chips. However, since Jake struck llim
with flis spur, Bill also lostS 2 hil points (2 poilltsftom the SPIlr,
and 0 from Jake'S Stullglh modifier).
Trip: Need to trip your opponent up? All you have
to do is stick out your foot at the right time. It costs
two blue chips, but rhe other guy can't bet any more
than onc blue and one white on his next action (he can
bet as many reds as normal).
Uppe r cut: Curling YOllr arm and elbow down by
your side, and bringing the fist up ha rd and fast up
into the other guy's chin is what's known as an upper-
cut. It costs one of each chip, but your attack stuns
your opponent if your damage equals L/. of his remain-
ing Endurance (\dtite) chips. (Normally, stunning
requires thc damage to exceed Lh your opponent's
remaining white chips),
 3.51 Firearms
Contained in this chapter arc 43 separate firea r ms
for usc with the "advanced" Acts & Eights game. Each
de rringer, revolver, shotgun, carbine, fine or musket is
listed with fu ll game statistics as well as a common
retail price. Note that this price is only a guide; actual
prices may vary wildly according 10 the laws of supply
and demand.
Accuracy adjustments arc applied for any distance
up to the listed increment. For example, a ta rget 10' I"
to 15' dista nt affords the wielder of a American Arms
Derringer a -2 'To-hit' penalty.
There is no absolute maximum range for any pro-
jectile even those shot from a humble derringer.
W hile statistically improbable, the re is still an extreme-
ly miniscule chance of hitting a ta rge t a thousand
yards downrange with a derringer bullet. If a charac-
ter wishes to roll "To-hit ' in such an instance, he
should be allowed to do so. As such, the stated penalty
at the weapon's maximum range appl ies to any shot at
a target fro m Ihat distance to the limit of the charac-
te r's vision.

- DERRINGERS -
AMERICAN ARMS DERRINGER

Number of Shots .2
Damage ........ d3+ I
Draw Speed J\ lodifier . .0 count
$8 . ~
Reload Specd (per cartridgt) ..... 20

If you're looking for a reliable backup piSIOI, this Al walnUl ~rips and a brass fram e with a sih-e r-plalcd fin-
caliber, double-barreled, pocket model isn't a bad ish. \\'ith a barrel length of only 2 i/,", you can hide
choice. It comes with blued barrels, square-shaped this gun j ust about anywhere.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40 + ' Ammo pricCi

Accurary adjustment +H o -2 -5 -10 -20 -50 S2.l..I/ho).: 100 camidgcs

• • •
COLT NEW LI NE

Number or Shots .... 5

Damage .................. d3+ 1
D raw Speed M odifier ........ 0 co un t $ 14.2!l
Reload Speed (per cartridge) ..... 20

Here's a good little ,41 caliber pocket gun, if you You can get it blued with a case hardened rrame, or a
reckon you'll need a backup squi rreled away for nickel-plated fini sh instead. Barrels come in 2 I" " or
emergencies. This 5-shot re\'olver usually comes with 4" length, whichever you'd prefer.
varn ished rosewood grips.

Ammo pricn Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40+ '
$ 2 .l.I/hox 100 canndgcs Accurary adjustment +8 o -2 -5 -10 -20 -50

99
 KNUCKLEDUSTER

Number of Shots ............. 7

Damage ............. d3
Draw Speed Modifier. . ... 0 count
Reload Speed (per cartridge) ..... 20

At on ly .22 calibe r the hardest punch this little piece

$9 P migh t have is when used with a r ight jab, which happens to
be what it was designed for.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40+ ' Ammo price.
Accu ra0' adjustment +8 a -2 -5 -IU -20 -50 $1 ,~/box [00 cartridges

• • •
MARLIN STONEWALL DERRINGER

Number of Shots ............. 1

Damage ..................... d3 + I
Draw Speed lvl odificr .... .. . .0 count
$ 7 ..IQ
Reload Speed (per cartridge) ..... 20

T his single shot, .41 caliber, cartridge derringer fits real easy in the palm of
your hand. The 2 lN' barrel swi ngs sideways to load , a nd comes with a brass
frame, rosewood grips and blued fin ish on the barrel.

Ammo prites Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40+ '
S2.U/box 100 cartridges
Accurary atijustmenl + 8 a -2 -5 -10 -20 -50

• • •
REMINGTON DERRINGER

Number of Shots ............. 2

Damage .. d3+!
Draw Speed Modifier. . .. 0 count
Reload Speed (per carln·dge) .. 20

T his two-shot, .41 caliber model isn't much to look at, but it's a good backup pis-
tol for emergencies. It comes with a blued or nickel fin ish and grips of ha rd rubber,
rosewood or walnut. Barrel length is only 3" .

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40+ ' Ammo prices
Accu rary atijustment +8 a -2 -5 -10 -20 -50 S2.U/box 100 cartridges

100
 REMINGTON PEPPER BOX

Number of Shots. . .. 4
Damage ... d4
Draw Speed :\1odific r . ....... 0 count
Reload Speed (per cartridgt) ..... 20 $15.2.2
T his little four-barrel, .32 caliber derringer is a favorite of gam-
blers. It comes with hard rubber grips and a blued finish, unless you
prefer a combination nickel and blue finish. Barrel length is 3 '/3".

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40+' Ammo prices
A ccurary mljustment + 8 o -2 -0 -10 -20 -50 S t .LI/box 100 cartridges

-REVOLVERS -
COLT DRAGOON

Number of Shots .... 6

Damage ........... d4+ 1
Draw Speed ;\ Iodifier ........ +1 count
Reload Speed (o'linder) ......... 100

If you're looking for an intimidating firearm, this .44 cal·

$24 .""
• Ammo prices
$2 .Qg for 100 lead balls.
percussion caps & black powder
iber, 6-sl1ot cap and baJJ revolver might be just what you
need. It 's bigger than most, weighing in at just over 4 lbs,
14 inches long (7 'N' barrel length), and sure to scare the
britches ofT most folks. It comes with a casehardened frame
and hammer, blued finish, and walnut grips .

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

A ccura0' adjustment +8 ++ +2 0 -2 -+ -6
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+ '
-8 -12 -16 -2+ -32 -w -50

101
 COLT NAVY

Number of Shots ............. 6

Damage ..................... d4
$16. M D raw Speed .M odifier. . .. +1 count
Reload Speed (cylinder) ......... 100

• AO'lll'lo prices
$ 1 ,Ll for 100 lc;ld balh,
percllssion caps & black powder
This .36 caliber, 6-shol, single-action percussion revolver is a favorite out here on
the frontier. II comes with a casehardened frame, lever and hammer, blued finish
on the rest, and walnut glips. Glip straps appear silver. Barrcllcngth is 7 W'.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

Accurary a4Juslment +8 +{ +2 0 -2 -+ -6
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+'
-8 -12 -16 -u -32 -{O -50

• • •

$21. QQ
COLT PATERSON

Although nicknamed the "Texas

Number of Shots ... 5
Damage ....... d4
Draw Speed ~ I od. (4" balTCl) ....... 0 count
Draw Speed .\Iod. (7 '1/' balTC1) ..... + I count
DrawSpccd i\ lod. (9"barrcl) ....... +3 count
DrawSpccdi\ lod. (12"barrcl) ...... +5 count
Reload Speed (cylil/der) ............ 100
Paterson," th is .36 caliber, 5-shot
cap and ball revolver actually comes
from Paterson, New J ersey. It comes
with a casehardened frame and ham-
mer, blued finish on the rest, and walnut grips. Barrel
length is usually 7 1//' or 9", but can be as short as 4" to

Range 5' 10' 15'

as long as 12".

•
perclls~ion
Amm o prict s

S I .u for 100 lead balls,

caps & black powder

40'
20' 25' 30'
Accur(l0' adjustment +8 +{ 0 -I -3 -6 -8
(4"" 7//2" barrel) 50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200+'
-12 -16 -21 -32 -40 -50

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

Accura0' adjustment +8 +4 0 0 -2 -5 -8
(9·' barrel) 50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200+ '
-12 -16 -24 -32 -+0 -50

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

ACCIlra0' adjustment +8 +4 0 0 -I -{ -8
(12" barrel) 50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200+'
-12 -16 -2{ -32 -{O -50
102
 GRISWOLD & GUNNISON

Number of Shots ............. 6 $14,2.I!

Damage , ............ d4
Draw Speed lvl odificr ........ + 1 count
Reload Speed (cylinder) ......... 100
T his 6-shot, .36 caliber revolver from Griswoldville, GA

o Ammo prit ts
S l.ll for 100 lead balls.
looks pretty similar to the Colt Kavy. il boasts a 7 W' par-
tially octagonal, partially found barrel, with a brass frame
and trigger guard, blued finish and one-piece walnut grips.
percussion caps & black powder

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

Accurary adjustment +8 +4 +2 0 -2 -f -6
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+'
-8 -12 -16 -24 -32 -40 -50

• • •

LEMAT TWO-BARREL

Number of Shots (Pistol) ...... 9

Number of Shots (Shotgun) .... 1
Damage (Pistol) .... d3 + 1
$ 7 5,M Damage (Shotgun) . , .......... d3 per pellet
Draw Speed !vlodifier ........ + 1 count
Reload Speed (cylinder) ......... 100
This unusual 9-shot, .42 cali ber revolver has a second, Reload Speed (sholgwl) ......... 150
shorter smoothbore 18 gauge barrel below th e first. T his
second barrel is designed for firing buckshot. T he ham-
mer is fitted with a pivoting striker that allows the shoot- • Ammo prices
er to easily discharge either the lead balls or shot barrel. S 2.i.! for 100 lead ba!ls.
percussion caps & black po wder
$ 1 .~ lor powder,
shot & primers
Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'
suflicient for 100
Accurary mljuslmenl* +8 +4 +2 0 -2 -4 -6 shotgun firint,'S
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+'
-8 -12 -16 -24 -32 -40 -50

• app/itS 10 b(llh (ap & ball and sh(llgun shells· treat sh(ltgun as sawed·'?!!

103
 REMINGTON NEW ARMY

Xumbcr of ShOls ... . ... 6

Damage .. , .. .d4+ 1

$19,~ Draw Speed ,\l odifier ........ +2 count

Reload Speed (rylilldtr) ......... 100

This 6-shol, .44 caliber cap and ball re"olver has a blued fin ish,
sturdy steel frame and brass triggerguard. and most folks prefer the Ammo prit ts
two-piece walnu t g rips. The octagonal barrel is 8" long. S2 ." ]()I' 100 I~ad balk
pe lTu"joli t';IP~ & black powder

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

ilccuralZ)' adjustment +H + +1 0 -2 --\ -6
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+'
-8 -12 -16 -21 -32 -I () -50

• • •

COLT 1877 LIGHTNING

:\'umbcr of Shots ............. 6

Damage ,.38 caliber .......... d3+ I
Damage (. 41 caliber .. ..... d4+1 $25." (. 38)
Draw Speed :\ Iodificr . .0 count $27." (.41)
Reload Speed (pn taTtn"dgt) .10

T his 6-shot, .38 caliber is Colt's first double-action sixgun, and most
come with hard rubbe r grips embossed with a bucking colt inside an
AQ'lfno pritcs
oval. and a blued nickel finish. Otherwise, you can get nickel plating
and lor checke red one-piece rose\\'ood grips. Barre1lcngth can be 2 Ill" S2 .lIfho\: 100 (.aR) G\nlidge~
or 3 //' without the ejector, or 4 I:" 10 6" with thc ejector. S 2 .uhu\' I OO(. l l)caI1rid~t;:s
Thc .41 caliber \'c rsion goes by the nickname or the "T hundere r." It
is available with sim iliar options and reatures or ih ~ll1aller COllsin.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

Accuracy adjustment +8
50'
+1
70'
+2
90'
0
120'
-2
150'
-.
200'
-6
250+ '
-8 .12 - 16 -21 -32 -ft) -50

10•
 COLT SISLEY

1\"umber of Shots .............. 6

Damage (.44 caliber) ........... .d5+1
Damage (.45 caliber) ........................... d6+1
Draw Speed :\ 100. 4 'I," or 5 W' b..'l.rrcl .0 count $23.'" (.44)
D ra\\"Specd ~I OO.7 ,/' barrel .............. +1 count $24 .'-' (.45)
Reload Speed (/>n'w'ridg<) ...................... 10

This single-action 6-shot re"oh-er fire s .44 caliber caru'idges, and tends to ha\'e
ha rd rubber grips embossed with a bucking colt inside an o\'al, casehardened Ammo pricu
frame and barrels wit h a blued nickel finish. It also has a la rge r than usual trigger
$2.U/hox 100 (A I) (a r1 1id ~es
guard, and a sl ightly wider hammer. Barrel lengths can be <I 1,",5 'h", or 7
82 .I..I·ho.\ 100 (AS) cal1ridgcs
Othe r than fi ring larger shells, the .45 caliber \'e rsion isn 't too difTerelll.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50'

Accllrary atljllslmenl +H +. +2 0 ·1 ·2 .:3 ••
70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350+ '
·6 ·8 ·12 ·16 ·H ·32 -.0 -50

• • •

COLT FLAHOP TARGET

Numbe r of Shot s .. . .6
Damage ..... .. .............. d6+1
Draw Speed :\Iodifier ........ +1 count
Reload Speed (IX' cartridgt) ..... 10

T his prelly piece gets its name from the Oat frame top. It fires
six .45 caliber cartridges, has an adjustable rear sight. and a Ammo pricu
slightly higher front sight . :\ IOSI folks have a Flattop with black
rubber grips, a caseha rde ned frame. and that nice blued fi nish on $ 2 .Ufhox LOO (. 1-.5) GII1 ridges
the barrels, although you can also get checkered walnut grips if
you're of a mi nd to. Barrel length is 7 'It"".

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accurary atljllJtment +8 +. +. (+2) +3 (0) +3 (·1) +2 (·2) + 1 (·3) oH) -I (·6)
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+'
-2 (.H) -. (·12) -6 (.16) -1 2 (·21) -15 (·32) -20 HO) -25 (. 50) -50 (·50)

partlltheticQ/ numbus QPply!<"htn hipshooting or otherwise unable to employ the sights

105
 COLT SAA

Number of Shots. . ............ 6

Damage (.44 caliber) . . .d5+1
$17." (.44)
Damage (.45 caliber) . , .d6+1
$18.'" (.45) Draw Speed 1\'lod. (4 %" barrel or less) ..... 0 count
Draw Speed Mod. (7 W' barrel) .......... + 1 count
The Colt Single Action Army rcvoh"Cf, also nicknamed the
Peacemaker, or Frontier Six-ShoolClj is an a\\ful popular gun. Draw Speed .Mod. (9" barrel) . ..... +3 count
It's a 6-5hOl pistol with an ejector rod on the right side of the Draw Speed ,Mod. (12+" barrel) . . ... +5 count
barrel and available in either .44 or.45 caliber. It tends to have
a smndard blued finish on a 5 'f," barrel, casehardened frame Reload Speed (per cartridge) ..... , ... , .. , .10
and hammer, and hard rubber grips. You can also find them
finished in nickel, with walnut, ivory o r pearl grips these la:st Ammo price,
lWO are rare), and 4 %" or i 'I," barrellcngths, although lengths
can be as little as 2 'f," or as long as 16". $ 2.U/hox 100 (AU cartridges
$ 2.l.I/hox 100 (..\..j) ca!tridgcs

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50'

Accurary atljuslment +8 +4 +2 o -I -2 -3 -4
(2~" - 7'12" barrel) 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350+'
-6 -8 -12 -16 -24 -32 -40 -50

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50'

Accurary atljustment +8 +1 +2 +1 0 -I -3 -4
(9" barrel) 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350+'
-6 -8 -12 -16 -24 -32 -40 -50

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50'

Accurary adjustment +8 +4 +2 +2 +1 0 -3 -4
(/2" barrel) 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350+ '
-6 -8 -12 -16 -24 -32 -40 -50

AmO'lo prices
S 2.l.l/hox 100 (.44) camidges
$22.M

REMINGTON 1875

Folks prize this 6-shot, .44

Number of Shots .............. ,. 6 calibe r revolver for its reliabili-
Damage. . .................. d5 + 1 ty and smooth action . it's a favorite of out-
Draw Speed Mod. (5 1
/ 2" barrel) .0 count laws, and generally has a 7 IH' barrel wi th
walnut grips, a casehardened hammer and
Draw Speed ~ lod. (7 IN' b.'urd) . . ... + I count loading gate with blued finish, or an overall nickel finis h.
Reload Speed (per cartn'dge) ......... 10 T here's also a version with a 5 IN' barrel, but you don't
seem them too often.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50'

Accurary acljustmellt +8 +4 +2 0 -I -2 -3 -4
70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350+ '
-6 -8 -12 - 16 -24 -32 -40 -50
106
 S6W 44DA

Number of Shots .6
Damage .d5+ 1
Draw Speed :\ [00. all barrels .... 0 count
$ 18.1!.l!
Reload Speed (pa cartridgt) ..... 8

Ammo pricCi This double-action sixgun fires .44 caliber cartridges, has
walnut or hard rubber checkered grips, and a blued or
$2 .0/ho.'l: 100 (.11) cartlidges
nickel fini sh. Barrel lengths come in 4", 5", 6" and 6 '/1".

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

Accurary adjustment +8 ++ +2 0 -2 -+ -6
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+ '
-8 - 12 -16 -2+ -32 -+0 -50

• • •
Acuno prict .
$ 2 .fJ 'l)()\ 100 (.11l c;u1rid~es

S6WRUSSIAN

$15 ..1.2 Number of Shots ... . .... 6

Damage ... ..... d5+1
I hear tell that this 6-shol, .44 caliber Ora\\' Speed ;l. lodificr ........ 0 count
rc\'oker was originally made for the Reload Speed (pn cartridge) ..... 8
Russian gO\'crnmcnt. Of course, mosl of the dif·
ferences all have to do with the bullet, and don',
ma ke a difference to folks like you and me. All you need to know is that it's a good light-stopper.
It generally comes with checkered hard rubber glips and a blued fi nish, but yOll can get it with walnut or
nickcl if you'vc a mind to. Barrcl length is 5".

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50'

Accuracy adjustment +8 +1 +2 o -I -2 -3 -1
70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350+'
-6 -8 -12 -1 6 -2+ -32 -10 -50

[ 07
 Ammo prices

$ 2.l.I/ho:-. 100 (.I.S) camidges

S6W SCHOFIELD

Number of Shots. . . . . . . ... 6

$24.2..\ Damage ... ............... d6+ I
Draw Speed :'-. Iod ifier ........ +1 count
Reload Speed {Jw carlridgt} ..... 8

This here 6-shot, .45 calibcr rC\'olver was named after ~lajor Geo rge \V. Schofield of the U.S. 10th Cava lry.
It's what we call a "top-brea k" revoker, because when you release the barrel latch, you can pull down the bar-
rel and eject you r spe nt cartridges. It tends to come with a blued fin ish and walnut grips. Barrel length is 7".

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

Accurary atljustmellt +8 +4 +2 0 -2 -I -6
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+'
-8 -12 -16 -H -32 -10 -jll

• • •

S6W DA SECOND MODEL

:-.'umbcr of Shots ............. 5

Damage ........... . .. d3 + J
Draw Speed :'>.Iod. (all h."lrrcls, .... 0 count $11.2J!
Reload Speed (per carlridgt) ..... 8

This double-action, 5-shol revolver fires .38 caliber eal1ridges.

Ammo prien It comes with a blued or nicked fini sh, and checkered hard rubber
SVg/hox 100 (.:18) (O
artridgcs grips. Barrel length is 3 IN' or 4".

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40'

Accurary atljuslmenl +8 H +2 0 -2 --I -6
50' 70' 90' 120' 150' 200' 250+ '
-8 -12 -16 -2-1 -32 --10 -jO

108
 -SHOTGUNS -
BAKER DRILLING

Number of Shots (R ifle) ....... 1

Number of Shots (Shotgun) .... 2
Damage (rijle) ................ d8+ I
Damage (shotgun) .............. d4 per pellet
Draw Speed ldodifier ........ +8 count
Reload Speed (rifle) ........... 35
Reload Speed (shotgun) ....... . .25 jirst shdf/ 30 both
$150. 00
Ammo prites
This three barrel long gun has twO 12-gauge shotgun barrels. and a .+ 1- caliber
rifle barrel with its own trigger. By pushing the frolll trigger fo rward, you can unlock S 2 .~/box [00 (A .\.-.W) Gulridges
and open the breech, then fire the rifle by pulling Ihe rear nigger. T he hammer for S 1.011 for 100 ShOIb'lLll s hc ll ~
the rifle barrel sits under the receiver and within the trigger guard . It 's made of
Damascus steel, and has a checkered walnut stock.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
Accurary mijuslment +8 ++ ++ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0 -I -2
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700+ '
-3 -+ -6 -8 - 10 - 12 -15 -20 -25 -50

• • •

COLT 1868

Number of Shots ............. 2

Damage ..... d4 per pellet
Draw Speed Ylodifie r ........ +6 count ,"-_ _ _.J Ammo prices
Reload Speed .. 25 first shelll3 0 both
$ 1 .011 for 100 shotgun shells

T his double-barreled, 12-gaugc shotgun has two triggers, a casehardened breech , locks and fore end mounts,
blued or brown finish, and checkered walnut stocks. Barrel length is 28" , 30" or 32. "

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accuracy acljustment +8 ++ ++ +3 +3 +2 +1 0 -I
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+'
-2 -+ -6 -12 -15 -20 -25 -50

109
 L.C.SMITH

$60. QQ Number of Shots ............. 2

Damage ..................... d4 per pellet
D raw Speed .\1 odifier ........ +5 count
Reload Speed ........ .25 firsl shell130 both
tI.._ __ JI AminO pri t es
$ l ..i>! for 100 Sh01PUl shells H unters often carry this double-barreled, 12 -
gauge shotgun. It comes with walnut stOck, blued
fin ish and 28" barrels.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accura0' arljustmenl +8 +. +. +3 +3 +2 +1 0 ·1
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+'
-2 --I -6 -12 -I j -20 -25 -50

• • •

PARKER

Nu m ber of Shots. . .... 2

Damage ..................... d4 per pellet
Draw Speed :'vlodi fi e r . . +5 count T his hammerless 12-gauge double barrel shot-
Reload Speed ...... . . .25 jirsl shell/30 both gun, nicknamed the " Old Reliable," has barrels
that come all the way from Brita in. It generally has
laminated or Damascus steel barrels of 24" to 32",
and walnut stock with straight grip .
...._ __ ... Ammo prites

$ 1.J.JI for 100 Sh04,'llll shells

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accurary atljustme1l1 +8 +. +4 +3 +3 +2 +1 o -I
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+'
-2 --I -6 - 12 -15 -20 -25 -50

110
 REMINGTON

Number of Shots. . . . ...... . 2 $57.g,j

Damage . .d4 per pellet
D raw Speed ;\lodificr .... ... . +6 count
This double-barreled, 12-gaugc shotgun is a
Reload Speed (cylind(rJ ........ .25 first shdl130 bolh
fa\'orite among harde ned drovers. It comes
with a blued finish, caseharde ned locks and
actions, walnut grip and stoc k, and a hard rub-
""_ _ _J Ammo pr ien ber buttplate.
$ 1.9 for 100 ,holgun ,hell~

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accurary adjustment +B ++ +4 +3 +3 +2 +1 0 -I
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+'
-2 -+ -6 -12 -15 -20 -25 -50

• • •

WINCHESTER
$95. 00
""_ _ _.8 Ammo prien Numbe r of Shots ... 2
Damage ......... . . .d4 per pellet
$1 .0 for 100 shotgun shells
D raw Speed ~I odific r ....... . +7 co unt
This double barrel, 12-gauge shOlgun is as reli- Reload Speed .... .25 ftrst shel1l3 0 both
able as they come. Has checkered walnut stocks
and available in 30" o r 32" barrel lengths.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accurary adjustment +8 +4 +. +3 +3 +2 +1 0 -I
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+'
-2 -+ -6 - I2 - 15 -20 -25 -50

III
 - RIFLES. CARBINES & MUSKETS -
$11 O.2.!!

BALLARD-CREEDMORE
Ammo prices

$4,U/box 100 (. ~S-IOO) cartndgcs .:\'umbcr of Shots. . ..... 1

Damage .2d8
This single-shot, .45 caliber fiflc has an a(Uustablc
rear sight, walnut checked stocks, pistol grip, and a Draw Speed ~ I odifier. .+7 count
34" ba rrel. T he perfect choice for the discriminating Reload Speed _25
buyer.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accuracy a1justmenl +8 +4 ++ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450'
0 -I -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8
500' 600' 700' 800' 900' 1000' 1250' 1500'
-9 -10 -12 -14 -16 -IS -20 -25

• • •

Ammo prices

32.tl/hox 100 (A ~- 28) GlIl1idgcs

$48. 50
HENRY RIFLE
This .44 ca libe r rifle has a 15-shot spring loaded
Number of Shots ............. 15
magazine slung under a 24" barrel. It weighs 9 1/4
Damage .................. .d6+ 1 lb5. and it doesn't have a woode n stOck at the front to
Draw Speed r...lodilie r .. .... . . +4 count protect your hand from a hot barrel. Still, it docs
Reload Speed (per round) ....... 35 first / 10 thereafter some serious damage at longer than usual range. It
comes with a walnut buttstock, blued fin ish and plain
brass frames.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
Accuracy a<!Justment +S +1 +4 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 a -I -2
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700+ '
-3 -f -6 -8 -10 -12 -15 -20 -25 -50

112
 o Ammoprku
$2 ." for 100 lead ihl.lIs,
pcr('m~io ncaps & black 1)()IHlcr

REMI NGTON REVOLVING RIFLE

~umbcr of Shots ........ ..... 6

Damage ... . .. , ... ,d6+ I
Draw Speed ,\l odifier ........ + I count This 6·sha! , .H- caliber cap and ba ll rine has a case-
hardened hammer and frame, blued finish, and walnut
Reload Speed (C)'linder) ......... 100
buttStock. Barrcllc ngth is 24", 26" and 28", It resembles
an ex tended six-shooter. From a maker rou can trust.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
A ccuraq atljuslmenl +H +1 +1 +3 +3 +2 +1 0 - I
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+ '
-2 -+ -6 -12 -15 -20 .:r> -jO

• • •

Ammo prictl

$3." /box [00 (, ~.j.70) c;utndgc,

$42.2.!l REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK

T his rel iable .45 caliber, single-shot rifle has a ncar- Number of Shots..... .. 1
ly 36" long barrel . It comes with a blued fin ish and Damage ............. 2d6
walnUi stocks. T his rifl e was used by champion 5hoo-
Draw Speed :\I odifie r . . . +7 count
tist C ha nce Hard ing at the C hicago Shoot orr last
year. Reload Speed ................ 25

Range 5' 10' IS' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accurary adjustment +B +1 ++ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450'
0 -I -2 -3 -I -j -7 -9 - 10
500' 600' 700' 800' 900+ '
- 12 - 15 -20 -25 -jO

113
 $2."-2
RICHMOND ARMORY MUSKET
The CSA produced morc of these sturdy long guns during
the War than any other. This single -shot, .58 caliber rifle fea -
;.Jumber of Shots. .. 1
tures a one-piece forged barrel, military sights, a steel trigger
guard and barrel band , a brass butt plate and nose cap, and a Damage .. d8+1
one-p iece walnut stock. Barrel length is 40". T hese weapons Draw Speed ~I odifier ... .... . + 12 count
are cheaply available due to their obsolescence.
Reload Speed ................ 200
Ammo prices

$S .Qg fo r 100 \ Iinie balls.

percussion caps & paper eanridges

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accurary adjustment +8 +{ +4 +3 +3 +2 +1 0 -I
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400+ '
-2 -4 -6 -12 -15 -20 -2j -50

• • •

SHARPS CARBINE CONVERSION $32.l!! Ammo prices

S3 .~/box 100 (,50·70) Glltridgcs

Numbe r of Shots ............. 1
Damage ................... . .dl0+ 1
Draw Speed Modifi er ........ 0 count
Reload Speed ................ 25
Like the Springfield T rapdoor R iOe, tbis is a
percuss ion riOe conve rted to cartridge use. Th is
single-shot, .50 caliber ri Oe has a shortened, 22"
barrel, along with walnut stOcks, caseharde ned frame
and blued finish .

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
A ccu rary adjustment +8 +1 +4 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 a -I -2
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700+'
-3 -4 -6 -8 - 10 -12 - 15 -20 -25 -50

114
 SH ARPS LONG RANGE
$llS.2Q
Ammo prit:cs
A"umbcr of Shots ............. l
S 4 .H /I)()x 100 (. 1.). 100) cartlidges
Damage .. 2d8
Draw Speed ~ I odifi e r ... ... .. + 8 count This single-shot, AS ca liber rifle has a case hardened
Reload Speed .. .. . ... ........ 25 frame , buttplatc, le\'cr and trigger pl ate, straight grip
and stock of checkered walnut, and barrel, bands and
[cvellat eh of blued fini sh. Barrcllcngth is 34"

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accurary adjustment +8 +-1 +-1 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450'
0 -I -2 -3 -+ -5 -6 -7 -8
500' 600' 700' 800' 900' 1000' 1250' 1500'
-9 - 10 -12 -1 + -IG - 18 -20 -25

Ammo prices

$2.~/box 100 (56/50) rirlllirc C<lnridgcs

SPENCER CARBINE
$ 21.,iil
Number o f Shots. . ....... 7
This 7-shol, .52 caliber wcapon was the
Dam age .. . ........ d8 + I
primary rcpealing rifle of the Union duri ng
the War. It ha s a blued finish , wal nut stocks, Draw Speed ~ I o difi cr . .... ... + 3 count
and casehardened buttplatc, receiver and ba r- Reload Speed (Ptr roulld) .. . . ... 35 firs /II 0 !ltertafter
rel bands. Barrcllength is 30" .

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
A ccurflg Q(.(justmellt +8 ++ +-1 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0 -I -2
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700+ '
-3 -I -6 -8 -I () -12 -I j -20 -25 -50

115
 $38.2.!l SPRINGFIELD ROLLING BLOCK
Ammo prices

S3.ilI/I)Ox 100 (.50-70) cartridge,

Number of Shots. 1
Also called the " Big 50," this single shot, .50 caliber rifle Damage ...... .2d6
comes with walnut slOcks, blued fini sh, and casehardcncd Draw Spced ~ I odificr ........ +9 count
frame, lock, lever, IC\'cr catch, trigger plate and brccchblock. Reload Speed ............. 25
Barrel length is 35 1// '.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
A ccura0' adjustment +8 +4 ++ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 o -I -2
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700+'
-3 -4 -6 -8 -10 -12 -I.) -20 -25 -50

• • •
Ammo prites

S3.1.II/l1O\: 100 (.15-70) cartridges

$ 22.2.!l
SPRINGFIELD TR APDOOR RIFLE

Number of Shots. . ......... 1 After the \ Var, both combatants were left with huge
quantities of obsolete muzzic loading rifled muskets and
Damage" ................... dIO+ I
insufficicnt funds to replace them. Springfield's solution
Draw Speed i\'lodifier . . . +7 count was to retrofit a breach loading mechanism to make this
Reload Speed ................ 25 inexpensive single-shot .45 caliber rifle. It has a casehard -
ened breech and tang, blued finish and 32 5/B" barrel with
adjustable rear sight.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
A ccura0' adjustment +8 +1 +4 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0 0 -I
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700' 800+'
-2 -3 -+ -6 -8 - 10 -12 -15 -20 -25 -50

116
 WINCHESTER 1863 CARBINE
$25." (.32)
.321:;;llibu ,3:8: !,';(!liQ!.:[ .4 -J caliber
$32." (. 38)
;\umbcr of SholS 12 12 12 $42." (.44)
Damage d6+ I d6+1 d8+ I
This 12-5hol , lever action carbine has
D ra w Speed i'.l odificr o count +1 count +2 count a round 20 " barrel , caseharde ned
Reload Speed (p" roulld) 10 10 10 buttplatc , ham mer and lever, blued fini ~ h
and walnut stoc ks.
It is available in thrcc d istinct calibcrs.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
ACCIlYaC)' mljllst mclll +8 +1 +{ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 o -I -2
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700+'
-3 -f -6 -8 - I () -12 -15 -20 -25 -50

Ammo pficu
(cub' ..c 6 rIf le usc .dcllliu l urtridges)
S 1.u,11()\ 100 UI2-20) ca l1iid l;(' ~
$ 2 .U,'hO\ 100 (.38-.10) car1ridl;c,
S 2 .u /hO\ 100 (.11-10) Glrtridl;c,

T his 15 -shol
1elcr actio n Tine WINCHESTER 1863 RIFLE
$39." (.32) has a round o r
octagonal 24"
$43." (.38)
barrel . sport ing .32 \.;!]liil!::[ .38 (!]Iillt[ ,tt c!]libc[
$45." (.44) fro nt and rea r X umbcr of Shots 15 15 15
sights, blued fin-
ish, C(lsclwrdcncd Damagc d6+ I d6+1 d8+ I
buttp Jalc, ha mmer and IC H r, a nd straight Draw Spccd .\ Iodificr +2 count + 3 count +4 count
grai n unchcckercd I,aln ul siocks.
Reload Specd (per roul/d) 10 10 10
This rine can be chambered fo r either
.32, .38 o r .44 caliber bullt'lS.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
Accumq adjustmellt +8 +1 +{ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0 0 -I
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700' 800+'
-2 -3 -f -6 -8 -10 - 12 -15 -20 -25 -50

11 7
 WINCHESTER 1863 MUSKET

$40." (.32) 032 !:;alit!:!" .3:8: !,;alib!::[ ,H !,;alit!!:r

Number of Shots 17 17 17
$47 ." (.38)
Damage d6+1 d6+1 d8+1
$54 ." (.44) Draw Speed .\I odificr +4 c ount +5 count +6 count
Reload Speed (prr round) 10 10 10
Ammo prices

S 1,1..1. ho); 100 (,32-20) cat1lidgcs

This musket has a round 30" ba rrei , casehardened bultplate, hammer and lever,
8 2. u/bux 100 (.38-10) C;u1Iidge,
blued finish and walnut stOcks. It 100 is available in calibers of .32, .38 or .44.
S2.t.lJhm 100 1.11-·10) Glr!rid ~~,

Range 5' 10' IS' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accuracy adjustment +8 +1 ++ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0
90' 120' ISO' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450'
0 ·1 ·2 ·3 .+ ·5 ·7 ·9 ·1 0
500' 600' 700' 800' 900+'
·12 ·15 -20 -25 -50

• • • $ 27 .... (.40)
$3 9 .... (.• 5)
$ 44 ." (.50)

Ammoprk es

$2.t.I/hox 100 (. IO.(iO) Gu1!iliIlC'

83 . l.!/ho.\ 100 (.I';-i5) {'am idgc,
8 4.t.I/ho.x 100 (.30-95) c;1I1ridl;cs

WINCHESTER 1866 CARBINE

T hi s hi ghl y des ireable car-
.40 caliber .45 caliber .50 caliber bin e's a bit morc powerful than
the 1863 version. It's a 9-5hot,
Number of Shots 9 9 9
and chambered for .40, .45 or
Damage dlO+ I 2d6 2d8 ,5 0 caliber shell s. Barrel length
Draw Speed .\ Iodifier +1 count +2 count +3 count is usually 22" . It 's designed so
Reload Speed (per round) 10 10 10 you can qui ckl y add a bayonet
to the front , if you need to.

Range 5' 10' IS' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
Accuracy ac(justment +8 +, ++ +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0 -1 -2
ISO' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700+'
-3 -+ -6 -8 -10 - 12 -15 -20 ·25 -50

11 8
 $ 3 2. U (.40) Ammo price.
-
.
.~
~.---
...
$4 3 .u (.45 ) $ 2.U/ho.~ 100 (.1%0) c;u1 ri dges
$4 9 .u (.50) say hox 100 (.l5-7S) cartn{iges
S4."Ibo\ 100 (.J()'9S) cartridges

WI NCHESTER 1866 RIFLE This rifle 's a bit morc powerful

than the 1863 version. h 's a 12-shol,
and available in .40, .45 and .50 cal·
tiD I:;/llibt:[ ,1::2 c:alib!::[ ,50 cali ber iber varieties. You can get it as a
Number of Shots 12 12 12 spa rli ng rifl e with a 26" or 28" round
or octago n barrel. It usually com es
Damage dlO+ 1 2d6 2d8
wit h a caseha rdened buttplate, fra me,
Draw Speed ,\ Iodificr +3 count +4 count +5 count hammer and lever, blued fini sh and
Reload Speed (ptT round) 10 10 10 walnut stocks.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70' 90' 120'
Accu rog adjustment +8 +-1 +-1 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0 0 -I
150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450' 500' 600' 700' 800+ '
-2 -3 -+ -6 -8 -10 - 12 -15 -20 -25 -50

Ammo pri t e.

$2,urbo'\: 100 (. I().6()) cartridges

S3. wh o x 100 (. IS·i.5) cartridges
$ 4 ,u!1)(),' 100 (.50·95) caltlidgcs

WINCHESTER 1866 MUSKET

$5 8." (. 40) Th is rugged 13-
shot, musket co mes .10 caliber ,45 caliber .50 caliber
$6 1." (.45)
wit h a 32" round 13
Number of Shots 13 13
S65 .Y (.50) barrel , and fi res
either .40 , A5 or Damage dlO+ I 2d6 2d8
.50 caliber shells depe ndi ng on the Draw Speed ~ l odi fi er +5 count +6 count +7 count
model. Like the carbine, you can Reload Speed (ptr roulld) 10 10 10
easil y add a bayonet to the front.

Range 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 40' 50' 70'
Accuracy adjuJtment +8 +' 1 +1 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 0
90' 120' 150' 200' 250' 300' 350' 400' 450'
0 -I -2 -3 -I -5 -7 -9 -10
500' 600' 700' 800' 900+ '
-12 -1.1 -20 -25 -50

119
 .

56 W Sc60fidd

Mul••
5,....,•• 11
Ot,,,.,.,
R.... o"o. S6W DA
0."'.'0< ColI DUBOOII ".scw.d Moder
Remi'8'O'
Nt. Arm,

Colt 1877
Ctil.old 6 LiB"'IlJII8
Cllllllisoll Co lI Bisle,

Col! PltefJO'
~ i,e" ~
Co/15AA S6W RUSliu

S6W iiDA
R(llli·B'O.I875

ji ;:"~~;;;::::::::~~~~~~::~w;'..:,~.~cstet DOl/ble-Butd 5bol8u,

Puket "Old Rdilble"

Doublc·BltTd 560lBoII

Remi'8'O' Doub/c·Butd
5b0l8uII

..
Bl 1 hrd"Cr~ed m ot~

"
.~ rI ~;~_
~.I :.j_I!~ :".~ .~.~_n.·~.:_~:.~.o~_:~.:_~,JI.l_~:~ •~.~_~~.,:,!I. ~,c,_:!-iL},~~"
Ri8bl Bottom Illd BOltom FI,iIlB PIBe;
Compultive she, (or Vl(;OIlS lmmollitiOIl_
{Nol 10 selle 10 fi,el(mJ lbove.}
...
 Winchem:r Carbine 1863

Winchester Rifle 1863

Winchester 1863 Musket

Remington Revolving Rifle

Richmond Armory Musket

Springfield RoJling Block

Sharps Carbine Conversion

Firearms
Size Comparison
 3.61 Horses
n the Shattered Frontier, a character's horse is one
I
of his most important tools. A ho rse is much more
than juSt a mode of transportation - a horse call
pull wagons, shield its rider from enemies, help round
up stray catlie, carry a rider across a river, and be a
companion in the solitary open spaces. T he horse is
also an assel that can be sold or traded. A man's
Reputation may cycn rise or fall depending on the
horseflesh he rides. After all, would you ha\'c greater
respect for a man riding a well -groomed, muscular
stallion or a diny old gray marc?
T his section provides information Oll different
breeds of horses, their colors and markings, tempera-
ment and behavior, and other important details about
horseflesh. Note that a horse's height is defined in
"hands." A hand is a linear measurement equaling 4
inches, the fractions being expressed in inches. T he
hciglll of the horse is mcasured in a perpendicular line
from the highest pan of the withers (the highest part
of a horse's back; the area at the base of the neck
between Ihe shouldcr blades) 10 the ground.
On thc trail cach cowboy had SC\'cn horses - two for
mornings, TWO for the afternoons. his best twO for
night -work, and one to carry him 10 and from chapel
or the saloon on Sundays, Like the Indian's, his mobil-
ity was based on the rcmuda system, sparc horscs
being herdcd along by the outfit's horse-wrangler.
Horses arc bred for speed and agility, strength and
cal mness.
* BREEDS *
Horses come in many shapes, sizes and colors. as
well as various temperaments and q ualities. These
characte ristics vary considerably from horse 10 horse
but can be predicted somewhat wit hin the various
breeds (for specific rules, sec the Equine Attributes sec-
tion, below). Each character should choose the breed
10 buy, own or raise based on his profession or other
interest. Some breeds arc versatile. while others are
better suited for specific tasks like draft work or racmg.
LIGHT HORSE BREEDS
Arabian: Arabians are known for their endurance,
sUfe-footedness on rough terrain and the ability to
exist on a sparse diet. ~ I ost Arabians have fine fea-
tures, distinctive dished (concave) faces, and sil ky
manes and coats. T hey usually stand bel ween 14 and
IS.2 hands high, and \"eigh betwcen 900 to 1,000
122
pounds. T he Arabian breed originates from the
.\ Iiddle East, hence the name.
Morgan: A very active and versatile breed, ~I organs
ha\'e boundless stamina and a kindly nature. l\ [organs
are frequently used as working trail and cow horses.
T hey stand between 14.2 and IS.2 hands high, and
weigh between 900 to 1,000 pounds. Known for their
strength. they possess strong shoulders, short and stur-
dy legs, hard feet and an attracti\'e head set on a mus-
cular, crested neck. The ~d organ Horse is the first
documented American breed. beginning in 1789
\"ermont \I'ith a stallion that rece ived the name of his
deceased o\,'ner _. J ustin ;" Iorgan.
Quarter Horse: Adopted by ranchers and cowboys
to use with range cattle, the Q uarter Horse has an
inherent instinct ("cow scnse") for herding and cutting
cattle. p, [ost Q uaner Horses arc compact and attrac-
tive, with massive, powerful quarters, strong shoulde rs,
and a short, muscular back. T he ave rage he ight is
about IS.2 hands, while the average weight is around
9S0 to 1,100 pounds. The Quaner Horse's kind dis-
posmon. intelligence and great agility make it an
exceptionally good mount for \\'orking cattle, or as a
popular all-purpose pleasure horse. Some Quaner
Horses are raced extensi\dy across Xonh America,
most of these being bred for speed. Quarter Horses
are so named because they arc particularly dom inant
in the first quarte r mile.
T h oroughbred: Admi red for speed and endurance,
the Thoroughbred is one of the most \'e rsatile horse
breeds. They are popular as cow ho rses, hunters and
jumpers, as \\'ell as racing horses. They stand between
IS.l and 16.2 hands high, and typically weigh between
900 to 1,200 pounds. T horoughbreds have long
smooth muscles, long forearms, long sloping shoulders
and a long distance from the hip to the hock. It also
has short cannon bones (the large bone that runs half
way up the horse's leg to its hock). These fine animals
were brought from Europe when popular horse racing
distances increased beyond a quarte r mile.
MUSTANGS
~I'l ustangs arc feral ho rses li ving in areas with scrub-
type vegetation. T hey travel in wild herds and arc
fa\'orite mounts of the local Indian tribes. A small,
inelegant, lightweight horse, the l\ l ustang stands
between 14- and 15 hands taU, usuaUy weighs around
700 to 800 pounds, and possesses an intractable tem-
pe rament. It is an extremely hardy horse, and its years
of forag ing for food made it an economical feeder.
T he ~ll ustang also bas the essenti<ll qualit y of "cow-
sense"; it always seems to know what a cow will do
next. Once broken, ;\ Iustangs arc usually quiet, good-
tempered mounts. Early se ttlers to the West mated
their imported horses with i\ l uswngs to provide the
foundation stoc k for the ~'I ustangs that now exist in the
Shattered Frontier.
DRAFT HORSES
In times past , Europeans used Draft Horses for W<lr
and as beasts of burden. T hus, they gained a low cen -
ter of gravity, large bones, and a generally compact
and strong body. With muscle comes weight , and mOSt
Draft Horses we igh between 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. In
today's Shattered Frontier, farmers favor Draft Horses
for their plow-pulling power.
Percheron: T he Percheron has better balance, a nd
is more refined , than many Draft Horse breeds. The
ideal specimen is a medium-sized, hem'y-boned horse
that ca rries its head high. Stallions sta nd 16 to Ii
hands tall, and weigh some 1,800 to 2,000 pounds.
i\ lares are smaller - only 15 10 16 hands tall and
weighing 1,500 to 1,600 pounds. Percherons arc pre-
dominately black or gray, and are frequently crossbred
with T horoughbreds to produce hunt ers and jumpe rs.
Shire: Shire Draft Horses are somet imes crit icized
for havi ng straight shoulders and paste rns the foot
Irregular star Snip
Star and Bald/ace
connected snip
Figllre 3.6-1: Head .\1arkings
area just above the hoof), feath ers, and a sluggish tem-
perament. Shires weigh about 2,000 pounds and stand
16.2 to 17 hands high.
HEAVY HARNESS OR COACH HORSES
T here are se"era l types of heavy harness horses,
including: American Carriage, Cleveland Bay, French
Coach , German Coach , Hackney, Russian OrloIT and
l 'orkshire. As on e might suspect, these horses a rc pri-
marily used 10 pull coaches. Howeve r, the Cleveland
Bay can be used as a ge neral utilit), ho rse and (back
East) th e Hackney is lIsed for park driving.
* MARKINGS &, COLORATION *
As you probably know, nOt all bandits ride into tOwn
on black horses, and not all lawmen ri de white ones.
In fact. color is probably th e last thing you should con-
sider when buying a horse, However, a horse's colors
and color pallerns will serve you as a basis for ide ntifi-
cation . because tOgether they are one of the horse's
most conspicuous traits.
.\ fter all. if your character is tOld to be on the look-
out for a particular horse, he ought to know the diITe r-
enee between a roan \\-ith a star and a sorre l with a
snip!
Star and connected
narrow stripe
Chin spot
123
 Figure 3.6-2: Ltg Markings
Coronet H alf pas te rn Pastern
Half Three·qual·ters FilII
stocking stocking stocking
MARKINGS
The head markings of a horse u5ually consist of the
presence of white hairs in specific areas, a~ noted in
Figurt 3.6-1 : Htad .l larkings. The common leg marks
arc shown in Figure 3.6-2: Ltg J larkings.
COLOR
A horse's coat can be of several basic colors, with
multiple variations of patterns.
Appa loosa: T hese horses have a "ariety of spotting
patterns, always with mottling of the skin , striped
1100YCS and an unpigmented sclera Ihc whilc of the
eye. There arc many coal color patterns, but IWO
spotting pallcrns. The "leopard" color pall ern is a
white coat with dark spots scattered over thc horsc's
body. Thc ··blanket" pattcrn is a white blanket. usual-
ly conlaining dark SpOtS, crossing o,·cr Ihe horse's
croup rump, loin and/or back.
Black: A black horse is of a un iformly black color
on the body, mane and tail. T he horsc's skin color is
also black. If Ihc black coal color of a horse fadcs
whcn exposed to Ihe sun for se,·cra l days, the color pat-
124
Pas te rn alld Ankle White to
part of ankle above allkle
Heel Outside
of h eel
tern is known as a "'blackish hay"· .\ ·jel black" horsc's
coat docs nOt fadc due 10 Ihc sun.
Bay: The bay color pattCI"Il is characterized by a
black mane and tail, black hair below knec s and hocks,
black muzzle, black tips on thc ears and a reddish
hody. The ~kin color ,·aries from a light to dark red-
di~h color. . \ horsc \Iith the dark reddish color is
called a ·'blood hay"·
Chestnut or sorrel: This ho rsc has broll'n ~kin and
rcd hairs. The li~htcr-colored horses arc called "sor-
rel.·· IIherea~ thc darker oncs arc ··chestnut"· .\ "cry
dark chestnut horse is called a ·· Ii\·cr chestnut."
Gray: \\"hite hairs, mingled with hairs of Ihe basc
color, cha racterize the coat color of gray horses. As
thc horse gets older, more whitc hairs appcar in thc
coat. Colored hairs arc cont inuollsly being replaced
II·jth white hairs. so that older gray horses arc almost
completely white.
An ··iron" o r "steel-gray" horse is a black horse with
the gray gelle Ihal has a higher proportion of black
hairs than white hairs. Red grays arc modificat ions of
the bay pallern, and chestnut grays arc modifications
of the sorrel and chestnut colors. * OTHER QtrALITIES *
Grulla: These horses halT a black mane and tail,
black ha ir below knees and hocks, black muzzle, black AGE AND SEX
tips on the cars, and SOOty black hairs o n the rest of Young horses al'e referred 10 according 10 thei r age.
the body. .\ young horsc i~ a "foal'· until il is weaned at about
Dun: This color is a modification of the dark bav one yea r old. Th e male horse is ca lled a "colt" until il
color and may be described as a dingy yellow. Th~ is three years old , when it is called a slallion. :\ young
ma ne and tai l may not be as black in some dun horses. fema le horse is a "filly" until it is three years old , at
\,·hich time il becomes a "mare." :\ '·gelding'· is a
Bucks kin: This color is a modification of the light
neutered Slallion.
bay color, which has a light ye llow body color with the
black mane, tail and legs. Generally, the best a,\,e 10 buy a horse is when it is
betll"cen four and 12 years old. Before fou r rears of
Paint or pinto: Thc distingui~hit1~ character of
a);{e, the hor~e is not fully malllrc, and not ready for
th ese pattCl"l1s is the white ~ p olling that occur~. The
hard work and long hours of ridin'l'.
wbiano pattern is white ~ p otting that crosses o\·er the
top of the horse's back and extends downward. In the ~ I ost folk~ make the mistake of buying a horse too
O\·e l"O pattel"l1, the whi te extends from the belly and you ng. ,"\ n inexperienced hor~eperson can spoil a
legs tOward the back. Horses with black-pigmented young ho rsc, making it difficu lt for Ihe horse to e\Tr
skin and coat color arc call ed "pie bald ," and brown - reach its pe rformance potcn tial. Beyond 12 ~'ears, the
pigmented horses arc "skewbalds"· The re arc four dis- use fuln ess of Ihe horse is limited. The a\·erage horse
tinct types: pieba ld tobianos, piebald O\·cros. skewbald lives aboU! 24 years, but il has littl e value after 16
IObianos and skewbald overos. yea rs. There a rc. of course. exceptions to these ages.
Palomino: t\ palomino horse is characterized b\· ils The order of appearance of the teeth and the way
yellow body color. along with a Ii~hter yellow ~ane they are \'·orn down con~titlllc the most important a nd
and tail these may be almost white or Oaxen . accurate clles for t,\timatinl:\" the horse's age, yet ot her
characleri\li('~ play an important role in determining
Roan: Like grays, this coal color is characte rized by
the horse's "'I'c.
white hairs mingled \1 ith hairs of the base colo~.
However, Ihese whitc hairs arc present al birth and do In estimati ng the age of a young horse, size is a prin-
not increase in number as the hor:;e ages. In facl, cipal factor. In older horses, the sides of the face are
unless onc knows the pedigree or history of a gray or more depressed, the poll the area behind the cars is
roan ho rse, one ca nnot tcll them apart. A "blue roan" more prom inent and sags downward, t he joints are
is a mixture of white and black hairs, t\ " red roan" is more angular, and white hairs appear around the tem-
th e roan pattel"l1 supe ri mposed upon the basic bay pat- ples, eyes, nostrils and elsewherc.
tcrn. "Strawberry roans" are
sorrel or chestnut horses with
white hairs mixed in.
White: Whi te horses arc
born whi te and remain white
throughout their lives. They
ha\·e pure whit e ha ir, pink
skin , and blue eyes. Two other
subsets of the white coat color
palle rns arc Ihe "cre mello"
a nd the "prelino." C remel lo
horses have an ofT·white o r
cream-colored body and blue
eycs, while prelino ho rses have
an ofT-while o r pearl·white
color. In bot h cases, the mane
and ta il is a light rusl color.

125
BEHAVIOR AND TEMPERAMENT
When it comes to horses, there arc six general tem-
perament ty pes: quiet, interested , nervous. ex tremely
nc'....olls. stuhborn and treacherous. Each of these is
detai led more full y helow.
Quiet: A quict horse is slug&rish and has no inte rest
in ils surroundings. Such horses arc usually safe for
the ine xperienced horscpcrson. Because of their tem-
perament , quiet horses seldom advance to a highly
trained Slale. Th ey arc good for Icaching beginne rs
how to ride.
Interested : This is the most desirable t('mpcramc nt
for a hor~c. These horses are inte rested in their sur-
roundings, and pay allention 10 what happens around
them . If this ho rse hears an unexpected noise. or sees
an unexpec ted sudden movement, it rc~ponds by prick-
ing its ca rs but do('"s not shy or try to cscapf'. These
hor.\>cs arc usuall y easy to train and a rC' \\ illing pcr-
formers. Th ey h;1\'(' sufficiem spirit 10 give animaTion
and style to th eir performances.
Nervous: ;'\"e n 'olls horses are easily exci table and
shy away from strange objects. mO\'cmcnt and noise.
They are safe horses for knowledgea hle riders. but not
recommend ed for novices. ;\'c rvOliS horses will
respond to training, a nd arc usually capa ble o f reach.
126
ing a highly trained state, but become excitable,
flighty, and snon when exposed 10 new surrou ndings
or unfamiliar objects. As these horses get older and
gain experience, their nen'ous dispositions improve.
Extre m e ly Nervous: The extremely nervous horse
is sa fe Dilly fo r "ery experienced horsemen who under-
sta nd horse be havior. These horses shy at the least
pro\·ocatio n. nee without concern for thei r own safcl),
and without regard for their handler), and have been
knml"ll 10 run into fences, equipm ent and buildings.
Stu bborn: H orses with swbbo rn tempcram ents are
difficult to train. They arc slow to learn, a nd require
tac t and patience from the trainer.
Trea c h e rous: O ccasio nally, a character might
encounter a treacherous ho rse. Thc ~e horses have a
bad temper a nd are very resen tful. T he)' often strike,
bite or kick (sometimes without appal'cnt ca use and
\\ hell lea;;1 {'xpcl'Icd .
VICES
~Iosl horse~. bU I t"e n ain ly nOI all, havc one or more
bad ha bits. T hese poor behaviors, o r '\-ices, " come in
Ihree categories: a~gres.i\·e. f1i~ht. and sta ll.
:?' Aggressi\'e vices include c h a rgin~. strik.ing,
kicking, bitin~ a nd bucking. and a re usually directed
al~ainst a ha ndler. but can also be directed against
other hor~es.
rF Fli g ht responses include re,lI'ing, balking,
shying, halte r pulling, and running away, and arc
pote ntially dange rous for the rider or handle r.
t:ir Stall vices include wood chewing, c ribbing,
weavi ng, slall wa lking, bolting food , pawing a nd lail
rubhing, and usually arise out of bo redom from lack of
exercise.
Othe r causes of \·ices arc poo r management, mis·
handli ng or bad treatment on so me previous occasion.
Once a horse has a vice, it is diffi cult to eliminate.
iVlany vices ca n make it unpl easant to work with a par-
ticular horse, and all vices dctract from a horse's value
and usefuln ess. Your G~I will usually dete rmine when
thcse behaviors occur, a nd their effects.
\\,ilh work, a trainer can eliminate a "icc fro m a
horse. Scc the Animal Training skill for more detail s.
Attacking: This horse deliberat ely charges or sa\··
ages a pe rson or horse.
Bitin g: }\ horse with thi s vice bit es handlers,
bystanders o r other horses. Thi s "icc often occurs
because of incompetent handling.
Bolting: Bolting takes place when a horse gulps
down its grain wit ha m che\\·ing. Th is vice is undesir-
able because the whole grain passes through the diges-
ti\·c tract wililOu t being digestcd, lead ing \0 digestive
disturbances such as colic.
Bucking: Bucking is a serious vice. A rider can be
buckcd ofT, possibly trampled and injured.
Cribbing: When cribbing, a horse selS its upper
incisor teeth against an object, archcs its neck, pulls
backward and swallows large quantities of air. This
vice leads to colic and other digestive d isturbances
caused by excessive air in the digestive tract.
Difficult to Catch: Horses that are difficult to catch
arc a big nuisance. It is quite time-consu ming, not to
mCl1lion frustratin g, to own a horsc with thi s \·icc.
TABLE 3.6-1: liGaSE VICES
Roll (dlOO) Viet
Aggressivc
O].{12 ...• ...•..••...•••..••.. Aluckulg
03-0'1 ............. . .... 8ilillg
05--06 . ..... . ... ......... .. .8ockulg
07·08 ... .......................... r ighting
09·10 ....... •............. ....... Kiekillg
11·12 . ... ................ . ... .. ... .slriki ng
Flight
IHi .. . .... Difficult to ~t tb
16·18 . . . .... HIller Pulli pg
19·21.. . . _... RC1fing
22-2'1 ..................... . ...... Rcsists Saddling
Sull
25-V ... _.... _.................... Boltillg
28·30 ........ .. ..................Cubbillg
31·33 ....................... . .... PI1rlllg
3'1·36 ......... . .. .... ..... .. .. .Resists Crooming
37·39 ............................Shyillg
40·'12 ................ .. .....Tail Rubbing
'l3·'IS .... ................. .. . .. ...Wclvillg
46-50 .. •.•.•..••..•••......•••..••Wood Chewing
Spctid
SI·9S ................... .. . .. HotS( bls 110 vice
%·100 ... ............... . . .. Rolltwo morc limes
on Ihis Uble
Fi ghting: Figilling is aggressive behavior by domi-
nant horses. This vicc typically occurs bcfore thc
dominance hierarchy is established , and ends once
established.
Ha lter Pulling: Halter pulling can injure the horse 's
neck muscles (and can injure the handler as well).
Kicking: This vicc is usually the result of incompe-
tent handling. Needless to say, a horse that habilUally
kicks at other horses or people is dange rous.
Pawing: lrrc1e\'ant in a paSlUrc or co rral, pawing
thc sHIll floor is marc of a nuisance than a serious vice.
Howc\'e r, it wastcs cnergy and digs holes into the fl oor
that must be filled periodically.
Rearing: Rea ring is one of thc most dangerous viccs
a horse can ha\·c. Whcn a horsc rears up, the flailin g
forelegs can cause se rious injuries to the handler, espe-
cially to the head.
Resists Groo ming: Somc horses simply do not like
10 be groomed. The horse might ki ck, bite, shy, shakc,
and gene rally make the handler's life mise rable.
Howcvcr, if a ridc r gives in and fail s to groom this
horse, he's looking for se rious trouble. Lea\'ing dumps
of mud , burrs or o ther debris on the mount can cause
saddle sores. It can also make the hor~c ornery, and
cause other vices (particulal"iy Bucking and Resists
Saddling. :\ot picking, cleaning and trimming the
horse's hoo\'cs could ca use it to go lame -- rendcring it
useless until healed.
Resists Saddling: . \ horse with this vice does not
like to be saddled. Such a horse may inhale and hold
the air whi le it i~ hcim; ci nched. After the horse is lcd
a round or ridden for a fcw minutes, the saddle
bccomes loose. pUlling the rider at r i ~ k.
Shying: ..-\ horse easily spooked by unfam iliar objects
is dangerous to ride, even for expericnced riders.
Striking: Striking with the fo rcfect makes the han-
dler vu lnerable to injury while leading, grooming or
saddling the horse .
Tail Rubbin g: This vice usuall y starts when a
horse's tail areas is irritated by interna l parasites, or a
skin affiiction. Once thc \·icc is acquired , thc horsc
may contin ue to rub its ta il e\'en after the origina l can·
dition has been co rrectcd.
Weaving: Weaving is the rhythmical shifting of the
weight of the forehand from onc forefoot to the other.
This nervous habit takes a tremendous amount of
energy. It results from tOO much food and insufficient
regular exe rcise.
Wood Chewing: Wood chewing is one of thc most
co mmon vices, and quite dange rou s becausc the horse
ca n swallow splinters of wood.
GAITS
A horse has fivc natural gaits: walk, trot, lope, gallop
and back. Each gait is defincd se parately below.
Walk: There arc scvcral form s of the walk, but all
show an even four-bcat gait. The scquence of hoof
bcats is I left hind, 2 left forc , 3 right hind and 4
right fore.
Trot: The trot is a two· beat gait in which the paired
diagonal feet strike and lca\'c the ground simultanc-
12i
au sly. I ntcrestin~ly, there is a period of suspe nsion
between beats, where all four fcct arc 01T the ground.
Lop e o r cante.r : Thi s is a three-beat gait, in which
the first and third beats oenlr when t\\'o legs stri ke the
ground independelltl)'. and Ih e second beat is made by
twO limbs striking the ground ~ imuhan cous l y. The legs
that stri ke the ground independently arc called the
lead limbs. each hearin~ the enti re wl'i~ht of the hor~e
for a short pL'dod. Therefore. the lelld limbs are more
subject to fatigue than the other two legs. In the left
kad, the sequence of beat~ is I, right hind leg. 2 lefr
hindlcg and right foreleg, and 3 left forclt'g. A period
of suspen sion follows the bt~at of the )(oft foreleg.
Gall op or run : This i ~ a [our-beat 'l'ait ~imilar to the
lope, except that the paired diagonals do nO! land
simuhaneotlsly. Instead. the hindlcg hih jlL~t before
the foreleg. The lead limbs bear the full \\ei'l'ht of thc
horse. [ n the ld'\lcad. tht· "equenec of bea" is I right
hindlcg.2 len hindle/{, 3 right foreleg, and I left fore-
leg, A period of suspe nsion follows the fOll .' beats.
Ba ck : ..-\ hors!' backs by trotting in reverse. using a
two-beat gait in which [he dia~onal pair~ of legs work
together. Bal'k speed j~ the sa me as a walk.
* CLOTHING &. EQUIPMENT *
This section describe~ some of the mo~t important
pieces of co\\bo) gea r. Sec tht' ba~ic price Ii" in
Chop'" 5,51 GoodJ & Stmct.1 for more information.
Bit: This sma ll bar, normally made of metal. aHach-
es to the bridle. It is placed in the horse's mouth so as
10 regulat{· the position of it~ head. and to help control
its pace and direction .
BridJ e: The bridle is the part of a horse's saddlery
or harness that fit s around the head.
C lot hin g: A cowboy usually weil rs a wide-brimmed
hat with a flat c rown. This shelt ers him from the ~un
and rain, protects his head and face when hc forces his
way head dowlI through thorn-scrub, a nd se rves as a
pillo\\' at night. ..-\ large silk 0 " cation square. knotted
loosely round the neck , ~e r\'es as sweat-rilg, bandage,
water-filter. dust-mask and mo~quito net. A flannel
shi rt with close-fitting curr~ is Wa1'll1, yet le~s sweaty
and conslricti\'e than a jacket. In willler. a sheepskin
coat might also be necessary. The cowboy's trOllsers
arc loose, tucked into high-hecled boots. Th e~e booLS
can be dug into the ~mund to help hold a roped steer.
and don 't slip through the wide wooden stirrups.
Leather chaps gi\'e a good grip o n the ~add le. are
used as a groundsheet at ni ~ ht. and protect legs against
the friction of long di<;tancc riding I,U \\ell as thorns.
[26
kicks, sna ke-bites and rain ). T he sp urs have huge row-
els, more humane than prick-spurs, making a distinc·
tive clink that a h or~e recogn izes. The lariat is used for
roping cattle, lying- bel wee n lI'ees 10 make a temporary
corral. ~Irin ging up horse·thic\'es, and any number of
other purpmes. ;\ I o~t cowboys \\ear a gun to dispatch
,I
a horse or cow with broken lc~, and to scare ofT coy-
otes, cou~ars and rustlers.
Hae kamore: A hackamore i)), essciltially, a bit-less
bridle. They arc made of a braided ra\\ hide no ~eba nd
with twO le;lIher 5t l'ips, one on each side of the horse's
head. to act as check platcs. The check plates arc \'ery
close to the hor~e's cye§. The} nm down from the top
of the head, where thl'), arc attached to a light leather
headHall ~Hld a braickd ropc running around the
hor~e'~ neck. The cheek platcs art' attached high on
the noseba nd ,I( the twO ('X lrenW$ of the nose bUlton,
the cxtra braiding on the lOp of the noseband, The
ends of the noseband cotlle together under [he horse 's
chin. T he reim a rc tied to this point.
H a lte r : A halter is a hcmp rope headpiece with lead
rope atlached. II is used for leading a horse without a
bridle. or for tyinlJ up a horse in the stable.
Pa d : The pad i~ a ~add l e blanket placed in between
the ..addle and the hor~e.
Rei n s: This pair of lon~ narrow .. traps anaches to
the bit or bridle. The rider use~ the reins to guide and
controlthc horse.
Saddle : The co\\bo)"s ~addle is designed to be com-
fortable on a long day's ride. to prevent inexperienced
riders from causing galls ;' open sores, on the horse's
back, and to make it easier to sit on a difficult horse.
A saddle is a cowboy's trademark, ;lI1d he la kes partic-
ular pride in having the best and most elaborate ~add l e
he ca n alTo rd. Cowboys with fancy saddles and poor
hor~es arc sometinll'S derided for "plltting:l S'W saddle
on a S I 0 hor~e."
Due to it., size and weight, the stoc k sadd le has two
cinches, fore and aft, which hold it firmly in place,
Th ese ;n'e made of horsehair or lamp-wick so as not to
cause galls on the bell). The outstanding virtue of the
stock saddle is that it, and iu rider's weight, arc dis-
tributed over a large arca. Thus. dc~pite its we ight, it
is comfortable on the horse for long rides.
Sh oes : It is import31H for horses 10 be shod. prima-
rily to increase traction and protect th(' hoof wall from
exces~ive wear and damage. Once a horse is shod, it is
equally importalll to maintain the horse's hooves by
regularly cleaning and trimming them , and replacing
shoes as needed. If a horse remains unshod. or is shod
but not taken c:1I'e of properly, the hor~e wilt likf'l y
become lame, o r worse Igreatcr risk of injurYl.

*HORSE RANCHING *
The first step in planning a horse ranch is determin-
ing the size and makeu p of the horse population to be
kept. It is extremely important to plan for expansion
and future changes in the herd. Determi ne the
amount of space needed for open and fenced areas.
SITE SELECTION
Th e first thing that should be considered is water
supply. An adequate all -year water supply must be
a\'ailablc at the site. Wind breaks may be important.
Consider the natural protection from the clements
provided by wooded areas, knolls, hills and ravines. A
minimum of two ac res per mature horse is necessary.
CATCHING A WILD HORSE
ProCessional hunters usc a \'aricl), of techniques to
catch the powerful and alert wild horsc~, which like to
slay in their own tcrritory. The hunters camp near the
herd and, if possible, between the horses and their
\\'ater su pply. T he white man learned from the Indians
10 encircle the quarry on their own mounts, causing
the wild animals to make increasingly shorte r turns
until they can be driven into a box ca nyon, or sur·
rounded by men. a nd roped.
Another method of capture is called "c reasing."
Unfortunately, this method is rarely successful. Th e
act of creasing consists of shooting the wild horse with
a rifle so precisely that the bullet grazes only the cords
in the top of the animal's neck (jUSt in front of the
withe rs about an inch or so deep, close to the spinal
column. This wound temporarily paralyzes a ner"l"e
center connected to the spinal cord and the brain, and
knocks the horse down. He is thus stunned long
enough for the hunter 10 tie him down before he recov-
ers. Success with this method calls for incredibly
expert marksmanship and an abunda nce of good luck.
for every horse captured this way, fifty arc killed.
A much more suc~essful method than creasing is
"snaring'-· A cowboy makes a noose with his lariat and
places it ncar a lure, such as a salt lick, then draws it
up when the ho rse steps on it. ,\ noose may also be
dropped from a tree, where the hunter sits hiddcn.
The most common method of capllI re, howc\·cr, is
the chase. The chase is usually long, for a wild horse
moves with great swiftness and agility. The c hase is
kept up day and night, leaving the \\'ild little ones littlc
time to cal o r ~lce p . The hunters do allow them to
reach water at reasonable intervals, because taking on
water slows them down. \\"hen rounding up horses in
rough country, t,,·o men arc a 101 better than one, for a
long, hard relay rlln is usually required to exhaust the
heart of a mustan~ and get him cornered.
129
BREAKING A HORSE
A young hOl'sc can be "forcfootcd" roped around
both forefeet as he runs rOllnd the corral. This brings
him down with suc h \"io!cncc that the stuffing, and
sometimes the frOIll leeth, arc knocked OUi o f him.
While on the ground , he is sadd led rolled from side to
side to tighten the ci nch a nd then mOlllllcd. tr the
cowboy can stay on until the horse Stops bucki ng, it's
been "b roke n."
Alternatively, the horse might be saddl ed and
mounted when tied \0 a post, or held by a strong man,
II·jlh a rope found the lower jaw. Once mOlltHed, the
ho rse usuall y starts buc king. Each time he bucks, he's
hit on the nose with a quirt (a short, stout stic k with a
braided leat her la sh). Soon he'll stop bucking. at
which point he's deemed broken.
In yet anothe r method. the ho rse is roped by the
front feet and thrown to the grou nd . .,..\ hackamore is
put on the horse's head, and then a 20-foot-long rope
is tied around the neck and run through the base of
the hackamore under the horse's chin. The other end
is tied to a tree o r a StOli t post. The horsc, not liking
* EQUINE ATTRIBUTES *
To determine you r mount's statistics. roll 3d6 for
each horse statistic: Short Speed, :\Iedium Speed,
Long Speed, Agil it y, Endurance, H orse Sense,
Te mperament, ~ I ettlc, Soundncss and Strength. Roll
4d8+20 for the horse's hit points. , "ou should also roll
once on Tablt 3.6-1: florst "ius.
Several sample horses arc provided for you . They
are li sted following the ;\PC stat ist ics in Chapttr
4./1 TIl( Am & Eights Campaigll.
TABLE 3.6·2: HORSE STATISTICS
Auributc Descriptioll
Shorl Speed ..... 'i, mile
Medi um Speed ... 1 mile
lollS Speed ...... 5 mile
ASilily .. " .... ,AbiliT y TO lur ll 011 i dime. jumpillg. surdootedlless
o,'cr rocky tertiill
Enduullce .... , ..Speed o,'cr 10llg disuaccs. CiD survivt on lill ie food
~nd wuer. perform ,n ~dversc: .. utber. Cle.

the restraint, is then allowed to fight it out. .,..\ horse Horse: Scnsc: ...•. RiIIse. from °rIlD'lato w~llsO TO -smut ~s ~ dog-
might st ruggle for a day or twO bcrore giving lip, all of Tempeumelll .... RillStS from 'orllery' 10 ' IO"uhleo
the while watched by a cowhand. By then his neck and T tiillibility ..... Ringes from °bitely miubk- 10 °tiSiJy Itiiaed"
legs arc sore, and nothing will induce him to pull back Mellie ......... .RIDSes from -usily spooked" TO 'sTudfUT-
on the rope. (even if wbipped)
SollDdllCss .... " .RiDSes from -sickly/welko to
T he co\\'boy may also tic a hind foot to the shoulder,
°1lC"er gets sick/hurt°
known as "side lining" a horse. When a horse accepts
Strellgth ....... ,AbIlity to pull or cury huvy lo.ds
without protest, he is broken and ready for the saddle.
Finall y, a ranche r can tame a wild horse and gel the
animal accustomed to the corral by trimming his
hooves so close that it is painfully difficult to walk,
much less to run or buck.
No matter what form or breaking you choose, a suc-
cess rul Bro nc Busting skill check is required. See
Chap/tr 6.31 Skill Descriptions.

TABLE 3.6·3: BREED MODIFIERS

,,,
AnribulC Quuter Horse Aubiia Thoroughbred Morgill MllSUIIS Percberoll 6 Shire Heivy Huness 6 web
Short Speed +. +1 +1 +1 +1 I
Medium Speed +1 +3 +, +1 +2 3
Lollg Speed
Agility
+1
+.
+,
+3
+,
+1
1
+1
+2
+3
+3 , ,
·1

ElldutiDce +3 2 +3 +, +1 +1
HorK Scfl5C
Temper.meDT
+,
+,
+3
+2
+1
0
+3
+3 ,,
+, +2
+,
+2
+,
Tniubility
Menle
+,
+3
+3
+2
0
·2
+3
+1 , +3
+,
+3
+,
Soundness +2 +3 0 +3 +3 +3 +3
StrellgTh +1 1 1 +3 2 +, +2

130
 3.71 Advanced Chase Rules
hese a(kancccl c hase rules arc used for instances
T where a mounted chase or race is Ihe plima lT
focus or a major cn:nt in an (,H'nings pla~. For
basic chases. rerer to the slandard rules.
A chase is broken imo se\'eral difTcrt'ut pha ses:
Tactical, Shon, ~kdium , Long and Extreme. T he di ~·
lance between the pursued and the pur~ucr, as well a~
the O\'craJl distance of the chase, determines which
phase you start with, as noted 011 Tahir 3. 7-/: Dtlmllinlllg
CJW$t PlIUStS.
TABLE 3.7·1: DETERMINING CHASE PHASES
Su n i"g D is tI nct
Iktween Pursuer/Pursued Phnc Speed Chips (# 6 color)
UarleT 300 reel ...•......Tutiul ............1I01lt
Vader 1/4 mile ......... .short ..... 1x ShOTI Speed (red)
Uader I mile ..........Medium ....2x Medium Speed (led)
Under Smiles ... """, .long ....... 2x Long Sp«d (red)
O ver S mile, ..... E ~lrcmt ., .. .Z~ Endur,ncc ( ... hile)
For example, if the bank robbers and the po~se arc le~~
than 300 feel from each olher, you be({in th(' chasc in Ihe
Tactical Phase. The Tactical Phase i~ typically resoh-ed
using the standard combat rules and tllU~, with a fel\
exceptions, will not be CO\'ereel under these chase rules.
A chase can move 10 Ihe Short Chase Phase and out of
the Tactical Phase at any time if bOlh the pursuer and
the pursued agree.
Howe\'er, if the chase begi ns afte r the bank robbers
already ha\'e a good lead of bet\\een 300 feet and a
qua n cr mile, then you begin the chase in the Short
Chase Phase. Likewise, if the posse <lnd ba ndits arc
between a quaner mile and one mile aW<I}; the cha~e
begins in the :\ Iedium Chase Phase, and so on.
TERRAIN
In a chase, it is important 10 know what type of terrain
your mounts arc traveling on, because cert <lin hazards <lnd
obstacles can appear. Terrain types include plains, descrt,
hills, badlands, fores!. ~lI'amp and mountains. Obviousl};
Ihe harsher the terrain is, the greater the opportunity for
the riders to face obstacles and diniculties. See the
Dangers section below for more information.
7r~ (shrriJ!)
Ngurt 3.7-/: bUlial (hair .(Ilip
i\'ote that if the chase cont inues far enough in dis-
tance, the lerrain may change for example, from hill ~ to
mountams. The actual campaign map or local area
map of the region should detnminc hO\\ Ihe te rrai n
cha nges.
SETUP
To play out the chase. you need one sllllmed deck of
sw ndard playin~ cards include Ihe two jokers and a ~et
of marke rs or chip, II ith at ka~l three different colors.
Each horse mount ill\'ohed in a chase l'ecei\'es a certain
numbe r or chips to stan Ihe chase. The number or chip$
depends on the horse's allribules. so SOllle horses will be
better or worse than other hor~cs al ce rtain aspects of
the chase. Each ho~c recei\'cs a !lumber of red ch ips a ~
~ hown on Tabl! 3. 7-/, abo\'e, blue chips equal 10 double
ih . \({i!ity. and while chips equal to double it s
Endurance. See Cha/ller 3.61 Horst's for information on
mount~ and their ~t"t~.
.\ fter all player, ha\'('lhcir chip~. the chase begins with
the pursued characters dra\\-ine; ~ix playing cards and
placing them ill a straight line on the whle, race up and
end to end or side 10 side as shown in I-igUft 3.7-/. Thi ~
rcpresents the path of the chase. ;'\late that using a
straight pa1h docs not necessarily mean th<lt the aell1<11
chase always takes place in a straight line it is simply
an casy way 10 visual ize the chase wit hout wasling tOO
much table ~pacl'.
O nce the ca rd~ are down. the pursued characters then
place their marker~/min ia1Ures on the 6th c<lHI while the
pursue n place their miniatures/ markers before the first
card on card "/.ero" as show n in Figllrt' 3.7-/,
Exception : if the chase begins in tactical mode at less
than 300 feet. by agreement of the playe rs, place only
one card per 50 feCI di stance between the pursuers and
the pursued, rounded lip,
For a mI/pit. lei s say tho! lu:o pla),trS. 7et; (plaJ'illg Ihe slttriiJ)
alld Halik (PlfIJ'illg a halldil), Ia,}' dOlt'1I (/ roU' rf six cards for a
rims! (ill order. tllm art (/ hla(k 10. Ma(k 8. red Q.: red 8. r(d 6
alld ud . 1). Halik is Ilu pl/rslltd. so ht starts on tht rtd A. I hmA
slarts btfort tht red 10 it u'iif bt tht first (ard ht lands 011.
Han/.: (handil)
131
BEGINNING PLAY
Once setup is complete, it's time to begin the chase!
T he chase takes place over a series of turns where the
players will "move" along the cards (cards re prese nting
the path or road that the pursued characters have taken).
Each mounted character will have the oppon unity to
move their mount once pCI' turn. Each mounted ride r
can move at the standard rate of 3 cards per turn. The
3 card mQ\'C is the "base" speed, and mar be reduced by
hazards, obstacles, or player choice. Likewise, the 3-card
move may be increased by one additional card for every
2 fed chips (Sec Table 3. i-I. above) used.
To add an elemcm of suspense and unpredictability 10
Ihe chase, the characters simultaneously declare speed.
This is done by secretly palming a number of chips: 2
reds for every card above 3, no chips for precisely thrce
and onc white chip for cvery card slO\l'er than 3. Red
chips palmed in this way arc considered bid or spent,
while white chips are merely sho\\'n and returned 10 Ihe
horse's allotted white stack.
For example, a pla)'er ml!)' choose 10 move less than 3 ((lrds by
sl/owing onr white chip (but not discarding tht chip!) during the
dedarefor each ((lrd he plans to reduce his speed. As sud" 3 while
chips illdicale the rider has stopped, 2 white cltips illdicale Ihe base
speed is reduced by 2 (to I card) for Ihat turn, and 1 whilt chip
indicates a speed reduced by' 1 (to 2 cards base spud}for that tum.
For each wltitt chip shown and speed reduced Ihallum. the pla)"er
receives allollter chip r.if m!)' color. See Ihe Dangers sedion below
for more informalion on redl/{illg speed due to ha<.ards and obsta-
des.
A player can spend or bid no more than half his
mount's relevant ability score (in this case, Shon,
Medium or Long Speed). All chips bid arc immediately
discarded (but return at a rate of 3 per hour of game
time).
~o te that you can use any two chips in place of one
chip of anothe r color. If a horse runs out of chips, it col-
--, Figurt 3.7·2: H(lnk, th( pursu(d. opts 10 movt Sf:1:m wrds (buH rnoL'(rnml is 3 wrds plus I for
(l;ffY 2 ((d chips pla)'d - Hank pla)'ed 8 rd chips). He thus draws w:tn cards /rom Ihe deck (lnd
~ pl(lets them infront of his mark(r.
D -0 -.. .. :; 0.... . .... . _ ~ "..
-~ D'"D-D °D -
~ _. '""+ • ..,.
132
lapses and must make a Soundness check (roll a d20 and
get a number equal to or less than its Soundness); if the
mount fails the Soundness check, it dies.
For example. let's suppose our lwo pll!)'ers, Tex and Hank, are
involved in a chase through the hills, slarling from a distance r.if
300 feet (i.e., starling in tlli Short Phase). 80lh plq;-rrs decide to
go as fast as possible, bul Tex's horst has a Short Speed r.if 10,
wllile Hank's Iwrse has a Shorl Speed r.if 16. Th is mtallS Ihal Tex
can on(}1 bid up to 5 red chips. but Hank call bid as many as 8.
So. Tex decides to bid" rtd chips (mounts onty move + I card for
every 2 rtd (hips. so lu kno/1:s Ilu 51h chip would be wasled).
Hank the bandit, lIatllral{y, duides to bid 8 chips.
Now that both playe rs know how many red chips they
want to bid, each puts that number of red ch ips in his
dosed hand, and holds it up or out over the table to indi-
cate he is ready to go. When all players have their hands
out. they re\'ealtheir chips and the chase begins!
The from-runner pursucd) draws and places a num-
ber of additional cards based on his speed face-up on the
table. then mO\'es his mount along the cards (as if the
ca rds were spaces on a playing board. After the leade r
has moved, the next lead horse moves a number of cards
equal to his speed - he does not dra\\" cards unless his
speed would move him past the leadn E\'en then, he
only draws as many cards as necessary 10 move his
remaining speed i.e., enough to fini sh out his fu ll move).
\lO\'emcl1l continues until all riders ha\'e mO\'ed their
pieces.
ul's go balk 10 our example with Ttx and Hank (Figure 3.7-
2). Since Hank u:as the fr0llt-runller (pursued), he moveSfirst.
His bandit's mounl moves 7 cards (3 cards + I card for every 2
red chips he bid) ahead. Halik draws 7 cards and adds Ihem 10
the path, ready 10 move his horse ahead. Tex, however, can move
aluad onty 5 (a rds, so he still has a u:ays 10 go.
D~
::.0: .
 TABLB 3.7-2: CARD DISTANCB RBPRBSBNTATIONS
~hn(: DiS!luct
Tltljell .......... 1 ;lIt b - ,; fttt
Short .......... J cud - SO fccl
Medium ........ .1 cud - 100 fw
Loog ......... .1 cud - 500 feel
Extreme ........ .1 u rd - 1/ '1 milt
TABLE 3.7-3: HAZARD AND OBSTACLE RANGES
Te rn;1I SUlldud Ringes WiTh ROld
Plains ...................Joker 6 2. .... . ... Joke.
D~n ................Joker. Z. J 6 " ........... Joker 6 2
H iliJ ................J0ker. 2. 3, " 6 5 ......... Joker. 2 (] J
Bldbbds .. ....Joker. Z. 3, 4. 5 6 6 ....... Joker. 2. 3 6 "
Forell ................Joker. 2. 3. 4. 5, ......... Joker. 2. J. 4.
....... ...... .........6, 7. S. 9 6 JO ........... 5, 6. 7 6 8
MOUDU;II!, SWlmp ..........Ally ............ Joker. Z. 3, 'I. 5. 6,
........................... _............... ~al ~J.O
DANGERS
In a chase, the cards do not exist simply to define the
path. The)' also indicate what hazards or obstacles, if
any, have presented themseh-es. Hazards can slo\\ a
mount's speed, while obstacles mar ~Io\\ a mount's
speed, cause damage, or even force the rider to StOP and
track! Riding checks, speed and othe r factors determine
whether one of these dangers actually affects the ride r.
Table 3.7-3: Ha;:.ard and Obstacle Ranges defines when a
card is an obstacle or hazard. in the plai ns, for example,
only Jokers and 2 cards may be a danger. In the hills, the
danger is greater Ookers, 2, 3, 4, and 5 cards and in the
mountains, any card may be a danger!
If the chase follo\\"s a road through this terrain, the
value of hazards and obstacles is reduced by t\\"o. (T he
J okers are always a danger.)
l\ l ultiple dangers encountered in the same [Urn each
require an additional Riding check i.e., one check for
one danger, twO checks for the second danger, three
checks for the third danger, elc). For example, three dan-
ge rs in one move results in six lOtal checks. Players mUSt
make extra Riding checks regardless of success or failure
for earlie r checks, and loss of base speed is cumulative.
You only make Horse Sense checks 'sce below I once per
hazard, even if there were pre\ious hazards that turn.
Hazards
Red playing cards (heartS or diamonds) as well as
J oke rs indicate a hazard (sec Table 3.7-4: Ha<.ards'l.
Howeve r, mounts moving with a speed less than the card
\'alue l , or in terrain where the hazard does not exist see
Table 3. 7-3: Ha<.ard alld Ohstacle Rallges, above}, bypass the
hazard without incident. Characters mO\'ing at a speed
I Jol.:" /.Jpt na?,ards mal fill'" bt bypassed without ifl(idml
TABLB 3.7-4: HAZARDS
Card Huard
Joker ...... Hole
Red 2 ...... •.............. Roo t
Red J ..................Hick brush
Red 'I .....................Gull y
Red S.............. . . .Log
Red 6 .................... Bunc h
Red 7 ........... . ..Tree
Red 8 .......... ....... .sharp Slope
Red 9 .................... Boulder
Red 10 ............. .. .... Hillock
Red J ........... .small building/ dirt ....111
Red Q ...........UfgC building/rock ....a11
equal to or greater than the card must make an immed i-
ate [difficult] Riding check. Failure reslIhs in the forfei-
ture of one blue chip and a -I to base speed for the next
turn mo\'e only 2 cards + I card for e\'el)' 2 rcd chips .
A successful Riding check indicates that yOll a\'oided the
hazard at no penalt):
I-I o\\'c\·cr. if the ch:mlctcr succeeded in his Riding
check bm his 1l10unt'~ Hor5e Sense di\'ided by 2) is less
than the hazard card\ number2. the character must
make an additional Riding check. Failure results in loss
of aile blue chip and a - I to his next turn's base ~pced.
:\OIe that terrain does nOt affect the Horse Sense check.
i1Jmiliar 1}.iJ
If the route ridden is a famil iar tmil lO a characte r,
that character has an advantage. He kno\\'s whe re the
gullies, IO\\,*hampng branches and such arc and can
react appropliatc1). Thus, familiality reduces the cffect
of hazards. Specifically, if a character is \'ery familiar
with a trail has ridden it daily in the past or many times
recently), his speed is considered two lower for deter-
mining which hazards affect him and his mount. If a
character is familiar with a trail e.g., has scomed it out
as an escape route and ridden it a few times in prepara-
tion for fleeing pursuers '. his speed is considered one
lower for determining which hazards affect him and his
mount.
Te.\ is still rhasing flallk tllrollgll tilt hills. so let S Set how
tht)"re doing. III the last exampfl. Halik /(:0$ movillg ahtad 7
cardJ. !L·hile u:c u'as 1II0r'ing ahead 5 cartiJ. Thlre is no road hm.
so u'e know that uxalld Halik u·ill ellto/mtfT all ohstacle or ha;:.-
ard if they reath a card IIlImhmd witlt a Joker. 2, 3. 4 or 5.
Halik is movillg 7, so af! these IlOzardJ aNIy to him. Ttx is mov-
illg 5, so tacit rif these IlOzards also applilS to IIim. If either rhar-
acter was familiar !L'itll this trail. tlley cOllld ignore those red .5
IIO<.ards (being l'fTy familiar would iglloTe both red 4 and red 5
ha(,ards). L-nfortullately for them. thl)' are 1I0t.
Hank starts witll 110 trouble, movillg OUT a bind 9. red K alld
red Q., hilt theflllrtli card lie rrosSfS is a red Joker a Iw<.ard. fie
2 Irtat}i1u cards as nm:iflg 1/ ,'a[ut of 10
133
 Pigur( 3. 7-3: Ifallk mons JeNII (ards. tcountenllg Iwo ha::ards. Ttt //loves fit"( cords mid (II(ounlers 11011'.
Jhjai/s ~, .. Ii,,""~ ,h,d;,
h",. I"i"~ 2 hi.,(hip, a, 1I
sus his horse IS aboullo slep in a hole.' Forlllllalely. Halik makes
a suc(fsifut Riding dud and lIIanagts 10 at-oid il. Lu(ki~, I/O
horse has a Horse Sense low mough 10 be unda a}oka so I/O Hrme
Sense Check is required. U'!/orlullale!y, Hallk'sJ!flh card is a red
., - all aptJroacllillg gutry. Tillie for allolher Ridillg dud.'
This lillie, Hankfails his Ridillg cherk, so he is ullable to slop
his horsefrolll slowing dolt'n illlhegllllJ-. lie loses olle blue chip
from I/IS pile alld, lIexl 111m, cal/ onry mOlle 2 ((Irds (+ I c(IId for
et'tly 2 red chips. tif rourse) inslead tif 3 cards. r lone. sillce Ihis
is hi.'; strolld !w;:ard ill Ihe same turn. he IIIlIsl II/ake a second
Riding check. Halik grillds his leelh as !II fails Ihe secolld Ollf as
/l'ell. He has losl allollier bille {hip and ((III O!l~' II/O /"t J card (+ I
cardfor eveo' 2 rid chips) IIttllllm. 8 111 HallkJ Iloljilluliedy l
he slill has lu'o 1II0re rards to corer. Fortullatebi thtse are a red
7 and a black Q Halik stops 011 l/ie black Qalld hrealhfJ a sigh
tif relief
~\QW it's Yex's lurn. He mous ahead 5 cards, over a black 10,
black 8, red Q.; red 8. alld eliding all a red 6. . \ 0 ha::.ards for
lucl.y Teo'd Oil his lIex/ lum, the}irsl ((Ird he lands on will he the
red A llie uf)' card Hank slarled 011. Forlullatel;, Ihere are I/O
obslacles befu'ulI llim and Hank. and III call easi~)- flllol/' his
trail.
Obstacles
Black cards (clubs and spades) represelH obstacles.
Typical obstacles arc slIch Ihings as boulders, or ILIrm
and bends in Ihe Irail. T hese obstruct Ihe viewing of the
pursuers and may present a danger to riders with ornery
mount s (low Temperaments), who take Ihe opportu nil),
to maneU\'cr their rider imo Ihc obstacle. If a moum's
Tempcramem (divided by 2 is less than the obslacle
card's number, the character must attem pt a Riding
check. On a failed Riding check ,'ersus obstacles, the
player suffe rs the forfeiture of one blue chip, a tempo-
rary -I to his base speed (move only 2 e ard~ + I card for
e"ery 2 red chips on next move) and I point of damage.
If allhe end of any turn there arc 1\\"0 or more ob5la-
cles between pursuing and pursued characters, the pur-
* Hf lilt
13+
sLlers must stop at the next obSlacle and attempt to track
Ihe pursued*. They cannot proceed until a successful
Tracking roll picks up the trail.
TRACKING
Until line of sight is re-established (i. e., zero obstacles
bel\\"een Ihe pursuers and the pursued), the pursuers
must attempt to Irack Ihe purslled at every obstacle
encountered. Tracking checks made by more than 35%
allow Ihe Irackers to ayoid ha"ing to slo\\" do\\"n while
lc~ser degrees of ~uc("ess rcsul! in a pcnalty to subsequelH
mO\Tlllent "ee Table 3.7-3: Trarking Slou-douws' . Three
failed allcmpts in a row by each Iracking character indi-
c;lIe Ihat Ihe pursued 11<I\'e given the pursuers the slip
the trail is losi. Inclement weather such as ligln rain
reduces this to \\\"o failed attempts. while heavy rain
reduces it to one failed aHemp\.
TABLE 3,7·5: TRACKINGSLOWDOWNS
Peb~h y
Degree of Success
:> 35% .......none
26Y, to 3S% ..... . . ..·1 10 next turb's bue speed
16% to 2S% . .. . . .·2 to uextturn's bue speed
O'I, tO 15% ...·3 10 nextturn's b~se speed
hilure ..••.. C~UBOI proceed
011 his net/lllrn. Hank can Ollry mm'e J card (+ 1 cardfor eV(1)'
2 red chips}. Still. he tiffidrs /0 moL'( asfasl as possible ill hopes
if /ojillg Iht sheriff He bids 8 red clii/)s 10 1II01-'r aluad 5 cards.
Five lIe/1..' cards are llOW drO/t'lI alld laidfare 11/) on the lable toforlll
Ihe IIe\t pari tif Ihe trail.
Crossmg tasi!>, our a red 9. Halik lands 011 !IIS secolld card a
black 3. His mounts Temptramflll diddfd h)' 2 equals 5. which
is greater Ihall lhe obslacle card:r IlIIlIIber, so his horst avoids Ihe
obslaclt withoul illcitiellt. He crosses a red K allti !llfII hits his
fourth card a blark 5. This lime. his mOIlIlI's TrmpeTfllllflll
di;;ided by 2 is equal/o Ihe obstadl cards lIumber. so he mllsilllake
a Riding dwk (pIllS allother Riding duck, sill(( Ihis is flis second
Tradillg jkill dncriplioll 10 gallgr 1M diffi(UI!~ of III' duck based IIPOIl III, Sill/alioli.
dangff Ihis lurn). /-Ie succmis alone. bul f ails Ihe Olher. lal.-ing I
poilll qf damage as his ortlery horst slams Halik's Itg inlo a pass-
ing bouldtr, and losing al/olher blue chip alld slifJtring a - I 10 his
base spud. ~\ (xltl/m, he ((III move Oil!)' I ((Ird (+ I ((Irdfor t/'l'IJt
2 red chips) inslead qf 3.
_\'OU~ ht mous on 10 his fifth alld lasl card a red 3 ha::,ard.
This is his IMrd dallger Ihis roulld, so ht mll.sl make Ihree mort
Ridillg checks. /-Ie SI/rcuds al Olle, andfails Ihe olliff lU'o. so he
10Sts Iwo more bll/e c/I//JS alld slifJtrs a - 2 10 ilis bast spud. After
°
all is said and dOllt, Ilallk morts rards (+ I rardfor t/:er)" 2 rtd
chips) inslead oj 3, 011 llis lIexl lum.
Ttx bid his maximum qf .j red chips.. bul he u'os nol sloll:td ~)'
mV' hazards losllum. and can /1lOl:t 5 cards (3 tards + I cardfor
tUIJ' 2 red ellips). However. ht looks oul illio lilt dislmlft alld sus
IlIalllt has lost sighl qf 1·lallk (dut to tlte 111'0 obslades betweill
Ihem). Still, ma)'be lu'l/ gel lllcl.)'.
PHASE DURATION AND GAINING NEW CHIPS
Any ti me during a Tactical Chase Phase Ihat charac-
ters arc more than 300 feet apan , move to the Short
Chase Phase. After 20 cards tOtal are drawn, move to
the ,\ Iedium C hase Phase. The i\l edium Chase Phase
lasts fo r 34 cards (i.e., until the deck has been used
emirely\. Afler the first deck has entirely played-out,
1110\'C to the Long Chase Phase and play OUI another
entire deck. Following that, 11100'e to the Extreme Chase
Phase until the pursuers gi\'e up, or lose the trail.
Once play moves from the Short Chase Phase to the
i\ ledium Chase Phase, pla)'ers reccive additional red
chips equal to 2x :\!t'diul11 Speed of their mount.
Similarly, once play moves from the ~ I edium Chase
Phase to the Long C hase Phase, players recci\'e addi-
tional red chi ps equal to 2x Long Speed of their mount.
Any lime a rider moves less than 3 cards, his horse
Figurt 3.7·4: lIank mous jiu cards uounlrrmg litO obJ/adtJ and a ha;:ard. I h Ju({udJ
in losing Ttx ~, rir/ut of Ihm bdng 111."0 obJla({tJ blluull IIItm al lilt trill of Iht lurn.
If" ...."., T,...,......""
" ~'&~ ,w.'Wh I. ~,.~It
,-------."" Ih" ••"",,11.
~
~
DD
DD~DDD
regai ns one chip of any color but nC\'cr more than the
maximum allowed). This includes stopping to track.
III Tex and Halik's gaml, for e>:ampll, 18 ((Irds havt bUll
pla)"td (Iht inilial 6, plus Ihe i from Halik's firsl mowntllt al/d
lilt 5 fiom iJis secolld). II nOI Hank rtachu card 20, he /L·jll tIIln-
tlu.l /edium Chase Phasf. Hank's hom onvt Iws 0.1Iidillm Spud
if 6, so ht rtcrim 12 addiliollal red (iJips. Likt'U'ist, if 7,x
rrac/ud card 20, ht would riceive addilional red (hips bastd 011 his
horse's .I1edill1ll Spud. Howa'er. Tex 's horse has a :llldill1ll Spud
oj 1-1. so he Il'o/Iid rereh'l allolher 28 red (Iiips.
ElD!NG THE CHASE
.\ chase ends when either a pursucr movcs 10 within
300 feet of the pur~ued in which case, mo\'c to normal
combat and ("('soke . the pursuer gi\'es up the chase or
falls hopelc5sly behind. :\"ote that after twO inte r\'ening
ob~tacles, the pursuer, must attempt to track, possibly
leuing the pur~ued ("haraClcr~ mO\'e further and further
ahead. At some point they will find the pursued per-
hap~ campi n ~, lose the trail by three failed T racking
checks in a ro\\' or the pursued will make it to a popu-
lated arca 0(" other safe havcn , making tracking impossi-
ble.
Ltt's go back to /Iallk alld Tt:tfor a IIIOlllelll. w sl /1'e knell(
7tx U'as a good disla1lre blhilld Halik /l'ith 1/1'0 obsladu betll'UII
Illem. Ttx u·illllm'I 10 slop alld lrack al bolh qf tlust. alld dial
with all tlu ha::,ards ill hiJ /l'I!): lit kllou's Ilis TracJ..-illg skill is
lariblt, alld IIis hont i)/I'! !"e~)" smart, so Ite llirou's 11/) his hal/ds
/1/ di~t:ust and gil tJ liP Ilu chase. . \ ,\! time Itt has to c!IflSt a ban-
dil. hi '{{ kllOll" 10 bnllg morl "'til /L'itlt 'UIII. . 1 paSSl usuallY Itas
at ltast a (ouplt if fast hOflts.. alld jomt IIItII u'i!h bttlff Trackillg
skills as u·tll. Also, il rouldll't hurt Ttt: to gil a better hom ...
_I." ..... e, '" 't" .1111......;~,tI N ... t ~ 111", "'I"""
If,,, ~
/I,d,,,, ,.t.Yt< H. ,oJl", tI...
ttl
•
I .'"'
RuI"" ,40-,h '" '"if'" ~••,"" ....."",.,
""" """" """"t< ~.tI .•, . /H.t, , "",,,II) .~" liu I/o" "'''' (~'p.<.
t . .,wJ~:~:'JITai HJ"D
[35
 4.11 The Aces & Eights Campaign
•
, This is unfortunate. As a setting, the Old West pro·
..
O kay. So you and your friends have rolled up
your fancy new characters. You're full of hope
and have a burning desire in your gut to sct Ihe world
on fire and show it what you're made of. You 've got
sand , kid. That 's admirable - but before you hit the
trail and Start slapping leather there's a few things you
should know.
Unlike their fantasy role-playing counterparts, west-
ern rolc-playing games have traditionally been limited
\0 one-off ad\'clHllrcS, with players ge ni ng tOgether.
rolling up some characters and quickly finding an
excuse 10 fire their guns and shoot things up. Robbing
a bank, taking on the evil cattle baron and his men, or
ambushing the payroll stage can be great fun, but usu-
ally lead 10 the death of several (if nOt all) characters.
Whcn the sessio n is finishcd so is the adventure .
138
vidcs an abundance of untapped adventure opportuni.
tics. And although Aas & Eights lends itself well to
onc·ofT adventuring, it has primarily bcen designed
with the on ·going campaign in mind.
This scction will help gu ide you in these pursui ts and
morc. The information provided here is intcnded to
help players and Game~ l asters alike get their cam ·
paigns underway while waiting for additional .'l as &
Eights supporting material to come.
TYPES OF SESSIONS
1-o r those of you new to the world of role· play·
ing games (RPGs) the following is a quick
oYcrview of concepts common to mOSt RPG s.
. Ias & Eights can be played in one of three
ways the skirmish, the one·otT adventure
or tbe on ·goi ng ca mpaign.
Ski rDlis h: A skirmish is simply an cxcuse to
ha\'e a big gunfight. Players get together, splil into
team\, and decide on an objecti\'e or victory condi·
lion. The \'iclory condition may be as simple as
"Last man standing wins" or somcthing more noble
like " Fight otT the outlaws and prevent the bank
from being robbed." 1\ot only arc skirmishes a lot of
fun, but they are a great teaching aid in introduc·
ing new playe rs to the combat rules and whctting
their taSte for some good wcstern role·playing.
:-JOt only will it teach them the advantages of
such things as taking cO\'er and laying down
suppressing fire , but it'lI also show the players
JUSt how deadly a gun is.
.'\Jot e: T he Aces & Eights primer, Showdown, was
released with the skirmish player in mind. It presented
just the bare·bone combat rules and a handful of sce·
narios for players to rUIl large sprawling gun battles.
One-Off Adve nture: T he one-off adventure is
just that. t\ group of players get together, roll up char-
acters and se t about completing an adventurc with
some SOrt of specific goal in mind.
It may be dri\'ing a herd of longhorns hundreds of
miles to a rail head, robbing a Slage, or eliminating a
band of notorious cutthroats that have taken over a
small town.
T he action begins and ends in a single evening's
playing session. It 's anothe r great way to introduce
new players to the game who may be hesit ant to try it
OIhcrwise. Like an aClion· ad\'cnlUrc movie, one·offs
tend 10 focus on illlense action and lots of gunplay,
with playcrs knowing their characters ma} not come
out alive. Oft limes a one-off a(kenture is simply an
excuse to lead the players into a climaCtic skirm ish.
W hen first playing ActJ & EighlJ, players may find
they arc content with just rolling up characters and
ru nning skirmishes and one-om. As mentioned ahon·.
Am & EightJ lends itself well to such activity and
let's face it, therc's nothing quite so impulsi,'(' as a n('\\
player with a gun he's j ust aching to u<;c.
"H~y gu)'J, is that a baTIk? LttS rob it. ..
E"eiHua lly, it'll sink in that g:unplay is lethal. and
that robbing banks and raising hell every session
results in little more than high mortality rates and
rolling up lots of characte rs.
If your group enjoys this SOrt of mayhem and finds
it appealing, more powcr to you. Ha\'e at it and ha\'e
fun.
THE ON-GOIN~ CA MPA!~N
When you grow tired of racking up a body count
a nd sta rt longing for something more su bsta ntial,
you'll be happy to know that AaJ & EightJ has bee n
designed from thc ground up with the on-going cam-
paign in mind. T his book' and later supplements will
allow you to do much morc than stumble down the
pall1 of an outlaw, or simply finding yourself gelling
gut shot week after week.
A campaign is a se ries of sessions or ad"elllures
where e\'ents and action from the previous session
carryon to the next. Rob a ban k one weck and you r
chat';tcters must deal with the conseque nces (or avoid
them) the fo llowing wee k. If a character dies, a new
one is introduced to join up with the othe r survi\'ing
characters and the campaign continues_
In thc campaign, players conce ntrate on establ ishi ng
the ir characters in the world they li\·c in and making
the m more powerful and successful. Players can pursue
just about any profession their hearts desire, or any
avenue of opportunity that presents itself. ~ I a}'be your
character would like to 0\"11 a saloon, or run fo r mayor.
How 'bout both? O r maybe rumors of a gold strike in
Ind ian te rritory suddenly have you th inking of trying
your luck at prospecting_
Perhaps the land· grabbing antics of the much hated
callie baron is more your style. How about founding a
new town and naming it after ),olll'Sclf?
Then again, pe rhaps your character has simpler
ambitions. J ust to OW I1 a piece a land hc catl call his
LET COMMON SENSE PREVAIL
Be awa re that no set of rules can fully cover 'o r
even a nticipate) evcry situation that will come up
in a e<lmpaign. Especially in a gam e with such a
broad range of advcn turing oppo rtu nities as the
Ol d West.
We couldn't cram eve ryt hi ng into one book so
there ,,-ill be times when a situation comes up that
isn't CO\'cred by a specific rule.
For example: How much water does a steam
locollloti"e need to take on to tra\'cI 30 miles?
Ca n a buggy withstand the weigh t of the 100
bars of gold the players arc atte mpting to load it
down with?
How much lumber does it take to build a saloon?
For that matte r, how much does it COSt to bui ld
one?
Trail Dust Knickerson announces he's going to
jump from a train 01110 the back of a galloping
hor~e while firing two six -shooters and then gra b
the reins in his teeth.
These situ at ions a nd more can come up in a typ-
ical session . So what to do while you're waiting for
the next su pplement or olli cia l call ... ? First ofT-
don't panic. I f you fi nd yourself in a si ruation
where the ru les are silent let common sense be
your gu ide.
Co \vith what -feels' right and let the action con-
tinue to flow. If you don't feci comfortable doing
that, pallse the game and discuss how it should be
ha ndled and take a \'ote.
Aft er the game YOll can look for a more substan-
tial answe r. \ 'isiti ng the offi cial Am & Eights in te r-
ne t fo rums ar hnp:! !www. kenze rco.com is a good
place to start.
own, stake his desti ny and ra ise a family while making
an honest li"ing_
T he re's no one way to play ArtJ & EightJ. Players are
free to choose their own goals and pursue them with
nothing stopping them but the iron of thcir own de ter-
mination and the ir god-gi"en a bilities. Run ning a full
cam paign takes more \\'ork for evc ryone il1\'oh'ed but
it's also more rewarding.
139
 THE CHALLENGE OF
RUNNING A WESTERN CAMPAIGN
The SlOries and traditions of the Old West arc as
ingrained in most American psyches as baseball and
barbecue. In that case, you'd think it would be a snap
to sil down and start running a western R PG. After
all, most of us were bombarded with western TV
shows and movies growing up. In fact, when trying to
explain how a role-playing game works 10 a non-
gamer, the example of <, it's like playing 'co\\'boys and
Indians' only with rules" is one of the best you can
(Urn 10.
Surprisingly, many experienced role-players look a
little lost after rolling up their first characters for a
western RPe . ]\'1051 likely they've been weaned for
years on fantasy rolc-pla)~ where racking up a body
count and looting the co rpses was the surest way to get
ahead and move up in levels, achieving almost god-like
powe rs and becoming more or less untouchable as
their careers progress.
They're used to running characters that have been
pigeon-holed into pre-defined c haracter classes or
templates. T he thief character picks pockets. The
mage casts spells. T he fi ghter fights. A character's cho-
sen class more or less dictates how the character
behaves and how he carns his keep for life. It·s under-
standable that mallY players find it a little unsettling. at
fi rst, that most of that is gone in Aces & Eights.
In addition, some players quickly learn that they
rea!!y don't know nearly as much about day to day life
in the Old WcSt as they thought they did. Other than
acting out the plots of their fa\'orite western movies
and television shows, they find they really don't knoll'
what to do or where to turn once Iheir character is
dropped into the game.
Again , this seClion will help nudge you in the right
direction and arm you wilh some ideas. In addition, it
will provide a wealth of useful information for both
the player and Gl\ 1 to get started.
THE SHATTERED FRONTIER
While you're free 10 run your campa ign in any set-
ting (historical or othe rwise), the official sert ing for Aces
& Eights is the Shattered Frontier. T his is where most
of your campaign will unfold . It 's also the default set-
ting for any future Aces & EIghts supplements and
adventures.
T he Shattered Frontier is based 011 the American
Old \\"est, but with an alternative history spin. Simply
140
put, events took a different turn al key moments in his-
tory, resulting in a very different political landscape.
Why an ahernative history as opposed to a hislOrieal
setting? T he benefits of an alternative histo ry selling
arc manyfold.
For one, it frees the playe rs/G :\I from history and
allows them to fill in the blanks and write their own.
:\'0 worry of a player pointing out, " H ey! 1\0 fair.
Smokeless gunpowder wasn't invented until 1886!"
It also prevents players from acting on kno\dedge
their characters wouldn't ha\·e. <'Gee, I think I'll look
for gold O\'er here ncar Cripple Creek. I've got a funny
fecling about that spo!."
:\ Iost importantly. it adds a bit of mystery to the set-
ting. It gives that feeling of embarking into the
unknown that would otherwise not be possible.
For those players and G:\ ls who prefer a real history
setting - no problem. T he rules themselves apply to
both approaches and the library (or the internet for
that matter) is filled with material covering every
aspect of the American Old West in minutia .
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF
THE SHATTERED FRONTIER
The "Shattered Frontier" was a term coined by a SI.
Louis newspaper publisher, Shawn Griffith 1\c\son,
when describing the lands west of the l\ lississ ippi
River.
A few months ago, ~I'l r. 1\elson made a journey from
SI. Louis to the front ier
boomtown of M uskeegie
and chronicled his expe-
riences by telegraph.
In his we e kly pub-
lished updates. he
harped on and on about
the 'God-gi\'en' oppor-
tunities presenting them-
selves out West that
were, in his opinion,
being "squandered " by
the Union.
Shawn Griffith Nelson
,. Vast expanses of lalld Newspaper Publisher
alld valuable resources
claimed by evel)"OI/e yet controlled by 110 one lie ill this shattered
frontier. ,. he wrote in one piece. "Neglertillg l!!is lerritory is
akil1 to lettillgjields rif Jerlile soil lay fallow while the slarvillg
farmer picks tllrough the trash for his supper. It's shameful."
The 'Shattered Frontier' as he dubbed it, is a region
with overlapping claims and contested borders - land
coveted by Imperial :\ Iexico, the Republic of Texas,
Deseret and the United States, but occupied by "hea-
thens, squatter towns, Indians and bandits".
Known by the l\ lexicans as " EI Diablo's Caldera" (o r
simply "th e Cauldron ") this area of polit ical unrest is
the stage for your beginning ActS & Eights campaign. It
is here, around the squatte r towns of Lazarus and
l\luskeegie, that your adve ntu re is ce ntered . Once an
area deemed suitable only fo r outlaws in hiding and
fo r trappe rs running the occasional trap line, the San
Juan ~ I ountains now ha\'e the eontinelH 's undi"ided
attention. Gold was discovered here in reeem momhs
and the rush is o n.
* RUNNING THE CAMPAIGN *
Lucky you - if you' re reading this section you prob-
ably drew the short straw and will be taking on the role
of Gamel\ laster (GM). If not, you can skip ahead to
the Player T utorial seClion or keep reading, so you'll be
ready to help out your G~'I when called upon.
As the GM it 'll be your job to weave the story and
guide the players along on their adven tures. If you've
eve r played a role-playing ga me before, you already
have a pretty good idea o f what the job of G:\ l emails.
The Game:\'laster is th e ma n wi th the script. He
a rrives at the tabl e with an adve nt ure and ar med with
intimate knowledge of the ca mpaign setting a nd rules
of the game. It ' ll be your job to present the adventure
to the players and then respo nd accordingly based on
the playe r's actions.
1\01 only th at, but you'll also be winding the clock-
work that keeps the gea rs whirring as the world the
players stomp a round in stays in motion - rumors of
distant wars, the sounds of men and hammers as new
rails stretch westward, rich easte rn bankers leaning
over thei r maps determined to hammer the west and
bend it to their will - all taking place wh ile you r play-
ers attempt to find their place in it all and gain a
foo thold.
Your first job as G:\'I, however, will be coming up
with a few starting adventu res and introducing you r
players to the Shattered Frontier. Before explo ring
some ideas for adventu res let 's take a few moments and
CO\'e r some basic RPG concepts.
TIME AND THE CAMPAlliN
"Timt is mono, boys!!! Alld right now u:t'rt bludil/g lIitktLs
like a situ. lOll btst (ommma to lIaulill' ass."
- Freight master to his wagon ell'ivers
Since keeping track of tillle and record keeping is
important in role-playing games. it bears mentioning
here. There are twO type~ of "time" discussed in this
book: Game Time and Real Time.
Game time i~ the ima~nar\" timc that passes fo r the
charactc rs '"in'" the game. Real time is the passage o f
time in the real world, the time that physically passes
for the players and Gi\ 1 as they pl ay the game. For the
bene fi t of those readers who may not have played a
role-playing game before, let's take a closer look at
both con cepts.
Game Time
Time passes within the game world as players
about , taking on the role of thei r characters.
mO\'C
For txamplt, if Ftlch Alldusoll wallw illto a bar, ordt rs a
drink and slams it back whilt makillg O'u with Iht whort sit-
tillg ill tht corntr - a fiw millutts of game limt just licked by.
And lattr, whtn Ftlch plops dowlI 011 a hale of hay illfumt rif
tilt [hay stable to cltan his gUll allothtr twenry mil/utes or
so pass.
:\ Iinutes fade into hours. Hours fade into days.
Days become weeks. Weeks become months ... well ,
you get the idea.
J USt be aware that game time and real lime don't
always pass at the same rate. For examp le, that twen-
ty minutes spe nt cleaning a ri fl e only took a few sec-
onds of 'real ' time. About as fast as muttering the
phrase " I'm cleaning my gun. "
That's because game time is often sped up in the
interest of keeping the game lively and interesting.
Take the above example. 1\obody \\'ants to sit around
the table fo r twenty minu tes wh ile Bob explains in
detail how he's brea king his gun down and clea ning
each part. Nor do th ey want to hear him desc ribe how
his charact er shaved and picked out the clothes he's
141
• I 0 ,
 V E
"

o ,

, /
,
/-

CO-()P GAMEMASTERING
Considering the scope of the typical ACtS &
Eights campaign, one thing you may want to even-
tually consider LS the concept of Co-Or
GameMaslcring, with different players laking on
the role of G~vl at different points and sharing the
load. When a player takes the hat from the acting
OM, his player character ta kes on NPC status until
he, in turn, gives up the role of OM.
It 's not for everybody. It requires experienced
players who arc able to referee eve nts without giv-
ing the other players (and their own characters)
special treatment. But, it can (and has) worked.
In such a campaign, the players work in panner-
ship, with one player being the primary GM and
the others providing their own input along the way.
Various aspects of the cam paign, slIch as coun-
tries, tOwns and even Indian tribes arc treated like
N PCs, each with their own agendas and motiva-
tions.
For example, one player may want to run the
town of Cortez, making decisions on how that
town will reao when :\luskeegie lays claim 10 the
newly-d iscovered gold fields that lie between the
twO towns. Another playe r may be responsible for
Gi\ l ing Red Sleeves and his Apache warriors -
deciding if they honor their agreement of not
harassing Lazarus' supply lines. Perhaps another
player is G:\1ing the railroad company and decid-
ing in which direction new tracks are laid as they
creep west.
As your campaign evolves, you'll have an oppor-
tunity to add many layers of activity. Co-Op
GMing is a way of handling the workload.
going to wear in the morning. Such trivial details can
be glossed over.
The same goes for characters pulling an eight hour
shift tending bar al the local saloon. Unless something
eventful happens or the player wants to do something
specific that needs to be resolved, you can jump ahead.
On the other hand, game time sometimcs slows
down where the seconds (and even tenths of a second)
creep by. Take that running gun battle which took an
hour of 'real' lime to unfold for instance. i\lost likely
all that mayhcm only represented a fraction of a
minute in 'game' time.
144
Real Time
Rcal time is just that the passage of time in the
r e al world. While your game session may ha\'c lasted
only a few hours in 'real time ' it is quite possible that
your characte r experienced the passage of weeks or
months of 'game time' during a single night'S session.
It 's not really all that complicated, bUI some neophytes
confuse the two types of time.
Recording Game Ti me
The passage of game time is \'cry ImpOrtant III a
campaign and sho uld be diligently tracked and record-
ed. Choosing a player to be the designated Tim e
Keeper is always a good idea. Keeping track of time
tends to reinforce the consequenccs of wasting it.
Time waits for no one and marches on regardless of
how it's spent.
For example. Frank's character, Kansas Joe. spends six weeks
panningJor gold ill the wrollg seclion rif the Allimas River based
011 some bad iliformation. Nirefor him if Ihe rest rif Ihe world
slood still u.-hilt he was wastmg llis time, bllt he doesn't have it
like thai. IVhell lit e/"eIIlualty crawls back inlo (OWII empty
handed and It·ilh a glla/Ll1Ig beIU'. he discovtrs a half dO<:'(11 ntw
buildings hau risen up In /Liwt l1.'rrt previousty tmpty lois. Evt!ll
worSt!. I/u girl he IWS pining for has moved on fa a !ltW beau
and Iht oU'/Ier rif Ihe hOlel u:on't let Mm in his room or al Ius
properIJ until he forks our six werks ' back rent.
Keeping track of game time is important for a vari-
ety of reasons. That bullet the drunkard of a town
doctor was kind enough to pry out of your shoulder,
for instance. It'll be weeks, maybe months, before
you'll have full usc of your arm again. Maybe even
longer if the quack botched the job. Thi s is time that
must pass within thc game.
Recording time during com bat (referred to as the
"Action Count "; also "Count Up" or simply "Count")
is especially important since it dete rmines when play-
ers can perform shooting and moving actions. Action
Count is cO\'e red in detail in the Scrapes sections.
llJe Impacl of Ti me on Ibe Campaign
Of coursc, the passage of time has an impact on the
campaign and the characters themselves. For charac-
ters there will be expenses. Even if th ey aren't actively
role-playing every hour, day or week, they must still
pay for expc nses such as room and board, ammuni-
tion, care and stabling of borses, etc.
For campaign realism, the world around the players
should march on. Buildings will risc up, seasons
change, rail lines extend, and much more. The world
doesn't lie dormant waiting for the players to inte ract
with it.
INTRODllCIN~ THE PLAYERS TO THE SANDBOX
Okay, so it's the first session of your first campaign.
The players have assembled and arc raring to usc
those sh iny new six -shooters they've purchased.
Understandably, your players are going to be a bit dis-
oriented if this is their first session. They know noth-
ing about the world around them and arc unsure what
to do first. in short, they're going to be lost.
Likewise, you may be feeling a bit lost tOO, Don't
sweat it. You'll find your fect in lime. The key will be
keeping the action (and the players) moving. If they're
sta nding around looking bewildered, throw an
e ncount er or two at them and force them to react.
To kick off you r first session, you may want 10 COIl-
sider having the characters arrh'c In a group as new-
comers to the area,
The re arc several tried-and-t rue ways of start ing a
new group of players that will mak e things go
smoother.
1_ Parc hed Strangers: T he players start off in a
bar where it is assumed they are st rangers to olle
another. Perhaps one player is a local boy down on his
luck and looking for opportunity to shOll" its face,
Another player is sim ply passing through town and has
stopped to quench that 'powerful thirst' that's been
nagging and to shake off the trail dust. Another play-
er still is hitting the faro tables and 'chasing the tiger'
- hoping to fatten his coin pouch before pressing 011 .
This is a good way for the players to introduce their
characters to one another. Perhaps a loud-mouth Non-
Player Character (N PC) bully picks a fight with one of
the players and one or more of the PCs jump in and
come to his aid. Afte r all, nothing bonds a grou p of
characte rs like a good barroom brawl.
2. Noon Stage: The players have just completed a
long o\"Criand trip by stage and arri\'ed at their final
destination. T he session begins as they disembark from
the stage and gather up their luggage and belongings.
The nice thing about this approach is thai it assumes
the PCs have gotten to know each other on their jour-
ney. Perhaps they've already decided to join up and
seek their fortunes tOgether.
3. Birds of a Feather: T he campa ign begins wilh
the players in jail. T heY'\'e all been picked up for
minor offenses - public intoxication , brawling, loiter-
ing, or whatt'\·er.. \ s the session begins, they arc being
released as Ihe players arc roughly roused from Iheir
sleep by a very intimidating she riff and his deputy.
After a stern lecture from the sheriff, any belongings
that may ha\'C bcen confiscated arc returned . The G\ !
may eyen want to han' certain c haracte rs pay a fine.
The sheriff informs the PCs they must be gainfully
employed within 48 hour, or lcm'e IOlI"n no
\·agrants.
Thi s approach is good for lighting a fire undcr the
players' butts and gi\'ing them some moti\·ation to find
work while a\'oiding run-ins with the law.
4. End of the Trail: The players all hired on as
cowboys to d ri ve a small herd to lOwn to satisfy its
appe tite for fresh meat. The cha ractcrs ha\'e bonded
on the long journey and are looking forward to cele-
brating ajob \I'cll done with drinks at the local saloon.
This will also gh'e them a chance 10 raise some hell
while they wait for the trail boss to settle up (to bring
Ihem their wages).
The G\ l may opt to pay each player $30.00 (giving
the playcrs some nicc starting cash and an opportuni-
ty to buy equipmcnt). Altcrnati\'c1y, he may Opt lO
have the trail boss slip out of lOwn on the sly and st iff
the players on their pay providing an ad\'enture
opportunity as thc players head out to find him and
settle the score .
5 . End of the Line: The players signed on to work
for the railroad, bust ing their backs laying rails on a
new spur stretching into the West. Work was suddenly
halted (lack of financing, weatbel~ elc) and the charac-
ters were given their walking papers. After hoofing it
to Ihe nearest town they find they arc coin-shy and in
need of work.
6. Every Gun has a Story: The abm'e, of course,
arc simply suggestions to explain how the players haw
come to find themseh-es in each othc rs' company.
Another a pproach is lO simply le t the players dccide
why they've thrown in lOgether.
145
 In the Character Creation chapter, each player had
an opportunity 10 pick a reason why he came west (o r
to rol! for one random ly). If two players arc running
from the law, perhaps they were partners back East
and arc fleeing together. Perhaps two or more charac-
ters arc siblings, or even fathe r and son. Allowing
players to share their backgrounds be fore the cam-
paign begins is a good way for them to suggest how
and \\'hy they happen 10 be travelling togethe r.
Regardless of which approach you usc starting out,
you'll find that after the playe rs have a few adven tures
under their belts they' ll begin to get a better feel for
the lay of the land and be more familiar with the set-
ting. As charaCters die and new ones arc brought in to
replace them, players should be able to hit the ground
running.
ADVE NTURE HOOKS
Coming up with nell" adventures for your players is
the next order of business. I\'ote that adventures don't
have to be fully fle shed-out works brimming lI"ith
details. Coming up with a basic plodine, details on the
I\' PC(s) im'oked (as well as fo r others likely to be
encountered), and some idea of whal success or failure
in the adventu re means, is often enough \0 get you
started. T he important thing is that you keep tile play-
ers challenged and engaged.
T he following arc some ad\'enture hooks in our pop-
ular Bait and Tackle nI format to help gi\'e you some
ideas.
Golden Opportunity
SETTING: Town/ Wilderness (Beginn ing CharaCle rs)
BAIT: Soon after hilling town the characters arc
spending time in a loca! watering hole sa loon wilen
Ihey are approached by a stranger wilh a proposition.
He produces a claim for a dig site barely a day's ride
from the town. A site, he cl aims, that has shown color
and looks p romising. T he problem is that he has just
recleved news from back East that his wife is dying. He
needs to return on the next stage, Since the rights to
any claim that 's not worked at least once a month are
forfeite d , he's in a bit of a tight spot.
His proposal? He asks the group 10 work his claim
umil he returns. T hen they will split any gold recov-
ercd, they will shake hands and he' ll take over the dig-
ging.
The group may find the p roposal to be a no lose sit-
uation. All they are really ris king is time. T he stranger
explains they'll need 10 heavily provision themseh-es.
He suggests mules, a wagon, food enough for sevef(ll
146
weeks, and firearms. So tbere will be an investment of
money as well.
T AC KLE : T he stranger is running a scam. T he claim
is bogus. T he stranger and his partners arc flat broke
and attempting to push through the Shattered Frontier
to California. The plan is to wait at the 'claim' and
ambush the group when they arrive and steal their
p rovISIons.
By drawing the playe rs out of town and into the
wilderness the stranger and his cronies hope to hedge
their bel.
Big 1!ouble Comes in Big Packages
SETTING : Town/T rail Beginning Characters)
BAIT: A local businessman approaches the players
about ajob. He wams them to deliver a steamer trunk
to a nearby town . He's providing a wagon and two
horses for the job (10 be returned after the job). He
explains the trunk holds an expensive china set and is
10 be delivered to a specific person who will pay them.
The job pays 550 if the dinnerware arri\'Cs unbroken.
T ACKLE: It may seem like easy mane), but , unfortu-
nately for the group. wagging tongues ha\'e complicat -
ed the ~ituation .. \ fal se rumor has sp read that the
businessman is actually smuggling a shi pment of gold
out of town he owes money to a lot of people).
BAIT AND TACKLE "
Bait: to lur e, te mpt, o r entice.
Tack le: to knock a n opponent to th e gro und.
Bait and Tack leT.\1 presents a se ries of brief
adventure hooks that a GJ\ l can take and flesh out on
the fly. T hey can be useful if the G!\ I finds he's short
on ideas when preparing an adventure, or finds his
group has outpaced the night's adventure and he sud-
denly finds himself ha""ing to improvise. Each hook
is presented in a simple three-part format.
Setting: T his is simply a tag identifying the setting
or type of ad\'enture hook, i.e. wilderness, city, sub-
terranean, etc.
Bait: Exactly that - the situation or carrOt used 10
lure or 'bait' the players and prod them in the righ t
direction.
Tack le : T his is the hammer or twist that makes
the situation dangerous, exciting, or challenging.
\\·ilhout Ihe tackle what's the point?
You can find more Bail and Tackle adventure
hooks on our Acts & Eights website and forums at
http://www.kenzerco.com.
 E.ven berore the group has rolled out, word or the the body by the trailside and claim th e I"aluables? Do
"shipment' has sp read all O\'er the area. Clueless, th e they take the body with them to the nearest town for
players soon find they have a target on their backs. identification and turn O\'er the valuables to the
authorities?
The I'ictim was a \'e ry well -known gambler Ilamed
SErrING: Town Beginn ing to :\I oderate Characters Harry Fontaine. When traveling, he liked to don his
B AIT : A new saloon has opened in town.
tfa\'cling clothes and put his fan cy duds in a satch el. Ir
Unrortunately ro r the owner the competition isn't too the players turn in the valuables and body, they will be
happy about it. Twice someone has attempted to burn rell arded ror thei r t rouble by Harry"s widow (S I 00.00),
him out, and his gi rls have been lured 0 1' scared away.
Then , a rew nights ago, his barkeep was se\'e rcly beat-
en wi th an axe handle. Customers arc now avoidi ng
his esta blishment like the plague. His ruture looks
bleak.
After the characters wander in unaware of what's
been happening " the friendl y owner begins s lidin ~
drinks down the bar on the home. Once they arc
good and liquored up, he makes them a n ofTe r. He
needs muscle. He'll prO\'ide room, board and a per-
centage of his profit s for the next 30 days if they'll
stick around long enough ror him 10 ge t things under
control. T he competit ion is just hoping he'll run with-
out a fight , he bclieves. If he takes a sta nd they 'll soon
back down.
TAC KLE: If th e players accept the job, they'll find
If the), choose to keep the \'aluables and don"t report
they 'll have their hands rull ror the next 30 days. Hired finding the body, it could go bad ly ror them. Anyone
thugs sent to cause trouble begin frequeming the bar, who knel\" Harry will rccogniz(" hi~ distinct i\'('
a nd when the playe rs make their way out on the tOWI1 hat/boots ir they ,e(' someone cl ~e wearing them. Thi ~
they find trouble rollows them. If they make it through \\ ill obviou<;ly rai~e que~tions, especially since Harry is
the 30 day period and the owner hasn't been long O\'crdue, The players may hm'e ~ome explaining
burned out - he may exte nd his ofTer. If succe5sru l, to do and will be suspected of foul play.
the group may even be able 10 le\'e rage their talents ro r
part ownership in the bar, making a ni ce base of oper- Posse ibrming Up
ations for future advcntures.
SETTlNG: To\I' 1l

The 1!ouble witb JIarry BAIT: The players arri\'e in a small town that seems

SETTING: Wilderness/Trail Beginning CharaCters
BAIT: While traveling along a remote trail, the char-
acters stumble upon a half-decomposed body. Lying
nearby is a satchel filled with banknotcs (S250.00 in
Texican dollars), a fine pair of boots and a fancy hat
with a sih-er hat band.
Ir the charac ters examine the body, the)' notice a
broken stirrup rrom a saddle wrapped around one
ankle, and that the corpse has a broken leg.
T he playe rs shou ld be able to quickly deduce that
the poor unrortunate was thrown from his horse, got
his ankle slUck in the stirrup and was dragged to his
death,
TACKLE: The d ownside of this enco unte r all
depends on what the cha racters do next. Do they bury
largely desertcd, ). Iost of the businesses arc closed
do\\ n and the only townsfolk wandering the street arc
women, old men and children.
After noticing the saloon is still open, the charactcrs
decide to get drinks. After bellying lip to the bar, the)'
learn rrom the bartender an old man that most every-
o ne who cou ld carry a gun joi ned up with the posse
Ihe sherifT formed up that morning.
He explains that Three Whiskers Jake and his noto-
rious gang tried to rob the bank that morning and th e
posse was determined to track him down.
TAC KLE: The G:\ l should emph asize the fa ci that
the town is mostly deserted hoperully the characters
will take the bait and try to rob the bank themselves.
If they don 't take the bait , no worries, for Three

147
Whiskers J ake has outwitted the posse. The bandit has
backtracked to town and plans on another attempt.
This means that the players may ha"e to step up and
be heroes and defend the bank. If, however, they
choose to rob the bank themselves, it could be a race
to see who hits it first.
Rai se Ibe Color s
SETTING: Town
BAIT: T he players are in a crowded bar soaking up
the suds and looking for work when they draw the
attention of some local men. One of the men olTers to
pay a S5 gold coin to whoe"er will elimb the nag pole
across the street and raise the nag he hands them. He
even gives the coin to the bartender and instructS him
to pay the man who gets the job done.
TAC KLE: If they fall for it, the players are about to
become the victim of a local practical joke. The saloon
(whose custOmers are mostly Confederates) has been
embroiled in a long-term feud with the Saloon across
the street (whose custOmers are mostly Union sympa-
thizers).
For the past several months theY\'e been raising the
Confederate nag on the nag polc and tearing do\\"n the
Union colo rs. At first, it was all fun and giggles. but the
Yankees in town eventually gre'\" tired of the game.
They have become quite hostile and arc insisting the
prank cease.
Wanled Man
SETTING: Wilderness
BAIT: The characters arc tra"eling in a remote area
and stop to water their horses at what first appears to
be an abandoned miner's shack . While tending to
their business. a rough -looking charaCter rides up with
a pair of rabbits slung across his saddle.
Th e stranger seems annoyed to see the characters.
Still, he invites them to stay and share a meal with
him. Even if the players decline the olTer and mo,'e on,
they are struck by the stra nger's se nse of presence.
If they accept the meal, they learn the stranger (he
introduces himself as J ack) is extremely chari smatic,
loves to talk and seems a bit lonely. He explains he's
from back East and trying his luck looking for gold. He
makes a point of the fact he's found no color and is
abou t to throw it in and give up.
TACKLE: \Vhen the players arrive at the next town
lhey ride by a sherilT who is tacking up a wanted
poster. To their astonishment, the likeness on lhe
posler bears an uncanny resemblance 10 Jack. The
148
poster is for a nOlOrious outlaw known as "Three
R ivers Jake i\'IcCoy." and a S500 .00 reward is being
olTered for his capture - dead or alive.
As much as J ack !ooks like the man on the wanted
poster, the truth is he's an innocent man. Of course,
chances are the players won't be convinced and will
want to go for what looks like easy money.
I f the players
decide to return
10 the shack and
attempt to ca p-
ture Jack, they
will certainly nOt f.~",,_;;;
be very \\"anniy
recei\"t~d. Despite
Jack's earlier
assertion. he has
been finding gold
in the claim that
the previous owne rs
thought had been 'played Out' . It·s not much (S300 .00
in gold), but to him it's a fortune and he 's convinced
it's just the beginning.
When the players ride up, J ack is convinced they
have returned to rob him and boards himself up in hi s
shack. He has a rine, is a fair shot and will fire on the
group in an attempt to dri\"e them away.
Should the group capture or kill).Jack and baul him
in to collect the reward, the mistaken identity will be
revealed and there may be some unexpected conse-
quences.
Family Losl
SETTING: Wilderness (Semi-experienced Characters)
BAIT: A local general store owner came \Vest to seck
his fortune until, finally, be is able 10 send back 10
Kentucky for his family 10 join him. However, they are
now a week a nd a half overdue. The poor man is fran ·
tic and is olTe ring a reward to anyone who will help
him find thcm. He has posted signs all over lawn olTer·
ing a reward of $200.00 (or $500.00 credit at his store)
to anyone \\"ho finds his family and brings them back
safely. The last he heard from them, his family had
telegraphed that they were a mere five days away.
TACKLE: :"10nt hs ago, the sto re owner's father,
mother, and you ng wife (who is expecting their fir st
child) started travelling in a wagon loaded down with
all of th eir worldly possessions. Just after sending the
telegraph, they were approached by a couple of driv-
crs heading in the same direction. The pair suggested
the family travel in their company for proteetion,
expla ining the road ahead was fi lled with bandits. Indians sevcral hundred miles away and swi ndled
\ Vhen the weather took a turn for the wo rst, the group them.
got lost and turned off the main trail, becoming mired He doesn't real ize the
in the mud. To make matte rs worse, Ind ians stole the ir selliemcnt he intends to
horses d uring the night. trade with now is com-
T he players need to usc their T racking skill and prised of many of those
negotiate with Indians to retrieve the family without same Indians. As soon
gun play, T he rogue tribe demands a ransom for safe as he arrives he will be
passage out. recognized, and those
he has hired will be con-
Mystery on Ih' Ranch sidered guilty by associa-
SE"ITI NG : Ranch (Beginning Characters tion.

BAIT: A local cattle baron seems to be losing se\'eral

bead of cattle every night. Other strange incidents are
happening around the ranch as well, such as saddle
straps being cut and causing injuries. horses coming up
ill, elc. Since he suspeclS one or more of his hired help
arc involved, he wanlS to bring in outsiders to im·esti-
ga le.
He has se nt his trusted fo reman into town to hire
some new me n with no bonds of frie nds hip with his
crew. They' ll be given orders to keep the ir eyes and
cars open, a nd will be pa id a handsome bon us if they
turn up anything, The cattle baron doesn't trust any of
his own men right now, with the exception of his fore-
man.
TAC KLE : As it turns out, the ranch owne r's youngest
son is secretly working with a ri,·al ranch owner to sab-
otage his dad's ranch, resentful of how much attention
and responsibility his father gives his oldest brother.
O\·e r the past year he hired ranch hands who answe r
to hi m and help him cause havoc around the ranch.
T he ranch owner will not want to hear that his so n
has been sandbagging him. If the son discovers the
new "ha nds" are snooping around and are close to
revealing the truth to his father. he may lake drastic
measures to p revent this,
1}oub), f rom Ih' Pasl
SETTI NG: Indian sctt lement (Begi nn ing Characters'
BAIT: A merchant wants to hire several workers to
accom pany him on a trading expedition to an Indian
selliement, a th ree days' ride. He needs good men to
perform various tasks, from guarding the merchandise
to loadi ng and u nloading wagons, translating etc. T he
pay is a generous 515.00 fo r a wec k's wo rk .
TAC KLE : The merchant has made a career of trad-
ing 'and cheating people. Unfortu nately, in this situa-
tion his reputation p roceeds hi m when it comes to the
Indians. A few years ago he traded with a group of
La nd Gra b
S ETTI N G : Towl1
B AIT : Lazarus IS
booming and thc
townsfolk arc JU St
giddy about their 1O\\n's future. 50 much so in fact that
they've been celebrating. A wealthy banker and land
speculator, Terrence Brice, arrivcd tOO late to cash in
on the bona nza, so he's looking 10 found a new lown
of his own,
He has come up with a surefire way 10 make money.
He has adyen ised in several small-town newspapers
back East that hl' wilt be hosting a land-grab con test in
a 'new' town that he promises will be ·'booming" in no
lime. The winner of this contest. he Mates, lI·ill recei\"l'
fi,'c free lOIS of land in " Briceburg," and the winner
will get 10 pick the lots he wants. All are im·ited to par-
ticipate. The entry fcc for this contcst, he ad,'cnises, is
a mere 51.
Terrance is hoping 10 rake in thousands.
TAC KLE: In order to win the contest, a pe rson must
compete and win several e,"ents. T he G;\. I can decide
the nature of the contest. A horse racc using the chasc
rules, a shooting contest, or a bare knuckles b rawl
could all be popular with the townsfolk and the
players.
The person who willS this contest will indeed win
the deed for free land, but whethcr or not it ends up
having any real value depends if Briceburg gets ofT the
ground,
Rl si 1}acks 10 1}oub),
SE"ITING : T rain
BAIT: The players are riding a train and enjoying the
magnificent scenery stream ing by outside the windows
of the passe nger car,

149
 TAC KLE : They picked a bad day for a train ridc,
Bandits arc waiting in ambush where the train has to
slow down to make a bend in the rails, They board the
train just behind the engineltender and begin making
their way to the rear of the train (going from car ·to
car) robbing passengers.
Their ultimate goal is to get to the mail car toward
the end of the train and seize the payroll shipment
they\re been tipped oIT about. Hopefully, the players
wi!! Step up and be the heroes of the hour and take on
the outlaws.
This is a nice adventure hook when the G :\! wilm s a
simple linear adventu re with cinematic feel i.e. lots of
gunplay and action). Combatants will h,l\'c plenty of
cover as they fight from car to car as \\'ell as other
options (such as going up on the roof).
CAMPAIGN EVENTS
In addition to the acl\-entures you'll be rUllnlllg ses-
sion to session. you'll also need to think aboUl the o\'er-
all campaign and backstory that drives all the action.
T he following arc a few campaign elements that can
propel cvents in your campaign and suggeSt or c\'en
create) new adventu rc opportunties for your players to
ta ke on. You can usc one or se\'eral.
and personal and nOt just rumors of e\'cnts far
removed.
Gold claims could be in jeopardy. ;\ot to memion
thc very existence of squatter towns. But it can also
c reate opportunities for those say\'}' enough to recog-
nize them . Instability tends to heighten tension in the
campaign just the thing to keep your players on
their tocs.
Political Upb eaval
Since playcrs tend to g ravitate tOward towns and usc
them as their base of operat ions, the political arena is
a great \\"ay to get them involved in the welfa re of the
community itself.
As the playe rs busy themselves with adventuring, all
about them is the buzz of an upcoming election. Up
for g rabs is the oflice of mayor, sheriIT and other pos-
tions of prestige and powe r. Strong personalities arc
involved (perhaps even one or mo re of the players) and
the campaigning is getting heated. The potemial for
\'oting fraud and other dirty politics makes this cam-
p;:llgn C\'ent ripe for advcnture oppo rt unities.
,

Thundering Rails
MU5KEEGIE
.. _ " ' _ . ...... _
rJ
' .... _ %
HERALD
'"-7 - . .... , ::en<

APACHE UPRISING!
The railroad is coming and nothing can stand in its
way. Yet, with progress co mes turmoil, as those in the
way get shoved aside. Depending on terrain and the
• RBJ) SLEEVES 8t'RNS OUT SE'l'TLEMENTS! •
le\'cl of dete r mination some rail crews arc able to lay CUTS OFF SUP?L'l ROUTES TO SlI,vER TOWN!!
a mile of track per day.
clllmm
With this campaign e\'el1l, the G:\ ! decides \\"hat WI! CBIIF
communities the railroad links, and ac\\'ances the rail- raLLO.S
line as game time passes by, A mile a day is a bit mam
ambitous, so figure 2d3 miles a week and adjust for dif- . 1111
ficulty of terrain, such as mountains and ri\'er c ross- IBm!! !
mgs.
" 'ith the railroad comes throngs of people: adven-
ture seekers, opportunists, laborers and morc, All of
these can ha\'e a huge impact on the <lrea.

Rumors of ~r
This is usually a given for the Shattered Frontier, but
with this clement one or more politic<ll or cthnic
groups <Ire in a state of uphea\·al. Perhaps the Indians
arc upset o\'er a treaty violation, or m<lybe Imperial
:\! exico is upset th<lt so many Gnion settle rs arc filter-
ing imo Ihe Cauldron. Such political unrest should
always be churning in the backdrop of your campaign,
but with this campaign elemem, it's suddenly up close

150
Gold Strike .\ s soon as word hits that gold has been found, peo-
ple flock to Ihe area. Boomlowns rise up o\·ernight.
This is already a major campaign clement in the
New Irails arc Cut. Supplies begin pouring in. Of
Shattered Fronti cr, but having a new sOll rce of gold or
course, none of this guarantees how long the colo r will
silver pop up is good way to mix things up ,'and to
hold out. Gold busts were a common occu rrence.
change the face of your map).

The lOwn Builders A new town can shift the center of power in a region
and have a fa r reaching impact both politically and eco-
One of the most fascinating cam paign opportunities
nomically. T he Old West was all about expansion, and
is the creation of new lowns and com munities where
the re's no reason yOllr players should be lefl Out of the
none existed before. This can be e\'en more exciting
act ion.
when players gct in on the action.
T he foll owi ng pages provide more information about
Be it to exploit a local resource gold, lumber. ealtlc.
to\\ ns in the Ae($ & Eights campaign, and even provide
etc), 10 fill a niche :such as taking advantage of Ihe nO\\
\wo sample towns for your usc!
of people and materia l along a trade rout or simpl~ to
gain a footho ld in an open territory for sponsers o r
ilWCSlO f S back cast, there arc many reasons why a new
town may spring up.
152
 * TOWNS &. THE CAMPAIGN *
As small enclaves of civilization cast in the sea of an
untamed wilderness, towns are all importal1l in the
Shattered Frontier. The only real source of protection
from the dangers that abound at every turn, towns
attempt to bring order to the chaos of the wilderness.
Outside a town, players arc largely on their own .
Weak o r strong, good or bad, even the most self.
reliant individuals in the Shattered Frontier need 10
stOp into town evcry now and then. They may need to
rcprovision, sell goods, or JU St to blow orr a little
steam. Regardless of the direction your campaign
ends up taking, you'll find a great deal of the players'
lime is spent in lawn.
Two starter towns are provided in this book: the
smal! backwater town of Black H orse and the boom-
town on the rise, Lazaru s . Either town should be
sui table as a starting off point for your campaign.
The advamage of using Black Horse is the fact that
we ha\·e no plans to officially flesh OUI or develop the
town. The Ca m e~ l aster is free to take it and make it
his own without fear of the designers later releasing
materia l that steps on his toes. No details beyond those
presented here will be published.
As something of a two-horse town, Black Horse is
poli tically insignificant and should remain so if you
decide to develop it. Another advantage of picking a
sma[[ town to base your players is that the re will be
fewer N PCs to ma nage and fewer ca mpaign issues to
juggle from events going on in the outside world.
Lazarus is planned to be the first fully fleshed -out
town/campaign setting for Acts & Eights. J ust the basic
town map and list of businesses and townsfolk are pre-
sented in this book - enough for those who may want
to start their cam paigns in a larger town. J ust be aware
that the Lazarus suppleme nt will be detail ing lhe town
in greater depth.
BLACK HORSE
As already mentioned, Black Horse is something of
a blank slate for a GM to make his own and run with.
A[[ that's provided here is a brie f history of the settle-
ment to give the GM a feel for the to\\ln, a town direc-
to ry, and a map.
The His tory of Bla ck Horse
Bl ack Horse. like so many dwindling towns in lhe
Shattered Frontier, has an uncertain future. It is a
dusty collection of buildings that almost became a rcal
town - if only history had been kinde r to it.
In l85! a prospecto r by the name of J ake Peters was
passing through the area (avoiding a group of bounty
hunte rs on his trail, so the story goes) when his horse,
tired of being gouged by spu rs, th rew him then gal -
loped out of sight.
For the next several hours J ake sat in the sparse
shade of a large rock, wrapping three broken ribs and
cursing the animal that had betrayed him. When a
pai r of vultures perched nearby, anticpating an easy
meal , Jake picked up a rock and was about to toss it at
one of the scavengers whe n he froze. The re in his
clenched fist was the glint of gold.
When J ake eventua lly made it out of the desert,
news of his discovery soon had folks flocking to the dry
gulch dubbed Black Horse in hono r of the animal that
had thrown him) to stake their claim. Unfortunately,
just as the town was booming and rising up from the
earth, the gold boom wem bust. As it turned out, J ake's
gold was from the tailings of a Span ish mine aban-
doned seve ral hund red years before.
153
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BLACE HORSE TOWN DII\ECTOI\Y
I. Lewis & Poole Company Store House
2. Covenant Presbyterian Church
3. Jake Peter's Residence
4. Shy Dog Saloon
5. Barn
6. Lewis & Poole it. l ining Company
7. T he Turquoise Star
8. Assay Office
9. Bisbee Restaurant
10. Curran's Booter & Leather Works
II. Sackett's D ry Goods
12. Black Ho rse Bank
13. Sheriff's Office/Jail
14. Telegraph Office
15. Barrister: Doctor of ~ I edicine
16. Desert Rose l-I otcll Bathousc
17. Elliot's Hardwa re
18. ~ I iss ~ I ablc's Baked Goods & Eatery
19. Grummun's General Store
20. EI Terrui'io Smithy
21. Negro Baya Livery
22. D usty Spur Cantina
The site hadn't been completely played Ollt, but the
o rc was of poor qualit y and took more sweat and
blood moving hell and carth to gel at than most were
willing to endure. C laims were quickly sold ofT or sim-
ply abandoned. Buildings stood half-built as the ham-
mers fell silent.
Black Horse isn't a ghost town, however.. \ handful
of fortune seekers inciuding J ake himsclr stayed on to
work the mines. They remained convinced there was
sti ll a fortune uncler the ground, pcrhaps in that next
spade full of rocky soil.
Later, when gold \\'as disco\'Cred a few days' north
up the trail in ~Iu skeegie and L'lzaurlls, the !Own was
given a new lease on life as a stoppi ng-ofT point for
cattle he rders driving much needed beef to the gold
c"mps. Today, Black Horse is a quiet town (except
when the cattle herders descend upon the community).
It 's occasionally used as a hideaway fo r those on the
run , or a brief stop for those between destinations.
Ite Dls of Inte r est C oncerning Black Horse
W- T he Lewis & Poole i\ l ining Company (based
out of Amarillo) recently sent age nts to town to buy up
as many claims on the cheap as they could and set up
an office. Rumor has it there arc plans for the r"i lroad
10 eventually push th rough [0 Rancho Bucarelli 12
miles nonh and th"t the ~ J ining Company has hopes
of bringing in big equipment 10 process the ore.
'IT Jake Peters slilllives in Bl ack Horse. Older, but
none the richc r, he spends most of his lime telling his
tale in exchange for free drinks at the Shy Dog Saloon.
He likes to brag that he has a small fortune in gold
'squirreled ,,\\"ay' but fe\,· take him se riously.
;;:;g- Last spring, the Black Horse Bank invested
money and had a Telegraph spur run to Black Horse
from the main line in Rancho Buc"rell i.
~ Doc Barri~lcr recently announced he is closing
his office and mo\-in~ to ~luskcegit'. meaning the town
will no longer haw a doctor.
;;:;g- J esse Grummun proprietor of Grummun's
General Store is rumored to be a "anted man back in
the CSA.
LAZARUS
Lazarus is located in a narrow fertile valley on Ihe
southcrn edge of the San j uan ~ I ollntains, formed by
the rippling mountain waters of the Animas R iver.
Those who li\'C here arc fortunate in that the \'alley
noor and nearby mesa tops arc \,'cll mit cd for farmin g
and the grazing of Ih·estock.
Hardwood forests su rrounding the \'alley pro\'ide a
good source of lumber for construction "s \\"ell as fucl
fo r fi res. The fore sts are also popu lated by an abun-
dance of game and fur-bearing animals. ~ I ost impor-
tantly, the streams and rocky canyons feeding into the
\'"lIey are rich in mineral resources slich as copper, sil -
Yer and gold. There arc also known deposits of coal
which haycn·t been exploited ret.
lIistory of Ani mas Vall,y
T hc first known inhabitants of the Animas Valiey
area ,,'ere the mysterious Anasazi. Lillie is known of
them today other than the tell-talc ancient remnants of
their clifT-side fortified dwellings that litter the c"n),on
walls. T hese ruins of broken stone-slab walls locat ed in
high , nearly ina ccess ible places arc rumored by the
local Indian s to be haunted. In addition, the Anasazi
also left be hind stra nge conical towers on the mesa
tOpS that resemble watch towcrs. What formidablc
enemy may have lead to their painstaking construction
has been lost to time.
155
 For hund reds of years, Anasazi farmers made good
use of the land, planting crops o n the tOpS of nearby
mesas to supplement their diets of fish, berries and
ven ison. Then, around 500 years ago, the Anasazi dis-
appeared .
T hey \\·ere replaced by the Navaj o and Utes, who
would lay clai m to the va ll ey and the surrou nding area
for the next several hundred yea rs. It was only very
rece ntly (t he last fi fty years) that they in turn were
forced out by a new invade r more on them later.
Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to reach
the area. T hey a rrived in the Animas \'ally in the mid
- 1700's. Sea rching for gold and silver, they were led by
Ule scouts fo llowing the old Anaszai trails up the
Animas River. T his trail is known as '·T he Old
Spanish T rail" and is still used by trappe rs and
prospectors traveling through the San j uan .\I ountains
today.
T hese Spanish explorers were the first 10 map the
region, and they lert thei r indelible mark on the area
by naming the rivers, mou ntai ns and passes - many
of which a re still known by their Spanish names today.
For example, Animas Rive r was origi nally named the
Rio de Las Animas Perdidas Spanish for "River of
Lost Souls").
The Spanish officially claimed the area on paper
anyway) for the next sixty years. In reality, the area was
la rgely cont rolled by the Ule who held a powerfu l sway
over the region and were unchallenged (for the most
156
part. Howeve r, Spanish missionary work, along with
careful diplomacy, managed to exte nd Spa in's influ-
ence into the region.
Several Spa nish settlements, as well as silve r and
gold mines, were established along the Rive r of Lost
Souls. T hese were eventually abandoned, however.
Ha rsh wi nters and hostile India ns - who had tired of
Spa nish attempts to meddle in their way of life -
e\·e ntually drove the Spanish OUI.
By 1838 the political landscape changed dramatical-
ly. The Republic of Texas a nd t he burgeoning
!\l exica n dictatorship began solidifying thei r powe r to
the Sou th a nd the Southeast. Bands of Apache dis-
placed from those borde r regions began 10 mm·c nort h
and encroach into the Animas VaUey region - chal-
lenging the Utes and Navajo.
Aner a decade of war, tbe great C hiricahuan chief,
.\l angas Coloradas (known to whites as " Red Sleeves")
managed 10 get the upper hand.
With a plemiful supply of rood and their control on
the region uncontested. the .' pache used the area as a
staging ground to ba~c attacks on the ir old enemies:
?\ Iexico and the Republi c of Texas.
Each success brought more guns and prestige to Red
Sleeves. as \,.eU as more warriors. Braves from the
.\lescalero andJ icarillo joined up with Cbiricahua and, by
1849, they became a formidable presence in the Shattered
Frontier.
 In 1852, tired of the Apache raids across its western
border, the Republic of Texas launched a punative
sweep of the Sanjuan Basin in an attempt to eradicale
the Apache menace. In a series of ski rmishes, the
g reatly feared Apache army of Red Slecves suffered
repeated defeat and was again forced to withdraw to
the west of the Rio Grande.
Now, caught between Deserel. :\Iexico and T exas.
Ihe Apache have been forced into hiding and must
choose their battles wisely. However, the Apach e
threat is not gone - far from it.
From his mountain strongholds in the San J uan
mou ntains, R ed Sleeve's warriors continue to harass
both the Texicans and Mexicans. Because of the con-
stant threat of reprisals, Red Slee\'es keeps his peoplc
on the move roving over a large area that extends
from the Colorado ri ver in the west to the Rio Grande
in the casl. Largely an army of guerilla Style hit-and-
run raiders, the Apache provlde for themsel ..'Cs b~ ' tak-
ing fmm their neighbors - a taclic that continues to
this day.
Red Sleeves' swo rn agenda is to recapture the tradi-
tional homeland of bis people to the south , namely
Apache Pass and Apache Springs. Ahermllively, he
hopes to force a settlement that relUrns the lands to
Apache hands. In tht meantime. he is bent o n slowing
,he tide of settlers movi ng into 'he area. Barring that ,
hc will exploit thcm for guns, money and trade items
to support hi s cause.
Evcn with the Apache threat, however, selliers from
Deserel, :\Iexico and the Republic of Texas continued
to trickle into the area. Then , when gold was d isco\'-
ered along the Animas River in 1865, that trickle
became a torrent, with all three powers as well as the
U.S. and the Conft;:de racy all clamoring to lay claim 10
the region.
A 1111. af Three 22>w ns
In 1853 the notorious trappcr Luke Boureaux al.5o
known as " Barbe Rouge ") came down out of the
mountains and settlcd in the Animas Valley. With the
help of his Ute wife he built a trading POSt near the
southe rn mouth of Animas Valley (about 12 miles
north of current day Lazarus. The aging Boureaux
had been crippled the previous winter (b)' a bear,
according 10 legend) and his days of gathering pelts in
the high counlly were ovcr. It was his intention to
barte r for furs from other trappers at his trading post
in exchange for su pplies, and then seillhem for a high-
er price at the Texas markets further east. Soon, the
trading POSt was joined by a blacksmith, a ranch and
several farms that sprung up along the river. T hus,
quite by chance, was bol'll the town of Boureaux.
Boureaux managed to negotiate an uneasy treaty
with the Apache tributes of weapons and food in
e.xchange for the se ttlemenl rcmnining unmolested.
By 1854 the town had g rown to a popUlation of 175,
when the Apache raids began. Why the truce was shat-
tered is unclear, but many belicve Red Sleeves was
unnerved at the rate the tOwn was growing. and the
fact that other settlements were spri nging up along the
Animas R iver.
The settlers of Boureaux spe nt a great deal of timc,
mOlle)' and labor erecting fortificat ions. They even
convinced the Republic of Texas 10 scud a small con-
tingent of Range rs to IOW11, as a signal to Red Sleeves
that they had the COUlllry'S backi ng. Yet, it was all to
no avail. In the winter of 1855, Red Sleeves and his
warriors retu rned to Animas Valley ;\I1d massacred the
IOlI'n's inhabital1ls and burned Boureaux to the
fitround.
:\e\\'s of the atrocity struck fear in the other settle-
menB \Ihich had riscn up in t he region. ':\'Iany sett lers
pulled up stakes and returned to Deseret and the
Republic of Texa~. For the next decade the Apache
held an iron grip over the region. The only se ttleme nts
managi ng to keep their footho ld were those stationed
along the San J uan Road, which enjoyed the presence
of heavi ly armed patrols, keeping the supply lines up
and runni ng. That would all change in the spri ng of
1865. when gold was d iscovered along the Animas, not
far from the ruins of Boureaux.
In .\ Iay or that year, Harm Henrrik .\luskee, a
:\ Iormon exile from Deseret, made his \\ay il1lo the
area I,'ith his three wives and rour ~ons 10 try his hand
at trapping along the Animas. Ancr plucking a two
and a half ou nce nugget of gold out of the rippling
waters, any thoughts or further tr:!pping were quickly
abandoned.
Two weeks later, Harm arrived in the tOll'n of
Rancho Buca rcli with a pouch or placer gold, which
he promptly used \0 buy supplies including picks,
shovels and gold pans). The secret was out.
Har m Muskee had barely returned to his camp and
started erecting a ca bin when other fortune- seekers
began to arri\-e. \\'ithin weeks, the valley was filled
with the sounds of felled cree;), rip saws and hammers
as building after building began to go up.
The gold camp quickly became a town (named
i\ l uskeegie in ho nor of Harm) and immediately
became the spigot that thousands of fortune seeke rs
poured through and into the surrounding mOlLntains
in search of gold. In the surrounding hills and
ca nyons, men began to attack the rock \I>ith pick and
~ h o\'eI searchin g for the gold's sou rce (the elusive
mother lode wh ich has yet to be found 24 months
157
later). The placer gold in the river was soon exhaust cd,
but several successful mines were soon producing good
quality ore.
As for Harm himself? His luck soon ran out. The
elaim he sta ked didn't produce for more than a few
months. Eventually, he hired on as a miner in the
Luck of the Draw mine where he was later killed in a
collapse. All but one of his wives returned to Deseret
with his sons. Fidela ;\ht skee (known as the Widow
Muskee locally) noll' runs Fidela 's Boarding House in
the boomtOwn of .M uskeegie.
As ;\'i uskeegie began to g row and prosper, Ihe old
ruins of Boureaux (42 miles to the south became a
natural stopping off point for freight wagons and dril'-
ers heading up the pass. Soon, a new tOwn lite rally
rose up from the ashes of Boureaux and II"a5 named.
fittingly enough, Lazarus.
Little more than a colleClion of saloons and Oop
houses, Lazarus was never cons idered a destination,
but just another dusty barter t01l'1l among dozens of
others scatte red along the route between Amarillo and
;" luskeegie. That is, until the much sought after 'yellow
stuff' was found in the sur rounding hills six months
ago.
Lazarus quickly transformed into a boom town
overnight. Although the deposits don't seem to be as
rich as those near ;" ]uskeegie, many are betting the
surface has barely been scratchcd and that Lazarus has
a bright future.
Today, Lazarus has a telegraph line connecting it to
the outside world and is a station on the Kinnard-
Lowe ry Stage route. JUSt a few wee ks ago the first
town counci l was elected, along with a sheriff. In a few
months, the tOwnsfolk will elect their firs t mayor (and
with th ree candidates having tossed their hat in the
ring it's su re to be a heated contest).
T he current favorite to win is banker Jack Wesley
;"'IcCabe, who recently engineered a peace deal with
the Apache that helps guarantee the safety of Lazarus
and its inhabitants. Whoever is elected mayor will
have his hands fuB, for Lazarus is plagued by problems
- some that threaten ils very existe nce if mishandled.
ISB
Lazarus and the On-Going Campaign
As a boomtown st ill in the carly months of its growth
and development, Laza rus is an ideal pl ace for players
to eventually descend upon. Th ere are sho rtages of
businesses, as well as Ihe ski lled tradesmen needed for
a tOwn to grow. Th ere are many niches waiting to be
filled. Empty lots are also available (although they are
going fast ), so characters with a little sand and deter-
mination should be able to grab their piece of the
dream here.
As lI·ilh mOSt boom tOwns, Lazaru s is as short on law
and order as it is long on opportunities. As the town
grol\·S. so do its troubles, but the determination of
decent folk to tame their community is strong.
Items of Interest Concerning Lazarus
• In hopes of curbing the \'iolence and maintaining
the peace, the neIdy-elected to\\"n cou ncil recently
approved the funds to hire tWO additional full -time
deputies.
• Details of J ack ;,,'IcCabe's deal with Red Sleel'es
hal'c recently leaked Out - angering ma ny tOwnsfolk.
It turns out the Apache were bought off. In exchange
for a bi-annualtribute of guns, grain, meat and othe r
commodities. the old war chief agreed to let Lazarus
li\'e in peace. T his is a tribute the tOwnsfolk of Lazarus
must burden and, with the Apache still harrassing sup-
ply wagons and trails between Rancho Bucareli and
;",Iuskeegie, many feel the the deal was a mistake.
• Lazarus is a den of corruption. Competing gangs
wrestle for control of the town's trade for fl esh, alcohol
and gambling. Chief among them is the One Spurs
gang - who saw to it that several of their members
swept imo the Town Council in the recent electi on.
• Some weeks after gold was discol'ered near
Lazarus, Jack ;"IcCabe and his partner formed the
new .\IcC abe -Langdon Land Company, and bought
up most of the availa ble lots in town.
 Lazarus Town Directory
LAZARUS @SPECTATOR

Courtesy of the Lazarus Spectator Titan P. Corrigan III • Publisher

B!aclt J E!02 S
LOTII U SACE O W!SEJI ' LOT" US.\CE
LOI Vacant Lot · ........ .\IcCabe-Langdoll L1nd Compan~ LOI Carlos Fatjstillo; Blacksmith .Carlos " ~oxr" Faustino
L02 \';Ieanl Lot · ..\IcCabe.Langcloli La nd Compan~ 1.02 \ 'acam Lot ............. ,Carlos " ~oxr" Faustino
L03 Vacant Lot . . . . . . . . . . .\IcCabe-L1ngdon L1nd Compan~ L03 ~IcCabe Place ... , . Jack Wcsley ~IcCabe
LO' \ "acam Lot · . .\IcCabc.Langdon Land Compall" LO. Fau.tino R('_idenC<' .....Carlos " Foxy" Faustino
L05 \ 'ileam Lot ...... Uo·..d " Pap!>'" Patterson Ul5 \aCant Lot , J acob "Zcc" Zcdock
L06 "aeam Lot · . .\IcCa be -La n~on 1_11\d Compan~ UJ6 Zedock Re.idcnce . Jacob "Zee" Zedock
L07 Vacant Lot · . .\IcCabe-L.1rll!;don L1nd Compan~ Ul; J\lc Cabe Balik of uuart,s Jack \\"e~I~' ~ IcCabc
L08 Vacant Lot · . .\IcCabe-Langdon Land Compam L08 Zedock 's Barbe rs hop . ......... j acob --Zee" Z('dock
L09 Aforgall 's G illiS . . . . . . . . . . . . , A tu~u\tu~ "Gus" ,'d organ
Block 2
l OT" U St.CE O.:l'..'<£R" Blo2 6
LOI Yucan! Lot · :\ IcCabe.Langdon L'l.nd Compall) LOTII Us..\CE O OWSER·
L02 \ 'acant Lot · ........ .\IcCabe-L1ngdon Land Company LOI Vacant Lot ....... . ~IcCabc.L"lngdon Land Company
L03 Vacant Lot · .\ IcCabe.Langdon Land Company L02 Va(ant Lot .. :\IcCab(- Langdon Land COmpall)
LO. Vacant Lot . . . . . . . . . ........ R. T "Doc" ~d crrick L03 Vacant Lot · ........ ~kCabc .La ngdon Land Company
L05 Vacant Lot . . Juan :\"avarro LO' Va(anl 1...0 \ · .......... Carlos " I'oxy" Faustino
L06 Vacant Lot .... Juan Xavarro
L07 Vacant Lot · .\ IcCabe-Langdon Land Compam Blo:k 7
L08 Vacant Lot · ....... , :\ IcCabe-Lano;;don Land Compam O.Ei:U"
LOT" USM;[
LOI Ya<:alll Lot , , :\ IcCabe- Langdon Land Comp-any
Block J L02 \ 'a(am Lot .. ;\ IcCabc-L."lngdon Land Company
LOTII U SAGE L03 Vacant Lol ..... ~IcCabc- Langdon Land Company
WI Vacant Lot , McCabe-Langdon Land Com pan)' LO" Vacant Lot · ... ... . . ;\IcCabc.Langdol1 Land Company
L02 Residence Empty' ...... ..... ,Victor ;\ lacKennal LOS Vacant Lot .... , '\lcCabe-I..angdon Land Comp."lllY
L03 \ :"lcant Lot ... ".". ;\IcCabe-La ngdon I~"lnd Company L06 Vacant Lot · ~ IcCabe.Lan~don Land Company
L04 Vacant Lot ... "IcCabe.Langdon Land Company 1))7 Vacant Lol .... ~ IcCabe-Langdon Land Company
L05 \'acant Lot .. ".". "IcCabe-Langdon Land Company L08 Vacant Lot · ~IcCabe-La ngdon Land Company
IJl6 Vacam Lol ... "IcCabc.Langdon Land Company L09 Vacant Lot , , .Cla)'lOn "Clay" Sloanc
L07 Vacant Lot , , , . , , . McCabe-langdon L"lnd Company LIO Vacant Lot · ...... , . ;\IcCabe-Langdon Land Compan)

Block 4 Black 8
LOlli Us.-\C£ LOTII USACE OWNER "
LOI Residence Empty ..... . ..... , .. , . LO I Thaddeus T.Jackson: Underta k er ,.T. T. J ackson
11)2 ~ I o rgan Reside nce ........ .... Augustus "Gus" ~ Iorgan 1))2 Coyer Rc~idcnce ."... . . James " Patch" Coyer
L03 Patterson Residence. . . . .. Uo)'d " Pap~" Panerson L03 Sloan e 's uather Goods .. Clayton "Clay" Sloane
LO.J Patte rson 's LiWlry Stable . ... Uo)'d " Pappy" Panerson 11l.J Sherriff's Office , , . , , .. "hmicipally Owned
L05 Patte rson 's Co rral . ......... Uo)'d " Pappy" Pattcrson L04a Jail . ....... . .................. ~ l unicipally O wned
LOG Vacant Lot ................ , . Jacob "Zee"' Zedock L05 Garret 's Dry Goods ..... Henry " Hank" Garret
L07 Harper's Hardwa re ... .... J esse Harper L06 Moynihan 's Meat A1arket .Cornelius " Red" ;\ Ioynihan
L08 James R . Ilfljllins, A ttorney .. James R. ~luUins L07 Thunde r Horse S aloon . , .. ,Charles "Charlie" "lceker
L09 Back Lot ..... " . , . . ... James R. :\lulJins L08 \'a(a nt Lot ,."., ... ~kCabc-L"lngdon I_"lnd Company
L09 l o li\'l:r"s l'lace .. , . , , . ~ l cCabe-Langdon Land Compall)
Lt O ~ I eckcr Residence, . . . , .Charles "Charlie" " ' eeker

159
-
•• ••• • • • • I
43 Miles
Lot

••• •• •
10
Muskeegie
L02
•
.. .. •
• ,:• ••••
• •••••
• \ L03

L04
••
••• ••••••• • t"'
""
00

•• ••• ••
• • • ••• • LOS
LO! ~ K

• •
•••• • • • •
L03 L04
L04

•
.- ••• ••• •
LOS

L06
LOS

• ••••
L07

•• ••• LO! L02 oL03 ~

•• • ••••
•••• •• LlO L03 :J \Lo~l
• •••
L09 , L04
L09
! : @8
•••
.... I
LOB LOS d I L06 ~
•• L07 L06 LOB ~ L07 t
• • LO! L02

L04 L03
L06

t"'
-""
t"'
""
N
b
w -"" --
t"' t"'

27Miles

• • • •• ••
to RUlCho
Bucmlli
I
 \L...._~l
LOI
••
LOB

L07 • • ,
L06 • e
LOS • e•
e • o
L02 LO!
e
L09
a
L02
•
L03 e
LOB o
Q. LO~ L04
Lazarus •
LO!
at'Ma
McCabe- Langdon
L02 Land Coo>pany
. 1867·
LEGEND

EldPTYLOT

o 25 50
I ',0 I '? I
Distance in Feel

..•
L10 • 0 •
0
.. o ..
O.
e
,, •
-
L09 o eO • 0- "'.:. '" 0 I)

L07
e
LOB
••• ~-

o· •
-
Block 9 fJlo:k JJ
LOT- USAC£ LOT' USAGE
LOI Barki" g Alad Gflmbling Hall ... Forest R. Langdon LOI Assay OffiCII ... , . " . " .. , .. Republic of Tcxas
L02 \ 'acam Lot ......... ;\IcCabe-Langdon Land Company L02 Cove" tmt Pusby te rilm Church . . Presbylcrian Church
L03 Trimble Rc\idclICC ... Douglas " Doug" Trimble L03 :\\cAllistcr Placr Parish.".".". ,I'resbytcrian Church
LO' \"acalll Lot ........ , :\ILCabc-Langdon Land Company U).I \ 'acam Lot ................... Clayton "Clay" Sloane
LOS ~oundcr'! Shad. .. . . ... Hanholemc"W T Hancock LOS Vacant Lot ......... "IcCabe.L"lngdon Land Company
L06 Palfl clI HollIl , ................ , J acob "Zee" Zedock L06 Langdon ]Jam/Corral ... , .. , ....... Forest R. Langdon
L07 R , T. Aferrick , Doctor .. , .. R, T "Doc" "ltrriek 1.1)7 Boo thill .,. . . , .. , . , .. ~Iunicipal
L07a Sy rus Flay d ll ruunI, De ntis t . , .. R, 1: "Doc" :\ Icrrick IJlB \'acam Lot ."." .........Thoma!! "Tommy" :\IcCabe
L08 Trimble 's 8 ak llry .,. . .Douglas " Doug" Trimble L09 \'a(,lIll Lot ....... , :\IcCabe-Langdon Land Company
L09 JIIII1';tll '. R lls taurant , , . " . " . Juanita Sanchez LIO \'acant Lol .. ,., :\IcCabe-L"lngdon Land Compan)
LII AfcCo.be.Ltmg doPl Lttlld Company . . , ...... .
B~ck 10 l'Oresl R. L"ll1gdon/J ack \\bkl ~ l cCabc
LOTII USt.CE Ll2 M cNuir Tll iegraph OffiCII ... ,:\IcX"ir Tclegrnph Lilw
Ll3 La~arus Spectator, The ..Titan 1'. Corrigan II I
LOI V:l(;am Lol .. ~IcCabc-La ngdon L"lnd Compan)
L02 Vactlm Lol ......... ~ Ic Cabc- l..a ngdon Land Compauy
L03 Langdon Rc~idcncc ................ tOrcsl R. Langdon !Jlock 14
LO. L"lngdotl Ranch I'louse .. FOfCSl R . L"lngdon LOTII USACE
IJlI Vacant Lol :\IcCabc" _"lngdon Land Company
Block 11 1..02 \'aC;\UI LUI ~IcCabc- '_"lngdon Land Company

LOTII USAGE O'l;SU" L03 \'ae-am UJ( . , • .Thaddeus T.Jackson

LOI \ 'acant 1..01 ...• , .•.. ~IcCabe.Langdon Lwd Compan~ 1M Vacam Lol :\IcCabe-Langdoll Land Company
L02 Vaeam Lol ., .. ,.,. :\IcCabe-Langdon Land Company LOS \'<tUlli Lot ~IcCabe.Langdon Land Company

L03 \ 'acant Lol. ., .. , ..... , .. Charlco; "Charlie" "'eeker L06 Vacant Lm ' . , , . , .. , . J esse Ha'l>er
1M Vacalll Lol .. , . " . :\IcCabc-Langdon Land Comp.."lll) W7 Shinborn Ri:sidellec . , . , .. J oseph Shinborn
L08 R.e~idenrr: Em])l) .. ,Charles -Charlie" ~ I eeker
LOS Vacant Lot ........ , .. , .. ,Jacob "'Zec" Zedock
L09 Vacant Lol ., .. " . " ., . " ... Charles "Charlie"" :\ Iet:ker
B!a:k J} LlO Vacam Lol .. , .. , .' " . ,Charles "Charlie"" ~ ' ttker
Lll \ acam Lol .". .. " ..Charles "Charlie" ~I ttker
LOT' USAGE
LOI Kinnard-Lo wny Co nal . ,Kinnard-Lowrey Stae;e Line
L02 Rollins' Residence. , . . ..... ChC"t("r "Tap.' RoUin,
UJ3 Ly n chlld Ox SlIloon, Th e ., .. ,." .. ,. Juan ::\"a\"arro
l1l4 Kinnard_Low rey La:: fl r u", OfficII , . .K-I., Stage Line
LOS Kinnllrd.Lo llJny Blink Ho u se , , . X-I., Stage I..ine
L06 Kin,lard.Low rey Stage Line Burn . .K-I.. Stage Line

. Note the indicated owner of the property isn 't necessarily the resident.

NOTICB LAND FOR SALE! •

IN THE BOOMING MINING COMMUNITY OF

LAZARUS
LOCAL aGENT IN MUSEURIE TO IANDLE TRaNSACTIONS
SEE - L&W!tENCE DATNE - aTTORNEY' PRaTT & MaIN
UTS rulS LlnLE 15 S laD, FlIMr LaC&TIDIf5 DIM&1I5T1U'I' 15 LlnLE 15 SlOG
PAY BA!J' UP I'BONT III BESliBVIi 1M - IIAlJ' UPON TUNSl'liB Dr OIliD.
LDAIS CUll &BIlRDED TO noSE Gr DODD S'I'&1D11fI AID 5II'1'ULII COLUTEIlL.

* McCabe-Langdon Land ~ompany *

162
 Townfolk
he following is juSt a sa mpling of somc of

T colorful characters who inhabit the to\\n

of Lazarus. It is by no means campleu:
hut should provc useful in funning adventures
in the town.
1\on- Playc r CharaClcr~ arc listed as being
"r-;otablc" 01' ";-' Iundanc. " :"ratable ~PC s art'
just that c haracters who ha\'c an inOucncc in
the lown on some len'i or impaCt OIhcr~. For
example, Syrus "Yank" Flaydcrman is a dcnti~1.
but he al~o serves on Iht" '1'011'11 C ouncil and i" a
Illo\'cr and sha ke r behind the political \CCIlt', , \
mundane ;\' PC is someone who 1i'"('5 in the
town but has lillte power or influence 011 otbers .
. \ listing of sample N PC statistics (arranged
by profession is also provided for yOu.

Name ~ Occupation/Trad e Nrc Type

J oe Bob Briggs .......... 28 ... Gummilh .................. i'.lale .......... Xot<lblc
Aggie Bristol .............. 23 ... Whore ....... ... .......... Female ........ \ Iund<lne
~:llhan "N<lte" Bueller .......... +1 ... Outl<lw ....... ......... .... \lak .......... Xot<lblc
Tom Big Cobb ............ .2i ... Horse Thief ................ \lak .......... Xotable
Titan P. Corrigan III ............ 33 ... Newspape r Publisher/Editor ... \blc .......... Xotable

~ Occupation/Trad e ill Nrc Type

J a mes " Patch" Coye r ............ 64 ... SherrifT ...... . ......... 1>. lale . · .... Notable
He nry " Indiana" Dobbs ........ . Ii . .. Outlaw .................... \Iale .......... Xotable
Dowdy " Doubting" Fagin ........ 31 ... Bartender ............ ...... i'.lale .......... Xotablc
Ca rlos " Foxy" Faustino .......... +7 ... Blacksmith .. •...••• ...... 1>.lale . · .... Notable
Loy " Bloody \ Iouth" Fe rgeson .... 26 ... Outlaw ..... . ......... \l:\le . · .... Xotable

~ ~ Occupation/Trade ill NrC Type

Brom " Blade" Fergesoll .......... 30 ... Outlaw. . ................. ,\l aic ........ Xotable
Syrus " Yank" Flayderman ........ 63 ... De ntist .................... \Iale . . .. Xotable
i'. laria Fuente ................. 19 ... Whore .................... Female · .... Notable
Alfredo Garcia ................ 30 . Bartender .. .......... \ Ialc .......... Xotable
Henry " H ank" Garre t ........... 6+ ... \lcrehalll , D rygoods ........ )'lalc · .... ).Iundane

163
 An Occupation/Trade Nrc Type
Priscilla " Babe" Garrison ........ 31 ... Whore .................... Fema le ........ ~lundan e
Bartholemew T. Hancock ........ 34 ... Pi mp ..................... Male ......... Notable
Donny " Dutch" Harker ......... 27 ... Deputy, Tracker ............. ~1 ale .......... ::"{otablc
J esse Harper .................. 32 . .. ~ l erchalH , Hardware ......... ~Ial e . . . . . .. ~lund a nc
Beatrice Harper .... ..... ...... 39 ... Housewife, ~ ( erc h a nl ......... Female ...... .. ~Iundan e

An O ccupation/Trade NPC Type

Thaddeus T. J ackson ..... . ...... 35 ... undertaker ................. ~'lal e .......... ~ I undane
JuliaJackson ........... . ...... 32 .. H ousewife, Underta ker's Asst ... Female ........ l\ lundanc
~ l a ry J ackson ................. 7 ... . N / A (child ................ . Female ........ ivl undane
Forest R. Langdon ............. 55 .. Land SpeculatOr .. ........... l\hl e .. .... ... .Notable
Alejandro Lopez .... . . . ...... 58 ... Cook .... ................. Male .......... Mund ane

&ml: An Occupation/Tra d e ill NrC Type

Amilia Lopez ................. 2<l ... Outlaw ....... . ....... .... . ~Ialc .......... Notable
~ll organ "Reverend" ~ l cAlli ste r ... 56 ... Re"erend .................. .\lale .. . .. Aotable
Samantha .\IcAllister .......... .42 ... Housewife ................. Fe male ....... .\ (undane
J ac k Wesley l\IcCabc ............ 39 . .. Bank Owner ................ Male .......... :\otable
Eleanor ~fcCa be ............... 28 ... Housewife ................. Female ........ M undane

&ml: An Occ upation /Trad e x NPC Type

Thomas "Tom my" ~IcCabe ., ,10 ... ':\ /Achild ............. ~Iale. . ...... :\ Iundane
Charles "C harlie" l\ leeker. , ... ,. Al ... Saloon Owner .... . ... .\ Iale, , . , ...... :--iotable
R. T. "Doc" l\fcrrick ............ 43 .. ,Doctor , , . , ............... .\ Iale ... , , ..... Notable
Augustus "Gus" M organ ......... 51 ... Gunsmith ... , .............. .\ Iale. , , , , ..... Notable
M atilda "Mattie" l\ lorga n ..... , ,.46 ... Housewife ................ . Fema le ........ Mundane

~ Occupation /Trade Nrc Type

Katherine " Kate" Morgan ....... 11 ... N/ A (child) ... , , , ... , , , , , , , . Female ........ J\'lundane
Daniel " Danny" M organ ........ 9 .... t" / A (child ... . . ..... , , .. Male .......... l\lundane
Moxy ....................... 27 ... Ranch Hand ....••••••.... J\'lale .......... :...Iundane
Cornelius " Red" Moynihan ...... 28 .. ,Butcher ...... , . •. .• . • ..... 1'Iale .......... Mundane
l\'[egan "l\lay" l\loynihan ........ 25 ... Housewife ................. Female ........ Mundane

&ml: Age Occupa tion /Trade illNPC Typ e

Frank l\lyers .................. 40 .Ranch Boss .................\Iale .......... .\ (undane
Juan Navarro .................. 37 .Bartender/Owner ........... l\l ale .......... t"otable
Lloyd " Pappy" Panerson ......... 56 .Livery Stable Owner ......... Male .......... ;\lotable
1'Iaria Patterson ............ ... 32 .Housewife ................. Female ........ l\ lundane
Luke Patterson .....••..• . ..... I 7 ... Stable Boy .. ............... Male ..... , , , , . Notable

164
~ An Occ u pation/Trade ill Nrc Typ e
Nathanel "),Iacagdocus Nat" Pavey .35 ... Telegraph Operaor ...... .?-..! ale ... ... l"otable
Curdy " Red" Pickens ........... 29 ... Piano Player ...... . . .... }d ale . ......... Notable
Emma " Emmie" Pierce .......... 24 ... Whore ............... . .. Female .. :\ Iunda ne
Benjamin " Ben" Pierce .. ..... 44 ... Hotel Owner .. .\ Iale . . ... .\ Iunda ne
Dorotha Pierce ... .... 39 ... Hotel Owner ...... Fe male . .. .\ Jundane

An O ccu patio n / Trad e Nrc Type

Chester "T aps" Rollins ....•..... 41 ... Telegraph Operator/i\ lanager .. i\ lale. . ...... i\ lundane
Brian Rocny .................. 28 ... Bartender/ Bouncer .......... M ale . . ..... i\ t undane
.\ Iackey Ross .................. 42 .. .Thief ..................... .\ Iale .......... Notable
Rachel Ross ........... . .. . .24 ... Housewire ... . ... Female ........ ,\l undane
" Rio" Running River. . . .... 22 ... Ranch Hand ............... i\ lale .......... " Iundane

l'!Jom< An O ccu patio n / Trad e ill Nrc Type

Juanita Sanchez .26 ... Cook/Waitress .... · .... Female .. Notable
Joseph Shinborn ............... 32 ... Stage Station Chier .......... ).Iale .......... ,\l undane
Abat ha Abbey Shinborn ......... 26 ... Housewire .......... . ...... Female ........ i\'otable
Clayton "C lay" Sloane .......... 29 ... Leather Worker ............. Male .......... Mundane
William " Roa ring Bill" Swain ..... 58 ... Circuit J udge ............... i\ lale .......... Nolable
Winirried 'J ustice" Toliver ...... Deputy/i\ lerchant ........... M ale .......... Notable
Dan by " Big Dan" Trask ... 27 ... Faro Dealer ...... . . ... i\ laic .... .. .... Notable
Douglas "Doug" Trimble ... 29 ... Baker ..................... " Iale .......... :\ Iundane
Fernando Vasquez ................... Rancher ................... :\ l ale ........ l':olable
Gus \\'iley Windle ...... .. ...... 25 ... Horse T hief .. ...... . . . ..... ~ I ale. . .... Notable
J acob "lee" Zedock .... . . •..... 34 ... Barber .................... ~ I ale .......... i\ lundane

Passers Thru
ot all NP Cs encountered will be residents of Lazarus. Hundreds or people pass through the lOwn each

N day. T he following is j ust a sam pli ng or individua ls who may be round in that numbe r.

l'!Jom< An O cc u pati on/Trade ill NPC Type

J oseph Caffco ............ 32 ... Stage Driver ..... . · .... :\ Iale ... Notable
Aclk Yellow Fawn .............. 26 ... Whore ...... . . ......... female ...... i\ l undane
J ack "Wormy" Masters .......... 29 ... Driver, Freight .............. .\ Iale .... j\ Iundane
Witliam " Bloody Bi ll" Pavey ...... 38 ... G un Fo r Hire ............... .\ Iale ... Notable
Susan ~ l i l es .................. 23 ... EllIertaincr/ Actress . · .... ~ I ale ....... Notable
Tommy "One BOO1 " Perry ....... 31 ... Vagram ................... ~ I a le .... M undane
Yancey Kind le ................. 25 ... Ou tlaw .................... !>. Ia\e .. Notable
Hank Witchem ......•......... 38 ... Snake Oil Salesman .......... ~ I ale ....... Notable

165
 * SAMPLE NPCs *
Some bask cxamplc~ of cOlllmon non-pl:tycr charac-
le I's (N PCs) arc included below. Note that these sample
characters :He assumed to have been a'ti\'(~ for some
lime. T hc~ may han." engaged in gunfights, pnll"lice:d
their i>kills. achieved personal goals, built a reputation
for themselves, and ~o on. Thus, their skills and ahilities
will differ from a similar, newly created player character.
Any money or weapons arc whal they h<lvc on their per-
son when encountered, not necl:"s~arily their IOlal wealth
or worth. Feel free \0 modir, these characters for rOllr
own campaign a~ you sec iiI.
Baker: hp 21; Speed 5, .\ ccuracy -I; Sir IINO, IIlI
9/52, \Vis 10/16, Dcx 14/72. Can 9131. Us 9/86. eha
1U/51; Rl'p 36, F:ul1c 0; Quirks lazy: Flaws none; Skills
cookin g 14°0, reading comprehension/penmanship
88 u,o, mathematics 87°0, riding 310. 0 , salcsman~hip
63°0; Talents guardian ~1Il~cl; Gunfiglm 0; 52,30;
Fire;lrms none.
Sample Description: This bakn's wares arc mighty
tasty, and he know~ how 10 sell them. bUI he's not too
smart aboul much else.
Bandito: hp 22: Speed I, Accuracy I: Sir 12114. Int
8/74. \Vis 10/83. Dex 11/45. Con 11 / 87, Lk.. 10/ml.
Cha 9/63; Rep - J, Fame 3; Quirk~ hothead: Fhl\\-~ none;
Skills gambling 79°o, illlimidation ·10° 0. reading com-
prehension/penmanship 89°'0, riding 51°,'0., rope u~e
.1-7°' 0: Talents quick aim, tough as nails, \'ctcran gUIl-
lighter; Gunfights 5; 513; Firearms lWO Colt SAA ,43 ...
Sample DC<icription: This bandito is not someone you
want to rile up. He'll put a hullet through your eye <l5
soon as look at you.
Banker: hp 20: Speed 12. t\ccuracy I; Str 11/69, lilt
13/33, \\'is 12109, Dc..... 3143. Con 8/47, Us 9/43, Cha
9/58: Rep 46, F,lITH! I; Quirks nagging conscience;
Flaws nOlle: Skills accounting 48°'0. mathematics 29%,
reading comprehension/penmanship +7>},,~ Talent s
courage, fa~t healer: Guntighh 0; S 12: Firearrn~ none.
Sample Description: This banker has a good head for
mone)" but he's clumsy, m<lking him the butt of m:1l1y
jokes. Still, he has a good hean, and always apoJogiles
for any mistakes.
Barber: hp 21: Speed 7, Accuracy -I ; St r 10173, Inl
10/39, \\'is 10/14, Dcx 12161, Con 9126, Lks 10176,
Cha II /52: Rcp ~ 9, Fame 0; Quirks nOlle: Flaws glas~
jaw; Skills accounting 85%, current affairs 54"0, gaming
28%. idle gossip 16 u o, joke tdling 52°'0, mathematics
72°'u. nursing 8;°'0, reading comprehension/pellman-
166
ship 74'-'/0, riding 52° '0. slick talker 88%, weathe r sense
78°'0; Talents dodgt", quick thinking, resist disease/il1fee·
tion; Guntight~ 0: 53.75; Fin·afms none.
Sample Description: If you want 10 know what\ going
on in IOwn. you might wanl to get you rself a haircut.
Just make sure you don '( lell him more than you ought
to - he's got a way of whc(:dling secrets Out of folk.
Bartender: hp 21; Speed 6, Accuracy I: Sir 10173,
Int 11/51 , \\'i~ 10/06, De:.: II/ 'H, Con 10119, Lks
10/11. Cila 13/61: Rep 30. Fa me 1: Quirks nosy; Flaws
none: SkjJls current affairs 54%, diplomacy 70°0, gam-
bling 48" 0 , listenin,l!.: 77°o, reading compro::hcnsioll/pen·
tl1an~hip R3°u: Ta!t:nts astute obse lvation, \'eteran gun·
fi~hter: Gunfi~lm I: S6: Firearm~ nOlle.
'iample De~criplion: T hi~ nosy fellow keeps his eyes
and cars opcn for all the 1;II~SI news - and he pours a
mighty fine drink.
Blac ksmith : hp 22: Speed 8, Accuracy -I: Str 12108,
11119/29. Wis 7/03, Dex 12170, Con 11/(j9. Lks II/52,
Cha 18/60; Rep 2B, fame I: Quirks abstinent (alcohol),
touchy; Flaws colorblind; Skills accollnting 72%. animal
empathy 60 0 ' 0. black~ll1jl hin g/mctalll'orking 40°o,
intimidation 36 Q o, mathematics 69°'0. reading compre-
hen~i o n/p e lllnan ship 86°'<1 . riding 55°0, ~alesman~hip
740. 0 : Talent~ lou~h a" nails; Gunlighh 0; 53: Firearms
no ne.
Sample De~cription; Fir~1 off. Ihi~ fello\\ doesn't drink
liquor. whic h i~ unusual. Second. he has this hrawny
animal tll;lgnelism th;lt seems to dra'> the womenfolk in
from Illiles around. Thing is, he gets irritable ve ry last,
and scares them off 'IS often as not. ;'\Iaturally, this
makes him even \I orse to be around. Per wnally, I think
he needs a drink to calm his nerves. but he isn't having
any.
Bounty Hunter! hp 23; Speed +, Accuracy +: Str
12113. 1m 12134, \\'i~ 9/46. Dex 12NO. COil 11/60,
Lks 10/76. Cha 10/51: Rep 2i, Fame 4: Quirks ornery;
Flaws none: Skill~ camouflage +7°0, medicine 66%,
reading comprehen~ion/pclllllanship 82%. riding 3" 0,
~urvival HU'u, tracking 800:0; 1"'1Ient~ courage, f~1.St heal -
er. hip shOOle r: Gunfights 6; SI; Firearms two Colt
Ri skys .H ), \\"inch('~tcr 186+ Carbine (.44).
Sample De ~criplion: This bounty hunter claims to
ha\'c brought in dozens of bounties, but no lawman
around here will \'ouch for it lcasr",ays. not in public.
Burralo Hunte r : hp 2i: Speed 7. Accuracy 1; Str
J1/56, Int 16/18, \ \"is 11/42, Dcx 12105. Con 16/47,
Lks 12/09, eha 13/'19; Rep 39, Famc I: Quirks louchy;
Flaws none; Skills ca mou flage 69 0 o, huming I Ufo, medi-
ci ne 63°'0. reading compre hension/penmanship 65" ",
riding 46 11 0, skinningltanni ng 73° 0, slaughter 46° 0:
Talent ~ crack shot; GunfightS 0; 55; Firea r ms Shal"p~
Long Range,
Sample Descri ption: T his he rc's an irritable hombre.
but he brings in more buff.'llo hides than any other
hunte r I know. 'Course, he spends most of it in the
saloon a nd the whorehouse, so I gue~~ he has to.
Bu s hwhac k er: hp 21: Speed 3. Accuracy I; Str
11128. i m 9/56, Wis 10124, Dex 14 /89. Con 9/43. Lks
9/87, Cha II /54: Rep -6. Fame 2; Quirk:" picker nose);
Flaws bufi""a lo mange; Skills hiding 55 0 o. intimidation
52%. reading comprehension/penmanship 81:1°-'0, riding
52 0.0, !"Ope use 46%; Talents a(h-anced sighting, VCle ran
gunfightcr; Gunlights I; S7; Firearms S&\\' H DA. Colt
1868 shotgun.
Sample Description: You never kno\\ whe re this nasty
fellow will spring from. Keep your t'yes ~kinned \\"I1el1-
evcr you leave town.
Butc her: hp 2 1; Speed 7.. \ cC UJ"a0 - I: Str 12/74. iot
10128, Wis 11 /39, Dex 12186, COil 9/15. Lks 8/34.
Cha I % I ; Rep 22, Fame 0; Quirks chiseler; Flaws
none; Skills accounting 73 0.'(" cooking \6°0, gambling
54%, mathtmatics 76%. reading comprehe nsion / pe n-
manship 77%, salesmanship 87°0, skinning/ tanning
-18°'0. slaught e r 25°'0; T aknts courage. resist
disease/ infection: Gunfights 0; S 1.25: Firea rms none.
Sample Description: If you\·t= got a carcass that needs
handling, this hombre wi ll take carl' of il as nice as you
please for a small fee. of course.
Carpe nte r: hp 24; Speed 7, Accuracy 0: Slr 12/52.
1m 13179, \Vis 10 /39, Dex 12150, Con 10118, Lks
5/ I 7. Cha 8/ II ; Rep 39, Fame I: Quirks r<:leis!: Fla\\"~
none: Skills accounting 67 11'°, carpentry 2611'0, engineer-
ing des.ign 7 10/0, mathematics 51 11'0, obse rvation 74·0~.
readi ng comprche n ~ion /pell ma n s hip 69°'0. riding 7+°'0:
Talents heart)': Gunfights 0; 52; fire:wms none.
Sample DesCliption: You 'd think a man wou ld be
more tole rant of folks. OtH here in the frontier where you
need all the help you can get. Not th is fellow, though.
I-I e hates everybody th a t doesn't havc his skin color. I
reckoll he's a good carpcnter, though.
Circ uit Judge: See J udge.
C laim Jumpe r: hp 21; Speed 5, ,\ ec urae) I: Sir
9/43, Int 11 /65, Wis 11/67, Dex 12124 , Con 9/25, Lks
8/33, Cha 10/07; Rep -3. Fame I; Quirks none: Flaws
facial scar; Skills deception 54°0. fast talking 52%, hid-
ing 50%, intim id:Hion 53%. prospecting 50° 0, sneaking
+6%: Talents guardian angel, vetera n gunfighter:
Gunfights I; Si: Firea rms Colt 1877 Lightning (.38.
Sample Description: Prospectors beware this owlhoot!
l\ lake sure you\'e got your claim filed all nice and kgal,
or you might JUSt come back to ca mp and find this ras-
cal in possession.
C ook: hp 25; Speed 7, Accuracy -3; St r 9/41, 1m
10/13, Wis 15/84. Dex 8/58. Con 13/68. Lks 10/40, Cha
12128: Rep 41 , fam e 2: Quirk.~ yellow belly: Flaws none;
Skills cooking 10 o. fi shing 30°0, driving,
stagecoach/wagon 60° 0. listening 35"'0, medicine 850 ,°,
reading comprehcnsion/penlllan~hip 74°'0, religion 80%,
riding 42%, skinningltanning 39° 0, , laughter 7°-'0; Talents
dead eye, heal"ty; Gu nfights 0; S2; Firearms none.
Sample Description: Whoa doggies! T his cook rustics
up some or the best vittles you ever tasted. She likes the
chuck wagon more than the restaurant scene, though, so
about the ani) ways to gCI some of her cooking is to join
up \\ith a ranching ou tfi t.
Cowboy: hp 22: Speed 4. ' \ ('curacy 1: Str 1-1123, 1111
9/04. \\is JUn, Dex 8/49, Con 10/26. Lks 11/27.
C ha 10/66; Rep 29. Fame I; Quirks none: Flaws near-
sightcd: Skills animal herding 29°", hronc bust.ing 18%,
medicine 72%. reading comprehension/penmanship
85°0, riding 2%. rope usc 78%; Ta lents COUr.lgC, fast
heale r, quick thinking, rapid reload, veteran gunfighter;
Gunfights 7; SI; Firearms IWO Colt :\a\'ys.
Sam ple Desc ription: This hombre has the squint eyes.
but he's a pretty good gunfighle r and all-around cowboy.
I hear he quit the ranch life and is looking for a b',lIlg lO
~i~n on with. but Ihat might ju~t be talk.
D e nrist: hp U: Speed i . Accuracy -I; SIr 9/45, 1m
13/01. \\"is 13/04, Dex 10/66, Con 12147, Lks 10/84,
eha 12156: Rep 4+. Fa me I; Quirks bad liar; Flaws
none: Skill, c urrent affairs 4 1°o, dentistry 49°'0. joke
tellin~ i5° 0. mathematics 70° 0, nursing 83°'0, reading
comprehension/ penmanship 52° 0; Tale nts endurance,
fast healer. Repu ta tion bo nus; Gunfights 0: S 12;
Firearms none.
Sample Description: If you·ve gOt an ache ill yoU/"
mouth , stop by and see this fine fellow. Be careful,
though. You might find his jokes more painful than your
tooth.
D e puty: hp 22; Speed 4, Accuracy 2: St r 10/59. l ilt
11/01, Wi ~ 11/84, Dex 12117, COil 10/40. U s 10/72,
Cha 11/ II; Rep 53, Fame I: Quirks touchy; Flaws
none: Skills current afT.'lirs 7Y' o, gambli ng i5°'0. grace-
ful entrance/exit 75%, reading comprehension/ pen<
manship 72°'0, recruiting 48°0, riding 4800, searching
167
74%; Talents deadly shot , veteran gunfighter;
Gunfights 2; 58; Firearms Colt Bisley (.45).
Sample D escription: I never saw a deputy with more
grace than this one. H e's a good shot, too, but he's got
a bit of a gambling problem. I hope it doesn't lead him
into trouble.
Doctor: hp 2 1; Speed 8, Accuracy I; Str 121 14, Int
16/23, Wis 9/55, Dex 12142, Can 9/.32, Lks 9/63,
Gha 8120; Rep 23, Fame I; Quirks gullible, straight
shooter; Flaws none; Skills accounting 78%, chemistry
41 %, glean information 49%; mathematics 62%, med-
icine 28%, nursing 74%, observation 53%, reading
comprehension/penmanship 39%, riding 72%, Talents
none; Gunfights 0: 54; Firearms none.
Samp le Description: This fellow is a right good saw-
bones, and he'll always tell you the truth and not beat
around the bush doing it. Of course, if you're shot up
reill bad, you might not want to hear that you' re not
going to make it, but he doesn't see m to think of that.
H e's prelly easy to fool , too, and 1 think he docs most of
his work on credit - and nc\'er gets paid for it.
Driver: hp 22; Speed 3, Accuracy I; Str 12172, l nt
9/67. Wis 10/ 40, Dcx 14/5 1, Can 10/77. Lks 9/65 , Cha
11/84; Rep 39, Fame I ; Quirks none: Flaws trick knee;
Skills animal empathy 70%1, animalloJ'e 72°/0, bronc bust-
ing 77%, driving, stagecoach/wagon 10°0, gambling
78%, intimidation 760"0, mathematics 85%. observation
75%, reading comprehension/penmanship 76°'0, resist
persuasion 52%, riding 79%, tracking 78%; Talents dead-
ly shot; Gunfights I ; S4.50; Firearms Colt 1868 shotgun.
Sample Description: This fellow 's trustwonhy enough
to manage your can, stage or wagon, but only as long
as he's driving it. Every lime he steps ofT to put fOOl to
ground, he's apt to tumble down in the dust. l'''faybc a
mulc kicked him in the head, or maybe he's just clumsy
- r don 't know for sure.
Entertainer: hp 22; Speed 7, Accuracy -2; Str 9125,
Inl 10/54, Wis 10/84, D ex 11 /62, Can 10/19, Cha
11/22, Lks 10/49; Rep 33, Fame 3; Quirks high-spirit-
ed, tinhorn ; Flaws none; Skills artistic ability 8%
(choose one performance type), current affairs 77%,
gaming 76%, graceful ent rance /exit 2.3%, joke telling
52%, mathematics 86%, primitive ranged weapon use
(knife) 66%, reading comprehension/penmanship 74%,
riding 176%, sleight of hand 50%; Talents blind-shoot-
ing, hold your liquor, quic k thinking; Gunfights 0;
53.70; Firear ms Griswold & Gunnison revolver.
Sample Description: This pe rson's act is quite a sight
- mighty entertaining. H e doesn't quite fit in out here
in the frontier, but I reckon that most folks of his so rt
168
don' t. They don't really have many uses other than per-
forming for us working folk. Still, he's a nice cnough
fellow - and a good drinker.
Farmer: hp 19; Speed 10, Accuracy -I ; Str 13/83,
lilt 14/22, Wis B/03, Dex 9/58, Con 8129, Lks 11 /08,
Cha 7/33; Rep 22, Fame 0; Quirks Jaz)'; Flaws none;
Skill s accounting 84%, agriculture 16%, animal e mpa-
thy 87%, mathematics 82%, reading
com pre hension / penmanship 46%, riding 79%, slaugh-
IeI' 72%, skinningltanning 55%, weather sense 88%;
Talents fast heale r; Gunfights 0; SO.50; Firearms none.
Sample Description: This farmer came down from
Deseret a few yea rs ago to set up a little farm outside of
town. I reckon he's doi ng okay with ii , but he hasn't
been to town in a while. I hope nothing'S happened to
him. Of course. he's probably juSt too lazy to make the
trip into town, unless he really has to.
Faro D eal e r : hp 21; Speed 5, Accu racy I; Str
10/11, Int 12/41, Wis 10/63, Dex 11/82, Con 9/H.
U s 9/23, Cha 10/79; Rep 31, Fame 0; Quirks lusty;
Flaws none; Skills decep tion 77%, fast talking 76%,
gambling 5%, mathematics 75%, reading comprt;hen-
sion /penmanship 70%, riding 48%,; Talents vcteran
gunfighter; Gunfights I; S 11.50; Firearms none.
Sample Description: This fellow will talk your ear ofT
if you let him. I\'e never known him to cheat at faro,
but maybe that'sjusl 'cause cheating at poker is a heck
of a lot easier.
Fur Trader: hp 23; Speed 9, Accu racy -I; SIr 9/42,
1m 12107, Wis 8/58, Dex 10 / 43 , C a n 11/13, Lks
9/39, Gha 11 /63; Rep 24, Fame 2: Q uirks greedy,
ornery; Flaws none; Skills animal lore 4%, camouflage
52%. reacling comprehension/penma nship 83%, riding
51 %, rope use 76%, sel traps 50%" slaugh ter 61 %;
Tale nts tough as nails; Gunfights 0; 54; Firearms C olt
Navy, Wincheste r 1866 rifle (.40).
Sample Description: T his hombre's a good trapper,
from what I hear, but he 's got a mean streak a mile
wide. Plus, I don't reckon he's ever heard the word
"cheap." All his furs sell fo r as muc h as he can ge L
Gambler: hp 23; Speed 6, Accuracy I; 511' 9/43, 1m
12/01, \Vis 11/65, D ex 7120 , Can II /59, U s 7/86,
Cha 8/58; Rep 9, Fam e 3: Quirks bad liar, chiseler;
Flaws none; Skills gambling 35%, reading compre hcn-
sian/penmanship 82%; Tal e nts guardian angel;
Gunfights 6; I; Firearms K nuckledusrer.
Sample Descr iption: T his gambler gelS himself run
out of town every couple of months, but he keeps com-
ing' back. I guess folk s tolerate him becausc his lies
make eve rybody laugh, even when Ihey catch him
cheating.
Gun for Hire : hp 24; Speed 5, Accuracy 4; Str
II/53, Int 12184 , \Vis 4171 , Dex 10 / 46, Con 13 /65,
U s 9/12, Cha 12152; Rep -2, fame 4: Quirks crude,
touchy; Flaws none: Skills animal mimicry 77°'0, intim-
idation 86%, military s lralcgy/ ta c tic~ 85°'0, reading
comprcl lension/pe nmansb ip 860 /0, recruiting 160/0 . rid-
ing 42%; Talents fast heale r, hip shooter, quick think-
ing, veteran gunfighter; Gunfights 9; 3; Firearms Colt
Bisley,.45.
Sample Description: H ere's a pretty irritable hombre,
so watch your step around him. H e-s bee n known to
belch a cloud of stillk in a man-s fa ce. and then claim
he's bee n insulted when the other man makes a face.
He's trying to round up a gang of hi~ own. but so far.
he hasn't had any luck.
Gunsm.ith: hp 19; Speed 6, .\ ccuracy I; Str 11/13.
Int 14 / 65, Wis 10/39, Dex 11 /43, Con 8/13, U s
11125, Cha 9/6 J; Rep 44 , F.-lnlC 3; Quirks clean frcak;
Flaws none; Skills ,lccoulHing 83%, animal empat hy
71%, gunsmithing 39 % , mathematics 6-!°o. medicine
83°io. reading comprehension/penman~hip 65°'0. riding
75%, salesmansh ip 72°0; T alents hip shooter;
Gunfigh ts I; 2: firea r ms none.
Sample Descriplion: You've neve r seen a shop as
c1can as this fellow's, nor a gu n as d('an. Every item in
hi ~ shop looks like it's becn spit polished to perf('ction.
Of course, he tends to bump the prices up a little too.
but sometimes you can haggle him down .
Horse Thi ef: bp 22; Speed 5, Accuracy I; SIr
10/84, Int 11/73, Wis 11/87, D ex 12/07 , Con 10/85,
Lks 9174, Cha 10/ 19; Rep ·6, Fame I ; Quirks selfish;
Flaws none; Skills appra isal animals) 70%, animal lore
85°'°, hidi ng 860 '0, listening 520,'0, mathematics 850 '0 .
reading comprehe nsion/ pe nmanship 85 0 '0. riding 22 0 '0.
sneaking 50°'0; Talents guardian angel, \'etc ra n gun -
fighter; Gunfigh tS I; 1.25; Firea r m~ Re mington 1875.
Sample Descriplion: Wish I could get my hands on
thi ~ varmint. I JUSt know he's responsible for ruching
two of my best horses. not to mention lots of other
horses all O\'er town, but no one can seem to lay a fill-
ge l' on him.
Hotel Owner: hp 23; Speed 8, Accul"acy - I; 5t r
9/82, Int 12/28, \Vis 10/ 01 , Dex 10/3 1, Con 10/93,
Lks 9/44, Cha 10/54; Rep 26. Fame 2; Quirks clean
rreak; Flaws none: Skills accounting 85°'0, administra-
tion 880'0, carpentry 42°'0, cooking 22°'0, gaming 48°'0,
idle gossip 48%, language (Spanish 82"'0. ma thematics
68 0 '0, nursing 85°'0, reading comprehension / penman-
ship 70%, reading lips 72%, socia l etiquette 77°'0:
T alclHs heany; Gunlights 0; 5 13. 30; Firearms none.
Sample Desc riptio n: T his dandified fellow keeps a
clean hotel, and expects you to do the sa me. I don't
know how he kec p~ his calm when the cowboys and
their fihhy boots cOllle calling.
Housewife: hI' 20: Speed 8, Accuracy -2; Str 9 / 45,
lilt 11175, Wis II /51, Dex 10 /30. Con 8/64, Lks
10/46, eha 12178; Rep .J.l, Fam(' 0; Quirks none;
Fla\\'S far-sighted: Skills cal Jigra ph y/~ i~nmaking 85 0 o,
cooki ng 3° 0 , curre nt affairs 72° 0, diplomacy 74°0. gam-
ing 76°0. gracerul entrance /exit 45°0. idle gossip _10°o,
intimidation 71",0, listening 50%. m:uhematics 85°0,
nur~in~ 8~o 0, ob~c rva tion 84%, reading comprehcn-
sio n / pelllnan~hip .)9°'0. resist persuasion 72°0. seam-
,tres$ltai lor 77°0. ~ocia l et iquette 700 '0, swimming
82°'0. \\·t'"avin~ 71 II 0: Talent~ fast henle r: Gunfights 0;
S 1.80; Firearms none.
Sample Description: Hcre'~ a female any fellow
would be proud to court if ~ h e wasn't already mar-
lied. that is. Sccm~ lik(' ,he's gOt all the refinements and
beauty a filly lik(' her ~hould ha\·c.
Indian: hp 22: Speed 6, Accural') I: SIr 12172, Int
11 173, \Vis 9/25, Dex 12/62, COil 11 /43, Lks 10/45,
Cha 9124; Rep ~i , Fame I ; Quirks none; Flaws mi ssing
car; Skills hiding 75% . hunting 59%, language (English
85 0,0, primitive ranged weapon u ~ e (spear 80 0io, search-
ing 76°0, sll rvi\'al 580 '0, tracking 61 0 0 ; Talents jack rab-
bit speed , quick thin kin~, veteran gunfighter: Gunfights
I; SO; Firearms Winchester 1863 musket .38.
Sample D cscription: Better hope Ihis sa\'agc doesn't
com e upon you in til(' dark. YOlll' scalp will be decOl'at-
ing his belt come dawn.
lnve sto r : hp 2U: Speed 9, Accuracy - I; Str 9/69, Int
13/82, Wis 11/23, Dex 9/62, Con 8123, Lks 10/0+.
Cha 12172: Rep 13, Fame 2; Quirk ~ Indian giver;
Flaws none; Ski ll s accounti ng 83%, appraisal (choose
one) 7011 0. currcllt affairs 50%, fast talking 72%, math-
ematics 69 11 0, o ratio n 73°'0, reading
compre hension/penmanship 68°.'0. resist persuasion
73 0 '0, riding 560/0, slick wIker 59°'0; Talents Reputation
bonus; Gunfights 0; 534; Firearms nOlle.
Sample Desc ripti on: If you need some money to start
up a business, Sla ke a claim, or some other such deal-
ings, you migh t \vant to talk lO th is lellow. Just make
sure he gives you fair terms, and you might find your-
self wilh a bit of a profit.
169
 Journalist: hp 25: Speed II, Accuracy -1,; St r 9/15,
1m 12/45, \ris 13/66, Dex 5/36, Can 10124, Lks
10/08, Cha 9/+7; Rep 37, F•• me 2; Quirks conspiracy
theorist, nosy; Flaws none; Skills fast talking 53%.jour-
nalism/composition 39%, reading comprehension/
penmanship 35°,0, rl'ligion 78%. riding ++%, slick talk-
er 6[%; Talents fast healer, hit point bonus; Gunfigills
0; 53; Firearms none.
Sample Descri ption: Watch what you saw to this jour-
nalist or you're likely to sec it in prim in the ncar fUlHre.
Of course, e"en if you stay away from him, he's bound
to find Out your business sooner or later. J ust Gm't keep
his nose out of anything. He's got all kinds of c razy stO-
ries, 100, but nobody much listens to him.
Judge: hp 23: Speed 7, Accuracy -I; Str 9/68, Int
13/54, Wis 13/65, Dcx 10/OS, Con 12/34. Lks 10/3-1-.
eha II/52; Rep -1-0, Fame 21; Quirks fear of heights,
hardcase; Flaws none; Skills law 51°/a. mathematics
83%, oration 74° '0, reading comprehemion/penman-
,hip 52%, liding 52°0; T alents hearty; Gunfights 0; 59;
Fi rearms none.
Sample Descript ion: This fe llow serves as judge for
several towns hereabouts. so he only shows up evel1'
couple of months or so. Beller not find yourself stand-
ing in his courtroom. though. He's not exactly what I'd
call easygoing.
Land Speculator: Sec InveslOr.
Lawtnan: See Deputy or SheriIT.
Lawyer: hp 26; Speed 8, Accuracy -I; Str 10/83, tnt
12/79, Wis 11/87, Dex 10/39, Call 10/73, Lks 10/07,
Cha 12/14; Rep 35. Fame 2; Quirks chivalrous; Flaws
none; Skills graceful e ntrance/exit 73%, law 40%,
mathematics 81 %, oration 44%, reading comprehen-
sion/penma nship 57%, riding 76%; Talellls hit point
bonus; Gunfights 0: 54.80; firearms none.
Sample Descliption: T his fellow's gOt a siker tongue
ir I've ever seen one. H e seems 10 know all about the
law, and the womenfolk :!round here all adore him. It 's
gotte n him illto trouble a few limes, I ca n tell you!
Leather Worker: hp 21; Speed 10, Accuracy -.J-: Str
10/27, 1m 9/78, Wis 7/32, Dex 8/64, Con II/SO, Lks
9/50, Cha 9/84; Rep 22, Fame 0; Quirks obnoxious;
Flaws none: Skills :!nimal lore 72%. hunting 6S%,
Jcathc rworking 67%, mathcmatics 87%, reading com-
prehension/penmanship 87%, skinning/tan ning 64%,
slaughte r 77%; Ta1ellls damage bonus; Gunfights 0;
SO.75; Firearms none.
170
Sample Description: If you're looking for sOllie
decem gcar. Stop by and give this hombre's goods a
look. There's nothing spectacu lar about them. but
don't tell him that. H e's got a mean light hook.
Live ry Stable Owner: hp 23: Speed 8, Accuracy -
2: Str 10122, 1m I 1/62, \Vis 10/9 I , Dex 10/6-1-, COil
12/88. Lks 9/60, Cha 8/11: Rep 30. Fame 0; Quirks
none; Flaws hard of hearing; Skills administration
80°0, (lnimal empathy 76%, animal lore 68%, apprais-
al ' ~nimals \ 71°u, bronc busti ng 8 1%, carpcntry 46°u,
driving. stagecoach/wagon 42°0. fire -building/extin-
guishing 34°'0. gambling 62 u o. mathematics 85%. read-
ing comprehension/penmanship 73%, resist persuasion
76%, riding 30%. rope lise 52° 0: Talents tOugh as nails:
Gunfights 0; S6; Firearms non e.
Sample D escription: This fellow loves horses, and I
ha\'t~n't hea rd a nything bad said about him. or course,
neither has Ill'. Speak lip when you're t(llking to him, or
he mig:ht not hear a \,'ord you say.
Mayor: hp 24: Speed 10, Accu racy -5: Str 9179, Int
9/6 1. \ris 12106, Oex 6/14. COli 10/16, Lks 10/95,
eha 12/30: Rep 44. Fame 17; Quirks dude; Flaws
none; Skills administration -1-7 0 0, current affairs 46%.
fast talking 7u o. gambling llJ.u,o. mathematics 72%, ora-
lion 60u ,0, reading comprehension/penmanship 73%,
recruiting 72"'0 . religion 8-1-°'0. riding 77 % , seduction
art 01' 75° '0 : T;,d ents hold your liquo r: Gunfiglns 0: 59;
Firearms none.
Sample Description: Our mayor always d resses in
raner clothes. and I don't think too much of anything
he says, but I reckon that's true of any politician. T he
man's a good drinker, though.
Merchant: hp 24; Speed 7, .·\ ceuracy -I; Str 10/41,
Int 13/'12, Wis 13/01, Dex 10175, Con 12117, Lks
9/44, eha 10/86; Rep 30. Fame 0: Quirks none; Flaws
low pain toleration; Skills accoullting 80%, calligra -
phy/sig-nmaking 85° '<), carpentry 69"/0. current atTairs
7! 0,<), gaming 52%, mathematics 68%. reading compre-
hension/penmanship 68%, resist persuasion 69%. rid-
ing 76°'0, salesmanshi p 3 I %; Talents forgettable face;
Gunfights 0; S7.75; Firearms none.
Sample Description: Thi s fellow's your typical plain -
f..ced storekeeper. He's gal a \'aricty or goods at decellt
prices, but he's a bit tender. Ju st step on his foot and
you' ll hear a ho\\ I like a coyote.
Mine Owner: hp 22; Speed 10, Accur~ey -2; Str
8/55. Int 12/83, Wis II/59, Dex 7/92, Con 11/10,
Lks 6/32, eha 5/21; Rep 49. Fame 7; Quirks none;
Flaws buITalo mange; Skills accollllting 85%. appraisal
 land 35°0, currelU an"airs 49°0, demolition 24°0,
mathematics 6800, prospcCli ng 75°0. reading comprc-
hcmion/pcnmall~hip 53° 0, riding 76(1'0 ; TalelUs !lOlle;
Gunfight~ 0: 28; Firearms Remington Pcpperbox.
Sample Description: This old fellO\I owns mo~t of the
land her{"aboub. Some folks call him Scr:uch partl)
becau~e he seems lik(" Old Scratch the dc\·il . always
wanting more, and partly calise he's al\lays scratching
his head like hc-'s gOt 'Otnc powcrful though t ~ on his
mind.
Newspaper Publish er/Editor: hp 23; Speed In.
. \ ccuraC)'·3; Str 9/4 1, Int 10/50, \\"i s 9/38, Dex 9/02,
Con 12127. Lk.s 10102, Cha 11/41; Rep 55, Fame 5;
Qui rb latc sleeper; Flaw ~ none; Skills accounting 86 u,o,
.Idmini stration 79°·;., ,alligraphy/signmakillg 86%, cur·
rent affairs 58" 0. hiding 79° 0. history 77° 0, journal-
ism/compos i tion~8" '0, machine opcnlting-/repairing
printing equ ipmelll 72°'0. mathematic ~ 85" o. readin~
comprehension/pcnm:mship 47° 1>, ridinl!; 78° o. ,lick
talker 88"0: T."llent ~ courage; Gunli~ht, 0: S-1-..50;
Firearms none.
Sample Description: The man who rum our local
papt'!" is onc of the bravcst fcllow~ I knOll". Hc' lI print
<,toric\ about an,bod)", and doesn't carc one whit
Ilhet lwr Ihey might get oHe nded. Best call on him after
noon , though. I think he's always \\'orkin~ late 011 night.
Oul1aw: hp 24; Spe('d +, Accuracy 2; Str 7/13. 1m
10148, Wis 11/93. Dc:.: 11/22, COli 12128, Lks 9/92.
Cha 10/13: Rcp ·I S, Fame 10: Quirks crude; Fla\l ~
none; Skills fast talking '40° '0 . gambling 57 01 0, readinl!;
comprehcnsion /p('nma nship 89°'0, recruiting 29° 0, rid-
ing 32°0: Talent~ forgettahle face; Guntights 6: S5:
Fin'arms Lc.\ la\ Two- Barrel, L.e. Smith shotgun.
Sample Desc ription: This plain-facl'd utillaw has a
longue on him Ihat'd make the dcvil himself blush.
\Ihat wi lh all the insult.s and foullans,;-uas,;-<.· thal spill out.
\\'onl has it that hc '~ uy ing to rai se some mOlley b~
gambling: so he can form his own gang, but I ca n't speak
to the trUlh of thnt, one way or tht: olhe r. I prcfe r to
stn), away from folks with prices on their head.
Piano Player: hI' 2 1; Speed 6, .\ ccuracy I; Str 7/67,
l ilt 11/39, Wis 9/92, Dcx 10175 , Con 10/68, U s
12164, Cha 13/01; Rq> 29, Fame I; Quirks dude;
FI :1\\ ~ none; Skills artistic ability Ipiano playing\ 16%,
dt·ccption 75%. gnm bling 79%, gaming 52(1,'0, joke
telling 72°'0, listening 58°0, mathematics 85°". mimic
dialect 70%. reading comprche nsion/pen manship
86% • riding 66°0; TalclH ~ guardia n angel. \'eteran gUIl-
fi'J:hter; Gunfights 3: 3; Firearms America n .·\ rms der-
ringer.
Sample Desc ription: This red-haired hombre has a
mighty fine set of fingf'!"s on him. I often go down to
the saloon ju~t to lislen to him pia}".
Pimp: hI' 22; Speed 9, ,\ccumc)" ·2: Str 7/90, lnt
11 /45. \Vis 9167, Dex 10/84. Con 10nO, Lb 12182,
eha 13/12; Rep -10, Famc 5; Quirk.~ badman; Flaws
none; Skills deception 50"0, ~ raccful entrance/exit
12°(1, intimidation 72%, interrogation BOo,o. listcning
79°0. mathemalics 85%, readi ng comprehension/pen-
manship 86° 0. resist persuasion 56" 0, riding 78°'0. ~l i ck
talker 86°0: Talent~ damage bonm: Gunfights 0; S9;
Fi rearms Colt .:\"a\'y.
Sam ple D e~cription: If you '\'e got a hnllkc ring 10 pay
for some female companionship, seck this fellow out.
J USt don't t1') 10 ~kip OUI on the bill 11(" il lind some
II'ny \0 make you pa~.
Preach e r: hI' 21: !-'pet"d 10, .\ ccura(·y -2; Str 6/65,
Inl 12N8. \\'i~ 9/40, Dex 9/22. Can 10/12, Lks
10/.')9. Cha 11/89; Rep 33. Fame I: Quirks boiled
~hin. daustrophobi('; Fla\I'~ none; Skills diplomacy
74°0, ob~cn;ation tit-on, oration 7°0, reading comprt"
hCllSion/penmalhhip .HOI,o, rc1il{ion 53 11 0: Talents per-
ceive lendency: GlInfi~hls 0: 52: Firearms nonc.
Sample Descri ption : This man of the cloth's got a bit
of an altitude problem , see ms to me .. \Iways acting like
he\ betlcr than the rest of liS, even though he gets the
jitters if you try and take him in a little room. Reckon
it's a good thin~ lu' doesn't me one of those "confes·
sional" hoxf's.
Prospector: hp 14: Speed H, "\cCllraq -3; Str 9/86,
1m 8/34, Wi~ IIt:W. Dex 7/17. COil 10/54, Lks 9126,
C hn 11/88; Rcp :19, Fame 0; Quirks messy; Flaws none;
Skills prospecting I Q 0, reading comp rehemion/pen.
Illanship 86 u0, ridi ng ]5°"-0; Talents fast heal er;
Gunfighb 0: S I: Firearms 1l01le.
Sample Description: You can alway, tell this hom-
bre's dig ~ite from eve ryone clse'~. T herc's clothes and
pan!\ and tools and ,,11 mnnner of th ings scallered about
like a whirlwind's JUSt blown through. He says he's
~oillg 10 strikc it rich ~omcday. but \\ ho knows?
Ranch Boss: hp 21; Speed .), r\ Ccumq I; Str
11/05, Int 12137, \Vis 11 /60, Dex 15/66, COil 9/45,
Lks 8/59, eha 6/14; Rep 45, Fame 2: Quirks chunked ;
Flaws nonc; Skills accounting 84%, administration
70%. "!l imal empathy 89°'0, animal herding (Cat Lie}
68° 0, gambling 55°'0, mathematics 72°'0, reading com-
prehension/pellm:m~hip 85°0, riding 74°0. rope lIS('
66° 0; T ale nts cou ra ge; Gunfights 0: S4: Firearms
171
Griswold & Gunnison revolver. Winchester 1866 car-
binc (.45).
Sample Description: T his ranch boss doesn't lei any-
thing stand in his way. Ir hc's gOt something to do, or
somcwhere to go, he will. I hear tell that his wire han-
dles things most or the time, and if she didn't, his ranch
would raid within a month.
Ranch Hand: hp 23: Speed 5. Accuracy 0; Str
III! 7, lilt 10/84, \\'is 10/53. Dex 14179, Can 12/64,
Lks 9/48, Cha 10175: Rep 37, Fame I; Quirks ornery:
Flaws none; Skills animal empathy 70%, animal herd-
ing (cattle) .~ I %, animal husband ry 25%, artistic ability
(harmonica playing) 54%, carpentry 76%, gambli ng
77%, joke telling 78%, riding 28%, rope use 68%,
tracking 78%; Talents hearty. hold yOllr liquo r;
Gunfights 0; S3; Firearms Remingtoll r\ew Army.
Winchester 1866 rifle (.45).
Sample Description: Ir you're looking for a helping
hand OUI on the ranch. this rellow might be a decent
choice. He's a bit orne ry, but those late nights in the
saloon don't affect him as badly as thc)" do some folk.
Range Boss: hp 23; Speed 4, Accuracy I; Str 11125,
Int 10/44, \Vis 10/51 , Dex 11/82, Can 12/51, eha
11/68. Lks 8149; Rep 28, Fame!; Quirks none: Flaws
impotcnt; Skills administration 77%, animal empathy
86%, animal herding (cattle) 54°'0. animal husbandry
74%, animal lore 85°,u. artistic ability (fiddle playing)
77%, gam bling 78° '0, reading comprehcn~ion/penman­
ship 76%, riding 52%, rope use 51 %, wealher sense
78%; Talents Kentucky windage, vcteran gun fight er;
Gunfights 2; S3; Firea rms Colt Navy, Sharps Carbine
Conversion.
Sample Description : Ir you need someone to mind
your cattle and cowboys, I'd recommcnd this hombre,
Sometimes he gets a little moody 'cause he and his mis-
sus don't have youngsters, but otherwise he 's a good
egg.
Reverend: See Preacher.
Saddler: hp 2..J.: Speed II \ Accuracy -3; Str 7/59, Int
11/01, Wis 9/54, Dex 7/57, Con 9/77. Lks 11/34,
Cha 10/15; Rep 34, Fame I; Quirks flannel mouth ;
Flaws nOlle; Skills accounting 82%, leathcrworking
18%, mathematics 67%, reading comprehension/ pen-
manship 67 %, riding 76%, salesmanship 55%, skin-
ningltanning 55%; Talents hit point bonus; Gunfights
0; S8; Firearms none.
Sample Description: According to this rellow, he
makes the best saddles in whole dang frontier, and
there's nothing you can say to convince him otherwise.
172
I reckon he thinks the sun doesn't set on him , but ir I
have to listen to his boasting again, he might be soon be
boasting about thc biggest black eye he's ever had.
Saloon Owner: hp 23: Speed 8, Accuracy -I; Str
13/18, Jnl 10/50, \Vis 9103, Dex 9/33, Can 12124,
Lks 9/67, Cha 10/40; Rep 42. Fame 6; Quirks intru-
si\'e; Flaws none: Skills accounting 65%, current affairs
68%, glean in/ormation 40%. mathematics 53%. read-
ing comprehension/penmanship 78%. riding 75%;
Talents hold your liquor, reputation bonus; Gunfights
I; 525; Firearms Krmckleduster.
Sample Descript ion : Here's anothe r rellow that just
can't mind his own business. \Vatch yourselr when in
his saloon - he's always got one ear turned your way.
Srill, he stocks some or the best whiskey for miles.
Scout: hp 27; Speed 7, Accuracy 0; Str 7/36. 1m
13173, "'is [0/30, Dex 8/62, Con 15/32, Lks 6/39,
eha 8/83; Rep 43, Fame 2; Quirks pack rat; Flaws
none: Skills fire-building/extinguishing 36%, hiding
35%, hunring 50°o, reading comprehension/penman-
ship 68%, riding 15° 0 . rope use 80%, slaughter 66%,
sneaking 78 u ,0, survival 82°'(0, tracking 78%; Talents
none: Gunfights I: 54: Firearms Colt Bisley (.+4),
Winchester 1863 rifle .44.
Sample Description: Ir you want to get somcwhere
sare and sound, you might want to call on this hombre.
He claims to be the best rrontier scou t around, but I've
ne\'er tested his abilities myself. His pockets arc always
bulging with little pieces of junk, and I think he might
pay good money ever for the most worthless bit of fluff.
l\Iaybe that 's why he's always broke.
Sheriff: hp 26: Speed 2, Accuracy 4; Str JOI 14, 1m
10/90, Wis 9/1 l. Dex 14/65, Can 10109 , Lks JOI [6.
Cha 12/53; Rep 51. Fame 5; Quirks obnoxious; Flaws
none; Skills diplomacy 70%, observation 54%, reading
comprehension / penmanship 77%, recruiting 51 "to, rid-
ing 4-6%, slick talker 87%; Ta.lents rast hcaler, hit point
bonus, hold your liquor, vete ran gunfighter; Gunfights
6; 3; Firearms Colt 1877 Lightning (.41 ),
Sample Description: I reckon this is the best dang
sheriff we\'e had in these parts for a long time. Oh, he
can get under your skin something fierce, but he's real
good at his job. He seems to know when to shoot first
or when to ask questions instead.
Snake Oil Salesman: hp 22; Speed 7, Accuracy!;
Str 9/35, Int 17/69, \Vis J0/47 , Dex 12/82, Con
11/30, Lks 12/60, C ha 13/10; Rep 27, Fame 2; Quirks
Indian giver; Flaws none; Skills accounting 59%, brew-
ing 63%, dcmistry 86% . rast talking 10%, joke telling
7%, mathematics 37°10, mimic dialect 2%, oration 23%,
reading comprehension/penmanship 18%, riding 71 %,
sa lesmanship 31 °'0; Talents forgettabl e fa ce, quick
thinking; Gunfights OJ S3; Firearms i>. larlin Stonewall
derringer.
Sample Description: This hombre claims to han:
schooling in abom every su bject you could think or, and
says his elixir will cure any problem from cholera 10
consumption. I don' t know about that, but it sure does
taste good. :\ Iakes the whiskey in the saloon taste like
horse trough water.
Soldier: hp 24: Speed 5, Accuracy 2; Str 14/56, lot
14/37, "~ s 12163, Dex 8/39, Con II / H, Lks 11/56,
Cha 10179; Rep I. Fame I; Quirks carly riser, hard-
case; Flaws -j Skills gam bling n°·o, histol)" 80°o, inter-
rogation 73°0, m'llhematics 80°o. military 'tratt·~·/
tactics 83° 0, obse rvation 62°'0. reading comprehen-
sion/penmanship 82%, riding GO" 0, tracking H O 0:
Talents fast healer, guardian angel; S4; Firearms Hcnf)
rine.
Sample Description: This young man seems like most
of his fellow s bright and brave, with maybe a yca r' ~
experience under his belt. I just hope he's got a
guardian angel looking arter him . A ~o ldi cr's life ain't
easy out here o n the rrolllier.
Sold ier, Officer: hI' 22; Speed 6, Accuracy I; SIT
11/65, Inl 14/83, Wis I 1/89, Dex 10127, Con 11 /92,
Lks 10/43, Cha 12119; Rep 3, Fame 2j Quirks chival-
rous; Flaws -; Skills administration 75%, ca rtography
67%, gaming 85%, mathematics 590111, military engi-
neering 84%, militaf)' strategyltactics 64%, reading
comprehension/penmanship 68%, riding 70%; Talents
guardian angel, veteran gunfighter; S7.25; Firearms
Colt SAA (.44), Henry rine.
Sample Description: I reckon this you ng rella's got a
backbone to match any grizzled old war hero. Oh, he's
as smart and well-spoken as you please, but there's
somet hing in his eye that makes me think I wouldn't
want to cross him.
Spy: hp 22 ; Speed 2, Accuracy 3; Str 9/ 48, Int
16/19, \Vis 15 /85, Dex 13/53, Co n 10/33, U s 11/36,
Cha 13/97; Rep 37, Fame I; Quirks paranoid, super-
stitious; Flaws none; Skills current affajrs 30%, decep-
tion 5%, diplomacy 25%, disguise 4%, escape artist
66%, fast talking 9%, glean inrormation 26%, listening
36%, lock picking 67%, mathematics 59%, medicine
61 %, observation 62%, reading lips 30°'0, reading com -
prehension / penmanship 2+° 0, resist persuasion 33°0.
riding 38%, slick talker 69°'11, sneaking 70"0, social cti-
quell c 64%; Talents rast healer, rorgetta ble race;
Gunfights I; 53; Firearms Colt ~ew Line derringer,
S&W Russia n.
Sample Description : Here 's an hombre I don't know
tOO much about. He keeps to himscJr 1ll0St or the time,
and he's always looking ove r his shoulder like he
expects to see somebody rollowing him. He's real
supersti tious, too. Some owlhoot shot out Ihe saloon
mirror a couple days ago, and I hea rd him muller
something about seven years bad luck. He went kind or
pale. too. Well, I reckon it's harmless enough.
SLable Boy: hp 24; Speed 7, Accu racy -2; Str 11/15.
1m 10/01, "'is 10/32. Dcx 11 177. Con 11 /34, Cha
9/55, Lks 8f-.1.9: Rep 19, Fame 0: Quirks greedy; Flaws
none; Skills an imal empathy +-1%, animal lore 40°0,
animal training 7 1Q 0. climbing 34"'Q, di~traetion 56° o.
hiding- 54°0. readin~ comprc hension/penma nship
87°0, riding 52°0, ,\\imming 69°0; Talents endurance:
Gunfights 0: SO. 50; Fi rearms none.
Sample Description: This young ma n's got a way with
horses that many a cowboy would eIlVY, but he won't
work for peanuts. He's always trying to find a way to
lighten your purse.
Stage Dri ve r: See Driver.
Stage Station C hief: hp 24: Speed 7, Accu racy -3; Str
9/H , 1m 10/35, \\is 15li2. Dex 8/6 1, Con 13/52, Lks
10/38, Cha 11 / 13; Rep 52, Fame I; Quirks boor: Flaw:,;
none; Skills accounting 86°'0. administration 54%, driv-
ing, stagecoach/wa~n 61°.0, mathematics 72°.'0. reading
comprehension/penmanship 74°'0, riding 60%; Talents
astute observation: Cunfights 0: S6.50; Firea.rms none.
Sample Description: I'll say it straight Out J ca.n't
stand th is man. Oh, he's all right at what he docs, but
he's a prell)' unpleasa nt rellow to be :lround.
TeamSLe r : hp 21: Speed 8, Accuracy -2; Su 7125,
1m 9/67, Wis 7149. Dex 8/68, Con 11 /82, Lks 10 /6 1,
Cha 5/12; Rep 27, Fame I; Quirks messy, ornef);
Flaws none; Skills animal empathy 88%, dliving, stage--
coach/wagon 13%, medicine 85%, reading comprehen-
sion / penmanship 85%, riding 48"/0: Talents quick ai m;
Gunfights I: 3: Firearms LC Smith shotgun.
Sample Description : lr you hire this hombre, it's best
to talk (Q him as liltle as possible. He doesn't say much
except to argue. And ror heaven's sake don't complain
abOllt his appearance, or how he leaves a trai l or jUllk
e\'erywhere he gocs. He'll bite your head off.
Telegraph Ope rator: hp 20; Speed 9, Accurary -I :
SIr 11/04. fill 10125, Wis 12174, Dc): 7190, Con 8/52,
U s 7/67 . Cha 5/30; Rep 38, Fame I; Quirks dehorn;
173
flaws none; Skills current affairs 68°0. idle gossip 80°'0,
reOlding eomprehension/penman~hip 64 0 10, riding 55% ,
telegraph operating 20 0'0, tracking 72°'0; Talent s
improvcd arc of fire: Gunfigh t ~ 0; 2; Firearms none.
SOImplc Desc ription: Hest of lu ck sending a private
message in this town. UnlC'ss you ha\'c somet hing real
urgent. you better ~end a leuer. or you can be sure that
he'll tell ~ome body sooner or latcr. That fe llow likes
talking about othe r folks morc than anyliling except
drinking and quarreling.
Thief: hp 22: Speed 5, AccUl"aCY 3; Sir 9/10, Int
17/5 1. Wis 10/05, Dex 12155, Con 11/ I 7. Lks 10/62.
Cha 12/20; Rep -I, Fame 3: Quirks superstitious: Fla\\ ~
none ; Skills currcnt a!T.1irs 50°0, deception { {U o, hidin~
19~),u, listening 77%. rending com lll'c hension/ pcnman-
sh ip 60 0 u, riding 55 1\1. slll>;tking 63°,'~; TalC'llIs great
ambidexterity. \'etcran gunfightcr: Gunfights I: 511.45;
Firearms Remington derringer.
SOImple Description: I've SCCII th is feUow lurking
around town. but I'm not sure \\h) he's here. Maybe
he'sjusl passing through. I d id sec him turn !ail when
he saw a black cat in the st reet, though. so I guess if he's
~ca rcd of cats he's not milch of a danger to an)Ollc.
Undertaker: hI' 23; Speed 7. Accuracy -I: Str 8/10.
1m 13/46, \Vis 13122. Dex IO/8.t.. Can 11/39. Lk~
10/57. Cha 12/63: Rep 50. Fame I: Quirk.~ medicinc
tonguc; Flaws lIone; Skills accoul1lin~ 63°0. carpentr~
17°0, chemistry 68°'0, malh(' matics 61 0. 0, reading com-
prehension/penmanshi p 53 0'°, religion 55%. riding
43%; Talents fast healer, hold }'our liquor, resist dis-
ease/infection: Gunfighl ~ 0; S4; Firear ms none.
Sample Description: Our undertaker is full of stories
aboul the folks he's buried oV("r the years. and it doesn't
take much to get hjm started blalhering on about Ihem.
Still, it pay'l to be nice to him. After all. might no\ he
tOO long before you're in need of his services. and you
walll to look nice in that pine box, right?
Vagrant: hp 27: Speed 7, Accuracy -2; Sir 9/16, Inl
IO/~ I, \Vis 10/65, Dex 11175. Can 12177, eha 11175.
Lks 8/45; Rep 4, Fame 0; Quirks none; Flaws strange
hody odor; Skills animal husbandry 23°0, hiding 30%,
hunling 54%, prospecting 77%, read ing comprehen-
sion/ penmanship 87°iO , riding 52%; Talen ts endurance,
gua rdian angel, hit point bon us; Gunfights 0; 50.05:
Firea rms none.
Sample Descript.ion : This odife rOliS fellow is not
someone you wall( to stand next to or even ncar. He
sti nks to high hca\·en. Worse, he doesn't work, and just
wander~ around town looking for an cas) way to pick
up some free food or money
IH
Waitre ss: See Cook or Housc\,·ife.
Whore: hp 24: Speed 5, Aecuraq 2; Str 9/08, l ilt
1.')/59, \Vi s 10179, Dex 14 /53, Con 13/69. Lks 13/8~,
eha 13/48; Re p I~, Fame 3; Quirks paranoid; Flaws
none; Ski lls accounling 57%, current affairs 52°10 , glean
info r mation 20° '0, idle go~sip 39°0, mathematics 73 v/o.
pick pocket 69() o. reading com prchcn~ion / penlllanship
~9° 'Q, riding 55°0, seciu('liol1 art ol~ Ou fl. sleight of hand
38° o. slick talker 51 ° 0; Taleill s resist diseascl infection ;
GunfiglHS 0: 56; FirCOInm Knuekleduster.
Sample Dcseription: This female owns the whol'e-
hOll~(" and know, just aboUi cverYlhing going on ill
to\\ n. one way or OInolher. If you're looking for a good
time, or information abollt ~ornehod)', she can help you.
For a price, of course.
Wra n gl er: hp 21; Speed 5, Accuracy - I: Str 11/06.
Int 9/58, \ris 10/36. Dex 11 /65. Con 914-5. Lks 9176.
Cha 11/73; Rep 33. Fame I: Quirks none: Flaws color-
blind; Skills animal herding 69°'0 . bronc busting 54 0 o.
gOlmbling 77°0. reading comprchension/penmamhip
88°'0. ridi ng 2°'0: Talents endurance, quick aim:
Gunfights 0; S1.75; Firearm s Colt Sr\.A...
Sample De.~e ription: I kc(' p tcJlin~ this fellow Ihal he
oU1:I\I 10 wear a grCCIl Ilecket'{:hicf so he \\'on't upse t
that hull a~ain. but he keq} ~ \\'t:arin~ his red one. I sup-
po~c he just doesn't likl' takin~ advice.
* SAMPLE HORSES *
Coach Hors e : hp 38; Cleveland Bay; Short B.
Medium 7. Long -2: A'{ililY 6: Endurance 11: Horse
Sense 12; Tem peram('tU 14; Trainability 13; " Ielllt'
14; Sou ndness 13; Strength 12; Vices cribbing.
Hunting Horse: hI' 36; Thoroughbred: Short 12,
i-. ledium l-l. Long II; Agility 9; End urance 8; Horse
Sense II: Temperament 10; Trainabilit), 10; i-. lellie 8;
Soundness 10; Strength 9; Vices kicking.
Nag: hp 29; Quarter H or~e; Shan 4, !>.lcdium 7,
Long 7: Agility 9: Endurance 9; H or~c Sense ~;
Temperament 10; Trainability 9; Mettle 9; Soundness
8; Strength 7; Vices shy ing.
Plow H o rse: hp 36: Pen:hcron ; Short 7. t>. lcd ium 6,
Long: 5; Agility 6; Endurance 1 I; Horse Sense 12;
Temperament 13; T rainabil il), 12; ),I ettle II:
Soundness 13; Strength I I; Vices pawing.
Prize Stallion: hp 46; i-. lorgan; Short 12. ), Iedi um
16. Long 16; Agility 17; Endumnce 18; H or~c Scnse
19; Temperament 16; Trainability 18; ~ l ctt1c
Soundness 17; Strength 18; Vices-,
Race Horse: hI' 37; Arabian; Short 19, :\Iedium
20, Long 15; Agility 14; Endurance 18; Horse Sense
13; Tempe rament 13; Trainability 14; )\ I cttle 13;
Soundness 15; Strength 10; Vices tail rubbing,
17; Wild Hors e: hp 42; ~ I ustang; Short 12, ~ I edium
12, Long 13; Agility 13; Endurance 14; Horse Sense
14; Te mperament 6; Trainabilitr 5: :\lcttle 6;
Soundness 13; Strength 8; Vices diflicult lO catch,
resists saddling.

Range H o r se: hp 39; Quarter Horse: Short 14-,

i\ledium II, Long 9; Agilil)' 13; Endurance ,<I; Horse
Sense 14; Temperament II; Trainability 13; i\ lettle
12; Soundness 12; Strength 1 I; \ "ices resists grooming,
 * PLAYING THE CAMPAIGN *
As mentioned previously, one of the cballenges of an
Old West campaign is that players sometimes don't
know what to do next. A good Clivi can certainly rem-
edy the situation by nudging the players with a good
adventure and interesting encounters, but what if the
players arc simply standing around waiting to be prod-
ded into action? Whcre's the fun in thai?
To gel the most enjoyment oul of the campaign,
players need to take charge and be proactive. This
brief tutOrial wi]) gi\'c you a few examples on how to
do just that. SETTLING IN
Chances are rou spent most or your money on your
THE FIRST STEP stage ticket and only ha\'c a few dollars left to your
O kay, so you've rolled up your first character. .'\ow name. First order of business is finding a way to make
what? some money. You might as well know from the very
Let's assume the campaign is starting OUt in Lazarus slart - il's sink or swim lime. :'\obody is going to hold
and the Game:'l laster has decided you start ofT by hav- your hand here. You came here looking ror opportuni-
ing your character step off the noon stage with 55 in ty. It 's up to you to seek out those opportunities and
his pocket. make them work for you.

For whatever reason, adventure has called you west-
ward and you've answe red that call. Perhaps it was the
siren song or gold and all the possibilities waiting
someone who strikes pay dirt. or maybe you're running
from trouble back East and you've heard it's easy to
lose oneself in the San j uan .\·l ountains.
You step off the mud-spattered stage that carried
you nearly 600 bone-jarring miles from Amarillo to the
streets of Lazarus and step into a strange wild world.
Your back aches from thc week-long ride you just
endured. You're stiff and hungry as hell, but glad to
be in one piecc.
As the stage driver tosses your bags down at your
feet, you take in your surroundings. Your senses are
overwhelmed. T he air is filled with a thousand noises.
T he bellowing or an ove r- worked mule team straining
to pull a freight wagon buried up to its axles in mud.
T he pounding of dozens of hammers nearby driving
nails into hand-hewn beams as new build ings a re
raised. The d runke n shouts or a group of miners mak-
ing their way out of the tavern theY\'e JUSt been
expelled rrom, and in search or a nell' watering hole.
Then there are the smel ls: a mixture of sweat, ripe
meat, animal urine, fresh baked bread and a few odors
you can't identify. Everywhere you look, there's activi-
ty and motion - so much, in fact, that nobody gi\'es
you any notice. You're just another rortune-seeker
from back cast stepping into a IOwn already choked
with a thousand othe rs who arrived before you.
Although every campaign is different, some things
arc a given. You'll need to find a place to stay and
something to eat. You']] also want to arm yourself. Of
course, all of this takes money. You may have to make
some tough choices, since it isn't likely you can afford
everything you need at once. The gun may have to
wa it. You might have to settle for a bedroll in a haylort
until you can find work.
Meanwhile, you have to survive and make your way
in the world. Here's some advice on how to do just
that.
FRIENDS AND ALLIES
"Being alone iJ a not a way 10 live, JOII. II'JjuJI a quick way
10 die." - Advice from one cowhand to another
You'll find the row you have to till a bit easier if you
have like-minded individuals to fall in with. Be they
true friends with your best interests at hean, or fair-
weat her rriends o f convenience, having someone
around who has your back can be a good thing.
Perhaps you made a few acquaintances on that long
stage ride you just completed. Or.. maybe you and
your rriends set oUI for the west together with the idea
of pannering up. If that's {he case, you've got a good
head start.
O ne of the first rules of the Shatte red Frontier is
that everybody needs to belong to a group, be it a
gang, a small circle of friends, a church, an outfit or

I i6
even a social club (or secret society). You need some·
one that has your back whcn the chips are down . So, if
you find yourself alone and friendless , you should be
putting some immediate thought into remedying the
si tuation.
Two of the surest ways of making acquaintances
with others is at the local saloon and on thejob. J ust be
careful. Making nell' enemies is oftcn easier than mak-
ing nell' friends. Be mindful of the fa ct that here out
west it 's not considered proper for a st ranger 10 ask a
lot of questions.
j"lany come to the west because they're running
away from trouble elsewhere, so people who sm ile toO
much and ask tOO many questions are often met with
suspiCion. \Vhen you do
choose your friends , do so
Q- " I Vlwt's )'our name,
wisely, People tend to
partner?"
judge a person by the
company he keeps. Your A: "Wha! the hell business
reputation can be helped is that rif )'ours?//"
along, or harmed , by
those you hang with. :-':ot to mention that some unsa·
vary types change their friend s like they change last
week's socks.
MEALS AND LODGING
"The price of an item isn't worth the slip rif paper it 's 11;rit-
tm on. Barter, haggle and deal.l Show me a poor man without a
hat and I'll show)'ou a man who (an', work a deal, "
- Old ranch boss
When it comes to meals and lodging, finance s may
dictate your being a creative thinker, A room in the
hotel would be nice, but they can run a dollar a night.
That's S30 a month - more than a month's wage for
moSl people (although at many hotels that dollar
includes a meal).
Another option is one of the boarding houses in
town, A bed here will set you back 25 to 50 cents a
night. Plus, you'll be sharing a room with five to twen-
ty others, packed in tOgether like sardines in a can.
Flophouses are notOrious for their foul smells and lice
infestations - not to mention the risk of communica-
ble diseases. They're also famous for petty thieves. You
just might wake to find your boots gone.
Occasionally, livery stables will trade out space to
people so they can roll out a bedroll in the hayloft in
exchange for shoveling manure or pitching hay. In fact,
bartering for a place to sleep (and if you're lucky a
meal) is a common practice. So don't be shy about pro-
I is
KEEPING nEATI! AT ARMS' LENGTI!
"lou aill't bullet prorif, SOli. And )'011. ain', immortal.
Them that keeps that ill mind art tlte Olles who end up as
little old men." ~ I arshal Fraim to a depuTy
~o one enjoys investing hundreds of hours into
a character only to have him blown away by the
business end of a shotgun - all becausc you
looked at someone 'funny' and they tOok exception
to it.
On the other hand, it's hard to take much pride
in a character who has no worries when it comes to
death.
Without the threat of death looming over a play-
er's head there are really no challenges 10 face.
However, there are some things a player can do 10
hedge his bets and help ensure his character lives
to fight another session.
As your charaCTer rises in stature and power,
think about insu lating that character from harm.
Would J ames C, Fowlel; the aggressive rail baron
go Out personally to 'muscle' a local landowner
into giving up his landrights? Of course not. He'd
send out hired guns to do his dirty work for him.
Hiring others to do your dirty work or simply to
shield you from harm is key to your long-term sur-
vi\'al in the campa ign. Don't worry - hiring help
doesn't mean you ha\'e to miss all the fun (or gun-
play), Running cronies, hired help and other NPCs
under your character's control as secondary player
characte rs is a great way to extend the fun,
And should the worst happen and your PC bite
the dust? You'll have a stable of interesting char·
acters you'vc already fle shed out and played to step
up as your new character.
pOSing terms. The important thing is to get a roof
o\'er your head and food on the table.
FINDING WORK
It 's time to get some money coming in, which usual-
ly means getting ajob. Unless you were born with a sil-
ver spoon in your mouth, you'll find any money you
may have squirreled away will rapidly fade - espe-
cially in a gold camp where outrageous prices are the
norm,
If you've decided up front you'rc going 10 be the out-
law type and live off the sweat of the brow of othe rs,
then an honest day's work probably isn't in the ca rds
for you. Howeve r, you may still want to read ahead.
Even an out law fi nds he must lay loll' and blend in
from time to time.
When looking for \\"ork, the first thing you'll want to
do is get a feel for the town. Walk around and explore.
Tip your hat and ma ke pleasant conversat ion, read the
paper if you c an read, that is" listen for oppo nun ities
wonh pursuing. Try to gel a feel for what's going on.
Who arc the movers and shakers locall y? Who thinks
he runs the tOwn and who r ea lly runs things? Wh at
arc the main issues the town confronts? E\'en though a
lot of ad\'entu res in ..l as & Eights take place in the
wilderness, most campaigns telld to be towll-cemri,
since that's where the real action is.
\\"hile looking for work a nd seeking opponunities 10
better you rself, it pays to always keep your eyes open
and an car \0 the wall. T he more you know about your
surround ings, the better equipped you'll be to pounce
when a n opponunity comes by.
The more people you meet the beller. ~ I ake a men-
tal note as to who seems to be trustworthy and \\'ho
see ms to be trouble. The nature of any work you
decide to take largely depends on your character and
hi s skill s, as well as what his goals arc.
To be sure, you may be ambitious and have lofty
goals you may be particular as 10 what SOrt of \\"ork
you' re wi lling to do, bu t if your pockets a rc empty and
your stomach is knOl1ed up from hunger, you may have
to take what you can get until you find you r footing.
Offering to help the proprielOr of the general ~tore
unload th at wagon of ncwl),-arrived goods in
cxchange for a mea l a nd a cot in his back room might
be well rceeived. Likewise, toti ng wood or coal for the
blacksmith's forge, sweeping out the jailhou se, o r
haulin ' the slop bucket from the cafe out to th e hogs
might put a roof over your head for anoth er night , or
provide a meal.
In lieu of mone)', a good strong back and a willing-
ness to use it can often get you through a tough patch.
Slopping the hogs and shoveling horse manure may
not be glamorous, but it's a good way to keep your
head above water while you look for someth ing bctler.
Especia lly since suc h unskilled jobs are pl entiful. In the
West, no one faults a man for be ing willing to do an
honest day's work.
PUTTING YOUR SKILLS TO WORK FOR YOU
You may find skills in Act.!' & Eights a rc fa r more
important to a charac ter's liYelihood th an in some
R PGs YOll 'VC played in the past. Sueccss o r failure of
any endeavor you decide to purSlie can often hinge on
the ski lls you have.
Arc you handy with carpell ters' tool s? Then finding
work build ing houses or businesses rna)' be the ob\'ious
rou te for you sla ni ng OUI. Did you learn how to ~hoe
a horse on your pappy's farm ? ~ I aybe the blacksmith
could usc some help. ~I a ybc a job at the local saloon
as a bouncer is more to your liking. Do you find town
life a bit stifling? Then head Ollt for the gold field s to
try your hand at prospecting. Or, sign on with a cattle
out fi t and help drive a he rd to the railheads in
Sequoyah. Good with a gun? Perhaps the sheriff has
need of a deputr ~ I aybe you r character has aspira-
tions to be the sheriff him~c1f ~o meday. From catl lc
driving to running a business the pos~i bilitie s
are
nca rly limitless.
It rea lly falls to you to seck out and C\'cn create) job
opportunitics. Working for others and lea rning a trade
is fine, but your ultimate goal should be working for
yourself.
You should vie\\ any job as simpl y anot her ste p o n
you r climb up that ladder a way to pay the bills
while you look for an adva ntageous move to appear.
You will be presented with an endless choice of oppor-
tunities during the cam paign, T ake the ones that
appeal to you. You may e\'e n want to try your hand at
se\'eral differcnt professions during the cou rse of your
PC's lifeti me. Freedo m is the spiri t of the West, and it
is available to PCs in spades here.
Wh at if you lack the skills needed to obtain the goals
you arc striving for? Learning and growing such skills
is onc obvious answcr. Still, kcep in mind you can
always part ner up (o r cycn hire) others who have the
ski lls you lack.
l i9
MAKING YOtTR OWN OPPORTtTNITIES
"If Lady Opportunity dQun't c01lle knockin' on )'tr door Ihm
il S limt to go find htr ond drag htr ass sutaming across ),ollr
thrtshold. " General Welcome T. Pcniford , C.S.A.
The most importalll lesson yotl can take away from
this section is to dc\"clop the habit of making your own
opportunities. That 's what this tutorial has been all
about. Life isn't always about sitting around on your
fat duff waiting for that golden ring to come around.
There arc coun tless ways for you to make a name for
yourself in the Shatlcrcd Fronticr, and each inyoiYc
their o\\'n unique challenges. Some examples include:
• Starting a business
Prospecting for gold
Herding catt le
• Entering politics
• BOllnty hunting
• Trapping or hunting
• Using your skills to turn a dollar
• Upholding the taw
• Running a farm or ranch
• Founding a town
And th:u'sjust the tip of the iceberg. Become famil-
iar with the Personal Goals and Profession Path~.
They' ll provide you with a wealth of ideas to pursue.
STAYING ALIVE
All the plotting and planning in the world isn't worth
a hill of beans if you get yourself killed in the process.
Remember thaI bullets (as well as arrows and knives' do
. ~_\
180
a lot of damage, very quickly and permanently. There
are no tap backs in A m & Eights. Dealh is forever.
Also, don't forget that even though the \\'est has a
reputation of lawlessness, Ihat doesn' t mean that any-
one ca n do whalc\'cr he wantS and not expect to pay
the piper. Those who pu sh their luck tOO far can find
themseh'es behind bars, or dangling from the end of a
rope. Don't make yourself a target. The Shattered
Fronti er is filled with mcn looking for an easy mark
and wanting to do others harm.
~ lany playcrs come to western RPGs with the mis-
taken belief there's little to do but rob banks, rustle
cattle or en'J:agc in an endless SIring of gunfights.
While going down the outlaw trail is certainly an
option, and one many players will no doubt take) it
isn't the only opt ion . .'\0\ by a long shot.
If your chosen career path is the outlaw trail, then
go for it. J USI keep in mind that such careers are often
short and end violently.
STAYING OtTT OF HARM'S WAY
Speakin~ of violence, you will find it hard to avoid.
Even upstandin~ characters will find they are templed
to cross the line and break the law from lime 10 time,
when in need or an opportunity presents iucle.
Besides. i:-. it really illegal if the bank you arc robbing
happens 10 be in ~Iexico? ~Iany historical figures from
the Old West rode bOlh sides of the fence during their
careers.
Of cou rse, no matter how careful you are, you can
be slife IfOuble is going 10 come looking fo r you
eventually ...
- .--'.
 4.21 Reputation & Fame
n the Shallcrcd Frontie r, a character's Repu tation
I among ot her folks is no small part of how he meas-
ures his worth. On lonely nights b) the rire, a man
might find himself a~kil1g all sons of questions. Ho\\
much money do I h"\'e? What kind of borscncsh do I
own? What kind of hombre do lolks see me as? Do
others place their trusl in me?
This section describes hO\I ArtS & Eigllls characters
can estahlish their Reputations. what their Reputation
means 10 other folks, and how they can usc it in the
game. II also discusses what some may consider a
basic human desire· the need to be \\ell liked or well
known.
* REPUTATION *
As mentioned in the character creation section, indi-
viduals of great Reputation are not necessarily
upstanding citize ns, and those widl low Repmation are
nOI necessarily low-down, diny banditos. T he crucl
owner of the Bar K Ranch may very well possess a
high Reputat ion score while an honest cowbo),
through unfortunate circumstances, might possess a
miserable Reputation.
With high Repuull ioll come$ respect. power. influ -
ence and position. Without it, characters can expect
disrespect, shame and insults. Reputation is so essen-
tial to a ma n that it is reflected in his very counte-
nance. People can som eti mes tcU what kind of
Reputatio n a character has JUSt by being in close prox-
imity to him.
Reputation is something the character carns through
his actions, much like Building Points BPs. ~Ioreo"er,
Reputation can aha be lost, depe nding all the actions
of Ihe ch<lracter. In fact, Reputati on is casier to lose
than it is to gain, so ch aracters must carefully consider
the cOiln'quences or their actions. Breaking a n oath,
back shooting, cheating, cowardice aud un:wengcd
insult s result in a loss of Reputation. Bravcry, ncr.e,
sel f-sacrifice, mastery of skills and honesty earn the
characte r Reputation.
Player charaCters and ordinary citizens alike benefit
li'om having a high Reputation score. The ~c charac-
ters art' perceived as trustworthy, honorable and reli-
able. Other folks are more likely LO listen to and
bclie\'e such a person. Conversely, a me rchant or cow-
poke \\·itb a low Reputation score might find it difficult
to keep hi~ job or to engage in p rofitable new business
deal ings.
A ch:mlcte r's Repu tation score shou ld not bc con-
fused with othcr abi lities used for soda l interaction
such as Charisma o r Looks. Charisma is a measure of
a character's leadership ahi lity and his abilit), to
impose hi s will on ot hers. Looks simpl}' mcasurc how
:utractl\'c he is. A character with good looks has a
"ell-proportioned body. good symmetry, nice teet h
and bone stru cture and few, if any, skin blemishes.
Charisma and Looks can .,fTect a character's Starting
Reputation. However, after character creation. the
character\ actions determine his Reputation.
INDIVIDUAL REPUTATION
.\ l-haraeter's indi\idual Reputation score is what
most players concern thenhekes with, because they
have direct control on~r it. .\l 05t players find it an
ongoing challenge to maintain their character's
Reputation. During a t~ pical game session, the char-
acter earns or loses Reputation Points as he makes his
way in the world.
A character's Rcputation can rise or fall during a
gaming session or between sessions. It is up 10 the par-
ticipants 10 determine if th ey want to award (or penal-
ize . a chamcte r\ Reputation Points as e\'ents unfold in
the game. This i~ ea~i('r ror Ihe players or available
Gamc).l.l$I~r 10 k~ep track of. and adds an immediate
effect 10 game pia" but may tend to slow down play for
some groups a5 the)' stop to change their statistics in
the middle of play.
Ahernati"el), keeping track of Reputation score
adjustments anc! awarding them afte r the session docs
not ~Iow down play with ability changes, but docs
require the players or G~ I to keep track of which char-
acter, should receive bonuses or penalties, and why.
The choice is up to your indi\'idual Style of play.
GROl1P REPUTATION
"'hel1e\'cr twO or more charactcrs partner up and
begin spending time togethcr. they ~hould calculate
thl"ir group Reputation score (a n averagc of the
Reputation values of those characters comprising the
group). Group Reputation includes the Reputation of
any henchmen , si dckick ~ or cronies in the group.
Group Reputatioll also applies 10 military units, out-
law gangs, secret organizations, elc.
After each ga ming session the cha racters spend
together, the players should recalculate their group
Reputatio n score always found down. Each player
must then adjust his character's individual Reputa tion
181
one poi nt closer to the group Repmation score. This
means those characters with low Reputat ion will ben·
efit by being part of the group and ha\'ing their
Reputatio n raised. Those with high Reputat ion will
find their Reputat ion being slowly dragged down by
the others. Remember that any henchmen. sidekicks
or cronies who a rc part of the group also mO\'e one
point toward the new average.
For t.\ample, lel$ SO)' tltal Billy, /-lank and Ttl; are lIlt onb'
membm 0/ IllIir gang. After a nighl of role·pla)"ing, lIlt
Repllialioll SCOTtS of 111t.Si dtamclUs art 10. 15 and 9. ThO'
delermine Ilitir group Reputalion SCOTt is II (JO+ 1 5+9~34.
and 31 dh-ided b)' 3 ~ 11.3, roundrd dou'nlo II). Billy GIld
ux imp fOl'e Iluir scores ftom 10 10 11, and 9 10 10, resper·
Ih'eb'. However. Texs Rtpllialion drops 10 /4. Thai's whal he
gels/or hanging around wilhfillas of lower Repulation.
FAMILY REPUTATION
'f he Reputation of relations affects the Reputatio n
of a cha racte r, and vice versa. Family Reputation is
on ly import ant to those characters that are reared
from an established family or h",'c kin that li\·c nearby.
Certain r('suhs on the cham in Chapler 6.5 1Delailed
Character Backgro/lnds affect Starting Reputation.
• -=:.L- f
If )'OU hl/llg out will, bar/nUll. killers mid samges, dOIl'1 br sllrJ!ristd if )'our Re/mlalioll score drops right alollg wi/Ii Iheirs...
182
CATEGORIES OF REPUTATION
Depending all a character's Reputation sco re, they
fall into a particular Reputation category. The cate·
gories arc: Disreputable, Low, t\\·e rage. Great and
Lege nda .·}'. A character can only exist in one category
at a timc, a nd the effects of these categories whet her
penalt ies o r bonuses a rc nOt cumulative. ~o r example.
a eh:u'acte r in the Disreputable category su ffers a .\
penaity to all die rolls. If he mO\'es into the Low
Reputati on category, Ihis penalty disappears.
Likewise, a character with Greal Reput ation receives
a + I bonu s to all die rolls and gains an additional 10°'0
on any BPs earned. If he moyes into the Legendary
Reput ation ca tegory, he loses all Greal Reputation
bonuses and ga ins the Legenda ry Reputation bonu ses
instead .
Di s r eputabl e (0·5): Disreputable characters arc
looked upon as the dregs of society. They sufTer
harassment and ridicule at the hands of most other
people. Shopkeepe rs arc more likely to take ad\'antage
of these charaCters, barroom bullies arc more likely to
pick fi~hh, and innkeepe rs arc more likely to turn
them away. Character~ in the Disreputable category
,ufTer a -\ penalty to all die rolk
~~'=:'·'"~·""''''''''~~'''''bo''__
''_-7
 Low Reputation (6-20): Characters wilil low
Reputation arc often distrtlSled, mistreated or ignored.
Since this is the category in which many characters
begin, they haHn't necessarily done anything to
deserve allY unjust treatment They just might not
have gotten a chance to prove Ihem~elve s yet.
Average Reputation (2 1-70): Charactcrs with an
ave rage Reputation are mostly ordinary citizens who
make an honesi living. They ha\'e can'ed out a
foothold in the Shattered Frontier and are making a
way for themseh-es one small step at a lime.
Great Reputation (7 1-100): Characters with great
Reputation have proyen repeatedly Ihat they haw
what it takes to defend their hOllor and act with
illlegl'ity. Others know thnt someone \\ith a great
Reputat ion is not to be trifled with.
All characters in the Great Reput ation category
rcceh'c a + I bonus to all die rolls and gain an addi -
tional I BP for every 10 HP earned. They also receive
a "mu lligan." This is one free re-roll per game session
that can be used for any die roll combat, damage, ini-
tiati\'e, skill rolls, mastery dice, etC, I.
Lege ndary Reputation (101+): When a characte r's
Reputation score reaches thi s le\'el he inspires stories,
legend s and gossip. Some make up stories that make
the cha racter secm larger than life, while others may
thi nk the cha racte r has gotten too big for his britche~.
This le\'('1 of Reputatio n can be risky. because young
tenderfoots sometimes seck these characters out to try
their luck at taking them do\\ n a few notches.
Legendary Reputation docs not make a cha racter
fam ous, but those who meet this character a rc often
strongly affected by the experience.
All characters in this cillegory rece ive a + I bonus to
all die rolls and gain an additional 10 0 0 on any BPs
earned. They also receive two "mulligans" per scssio n.
A mulligan is a free re-roll that can be used for any die
roll combat. damage. initiati\'e, skills, whatc\'er .
Howevcr. characters in this category draw the ire of
any host ile character encou ntered. If a random deter-
mination is needed to detcrmine whom adversaries
target, count characters in this category twice.
REPUTATION SCORE AND REPUTATION POINTS
Beginn ing at character creation, a character is
assigned his Replllation score and an identical number
of Repumtion Points. If a character's Reputation
score mo\'('s up or down, the Reputation Points arc
adjusted by the same amount. A charactc r may spe nd
Reputation Points without a<ljusting his Reputation
score) in order to gain advantages in the game.
Reputation Poims can be used to gain a re-roll to
sway a critica l ollicome. At an)' time, a player may
deduct 10 Reputation Points to re- roll one of his com-
bat rolls, ability checks or ski ll checks by simply declar-
ing that he desires to do so. Hc can also expend 10
Reputation Poin ts 10 make others re-roll a roll that
directly affects his person (such as a shot fired at him).
The onl y limit to the number of limes a player can do
this is the number of his Reputation Points. For exam-
ple, a player can deduct 30 Reputation Points to re-roll
three times. He need not spe nd all the points at once.
He can simply conti nue to expend 10 points to re-roll
each time until he gets the desired resuh. A charac-
ter's Reputat ion Points may never be reduced 10 less
than zero in this manner. In any case, once a point is
spe llt. it is gone for good!
For tramplt. ltls st!J tlwi J tbtdiah Smith has a total of 23
Rtplltation PomiJ. If Jthedialt fails a comhat roll (or abili!)'
e"tek or skill chtek), ht can sptnd 10 Rtputation Points (rtdllc-
ing his total to / 3) alld rt-roll. If ht sucutds, guat! If lit
fails, ht can accept the failure or sptnd allothff 10 Reputation
Points (dropping his 10101 to 3). Ht (an'l try a t"ird lime sina
Ite needs 10 Reputation Poinls to do so. bllt on(y has 3
Replltation Poillts lift.
Spending Reputation Point s helps bring an clement
of cin('matic drama into Ihe game and allows charac-
ters to do truly larger than life feats. It can also help
pr('\'cnt the premature death of a character in which
you\'e invested a lot of time. but doesn't necessa rily
guarantee safety as the re-roll could strike true once
again, for exa mple.
II III/Illifiating way 10 lost Nepull/lion Poil/ls.
183
NOTORIETY
When a ch;lr:t('lc r loses RCpul;lIion such that his
score becomes negative, it is no longer called
Reputation , but ralher, ;'\'otoricty. ;\l oloricI), has simi-
lar categories as Rcpulation hut orrcr~ nOlle of the
same benefits. The categories arc:
Notorious (-I to - 10)
Low Notori e ty (-11 to -20)
Average Notoriety (- 2 1 to - 70)
Great Notorie ty (-71 to - 100)
Lege ndary No tori e ty (-101 and lower)
.An)' character that allows his Reputation 10 rail 10
zero or less is in for sOllle trouble. Th e characte r can
~ I ill perform acts Ihal incrc;.m: hi~ Reputation ~co r{'.
hut he gains no corresponding Reputation Points until
hi~ Reputation becomes POSiliH' ag-,lin.
In gunfiglHs. Reputation atlecH how a ch;UOKtCf
reacts when faced \Iilh his 0\111 monalir). If a char.tt-
tel" has a high Rep utation . he'll \ta nd tall in the fa ce of
mortal danger. while those of lo\\er Re p Ulalioll tend to
n ee. HO\\c\'cr. Iho~c with negative Reputation
NOlOriery' ~ hould take the absolute \'alue of their
::\otoriet) score in order 10 determine the eneCt of
Reputation on how wounds arc handled in scrape ...
For example, a character with a 10 :'\otorit't} ~(orl"
should con~ider hi~ Reputat ion ~co re ;h 10 for pllrpo~­
es of hi s reaction to wounds. Sec {,hapla 3.21 Adt'Ollml
S(ra/Jts for more details.
GAINING AND LOSING REPlTTATION
When awarding or docking Reputat ion. the oth("r
players and/or Camei'. lasler con~ider both the indi-
vidual act ions of a character and the actions of his
partners as a whole. Like\\i se. when a gang decides to
tak(" a specific action as the result of grou p co n se n su~
or the leader simply decides \dHH the group is going
to do and no one objects ', the ga ng is treated as a char-
acter and awarded or docked the points appropriately.
Typical Reputation awards an' li sted on Table.\ 4.2-/
through -1.2-8. The awards li ~le d arc by no means
complete. It is impossible 10 con'" every situation that
might occur ill a t}11ical g:lme session. The players
and/or Game~ l aster must rely on their judgment.
using this lisl as it guidelint: for situations that arc not
co\'ered.
:-.lever forget that Replttatioll is largely based on the
perception of thosc who \·iew the cha ractcr. Fal~e
rumors and misperceplions can taint such perception';.
Sr/ppoJt. jOr twmplt, Frrnando Corle: (111m a holtl JrUI
mOll/ttlls qfttr oul/art·s }WI't robbtd lilt place alld murdtr,d 1111
proprirtor. Nt nllgs tht bell 01 lIlt COllllter and It'htn 110 alit is
SUII/lltolltd jorlll daides 10 Itavt alld suk lodging elsewhere. 1/
iJ IIis bad Ilirk Ihal a deputy oll/mtrol SUJ Itim lem:ing lIlt hole!.
Laler, u:hl'll lite body rif the IIIlIrdmd ric/illl iJjOulld. Ihe deplI!J
remembiTS suing Ftrnando. FtTntlllda ij immedia/elJ' arrtsltd
and charged wilh Iht (filllt, alld his Ileplltalion drops berar4.f( lit
is pmtil'td to ht g/lil~)' - and IiktlJ' cOIll"icled buaust rif il/
OATHS
There Illa} be times when your character and his
associates may need to swear an oath. Oath s in the
Shattered Frontier arc taken \"cry seriously. A man',:;
\,'ord is his honor, ilnd breaking an oath the strongest
\\ord of honor a charaC(cr ca n gi\'e has din- eon~e­
quenee~. \\'lll.: n a character ~\\'cars an oat h. he i ~ liter-
ally swearin~ by his Reputation. Oaths arc usually
made ....·hell a charaCter promises to aecompli~h some-
thing of extreme importance to him or another c har-
ancr.
If he breaks the oath intentionally or otherwise).
and \\ord gets out about il. the char:lctel' loses respcct
and mllst immediately roll on Tablt .J.2-1: BrtakillK All
Oalh to determine the result. Ah\ays round down.
Xotl' that keepi ng or making good on an oath has no
extra benefit other than a possible increa se in
Reputatio n a ~ ~et forth in the .\wards section in Chapttr
.J.3I J 1('Ofdr" •\ person is e xp ect e d to kee p hi~ word.
,0 no incenth'(' i~ ~i\·en.
Reputation and NPCs
Reputation i~ just a~ imponant to NOIl- I}layer
Charaner, XPCs as it is for Pla.ye r Charac ters. Fo r
{'xample. no \('Ir-rt'~pcctin~ gunslinge r is going to take
lip or back- ~a" from the guy standing next to him in
the ~ alo on. \dwther he's an N PC or not. If tilt') feel
their Reputat ion has taken a dent , YOll ca n he sure
they're ~onna come up for air and attempt to settle the
:.core.
The Reputati on category of an N PC can suggest a
lot. It i, a good indication of just how important
Reputation is 10 such an individual, and can wme-
times be u~ed to determine ho\\ he reacts to the group.
Fo r exa mple, a disreputabk :'\PC has obviomly been
ha\'in~ a tough time of it. i'. lore than Likely, he 's in a
foul mood and looking for a way to rai se his
Repmation. What better way than to pick a fight or
attempt to steal Reputation from someone else? Of
course. it's important to remember that Reputation is
not indicath'(' of personalit}. but it can suggest a c har-
acter's intent and mOlivation when considen-d with
other faClor~.
 TABLE 4.2-1: BREAKING AN OATil
RoJJ (dZO) % of RepufitioD S CO.IC LQSJ
I .. . .............. .75%
2-5................. . .. 65%
6-9 ......•• • •••. . . . ....... 50%
10-13 .....•.•.•.• _• _...... .'100/.
14-17 .....•.•.•.•..........30%
18-19 .....•.••••. . . . ...... .20%
20 _........ . ............. 10%
TABLE 4.2·2: SAMPLB REPUTATIGN/FAMBAWARDS
. SCRAPES
AClioll R ~pUUljOIl
Allow diSirmcd opponeDI 10 pick up his we_poD ••.. .I _.......0
Allow ( llemy 10 dr .... firsT... ....... .:Z ....... J
Allow (llemy to rcmo'~ their dCld/woulldcd
from the fidd ............................ .I ........0
Amck unumcd or ob\·jously inferior opponeDT ...• ,-3 ........0
Ehckshootillg ...................................-5 ....... J
Bein8 ill • gUllfighl ..............................2 ........2
Being Illten pnsoner/surrendering ................ 2 ....... ,0
uplure b.mle 5undud or flag during comblt ... , .. .5 ... " .. .1
Deliver deit h blow to l helpless opponent " ... " ...·1 .,', .. , ,0
Dir ty fighting (docsn't ,pply i{ the other guy
fighl5 diTly first) .. ".,', ... " ... , ... , .... , .... ,-2 .. , .... .1
Enleri llg illto a Ielhll fighl without cover ........ .3 ........2
Exercising your 'brlgs;ng rigbli U I ",loon or hOlel .. .1 •.......2
Figbtingl 'W()o'Ihy .-I>'eJSU)" or b.1I1Jc.1wdo:ncd ~\'O'SIt)' .t .. " ... .1
Flee l fig ht wilh In equII opponent .... , ............J ....... .1
Flee l figh t with l superior opponelll ... , ......... ,-I .. , .... .1
Flee I fighlwilh I weiker opponenl .............. -5 ....... .1
Flee l lnnle thlt's obviously going poorly ... , ... , ,·1 .. , .... .1
Flee, Inttle Ihu's still in qucstion ................ -3 ....... .1
Refuse medicd trutmellt for the good of l frielld ... 2 ........0
S,ve the lifc of ,nother u greu ris k 10 own self .... .5 " ... , ..3
Save I life .................. ,', .. " ............ .1 ........2
Survi~ l gunWIol or primiti\1: ~ wool!d .... woul!d r."C:tiry ic>1:i .I
Tlke. prisoner (J) ....... , ... " ... ,.... . ... .1 ....... .1
Purposely uke n lrrow or bullel wound
mc.nt {Of someone else , ........ ,. .. ... .s
Tau ll t In ene my ;nt o fig ll ti llg , ... ,', .. , .. .. -I
Unjustly slaying I prisoncr or unumed
oppollent who hu yielded ...... " ... ,.. .. 5 ..
Victorious 19linlt overwhelmillg odds ........... ,.s , .... , ..5
Blck dowlI from' chdlcngc' .... , ................ -2 ........2
\Vin I btlII'I ... . ........ , ... " ... , .... .1 ., .••.. .1
• Remcmbu thai perception often INlays intent. A character thai
oilers 10 buy a drink for someone ",'ho has just challenged him to a
fight could IN construed as 'backing do".'n from a fight. ·
* FAME *
Fame is a measure of how far knowledge of a char·
acter and his exploits extends beyond his own immedi ·
ate social circle, Howcn' r, a character's Fame can be
TABLB 4.2-3: SAMPLEREPUTATIGN/ FAIiIE AWARDS
- SOCIAL/ BNCGUNTBRS
ACiion RcpUUlion Flme
AlIo...mg I patOnll s1igbt/illSUll 10 80 uacbillcnged ...... ·1 ...0
Allowing .n inferior
(suell u servanlS .nd hired h.nds) to disrespect you .. 2 . .1
AD ouuider bugllillg/ modlillg you or I complnlon .·1 ,.. . ...0
BeiDg ldmoaished by lDOther for l wrongdoing, ..... -1 ........0
Beillg publicly ,"sulted or displ.Ugcd by III illferior .·2 ........0
BeiDg puhlicly insulted or dispmged hy," superior .. ] , ... " ..0
B.elking your .... ord ......... ,', ................. 3 ........0
Ch.llellging I slighl TO Olle's Repuutioo .......... ,.1 ........0
Esa.ping from imprisonmenT., .... , .... , ... , ......2 .. .2
uught blsely cl.iming 'bugsiog rIghts'
tbll beloDg 10 lDOTber ...... .......... ...... " ...-3 .. .3
HlviDg l book .... rittcn lboul you ., ............... .1 ...5
HlViDg I ne'llS Htide wrillCD IhoUT you ...........0" ••. ".1
Flme
Keeping l dIfficult promise ....... " .. , .......... .l ....... .1
Killing. host 'IIho h.s pro\'ided you food or shelter. " ........0
LetTillg someone uke ld,'uugc of you· , .... , .. " .. -] ........0
Muryillg IlItO IIlgher soci.1 tlw ." ...............2 ....... .1
Negleeliag to properly hury l compUlloT .. , ... " ... ] ........0
Plyi ng off III extortionist 0' 'hlke·down ...........·3 ........0
Perpemle hum ililling prlllk on ellCmy ., .... , ... , . .1 , •....• J
Pickillg up the fUl>C.r,j expenses of somtOI>C you killed ..2 ........0
Public iDIOxicuion .......................... , ...·1 ... , ....0
Publicly humilialing. wrKler of i lIigller Rq>ulilioll·· .2 .. .1
Ruh or improper soci.! beh.vior ....·1 ........0
Requesting I bvor/chuilY ....................... -I ....... ,0
s.,iTcltiIIg or rmins ()O,II HNlJCtcr 10 .uthorities!enemy .. ·2 ... .. ..0
T,kiog' b"be .......................... . ... 1 .. " ....0
Lose l tontcsl ., .... " .. ,', .. " ... , ..............] ....... .1
Refuse I flit cOlllcu/c b.!lellgc .................. , 2 ....... .1
• Such as losing a haggle or paying good money for shoddy producl,
" Includts authority figures liltt deputies. politicians. etc. AWQrcI
RepulDlion Points only if the figure INing disporagcd is in a position
10 do something about it. For txample. publicly ridiculing an Indian
chief imprisoned INhind bars does IIOt WlJrrDnl poinls.
blown out of proportion if he is good at sprcading
word of his deeds or alleged deeds. ThllS, you might
nOt want to belieye e\'erything you hear.
.\"OtC that Fame is not an indication or how well
....3
. ...0 respected or liked a charactcr is, or whether or not he
is a good or bad person. It si mply indicates how \,'ell
.I known the character is. Famous characters may find
that opportunities seck them out, it's easier to get
loans, easier 10 obta in an audience with others of high
Fame, hangers-on and side kicks arc lurcd 10 them,
they get offcrs and fa\'ors "come to my saloon and get
free drinks" , and so on. They might also find it casi-
er 10 be elected, and harder 10 be cOlwicted.
Howe\'cr, you ma)' also find that people recognize
thc cha racter whcrC\'cr he gocs (regardless if he wants
them to or nOt, his rcputation good or bad oftcn pre·
cedes him, people spread gossip and rumors about
him, and folks often seck the characte r out, wanting
something from him. The C:\ [ and/or othcr players
185
may have th eir charactcrs seek him out for th ese vcry
reasons.
Each character's Fa me stans at zero, though thi s
may be modified by his Looks score. See Chapter 3.1 1
Character Creation for morc information.
Individual, Group and iIlmily iIlme
Group or famil y Fame can be calcul ated in much the
same way as group or family Reputation . Likewise. it
also cau ses the adjustm ent of the Fam e of individu al
members of the group on a periodic basis. Follow the
same process for adjusting indi\'idual Fame due to
group Fame as you would for Reputation.
Calegories of iIlme
Little Kn own (0-10): Only a few peopl e know you
exi st.

TABLE 4.2-4: SAMPLE REPUTATIONi PAME AWARDS - CRIMES

Crime $e1',r;IY'
Misdeme~ nor Fe1oo): Hagiog Offe~se Trnsoo
Ci"umst~oces R, p Flme R,p F~me R,p F~me R,p Flme
Publi<:ly OICCU!lI:d of crime (ioDOCC:ol or 001) .... [ .. 1 .... ....·3 ........ 2 ........·S .... .... 3 .. ..... .·S .. ... ..A
Chuged wilh I crime ................ .·1 ....... .1 .... ....·3 ........ 2 ........ -S . ..... .3 ........·S ....... .'1
Coovicted of 1 crime ..... . ....... . .. .. .0 ....... .I .. .. ..... [ .... .. .. I ... .....·2 ... .....3 .. .... .·10 .......5

• Crimes typically considered misdemeanors in the Shattered Frontier include &mery. bribery. ciIJil disobedience or disorderly conduct.
manslaughter. trespassing. vagranC!J. vandalism and similar crimes. Crimes considered felonies in the Shattered Frontier include block·
mail. embezzlement. extortion.forger!J.fraud. grow robbing. kidnapping. perjur!J. rope. theft. banditr!J and robbery and similar crimes.
Hanging offenses include arson. horse thiecing. cattle rustling. murder and similar crimes.

TABLE 4.2-5: SAMPLE REPUTATION/ FAME AWARDS

- PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS a. FAILURES
AClioo RepU lllion F~ me
Acquiring 1 DeW skill ... ... ...... ...... ............ ... .. .1 ... .. ... .. .0
Acquiring Uod (per 1T1IlS1CTioo) ... .... . ... .... . ........ .3 . .... . ... .1
Chiming Territory from olD el>ClTly ..• ................ ... 5 .......... .!
o,llecting ~ rewvd .• .... ... ........ . ................... 1 .......... .1
Complc:ting 1 pcnow.I mission ..• ........... ............ 5 ... .. .... .0
Enttring inlo debT .............. ....... .. .... .. .. .... .·1 ..........0
Fliliog 1 pef5()ll.ll quest ..... ....... ......... .... ..... .. ..S .. ........0
Gaining mISlay bel in ~ skill .. .................. ..... .4 ......... 1
[n ~ion of ~ fUllOUSor historiu.l item (ptr item) .... .8 .... .... .3
Losiog 1 siglUlUrt \\"Upon .......................... .... ..-1 ......... .0
l.o5iog iI\1.npOD ...... .... .. .... . ................. .. ....·1 . .... ... .0
Mlking olD item of extrrordilUry cnftsmmship .... ..... . . .1 ... ...... 1
Wioniog HOIIlest ............. ................ ... ...... .I .... .. ... .1
WLM.ing olD drxtion ........ ......... ........ . .. ........ 5 .. ...... A
TABLE 4.2-6: SAMPLE REPUTATION/ FAilE AWARDS
- PROFESSIONAL
ACTion RepuUlioo Fl mt
Btiog tlkto WVolDUge of •... ................. .. .......... 1 ..........0
Showing off billie 5Qt'S .... ..... .... . ............. ... 1 .. ....... .1
Crnting ~ DeW useful iOVCIlTioo ... ... ................... 5 .. ...... 1
First TO find w.1ll1h1e ore deposiTS ................. ... .. .. 1 ......... .3
Ceiling uughl chating . ... ... .. ... ...... ............ ..-3 .. ...... .1
Hiring 10 employee ..... .............. ....... . ......... .1 . ........ .0
Losiog signific.tntly IT gunbling ......... ..... ... ... ..... [ .. .. .... .0
NUtsingl dwuter TOhc:.ihh ...... ... ... .. ...... .... ... .1 .. ....... .0
Performing 1 successful surgery ....... ............ .. .... .1 ..... .... .0
Publishing/writing for 1 PIper (per month) ......... ......0 ..... .... .I
Sllkiog 1 mining ,him ..•. ..••• ......... .......... . .... 1 .......... .1
SI1rtiogl busillCSS .. ........................... .... .... 1 ..... . ... .1
WinDing signifiUllTly i t gvnbling ... .... ...... ... .. .... .1 ..... .... .I
WriTing/publishiog I book ........... .............. .... 1 ..... .... .I
TABLE 4.2-7: SAMPLE REPUTATION/ FAME AWARDS
- NPC &PLAYER RELATED
AC Tioo RepuuTion Flme
AccepTing 1siguifiaoTgill .... .......... .. ....... ...... I ........ . .0
... n
Asking olD importolDt b\l()f .. .. .. ... .. .. .. ..... ... . ... .. .. ! .. .
Civing ~ sigoifiuul gift ••• ..••...••...••....••...••...••. .1 •• .. ..... .0
Crlnling olD importolDI £1.,'Or . ............ ..... .......... .1 .. ........0
Phycr mempliog to KT on knowlc:dgc
his dW1Ctcr docsn ·r1UVc. ......... ........ .............. .·5 ... .. ..0 .
TABLE 4.2-S: SAMPLE REPUTATION/ FAME AWARDS
- FAMILY a. GROUP RELATED
Action Rtp uurioo Flme
Avenging murder of bmily rrw:mbtr . ... ... .. .. .. .. .... 5 .... ... .. .1
&nishcd by family. . ........ . ............................5 ........... [
Dde.llill8 ~ hc:Tediury el>ClTlY ......... .... .... .... .... .10 .... .... n
Formiog ~o ~lli.lDCt wiTh mothc:r family .. ..... .......... 1 .. ....... .0
Fulfill fWlily debT ....................................... . .4 ......... .0
Losing 1 birthrighT or olD inhaited item ....................-6 . ....... .0
Mcmbtr of fWlily dies wilh grt.il RtpuuTion. .... ..
.....1. ... . .....0
Murder of ~ family member . .............. .......... .. .~ . .. . .. . .1
Ikoo-.-cring or 1\1:0gingl stob or destroyed
family hc:irloom ..................... .... .. ......... ... 5 .. ...... .0
Refusing orr.·s flmily bdtr ................ .. ......... .. .-5 ... ......0
&nishcd/oosred by gwg/company ............. . ...... ..-5 ......... .0
Oath of ~ fellow wiTh Crat Rtpuutioo ...................·1 ......... .0
•Group Reputation aWQrds/ptnalties are 9AA-n for those actions the 9f01lP per-
forms as a groop or thfOllgh 9f01lP consenSli5. Points are added to {an
removed from) the 9f01lp Reputation. not from individual Reputation. At the
end of the sess.i:.m. each 9f01lP member's Reputation moved OIle point doser to
the 9f01lP Reputation foctor (before individual Reputation is rero/culateci per
the Repalation roles)

186
 Local (11-20): Seems like everyone in town knows
who you arc and your deeds,
Minor Celebrity (2 1-70): E,'en the wranglers in the
next territo ry know about you, \ rhen a character's
Fame reaches SO for the first time, his name begins
appearing in popular songs and stories as a minor or
local hero (or villain of mention, In addition, there is
a 10°'0 chance per week that a notorious foe starts
boasting of his ability to whip the character in a gun-
fight, an election, or any OIher profession-relat ed
activity), For example, an outlaw may c hallenge the
marshal to a shootout, while a carpenter boasts that he
creates beller woodwork than thc character, On the
ot her ham!. a earpe mer who was once a gunfighter
may find himself challenged by either. If such boasts
reach the charaCler's cars, and he refuses to seck Out
and defeat the foe, he surrers a loss of 20°0 of his
Reputation Points,
For every 50 points of Fame a character has, others
surre r a - I penalty to Accuracy and a +1 penalty to
Speed when facing him,
Major Celebrity (7 1-100): You're extremely well
known. For example, the person working on the docks
in New York City has hcard of you, and how you ShOl
four Indians with a rusty revolve r whilc blindfolded,
Famous (101-200): You and your deeds arc occa-
sionally heard of c"en in lands across the ocean.
Epi c (20 1+ ): When a character's Fame reaches 201
he is co nsidercd a gre;ll hero, suitable material for epic
songs, lengthy folktales and the like. Those who might
like the c harac ter arc more di~posed to trcal
him with respco, while those who arc morc
famous now stan to treat him as a peer. All
penalties when facing this character a rc dou-
bled.
get the most daring deeds! In game tcrms, this is re p-
resented by the fact that Fame decreases at a rate of I
point per month. Fonunately, Ihis loss of Famc can go
no lowcr than 20 0 ° of the highest Fame the cha rac ter
ever obtained. :"aturally, the characte r ca n continue
to perform activities that increase his Fame,
For ('(amplt, ltl:r sa)' l/tal UX /tas a Famt scort as high as
I i3. bill hi losn inltusl ill dramalit duds and U'tnt into Sttfll-
Jion. Ort( tht nl,\1 fiu' )'tarJ~ his Famt dttrtast$ b)' I lur
IIIonth aJ jolks gradllal/;' SIOI) talking about },im, 111IIil it SlOpS
at31 (2f)~~ oj I i3. rOllllded doum). ux isn't quitejorgollen,
but ht S 1101 lItar(), as big a/Willi (/j' ht 011(( U'(/S.
Sample ReputaUon/Fame awards
Tablts 4.2-2 through 4.2-8 provide some guidance on
ci rcumstances warranting such an award.
A note on a wards or p e nalties for c rim e: The
Rcputation of the accused and the accuser affects
these modifiers, For every Reputation calCgory the
characters are away from avcrage Reputation, add or
subtract one Reputation Point from those listed on
Tablt 1.2-1: Samplt Rtputalioll/Famt Awards - Crimts,
depelldill~ 011 \\ hethcr tiley arc abo"e or below aver-
age, respecti\'ely. H owc\'er, if the accuser or the
accused is of legendal'\' Reputation and the other is
not, doubl e the modifier after addin~ or sublracting
the original modifiers,

GAINING AND LOSING FAME

Fame is affected by a character's actions in
mllch the sa me way as Rc putation. H owc,'er,
yo u can become famous for things yo u
haven't even donc, In 01 her words, o ne 's
fame may not reneCt reality. This could be
by accident people mistaken ly atlribute
deeds to you o r it could be by design you
go around bragging about things you\'e
nevcr done or taking credit for somcone else's
deeds .
!-I o\\,cver, just because a chMacter docs
somcthing to boost his fam e docs nOI mean
he can sit back and coasl on that e,"el1l forev-
er, E\'entually people may pUl a charactcr in
the back of their mind and perhaps e\'en for- JOllr Fame II·tll survivts )'Ol/r death - for a wllilt.

l8i
 4.31 Awards
here arc many types of awards in life, be they
T monetary, fame, position or success. So 100 arc
there a va ri cty of awards in Ihe A rt.{ & Eights
ga me. CIHlractcrs may rece ive awards in fjyC catc-
gones: monetary (from success in business, im'cst-
men IS, gambling, bounties, robbery, eIC. ), Reputation
Points for followin g the Code of the West), Building
Points (from learning while using skills and sllcceeding
at a profession o r experiencing life), experience (from
sUIYiving gunfights), and Fame Points (from news of a
character's activities spreading f;:lf and wide).
* How AWARDS WORK * For e.rample. if your character sillgle-Iwlldedly savts all illfollt
Each 'YI)t of award affects a different a~peCI of your
cha racter. Reputation Points provide your character
with luck and a sixth sense to help in sur\'i\'al and
adva ncemellt. ~ l onetary awards directly correlale to
power and freedom. Those with mOlletary resources
can work for themselves and aCI ually hire others to do
their bidding, an important ability in a land where vio-
lence and death come swift to men or act ion. Building
Points increase Skills and Ta1ellls. Experie nce increas-
es your c haracter's odds of su rvi\'al in a confrontation.
Finally, Fame can aITett many a~pects of the game.
including those mentioned before. This section
describes these various methods of rece iving awards
and their significan ce to the charatte r.
AWARDING REPUTATION POINTS
Reputa tion Point s arc awa rded for following the
Codc of the Wesl. The variou5 amounts and types of
Reputation awards arc discu~sed in Cftllpter 4.21
Reputlltioll and Fal1ll!. Reputation Points may be gained
at any rime in a game session, as long as a proper trig-
ge ring evcnt has occul"rl'd. Characters of honor and
upstanding quality should look for any opportunity to
obtain Reputation Points. T hey are the ea~iest of all
a\vards to gain. and the easiest to lose.
Reputation Poims are extremely important 10 the
character because rh ey can allow him to avoid fate and
sway events ever so slig htly in his favor. The diITerc uce
between a gunshot to Lhe forehead and a hole in your
new Stetson can be measured in inches or e\'cn frac-
tions of inches. Reputation Points ca n help )'ou with
that on rare occasion. In short, do what you can to
build up a solid Reputation score and many
Reputation Points. Out in .he Shattered Frontier,
you'll need them.
,"8
AWARDING FAME POINTS
Fame Points arc awarded ror activities that arc not
onl~ significant in t.hc eyes of othe rs, but arc also wide-
ly reported. Such reports may be transmitted by any
means. but transmillcd the)" must be. The method can
be as simple as an eyewitlH:ss telling the tale to friends
and relations \\'ho then spread the news. The news can
sp read by newspape r or wire or eyen by dime novel.
Each of these manners of publicity for a significant
achievement will help increase your Fame. though dif-
rerent situatio ns in crease Fame at diITerent rales.
from II !J.tfimpt:dt. his mother migltt tffltlte news rif )"our sllillt-
hood to '("t~)'0/U' thatwillli!J.t(ll. On the otftrr hllnd.. I'Ollr fame
"In Ihot IIIlIch tht hella !f II.., bratlltr ftapjJflls 10 be the loenl
IltU'JPaperj Ollrnalist.
T he various amollnts and types of Fame awards arc
discussed in Chaptlr -1.21 RrpllflIti(1/I alld Fame. Fame can
be earned at any time in a game session. as long as a
proper triggering event has occurred.
MONETARY AWARDS
Characters recei\·c monetary awa rds (cash and ot her
\·aluablt:~ like ~old. deeds to land, claims, goods, ctc.)
at any lime in a game ~es~ion that they earn it. Certain
monetary gains occur al a set time. Exam ples include
sal ary from paid positions, income from businesses
whose books arc adjllsu:d monthl~' and so forth. Other
t}1)CS of income happen when they happen. For cxam-
pic. ir your gam bler \\"ill~ a pOI of money, he adds that
10 his total cash immediately.
EXPERIENCE AWARDS
Whilc charatters receive all sorts of awards rrom
experic'ncing all SOrtS of ('\'eI1lS in the Shattered
Frontier. experience awards is really a tcrm that refers
to one specifi c kind of e\'ent: surviving a gunfight.
Each time your characte r survives a gunfight (as
described in Chapter 3.2IAd~'(l/!red Scra/m·, record that
fact becausc all characters improve their nerve afte r
survi\'ing a gunfight. This irnpro\'etllcnt is reflected in
increased accuracy and speed modifiers (or decreased
penalties). Of course, the more shoolOuts your char-
aCter survi\'es, the less dividends experience pays, with
the first few being the best learning experience and
later it getting LO be old hal. T he details of this
improvcment arc desc ribed in Cfta/Her 3.2l Advallced
Scm/Jes.
 Beyond a meager and decreasing impro\'ement in
handling yourself in a scrape, your character will not
earn much for scrapping and bra\vling. The only other
rewards in those activities will be in the figlll itself and
learning how to handle yourself and your weapon.
Besides, learning how not to get your ass kicked is a
reward in itself. As you'll soon learn, gunfights are
incredibly lethal not to mel1lion unp redic table. The
more d iligcnt you arc in a\'oiding gun play a nd bar
fights the better YOllr chances of li"ing to sec the rise
of the sun in the morn. ?\ Iakc no mistake there will
be limes aplenty when you'll havc 10 shoot. But as a
general rule you shouldn't makc a habit of looking for
one. Especially si nce there i~n't mtlch to be had as an
incenti\·e.
BUILDING POINT AWARDS
Building Points BPs are awarded during the cam-
paign as a cha racte r applies himself by taking on chal-
lenges, pu rsuing personal goals and life experience.
The amount of BPs garnered and the ~peed in \\'hich
they arc earned is entirely tip 10 the player. Slackers
who arc sim ply content to eke by aren't likely to gro\\
JVhell )'ou
and develop. ~cithe r are those who tend to follow
rather than lead. In life, those who get off their duffs
and get out and carve a niche for themselves in the
world are going to fare bette r.
You can earn Building Poims in three ways:
gr Profession Paths
rdir Pers onal Goals
~ Re markable E vents
Profession Paths
A Profession Path i, simply a staled commitment by
a player that indicates ho\\ his character is going to
make hi~ way in the \\orld. ,\t the onset of each gamc
session, evcry player at tbe table should announce (or
record for the \'ie\\ing of others his character's pro-
fession. It is quitc all rig:hl. though perhaps not \'(" 1) '
prodllcti\'e, to change pro fession~ at the ~tart of each
~ame ~e\sion. \\'hat\ mo re , your chal'acter is free to
pUI"lIe any profc~\ion his heart desires. Keep in mind
hi~ ~kill5 or lack thereof \\"ill probably ha\'e a lot to do
with his ~uecess in any gi\'en profession.
begill ),our Prrifession Path. )'Olt'll probably IWL't 10 slarl small.
189
 A Profession Path may be a specific professional
occupation like a dOClor or a lawyer, but beyond the
vcry few "professio ns" ex ist a whole world of voca-
tions, jobs and behaviorally defined lifes tyles (like Out-
law). Your character's Profession Path can also be an
unpaid position , stich as a scat on the town council
(politician), or perhaps a scientist (naturali st). It 's real-
I}' up to you what your cha racter's Profession Path
entails and how you pursuc il.
Once you 've chosen a profession you must stick with
that path for the duration of the current session. At
lhe cnd of the session the Gi\ 1 and lor players will con-
sult with the Profession Table for your profession and
will award BPs based on YOllr mcccsses during that ses-
sion . Any ObjeCLi,'c achieved on your Path will afford
you one or more BPs. Note well that the Objecti\'c
must be obtained during that session. So if or Hrll1k
Sharper just became a Lawman. but had previously
caught and hung a horse thief, he doesn't gain BPs for
that. He'll ha\'e to catch another onc while he's
declared Lawman as his Profession to gain the BPs.
For example, Jolzmzy Coopt'{ has just jllmped riff the stage in
,\luskeegie,]i"eshjrom llu Mst. With Ollly aftit' d(l!l(lr~ ill lIis
pocket his immediate cOllu rn isjiudillg aJob and crltmg a fOO/
Ol!er IllS head. JolLnnJ' tll/u(d the gallic /I·itl! sOllie carpu/Uf and
blncksmi[h skil/.r JO he decidn to II]' to .find a .lob that Illili':l'l
those skills.
For this sessioll I,e flllllOUnctJ to lIlt table thai hiJ Prc!ftwol/
Path is Blacksmith. &ing a blarkSllllth lIIay //01 be J o/imzy'J
long lerm goal; ii's simply a way to establish himself alld get his
jooting IIl1til hL t all mOl't on /0 olhLr things. He asks arO/md and
finds a blarksmith shop IlInt needs extra htlp shoeing horses.
The job pqys S / a d(I)' wilh a fiee room over the J/ud. Jollm!}
is /lOW actively working his rholul /mifusion and call work his
way thTIJugh the Blnchlllitlt Prifessio/l Path (a 'plaiIlLd below).
The following msioll, Johnny rail thoose Blacksmith agaill or
he can lIIove to allollter lint if 1(·ork.
Profession Paths arc all about your charactcr push-
ing and im proving himself. If you choosc to bc a cow-
boy and end lip working for an established rancher you
may garner a few BPs the first few sessions. Should
you bc content to round up cattle for someone else,
scraping up enough just to pay lor a couple of nights a
month of raising perdition , you'll stop sllccessfully
attaining objectives and earn ing BPs for that Path.
That is, until you apply yourself, taking on more
responsibility, obtaining ),ou r own herd or partnering
rather than working a job. A Profession Path is just
that a path. You must stay in mOlion, otherwise rou
may find your characte r in a rut and nOt growing.
Multipl e O ccupations and the Profession Path
It's cnti rely possible, even probable, that characters
making ~ome headway in the Shattered Fronticr will
take on more than one profession. For exa mple, the
local hardware dealer may be elected sheriff or mayor:
After that. he might ope n a saloon while still main-
taining the hardware store, a position on the (own
council and the sheriff's job. Thi s is a very good situ-
ation for the character to be in he can gain Fame.
Reputati on and moncta!)! awards hand-aver-lIst and
likely shape the fultlre of the (Olin. Howc\'er, he still
can ha\'e only olle chosen Profession Path at a rime
(although he can still Chatl ge that at the start of any
game ~essio n l . Therefore, he only ca rns BPs for com-
pleting Objectives listed on his current Profession
Path. In other words, characters can't double-dip with
respect to BPs earncd from professions.
Each Profession Path libts Obj ectives that you will
monitOr (and th e other players andlor G,\-I will verify)
to dc tcrmine if yO\1 are awarded Building Points. The
P rofc~sion Paths and their Objccti\'cs arc listed in
Chapter 4.41 Prqfrssio/Z Patlts.
SaITlple Profession Path: GaITlbler
Improve to 49% ill relevant skill. Improve to
49°/0 or better in G ambling skill. Award: I I~P.
Obtain faro board/box, bird c age or c raps
table & dice, c ards atld poker chips or roulette
wheel . Purchase or oth e rwi ~e obtain a gambling toolk-
it for your preferred game. Award: 2 BP.
R.",! a high-stakes faro/poker/dice/rolliette
gan1e. Run a game whe re the minimum bet is 55.
Award: 3 BP.
Run a per-mtutetlt jaro / poker/dice/roulette
game. Game must be diligently ope rated for onc
mOl1lh. Character may pursue other interests and
Personal Goals in ofT-hours. but mu~t run the game as a
se rious matter for 4-0 or marc hours per week for a solid
momh. Award: 4 BI'.
Manage others running high stakes
faro/poker/dice/ro1l1ette g am es. At least one
other employee/apprentice runs a high stakcs game
from which you take the house's winnings. Award: 5 BP.
Own gambling establishntent. Set up a per ma-
nent building fo r operation of the gambling business.
Award: 10 HP.
Open two more gambii1lg establishments. In
the same town or in another, purchase additional lots
and build additional gambling establishments (lor a
total of thrce). Character must actively manage each
for a month or longer. Character may pursue other
interests and Personal Goals in ofT-hours, but must pur-
sue business management as a se rious matter for 40 or
more hours per week for a solid month without inter-
ruption. Award: 20 BP
 Following a Profession Path
T he Pro fession Path must be followed roughly in
order; no more than one Obj ective may be skipped
without completion. Skipped Objectives may be com-
pleted later and another Object ive then later skipped.
For example, Stanley 'junior" Frttsoul htil thosm Gambler
as llis Priftssion Palh. After improvillg his Gambler skill 10
49 % (lower is beller wilh Skills). he obtains ajaro board alld
gains 2 BPs. The next smion. Ju lJ' II 'ilkts. oU'n" rif tht
Bucking Tiger Saloon agrus 10 It I JUll ior u'Ork as a pnmantlll
jaro draler in Ihe Tigrr (for 50% rif Ihe lake. rif COlmtj.
Junior, although ht skipptd rUlming a high slakrs jaro game,
grls tht 4 BPs ht's tarntdjor a prrmanrnl galllt and 1110), tun
slarl u'Orkillg 0 11 filldillg SOllie tmplo)'us 10 mQlmge in ordrr 10
gain his 5 BP Objrctive. If Ite sOlllellow got mougll mOlley 10
buy llis own galllbling hall, he u:ouldn't gtl tht 10 BPs for that
Objrctivt as he'd hat't now skipped two Objrctius fIInning Iht
Iligh slaku gamt alld m(lI/aging otlttrs. Ju niord bt best oJ!
(from a BP-tarnillg persprclivej if III lL'l1l1 hack alld rail Iltat
high staku gamt.
Re-Entering a Profession Path
As we mentioned above, your character can change
Profession Path anytime your hea rt desi res it.
Now, let's suppose/1m/just qflrr tarnillg his BPsfor rumlillg
a permalltlltjaro gallle. 01' Stanley 'jullior" F (ill the previ-
ous txamplt) duidts 10 quil the lift oj a gambltr in ordrr 10
buomt a polititian for a Sptll. This is perfictly all nghl.
Now let's assume jurlher Ihal JUllior tires rif being a politi-
cian shortly aftrr losing his first eltction In an embarrtilsing
landslide due in no smail part to a standal involving a house rif
ill repule. So now Junior wants 10 go batk to gamblillg and re-
enlers Ihe Gamhlillg Priftssioll Palh. Tlt is is quilefil/e alld a-
okay. He tall pick right up where he lift off as a gamhler (hut
can't repeat previously tompleted objtctivlS for additional BPs).
P,rsona1 (;oa1s
Personal Goals represent your character's objectives
that arc unrelated to his profession. Each is a compo-
nent of whe re he hopes to get in life and what he wal1lS
to accomplish. They a ren't ends in themselves. Once
achieved, the character simply chooses another one to
pursue. A character's Personal Goal may be incred ibly
ambitious (" marry the president's daught er") or a little
more modest ("get hitched" ).
The rules for choosing a valid Personal Goal arc:
:T It must be a speci fic goal that can be measured
or achieved
gr It can 't be related directly to a Profession Path
91'"' It can', be repeated to earn BPs
Buying your first horse might be a good goal early in
the game, and it might e\'e n help you catch o n at the
next cattle dri\'e for your chosen profession of cowboy,
but it is not considered to be directly related to your
profession. On the other hand , capturing an outla\,· is
not a Personal Goal if your profession is lawman it 's
part of you r profession and not a Persona! Goal.
TABLE 4.3-1: SAMPLE PERSONAL GOALS
.P,
SUrl l hmi ly (ldopt/ hHe I firslbom ) ........ . ..... 1
Buy I .. elpon ....... ..... .... .................... 1
ClplUre I budito/ robber .. ...... .................. 1
Survive gunfight .. ,., ............ . .. • ....•. . .. .. . 1
Rob store ..................... • .. .•.. . .• ... . . .. 1
J
eela~b ............. . . ...•...•. . . • •... .• ... . ... 1
eet muried ., ............. . •.... . .. • ....•... .... 2
Bu y J horse ............... • . ...• .. .•....•....... 2
Clpture I minor outll .................. , ..•. ... ... 2
Rob a bank .................• .......•....•....... 2
Sponsor J festivll .......... , ............. • ....... 2
Ploy off 111 debls ............... .. .......... , ..... 2
Keep I ,ob (for one month) .................. ... ... 2
Rustle clt tle herd .................•............... 2
Buy bnd ...........................•.. . ..... 2
Buy, house ................... . . . ..•....•... . . . .3
Capture, mljor outllw ..........•. . ..•.... •.... ...3
Become, II'I"mln ..... . ................... 3
Become 1 lou l offici, 1 ............................ 3
Bu y I 5ugecoach ., ...... ... ...................... 3
Succcss(ul long-disIUlCc delivery (ala Pony Express) ..........3
Rob, Inin ........... , ...................... . ... 3
Successful Utile drive ............................ .4
S uccessfu lly opentc busi ness ((or one monTh) ....... .4
S uccessfu ll y opeUle fum (for one monTh ) .......... .4
Bu y I business ............ , ..................... .4
S uccessfu lly open!e !Inch (for one monTh ) ...........5
S uccessfully operate, mine (for one monTh) ..........5
Buy I finch ...... , ........................ .. .....5
. y.m~........ ... . . .....J
Bui ld, house .............•... • • ... •• ...•........6
Become a state offiei, l ..... • .... • ... . .... • ........6
Open a husiness .... ..... ......... . . , ....... .... ..8
SUfi' hrm ......................... , ...........8
OpeD pub lic institUTion (school. museum ) ............8
Buy 1 locomo tive ............ , ....................9
SUfi a unch , ........ .. ................... , . , .... 10
Become, nuioul offic i, l ....... • ................. 10
~'.m~..W
191
 To get you started with your first Personal Goal , take
a look at Table 4.3-1: Sample Personal Goals. Obviously,
this list is not exhaustive, as the possibilities arc nearly
endless. If a particular goal docs not appear on the
list, bring i1 to the next game session. A majority vote
and/or Gi\! consent will allow it.
Your cha racter receives Building Points at the end of
Ihc session when he accomplishes his chosen goal.
Every player shou ld declare his character's Personal
Goal be it building a house, finding a spouse, opening
a business, and so on before each game session . We do
this partly to refresh everyone's memory and partly to
prompt other characters into helping - or hindering -
your e!Torts. A Personal Goal must be fully completed
in order to receive BPs for it.
For example, suppose James "'hite has a Personal Goal rif
blf}'ing a house. Hefinds olle available bllilhe pm'ious oU"l/er
only Iwff-fhlished il. if James blip andjinislus the hOl/se. he
u'on't receive the BPs for bll)'lng a IWI/Sf until he (or somtone he
hires) jinishes it. . \ ow lei's suppOSt fIIat in the abou sallario,
JamiS' Personal Goal was to build a houst. For this PerSOllal
Goal he'd receiu IW BPs at af! since he Oil!; finished build-
ilig a house and did 1I0t aetuall;' build the wllOle hOl/se IlImse{f

Remarkable Events
Sometimes, perhaps often, certain unplanned e\"cnlS
outside of your character's goal and profession force
your character to reckon with them. They are chal-
lenges the cha racter must confront or a\'oid, but
weren't sought out. For example, suppose a charac-
ter's goal is to purchase a house near a town and fur-
ther his profession as a rancher. While he's heading for
the next town to evaluate some livestock, he meets a
group of settlers who have been ambushed by a band
of savages. One of the pioneers' children has been
kidnapped. You accept the ir plea for help and head
otT to retrieve the child. After a long journey that
involves tracking the band, negotiating her release,
and an aCt of betrayal, you manage to return the child
to her family.
The event had nothing to do with your cha racte r's
current Profession Path or Personal Goal, but you
learned something from the experience that built char-
acter. In this case, you're awarded one BP and likely
greater rewards in the areas of Reputation and Fame.
Remarkable Events can occur at any time and in any
frequency, but in all cases the reward is a maximum of
one BP. Further, no more than one BP can be earned
per month in this manner; the lion's share of your
character's BPs will be earned through allaining
Personal Goals and success in her Profession Path.

192
 Chapter 4.41 Profession Paths
As stated in ChaP/a 1.3ItlwardJ, a Profession Path is
a commitment by a player that indicates ho,\<his char-
acte r is going to make his way in the ','orld . Once a
p rofession has been c hosen. the player mu st Slick with
that path for the dur"tion of the current session. At
the end of th e session. the Gamei\ laslcr and /or pl ay-
ers will co nsult with the Profession Tahle for that pro-
fessio n and awa rd Building Pa ims ba~cd on the char-
acter's sm:cesses durin~ that session. Any Objective
achic\'ed on the Path provides one or more BPs.
Each Profession Path lists Objecli\'cs thai you will
monitor (and the other players and /or G:\I will verify)
to determine if you arc awarded BPs. The Profession
Path must be follo,\ cd roughly in order; no more than
one Objective ma~ be passed oyer wit hom completion.
Skipped Objectjvf's Illay be complet ed at a late r time
Hold a vi e wingl display in another town. H old
a nd another Objec tive the n late r skipped .
a vie\\ing/an show in another tO\\,n to display your
\\orks. Itcms shou ld be up for S<l1e. f\warcl: 3 BP.
APOTHECARY
Crea t e an extrao rdinar y work recognized by
Set up for business . Setting up in a known area
Eas t Coast. Create an ext raordinary item in the pro-
for ~a l e and/or c reation of wares. For Starter~ this can
fe ~sionexceed .\rti~tic Skill roll by 100°'0: . An item
be and typically is a rellted locatio n, (',·en a ram-
with a modified skill roll in excess of 125°0 is recog-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I BI~
nized by the East Coast as a wonhy contribut ion 10 the
Get a permanent business . Setting up a perma- arts. Award: 5 BP.
nent slore front/building for operat ion o r the business.
Create an ex traordinary work recognized by
Award: 2 BP.
Europ e. Creat e an extr3ordinaI)' ite m in the profes-
Improve to 49°/. in rel evant s kiU . Improve to ~ ion exceed Artistic Ability skill roll by 1000 '0). Art
491)'0 o r better in the .\pothecary skill. .\ ward: 3 BP. it e m with a modified skill roll in excess of 14-9°0 is rec-
Hire an apprenti ce/ e mployee. Taking on a ne\\ o~nizcd in Europe a~ a \\'onhy contribution (Q the an s.
e mployee o r an apprentice. It need nOt he a paying .\ ward: 10 BP.
posi tion (especially in the case of ;Ul apprent ice).
Award : 2 BP. ASSASSIN
Create a n ex t raordina r y ite m. Create an Assassinate unknown p e r s on n ea rby.
ex traordinary item in the professio n (exceed Assa<;sinate a Little Known or Local personage Fame
Apothecary skill roll by 100°/0: . Awa rd : 10 HP. 20 or less, without being seen or caught , in exc.hangc
fo r moncy or other compensation. Award: I BP.
ARTIST Assassinate a Minor Ce l eb rit y nearby.
Display publicly. Create a work a nd display it for . \ ~s a ss i nate a ~ l i n or Celebrity (Fame 21-70), wilhout
sale in public. Award: I BP. be in~ seen or caught, in excha nge for money or ot he r
compensation. Award: 2 BP.
Gel hiredl commissioned. Get hired or commis-
sioned to complete a work not-yet-stancd. Award: 2 BP. Assassinate unknown person in n ext town .
Assa~s inate a Linl(' Known or Local personage (Fame
Imp rove to 49 % in r e levant skill. Irnpro\·e to
20 or less) in a nearby town, without being seen or
+9% or better in the Artistic Ability skill. Award: 3 BP.
caugh t, in exc hange for money or other compensation .
Hold a viewing/display. H old a "iewi ng/art Award: 3 BP.
show in town to displ ay your works. h e ms should be
Assassinate a Major Celebrity in next town .
up for sale. Award : I Bl~
Assassinate a ~ I ajor Celebrity , Fame 7 1-\ 00) in a near-
by town, without being seen or caught , in exc hange fo r
moncy or other compensation. AW<lrd : 4 UP.

193
 Assassinate unknown perSOD out of territory.
Assassinate a Little K nown or Local personage (Fame
20 or less) in another territory, without be ing ~ee n or
caught, in exchange for money or oth er compensat ion .
Award: 5 BP.
Assassinate Famous person out of territory.
Assassinate a Famous personage (Fame 101-1 99) In
another territo ry. without being seen or caught, In
exchange for money or other compensation.
Award: 6 SP.
Assassinate multiple people in ne);t town.
Assassinate at least two persons (Fame of J + ), without
being see n or caught, in exchange for money or other
compensation. Award: 7 BP.
Assassinate multiple Famous people out of tel.""-
dtory. Assassinate at least twO Famous pe r ~onages
(Fame 101-199) in another territory, without being
seen or caught, in exchange for money o r other com-
pensation. Award: 8 BP.
AUTHOR
Write first hook. Write a book of 20.000 to
40,000 words. Award: 2 BP.
Get article published . Have an article published
in a newspaper or magazine. Award: I BP.
Improve to 35 % in relevant skill. Impron: to
35%. or better 111 the Reading
Comprehension/ Pen manship skill. Award: 3 BP.
Write a full-length book. Write a book of at least
90,000 wo rds. Award: 3 BP.
Sell a book to a publisher. Convince publisher to
buy and publish one of your books. Award: 5 BP.
BAKER
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
for sale and/or creation of baked goods. For starte rs
this ca n be (a nd typically is) a rented location, eve n a
ramshackle tCn! on a mere lot. Award: 1 BI~
Get a permanent business. Selling up a perrna-
nent storefront/ building for operation of the business.
Award: 2 BP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill . Improve to
49% or betler in Cooking. Award: 3 BI~
Operate business for one month. Business lTlust
be diligently opc~ r atcd for o ne month . Character may
pursue other interests and Personal G oals in ofT-h ours,
but mUSt pursue business operations as a se rious mat-
le I' for 40 or more hours pcr week for a solid mOlllh
without interruption. Award: 3 BP.
194
Hire an apprentice/ employee. Taking on a nell!
employee or an apprentice. It need not be a paying
position (especially in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BP.
Crea t e an e xtraordinary signature baked good.
Create an extraord inary item in the profession (exceed
Cooking skill roll by 100%). Thi s becomes the char-
acter's signature food. Award: 10 BP.
BANKER
Get a partner/hacker or funding. COIn-incc
another person to act as your partner, or provide you
with funding [Q set up shop. Award: I BP
Set up s hop. SCI up in a known area for transac-
tions. T his can be a rented location, though it must be
secu re so that custOmers haw: no fear of losing their
money. Awa rd: 2 BI~
Make first transaction. AI least one person opens
an account at your bank. This pe rson should not be
an employee 01" relati\'e of an emplo)'ec. Award: 2 BP.
Buya lot. Purchase a lot in tall n suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 SP.
Operat e business for on e month . Bank must be
djlig('ntl~
operated for one month. Character may
pursue other intt'"rest~ and Personal Goals in ofT-hours,
but mu~t keep bank hours and pursue operations as a
serious matter for 40 or more hours per week for a
solid month without interruption. Award: 3 BP.
Hire employees . T aking on a new employee or an
apprentice. It need not be a paying position (especial-
ly in the case of an apprentice). Award: 2 BP.
Build bank . Set up a permanent bank building.
Award: 5 SP.
Operate bank for one month. Pe rm anent bank
must be diligently operated for one month. Character
may pursue other interests and Pe rsonal Goals in ofT-
hours, bur must keep bank hours and pursue opera-
tions as a se rious matter for 40 or more hours per week
for a solid month without interruption. Award: 3 BP.
Hire employees. Take on one or more new
employees to act as tellers and clcrks. Award: 2 BP.
Repel/foil a robbery attempt. An attempted
robber y on your bank fails. due to you r foresight (such
as a vault with an impassable lock, hiring a parti cu lar-
ly bra\'e teller or guard), or your personal intervention
(using you r wits or weapons). Award: 5 BP
Build another bank in each of two or more
other towns. In two or more other towns, purchase
addidonal lots and build additi onal banks (for a lotal
minimum of three). Character must actively manage
each for a month or longer. Character may pursue posttton espec ially III the case of an apprcntice"
o ther in terests and Personal Goals in off- hours, but Award; 2 BP.
must pursue business management as a serious ma iler
for 40 or morc hours pe r week for a solid month with- BASKETMAKER
o ut interruption. Award: 15 BI~ Set up for business. Selli ng lip in a known area
for sale and/or creation of wares. For starters this can
BARBER be and typically is) a rented location, eve n a ram-
Set up for business. Se lling up in a known area shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I HI~
for pro\'i ~io n of services. For sta rters this ca n be and Get a permanent business. Selling up a penna-
typically is a rented location, evcn a ramshackle tCnt !lent storefront/ building for ope ration of the business.
on a me rc lot. Award: I BI~ Award : 2 BI~
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suita ble for bui ld- Improve to 19 % in relevant skill . Improve to
ing. Awa rd; 2 BP. 49 0 0 or better in Carpentry skill. Award: 3 BP.
Operate business for one month. Business musl Hire an apprentice/emp loyee. Ta king on a new
be diligently operatcd for on e month. Ch:'filctcr may It need not be a paring
employec or an apprelllicc.
pu rsuc othe r interests and Pe."sonal Goals in ofT-h o u r~, position especially in the ca~e of an a pprentice.
but must pursue business operations as a serious mat- . \ ward: 2 BI~
tcr for J.O or more hou rs pcr \\eek fo r a ~olid month.
Award; 3 B I~ Create an extraordinary item . Create an
extraordinary item in the profes~ion exceed skill roll
Build permanent storefront. SCt up a permanent by Jf)Oo o •• \ward: 10 BP.
sto refront /buildi ng for operation of the business.
r\ ward; 5 HI~
BLACKSMITH
Hire an apprentice/eRlployee. Taking o n a nC\1 Set up for business. Setting up in a known a rea
employee o r an apprentice. It need nOt be a paring for sa le a nd /or creation of \Iares. For Starters this ca n

195
be and typicall) is ' a rented locat ion, e\'en a ram-
shackle tem on a IlWI't· lot. Award: I BP.
Get a perDlanent business. Setting up a pcrma-
ncnt ston:fro nt /building for ope ration of we business.
.\ward: 2 UP.
Improve to 49-/_ in rel evant skill. Improve to
4911 0 or hetter in Black ~ mi t hin g skill. Award: 3 BP.
Hire an appre ntic e/employee. Taking o n a nc\v
employee o r an apprentice. It nced not be a paying
pOSltiOll especia lly in the case of a n apprentice.
Award: 2 SP.
Create an e xtraordinary iteDl. Create an
extrao rdinary item 1lI the profe~sion (exceed
Bla cksrnidling skill roll by 100\l'QI. Allard: 10 BP.
BOARDING HOllSE OPERATOR
Buy a lot. P llrchOl~e a lot in town ~uitable for build-
ill~.A\\'ard: I BI~
Build p e rDlanent structure. Build or pUf'{"hasc a
house with at lcast two bedrooms. Award: 5 BP.
Set up for busines s . Open boarding hOllse to pay-
in g lemlnl S. Award : I BP.
Hire eDlployees . T a ke o n a ne\\' employec. such as
a d o m eslic servan t. Award: 2 B l~
Operate for one Dlonth. B oa rdin~ hou~e nm"! he
dil igemly operated for o ne month, Character Iml)
pursuc other interests and Pe rsonal Coals in ofT-hours,
but must pu rsuc business ope ration s a s a serious mOlt-
tel' for 40 or more' hours per week for a solid month.
}\\vard: 3 BI ~
Person of Gre at or Legendary Reputation
stays. A ehar<lcter of Gre<l! or Lcgendary Reputation
(o r Grea l or Lege nda ry Notoriety) livcs at your board-
ing house fo r no less than one \Icek. Awa rd: 3 BP.
FaDlOUS person stays . ..-\ Fa mous person (Fame
101-1 99) li\'e5 Olt your bO<lrding h ou~c for no less thOln
onc week. Award :,) BP.
BOOK PlIBLISHER
Ope n for business . Ope n business in a knO\\'Il
area. For smrtt· I~. this ca n be 01 rented building.
Award: 1 BP.
Acquire equipme nt. Purchase printing equi pment
and learn how to lise it. Award: I BP.
Buy a lot. PurChOlSC 01 lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 UP.
Build a shop. Build a permanent st ructure for
opcrOlti o n of the b u s inc s~. Award: 2 BP.
196
Publish firs t hook. Publish your first boo k of at
least 20.000 words. Award: 3 BP.
Discove r a new a u thor. Bu)' a book from 0111
unpublished author a nd publish it. AWOlrd : 2 BP.
Publish a best seller bac k East. Publish a popu-
lar book in the profe ssion lauthor exceeds Reading
ComprclH~nsion/ l}e nma llShi p skill roll by 100°'0 . A
modified skill roll in cxccs~ of 125°0 is recognized by
the Easl Coasl as 01 bcst ~dlcr. Award: 5 BP.
BOOTMAKERISHOEMAKER
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
for ~a l c (Ind/or creation of wares. For starters this can
be 1011)(1 typiCOllly is) a rent ed 10cOllion, even <l ram·
~hacklc tent on <l m cre lot. Award: I BP.
G e t a p e rDlanent business. Selling up a perma -
nent ~ tort'frolH / huildin g for o peratio n of th e business.
.\ ward: '1 BP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant s kill. Improve 10
-19°'0 0 1' better in the Cobbling ~ kill . . \ ward: 3 SP,
Hire an appre ntice/ e mployee. Taking 011 a ne\\
e mployt'e 0 1' a n apprentice. It need not be 01 paring
posttton c~pccia ll )' in the case of an apprentice"
AWOlrd: 2 B I~
C r e ate an extraordinary iteDl . Creale an
e xtrOlo l'din;lr) ilt'm in the p .. ofcs~io n exceed Cobbling
skill roll by IOOon . .\\\ard: 10 B I~
BOllNTY HlINTER
Capture a c riDlinal. Cap\llre a person accused of
a crim!·. Awa rd : I UI~
Bring in a loc al crimin a.1. Capture a pe r ~o n
a ccused of a c l'illl t' and take h ill! 10 an o fficiallOlwman
1'01' )'ou r reward . Award: 2 HI'.
Bring in a Notorious outlaw (Reputation -lor
worse) , d e ad or alive. Capture or kill a Noto rious
outla\\ Rq)utation -I o r worse ! Olnd take him to 0111
olTi('iOllla\\nlOlIl for you r reward. Award : 3 BP.
Bring in a Notorious outlaw (Reputation -lor
worse ), alive . Capture 01 ;-\olOrious outlaw
Rcputatio n -I or worse Olnd take him to itll official
lawman for roul' rc\\tlfd. Award : 4 BP.
Bring in a Notorious outlaw (Reputation -lor
worse) out of the t e rritory/state, dead or alive.
Capture o r kill a ~o to ri ous olltlaw (Reputation - I o r
worse) who dwells outside of Ihe lerritory o r stale
where you reside, a nd take him to an official lawman
for rou r rcward . Award: 6 BP,
Bring in a Notorious outlaw (Reputation -l or
worse) out of the territory/state, alive. Capture
a Notorious OUi law Reputation -lor wor:>e j who
dwells ou tside of the te r ritory or stal(' where you
reside, and take him to an oflicia[ lawman for you r
rewa rd . Award: 8 BP.
Bring in a whole gang (4+ m.embers ), dead or
alive. Captllrc or kill a gang of crim inals consisting of
at lea~t [our members. and lake them or their bodie~ to
an official lawman for your reward. Award: I 0 BI~
Bring in a whole gang (6+ numbers), alive.
Capture a ga ng of crimi nals consisling of at least six
members, and take them to an official lawman for )'our
reward. Award: 15 UP.
BREWER
Set up for business. Selling up in a known area
for sate and/or creatioll of wares. For staners this can
be ami typically is', a rented lo,ation. e,·en a ram-
shac kle tent on 11 me re 101. Awa rd: [ BP.
Get a permanent business. Setting up a perma-
nent storefront/building for ope ration of the businC$S.
Awa rd : 2 BP.
Hire an apprentice/ e mployee. Takin 't on a nc\\
cmployee or an apprentice. II need not be a payinR"
position (especially in the case of an apprentice.
Award: 3 Br.
Improve to 49-/_ in relevant skill . Improve to
49% or better in Rrewinl! ~ kill. Award: 2 13 1~
Create an eJl:traordinary s ignature brew.
Create an extraordinary item in the prof('~sion exceed
Brewing ski ll roll by 100%). T his bc'comes thc charac-
ter's signatu re beer or other liquor. Award: I 0 BI~
BRICKMAKER
Set up for business. Setting lip in a known area
for sale and/or creation of wares. For starters Ihis can
be (and typically is) a rented location, ('\'e n a ram-
shackle tent on iI mere [Ql. Award: [ B I~
Get a permanent business. Setting lip a perma-
nent storefront/building for ope ration of the business.
Award: 2 BP.
Improve to 49 % in rel evant skill. Improve to
19% or bette r in Stonemasonry skill. Award: 3 Br.
Hire an apprentice! emp loyee. Taking on a nc\\
employee or an apprentice. It necd not b<.· a paying
position (especially in th e case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BP.
Creat e an eJl:traordinary item. Create an
extraordinary item in the profession (exceed Skill roll
by 100°"01. Award: 10 BP.
BUFFALO HUNTER
Equip yourself. Purchase:t rine and bullets, plus
any other equipment you desire (hors(" for travel. food,
cart, ctC i. Award: I Hr.
Find a herd. Locate a buffalo herd without assis-
tance from anyone e lse. Award: 2 BP.
Shoot buffalo. Shoot and kill at least onc buITa lo.
Award: 2 BP.
Hunt for one month. Character mllst hunt dili-
gently for onc month. Character may pursue other
interests and Personal Goals in oIT-hou rs, but must
hunt a~ a "erious mailer for ·W o r more hours per \\eek
for a solid month . . \ward: 3 IJ I~
Transport hides. Brin~ 20tH buO:tlo hides 10 a
known area. Award: 2 SP.
Sell hides . Sell all of the bufT.'llo hide~ .. \\\·ard: 5 BP.
Hire e mployees. T ake on an apprtlltice or hdper.
It need not 1)1' a paying position ,espcci'llly in the case
of an appr("ttllre .•\I\a1'(l: 2 BI~
BUSINESS OWNER (CAFE. HARDWARE STORE,
GENERAL STORE, ETC)
Set up for busines s. Setting lip in a kno\\ n arca
for sale and/or crcation of ware:). For starters this can
be (and typically iSI a rented location, cI'cn a ram-
shackle tent on a Iller(' lot. Award: I UP
Buya lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 BP.
Operate business for one month. Bu s ines.~ must
bt: diligent ly operated for one month. Character may
pursue other interests and Pe rsonal Coals in oIT-hours.
but mu~t pu rsue busi uess operations as a serious lIlat-
ter lor -10 or more hours per week for .. ~olid month.
A\\ ard: 3 UP.
Build p e rmanent storefront. Sct up a permancnt
storefront/building for operation of ,he business.
Award: 5 BP.
Hire an apprentice/employee. Take all a 11(,\1
employee, manager or an apprentice. It need not be a
paring position especially in thc case of an appren-
tice). Award: 2 BI~
BUTCHER
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
for sale and/or creation of \\ares. For staners this ca n
be and typically is a rented location, el'en a ram-
shackle tent on a mcre lot. Alvard: I HI'.
Buy a lot , Purchase a 101 in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 BP.
197
 MEAT MARKET .1 Improve to 49°/" in
relevant skill. Improve
to 49% or better in the
Carpentry ski ll. Award:
3 BP.
Hire an appren-
tiee/employee. T aking
on a new employee or an
apprentice. It need not
be a paying position
(especially in the case of
an apprentice). Award:
2 BP.
Create an extraordi-
nary item. Create an
extraordinary item in the
profession (exceed
Carpentry skill roll by
100'' 10). Award: 10 BP.

Operate business for one month. Busi ness must
be diligen tly operated for one month. Character may
pursue other interests and Personal Goals in off-hours.
but must pursue business operations as a se rious mat·
tcr for 40 or more hours pC I' week for a solid mo nth.
Award: 3 BP.
Build permanent sto refront. Sct up a permanent
storefront/building for operation of Ihe business.
AW<lrd: 5 BI~
Hire an apprentice/ e mployee. Take on a new
employee or an apprentice. It need not be a paying
position (especially in the case of an apprentice.
Award: 2 Bf>.
CARPENTER
Set up for business. Setting up in a known a rea
for sale and lor crcalion of wares. For start ers this can
be (and typically is) a rented location , even a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: 1 BP.
Get a permanent business. Setting up a penna-
ncm storefrom/building for operation of the business.
Award: 2 BP.
COOK
Improve t o 49% in
relevant skill. ImprO\'e
to 49()'o or better in the
Cooking skill. Award: 3
BP
Set up for business.
Setting up in a known
area for sale and/or cre-
alion of wares. For starters Ihis can be (and typically
is a remed location, even a ramshackle tent on a mere
101. Award: I IW
Get a permanent position I chuck wagon. Get a
job at a restaurant, boarding house, ranch, etc.
Award: 3 BP.
Create an extra ordinary signature dish. Create
an extraordinary item in the profession (roll exceeds
Cooking skill by 100°'°). This becomes the character's
signature dish. Award: 10 BP.
COOPER
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
for sale and lor creation of wares. For starters this can
be (and typically is) a rented location, even a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I BP.
Get a permanent business. Setting up a penna-
!lent sto refront /building for operation of the business.
Award: 2 UI~
Improve to 49 % in relevant sk ill. Im prove to
49% or better in Carpentry skill. Award: 3 BI~

198
 Hire an apprentice/ e mployee. Taki ng on a new
employee or an apprentice. II need not be a paying
position (especia lly in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BP.
Create an extraordinary item. Create an
extraord inary item III the profession (exceed
Carpentry skill roll by 1000 0. Award: 10 BP.
COWBOY
Get a job at a ranch/herd. Get hi red to work on
a ranch. Award: I SP.
Work a round-up. Award: 2 BI~
Buy a horse. Purchase you r own horse. Award: 2 BP.
Break a horse. Brea k a horse to the saddle. Thi s
need not be your own horse. Award: 3 BP.
Work a long cattle drive. Work on a cattle drive
from beginning to end (leaving the ranch, to market or
railhead in a nother state or territory\. Award: 5 HI'.
Pointer on a drive. Work as the lead dri,·er on a
cattle drive. Award: 10 Bl'.
Buy/acquire own herd. Acquire a herd of your
own at least 15 cows . . \ ward: 5 BP.
Drive own herd to railhead/market. Drive your
own herd to the railhead or market, and sell them for
a profit. Award: 20 UP.
DENTIST
Set up for business . Setting up in a known area
for sale of services. For sta rlers this ca n be and typi-
cally is a rented location, even a ramshackle tent on a
mere lot. Awa rd: I S P.
Tre at first pati e nt . Treat your first patient with a
successful Dentistry skill chec k. Award: 2 UP.
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable for build·
ing. . \ward : 2 UP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve to
49° or beller in Dentistry ski ll . Award: 3 BP.
(I
Build permanent s tructure. Set up a permanent
office for operation of your practice. Award: 5 UP.
DETECTIVE
Op e n for bu s iness . SClling up in a known area for
business. For starters this can be and typically is) a
rellled location. even a ramshackle tent o n a mere 101.
Award: I S I~
199
 Get hired. Your cha racte r is hired to do a job in
exchange for monetary payment. Award: 2 SP.
Recover property/money/item. You recover
your client's property, money or other item as YOlllI'ere
hired to do. Award: 3 BP.
Track down a local criIninaI. YOll seek out and
find a local criminal. and place him in the hands of the
law. AlI'ard: + HP.
Solve a lTlystery. Find the truth behind an event or
situation that is difficult to understand or explain.
Award: 5 SP.
Track down a Notorious outlaw. You seek OUI
and find a Notorious outlaw (Reputation - ] or worse),
and place him in the hands of the law. AlI'ard: 5 UP.
Recover property/money/item from another
state/territory. You recover YOllr client's property,
money or other item from ,mother state or te rritory.
AlI'ard: 8 UP.
Track down a Notorious outlaw in another
state/territory. You seek out and find a Notorious
olltlaw (Reputa tion - lor worse) in another Stale or
territOry, and place him in the bands of the law.
Award: 10 HP.
DIPLOMAT
Get appointed at local level. Local gO\-ernmem
hires you on a long-term basis to mediate solutions
between the local government and outside parties.
Award: I B I~
Resolve local dispute/issue. You resolve a dis-
agreement to the satisfaction of all those involved.
Award : 2 Bl~
Get appointed at state/territory level. State or
te rritorial government hires you on a long-term basis
to mediate solutions between them and outside parties.
Award : 5 BP.
Resolve state/territory dispute/issue. You
resolve a d isagreement to the satisfaction of all those
involved. Award: 4 BP.
Get appointed at national level. National gO\'ern-
ment hires you on a long-ter m basis to mediate solu-
tions between them and outside panics. Award: 10 BP.
Resolve national disputelissue. YOLI resolve a
disagreement \0 the satisfaction of all those involved.
Award: 15 BP.
Get appointed at international level. l'v l ultiple
international govenunents hire you on a long-term
basis to mediate sollLlions berween them and other
govc rn ments. Award: 10 UP.
200
Resolve international dispute/issue. You
resolve a disagreement to the satisfaction of all those
involved. Award: 20 BP.
DOCTOR
Set up for business. Selling up in a known area
fo r sale of services. For Starters, this can be (and typi-
cally is) a rented location - even a ramshackle tent on
a mere lol. "'\ward: I BP.
Treat first patient. T reat )'our fi rst patient with a
successful ;vledicine skill check. Award: 3 BP.
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 BP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve to
49%1 or better in the i-,·Iedicine skill. Award: 3 BP.
Build permanent structure. Set up a permanent
onice lor ope ration of your practice. Award: 3 BP.
Perfortn amputation. Amputa te a patien ( s limb
(the patient must survive the operation). This amputa-
tio n must require a (D ifficult) t-. ledicinc skill check.
Award: 5 BP.
Successfully perform a life or death surgery .
Award: 15 BP.
ENIlI NEER
Set up for business. Selli ng up in a known area
for sale of services. For starters, this ca n be (and typi-
cally is) a rented location - cven a ramshackle tent on
a mere lot. Award: I UP.
Design first product/ structure. Design a prod-
uct. building or other structure fo r a paying client.
Award: 2 BP.
Improve to 49 % in re.levant skill. Improve lO 49%
or better in the Engineering Design skill. Award: 3 Bl~
Get a position with a railroad or civil body.
Award: 2 BP.
Patent or create an extraordinary item. Create
an extraordinary item in the profession (exceed
Engineering skill roll by 100 0'0). Award: 10 BP.
ENTERTAINER
Perform publicly . Create an act and perform it in
public. Award: ! BP.
Get ajob. Get hired or commissioned to perform on
a regular basis in an established vcnue. Award: 2 BP.
Improve to 49% in relevant skill. Improve to
49% or better in the Artistic Abilit)' skill. Award: 3 BP.
Headline. Pe rform at a local engagemclll where
you arc the main atlraclion. Award : + BP.
 Headline in another town. Perfo rm OIl an engage·
menl in a nearby town, whe re you arc Ihe main aurae·
tion. Award: 5 HI'.
Form. a sm.aU troupe. Hire 3t least twO employees
o r app rcnlice~. It need nOt he a paying posilion (espe·
ciaUy in the case of an apprentice). Award: 2 BP.
Headline in another nation. Perform with ),our
troupe at an engagemclll in another nation. where you
arc the main attraction. Award: 5 HI'.
EXPRESSMAN
Acquire transportation. Purcha ~e a hor~e, horse
a nd cart, or horses and coach .. \ward : I BI~
Set up for husiness. Setting up in ;:, known area
for sale and/or creation of wares. For slan ers this can
be (and typically is) a rented location, even a ram·
shackle telll on a merc lot. Award: I BP.
Operate business for one m.onth. Business must
be diligently ope rated for one month. Character may
pursue olhcr intereslS and Personal Goals in off·hours.
but must pursue business opcI"rllions as a serious mat·
tel' for 40 or more hours per week for a solid month.
Award: 2 IW
Buya lot. Purchase a lot in town su ilHble for build·
ing. Award: I BI~
Hire employee (s ). T ake on an employee or
apprentice. It need nOt be a paying position ,especial.
Iy in the Case of all apprentice ". Award: I BP.
Build permanent office. Set up a permanent
office where customers can come to se nd and rccei"e
mail. Award: 2 BP.
Build branch offices in two other towns. In two
or more other towns, purchase additional lots and
build additional busi ness offices for a minimum total
of threc. Character must actively manage each for ..
month or longer. Character may pursue other inter·
ests and Perso nal Goals in OfT.llOurs, but must pursue
bll~i n ess management as a serious matter for 40 or
marc hours pcr week for a solid month wi thout inter·
ruption. Award: 6 BP.
FARMER
Buy/claint land . Purchase or claim a parcel of
land suitable for farming. Award: I B I~
Plant crop. Plant and harvest a crop. A\,-ard: I BP.
Hire em.ployees/workers. Take on an cmployee
or apprentice. It need not be a paying position (espt··
dally in the case of an apprentice). A\\ard: 2 BI~
Plant seco nd type of crop. Pl ant and han'est a
second kind o f crop. Award: 2 BP.
I
Illlprove to 49"10 in relevant skill. Improve to
49°., or better in the .\griculturc skill. Award: 3 BI~
Sell surplus. Sell any su rplus CI'Op~ and make a
profit. Award: 3 HP.
FARRIER
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
lor sale and /or creation of wares. For starters this call
be and typically is) a !'cnled localion, e...ell a ram·
,hackle te11l on a mere lot. Award: I BP.
Get a p er manent bus iness. Selling up a penna·
nell! storcfrol1l/buildin,l{ for operation of the bllsine~s.
.\ ward: 2 UI~
Intprove to 75°;" in r elevant skill. Improvc to
75(00 or hCII{'r in Black~mithing skill. Award: 3 BI~
Hire an a pprenti ce/e m.ployee. Taking 011 a new
cmployf"t' (,r an apprentice. It need not be a paying
pmilion c~pccially in Ihe casc of an apprentice).
.\ward: 2 BP.
FREIGHT MASTER/TEAMSTER
Acquire equipm.ent. Purchase a horse. or hor~c
and can, or horses and stage. Award : I B I~
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
for sale and/or creation of wares. for St arters, this can
be and tvpically i~ a rented local ion • e\'cn a ram·
~hacklc 1("1lI on a mere lot. A\~'ard: 2 BI~
Op erat e for I month. Business mu~t be diligently
operated fOI one month. Character may pursue IItlwr
interest:. ;lIld Personal Goab in ofT· hours, but must
pursue business operations as a serious matter for 40
or marc hours per week lo r a solid month without
interruption. Award: 3 131'.
Buya lot . Purchase a lot in town sui tahl e for build·
ing. Award : 2 HP.
Hire employee (s ). Taking on a n('\\ employee or
an apprentice. It nerd !lot be a paying position (espe·
cially in the case of an apprentice ). Award: 2 BI~
Build p ermane nt office. Set up a permancnt
5torc front /building for operation of the husines....
Award: 5 13P.
Build branch offices in two other towns. In the
sallie town o r in another, purchase additional loIS and
build additional bu"iness offiees for a lotal of three l.
Character must acti\'cI} manage each for a mOlllh or
longer. Characte r may pursue other interests :md
Personal Goals in on:'hou rs, but IllUSt pu rsue busi n c~$
managcmelll as a se rious matter for 40 o r more hours
pcr wc('k for a solid month \\ ithollt intcrruplion.
Award: 10 HP.
20 1
GAMBLER
Improve to 49% in r e levant s kill. Improve to
49°'0 or better in Gambling skill. Award: I BP.
Obtain faro b oard / box, birdcage or c raps
table & dice, cards and poker c hips or roulett e
wheel. Purchase or othc l"wisc obtain a gambling
toolkit for rour preferred game. A\\'ard: 2 BP
RUD a hig h-stak es faro / poker/ dice/roulette
ganle. Run a game where the minimum bet is $5.
Award: 3 BI~
Run a p ermanent faro / poker/ dice/roulene gam.e.
Came must be diligently operated for one month.
Character may pursue Dlher interests and Personal Goals in
off-hours, bl\( must nm the game as a sclious matter for 10
or more homs per Il'cd for a solid month. Award: '* BI~
Manage others running hig h s t a k es
fa ro / poker/ dice/ rouleue games . .\( least one other
employee/apprentice nms a high stakes game from which
YOlltake the house's winnings.. \ ward: 5 BP
Own gatnbling es ta blis hm ent. Set up a perm a·
nent bu ilding fo r operation of Ihe gambling business.
Award: 10 BP
Open two m o r e gaD'lbling establis hD'lents. in
the same town o r in another. purchase additional lot~
and build additional gamblin~ cstabli,hments for a
total of three. Character must actin'l), manage each
- ..t
202
for a month or longe r. Character may pursue OIher
interests and Personal Goals in off· hours, but mu st
pursue business management as a serious matter for 40
o r more hours per week for a solid month without
interruption. Award: 20 SP.
GRIFTER
Execute a scant. l ntelllionatly take somcone's
money in exchange for false promises or bad goods.
Award: 2 BP.
Improve 10 49 % in r e levant s kill . Improve to
49°'0 or bctlcr in Fast Talking ~kill . . \ward:3 BP.
Hire an accomplice. Take on a new accomplice as
an employee or an apprentice. 1\ need not be a paying
position (especially in the case of an appre nt ice),
"\\\'ard: 2 BP.
Exec u te a diffe r ent unrelated scaD'l. Usc a new
way to intentionally take someone's money in
cxchan~e for fa.l~e promises or had goods. Award: 2 SP.
Bilk a g rifter. Intentiona lly take another grifter'S
money in exchange for false promises or bad goods.
Award: 5 HP.
Make t.he big score. Intcntionally take someone's
moncy in exchange for false promises or bad goods
must be cnou~h money to allow you to liYC well for
sC\'eral years .. \ward: 20 BP
•
 GUN FOR HIRE
Acquire a signature weapon. Your character
acquires a signature weapoll (sec C'iWPftr 3.2l A dv{lllctil
Scraprs for deta ils Oil signature wcapOIl~. Awa rd: I SP.
Get involved in at least two gunfights. Your
character panicipatcs in and sur.iv('s at least t\\O gUll-
fig lll ~. Award: 5 S P.
Buy speed rig. Purchase a quick dmw holster.
Award: 2 BP.
WiD a fair gunfight. Your character wim a fair onc-
a ll-one gunfiglll with another person. Award: S Br.
Get hired for one job. Someone hires your char-
acter to perform a tempora ry service. Award: 2 BI~
Win a gunfight while on the (for hire ) job. Your
character wins a gunfight in connection \Iith his per-
for mance of the job he Il'as hired to do. . \ward: 5 BI~
Land a pe('manent position. You r character is
permanently hired o n a job where hi~ abilities with a
gu n will often he called upon . .-\ward: .5 BI~
Win a gunfight while on the (permanent) job.
Your c ha racter wins a gunfi~ht Ihat occ urs because of
hi~ duties in his permanent job. Award: 5 I~P.
GUNSMITH
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
for sale and/or c reat ion of wares. Fo r starte rs this can
be (and t)rpically is) a rented location, even a ram·
~ hacklc tent on a mere lol. .-\ward: I BP.
Get a pennanent business. Selling up a perma-
ne nt li torefront /b uildin~ for oper;uion of the business .
•\ward: 2 BP.
Improve to 49% in relevant skill. ImprO\'c to
49% o r bette r in Gunsmithing skill. .\ward: 3 BP.
Hire an apprentice/employee. Taking on a m~\\
employee or an apprentice. It need not be a paying
position especiall) in the case of an apprentice !.
Award: 2 IW
HANGMAN
Perform a hanging. Ac t ali official hangman after
conclusion of a criminal casco Award: I 8 1~
Get a contract with town. Town hircs you to per-
form hangings and pars for your services. Award: 3 BI~
Hang a cr iminal of Great or Legendary
Notoriety. In position as h;mgman , officially execute a
criminal with Greal Rcp 71 to 100, or Legendary
Notol"icl}, Rep 1() I or worsc·. Award: 3 UP.
Get a contract with multiple tow-us. In the sam e
to\\ n or in another, se n'C as hangman for a total of at
I
!caM three tOwns !. Character mU ~ 1 be a"ailablc ror
eac h town , for a month or longer. Award: 3 BP.
Hang a Major Ce lebri ty or Famous criminal.
In },ou r position as hangman , onicially exccute a crim-
inal of ;" Iajo r Cclcbriry Fame 71 to 100 or Famom
Fame 101-200 \ stature . . \ ward: I BI~
Hang a crim.ina.1 of Epic Fame. In your positi on
as hangman, officially execute a c riminal of Epic
~ t:1ture (Fame 201+). Awarel: 5 BI~
HOTEL OPERATOR
Buy a 101. Purc hase a lot in to\\ n suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 I3P.
Build permanent structure. Award: 8 BP.
Set up for business. Open for busi ness. Award: 3 BI~
Hire employees. Taking on al least two nc\\
employee,. such as domest ic sen ants . .-\ward: 2 UP.
Ope rate for one month. Hotel must be diligelltly
operatcd for one mont h . Character ma y purslIe other
interests and Pe rsonal Goals in ofT-hour s. but IllUSt
pursue bu sines~ operations a~ a S('rious matter for W
o r more hours per wcek for a solid month "'ithout
interruption. Awa rd : 3 BI~
Person of Great or Legendary Reputation
stays. A character of Great or Legc ndary Rcputati()ll
(or Great or Legendary NotorielYI resides at your hotel
fo r no Ics~ than one week. Award: 3 BP.
FaIllous person s tays . .-\ Famous person Fame
101-199 resides at your ho(el for no less than o ne
wcek. Award: 5 B I~
INTERPRETER
Improve to 75 % in a second l a n gu age. ltnpro,'c
a sccond L'"tnguage ~ kill to 75 0 0 or bettef. Award: I BI'.
Get a job at localleveI. A town hires yOll to ac t as
intcrpreter betwce n the lown go\·ernment and an OUI-
side parry. Award: 1 BP.
Improve to 49 % in a third language. Improve a
third Language ~ kill 10 · ~9°'0 or beltcl". Award: I BP
G e t ajob at statelterritory level. A st ate or tt·r-
litory hires )'OU to aCI as illlerprctcr belween their gO\·-
Cl"IUllelH and an o utside party. Award: 2 BP.
Improve a Culture skill 1.0 49-/0. Improve a spe·
cific Culture skill ln01 you r own nationalit y or tribe) to
49°'0 or beller. Award: 3 BI~
Translate an important local or regional dis-
pute/t.reaty/negotiation docu.me nt. Translate a
document of a local or regional di~putc, treaty, o r
negotiation . . \ ward: 3 I~ P.
203
 Get ajob working an im.portant state or nation-
al dispute/treaty/negotiation. A state or nation
hires you to work with opposing panics to translate
and form a final printed version of a dispute. treaty. or
negotiation. Award: 5 BP,
Translate an important document for posteri-
ty. Translate a new document thaI is of such historic
and legal importance it will be displayed in prominent
locations throughout the te rritory. state or nation, kept
in governme nt records and e,'en mentioned in
schools/schoolbooks. Award: 10 BP.
JEWELER
Set up for business. Setting lip in a known area
for sale and/or creation of wares. For starters this can
be (and t}Vically is) a rented location, even a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I BP.
Get a permanent business. Setting up a perma-
nent storefront/building for ope ration of the business.
Award: 2 S P.
Improve to 49% in relevant skill. Improve to
49% or better inJcweler skill. Award: 3 BP.
Hire an apprentice/employee. Taking on a new
employee or an apprentice. It need not be a paying
position (especially in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BP.
Create an extraordinary ilenl. Create an
ext raordinary item in the profession lexceed Je\\'elcr
skill roll by 100%). Award: 10 BP.
JOURNALIST
Get first story printed. Get first story printed in
a local or regional paper. This cannot be a paper
owned by the character. Award: I RP.
First five columns printed. After the first five
colurllns/nrticles that sec print in a paper or ot lter
journal, the character recei,'es 5 SP. However, this
cannot be a paper owned by the characte r. Awnrd: 5
BP.
Improve to 49% in relevant skilL Improve to
49% or better in J ournalism sk ill. Award: 3 BP.
Get regular column. Character has a regular col-
umn in each issue of the ncwspaper. Award: I BP.
Get a major scoop. T he character writes, and the
newspaper prints, a story that revea ls a startling fact or
series of facts that cause emotional or violent reper-
cussions among its readers. Award; 3 BP.
Have a story picked up in multiple papers.
One of the charncter's printed columns/articles gets
204
noticed by othe r newspapers and reprinted or com-
mented upon.\' Award: 3 RP.
Get regular editorial. Characte r has a regular
edito rial in each issue of the newspaper. Award: 5 BP.
JUDGE
Win election. Win a local election/appointment.
Award: 5 BI~
Convict a erim.inal. Convict a criminal (docs not
have to be death or imprisonment could be comnm-
niry service or othe r punishment). Award: 5 BP.
Rule in a civil dispute. Make a ruling in a dispute
bctween two persons o r pnrties. Award: 3 BP,
Oversee a hanging of an outlaw of Great or
Legendary Notoriety. Selllence a character of
Creat (-71to -100) or Legendary Notoriety (-l01 or
worse) to death by hanging. Award: 5 BP.
Get re-elected. .\1nintain your StatuS as judge by
getting rc-elected/rc-appointed. Award: 10 BP.
Rule in a major case involving a character of
Great or Legendary Reputation . Make a ruling in a
case where a character of Creal (71-100) or Lcgendal)'
Replltation (101 + ) is involved. Award: 10 BP.
Get appointed in recognized state/country. A
government appoints your character as a state /territo-
rial. or federal judge. Award: 10 BP.
LAND BROKER
Get a partner/backer or funding. Convince
another person 10 act as your panner. or pro\'ide you
with funding 10 set up shop. Award: I SP.
Negotiate rights (or buy land) in local area.
Purchase land from owner o r proyide owner/resi-
dent/claimant of land with money or other induce-
ment to turn Dye r the land to you. Award: 5 BP.
Set up shop. Setting up a permanent
storefront/building for operation of the business.
Award: 2 IW
SeU first lot of land. Se ll an area of land in 0]"
outside of 1011'11. Award: 2 BP.
Operate brokerage for one month, Brokerage
mllst be diligently operated for one month. Character
may pursue other interests and Perso nal Goals in ofT-
hours, but must pursue business operations as a serious
matter for 40 or more hours per week for a solid
m011lh without interruption. Award: 3 BP.
Buy a lot . Purchase a lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 BP.

Build storefront. Set up a permanent building for
your bu s illc ~s. Award: 5 UP
Build another brokerage in each of two or l'I1ore
other town s . In two or marc other towns, purchase
additionullots and build additional business offices for
a minimum total of three ,. Character must actil'ely
manage each fo r a month or longer. Character may
pu rsuc otlll'r interests and Per~o nal G oa l ~ in orr-hours,
but mu st pursue busint'~s managcmc nt as a serious
mallc r for 40 or more hours per weck for a solid month
without interruption. Award: 10 B I~
LAlINDRER
Set up for business. Selling up in a known area
for salt' of se rvices. For starters. this can be ane! typ i-
cally is) a r('nted location - cI't' n a ra mshackle tent on
a mere lot. Award: I SP.
Buya lot. Purchase a lo t in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 S P.
Operate laundry for one month. Business lIlust
be dil igelllly operated for o ne month. Character may
pursue Other interests and Personal Goa ls in off-hours,
but nlU ~t pursue busi ness operations as a serious mat -
tcr for 40 or more hours p(:r week for a solid month
without interruption . Award: 3 SP.
Build permanent storefront. SCI up a pe rmanent
laund l), building. Allard: 5 BP
Hire a.n apprentice/el'l1ployee/l'I1anager. Ta ke
on a nell manager, cmployee or an apprentice. It need
not be a paying position (especia ll y in the case of all
app rentice). AWOlI'd: 2 HP.
LAWMAN
Get deputized, A sheriff 01' other similar lawman
appoints your cha racter as his permanent deputy.
. \ ward: I BI~
Arrest a cri.D1inal. Capture a criminal and place
him in jail. Award: 2 HI'.
WiD election/appointment. You are appointed
or elected to a posit ion greater than Deputy. Award: 3
H I~
Each caught criminal convicted . For ('ach crim-
in al captured and co nvicted , the character carns this
amount of I3 P~. Award: I np.
Form a p o sse. You s u ec e s~fltlly recruit a possc to
track down one or more criminals. Awa rd: I BP
Track down known criminal. You succcssfull ),
track down a known criminal and put him ill jail.
Award: 3 BP.
Dispe rse vigilantes. You mana~e to convince a
,!roup of \- i ~ilant(' s to Il'a\'e justice in the hands of thc
lall. rather tha n t:'lkc action themselves. Award:,) BP.
Foil aD armed robbery. You successfully StOp an
armed robbery. return the good~ to the victim and put
any surviving c riminal ~ in jail. Award: 3 BP
Hold critninal for hanging. You successfull} hold
a captured crimin al ill jail until he is lI'ied and hanged.
,\ ward: 2 BI~
Foil a jailbreak. You successfully stop a captured
criminal from e~cap ill g jai l ,)m\ capture at least one of
his accomplic{'s, if any. ,\ward:;, SP.
LAWYER
Hang your shingle. SCt lip in a known area and
put up a sign advertising you r se rvices. For starters
this call be and typically i ~) a relltcd location, ('vell it
ram~hackle tent on a mere 101. Awa rd: I BP.
Win first case. "'in }our firsl ca~e. Award: 5 BP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. ImprO\'e to
+9°0 or better in Lall or Oration . AI\ard: 3 SP.
Defend/prosecute a Notorius criminal. You arc
asked, and agree. to represent or prosecute a NOIonus
crimina l a n)' lc\·d of :'\otoriety ,. Award: 3 BP.
Represent a person of Great or Legendary
Notoriety, or a Famous person in a civil case.
You arc as ked, and agree, to represent a per~o n of
Great Rep -71 to 1001 01' Legcndary (Rep - lOl o r
worse ) Notoriety, or a Famous Fame 101+ person in
a civil eil~e. Award : 3 BI~
Improve to 49% in relevant skills. Improve to
49% or better in both Law and Oralion. Award: 3 RP.
205
 Win case outside of town. You wm a case in
another town , territory, or so on. Awa rd: 5 BP.
Win fa.nous case. \\'in a case where your client is
a person of Epic (Fame 201+) stature. Award: 10 B I~
LIVERYMAN
Set up for business. Setting up in a known area
for sale of services. For staners, lhi ~ can be (and typi-
cally is) a rented location - cven a ramshackle tent on
a mere lot. Award: 1 BP.
Buy a lot . Purc hase a lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 BP.
Operate stables for one month. Stables must be
diligentl y ope rated fo r one month. Characte r Ill<l)'
pursue other i nlerc~ t S and Pe rsonal Goal s in off-hours,
but m ust pursue business operations a s a ~ e r i o u s mat-
tc r for 40 or more hours per week for a solid mon th
without interruption. Award: 3 BP.
Build permanent stable/barn. Set up a pe n na -
nellt stable or barn. Award: 5 BP.
Hire aD apprent.ice/employee/manager. Take
on a new manager, empl oyee or an apprentice. It need
not be a paying position (especially in the case of an
apprentice). A\\'a rd: 2 BP.
MASON
Improve to 49"10 in relevant skill. Improve
49% or bette r in Stone masonry skill. Awa rd: I BP.
Set up for business. Setting up in a kn own area
for sale and/or creation of wa res. For stan er.':; this can
be (and typi call y isl a rented locati on, e,'en a ra m-
shackle tent on a me re lot. All ard: 2 BP.
Get a permanent business. Se tting up a pe rma-
nent storefront/building for operation of the bu siness.
Award: 3 BI~
Hire an apprentice/e.nployee. Taking o n a new
employee or an app rentice. [t need not be a paying
posicion (especially in the case of an apprc ntice).
Awa rd : 2 UP.
Create an extraordinary item. Create an
extraordinary ite m in the profession (exceed Skill roll
by 100%). Award: 10 UP.
MILLER
Set up for business. Selling up in a known area
for sale and/o r creation of wares. For start e rs this can
be (and t}1)ically is) a rcnted location , even a ram-
shackle tent on a mere 10l. Awa rd: I BI~
Buya lot . P urc hase a lot in town suitable for bui.ld-
ing. Award: 2 BP.
206
Operate mill for one month. Business m ust be
di[igentl y operat ed for one month. C ha raCler may
pursue other interests and Personal Goals in off-hours,
but must pursue business ope rations as a serious mat-
te r for 40 or more hours per week for a solid month
without inte rruption. Award: 3 UP.
Build permanent m.ill. Set up a permanent mill.
,\ ward: 5 BP.
Hire an apprentice/employee/manager. T ake
011a ncw m<lnage r, employee or an appre ntice. It need
not be a paying position (cspecia1i y in the case of an
apprelllicc '. Award: 2 BP.
MILLINER
Set up for business. Selling up in a known area
for sale and lor creat ion of wares. For starters this can
be and typica lly i ~ a rented location, even a ram-
shackl e te nt on a mere lot. .\ ward: I BI~
Get a permanent business. Selling up a penlla-
nent ~ t of(."frolll/b uildin g for operation of the business .
,\\\"a rd : 2 BP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve to
49% o r bett e r in ,\ [illine ry skill. Award: 3 HP.
Hire an apprentice/employee. Taking on a new
employee or a n apprentice. It need not be a paying
position (especially in lhe case of an app rentice).
Award : 2 IW
to
Create an extraordinary itel11. C reate an
extraordinary ite m in th e profession (exceed Skill ro!l
by 100°'0) . Award: 10 S P.
MIllE OWNER
Buy/stake a claim. Purchase or lay claim 10 an
area of land you wish to min co Awa rd: 1 BP.
Start a m.ining corporation. Se t up in a known
area for operati on of business. For starte rs this can be
(and Iypically is) a rented location , even a ramshac kle
tent on a me re lot. Award: 2 BP.
Purchase equipment. Purchase all eq uipment
(shovels, pi cks, buckelS, and so on) needed for miners.
Awa rd: 3 BP.
Hire crew. Hire on multiple perso us as min ers, in
paying positions. Award: 2 BP.
Hit a vein . St rike a vein of ore. See Chapter 5.31 1111
Thai C/il/en. .. for morc infor mation on mining.
Award: 5 BP.
Mechanize operation . Award: 10 BP.
Hit the .notherlode. Find a vein that yields a prof-
it o f at least S2.000 dollars. Award: 20 BP.
 - •
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, ./
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V/ ;/ ,
/ •

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I
MOUNTAIN MAN
Equ ip yourself. Purchase a gun, knife and other
10015you will need to su rVI\'C III the wilderness.
Award: I BP.
Pick! claim location. C laim an arca of land for
yourself in the wilderness (as such, il is unlikely this
land needs to be purchased). Award: 2 BP.
Build cabin. Sct up permanent cabin. Award: 3 BP.
Set traps and catch prey. Successfully set a trap
(successful Sct Traps skill check I and catch prey.
Award: 5 BP.
hnprove to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve to
49% or better in Sct Traps skill. Award: 3 BP.
Attend rendezvous. ~ I cci other trnppers and
mOUll\ain men at a prearranged location to sell, trade,
and relax (drink, tell sto ries, gamble, etc.). Award: 5 B I~
Sell hides. Sell at least 50 animal hides. Award: 5 BP.
Defend bunting grounds. Successfully defend
personal hunting grouud from another person or
group of people. Award: 5 BP.
Hire employees. Taking on a new employee or an
apprent ice. It need not be a paying po~ilion especial-
ly in the case of an apprentice. Award: 2 BP.
NATURALIST
Equip yourself. Purchase writing implements, as
well as a gUll, knife and ot her lOo1s you wil! nced 10
sun'ive in the wilderness. Award: ! SP.
Travel into wild. Travel at least 20 miles into the
wilderness (solo or with an expedition). Award: 2 BP.
Write journal. Completc a journal of at least
40,000 words, detailing some aspect of naturc or rour
journey. Award: 3 BP.
Publish article. Sell an article 1O a nrwpaper. mag-
azine or journaL which is then published. Award: 3
BP.
Write book. Writc a book of 90,000+ words.
Award: + B1~
Publish book . Convince a publisher to buy and
publish your book. Award: 5 BP.
NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER
Acquire equipme nt. Purchase a printing press.
Award: I BP.
Publish first paper. Pri nt, publish and sell your
paper. . \ ward: 2 BP.
Open for business. Set lip in a known area for salc
andlor creation of wares. For staners this can be (and
208
typicaJly is) a rented locatioll, even a ramshackle tem
on a mcre lot. Award: 3 BP.
Each paper printed. For each newspaper primed,
a character carns this numbe r of BPs. Award: I BP.
Get paying advertisers. Convince businesses to
purchase ad\'ertising space in your newspaper, and
receive their payment. Award: I BP.
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Awa rd: I sr.
Build a s hop. Set up a permanent building for
your business. Award: 2 UP.
Distribute to two other towns. D istribute your
newspaper in other towm (for a tOtal of three).
Character must acti"ely distribute in each for a month
or longer. Character may pursue other interests and
Pe rsonal Goals in off-hours, but mllst pursue business
managemellt as a serious matter for 40 or more hours
per week for a solid month wit hout interruption.
A\I'ard: 5 BP.
OUTLAW
Conunit a minor c rime. Commir a crime for
which the punishment is a fine or temporary impris-
onment. Award: I BP.
Escape arrest. E"ade capture for you r crim e.
Award: 2 BP.
Evade a posse. Escape from a group of lawmen or
other deputized persons chasing you for suspicion (or
certainty) of a committed crime. Award: 5 BP.
Get priee on your head. The law offers a rcward
for your capture (alive). Award: 5 BP.
Assemble a gang. T aki ng on at least two persons
as p<lrtners to commit cr imes. Award: 2 BP.
Commit a major crime. Commit a crime for
which the punishment is death. Award: 2 BI~
Get price on your body. T he 10111' offers a reward
for your death or capture dead or ali\·e). Awa rd: S BP.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Purchase equipment. Purchasc a camera, plates
and means of de\'elopillg pictures. Award: I BP.
Set up for business. Setti ng lip in a known area
for sale and lor creation of wares. For starters this can
be (and typically is) a rented location, even a ram-
shac kl e tent on a mere lo\. Award: 2 B I~
Get a permanent business. Sctting up a perma-
nent storefront/building for operation of the business.
Award: 3 BP.
 Inlprove to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve to
49 0 0 or better in Photography skill. ..\ward: 3 BP.
Have picture published locally. One or morc of
your pictures is published in a local newspaper.
Award: 5 BP.
Have a n ex traordinary pi ct ure published
statewide/nat.ionally/territory_wide. Take an
extraordinary photograph lexceed Photography ~kill
roll by 100 0'01. A photograph with a modified
Photography skill roll in ('xce~s of 149 Q 0 is published
in a paper distributed throughout the state/te rrito-
Il'/natio n. Award: 10 BP.
POLITICIAN
Join/form political party. Become a member of,
o r form, an organization that seeks to hold polilical
power. Award: J HP.
Run for election. i-. lake citizens aware of your
dcsire to hold a position of political office . . \ward : 2
BP.
Win loca l election . Award: 5 Bil.
Draft a bill / law/ordinance. Prescnt an idea or
bill LO the political legislation with desire that it
become a law or ordinance. Award: 5 BP.
Get re-elected. Citizens re-clect you to sen'C
another ter m in your prcvious position of poli tical
office. Award: 10 BP.
Win regional elect.ion. Award: 20 UP
Push through a billllaw/ordinance . Convince
the politicallegi~ l ature to ma ke your idea or bill into a
law or ordin ance. Award: 10 BI~
Win state/territory election. Alva I'd: 50 BP
Win national election. Award: 100 UP
PREACHER
Give first public sermon. You preach for al least
30 minutes to at least a half-dozen people. Award: I BI~
Set up for Dlinistry (must give sermon each
week). Each week. p reach in the same area. For
starters, lhis can be oLltdoors or a rentcd location _
even a ramshackle telll on a mere lot. For each se r-
mon given, the character earns lhis amount of BP".
Award: I BP.
Build a congregation of 25 or more. At least 25
people appear each week to li sten 10 your sermons.
Award: 3 BP.
Buy a lot. Purc h a~e a lot in town sui table for build.
ing. Award: 2 BI~
Have church built. Sct up a permanent church
building. Award: 3 U l~
Have church built in another town. In the same
tOwn or in another. purchase additional lots and build
additionaJ churches for a total of 1\10 ,. Character
must ;:Ictivd) manage each for a month or longe r.
Character may pur~uc other interests and Personal
Goals in ofT-hour~, bUl Illllst pursue church manage-
ment as a ~er iou s matter for 40 or more hours per week
for a solid l110mh II idl0Ut interruption. Award: I 0 nl~
PR!NTER/llINDER
Set up for busines s. Setti ng up in a known an'a
for ~ale and / or nt'at ion of wares. For sta rters this ca n
be and typical!) i~ a rented location, even a ram-
~hackle tt'1I1 on a mere lot. Award: I B I~
Get a perntan ent bus iness. Setting up a perm a-
ncllt ~tOrcfront/buildine: fo r operation of the business.
.\ 1\3rd: 2 BP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Impro\'c to
~9°" or beller in Bookbindin~ ~kill . . \ward: 3 BP
Hire an apprentice/ entployee. Taking on a new
employee or an apprcmicc. It need nOt be a pa~ing
po~iti on especially in the case of an appremice.
Award: 2 BP.
Crea t e an e xtraordinary ite m. Create an
extraordinary itt:m in the profes~ion exceed
Hookbinding ski ll roll b} 1000 0. .\ ward: 10 UP.
PROSPECTOR
Buy equipment. Plircha,c pick, pan , shovel and
any otitel' equipmcnt needed for mining. Award: I HP.
Improve to 49"10 in relevant skill. Improve 10
49% or better in Prospeclin~ ~ki ll. Award: 3 BP.
Find co lor. Award: 5 BP.
Pan for one ntonth. Character must pan diligent-
ly for one month . Character may pu rsue other inter~
csts and Personal Goals in ofT-hour~, but must pan as a
serious maHer for 10 or more hours per \\'eek for a
solid mOllth without interruption. AI\'ard: 5 BP.
File a cla.im . Report to the local go\'ernment or
land office: that rou wi~h to be listed as the sole miner
for a certain area of land. A\I ard: 10 UP
Upgr a d e eq uipment. Usc your profits to buy nc\\
and/or better equipment. Award : 3 BP
Make a strike. You find a dcposit of ore with a
worth greater than what rou have spell! mining this
claim. Award: 2U BP.
209
RANCHER (HORSE, COWS, SHEEp, PIG, ETC) Operate for one month. 13usiness must be dili-
Buy/acquire a herd. Purchase or otherwise gcmly opef<l1ed for onc month. C haracter may pursue
acquire a herd of your own (a\ least 15 animals of the other interests and Personal Goals in off-hours, but
same type). Award: I BP. must pursue business ope rations as a serious mane r for
-1-0 or more hours per week for a solid mont h without
Hire cowboys. Take on al [cast one new cowboy in
interruption. Award: 3 BP.
a paying posi tion. Award: 2 Br.
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable for build-
Have a round up. Award: 6 Sr.
ing. Award: 2 BP.
Buy/claim ranchland . Purchase or claim an area
Build permanent structure. Sct up a permanent
of land for your ranch. Award : 3 BP.
saloon. Award: 6 BI'.
Drive herd to ranch. Purchase or find a herd and
Hire/ acquire entertainment. H ire entertain-
drive them from the market/railhead to your ranch .
men! for your saloon as a paying/comm ission POSI-
Award: 7 SP.
tion. Award: 5 BP.
Hire ranch hands. Take on al least one new ranch
Hire/acquire 2nd form of entertainment. H ire
hand in a paying position. Award: 2 SP.
a second. different form of entertainme nt for your
Build/ develop ranch. SCI up a permancm ranch saloon as a paying/commission position. Award: 5 BP.
building, cookhouse and at !east one bunkhollse.
Own multiple saloons. In the same town or in
Award: 8 BI~
another, purchase additional lots and build additional
Buy/acquire award-winning stud . You have a saloons (for a total of three '. Cha racter must aCli\'c1y
male animal that has won awards a t local shows and is manage eaeh for a month or longer. Character may
in demand by other ra nchers for breeding purposes. pursue other interests and Personal Goals in off-hours.
Award: 20 BP. but must pursue business management as a senous
matter for 40 or more hours per week for a solid
SADDLER month without interruption. Award: 20 BE
Set up for business. Setling up in a known area
for sale a nd/or creation of wares. For starters this can
be (and typically is) a rented location. even a ram·
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I S P.
Get a permanent business. Selling LIp a perma·
nenl store front/building fo r operation of the business.
A\\'ard: 2 BP.
Improve to 49% in relevanl skill. Improve to
49% or beller in Lcatherworking skill. Award: 3 BP.
Hire an appre n tice/employee. Taking on a new
employee o r an apprentice. It need not be a paying
position (especially in the case of an apprentice.
Award: 2 BP.
Creale a n extraordinary item. Create an
extraordinary item in the profession (exceed Skill roll
by 100%). Award: 10 BP.

SALOON OWNER
Set up for business. Setti ng up in a known area
ror sa le and /o r creation of wares. For starte rs this can
be (and typically is) a rented location, even a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I BP.
Hire employees . Ta king on a new employee o r an
apprentice. It need not be a paying position (especial-
ly in the case of an apprenticc). Award: 2 BP.

210
SAWYER/ LUMBERJACK
Find landllot. Locate an area of land where you
can CUI trees. Allard: 1 HI'.
Buy lumber rights. Purchase the ri~ht to cut and
rCITIo\'c trees from a certain area, or purchase that
area. Award: 3 BP.
Set up for business . Selting lip in a knowll arca
for sale andlor creation of warcs. For starters this can
be (and lyp ically is) a rented location, cn:n a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: 2 BP.
Op e rate business for one month . H u ~i ness nllm
be diligently operated for one month. Character Illa)
pursue other interests and Pe rsonal Goals in ofT-hour~,
but must pursue busi nns operations as a serious mat-
lc r lor +0 or morc houn per week for a solid mOlllh
without illlcrruplion. Award: 3 BP.
Build perrnane nt sawmill . SC I up a permanent
sawmil l. Awa rd: 5 BI~
Hire an apprentice/employee/manager. Take
on a new manager, e m ployee or "n apprclHict. It need
not be a paying position especialJ} in th(> casc of a n
apprentice). Award: 2 SP.
SCHOOL TEACHER
Give first public lec ture. You give a public lecture
on an academic subjeci 10 a crowd of at least a half-
dozen people. Award: I UP.
Obtain students. Parents come 10 you and ask you
10 teach thei r children. All ard: I Br.
Obtain a lot . O bta in" lot in town ~ uitablt' for
building. You may purchase this. or it may be a
loan/gift from a pe rson or go\·crnmCnI. Award: 2 BP.
Build a school. Set up a permanent school bui ld-
ing. All ard: 3 SP.
Equip the school. Provide the school with desks,
books and chalkboards. Award : I BP
Build a.nd equip a school in another town. In
the same IOwn or in another, purchase a n additional
lot and build addit ional school (fo r a lOtal of two '.
Character must actively manage each for a month or
longer. Character may pursue other interests and
Personal Goa l!! in o fT-hours, b u t must pursuc school
management as a serious mancr for 40 or more hours
per Ilcek for a solid mOlllh without interruption.
Awa rd: 4 B I~
SCOUT/GUIDE
Equip yourself. You pu rchase a gun, knife ami
other tools you will need to survive in the wilderness.
Awa rd: I SP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve 10
4-9% or beller in Tracking skill. ,\ ward: 3 HI'.
Explort' local area. Spend al least 7 days nOI nec-
essarily conseeutil'e) explo ring a local area unknown to
you. Award: 3 SP.
Gel hired to lead others th rough l ocal areas.
Guide miter persons through a local area you
explored, in exchange for money or olher compcnS<l-
lioll. Award: 3 BP
Explore regional area unknown to you. Spend
at lea ~ 1 7 d:lYs not neccssnrily consecutive) explori ug a
regional area unknown to you. Awa rd : 3 S P.
Ge t hired to l ead others through r egional a.r ea.
Guide otlwr perso n ~ th rough a regional area you
explored. in exchange for mon ey or o ther compe nsa-
tion . . \ward: 3 SP.
Explore far-flung area unknown 10 you. Spe nd
al lea~t 7 dap not nece~,arily consecUlil'c ex ploring a
distant area unkno\\n to you . . \\I-ard: 5 BP.
Lead otbers through more t.han one territory
aDd bac k . Guide pcr)ons through two UI" more territo-
ric .. and rctum them to their starting point . in exchange
for money or other compensation. Award: lO BI'.
SEAMSTRESS/TAILOR
Improve 10 49 % in relevant skill . Im prove to
{go'n or bctter in Seamstress/Tailor skill. Award: I BI~
Se t up for busine ss. Selling up in a known :lrea
for sale and/or crealion or \Iares. For st<lrters thi s cOIn
be and typica lly i~ a rented location. even a ram -
shackle te nt on a I11cr(' lo\. .\ward: 2 UP.
Get. a permanent business . Setting up a pcrma-
neill storefront/building for operation of the bu~i n ess.
Award: 3 HP.
Hire a n apprentice/employee. 'f aking on a new
employee or an apprentice. It need nOl be a paying
positio n (especially in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 HP.
Create an extraordinary item . Create an
extraordinary item in the profession exceed
Seamstress/Tailor skill roll by 100% ). Award: 10 BP.
SIGNMAHER
Set up for business. Setting lip in a known area
for sale and/or creation of W:1 rcs. For starters this ca n
be <l nd t}1lically is} a rcntcd location , e,"cn a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I BP.
Get a permanent business. Selli ng li p a penna-
nent storefront / bui lding for operation of the business.
Award: 2 UP
211
 Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve 10
49% or beller III CaUigraphy/Signmaking skill.
Award: 3 BP.
Hire an apprentice/employee. Taking on a new
employee or an apprcmicc. It need not be a paying
position (especially in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BP.
Create a n extraordinary item. Create an extraor·
dinal), item in the profession (excecd your CaUigraphy/
SignmakingskilJ roll by 100%). Award: 10 UP,
SILVERSMITH
Set up for business. Sening up in a known area
for sale and/o r creation of wares. For starters Ih is can
be (and lypieaUy is) a rented location, even a ram·
shackle tcnt on a mere lot. Award: I Ill>.
Get a permanent business. Setting up a perma-
nent storefrol1l/ building lor operation of lhe business.
Award: 2 BP.
Inlprove to 49"/" in relevant skill. Improve to
49% or better in Blacksmitiling/;\ It'talworking skill.
Award: 3 B I~
Hire an apprentice/employee. Taking on a new
employee or an apprentice. I t need not be a paring
position (especially in Ihe case of an apprentice'.
Award: 2 BP.
Create an e"traordinary itl'm. Create an
extraordinary item 1Il the profession lexceed
Blacksmith ing/ M etalworking skill roll by 100%).
Award: 10 BP.
SNAKE OIL SALESMAN
Create a fornlula/concoction. You create 11con -
coction of liq uids purportedly designed to have a health·
ful effect on the human or animal body. Award: 2 BP,
Each nl'W publi c pitch g iven . You proclaim the
benefits of your concoction in a public area to at least
a half·dozcn people. You recei\'c this amount of BPs
the fi rst lime you pitch a new product. Award: I BP.
Sell to at l east 25 c u stomers. You have sold your
product to at least 25 people. Award: 5 BP.
lmprove to 49% in relevant skill. Improve to
49% or better in Salesmanship skill. Award: 3 BP.
G et a wagon/ cart . Buy or oth erwise obtain a
wagon or cart for yo u and your goods. Each side of
the cart/wagon displays a sign promoting your con-
coctio n(s). Award: 2 BP.
Hire an apprentice/shill. Taking on a new
employee/shill or an apprentice. It need not be a pay-
212
ing position (especially in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BP.
Cheat 50 customers at o n ce. You sell your prod-
uct to at least 50 persons in a single large crowd,
Award: 5 BP.
SOLDIER
Join/volunteer. " au voluntarily accept or see k Out
a position in a state, national or territorial army.
Award: I BP.
Report to duty/post. YOll report to duty for the
firs t time. Award: 2 BP,
Engage enenlY. Under command of your su peri-
ors, you fight the enemy. Award: 3 Br
Heroic action witnessed by others. You perform
a heroic action that is wi tnessed and talked about by
others. Award: 5 SP.
Repel/invade enenly. Your enemy retreats, leav-
ing your army to hold their position or take a new
posi tion away from the enemy. Award: 10 BP.
Spy
Get job at local level. Local indi\'idual or govern-
ment hires you to ~py on a person or group. Award: I BP
Report/smuggle on local dispute/iss u e. You
repOrt 10 the local boss about what you saw or heard,
or hand over an item you stole or smuggled from the
pe rson or group you spied upon. Award: 2 BP.
Get job at state/territory level. State/territorial
government or government individual hires you to spy
on a person or group. Award: 3 UP.
Report/smuggle on state/territory dispute or
other problem. You repon 10 those who hired you
about what you sa\\ or heard, or hand over an item
you stole or ~ muggled from the person or group you
spi ed upon. Awa rd: 5 BP.
Gl't a job at national level. National government
or government individual hires you to spy on a person
or group. Award: I 0 B I~
Report/smuggle on national disputelissue. You
report to those who hired you about what you saw or
heard, or hand over an item you stole or smuggled II'om
the person or group you spied upon. Award: 12 BP
Report/snluggle on in ternation al dispute or
other probJem. You report 10 those who hired YOll
about what you saw or heard in a foreign count ry or
from a forei gn individual/group, or hand ovcr an item
you stole or smuggled from the person or group you
spied upon. Award: 15 B I~
 SURVEYOR/CARTOGRAPHER
Set up for business. Selling up in a known area
for sale and/or crcation of wares. For starters this can
be and typically is) a rented locat ion. e\'en a ram-
shackle tell! on a mere lot. Award: I BP,
Get a permanent business. Selling up a penna-
!lent slorcfroll\/building for operation of the busilless.
Award: 5 B I~
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Impro\'(' to
4go,u or better in Cartography skill. Award: 3 B l~
Hire a.n appr entice/employee. Taking on a new
employee 01' an apprentice. It need not be a paying
position (especially in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BP.
TANNER/ LEATHERWORKER
IOlprove to 49% in relevant skill . Iinpro\'c \0
49% or better in Skinning/Tanning skill, .\ward: I sr.
Set up for business . Scltin~ up in a known area
for sale and/or creation of wares. for Slarters this can
be ,'and typically is a rented location. even a ram.
shackle telll on a mere lot. Award: 2 DP.
Get a permanent business. Selting up a perma.
nent storefront /bu ilding for opera lion of Ihe business.
Award: 3 BP.
Hire an appre ntice/ employee. Taking on a new
employee or an apprentice. It need nOl be a paying
position (especia lly in the case of an apprentice).
Award: 2 BI~
Create an extraordinary item. Create an
extraordinary item In the profession (exceed
Skinning/Tanni ng skill roll by 10011/0). Award: 10 DP.
TELEGRAPH OPERATOR
Acquire equipment. You pu rchase. rent or other-
wise acquire telegraph equipment. .\ ward: 2 BP.
Buya lot. Purchase 11 lot in town suitable for build.
ing. Award: 2 BP.
Set up line to another town. You set up a tele-
graph line to another town . . \ward: 2 BP.
BuiJd permanent office. Set up permanent tele-
graph office for operation of the business. Award: 5 BI~
Build branch offices in two other lowns. In the
same town or in another, purchase additional lots and
build additional business offices fo r a lotal of three ).
Character mmt actively manage each for a month or
longer. Character may purSLle other interests and
Personal Goal5 in olT-hours, but lUust pursue business
management as a serious matter for +0 or more hou rs
per \\eek for a solid month without interruption.
Awa rd: 10 UP
TINSMITH
Set up for buslness. Selling up in a known area
for sale and/or creat ion of warcs. For starters this ca n
be and typically is a rented location. e'·en a ram·
shackle tent on iI mere lot. .\\\ard: I Br.
G e t a permanent business. Setting up a pe n na-
nent storefront / building for operation of the business.
Award: 2 UP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill . Improve to
49% or better in Blacksmith ing/ iM etalworking skill.
Award: 3 BP.
Hire an apprentice /employee. T aking on a new
employee Or an apprtlllicc. It need not be a paying
position (especially in t ht' cas("" of an apprelltice).
Award: 2 BP.
C reat e an e xtraordinar y item . Create an
extraordinar) it(~m in Ihe profession exceed
Black~mi(hill~ / :\ l t·(alworkilll.; ~kill roll by 100°'0..
Award: I 0 BI~
TOBACCONIST
Set up for business . Setting up in a known area
for sale and/or crealion of wares. For starters this can
be (and typically is) a rented location, even a ram-
shackle lent on a mere 101. Award: I BP.
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in tOwn suitable for build·
ing. Award: 2 BP.
Operate business for one month. Business must
be diligentl), operated for Ollt: month. C haracter may
pursue Othe r interests and Personal Goals in ofT· hours.
but must pursue busi ness operations as a serious mat·
ler for 40 or mo re hours per week for a solid month.
Award: 3 BI~
Build permanent storefront. Set up a permanent
shop for operation of the business. Award: 5 BP.
Hire an appre ntice/employee/manager. Take
on a new employce, manager or an apprentice. It need
nOt be a paying position \especially in the case of an
apprcntice . l\ward: 2 BP.
TRAILBLAZER
Equip yourself. Pu rchase a gun, knife and other
tools necded to sun·i"e in the wilderness. Award: I BP.
Improve to 49 % in relevant skill. Improve 10
49% or better in T racking skill. Award: 3 BP
2 13
 Explore local area. Spend at least i days (not nec-
essarily consecutive) exploring a local area unknown to
you. Award: 5 BP.
Get hired to lead expedition to
uncharted/unexplored regional area. Lead multi-
ple persons th rough a regional area no one is known 10
have explored, in exchange for money or other com-
pe nsation. Award: 5 Bl~
Lead expedition to find/blaze a new trail
b eyond territory. Lead multiple persons into
unknown territory, in exchange for money or other
compcnsation. Awa rd: 10 Br.
Lead others through n ew trail and back. Lead
multiple persons o\'er a new trail you blazed into pre-
viously unknown territo ry and return them to their
starting point, in exchange for money or other com-
pensation. Award: 20 BP.
TRADER (LIVESTOCK, FUR, DRY GOODS, ETC.)
Find first custOnler. You make your first sell,
trade or purchase with another person. Award : I Bl~
iDlprove to 49% in relevant s kill. Improve to
49% or be tter in Salesmanship skil l. Award: 3 UP.
214
Find steady supply. You find an affordable, con-
stant supply of at least one item you wish to routinely
trade in. Award: 2 BP.
Develop five or Dlore on custoDler/c1ient list.
You make an agreement with five or more pe rsons to
routinely supply a certain good in exchange for an
agreed upon amount of cash or trade. Award: 2 BP.
TRANSPORTER (STAGECOACH OPERATOR)
Acquire equipDlent. Purchase a stagecoach and
horses to pull it. Award: 2 BP.
Set up for business . Setting up in a known area
for sale and /or creation of wares. For starters this can
be (and typically is) a rented location, eve n a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: 2 UP.
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 SP.
Hire employee (s ). T aking on a new employee or
an apprcmice. [t need not be a paying position (espe-
cially in the case of an apprentice). Award: 2 BP.
Build p e rDlanent office. Sct up a permanent
building fo r operation of the business. Award: 5 BP.
Build branch offices in two other towns. [n the
same town or in another. purchase additional lots and
build additional bu"iness ofliccs for a total of three}.
Character must a.cti\·ely manage each for a momh or
longer. Character may pursut.' ot her interests and
Personal Goals in olf-h ours, but must pursue business
management as 01 serious mailer for 40 or more hours
per week for a solid month without interruption.
Award: 10 BP.
UNDERTAKER
Perfor m a burial. You perlol'm a public burial as
undcrtaker. Award: I Ul~
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable for build-
ing. Award: 2 B I~
Ope n a parlor. Sct up a permanent burial parlor
for ope ration of the" bu~incss. Award: 3 BP.
Ope r ate parlor for one month . Business must be
diligently worked for one month. Character may pur-
sue other interests and Personal Goals in off-hour~. but
must pursue business opportunities as a se rious mailer
for 40 or more hours per week for a. solid month with-
OUl interruption. Award : 2 BP.
Hold a wake. You walch over a shon or overnight
gat hering of the deceased's friend s and relatives in the
funeral parlor or in a relati\'e's home. Award: I BI~
Make an e,;:.traordin ary coffin. C reate an
extraordinary coffin (exceed Carpentr~ skill roll by
100(l,(l i. Awa rd : 3 BP.
M ake an extraordinary marker/stone. Create
an extraordinary mark{'l" or gra\'estone exceed
Stonemasonry skill roll by 1000,u. Award: 3 SP.
WAINWRIGHT
Set up fo r business. Sening lip in a known area
for sale and/or creiltion of wares. For starters this can
be (and typically is) a rented location , e\'en a ram-
shackle telll o n a mere lot. Award: I BI~
Get a permane nt business. Setting up a perma-
nent storefront/building tor ope ration of Ihe busill(.' ~s.
Award: 2 Bi>.
Im.prove to 49 % in r e levant skill . Improvc to
4-9% or bette r in Carpemry skill . Award: 3 BP.
Hire an apprentice/ employee. Taking on a nc\\
('mployee or an apprclllice. It need not be a paying
position (especially in the elise of an apprentice ).
Awa rd: 2 SP.
C r eate an e xtraordinary item. Create an
extraordi nary item in Ihe profession (excced
CarpeiUry skill roll by 100%·' . Award: 10 B I~
WEAVER
Set up for business. Sctting up in a known area
for sale and/or creation of wares. Fo r starters this can
be ~ and typically is) a rcnted location. even a ram-
shackle tent on a mere lot. Award: I BP,
Ge t a permanent business. Setting up a pcnna-
nent storefront / building for operation of the business.
A\,ard: 2 BP.
Improve to 49 °/. in relevant skill. Impro\'e \0
4-9°'0 or beller in Weaving skill. Award: 3 SP.
Hire an apprentice/empl oyee. Taking on a new
employee or an apprl:n ticc. It need not be a paying
pO~1Iio n e~pcci allr in thc case of an app rentice).
Award: 2 BP.
C reate a n e "traordin a r y item.. Create an
extraordinary item in the profession (excccd Weowing
~k.ill roll b) 100°0 .• \\\ard: 10 HP.
WHORE
Turn a tri c k. G et paid for sex act. Award: I BP.
Become a Pro. Signal your professional availabili-
ty by whate\'er means will convey such intent to your
potent ial client base. Award: 2 BP.
Active in profession for one month . Business
must be diligently worked for ont" month. Character
may pursue other intcrc~tS and Personal Coals in off-
hours, but Inthl pursue business oppo rtunities as a seri-
am matter for +0 or more houn per week for a solid
month without interruption . . \\,'ard: 3 BI',
Buy a lot. Purchase a lot in town suitable fo r build-
ing. . \ ward: 2 BP.
Bu.i1d a brotbel house/hote l. Sec to construction
of an appropriately sized whorehouse. Award: 5 BP.
Hire other entertainm e nt. Hire additio nal
employees to work for the hou ~e. Award: 5 BP
Build , stock a nd m.anage t"wo more brothels. In
the ~ arne lown o r in anothe r. purchase additiona l lots
and build additional brothels for a total of three.
Character mu st actively manage each for a month or
longer. Character may purslLe other interests and
Per,onaJ Goals in orT.llOurs, but must pursue bu s in(' s~
management a~ a serious matt er for 40 or more hOlLrs
per week for a solid month \\'ithout interruption.
Award: 10 UP.
215
51 The OIl-Goina
 5.1 I Cattle Ranching
"You Set a Longhorll - I sa a IWfII/y dollar gold piece
on legs. lOll Set 500 poullds if hell-s/wwnedjury u'ropped
ill leallur sporlin' rib-brwkill' Iwo ves Qnd glll-gollgin' horllS
- I Sf( a LOllghorn. "
- ~Iorgan I~ Hargra\·c. Callie Rancher
Historians will undoubtedly debate [oren: r whether
it was the longhorn that made the Repuhli c of Texas.
or if il was the Texicans that made the longhorn.
E.ither pe rspective has me rit, for the emergence of the
unique longhorn varict), of Bos Taurus and the ascen-
dancy of Texas arc inexorably intertwined. Perhaps no
enterprise olher than gold :lnd silver mining is more
luc ra dve in the untamed west than that of the cattle
busin ess. The demand for beef in the indust rialized
east, as well as in the booming nell' mining tOWIIS, is
p ra ct ically insatiable - creating a seller's market for
those in the business of raising cattle. And whereas
those searching for gold and sih'e r must laboriously
mo\'c stream and mountain to uncover this wealth ,
bcevcs can be found on the hoof in copious numbers.
The expansi\'e open prairies of west Texa~. Arapahoe,
Colorado and Wyo ming arc tceming \\ ith herds of
milling longhorns in seemingly inexhaU'itib\c suppl y.
Ironically, Texicans once conside red the vc ry long-
horns now in such demand to be pests. Region al
demand had been saturated for decades. and getting
the cattle to distant markets where they might fetch a
reasonable price was long deemed imprac tical - if
nm downright impossi ble. New methodologies would,
however, dramaticaHy alter the landscape and invigor-
ate the eattlc raising busi ness.
Shortly before the \\'ar Berween thc States. seve ral
Texic'lIl ranchers took nOte of the fact that the herds
of wild cattle roaming the outback of the Republi c
\\'ere far hea rtier than their own stock of farm breeds
transplanted froll1the Atlantic seaboa rd. Th ey discov-
ered that these rugged longhorns could be successfully
driven hundreds or even thousands of miles to market
on foot. Driven slowly and allowed to graze along the
wa}; the animals arrived at the far end of the trail fat
enough to fet ch a decent price. Cattle worth only twO
to four dollars locally cou ld bring anywhere from 20 to
40 dollars a head at a rail terminal. Ptrhaps the new
economics of beef is beSl illmtrated by the fact that
one rancher drove 1,000 head from west Texas 10 St.
Loui s and (in his 011'11 words) "reti red in spades".
l\ lost of the early Texican drives headed northeast to
the Kansas Territory. Such drives were long and haz-
218
ardous. They ran a ve ritable gauntlet of obstacles
including swollen ri\'ers, arid ranges with little forage
or wale I' and hostile Indians. Even at some white set-
dements, farmers refused to allow passage of the herds
- partially for fear of crops being destroyt:d , but more
so from fcar of diseases like 'Texas fe\'er' infec ti ng
their own he rds. A dri\'e beginning with sC\'e ral thou-
sand head of catt le could ve ry well end up arriving at
marke t with o nly a few hundred head remaining.
Despite these ri~ks, the profitability of even a mode r-
ately successful \'cl1ture ensured the continuance and
cnlargcmcllI of ca ttlc drives.
The \\'ar Between the States witnessed an infra-
structural maturation of the callie industry. Not only
did the Union \'astly increasc it s demand for the prod-
uct , but central planning 011 thc part of the war
depa rtm cnt put lilfough significant changes in logistics
that could never have been accomplished by the sma I!
and fiercely competitive pre-war players. Generous
su bsidies built new rail lines and allowed favored com-
pani es to greatl y e;.;pand their packing and distribution
capabilities. These firm s continued to expand their
reach after the war. as northern diet s were now accus-
tomed to cheap \\ estern beef.
De~pi t e the fact that ranchin g had been big business
in Texa;, fo r years, the real cattlc boom only came of
a{:("c after the war. \ Vhen new railheads reached
Sequoya h and Fort Worth , it didn't take long before
they were read}' to recei\"e herds and ship them to the
enormous plants in Chicago. No\\' hundrcds of thou-
sa nd of longhorns arc driven up the long and arduolls
traiL-. to the railheads each summcr.
Still a formidable drive from ranches of west Texas,
the new railheads at cattle towns such as New Echota
and Fan Worth cut the northern drives to U.S. markets
by nearly half. NO! only do cattle arrive at market
faster. but in beller condition and with fewer losses.
The lure of reponedl}' easy money from raisi ng and
driying cattic is irresistible to many folks arriving on
the frontier. Fresh markets arc created with each new
gold town that sp rings into existe nce. In addition.
although most of the wild herds have long since been
claimed , there arc still rogue herds to be found and
rounded up in remote valleys and canyons.
THE TEXAS LONGHORN
Historians bicke r o\'er the fin er details of the origin
of these rugged creatures, but they do agre(' on the
basics. Like the horse. callie were first introduced to
 .J
-
- -"'.•.-..;

-~-

219
the new world by the early explorers from the old
world. Columbus brought spotted range cattle from
the Iberian Peninsula and nearly every subsequent
Spanish expedition to the northern frontier of :'v1exico
(Tejas) brought additional cattle that helped seed the
herds that would one day nourish in the Americas.
Some of those cattle escaped into the wilds, so the
story goes, where (in spite of the odds) they sun'ived to
form great wild herds. By the latter 1500s, ranching
boomed in Spanish Tejas with some ranches ha\'ing as
many as 150,000 head. i\ lany of these animals
escaped and we nt wild or feral. Adding to the spread
of wild cattle was the fact that many Spanish ranchers
developed the habi t of cutting out sick or sore-footed
cattle to give to the Indians as tribute when their herds
crossed into their territories, and these cattle eventual-
ly seeded additional he rds. During the Pueblo Revolts
of the late 1600s, virtually all of the Spanish colonists
were driven from their settlements or killed. They
abandoned their large herds, cont ributing further to
the sp read of feral callie.
When Franciscan missionaries later returned to the
area, they founded missions and began operating
ranches worked by Indian converts. By the late I iOOs,
large private ranches again occupied the land on both
sides of the San Antonio Rive r. Although the callIe
were frequently rounded up, branded and counted for
the benefit of Spanish tax assessors, the herds were
otherwise allowed to run free , breed and graze along-
side the wild herds.
In 1822, the Mexican government allowed American
colon ists to move to Tejas under the leadership of
Stephe n F. Austin. T hese new settlers were mostly
from farms and plantations of the Old South, and
brought with them their best horses and cattle - li\'e-
220
stock of English ancestry. As the colony took root,
ex isting herds of wild Spanish callie mixed with dle
livestock from the cast.
Since the re was no COl1lrolled b reeding, dle only fac-
tor that shaped these herds was natural survival in the
tough unforgiving environment of Texas brush land.
The result was the Texas Longhorn, a breed that dear-
ly established itself in large scattered herds by the mid
1800s. Characterized by their long horns (that can
span 4 to 5 feet wide from tip to tip), these beasts seem
to have been engineered to be tough enough for the
long callie drives that would follow decades hence_
* THE CATTLE BUSINESS *
There a re several ways for players to get involved in
the cattle business. Th e mOSt obvious is for a charaCte r
to stan at ground level as a ranch hand or cowboy and
work his way up. Alternati\'ely, a pl<lyer with the
appropriate skills (and a bit of seed capital) could stake
out some land and begin a small ranch of his own.
Very wealthy characters can simply invest their capital
and buy, or collaborate with, an existing operation.
:'Ilany wealthy Europeans, drawn to the business by its
\-aunted profitability. favored this latter route.
STARTING A RANCH
CO\'ering eve ry facet of establishing and running a
ranch is beyond the scope of thi s book, but a broad
ove rview of the process can arm players with enough
information to wo rk out the basics.
Starting a ran ch from scratch is ambitious, but not
impossible. Players wanting to go th is route must
locate suitable land and secure it from potent ial com-
petitOrs. They also need to build a he rd. T hese tasks
require a great deal of capita! and lor ingenuity.
If a player expresses a desire to stan a ranch, it is
best handled though role-play, requiring the player to
solve the hurdles and work out the details.
In game terms, here arc a few of the basic tenets
govcrning cattle ranching:
@"" Bee\'es require 10 acres of land (15 if the land is
dry and scrubby) per animal O\'er the course of a year,
to graze upon. The scrubland typical of the Cauldron
(see Chapter 4.11 TIle Am & Eigllt.I Campaign ) supports
about 40 animals pe r square mile.
~ Each head of cattle requires up to 30 gallons of
water a day to remain healthy_ A large and permane nt
watcr source must be situated no furt her than 10 miles
from any grazing land. T he upshot of this is that suit-
able grazing land generally flanks rivers and streams.
~ I uch of the parched land 'out in the wilderness' is
unsui table for ranching.
r:!ir ;-Jewborn calves take fou r years 10 mature into
ani mals suitable for sl aughter.
This means a modest he rd of ·100 cattle requires
4,000 w 6,000 acres (10 square miles' of grazing land
located suitably close to a stream o r natural spring. Of
cou rSt, prime grazing land is snatched up quickly and
carlyon. In fact, most of the g reen rangeland in Texas
and lile western territories is already under the control
of a relatively small number of tattle barons and pro:;-
perous indepcndent ranchers. Consequenll), the wilds
of the Shatte red Frontier arc the onl}' real option for
those wanting to establi~h a ne\\ ranch. This can be a
risky venture, con~idering that four nations and a
handful of Indian u-ibcs cla imthe same land.
With possession being nine-tenths of the law and a
show of force being the other temhl, mall}' fortune-
~eekers are willing to take the gamble. Ranchers
require room for their herds and are notoriom for
their penchant to exert control O\-er broad areas by
any mea ns necessary. Typicall~, a rancher makes his
legal claim on a water source such as a ri\'er, lake or
stream) and then extends the boundaries by extralegal
measures to '\l least 10 miles on either side (about the
distance a herd can comfortably travel without water'.
One has to consider futu re gro\\ \h as well. As such, a
ranch can extend 10 to 30 miles from end to end
claimed territory 011 which no other rancher call move,
graze or water his cattle without being challenged and
coming under the threat of arms.
Once an area opens lip to settlement , good range-
land is seized quickly. from then on, it's a fight for
each character 10 kcep what he's staked claim to.
Shortagcs of grass and water C;1I1 turn amiable neigh-
bors into the bitter enemies. All it takes is one drought.
Despite Ihe competitive nature between ranchers.
there is often a large degree of cooperation though
thi s typically exists only between large established
claimants who've banded together to secure their
ranges from interloping newcomers). Catllemcn asso-
ciations rise up. Coordinated an nual round-ups arc
organized. Mutual protection and enfo rcemcnt of 'ca t-
tleman justice' arc tWO of the ways ranchers work
together for the common good of their business.
STOCKING A RANCH
Once a player has staked out his ranch. lhe hard part
begins. In order to make his ranch a going concern. he
needs cattie and the ranch hands to work them.
CallIe ca n be obtained in one of twO \'lays. The eas-
iest method is to purchase a starling herd from anoth-
er rancher. While this can be prohibitively expensive
for a player just sta rting out, it is the hest option for a
wealthy character eager 10 get his ranch up a nd run-
ning. These t ransactions arc handled like all)' other
purchase. wit h suggested prices listed in Chopltr
5.51 Goods & Sen'ias. Caution is warranted, however.
~ I a n y highly successful ranchers a re known to be
skilled negotiaton and won't hesitate to take advan-
tage of a greenhorn. f or large purr-hases involving
hundreds of head, it may be financially advantageous
to contract a distant rancher and purchase a porrion of
his herd which will be dri\'cll to the character's ranch
rather than purchasing local stoc k.
An aitl'rnati,·e is to round up wild unclaimed caule
maH'rick~ from the wilderness and dri\'e them to the
ranch. Of cour~e, players searching for ,,~Id cattle
must devote time traveling to and exploring remote
unsettled areas on the regional map. This undertaking
is not a olle-man job. In general. it requires three or
more trained men each ha\ ing lile minimum cowbor
skill sel ali de~cribed helO\\ with several horses apiece
a week lO !>earch a IOO-squarc-mile area.
Success or failure is determined by whichever of the
three cowboys has the best master) of Searching.
Afler one week, that cowboy makes a Searching skill
check for the grou p. This is generaiJy an Average
check (+40%), though it may be reduced to Easy
(+8011/0) if he also has the Animal Lore skill at Average
mastery (74-50) or betler. The character discovers one
mavcrick for e"ery percentage point by which he suc-
ccssfully excecdcd his skill check. ~ l crc1)" finding wild
callie docs not, howe,·cr, imply that they arc now
docile. These mavericks must then be succes~ful1)'
herded a Difficult check for wild call1e i in order to
bring them into Ihe fold.
For tHlmplt, Itt's say that Tluodort ccThu" lVi/9 is dtltr-
mined to txplou a 100-sq/lort-milt /lnStllltd ouo in starch oj
mauricks. As nald aballt, ht mllsl first sttld 0111 at kasl thru
hiud lIIt'n (tach with Xavia or btlltr masury of Animal Hmlillg
(coltlt), Riding and Rope l;st) u·llh stlltral horsts apita. T1lu
dtcidrs 10 go on Ihe senreh, along lL'i/h twa alhtr hirtd men.
s
Thu pla)·tr now alltmpls a Starching skill chuk 01 Ar:trage
diffitull)' (+40°4 Thtt has 0 76% masury value in tht
Starching skill, 51) !Ii musl rail a 36 or hig}ttr 10 mut or excud
his 76°" masltT)~ I/r ralls a 79, for a latal oj 119
(79+40=119, wtll abol.'t his mastrry vollu), so ht succUils.
To drttrll/illt how lI1tlven"cks Tltu alld his mttl jol//ld,
IIIt1I!)'
his pla)'er sjmpo' sublracts Thu's masltTy valllt (76%jfrom Ilu
towl Toll (119) for 0 rtsult rif -13 (119, 76= 4.'1) . Thu and his
221
men located 43 mavencks. Now lujust lias to bring them into
his own herd.
Tlue's plq)'er now makes all Animal Herding (caule) skill
(heck. However, tIlls is a Difficult check (+0%) with no bonus
to his roll. Thee onlY has a 78% mastery value in lite Allimal
Herding (caWe) skill, so he must roll a 78 or hlglur. He rolls a
68 ~ a failure.
Since each repealed Animal Herding attempt per day (on the
same herd) stifftrs a C/lmulalive + 15% penally to the skill check,
Thu (an try again, bl/t he has to roll a 93 or higher. Looks like
Thee needs (0 improve his Animal Herding skill before lu (ries /0
master the mavericks again.
Though wild cattle are plentiful, there is not an infi-
nite supply of longhorns grazing free ly, To simulate
this, note the following caveats. Any particular area
can only be searched once per year. Additionally. the
players arc hardly likely to be the only characters seek-
ing to gath er wild cattle. For e"er), ranch within 50
miles of the area sea rched, add one difficulty level to
the Searching check - to reflect that nearby ranchers
have conducted cow hunts of their own in this region,
If the adjusted check is pushed beyond Very Diffi cult,
there is no chance of finding mavericks in the area that
year.
BRANDING
Bunding is ~ mens of eSllblishing
ownership. The pr~ctice is not new to the
Sh ~tTe red Frontier. however. Even the
ncient Egyptins brlnded their cllt le.
O wners Brand
A mer ic~ n cowboys lelrbed the usk from
MexiCln vlqueros ~ nd in time developed
their own unique call igraphy.
Brlnds cn be subdi vided into three
mljor cllegories; I) Letters. numbers l nd
the ir vui~ nt s. 2) Geometric symbols ~ nd
3) Pictoria l sym bols. With thOUSlnds of
bunds in service. a complex etymology
developed. with each containing a phuse
or pun unique to the owner.
Conventions hlve developed to dis-
couuge the practice of venting ('rebund-
ing') Cltt le, Cattlemen ue quick to dis·
couuge the ldoption of vuinls on their
bunds for fear of callie rustl ing. For
example. 1 u ncher Ihltldopts HyyHas his
brand when his neighbor uses Hy His look·
ing for trouble!
222
GROWING THE RANCH
A ranch is more than a few hundred head of cattle
and some grazing land, A raneh owner needs help
tending to them, and to eventually drive them to mar-
ket. He must provide for the needs of his men includ-
ing shelter, food, basic equipment and horses. This
represents a huge outlay of cash - all ban ked against
growing the herd and eventually ge tting it to market to
se ll the animals for a substantial profit.
A smooth talking rancher just starting out and short
on capi tal can often make do the first season by living
on the cheap out of tents and the backs of wagons.
And if he's real smooth (recall the note on successful
ranchers being good salesmen), he can convince the
hired help 10 \,'ork for shares of the herd, or eve n par-
tial par, until the he rd is driven to market and sold.
Some cowboys may agree 10 such te rms on a hand-
shake, Others will demand a promissory nOte against
wages owed . Some banks and financ iers might be will-
ing to loan money against sha res in a herd, but rates
can run from 2% 10 5% a month. A character's
Reputation and role-playing has a lot 10 do with how
successful he is in the above pu rsuits.
Methods of Cattle Branding
Earmark
Wattle
Ve nt Brand
I \
\ Jaw Brand
Dewlap
Trail or Road Brand
Jughandle De wlap
THE HIRED HELP R a n ch Boss:
A good rulc-of-dlumb is thai c\'cry 250 head of cat- AccounTing - 990IG or better
tle in the herd requires one ranch hand to manage AdminisTriTion - 74% or beller
them. The ,wcrage wage for a cowhand is S I a day Animli Herding (Wile) - 99'J1. or beller
usually paid as S30 at the end of each month. Riding - 9'}0,4 or bwer
The most expe rienced hand fills the position of Rope Usc - 9I}Oft or beller
range boss - the man in charge of the daY-IO-clay
work when the ranch owner isn't around. Range boss- Range Boss:
es cOlllmand a wage of S 100 a month. A rancher just AdminislUlion - 99% or better.
starling OUI may Opt to fill the role of range boss him- An; mil He rding (wrle) - 74% or beller
self, but he must devote his full attention to Ihe job and Riding - 74% or beller
will probably have little time left o\'cr for anything clsc.
Rope Usc - 740/. or beller
E" c ry ranch needs a cook lO pro\'idc meals for the
hands. A competent cook draws S40 or morc a month.
Cowboy:
A poor cook usually doesn't las! long enough to draw
Aotmil Herding (wrle) - 99% or beller
his pay. A'olhing annoys a cowboy more than a cook
that can't properly stew a pot of beans. Riding - 99o/t or bwer
Rope Usc - 99% or beller
When hiring ranch hands, a player must take care 10
select men with a good range of skills. Picking men of
Range Cook:
good character and work ethic is equally important,
but those lacking such qualities arc usual!y weeded out Cooking - 99% o r beller
while on the job. Good men arc hard to find and Droving - 99o/t or beller
hard men arc e\'en rarer. The success of any ranch is
largely dependent on the men that work it. So hiring Wrangler:
shouldn't be taken lightly. Riding - <}9Oft or beller
So, what makes a cowboy? While there a rc many
aspects of an individual's personality that determine While it is possible to for a character to bluff his way
his sui tability for this line of work, it is important to into a job by overstating his abilities, it will become
define the ski lls required to successfully perform the readily apparent to his peers and supe rv isor that he
work. At a minimum, each of the ranch hand positions lacks the necessary skills for the position. At that point,
has the followin g prerequisites: he can either slink away in sha me or take a less skilled
position and diligently attempt to learn.

TABLE 5.1-1: RANC!! !!ANI) REllUIREMENTS

Posit ion II N"dcd W~gC$ Dillies
Cowboy I per 250 bud UO/ mOll lh Aoylhio8 Ihl oeeds dOlO'
R ~pgc Boss flOO/mooTb M1u8el field work 10d cow bo y,
$'10 +/mOlllh Cooks mub
Wrugler' ITO 2 125/ mooTb CUC! for The borsC!
Bbeksmilh" !125/mooTh Shoes horses. rcp1i rs equipmenT
Ruch Boss'" oprioul !60/moDlh ~ho'8U Tuch bouse. huildio8', ' Id ! ~lId d'Y · lo·d~y operuiool.
Keeps iovelllory of equipmcoT. Serves U p.ymuler.
"Nott: Th e lowly wrangler often doublu as go-fer for the range boss and clean·up boy for the cooK.
"A lthough many cOb,-hands are to replact 0 thrown shot on a ho~ 0$ required. most lorge ranchu emplo~t a residtnt bloc/tsmith
for tht job. In oddition to kttping the horsts wdl shod. Ihe blocksmith keeps equipment in a good stare of repair_ repairs
wogonslwhuls. makes bronding irons. ttc.
'''Largu ranches with numtrous buildings. hundreds of piuu of equipment ond household staff often require 0 hired hand who stays
cloSt to home. serving as the owner's right hand man.

223
 As a final note, it's standard practice for the rancher
to cove r medical expenses for those he employs, as well
as burial costs (should fate take a turn for the worst).
WORKING THE RANCH
The re arc 1:\1'0 annual evenls common to all ranches
- the spring round-up and thc fall drive.
Th. Round-Up
\'Vhile on the ranch, cattle are not penned in, but
allowed to range freely. One might think that this
would aHow them to wander off, but few do. Recall that
a typical ranch 's grazing area is cen tered on a perma-
ncnt water source. It is the cow's need for water that
tics a herd to the ranch, without the added expe nse of
fen cing or supervision.
In the spring, after the cows have given birth, it is
necessary to round up the herd to take inventory. Doing
so allows the rancher to gauge the deprivation of the
winter (how many head we re lost to exposure and pred-
ators), a nd assess his curren t financial position. Some
stray animals from neighboring ranches may also have
wandered into his territory and mingled with his herd.
In addi tion to performing an inventory, newly born
calves arc branded and males arc castrated.
The Drive
While it is nOt absolutely neCeSSal)' fo r every ranch-
er to conduct the long drive to the railroad stOckyards,
it is the surest way to obtain the best possible price for
one's beeves. A smaller ranch might opt to act as a
'feeder' (fattening up animals for sale to others \Vho
\ViII bring it to market) or to specialize in breeding and
calf production.
Driving Cattle to Market
Quality grasses and availability of \Vater are essen-
tial for driving cattle. It is these two elements thai dic-
tate the feasibility of a trai l. In fact , scarcities of these
(especially water) have limited the available trails to
only a mere handful.
Planning for a drive entails more than choosing a
rOllte. This is a major operation and requires careful
assembly of men and supplies. A herd moves about 10
miles a day - the upshot being that a drive to either
Fort \Vorth or Sequoyah takes two months or more.
As social animals, cattle !Cnd to cling togethcr and
stay in a group. This makes the task of herding them
easier, but a number of skill ed cowboys are Hill
required for the task. A good rule-of-thumb is that
every 250 head needs one cowboy (with a minimum of
224
three cowboys total , even for smaller herds). One also
needs the services of a cook, a stocked chuckwagon, a
wrangler, and several horses for each cowboy.
Life on the Irail is arduous work. Cowboys work 16
hours a day in order to move the prescribed 10-12
miles, and then take shifts on guard duty through the
night. A perennial fear is that. something might startle
the herd and cause them to stampede away. j\ 'ot only
does it cost tim e to round up straggle rs, but a 'spooky
herd' often arrives at the railh ead haggard and skinny
- and of far less interest 10 a prospect!\'e buyer.
There are al so the intrinsic dange rs of the trail , poor
weather being the most common . Hailstorms on the
wide-open plains ca n cause painful bruising to both
man and beast, and lightning has killed more than a
few cowboys. Even distant events can impact Ihe drive
- such as \\·hen flash fl ooding (fed by storms hundred
of miles upStream occu rs at river crossings.
Far more dangerous, ho\\,e\·er. arc fellow men. The
velY lawlessness th:l1 permits squatt er ranchers to co n-
trol vasl swathes of land by force of arms also empow-
ers all sorts of bandits, as well as un subjugated Indian
tribes. While some Indi ans may be bought ofT with a
steer or tW O, warlike tribes or bandits may force a co n-
frontation - usually ending in gu nplay. It is fo r this rea-
son Ihat callieme n pre fer the longe r southeastern trai\.
despite its length being: half again as long as the north-
east trail.
ECONOMICS OF RANCHING
At first blush , ranching seems a guaranteed profit
maker. In theo ry, 100 cows could become a vast herd
of 2,892 head in 10 year's rime (provided , of course,
that most of the COli'S give birth each year and that
their offspring follow su it within two years).
Th e problem with thi s analytic computation is that it
ignores many di stressing realities that occur on a
ranch. Calves may be stillborn , any number of acci-
dents might kill or maim , harsh winters can kill or
weaken the herd (compounding losses by reducing the
number of young), predators and pens may attack,
and disease may thin the herd.
With a successful Animal H usbandry check (Average
difficulty), a well-managed herd with adequate grazing
land can expect growth at an annual compounded rate
of 20 percent. If the ranch has suflicient grazing land
for the ever-increasing herd, an initial 100 cows will
grow to nearly 250 in five years and over 600 in ten.
Barring some catastrophe, an average t)'pical callie
drive can expect to lose 11 % to 30% ( ld20+10) of its
numbers due to accidents, stampedes, drowning, ill-
weather and attacks by (or as gifts to) Indian s.
 5.21 Running a Cattle Drive
This sulion PTOl:idu an in-depth gamt munanum Jor conducl-
ing a cal/le drivt. Rtad through tht tntirt chopler bifore heading oul
on Ihe trail, unks$ )'011 j ust want 10 end liP broke - or worst...
WHY DO IT?
The area of the Shattered Frontier around the San
Juan ~I o umains provides mall )' excellent grazing lands
charac terized by abundant \'cgctali\,c gro\\ Ih, mOSt
notably in the spring and early summer. As such, it pro-
vides an excellent locale for raising beef catlle - so much
so thaI local supply far exceeds Ihe demands of the rela-
tively spa rsely populated arca. A mature steer may only
command a price of 54 or $5 when sold within the
region. With prices so low, it's dimcult \0 make a profit
raising cllttle for Ihe local markel.
However, there is an almost insatiable demand for beef
in the g reat industrial cities of the Creal L.,kes and ea~t ­
ern seaboard. Beeves can fetch tell times the regional
pnce if only they can be delivered to the hungl), popu-
lace. Railroads mitigate this difficulty in that they prmidc
a cheap form of transportation. However, the catch is
that the rails on ly !Un to the cities of ~ ew Echota in
Sequoya, and to Fort Wo rth in the Republic of Texas. To
fetch the magical 540 to S50 a head for one's cattJe, it's
necessary to get your beeves to these distant railheads.
To do so means embarking on a cattle drive. Though
long and arduous, the rewards for a successful cattJe drh'e
are enormous. i-, Iany perils lie on the path, ones that
threatcn both your valuable beeves as well as your own
person, and success is nOt measured by mere completio n
of the trail. Cattle arriving at the railheads as scrawny,
mangy beasts are unlikely to receive top dollar - in fact,
thcy might sell for as little as 52 a head. This outcome
could be financially ruino us, since a cattle drive is a huge
investment with an expectation of a big payoff at the e nd.
The challenge is to drive your cattle to the railheads in
the shortest time possible while maintaining the size and
quality of the herd.
BEFORE Y011 HEAD 011T
Conducting a cattle drive is a months-lo ng operation
that demands careful preparation. It requires an ade-
quately provisioned and skilled crew to have any hope of
being successful. It is not a task that o ne can embark
upon on a whim.
What then constitutes "adequate preparation'? To
begin wit h, there arc the men. Rega !"dless of the size of
the herd , a cattle train requires a minimum of three men
to work it a trail boss (which most likely wi ll be the PC)
and a couple of cowboys. Large herds require corre-
spondingly more men . }\n optimal numbe r is o ne cow-
boy per 250 head of cattle (but ne\'er any fewer than
three). A herd may be run with as few as one per 400
head but this makes things more difficult 'and in game
terms will cause all f\nimal Herding skill checks to be
made at olle level of difficulty g reater).
What of the men? What constitutes a cowboy? To be
con~idered an effecti\'e cowboy, the person in question
mUSt posses the fo llowing skills at least at the l\""ovice level :
Animal Herding (cattle), Riding and Rope Use. Lack of
any of these skills means that the person is free to ride
alon~ but cannot meaningfully contribute to the success
of the dri\·e.
Other prepuations also need to be made, The journey
is long and will tire both men and beasts. The beasts
most likely to fee! the strain arc the cowboys' horses. In
faCL \ou mmt have at least six hor~es per cowboy!
Regardless of how good your horse is, you ca n't depend
on a ~ingle steed to do the job. H or~es simply canllot be
ridden and \\orked hard all da~ and still be expected to
perform. It 's common fo r a cowboy to alternate horses at
every mea l, allowing the othe rs to rest and graze so
they' re ready whe n needed.
You a lso need to bring along enough food . Cowboys on
the trail are busy 16 homs a day with their various duties.
It is inconcei\'able thai they can sustai n themselves by
hunting and foraging for food. T herefore, yOll must bri ng
along adequate provisions.
While it i~ pos~ible to purchase preserved food, this is
not o nly expensi\'e but also hurts morale, ~o one likes to
t3r Meal Planning
As anyone who's ever gone grocery shopping knows,
it's far cheaper to prepare meals from scralch than pur-
chase prepared meals. However, it's nOI so easy to look at
a chart of bulk provisions and dceide what constitutes
three meals a day.
For planning purposes, )'ou may assume the following
list of food is sufiicicnt to feed a cowboy on the trail for
one day:
I pound beans
I;, pound corn meal
II. pound bacon
1/ 11 pound coffee
A slaughtered cow may be substituted for the bacon,
but this is generally not done. The available meat that
can be eaten before it goes bad is not worth the loss of the
profit it would have made at the end of lhe trail.
225
 T"'I
Bo..
cal cold food out of tin cans for months at a lime.
Characte rs forced to operate under Ihese conditions suf-
fer a cumulative - 5% penalty per month to all their skill
checks. This is a demonstrable effect of their constant
grousing about the food and the surliness it inculcates.
(This penalty does not apply to characters wilh a 35% or
greater share in Ihe drive, since their desire to get the
beeves to the railhead overcomes this lesser incoll\"en-
ience.)
T he upshot is, for any serious catlle driye. you're going
to have to purchase a chuckwagon, twO oxen or mules to
pull it, plenty of food and the services of a cook. So,
before you make the first mile of your trek, you're already
in the hole for quite a bit of money - dozens of good
horses, provisions and sundries. Fortunately, the hired
hands only expect their pay at trail's end.
THE TRAIL
At this time, no one else has dared to blaze the long
trail from the Shattered Frontier. T he paths to the rail-
heads can be dangerous, and your ranching pee rs have
been content 10 make their meager profits locally.
However, it won't be long before one of them takes the
plunge, so it's time for you 10 be bold and be the first.
The rOute ahead is depicted on the two-page spread
map that can be found at the end of Ihis section. You'll
notice that there are four terrain types: lush, adequate,
sparse and bare . T hese represent the amount of forage
available to your herd.
i\'1ajor rivers are also listed on the map. These are a
boon and a potential hazard. Although they are a guar-
anteed source of water, they are also an obstacle that may
need to be crossed.
Hitting the 2I.il
For simplicity's sake, you may wish to think of the cat-
tle drive as a "mini-game" (albeit a game that may have
226
R• ..,md.
dire consequences for your Aces & Eights character). On
each ··turn" I day in game time" you have to manage the
evellts that occur \0 your characters and herd that day
(see the Daily Grind, following, keeping track of certain
events on the Herd \\'orksheet.
Do the same for each day until you reach your destina-
tion. ;\ow you can roleplay selling your beeves, or simply
note the appropriate dollar amount on your character
sheet and mow on. Your G:\I may decide which is best
Remember. you need to know Ihe basics that we've
already mentioned - the number of cattle in your herd,
what characters are guiding the herd and their statistics),
and how much food exists to feed those characters.
Naturally, you also need to know where you're starting
from (such as the town of Black Horse), and where you
want \0 fini sh Fort Worth or New Echota). Consult the
map at th e end of this section.
You do not need 10 manage your cattle drive in the
starting hex the first town you left) or ending hex (the hex
contain ing the destination town/railhead).
The Daily Grind
For a simple way to manage your cattle drive, follow
these steps.
1) Determine today's movement rale (or graze)
2) Make Animal Herding check for movemenl/graze
- if failed, possible stampede
- if successful movement, enter adjacent hex
3) Send SCout ahead to other hexes (if applicable)
4) Record how today's movement or grazing affected
Quality of Beef
5) Roll lellO \0 check fo r severe weather
6) J\ [a ke Animal Herding check for river crosslIlg (if
applicable)
- success: roll d3 for number of cattle losl
 - if railed, roll d 12 for number of caule lost
- on 10-12, cattle stampede
TABLE 5.2-2: DOUBLE-TlltIE ltIOVEltIENT
Tc.nia DI y I chccks DIy l chccks Diy J checks
7 Roll once on Tahlt 5.2-8: RandQm EncQunlm BJI Terrain
Lus h Avcr lgc Difficult Very Dif{ icu h
or act upon the encounter roretold by scout for th is hcx
Adequuc AvuIgc Diffi cu lt Ver y DiHicu h
8 Roll on Tahk 5.2-5: Chol/u ~ Findillg lI altf
Spusc Difficult Ve.y Difficult Vcr y Difficu h
- autOmatic success in ri"er hex
Birc Difficult Vc.y Difficult Very Difficu h
- automatic success on day of rainstorm
aUl lity of Btef
- add 40°'0 bonus on the day after rainstorm
AII'tru ias ., ·6 ·8
9 Record d ehydration effects ir applicable
10 :\ Ia ke Riding check ror scout ir applicable G.~azjng

- ir success, scout returns with report
encounter ror each hex the scout "isitcd
- if failed, scout relllrns with no inrormation ido
not roll encounters, cannot usc scout the next day
DRIVING THE HERD
Thc meat and potatocs or the dri\'C is narurally mo\itH;:
the herd on a daily basis towards the d estination. You
have three movement options a"ailable: normal. d o u-
ble-time and gra:.l:ing.
Normal Movem ent
T his type or movement is the prererred choice. It
allows the herd to move along at their natural gait with
time to do some grazing and watering at day's end. This
pace permits movement or ten to twelve miles in a day
(one hex on the map).
TABLE 5.2-1: NORltIAL ltIOVEltIENT
Herd ing Difficulty aUl lity of Bcef
Lush ......... T.i vill ... . . ...+1
Adequille ..... Euy ............... .. ... no chugc
Spusc .. ...... Avengc .. . . ..............-1
Bue .... ..... Avengc .... . ....... .. ........J
Doubl,-Tim, Mov,m , nt
T here arc times when it is beneficial to spu r your callie
and c rew o n to thc limits of their endurance. Chief
amongst these is when you have to cover a long strcteh or
bone dry country. Though it's grueling work and wearing
on the herd, whcn raced wilh the alternative or massivc
losscs due to dehydration somctimes it's worth the risk.
Double time movement covers two hcxcs per day. T his
pace can be sustained for a maximum of three days, with
evcr increasing le\'e1s of difficulty ror your Animal
Herding checks a s see n on Tablt 5.2-2: DOl/blt- Tim(
,\lovemml.
roll GrazinJ{ allo\\~ cattle 10 recuperate from the rigors of
the trail and to build back ~ome or thei r mass and stam i-
na. Opting to spend a day grazing affords the benefits
listed on Tahlt 5.2-3: Gra;;.mg.
Ir adequate water is a"ailable ~ee below. gral.ing
red uces the effects or dehydration by two steps days with-
out water for eyc')' day spCnt grazing.
TABLE 5.2-3: GRAZING
Ternin
Lus h .................. +<1
AdequHe .......... . ...+ 2
Spuse . . . . . . .. . .. .. no ehage
BHe ................ ... ·2
Qll ALITY OF BEEF
Quality or Beef providcs a quantitative measu re or Ihe
health and robustness of your cat tic. Beeves that are
scrawny and emaciated from a rough dri"e yield unpalat-
able mcat and retch a low price. Becf quality and thc cor-
responding market prices are listed on Tablt 5.2-4: .\ /arktl
Priu ~ Btif.
TABLE 5.2-4: ltIARI!ET PRICE OF BEEF
Qulil y Price (per held)
Excepl ioul . ........... $50
Exce llent ..... .... ... ..$<10
Good .... .............$30
Flir ...... ............ $20
Milnourished ..........$10
Poor ...... .... ... ... ..$5
Dcplonblc .............$2
D,tS!l1Jining Inili.l Quality of Besf
To determine the initial quality of your beeves' meat,
you need to know what charactcr managed them !xrore
the cattlc dri"e began. This was mostly li kely the PC, or

227

I
some i\,PC hired to care for the callie. If the character
succeeded at his last Animal H usbandry skill check when
caring for these beeves, they begin the call ie drive at
Exceptional quality. If he failed his la st Animal
H usbandry check, the quality of beef drops by one cate-
gory for every 10% the check failed by (initial quality can-
not drop below Fair).
For example, lei's sqy Ihal old Theodore "Thee " II 'il~ was car-
ingfor these beeves, and he has an Animal Husbandry 67% skill
maslery. if Theefailed his lasl Animal Husbandry skill check b)'
10% or less (perhaps a resull rf 63%), Ifu callIe begin Ilu drive
as Exrellenl quality beg 011 Ihe olha hand. if Thtf failed Ihal
Animal Husballd~)' duck b), 11 % 10 20% (sa}t a remll rf 49%),
Ihe callie begin Ille drive as Good quality bee] Allemalivery, if
Theefailed his {asl Animal Husbandry skill check lry 21% 10 30%
(ma),be a rlSull rf 38%), Ihe callie begin Ihe driu as Fair qualil),
bee]
Man agin g Quality of Eeef
Take a look at the Herd \\'orksheet, and you'll see each
Quality of Beef header Exception, Excellent, and so on),
each with a subset of 10 'check boxes' . Any penalties
stemming from a day's movement is applied against these
boxes.
Each time a table or othe r result tells you that the qual-
ity of beef decreases, put a pencil mark in the uppermost
box. If your quality of beef continues to decrease. mark
the next box down, and so on until you have filled the
entire column, then move on to the next column. The
column your most recent pencil mark is in determines the
current quality of beef.
If your qual ity of becf increascs, simply work back-
wards, erasing the pencil marks in reverse order.
WATER
Adequate drinking water is esscntial to the health of
any herd . Beeves on the hoof can drink up to 30 gallons
of water a day and therefore a herd must have acccss to
regular sources of clean water. .lust as with humans, cat-
tle can go for many days without food but the etTects of
dehydration manifest in me re days.
Finding wate r is one of the most important tasks you
have in running cattle. Unfortunately, in the arid
Shattered Frontier, this can be difficult. Hexes with rivers
TABLE 5.2-5: CHANCE OF FINDING WATER
Tcrr~ in %J.roll dlOOl
Lush... . ........... 01-90
AdcqU1 IC .............01-60
SPilfSC .. . ............. 01-30
Blrc ........... . . . .. . .01-05
228
arc guaranteed to contain sufficient watcr bUllhc remain-
ing terrain typcs vary in their likelihood to do so.
Remember that, regardless of terrain type, there will be
water available on lhe day it rains. Be sure to add 40% to
your roll on Table 5.2-5: Chan ce rf Finding I'Valer the day
after the thunderstorm , and reven 10 the standard chart
thc reafter.
Effecis of Dehydration
Cattle denied their drinking water become increasingly
restless and haggard. They are far more likely 10 stam-
pede and prolonged thirst will shortly become fatal. Usc
Table 5.2-6: Dell),dralionto determine the results of extend-
ed dehydration. The Hcrd Worksheet provides a handy
row of boxes so that you can keep track of dehydrat ion;
si mply check otT a box for each day without water.
TABLE 5.2-6: DEHYDRATION
D~ y O u ~l iTy OTber EffecTS
! .. .-3 .... Herdin g cbec k difficulty illcreiScs by llevd
2 ......." .... Herding cbeck difficulty incrnscs by Zlcvcls
3 .. .. -8 .... AII herdiDg checks iTe Very Difficult.
dlO% of herd dies
" ... .-10 .... AII herdiog checks He Very Difficult.
d20% of berd dies
5 .....-1 2 .... Herd ~ uTom u i(~lIy sumpedcs TO wucr".
d20% of be.d die s
- CUTle Ci ll smell Wi Ter from I disuDcc. If "'~ter ex isTS io i lly
bordering bex. tbey sumpede TO iT. If 1101. They slimpede blck 10
Ibe liST koOWII source of wuer. If tbis ;s diY' ~w~y. subsequenT
diY, sec ~ d200/t mOTU lity Ind - 15 OUi lity of Bed per diy UDTil
Ibe survivolS ruch i wuering hole.
Recovery from Dehydration
Upon reaching a watcring spot, the continuing negative
etTects of dehydration end. That day (a nd each one fol-
lowing spent grazing at the watering hole) reduces dehy-
dration etTects by one day, in addition to any other bene-
fit s that the hex's \'egetation provides. Note that Quality
of Beef is not restored merely by findin g water - th is
must be regained by grazing.
SEVERE WEATHER
T he a rea of the Shallered Frontier is subject to about
40 thunde rstorms per year, often accompanied by hail.
Cattle a re notoriously difficult to control under such con -
ditions and frequcntly stampede.
O nce each day, roll a dlOO on Table 5.2-7: Swert 1'I'ealher.
Now attempt an Animal Handling check with a difficulty
as noted on that table. On a failed check, the herd autO-
matically stampedes.

TABLE 5.2-7: SEVERE WEATIIER
Roll-ld IOQl Wcuher Herd illS Difficu lt.)'
01·02 ... .... . Dust Slorm ....• •Very Difficu lt
03·OS ... . .Th undcrstorm ............. Difficuh
06·10 ... . .Tb ulldcr,.orm .... jlh h~il .. Ver y Difficu lt
tHaD... . .. No rc, ult ....... .. ...... Nol ~ppli c lbJc
Not e: For all its negative consequences, thunderstorms
do have one upside. Regardless of te rrain type, there will
be water available on the day it rains. Add 40° 0 to your
roll on Table 5.2-5: Challa rif Filldillg rl-a((r the day after the
thunderstorm, and revcrt to Ihe standard chart thereafter.
RIVER CROSSING
A river crossing is a rcal hazard and seldom does evcry-
thing go well. Cattle can become stuck so deep in the
muddy banks that only a team of horses can pull them
out. Spring rains may make the liver dccp, cold and
swifL \\'aler moccasins may lu rk on the banks,
To cross the river, the trail boss must attempt an .\nimal
Herding skill check :A\·erage. This chcck should be
Difficult or Very Difficult in case of severe weather: morc
I
on that late r. Success means that only minor difficulties
were encoulltered. Roll a d3 (a d6; designating thc 1-2 as
I, the 3-4 as 2, and the 5-6 as 3. T his number represents
a percentage of the herd that was lost 10 drowni ng, acci·
dent, maiming, etc.
If this skill check fails, the ri,'cr crossing ,,'as a potential
disaster. Roll a d 12 to determine the percentage of thc
herd that was lost due to quicksand, current, an attack of
water moccasins or some ot her disaster. If the result is 10
or abo\'c, the herd also stampedcs (see thc Stampede sec·
tion. In the case of a stampede, all cowboys must
attempt an Swimming skill check (Easy). Those who f.'il,
drOI\Il.
STAMPEDES
Callie can be jumpy animab and their reaction to get·
ting spooked is 10 sla mpede. It is difficult to cont rol this
behavior OUI on Ihe open plains becausc stampedes have
been known to occur from such innocuous provocations
as a jumping deer, a horse's whinny or the flash from a
cOII'hand 1i~hting a ciga rCtte.
If YOU failed an .\nimal Herdin't check and need to
deler;nine if Ihe herd stampede~. roll another check .
This second check applies to a nell task. and so is made
229
with the same bonuses or pcnalties applicablc to the ini-
tial check (do not apply Ihe standard 15D o penalty for
repeating a failf'd check). Failing this second Animal
Herding chcck means the herd stampedes.
The cowboys. must now attempt to rein in the stamped-
ing cat lie. (Seldom is en'ry last head accoullIed for. ) T he
number of head reined in on any given day is dictaLCd by
.\nimal Herding skill mastery. The trail boss rolls
d100+50 and subtracts his Animal Herding skill mastery.
The result is the percentage of the remaining missing ani -
mals recovered on that day. These checks can be made
once per day until the PC decides that he's just \\a~ting
time looking for the remaining animals.
For eXllm/llf'. II Iiml rf 500 htad slall1pedn Trail bOI' Jake
LillIe has Animal Herdillg skiIlIlJaJlf')' 11146~ o. Hl rolb a dlOO
olld gets 77. Tltis plus 50 lIIillllS hh _I"ill/al Htrding jl.:illlllaJ-
Iff)' yields 8/ % (77+50--I6=8/). 7/uTifOrt. -105 {allit
(500):0.81 =405) Wert ff(ot'l!ftd 011 lilt. inilinl df!)' S unr(h. S m llt'
95 {allle art still missillg.
Deridillg 10 WlltZill ill (he aretZ. lIlt 11f.'·{ dqv Ite To/Ira dl0U and
gets 61. ThiJ phlS 50 min/IJ his Animal Hadillg skill flwJler)'
)Ilflds 65% (61+50-46=65). Thuifore, 61 head
(95xO.65=61) /L'mfoulld 011 the strond df!)':S Sfnrch. TIllS leaves
34 head missillg.
A IIiird dn)' qf searching is condurled dllrillg a birh /1/1 lrail bOH
rolls a dl00jOT /I ,·e.mlt rf 39. ThIS pIllS 50 minu~ hi.!, _Inimal
!-Jerding sk·ill maSle~)')'ieldJ -13 % (39+5U-46=43). Thai mrallS
o/Ily 14 /inld qf Ibt remailling 34 nllimais w ere found
(34\"0.-13=14). The trail bO.lJ duides /0 /l'rilt riff Ihe remnillillg
20 lund (lnd (olililllif lilt ddt" .
CASUALTIES
Remember, it takes three people to handle aU tllO~e
beeves, and each must han' the An imal Herding skill. So,
if an cncoun!er with outlaws. a disasterous river crossing
or some ot her event reduces your number of herders
below three, you're in trouble.
If you need some more hands, the smart thing to do is
\0 head rOUl" herd towards the nearest town and hire
some replacements. Until you can replace your
cowhands, hOll'e\"er, you lose d'10 head per day, per every
500 COli'S in your herd. ( f"hi s penally also applies for
herds of less than 500 cows. )
For exam/Jle, let's sny IIial Joke Ulilf wsl all his cow/wilds in a
rivtr ~Iomptde. Jnkt hdJ a -I50-fumi hud. so Itt. loses d20 (alllt
per da;: if hf had a herd rf II/I"llt'htre from 501 10 1.000 head,
Ilea wse 2d20 cOIlIt. per dl!..)c if Jakes herd was 1,001 /0 1,500
hiad. Itf'd WSl' 3r120 willi (/ do): alld JO 011.
As you can sec, it's better to hire some extra cowhands
than sel out on a dl;,"e with 100 few. 11\ also a good idea
10 make sure that your cook and scout (if any) have the
Animal Herding skill. so they ca n take the place of any
fallen compadres. Of course. a cook or scout cannot per-
230
form their normal function as well as mind the beeves.
This means that you'll be without a cook or a seoUl (or
both), so be sure 10 have tinned food on hand and keep
you r eyes skinned on the trail ahead.
If you need game statistics for any NPC compadres,
\\e've provided Cook, Cowboy and SCOll! :'\PC charac-
ters. Just flip to the Townsfolk section in Chapter 4.1 : TIit.
Am & Eights Cnmpnign .
SCOUTING AHEAD
Having read this far. you may have noticed thai it 's a
good idea 10 scout ahead of the herd before deciding
which hex yOLl will choose to travel into. This necessitates
an additional person over the minimum three-pcr~oll
requirement for managing the herd.
To be an elTeni,'c seoUl, the person mUSt ride a full 10
miles ahead and 10 miles back to his companions, in
order to rcla~ the information he gathered. T his requires
a Riding check Trivial .
To scout '1 acljacent hexe~. he must ride \0 miles to the
first hex, a nother 10 miles \0 tlw ~eeond and yet anot her
10 miles back 10 lhe herd. This requires a Riding eheck
of Average difficulty.
Scoming 2 hexes where the second hex is adjacent 10
the first hex but not to the herd's hex) req uires a Veil'
Dinicult check. The scout must ride 10 miles to the first
hex. 10 milt's 10 the ~ eeond, \0 miles back to the first hex,
and then 10 miles back to the herd 140 miles lotal).
To scout 3 adjacelH hexes another -to-mile trip), he
must ride 10 miles to the first hex, 10 miles to the second ,
10 miles to the third, and another 10 miles hack !O the
herd. Th i~ requires a Very Di nicult check .
A scout cannOt cover 4 adjacellt hexes, or 3 non-adja.
Cl'nt hexcs, in enough lime to get back !O the herd.
In most cases, a f..iled Riding check meam that the
scout did not get bad to the herd in time before it moved
into a new hex, or he obseryed nothing, and therefore
can not impart allY information he's gained. Also on a
failed check, the scout must rest and cannot be sent out
the ncxt day.
If you need game stat isti cs for an i\' PC scout, we've
provided a Scou t NPC character in the TO\msfolk section
of CfwP'tr 4. I: The A m & Eighls Camp/lign.
Note: Ridi ng through an a rea docs not automatically
mean the scout learned everything .. bout it. If he's look-
ing for waler, he must make :m 0I1sel"\"ati011 (Easy) check.
However, if he's looking for possible encounters and/or
trouble, he must roll once Oil Table 5.2-6: RalldOlIl
EllcUlllllm Iij' Terrllill 101" each new hex elllered (do not roll
for the herd's current hex).
 ENCOUNTERS
You and your beeves arc not the only inhabitants of the
vast stretch of country between Lazarus and ;\cw £ chola
or Fort \\'orth. If you roll an encounte r on the random
encou nter tables for ),our current hex's terrain type, con -
sult the following information.
Alkali: If wate r was found in this hex, it is polluted ancl
unusable. Ignore this result in river hexes.
D iffi cult Te rrain: The groUlld in this particula r hex
is rough or muddy as the case may be. It takes an addi-
tional day to pass through.
Dise ase : A cattle disease ravages your herd. It lowers
you r herd's Q uality of Beef by d20 points.
Friend : You encounter a lonely Indian or fur tracler.
In exchange for some conversation and minor trade
goods 'approximately SIO worth, he can inform you of
certain things within the surrou nding 2 hexes. Roll a ran-
dom enCOUlllcr, a nd rolt on Tab/t 5.2-5: Chanu oj Fillding
fl attr, for cach surroundi ng lor appropriate, hcx. Your
ncw frie nd relays this information to thc charactcr.
If you necd quick game statistics for this encounter. you
should consider usi ng the Fur Trader or Indian ~ P C
char:lcters, from the Townsfolk section of Chapttr -I. J: Tht
Aw & Eights Campaigl'.
FarOle rs : Homeste:lders :Ire acti\'c!y farming this hex.
They allow SCOutS to pass through, but once they becomc
aware of the herd, they insist that it leave the area the
way it came (exit the hex in the same direct ion you
ente red). However, with a successful Salesmanship check
Easy, they agree to tradc for beef. In exchange for d3
head {roll a d6; I or 2 = I cow, 3 or 4 = 2 cows, 5 or 6 =
3 COWSI, they supply your men with a wcek of frcsh food
and allow the herd to pass through the hex at normal
mo\'emel\l.
For quick game statistics fo r this encounter, take a look
:It thc Farme r N PC cha r:lctcr, from the Townsfolk section
of Chaptn 4.1: ThtAw & Eights Campaigll.
G razed Out : This hex has been recently grazcd by
othcr animals, pcrhaps buffalo, wild cattle or another
herd. T he tcrrain is efTccti\'c1y one degree poorer lush
becomes :lverage, etc. so far as feeding your herd is con-
ccrned. T his docs nOt affect the water supply.
Indians: A small band of India ns approaches your cat-
tle train and begs for somc beef. Somc d4+ I head will
satisfy thcm, but you can reduce this to d3 roll a d6; I or
2 = 1 cow. 3 or 4 = 2 cows, 5 or 6 = 3 cows with a suc-
ces~ful Salesmanship check (Avcrage). T hcre is a 25°0
chance 01-25 on a dlOO that 3d6 armed Indians arc
located nearby. These Indians seck re\'enge on anyone
that mistreats the ·beggars'.
If you need quick game statistics for this encountcr,
consider using thc Indian ~ P C charactcl; from thc
Townsfolk section of Owptu -1.1: The . Im & Eights
Campaign.
O utlaws: .\ gang of d6+ I mounted outlaws is eyeing
your herd. They ride up firing guns in an attcmpt to
spook your herd. Immcdiately make an An imal Herding
check or your beeves stampede. Ir thc outlaws stampede
your hcrd, thcy attempt to round up stray an ima ls for
themseh'es (see Stampede section). The outlaws' intcnt is
nOt to get into a pitched battle.
A seout must succccd at an Obseryation skill check
D ifficult to SpOt the outlaws hiding in this hex.
Othcr\\i~e, hc cannot report the cncounter.

If you necd quick game statistics for this

TABLE 5.2-8: RANDOM ENCOUNTERS BY TERRAIN (DIOOO) encounte r, Oip to Clwpttr 4.1: The Acts &
Eights Campaign :I!ld use the Bandito,
EDcou Dter l ush Adequate Sparse Busll\'Jhacke r, and lor O utlaw N PCs in
Alk ali ................' .... . . . .. . . 01·10 . . .. . . . .... .. 01-06 the Townsfol k section.
DiHicu it TerraiD ... .. . .' .... . ... . . . 11·20 . ..... .. .01·30 . . ..... 07·26 Soldie r s: You encounter a troop of sol-
Disease . ............01·20 .. . . .. ... 21·35 ... .. ....3H O ..... .. 2H6 diers from this rcgion. T hey ignore
sCOuts, but if they enCounter the herd,
F rie Dd ... .. .... . ......' ......... . .. . ' . . ........ .'11·70 ...... .'17·70
their officer commandeers 5d4 head for a
Farmers ....... . .. . .21-120 . ........ 36·70 ... . . . .... ... . . ... .... .. price of S2d6 each. Failure to agrce to
G razed O ut . .. .. . . .. 121·170 .. . .. . . . 71·95 ..... . .. .71·90 ... ...... . these terms will pro\·okc a dangerous
IDdia ll! .. . .. . . ..... .17 J.190 . .. ..... 96·115 . . . ... ..9J.100 .. ... . .. .' cncounter the soldie rs back their dcmand
with forcc of arms). O n the plus sidc,
O utlaws . . ..... . .. .191·220.. . . . ... 116·130 . ..... . .101·150 . . ... . .7J.78 ignore any Outlaw e ncou ntc rs within a 2
Sold iers ... .. .... .. 221·235 .... .. . 13H45 . . . . . .. .15J.J60 . _.79-83 hcx radius.
St rays .. . . .. . .. . .. .236·260 . . .. . .. 1'f6·160 . .. .. . .16J.J70 If you neecl quick game statistics for this
Wale r . . . .. ....' ... .... ... 16J.J85 .. .. ... .171·190 . __ .84-98 cncountcr, wC\'e provided both Soldier
and Soldic r Officc r) i\" PCs 1I1 the
Wolves . ... _.. _. .. .261-290 _.... __186-205 _. . _. _.191-200
Townsfolk section of Chapttr 4. I: Tht Am
No eDcouDte r ..... .29HOoo . ... . . 206·1000 .... . .201·1000 .. ...99·1000 & Eights Campaign.

231

I
 St rays: You encounter 2d20 stray of wild cattle. You
may attempt to round them into your herd (per the rules
given in the Stampede section).
Wat e r : You come across a natu ral spring and may
water your herd he re.
Wolves: A pack of wolves is stalking your he rd. ). Iake
an Animal Herding check or your bccvcs gCt spooked and
stampede. T he wolvcs kill 1-2 beeves pcr day (roll a d4;
I or 2 = I cow, 3 or 4 = 2 cows) wh ilc you rcmain in this
hex (i.e. if you rcmain here to round up you r herd).
Special Encounters
Stagecoach Line: As you might cxpcct, drivcrs aren't
rcal friendly 10 herdsman who tear up Iheir lines. If you
choose to take your hcrd into a hex containing thc stagc·
coach line, there is a 10% chance per day that the herders
cncounter a coach or wagon with two angry drivers.
This chance is cumulativc (10% for one day spent on thc
line, 20'Yo for IWO days, etc. until you cntcr a hcx not on
thc linc.
Unless the PCs make peace with thc drivcrs (by agrce·
ing to Icavc the line, and doing so), the drivers will
altcmpt to stir up trouble for thc pes with thc law and
othcr drivcrs. (Kccp this in mind for future roleplaying
adventures!)
If you necd quick game statistics for this cnCOUllIcr, you
can easily usc Ihc D river Nr c character, from the
Townsfolk section of Chapter 4.11 The Aces & Eights
Campaigll.
Town : If you elllcr a hex cOlltaining a town or other
setllement marked on the map, you may roleplay any
appropriatc town cvCntS, such as visiting the general store
to restock your supplies.

Trail Boss Animal Herding skill mastery: _ __

Herd Dehydration Days: I 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 6 0

Ini tial Herd Si le: _ _ __

aUALITY OF BEEF caOB)

[vent Revised Herd Size

232
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235
 5.3\ All that Glitters ...
old is a harsh mis/fus, [lid. A !/Ifill kill chase 'tT half
G way across Ihe RQckiu and courl '(r for a filousano
moons ono Shi'll leol't him pt-llni/ns ond U'asltd tif
soul. Thtn dtll)' lur kllowin' 'im if UII)'011t shollid ask about
daimin' the bod),
- unknown prospector
In the SluHtcrcd Frontier, one c.fIn hnrdl}' turn
around without hearing the Irues! embellished sto r)' of
a glorious new strike of gold and silver. The lure of
precious metals and the promise of untold riches can
inflict 'gold fever' on otherwise sensible men as they
proceed to ab,melon home and family and race ofT 10
grab their share. Fortune seckers from as far away a,.
Europe ha\'c come scrambling \0 the great expanses of
the west to claim th eir piece of the action.
The rumormongers would have you believe that
gold is just waiting to be scooped up by the pan or
shovel and that nuggen so big they can trip a horse lie
in nearby mountain streams.
Unfortunately, when it comes to bestowing her bless-
ings on those with a greed-laden heart, L"\dy Luck has
a discerning eye and a mischievous heart. The sad
truth is that for every prospectOr who ha~ dimbl'd back
down Out of the hills loaded with gold. a thousand oth-
ers with dust in their beards and aches in their backs
have returned empty handed - sullen indi,.jduals who
look as though they've had their very souls ripped from
their ehesl. Hollow men ".jth nothing to show for the
many months, or even years, they spent pawing and
scratching at earth and stream looking for color.
Still, these men are more fortun,lIe than othe rs.
Many who sct OUI in search of gold found only death
for their troubles - a fate some al'e glad to embrace if
the ahel'llat ive is returning home in disgrace.
Sheriff Patch of Lazarus once commented, " If ever
I mel the man who steps off that \\'ednesday stage who
doesn't immediately buy a damn shovel, and a damn
pan I'll sha ke the bastard's hand and buy 'elll a
drink, 'Cos he'll be the firSI slInll\,abitch I've ever met
who's had the God-given good sense not get caught up
in such foolishness. Gold , or the want of it, has dealt
out more mise ry o n this sorry earth than any good
mall can imagine." This opinion is, however, counesy
of a man who spent four years stoopi ng in the cold
waters of the Animas swirling a gold pan with nothing
to show for it.
236
Despit e such tales of gloom and disappointment,
there truly are fortunes to be made in the frontier. The
hill~ and canyons of the Sanjuan range arc laden with
gold and silver deposits still waiting to be ullcovered.
Anyone with a little luck can dip a pan and come up
with a few Oakes of gold but prospecting requires a
certain !e"e! of skill in order to make the enterprise
worthwhi le.
Every seasoned prospector has his own tricks of the
trade, procedures that he guards closely, Acquit'ing the
skills and kno\\-how of prospecting isn't something
yOll can learn from a book or by simply buying some
gritty old timer a drink at the local watering hole and
1;etting him to talk. It'~ something that's learned in the
doing through time, sweat and patience,
It won't take long for players stepping off that stage
to notice a few who struck it rich re"eling in the for-
tune they've taken out of the hills and st reams. Despite
admonitions to the contrary, some doubtlessly will get
bit by the fever and want to try their hands ,,'hether
they're prepared for it 01' not..
This chapter will give yOll a broad o\'en'iew on vari-
ous minim.!; techniques as well as a basic system Ih at
allows player~ to pursue prospecting. Note thaI large
~ca1e i.e, commercial mining is outside the scope of
this work.
IiOLD
You don't ha"e to be a schooled geologist to find and
identify gold. Even an illiterate prospector has a basic
understanding of how gotd is found and where to look
for it. Knowledge dating back to antiquity has been
passcd dO\\'n by those who have dedicated their lives to
finding their fortunes in the ground.
At the dawn of time, so their understanding goes,
molten gold-hea ri ng ore deep within the forge of the
earth was squeezed to the surface by powers of bibli-
ca l proportions. It was a time of creation when forces
capab le of building mountains thrust the earth
upwards umit it touched the sky, This gold-bearing
material late r cooled and formed worthless looking
quartz or 'gangue'. Secreted within was the precious
yellow metal that men would one day be so wilting to
die for. This gold look several forms; thick threads
(veins) that wou nd through the rock like golden len-
dl'il s, clumpy masses (nuggets., or a suspensio n of
small dust-like panicles (flake s),
I-ligh on mountaintops, portions of these quartz for-
mations wou ld occasionally jut through the surface
exposing their vein-streaked surfaces. Such OlHc rop-
pings are known as 'blowups'. As the ages passed and
the mountains began to erode, the quartz would
become fun her exposed. Erosion gradually caused the
quartz to break apart and crumble away freeing its
bounty of precious yellow metal in the process. Large
pieces of q uartz would snap off and tumble down
slopes where it would come to rest among beds of bro-
ken rock and gra\·el. Thi s is called a 'float'. Smaller
nuggets and flakes freed from their rocky matrices
would wash short distances down slopes. E\·cn smaller
panicles of gold dust (flood gold would end up in
streams and rivers to be carried miles a\,·ar from their
sou rces.
T his simple understanding of where gold came from
is the basis of e\·erything that drives the prospector.
Once the first traces of gold are found, e\·ery attempt
is made to me ticulously track them back to their
source - the c1ush·e ~ I other Lode. This is the ultimate
dream of every prospector. Chasing the 'colo r' to its
source is a difficult challenge. Streams bearing gold
may have changed course a dozen times o\·er the years
or Illay no longer exist having dried up thousands of
years ago.
In his scarch that may consume months, years or
even decades, the prospector becomes a detective. He
follows clues and inevitable false leads as he explores
e\"ef)' meande ring st ream and box ca nyon with no cer-
tainty of success.
Types of (fold
Cold is encountered in twO basic forms; placer and
q uanz.
Sim pl y stated , p lacer is gold that has been freed
from its Slone matrix. Thi s is the 'casy' stuff. It appears
in the form of dust, flak es or nugge ts and is typically
found in stream beds or buried beneath dirt and clay in
the banks or surrounding hillsides and slopes. Wizened
prospectors kilO'" what 'sign' to look for in their quest
for the elusi'·e yellow metal. Quartz , black sand and
gra\·cl beds arc often present when placer is found.
The word is Spanish and is p ronounced plath-air in
Ihe mother tongue, but plaJS~er by Anglophones.
Quartz gold (more commonly referred to as gold
ore; is gold that is still encapsulated in Slone. Even a
skilled eye can have difficulty determining whether or
not a sample is a piece of gold ore. It all depends on its
relative gold content.
In both forms gold may be found either in a pure
state or combined with other minerals as a gold alloy.
Gold alloy must be liberated from those othe r minerals
mechanically or chemically. High grade ore may have
Yisible streaks or nakes of gold in it but more com-
monly the gold is visually undetectable and must be
ta ken to an assayer to determine its quality. Ore con-
taining \'ery little gold may be uneconomical to
process, costing more in labor and capil al to ext ract
than the value of the metal.
237
 Gold are must be mined and mechanically crushed
using stampers. These are large machines that lift and
drop huge iron stamps on the ore to crush it into dust.
Arterwards, a mercury amalgamation process is used
to extract the gold from the pulverized stone. Th is type
of mining requires an enormous amount of brute
labor, expensive machinery and capita!. Only large
mining companies ha\'c the financial resources to
mount this Type or operation. Quartz mining is there-
fore outside the scope of the game.
SILVER
Silver isn't the first thing a prospector thinks of
when searching for riches and ror good reason. An
ounce of si lver is worth a mere sixteenth that of an
ounce of gold. Additionally, silve r is much harder to
identify and orten harde r to extract. Unlike gold that
can stubbornly resist mixing with other clements, sil-
ver docs so readily. h appears in countless colorations
depending on the minerals it's bonded with. For exam-
ple, quartz bearing silver and lead is tarry black while
other types or silver a re may be blue, yellow, white, red
or even green. Silver is also a common by-product or
gold ore processing.
Ore suspected of containing silver has to be taken to
an assayer and tested to determine if it has any silver
content, and if so, how much. Testing in the field is
impractical.
238
Like go ld quartz mining, sil ver extraction can
require enormous resources and labol~ often making it
impractical ror individuals or even small companies to
exploit. However, silver are often yields more value per
ton than gold a re making it a viable endeavor for those
with the resources to exploit a rich find. That being
said, mining silver ore is outside the scope of this work.
* PROSPECTING TECHNIQUES *
In the well-known gold strikes of Georgia and later
California, initial prospectors used primitive tech-
niques and tools to good effect. Howeve r, once the sup-
ply of !a rge nuggets had been exhausted, miners
quickly turned from simple panning to methods such
as the cradle, the rocker, the long tom and ri ver
damming. These technologies have been employed
since the ~Iliddl e Ages and it was the Spanish who first
imroduccd them to the New World.
Pan ning
Resources Required: Pan, shovel, Prospecting skill
Labor Requirements: 1 person
P rocessing Capacit y: 1 ton/day
Panning is the si mplest method or looking ror gold
and the method that requires the least investment. It
also lends itselr well to solitary work.
Fo .... m 4! n 0P4!""' e. .. Yo ck 4!Y box
 A pro~pcctor can set him~clf lip in business whh only
some basic provisions, a pa n, shovel and some
unclaimed ground along the bank of a stream or river.
(Though mules can come in handy hauling equipmcm
and provisions into hard-to-reach places such a~ nar-
row ca nynns. The ani), things holding him back arc
his own abilities and whe ther or not there 's any color
gold to be found at the lo('ation he's working.
Experienccd prospectors with a basic understanding
of gold's o rigin (sec above) have a good idea where to
begin their search. The) usually sIan in the streams
looking for the telltale black sand that usually accom-
pani es placer gold.
. \ fter scouting out a site thai looh to ha\'c potential.
the prospecto r kneels on the bank or wadc~ into the
st ream, places some sand in a pan and 'works' Ihe pan
by filling it wilh water and rocking it with a ~wirlin~
motion. He picks out the I:Irger stoncs and gravel a~
the water runs ow::r the lip of thc pan allO\\-ing the
lighter sedimcnts to run ofT. Whal's Icfl is Ihe heavier
black sand (called the drag) and. if he's lucky, ~On1e
gold dust, flakes or nuggets.
It may sound like easy money but panning is notori-
ousl}' hard work requiring long hours slOoped over in
cold "ater and exposed to Ihe elements whilc intently
studying the pan for any sign of color in the drag.
Results of panning can range from disappoillling no
gold ! to annoying (jUSI enough scratch to cover )'our
expenscs - o r not cven that) to exuberance whcn a big
nuggel turns up.
1lle Cradle (Rocker Box )
Resour«::es Required: Lum be r, Carpentry skill
(novice) (cradle can be put'ehased instead of built).
Prospecting skill
Labor Requirements; 2-4 men
Processing Capacity: 8 tons/day
This is a techniquc that is used once panning a sile
known 10 have gold stops yielding color. It allows a sig.
nificamly larger volume of dirt to be washed.
A hollowed out log or halved barrel is used for initial
screening. A handle is affixed on each side of the box
allowing it to be 'rocked' to help agit:lIc the din and 10
keep it nowing. The honom of this 'box' is a sie\'e
through which water and dirt arc washed. The sicve
sorts out larger rocks a nd debris that arc lossed aside
while the dirt falls through onto Ihe 'hoppers'.
The box beneath the cradle is segme l1led with hori-
zontal woodcn bars that slo\\ Ihe ,valer and trap any
gold along the raised leading edges while allowing mud
to exit at the end of the bOl( with the incoming water.
This type of set up requircs fOllr people to work opti-
mally, two to excavate and then sho\'e! the dirt into the
machine, one responsible for the water supply, and
another to rock the handl es. Unlike panning, th is tech-
nique for placcr retrieval is a group effon necessilating
sevcral like-mi nded partners.
Two or more cradles can be opcrated on a single site
and ~o thi, type of activity often leads to the formation
of small mining groups 0 1' informal companies com-
prised of th rec to ten men with equal shares in any
realized ~old. Such safclY in numbers is an added
attraction to lhis approach since working a claim can
be a risky pursuit.
Dry Diggin g (aka Coyol ing)
Resources Required: Timber for shoring, Carpentry
skill (materials can be purchased instead of built) ,
Engineering Design skill (advanced), Prospecting
skill
Labor Requirements; 2+ men.
Corotin~ in\"Oh(' ~ sinkinc; a deep \Ccnical shafl into
ground known 10 contain placer gold. and then dig-
ging outward like spokes on a wheel. This is a method
of accessing old stream sediments or placer gravel
without having 10 dig away tons of overlaying din and
rock.
T ypica lly, one mall works underground, whi le a pan-
ncr lifts the excavated material to the surface by means
of a winch. When a sufficient quantity of din is
eXlracted, 1I1e tcam pauses to wa~h it using a cradle or
long tom.
If there h water available near the dig ~ile, it may be
brought to Ihe crad le or long 10m by digging ditches or
cOllstructinlj aqueducts. If this isn' t possible, excavated
material may need to be hauled 10 a water source by
means of a cart or wagon.
Unless propcrly dcsigned a Very Difficult skill check
by a character of at least Advanced mastery in
Engi neeri ng Design), this type of mining ca n be very
hazardous.
The Long Tom
Resources Required: Lu mber, Carpentry skill (aver-
age) (long tom can be purchased instead of built),
Pl'ospectillg skill
Labor Req uirements: 6 t.o 15 men
Processing Capacity: 20 tons/day
Similar in concept to the cradle, the long tom is larg-
er and hence capable of processing even more materi-
al. It is trough shaped. but sign ifi ca ndy longer (any-
where from 10 to 20 fect and "idcr aholll 2 feel.
Though still co nstructed of wood, a shect-mctal bot-
239

... SlUl(' rtqui'n a Jigni/imftl capilal in~'m"'tnl
tom has been added with a sieve and a 'ripple box' on
the fa r end to catch the washings for further sifting,
T he long tom is usually placed on a slope (such as a
river bank) as it requires great er hydrodynamic pres-
sure to operate efTecti\'c1y, One man shovels dirt into
the uppc r end, while another controls the water now,
Othcrs line up on both sides of the box removing any
large rocks and debris and checking the wooden slats
for color.
Once tile ripple box is fille d \\'ith black sand (the rest
of the dirt having been washed away), the long tom
crew stop the water Oow, grab gold pans and sift
through the black sand in the box for gold,
It takes at least six to eight men to properly work a
long tom and fully exploit its capacities, Enlarging the
long tom and employing more men can increase the
yield.
Note: the jQ!lowmg techniques mqp be bryond 1111 sco/u qf
mlln)' games, However, a basic descTiplion is provided here for
the Teaner's edificatioll,
240
River Damming
Resources
Required: Lumber,
Carpent r y s kill
(advanced) (da m
mate rials/wo r ke r s
ca n also be
purchased),
Prosp e cting skill,
Engineering
Design skill
(average) (enginee r s
can be hired instead)
Labor Requirements:
100+ men
R ive r damming, the mos t
advanced mining techn ique of the day,
req uires an enormous investment in time as well
as a la rge labor force. A.s such, only individuals
with <I n extensive amount of capital to invest or
joint-slOck mining comp anies wou ld undertake a
project of this magnitude.
The first mining companies lO set up in an area usu-
ally take on the responsibility of establishing rules
including malla~in~ gold claim~ and executive insti-
tutions that deal with legal issue~.
,-\ rh'e r is dammed up \\'ith V-shaped earthen or
stone dam also-called win~ dam '. Sometimes the river
is din'rted into a side valley or ('\"(: n into a neighboring
stream .
The goal is to dry out a section of the riverbed
enabling prospectors to get at lhe river bottom and
process the dirt using dozens of long tom gangs.
Such an ope rating has 10 be properly planned, wait-
ing until the rive r is al its lowest poi nt (usually late
J une). Building the dam can take as long as four
months leaving long tom gangs only a few weeks 10 do
their jobs before seasonal rains wash away the d am.
Sluice
Resources Required: Lumber, Ca r pentry skill
(advanced) (sluice can be purchased illstead of built),
Engineering Design skill (novice), Prospecting skill
Labor Requirements: 50+ men.
r\ slu ice is, in essence, a greatly enlarged version of
the long tom. It requires an enormous flow of water
usually achieved by setting up pi pes several hundreds
of feet long on a Slee p slope. This requires partially
damming a ri\"('r or divcrting its now. T he complexity
of the operation usually limits its employment to those
with significant rcsourees sltch as a small company.
 MYTHS AND MINING COMPANIES
A grcat romantic m},th surrounds gold and si\\'cr
prospecting. It is the idea that a solitary prospector
wandering ofT into the hills armed only with some grit,
determination and a fe\\ simple tools can return rich
beyond his wildest d reams.
Self-reliance and a go-it-alone attitude is what mOSI
fortune seekers envisage when they think of prospect-
ing. For many, the lUTe of prospecting i~n't mere!)
a bout the gold. It 's infused with the dream of becom-
ing a self-made mall who answt'rs to no one and escap-
ing a lifetime of being worked into the grou nd with li l-
tic 10 show for it.
Unfortunately this na Ive expectation often collides
head on with reality. The cycle of c\'cry gold rush fol-
lows a predictable pattern. T he first Ilood of pro~pec·
tO r ~, working alone or in small gI'OUP~, arrives at a ne\\
fi nd and quickly ~crapes up tilt' ;ea~y· ~old on Ihe sur-
face. T his gold is soon depletcd. While Ihere may be
large quantities of Ihe precious metal remaining on
the site. thc balance lies deepcr and is much marc dif-
ficult to get at. T hi~ req uires coordinated effort, spe-
cialized skills and all 100 oftcn significant inpUl~ of
capital.
A natural conscquenee is the formation of partner·
shi ps and ~mall companics.
Initially, such mining companies arlO lill ie more than
co-ops comprised of mine rs who own stock in the
company and share the production costs and p rofits
proportionally in an effort to overcome the tl'chnolog-
ica l problems and lack of capital for ilwcstment in the
necessa ry machinery.
I nevitably the despised large mining companies
squeeze thesc independent pro~pectors out as they
mo,'e in with e"en more capital, heavy machinery and
a myr iad of new rules and restrictions. T his end resul t
is a sh ifl from indepcnde nt prospectors w waged labor
with the lion's sha re of thc profits going to a fat few
who have never dipped a pa n or gotten thei r hands
dirty.
Disgusted at the situation, many prospectors simply
move on to chase rumors of the huest new find.
O thcrs stubborn ly choose to hold on, refusing to give
up their freedom. Evcntually, the earnings from their
cla ims become so marginal that they :lre forced to sell
and join the ra nks of wage laborers. Barring that, they
move on to a nother area to start over or simply accept
defeat a nd retu rn home.
I
MINING DISTRICTS
Since many gold strikes arc located outside the juris-
dicrion (or a t least out of reach) of any formal a uthor·
ity, the initial rush into a gold rield is noth ing short of
c haos. Disputes over claims and the perpetual threat of
being bu llied off a piece of grou nd quickl}' lead mi n-
ers and prospectors 10 orga nize.
,\ typical ael -hoc government is the gold district. A
council i~ appointed consisting of the most respected
or vocal members of the distri c\. Their fi rst o rder of
business is layinl; down some ru les. Everything from
thc size of a claim to the punishment for claim jum p-
ing needs to be laid do\\ 11. Enforcement of these rules
is taken ,·ery seriou~ly and punishments arc usually
meted (lut quickly.
Gru bslaki ng
Dc~pitc or perhaps becausc of the fact ,hal anyone
with a little knowlcd'l'e and S(lme ba~ic tooh can SCI OUI
in ,earch or ~old. many fonune ~ceker~ arrl"e at a
ne\d~ discovered gold field on I) to learn that thcy
don't h,we the mann to equip (lr adequately provision
thcm~ekes.
Since it can take weeks or c\'Cn 1l10nth~ befo re real-
iLing allY earni ngs from their work, a prospector can
easily rind himself in debt or broke very quickly. Life
in a gold camp, where a shovel can cost as much as
twelvc dollars, isn't cheap. A fortune seeker who winds
up in such a predicament can try to fin d a grubstake.
,\ common arrangement in gold camps, grubstaki ng
occurs when one party puts up the money to cover p ro-
,·isiom and equipmclH and the other pany does the
actual work. If an} gold is found, they split it. Terms
for such arrangemenls "ar), but the split is usually
50/50. Grubstaking may be agreed upon by a hand-
sha kc or formal contract. Either way, trUSt is pa ra-
mount and securin~ such a deal may hinge on one's
reputation.
* P ROSPECTING FOR GOLD *
O K, nO\1 that you know a li ttle about the gold busi-
ness, you might want to gra b a pan and a shovel and
head up the Animas [0 snatch your own handrul. Hold
up a minute so you can learn the mecha nics for doing
t hi~.
T here's a map printed in this book thaI depicts the
areas of the shatte red frontier that conta in gold. You'll
notice that for each gold fidd, the mothe r lode is indj·
catcd along with regions radiating outwards from it
that contain progressively lesser amounts of gold.
24 1
 Now, as a bright player, your natural thought is that
you'll JUSt hike Out to the mother lode, stake a claim ,
and live fat and happy the rest of your life. Well it isn't
that easy. You see, this map is only a sample illustration
of a gold field. You r G~ I may not choose to usc this
map. In fact , there a re several variatio ns of this map
on our website, a ny of which could be used in play.
However, for instructional pu rposes, we'll use the map
in this book.
The first step is to purchase the necessary lOols and
provisions you' ll need while prospecting. This may
involve a substantial out lay of hard cash as you' ll
require quite a bit of food a nd possibly a pack animal
to haul this load. Once provisioned, you' ll then have to
journey to the area you wish to prospect on. Using
what you've gleaned from earlier in this chapter, that
probably will be one of the streams running down
from the San j uan ~ I ountain s .
Let 'S say you\'e successfull y reached the SpOt you've
chose n to prospect. Now, you have no idea what if any
gold is the re. You need 10 attempt a Prospecting skill
check that consumes a whole day. The difficulty of th is
check is based upon the density o r amount of placer
gold prese nt at the site. Obviousl}; if big gold nuggets
are just lying on the grou nd, it isn't 100 taxing to guess
that you' re in the midd le of a huge gold field.
However, since you don't know if there's gold in the
area you searched, the G~1 consults his map and
makes this check in secret.
TABLE 5.3-1: PROSPECTING nlFFICULTY
Zones Type Difficu lt.),:
A. Mother Lode: .......... triviil
B. Extremely Rich .......... CiSY
C. Rich .................... easy
D. Modcutcly Rich ...... average
E. Good Color ............ Ivcragc
F. Fair Color ............. difficult
G. Poor Color ............ diffi cult
H . Miscnb le ........... very difficu h
If you succeed at th is skill check, your character
determined that th e site has the potential to yield gold.
from then on, you may attempt to utilize one the
prospecting techniques to actually secure some of the
placer gold. Success is not automatic, you r PC's skill as
a prospector will in large measu re determine his sue·
cess. To determine the effi cacy and productivity of
your effo rts, you will have to utilize the Shot Clock.
T his is simi liar in practice to targeting a weapon in
combat , however, you make usc of a ' Prospecting
242
Scalier Chart ' as your aiming point instead of a
human target. This special silhouette appears at the
end of the chapter. Pl ace the Shot Clock over this
cha rt and roll a d20 just as you would if firing a gun.
Bonuses or penalties to t his roll are listed on T able 5.3·
2: Prospecting Bonuses.
TABLE 5.3-2: PROSPECTING BONUSES
Cond it ion Bocus or Pccah-1
Unskilled Prospector ................·4
Novice Prospecting skill mistcry ..... +1
Average P ros pecti ng skill mistery .... +2
AdVlnced Prospec ting skill mastery ... +4
Expert Prospcc ticg skill mwcry ..... +6
MlStcr Prospect icg skill mHtcry ..... +8
Eicb previous diY's success . .........+1
Each previous day's hilu rc*" ......... ·2
• subjtct to Q maximum cumulati~ +4 bonus
•• subjtct to a maximum cumulativt·8 ptnalt!J
Scoring a 'hit ' on a red box means that you're able
to extract the full potential of the sile, orange mea ns
50°0 and yellow 25°0. Hitting a g reen box means that
no gold was found and that you had a random
encounter. These encounters arc liSled laler in the
chapter. L.'l.nding anywhere else means you toiled away
for naught.
GETTING THE GOLD
Th e amount of Place r gold you can recover from a
particular site depends on two factors: the concentra-
tion of gold (this va ri es by zone and is listed in the
Yi eld per Ton column on Table 5.3· 3) and the amount
of din you can process listed in lonslday under the
particu lar mining technique).
Panning, at I toni day, is the least effi cient means of
sifting dirt. It docs however have the advantage of
being cheap, portable, and easily perfo rmed by a lone
prospectOr a nd so is oft en used for initial exploration.
For ttamplt, a prosputor who sucusifully pans in a misty·
ablt 4.01lt (whtre tht gold dtn.sity is Id4 Slton) hits a rtd ana.
Tht GM roiLs a ;4' and informs tht pla)'tr that ht was ablt 10
UCOL'ty 54 of goldjlakejor that day'.s labor. If ht had insttad
hit an orallgt aua, Iht day's lakt would bt 52. Similarly, hit·
ling a )·tllow aua would uduct Iht day's yitld to a mtrt dollar.
Howtlltr. if the Qua was modtrattly rich, tht C.lf would
ins/tad roll 2d20 and add 40 10 the ruult (let's Q.Jsume he rolltd
28 - adding 40 makts the pottntia/take S68). Results of red,
orange GIld yellow would thtrifore yield 568, 534 or 517.
 TABLE 5.3-3: GOLD FIELD DETAILS
Zones Yield per ton Toul Plletr Gold per quarter sqUHC mile
A. Mother Lode: ....... 604 to 1000 (4dlOO+SOO)S/ loD .... .. ....... .1000 x dlOOO $
B. Extremely Rich .......32810 480 (Bd20+320) $/Ion ............... 400 x dJOOO $
C. Rich ..................88 to 160 (SdIO + 80) $/ IOD . .. ..... . ........720 x dlOO $
D. Modcutcly Rich ..... .. .42 1080 (2d20+40) S/ton .. .. .............. 270 x dlOO $
£. Good Color ............ 2110 40 (ld20+20)$/ IOD ......... •.. .... .. .'I5xdiOO $
F. Fair Color .............. 11 to 20 (ldlO+lO) S/tOD ....................9xdlOO $
G. Poor Color .............. .5 -10 (ld6+4) S/ IOD ...................... 2dlOO $
H. Misc:ubJc ................. .l-<l (Id'l) SltOD ........................ .Id20 $

PANNING A SITE 011T
A site wilt not conti nue 10 yield gold fore\'e r. Each
square quarter mile (160 acres of a gold site contains
a limited amount of gold. This is listed in the Total
Placer Gold per quarter sq uare mil e column. O nce a
character has begun to extract gold from a particular
quarter square mile, the C:\! should consu lt the table
and roll to determine the total amount of gold prese nL
Only this amount can be reco\·cred. Further prospect-
ing will never be successful.
Returning to the example abO\·e in the miserable
zone, the Gi\"l rolls a d 20 getting an II ) and thus sets
the capacity of that particular quarter sq uare mile.
Let's assume the characte r continues to have success
panning the area. The first day he pulls out S4 of
Oake, the next S2, the following S3 and S I on another
day. He's now close to panning the area out. There's
only S I len of gold to be found so if he's again suc-
ces~ful. the most he can find is another dollar. Aftcr
that. any further attempts eyen if he continues to hit
red in his pro ~pect illg attempts will yield nothing.
COMPETITION AND CLAIM STAKING
It would be a perfect world if you cou ld go out and
find a loaded goldfield and just take your time leisure-
ly panning OUI whatcTer f.!:old you desired. Howcver,
the minute you sho\\ up in town with your bag of gold
nuggets you're goin~ to sct off a mad frenzy. Everyone
and their brother is going to stampede out to the hills
looking for your site. Others more sly wil! certainly tail
you as )'OU try to return.
Face it, one way or another someone clse is going to
learn whe re you got your gold . The best you can do is
to ensure that you sti ll ha\"(~ a scat at the table. You can
accomplish Ihi s by staking a claim.

243
 Claims ca n bc made at the nearest IOwn with juris-
diction over the region in which the claim lies. If no
such town exists. you'd best keep a pislOl holstered until
you can come to terms with the prospeclOrs attracted 10
your site and fonn a mining district cou ncil.
Though numerous mcthods were establi shed for
delineating claims, for our purposes there is enough
room for 20 productive claims to be located within
each quarter square mile squa re area. Typical rules are
that an individual may hold title 10 only one working
claim at a lime. [n order for the claim holder to keep
his title the claim must be worked al least 3 times a
\\"cck ('working a claim' is defined as putting in at least
five hours work on a given day). Any claim not worked
for twO weeks is automatically forfeitcd and is given
over 10 a new owner by way of loiter),.
PROSPECTING EVENTS
As mentioned prc\·iously, landing in a green zone
dictales Ihal a random encounter OCClLrs. These \'ary
in scve rity from innocuous herbivores (that might pro-
\"de a free meal \0 a properly skilled outdoorsman)
d1fough various annoyances to potentially dangerous
encounters wilh individuals seeking the charaCter's
new found wealth.
I t is incumbent upon the G.\I to han' a few ~on ­
Playcr Characters (NPCs' prcpared in ach·an("c 10 facil-
itate play. The N PC list in Chapltr -1.1 1Tht ..l UI &
Eights cumjJaigll is an excelle nt source.
d 100 roll Encounter
Animal Encounter
OJ A luge beH imblcs into timp.
02·03 A lone sbeep w.lnders into your cimp.
0+06 A lone. Stuggly. unbranded cow Winders inlo ump.
07 A skunk w.lddles boldly iDlo Ihe midst of your C.J.mp.
08 You find i common scorpion in your bool - ifter il
stings you. See Chapter.lJI Wounds 6- Healing for
det.J.ils.
09 You see.l mallgy. half·sluved dog lurking on The edge
of your u mp.
10 You sec i COUgH sulkillg your ti mp.
11 You see i rallleSllike sunning ilse lf on
It ukes Id1 hours 10 nrcfully chue him iW.J.Y.
12 You shifted Ihe wroog woodpile -.l bbck widow
spider biles you. Sec Chapter J.JI Wounds 6 Healing
for details.
13·16 You SpoT i deer on Ihe edge o( your cimp.
244
17 You stick your hind ill the wroog dirk COrDer o f
your TenT/cibin · a brown recluse spider biles you. Sec
ChapterJ.31 Wounds 6- Healing (or deliiis.
Weather
18-19 A fhsh flood reiches your nmp. No prospecting on
sile possible for Id4+2 diYs.
20-23 A hnvy downpour of uio (o r soow. io winler) occurs.
No prospecting o n site for Id1·1 (minimum I) d.tys.
You spot smoke from .l brge forest fire moving in
your direction.
2S Your teol c.J.tehes 00 fire. No work possihle todlY.
26 Your teor/roof blows iWiy. No work possible Tod.ty.
27-29 Ri ver Flooded. No prospecTing possihle for Id4 diYS.
Disease
JO MUST hive been some bld food or wiler. beC,lUSC you
mighT now hl\·e Brlin Fever (Iyphoid). S ee Chapter
3.31 Wounds (; Healing to dmrmioe if you ~rd o ff
the illoess.
JI You may have coughT brochiT is. See Chapter
J.JI Wounds 6 Healing 10 delermine if you fight o ff
the illoess.
J2 MUST hive beeo some b.J.d food or wuer - you possibly
wch eholen. Sec Chapter J.31 Wounds 6 Healing to
deTermine if you WHd off The .J.ffliction.
33·34 You surt coughing - you might h.J.\·e nug htlhe
crou p. See Chapter J.JI'Vounds 6 Healing TO deter
mine if you I1'Hd off the illlless.
Jj A slight fever Ind sore Thro.J.t mighl devdop into
diptheri~. See Chapter J.JI Wounds 6- Healing 10
delermine if you figbt off the .lff1iCfion.
J6-38 Exposed 10 lofluenn. Sec Chapter J.JI Wounds 6
Healing 10 deTermine if you wnd o ff Ihe illness.
39·41 Mosquitos He bId Ihis seasoo - you might C.J.lc h
miluj~. See Chapter JJI Wounds 6 Healing 10 dClCr
mine if you fight off the illlle~. (10 winTer: ' goore
Ihis resuh .J.lld re·roll on Ihis I1ble.)
'2 Lillie red bumps appear 011 your skiD - you·ve Clught
melsies. See Cbapter J.JI Wounds 6- Healing TO deter
mille if you wnd off The illness.
Your sligh t cough cou ld d~ vdop into pneumooi~. S ec
Chapter J.JI Wounds 6 Healing to determine if you
wnd o ff The illoess.
i neuby rock. You brushed .J.g.J.insl Ihe wrong foliige - it 11'.J.S poison
o.lk. Sec Chapter J.31 Wounds 6 Healing for dmils.
People
46 Fur Trlder: hlils you and asks The way 10 neuesttown.
'7-<8 Prospector: shows up swing ownership of your
claim.
'9-5!l Indiin: one approaches your camp.
51 -5~ ProspeCTor: SU fi S workins a cbi m above you rs. Ann oyan ces
SS-59 Banditos: Three enlcr your ump and demand your gold. 77-81 Bugs gCI ;1110 your food - lose half of it.
60-61 M ys ter y: you hear .1. dista nt gunshot echoi og from 82-85 RodclIIS gct inlo you r food - DO more Ih.l.D o ne mn!'!
somewhere out o f sight. worth rcmains.
lovesto r: approaches pbyer about parlbcriog up. B6-B8 You lwakco to (ind all your mining cquipmcnt
Vagubt: offe rs to help WOrk , liim in excluDg' for smashcd or missing.
food or shut s in the spoils. 89-93 Lu gest picce o( cquipment brcaks. No prospecting
68-69 Cbiffi Jumper: e h.mcler atTn"cs to find Id4 Cbiffi on site possible with it unlil rep,aircd (Avcragc
Jumpers IIlorkins the sile. diUicuhy check (or Ihc skill check rclued to repairing
this picce o( equipmcol - prohably Carpentry).
70-72 Bushwhacker: Jd<l Bush""hackcrs lie in hidi ng wailing
10 ambush Chua"cr .J.nd rdic\'c him of his gold when 94-97 Your most (requenliy used piecc of cquipmcnt breaks.
he's upsuspecting. They atuck on his trip hack to 10111' 0. No prospcc liog on site possible with it unt il rcpaircd
(A\'cugc diHicuhy chcck (or Ihe skill check rclued
73-7~ Make me 1n oHeT: NPC makes offer on (l1im/ work
10 rcpairing this piccc o( cquipmcnt . probably
sile.
Carpentry).
7S-76 Indians: stea l your mule/horse:.
98-00 In jury: Make Dex C hcck. Fai lurc indicatcs chau ctcr
in jurcd himself (sec Table J·}Oc: Non -weapon Injury).

245
 Prospecting Scatter Chart

Red Full Yield

Orange 50% Yield
Yellow 25% Yidd
Crecn Encounter

246
,

'-
Q)
>
0::
'"o
c

'"o
...J

Rive

to Roncho

Muskeegie Gold District

.-.-.-- 5 miles

I ~-
 5.41 Gambling
hether in a shady saloon or a gussicd.up
W gambling hall, a singl e hand can turn the
lowest of men into a winne l: or the best of
men into a poor wretch without a cent to his name. In
the Shattered Frontic.; ca rd games arc king, but dice
games and even the roulette wheel also have a place at
the table. This section dClllils the most popu lar games
and their fules.
* DICE GAMES * playe rs tTlay place their bets. You should have ready
CRAPS
A vcry popular dice game in the Shattered Fromier
is "craps." If the shooter rolls a 7 or lion the first
roll, he wins. H e may throw and bet aga in, or pass the
dice to another playe r. Howeve r, if he rolls a 2, 3 or
12 on the first rolt, he loses.
If the shooter's first throw is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, he
continu es \0 throw until he again rolls the sa me num-
ber and wins, or throws 7 ("craps out" ) and loses bOlh
his bet and the dice.
Piayin' Crap'
Craps can be as simple or as complex as you wish.
The common rules for crap5 listed aboyc) arc elemen-
tary enough for novices to q uickly play the game.
Saloons will typica!!y add a host of options allowing
for a wide variety of belting opportunities for both the
shooter and observers. A bit of research on your part
will discover a myriad of features that you can add to
a gambling hall's craps table should you so choose.
CHUCK-A-LUCK
T his dice game (also known as "birdcage" or
"sweat," among other names), is played by throwing
(" chucking") three six-sided dice. Punters ("playc rs")
place thcir wagers on a layout labeled "one" through
"six." When all bets arc down. Ihe dealer chuc ks three
(and always three) dice onto the lable, usually 011 a felt
throwing area. O nly the dealer is allowed 10 touch Ihe
dice. If one or more dice falls to the fl oor, all dice
must be rerolled. Players win eve n money ( 1:1 ). d Oll-
ble (2: I) or triple (3: I) depending on the results.
For example, Billy ';:'ane wogered 82 01/ 0 result of 3. If one
of the dit wulls is a 3, he willS 52 (and keeps his original fwo
dollar bel, of course). If two dire come up 3s he willS 54, or
if all three dire come up 3s, Bil(y willS S6. If none 0/ tile dice
are 3s, the initial wager is losl.
248
After all losing bets are collected and all winn ings
paid out, new players can join the gam e. Once all bets
a rc down. the dealer chucks the dice again a nd the
process repeats itself.
Playin' Chuck-A-Luck
To play chuck-a-luck, make a simple board or layout
labeled with the numbers one through six on which
access \0 the three six-sided dice the dealer requires.
HIGH DICE
T his si mple dice game is often called "beat the deal -
er," or Ihe "ba rtender's game," since it keeps drinkers
occupied while they sit at the bar. Players simply bet
I: I odds that they can beat the deale r.
Play begins wlt h the dealer roBing two six-sided dice.
On a roB of 2, each playe r immediately wins even
money, while on a roB of 12, d1t: dealer takes all
wagers.
On any Dlher result rolls of 3 through II ), the deal-
er places a mnrker on a numbered layout or sim ply
lIses chalk to indicate his sco re. The player on the
dealer's far left then rolls Ihe dice versus the deale r's
score. If the result is higher than the dealer's sco re,
the player wins even money (1:1 ), Each remaining
player (in o rder of the dealer's left 10 right), also rolls
in an attempt to beat the dealer's score, until al! play-
e rs have rolled. T he dealer wins all tics. If one or
bOlh dice falls \0 the (loor, all dice must be rerolled.
UNDER AND OVER
Thi s three- to six-player d ice game (a lso known as
"Lucky Xumbcr Se\'en" or " H il La") is popular in the
sa loons of the Sh,ltte red Fronti er, and generally uses a
rotating ·'birdcage" wheel to roll two dice.
Players simply place the ir wagers for a result of
"lu1der seve n" (2 through 6) or "over seven" (8 through
121. On a win, they get even money ( 1:1 ), while the
dealer tnkes all losses. Alternatively, punters may
wager on a roll of 7, for which winne rs receive -l-: 1
odds. Varia nt house or dealer rules may include
wagers on olh er combinations, such as 15: I odds on
double 6s. Only the dealer is allowed to tOuch lhe dice
or spin the wheel.
Playin' Under and Over example, if a player split s the I O·J ack (putting his chips
directly betwee n the 10 and the J ack, he wins hi s full
This is another si mple ga me to simulate. ), [ake a
wager on a 10 or a J ack. Players who place their chips
simple board o r layout with the numbers two through
betwcen the 6, 7 and 8 a re ··betting the pot. " On the
twelve, pl us spaces for wagers on house rules. Instead
othe r hand, placing chips between fOlll" adjacent cards
of a gam bling wheel, simply lise a cup to shake and
is kno\\·n as a "square'· bel.
roll the dice.
Once all bets arc down, the dealer d isca rds the top

* CARD GAMES * ca rd of his deck known as the "soda ca rd" ,. The n e xt

card displayed is the losing ca rd , which the dealer
places on his right, next to his deck or box. The deal-
er or hOllse' wins any bets placed on the losing ca rd.
FARO
Th is card game is easy to learn and si mple 10 play. It The next card drawn is the winni ng ca l"<L For exam-
is the most commonly played card game e\'en more pte. if the winning card is a 7, all players who bet on
than poker. After all, in an hone'H faro sometimes the 7 eidler by backing. splitting or betting the pot)
spe ll ed "pharo"} game, the odds of winning arc nearly win. Players who bet on 01 her C<lrds may lea\'e their
[: [ not bad at all. Bets are also paid off I: I for bets on the same card for the next draw, remo\·e th em
example, a player who makes a dollar bet wins a dollar from the board or move the bet to another card. :;.Jew
- in addition to retaining his origina l dollar bel, of players can also join the game in between turns. Once
course·. all bets arc down. the dealer dra\\'s a nother winning
ca rd , and the process repeats it~clr.
In faro, one or more pl<lyers play against the dealer
(also known as the '·bank"). T he dealer shuffies a stan- Players lIlay also "copper" their first wager. by plac-
da rd deck of cards and places ing a penny or token on top of their chips. This
it face down (o r face up in a r",.nmnTlrrT1rT~
spring-loaded dealer's box
on the table. Also on the
table is a fa ro board, which
d isplays each card rank usu-
ally A s, glued or painted on
the board). Layout is in twO
rows, with thc cards running
in a co unt er-clockwise man-
ner, so the upper row dis-
plays the 6 through the Ace
(left 10 right), and the lower
row the 8 up to the King
(also left to right). Off to the
left , betwee n the twO rows, is
lhe 7. Th e Ace is always the
lowest card in faro.
Playe rs then place wagers
(chips) directly on the faro
board. A chip placed direcl-
lyon a card means that the
player is "backing" only that
card rank. Players may also
bet on multiple card ranks by
placing a chip between a pair
of cards (directly between
them o r o n the diagona l, on
the inside o r outside). This is
called "splitting," but docs
not mean a split wager. For

249
reverses the bet. The player now wins on the losing
(fir st) ca rd and loses on the winning (second) card .
Another option for the first wage r is a "high card" bet
- belt ing that the winning (second) ca rd will be higher
than the losing (first ) card. This bet may also be cop-
pered (reversed).
To keep track of which cards have been played,
players make mental or written notes, or walch the
··coffin." The "coffin" (a [so known as the "case,"
'·counter," or othe r terms) is usually an abacus-like box
where markers indicate how many cards of each rank
have been played. For example, if the Ace has three
markers on it, it means Ihal only one Ace is left in the
bank. If a 7 has four markers on it, it means no 7s are
left in the bank, and so on. A Oat board similar 10 the
faro board may also represent the coffin with chips
placed on each card played.
If a player accidentally lea\·es a ,,'ager on a "dead
ca rd " (a card that has already been played four times)
and forgets to remove it, the dealer or any ot her play-
er may claim it at the start of the next hand by calling
;'dead card!"
When the deale r reaches his last three cards, he may
continue to run st raight hands as normal. Players who
bet on the last card (known as the '·hock ca rd" are ··in
hock" as the dealer takes any wager left on the board
after tbe hock ca rel.
Alternatively, the deale r may stop at this point and
tell the playe rs the ranks of the last three cards.
Players may then "bet the turn," i.e. betting on the
order those last three cards will be dealt. For example,
let'S say the last three ca rds arc a 4, 7, and Queen.
There are always on ly six possibilities. In this case,
they are: 4-7-Q , 7-Q-4, Q-4-7, i -4-Q, 4-Q-7, or Q- i-
4. T he dealer pays 4: I odds 10 the player who cor-
rectly "bets the turn." If two of these three cards are
the same rank (such as a 4'" and a 4 . ). the dealer
pays only 2:1 odds. Th is is called a "cat hop." If all
three cards arc the same rank (such as a 4"'. a 4. ,
and a 4 . ), the dealer reshuffies his entire deck for a
new deal. This is called a "case."
Another alternative is for the dealer to continue to
run straight hands with his last three cards, not reveal-
ing their ranks but still allowing players to "bet [he
turn" if they think they know the remaining card
ranks. Even if a player misses the first of these last
three ranks, the dealer may still allow them to ptay the
remaining two cards as straight faro hands.
Playin' Faro
Faro is an easy game to se t up and quick to play. Two
decks arc suggested, the second deck used to simulate
250
the faro board and the coffin . One person acts as the
"bank," while all others are players. Dealers keep
their bank on their right side, behind the six. Players
co nverting items ~)isto[s, gold, etc) for chips, or getting
credit from the dealer, arc said to be "be bind the six."
For novice bankers or crowded tables, the dealer
may employ another person to act as "lookout" or
"coffin dri\·e r" to prevent cheating and to assist the
bank by collecting and paying off bets and handling
the coffin. T he lookout traditionally sits on the deal-
er's right side .
Usefu l words to sling around the table are: "bucking
the tiger" (p laying faro), '·piker" (a player who spreads
lots of tiny bets across the board), "snowball" (a play-
er ·'snowballs'· by spreading many large bets across the
board, '" tiger alley'· or ;'tige r town" (a gambl ing par-
lor where faro is played, and "whipsaw" (a player who
wins two cards on the sa me hand.
POKER
Standard five-card draw poker (also known as
"bluff ") is another popula r card game in the Shattered
Frontier. Played with three to seven players, each play-
er is dealt five cards. The players, starting from the left
of the dealer. t hen bet or fo ld out. The remaining
players each haw the opportunity to replace ze ro to
four of their cards with new ones from the deck (typi-
cally the fourth card may on ly be drawn if the player
shows an Ace). After another round of betting, the
cards are revealed with the highest poker hand win-
ning the pot.
Unlike faro , poker is much more prone to cheaters,
and the Shattered Frontier is rife with professional
gamble rs who have the skill to do so.
Poker Hands
For those who may not al ready know the ranking of
poker hands, see the brief summary below (listed from
highest to lowest). You can find more information at
your local library or with an interne t search engine.
rF Royal F lu s h: A hand contai ning an Ace, King,
Queen, Jack and 10, all of the same suit.
g r Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in
sequence.
r ? Four of a Kind: Four ca rds of the same rank
(such as four K ings). The fifth card can be anything.
"Gr Full House: T hree cards of the same rank
(such as three 5s) and two cards of another rank (such
as two Aces).
er Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
 :r Strai ght: Five cards of mixed suits in sequence
(such as a 3 . , 4 . , 5 • . 6 . and 74- .
:dir Three of a Kind : Three cards of the same
rank (such as three 7s) <lnd two other ca rds of any su it
or rank.
9r Two Pa ir: Two cards of equal rank such as twO
J acks), and one other card of any suit or rank.
:3f'" Pair: Two cards o f equal rank such as two 6s
and three other ca rds whose ranks do not Ill<ltch the
pair or each other such as a 3. 8 and Queen.
:dir High Card: When no hand fits any of the
above combinations, the one with the better high card
wins a J ack beats a 10, for example. If high cards arc
equal, compare the next highest card.
Playi n' POk~!
Acts & Eights uses a blend of both player and char-
acter knowledge to offe r an abridged. ~'e l exciting and
realistic, poker experience that incorporates a cheating
mechanism. Each simu lated hand represents se\'eral
actual hands of poker. Play is standard five-card draw.
However, a player Illay only fold out on a successful
Gambling skill check (Average difficulty.
A character may elcct to cheat by attempting a
(Difficult) Gambling skill check Failure accords no
pena lties but success allows the cheater to receive 5
addit ional cards drawn from <l second deck hereafter
called the "cheating deck". It is important that this
second deck be easily differentiated from the honest
deck, preferably with a different design on the card
backs. Any and all players may attempt to cheat.
These attempts should be declared in the order that
the players received their cards.
The successful cheater may now build his hand with
a combination of the cards he was fairly dealt as well
as the cards he receiy(~d from the cheating deck. He
may draw cards from the honest deck after any initial
raises as pCI' normal poker rules. Z\ote that his final
hand, comprising cards from both decks, can only be
formed into lcgitimate poker hands. This means that
five of a kind is not a legitimate hand C\'en if it is pos-
si ble to build one.
Obyiou sly these extra cards afford the player a
tremendou~ advantage. Howe\'er, this comes with risks.
If the player stays in to the end and reveals his hand ,
all other players shou ld obsen'e his cards to sec if any
of the cards he may h,\\'e played from the cheating
deck duplicate card~ in the from the honest deck. If a
251
duplicate card is noted, his fe!lo\\' players may noll'
attempt to calch him red-handed. They do this by con-
sulting Table 5.-1-1: Chanct to Notice Chealing.
Players may roll on this table once per duplicatc card
they a rc aware of. AI! players are eligible to roll for any
duplicate cards that arc re\·ealed when the pOt is
claimed (which may be none if e\·e ry other player
folds! ) Individual players may also roll on Ihis chart if
the winning hand contains a card that they held in
their hand even if they subsequently folded.
Anyone catching another player cheating may take
act ion as he sees fit. Being caught cheating per Table
5.4-/ is unambiguous proof of Ihe deed and fulfills
any evidentiary requirement of a Court.
Once the winning hand is determined and any
potential cheating is resolved, any cards from the
chealing deck arc set aside. A player sti!l holding card~
from [he cheating deck which he opted not to play ma~
either keep these cards or discard them along \\ ilh any
cheating eards that were used. The cheating deck
should not be reshumed until it appears to be unable
to suPPOrt the next hand's anlicipated cheating or less
than half the deck remains.
During the next hand, a playe r may once again
attempt to cheat and draw cards from the cheating
deck. He is, however, limited to having no more than
five of these cards in his hand at any gi \·en time.
A Detailed Exam ple of Cheati ng
Four players arc playing a friendly game of poker -
Al, Ban, Charlie and Deke. The agreed upon ante for
the game is two dolla rs and each player tosses his sil-
ver dollars into the pot. Deke is acting as the dealer
this hand and deals five cards to each player beginning
with Al who is sitting to his le ft. Upon receiving their
cards, both Bart and Charlie announce they will cheat.
Bart has a Gambling skill mastery of 62% and rolls a
22 in his attempt to cheat. Since this is a difficult
check, the roll is made wilh no bonus and he fails.
Charlic has a Gambling skill mastery of +8% and suc-
ceeds, roll ing 72 on his check. Deke deals him the lOp
five cards off of the cheating deck.
Charlie was fairly deah the following cards: 2 . ,
3"' , 6 . , J . , Q • . In addition, he received the fol -
lowing cards by cheating: 2 . , 2 "' , 4 "' , 5 . , J ... .
From what was a mediocre h<lnd, Charlie now has
some p romising options. He can build a stra ight by
using IWO cards, the 4 '" and 5 . , from his cile<lting
draw.
Now it's time for some betting. Al has a lousy hand
[2 "' ,4 . ,5 . , K . , A . J and checks. Ban has a pair
252
[3 • . 4 "' ,4 . , Q "' , A . J and so raises t\\"o dollars.
Charlie, wilh a straight, sces Ihc twO dollars and raises
fi\·c. Deke has t\\"o pair [3 . , 5 . , 5 "' , J "' , J . J, a
pretty good hand, and so stays in by tOssing seven dol-
lars into the pot. It 's now back to AI. This is too rich
for AI so he decides to fold. However, to do so he must
make a successful Gambling check. His Gambling skill
is 53%, but since it's an Average check he gets to add
+30 to his roll. He needs to roll 23 or higher to fold
and gets a 31 . AI's out of the game losing only his ante.
Finally we reach Ban. He has to dHOW in five bucks if
he wants to Slay in. He decides not to but must roll a
32 or higher to fold (Barl's Gamblillg skill is 62% and he
gets a bOl/lIS rif +30 to the roll, since it's all Average chuk). He
rolls 28 and Ihus cannot fold and must throw five dol-
lars into the pot.
:\-ext comes Ihe draw phase. Ban elects to discard
e\·crything but his pair and draws three nell' cards
[5 • . 9 ... . 10 . J. He keeps his discards in a stack in
front of him .should he need to check for cheating at
the end of the hand. Charli e decides to discard his J .
and Q. in hopes of getting a flush. He draws a 2 .
and i ... . He now have several options with \·arying
degrees of risk. By using 2 cards from his cheating
hand, he can build a straight. By using three cards
[2 "' , 4 "' , J '" J, he can build a flush. Finally. he can
usc the two tWOS [2 . ,2 "'1 to make four of a kind.
Th e last option is lhe riskiest since playing this hand
will guarantee that e\·e ry other player gets to check for
cheating because he'lI be re\·ealing a duplicate card in
bis own hand! Again. let mt state thai Ihe (xtra card nlfcha-
lIisln is merely a silnulaliolljor all kinds of chealiflg - rubber-
nuking, marking cards, spurious dealiflg, e/ ulera - in addilloll
to Ihe 'au lip Ihe slttl·e' Irick. Plq)'ing two idflllical cards is per-
jecl[y legitimate though, rif courst, not legal. )
Deke is the last player to receive cards. He discards
his 3 . and draws a J • . He now has a full house - a
vcry good hanel.
Since AI is Ollt, Bart bas the first opportunity to
raise. He declines and passes to Charlie. Charlie has a
suspicion that Deke has a good hand and instead of
scaring him off by raising wildly, opts to only raise four
dollars. Deke. on his turn, sees the four dollars and,
confident in his great hand , raises ten. Bart has had
enough of Ihis game and tries once again to fold . He
rolls a 67 and is able to do so. It's now back to Charlie.
He sees Dekc's ten dollars and tosscs two S20 gold
coins as a raise in hopes of scaring off Deke and coin-
cidentally not having to reveal his ca rds. Dekc's not
about to be bluffed so he calls by tossing in fony dol-
lars of his own. He then reveals his full house [5 . ,
5. ,J. ,J "' , J ¥ ].
 TABLE 5.4-1: CIIANCE TO NOTICE CIIEATING
INT + WI$ , 70
Clmbling Skill MutelY
>60 , Sil ,., ,'" , 20 , 10 ><l
6,] ""• 'SO
•• •• •• •• •• •• • 3 18

•••
8-10 3 13 <S
11-13
14-16
•• •• •• •• •• 2 IS 38 63
71
17-19
•• • • • • " 7
11
19
17
35 55 SO

,• •
lO-22 2 7 15 17 <J 63 88
23·25
26-28 2
• 2 3
6
5
8
10
13
18
21 '"
33
oJ6
oJ9
66
69
91
94
29·32
lJ·JS
6
10
9
I'I' 12 17 15 37 53 73 96
98
36·38 I. 13
17 18
16
20
21
15 "
33
41
45 "
61
77
81 99
NOle: Pilfers .. ho dOB', possess Ihe CJmbJIIIg skill h,,'c 110 eblDtt of 1I0liclllg chcJllDgl

Charlie now realizes that his only hope of winning is

to take the riskiest possible 1110\'C and sho\\ four twos.
It's a S 137 pot, so Chadic takes the chance and reveals
the following hand: 3 ... . 2 . , 2. > 2 "' , 2 • . Cords
l1:illi TlWllbuJ ill bold artjrom tne chealing deck.
Since there arc two identical cards face up on the
table, ('\'cryolle is entitled to check for cheating.. \]'s
Int+Wis is 24 so he has a 100.0 chance to 1l00ic(' the
cheat. He rolls a 31 and fails. Ban 's IrH+\\"i~ is only 19
giving him no chance to delcct the cheating since his
Gambling skill mastery is on ly 62 0 0. Deke, howe\'er,
has a Gambling maStery of 18 Q,o, and his Im+\\'is is
27, giving him a 690 0 chance to notice Charli e's cheat-
ing. He rolls a 71 and Charlie relaxes thinking he is
homc frcc. AI , howevcr, reveals the 2 ... from his dis-
card pile which cntit les him (only) 10 an additional
check. He rolls a 07 and thus catches Charlie in the
act. Since success on Table 5. 4-/ is unambiguous proof.
AI , Bart & Deke immediately draw thcir pislOls on
Charlie and commence firing.
As an aside, let's assume that Deke didn't get a full
house (in this scenario he got a 10 . instead of thej .
resulting in a hand of 5+ ,5 "' , j "' , j . ,IO • . Having
only to beat two pair, Charl ie chooses the least risky
opt ion a straight built with only thc ,, '" and 5 + from
his cheating draw [2 . , 3"' , 4"' , 5 + , 6 . ). This
option turns out to bc nearly as risky as playing the four
twos. Deke's hand contains a 5 + as docs Charlie's.
Everyonc is allowed a chance to check for cheating and
Ban now gets an additional check since he had a 4 '" in
his hand when he folded 10 110 1fict sinet he has no challet
f!! detecling chealing .
* MISCELLANEOlTS GAMES *
ROlTLETTE
Roulette, or "~mall wheel." is yet another popular
~ame in the Shattered Frontie r. Players one to six
place their bets and then the croupier ~ pin s the wheel,
rolling: a ,mall i\ory ball in the oppo~ite direction
alon~ the \\hecl\ inner ed ~e. .\ .5 the \Ihecl slows
down, the ball bounce_ into one of the ~Iots on the
wheel, numbered from Olle to thirty-~ix, plus a zero
and a double zero. Red slots alternate with black.
Players may continue to place bets until the wheel
slows down and the ball rests in place. The slot that
the ball finally drops into is the winning slol.
Wagers include hets for single numbers ( I: I odds),
twO adjoining numbers 17: I , three numbers across
II: I" four corner numbers 8: I , six across numbers
(5: I), a tweke number seCiion'2: I, or a tweh'e number
column .'2: I Bets on one through eighteen, nineteen
through thirty-six , red, black, odd or even are I: I odds.
PI. yin' Roulelte
Simulating a game of single num ber roulette is actu-
ally quite simple. Ha'·e each player make his wager,
then roll IdIO, su btracti ng four from the tOtal. A
result of 0 or I means the "ball " dropped into the
zero ~Iot, while a result of 2 or 3 simulates the dou-
ble zero.
Bets on I through 18, or 19 through 36, can also be
accomplished with the sa me method. If a player
wants to bet simply "red" or "black," roll Id4 , wi th
odd results being red and even results being black.
Belting on odds or evens also uses I d4. For the more
complex odds, you may wish to consult all actual
roulette wheel to sec where numbers arc located on the
wheel.

253
THREE CARD MONTE
T hree card monte (also known as " Find the Lady" to
the British, or "Bonncteau" to the French) is not rcal-
ly a game, but a scam or swindle. The appearance of
the game is simple. It is played between the dealer (or
tOsser), who manipulates the cards and takes the bets,
and the player (or punter), a morc or less gullible mem-
ber of the public who places a bet on the game in the
unrealistic hope of winning some money.
The dealer has three cards, one of which is a Queen.
T hese cards a rc shown \0 th e punter and then simul-
taneously thrown face down on a table. The punter
wage rs on which card is th e Queen , while the dealer
employs various tricks, often with the help of accom-
plices, to ensure that the punte r loses.
Three card montc operators include:
r? The Tosser (dealer): the sleight of hand man
who mixes the cards and takes the bets.
':!ir The Shills: accomplices who pose as punters
making be ts, to give real punters the impression that
the game can be beaten .
1~;=~~7l~~~~~~g~~~~
~
254
~ The Lookout: watches for the law and signal s
the ir approach so that the game can b e "folded up"
quickly.
@"" The Muscle Man: takes care of anyone who
decides to complain.
~ T h e Roper: seeks out likely punters and
e nco urages them to join the game.
If you do bappen to bet on the righ t card, th e tosse r
employs various tactics. such as accepting instead a
wrong bet from a sh ill , and refusing your bet on the
grounds that only one bet can be taken at a time.
Other tactics include swapping the cards while your
attention is d istracted, or simply arranging for the
table to be knocked over and declaring the deal void.
PJa yin' Three Card Monte
Cnless someone at the ga ming table acts as tosser,
the simplest way to simulate a three card mont e game
is with opposed Gambling skill checks. The player
must make a \ 'ery Difficult Gambling skill check to
find the Queen . If he succeeds. the tosser may
attempt to beat that result with a
standard Gambling skill check of
his own. If the tosser succeeds,
the player loses.
If the player succeeds, the tosser
may attempt a standard Sleight of
Hand skill check - if the tosser
succeeds, he manages to swap the
cards so the punter loses. If the
tosser fait s his Sleight of Hand
check, he o r an accomplice may
attempt a standard Distract ion
skill check. If that succeeds, the
tosser changes the ca rds while th e
punter is distraCted, and the play.
er loses. If that also fail s, the toSS-
er either gives up and lets the
player win, or calls in the muscle
man to tail the punte r and take
the winnings back by force.
 5.51 Goods & Services
hesc costs incorporate a standard markup on
T the pa ri of the me rchant to cover his shipping,
salary a nd other Q\'c rhead costs. When it comes
to pricing goods and services, you can lypically use the
prices listed below.
However, a few situations exist that require a modi-
fication of the li sted p ri ces. The fi rst of these occurs
when the point of purchase is not located in dose
proximity to a rail SlOp. Such goods need 10 be trallS -
ported to th e location by cart or wagon, and this addi -
tional freight cost should be reflected in the price. A
good ru le of thumb to employ is to add 10% to the list-
ed price for every 25 miles the sto re or trader is locat-
cd from a train SlOp or rail head.
A second exte nuating circumstance occurs when
sales ta ke place in the region of a gold (or silver camp.
The abundance of ha rd curre ncy in such locales guar-
antees an inflationary effect, particularly when it
comes to mining tools and similar hardware.
To simulat e the inflation , roll 5d4 (using th e pe ne-
tration rul e), add 10, and then multiply the result by
10. This generates a percentage you must add to the
base price of any item. If the camp is in a remote loca-
tion, you may need to calcu late an additional freight
surch arge (as described above) bcfore applying the
inflationary effect.
ror o.ampfr, Jack .\lurph)l has had some success prospecting
for gold and relums 10 Ilujictional boom town of Silva Glllch
to h/9 a couple of items (a shoul and a mining pall). The 10101
for these items is Ihree dollars. However, Silver Gulch is 250
miles from the !learnt railfille alld so airy goods mllst be trails-
ported cia u'agoll. This adds 100% 10 the base pritt (25 0
miles/25:;: 10 x 10~D) .
Addilional!;; Since Silur Guleh is a boomloll:n, Ihe ahlln-
dallee of hard fUTTtnq has an Inflationary if[ect 011 prices. The
C,\ 1 rolls 5d.J and gets 15 (including penetration). This means
that prim ill Silur Gulch u:ill h, 250% ((15 + 10) x 10) of
th, hose prire qfler th, transportalion slIrrharge is calculated.
The shopkttptr u'11I therefore charge Jack 5/5 for the pan
and shortl (hose price 53 + 100D" transportation charge:;: S6
r 2.5 inflationary if[eet:;: S/5).
255
Appl1c1 Bue Price Shoes. mens' dress ...$2.45
Blthing suit ............ HOD Shoes. pl.in . .. ...... S1.75
Beh. hdies' .. ... 20t Shoes. 1I'ork (miners . loggers'. etc.) ..... $1.98
Belt.leuher ... lO c Skirt. I.dies· .. ..n50
Blouse .............. . · ...... SZ.sO Socks. wool .18'
Boots. hney .. ............ S20.00 Stockings. bdies' silk · .sUO
Boots. riding luther ....!IS.OO Suit. .. ...... $6.75
Button. hpcl ... ..... SUO Suil. fincy · .SIO.OO
Cine. hickor y ........ . ..... 25 c Suil. pllin , .$5.00
Clp. hunting ........ ••. . , ,48 t Suspenders. hoey sil k ..... . .... ,47'
Chps. Jeuher · .i5.00 Suspenders. ph in , .. 25'
Chips. wool ..... ..... , .. ....$1.00 Thimble . ..... 1'
Con. wool ... .. .. . .. ... .SU5 T ic. b01l' .... ........... 10'
Colbr. Jincn ............. . , .. \3' Tic. Deck .............. . . ... .7'
Comb. mens' or hdies' ............ lO c Tm'cling b.g (16 in .. dlig.lor skin) ... 65'
Corset. hdies' ... .. .75' Trousers. f.n'Y ............. . ... HOO
Colton. weHing (per lb.) .. . ..... .16' Tlousers. work ........................... . · .$2.00
Cuffs. linen (plir) .. . .. ... .\8c Umbrdh . ................. . • . JI.35
Duster (Ienher) ....................... . . ......$8.90 Underskirt. hdles' ... n65
DuSler (oilskin slicker) .. .. ... .. . .•... .. .. ... .$3.50 UndeTlre .. . ....... ,45'
Dress. f.ney ., ..................................... $1.00 Vest. hUDling .. .$3.40
Dress. ph in · ..... .n00 Vest. men's hncy sil k ............ 55.00
f lbric. denim (pcr yd. ) .lOt Vest. mcn's lutll" ......... SU5
flbric. fhnnd (per yd.) · .......... 12' W.lIet. ltilher .......... . .92'
f lbric. b.Jf wool (per yd. ) .... , ... . ........... 13e Wig. hdies' ....... S15.00
f lb ric. ribbon (per yd. ) ............ . ........ .35' Wig. mens' ( tou pcc) ......... .• . . ....$12.00
f lbric. silk (per yd.) ........... , .. ........ .sOc Wr'p ....................... . .. . . .............. S15.00
f .bri" Spuis h lice (per )·d.) · ......... .7'
F.bric. vehoet (per yd.) · ......... .75c Domestic Items Bue Price
f .brie. wool (per yd.) .. . .........•. .... 29 C BHomc"r , ... .n50
Glovcs. buckskin · .78' BlSk" , .. .. ....32e
Gloves. hdies' .......... ... ... . .. .....S1.25 Bed room suit. simple wooden .......... . ....... SIO.sO
Gloves. anned buckskin ........$1.00 (Ior/udes bed. wuhsrlnd lod dresser)
Gnss suit (hunting umoufhge) ....... . . · J1.75 Bcd. cut iron ......................H85
H.ndkerchid. hncy broude silk ... 22' Bcd. simple wooden. , ............. .. ..nlO
Hlndkerchief. pJ.in linen ...5t Bbnket. bed (per plir) , .51.50
H.t. unlry · .$1.37 Book cue. wooden sl1ndins .$05
Hit. conduetor's .. .. ................ , .. $1,45 ( 4'/1" h. J1" w; four ~diusr~b1e shelves)
Hu. co wboy or sombrero (low Clown) ............. . .$3.00 BTeld box. . ........ . . . .... 65'
Hit. derby ................. . · .51.50 Brush. h,ir ... .38'
Hi t. {edorl .. .............................. ~J )-
::l Brush. sblvins · .$1..'i0
Hu. bdies' f.ney .H25 C.n opencr . .10'
Hit. sombrero {bigh crown} · .$5.25 Cudles (box of 12) .. Be
Hu.stnw ........... . .2St ClTri,se. blby .$6.35
Ovenlls ........... . · .95' Ch.ir. doth cHy ........... . ....... $12.75
P.ots. men's , .... $1.00 Cb.ir. wooden ............. . .60'
Surf. common (lny color) .... 2St Ch.ir. wooden rockiog ....... $1.68
Smf. silk (lOy color) , .sOc Clock. hncy wooden ubine! ....$6.15
Sbirt. hncy · .$1.25 Clock. pbio wooden ........ . .. ............ $1,45
Shirt. pbio · .75' C ndle. rocking ...........$liOO

:tJ
Sboes, £lncy .$3.50 Cup ......... . . ............... .10'
Shoes. hdits' dress · ..... .$3.00 Cutlery .. .45'
( SCI of 6 hives/forks/spooos)

OUR MAN,SHOEING
DEPARTMENT
Shows the bcst~wtaring Foot~ 1.:
. I
j Cutlery. silver-plued ..
(set of 6 hives/fo rks/spoons)
Des k. sunding wooden office .
. ............ •.

(5'/008. nr deep. thrcc drl wers)

Dio ner se t. 100'piccc ,IIinl
. ...... $2.65

. .......... $11.50

.......$7.95
___•• .l
";!!~ at dosc. r-~Ci"'o";;.,.______~

256
 Drcssn. si mple woodeD (Ihree dw.. ers) .... . ...........~6.75 H untill8 6 Fi,billg: Bue: Pr ice
Fhg. anioad (5 fl. 10Dg) .... . JUS Fish hooks (box of 100) ............ . .....5c
Fhsk (I pt. ) ........... . .........5' Fishing flie s (per dozeD ) .... , ........... $1.00
Cl us ... "e. pili a tumblers (per dOlea ) ....... . ......30' Fishing Ii DC (Z5 ft .. tOIlO O) .... .. ..5c
C lmwue. phiD wner jug ( Ji gi l.) ...... 2St Fishipg reel (80 yd.) ..$U5
C luswue. phia ... iDe glus (per dOlea ) ......38C Fishi og rod. bl mboo .... ... n05
H lmmock. Mexiun ,",ovea sisll (6 ft. bed. 12 ft. 6 ip. toul ) 80C Net . . .$1.50
lamp. (ucy oil ................. . .$'1.30 Stock muker ..... . ........ $1.25
bmp. phill oi l .... ................ . ....$1.75 ( TIHOO eu mukcr for ltoTSes. ' IHk s ..iac. slt eep. dogs. CIC.)
la mp. refle ct iog ( wi lh hud uu chmenl) .... . .... $6.50 Ti t kle box............................. .$Z.85
Mu chcs (LII'ifcr) . box of [SO •.. ..sc T np. btlr (spr,ag. ,i"'. chiin) ........................ $6.00
M.1I11Css. hed spri ngs .. $2.25 T up. beH'tr (spri ng. j.l .. s. chlio ) ............. .70c
MUlress. (illed ................... . .H35 T np. fox/ m,ak (SpllD!!. ,i"S. chiio ) ........ . .. 'l5c
Mirror. ["ge woodeD fr l med phle ( ['lIn. x 24 in.) .......$1.62 Tu p. g<1ldy bur. moose. cougu (spriog. )1"". t hl iD) ... $11.75
M irror. smdl wooden frlmed plue (7 ia. x 9 iD. ) ......... JOt T np. Oller ('pflDg. ,1"5. chi'n) ................. . · .60c
Mug. sbl vi.,g ...... . ...........H.90 T up ... olf (spllog. JI"S. chlla) ................ . .... $1.85
Needle. sewiog (per dOleD ) ... . ..... .I0c Wh is tle. bird till ............................ . .... 'lOC
Pl ii. s.qoue dioner ...... ........... . .......... 3OC Wh iST le. dog ... . .... . . • ............. 25'
PID. frying (II io. ) .. .. ... ..... . .. ........ ISc
PiClllre. £rImed. ...........•.......
Pillow. (wher
. ....69 c
... $1.20
WE SELL = ==-- _......
l
LADIES' AND
WATCHES
I
Pi lC her . ..-ncr ( MgI l.) ... ..... ... . ... A8 c
MENS'
POI. coffee (8 Ji qt.) ...... . ..... Soc
"T l ' I U(' t~ T II , ~ T I . ~ ,\ \· t::so
Sewiog mlchioe .... . ...m.2S noo)l t·OIt c::Oltl'l.... LL'T.
Sllve rwHe. siJ.·cr·plued (per SCI) ..il.OO • • • ...1
(c,,1t SCI eOOllin s si.r forks. kni'·es. Or spoons)
Jewelry Bu e Prite
Slllc ............ . . ...........SOC
Bucclet. gold·(dled ....... . .. . . ...... $lAS
SOIP (ODe bil) ........... . . ....... . .. •.. .lOc
Brooch pio ........................ . . ...$l.85
Spilloon .... . .......... • ............•............ 2'lc
Cuff liaks (piir) .................. . . .............W
Slave .................... . .... $10.38
Eurioss. hncy ( [1·kt w lid gold w/semi·precious stonel. piir )H75
T IMe. diaiDg .......... . .... $3.30
[miags. p!. ia ( I'l·kt golHillcd. piir ) ... 35'
TlbJc. smlll pulor .......... • ..... , ..... . ....... JI.35
Emiags (piir) .. $UO
Tlbk wooden diniog ......!Z.6'l
Neck Cb l iD. go ld ... ...... . .$7.sa
Tu SCI •.••.••.•.••.••••••••••••• ' • •. . .... $10.80
Opm ghsses ...... . .............. J3.75
T hermometer. house ....... 1'lc
Perfume. lih. blossom ('l Ol. boulc) .. . ....89 c
Thrud (p<:r spool ) ......SOc
RiDg. emblem/Muonit ( I'l·kt solid go ld) ..............HZ.OO
Too thbl llsb ............. . . ..... 28 c
RibS. hncy set luse/ mnltipl e dilmoods .. . ....... $18.10
T llb. blth ( 1 h. lo og. lio ) .. . .... $3.73
Ring. fn cy SC I hrse/multiple semi'precious SIObU ......$S.'IO
T ub. bltb (6 ft .IODg. liD ) .......... . . ....fS.OO
Riog. hDty sel sml ll dilmood ..H25
T ub. Wish (22 iD. x Irs iD. x 10.75 io.) ...... 70c
Rillg. fu,y sc t smdl semi'preclous sioae · .$1.50
RiDg. pilia ( IHt go ld·fllled ) ............... . .$1.70
Field Gear Bue Price
Ring. phio ( !'l·kl solid gold ) ... . . ...HBD
BIg. ITn'elios ( [6 in.lcuher) ..... $3.10
RiDS. ph in SCI hrse / multiple di, moads....... . .il1.75
Ciateea ................... . .. JI.OO
Ring. phio set IITge/multiple se mi 'pre tious STapes .......$3.25
Com pus. ph;n pocket ........... ... .... , ........... JI.lO
Riag. ph iD SCI smlll dumODd ... . ...........$3.25
Compus.IulI·eyols' .. , ...... • ..... , ......... J2I.OO
Ring. phia set smlll semi'precious stone ........ . · JUS
Field gi mes ......•... . ...... .$8.s0
St itk p'O. di,mood ........... . . ..$5.25
Flial l od steel... . .ROO
St ic k p,a. imiulioa diimond/emhlem ....53c
laDtern ....................... .... ... . ... .$Z.Z5
Vw chi ao gold filled .......... . . ..... .HOO
Mess kit ....... . ................ , ........ ~2.00
Vest thiill. gold pined ............ . . . . .Sl.2S
Note book {3 ia. x 1.5 ia.. wilh pen ti l) ................. 20c
WUch chum. hoey (11·kt gold·(illed ) . . . ....... $1.35
RlilrOld LIPlero ................... .soc
Wu th ch rm. phin (l1· kl gold·fi lled ) .. . ... 25c
Sleeping hIS ... ......... . ....... 113.00 . . noo
Wn eh fob . .
S uitme (2'l iD. ) ... . . .........$1.10
Wu th. hocy pochl .. . · .lI8.85
TUI. miaer 's . .. . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.70
Wn t h. phi a potket .. . · .n.75
T eDI. "ill... . .. $13.50
TeDI . .. edge (7 h . x 7 ft. x 7 ft .) ....... • .............. HZ5
TlUDk (36 in. ) .................. nos
. ..

257

I
Leisure heml 6 ACliviliu Bue Price Ox ........•...... •. .... •. .. . .. ...... $25.00
Accordion ............ . ...... $'1.65 Pig ................ • ..... . •..... .. ... .$3.50
Bnjo ...........................•..... • . ...... UJO Piglet . .... !l.50
Bnjo cue ................ • ........... . . .$2.00 RooST,r .......................•.... .......... $1.50
Bneb,1I ...................... . .... JUS Sheep ........................... . ... "'1.00
Bueb,1I bll ........................................ 4{jc
Bmb,1I mill ......... . ..........• ..... ...... .$1.80 Med ical. Apotheu ry 6 Sciellifi, Bue Price
Book. btajo ins!ruelioll .............. . ......•....... JSc MediCI! Services
Book. guil" inSlruuion ..........•..... • .... .$1.85 Advice givea. verbll (office vIsit) .$1.00 10 $10.00
Book. music lolio (96 101lgS) ..... .. . .. AOC Advice giYCD .... rillea . . . . . . . .. . ... f5.00 to $20.00
Book. pilnO illSlrutlion .. ..... ..... .i2.10 Broken hoae (set) ............. . ........ $2.00
Book. popu lu lieliOIl ....... . ........ Joe Brokea boac (splinted) ......•.....•... ......UOO
Book. religioul .................. . ... . ...UOO Buckshol ( removed ) ............. • . ........... $2.00
Bugle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.15 Bullet (removed ) .............. . ..... $1.00
Cuds. fOlluDe IelliDg ................ . .............. joe Bull" hole (puched) . .......... $2.00
Cuds. milked pbying (I ded ) .noo Bu.us (!reued) ...... , .....•... .$2.00
Cuds. pbyillg (I deck ) , .. .IS' CODcusslon (Hclled) . ........ .sOc
CUU neu .. , ......... ,... . jOt DisCise (mmd ) .............. . . .... $2.00
Cheders ( boud Illd pieces) ..... ,.... .nso House nil (pcr m... !3 mlaimum ellItse) .. .... $1
Chess ( boud tad pieces) ..... ..... . .. .15.00 Leecb lng / bleedlllg , ........... . ....... 2Sc
CigJlS. HlvIIII (box of 50) ........................60c Limb (Impuuted) ......... . ..... $5.00
COllcellill' ....................... , ..... . ......... .i3.8S Mid... ile (per delivery ) ..... • ... , .... U50
Dice ........... ,................. . ............. 25 t Po ... der buras (\fcued ) .......... . · .$J.OO
Drum. Sllile ........................... . .$6.15 Tooth (pulled) ... . ......... . · .80 t
Encyclopedil Briunni" ( full SCI ) ••••••••••• ......$19.95 Wound (Stitched) ............. . . ...soc
Fiddle ..... ........ . ................• . ..n25
Cuiur ............................... , . . . . .. $5.20
Cu illr usc ........ .
Humolliu ...................•............
.H.OO
. .,
..JJ
WE ------~~
~ ARE JUST AS ANXIOUS to fill
yo ur o r dor r lsh t, 811 you a ro .
If you h ave a ny ca u llo for compl a int,
r-,-Ioulh orgla (Je..... hrp) ......... . . .lOt yo u w ill do u. a favor b y n o tlfyln.
u 8 promptly. and slvln. all n &eOIl-
Ne",splpcr ........................ •. . . .Ie ea r l' I"formatlon. W o a r . a n xlo u ll
Novcl. pu lp ......................... .
Orgta. upright pulor .............. .
. .. .I0c
.141.50
~"t.o....t•••••~••u..........~
Pino. uprigbt .... . , .. $]25,00
MedICI! Equipmelll
Pipe ........... . . .15'
Alcohol. chemi"l (8 oz, bOllle) .. . ..... 2se
Pocket book ... . .2St
BIg. medi ell (16 ia .. Iwhcr ) . . .. ...... $'1.75
Poker chips ( 1000) .......... • . .n00 . ... 20c
Chlo.oform (" oz. bOllle) ....
S lercoscopc ..... . . ... AS' .... me
Crutchc$ (pli!)
Slerco"opc picture .. , .. , ......•.....•.............. },
E,ber (I lb. bOil Ie) , ...........85'
Stool. orgta or pitao . . . . .. $3.25
budlD um ('lor. bOll le) · .29c
T icket. eireu. (,dmil one) ............ . .............. .soc
PucgofIC (" or. bOll le) · .18'
T icket. dilltc hIli (olle dllltc ) ............. . ......50c
Rn or. huber's ... JUS
T icket. sugc pllY (Idmil oae) .......... . .............$],00
Rn or. "night .................•.. ...!LOO
World Atln .....................•......•.......... 54.50
Stile,. bnd .................•... .........50c
SCiles. prCJCliplioa . ...... .$2.25
Livellod: ,ad Olher Aaiml" Bue Price
Scalpel ........... . . JUS
Bull ....$10.00
Stlsrors ................................. ... . ... A2 C
Burro ............................. . ...... $10,00
SCII .................................... • ......... .1(1(
Chick ................••.....•..... • . .....SOC
Sp"ltdcs. ruhber frlmcd ..... . . ..••9O c
Co .... " lIi1bud .................•........... , ...$30 o. more
Spccuclcs. solid gold filmed ........ . .... U25
Co.... uU .......................•. .$3.00
Sp"ltdes. Sled fwned ...... . ...... 90'
Co.... yurfiag .................... . . ...........$8.00
Tbermometer. mediul ( .. /cuc ) ...... . . ....$1.75
Dog .....................•...... • . . .. $1.50
Tooth exlrIClor ...................... • .....•....... .35'
Dog coll u ........... . ....•.... .. 2{lC
Toothtt be ... 1X ( I oz. honle ) ........... ....•. . ... lOt
Dog. herding ....... . •.. , .. . ......•. .... . .. . ...M.OO
Hea ...................• • ..... •.. . . . • •. . . .... $1.00
LI mb ... $2,00
M ule ...... , . •..... • ..... • •. ... ...... $20.00

258
I

•
t
f
•
Sciealific Equipmeal P,iatillg EqDipmellt
~hgllifyillg glm ........... . ........ ILS{I lak. hh ck (2 oz. hOll le) ..... . ... .lOt
Meuurillg su les. pcrsoul .... . ..is.OO Ibksulld. siagle hOllle . . . .. 35t
Microscope. gem .................... . .$2.25 Pell holder .................... . .......SSt
Microscope. household .. . .... ....... . .!6.00 Pell aib (per dozen ) ............ . ...sc
Microscope. profeuiollli ........................... .l39.00 PCb. lied fouDui" (per dOlell ) .. . . . ......... . ..se
Microscope. uudellls' .. ..... . .... . . . .. . .. ... . . . ...$15.00 Pellci l (pcr dozca ) .... ........ ....... .... . .... . .. 3oe
Telescope. uuoaom;ul Dr laadsupe ( .. ilb Tripod) ..... .$59.00 Prialing pre". profess;oll1l .......... . ....i5DO.OO
T descope. spy glm ................... ..............RSS ( Comes wirh ] 9 sers of '!pe aaa mise eguipmellr)
PrJII.ins press. smll1 ............. . ...... ..i3l.oo
Miaiag Equipmcal ( Prinl! an I! j Y, - x 8-: 115 Jbs.: seJ(·iakias. comes with Olle SCI of
Blmill8 ClpS (per dozen ) .. .noo rype)
Bucket (IZ ql.) . . . . .. .72e
. ...H50
Dylllmile (per slick) ..
Fuses (per dozen ) .. S1.30 IT IS AGAINST THE LAW ...
Nitroglycerine. liquid (per oz.) ....... . . ......$2.00/
Plil. ",ue r (wooden ) ho lds 3 Yo gliiolls ...... .ISc
_ _ _ _ TO COUNTERFEIT MONEY.

--
PIn. mi ll illg. . .................................... 52.50 n u t 1ou.,.n do bette. t han co in It o n 10 .... ow n

Pick ml1loc ks .......

Sho"el (muad poill!. solid ueel ) ...
. ...... Ase
. ........ jOe "-~--"
P,oV;liOIlJ nd Food
----,.
h _ lt. 8"\' £ IT . W . ,b o w 70 " b o ....
-
..... pples (3 Ih. lIn ) .....ge
Pbotogupbic Equipment: BlCon (per lb.) .I0e
Amlleur Phologupher JaS IT UCI;on book .... 20e BIking powder ('I oz. 110) ... .lIe
Box. lIeguive slorillg ................................ !JOe .I2t
Buas (3 Ih. lill) ..... .
Clmerl ( .. ilh leas. shurter lad plue holder) ........... JI3.60 Bcd (per lb. ) ....... . · . .7e
C,merl leas. replacemell1 . ....... . .... . .519.00 Beef jerky (per lh) ......... . · .2oe
Clmerl pine fixiag hllh ...... . ...i3.!s Beef. dried (per lb.) ...... . · .2oe
Clmen plate holder ........... .$2.5S ..l3.SO
Bm (10 gd. keg ) ........... .
Clmerl tripod ................... . .......... i2.95 BhekbcrrJU (Z Ih. Ila) .......... . . .. lIt
Collodium (I oz. borrle) ........... . .... 'IS' ............. Ue
Cbcue. Pl ymoll.h chedd" (per lb.)
Developer. leuaer's OUl fil .............. . ..... il.35 Chocoh" "u rn s. fney (per Ih. ) ..... · .lie
(lad. RuJ IJmp. Ihru I N!I. beaker. frame. col/odium. si"'er ailrHe. C OCol (per S ibs.) ....... $1.80
IZ J Y;x4 Yo"prialiaB PJpcrs. Aml teur PholOBrlpbcr insrruaiollS)
Coffee (per Ih.) ................. . · .30e
Corll dodgers (per doze n) . . . ........ 20e
......... +++++++++++++++++++++++
i The Amateur I Corn (3 lb. t;n) ............ .
Corned Bed (Ilh. lin) ... ...... .
.7'
. .. l2t
t ... Photographer • Flour (per lb.) ...... 10c
: A Completo and Simplo :: H ~m. bOlle less (per lb.) ..... . •.. 1Ot
:: Instru c tion B OOk. T o iLs ... HIm ( )o! lb. lill) ....•........... .12e
+ 010;; all abOut how to t a ko pl Ct- ::
H"d lick (per lb.) ......... . .. j Oe
of' ~.. uree and ! LnL a h th em. Is ..
t
..

.. ~,
:;: {1;:!¥1':;:
~~ ~
f'

:: If You Don't Know

eo p l ain a ch ild ca n un - •
der at a nd II. ::
...

::
Hoaey. N1V1JO (per gIl.) ... .
Mlderel (l Ib. lin)
Mul. chup .......... .
......
· ASt
He
.25'
+ Wh:H "~"<I "~ 1n, O' .D r~" :. ~ ,.'~
•
... Mul. haey ................... .. .. . . ...... $2.00
+
• 1'1 ;"" ",I'f! .. .. ,
'U~'.'ln 1'1 .......::" .. h , ." .: Mul. suge SlUloD ......... ..... . . . . . . .....n.SO
.. n .n 1m ..... ntl~'.'''''· h d .. ~o' ~';''-k
~o" "n! .n .... ' InlH ..... .,,1 h. "h .. I1,,·.
(Buoa. bc~al. bread lila coffee ltC sold H borne SlH;oas all I sr~Be

·
• , O(>~I ..... L' o~ lan'I'~.I'''' for " ' .....;., ...... ~ •
:: hOI .... " ..... ro~ pt.,• • ,,", or b".J,,~_ .n<l •
" ',, .. ·, t ah'e 10U our .<1>1<:.0 I.n tb., • IIl1e CO'''! 50 milcs.)
•
""'"....
.+++++++ .............. ... ... ......
:: Milk. cOlldelucd (Il h. liD) .............. ..... . . .... .IS'
Muund. preplred (I '1 1'JDg) . . . . .13<'
Mumrd powder ( .Ii" Ih. I;n) ......... . .. ASe
Lll1terb. red dIrk room ... ... ....... ......... . .. ..90t . .. 1Ie
Peu (3 lb. liD ) . .. ......... . . . ........ • ...
Plrx:r. pholosuph p';III;ag (per 9 ib. x 11 ia. sheet ) .......55e Pel ches (3 Ih I;n) ................• . .. . . ..... .ISe
([5.00 aozea)
Pem (3 lb. lin) ......•... . .. .12'
PUle. pholo moulI.illS (1Ih.) . AS'
Pepper. hh ek (per lb.) ......no.oo
Silver a;lrue buh SOIUlioll (I 'It. bailIe) ..$3.25 ... m.oo
Pepper. while (per lb.)
Pic kl es (per pt.) ... · .25 c
Preserves. berry ( Il h. li n) .... .12'

260
 Root beer. bottle of . . ........ . ... . .. .... .Ioe M.il ing I lwer (10+ mi. 1060 mi. ) .. ... .......... . ...8'
SIImoD (l Ib. l iu) ........ ... ..... . .... 11' Mliling I letter (60+ mi. ud li p) .... . ... 1Oe
S~It. uble (3 lb. emou ) ......8e (ldd U lddi.ion.1 .01 celltS per 50 milts lbo ve 65)
Sollp. nrious (3 lb. tiD) ... ... ...•.................... 30< Medi"l ..................... , .................... vllious
Stn ... berries (2 lb. tin ) .... ... .... .9' (see our MediClI. Apolllccuy .lId S ciclI.ifi, SU lioll .bo,'e)
Tobl cco. ebe .. iug (per bIg) . . ......•............... .I0e ShIve iIId I hlilCut ........... ,....... . ... 2,Se
Tobl ceo. smoking ........ . . .15' Ticket. suge (S t.louis 10 S.n Fnll cisco) .5200.00
Tomuoes (3 lb. tiD) ..... . . ...........08' (jourlley Ilkts J wccks)
Touic ... uer (pc. qt.) .. .......... . . . .......... $1.00 Wedd iDS .. ... , . ... ...... . ... .... .. ,$'s.00
Tnil nliODS (per dly) ...... . . ..... $1.50 Wh iskey. shot of com mon (n esub lis hmcnt ) .. . .IDe
Wh is kty. bollle of co mmon ........ . ......•.......... noo Whiskey. sho t of good (n esub lishmeat) ...••....• ZO<
Whiskey. bOllle of good. . .HOO
TelCSf.ph £q l;li pmell:
SduieJ TcJeSI. ph blltery ....60'
BweDder (per month ) ......... • ......... .!50.00 Teles"pb ke y. Ju adud. .noo
Coroner (pc. illque Jl ) ......... .......... ,i5.00 TeleSliph relly. Slindud ............M,8's
Co ...·boy/Folemu (per mODtb ) ... ..$15.00 TeieSllpb sounder. sund .. d .. . ... n.so
Cowboy / Rut b Hud (per moulb ) ....................$30.00 TcJes"ph wm (pC! mI.) .,........... . , ...52'1.80
Deputies (pel month ) ..$50.00 TcJesr.ph. leHnCl's Oul fil.............. . ...$3.00
(plus 11 pc, lIICSt/COII Vioioll) ( lael. soullder/ key. bHler. .. "c. Che/tlKl ls. laslrue/lolls)
C un d. prisoD (per dlY ) .... . . ..UOO
Hi,ed gUPfighter (per dl Y) ....... . ..15.00 Tool. Illd olber H"d w"e
( .hese WOtit.s llso BU expenses) Anvi l .. · .$3.65
Llwmell (per mODlh. pIlls $2 per urcst /co nviCl,o D) . J75.00 A ... f .•.... . •.............. 6e
bw rer (per mODth ) .. ........... . . ... JlOO.OO to StoOO.OO Axe ..... · .. 60<
Sdooll girl / .... itless (pel mODlh ) .. .. . . ....$18.00 Bellow • ... ... .f3.90
( .hese .O,JUTS llso 8et lips llld room llld bolTd) Bellows. blld:smilhing ........... . . ....... .f3.30
Scou t (per mODlh ) ......... . ... .$75.00 Btllsh. 1ll8e p. inl (,S in. ) ........... . . .. 8~'
Tnchc. (per mOPlh ) ......... .......... .. ......$35.00 Brush. sm. 1J p.int (Z.5 lb.) · ..32'
Tumslcr (per mOlll h) .......$10.00 Brush. li ny p" nl ....... . ... ~,
Undcru ker (per bllrid) .... .... ...............$10.00 Chi in. log (pel ft.) ...... . ..... , .... 12'
Cbisel ..... ......... . .... .... 23'
FeDte. buhed ... ire (100 lb. bund le) .•. ........ . .SUO
OUR BUSINESS CAN ONLY. ,
rut. BY
'<ee....
1i ~\'1'S O
YOU 11f File .............................. . .........6<
III.:C II" WAY TIIAT 1'00 WlLL REOO.tOl.EN V Chss cutter ,.... ... . . . . .5'
011, ANI) CONTINUE Otn'Of U or
us. l'it:C EIJ- C.illdJlo ne (wi 'h fume ud (luk ) ............!2.2's
II ITV OOll'P £U liS T O O D8I RYW; YOUR I N-
TER t:8T8, ALL 0,. WU I C H
Hltku ......... . · . .7's'
-"'='== 18 F'O .. YOUR BI!NEF'IT. ____. .J H.mmer. hu vy .. . .. .60'
•_____-••___.,,____-•••______••_____. . ..
_ . ._..
r~~.~
Hlmmcr. lighl .. ... .... • ........... ... AO<
H.mmcr. sledge · .$1.05
S(lVicCi
Hndle. Pick. etc... . ......9'
Bllh ...................... . ........ 7~
H. ,chct · A's'
B ~ I h. fresh wiler .. . . . . .$LOO
Hoc .......... . . • ........... $Z.~S
Beer. mug of (n u uhl ish menl ) ....................... .sO<
Knif e. hll;,,·s ... . . ... 28'
Bondillg House. lYellge (per dlY. wilh mells} . . . . . .!LOO
Kn ife . poc ket (t ... o blides) .... . . .. 2's'
Borddlo. lvmge (per Dighl ) ... ... . .i25.00
LCllhcr polish (8 oz. bottk 0' lin) ... . .. to'
Coml spIce (per dl y. for one hO'le ) .......$1.00
l e.rh" 1001 SCI ........... .. ........... . .... .... ... .18'
COl. folding .... . ..$1.50
Me nullng upc. (ommon (50 ft.) ..... . .......... 2's'
Court COIU ...................... . . ........i2.00 10 f).OO
Musuri Dg upe. su rve yors ' linen (100 ft.) ... $·tOO
.... $2.00
Nlils. fr~m i ng (per pound) .... . . ..•......... 3e
Crl ve sigll. haey 0' o.aue Sloae ......... . . .....i4{).OO
P.dlock. w.oughl i.on ... 1,Se
C,Ive siSa. sloDe ............... .. . .. $10.00
P.int (2 02. un ) ............ . . ....•...... ... 2's'
CII"e SiS D.... ooden ............... . . ....UOO
Plilll (I oz. tube) ...... .12'
Hotel. Ivenge (per nishl) ......... . ...... .75e
Phne. wood ... . . ..... .$1.~S
Hotel. chelp (per night ) . ........ . ... .2S'
Pliers ...................•......•. . ...... .l's'
HOlcl. cleSlal (pc. aighl ) ........................... .$1.00
Plo ... . . . ...$9.7's
Illstice of the PCltc. Fines. . ......$2.00 10 20.00
Rope (I yd. ) .... . ........... . ... l,Se
Ml iling ~ lCltcr (up 10 10 mi.) ............6<

261

I
Safe. Sled combilulioa .............................$32.50 Cm (box is 4 fl. loag. 2 fro 6 III ... ide. 6 la. high ) ...!6.00
( ,as,de: 19.75 iD. biSb. 14.15 iD . .. ide. 14.5 iD. decp; olltside J'I.75 ill. Wagon cover. UDVn ...... .. . . . .. ... . .... .$4.50
hiSb. 11.75 ill. lI'ide. lJ.l5 ill. decp) Wagoo. fi rm ........ ...................... ....... !38.'15
5, ... buck .. . .................. .40e ( Bo.T /J J It. 6 io. •ide. fum "18011 is 5 ft ... ide f,om .. heel /0
Sal. tUlld (22 in. ) ..RlO .-beel)
5)11', ,,,,o' mln (6 fl.) ..... $1.00 Wagon. freigh t .... . ....... . .... .$50.00
Scre.. drive, ...... .18'
Scaling Wu (" oz. stick)
SnIps. 1IIIIIer·s .. .
..... .lZe
. .. $1.20
we A.RE THE

LARGEST DEALERS
j
I
TOIIgs ....... . . ....... ,.. .. . .... 26'
T.o.. eI .. ..... ... ...... . .. .4Ot
• VEHICLES
Wbee/bHro .. . ....... U50 .-w.
__ an
roa ..._...r~beot~bI. "'doa to . ...
-___________
oaeau..."CarforW_. -_______-.l.
Wi.e Denillg (pc' blk 330 fl. 101lg. ZZ III... ,de) ... ...... $.'i.95
Wnpoll' Y
Truspottatioo firurms; DcrrillgCfs
Ho.ses "meriuo Ar ms Derri ng" (.'II ) . . . ......... ,(8.25
.... ubil n ..... . . ....... $250 Colt New Line (.41) ............... ... . • ... . ...$[".00
MO.gID .. . .... S120 Kouckledusler Rn'oh-cr (.n) ... . .$9.70
Quuler Ho. se .. .......S80 Mu],n StODe"'lll Derring" (."1) ..........•.......... ~7.50
Thoroughbred ... VUICS RemlngToD Derrioger (.41) .........W.as
Muslug ................. ,. . ..... S6{l Rem laglon Peppcrbox (.32) ..............•.......... '!15.90
Per(hcrOIl ., ... ......... .. ,. . ............ , ......:t00
S h,re .. .. ........... ................ . ..HOO f ITurms; Rn o./vers
Heny HHaes, or Coltb ......... ,. . . . . . . . . . . . . ....HZO Colt 1877 L'gilloilig (.39) ................... . .... $2.'.50
( P,ices Ire fo, I typi'~1 horse of tbll brced. OIJrslladiD8 illdi~idu­ Colt 1877 Lighlaiag (.41) ................. . ... $21.00
Jls ..iU ,ommlad I bisber pricc JS de/trmiaed by rbe seUer.) Colt Bisley (.44) ............ . ...f23.00
Colt Bis ley (AS) .......•. . ... $2'1.75
TICk ud Huoess Col! 0"8000 (A4 ) ..... .iH65
IH,nkel, horse ....... $2.2S Col! Fhl10p TITg" (.4S) .... ........ :28.00
Brid le biu ... . ..................... 65' Col! NH"v (.36) ... $16.95
B.idle. IcuheT (6 ft. loas) ... ............. . .... .iJ.65 Col! PlICnoa (.36) . . .!Zl.oo
Comb. ho.se (10 01.) .. . .. ...................... . .. .1St Colt SA A ( ..... ) .. ... .$17.00
Horseshoe IIlil ............................. . .I6'/l b Colt S AA (.4S) .................... . ... $18.75
Horscshoe. unfilled (full se t of 4) ........ . .... 30c G us ..old 6 C ua olso ll (.36) ............... ... . .. .$1".90
Leuhe. skin ( l Ib.. Obe sided) .............•.... . ..3Ze LcMu T .o-Burel (.42 ,ad 12 glUge ) .... .U5.00
tIol uulc. ho.se . ....80' Remlogloh 1875 (."4) .... ... ..... ..... ... ..... .!22.00
Siddle bigs. fa Dey .... $6.78 Rcmlaglob New Army (A4 ) .. . ....... $19AO
Siddle bags. phia ... $2.90 S6 W 44 DA ( ..... ) ........... . .SI8.00
Siddle hags. used .........Sl.50 S6W DA Second Modd (.38) .... Sll.00
Siddle bluket ....... ..... . . ..90e S6W Russiall (."4) .......m.50
Sadd le. commOD ( .. /s tirrups) ............•. . .. S26.38 S6W Schofield (." 5) ..................... . ...... .!HZ5
Sadd le. faDCY (,,/slirrups) ........ , ......•..........548.16
Saddle. Mexicaa ("/51irrups) ..........•... ...... . .H6.15 f ITeums; S hOl8uD5
Saddle. used (,,/s lirrups) ...............•............$9}O Bake. Drilliag (IZ gluge ) ................... . .... .$150.00
Spurs. faDcy (pair) . ... .. ...•..... . . .$9.50 Colt 1S68 (12 gauge ) . .. ........ ..... .•... . .. m.50
Spurs. pl,ip (plir) ...... . ..... .• . . . . . ... .$2.'10 LC. SmiTh ( 12 Sluge) ....................... .......MO.OO
Stirrups. luther coveTed sleel ... ...•. ..... . .$I. .. S PIThr ( 12 glUge ) .. . .....WS.OO
Stirrups ... ooden ... .. .20t RemiDglop ( Ilgluge) .........!57.25
Whip. "",h ide (6 fl. 6 io. loog ) .... .75c WiQehC51er ( 12 gluge ) ...... $95.00

Other Tnllspou f ITurms: Rifl es

Bicycle... ........... ., .. ....•..... . ... .. ~H95 Bllhrd-Crccdmore (A5) ........ ...•. . .. $110.00
Bou. uavu foldillg .. . ... _...... • .... . , ... . .$35.00 Heary (."4) .... .. .................... .. . ... .$48.50
Bou. hu ali llg ski(f ......... • . . . .. •......•... . ....~22.00 Remillgtoll Revolviag (.44) .. . .... ... .. . . . . .... .$31.25
BuckboHd ..... . ...$35.00 Remillgloa Rolliog Block (."5) ................. ......$.. 2.00
BU8gy. covCled .... $40.00 Richmond Armory M us ket (.SS) .. . . ...!2.S0
Buggy. opeD ... $30.00 S bups Cltbi oe COD"ersioa (.50) .......$32.10
HHness. buggy ...... $14.00 S tutP! Loog RiDge (."5) ... . ...WS.OO

262
 Spemr Cubine (..52) ... . .....•........ $21.50 CmridSt .41 u liber pistol (100 rou nds ) .. ........ i2.25
Sprinsfidd Rollins Block (.SO) ..... $38.00 Cutridse .44 cllibcr pis tol (100 rounds) . J2.65
Sprinsfield Tupdoor (.4S) ...... .. $22.00 C.J.TI. idSt .45 n libcr pistol (100 rouo ds) ..... $2.85
Winchester 1863. CHbine (.32) .... ..... .•. . ....$25.95 Cmridst .32-20 (100 .ouods) .........................$1.75
WintheSTer 1863. Cubine (.38) ......... .•. . .....$3250 CHtridSt .38-40 (100 rounds) ....... ... ..... . .. 1l.00
Winchester 1863. CHbi ne (.44) .. . .. .. .!42.50 C m .jdSt .40·60 (100 rou ll ds) . . .. $2.95
Winthester 1863. MushT (.32) ... . . ..... J'10.50 CHtridse .44-28 ([00 rouads) ..... ......•... . ....$2.25
Win chester 1863. MushT (.38) .... . ... .... !47.50 Cm.idSt .44·40 (100 rou ll ds) .... $2.65
Winchester 1863. Musht (.'14) . . .. JHSO Cmridgc .45·40 (l00 rouods ) ... ........ .•... . . . J2.65
Wip t heSlCr 1863. Rifle (.32) ...... $39.95 CutridSt .45·70 (100 rounds) ..........•..... . ..... .. .!3.10
Wipchester 1863. Rif le (.38) ..... . ..... J'I3.50 Cmridsc .'15·75 (100 rounds) .. ... ..•......•... . .$3.15
Winthester 1863. Rifle (.'1 '1 ) ............ . . . J'I5.50 Cmridst .45·100 (100 rouads) ........... •. ..... . ...HOO
Wipchester 1866. CHbille (.40) .......... . ............ $27.95 Cmridsc .SO-70 (100 rounds) ...... . .....$3.40
Winthester 1866. Cubine (.45) .. . .... $39.95 Cmridst .50·95 (100 rouads) . . .... ... . ..... $t05
Wincbes teT 1866. CHbille (.50) ............ •.......... 144.95 Cm,idsc. R,mfm (56/50) (100 ,ounds) .. . ........ !Z.80
WipcheSlCr 1866. MU, keT (.40) .. . . ...$58.00 Brm Shot Sbells (box of 25) ............. . .i2.SO
Winthester 1866. Musht (.45) ......... . .... . .... .... i61.50 Piper Shol Shells (box of 100) .. . .......... . ........$1.50
WiDthes", 1866. Musket (..50) ........... . ........... $65.00
Winthester 1866. Rifle (.40) ..... . ........$32.95 Fireums; .i\"tUOtltS
Wipcbesltr 1866. Ri fle (.45) .. .......... . .... H3.95 &_, .... . ..... . ....... AOO
Willcbestc r 1866. Rifle (.50) .............. . .... .149.95 CUD belt ( .. iTboul bolsler) .... . ................ ... l2.00
C un srene (4 oz. liu ) ...... . .. Z5e
010 You EVER GET SHOT
~\\UA~E~RICES AS
CA.'" " 00 H lTV A~"TT Il IXG·
.Y O""
________•____. .0_0_ • •T il E l' IUCE8
________ Wl~ SELL
0___________
AT?
. . . . . ._
. _ _ _ _ _ _• • •
J
1 C UD oil (I oz. lubt ) .................................. lIe
Holster. hip ShoolillS ( .. ilhoul beh) ................... $5.50
Holslcr. quick d'i" ( .. ilhoul beh) ....................12.50
HoISler. sp,ius·slttve ( ... ithoul btlt) ................... $9.00
Holsle•. suudud (wilboul beh) ..... . ... $3.00
F iTuT ms:...i\mmulli tioll Subbud. Cubiac .... !l00
MiDie bills (.58 u lib,,) + uP' 6 p~per mtridSes ( IOO) ...i5.00
SClbbud. Rifle ... . ............ U50
ClP and b~ll . .36 "Iiber (100 rounds) .. .. . ...... !1.75
C.1.p lad bdl · .4'1 ulibcr (100 rouads) ....... . ..... n oo FlfcumJ; Embdl lJhmCDU
ClP ud bill - LeMu .42 uliber (100 rounds) ...........t2.95 .+$1.50 TO $5.00
EusrH lbS ...
Cmridgc .22 tl liber piuol (l00 rouads ) . . . .... .$1.50 ..+$3.00
Sloc k ( Ivory ) ...... . .... .......... .
C.rlridse .32 ulibcr pinal (100 rouads) ... . .. ..... $l.75
STOck (purl) ............ . . .... ...... .+!4.50
CUlTidge .38 " Iibe r piSloi (100 .ounds) ......$2.00 . .. +$1.75
Trimmins (sold·ph tcd ) .. .

263

I
Sundr y We,pollS
Buss knuc kle5 ........... . .................. $1.00
K n; fe. Bo.. ;, (w;lh blher stlb hHd) ....... H OO
Kn ife. hu nt ing/righ ting ... .. ... SI.OO
Kn ife. jlCk . . ...... ,.,. . ..... 17'
Knife. lhro.. ing . .... 5\.50
LHiu (50 ft .. tO tlOn) ...... $2.00
S,her .. , ... . ....... 57.00
* MISCELLANEOUS NOTES *
FIELD GEAR
C Oinpass, p lain pocket or s urveyors: A plain
pockct compass is a 2-inch·diamc[cf bra~s device that
show.~ direction (N, S, E, W, NE, S\\', etc .. Th c SUI"\'cy-
ors' compass has a tripod, folding sig-hts. baH and socket
joim (for movement 011 tripod and is 5 inches in diame-
te r.
T e nt, min e rs, wall and wedge: A miners tent looks
Oluch like a 1}1)ical Indian t{'nt, with a 9' base and an 8'
height. Wall tents ha\'c a 9-foot.lenglh and b readth, 3-
loot-tall side walls and a 7 '/,-foot-taU pole, under [he
angled roof. Wedge tents, aL~o known as ·:'\.~llapcdO<
tents, ha\'e a 9-foot-length and breadth and a 7·fool-
height.
HUNTING AND FISHING
Stock marker: It is well known th at a mark taHooed
into the skin of an animal wi!l remain visihle as long as
the wearer lives, and will, therefore, pre\'ent fraud and
stop all controversies as to the ident ification of registcred
animals. It is Ihe only brand or mark which may be
applied to a horse without disfiguring. T he marker is fil-
ted with three letters or figures which arc included in the
price, T he letters arc interchangeable. and can be quick-
ly removed and others atlached in their place. Th e let-
ters arc !/,-inch-squart" and cu t out of solid llletai. If the
lette rs arc kept oiled they should last a lifelimc.
First, smear the tellers with the tauoo oil. punch the
car, and then rub Ihe oil well into the punctures with the
thumb or fingers. It takes three to five days for the car to
heal ilnd Ihe brand to be clear and distinct.
PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
Developer, learner's outfit: For the benefit of those
amate urs who are not familiar with pholOgraphy, and
who arc at a loss to know what they should ha\'c, should
purchase Ihis outfit fo r finishing photographs: a small
ruby lamp for Ihe dilrk room. [rays fo r de\'clopi ng and
tolling (three)) glass beaker for measuring liquids, print-
ing frame (one), collodium (a 1/~ ounce bou le), silver
nitrate solu tion (a <I- ounce bottlc ), and a dozen 3 'I,' x 4-
'I," sensitized papers for making p rints, along with one
copy of the "Amateur Photograp her" which gives com-
2G<J.
pletc instructions for dC\'c1oping, printing, etc. This
package is suitable for amateur learner's use only.
Professionals will require the better qualilY items listed in
th is catalogue.
In game terms, a charaClcr who experiments with this
item may take the Photography skill. He must st ill pay
any BP cost and meet any olher requi rements. See Ihe
Photography skill for information on the use of photo-
graphic equipment.
PRINTING EQUIPMENT
Printing press, small: This fine :unateur instrument
comes with olle fu ll set of type, one 4 oz, bottle of print-
ing ink and complet!! book of inSlnlctions. This in stru-
ment is 5uilablc for sheets of 5 1//' breadth by 8" height
only.
Printing pres s, professio nal : T his great device is
ideal for the publisher hoping to sc t up shop ill a thriving
town. It comes complete, with 29 sets of type.
TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT
T e legraph, learn er's instrwnen t: For the benclit of
those amateurs who arc not familiar with the telegraph,
and \Iho are at a Joss to know \l'hat they .should have,
should purcha~e lhis instrument, consisting of: full size
sounder ,md ke~, mountrd on poli~hed cherry base: has
full sized bauery, with II ire, chemicals and complete book
of instructions, with el'crrlhing Ilcccssarr for operating
practice. T his package is suitable for amatcur learner's
use only. Professionals will require thc belle I' quality
items listed in th is catalogue.
In gamc tCrlllS, a characte r who experiments with Ihis
item may take the T elegraph O perating skill. He must
sti ll pay any BP cost and meet any other requirt>menls.
See the Telegraph Operating ski ll for more in formation.
TOOLS AND OTHER HARDWARE
M easurin g tape, surveyors m eta lli c lin e n: T hese
tapes arc made of linen thread interwoven with fine b rass
wire, no so liabl e LO Slrcteh as Ihe usual linen tape and
better calculated to withstand the etTects of moisture.
T hey ha\'c a suhstantial leather casc with folding handle.
WEAPONRY (FIREARMS)
All rines and carbines arc furnishcd with a bullel
mould , screw driver and nipple wrench, free of cha rge.
AU shotguns al'e furnished with wad cutter. screw dri\'e r
and nipple wrench, free of charge. Price listed arc for
fireanns arc for "sloek" unadorned pieces.
Embellishments may be add ed to any gun as noted in lhe
p rice lis!.
 5.6/ Frontier Justice
0. matt~r I~ow ca refully a c1~arac~er candl.lets
N his alTalrs 111 the Shattered homlcr, there-s a
chance thai, at ')omc point during his career,
he's going 10 find himself 011 the \\ rong side of the law.
Outlaws must accepllhis possibility when embarking
on their dastard ly deeds. While no one expects to be
cauglll, there is ah\ays the nagging fear that an
escapade will go hon-ibly wrong and day's end will find
iron shackles bindi ng one's limbs. Forewarn ed is fore .
armed . The truly thinking criminal prepares for this
ewntuality by doing some background work on the
local legal establishment it's a good idea to know if
the sheriff or judge is crooked and open to bribery.
Greasing Ihe wheels in advance (:l11 make fo r an easi -
e r ride later. HowcvCf, even tht' most corrupt sheriff
rna)' han' to respond to a public outcry and at least
make a shOll of arrc~ting his underworld patron.
That 's why it's 01 good idea to have a judge or two in
your pockct as well, and IdlY it's a bad idea 10 operate
in a territory with incorruptible lawmen.
Knowing he has a real possibility or dea ljng with the
justice system makes a smarter criminal prepare for his
cventual legal duels. Not only hardened thugs get
caught up in th is system, though. Ironically, the rela-
tively law abiding citizell may he far Ic~io prepared and
al a greate r disad\'arllage if he gel~ swept up into the
system.
;'\iOW, )'ou'rc thinking to yourself, " If I keep my nose
dcan, how can lhi~ be or illlerest 10 me?" " 'ell there
<lrc a number or ways to fall under the wheels of jus.
tice. T he most obvious is if you r c ha rilcter fled to the
west to escape some youthful ind iscretions back cast.
Whil e it cenain ly is more difficult to be brought 10 jus.
tice in some small front icr hamlcl, it is not inconce iv.
able ror a dogged victim to trace you to the Shattered
Frontie r. There art." after nil, telegraph lines linking
many towns to the rest of the nalion, and a few well
placed dollars with the promise of more to come can
work wonders in stim ul:lling the memories or clerks
and shopkee pers rrom Kansas City to Lazarus.
Even ir you've lived rour whole lire on the straight
and narrow, you ca n sti ll e nd up in J ohnny L-I\\ 's
grasp. What ir that horse you purchased fair and
sq uare a rew towns back turns out to be stolen and thc
rightrul owner is nO\\ in your face? Or, more insidious-
ly, one of your rivals may set you up by concocling a
slOry rcplete with fake evidence and paid accusers.
Thcre are twO types or justice in the Shattered
Frontier: vigilante and rule of law.
VIGILANTE J1TSTICE
In a rcgion wilh o"crlapping and unclear legal juris·
dictions, the dark specte ,' of vigilanteism is cermin to
pUl in an appcarance. While this selr.appointed judicio
ary is frequently st.·lf-rightcous in derense or its actions,
such 'justice' is capriciollS in application, highly error-
prone and often (he enfo rcement tool or an influential
mllloril)'.
Lynch mobs arc perhaps the most notorious rorm of
vibrilantes. Often stirred to action by an agitator with
an a~en da. their judgment is frequently im paired by
alcohol. Their target's guilt is p resumed and the re is
little olle can do to convince them otherwise. Justice'
i~ usually ~\\"ift and bruwl.
The Itreatest failin~ of \·i~ila n tei.sm is that parties do
not recl bound by it~ ~umrnary judgments. Instead of
settlin~ a matter. \'igilantcism often sets in motion a
series of til· for·tat killings lhat wind up with Illuch blood
being shed and, ironically, lessened Ol'crall security.
There's lillie wonder that most average citizens wel.
come the rule or la\\.
RULE OF LAW
Rule of La" occurs when an impartial party with
the pO\ler to enrorce it~ decrce~ establishes and rairly
administers an ('~tabli5hed legal code. Such a system
al'oids civil ~Irife by clearly delineating infractions of
law and setting a prescribed punishment ror \<iolation.
All pcrson~ are expected to <lbirle by the code, and
those who do not are punished equally - regardless of
status. Someone independent or the dispute is called
upon to mete out jll~tice. thereby removing the temp.
t:nion for either party 10 seek revenge and escalate the
dispute.
The typical method through which violations or the
legal code are determined and justice meted out is a
trial. For minor crimes, a judge may summaril)' issuc a
judgemcl1l hut ~crious crimes require a jury trial.
* TRIAL PROCESS *
.-\t somc point in your campaign, you will undoubt-
edly run across a circumSlancc that calls ror a jury
tria l. What rollows is a relatively simple mechanic ror
resolving a trial, \1 hile nonetheless maintaining the
exciteme nt and drama or watching two legal minds
compete.
Specific del;).i ! Ull pre·trial discovery and related
sleuthi ng has been left out of the following discussion.
265
Howeve r, if such gaming is to your taste, the Aces & greater level of p roof than a case against a person of
Eights rules certainly support it. It will, howeve r, take a poor Reputat ion . See Table 5.6-3 Reputation Adjustment
good deal of work on the part of the G ~'I or players to (Hearing).
fully flesh out the cast of the mystery, as well as to
weave the int ricate plot details. While perhaps a litt le
out of ge nre, a murder investigation could be an excit-
TABLE 5.&-3: REPUTATION ADJUSTMENT (BEARING)
Re/1uutioo Roll Adjustmellt
ing change of pace for trail-sore cowboys and an
Legenduy .. .. .. . . ·2
opportunity to utilize some underappreciated skills! Gren . . ... .. . . .. ......... . .. ·1
Avenge . .. . .. .. 0
PLAYING A TRIAL Lo .. . . ...... ... +1
Disrtpuub1e +1
Each trial needs a judge, prosecutor, defending
Notorious . . . .. .. .. +3
attorney, the accused and the jury. Ideally, these first
four characters should be in the hands of different
players, although a player may handle multiple char- ::'\ow, roll Id6, adding the above modifiers. A result
acte rs if all players agree to this and can do so fairly. of 3 or less indicates that there's insufficient evidence
At a minimum, two players are required one for the to hold the accused for trial, and the judge sets him
prosecutor and one for the defense). ::-.JOle that a char- free. Howe\·er. if the result was 4 or higher, the
acter without any legal training may choose to repre- accused must stand trial. The first step in staging a
sent himself. The jury (and the judge, if need be) a re trial is to gather a jury.
specially determined using the rules below.
The Jury
Th e Hearing Each trial needs twelve persons for the jury (wi th
In the hearing, the accused is brought before the each juror represented by a six-sided die). T hese
judge. T he prosecutor (who mayor may not be a twelve jurors may be chosen from existing characters
lawyer) brings evidence, and the judge decides if a trial the citizens of the town where the crime was commit-
is warranted. ted , or created as abstract townsfolk. In either case,
At this point, the prosecutor role-plays his case. All each juror is represented by a die.
othe r players vote on the merits of his presentation,
claiming it to be either Flimsy, Circumstantial, or Solid
and Credible. Each merit is assigned a certain point
value adjustment, as noted on Table 5.6-1: Case Merit.

TABLE 5.6-1: USE MERIT

Meri! V1Jue
Flimsy .. .... .............. 0
Circu mshotid. +2
Solid 6 Credible .... . .. . ... . . . +3 :iE 4
If the personality of the judge is nOt predetermined,
::l 5
4-~+---~~~~?-~
it must now be determined per Table 5.6-2 Judge
Selleri!y.
Z 6

TABLE 5.6-2: JUDGE SEVERITY

Roll(dl00) Metit Roll Adjustmeot lIC e
01·20 .... ....... .Lcoiw . . . .·1
2\·50 .Avmgd F l it .. . .0
51-85 . .steto . ... . . . . .+1
86·00 .Hl ogiog Judge . .. .. .. .. +2

The Reputation score of the accused also comes into

play during the hearing. All things being equal, a case
against a person of high Reputation demands a
..,
Figure 5.6· J: Initial plactm(lll of jurors

266
 Take 12d6, and give 6d6 to each of the players serv-
ing as the prosecuting and the defending attorneys.
Each attorney now rolls his 6d6. The die result is that
juror's predisposition towards the accused - a "6"
meaning convinced of gui lt , a "I" convinced of inno-
cence and numbers in between denoting relati\'e lean-
ing towards either, Ea ch anorney places his dice on the
appropriate J uror Leaning eolumn - leftmost for "6"
and one position right for every integer below that see
Figure 5.6- 1).
The position of each juror die is now modified by
the Reputation of the accused , as seen on Table 5.6--/:
Reputatioll AdjuJ/mtlll (Trial).
TABLE 5,6·4: REPUTAIION ADJUITMENT (TRIAL)
Rcpuution Roll Adjustmcnt
Lc8cllduy ...... . ...]
GrcII .. . , ................... ·1
Avcragc ..... ,.. . .. 0
La•...................... ,.+1
Disrcpuublc , .... , . ... ....... +2
Notorious.. .. ..... ..... .. .. +3
T his sets the jury's initial attitude towards the
accused. As in the hearing, indi\'iduals with a high
Reputation are more likely to be given the benefit of
the doubt. Conversely, it is very easy for a juror to be
prejudicially disposed towards a known deadbeat or
JUROR LEANING
•
• I2i'r
• charges brought before him). They are the de fa cto
• litigat ion currency and their wise expenditure is the
Figurr 5.6-2: Jllror plaamml (lj/tr fa(toring in QCcWld's (t/iu/a/ion
hooligan. Figure 5.6-2 shows thi s adjustme nt fo r a
defendant with Low (+1 ) Reputation. Each die is
moved one space further to the left towards Guilty) as
if each number were one integer higher. Note that no
die may be moved beyond column "1" or "6".
Xow that the initial attitude of each juror is set, it's
time to determine the strength of thei r convictions.
To determine their strength of cha racter in Ihis situa-
tion, simply look at their \Visdom score. If jurors were
chosen from existing NPes, their Wisdom score should
al ready be pro\'ided for you. Otherwise, roll 3d6 10
determine each juror's Wi sdom score.
Tablt 5.6-5: Juror Pmollolity lists the slre ngth of each
juror's com·ictions . ..-\S you determine each juror's alti·
tude, rotate their d6 so that the number on top incli-
cates thaI attitude while lea\'ing Ihe die's position in
place. Sec Figurt 5.6-3 for the example. This number
now provides a quick reference to show how easily a
juror can be moved with J uror Points.
TABLE 5,6-5: JUI\OR PERSONALITY
Wisdom Attitudc D,c Shou ld RCld
J.1 ........... .Illo8',d .................. .1
8,\0 ..........Con'·cnhOlld ", .............. 2
11·13 .........Colllcmp la li~c .... ...... ......3
14-16 ....... " ..Alldytiul ... " ............ .4
17+ ...........PcrsP',uous ................ ..s
I) Ulogical (WIS 3-7): This juror is persuaded by
emot ion and can be easily influenced to disregard fac -
tltal evidence. Everyone (l)Juror Point spent on him
moves him two spaces instead of one.
2) Conventional (WIS 8-10): This juro r is mOSt
comfortable when taking a position in line with typical
soc ial mores even if this entails discounting tangible
facts. It takes one J uror Point to move this juror one
space in eithe r direction .
JUROR POINTS
J uror Points are used throughout the trial process
to sway jurors towards your line of reasoni ng (i.e.
the defendant being guilty or not guilty of the
key to success.
J uror Points arc earned by successful opening and
closing argume nts, strength of evidence and skillful
legal artifice.
267

JUROR LEANING
• skills.
-
:)
CI
Figurt 5.6-3: Assignmml if" Juror ptTsQ/lalitus.
3) Contemplative (WIS 11-1 3): Thisjuror is deter-
mined 10 keep an open mind and base his decision on
the evidence presented and arguments made. It takes
twO J uror Points to sway such a juror one space in
either direction.
4) Analytical (WIS 14-16): T hisju ror is no fool and
relics upon credible evidence to make his decision. He
cannot be swayed as a result of opening argumetHs.
During the evidence phase, each point gained may be
applied to move th is juror one space. At all other
limes, it requires three juror points to move this juror's
marker one space.
5) Perspicuous (WIS 17+ ): Although this individ-
ual, like all others, enters the juror box with some pre-
disposition, he is committed to a strict application of
the legal code. As such , he is immune to the empathet-
ic siren's song of both prosecuting and defense attor-
neys. No juror points garnered during the opening or
dosing phases may be applied to this juror. During the
evidence phase, each point gained may be applied to
move this juror one space. However, during deli bera-
tion it requires four J uror Points to sway him one space
from his current position.
268
Jury 1ilmpering
It is possible to influence jurors through either
threats or money. T his must be made through associ-
ates of the accused or his attorney, and necessitates the
usc of the associate's Intimidation or Salesmanship
As a general rule, illogical jurors present an Easy
challenge, conventional ones an Average difficulty and
contemplat ive jurors a Difficult challenge. Analytical
and perspicuous jurors are Very Difficult to influence.
Altempls 10 tampe r with the jury should be handled
in a sepa rate role-playing session before the com-
menccment of the trial. In general, there arc insuffi-
cient judges for every small town to have a pe rmanent
court. Judges preside over many courts in a district and
therefore must attend to each one in turn. T he term
"circuit court" de\"eloped from this praCtice.
The time between the initial arraignment and the
start of a trial is therefore dependent on the length of
the presiding judge's circuit. If this is unknown, you
can use the figure of d3+ I weeks. The accused will be
locked up before the trial, so any attempts to influence
the jury mUSt be carried out by an associate.
Any jurors coming under the successful influence of
the prosecutor or defense should be secretly noted as
suc h and will only be revealed when the jury entcrs
into deliberation at the end of the trial.
Jurors who failed 10 be bribed or intimidated may
inform the judge of the bribery attempt. In this case,
add + I to the judge's se"e rity (see Table 5.6-2: Judge
Sevm·ry). He may also dismiss the entire jury and call a
new one if he believes the tampering to be widespread.
During the trial itself, it will be to the advantage of
the side wilh a juror or two in its pocket nOt to waste
jury points on said individuals.
Croo ked Judges
Despite their august presence, judges are mortal
men and subject to the same temptations. H o\\"evel~
their e!e"ated status means they have much more to
lose if discO\'ered to be "on the take". Accordingly,
judges are only susceptible to bribery if the amOunt in
question is significant. No absolute value can be given,
as it depe nds on the severity of ,he crime and Ihe noto-
riety of the accused.
A bribed judge can have several influences on a trial.
To begin with, he may Opt to retain jurors despite
knowledge that they are under the influence of the
accused or his associates. Secondly, he can eliminate
any Law skill checks during the Presentation of
Evidence phase of the tria l (see bclow) by overruling
the attorney.
THE TRIAL
Court is in session! T he trial begins with ope ning
arguments by the prosecutor, followed by the defense
attorney.
Opening Arguments
As the first step in their opening a rgulllents, each
lawyer must decide whether he wants to give a simple
speech (a T rivial chcck), a complex argument full of
legalities, trickery or emotiona l appeal a Very
Di fficult check), or an argument somewhere in
bel\,'een (an Easy, Average or Difficult check), Arter
declaring his intent, each lawye r makes a n Oration
skill check against that difficulty !e,'cl. If he succeeds,
he ga ins a number of Juror Points as indicated on Table
5,6-6: Opening Argumtnt Points. If he fails, he gains no
J uror Points and could award points to the opposing
counsel (Difficult or Very Difficult only'.
For example, Itt's so)' that the prosecution chooses to make an
Oration check tif Average difficulfJ, fie succuds, gaining 4
Juror Points. and applies them to thejury in thefollowing man-
lIeT: Jurors #5, #7 & #9 art immunt to influtnctfrom open-
JUROR LEANING
::l 5
Z 6
7
••
II:: s •
Z
11:: ,
FIgU" 5.6·4: Juror SClhmml qfIn- Pros«UIOTj oJ1mlng
Success Flilurc
Or1lion , heck (poi nts ...on) (poinu I ....udcd to opposition)
Trivill .... ....... ... .1 •..•• , ..••..•••.••...0
Euy .................2 .....................0
A,'crlgc ..... . . .:'1 .....................0
Diffieu lt ............ .7 .................... .1
Vcry Difficult ....... .12 ....................3
ing argullltllts by ~'irtut tif their personalities so they are ignored.
The most easi(r sU'a}'edjurors (#8 & #12) are already' in hIS
camp so thry tu:o are ignored. He applies two points tojuror #2,
mot'ing him two spares tou'ards guilty and Ollt point earh to
jurors # 1 & # 11 moring thtm ont space towards guillj\ (Su
Figure 5.6-4.)
The dljtnding attorn9 thell attempts a risk), mot'( b)' attempt-
ing a l'try Difficult rheck. Fortlll/Qt~1y, ht suueeds, gaining 12
Jllror Poi1lts. He tlle1l applies tl/tm to tht jllry in the following
manner: Jurors #8 & #12 are easilY swa)"ed. $0 the attorney
applies tu:o points to each tif them. moving them 4 spaw
tou'ards 1Iot gllill)'. He also (stmtly) knows tllat jllrors #4 &
#10 hat'e bun intullldated and jurors #1 & #6 ha~·e bun
bought off lO ht doesn't bOlher u"ith them. He thell appliesfouT
points to j/mr # 1 1. moring him four $paas towards not guilty
and two points each to jurors #2 & #3 mo~ing them tu'O ond
one spaces re.spective/y towards not gui/!J~ (See Figllre 5.6-5.)
JUROR LEANING
Z
II::
FIgUre 5.6-5: Juror .fnIhmml ajkr Dtftndtrl Qpming
269
 TABLE 5.6-7: EVIDENCE RATI NG
RUin g Prosecu tor s cue WIS.. . Defenders Cl SC ...
I . .F1imsy . . .... .. o ffered lillie or bOThing 10 co olr ldiCl prosecu Tion
2 .Wcl k .... ... . .. ....... .. .... .. . refuted onl y minor port ioos o f proseCUTors u sc
3 . . .C ircumsUnt;11 . .. . rdutcd so me portioos b UI Dol eDough to que stion bls;c prem ise of guilt
4 ..Strong . . ... . tl iS(d serious questions lbou! Icgilimlcy of C1St
.') ..... ... ... .very Compelling. . ....... rdutcd most of tbe cvidellCC
6 .. .Iron Cbd .. . . . ... . .. completel y rdutcd i ll evidence 19iiosl ddcodl DI

Presentation of Evidence Note thai only characte rs with Ihe Law skill may
allempt this check. A dcfcndant o r prosecutor with no
With the opcning argume nts co ncluded, it's lime to
legal train ing docs not have the option to try for this
present the evidence. As in the opening arguments,
bonus .
the prosecutor goes first, followed by the defender.
Each side in turn role-plays their casco If the check succceds, apply any bonuses to the rat-
ing each allorney received fo r his presentation of the
T he prosecutor now presellls evidence and may call
casc. T he prosecutor's and de fendant's scores are com-
witnesses to prove his case. All other players then
pared and the highest of the two rcccivcs J uror Points
secretly rate his perfo rmance on a scale of I to 6. Add
totaling ten times lOx the differencc in their scores.
each player's rating togethcr and divide tbe total by
the number of players . (Round down any fractions. ) For example, let's say that the prosecution presmts a case 111
T he final rating is as noted on Table 5.6-7: Evidence which he hrlllgs forth fifleen qewitllesses to a murder, mid
Ralillg. receives a "6"for his iroll-clad preselltatioll of tvidmCi. Try as
lie might, tile difellder has lillie to work with. The hesthe could
O nce thc prosecuto r's rating is determined, the
q[ftr was a series r:if disreputable c/taracters that colltradicted Ih e
dcfender gets to offer a rebullal to the prosccution .
l)·tu:ilness accounts. He received a "1 '"jor his do/lise, as lie did
Again, this is role-played and the othcr playe rs vote on
/ittle to contradict tilt O1.'erwhdmillg n·idellct agaillst his dimt.
the stre ngth of his re futation of the evidencc . This too
HOIJ:trer. hi is an E\Pallalt)"a (see the Law skill) and hopes
is a 1-6 scale as noted on Table 5.6-7: El:idell(( Rating.
O nce both cases have been presented and \'oted
upon , cach lawyer has an opportun ity to make a Law JUROR LEANING
skill check (sec Table 5.6-8: Law Skill Check). T his reprc-
sents their abil ity to call upon precedent or to ut ilize
various legal mancuvers that favo r their side. The
lawye r must choose at what difficulty level he wishes to
make this check, knowing the benefi t thai will accrue
to him if he succccds. A fa iled check results in no
bonus, eve n if the d ie roll would have succecdcd a1 an
easier Icvel.

TABLE 5.6-S: LAW BRILL CIIECR

P roficie/lcy Skill Check Bon us
Novice . . ....... Very Difficu lt ... .+1
Iwenge .......... Difficult ... .. . .. . . .. .+1
Very Diffic ult. . ... . +2
Adv~need .. .A\"cr ~gc . ... . . . . .+1 •
Difficu lt . . . ...... .. +2
Very Difficu lt ..... .. .......+3
Expert ... . ... . . ... f~sy .......... ....... . .+1
A"er ~gc .. . . . ... . ...+2
Difficult ... .. . ... . ..+3
Ver y D iffi cuh .. ..+4 •
Muter ...... . .....Tri"i,] .. .. ... . ..
f u y ..
. ..+1
. ... ....+2
•
Avenge.. . . . .+3 •
Difficult .. . . . ... . . .+4
Ver y Difficu lt ....+5 Figurt 5. 6-6: Juror smlimm/ ajler presm/(lliol1 rif a:idmc(

270
to minimize the damage by legal maneuvering. He attempts a
Difficult skill cluck and succuds, gaining a bonus of +3 Juror
Points. The prostcutoT, an Avtrage skilled law)'eT, attempts a
Difficult chttk Oliff foils, gaining no points.
Thtrtfort, the prosttution ends up with six Juror Points (from
his prtstntation of tvidence), while (he dtftnse has a total of
four Juror Points (onefor offering lillie to rifule Ihe prosecutiol',
plus three points for his Itgal move). The difftrtntt between the
scora is two (6- 4=2) IIltaning that the prosecution gtts 20
(2xI0) Juror Points to apply to lhejury.
The evidence phast is when analytical and perspicuous jurors
can most tosily be mOL'ed so the prosttutor taktS full ad~'antage
of tI,e points gained in this phase and applitS two points to juror
#5 and three points to juror #9. JVith his rtmaming fifleen
POill/S, lie applies tleven poillts to the tIme modtratejurors (#2,
#6 & # II) movillg themfuli.;' into the guill)' camp. He thm
applies two points each to jurors #8 & # 12 mOL'mg them tach
four spaces towards guillj!. It's looking like he's got the cast seu'lI
up. A deunt closing targeted at juror #3 (auld mean the JUT)'
may llOt roell hove to deliberate.
Closing Arguments
With the presentation of evidence complete, it 's time
for the closing arguments - the last attempt to sway the
jury. This is rep resented by the opposing lawyers mak-
JUROR L.EAN'
1'10U~U~=-'
II::
W2
1D 3
:::!E 4:tl/r1l1*!tt-r'-'"
Fiprt 5.6-7; Juror st7Itimtnl qfkr closing argumtnls
ing a contested Oration skill check. The difference
be tween the two scores is divided by five (round to the
nearest whole number) and that nu mber of juror
points is awa rded 10 the character who best exceeded
his skill maste ry.
For txamplt, the prosecutor's mastery of Oration is 011(;
80%. while tlu dtftndtr is a silvtr-longued fox whose mastery
is 44 %. Each rolls dlOO (peruntile), the prosuutor rolling a
61 alld the dtftnder gelling a 66. The prosecutor failed his skill
mastery by 19 (61 - 80= -19), while Ihe dtftndtr txcuded his
skill masltry by 21 (66 - 44= 22). The dtftnder is Ihe vic-
tor. The difference betwulI the two adjusted scom is 41 (22 +
(-19)= 41). Dividing this difference b)' jit'e givu 8 Juror
Points (4115= 8.2, or 8) to the dtftnder.
The prosttlltor now uses his eight Juror Poi'lts btJore the jury
heads into deliberation. He applies three points tojuTOr #11,
mating this Juror thm SpOttS towards Ille not guillj! column. He
then uSts his Ttmaining four Juror Points on jurors #8 & 12,
monng them (u'o spa{ts each towards the not guil!) (olumn. His
last point is spent onJuror #2 to mou his out of tIle guil!) col-
umn (Su Figurt 5.6-7).
Jury Deliberation
If the t ri al ends without all of the jurors convinced
of guilt or innoce nce, as will likely be the case, its
mem be rs must deliberate amongst themselves until
they reach a verdict or end in a hung jury. A jury has
five days to reach a unanimous decision or be dcclared
a hung jury, after which a new trial is convened.
Deliberation begins with the jury arranged as they
were at the conclusion of closing arguments. Any
jurors bought off or intimidated are now revea led.
The d6 representing this juror is now moved fully into
the Guilty o r ~ot Guilty colum n.
For examplt, let's sa)' that jurors #1 and #6 were success-
ful(; intimidated try Ihe dtftnse, and jurors #4 and #10 were
bought oJ!. All of their dice are now moved fully into the .Not
Guil!) column. (Su Figure 5.6-8)
Each of the following iterat ions represenls one game
day. The deliberation no\\' becomes a contest of wills
as each side attempts 10 move the opposing side into
the ir camp. Each side receives Id6 for every ju ror in
the " leaning towards" portion of their side and 2d6 for
every juror fully convi nced or unconvinced of guilt as
the case may be.
III this txample, the prosuution rteeives 1d6 for juror #2 and
also reteivts 2d6 eachflr jllTors #5, #7 and #9 for a total of
7d6. The difense receives Id6flrjurors # 8 & #10 plus 2d6
ta{hfor jurors #1, #3, #4, #6, #10 and #12 totaling 14d6.
Each sidt now rolls 'heir dice, with the difference bttween the
high score and low score going to the villar as a number of Juror
27 1
 Powts. The diffnse rolls a total of 41, white the proseculion
JUROR LEANING rolls 30. The diffnse is the victor, and receives 11 Juror Points
(44-30=14).
The diffllder expends his juror poinls such that each of Ihe
prosaulioll's Jurors moves aile space towards 1101 guilty. aurar
#5 requires 4 poillls,jUrOTS #7 & #9 require 3 poinls each alld
juraT #2 requires a single poinl.) Thus after the first day's
deliberntioll, thejury's posilions appear in Figure 5.6-9.
For the second da)) the prosecution now only receh'es 4d6 10
roll agaillsl the diffllders 14d6. After rolling, the difforence is
36. TIle difellder IISes Ihese jllror poillts to move jllrOTS #7 &
#9 completely into his camp (expeliding 24 poillis to do so) as
well as juror #2 (this lakes a mm 3 poinls). lVith his remain-
illg 9 poilllS, he is able to slidejllror #5 two spaces to the nghl
(this requires 8 POll/ts) andjllror #11 Ollce space (usillg his last
point).

JUROR LEANING

111: '
W2
3
CD
4
~
Figure 5. 6-8:Juror Jrolimrol qfln boughl & inJimidalidJurors rcualtd
5 •••
:I ••
....
111: '
W2
+-~~~~~-r--~~
Z 6
7 -
:I ••
•
• 111: 8
CD 3
+-~---r~~-r--~~ 0 9 ••
~ 4
••
III:
5
:1
~~~-Lr-~~-+---+~~
Z 6

Figure 5.6-/0: Juror srotimrol qf/ir u((md doy 0/ dtlib(Tolion

The third dO)' of deliberntion is a mm formality as Ihe

difellder rolls 21d6 versus IIOlleftr Ihe prosecution (as he no
10llger relail/sjurors on his side). He Tolls 77, easily sufficienl
to convince the final jurors.
Thi s example demonstrated how a trial functions
and that a clearly guilty party, in league with an excel -
lent attorney and su ffi cient funds and muscle to com-
prOlmse a sign ificant portion of the jury, can escape
justice.
Figure 5.6-9: Juror Jrolimrol afler firsl do] of dcliberotion

272
 or course, not every defendant will have access to
the resources that allowed this suspect to walk rree.
Let's consider a second example in which only a pair
of jurors were comp romised. Here we'll introduce the
concept of juro r resistance.
The figure below depicts anothe r trial as it enlers
into th e deliberation p hase. Thejurors in red represe nt
those who have been com promised either bough t off
or intimidated.)
Figurt 5.6- I I: Juror stntimmt upon fMginm"l dtliboatiDn in $tCond trial
In this installce, the proucution receives 12d6 while the
defense gets 8d6. The prosecutors rolls 43 and the defense U.
rhis gives the prosecution 19 j uror poinls to sway the jurors.
7ypicall,;j the prosecution can apply these 19 Juror Points as
per Ihe rules given in tlujuror allilude section. However, intim-
idated or bought jurors are handled diJftunt/y. T hese jurors are
harder to sway because they are aware if the consequences if
they don't fu!fill their end if the bargain.
Juror Points are expended as normal against intimi-
dated or bought jurors, but they get a saving throw to
resist altering their position (see Chart 5.6-9: J uror
Saving Throws.
In Ihis example, jive points are expended on juror #6 who
saus 3 out if 5 times. Accordingly, he is onl;> moved two spaces
towards guilD' inslead if the customary jive. Anolher two are
expended onjuror #8. He gets a sot'efor each space pOlenlially
TABLE 5.6-9: JUROR SAVING TIlROWS
AltiTude Stvipg Th row to resiS Tpc:rsutsioll (d6 )
lIlogiul.... ..... ....... . . ... ......... .t
Conve nT ioptl ......................... .\·2
ConTemplative... . ......... .. . .1-3
Antlylicd............ . .... .\-3 (towuds guilty) or
1·'1 (Iowud inllocelll )
Perspicuous..... ..... . .............1-'1
maud (despile the fOCI thai each point mOL'es this juror two
spaces) and saves twice. Ile is therefore onlY I1/OL'ed two spaces
tou'ards guil!J~ Ttn points are allocated an jurors #4 & #12
who are mo~',dfuI1,;1 illto lite guilD' camp alld rueive 110 special
resistallce to this since they u'ere neilher bought nor intimidated.
Thejil/ol two poillts are expended ol/juror # 3 wlw S//ccesiful·
(y resists and remains put ill his position. (Su Figure 5.6- /2)
JUROR LEANING
~ '~~~--,-~±=~+---+-~
W2
1D 3
~~~~~~~. ~~
:IE 4 ••
•
Figurt 5.6'12: Juror Sl7Itimenl afkr fini d19 i d~libuatitm in J«ond trial
The process i.J repeated wilh the prosuutioll now getting 16d6
versus 4d6for the defense. rhe result i.J 47 versus 19 giving the
prosecution 28 juror points. Four points are expended to bring
juror.J #10 & #11 jid(y into the guilD' pool. l1'ilh 24 poinls
remaining, Ihe prosecutor duidu to contillut to expend points
juror by juror unlil he reaches a consensus. II takes four atttmpts
to move j uror #6 thru spates (he sa~'ed once). Juror # 8 saves
once but two more attempt succeed thereby moving him inlo tlte
guilijl pool. That leaves 17 points to work 011 juror #3. fie
saL'es 4 out of the eight attempts (a.J a conlemplalit'e j uror 1Wf)
273
 lIangabl, Off,nses
JUROR LEANING Murder, Horse theft, Rustling, Claim jumping,
a:: , • Treason

Jailabl' Off,nses (Many Years)

W2 •• Violent crimes, Theft or Robbery
111 3 ••
Minor Off,nses (Fines or },inimal Jail Time)
== 4 •• Drunkenness, Di sorderly conduct, Failure to obey
;, S rules or ordinances, Petty theft, Assault, Battery

Z 6
7

a:: S

•
••

Figure 5. 6·13: Juror srolimml rifIu JUOlld dll)·'l dtlihaalwn in S((ond lrial

POints are required 10 move him one space) moving him jour
spau s towards guil9'. The prosecutor must discard his last poillt
since it's insufficient to allempl to sway juror #3. Although it's
close, there is still not consensus on guilt so the deliberation must
go to dqy three - though it certainly will tnd there.

PUNISHMENTS
Legal punishment in the Shatlered FrotHier is harsh.
After all, it's tough to keep order in a region with
inadequate police
presence and a my ri-
ad of temptations for
those of criminal
intent. The following
list suggests punish-
ments befitting van-
ous cnm es.

274
 Chapter 5.71 Drinkin' & Drugs
hen your ch aracter's tired of wrangling For e\'el)' two fa iled rolls (where the total is less than

W beeves, managing your store's inve ntory,

shooting banditos o r running fo r sheriff, you
may find yourself bellying up to the bar for a drink.
the Tolerance Factor), the cha racter su ffers a + I Speed
penalty and a - I Accu racy penalty, as well as a -2
penalty on all Wi sdom and Dexte rity checks (o r a \0%
),low, most folks out here in the Shattered Frontie r penalty for ski ll checks with Wisdom or Dexterity as a
have a good tolerance for alcohol , it being mOSI char- relevant ability) for IWO hours. T hese pe nalties arc
acte rs' drink of choice. eumulati\'e - the more a character drinks, the longer it
\\' hether folks call it Coffin Varnish, Firewate r, takes him to sobe r up.
Forty-Rod, Tanglefool, Tarantul a J uice, or Red Eye, Ltt's sa)' that Sean O'Riiry, a thararltr with a 13
whiskey's some pretty wicked slUff. J\ lost whiskeys afC Constitulion score, GIld a recent arrival to Ihe wesl, decides 10
100 proof (50% alcohol), though you might get a litt le head down to the local saloonjor afiw drinks rif whiskO' The
taste of ammonia, cayenne pepper, gunpowder o r barlender serves him a shot rif 100 prorif hourhOll. iV/tr lak·
chewing lobacco too - depends what the barkeep ing this drink, Sean's pla)'er rolls a d20. The roll is an 11, and
decides to C UI it with, or what the brewer makes it since Sean s Conslitution is a J3, his lotal is 24. Since IlIis Toll
with. Any whiskey 86 p roof or less is considered to be is less Ihan the drink's Tolerance Faclor (30), it's afailed roll.
fo r the ladies. ~ I ixed drinks arc mostly for dandies, Sean has one more of lIlt same. so it's lime 10 check again.
eve n the M ule Skinne r (100 proof, half whiskey and SeallS player again rolls a d20 alld adds his Constilutioll,for a
half blackberry schnapps, unless you're so tough that lolal resull of J 9. That s his second failed drinking roll, so
no one's going to poke fun at you for ordering it.
Believe it or not, what bartenders in the Shattered
Frontie r call bee r can be anywhere from! to 90 proof,
depending on the brewer. ~Iost beers are about 7
proof, though.
Your average whiskey bottle holds 25 shots of liquor
(taki ng a swig right from the bottle is usua lly the sa me
as a shot). A typical glass of beer holds 16 ounces ( I
pint) of liquid. A se rving of wine is 4-5 ounces, in an
average wine glass holding 8-10 o unces.

TABLE 5.7-1: DRINRS

N~m~ Prl)O[ Toltr~lIcc F~c lor
171 10 200
Whiske y
Whiske y
Whiskey
HI 10 170
12110140
"
<0
38
Whiske y III to IW
Tequib. Whiske y
Mule SkiDDCf. Teq ui la. Whiske y
10110110
87 10 100
"
32
JO
Beer. Tcquib. Whiskey 71 to 86 29
Beer. Tequib 511070 2B
Bm 261050 21
Beer. Wille 25 or less 16

101erance
A character's rolerance for alcohol depends heavily
on his Constitution and the proof (strength) of the
drink. For every shot of liquor or glass of beer or serv-
ing of wine co nsumed, the character must roll a d 20
and add his Constitution ability, versus the drink's
Tolerance Facro r.

275
Sean now has a + / Spud penalty, - / Accurary penally and
- 2//0% Wisdom and Dexterity penalty. if he stops drinking
now, this penalty disappears after two hours.
Now, if Sean foils two more rolls, he has a +2 Spud pelwl-
ry, -2 Auural)' penalty and -4/20% Wisdom and Dexterity
penalty. if he SLOps drinking, the penalty drops to + 1 Speed, -
1 Auurary and - 2/10% Wisdom and - 2//0% Dexterily
after two hours. After two more hours ([rna hours total), the
pellalty disappears.
On lhe othff hand, if Semi fails two more rolls (he's had at
least six dn'nks), he has a +3 Speed penalry, -3 Auurary penal-
ry and - 6/40% Wisdom penalty. if he SLOps drinking, the
penalry drops to +2 Speed, -2 Acmracy and - 4/20% IVisdom
and Dexterity rifter two hours. Afttr two more hours, the penal-
ry drops to + / Speed, -/ Accurary and -2/10% Illisdom and
Dexten'ty. Jifter two more hours (six hours total), the pellally
disappears.
If a character bas been frequently seen (roleplayed)
10 be a fairly heavy drinker, or has the Addict (alcohol)
flaw, he suffe rs the effects only after eve l)' three failed
rolls. However, characters with the Abstinent (alcohol)
flaw, should they take a drink for some reason, suffe r
the penalties after every failcd roll. In any case. the
effects/penalties disappear at the same rate as for a\·er-
age drinkers.
DRUGS
Now, if you reckon that alcohol was the only thing
folks usc 10 feci betler, you're laboring under a misap-
prehension. Heck, in the G reat War, the sawbones
were handing out opium pills like candy, and a lot of
those soldier boys who survived developed a hankering
for opium and mo r phine (derived from opium). Of
course, they aren't the only ones.
Lots of women take opium for morning sick ness or
"female troubles," though laudanum (opium in an
alcohol base) is usually their vice of choice. On occa-
sion, even babies were spoon-fed laudanum to help
them sleep, and in some cases became addicted to
opium for a lifetime. So, if you've got a hankering, juSt
stop by the local opium den and get yerself a pipe, or
see your local apotheca ry. Odds are good he's got
something for you.
TABLE 5.7-2: DRUGS
Nl mt Durl lion Toltrl nCt F1CIor
u udl num (dunk) 2+ldZ hours 1\
Ln di num (i njected) Z+ldZ hours 10
Morphint (injtcled) Z+ld4 hours J<1
O pium (weD) Z+ldZ hours 10
Opium (smoked) 2+1dZ hours 10
PtYOlt (tileD) idtZ hours
276
Lauda num
Folks say that laudanum (a concoction of opium and
wine) is the perfect drug to calm their nerves, to stop
coughing, relieve pains and irritations, and stOp the
runs (d iarrhea). A dose of laudanum for pleasure usu-
ally ranges between three and four drops, though doc-
tOrs may usc more for a sick patient. The effects of the
drug begin within I d2 hours.
Side Effects : Drowsiness. +2 Speed, and cannot
perform any successful ability checks, or engage in any
strenuous activity.
Long_TerDl Effects : Every 3+ Id4 times a charac-
ter lakes laudanum, he must take an additional dose to
receive its effects. T his is cumulative, so a long-te rm
user might need multiple doses simply to feci the
effects.
Wit hdrawal : An addicted character that goes with-
out laudanulll for 24+2d 12 hours can't perform stren-
uous activity (including running/sprinting), and suffers
sweating, feverish shaking, muscular cramps and diar-
rhea. Duration: IdlO days. After the duration, the
character is no longer addicted. However, each time
he encounters laudanum, he mUSt succeed at a
\\·isdom check to a\"oid using it.
O ve rdos e : Wbeneyer a character takes a number of
doses equal or greater than his Constitution score,
there is a 60% chance he suffers an overdose.
Symptoms include chills, nausea, vomiting, and slowed
breathing. Duration: I d6 hours. T here is a further
80% chance that the slowed breathing leads 10 coma
and death in another Id3 hours.
Mor phi n,
This pain relieving drug also relieves any of your
fears, and gi\'es you an intense feeling of euphoria.
T he effects of the drug begin within] d4 minutes.
Sid e Effects: + I Speed, -1 Accuracy, constricted
pupils, itching skin , nausea, runny nose, constipation,
joint ache, lillIe interest in sex a nd food.
Long_Term Effects : Every 4+2d4 times a charac-
ter takes morphine, he must take an additional dose to
receive its effects. T his is cumulative, so a long-term
user might need several doses simply to feel the effects.
Wit hdraw al : An addicted character that goes with-
out morphine for 24+2d 12 hours suffers a temporary
-] to Strength, Dexterity and Constitution, can't per-
form strenuous activity (including running/sprinting),
and has fever/chills, headache, nausea, fatigue, muscle
cramps/spasms. Duration: 4+ ld3 days. After the
duration, the character is no longe r addicted. However,
each time he encounters morphine he must succeed at a
Wisdom check to avoid using it (-2 Wisdom penalty for
the first two months after addiction).
Overdose: \Vhenever a character lakes a number of
doses cqual to half his Constitution sco re (or more), or
uses two o r more doses along with alcohol, there is a
50°;0 chance he suffers an ove rdose. Symptoms
include slowed breath ing, dizziness, weakness. confu-
sion, f'Higue and chi lls. Duration: Idl2 hours. There
is a further 60% ch:nlce that an overdose causes death
at the end of this duration.
Opium
This pain relieving drug gives you feelings of calm
and euphoria. It also puts you Oat OUi on your back in
a dream-filled haze. The effects of the drug begin
within I d-t. minutes.
Side Effects: Extreme apalhy. Cannot perform an}'
successful ability or skill checks, or engage in any activ-
ity that requires even moderate effort (gunfighting.jog-
ging, mounting a horse, etc ..
Long-Term Effects: Every 3+ Id4 times a character
takes opium, he must take an additional dose to recei\'e
its effects. T his is cumulative, so a long-term user
might need four or more doses simply to feel the effects.
Withdrawal: An addicted character that goes with-
out opium for 24+2d 12 hours can't periorm strenuous
activity (including running/sprinting). and suffers
diarrhea. loss of appetite, mood swings. nausea. sweat-
ing and vomiting.
Duration: Id10 days. After the duration. the char-
acter is no longer addicted. C haractcrs who are
addicts for 12+2d 12 months, whether a heavy user or
not, automatically suffer withdrawal at the end of that
time. In the future, each time the character encoun-
ters opium (or opium dens, etc. ) he must succeed at a
Wisdom check to avoid using the drug.
Overdose: \Vhenever a character cats a number of
doses equal or greater than half his Constitlllion score,
or eats two or more doses while suffering from the
penalties of two or more failed alcohol Tolerance rolls,
there is a 25% chance he suffe rs an overdose. If a
character smokes opium wh ile suffering from the
penalties of four or more failed alcohol Tolerance
rolls, there is a 10% chance of an overdose. Sym plOnts
include chills, nausea, vomiting. slowed breathing and
uncontrollable drowsiness. Duration : I d 12 hours.
There is a further 20" '0 chance that this drowsiness
leads to coma and death at the end of th is duration.
Peyote
Eating this cactus bud makes you see and hear things
(what educated folk call "ha llucinations"). A dose of
peyote ranges between Ihree and six (2+ 1d4) buds.
The enects of the dntg begin within Id2 hours.
Sid e Effects: Slight nausea and vomiting.
Character sees hallucinations, and cannot distinguish
berween the real and the unreal.
Long- Tel'lll. Effects : :"lone.
Withdrawal: :'Jone.
Overdose : These cactus buttons taste nasty, so over-
dose isn't too likel)'. Of course, some hombres will eal
anything. \\'h enever a character takes a numbe r of
doses equal to or greater than half his Constitution
score, or consumes peyote after having failed four or
morc alcohol Tolerance rolls, hc suncrs an ovcrdose.
This results to severe nausea and vomiting for the next
10+ I d4 hours. There is a I % chance that an ovcrdosc
leads to death at the end of this duration.
ADDICTION
Each time a charaCier takes one of these drugs. its
effectS last for the listed duration . However. if the
cha racter takes a second dose within 24 hours of the
previous dose's duration, the character must roll a d20
(plus his Constitution score) versus the drug's
Tole rance Factor.
If the result is greater than or equal to the Tolerance
Factor, the character suffers the effects, but docs not
become addicted. However, each future time the char-
aCler uses the drug, its Tolerance Factor increases by
+1.
On the other hand, if the result is less than the
Tolerance Factor. the character does gain a craving
for the drug (he recci\·cs the Addict Oa\\', but not its
bonus BPs). He spends ever) bit of spare cash on his
habit whenever the opportunity presents itself. If he
runs out of money, he may put up his horse for sale,
beg. borrow from comrades or even steal. He may
C\'en make deals that he'\I regret later.
For txamplt. iiuco Torm stumblts 0111 oj btd ant day u'ilh
tht higgtst durn htadacht ht:r tVir had. Passing tht opium den,
!u duideJ to pop all in and smokt a little opium. I-l is headaclu
Jadt$, and lho/night ht dtcidts to drop in again. evtn Ihough his
htadoclu is gone. Bad idea. Vasco. Since his second use is
within 24 hOIlTS oj II,e first, he Tolu a d20, adding hiJ
Conslillliion modifitr (13) JOT a lotal of 19. Thil tolal iJ 1m
Ihan Ihe drugs Tolerana Fallor, so r'/uco is lIOW addicud 10
opium. Ht JhO/.lda sla)'td ill hed...
277
61 APpendites J

~ ~~.------ 1'<.,; -

•
.
"'" • ,. •. .
.
A.o _
...
-, -~
.
 . '

- ' /• •
 CONFEDERA TE STATES

The South Today

AT A GLANCE". The Southern \ Var of Independence, while establishing the sov-
ereignty of the Confederate States of America, did so at a terrible
COSI. Untold thousands of her young men were killed in that conflict
and many more were permanently disabled or disfigured.
Geography: Confederate States
Locatkm: East Cootra l North Amarica. bordering \ lore insidious was the damage done to the nation's institutions.
both the Atlantic and Gulf of M(j~jco
Wartime necessity betrayed mally of the ideals for which the con-
Area: 431.757 Square miles
Border Coontries: Unrted States, Republic of Texas flict was extemi\ dy fought over. T he tyrant in \ Vashington was
Climate: Warm temperate ranging to subtropical merely traded for a new master in Richmond.
TltffiIin: Low mountains in east, swampy coastal
plains along gulf coast The secession of we~tcrn Louisiana to Texas, an act that the
Natural Resources: Sma ll deposits 01 iron and coal,
e~tremely fertile agricu~uralland
national authorities \,'ere powerless to prevent, prompted fears that
other states would follow when they deemed it to be in their best
People: Confederate States
interests_ The gO\-ernmell1 was bankrupt at the close of hostilities yet
Population: 9.172.305
Ethnic Groups: Wh~e 54% , Slack 46% saddled "ith enormous responsibilities. Union troops \fere still
Religions: Protestant 80%, Roman Catholic 17% entrenched in New j ersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Arkansas.
Languages: Engl ish 83%, Spanish 17%
To secure the borders meant permanently garrisoning large num-
Government: Confederate States bers of soldiers along the northern frontier. ;'\laturally this did not sit
Country Name: Conled8(ate States of Amelita lI'ellwith the men called upon 10 perform such service. \lany were
Governm&nt Type: Confederacy
Capital: Richmond
\'olunteers eager 10 return 10 farm and f<lmily. Desertions were ram-
~Districts; 12states pant prompting harsh discipline and the eventual nationalization of
Independence: December 3,1 851 from United States all ~tate militias and locally raised units into the Confederate States
Chief of State: President Zebulon Vance .\rmy headquartered in Richmond.
Economy: Confederate States With their hopes for emancipation dashed and with the certain
Economic Overview: The Confederate economy is dominated
knowledge that they no longer risked repatriation should they
by e~port oriented plantation agricultufll.
very little ind usbialization as mOSt escape 10 the Cnited States. slaves attempted to escape their masters
manufactUred goods purchsed from
in unprecedented numbers. Whites in the deep south feared a gen-
overseas. minor domestic iron woos
and fabncatiOll facilities in northeast. eral slave uplising a genuine fea r as much of the region's able-bod-
subsistance farming prevelant in back
ied men were either dead, disabled or deployed. T he paranoia
country
E~ports: Collon. tobacco. sugar. rice beC<lme so pelYasive that many regions re,-erted 10 martial law as
Export Partl1ers: France. Sritain Army troops were sent in to quell re\'ohs and keep order.
Qnerocy: Confederate Dollar
It was hoped that the end of hostilities would bring about an eco-
(1 oz. gold :c $CS 113.68)
(1 oz. silver ~ $CS 7.10)
nomic renaissance as once ag<lin ,,-orld markets would be open 10
the cotton, tobacco and sugar cane that had previously formed the
Military: Confederate States
Mi litary Sranches: AImy and Navy
basis of the southern export economy. Such was not the case_ The
Stand ing Forces: 150.000 new cotlon acreage brought under cuhi\'ation in Texas, Sequoyah,
Transnational Issues: Confederate States Kansas, Egypt and India during the war led 10 falling prices as
Disputes -International: The C.S . c laims ownership of all pre- Confederate supply once again became a,-ailable. By 1858, prices
war territory belonging to Arkansas and had £"lllen to two-thirds that of the pre-war period with little hope
Tennessee. cavalier attitude towards
Mexican !!Ovareign~y has raised threat of reco,'el")-.
of war
Ablces: Aligned with France Continual functioning of the gO\'ernment and debt service
required sums vastly in excess of those collected prior to independ-
ence_ Tax burdens, including an unprecedented tax on income,
became onerous leading 10 grumbling in the state legislatures and
open talk of a second secession by Cuba.
T hrough the use of emergency executi\'e powers, President
AJexander Stephens instituted various measures that aggregated
Richmond's control of the state 10 an unprecedented extent. In
response to widespread evasion, revenue agents were gi\'en broad
discretion with regards to tax evaders, and their powers were backed

280
by the military. To maintain a firm hand in Cuba, a naval base
was built in Havana and garrisoned by troops from Virginia and
the Carolinas. Kow with Ihe power of the purse and the sword
firmly in Richmond's control, future notions of dissent were
effectively stifled.
Given the Confederacy's inevitable position \Iith an
entrenched enemy to the north, an alienated population to the
west and \I'eak internal finances, they are casting an a\,u;cious
eye to :\ Iexico's insecure nonhern frontier. In an unprecedented
diplom<ltic move, they have claimed Nuevo i\lcxico as
Confederate territory. This has cau~ed a diplomatic row with
both the uSA and Texas who though plotting such a mo\"C
themselves have been more reticent in their official positions)
and led to ncar open hostilities \I;th :\ lexico.
CSA policy is to encourage migration to :\ue\"O :\Iexico and
Aha California. This ser\'es a two-fold purpose. Dome~ticall): it
aclS as a s<,fety vall-e for thc most disaffected of her population.
Strategically, facilitating the resettlemellt of Southerners to the
tcrritol), and suppol"ting their claims with official recognition
and incorporation of their towns, the Confederacy hopes to lay
de facto claim to the territol)'.
0-- .-
SEQUOYAH
.-
,-- .- _. "'"""
CON
STATES
-.
- -
Southern Attitudes
T here can be no disputing that the past decade has been one
of economic distress for the a\"Crage SoUlherner. Hunger and
\'iolcnce hm'C touched far toO many of them not to ha\'e left a
permanent mark all the national psyche.
To outsideN, they come across as angl)', hard-bitten men.
). Iany feel pel'Sonally \·indicatcd in that they successfully resisted
the destruction of their traditional \I'ay of life and mOst are
adamant about thcir Southern \;rtues, e\'en those who previ-
ously may not have held such resolute r"ith in Dixie ..\ lost of
thcir anger is directed al :\"ortherners for starting the war that
caused such cconomic hardships. Texicans are hardly \'iewcd in
a bettcr light. i\ lany sec them as fair-weather friends who stOod
idly by while thcir cou,ins were bled \I'hite by the Federals and
finally stabbed thcm in the back by taking Loui~iana while they
lay pro~trate. Onc would think that the French, integral to the
Confcderacy'~ e\"t~nlual freedom, would be seen most posili\'e\y
but that's hardly the case. Diflerences in language and culture
ensured that the twO allies never fully warmed to each Olher.
The price of Kew Orleans for their aid also tainted the rela-
tionship, making it seem as if they wefe merely paid mercenar-
ies rather than the benevolent Republicans of Lafayette.
.-
Non .. CAroIiIUl
AMERIC A
ATLANTlCOc
.-
--
281
 * DESERET

AT A GLANCE...

Geography: Oeseret
Location: WB'St Central North Arnefk:a, roughly

.-
centered on the Great Salt Lake
Area: 125,680 sqllare miles (claimed)
Land BouJldaries: Deseret's cla ims lie entirely within the

-,
Mexican District of Alta Cal ifornia and

Climate:

Terra in:
the United States' Oregon Territory
Semiarid to arid with m ild winters in
lower inhabited IIlevations
Mountainous north with Alpine-l ike riva!"
va lleys, arid desert in sooth
D£S£R£T
.-
0 °",.. 501,
Lob City

I
,
Natural Resources: Copper. other ores, timber
Altai California
.--1
People: Deseret
Population: 86 , 044
,,
I

Ethnic Groups:
Religions'
Wh it8 99%
0ud1 cAJe.<usOrislcAl...aI!l'r4ly Sai1s99%
,
Languages: English
Government: Oeseret
Country Name: State of Oeseret
Government Type: Representative Democracy (Theocracy)
Capital: Great Salt Lake City
MrrisIrative DisIr'cts: 6 count;es
Founding:
Chief of State:
July 2-4,1847
President Brigham Young
• • •
Economy: Oeseret
Economic Overview: Desare! engages in self-sustaining
agricultural arid harldicraft production.
Imports are discouraged and trade w~h
A sbecome
a result of thei r persecu tion, the M ormons have
a closed society suspicious of strange rs. Well-
non-church members is forbidden. All
armed units of the Nauvoo Legion regularly patrol all
extemal comrn&rCe handled through approaches to the Great Salt Lake basin and are brusque
Church-controlled Zion Cooperalive
Mercantjle Institution. wi th travelers. T he few non-i\'lormons who enter Deseret are
Exports: None closely watched and made to feel unwelcome.
Curen:;:y: Mormon Dollar
(1 oz. gold = $M 16.00)
It is, however, a tenant of the faith that all ?vlormons mUSt
(t oz. sihler = $M 1.00) go out into the world and proselytize. As such, Mormons are
Mormon coins are notable for .99 fine often encountered throughout the Shattered Frontier. T hey
metal content. Significant 'barter script'
in circulaHon .
are wary to stay clear of ~ I exican authorities as an encounter
--'M"'ili=
tary~,"'....
~.... is mo re likely than not to end in gun fi re. Most Yankees fear
M ilitary Branches: Nauvoo Leg ion (militia) the l' '[ormons whom they regard as dangerous murdering
Standing Forces: Unknown zealots. The Confederacy, however, views the ivlormons as
Transnational Issues: Deseret potential allies. Their cold war with both ~v[ exico and the
Disputes - Intamational: Dese-ret asserts a terr~orial Claim to United States, both rivals to Richmond's planned expansion
broad stretches of land principally w~h
in the Mexican District o f Alta Cal ~ornia in the area, serves as a vital distraction. Indeed, they arc the
but also ove.1apping the United States' only North American power to recognize Deseret's claim to
Oregon Tenitory. Neither nation
recognizes said Claims nor the national sovereignty as legitimate and as such maintain some
legrtimacyof Deseret
Disputes - National: Conflict periodically erupts w~h the
measure of a trading relationship with the M ormon State.
Shoshone and Ute peoples displaced The Texicans have had little direct contact with Deseret and
by Mormon seWement
.AU1ces: Deseret is recognized as a sovereign for the most part see them as someone else's problem .
nation by the Confede-rate States of
America. Diplomatic missions have
been exchanged and a mutually
benefiCial exchange o f arms for hard
curre-ncyexi sts.

282
 M EXIC O

ueva Espalia was the crown jewel of Spain's colonics and comprised
N the terri tories of present day " lexico, the Republic of Texas 5.1.\'c
for the r«cnt addition of Louisiana , California, the Spanish Caribbean
islands, and Central America up to and including Costa Rica. Spanish
landowners and their while descendents dominated most of th is land. [\
was head]y (a"cd, ruled directly from Spain, and permitted 110 amonom~:
Geography: Mexico
111(' seeds of ~ kxican inde pendence were plamcd when :\'apolcon COIl- Location: Central North America. bordering both
(jur red Spain in 1808. ' ''hen the French Emperor placed his brother on Ihe the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans,
Spanish throne, " [exico's elite began \0 clamor for self-rule. An unlike!, A1ea: t, t65.224 squant miles
alliance was thus formed. :\ Iexican Conscrvadores and rich [ando\>1\crs land Boundaries: Republic 01 Texas (NE). US (north)
Climate: Varies from tropical to desert
who supported Spain's deposed Bourbons and objected to the compara-
Terrain : High, rugged mountains: Jaw coastal
tively more libcral Nflpoleonie policies joined forces wilh Libcral(', who plains: high plateaus; deset1
favored a dcmocratic ~lexico. TheS(' two e\emems a~rttd onl)' that ). Icxico Natural Resources: Silver, gold. tllT1bef
must aehicve indq>endence and determine her own destin~. People: Mexico
The war for indepelldenc(' started September 15, 1810, and wa~ insti- PopulatlOtl: 9.2SO.OOO
gated by ~ligue1 de Hidalgo) Costilla. a priest of Spanish de~ent. Though Nauonality: Mexican
Elhlllc Groups: Mestizo SO,*,. Spanish 12,*"
he was eventually captured and executed, Hidalgo's leadeT!ihip began a war
Indian 35%. Black 3%
or independence that culminatcd on Se ptember 27, 1821 , when the rebel ReIIQIOn$: Roman CatholIC (officia~
leader \ iccllIe Guerrero and the royalist Agustin de Iturbide signed the Languages: SpanISh (olficlal), nalMl languages
Treatyof Cordoba. spoI<en by many inhabitants esp. in south

De It urbide, a former Spanish general who switched sides 10 fight fo r Government: Mexico
~ I exican independence, proclaimed hirllself emperor - onidally as a tem- Country Name: Empire of Mexico
porary measure until a member of Eurol>ean royalty could be persuaded to Government T~pe: Monarchy
become monarch or ~ I exico. A revolt against It urbide in 1823 establidted Capital: Mellrco City
the Uni ted ~ I exican States and in 1824 Guadalup.. \ ictoria becamC' the ~0isIrds:: 21 Depar1ments
iirst prcsidelll of the new couml)~ Independence: Septembef 16. 1810 (Irom Spain)
Chief of State: M8J(rmlhan I. Emperor o f Mellico
T he wars of independencC' and the chaos lhat followed ruined the
nation's economy and destroyed the legitimacy of its institutions. Bet,,·C'en Economy: Mexico
1821 and 1850 only thC' first president, Guadalul>e \ ictoria, completed his EconomIC Overvoew: The eurrent CMI war has stgnrfocant!y
term of officr. H is success was primarily attributable to the two large for- dISrupted economic activIty. Silvltr mIning
(,ign loans ncgotiated in 1824 and 1825 that ga\"(: his administration finan- - the principal SOOfCe o f foreign ellchaflge
operates at one-filth the level o f a decade
ciallatitude. During the next twcmy years the Re public endured three con-
past, most areas areas reduced to
stitution.~, twent), gm'Crnmcnts, and more than 100 cabinelS. As succeeding subsistance agriculture
administrations provcd Ulmbie to maintain order and protect lives and Exports: Silveor
propeny, the COUIllI)· s.1nk inlO anarchy. Fear and uneertaimy became com- &port Part~: US, Spam
monplace. Ex-soldiers turned bandits infested the highways, obstructing 0J!rcy: Peso. older Real in Clf'CI.jl8tion
commerce and threatening small towns. "niese, and other manifestations or (1 oz. gold . 16 Pesos)
social dissolution, com ributed to ~ Ii:xico's instabilit}. T hC' situation wors- {1 oz. silver. 1 Peso}
ened when political conOicl degenerated imo outright ci\il war in 1834. Military: Mexico
1~1rge sections of the Country were ravagcd as federalists and centralists, Military Branches: Imperial Army
liberals and conserl.':lti\"Cs fought for political control. D uring 1835-18-15, Standing FOfCes: EJr.act figures unknown
secessionislS established the n'publics of Yucatan, Texas, and the Rio Transnational Issues: Mexico
Grande, but only "Iexas managed to consolidate its indel>endence. T he OispuIes -International: Mellico considers Oeseret territorial
othe r regions, hOII'Cver, maintained their autonoms if nOt their independ- claims to be illegal and It's residents
ence, from the national go\'CTIlment by force of arms. outlaw squatters, numerous towns
wrthln An.a California and Nuevo
~ I achinations of men such as Santa Anna cenainly contribuled to M4rlllCO that claim allegiance to the
~lCxico's instability. in 1828 he used his military influencc to lift the losing Unlled States, the Confederate States
or Te)(8S are equally regMded as Ulegel
candidate into the pres.ide1lC}i being n'warded in turn I,id} appointmcm as settlements
the highest.ranking general in the land. His reputa tion and influence wcre ~: The Emporer is strongly aligned to
furthe r strengthencd by his critical role in defeating an 1829 Spanish elTon France and to Britian and Spain to a
lesser degree. the Juarez rebels dISPUte
to reconquer the ir former colon)'- these alliar"lCes as illegal
In 1833 Santa Alina was ove rwhelmingly elected Presidcnt of l\lCxico.
Unfon unatcly, what began as a promise to unitc the nat ion soon deterio-
rated in to chaos. From 183310 1855 ~ I hico had no fewer than thiny-six
chan~s in il$ presidency; Santa Anna himself holding the office ele\"Cn
times. He soon became bored in his firsl presidency, leaving the rcal work

283

I
\0 his vice-president who soon launched an ambitious reform of church,
state and army. In 1835, when the proposed reforms infuriated vested
interests in the army and church, Santa Anna reassened his aut hority
and led a military coup against his own government.
Santa Anna's repudiation of .\Iexico's 1824 constitution and substi-
tution of a much more centralized and less democratic form of govern-
ment was instrumental in sparking Ihe Tcxican secession, for it ulti-
mately com~lJ(:cd both Anglo colonists and many ~Ie." icans in Texas
thaI they had nothing to gain by remaining uncler ~ I cxic:m rule. When
the revolution came in 1835, Santa Anna personally led the .\Iexican
counlcr-atlack, enforcing a "takc-no-prisoners" policy at the Alamo and
ordering the execution of those captured at Goliad, In the end, howev-
er, his ovcr-confidence and tactical carelessness allowed Sam Houston
to win a crushing victory at the baltle of San j acinto.
Although his I:"lilure to suppress the Texican re"l"olution discredited
him enormously, Santa Anna was able to reestablish much of his
authority when he defeated a French invasion forcc at Vera Cruz in
1838. His personal heroism in battle, which resulted in having several
horses shot out from under him and the loss of half of his left leg,
became the basis of his subsequell\ effort to secure his powcr h:- creat-
ing a cult of personality around himself.
Anglo settlers took funher advantage of ~ I exico's continuing imt'rnal
turmoil when, in 1845, residents of Aha California·s Sacramcnto vallt'}·
declared an independent California Republic. :'\e\'enheless, Santa
Anna remained the most powerful indiddual in ~!exico umil 1853,
at an early age by progressivism and consequently upheld se\'eral liber-
al policies proposed by the j uarez administ ration, such as land reforms
and religious freedoms. He cherishes the vain hope that his liberalism
will enable a reconciliation of the republican opposition and has offered
j uarez and his followers an amnesty if they will swear allegiance to the
crown. unfortunately, he does not seem 10 understand that the vast
majority of ~ I e)deans do not want an emperor, no matter how liberal.
M exico Today
Because the country again finds itself embroiled in yet another cidl
war, little attention is focused on the northern states of Alta California,
Xuevo ~ I Cxico, Sonora or Chihuahua. T hese territories are \;nually
unguarded and what few officials remain are unlikely to receive aid or
assistance from their national government. This \'acuum of powe r has
encouraged settlement by pioneers from Texas, the United States and
lhe Confederacy who ha\"C become so emboldened as 10 plant their
re'l>cctl\'C national flags 011 ~lcxican soil. In poim of fact, these rouge
IOwns arc usuall\' the only organized governments able to effectively
admini~ter large swathes of the nonhern .\ Iexican states. [t is common
knowledge thatlhe only effecti\'C lawmt'n in ;\'ue\"o .\[ exico are not the
Federale~ but ralher the Texas Rangers. It is not uncommon for
~Iexican citizens 10 seck justice from the Rangers or 10 settle their dif·

when his savage campaign against Deseret united liberal opposition
against him . He was soon deposed and ne\"Cr again returned to politi-
cal office.
In 1855, Ignacio Comonfort, leader of the ~I oderados (moderates),
was elected president. They attempted to craft a middle ground
between the nation's Liberals and ConseJVati\·es, During Comonforl's
presidency a new Constitution was drafted. T he Constitution of 185i
retained most of the Roman Catholic Church's Colonial era pri\;lt'ges
and revenucs but, unlike the earlier constitution, did not mandate
Catholicism as the nation's exclusive religion. Such reforms were unac,
ceptable to both the Catholic hierarchy and the Conservatives.
Comonfon and his administration were excommunicated and a revolt
was declared. This led to the War of Reform from Dl':Cember 1857 to
fel'Cnces in a Confederate or American town's eoun.
The average ~ lexican has endured o\"er thirty years of inte rmittent
civil war during which they have seen their institutioll5 crumble and
their li\·cs become increasingly destitutc. Though mosl would prefer to
live under a ~I cxican flag, they are pragnlatic enough to welcome any-
one that can pfO\;de stability and order. As such, many al'C welcoming
of the new immigrants to nonhern ~ I exico and generaUy inclined to
panake in economic opponunities that the ncw selllement might afford.
Of course, thiny years of ci\il war has produced a generation of
<;hiftless roung men, well armed and indoctrinaled in violence. ~ I any of
these ha\·e drifted to the lawless nonh fleeingjustice or seeking easy tar·
gets. Their own Countrymen and white settlers alike fear these banditos.

- -
j anuary 1861. This civil war became increasingly bloody and polarized
the nfllion's politics. ~ [ any of the ~" oder.l dos came o\"er to the side of
the Uberales, com;nced th at the great political powe r of the Church r-T~O::::::-------:----:-"':-T-----T~?'::---"
needed to be curbed. For some lime the Li berals and Conservatives " "_ ~,, "\; . _
had their own governments; the Conservatives in .\lexico City and the
Liberals in Veracruz. The war ended with a Liberal \~ctory and the
--
new President Benito j IH'trez mo\·ed his administration to ~ I exico City.
j uarez's forces were victorious, but the war bankrupted ~ [exico
causing it to default 011 its foreign debt payments. An army of inter·
DESERET ,.-
- ---
-' --
\·elllion consisting of Spanish, English and French troops landed in
~ I exico 10 enforce payment of the huge obligations of the !\lcxican
republic. The Spanish and English soon withdrew, but Xapoleon 11 1
retained French troops in ~ I b:ico in order to establish a comen·ative,
pro· French regime. To achieve this end, he decided to re-establish a --
-- 0--
monarchy. In October, 1863 a ~ I exican delegation of monarchists
again offered the crown to Ferdinand .\ Iaximilian j oseph, Prince
.-
Imperial and Archduke of Austria. He had refused their initial offer in
1859 but now bowed to Napoleon·s pressure and the presumed legiti-
macy of a plebiscite.
Upon his arrival at Vera Cruz, he was horrified to discover that his
new realm was still embroiled in civil war. T he French had achieved
the upper hand but the liberals and republicans were still offering bit·
ter resistance under their President, BenilO j Uil.reZ. If ~ I aximilian was
disillusioned and disappointed, his supporters were soon equally dis-
appointed in their new emperor, The Emperador had been influenced

284
 **
SEOUOYAH
** *
**
Mis

Geography: Sequoyah
SEQUOYAH ,...... 1r Fayeue viUe location: Central North America, between
the United States and Texas

o New EchOla . """_

Area:
land Boundaries:
62.947 square miles
US to 1'lOI'th. T.)(as to $OI.jth
Climate: Mild and humid, semi-and In NW
Terraif1: Flat plains and low hills
Lin" R

.-
Natural Resources: Fertile soils
People: Sequoyah
Population: 79,263
NatlOrl8lity: Various Indian tribes
EttlnlC Groups: NatNeArnerica185%. White 8%, 6Iad< 7%
Religions: Tribal beliefs, not property categonzed a5
religionS per 58. are practICed by a
cquoyah's hislOry begins with the expulsion of the five 'ci\;-
S lizcd' tribes (the Cherokee, Chickasa\\j Choctaw, Creek. anel
Seminole) from their homelands in the southeastern L"nited States.
Languages:
mapnty of Sequoyahs though a !lIleable
Christl8n mlllOl'1ty eXIsts
Various tribal languages are spoken
though Chetok" IS becomIng protrunant
These expulsions were nOt a single e\"ent but rather the aggregate Government: Sequoyah
result of treaties, forced concessions and oUlIigh! war. Prior to reset- Countty Name: Nation of Sequoyah
tlement, the fi\'e Indian nations were distinct entities wilh unique Government Type: Tribal democracy
cultures, languages and !crrito!)'. T he C hoctaw were in f.1.ct enemies Capital: New Echota
of the Creek and Chickasaw against whom they had fought SC\l:ral MrrioItra!MI Dos!rds: 28 districts
Independence: December 12, 1852 from United States
wars.
Chiel of State: None
What set these tribes apart from their northern kin such as the Economy: Sequoyah
Shawnee, Ottawa, Fox or Sauk was an advanced farming culture EconomIC Overview' Sequoyah's economy is dominated by
that morc closely resembled that of their while neighbors. The subststance agriculture though plantation
growth of cotton for export has become
Creek conrederacy consisted or over 50 towns with a national eoull- preva~t since the States War. The
cil and a governance structure based on a mixture or democratic establishment of a rail line between Texas
and the US has allowed Sequoyah to
and communal principals. h was the Cherokee, however, that inte- enter the sarvices sector and New Echota
grated white culture most rully into their own traditions. has become a rail hub speciallz.ng in
cattle and SUpportIng a wide variety of
In 1820 lhey adopted a republican rorm or government, and in related ;ooustries
1827 they established themselves as the Cherokee Kation, with their Exports: C<ltton
El<port Part~: Unrted State!!, United K"ngdom
capital at f\ew Echota under a constitution pl'O\;ding ror an electi\'e
CUn!ncy: None· fOfeign currency used at
principal chier, a senate, and a house or representatives. The im'en- equivatent value
lion or a Cherokee syllabic alphabet permitted literacy amongst the Military: Sequoyah
Cherokee. hs 85 characters, represel1ling the syllables or the Milltal)' Branches: Tribal militia
Cherokee language, initially allowed ror the keeping of tribal Standing Forces: None
records but later, once literacy became widespread, saw wide usc in Transnational Issues: Sequoyah
newspapers and translated textbooks. Disputes - IntI!lfT'l8ticf'la None
AIiIn:;:es: Sequoyah disallOWS any political or
The 18305 discO\'el"}' or gold by whites in Cherokee territol"}' (the military alliances thotigh it has it has
strong ecooomIc ~es and linkages with
Cherokee had long known of its existance and had been hoarding both the US and Texas. The
the precious metal for years resulted in pressure 10 obtain their Confedaracy is stiR viewed with
suspicion though current bord8fS and
lands. A treaty was extracted from a small pari or the tribe, binding economic condltlOtl$ result in little
t.he whole people to mO\'e Ix'yond the ~ I ississippi River \\;thin three interaction between the two.
years. Although the Cherokee (werwhclmingly repudiated this doc-
ument and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the nation's autonomy,
the state of Georgia secured an order ror their removal, which was
accomplished by military force. President Andrew J ackson rerused to
inten'ene, and in 1838 the tribe was depo rted to the Indian

285
Tenitol)'. Thousands died on the march, known as the "Trail of
Tears," or from subsequent hardships.
T he Cherokee made their new capital at Tahlequah, institut-
ed a public school system, published newspapers, and quickly
became the most prominant of the Five Civilized Tribes.
\",Ihile the Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw were uprooted
from their lands with relatively little violence, the same was not
true for the Creeks or Seminoles. The Creek War of 1813-14
resulted in the loss of two-thirds of their territory, while the First
Seminole War of lB1B effectively banished Florida's Seminoles
to the interior of that territory.
T he Second Seminole \ Var began in IB35 and dragged on for
nearly eight years, until 18+2 when the last Creek and Seminole
tribes in Georgia and Florida were finally remoyed from
American 'Ienitory.
]\ lembers of the Fi\,c Nations that su ni\"ed these brutal years
of war and relocation did their best to rebuild their shattered
societies in the arid land of the Indian Te rritory. Less than a gen-
eration laler, they ollce again found themsc.!ves threatened by
whites seeking 10 take their land. Confederate militia in :\ Iissouri
and Arkansas saw the Indian Territory as easy plunder and
undertook to capture that territory fo r inclusion into the new
Confederate States of America.
The tribes had, however, learned a \'aluable lesson from their
expulsions. Under the lax eyes of the few Federal forts located in
the Indian Territory, the tribes had smuggled in thousands of
rifles, many purchased with gold the Cherokee had recm'ered
before being relocated. The wisdom of this move would be vali-
dated at the Battle of Muskogee in which an army comprised of
members of aU five tribes repulsed the Confederate invasion.
In the aftermath of this battle, the live tribal councils sent rep-
resentatives to Washington to announce their de facto sovereign-
ty. Circumstances being what they were, the United States had
little choice but to recognize the new nalion of Sequoyah and
accepted their promise of aid in the war against the
Confederacy.
\Vhile the Sequoyahs held true to their word and sent twO reg-
iments to fight in the lower Mississippi campaign, the most dra-
matic effects of the war were to occur at home. The
Sequoyahans took advantage of opportunities opened to them.
\ Vhell Britain turned to Texas for the cotton her industries
required, they immediately saw the potential wealth that could
be gained from participating in this seller's market. Many of the
tribes had experience in cOllon growing and within a year, COt-
ton cultivation expanded from almost nothing to thousilnds of
acres. Access to the gulf ports via the I-. Iississippi River was
blocked due to the war so eOllon had to be brought 10 Galveston
via mule-drawn carts. T his was slow and costly.
The great d ream was 10 build a rail line that would be able to
provide access to the gulf ports. :\'0 American, British or Texiean
financie rs were interested in the project so the Sequoyahans set
about 10 build one themsel"es. Communal participation saw
members of all five tribes, men and women alike, undertake the
vast project. T he last remaining Cherokee gold was sufficient to
acquire the rails, but right-of-ways though Texican territory still
286
posed a formidable problem. T hrough dint of negotiation and
the guarantee of free fre ight for any of the far-flung North
Texican communities that would grant them passage, the
Sequoyahans finally succeeded in building a gerl)'mandered rail
line that connected to the fledgling Texas .\1ational Line north
of HouslOn.
But it was not only the British that demanded COl\on. New
England mills were also desperate to purchase the white gold.
They were, however, shut out from Texican ports by British
exclusivity. Sensing another opportunity, the Sequoyahans start-
ed group work on another rail line to SI. Louis - now firmly in
the hands of Union forces. By the end of the War between Ihe
States, the Sequoyahan National line linked the United States
with Texas \;a rail. Although POSt war prices for cotton fell dra-
malicall}~ the profitability of the line did not. The advantages of
a rail link to the united Slates were enormous and as the
Texican economy expanded so did the amount of freight carried
on the line. Soon beef O\'ertook COtlO1I as the most important
cargo.
Because of the more communal economic order of
Sequoyahan society, the profits were generally dispersed 10 the
whole of thc nation that had contributed to its development.
i\ Iuch is held in trust for future development. The experience
and \\'ealth the Sequoyahans gained in building their first rail
line has allowed them to extend the reach of their network into
the western territories of the United States. As Indians with a
predilection to fa\ur their own, they ha\'e faced far fcwer prob-
lems \\ith the Great Plains tribes than white settlers hm'e experi-
enced.
Pe ople : The great national challenges the ci\ilized tribes
have endured together f!"Om the Battle of Muskogee 10 the build-
ing of the railroad have bound them together as one great tribe.
T hough the individual tribes still govern themselves, it is likely
that in the not too distant future the Sequoyahans will unite
under a single Chief- President. The Cherokee language is
already displacing Seminole and Choctaw due to the wide dis-
semination of newspapers written in that language.
The Sequoyahans have learned 10 be a pragmatic lot. T hey
recognize that they will never be fully accepted by white society
blll that 10 sun'ive they must adapt certain aspects of those cul-
tures to retain their own . :\ Iost prefer the company of their own
races, forming few close friendships with whiles. That being said,
many are fluent in English and certainly capable of operating
within the confines of b!"Oader North American cultures.
Howe\'er, they retain a deep loathing of the Confederacy. Few
would let their feeling show 100 overtly but the years of mIs-
treatment at SOlllhern hands makes it slow 10 be forgonon .
 TEXAS

.-.
-. 0-- .-
S£QUOYAH
-~
AI A GLANCE ...

.-- .- - Geography: Texas

.-
Location: South Central North America, bordering
R£PusuC the Gulf 01 Mexico
OF Area: 360,503 $quare miles
Land Boundaries: Rio Grande to west, US and Sequoyah to
TEXAS
north, Confederacy to &aSt

-. CI,mate: Subtropk;:al along gulf coast. increas'ng

- -_.--
arid as O!"1e travels west
Terra,n; Broad coastal plait! in SE. rough
and intem"littant mountainous terrain in
west
Natural Resources: Farm and graz<ng land, timber

People: Texas
Popul"lon; 1,439,358
Natoonality: Texocan
Eth",C Groups: WI"Ote 3396, MeslII:o 3096. Black 3396.
espitc the fact that a sizeable proportion of her most
D influential citizenry originally hailed from the states
that were to secede and form the CSA, Texas remained offi-
Religions:
Languages:
Indian 496
Protestant 6096, Roman Catholic 4096
English 7096, Spanish 3096

Government: Texas
cially neutral during the Southern War of Independence. or Country Name: RepublIC of Texas
course, numerou s volunteer units fought in the ~ I is s i ss ippi Government Type: Republic
Valley campaigns under Confederate colors. Capital; WashingtO!"1
~ Oistric:ts; 30 CO\J!1ties
As mentioned in the historical section , th e reasons for her Independence: October 13. 1845 from Mexico
neutrality werc many. Certainly the most important was the Ch~ 01 State: President RIchard Coke
intervention of Britain. Her texti le manufacturers, with Economy: Texas
royal support and under the protection of t he Imperial :'\a,)'. EconomIC e>v.Mew: The War betwllllll the States ofI&fIId a
\iflique opportunity flY Texas' cottO!"1
entered into contracts to purchase any and all cotton Tcxican plant61'S to both prosp&f and to establ ish
growers CQuld supply. Agreeing to these terms put the you ng inroads into the lucrative British market.
ContractlOtl of that merkel has been more
nation at odds with her eastern neighbor, whose self-imposed than compensated by a huge new rnarket
COllon emba rgo was mea nt to d raw Brita in into the conflict made available fOf beeI. West Texas is
undergoing an economic boom as vast
on the Confede rate side. stretch o f land are being developed for
thiS industry.
T he wa r years were, ironically, a time of great prosperity Exports: Beef, cotton, rice
for the young nation and a period in which she bega n to Export Partners: United Kingdom, United States. France
solidify a national identit y. The influx of British sterling and Cunn:y: Te~ican DoIares
(1 oz. gold ., S1)( 3UIO)
investment jump-started development and C alveston was
(I oz. silver" Sf)( 2.00)
tra nsformed into a first class seapo rt.
Military: United States
The British influence had other fa r-reaching effects in Mihlafy Branches: Army. Navy and Rangers
Texas. Unde r pressure from a British Parliament uneasy with Standing Fon:es: Approximately 600 FIangets
such dose relatio n to a slave holding nation , Texas abolished Transnational Issues: United States
the inst itution in 1860. Oisputes-Imemationaj: Official demarkation and ownership of
lhe Sanla Fe Ira;! rema,ns ... open Issue
WIth the United States. Texas has
sHowed its Rangers to operate as
lawmen within Nuevo Mexico due to
Texa s Tod ay generallawlessoess. Mexico strongly
disputes their authority but is
The Texican volunteer troops fighting in the western the- powerless to CO!"1tend their pn!SIIOCe IY
ater were primarily stationed in Arkansas and ~\'I i ssissi ppi. to property administef the district.
AIiIn::es: Texas Is aligned with lhe United
Upon enact ion of the truce of 1854, most of the troops Kingdom and dependant upon the
:Iecided to return to their homes. While the volunteers d is- Royal Navy to ensure the neutrality o f
the Guf of Mexico.
:::landed their units and began the lo ng trek home, the resi-

287
dents or Lou isiana revolted against their government in
Richmond and sought to join Texas instead or simply
turning over New Orleans and its surrounding territOry to
the French. T he Conrederate government sent troops to
quell the disturbances but the)' were met by the texican
volunteers. These ronner brothers-i n-arms now saw an
opportunity to bea rs a rms ror their own nation , the
Republic or Texas. The Cajun \\'ars (really just a collec-
tion or small skirmishes and guerilla activity) pitted these
Texicans against Conrederate troops rrom Arkansas and
~ l ississippi as well as French regulars. Arter rour months,
the war wea ry and bankrupt Richmond administration
succumbed to the insurrection and agreed to the partition
or Louisiana along the :'Ilississippi River.
Foreign obse rvers remark that Texas is probably thc
most truly ':American" or the three English-spcaking
nation states on the ;..'orth American eominent. Founded
by rronticrsmen and barely thirty years old, Texas does
nOt have an entrenched upper class. Soc ietal standing is
extrcmely fluid allo\\'ing the energetic young man plenty
or room to belter himselr and improve his lot in lire. ~[c rit
is the most important determiner or social standing and
:'I,lexican born Texicans are accorded much the same
opportuni ties as Anglos. In all strata or socict}: one is
equally likely to encounter individuals with Spanish su r-
names as British ones.
Texicans on the who le arc brash and rorthright and not
give n to min cing words. Even their leade rs are unusually
outspoken .
As a you ng nat ion, their world view is disproportionate·
ly shaped by recent events. While many Texicans had reh
a bond or kinship with the Confederacy, the rronticr wa r
with that nation has soured that bond in ra\"or of a height-
ened sense of Texican unity. If anything. these two
nations a rc now rivals, though many have 110t yet come to
sec that fact.
The discove ry of gold and si lver west of the Rio Grande
has spa rked Tcxicans' interest in expansion. To them, the
lands or the Shallered Frontier lie wholly within Texas'
sphe re of influence (despite the fact that it is Mexican ter-
ritory). Th e general lawlessness of the region, due in large
part from inattention by M exico, has prompted
Washington to deploy seve ral units of Texas Range rs
within the territory, nominally to protect the property and
persons or its settler commun ities. Howeve r, they are
almost unifo rmly recognized as the de facto authority by
non-Texicans as well, ror they provide the only organized
policing force within the frontier and serve to check the
activity of hostile Indian tribes.
Territorial claims by the CSA west of the Rio Grande
have sparked a diplomatic row between the two nations.
T he Texican legislature has reacted to these turns of
events by encouraging the growth of towns sLlch as Santa
Fe, Albuquerque and EI Paso on their western frontier and
unoflieially sponso rin g settlement t hroughout :'\u cvo
i\l exico. No official move has yet been made to recognize
these tOwns, as \Vashington docs not wish to provoke a
war with Fran ce, the real power behind Emperador
:'Il aximili ano I De i\ lcxico and possessor or a rormidable
roree in nearby New Orleans. Rather, the Texicans arc
laying the groundwo rk ror an eventual rait de accompli
when their settlements and substantive governance of thc
region will allow the entire rromier to be annexed at the
stroke or a pen.
A large factor in \Vashington's reticence to risk war is
her lack of a standing army. From the earliest days of the
Republic, the nation has encountered difficulties with
rogue generals. Since President H uston furl oughed the
standing army in 1836, Texas has depended upon the
Rangers and militia units to de rend her territory. This
practice has served her \\"ell, ror the militia is unusually
capa ble and experienced. :'\onetheless, it is not all offen-
sive force and its efficacy if used in that role is question-
able.
C Ollon continues to be the major dri\'e r of the Texican
economy. Ho\\"cYCI", the reentry of the Confcderate States
of Amcrica into the world cotton market has caused
prices to fall from their artificially high \\-al" years prices.
This has caused an economic recession in the Lone Star
Republic and ro rced many marginal growers 10 seek aher·
nati\"c means or making a living. Many of these peopl e
(fa rmers and their hired hands) have left the gulf coast in
search or beller opportunities in th e sparsely populated
wester n expanses or the country.
The national government has actively, though not offi -
cially. encouraged many or its citizens hurt by the cotton
crash to migrate to the wes\. :-digrants are given free pas·
sage to Santa Fe or Albuquerque and the opportu nity to
be gi\'e n title 10 land thcre simply by occupying and
improving it ror a period of two yea rs. or course, much of
this land is barely arable and many of the settlers quickly
abandon the thought of settling down in favor of seeking
their fortune in the Shattered Frontier - all with a nod
and wink from \\·ashingtoll.
Texas is still economically immatu re. Her natural
resources are nOI comparable to that of the United States
or the United Kingdom nor docs she possess the dense
urban settlemcl1!s necessary for industrialization. She is
dependant on those nations for most manufactured goods
yct maintains a net surplus balance, such is the quantita-
tive robustness of Texa s' farms and ranches.
 UNITED STATES

Geography: United States

Location: CenttaI North America, bon:lering bom
the Atlantic and PadflC Oceans.
Area: 2,172,973 square miles
Border Countries: Confederate Slates of America. Republic
of Texas. Nation of Sequoyah. Mibico.
espitt her [ass in the War fo r Southern Independence, the t.:niled Dominion of Call1lda, other British NOI1h

D States remains rar and away the mOSt pOIH:r(u] nation in ;';onh
America. Some ('\,en argue Ihal the secession of her agrarian south m;n
American pos!~Sions north of
Columbia Rive!" or 48th p arallel
Climate: Temperate east of Mississippi River.
have been a boon, in that it hastened the transition 10 an industrial ccono- semi-arid in western temtories. wet but
mild along Pacific coast
my by severing the IiI'S 10 her agrarian past. Terr8Jn: Low mountalfls along eastern SBIlI::Ioaro,
\ \'hau~H'r the truth of the maHer. there can bl' no qucHion that the vast cent,.., pIa,n nsong to rugged
mountains In west
United State! morc closd)' resembles the economies of ;';orthern Europe Natural Resources: Coal. iron. tunbar, precoous metals. vast
in rates of urbanization and prol>Ortion of the workforce engaged in indu"- fettile centrat pia,"
try than any other ~e\\ World nation. The city of PittSburgh is it rival to People: United States
Shcflicid and Dortmund as it principal manufaClUrcr of sted, and a dense Popul8tlOtl: 28,787,101
network of rail lines linkll the the southern Great Lakes and Ohio river \·al- NatlO!1aHty: Americal1
ley to the northeast. Ethnic Groups: WhIle 96". Black 3.5". Ar!"Iemdian 0.5%
Religions: Protestant 93%. Roman Catholic 6%,
The loss of southern agricultu ral areas has focused devc!opment on the Jewish 0.4%
vast central and weStern plains. T hough not as lUcrali\·c as cotlon, tobac- Laoguages: English 85". German 1296
co and sugar, corn and whcal production have becn far morc amenable 10 Government United States
mechanization, and so this traditional seclOr of the economr ha~ benefit- Country Name: Uruted States 01 America
ted greatl}· frolll industrialization and now produces a consistent surplus. Government Type: FeOeral RepublIC
T he United Statcs docs, however, facc several chaUengn. Relations with Capital: New York City
~0isI;ric:t$: 22 States and 11 terntones
her southern neighbor havc not improved appreciably since the conclusion
of the war. T his may in large part be allributed to captured territory in the Independence: Jut,- 4. ln6 from Kngdom of Great Britian
former westcrn theater that the United Slates has refused to relinquish. Chiel 01 State: President Scho..IyW Colfax
l\ l aintaining control of this terrilOry and the construction of the "SCOII Economy: United States
Li ne" of fortifications on Pennsylvania's southeastern border has required Economic Ovetview: The Uruted StatBS. with its unparalleled
advantages in raw materials, population
a I>cacetime army of such magnitudc that the U.S. is hard pressed to main- If\d technology Is unql,lBStionab!y the
tain it from a conscription resistant populace. The westcrn terrilOries arc leading economic power in the
under-garrisoned and Federal Cavall)' is often unable to effectively blunt
Exports:
"""""'.
Manufactured goods and equipment.
the many warlike India n Na tions Jiving therein or to dec idedly ejcct ~ graln$, processed meal$, teJdiIes
Mormon settlements. CU!wcy: US Dollar
T he United States has eome of age on the international stage and is rec- (I oz. gold .. SUS 20.67)
ogni<!:en as a pecr among the great nations of Eurol>C. She has strong finan- (\ OL silver .. SUS \ .291

dallies wilh Britain owing to the relative immaturity of her ban king sys- Milltlry: United States
tem. British neutrality in the War of Southern Independence abo scrved to Military Branches: Army. Navy and Marine Corps
mollify the ill-will resulting from the ArooslOok War. Frcnch invokement Standing Forces: Approximately 250.000
on the side of the Confederacy has imbued a deep seeded rescntment and Transnational Issues: United States
the U.S. holds her as an enemy. An alliance with France's biller rival, 0isp.Jtes - Intamational: Simmering tensions with Confederate
Prussia, was a natural outgrowth. States of America and France, claims all
pre-war temtory 01 Maryland, Delaware
A long period of inward lookillg consolidation under the Douglass p res- and Oietrict of <;dumbia. dispute with
idency has gi\·en way to a morc expansionist mood under the Rcpublican Oesefet over in~lng claims in Oregon
Tenitory, dispute With Texas over
dolfax. Though unwilling and likely unable 10 engage in a war with ownership and demarkaHon o f the
~ I exico, the U.S. eycs the rich mine ral wealth lying south of her western santa Fe trail
Disputes - National: Connict periodicaIy eruptS with the
erritories. With knowledge that both Texas and the CSA are casting cqual-
Native Peopes of the territories
}' envious glances at ~ I cxico's no rt hern districts, the U.S. has encouraged AIIiIrooes: Aligned w"h Prussia against France,
:ettlcmcnt with the promise of full recognition of the righl$ and privileges non-bel!;gBrency pact wrth Bntian
If any of in citizens settling in the ambiguous western reaches of the
::olorado and Arapahoe tc r ritories.

289 _--l
 BRITISH Pc

.-
California
o -~
~"" '
DE:SE:RE:T /'
Alta C;ili"
lornia . - -( 'I
\
,\

"

Bah. - .-' SE,

California NuevoMbico
- -.
-.
~­ ~-

.-- .-
PACIFIC OCEAN MtXI
.-
_.
Sonora
- REPUBLIC
OF
TEXAS
- .---
.- -
.--
Chihuahua

-_
~-.

- .. -
. Co.l",l.
.
-
Nuevo
o. Durango Leon ·d
.~
Milu Zacarec.u .<,J'
290
55 5 ON5

DC)M.fNfOflf)OF CANADA

ATlANTIC OCEAN

-
--
291
 Chapter 6.11 History of the Shattered Frontier
The- dissolution of the American Republic had its roots in
the Industrial Revohllion. Though there had been regional
sparring in the naseen! dt':Olocracy dating back to colonial
limes, the economic changes brought on by industrialization
sen'cd 10 dh~dc the COlintry on a latitudinal a.xis. :\'orthern
factory owners and, 10 a lesser degree, their workers
demanded tarin' barriers to protect their fledgling enterpris-
es from ruinous competition with Greal Britain's established
manufacturers. SOUlhcrncrs by contrast depended on a cash
crop for their li,"cli hooo and saw protectionism as wholly
undesirable in twO regards. Retaliatory tariffs would reduce
the profitability of their key export, cotton, while simult:me-
otlsly raising the price of manufactured goods.
Imcnwincd in this growing cstrallg~m~nt was the question
of labor, or more direcdy the South's 'peculiar instimtion' Qf
slavery, As the nation maturrd economically, European
demand fo r ra\\ colton increased exponemially. Free men
could nOt hope to compete with the \<irtually uncompensat·
cd labor.
The political bickering that ensued from the time of the
founding of the republic umil the 1830s has been well doc·
umemed by other scholars and 10 rehash il here would serve
no good purposc,
?>. Iany of the key C\'ents that would shape the political map
of the North American contincnt and. in so doing. lead to
the dissolution of the American Republic. occurred outside
the borders of the young nation,
THE BIRTH OF THE LONE STAR REPUBLIC
In 1804, the United States Senate ratified the treaty by
which America would lake possession of the French posses-
sions to her west known as "Louisiana." This was nOt, as
some 1I0W a~sume. without controversy. T he matter so infu-
riated Federalists (who publicly fretted about war with Spain
but privately fear'ed loss of political influence once the vast
territory was brought into the Union) that they went so far
as to plot the secession of Nc\\ England and New ' ''ork and
offering Aaron Burr the Presidency of the new confeclera·
lion. Although Alexander Hamilton wisely put an end to his
rellow pany members' machinations, it was at iI dear per-
~onal and political cost. Hamilton wou ld die that Silme year
in a duel with Burr, while the secessionist seeds sown in
Boston would blossolll in southern soilless than three score
years hence.
Prior to 1804, a small number of American traders. out-
laws, and settlers had ventured to the area near the Sabine
River called Teja~ by Spain. After the Louisiana Purchase. a
steady stream or migrants began to join them. i\'umbered
among these newcomers wet'e soldiers of fortune called fili·
busters.
292
Unfortunately, the western and southern boundaries of
Louisiana were never officially delineated by Napoleon, for
he did not wish to instigate a diplomatic row with the
Spanish crown that he was courting as an ally. The
Louisiana Purchase thus led to a dispute between the United
States and Spain over the boundaries of the a rea the ronner
had bought. The United States claimed that it stretched all
the way to the Rio Grande and the Rocky i\ iountains, T his
\"as wholly unacceptable to Spain, as it would mean all of
Tejas and half of Nuevo ,\ Iexico, both Spanish colonies,
would fall under it. There was also disagreement about the
ownership of West Florida, a strip of land bel'o"een the
?>. lissLssippi and Perdido Rivers. T he United States claimed it
too was included in the purchase; Spain insisted il was not,
and that east of the ?>. ii,sissippi only the city of r\ew Orleans
beloll'{ed to Loui~iana,
Spanish authority over :\'ue\'3 Espana (as her North
American colonies \\erc known would soon be assailed on
twO fronts, In 1810, after a rel'olt in \\'est florida, the United
States annexed the region between the ~ I ississippi and Pearl
Rivers. L'uer that year. a series of rebellions were instigau!d
b} ~ I ig\ld de Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest of Spanish descent.
rhou~h he wa~ tTentually cilptured and executed, Hida1go's
leader;hip began a \\ar of independence that culminated on
Sepumber 2i, 1821, when the rebel leader Vicente
Guerrt'ro and the royaiisl .\gustin de Iturbide signed the
Treaty of Cordoba,
TIle Spanish settlers of Tejas, called Tejanos. were Strug·
gling economically. One of their grievances was that man}
of them earned livings by domesticating wild mules and
mustangs and thell selli ng them in the neighboring
Louisiana Territory. Howeve r, the Spanish crown had
recently declared all wild animals to be the property of the
crown, making this pract ice illegal. Around 18 1 1 the
Tejanos, with ample prodding from the American rilibustcrs,
finally joined the rebellion.
J ose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara and Augustus William
Magee, \\Iith the tacit support of the United States, organ·
ized an expedition of aboul 1,400 men composed of Anglos,
Tejanos, Indiall5. and former royalists 10 wrest Texas from
Spain, Adopting a "Green Flag" for a banner, the
Republican Army of the North crossed from Louisiana into
Texas on August 7, 1812, and soon captured several towns
including San Antonio, where a declaration of indcpend·
enee was proclaimed on April 6, 1813. This lirst republic of
Texas, however, was shorl· l;\'ed, for J oaquin de Arredondo,
commandant-general of the Prodncias imernas, organized
an arm}' of 1,830 men and in August marched them from
L'lredo Ittward San Antonio to quash the rebellion.
T h(' decisivc Battlc of Medina was fought o n August 18,
1813, Under pressure by Tejanos \\'110 w;lIlted to spare San
Antonio from the ravages of battle. the Republican Army
 opted to meet the Royalist army south of the city. T hey
cllcamped about six miles from Arredondo's forces and
planned to ambush the royalists as they tra\'eled through a
dcfile along the Laredo road. The next morning, howC\.-er,
Royalist KOuts encountered the Republicans andlurcd them
into an ambush in a dense 0:0. forest where they had pre-
pared breaslworks on f.'\\·orable ground. After a furious (our-
hour battle, the Republicans broke ranks and ran. The
Royalist!; lost only fift) -fi\'c men. Arredondo subsequently
established martial law in S:1Il Antonio and severely pun-
ished me rebels and their families. One of Arredondo's more
notable ~ubordinates was Lt. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna,
who would return to Texas with another army twenty-three
~'ears later.
Ha\ing given up on attemptli to wrest Tt'jas from Spain by
force, the United States resolved its territOrial claims with
Spain through the 1819 Adams-Ollis Treat)' in 1819. T he
treat)' provided for Ihe cession of Florida to the United
States for payment of 55 million and established the border
between Spanish .-md American lands \\estward to me
Pacific - specifically along tht' Sabine. Red and Arkansas
Rivers and the 42nd parallel. Under ih term~, tht' L'nitt'd
States gav'C up il.~ claim to Texas, and Spain gave up iu, claim
to the Columbia River basin in the Oregon TerritOry.
Afler ~t exican independence, new immigral1l~ from the
United Statcs, many 1.,,110 had been ruined in the Panic of
1819, scaled in me ~ I exjcall state of Coahuila yTejas, often
with generous land grants from the roung l\ lcxican gO\'ern-
ment. Most were grateful to ~ I t'l(ico for the opportunity to
make a fresh stall. The majority of Te.'(ans, for the new
American coloni~ ls outnumbcred the native Te-janos. immi·
grnted under the auspices of ~lexi can Constitution of 1824.
Under that covenant, Mexican citizens enjoyed a republican
form of government with mOst of the power of gO\'ermnenl
residing at the depanmemal [state] and local levels.
Relations belween the American ~ctt.lt'rs and their ~ I exican
hosts would begin a prtcal'i ou~ downw;ml slide in April
1830 I."hen tht' .\icxiean gO\ocrmnent forbade further immi-
gt'ation from the United States.
l\lexican federalists had plenty of reasons to mistrust their
nonhern neighbors. They recalled ,he filibusten' attempllO
!Ccure Texas for lhe United States. l'lexicall Secretary of
State Lucas Alaman expres~ed such concern succincdy.
"Where othen send invading armies." he groused: "[the
Americans] send dlt'ir colonists." He llllderslOod Ihal
American newspapermen wrote incendiary articles calling
for the occupation of Texas. He knew that ill 1829 President
Andrew Jackson had dispatched the brulish Anthony Buller
10 .\lexico with an offer to buy Texas. He was also aware mat
Americans almost constantly spoke of the "reannexluion of
Texas," a belief that l cxas should have been a part of the
Louisiana Purchase o\\;ng to the shon lived La Salle colony
of 1685. Little wonder then thall\'lexic3n federalists viewed
the colossus to the north and il!l wayf.·uing citizem as a threat
to Mexican nationhood.
I
As if to validate Alaman '5 concerns, the Bailie of \ elasco
(June 26, 1832) witnessed the first bloodshed in the fonh-
coming w"r between Tejas and :vlcxico. Domingo de
Ugartechea, lhe .\ Iexican commander of a fon at Velasco,
anempted 10 block attempts by the Texans to transport a
cannon for what he believed was possible usc against
~ I exican forces at nearb)' Anahuac. After several days of
fighting, the Texans prevailed when the l\{exicans surrcn-
der~d after exhausting their ammunition. Under the provi-
~iOH5 of a hastily negotiated truce, Ugartechca and his sol-
diers were al1ow~d 10 return to .\lexico. When ~lexican offi-
ciaJs dismissed the l'lexican commander at Anahuac, singu-
larly the cause for the Texican's frustration with l' lexican
authorities in the area, tensions apparemly east'd. The
Texicans, however, roan beg-.1Il to take a political tact thal
would provoke fun her dolt'nCl'.
The Convention of 1833 was a gathering of politicians
and leaders of the state of Coahuila y Tejas in San Felipe on
April I, 1833. It 1\I"aS a successor meeting to the Convention
of 1832. whose reforms had been rejected b) thc l'l exican
go\·ernmcnt. The \'C/latilc William H. Wharton presided over
tht' met'tin,\" which was allended by numerom regional lead-
ef", including Sam Houston and Stephen E Austin. The
convention's agenda mirrored the Com'ention of 1832, with
the exception of tht' addition of 11 draft constitution !pat-
terned afler that of the United State~ to be submiued to the
~lexican congress. Austin tra\ cled to l\lexico City to present
the pelitions to the government. After some initial success in
his negotiations, Austin came to an impasse ;1I1d wa!> impris-
oned in early 1834 without any speci fic charges.
When Antonio LOpez de Santa Anna revoked the
Constitution of 1824 and declared himself dictator in 1835,
many concluded that liberali!m and rcpubliclInislTl in
l'lexico were dead. i\'orteamelicano colonists considered
themselvC5 bound to the old constitution and ullsurprisingly
dissension and discord mounted.
T hey were nOt, however, alone. Many Federalistias
1kl(ieans loyal to the Constitution of 1824 also took up
arms 10 resist Santa Anna's tyrannic:.1 regime, The revolt
that began near Gonzales in October 2. 1835. was a civil
\Ial" not a bid for complete separation from~lexico. I~oth
Anglo-Texans and the nati\'e Tejanos fouglll for seif-gO\'ern-
ment within the federalist system created by the Constitution
of 1824.
On i\O\'ember 3, 1835 a m('cting was held to consider
options for more autonomous rule for Texas. The
~Consultation~ drafted il document known as the "Organic
Law", outlining- the organization and functions of a new
"Provisional Go\·ernment". Texa n leaders squashed an)'
mention of independence, fcaring that such remarks might
alienate Mexican federalists. The) wt're, howeve r, disap-
pointed when Fed(,l'alisLS from the interior did not rush north
to Texas to take up tile struggle and ~ independence began
to be open l} spoken of.
293
 Stephen Austin was a firebrand in the cause of Texas and
leader of the independence faction. In a rambling letter
dated J anuary 7,1836, he neatly summed up the situation.
"I go for Illdepmdmufor I have no doubt we shall get aid, as much
as we lIud and perhaps more - and what is if equal importance - the
informatioTl from Mexico liP to lal( in Dectmber says that the Fideral
party has IInited with Santa Anna against us. owing to what has
already bun smd and done in Texas in fa~"Or if Independence so Ihal
ollr prtsenl position UlldeT the conslillition if 1824, dO($ liS no good
witll Ihe Federalists, and is doing liS harm in this counlry. by keeplllg
awl"!Y the kind if men we most need!.] [lV] m / in the convenliol,[.] /
would urge all immidiate declaralion if /ndepmdmCf - wlless there be
some news from Ihe [Jfexican] inlerior Ihal changed the face if things
- alld eren theil, it would reqllire very slrong reasons to prevelll me from
the cOllrse 1 now recommend. "
\ Vhen the well respected Stephen Fuller Austin spoke,
Texans listened. Now nearly all of them believed that their
best hopes for the futu re rested on complete separation from
~vl e x ieo.
Texas leaders understood that they could not \\·i n the war
alo ne. If .\'lexiean federalists would not lend a hand, they
must enlist assistance from the United States. They were not
BATTLES ron INDEPENDENCE
The Texiean insurgency was of vital concern \0 Santa Anna
and he aimed to personally deal a final crushing blow to the
Noteamericanos. In the spring of I S36, he led a force of sever-
al thousand ~l e x ican troops northward. They first entered San
Antonio and defeated a Texican force at the Battle of the
Alamo, and then shortly aften,·ards defeated a second Texican
force near Goliad. ~ l ost of the captured men, O\1:r 350 all told,
were considered outlaws and put 10 death.
Sam Houston, newly in command of the remaining Texican
army, initially retreated cast towards the Sabine Ri\·er, Ihe bor-
der with the United States, where a Federal army had assembled
10 protect Louisiana in case Santa Anna tried to invade the
United States after quelling the rebellious Texicans. Howe"er, at
the urgent coaxing of his civilian masters, Houston turned to
the southeast to act as a blocking force lest the Mexicans capture
the nascent Texican government.
Santa Anna had been pursuing Houston and devised a trap
in which three columns of :-'·lcxican troops would converge on
Houston's force and destroy it. However, the overconfident
General committed a strategic error by diverting one column to
attempt to capture the provisional government, and a second
one to proteci his supply lines. Santa Anna's remaining forces
caught up 10 Houston on April 19 near Lynch's Ferry.
Believing Houston to be cornered, Santa Anna decided 10
res! and reorganize his army and attack in force on April 22.
On the morning of April 2 J, Houston decided to launch a
surprise attack that afternoon with his army of roughly 800
men, concerned that Santa Anna might use the extra time to
concentrate his scattered army which already numbered about
1,400. The assault was a dangerous endeavor as it would be
made O\1:r open ground where the Texican infantry would be
exposed to Mexican volley fire. However, Santa Anna made
another crucial mistake--.--.during his army's afternoon siesta, he
failed to POSt sentries or skirmishers around his camp.
294
so nai·ve as to belie\'e that President Jackson would risk an
international incident by openly supporting the Texas rebels
against 1>. lexico. They did, however, hope to enlist the sup-
port of individual Americans who believed in their cause.
T he ad interim go\·ernment dispatched Branch T. Archer,
William H . Wharton, and Stephen F. Austin to the United
States to solicit men, money, supplies, and sympathy for the
Texas cause. At New Orleans, in early J anuary of 1836, the
agents found enthusiastic support, but advised that aid
would not be forthcoming so long as Texans squabbled over
whether to sustain the M exican constitution.
Southerners wholeheartedly embraced the Texicans'
cause for they anticipated that an independent Texas would
remain so for only a few months before entering the union as
a slave state. At Ihe time, the Uni ted States had an equal
number of free and sla\·e slates. Since both free and sla'·e
states \'oted as a block, it created a legislative gridlock with
neilher side being able to gain advantage. Southerners
believed that adding Texas to the block of slave states would
tilt the congressional balance of power in their favor. Such
was the strength of their conviClion that many Southerners
.-\14:30 p.m. on April 21, after a scout relayed the burning of
Vince's Bridge ·cutting off the primary avenue of retreat for
both armies ;, the main Texican battle line moved fon,'ard. They
moved quickly and silently across the high-grass plain, and then,
when they were only a few dozen yards away, charged Santa
Anna's camp shouting "Remember the Alamo!" and
"Remember Goliad!," only stopping a few yards from the
~lexicans to open fire. Sama Anna's army was composed of
professional soldiers '''ho were trained in Europcan fashion to
fight in ranks, exchanging volleys with opponents employing
similiar tactics. T hey were not trained for hand-to-hand skir-
mishing and many were also ill-prepared and unarmed at the
time of Ihe sudden attack.
Hundreds of the demoralized and confused )I,'Jexican soldiers
routed, and many ran into the marshes along the river. Some of
the :-'Ie."ican army rallied and futilely attempted to push the
Texans back, but to no avail. General Juan Almonte, com-
manding what was left of the organized l\lcxican resistance,
soon formally surrendered his remaining men. The rest of
Santa Anna's once-proud army had disintegrated into chaos.
During the short but furious engagement Santa Anna
escaped. In a mere IS minutes of combat, the Texican army
had killed about 630 ~lexican soldiers, wounded 208 and taken
730 prisoners.
Santa Anna was captured the following day. He anempted 10
disguise himself by shedding his ornate general's uniform and
was initially thought to be an ordinary soldier. However, when
placed with other captured soldiers, he was cnthusiastically
saluted as "El Presidente," and his true identity was revealed.
Houston spared his life, preferring to negotiate an end to the
overall hostilities and the withdrawal from Texas of Santa
Anna's remaining columns.
Texican independence was afoil accompli, although ~ I exico
did not oflicially recognize it until years lalcr.
 enlisted in the "Icxican army as organized regional units, the
f\.entucky Rifles and Ne\\ Orleans Greys most notably.
In ~Iarch of 1836, a comtiltltional com'ention was CO Il-
,'ened, This con\'Cntion, held at Washington, was quite dif-
ferent from the acquiescent Consultation of the pre\;ous
year. The cOllvention delegates knew the)' must deda«: inde-
Jl('ndence or submit to ~ I e:o;:jcan authority, If they chose
independence, they had to draft a constitUlion for a new
nation, establi~h a strong pl"O\;~ional gO\'ernmenl, and pre-
pare to combat the ~ I exican armies invading Te:o;:as.
On ~Ia rch I. George C, Childress, \\ho had recently \"isit-
cd Presidelll J ackson in Tennessee, presented a resolution
calling for independence. At its adoption, the chairman of
the cOlwcmion a ppointed Chil{lress 10 head a committee of
five to draft a dccJar;.uion of independence, \Vhen the com-
mittee mct that evening, Childress drew fi'Om his pocket a
stat ement he had brought from Tennessee that followed the
outline and main features of the United Smtes Declaralion
of Independellce, The next day; !\ Iareh 2, Ihe delegates
unanimously adopted Childre~s's suggestion for independ-
ence. Ultimately, fifty-eight member~ signed the document.
Thus was born the second Republic of Texas. Da\id G.
Burnet was chosell as interim PresidcllI of the Republic.
Sam Houstoll. a former United States congressman and gO\'-
ernor of Tennessee and a clo5e friend of Andrew Jackson.
was chosen commander-in-chief of the revolutionary army
and kft the convention early to take charge of all troops in
the ficld-mililia, volul1lcers, and regular army enlistees.
\\'ith news that the Alamo had fallen and ~Icxicall armies
were marching eastward, tht' convemion hastily adopted the
constitution, signed iI, and cleeted an ad interim govern-
meill. The delegates then quickly abandoned Washington.
The gO\'ernmem o m ce r~, learning that Houston's army had
crossed the Colorado River on !\larch 17 and was retreating
eastward, /led to Harrisburg and then to Gal"eston lsland.
With news of the Texan victory al San J aeimo, the Burnet
goyernrnent hastened 10 the battlefield and began negotia-
tions to end the war. Oil i\ lay 14 at Velasco, Texas ofIicials
had Santa Anna sign two treaties, one public and one secret.
T he public treaty ended hostilities and restOred private prop-
erty. Texan and i\ le:o;:ican prisoners were to be released, and
Mexican troops would retire beyond the Rio Grande, By the
terms of the secret treaty, Texas was to take Santa Anna EO
Vemcruz and release him. In return, he agreed to seek
,\ lexican government approval of the two trealies and to
negotiate a permanent rn':afy Ihal acknowledged Texas inde-
pendence and n'cogniL('d ill boundary as the Rio Grande.
Howen'r, word soon reached Te:o;:as that the _\l exican
Congress had repudiated Santa Anna, rejected his treaties,
and ordered the war \"ith Texas to continue.
Seeking Recognilion
1,\'0 days after the const itutional convclllioll adjourned.
interim President S ume! ~cnt George Childress and Robert
Hamilton. probably the wealthiest lllan in Texas, to
Washington to seek recognition of the new republic. These
twO men joined the three agelll5 [Austin, Archer, and
Wharton) al ready there, Childress and Hamilton met with
Secretary or State J ohn Forsyth, but Ihey carried no oAleial
documents 10 pro\'t: that Texas had a de facIO government,
and therefore he refused to negotiate. In ~[ay Burnel
recalled all tht, agellls and appoil1led James Collinsworth,
who had been Burnet's ~crctary of state from April 29 10
i\ la} 23, and Peter W. Grayson, the attorney general, to
replace them. The)' were instnlcted to ask the L'nited States
to mediate the hostilities belween Texas and ~ I exico and
obtain recognition of Texican independence. They also were
10 stress the republic's interest in annexation.
During the summer of 1836, U.S. President Andrew
Jackson senl Hem) J\1. :>' Iorfit, a Stale Depanmelll clerk, as
a ,pecial agent 10 Te:o;:as to collect information on Ihe re pub-
lic's population, strength, and ability to maintain independ-
ence, In l\u~uSt, i\ lorfit fil ed his report. He estimated the
population at 30,000 Anglo-Americans, 3,478 Tejanos,
14,200 Indians, of which 8.000 belonged to civilized tribes
that had mip;rated from the L'niled Slates, and a slave popu-
lation of 3,000, pith a few free blacks. The population was
~mall. Texas independence \,'as far from secure, Ihe gO\'efll-
ment had a hea\) debt, and there was a vast tract of con-
te!>ted \'acam land bel\\'een the seulements and the Rio
Grande. ~Iorfh ild\~~ed Ihe United State~ 10 delay recogni-
lion. In his annual message 10 Congress on December 21,
1836, J ackson cited Mortie's report and stated that the
United States lr.lditionally had accorded recognition only
\\hf'1l a lIew cOlllmunit) could maintain its independence.
Te:o;:as was threatened b~ ~an immense disparity or physical
force on the ~ide or \l ex.ico," which might recover its lost
dominion. Jack:.oll lert the di~po~ition of Ihe matter to
COIlV-C<;S.
By July, Burnet and his cabinet began preparations for the
transition to a perm:li1elll government. The ad interim pres-
idelll called ;111 elrclion ror the fi rsl Monday ill September
1836 to ~CI up a government under the constitution. The
Voters were asked to (I) approve the constitution, (2) aUlhor-
ize Congress 10 amend the eomtitUlioll, (3) clcct a president,
ot her officers, and members or Congrt!~s, and 4) e:o;:press
their views on anncxation III the United Siaies.
The choice of a president caused concern. Hen!) Smith,
formerly go\'Crllor of Thb prior 10 the Convcntion of
1836, became an lIIm;lling candidate arter being nominated
by associales of his. Stephen F. Austin also enten':d the race,
bUI he had accumulated enemies because of Ihe land specu-
lations of his business associates. EIe\'en days before the elec-
lion, Sam Houstoll finally bowed to pressure and announced
his candidaC)~
On election da), Septeml>CI' 5, HouS1on reeei\'ed 5,119
VOles, Smith 743, and Austin 587. Houston received strong
support from the army and from those who believed thai his
election would ensure internal stability and hasten recogni-
tion by world PO\\lCr!l and early anne:o;:ation ID the United
States. He was also c:o;:pecled to stand firm againsl J\le:Gco
and seek ["ccognition of Te:O;::ls independence. The people
295
\'oted overwhelmingly to accept lhe constitution and 10 seek
annexat ion, but rlH~} denied Congress the power of amend-
ment.
The First Texas Congress assembled on O ClOber 3, 1836.
It consisted of fourteen senalOrs and twenty-nine reprcsen-
lati\·cs. The next day ad illlcrim President Burnet dcli\'crcd
a valedictol)' address. He urged Congress 10 authorize land
grants to the \'cter:lIl~ of the rc\'Olulion and reminded his lis-
teners that the national debt -tood at 1.250.000. On
October 22 Houoton took the oath of office as president
before a joint session of Congress. In his inaugural. he
stressed tbe need for 1>C<lce treaties with the Indians and for
constant vigilance regarding "our national enemies the
I\lcxicam." He hoped to sec Tcxas annc.xed to the l ' nited
States. HomlOll requcsted the Senate to confirm his cabinel
appoiIHIllCIlL'i. He !lamed Stephen F. Au.tin to be ~eeretan'
of ~tale; Henry Smith, secre tfll)' of the treasury; 'rhomasj
RlI~k and Samuel Rhoad~ Fisher ~etTetaJy of war and secre-
tan of th e navy, respecti\-ciy: and J ames Pinekne)
Henderson, attorne}' gene ral.
On December 19, 1836, the Texas Congress unilaterally
set the boundaries of the republic. It declared the Rio
Grande to Ix the southern and western boundary; e"en
though ~Iexi co had refused to recognize Texas independ-
ence. The eastern bordcr with Louisiana prescnted prob-
lems. Houston took up the maltcr with the L'nited StalCs
through diplonllltic- channd~. and a [rcan wa~ signed in
Washi ngton on April 25. 1838, which p~ided th'at each
goverllmelll would appoint a commi~ion{'r and a SUf\'cyor
10 formally demark the boullda!).
National defense and frontier protection were paramoulll
to Texans. Threats of a i\ lexican in\'asion and the fear of
Indian raids kept the western coulllic~ in turmoil. Congress
passed several acts dealin~ with froutier defense. In
Decembe r 1836, it authorized a rnilita!), force of 3,587 men
lWcl a battalion of 280 mounted riflemen, ;Ind appropriated
lil\lds to build forts and trading posts to encourage and
~uper\'ise Indian trade. In case of a ~h::xicall im'asion,
Congress empowered Houston 10 aceept 40.000 yolunteers
from the United Statcs. President Houston look a more
practical vitw of the ~i[u:llio n . He downpla)'ed :\lcxican
threats, labeling thelll braggadocio and bombast. If the
enem) invaded, he reasoned, l cx:ms would rush to defend
their homes. Ranger unit~ on the frontier could handle the
Indian situation. Houston's primary cOllcern was to negoti-
ate treaties "'ilh the Indiam ensuring fair treatment.
As for the army, Houston feared that Felix Huston. the
commander and a militarr a(\vell1urer. might commit a rash
dCI. He was proven .;orft~ct. Huston came to Houston and
rai~ed a clamor for a campaign against :\Iexico. Houston
treated him cordially. but promptly ordered acting secretary
of war William S. Fisher to furlough three of the four arlllv
regiments. The rema.ining troops 'Iere gradually disbanded.
Houstoll planned to depend for defense Oil the militia,
ranger companies, and troops called for special duty.
296
Houston dispatched William H. Wharton to Washington
D.C. with instructiom [0 seck recognition on hoth de ju re
and de facto grounds. If Wital10n succeeded he would pres-
Cllt hi ~ credc·ntials as minister. :\Iemuean H unt soon joined
him. ThL')' reported that 110" h:U;ln Ellis, Unitcd States min-
ister 10 :\ Iexico, had arri\'ed in Washington and stat ed that
;\I exic-o W:1.5 filled with anarch}; fC\·olu[ion. and bankruptcy,
It \\ould be impo~,ihh: for her 10 invade Texas. France, Great
Britain , and the" United States were clamoring for the pa) -
ment of claims of their citizens against .\Iexico. On i\ larch
I, 1837, the United States Congress. recei\'ing memorials
and petitions demanding the recognition of Te xas inde-
pcndence, passeel a resolution [0 provide money for "a diplo-
malic agent" to T!'xas. j ackson sibrned the resolution and
appointed Alece Louis La Branche of Louisiana to be
charge d'affaires to tht:: Republic of 'Icxas. The United
States Con~ress mljounlt'd oll jul), 9, 1838, without acting
upon the qU{'stion of annexation.
Houston replaced \\'harton with . \ nson jonc~, a member
of th(' T('xas Congress. J ones had introduced a resolution
urging HnuSlOll to withdra\\ the offer of annexation, saying
th:u Texas h:ld grown in strength and rcsou rces and no
longer needed tics with the United States. In Washington
D.C. 011 October 12, 1838, j ones informed Secretary Fors~1h
[hat Texas had withdrawn its request for annex:llion. The
i~su(' lay dormant for ,('\'('ral yt"ar~.
In the fall of 1838, Homton scm J amt:s Pinckney
Henderson abroad 10 seek recognition of Texas by England
and France. The withdrawal of the annexation proposal in
\\'a~hin1ilton hel~d facilitate his mi~sion. France. currently
at war with Mexico. readily signed a treaty on September
25, 1839 recognizing Texican independence. England, in
spite of slavc!) in the young republic and her desire 10 !iCe
the abolition of ~ 1a\'C!)' worich\idc. could not stand idly by
and see France gain influence and trade plivileges in Texas.
Al ~o, since she h;td ju~t 5("uJed the J\·lainc and Oregon
bound,,!)' issues in the .\roostook War with the United
States, recognition of Texas would be unlikely to provoke a
diplomatic 1'0\\. In the fall of 1840, Lord Aberdeen
annoullced that Her :\Iajesty's government would recognize
Texican independence, and on No\'C'~mbcr 13- 16, th ree
tre:nies were signed that dealt \"ith independence., commerce
and navigation, and ~uppr('~~ion of the African slave trade.
A month earlier. on September 18, l~xas had concluded a
lI'eaty of amity. com mcree, and navigation II ith th e
:'\ethcrlands. Houston named Ashbel Smith minister to
Gre:11 Britain and France .md sentJames Reil\' to represent
Texa~ in Washington. D.C. I-Ie instnlcted both men to urge
the three nations to exert pres~ure on :\icxico for peace and
ft:cognition.
roward the end of HouSlOn's te r m as Preside III
IPr{'sid{'llI~ of the republic could not succeed themsekes)
Lamar announced his candidiler Houston supportcrs tried
to gel Rusk to run, but he rt·fused. T hey next endorsed Pc:ler
w. Gra}'son, the attorn!!y gt'ncral, who had worked in
Washington, but 011 his way back to Texas, Grayson C0111-
 mined su icide. The H ouslOl1ite~ then approached Chief
J usliee J ames Collinsworth. but in 1:lle J uly he fell overboard
in Galveston lJay and drowned. I~'lmar campaigned on a
promise to rellled}, the mistakes of the HouslOn administra-
tion and easil~ WOIl by a vote of 6,995 10 252 ovcr the rela-
tively unknown state Senator Robnt WilSall. David Burnet,
the former ad illlerim president, \\'as elccted vice president.
At the Lamar inau/,'"u ral in Houston 011 Decembel 10,
HouSlOn appeared in colonial costume and powdered wig
and gave a three-hou r "Farewell Address," Algernon I~
T hompson, Lamar's 'iecret:u); reported that the !lCW presi-
dent was indisposed .md read his inaugural remarks.
In his message to the Texas Con~res..; on December 21,
Presidelll Lamar spoke against annexation. Hc ~.\\\ no \',tlue
in a tie with the United States and predicted that Texas
would someday become a great nation extendinQ; to the
Pacific. He urged that the lllu nicip:tl code be reformed to
cOll!tOlidate ~ I exiean and United States la" in the republic.
He also \\antcd incrcllsed prOteclion fo r the western froutier.
L'unar recollllllended the building of militaf1 posts alon!!;
the borden and the formatioll of a ~tallding army capable of
prolecting the nation's borders. He promised 10 pro\t"("utc
the wa r against ~'lc xico ullIil she recognized Texas inde-
pendence. H(' also stated Ihat Texas needed a navy 10 pro-
tect iu. commerce 011 the bigh sea:. and urged legislation to
reserve all minerals for go\'crnment use a ~ well as 1I program
10 turn them to the ach'alllage of the nation. Lamar favored
continuing the ta riff, btl! hoped some day to sec Texas ports
free and open. Conq-ress responded to his message by
aut horizing a force of fifteen companies to be .stationed in
military colonies at eight places 011 the fromier. Congress
also set aside S5,000 to recruit and maintain a comp.1I1\ of
fi ft y-six rangers to patrol the Rio Grande from El 1)..ISo to
SlInta ~~ and three mounted companie~ fOT immrdiatc !len-
icc against the hostilc Apacht· Indians.
,\ t the beginning of the i ...'lmar administration. ~ lexico
was tempora ril}' distracted. Because of un resolved French
cllIims, the French i\'av} had blockaded Ihe :\ lexiean coast
and shclk,d and captured \'eracruz. The Centrali~t :--' Iexieall
go\'ermnem also faced a revolt by federa lists in ils northern
states. Tension increased \\ hen Lamar Ihreate ned to launch
all offensive against i\ lexico if that nation refu~ed 10 recog-
nize Texas independence. Tc.... an milita!) unih crossed the
Rio G rande and joined the i\ lexic:m Federalists. ignoring
Lamar's call to return. In Fcbruary 1839 Lamar increased
the pressure Oil ~ I exico, He appointed Secre!:\I)' of State
Bec minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary 10 ~kxico to
n'quest recognition or Texas independence and to conclude
a treaty of peace, amity. and commerce. Bee also was to seek
an agreement fixing Ihe 1Ialion'l1 bounda!)' at the Rio
Grande from ils moulh to its sou rce. If Mexico I'('fused these
rC<luest,., Hee would offer 5 million fo r thc territo!)' that
"Icxas claimed by the aCI of December 19, IS36, territory
that Illy outside Ihe bounds recognized by Mexican law.
" 'hen Bel' reached Veracruz, the Frclleh had wi thdrawn and
till' Centl"3lists were strengthening their position. Howevcr,
I
J uan Vilalba, a st'cret agent of Sama Anna who was serving
tempomrily as president, made o\'CrlUres and hinted at pos-
sible negotiations. L'lmar asked James Treat, a former resi-
delll of :\ Icxico \"10 knew Santa Anna and other :--'I exican
leader~, to 1Ie1 as a confidential agcnl and ;lltempt negotia-
tions. Unfortunatd); Treat re.tched VeraCl"uz on Xovember
2S. IS39 jusl as the Federalim and their Texican allies
approadlt'd the gates of !\ lalamoros. The alliance between
the' rogue Tcxicans lind Ihe Fcdel":lles blocked his plan.~.
When Treat proposed an extended armistice to the ~ I cxican
minister of foreign affairs a year laler. he was again ignored.
A Mexican invasion or Texas was now rumored. Gene!"al
Felix Huston proposed sending :tn expedition of 1,000 men
into Chihu ahua, beliedng the mov(' would fo rce any
\ Ie'lican army that crossed the Rio Grande downslream to
withdra\\. Congress did not concu r wil h this plan, however,
and in ~ l aJ"ch 1841 Lamar appointed J ames Webb, forme r
anorne-. ~enera l , to replace Bee as secreta!)' of Slate and
selll him to ,\ Iexico "'ith another peace proposal. Webb was
denied permi"sioll LO land at Veracruz. Slighted by this
affronL thc P rc.~ident on June 29 recommended that Texas
N'coll:nize the indeJlCndence of Yuc.tlan a nd Tabasco and
join in i.I declllration of war a~lIinSL 1\ le)l.ico. Lamar also
urged attcntion to the upper part of the Rio Grande. The
Filth Congreo;s a~reed to finance all expedition to establish
Texican authority over iL~ rar-westeru claims.
L'lmar believed that Texas musl ('xtend its authority over
its western elaims and divert a portion of lile Santa Fe -S\.
Louis trade Ihrough ils porls. He abo sought 10 encourage
the SO,OOO inhabitants of l'\uevo 1\ lexico 10 sevcr their lies
with ~ I ex.ico and tUfIl to Texa~. If the li"nited States took
control of ~ue\'o ~ lexico, it could extend it.~ influence to the
P:uific and ~upercede Texican claims by forcc of arms.
On J unc 20,18·11, a large caravan. officially designated
the Santa '"~ Pioneer~. I('ft the Austin \;ciniIY. Dr. Richard F.
Brenham, William G. Cooke. lind J ose Antonio Naval'ro
tra\'e!ed along as commi~ .. ioner~ to treat with Ihe inhabicants
of Nuevo i\ lexico. Gen. Hugh :\ IcLcod comma nded a mili-
tary escort of 270 men. T he civilian component included
fifrv-olle persons. principally ll1erchallls, traden, and learn-
sters, with twellly-one wagons. After crossing the "a~t plains
of Wesl l has under great hardship, on September 17 Ihe
expedition reached the village of Anton Chico, east of Sa nta
Fe. There they mel a small i\ lexican cavalry force and drove
them ofT thus !"('moving Mexico City's influence from the
\\est~rn Rio Grande.
In the fall of IS41, Houston and Burnet were Cll ndidates
fo r prt"sidenl. O n September 6, Houston easily won a second
term, and Burleson br:at OUI Hunt ror \;ce president. In his
second admin istraliun. HOUSIOIl reversed many of L'lmar's
policics. He soug-ht peace treaties with the Indians, took a
defensive stand agaiust :--'It-xieo, and encouraged tJ"3de along
thc somhern and \\'estcrn borders, Houston WlIS vitally con-
cerned with the location of the capi tal. AUSli n was on the
frontier. fa r from the center of population. If Indian or
:\ Icxican intruders captured and bumed the capital. the
297
prestige of the goyernment would suffer. In earl~ ~larch
1842. when J'\'lexican General Rafael Vasquez crossed Ule
Rio Grande with iOO soldiers and raided San Antonio,
Houston seized the opportunity to order removal of the
national archives from Austill. but local citizens blocked Lhe
move. DUling the session of Congress called to discuss the
Vasquez invnsion. Houston pushed through moving the cap-
ital. In O ctober the government offices \\'cre moved \0
Washington . The Texas seat of government remained at
\Vashington ever sinc(>.
On October 9, 1841, Santa Anna reestablished himsdf as
pro,~siolla l president of \ Iexico and determined to renew
hostilities against Texas. In early J anuary of 1842. General
~ t ariallo Arista, commanding the Army of the Korth,
announced his intcmioll of invading the "the Departmem of
Tejas." After \'a..~quez seized S,Ul Antonio in i\ larch, the
western coumies demanded a n:taliatory stlik~ at ;\lexiro.
Houston knew that such a campaign was beyond Texas'
means, but decidt-d to let the agitators learn for themselves.
On March J 7 he approved the undertaking and SCnt agents
to the United States to recruit volunteers and obtain arms.
munitions, and provisiollS. The soldiers, assembling on the
~ueces ncar San Patricio, quickly became restless. Provisions
were short, and ga mbling and drunkenness prevailed.
Learning of the disorder, a \Iexican force launched a sur·
prise attack on the Texan camp on J uly 7 driving it off.
The Mexican gm·ernment '\a$ determined to keep the
Texas frontier in turmoil. Santa Anna ordered Gen. Adrian
Woll to again attack Sail Amonio and informed the \lexican
Congress that he planned to resubjugate Texas. Woll crossed
the Rio Grande and made a surprise attack on San .\ntonio
on the morning of Septtmbcr 11. The defenders, learning
that the soldiers were Mexican regulars, surrendered. On the
eighteenth Wo!! moved \0 Salado Creek, assaulted the
Texans assembled on the creek ~ast of San .\ntonio, then
withdrew to San Antonio and shortly after,,"ard~ returued to
Mexico.
After the bailIe of Salado Creek. Texans demanded retal-
iation and rushed to San Alltoniu as indi\'iduals, in compa-
nies, and in small grou ps. Houston scm Brig. Gen.
Alexander Somervell to take charge of the force there. On
November 25, Somervctl headed for the border with more
thall 750 mell and seized Laredo. III December, Somervell
led the rCSt downriver, crossed the Rio Grande, and seized
Gucrrero. Unable to find provisions, he recrossed into Texas
and ordered his men to prepare to return home. The border
wrtr would thereafter settle down into an uneasy and unofli·
cial tntce.
Like Lamar, Houston expresse.d concern over the western
boundaries of 'l has. In February 1843, his administration
authorized J acob Sni,·cly to raise a volunteer group to make
a show of force in the northwest territo'l claimed by Texas.
They hoped to prey on the Mexican caravans trave.ling that
section of the Santa Fe Trail that crossed Texas tenitol)'.
The men were to mount, arm, and eq uip themseh-es and
share half the spoils; the other half would go to the repub-
29"
lie. Earlir:r, in August 1842, Charles A. Warfield had received
a simila r commission, recruite.d a small party largely in
~il issouri, and briefly occupied a 1\'lexica n toWll on the ovt:r-
land trail. Snil·cly o rganized 175 mcn a nd in April 18.J.3 they
rode north. From his camp about fort}' miles below where
the Santa Fe T rail crossed the Arkansas River, Sni,·c1y cap-
tured a ~ I exican patrol guarding the trail. The ensuing foray
was short-lived. United States dragoons escorting merchant
caravans through Indian country arrested ilnd disarmcd the
Texans. allegedly for being on United Stlltes soil, and sent
them home. The United States later paid for the arms they
had taken from the Texans bur offered no apology:
While in Perote Prison as a prisoner of the Battle of
Salado Creek,,James W. Robinson, a former acting gO\·ernor
or Texas during the Consultation, sought an interview with
SaTlla Anna. He stated thm if granted all auciiellce, he could
show hOI\ to arr,U1gr a la.,ting peacr between l\'1cxico a nd
Texas. Santa Anna, currently distracted by 1IlI" war with
Yucat;U1. agreed to hear Robinson. Under his proposals
Texas would become an independent department in the
;\lexican federation, be rcpresented in the ).·Iexican
Congress, and be allowed to make ilS own 1:1\\'5. Tex:ls would
be granted amnesty for past acts against Me:-';1co, and
~ I exjco would station no troops in Texas. Santa Awm
approved the proposals on Febntary 18, 1843, and released
Robinson to com'ey them to Te.xas. Houston ~tudied the pro-
po~al, a.nd reasoned that Santa Anna's Yucallin problem
mi~ht lead the :'Ile.xican president to agree to more fm·orable
peace terms. Houston a~ked Charlcs Elliot. the British
charge d'affaires to Tc..xas, to ask Richard Pakenham, the
Blitish minister in .:'Ilcxieo, to seek an armistice. Robinson
wrote Santa Anna that Houston wanted an armistice of se\··
(' ral months to gi"c the people of Texas an opportunity to
consider the proposals. " ' hen Santa Ann a received
Robinson's lellrr, hr agreed 10 a trucr. Houston proclaimed
an armistice on June IS. 18<1-3, and sent Samuel ~ 1. Williams
and George W. H ock.lc~ as commissioners to meet their
counterparts at Sabinas. ncar the Rio Grande. They were to
arrange a general armistice and request that a commission
meet in ~ l exico City to discuss a permanent peact. The
Texas and \ Icxiran com missioners agreed 011 a permanent
a rmistice on February 18, 1844. but Houston filed the doc-
ument away without taking aCIion because it referred to
Texas as a ,\I cxican department.
In the Texas presidential race of 1844. \ ~ce President
Edward Burleson faced Secretary of State AnsonJones, who
had the support of Houston. J ones won by a large vOtc. I\ fter
he wa..~ inaugurated on December 9, he launched a policy of
economy, peaceful relations with the ci\~lized Indians. and a
nonaggressi\·c policy toward 1\ Iexieo. Jones favored annc..xa-
lion to the United States but cI·ems would unfold in
Washinl:,'ton D.C. IhM dashed his hopes.
The an nexation of Texas had become a major issue in the
United States election of 1844. Former Vice-President J ohn
Tyler had Imed away a significant portion of SOUlhcrn
democmts spllfllc-d by candidate Van Buren's anti-annexa·
 INDIAN RELATIONS
President HouslOn hoped, by kee ping military units out of
the Indian count!)' and seeking treaties "ith \~rious tribes, 10
f\\uid difficu lties with the Indians. He sellt frie ndly "talks" to all
of the tribes that had been re located from their lands in the
east. The most pressing problem involved the Cherokees, who
had Jellied on rich lands along the Sabine and elsewhere in East
Texas. Neither Spain nor )'Iexico had gi\"cli them title to their
lands. At the time of the l cx3s RcvolUlion, the Consuhation,
hoping to keep the Cherokees and thei r associated bands quiet.
sent Sam Houston to make a lTeluy guaramedng them title 10
their land, and Ihey had remained quiel during the dimwIt
days. \\'hen Houston became pre~idem, he submincd the
Cherokee II'c:uy to the Senate for ratification, which that body
ratificd in Deccmber 1837.
After the defeat at SanJaeilllo, ). Iexico sought to stir up dis-
comelll in Texas. )' Iexiean comm[lnden suspected \b[lt there
were restless groups around among various Indi[ln lribes, and
scm [lgems 10 Texas 10 promote dissension. While they had lit-
tlc success with tribes in the cast, the Ap[lehe in weSI Texas were
eager to take the arms offered by ,\lexican agenu and were ~ ub­
scqucntly responsible for causing all som of mayhem.
tion platform. T his [lctiol1 split the democratic \·ote and
ensured that Hem,' Clay would become President. Though
the Whigs a nd Clay attempted to obfuscate the position for
political ~aso n s, once in office they were p repared to join
with the European powers in brokering a peace with an
independent Republic of Texas.
T he Hritish Fo reign O ffice , with French support, a(hised
Ashbel Smith, the Texan agelll to Great Britain and France,
that a "diplomatic act" was necded 10 forcc :\ Iexico to make
peace with Texas and recognize its independence. Houston
also favored a "diplom,uic act," and Anson J ones, the presi-
dent elect, with his hopes for US statehood dashed, reluc-
tantlyagreed.
The Bri[ish, French and American emissaries reached
~ I exico
City in mid-April. Luis G. Cuevas, minister of for-
eign ~latio ns, placed their proposals before the :\ lexican
Congress, and in late April :\ Iexico recognized Texas inde-
pendence. The British minister handed a copy of the docu-
ment to J ones on June 4, and he immediately announced a
preliminary pellce with Mexico.
President J ones issued a call on )' Iay 5 for a convention [0
be elected by the people 10 meet in Austin on J uly 4. ,\ t his
call, the Texas Congress assembled on J une 16 in special ses-
sion at WashinglOn and accepted the peace treaty and
approved elections for a com"Cntion. T he conYCntioll met in
Austin on J uly 4 and passed an ord inance to accept the
Smith-Cuevas treaty. It then drafted the Constitution of
1845 and submitted both the annexation agreement and
proposed constitution to a popular \·ote. O n October 13
annexation was approved by a vote of 4,245 [0 257, and the
constitution by a vote of 4,174 10 312. T he fledgling rep ub-
lic was now officially at peace.
1
Upon laking office in December 1838, Lamar was COIl\inced
that the Comanches were in treasonable correspondence with
the ~ le xican5, and launched a campaign that drove them from
Texas. In 1839 ranger panics based in San Amonio invaded
Comanche COUIlIII' and fough l several engagements. The
Comanches sem a small delegation 10 San Amonio to talk
peace. Texas authorities agreed to negotiate if the Indians
brought in their white captives. On ).I arch 19, 18-10, si.'(ty-fi\"e
Comanches showed up ....ilh one white prisoner, a twelve.)·ear
old girl by the name of ~J atilda Lockhart. ~ [ ;l1 i lda said the
Comanches had other prisoner.s. T he Texicans demanded the
remaining prisoners and tried to hold the Indiam as hostages.
In what became known as the Council House Fight. Ihirt)-fi\"C
Indiam and se\"en Texans were killed. Furious o\"er the mas-
sacre, the Comanches killed their captiyes and descended sever-
al hundred strong on San Antonio bUI were unable to coax a
fight and thcrefore rode 3\\a)·. Beginning in j uly the Comanches
hit the frontier coumies in force.
In subsequent yeaN, Texas would build upon earlier treaties
and develop dose diplomatic and trade tics with the Cheroke-
led nalion of SequO\"ah. The Apache and Commanche though
would remain bim:r enemies and a comtam threat in west
Texas.
The e~tablishmem of an independent Republic of Texas
was soon to have profound political effects on the United
States. T he 36°30' pro\'iso of the ).I issouri Compromise
legally barred any further expansion of shwe territor}' as
Texas now controlled land to the west of the USA below that
line.
Du ring the early years of the republic, the population of
Texas increased about i ,000 per year, primarily from immi-
gration. B~ 184i. the white population, including :\ Iexican
immigrant" had ri~en to 102,961 and the number of sla\'cs
to 38,i53. The growth was due largely to liberal land poli-
cies and expanding opportunitie~. Texas acquired a reputa-
tion as a !and of sharp dealer~ . lawlessness, rowdiness, and
fraudulen ce. Land frauds were numerous and law enforce-
ment agencies wcre wcak or nonexistent, but l exic:lns hm·c
developed an ability to handle challenges.
THE CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC
,\ Iexico paid lillie attcntion to its far-flung northern pos-
ses~ion until2\o\"(~mber 1845, when American settlers in the
Sacramento \'alley, sensi ng the weakness in ;\ Iexico Ci[y due
to the strife betwcen thc Fcderalist and Centralist fact ions,
re\·olted and established the California Republic. J ohn C.
Fn: mont, a U.S. Army cartographer and trail blazer, arri\·cd
the following J anuary with a company of men inteill of
mapping the Pacific coast. Though initially reluctant to
involve himsclfand by virtue of h is commission the U.S.
governmelltJ in an internal ~ I exican dispute, his subsequent
alte rcation widl ;\lexican authorities O\"Cr an alleged horsc
thieving incident changed his mind. T he rebellious settlers
subsequelllly gave him command of their militia a mo\·e
299
legitimized by Commodore Stockton, commander of U.S.
Pacific naval forces.
T he Centralist leader General Parades elltered M e~ ico
City at Ihe head of an army on Janua ry 2,1846. Federalisl
Presidelll Herrera ned. and Parades, who assumed Ihe pres-
idency on January 4, set aboU! to quash any nascenl rebel-
lion before Mexico's northern lCrritOlies were eroded any
funher.
InJ une, weall' of Ihe oppressive martial law administered
by the IlC\V Anglo dominated republic, Californios precipi-
tated a counter-revolt in southern California. What began a~
a number of separate ei\'il disturbances soon coalesced illlo
a full scale insurrection under the leadership of Jose \I aria
Flores. The Californios soon expe lled the Anglo-
Californians fro m Los Angelt:s and San Di ego and by the
end of September they were joined by l\[exican regulars
under the command of Santa Anna.
On Dccember 6,1846, Fremont, unaware of the arri\'al of
Santa Anna, marched his militia south to put down the
Californio revolt. En route to San Diego, he met Lhe
Mexican force~ in all indecisiyc action al the Battle of San
Luis Obispo. Though bolh sides suffered heavily; it was a vic-
tory for Santa Anna as Fremont 's militia retreatcd and most
of southern Cal ifo rnia was now li berated from the
California Rcpub[ic.
On J anuary 13, Fremont met with Santa Amla al Sali ll a~
and signed the Truce of ;\'Ionterey. This truce only allowed
for the cessation of regular and irregular military activity·
along the IClllporall' line of Monterey Bay. No formal
recognition of the California Republic was gi\'en by Santa
Anna. Seeing as how Santa Anna could weU march nort h
into the SacramelHo VaUey, Fremont figured this was the
best he could hope for. It would buy time to strengthen his
position.
In ,'day 184;, the self-proclaimed California Republic
cOll\'cned a constitutional convention in San Francisco.
Their drafted constitut ion paralled that of the United States,
however it expre~sly prohibited sla\·eI)~ It was ratified onJ ul)
4 by popular vote. Rich ard B. i\ lasoll was appointed as the
first President of the Republic of California and his first offi -
cial act was to dispatch Colonel Stephen Kearny, the fonn er
military governor of California , to Washington O.c. to ask
for admission il1lo the Union.
The pOlelHial admission of California to the Union pro-
voked an imcnse period of crisis ill the United States during
which timc the ncw Repub[ic continued along in political
limbo.
The Gold Rush thai began in 1849 was to bring matters 10
a head. It established California a~ a \1ab!c political entity.
Before this. there were too few people there even to even
consider slatehood. The distant Pacific Coast would have
taken decades \0 acquin' the population nccessary 10 main-
tain a proper go\'ernment. The Gold Rush changed all lhat
as hundreds of thousands of people flockcd there, walking
the trails across the continent. or braving the perilous
IO.OOO-mile- ocean journey around Lhe treacherous Cabo de
Hornos.
Berore California was formally admitted into the U.S. as
part of the Compromise of 1850. it occupied an ambiguous
place politically. Nominally a free Repu bl ic, it's independ-
ence went unrecognized by major European powers and
more importantly Mexico. The vast influx of colonists, how-
e\'er, madc the prospect of reconquest a distant hope at best.
Finally, on May 30, 1850, it was admitted ill the
Compromise of 1850 as the 31st state and a frce one as wdl.
In order to abide by the Missouri Compromisc, a trealy was
formally signed with l\ lexico delinealing the southern
boundary of the state as 36° 30' north.
DESERET
J oseph Smith founded T ht' Church of Jesus Christ of
L'uter-day Saints in 1830 after years earlier claiming 10 have
received visitations from an angel Ihal decried all other
PrOtestant denominations as erroneous and revealing addi-
tions to the Christian scriptures later to be known as Ihe
Book of \Ionnon. The sect attracted over 1.000 members
during iti first year.
Smith and a small band of followers first moved from
western New York to Kirtland, Ohio " 'here an enti re con-
gregat ion had cOllvcrtcd to the new faith. This church grew
so rapidly that it became the epiccnter of Mormonism.
Despite. ur perhaps due 10, heightening numbers and pros-
perity, the church alienated the local community who e\'en-
mall}' ta.rrcd and feathered Smith. This spurred the
i\lormons' relocation to J ackson County, Missouri. Church
members were again routinely persecuted, in part because
their neighbors believed that the church was promoting the
establishment of a religious dictatorship but more so because
of the church's heretical belief that the Book of i\·lormon
was the revealed work of God. \'11h the same status as the
Bible. The church was e\'clltually expelled and resettled in
an area of western :\li~souri thai had been reser\'ed for
them. The i\ lormons were nOI welcomed here either and
within a year [7 l\lormon selllcrs were murdered.
A public organization called the Dantiles was rormed ill
t.he i\ lormon community to organize dcfcnse, construCt
homes and obtain provisions. In latc [838, violencc broke
out again, as the original settlers of the an'a attacked the
\Iormons out of fear that the church might become a polit-
ical majority in their county. T he j\ lissou ri statc militia
became involved alier an officer in thc DanDtcs persuaded
his men to become a "co\'en renegadc band" a nd to mount
revenge attacks against the Mormons' adversarics.
Faced wi III diminishing supplies, the approach of winter,
and an extermination order from the Governor, 15,000
i\ lor mons capitulated and agreed to mo\·e. Their destinatiOH
was Commerce, lllinois (renamed Nau\'oo in 1839). Here
local politicians a nxious for the \'Dtes of the communil)'
unexpectedly welcomed them. At long last it seemed the
church had fOll nd a place to Ii\'e peaceably.
 Troub[e again surfaced though its genesis was internal.
Smith began practicing polygamy ("'celestial marriages" in
;\ Iormon parlance that superceded 'earthly' OI1CS ) and later
revealed it as doctrine. By 1844. this resulted in a schism as
husbands of the women Smith sed uced challenged his lead-
ership. These dissenters took their case to the community by
publishing a ncwsp.. per that assllilcd his policies. Imbued
with the intemperate spirit that had subtly begun to infihrate
the church hierarch}, Smith instructed a group of loyal men
to destroy the press used by the rogue ecclesia)tic~.
for this act. SmitJ, and his brothel' Hyrum were charged
with \~o lating the first Amendment. A mob later broke into
the jail and as~assinated both of them.
The death of the founder pro\'oked a major crisis. The
Twelve Apostles of the church evemually dt.-cided thai Ihe
rduclalH Brigham Young should be the sccond presidellt of
the church.
Having once again become el1\angled in a bloody conflict
with the surrounding community, Young led most of Ihe
church in 18-1-6 011 a long and difficult 1.300 mile exodus to
the Creat Sal! Lakc in the ~Ic.xican Slatc of ,\Jta California
where t.hey could establish a new Zion u:questered fmm di~­
approving neighbors.
Though the region was desolau~. it was not wholly unoc·
cupied. A moullIllin mall named Miles Goodyear operated a
trading post along a wagon roild leading to the Oregon
lhrilOry. He was of particular intcrest because he claimed
to hold a 1\'lexical! territorial gram 10 the region.
Establishing a legitimate claim was sufficienth imponant to
the new immigrants that Ihey settled for a price of 52.0no
with Goodyear to buyout any imerc~t he mi~ht claim 10
land within the new colony.
Young christened the region Desere!. A General Assembl),
met in January 1850 and imcrminently thereafter to enact
ordinances ha\~ng the force of law. No judges were initially
se!ecu'd, but a judicial system and a criminal code \H'Te later
provided. Laws regulating elections were also passed. In
practice, howe'l.'er, ''Oters simply ratified choices previously
made by church leade rs. Functioning within the framework
of the ecclesiastically created constitution. the Ceneral
Assemb[y organized county governmen ts and i.neorporated
Great Salt L."tke City, Ogden, Provo, and Mami . A militia
(the Nauvoo Legion) was also established. Ta.xe5 011 proper-
ty and liquor were alilhorized, gambling was suppressed,
and the use of water, limber, ;lIld other natural resources was
regulated.
Brigham Young institutionalized racism within the
Church of Latter Day Saints. Under his leadership, De.§eret
endorsed slavery and openly supported the Confederacy
after il declared independence. Blacks were banned from the
priesthood and interracial marriages werc PrQhibited under
penalty of death.
In May [851, officials left Great S(I[t Lake City to serve
notice to Mexico autllOlities that the Churcb of L.'ltter Day
Saints I\'as executing their property rights and seceding from
lhe Republic laying claim to an area encompas!iing much of
Alta California. Earlier, a slate of officers. all 1\ lol'mol1, had
been endorsed in a mass meeting and the Nation of Desertl
had begun 10 function under President Brigham Young.
Mexican offi cials were doubly outraged not only al the
seizure of their territoI')' hy another band of American set-
tlers but also at the affront the ~Iormon state posed 10 their
Roman Catholic religion. The ~Iormous were quickly
arrested and all but one was subsecllIcntJy executed .•A. ~ingle
representa.tive \'IIa~ permil1ed to return to Great SlIlt Lake
City with noticc Ihal their illegal ;md heretical communities
were to be evacuated and that the ;\lexican Arm} was with-
in its legal righl.'i to kill any ~lorn1on that chose to remain
within ~ I exican territory.
Brigham Young look :'.Iexico·s warning as an idle threa!.
Sllma An:! would be hard pressed !O make good on his word.
for Salt Lake was Oil the farthest fringes of !\ Iexican
TerritoI')' and reaching it posed a considerable challenge - as
most of the receutly arri\'cd !\I ormons knew only tOO lI'ell.
In doin'l so he underestimated the effect Deseret had on
:'. Iexico·s Catholi c~ . Thi~ \\'L~ not ~imply a challenge to the
ci\'il authoritie, a~ Ihe rr\'ohs in Texas and California had
heen. A ht'rencal cult had rooted itsclf Willllll the nation and
dared the church to respond.
In 1852, \\.ith the bleuing of Pope Pius IX, a ;\Iexican
army made its way from San Diego to the Great Sah Lake.
Though the journey was arduolls. the soldiers \,ere filled
with a religious 'ZeaJ that the large number of clergy accom-
pall)ing them kept at a fe,'Cred pitch. The lirst :'.lormon set-
tlement they encountered was :'.Ianl i. The frightened inhab-
itants understood no Sp;Uli~h and so sheltered Ihemsel"es
within their home ~ rather than neein~. The t\,'O score mem-
beh of the ~aU\'OO Legion fired upon Ill(" ;\lexicans but 10
no avail. The} wen." all quickly killed and the IOwn burned to
the ground inciner.uing most of the women and children.
Thc smoke lVas vi~ ibl (' from Pro\'o, alerting that town to
the danger they now faced. T he men scnt their fllmilies
1I0nh 10 Great Salt L.'lke City and grimly awaited their fate.
T\vo days later, the Mexicans would engage thcm in the
Battle of Provo. Though they foug ht 10 the last man, the out-
numbered Mormons were no match for professional sol-
diers. Provo tOO was put to lhe IOrch .
Panic now ensued in Great Salt Lake City. Again, \,'ives
and daughters I,'ere sent away, lhis time 10 Ogden, Every
man and boy lhal could carry a rille remained behind to
defend the city, When the ~Iexicans arrived, they fough t
\\itlt bitter tenacity. When their first a~5auh failed, the
;\fexicans opened up with cannons destroying the taberna-
cle. Another two da}'s of fighting would occur, much of it
brutal hand-to-hand combal in burning buildings. The
Ml"xicans finally pre\'ailed though at great loss. After
destroying what little remained of Ihe city, the ;\Iexican
Army, having sustained significant casualties lind apparently
unaware of Ihe existence of the Ia.n sizeable Mormon tOWI1
at Ogden, began the long march home confident lhat what-
301
e"er [\..(ormons remained would soon re!U rn to the United
State~.
In the aftermath of this terrible raid, the .M ormons vowed
to rebuild. i\d udl as the Israelites had O\'ercome the Hittites
ilnd Philistines to survive and prosper in Canaan, they would
do likewise.
Though Iheir reputation for industriousness would ne"er
meet a g reater challenge, the remaining l' lormons rebuilt
Great Salt J~,ke City within six months time. HowC\'Cr, a
noticeable change had overtaken the people. T he once
friendly .\·Iormons, usually eager to trade agricultural com-
modities for manufactured goods, were now hostile and
reluctant to trade. President Brigham Young issued a procla-
malion of martial law that, among other things. forbade
people from traveling through the terrilOl1' without a pass.
The citizens of Utah were discoura~rd from selling food to
immigrants, especially lor animal u~e.
The N"a u\'OO Legion, which included e\'cry able-bodied
man between the ages of 18 ;md 45. \fa, on full alert. StaO'
officers, who were al,o church and civic o!licials, were dis-
patched to every remaining seulemenl under their command
to explain and enforce militia decisions. George A. Smith,
who commanded all of the southern militia units, began the
task of preparing the people p"ychologicallr. militalily, and
materially for \\'ar.
It was during this limc of particularly high tension~ that
the Mountain :'."leado\\'s ;\ Iassacre occurred: A group of
~I ormom. aided by Southern Paiute Indians. deceived and
iI!lacked a group of 137 pioneers who we rc attempting to
travel from Iowa, through Utah, on their way 10 California.
T his act tliggered a condemnation from the United States
Senate and in a rare act of unity with l'lexi co, a declaration
of Deseret as an unrecognized rogue Slate.
PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS
Scholars pOi111 to the election of 18-10 as the ~eminal point
for events that would vcr)" soon lead to the American Ci\il
War and the subsequcllt founding of thc Confederate States
of America.
Martin Van Huren had inherited a pending economic cri-
sis stemming from his predecessor Andre" J ackson's \\'al'
with the Hank of the United States. The storm broke in a
serious depression that became known as the Panic of 1837.
The resulting years of economic hardship and the interna-
tional humiliation of the Aroostook War left the electoratc
disgusted with " Martin Van Ruin" and opened lhe door for
the newly formed' Vhig party.
Henry Clay of Kent ucky was the early fa\'orite at the
'Vhig cOIl\'c111ion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in December
1839. He was, however, a )'1ason, and anti-mason feeling
was strong enough to block his nomination. In the fin al bal-
lot Harrison wa~ nominated wil h 148 votes to Clay's 90 and
SCOIt'S 16. j o hn .Tyler was nominated as the Vice
Presidential candidate.
302
Despite an oratorical masterpiece of an inaugural address,
President Harrison's administration was besct by internal
diomnity as would be expected in a party composed of dis-
parate factions headed by Of chief executive whose political
ability was held in low regard. Nonetheless, during the 27th
Congress he signed into law several important pieces of leg-
islation sponsored by the Whigs including the rechartering of
the Bank of thc United States and stiffer proteclivc lariffs
whose re\'enuc was earmarked for fed erally sponsored com-
munication projects (subsidies for railroad and canal-build·
ing corporations).
T his nationalistic economic policy (known as the
"Amelican System" would be a source of future political
fi·iction. :'\orthern manufaclUrers and merchants were elear-
ly the chief beneficiary of such policies in thai their fledgling
enterprise.~ were guaralHet'd both profits and subsidized
acce~~ to the rapidly de\'doping markets of the interior.
Southern plalHation OWllers had lillIe need for infrastructure
improvements as the most productivc land was already with·
in casy reach of the seapons from which their cotton was
shipped to markets ill Europe. Further inflaming matters was
the fact that their tax burden was disproportionately severe.
As tariffs \fere structured along mercantilist lines of discour-
aging impo]"L~. the ~ou1hcrn states, with less than half of the
nation's population. we]"e comlibuting over three-quarters of
the fund~ ;l\"'liJa.blc to the national t r('asur~.
The Whigs' activist economic program was quickly chal-
lenged by both increasing economic prosperity and demo-
cratic dissension thaI led to a disastrous showing in the 1842
congressional elections in which lhey lost control of the
House.
Harrison's pledge, "Under no circumS\<Inces will I consent
to sen'e a second term" ensured that lillIe of substance
would be accomplished during his remaining time in offi ce.
.\spirants \0 the presidellt) began to mark out positions.
\'ice-Presidentjohn Taylor advocated for the annexation of
1cxas much to the chagrin of both Harrison and Clay.
Although the proposition was Ull1imel}; for it su rely would
have bcen defeated in the Senate had it been brough t before
that body, it forced the Wh igs to evoke the name of their
nemesis Andre\\' j acksoll in stating that was and continues to
he the policy of the United States not to engage in armed
conflict wi1h the Republic of r., lexico. Tyler, after four years
of ineffectually working against Whig policies, finall y sev·
ered his ties with the party and returned 10 the Democratic
camp.
As the DemocratS COIl\'cned their May 1844 presidential
convention in Hallimore, the expected candidate was form er
President \ 'an Buren. The question of Texas annexation
had, howewr. by Ihis time gained a significant following,
especially among southern delegates. These delegates rein-
stituted an old rule that required a two-thirds majority for
nomination, which threatened to render it impossible for the
ami-annexation platform to be adopted. Van Huren didn't
receive the required two-thirds \'Ole until the seventh ballot.
 Election of 1844
-"-_..
12

--
ELECTORAL VOTE
Total: 17S
........, ,- ."....,

POPULAR VOTE
Total: 1,698,605

Whig (Clay)

Democratic (Van Buren) D

Independent (Tyler)

D Terr,tOrieS

AROOSTOOK WAR tOO late 10 prevent another blow to American pride. Shooting
had begun between the two militia force$ in early 1838, perhaps
The Treaty of Pari ~, which concluded hostilities between the
catalyzed by liquor. Once initiated, a serit's of ,kirmishes quick-
British crown and her American colonists, .....as an inexact doc-
ly followed in the Aroostook and SI. J ohn valleys.
umen! lhal left a number of borders along the Greal Lakes and
Saim Lawrence scawa)" open to interpretation. The C.S. \\a5 at a considcrablc disadvantage, for :\laine had
The subsequent War of 18 J 2 and the U.S. purchase of the no good route into the territory "hile the British regulars, sup-
plied along the Halifax road, repealed the trouncing given
Louisiana territory from France would bring these border issues
American militia soldiers in the War of 1812 when they la5t
10 the forefront.
attempted an invasion of Canada.
In 1820, the state of Maine was formed from the discon·
ligou! nonh('rn ponion of ~lassa chuseIUl. Eagu 10 asscn their
By the summer of 1839, the British were in firm control of
the region, as well as the nearby disputed area of northern New
territorial claims, the puerile ~ I aine Icgi~lalurc began granting
Hampshire known as "Indian Stream". Their ease made, they
senlemcm claims nonh of the St.John's river in British claimed
then agreed to formal negotiations to settle the \'arious border
territory already inhabited by Acadians. ~ot ,,;shing 10 engage
issues once and for all.
in a third connict with America, Britain sought to sculc the
issue diplomaticall}; The U.S. Senate, perhaps ,,;th an eye 10 In :-\o\'ember 1839, an agreement was reat'hed known as the
making another aHempt 10 wrest Canada, chosc to ignore this Webster-AshburlOn Treaty. Having judged the terms conclud-
attempted rapprochement. ing the War of 1812 too generous in hadng returned aU pre-
war tcrrilOry, the British presented the Americans with a border
The issue reached a crisis PQint in late 1837, when New
that granted the Aroostook valley 10 ~ew Bruns\\;ck, the Indian
Brunswick oHicials arrested a :\taine census taker. :\ taine react-
Stream region 10 Quebec and the Mesabi Hilb region along
ed by dispatching a company of militia to enter the di"puted
Lake Superior to Ontario.
territory and establish a fort along the Aroostook river. New
Brunswick, fearing another American invasion, mobilized hcr Though humiliating 10 the brash Americans, thcy could at
militia and called for British aid from regular troops stationed in least console themsdves that Britain had not pressed he r claims
Quebec while :\ tail1C called up scveral thousand of her own further as well she could have. Soon though, the dream! of
militia 10 press her claims. acquiring more territory would become forgotten as the United
States struggled \0 retain her domestic integrity.
Though General Winfred ScOtt, commander of the US
Army, hastened 110nh to mediate a compromise before the bel-
ligcrent ~ l ainers dragged the United StalCS into war, he arrived

303

I
 In the wake of the divisive Democratic com·cntion, fOflncr
Vicc- Prcsidclll J ohn Tyler presented himself as a third party
candidate that would be supportive of the annexation of
Texas. Sizeable numbers of southern democrats feeling
spurned by their party. rallied behind his banner. T he Whigs
unanimously chose Henry Clay as their candidate despite his
having lost two prio r presidential electiollS.
Another candidate of histOlical irlterest was J oseph Smith,
J r.. fou nder of The Church of J esus Christ of Latter-day
Sain ts. The effort was aborted inJune when Smith was mur-
dered along with his brother Hyrum in Illinois.
The campaign itself was a sordid allair. l~'ler's candidacy
inflamed sectional rivalries and newspapers made no small
show of partisanship by vociferously denigrating the charac-
ter of all but their chosen mall. The late entrance of ret
another third parry candidate, the abolitionist James Biren):
truly exposed the growing discontent wnjun each of the
Ill;~or parties thaI Van Buren and Clay had both attempted
to conceal.
The 1844- presidential election ended \I~th Henry Clay
amassing a mere 50.9°0 of the electoral college. Thc popu-
lar. or unpopular as some newspapers groused, \·OtC was dos-
er still. Clearly Tyler's candidacy had given the election 10
the Whigs as they won the states of Pennsylvania. North
Carolina and llIinois with barely over forty perccnt of the
popular vote. T he democratic party had been split along src-
tionallines, a rift that would soon \,·iden.
j\Jthough thc question of Texas annexation had ironically
enough made possible his presidency, Clay dearly saw the
danger in a.llowing this mailer to fester in the American body
politic. Not only had it engendered palpable ill will among
southerners but it also served as a rallying point for the
growing abolitionist movement in the northeast. This \·cxing
issue LO which no compromise could likely be brokercd
between increasingly entrenched interests had to be settled.
Although a "war hawk" in his youth , Clay had known fo r
years that annexation would provokc an unnecessary and
costly war with i\ lexico, one he felt the nation was wholly
unprepared for. Thc humbling experience of the Aroostook
' Var was still fresh in his mind and so he sought a diplomat-
ic remedy.
In Aplil 1845, Daniel \Vebster was dispatched to Mexico
City to join his British and French counterparts in negoliat-
ing an end to the war that had been dragging on for over a
decade. v"ebster informed the ~ I exican government that the
United Stales was prepared to reco!,,'·nize Texas as an indc-
penderH Republic and 10 hereafter dispense with any notion
of annexation. This promise was howe\·er cOlllingem on the
Republic of Mexico settling all claims on the territory and
formally recognizing her sovereignty.
On J une 23, 1845, ,'\'[exico signed the Smith-Cuevas treaty
recognizing l exas independcnce. O n July 4, 1845 the Texa3
Senate, its hopes of annexation now foreve r dashed. accepl-
cd the Smith·Cuevas treaty (8-6). The Republic or Texas
was now fo rmally at peace with Mexico.
30'
Frecd of these international distractions, Clay was now
ablc to !Urn his attention to domestic matters. ~Ian y of
America's lenitories were quickly growing and had reached
Ule state of political maturity Utat a generation ago would
have guaranteed them statchood. r..h intaining the delicate
balance between free and sla\·c states, however, would be
morc difficult than ever. Glancing at a map of the unorgan·
ized western territories, it was clear that the nation's futun:
g rowth would be to the north and west, territory designated
as future free states under the ;\ lissouri compromise.
For the time being, the admission of Florida would be
paired with Iowa as the twO states joined the union on
:\ Iarch 15, 1845 and Decembcr 12, 1846 as the 27th and
28th state~ respecti\·e!y.
On Februal)· I, 18+8. '\"isconsin ratified its state constitu-
tion a.nd petitioned [0 join the union. Southern congressmen
openly balked at the idea of another free state. When a rep-
re~entati\'e from the territory addressed the COllgres~ and
demonHrated that not only does the territory haV(' greater
population bu[ also a more mature c1\·ic structure ililm states
now in lhe union, SOUlh Carolinian Senator J ohn Calhoun
sarca..~ticallr announced that, ··then perhaps the more fortu-
itou~ course of action to present to this body would be to
seck recognition of your national wvereigHty. ;1 approbation
we gentlemen have of late graced with grcater aplomb than
statehood. "
:-';otwith<tandin,\" Calhoun·s block's intransigence, Clay SCt
to I\ork building a quorum that would ratify Wisconsin's
admission. Yarious compromises were oOcred including the
admiuance of Kansas as a slave state jan idea \'ehcmemly
opposed in the North, as it clearlr violated the :\Iissouri
comprom i s~ and would set a precedent fo r the entire west-
crn [rrritories to be opened to slavcry} and the purchase of
Cuba to be earma rkcd as a slave Slate) fro m Spai n. It was
the laner that gained the tacit approval of key Southern
leaden who indicated their willingness to approve the
\\tsconsin peti tion if this feat could be accomplished.
Clay directcd his Secretary of State Daniel Wcbste.r to
confcr with the United States ;'"Iinisters to Spain, France and
Great Britain in order to decide if it was feasible to persuade
Spain to sell Cuba to the States. while avoiding dissonances
with France and Great Britain. T he four mcn came togeth-
er at O stend, Belgium in the summer of 1848.
The British were to extract a price for their cooperation.
Since 1818, they had engaged in a joint occupalion of the
Oregon TerritOry. In the early 18405 as large numbers of
numbers of American settlers poured illio the disputed area
over the Oregon TraiL their position wcakened. Rather than
wailing for the inexorable tide of American settlement to
transform the territory into a de facIO American possession,
the British wanted 10 sec the southern boundary of British
Columbia established al the Columbia RiVer and based their
claims on the Hudson's Bay Company's long hislOl)' in the
area.
 In retu rn for British aid illscl'uring Cuba, Webster agreed
to the Oregon Treaty. S('nate mtificalion ,\'as, howevcr, con·
tingent on a .~uccessfu l concl usion to the lIegotiation ~ with
C:; pain.
Hadng secured Britaill's assistance, they publicly issued
their dcliberalioll'i in August or Ihe same year. The diplo-
mats propos('d to threaten Spain with the ilwasion of Cuba,
ir Spain was not wiHing to sell the island to the United
States. The document, known as the O stend .\ !anifesto,
caused enormous rliMurl"'U\ces and selyed as a new rally cry
for the growi ng abolitiOllist movement in the North.
Oll September 30, 1818, aflcr tell~e sabcr. rattling o n the
pan of the US from ,vhich Clay would have backed down ir
hb bluff were called}, Queen Isabella II , her posit ion alrcad~
weakened by the Carlist Wars ~I\ld the implicit threat posed
b)' a powerful British squadron moored al Gibraltar, drcided
against war a nd a treat} wa~ negotiated wherein the L'SA
would purchase thc i,land of Cuba for SIOO million. The
nCII territories were to be granted statehood a.~ ~oon a.~ a
consutution could be drawll lip. The constilUtional con-
gresses. for the lerri tor~ was little mort" than a charade as
wealthy Southern ari~lOcrats ha~til}' cmi~mted lO the i~land
and subsequcud), dominated its body. ). Iuch of thi~ was
overlooked as President Clay Irft oOice with a legacy or hav-
ing: prc~cr.'Cd the Union.
THE ELECTION OF 1848:
DEATH KNELL OF THE REPUBLIC
In ailing health, Hell!,) Clay declined to comider anOlher
tcrm (he would die in the summer of 1849,. In his ~t('ad. the
Whig5 chose Daniel \\'eb~ter as their candidate despite hi~
poor showing in the election of 1836. ~ l i\Jal'd Fillmore
received the part)'\ nominaliOIl as \'ice President.
The DemOCr:lLS werc detel'mined not 10 repeat their mis-
~ teps of 1844 by adopung either a di\1sin" candidale or plat-
form. In SQ doing Ihey chose lite bbnd Lewi~ Cass, a forme r
Governor and Sen:uor fro m )' Iichigan. He ;Idvocated
"popular sovc reigIHY" on tlw slavery i~SlIc, meallin~ that
(·ach territory should d ecide the question for itS('lf. J efferson
Davis, the junior St'llator from ~ !ississippi , was chosen as the
vicc presidential candidatl'. Despite their l>esl eITons at unity,
lll(' Democratic Part)' would oncc again c,xpericllce a ~plit -
only this time from their Northern ranks.
Hat h of Iht' Illi\;or panks hoped to avoid the slavery issue'~
di,;siveness in 1848, This pron:d impossible with the emer-
gencc or abolitionist po litical parties. T he Liberty Puty.
which had some success o n with an anti-slal'ef)' platform in
IIH4 , intended to tun again in 18<18. Defections fi'om the
major parties would, hO\\e\'er, 5ubsumc the party's agenda
under a new and more potent banner.
The ;\'ew York Democr:ttic I'any had already fra ctu red
along abolitionist lines in l8H. T he radical ' lhrnbul'1ler '
raction, together with delegations from Connec\1cut,
~ I a~sachusetl~, Ohio and Illinois, Inet in Uuea, NY on J une
22 to nominate their own candidate for Prcsident .\Iartin
Van Buren. The convention then called for another national
con\'ention to unite the countr)' on a Free-Soil b'lsis. Thi s
was scheduled for August 8.
!\!eanlllhile, the ambiguous stance toward~ slaver), I<tken
by tht· Whig party led so-called "Con)(iellce Whigs", promi-
nel1t among them William H. Seward, Schu ylt'r Colfax,
C harles Sumner, Salmon I~ Chase and Horace Or(''1:le), to
call the People's Convention of Fliends of Free l crritol), in
Columbus, Ohio on June 27. Calling themselves the Frce
Whig Part),. th(.·", nominated T homas Corwiu as thei r p resi-
dential candidate.
Durin ~ thc lull after the breakaway conventions, \ 'an
Buren made o\,ertun.·s to Senator Seward seeking his sup-
port. He argued that the Whig and Democrat splinters ,~ere
pUl"'uinf{ the ~ame goals a nd thm to run candidat e~ in paral-
lel would iimpl\ dilute their potential strength , Since he
f\ :,n Buren] had pre\·iou~ly been chier execu li,·c. it would
onl\ make !>('n~e for him to lead the ticket. He was, however.
milldftl1 of the Con~ienct' Wh i~s· objeCli\'es and would do
all in hi\ power 10 see their positiom incorporatcd, e\'en
goint:;: ~o f.,r as to adopt their candidate as hi~ \1ce president.
When the free soilers lllet ror their national con\'enuon in
August, Van Buren·s work appeared to have been fmitful.
Seward and tlw Conscience "Vhigs were present :l.'l well as
re presen tatives from the Libert)' part) and their National
Reform allies. !\ Iuch cffon WIIS spetH by Van Buren in rci),.'1l.
ing in the more radical element., of the barnburners so as to
creatc a unified platrorm 10 whic h all of tht' parties could
unite h<'hind. In the <'nd tltt' Free Republic party as they
finally a~,.eed upon calling thel11~el\'e~ offered a platform
oppo,ing :iny funher spread of ~Iavef), abolition of slavery
in the Dislrict or Columbia, as well a 'i support for inrra-
slructural improvemcnts to be paid br continualion of Ihe
high t:.riff policy.
While Webster and Cas., refused 10 acknowledgc Iheir
breaka\\:I)' kin and eonductcd a wholly civil cilmpaign whose
blandness was in sta rk contrast to the raucous del'uon of
I fH4, the Free Republic'llls felt no need to be so ellcum·
ben:d. Th rough Greeley's :-\cw Yorker and Colf.1...x's SI.
Joseph \ ·nlley Regi~te r, the Free Republicans launched a CO II-
st:lIlt barrage of all,lcks on the main parties seeking 10
inflame !Car« tllat Kansas. Nebrdska and l'VCIl Minnesota
could become da\-e states. To Greeley·s eastern audience' this
\1015 preached with moral O\'ertones, whi le Colr.,.x's Indiana
press played to the fear thai the \Iest would be dominated by
slave-run plantauons whose owners \\ould crowd out ;111)'
opporlUnily that frec men would ha\'e 10 make II fresh sian
in \'irgin lands.
This inflammatOl'} campaign ser.'ed Cass beller than i{
did Webster. Anti·abolitionism was it stronger force among
Democratic vot{'r~, and the New Eng lande r Webster
obliquely suffered from anti-Republican rhetoric, especially
in the South. \\1lile Ihe Frl'e Republicans o nly managed to
win one state, in illit'!r a remarkable achievement fo r lhe
party though they did so by the barest of margins winning
olll~ 36 percent of the pOJlular ,'ote in thaI ~ t;He l , thi ~ filet
305
denied Cass a nlajOlil} in the eleclOral college. For Ihe finc
time in the history of the Republic, its l'residelll would be
scl«ted by a \'ote of the H ou~e of Rcpre'\ClUativcs, Cass,
ha\ing \Ion 16 of thc 28 sta tes. easily collccled the requi red
majorilY (e,lch st.ut" c;' ~ting only one \,ote) and thus was
dcclared vlctOrious,
On i\ larch 5, 1849 Lewis Cass was sworn in as the 11th
Presidelll of the United StaICS, His inaugural addre ~~ might
ha\'e gone unnoticed save fo r the r."1ct that he chose this occa-
sion to confirm 10 the nation the nlmor~ that had 1:x-en
w:adily lll,\king th!'ir way eastward O\'er the past months,
Gold had been di.scovered in California. This was no small
find. Indeed. thOLisands of miners were aJread} pulling for-
tunes from the hills around San Franci~co, The fledgling
Califom ia Repuhlic had p1'tilioned for statehood and llm\
was the ti llle to ta ke decisive action lest this bounty of nature
f:lll pre)' to olher national imcff'sis.
THE CALIFORNIA QUESTION
That California should bc admitted 10 the Union was a
question be),ond reproach. Withi n a week of taki ng office, a
squadron of \\'arships was embarked for Ihe dangerous voy-
age around Cape Horn to California, HmllaJ diplomatic
nOlice was gi\en to bOlh ~ I exico a nd l exas that it was the
will of the Californian people to join the L' nited State.s and
all measures ncces~:u) 10 enlorce this will \\ould b<-
employed.
l-'Ormal annexation would take some time 1\~lh California
hming ytJ 10 adopl a constillllion and formally petition for
admission. In the meantime, the admi,.ion of Wi~consin,
tabled for over a ),(':ar. could be ..e. olved no" that Cuba h.ul
becn acquired . On April IS, 18-19, \\'i~consin was admitttd
as thc 29th statc. c\ month later. Cuba was admitted as the
30t h,
Cali fornia prc~cn t cd some other difliculties. She was tech-
nically still at ,,'ar with f-.lcxico (who still regarded her as a
rebellious h::n iLOry). CaS5' Secretary of $tate, joe Dude, was
sent to i\ lexko Cit}' 10 lll'!~oti ate a peace trealy. T he
~ l exiCltns, realizing that California \\'as 10SI, were will ing to
accept the line 360 30' N as the ~OUlh c rn border of the ter-
ritory (a line Ihal would clearly 111<111 the territol) as a free
state by vi rtu(': of the :\ I i ~souri compromise,. Howel'Cr, Ihey
voiced gn~at conccrns OI'CI' tht' new settlemcnts around lhe
Great Salt La.ke and the nllllOrs of impending recognition of
thc settlen by \\'as h in~on. In return for ,\merica declaring
the i\ l ormon~ to be illegal .squatters 011 ~o,,'Crc ign :\Iexican
[errilOry and formal f(':cognition of the northern border of
Aha California 10 be 42 0 N, the Mexicans would sign the
treaty, 011 May 3, 18-19. the Treaty of :\Ionterey was signed
fo rmalizing Ihe agr(':ement.
In j une. California ratified a state constllluioll and ~C I1l
rcprcsent:ltiws 10 formally petition fo r admission. Initial
gold-fcvcr enthusiasm had waned amongst southern legisla-
tors as they realized tlw[ Cali fo rnia would dearly bc admil-
,ed as a rrec state. With no ready slave Slate to balance QU\
306
California. southerners were unwilling 10 consider slalchood
or el'ell admi~~ion a~ a territory for tile} knew il would sim-
ply he a mattcr of a few years before such a IcrriLOf! would
simply havc 10 be admitted to statehood.
T he ma.ller was an open filibustering sore, Somhern
Senaton had dug in Ihei r heels and ,,'cre prepared to wait
forel'er if nece'lSary. SCllalOr Calhoun or South Carolina
evell dared to go 50 far as to broach the subject of scce~sion.
Another related matter stood on the congressional agcn-
da, The or~a nizati o n of the I'ast Plaue Ri,'cr valley west of
Iowa and :\I ;~~ouri was O\'crdue. As an isolated issue, territo-
rial u r~anil.ati oll of this area \"a5 not pro blematic. It wa~,
howe"er, irrel"ocabl} bound [0 the bitter sectional controver-
~y OVi'r the cxtcmion of da\"cf)' into [he territories. Under no
circumstances would proslavcl1' Congressmen allow a rree
territory wc~t of :\Ii ~.souri. The West was expanding rapidly
and territorial or.c;anizatioll, dc_pile these difficulties, could
nO longer bt· postponcd. I'our attempL'; to organ ize a single
territory for Ihi~ area had already been defeated in Congress,
largely because of Southcl'n opposition.
To break the impasse. CaS-) proposed to organize the
Platte River valley into sc\'ernl smaller terrilOlies. T hrce tel"-
ritOlil'~ would be formed South of the Platte Rivcr: Kamas.
.\mpahoc alld Colomdo. '1'0 Ihe north and boundcd b~ the
:\h\.SOuri ri,'er 1\\0 additional terrilOries, Nebr.I ~ka. and
Ogallala, would al.o be created .. \ddilionall~, the balance of
the old low,\ terrilor. would form the ne\,' :\linncsOla terri-
tory The-e ":\ew Territorie-" would dccide thc qucstion of
~Ia"ef) for Ihem~1'I\'c~. Thr- ob\;ous inference-at Icast to
Southerners' was that rmmy of the lerritories would bc
admit\('d as slaV!' states to maintain the fragile balance of
slave and free states.
After weeks or cajoling. [he California Aet was signed into
law, Throuq-h this measure Ihe U,S. Congress established the
new territOries of Kansas, Nebmska, Ogallala, ,\rapahoc,
Minnesota and Colorado and admillcd California as the
31st statc, ThC' bill COIll:l incd the provision that the question
of slm'ery should be left to the dcci~ion of the territorial set-
tlers theulseh-cs. Thi~ was Ihe compromise principle upon
which Ca~~ campaigned called popular sovereignty. The
California ,\ 1."1 !lady contradicled the provisions of Ihe
;\ lis.)Quri Compromise under which slavcry would hal'C
been h:lrred from all of thcse territories); indeed, an amend-
ment I\;IS added ~pecifica lly repealing that compromise.
Thi\ latu'r aspecl of the bill in particular enraged the allli-
~la\'el)' forccs, but after "cels of bitter debate in Congres.»,
P re~ident Cass and the Southerncrs s.,\\' it adopted. Its
cffecls were anything but reassuring to those who had hoped
for a peaceful solution. T he popular sovercignty prm;sion
caused both pro-~la\'CI)' and anti-sla\'cry fon:es to marshal
slrellglh and cxcn full pressure to determine thc "popular"
decision in Kamas in their own (;lI'or. T he result was the
tragedy of "bleeding" Kansas. Northerners and Southerner.!
WC1'C arouscd to such pass i o n ~ that sectional di\ision reached
1I poi lit that precluded reconcil iation,
 The rea{'liOIl ti1lm the Abolitionists was immediate. Eli
fhaycr org.mized the Nell England Emigram Aid
Company. which sent settleI' 10 Kansas to ~('cure it .IS a fret'
territol)". B} the spling of 1850, approximately 1,200 l\"ew
Englandcrs had made the journey to Ihe new territory,
armed to light for freedom. The abolitionist minister Henr)
Ward Ikccher furnished settlers with Sharps rilles, which
camc to be known as "Beecher'~ B ihlt'~.~
Rum o r~ had spread thrOllll;h the South that 20,000 ~e\\
Englander<; were de~cending on Kansas. To blunt thi ~ mow:.
thousands of Soulherllt'''$, mostly from !\lissoUl; . poured
o\~r the line to l"Ote for a proshwery congrt""Ssion al dcll'!.\:alc
in July 1850. Only half Ihe ba!lOls were ca~t by regislered
\"Oterl, and .11 one location, olll~ 20 of o\"er 600 \'ot('n were
le~al re~idents. Predictably, the pro~la\'ery forct's lIon the
election.
On t\ovember I, 1850, another election \I,,~ held to
choost' member~ of the tl'rritorial Icgishuure. The
~ li 5sourian s. or "Border Ruman ~" ;I..~ the~ wert· called by
their opponents. again poured liver the line. This time their
influence r('~ultcd in 6,307 actu3] ballots ea,t from a popul;,-
tion of 2,905 rcgi~t{"fed l"Olen,. Only i9l 11)ted a~aimt sla\'-
cry.
The IICII stale legi~lalure enacted I\hat .\bo]itioni~l~ called
the "Bogus l.."\ws." which incorpor".Ill·d the :\ lis~ouri slave
(ode. Thes(' la\\"s ICl'eled ~e\'c re penalties against anyolle who
spoke or wro\(' against ~la\'eholdi ng: those who as~isted fugi-
tives \\ould he put to death or sentenced to ten ycars hard
Idbor. The Nonhrl"ners weN' outraged. and st"t up their 0\1 n
Free State ICf,'islalure al Topeka. There \\l'rc nOlI two 1-(0\'-
t'rnnll"nts cstablished in Kamas. each oullawine the other.
President Cass cho~c 10 recognile thc pro~Lt\'ery legi'[;l1ure
as legitimate.
t\ s the twO f,"\ctions struggled for coll!rol of the tcrritory,
tensions increased. In 1851. the prosla"cl)' territorial capital
was moved 10 Lecompton, a lawn only 12 miles from
Lawrence. a Frec ~Iate 5t ron~hold . In r\u~mt of that yt"ar. a
three-man congressional inn:"stigating committ(T arri\"Cd in
l.A:comptoli to invcstigate Ihe Kan<.an dUill i:::o\'("nllltent~.
The majority report of til(' committce found the dection~ 10
bl" fraudulent and reported that the free statc gow~rnmelll
reprc~emed Ihe I,'ill of the majority. The federal government
agreed to follow its recommendations and altered its po~itioll
to recognize tiLe free legislature as the legitimate government
of Kansas.
THE AMERICAN WAR, PT. 1: 1651-1652
With official sanctioning of thc anti-~la\ 'cry gov('["I)mcnt as
lcgitimlllc., it became dear 10 501IIherners that the ":'I:ell
Territories" will all evellwall} be admilled to the Union as
free statcs. Their hope for Kansas, Arapahoe and Colorado
to be admitted as slal"e states thereby bal;mcing out
California. Oregon and :\ I inne~ota W;IS dashed. Already out·
numbered h) 1610 15 and wilh the pro~pect of being out-
numbered b) perhaps 2'2 to 15 and with no dear pos~ibilit)
of addilional ~Ia\"t' lel"ritol) lor acquisition, southern simes
decided to secede from tht" Union. South Carolina is tinl on
Dcc('mi:ter 3, 1851 followed quickly by ~ I is!t.is~ippi. Alabama.
:\ lissoUli, Louisiana , Florida, G('o~ia, Tennessee. Cuba.
:\'onh Carolina. Arkalls..u and Virginia. These 12 simes
form Iht' Confederate Siaies of America. The sial"(' stales of
K("ntuek}", ~ I al)'land and Delaware do not. howcvcr, join the
,('cession. The following J anual)', M~ycral western co untie ~ of
Virginia vote 10 remain within the L"nioll and sever their tics
with the state govcrnment in Richmond. Thcr pmpose to
c;tlitheir nCI\ ~tate Kanawha and its admissiOlllO the union
is completed within Ii\"e da)"~.
P re~id("nt Cas§ declared the~e ~t'Ces~ions illegal and feder-
al warrallls we\"(' i~sued for all li'gislatiw mcmbers of Ihe~c
qat("~. General WinlicJd Scali. head or the US Army. was
ill'>tructcd to mobilize ;111 forcc~ under his command.
In carly :\ 1.lrch 1852. rumor<; reached President Cass Ihal
tht'" ,eee~,ioni~( stale~ W('I"{' planning to hold a eonstiwtioual
com CTltion in Richmond, \ irginia. SCt'in~ an opportunilY10
end the rebellion m (Jnc frll ~\\"oop. and :llf<lill~t the acll'ice of
Generod 'iCOtl Ilho u~ed that more time be .I:,';\"CII to prcpa-
r.uilm. he ordered Federal troop~ to Illarch on Richmoud.
The L"~ arm) had not foue;ht a war ~inc(' 1812 and it
.hOlled. The Ft'deral army lYa~ mini,culc and ill-equipped,
with \\'eaIXln~ obsolete h} European standards. ScOIl was
able to muster only 20,000 garrison troops 10 send to
Richmond. The time- required \(l mobilize evcn this meager
force got\C ample w.[rlling to 1111" Confeclefal'Y that. in lUi'll,
ml}bilized local militi;, to lorm the inf."\l\t Confederale .\rmy.
LietLtCllanl Gem'ral Edward Blache-r was ).,';\"('11 field com-
mand of the Federal .\nm and tasked willI the mi~~ioll of
caplUrin't Richmond. He propo~e-d <l 40-llIile da~h across
country to Frederick~bun;. Such a maneuYer would po~ilion
the Federal army 011 the direct mad to Riclunolld, the
Confederate ('''piral, as wdl as ensure a S(,ClU·t'" supply line to
\\'aJ;.hinglOn.
Prcsident Cass appro-.'('d Blarh er'~ initial.i\'e hut ad\"i~cd
him to march quickly. Blacht'r took Ill(" Presidcnt at his word
and launched his a.rmy IOward Frederilksbu~ 011 ~Iarch 15.
The bluedad ~oldiel-<; CO\'el"ed thr distanct· at a brisk pace
and 011 ~ I arch Ii the le<ld unil~ arri\ed opposite
Frt'dericksburg on Slanord Heighls.
The Fi.-cltrals could nOI move ~oUlh. howcver, without fir~1
cros~ing the Rappahannock Rivcr, the largc~1 of ~l""eml ril't'f
h~u'riers (hat flowed across his path 10 Richmond. Blacher
cro~~('d the rll-er all .\ Iarch 18, despite fierce lire fmm
Confederate snipers concealed in buildings :llong the city's
riverfront. \\'11("11 the Confcclemtes withdn'w, Feder:!.1 sol-
diers looted the tO\\I1, from which lhe inhabitants had been
e\·acuated. Hy :\Iarch '20, Blache r was prepared to launch a
t\lo-pronged :lIlack 10 dril'(" Zachary Tarlor'~ forces from an
imposing Sl't of hill~ just outside Fredt'lieksburg.
".... 011. I kn()ll' IdltT( TP..1·/or'J flras aft. and I r'1lffl Iv 511rpllsr
him. I trpullv (fOSS QlId OUIII!I' tht hills bifort ht CO/I bring aI!Jl/ullg
{(nOli) 10 fIInl TIIr. •,
307
 Thc m:\I11 assault struck ~out h of thc cit).
i>.lisulldcrstandinb" ami bungled leadership on the part of the
commandcr of thc FedC"raIleft, i>. lajor General Talley, limit-
ed the attacking foree to tllO ~ma ll divlsions - Brigadier
General Hilbun to IC<ld; Bligadicr General Smith in support.
Hilbun's troop! broke through an um,ruarded gap in the
Confederate linc~, but a corps kd by General Clarke expelled
the ulISupponed Federals, illl1icting heavy losses. Blacher
launched his second attack from Frederickshurg againsl thc
Confederate left on ~lar')'C's Heighu. \\"ave after Wi\\'e of
Federal attackers were mO\\ln dOll'll by Confederatc trOOpS
firing from an unas~ai]; lbl e position in a sunken road protcct-
cd by a stone wall. Ovcr the course of the aftcrnoon, se\'cn
sueccssi\'e Federal brigades chargt'd the wall of Confedcrate
lire. Not a single I~denll soldier reached the line.
On :'I larch 22 . Blacher ordered his beatcn army back
acros~ the Ra ppahannock.The Union had lost 6,000 soldiers
in a battle in which tilt" d readful carnage was matched on l~
by its futility. Fedcral morale plummeted, a nd Hlacher was
S\\~rtl)' relieved of his command. By contrast, Confedcrfne
casualtiC'$ had been considerably liglHcr tha n the Union's.
totaling only 2,500. Taylor'S substamial \ictor), at
Fredericksburg, \\on with rdati"e ease, ~ubsta ntially
ineri'ased tlw confidence of the new Confederate .\rm\.
At \\'ashington , the scenes that follO\\I."d the battle were
disheartening for the i~dl'ra.1 cause. T he eit~ openly ",'O\\ed
its ~ali;;f....("tion I'll the Confedcrate ,;ctory. The H)iunleers
showed up badl)" after their dcfea.t. Di ~cipl in e wa< at an end:
drun kennes, and disorder of the \\'or~t kind reigned
supreme. T he gr.WCSt anxicl'} prevailed. at all {",·ents from
that momcnt it was rC'1:ognizcd b} lhe Administration that
the militar')' problem was one for experts, and could not be
solved by a handful of improperly organized three months'
voluntccrs. This point would be driven home by the subse-
quent disaster in Terllless('e.
In :'I lay 1852, h lajor GCllcral Wool , in command of thc
8,000 ma n Federal Army of the West. took Forts Hcnry and
Donaldson alon~ the Tennessee River, AI about the ~a me
time, i>.l ajor Gencral Worth ,mel his Arm)' of the Ohio IIcre
advancing through Kentucky toward Nashvillt\ which \\as
occupied by Confederat c General Morgan's Volumeer Arm~
of Telllle:>see. ~I orgall, sensing that Nasll\;lIe had become
indefensible in thc f.1.ec of thi~ dual ad\'llllee, chose to aban-
don the city and tu rn to the offensive, instead. His plan \\a~
to attack and destroy une of the twO advancing I-c deral
armies before they could link lip. He chose to artack General
Wool.
\\"001 had advanced his ann} to a place called Plltsburg
Landing, Te n ne~see, 0 11 th(' banks of the Te nnessee Ri \·er.
Nearby \\'a~ a small chapel with the name of Shiloh. Wonh's
Arm)' of the Ohio \\as mo\'ing to link up \\"ith \\'001, but thc}
wert' still on the opposite (eastern) side of the Tentlessee
River. Neither side had any battle experience, In particulflr,
the cornrnanden on both sides had the Napoleonic opinion
that defensive struCtures like rine pits and trenches were
unnecessary and demuralizing to the troops. As a rcsult, the
30H
I;cderal eneampmt'nt at Pittsburg l~lndi ng had no defenses
other than troops 011 picket d uty, and \'CI)' few of those. In
addition, the generals in the Federal command staff were
convinced that i>. lorg.Ul and his army wert' bouled up in
.'\'aslll"ille aW<l.itin~ \\'orth's attack. Wool was confident
enough about the safel) of his position that he left the camp
and hcaded uprin~r for a mccting Wilh Gener.11 \ \'onh.
UllkllO\lt1 to the rcl a){in~ Fedcrals, by late :'I la}' 25th,
Morgan had movcd hi ~ arm} within two miles of \\"ool's
fo rces. and was preparing for a surprise allaek. The rebel
force was close enough that they could clearly hear the
drum~ of thc Union Army beating and Yankee bands play.
ing in thc e\'Cning.
Al the llppearance of faillt predawn light on !\pril 6th,
:'I lorgan's 7,000 men charged screaming fro m the woods
around Pittsburg Landing, (hiving the sleepy pickets back in
confusion 011 thc Federa l camp, Federal units rallied here
and there to attempt to hold back the :\\taek, but many of
the green troops simply /led the ficld, gathering by lhe river
in frightclled gI'Oup~. Some e\'en waded into the livcr in an
attempt to cscape the fighting. Units cngaged in the fighting
on both ~ide~ had lillie organization. and fe\\' combat skills,
rcsuhinj.J' in a fi~ht that many descrihed as something like a
fi erce, blood) riol. De~p ite :or pcrhap~ because of) this con-
fu"ion, the L'nion forec~ \\'rre able to hold back the
Confedcrat!" ,l'sault~ lotl~ ('nou'1'h for " "001 to return, and to
c,tablish a dden,i\''!' line aJon~ the ri\·er. Gen. :'I lorgan halt-
ed the all,ld. ne.lr ('\Tnill~
By the end of the da\ more than 4,500 casualties of both
~ide$la} on the battlefield. :'I lany of the wounded would die
without re<:ei\~n~ am treatment, due to an inadequate med-
ical organization. Some would die when the surrounding
woodlands cau.e;hl fire, a horrific scene thaI would be repeat-
ed in other bflttlc~ in rollo\\'i n~ }'C:lrs. Both sides were learn-
ing ~omc hard les~(lns. As the SUIl s<:t, the Confederates had
failed 10 at.:hic\e thei r objcctive of driving the Union force
inlO lht" rivcl; but it appcared lhat Ihey would be able to
make shan \I'ork of t.heir shattered fo(."s thc next morning,
.\l ay 26th.
Had Worth been able \(llink up with Wool's beleaguered
fo rces, perhaps the rcsult would have been dim·rent.
Howcvc l; the Union forcc5 did not possess sufficicnt river-
hoa15l0 permit a strategic movcment of th is scale, The result
was a foregone conclmion. Outnumbcred a nd O\'erwhelmed,
the Federals su rrcn(\crcd to :'I lorgan's force~ that eWlling.
The o\'erall ("a)uahr count had now risen to around 6,000
mell of both ~idt·s and Wool's Arm)' of the \\'est was elimi-
nated.
\\'Orth'5 forces arrived twO days aher Ihe battlc. A feeble
Union pursuit sent 10 pur<ue the Confederate army, was
stopped h~ Morgan's rear guard. Worth WliS forced to return
to Pitlsburg Landing. After the batlle of Shiloh, General
\\'001 was roundly criticized in the press for being surplised
at Pittsburg L.1 nding. I-It- doubtless would have lost his com-
mission hfld hl: not been a Confederate prisoner.
 Indian 11milory Tran sformed
The only military ~uccess "br.llllSt the Confederacy cluEing
the first year of the war was ironically 10 be achieved by the
Fi\'e Tribes of the Indian Territory and not a Union Army. In
the wake of their ~UCC(,SSC5 ill \,irginia, the Confcdcr<lC)
mO\'Cd to c..xpand thcir lcrrilorv westward. In August 1852. a
force of 2500 militia rrom ~ I issouri and Arkansas command-
ed by Colonel I).mid JolulSlon crosSt'd the ,\lississippi into
Indian Territo,)' with the intcmion of captUling rnat Icrr;to~
for ,h(' South. Succcu seemed fa\'orable, as in C\'Cly village
they entered the I lldiall~ fled from the militiamen. On August
23, Johnston's men ,"('ached Fon Eglah, a ~mall garrison
mallTled by Union troops. This \\'a~ quickly c.1pmred at the
COSt of 16 men killed and anothcr 43 wOllnded,
In the Wolke of th(' inva~ion, General Pleasant Jameson,
Plincipal Chid of till' Creeks, had set about organizing the
dc/cllM: of,\l uskccg'ec. Fl'Om his own nation and the neigh-
boring Cherokee and Seminole lIil>es, he was able to musler
nearly 2000 8oldiers. Unbcknowmt to their Federnl O\·erseef".
ill lhe intcrvcning years ~incl' re~t:t!lj'mcnt. the tribes had
stockpiled muskets and rinl'~ and no\\ they would bt: put 10
good usc.
An adv'IIlC(-d gllard was posted along the shom of the
....\ ri:;UNl'i Riwr whcre two rording sites of the l cxas Trail
crossed thm waterway nonh and south of its confluence \\ith
the Neosho. All ri\'(~r barges were withdrawn to the \\"t:~tern
shun:s 10 inhibi! their capture i1nd subsequent use by thc
Confederates. !'. Ieanwhile, j amcron sel about organizing the
defense of ~ l u'kel'gee. The flat open land dictated that Ihe
to ....'1 ibclf was Ihe only ]>O"iliQn \\orlh defending and <;0 his
men po~itioned themscl\'l'~ within the building and awaited
J uh nston's fOI"{;es.
j o hnston me:mwhile, after consolidating his forces,
del<lched .. group of Tiders to probe the Arkansas ri\'cr cross-
ings. These men were fired UPOT! by Cherokee and Creek rifle.
men as they approached the flu' shore. Unprcpared fo r such
stiff resistance, the Confcdcrat('"s broke and '';.111. Of the 55
men dispatched, 14 wcre killed and another 20 wounded.
When informed of the amb u~h, Colond Jo hnston realized he
had a fight on hi~ hands and that the tribes were not about to
simply concedc.
Upon performing a proper rcconnaissan{,l',johnston decid-
ed to split his forces in t\\O and attempt a simultaneous Cl"OS!;-
illg of the ArkaIlS:\S above and below the Neosho. It wa,; bte
in Ihe year and the waters were low l'nough to permit mell to
march across, but in so doing they would be at a great dis.ld-
\"aluage. Ha\ing no anillcl), he would ha\'C to depend on his
OWJl men on the far ~hore to j>l"O\ide cO\'Cring firc during the
crossing. He hoped lhat by cros:.ing at two points. the Indian
force would be diluted and that the crossing could bt: accom-
plished with a minimal loss of life.
The I;\,er crossing pl"O\'Cd les.s deadly than J ohnston had
feared. The Indian rorces had conCentratl-d a\ the southem
crossing "hel"e they had previously chastened j ohnston's
scouts. Los.'jcs were ~ignificant but elll')' allowed the nonhern
clement to cross rdatiw'I}' unharmed. l 'his group was able to
take the Cherokee and Creek in the !lank and disntpt lheir
defell"{' of Ule ~outhern crossing. The militiamen, once the}'
had dosed with Ihe Indian, sel upon them hilh bmtal 5a\'-
ag-ery Of the 196 men J amcson had placed there. anI} four
l'scaped. John~ton·s officers lost comrol of their men as thc)
\\ildl} hacked the deold and d}im;: to pieces.
Once order wru restored, the Confeder;ues proceeded to
march on ;"!uskeegec. From ar.1r, the town appeared \0 be
abandOIl(.-d. Thi~ illusion was quickl~ dispeUed once they
approached 'Iithin line range. From conccaled points behind
I\;ndo\\ ~ and rooftops, line ,md musket fire empted. T he 2nd
. \rkan~IS was in Ihe lead and suffered devastating losses. H ere,
[35 melT were killed including most of !Iwir cadre and anoth-
er I i3 wounded. Tht' men brak!' under this barrage and
john<lOn ,i~lal{'d ,\ tactical retreat to reassess the Sitll:Hion.
RaUler lh;ln Ixing cJiscoul':"lgcd by lhis 5Ctbaek, the militia-
men, particularly thO~e li"OllI . \ rkans.1S. were cnl':"lgcd and
grimly detl'rmined to aH'I1I~e their kin by burning the \Own. 1\
plan \\":\S dl'\'iscd to approach the town from lour directions
a\"Qiding Ihe solid dt'ft'nq:s in the lIonheast. The attack would
be made under the cover of darkness ~o as to offer some mca,s-
uN' Qf conCt,.ument from rine lire. J ohnstOn disliked lhe idea
of .lllack.in~ at night ror it would make the a..Iready diflicultjob
of controlling his often unml) force that much harder.
HOI\c\'er, he kne\\ thi~ would ultimately be a hand-to-hand
COnll'St in \,'hieh org'.lnil.cd lire lines would play no part. so he
agrl'ed to the operation.
At midni~ht till' Confi.·dt'rate rorces mO\'ed on .\ Iuskeegee.
111C defcndl'l's wcre h:lllll>ered 1)\ the darkness and could do
lillIe to "tem the ~ I\;lrm th'lI soon eJlL,'lIlfed tlwlll. The tOwn
was 'oon abl:\Zt· and '"ltJumindted in the fires or an angJy
native god" .IS one ~ ur"i\'()r would later put it. The battle
degenerated into a 'cries of indi\idu<l1 gunfights fought at
arms lenglh, the combatants using pistols, kni\"es and e\'ell
their bare fists. Both sides :llll:l<.sed appalling casualties as no
quarter was giwil and many wounded men \\'Cre IC/i 10 burn
alive in the fires from \\hidl thcy could not extricate them-
selves.
When da~ bl'Ok(' OW l' thc charred remains of the town.
J ohnston klll'\\ that he had lailt·d. From his position ill lhe
Epi~copalian church, one of the rew buildings 10 have csc.1pcd
the fire_, he \f,lS inrormed that fe .... er than 700 able bodicd
men LOuld he accounted for. Though they controUed the
soulhern hair or the town, :tnd pos~ibl}' isolated pockets clse-
1\ here as ~poradic gunfirc would seem to mgge5t. he had not
the forces remaining 10 U'CUfC the t('mtoTY. It had been .1
Pyrrbic \iclory for althou~h he had eiTccti,"C!y destroyed
,\l uskecgee, the Indians ,\ere still capable of defense. H is
objccti\1~ was 10 subdue Indian resistance and in so doing
!K:<:ure their tcrrilOl) for the Confederacy a goal that was
now clearly out of reach.
His only course now rlear,J ohnslon SCI about extrica ting his
rorces from ;"Iuskcegee. Along the sixt}" mile trek back to Fon
Smith Arkansas, his forces incurred funher losses as fresh
Choctaw riders, belaledly answcring the mustering call of
G('ncrnljameson, harri('d his beaten troops. From his original
force of 2.500 onl\' ."IR:l men rcturned,
309
 Aflerma!b of Ib, Ba111, of Muskeegee
Stories of Union drfcan in the cast had made their \\'a~
we~ lward and from ,hcsl' repons it had become abundantly
clear thaI the five uibcs could not depend upon \\'ash i n~on
to protect them from fun her incursions by the Confcdcra('~.
The mo\cmCIl1 10 ~ecllre independence for the Indian
Territory IX'gan in SCJltemlx-r 1852. with a COIl\'Clllioll in
Eufaula con~i<;ling of I't'prcS('lIt.ujn:s of the Fivc Ci\ilizcd
Tribc~. The N'pr6Clllali\'c ~ met ,,!.,rain in September [0
ufl;anizc .I constitutional con"elltion.
T he Comtituliotlai COlwcmion mel at the partia lly rebuilt
\m\n of ~ I usk('egee in October 21. 1852. Gellcral Pkasant
J allll:soll, PrillciplIJ Chief of the Cn;cb and \'ictor of Ihe
Battk of ~hlskccgee, ,.,.as chosen president by the ckned
delegatI'S from the s~\'f> nJ l districts. T he delegates decided
that the \'ice-prc~idellts would be the executive ofli{"cr_ of
the Fiw Civilized tribes. There were five \'ice-Presidents:
Principal Chier of the Chcrokec~. Douglas~.J. Jencrson:
Edward H . }.I unay, ;lppoitJIed b} Chieka~aw Governor
Fredetick 1-1 . J ohmton \0 rt'pre,eIH the Chickasa\\;.: Chief
Green \IcSh;lIIc of the Choct:ms: Chief Elmer White of
the Seminoles; and J ohn H a.~kell. selected to represent the
Cn·ck:. as GCller:.1 Jameson had beell elected Presidellt.
Scquoyah, named in honor of lhe great Cherokee,
Sequo}ah, was the name choscil fo r the new nation.
The convention organized a go\"ernmel1t for Indian
Territo!")'. wrote the constitution, dre\\ up a map of the
counties. and e1ectl!'d a proposed ,et of delegatcs to
Congre~ s. T ilt'S<' propos:.I ~ Ilere "cntto a \"ote b\ the citi2Cn~
of Indian Tcrrilo,) and passed o\Cr\\"hchnilH;:I~. -nte delega-
tion recci\'t'd a eool n'ceplion in \\"ashin{{ton. howevcr.
Having already lost the South to ~ece~~ion. no one "ie'I'ed
kindly the :\spiration~ of another region to withdraw from
the Union. Douglass .Jclferson, huwevrf, made clear in a
speech to c.:unl{l"ess that "hal the Nation of Sequoyah
desi red was to " . .. slalld logetlltf with Ihe {./Ilittd Siaies as bOfOm
flllits utliltd flJ /lal"llItr~ (/,~ailIJl (I [Q/IIII/rlll villainy. Do u'c Crah,
ChtrQku, Choc/nlt', Osag~ and Stlll/1I0fe 1101 sllart a (0111111011 aillllflil
u:itll lIlt jJroud {'"um? Ilau II,cfr JOlllflrm gellflml!71 /101 claimed
domil/ioll our lallds Ihlll U'l'ft ollr lIaljoll as well? O/l~I' rumt(I' fI(I/'f.
)"Olljelt Ihf. J(}IIIf./OJJ Iltol "!I' profllt hlll."e mdllTtdfor 0 go/frotirm IIOW.
Gmfltmat. ria not disparagr fhis opt/l '!1ft! ~ jriflldship IlIld good will
for ill crisis limn sur/, as tiltSt 0 will/11g II/~)' sm.·t.1 )"olIr pllrposes btf-
Itr IIttlll a (ollqllmd jM. ..
J efferson had playt'd ;\ Sirong hand. The Union was in no
po~i[ion to 'pare Ihe forces l1ece~s;. ')· to prevent the sece~~ion
of Ih(' Indian l hrilo!")·. The alliance he olTered, however,
could servc to fortI!' the Confederacy to di"ert some atten-
lion to tilt' we~t and away from the important castern front.
It might also check advances illto the \\"e~tcrn territories.
After \'i~orous, but ultimately pointless debate. there was
but Dill' prudcnt course of action the Ulli t('d States agreed
to recogni7.e Sequorah as a sowrei~11 nation.
310
E1eclion of 1852
T he bloody dba$tc rs of Fredericksburg and Shiloh
doomed the Cas~ ildmini~tration. The debacle of Shiloh
occurred just .. month before Ihe Democratic cDlwentioIl
and a pall of defeat \\'"!I.5 ill the air. When Ca.ss stood to
address thc dcJeg:lIes. he was so loudl} jeered that he could
1101 complele hi~ addTTss, Not nen the brilliant orato!") of
Stephen Dougl.w. finally chmen as their candidate, eould
altt'r tlwir mood.
T he Frec Republic convention. by contrast, was a raucous
aft1.ir. St'cc~sion ca u ~ed many .'Jorthcrners oUlside thl' aboli-
tioni~t ranks to quc~tion the decades-long policy of compro-
mi~c \lith thl' South. It had also robbed the Democrats of
much of lheir ,trcngth. \\,ithi lL the confines of the shrunken
Union. the ci()lt1in;tllt't or the Free Republican ~eemcd
as~ured.
Gennal Winfield 5("011, ha\ing abandoned the now
dcfunn \\llig Party. addres\ed the ao;sembled delegates Ull
the ((ric,'Ou~ ~'rror~ of judgment forced upon him b)
President Cu.-;s. The war h,ld b(.'en w;lgcd rashly in hope~ of
a quick ,<ietor).
"Ollr jQtj IIff 1/01 lilt jrol//in Slll'agrs JO halldi(~ btatfll dlln'ng IItI'
pasl tlmtscor( J·tOTl. ROM(r, tltq af~ 1/11 "r/lat sih/ing jchooled 11/ Iht
S(JfIl~ milila~r ar/J al OU1Jl'h,tj. 11 10 air thrrtfort mntchl'd Iry an oppo-
1It111 ul/(} is ollr ~qllal In tlltjil'ld. To IItil/1r otltUt1';St w01l1d ht 10 dt'!.v
Iht Imf//ll rif Fr,daifIrJhll'.'4 and ~hilok H tjight.sfor Iti! I//Imt !Oil
and 11/ Ihat II I' aTt' dillld/"lllltllgtli.
/)() nllt. ntlu.n.·tr. ht1il'l. t tJ/(I1 I ad, /Kalt fapillllalioll. 10 /llt dissolll-
t/(ln oj tlt( {·/llOn. I hau ,pokcn litrll' u"Orrb ill litt Ilopt that }'(JII Kill
oppftdalt thl' gral"i!l< oj OIl! Cummllll tas/.;. Ollr sOlllhun hrttltrfll,
tlto/Igh Ihry IlOu !L"ilhstood our marlwl tlfort.s, art Ihtlllstlt,tJ disad-
ml/II/grd. liar OIl lilt scalt u't cal/ttmplatt mllst bt u'aged~' armieJ
ldlOl1y III/Iikl' IllOlt litis nalio1l nOll..'jiefds. Tlmt I/ew IIrmus IIIIISI bl'
raistd, (mil/,d. armed (lIIdjed. TII;J difficlIll fflllW' is nol bg'oll/I IIJjOI"
wt POSSfJS IIIf ca/labi!i!~ 10 mlll/lifaclUft lilt rijlts lind mllllOIl IIUlSsnTy
10 '1/111/1 fill intJistibi, IIm~)'. Tltt fr(flsio/ll~1.! It//t'l 110/ Iht IIItllllS 10
follow Sllil ond 11/ tllflilitrir doul!/ilIlIlIlLlllie. .,
Tht, confidence with which SCOtt spoke and his assurance
of victor} ltd to a d:\l1lol" for him to accept the nomination
tor prc,i<ient. He declined the oiler, citing the need to man-
age the grea! I!l"k he had <el before the nation. William
Seward. "ith the backing of SCOtt, was subsequent!} choSi'1l
as their c,lIldidatc.
Despite scveral notewonh) debates betwcen Dougla<s
and Scward. the election was a forgone conelmion. The
electorate was in no mood for lalk of diplomatic solutions.
The South had commiued the most grie,·ou.;; of sins, trea-
son, and sh(.' w .. ~ 110110 be lighdy forgi,·en.
S(''''al"(l carried all but the border states of Kentucky,
:\ lar)I'\l1<1 ant.! Delaware and thus became !lit: 121h
Prc~ident of thr United States.
 An Armed Camp
Upon a!~uming oflicc, Seward was f.1.ced with many difli-
cuhies. The mo~[ rl'c~sin~. namc:ly ,he fonnalion of an
expanded Fcdt'ra! Arm}. was ultimately the easiest to accom-
plish. With Californian gold flowing illlo the national cof-
fers, the currcnq ~hoflaKc~ thai had so hampered commer-
cial dc\-eJopmclH ill the past were solved. This alone could
nOI provide the nccess;u) financing so an income and van-
ous otlll'r laxes were instittllcd in 1853. These were, quite
IHnumlly, unpopular but the 'war fe"cr' of the North was
~uch that these eliCited only passing grumbles.
SCOI1 had ad"OCOltcd a naval blockade of Southern pons to
Slan'c her European cottOl1 tradt" If Ihi~ wert" allowed to
continue, she could simply huy the mUllilion~ ,hal ~he could
11 01 produce hcrsdf. Indeed, F~deral a~f::nts in Europ~
repo rted Ih:1I lan;(' orders lI'ere already being placed witb
British and Frcllch arms makers. The Federal Navy, though,
was woefully shon of ~ hips with which to dTectivciv block-
age SOlLthern pOrt~, "'Ou r heav}' ~ide-wh('c1ers h~d been
launched in 1850, T he balance of the nal'); however, con-
sisted of sailing ships; line-of.ballle ships. frigates. doop',
and brigs. Splendid vessels as the) had becn in their da\.
these ships were nOlI olholcle as vessel" of war. ~spite their
grave lulnerabilili('"s, the~c ~hips were capable of interdicting
unarmed merchalll \'essd~ and so were deployed outside Ihe
Soulh's pRincipal AIi:mlic and Gulf pons. The keels for si:.:
nel" serell frigatcs had been laid dm\-n in the last days of thc
Cass administration and orders IH!rC placed for another
dozen. It would be 1854 before all) of these new ships could
join the blockade.
A more polilical!} lethal development was the threat of
recognition of the Confederacy by England and Fmnce.
Both nations had sent n 'presentat il'cs to Washington and
Richmond follml ing lilt.' military sctbacks uf 1852. Cautious
of picking the wrong horse, they Sat on the sideline awaiting
a more decisive Outcomc. 'f he eSA WfL~, howc"er, rccog-
ni~ed by the Repuillic of Texas in l:Cbnmry 1853. T hough il
s mall gesture 011 the world stage, it uOlstcred the
Confederate c;lUse for l(·gi limac}.
SOUTHERN DIPLOMACY
Sympathetic ('a" in ~ I a!}-Iand wa rned that the US was
gearing up for lOtal war. This was more than mere campaign
rhetoric on thc pari of the Free Republicans. ,\ lreadr new
armies were being fanned throughout the .\"ol1h as a flood
of \uluntcel1l flocked to the colors. ~ I ore s('nsible members
of the Confederate Congress knew that they could never
withstand an omlau~ht of hundreds of thousand of Union
troops. They might. with great effon, field a comparably
sized army but they could not possibly hope to provide Ihe
rifles and cannon necessary to make it an em~cti"e force.
The Northern blockade, though still porous, was nonethe-
less beginning lO make it ~ effects fell. i-\ few BriTish firms had
begun to trade exciusiI'Clr lI~th T exas, Seward had labored
hard in courting l cxas 10 remain neul ral with the promise
th;u the United States would guarantee the aecessibi[it), of
her ports to tlte European colton trade, This was dcmon-
strably prawn in . \ugmt of 1853 when a Confederate ship
the impounded revcnue cuner Washington) attempted to
intercept a British merchant I-e_~.sd outside of Ga!l't'ston. She
was prompd) St·t upon by thret' Union s.1.iling sloops and
burned to the keel.
l c:\:,U1 neutmlil}' prQ\-ed to be a boon for the young
Republic. Shortages caused by the Federa[ blockade ensured
that eager burt·rs paid hand.-.omely for e\'e~' bale of canOn
that could be dcli\'cred to GalveslOn. Conoll acreage
illcrc;lscd h} IIcarl} lift)' percrnt in 1854. Sorely needed
im'cstment cilpital al~o began to pour into the COUIlI!}'.
British fimtnciers, ~reking a ~afc hm-en for manics once
il\\-e~Ted in the now warring .\merican Sta tes, funded road
and railway comt ructiOIl, The iunux of quantiTies of British
~pccie. especia lly thc silver shillin\{. al!cl'iated the nC('d to
clt-pcnd ~olely on paper script and stabilized Ihc economy.
T he COllon dearth al~o ilf'neiited the Indian Nation of
Sequo}ilh. The Cherokee people v, ere e.'l:pcrienccd in plan.
talion ..t~riculture from their period or assim ilation in the
'>Outheasl. The dem.md for cotton ,timulaled a boom in lhe
("uhi\-ation of '1' hite gold' wiThin the young nation. They did
not. hO\\t"I-er, have tilt" reach .lcce~~ to market:. Ihat so benc.
fited T C:':<l-'i. The .\rkan$;\!i River ~,-a, clo~cd to them bdoll
Fan Smith so cotton had TO tral'd by wagon to either Fan
\\'orth, Tc:.:as or Omaha Cit>, Iowa. Thi ~ promptcd the can.
~truClion of an indigenou~ly built railway linc that would
evcntually link the United Siaies and l e:\:as.
Texan and SequQY;lhan cation fields could hardly salisl}
The cnormous appetiTc of the mills in I.ancaster. l'\C\1
England and Fburmies. In an effort 10 pro\'oke the B riti~h
and French into action, "collon bonds" were floated in
London and Paris' stock c:.:changcs, Thcst· bonds were rap-
idly bought lip for they were rede('mable in cotton far below
the goi ng market price. They were, however, redcemilblr
only in the Confhleracy. Gi\'cn these ecunomic incentil'es,
individual ship captrtins ran the porous US b[ocbdc with
general succeqs uut some were caught and their \'eqscls
impounded and news imprisonr-d. Tension mounted
between London, Paris and \ \'a~hinglOn over the coursc of
the yea r.
III ('arly I85.J.. Seward's e:\:lfl'mcl)' capable miniSI~r to
England. Charles Francis Adams, the son of J ohn Quincy
Adams and grand,oll of J ohn Adams, ~ uccessfullr brokered
a diplomatic und('r~landing. The callan blockade was not as
injuriou~ to BRitish financial illlerests as the Confedemc)'
had wished. Soun::cs in l has. Egypt and India were able to
fulfill much of the demand. Sober reflectiou rcvcaled that
Britain's economic relations with the indUSTrialized .\I"orth far
outweighed those WiTh lht" rlu·.. 1 South, conan notwithstand.
ing. T he Union was Brilitin's best CUSTomcr, providing a la rge
markct for British goods and am<lct ing large amoullts of
British capital as im'estmclIlS in railroads, lands, and securi-
ties. It ;1150 exportcd large qu:tlllities or foodstuffs and raw
matcrials to tht· British Isles, T he conflict had greatly stim(l'
;j I I
laled Irade belween the two coullIries. Hostilities would also
have left the long border with British Ca nada vulnerable,
Great Britain was also vel) much a democracy and her
politicians lI'ere subject to an extraordinarily free press. The
party in power was as susceptible to public opinion as any
elected go\·ernment. With the Napoleonic war (180{-1815)
and the Second American war (1812- 181 5), stil! fresh in the
cIder generation's minds, it may be fairly supposed that
English people were tired of wa rs and the economic hard-
ships they caused. No politician wanted to be the one to start
another.
The same could not be said for France, In i\ovember
1852, a new plebiscite overwhelmingly approvcd the estab-
lisllmem of the Second Empire, and Louis Napoleon
became Empcror Napoleon III. France did \lot have the
same access to altcmative so urce~ of colton as did Greal
Britain and her indusuies suffered accordingly, i'\apolcon
publicly cOildemned the war that had exhausted "Otl( if th(
moslfiuiiful tif (Frmch) industries."
Emperor Kapoleon II I sympathized with the South and
while Adams was securing British neutrality, he took the slep
of recognizing lhe Soulll as a belligerent and expressed
interest in mediating the connic!. T he North adamantly
refused to consider the idea.
THE AMERICAN WAR, PT. II: 1854·1855
The Korth had spent 1853 rebuilding a \<ast nc\\ arm)
and in April 185+ it would be employed. The first attack
II'ould be a ll effort to eliminate the "Ii:>souri salient.
T he Army of Illinois. having formed for battle at Camp
J ackson, marched, uncier the command of " Iajor General
"Iulligan, on J efferson City, Colonel Williams commanded
the entrenched ivlissouri State Guard grmison of about
3,500 men ..\'Iulligan's men first cncountered skirmishers on
April 13 south of town and pushed them back into the forti-
fications. Ha\'ing oOllltd the Confederate troops up in
J efferson City, :\ Iulligan decided to await his ammunition
wagons, other ~ uppli es, and reinforcements before assaulting
the fonifications. By the 18th, he WliS ready and ordered 1I1l
assault. T he Union troop~ mo\'ed forward amidst sporadic
Confederate artillery fire and pushed the ellemy back into
their inner works. On the 19th, the lIlinoi.~ men consolidat-
ed their positions, kept the ~ lissourians undcr heavy a rtillery
fi re and prcpartd for Ihe li nal attack. Early on the morning
of the 20th, ~ l lIlligan 's men advanced behind mobile breast-
works, made of hemp, close enough to take the rebel works
in a final rush. Williams requested surrender terms after
noon, and by 2 pm his men had vacated thei r works and
stacked Iheir arms. This Confederate stronghold had fallen.
bolstering Union scntiment and consolidating Federal con-
tl'Dl in the ~lissouri Valley.
"-!ajar General Riley's Union Army of the Cumberland
mounted a simultaneous push into Tenness{::e, On April 7,
they converged on the \Own of H alts\~lle in three columns.
Union forces first skirmished with Rebel cavalry before the
312
fighting became pitched as the gray clad infantry arri\'ed.
The next day, at dawn. fighting began again around Beech
Hill liS a Union clivisioil advanced up the pike, halting JUSt
before the Confederate line. T he fighting then stopped for a
time.
After noon, a Confederate division st ruck the Union left
flank and forced it 10 fal! back. When more Confederatc
divisions joined the fray, the Union line made a stubborn
stand , coulHerattacked. but finally lell back with some troops
routed. The Confederatc commander, :\Iaj or General
Booker, did not know of the happenings on the lield, or he
would have sent forward some reserves, Even so, the Union
troops on the left fl ank, reinforced by IWO brigades, st"lbilized
their line, and the Rebel allack spullered 10 a halt.
Later, a Rebrl brigade assaulted the Union di\1sion on the
Barksdale Pike but ,,'as repulsed aHd fdl back into H art~villc.
The Yankees pursued. and skirmishing occurred in the
~tree15 in the ('yening befor!.' dark. Union reinforcements
were threatening tht' Rebel left flank by now.
Booktr. short of men and ~upplics . II~thdrew dwing the
night. and, after pausing at Lebanon. continued the
Confcderate retrograde by way of Cumberland Gap into
eastern Te nnessee.
Command of the Ftderal .\rm y uf the POtOmac had been
gi,'en to Daniel Roberts after Blacher had been relievcd in
[852. Roberts reorganized the army and formed a cavalry
corps. This work had been completed by the end of ! 853
but too late for that rear'~ campaigning season. In April
1854, a~ pan of the tripartite campaign. he \,as ordel"nl into
\'ire;inia to bring the Confrdrratc forces to battle and
destroy them.
He wanted to strike at Taylor'S army while a sizable por-
tion WliS detaehcd under Plice in the Suffolk area. T he
Federal commander left a substantial force at Fredericksburg
to tic TlIylor to the hills where Hlacher had bern defeated
two years earlier. Another Union force &~appeared west-
ward, crossed the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers. ,md
convcrged on Frederick~lmrg from the west. T he Federal
cavalt), would open the campai'l"n with a mid on Taylor'~
line of communications with the Confederate capital at
Richmond. Cotl\'inced that Taylor would have to retreat.
Roberts lru~ted thai his troops could defeat the Confederates
as they tried to escape his trap.
On .\prit 29, Robens' c<t\'all)' and three army COqlS
crossed K.elly's Ford. His col umns split; with the ca\'U lr}'
pushing to the west while the army corps secured Getrnanna
a nd Ely's fords. The next day Ihese colu mns reunited at
Chancellors\'ille. Taylor reacted 10 the news of the Federals
in the Wilderness by scnding General Gideon .J. Pillow's divi-
sion 10 im'csligate, Finding the Kortherners massing in the
woods arou nd Chanccllorsvillt:; Pillow commenced the con-
struction of earthworks al Zoan Clm rch, Confederate rein-
forcernel\lS under Dilvid Twiggs marched to hdp block lhe
Federal advance, but did not rtrri\'e until ~ Iay I. T he
Conrederates had no imcmion or relrc,uin\l: as Robcn~ had
predicted,
Rohcrl.',' troops rC ~I("d at ChancclJors\'ille .. fter execuling
whal is orten cOII~idercd 10 be Ill(' most daring: march of the
war. They had ~ Iippcd acro~~ Taylor's 1'1'0111 undetected, To
some the hardest pari or the camp<li~1l seemed til be behind
them: 10 olheN, the mosl diflicult had )'('tlo be eneountcl't'd,
The ("amlry 1~ l id IHld raltercd ill its il1ili,,1 ('nOm and
Roberts'., main force wa.) trapped in Ihe tan~ll's or the
Wilderness II ithoUl any c<I\'alr)' til alert lhem of T.\}'lor'~
approach,
f\ S the Ft'ckral arm} convc r~ ed 011 Chal\('t'IlOl'~\illc.
General Roberb expt'cted "Ia} lor to retn':\! from his ri)rre~.
which totaled Ilearl) IIS,OOI). Although hem'il)' OUOlUlll-
Ix'rt'd \Iith just uucler tiO.O(}O lroop~ . T aylor had no inten-
tion of relreating. The Confeder:HC conuTlandcr dil'ided his
army: olle part remaiucd \0 guard Fredcri(ksbur~, \\hill' the
OIIlt"r raced we~t 10 meet R oherts'~ ad"tnce. \,'hen d1(' I'an
of Roberts's column clashed Wilh thl." COllfi·deral{' ~' o n :\ Ia\
I. Robelt~ pulled his troop~ hack to Chancellor,.yille .•1 lon('
tawl'n al a erossl'Oacls in a deme \\ood known locally a~ Tht'
\\'ilderne~s. Hert· Rubcrts took up .\ defen .. in." Iille. hoping
Taylor' ~ need to carry Out all uncoordinated att;Jck through
the dellse ullcit-rgrowth would leave the Conredel'ale rort'cs
dborganized and vuln('rable.
To relain Ihe initiative, Taylor rl~ked dividing hi~ lorce~
Slill rurlher, retaining two di\'i~ions 10 IOcu~ Roherts's ,11\('11-
tioll. \1 hil l." Dm'id Twi'l',,[s marched Ihe hulk oi" the
Conrederate arm}' west acro"~ the from of th\, Ft'dcl'".Illin,' to
a position oppo)ite ils expo~('d riq:ht n.mk. T\\'i~~~ e;>;('{'Ilted
thi s darin~ and dam.~crous mallClI\"('r IhRlu~h(Jut the morn-
ing :Uld afternoon of :\Iay 2. SlIiking IWO hour~ before dusk,
Twi~~' men routed tht' astonished Fcderal~ in their ramp~,
In Ihe gadtering darkne~s. amid the brambles of Ihe
\\,ildernos, thc Confederate line I){'cam(' confused and halt-
ed at 9 p.m. 10 rC\l:roup.
On :'-.Ia) 3, Twiggs initiated the bloodie~t day of Ihe hal tie
"hen atll'mpting to rcuuite his tlnops with Ta}lor's. Ocspite
,111 obstinatc d!'fl'nse by the Fc'dcrals, Rohcrts ordered them
to withdFoI\\ north o f the Chancellor House. Thc
Conrederatcs wCl'e cOlwerginK on Challcellor~\'illc to finish
Roberts whcn l\ meS'i.1\{e came that Federallroop~ had bm-
ken through al Frcdcri l'k~burg. At Salnll Chul'dl, Taylor
thrt'\1 a cordon around thest' Fcderal~, forcing tht'llI 10
retreat across thc Rappah;mnock. Disappoint ed . Taylor
returncd 10 Ch,lI)cellofs\'ille, only 10 find that Ro~rts had
aim retrc:ued aero~s the rll'cr,
Chanc('lIors\'ilie \I:\,S considered Taylor'S greatest "ktfH),
althoug:h the Confcdcrale commander'~ daring and ,kill met
little rt' ~istance from lht' inept ge neralship \Jf Daniel
Roherts, L'sing ('unning, and dividill~ their foree § repl"\led·
ty, Ihe massively olltn llmb('red Cunfeder.ltes dro\,(' the
F('deral army from the battlefield. The CO~ I had Iken rri~III'
rul. TIlt' COllf{'derat('~ suffered 14,000 cllsllahics, \\hik
inflicting 17.000.
111 ,July 185+. General Roberts proposed a plan for \111.115-
IXII1ing hi~ Iroop~ by SCi! 10 FOri :\Iollrot' at Ihe lip of Ihe
peninsula betweell the York and J ames ri\'cr~:, and from
therc adl'ancing 011 Richmond. Presidenl Seward, who pre·
fCI'TC(1 ;\Ilnt her overland ad,·ance. relllcwmly a~rccd to
Ro!x'l'Is' plan. pro\lded thai a lorcc \\'<1\ Ic/i behind to pm-
teet \\'ashin\(lOll.
B) .\ uq:USt, Rohert\ had "bout loo.noo men at Fort
~ I onme. Ralh('r than :1ltempting to b reak Ihl'Ough the
Conre(\t'r<ltl: line acro~, Iht, penimula. he prepared 10
I)('~i('~e Yorktown, the ~trongt·~t poi lit in Ill\' lim'. Howcver,
Gcneral T\\'igg'~ t'\<lcu:ltcd YOl'kto\\,1l jll~t a~ RoherT, had
completcd hi, Im'paralioll~, .\n inde(:i,.ivc. though sc\'crel)
contested. rear-guard Mtion was rought .11 \\'illi.umburg
lI\ugust II a~ the COllf"dcrate .. \\ithdre\\ IOward
Rkhmond, The l'vaC(I;'lIion of YorktO\I n opened lip lilt'
York Ri n'I'W tht' Union flect. and on ,\ug 25, Roberts CSI.lh·
li~h('d hi, ha .. e ,n White Housl' I...,ndiug: about 20 miles caSt
01 Ridlllwnd on the Pa tllllllkt·\ Riwl'.
l ..alc in ,\Ur,.hl, ht'a\\ rain~ ~I\elkd Ihe Chickahomim ~o
tklt t'ommunit:illiun ll('t"'cel1 Ihe IWU willl.,'S of Robert ~'s
anm bec.une precarioll'<. On Septemher 9, T\\i\!1f' nloH'd
[lgaillsl the left \\inl{ (Ill the sOllth ,ide or the ,in'r, where
the lines eXlended 10 Fair Oaks, a railroad ~tation ~ix miles
ca~1 or Ridnllond. The Confederall' attack was bOldly exc-
cuted in 11ll' en~lIiTl\l: baule of Fair Oaks Scptcmbcr 10-11 .
Wilh Ihe help fJf \onu' di\bions of 11 C:0I11~' which had
mana~ed 10 ~tnll{l{k ;lCI'OSS the rivet', Iht' L'nioll ll'ii wing
held it, \::flIl1nd. I'ht, d('fe;ucd T\\'i~I.,'" wi lhdrew his forees If)
Rirhmr)lld.
I.nlm. 'IJmm,mding 111\· Con!l'dl, ..lIl' ,\rm) of Xonhcrn
\ ·irJ.!:inia. t1lflllllled ,Ill olTemiq, a~aimt the exposed II L'nilm
Corpl in orrler to cut Rob('rt~ 01T from hi~ base al Whitt'
H on~f' Landin\::, Iktlleen Sl'plember 26 and Onober 2,
Lnion ami COllrerleral(' I()fn" fought a ~ries of battk,:
.\h·chani\·,dlle ~t'plcll1bcr 26-27), Gaines's :\ Iill (Seplcmber
27, Sa\ac:e\ Statioll September 29, FraySt'r's Farm
Sq)li: ml:x.'r 30 , aud :\1:,II'ern /Iill OClober l ~, In Ihe bailie
of :\ lahf:'rlI Il ill. the L'uion troops repeatedly repulsed the
Conr('derate ;ll1,uks in wnll;' of Ill(' hardest fi1\"hting of Ihe
war. On !Ill' He;>;1 d;I)', howe\'('r. Rolwn~, dediuillg 10 take the
oITI'n .. j\'e. \\lthdr('\\ to Il. lni'nn'~ 1...1nding on the J ames
Rj\'Ci' d1\l\ cuclill~ Ihe Pl'l1in~ubr Campaign, Taylor had suf·
fereo the hemlt'r I n'ise~, ;llId Ill' had been ull~ucces~ful in his
allempts 10 dimll'mher Robert'", relreating arm).
,1 New Ally
The I'iclory al Chance\lorwille and in the Peniosul:lr
Campaign, though they ('hecki'd Lnion acl\'ances in (he easl-
ern theater. had bccn cosll~: Taylor had prt'\'ai1cd thl'Oligh
ex('e\let1\ gencral~hip .. nd good fortune but in so doing his
armies had I;eell sCrlou~l)' weakened. Further inclIl':iions by
such ol'endlclming forc('~ would C\'elllua ll~ prevail.
A~ ir to prove Ihis poinl, Union advances w{'~ t of Ihl'
,\ppalachi.uh were procl'edin~ apacl·. In July, the .\rm}' or
313
IUinois completed thei r capture of ,\I is~oUli by destroying
the fortifications ;u New j\ [adrid thereby opening the
.\ I is,is~ippi River down to Fort Pillo\\, Tennessee. Riley's
Army of the Columbia had captured Knox\'i11e <lnc! were
advancing on Chatlanooga.
,\~ fate would haw it, a diplomatic incidelll wou ld offer
the South a desperately needed ally. Confederate ~ I inis\'crs
J ames Berry and John Phillips. on their way to Frann' in
October 1854, were "kidnapped" by a Fedl'ral gunboat off
the French mail packet Jergl. T he Empcror reared up and
roared. Napoleoll fired off an ultimalllm giving "'ashingtotl
5C\'cn days to liberate the emissaries and apologize. or else.
While Seward ;'Inc! his cabinet debated their respolhc_
Confederate President J ohn Hugh ~ I e"m authorized his
remaining diplomatic mission in France \0 make a secrct
offcr to the Emperor certain to appeal to the dictator's
desires for a rCllIrn of ~apokonic glury. [n rcwrJI for war-
~hips, arms and Frcnch troop~, the Con federacy would
return the City of Nt·w Orleam and its surrounding CQUllty
to the French.
When Seward replied thal the Confederate ~[ini~t('r;
would not be released liS they were guilty of \'iolatine; tb.'
Federal blockade, the dj(' was cast. On October 23_ Ih('
Empire of France recognized the ConJ(,-derate Stat('. of
Amcrica and announced that ~he would aid lhe CSA in her
war of Independence_
When Ihis news crossed the Atlantic, it appeared 011 the
front pagc of every paper. All across the ;\'·onh. j\-apoleoll
and the French ,,",'rl' \'ilificd. Communities with franco pho-
ne names vOled to change their nallH's.
In the SOllth, Ihe news brought a new hope and zeal to the
war effort e.xcepi ill Louisiana. The de"l 10 carw off
Orleans C:oumy Iwd been concluded withom their knowl-
edge or cons<!nt. Rioting began almost immediately and a
di\-ision of Confederate troops had to be dispatched from
j\ l is~ i ssip p i to keep order,
The Louisiana state senate d eclared the act illegal and
dClll,utded its immediate reversal. Whell informed by
Riehmoud Ihat thc deal was ne(:essary to save the
Confederacy, the Louisianans immediately \'oted to seccde
from the confederacy. Additional troops from :'I lississippi
and Arkansas were dispatched 10 qucll lhe insurgellcy.
Northern paper~ had good sport in reporting the irony.
On December I, " squadron of French warships
approached the Virgini,-\ coast escorting a SlIlall neet of rner-
ch.ant vessels. Though sighted by the Sloop of war
Constitution, the venerable sailing ship offered no resiSlal1Ct"
10 thcir passage. AI :"Jorfolk. the ships omoaded Iheir pre-
cious cargoes of rifles and cannoll. T hey were reloaded with
eOllon for the n!tuTIl journey 10 France. The ships of the
line, ,\iarcngo and Algiers, along with their trained crews,
rcmained in the Chesapeake.
As 1854 drew to a dose, the silllalion was mixed for the
Confederacy. She had held off all :Htempts at the invasion of
her vital eastern coasl. She had also gained a new ally til
France and access to the gUlls and ammunition she needed
to survivc. Howcver. the si tuation in the west was deteriorrlt -
ing. r-. lissouri, Arkansas and much of Tennessee were under
Union control and /\rkansas was beillg threatened by bOlh a
Union Army to the Non h and raiding Chactoll' a nd
Seminole fi-om the wesl.
Precioul lillie could be done about this for much of her
militia was distracted balliing the rebellious Louisianans. If
the war was to be won and her independence asstll"ed. she
knew thaI she had 10 alter tactics and assume the offensive_
Only by forcing a decisin: bailIe and capturing Washington
could ~he bring her enemies to the bargaining table Qcfore
they slowly ground her down.
The Last Huzzab
On April 3, 1855. the invasion of the North by Gencl<ll
Zachal)' Ta.ylor, the South's Conmuillder in C hief. had
brought several componelllS of his army illlo the vicinity of
G/~lIysburg, in southern Pennsylvania. A gl'llcnll engage-
ment de\'clo p~d, which endurcd furiously for three days. O n
the third. Taylor decided to ,llltmptlhe envelopment of the
L"nion ri,g-hl. while his fresh reserves under General Twiggs
were to attempt 11 direct break thfl)u~h the Union crnter at
Cemetcl) Hill. Th(' former operation broke down, but th('
laner. in one of the fierc('~t actions in military histol)', StlC-
ceeded thc :'\onh's line was penetrated and the commit-
mCIlI of his Frcnch f("serves allowed Taylor to follow up
Twiggs' charge with the rout of the Union Army.
Taylor's \~C[Ot)' at Gettysburg did not itself immediately
settle the issue_ Further losses in tlte year would however
bring the Seward administration to lhe bargaining table_
.\ficr a long. strenuous campaign through ,\ lissOUl-i and
,\rkalhas_ General john Cadwalader had finally comc upon
tht cit)' that held the M i<;sissippi River for the Confederacy
Vicksburg. Four times he had faikd in aw:mpling to bypass
the city from upri\'er. After cOIllemplaling his alternatives for
the campaign. Cadwalad cr finally decided to march over-
land to \-icksburg.
Cadwalader o rdered numerous diversions to confuse
Lieutenant General J ohn C. Pemberton, stretching the out-
numbered Con federate force, into dangerously thin gray
lines. After bitter struggles at Port Gibson, Raymond, and
later at Champion Hill, Cadwalader was within site of his
goal. C"dwalader's forces quickly surrounded the cit)' and
opened an extended aniller)' b<llTage .
At 10 a.lll. on i\iay 22. 1855, bligndes from thrce corps of
Cadwalader's army assaulted dIe city. A long bitter struggle
took place and although the assault showed some success at
firs\, til(" Confederatcs quickly restored their o riginal lines of
defen~e_ The Union army suffered 3,199 casualties, while
Pembcrton's forces losl less than 500 mcn.
Realizillg that the city could not he taken by assault,
Cadwalader orde red his engineers to begin siege operations.
The siege cut ofr all supplies going into the city and the COH-
 stam hamlllerilH~ of ~iege anitkry drove many of [he citizens
into eavc~ dug into the hilhidt· .
The siege fin.lll y ended when on J uue 15. 18.')5, a French
force under Ccneral PJ.E IJmquct arri\'ed from :,\'ew
Orleam. His 2nd D i\'i~ion wcre \'cteran~ of years of combat
in Algirrs and their cxperit'nce ~howed. In the U.mle of the
Yazoo Hills. the Fn.-ncll routed the Union X\' Corps that
held open Cadwalader'~ vit.11 supply lines. The L'niOIl forces,
ha\; ng suffe rcd in exces~ of 1.000 ca ~ualtie~. I\I'TC forced 10
retreat across the "'i Hi~~i ppi Ril'er to Louisiana leal1ng [heir
siegc guns to fall inl(o Confederate hands.
In the {'enter fl\")llt. Hragg's. \rmy of 1cnne,see. after their
defeat in 185+, iwd estahlh hed a fo rtified lille 'llong the
Duck Ri\'er from S h elb)'\~ ll e [Q ,\I(~ l inll\ille. T he Army of
the Cumbt"dand mMle two major a'~"uh s on the line dur-
ing the summer o r t 855 but wert' rl'pulsed II ilh heavy losses
at the Battlt's of 11 00\(: 1' Gap and Libert) Cap n:spectin;ly.
The war was now ,It ;1 ~ta l en mt('. Hoth ~i d es had suffered
grie,'ou~
losses '111(1 war wI'arirwss was selling in.
In the Norlh, the enlisllllr11l rate had fallen off ~harp l y b~'
.\ugmt 185·1. Further calls for mt'n were adhered to b~ more
[han 400.000 men between ~ I a\i and .July, but tIll' ratl' in
which they appeared b(l'allle ,,101\, So in .\U~51. Congre"
took the unprcu'dclUed ~\('p of authoril.irrg ,I dmfl for qatt'~
\\ho~I' cnli stmelll quotai WCI"(' nOt nwl.
;'\'orthcrn rc~ponse to thc drafl appt"ared wearing the ugly
face of I~olenee and angry prote~lS in e\'ery slate of the
Union, with .1 telling illustration of this corning from 1'\ ('11'
York Cit) in J uly 1855. l\ tuch of the oppmition to the dra ft
stemmed from its inhercnt lInr.'lirn('~~ in one'~ ability to hire
a suustitute .onl}" the rich men could Irul)" alford to do 1I1i~.
Anot her issue lIas race rrlatiom.. \nd much of thi~ ten"ion
was centered ill urb,lII iln'a~, the rl'sidence~ of Ihe working
el il ~S and imrnigrant~. For instance, " hitl' workingmen li~.
terred to the oratories of folks like Democnl.lic Congressman
Samuel S. Co:..: of Ollio, 1\'1)0 warned lhat tire result of their
serving in the Arm }" \\ould be to End "blacks tilling their
places" on the j ob.
~ew York City was a si.~n ifil·ant ami-draft center for other
reasom. T he ami·w;!r rnO"ement had many po\\erful \'oices
in the city. including iu own mayor. The Governor,
Democrat Horatio St'ymou r, had outwardl) expres~ed his
opposition to the draft a nd ellullwrated his reason~ for it.
Additionally. struggling immig-ra nt groups, particularly the
Irish, IllIose lI a ~es werell't enough to ..dapt 10 risil1~
wartime inflation did not enjo} the thought of going to War
to pcrpt·tu.ue their economic struggle. The}' also I;el\cd the
rcplacemcllt of their striking longshoremell with blacks with
g reat cOlllempt .
011 ' \1'1; 15,1855. the fif'lt 1,236 names were drawn from
a wheel to clett'l"mine 'Iho would be dra!ied into the army.
T he next day as the C":tsulilty list from Gctly~burg was being
posted, the names of these draftees were listed in morning
papers ilnd posted around the ci t),. It did not take long for
chaos to en~ue.
On .\pril 7, tlu.' drali ollice at Th ird and Forty-sixth was
set fire by a mob or 11111(1) draftec~. "I mlilld t.?f pllllll//~ (lui lit,
Jirt, a JiTr bngodt, o"Il~" thaI 11"lr jObf 1/(1 /Ollff" (IIlilllli If"m (0 (II/
tifjiC;111 ,\fmplioll {from IIIl "rq)! ,lOll/ttl fh, nmh~. Fo r lour days
the an);l'} Ne\\ \'orker~. mo~ t ly immigranb. rampag:ed
throu~ h tire street.'; targcting: the chief of police and the
office of till' outspoken abolitionist Horace Greek·....
Aflermath
In the wake of illcrc'l<;ing rt'~i~tanet' 10 what wa,;; increas-
illl:(l) brin~ ~Ct'll ", a futile e:Ht~c. the Seward admill i~tration
finally, ill Olwlwr. <lcquic,red \0 thc ''('"pe'lIcd Freudr pl('as
to ncgoti:lIl' a truce. E'·('II though host ilities had eea<;('d, the
11011' Ir .. d not. Buth C(lnkderate and Union a rmies began to
entrench :Ind lortif~ tlwir positions. Northern l\ lal)'land
bcc<llllc a no-nr;ur'~ bnd as a ~olid belt of fortifirations wa~
built from tire Che~apl'akl' to the J \IJ ("~ltcn i cs.
Thirt cen mollth~ later, tht, peaee tillks had h ardl~ pro-
gre~sed. It wOLLld nOt Ix' until 185i when the DellIocrat~
('anl<" back into POI\{'1' under Stl'phcn Dout.:lass [hal a peaCt'
trrat) wuuld finalh be "i~ned recogniting Sout hern
Indepl'lldt·nn".
Confcdrrate two p' c~"Cllpit'd thc L-uion ~ t at(' of ~laryland
wh.ile F("drral troop~ ,till held .\Jj""ouri and portions of
l(-lIIrc~"Ct' .md .\rk,1I1"<I). Luui~iana al'>(} di .. puted the territo-
rial claim, of the frt'1ll h ~()\"('mllu'n[ \0 ;'\'e\1 Orlean~. It I\as
ag recd that tcrriwry in I>o\~e~sion of tire helligcrent POWI'"I'!i
would form tlit' boulldalie, between tht' two nations. The
L"nitcd States dccidf'llto mo\e the ('apital to NI'\~ York Cit)
and til(' D i~triCl of Columhia was ab~orl)('d into ~Iaryland
a." Columbia ('ount\:
T hc ,\trallt or XC"I\ Orlt' ;Lll'i to Fr:mce lIas an act of tire
Confl'dC"ratt' gO\I'flllllt'lI\ and the ~outhern delegates fclt
the), \Iere in no pu~ition to cit-dan' the grant null and l'Oid
lest the~ ;Ul~CI tlwir French allies who had ensu red tlrei r
indrpcndl.:llI"e ,HId who~(" fin:urcia l a nd industl'ial backing
"ould ~u ar'lnteC il. It tllll' lJeGIIlH' it domestic mailer for the
Conrt'ckran to "oln'. Trul' tll tlwi !' word, the LouisianallS
pressed ahead \\ith "l'("es~ion and petitioned to join the
Republic of TC"l(a~. rhe Il'xa~ Senate ratified this in October
185b aftl'l ,I brit'f con llkt known as the "Cajun \\'ar" illus-
tra[("d that thl' Conlcderacy would I>t' unable to hold the
re!(ion b~ lorce of al"lll~.
3 15
 Chapter 6.21 Quirk & Flaw Descriptions
As Iloled in the section Oil character crc:nion, quirks
and naW!; rcprcscllI (hose aspects of your characte r that
make him a true individual; liule imperfections and
unique traits that make us all human. Quirks arc men-
tal in nature, and include habits, prejudices, and so on.
Flaws, on lhe other hand. arc physical in nature. Some
examples of flaws arc poor cyesight. facial scars, and
even missing limbs.
The character creation tables divide quirks into sev-
eral categories: Combat. Economi c, Extroverted,
H abitual, Hygienic, Intro\'cnccl, J'd clltai, Rest and
Relaxation and Social. Comhat quirks, for example.
focus on a characlCr's reaction to tense situations. while
hygienic quirks focus Oil aclions like picking and
scratching, and hating to bathe. In this section. lIe list
the full descriptions for each quirk in alphabetical o rder
for case of use. followed by the ~ection on flaws.
The tables in the character creation section divide
flaws into two ('ategorics: Common and Rare. As with
quirks, full descriptions for each flaw arc listed here in
alphabetical order.
Foll owing the name of each quirk and flaw is the
number of BPs (Building Poims,) ga ined upon recci"ing
this quirk or flaw. Depending on how the character
acquires this quirk or flm\ , he may not receive the fu ll
BP bonus such circ umstances arc noted in the rele-
vant rules sections {such as Tablr 6. .5-7: Upbringillg in
Chapter 6.51 De/lliled Owrar/cr BlI.ckgrolilld.r).
All quirks and flaws require a backslOry explaining
how the character bet:aml' that way. Any penalties lis!-
ed as "-x/-y''Io'' refer 10 penal ties deduCted from d20
and d%/dIOO rolls (for examplc, _21_10°'11 means - 2 to
a d20 roll and - 10% to a dOn/diOO rolil.
* QUIRKS *
Abs ent-Minded (20 BP): Characters with this quirk
havc a hard timc remembering thing~. An absent-
minded cheater might come to a game without his
ll1:lrked cards, an absent-minded prospector might head
to his claim without his pan or a cowboy may forget to
meet his girl for their special picnic. Any time this char-
acter walliS to retrie\'e somethi ng from his supplies, LIse
something thai's not in his hands or remember a specif-
ic appointment, he must make an Intelligence check.
Failure means he left the item at the last place he
slOpped, be that a campsite or saloon or sto re, 01' missed
his date. If the characte r stated and recorded on his
character sheel the location of each ilcm he possesses as
316
he was leaving each place he stopped , he may ignore
this check for items. Items he recorded in the morn ing
and did not movc do nOt need 10 he recorded again.
Similarly. an Illlelligence check must be made to
remembcr anything that the ch aracter did not specifi-
cally State he was writing down (assuming he ean read
and write!). If he did write it down , he must make an
intelligence check 10 find the picce of paper. Failure
means he was unable to remember the information or
locate the pic'ce of paper.
Abstinent (3 0 BP): This character swore 01T somc-
thing that most other folks seem to enjoy. No mallcr
ho\\ much they cajole him, wheedle him or call him a
"slick in the mud," he refuses to take any part of il.
Roll a dB.
ar If a I or 2, the cha racte r swore ofT alcohol.
9!"" If a 3 or 4. be's sworn olT tobacco.
gr If a 5 or 6, he's sworn ofT ga mbling.
:T If a 7 or 8, he's SWOI'l1 ofT sex.
. \lcohol-absttnent characlers get drunk much fa ster
than most folks, if they should take a drink for some
reason. \\'hen drinkin~. such c haracters mUSt make
their Constitution check "ersus half their abili!), score,
instead of a standard Ability Check (COnstillltion mod-
ifier sti!! applies). See OWPlU 5.71 Drinkill' & Drugs for
the details on drinking.
Addict (40 BP): An addict just can 't get enough of
something that other persons simply enjoy on an infre-
quent or regular basis. This characte r spends every bit
or spare cash on hi~ habit whcne\-cr the opportunity
presents itself. After the first indulgence, he must make
a Wi sdom chec k agaimt half his Wisdom score or
repeal it. If he runs OUI of money, he may put up his
horse. borl'O\\ from comrades or even steal. He may
eYeIl make deals that he'll regret late r.
Alcoholics tend 10 spend all their free time at the
saloon, o r holed up in a hotel with a bottle of whisky,
Roll (d20) AddiClioD
1-10 ..... . ... Akohol
II ...... . ........... Drugs (uud~ D um)
12 ..••...••.••••.• Drugs (Morphine)
IJ ....................Drug5 (Opium)
11,18 .. .. . .. .......G~mb l iog
19 ........ . .....Whoring/&:o:
10 ............ . ...Roll twice more 00 Ih;$ u ble
while gambling addicts participate in any SOrt of gam - e ncount erin g a feared animal, the character wilt
bling activiry, from a cock fight to whcther or not it will attempt to Oee, or he will freeze. Roll a dlOO on Tobit
rain before noon. Drug addicts may spend much of 6.2-2 to determine \Ihat animal the character fears.
their time nat on their back in a candle-lit room smok- Bad Liar (40 BP): ::-:0 matter hml hard he trie~, thi!:>
ing an opium pipe. Ob\'iously, sex addicts spe nd their character just can't lie at leasl, not so anyone helieves
time holed up in a room with their spouse, beau or any him. Whenever he tries, he either tells a lie th at'~ com-
whore they can find bUl a rc nO{ above aCling upon their pletely unbelievable (due to cin;urnstanccs, the nature
desires anywhere (inciuding publ iciy) with or without a of the ,aU talc or whateyer or he might stammer, sweat,
p:mner{s). blush, or give 00' obvious telltale nervous ~igns that 1lC'
Am.bivale nt (15 BP): This character can't reallr speaks "ith a forked tongue.
work up cnough fecling to get excited about somethi ng Ba dman (25 BP): A cha racter with this quirk is not
one way or the other, and usually rdies on someone else a nice person, and enjoys performing cruel acts against
to make decisions for him. " Then the choice comcs others. This abcrration may take til<' form of animal
down to him, he doesn't really care enough to decide cruehy or it may become cven darker and nastier.
and goes with whatc\'cr is status quo. An a m bivalent Those associating: \1 ilh a mean-~piritcd character will
character call not choose Pe rsonal Goal~ because he find themseke~ Ihe victim of cruel jokes or painful
doesn't have ambition enough to have any. ·'aecidenu." "'hen thin~~ go wrotll:;, the badntan is
Animal Phob; a (30 BPJ: A person with this quirk oftcn sou~ht out first as the cau~e. He's 201)/0 more like-
has an irrational fear' of a certain animal. \\'hen ly to be com·iClcd and wh{'ncH'r he commit5 an act that
low("r~ his reputation, he ~ufTcr, an additional loss of
one all tOp of the standard reputation adju~tmelH for
TABLE 6.2-2: ANIMAL PllOBIAS tht' e\'Cl1t.
Roll (dIOO) An,md
01·06 ........ B~t Boiled Shirt (10 BP): Also known as a "~tifT shin."
0].(19 ........ Bur this character is a snob. H e looks down all everyune
10·11 ., ...... Bw'cr else and believes that his way of lile whaten~r it ma)
12 H ........Bob"'t be) is better. Boiled shirt!' usually comt from an upper
1.s.l6 ." .....Buffdo
das~ back~round. but e\,('n a dirt-poor farmer hoiled
1],18 ........ Bull
[H[ .. ...... C~I shirt wiJIlook down on others from anothe r region 01'
22-ZJ ........Chickcg ~ad Rooster relatives, for example or on another's way of living
2'1-26 ...... ..Co... city living or cookinf.t or cleaning a certain way l. ,\
2]·28 ........Coyotc boiled shirt miner. for example, might think poorly of
29-30 ........Dcer the local rich banker as sofl and unmanly became hc's
JI·JJ ........008
not gifted mechanically or phy:;icallr Whatc\'cr the
J"·35 ........ Donkcy ~ad Mule
36-J7 .. ...... E ~lI lt .pd H..... k (ud simib. birds of PICY) cause, the boiled shirt fecls compelled to constantly
38·39 ........f ox make his feelings known.
'~H[ ........Co~t Boor (10 BP): Whether it's thai plate of beans he ate
42""13 ..• , •.•• HorK·
last night, or a tOuch of an infection in his bowels, thi~
'IH5 ........ Liurd
46-'17 .. ". _.. LocIl5I varmint frequently lets loose with loud belches and Oat-
'18·'19 .. , ..... Moose ud Elk ulence no matter where he 's ai, or whal company lw's
SO-5[ ........ Mounuin Liop in. A person with this problem usually does not rise "er)
52·,56 .• ", ... Mou1C high in society and most peopk tend to shun a boor;
57-58 ........ Prmic 008 therefore. such a c haraetc r loses I point from his
59·60 ........ R~bb,t
Charisma abi lit), score.
6[66 ....... , R~I
67·68 ........ Ro~,h Buck Nun/Nun (20 HP): Despite the name, this
69·7'1 ... , ....Scorpioa quirk has nothing to do with religion. R ather, it refel's
75·76 ........Sheep to a reclusive man ("buck nun" or woman "!lun"
17-81 . _, .... Skullk
uncomfortable a round other peopte, particularly those
82·87 ........Sn. kc
88·93 ........Spidcr of the oppo~ite sex. Such a character finds it difficult to
9'1·95 ... , ... Squirrel ud Chipmunk spe<lk out or voice an opinion evcn if they di~agrcc, and
96-98 .. _... .. Vulturc tOngue-tied when talking to an anraCLi\·c member of
99·[00 .. , .. .. Wolf the opposite sex. He or she also a\'oicis all ~ocia l
•...orth double the sUlldud imoual of Aaim.1 Pbobi~ BPs engagements when possible, cven if that means offend-

317
mg impol"wilt people. The character's Charisma is
halved with respect to all social simations and he suITers
a -20(1'0 penalty to all Social Eliqucltc skill checks.
Cheapskate (40 HP): When given a cboice, a char-
acter with this quirk always buys the cheapest goods
available. Whether or not it would save money in the
long run is irrcle"an1. It 's saving money here and now
that matters. For example, given the choice between a
well-made S20 shOlgun and an S 18 shotgun wilh a loose
stOck and a bil of rus1. the cheapsbte would decide to
sa\'c the 32, and get the cbeaper weapon. Old rood.
stale beer and more arc all common targt'ts ror this
character.
Chiseler (30 BP): A charaeter with tbis quirk uses
unrair and downriglll underhanded practices to meet
his own ends in any deal or situation. He always tries
to get the most 100l or money recovcred rrom any busi-
ness venture. He'll lie, cheat or change the tcrms of
any deal and then adamantly insisl Ihal Ihese terms
were the original lerms or the deal. He won't hesitate
10 take a(h'antage of rriends, acquamtances or
strangers, especially those in ne(·d.
Chivalrous (20 BPJ: Only men suffer rrom this
quirk (ladies. roll a~aill ) . Because or their galbnt
iJ /10/ dead. tvell 011/ 011 Iiltfroll/ier. ..
3 1"
actions and politeness, chivalrous characters are well
looked upon by mem bcrs of Llle opposite sex. but they
also find themselves in harm's way more often than a
less-trusting character. A chivalrous character always
gives a woman the benefit of the doubt, and occasion-
ally finds himselr shot in Ihe back or robbed as a result.
Chunked (20 BP): Ir a character is "chunked," then
he's bold and impetuous. and usually overconfident of
his own ability to survive, He ncver reds outnumbered
and will nc\'er retreat, hide or give up unless the num-
ber or enemies is at least triple those or his own group,
and he's perfectly willing to stand there and fight it oul.
Heck, ir he runs out of bullets, maybe he can da re the
leader to take him on in a brawl.
Claus trophobic (25 BP): People with this quirk
haw an irrational fear of coufined or enclosed spaces.
E\er\" time the character wants to enter. or finds himself
in, a confined space such as a mine entrancc or even a
small room), he either reruscs to enter or panics umil
he's out in the open again. Ir escape is impossible, the
character huddles in a corner or ru ns around in circles.
also mITering a -2/-10% penalty on all die rolls and
unable to take any actions.
Cl ean Freak (25 BP): This character keeps himselr.
his equipment and eyen his horse so neal and tidy you
could almost eat 00' them. He bathes alld grooms him-
selr and his hor~e rrequelllly. and C\'en washes his
dOlhe~ in a ~trealll \,·hile he's out on the trail. T his
character will refuse to go into dirty establishments,
urging any companions to instead usc the high priced
saloons. eate ries or bordellos instead. or course, this
leads coarse r rolk to think (and remark) he's a little bit
~issified.
Clingy (20 BPJ: A character with this quirk necds to
constantly be around othen. He neyer likes to go it
alone and suITers a -2/ - 10° '0 pena!ty (-2 on d20 rolls
and 10% on al! dO'o/dIOO rolls) whenever fo rced to do
anything by himselr. The clingy character usually has a
specific p(:rson that tht"} cl ing to. The first time this
character encounters another character or any time a
charaCter .~hows the dingy cllilJ"aCter an)' aCt or kind-
ness, ron a d12. On a ! the character has chosen this
character as his ravonte person to cleave 10. Once the
clingy charactcr has round the object of his dinginess,
he will prerer that individual above all others unless the
clingce commits one act or cruelty toward thc clingy
character for each week they'vc been together and lhe
clingy charactcr meets another character and rolls a I
on a dl2 as above.
Conspiracy Theorist (10 BPJ: T his hombre
believcs thai certain authority figures arc ra r llIore
cleve r, powerful and manipulative than they could eve r
possibly be, In his mi nd, he interp rets uncorrelated
events as part of a grand scheme 10 further some ncrar-
ious end , Natur<llly, he tries 10 sha ft' his brill ial11 insighl
with anyone who \I'illiisten,
Pla}'ers should develop their own unique conspiracy
theories early in their character's carccr: 0111' major
(national or international le\'d and d3 minor local,
The 1I1COriCS nced not interrelate in any way, As the
gamc unfolds, it is incumbent upon the player to usc
their creativity 10 incorporatc their l':"I:pericnccs as
e:"l:amples of the conspiracies Ihcy\'e uncowrcclhus-
pected from the sta n, Thc player Illust jm'ent at least
OIiC per conspiracy theol), per game ses~ion until he
reaches the above qUOta,
Furthermore, this cilal'::lcte r is vcry likely 10 believe
other conspir.tcy theOI'ic~ related by others e\'en if
they are olwious lies. Any rumors or stories heard
about others will always be believed and fittcd into one
of their conspiracy theories. Finally. ('\'0.'1')' month of
game-time, roll a d 12. On a I. the cha raCter 11J.~ dc"el-
oped a new theory based on either roll a d6 local 1·3
or inte rnational t\'elllS (6).
C rude (20 BP): This characte r's language is crude
enough to make a whore blush. It see ms like evcry
third \\'ord out of his mouth is prof.'\nity of some son.
It 's a constant stream of "blankely-blank this" and
"blanke ly-blank that" and "tho~{' blankt'ty-blank
blanks" that he just ean't sh ut ofT: no m:mer who hc's
talking to or what their social status is. •\ crude char-
acter to~es I point of his Charisma ability becau~c of
this qu irk.
D a uns y (10 BP): T his quirk may be caused hy a
chemical imbalance in the br.tin of a charaCH: r (25° 01.
or a significant past cvt: nt (75%, in this case. create a
plausible CVCIlI and record it on your record sheet),
Either way, this character always secms depre~sed. and
never sees the positil'e side of things. His bOil I" is
always half empty. Each day, a dauns) char.tcter has a
20 u"o chance of having an episode where they refll~t 10
move or act in an}' way fO l' 30 minutes.
D e athwis h (20 BP): Like daunsy (above), this quirk
may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain
(25%), but it's also possible the character suffered a
trauma!1c e\'enl in his childhood lhat scarred him for
the rest of his life (75%, in this case, create a plausible
event and record it on the record sheet). During each
combat, the character has a 25°-'(1 chance of taking all
insane risk, believing il doesn't matter whether he lives
or di es.
De h o rD (25 BP): Characters with this quirk comhine
a quarrelsome tem per willl a lo\'e of hard drink, A
mean drunk always tries to out-drink everyone else, and
loves to argile 011 lOp of it. They often di.~al{ree JUSt for
the sake of argument. If he were a bull. a sma rt ranch·
er would saw off those horns as soon as possible.
Do p pelg ange r (50 BP): Through a strange quirk of
fate, this character looks just like a known outia\1
(appropriate to the campaign; chmen/devt:iopC'd hy tht
G~ I or another player.
Roll a diO.
'Gr On a 1-6, he is completely unaware of this
strange coincidence,
:3r On a j-lO. he is already aware of' the fact.
Whether he takes advalllage of Ihi~ quirk or tries to
hide it. the odd~ are good it']] catch up to him c\'entu-
aJl\",
D u d e/ Da ndy (1 0 BP): .\ dllde ,or a dandy. for you
f("mal{' ~ alway~ drt'<~e~ in the 1lt"~1 and most expensive
slort"-bou~ht dothl'~ he call lind. While this might he
aCfcpl.lble in tOll'll. thf' char-lcter ~ure looks a mite sill~
out nn Ihe ran~e. and folk~ alwa)\ pe:;:: him as a t{'nder-
foot, ("\"cn if h("~ the fa~te:.t gUll in the tcrritory,
Early Ris e r (5 BP): Early to bed and carl} to rise fib
this character to a ·'T". He always gelS lip before the
crack of dawn, and beds dowli ~hol'lly after ~unsc1.
Worse, he ('"n't ~ta nd other folk who sleep later than he
docs. and constantly p('~ter~ them to wake up and gCt
going or purposd} makes a 101 of lIoise as Ill' packs,
docs chorc~ or makes hreakfast often earning- himself
a punch in the no~(' or a boOI thrown in hi~ face. If the
early liser ,tap up late ha~ hcen :nlake 1i)1' 16+ can-
~eeuti\'C hours, he mlTcr~ a -2/-10"0 to alillis ani\·iues.
Fa n a tic (40 BP): A characler \\'ith this quirk is O\,{'1"-
I) zealous about a calise or a religion and extols ils
"inues to everyone he ml'e15. It seems to be all he
thinks about. and ("el"!ainl), what he usually talks about.
The character should begin the game with d3- 1 unique
causes (make up any calise of lhc player's choice),
During pia), any time the character hears abou! a !lew
cause that is not op po~ed to a current cau~e he sup-
pOrts, he mUSI roll under hi) Wisdom or become fanat-
ic about the new ca use as well. If Ihe new cause i~ relal-
cd or allied in some way with a cause he's ltlready fan:J1-
ically supporting, the Wisdom check i ~ made against
half his Wisdom.
Fear of H eigh ts (15 BP ): Characters who ha\'c this
quirk arc afraid of heights, They may be fin e inside a
tall building, but fn:el.e up if they find themselves all the
edge of a roof, high rock}' cliff or mountain. These
charaClers refuse 10 cl imb anything highcr than their
heads. If thev are fOl'ced to do so, Ihey suITe r a _2/_10°'0
penalty on ~ny die roll, and look for an) cha nce to
escape the situation.
319
 Flannel Mouth (20 BP): Those with this quirk are
llle worst kind of boasters and braggans. He brags
abollt every big (or little) thing he's dOlle until eve ryone
else is sick to death of hearing about it. :\Iost folks start
10 believe he invented the whole slOry just 10 gain atten-
tion. For e,·ery 10 poilus of Reputation this character
carns, deduct aile as folks don't completely bdic'·e all
thc stories (e,·cn if heard from a third party).
Fourflusher (25 HP): This character can't tell the
truth from a lie. He lies about everything, even things
that don't matter. J'd any of his lies arc so OUlrageous
that only the most gullible believe them, but he insists
they arc true, e\"(:n if presented with O'·CI"\I helming e,·i-
dence to the contrary. l\"aturaHr, Ihis rattle~nake finds
it hard to makc lasting, meaningful friendships.
Glutton (5 HP): This charactcr ne,·cr mCI a plate of
beans he didn't like. He ha~ an insatiable appetite and
can be bribed wilh food. Dinners seem to last for hours
for this character. He requires twice the amount of
food as a normal character to fUllclion. If he does not
ge l this amount, he suffers a -1/ -5% penalty 10 all his
die rolls. In this state, 11(:" will do anything in his power
to find more food, including stealing ~lc('pi n g charac-
ters' rations for a lillie midnight snack. \\"hen rood i~
placed in front of him , he must make a \\'i~dom check
Tlte Flalllld Moutlt quirk exists among all cultures.
320
after finishing. If he fail s his chcck, he must order
another helping. He also gains 0-0.5 pounds per \\leek
({d6- 1)x 0.1 ) up to a maximum of 2.5 times the charac-
1er's original body weight.
Greedy (15 HP): Although most characters on the
frontier live !O ob1ain wealth, characters with this quirk
can ncve r have cnough. They do anything !O accumu-
laIC more and more riches, including lying to. stealing
from, or deceiving people (bu! not fr ie nds. neighbors or
close associates).
Gullible (3 0 HP): If there 's a sucke r born every
minute, this person must have been born twice. A char-
acter wilh thi~ quirk is the perfect patsy, and falls for
anything he's tOld. He's an especially easy mark to chis-
elen; and di~hone~t shopkeeps. .c\ gull ible character
pars 2d I 0°,11 hight:!" than the listed price for any item he
purchases. and docs nOt know thc difference bctween
quality and junk.
Hardcas e (5 BP): T hese characters arc hard and
feeli ngless. They remain unmO\·cd by emotion.
Widows and orphans with sob stOries, for example,
need not apply. The hardcase is tOugh 011 any in his
employ and l'\'en on companions, pets and moums.
 Hates Bathing/ Grooming (20 BP): People with
this quirk arc unsha"en, uncombed, unkempt and gen-
crall) unappealing, Whether it stcms from a fear of
wal('l' or sim ple COlli rarincss, this characte r sim ply hates
to take a bath, Hl' always looks like he just spent a week
on the trail, or a few days down a mine, Worse, he
sti nk\ 10 high hcawn. A ch:lracte r \lith Ihi~ quirk loses
a point of Looks.
Hayseed (20 BP): A chal'a('tCT with thi 5 quirk i~
rough and ignornm. He is nOt n('ces~ aril) a boor C)r a
jerk he simply kno\\ s nothin~ about soc'jet)' or the
proper ways of doing things, and doesn't \,ant to leal'll.
He's th{' kind of pcrson who bLLy~ a stOlen animal "ilh-
OUI inqui ring about tht' ob\'ious brand on its rump. or
the person who sceks out thc mine owner 10 a~k for a
job instead of going to the hiring office).
High-Spiriled (to BP): A character with this quirk
is festi\'(', and fun 10 have around fo r ;, ~ho n time. He
drinks too much, laugh~ too loud, and ean't ilit still for
morc than a few minutcs. Such a person is abo apt to
douhle o\'er with laught('J' at the mosl inopponul1l'
moments. For in~tan('l', if hii partner ends up tumbling
O\'CI' <I hluff and breaking hi~ leg, the high-spirited char-
acter might stMt laughing and say something like "That
first step's a doozy!" Such characters are often forced
10 engage in fisticuffs.
Characters with thi~ quirk like to tell jokes Ihat aren'l
funny and wait smiling for e\'eryonc to lau.'l'h. H e may
e"en repeat the punch line after an ;1\\ h, ard silence.
Additionally, this quirk makes a charactcr prOlll' to
playing practical jokes on people they should nOt, such
as pious p l;ests, marshals or Indian chiefs, or bluning
out playful but imuhing comments ;It tlw wron,g:
moment.
H othead (40 BP): Pcoplt with Ihis qu irk haw' a shot'!
fuse, and can be puslu::d owr the edge with lillie pro\'o-
cation, TIH'Y end c\'ef)' argumem, no maller how
minor, with brawling or the drawing of a knifc or gun.
Indian Give r (20 BP): T his character always lind~ a
way to back OUI of his agreements. if doing ~o would
benefit him. Of coursc. Ill' Iries to wait unti l the ol her
parly aln'ady completed their part of the hargain. and
hc feels no ~ham(" for his actions. Aftcr all, the other
per~on ~hou l dn't have bccn so foolish as 10 makt, the
deal in Iht' firs t pbce. T his personality quirk is COIll-
man to land grubbers, certai n politicians back t'ast and
robber barons, but IlOt limited to them. Each time an
India n o';\'er backs out of a deal, wh ile hc might gain
some finaneia1 benc fi t. he loses one point of
Reputation,
Intrusive (20 HPJ: T his characte r doesn 't under-
stand the eoncept of personal 'pacc. \\'iIt'Tlc\'er a per-
'on with this quirk t'n~gcs another in cOI1\'ersation, he
trif's 10 be within onc to two fcct of hi~ audience. Evcn
\\ hCIl sitting at a table. hc leans forward \0 be a~ ncar
the listener as possible. Of course, lllallY folk dOll 'I take
toO kindly to Ih:\I , and an intrusive character secms to
~Cl into morc brawls than mo\t.
Jingoist (40 BPJ: A character \,ith Ihis quirk fer-
\'end} bclie\-es that his nation of origin is superior to all
other". ;" Iorco\'cr, he i~ quick In insult, harass and
ahus!' a!lyone displayi ug or vocalizin ,~ support for a
I;\'al nation, Thil> ~cornful bch:l\'ior is particularly dis-
missi\'(' to\\ard authority ligurcs, Such characters ha,,('
grcat difficult\ \\orking for, or taking orders from, an),-
011(' whom the) ,troll~l~ .l~sociatc with a ri\'aleountry
~tlch;h an ('x-'oldin. Howevcr, they are pmtle tn o\'er-
look naw~ in fellow COuTl lr)l1lell ... an attitude that dis.
r(,putable people 11M' take ad\-antage ot:
Late Sleep e r (10 BP): It nt.'arh takes a t('am of ,did
h()r~t: ..
to dra~ thi, charartl'r QUI of bcd, I-I c always
mi~~e~ carh mornin~ appointmem,. and tl'nd~ to kt'ep
mher folk ;l\\akc at night when Ihey'n' trying to ~l eep.
Lazy (15 BP): Thb charaCle r's "git lip and go" donI!
gOt up and went. r\ lazy eharactcr would rather take a
~il'sta th<lll join <I posse, even if Ihe job paid ha rd cash.
E\'ery ta~k the character completes is half-aSSf·d. A
cilaraClcr with thi~ quirk putS little elTort into anydling,
t',-en karninl{ It('\\ thinJ;!;s. EWI') skill thi~ characler
al\emph HJ learn includill~ ,kill~ takcl! during charac-
ttT creation cor;t~ J additional BP.
Loco (40 BP): Thi~ person is ju~t plain craz~.
Perhaps he was kick<'d in Ih(' head by a mull', or maybe
something Iraumatic happened to him in the past. but
now he's plumb mad. Players shollid roll a dB on Tabl,
6.2-3: l.(}Co to determine the extent of the ch;nacle r's
quirk.
32 1

TABLE 6.2-3: LOCO
RQII (dS) Chm"cr thillks. ..
I .. . ..He is, dime DO,c.lg ulIsliDgc r nd brigs ,bouT
iccompl,shmcn l5 ItU I i fCII" hIS.
2 ... . .. AnimlJs iTt people. ,ad he ulks 10 them
J . ..... H e hiS in inlig;nuy fr iead. I lld 'ilh 10 him.
~ .. . .. .He ;5 01. persoll o f 1110' her " cc.
5 ......Somroac;s fo llo.,og h im. lll d he keeps ",hirlillg
uouad 10 tuc h h.s !willa!.
6 · .H is cyC$ITC Trl , k ' Dg bi m. so be (ODSUlltiy ISh
olhc u .. hu Ihe y xc.
1 · .He frcqucllily hu rs hii lUDICill Olber peoplc's
(OII I'trUlioa.J, ll1d l(lf lccord ingly.
• · .He is roYlh y· Ind ,cIS lIke .1.
Lus ty (20 BP): A character \Iith Ihis quirk i~ ah\av~
horny. H cjust can't get enough. and seems to know tl~c
location of (,\Tll' bordello around. A lust\' character
must take advantage of every \d\orchotls~'s ser\'icc~
whenclcr the opportun it} presents itself. Afu:r the first
indulgence, he m ust roll under half his Wisdom or
attempt to repeat it.
Lynch Lawman (3 0 BP): Th('~e character.. ha\'('
\\ hnt some folk might call an o\erd('\'('loped ~cme of
jUSlicc. To them. ('\'ery olTelhe i~ a hangin~ or .11 1".1$t
a jailing offense. A pe r);OIl \\ilh Ihis quirk ma) be a
civilian who tries 10 innuellec local law enrorcement, or
hc may be a rancher prolccling hi~ herd. H e is not
required 10 be an actual lawman, but he,wen help thc
local outiaw-:. if he is.
Medicine Tong ue (10 BP): Don't let the name rool
you yOlL don't have to bt' an Indian or a dOClOr 10 have
this quirk. A character with a medicine tolll{UC, al~o
known as a "wabash," is olle or Iho~e folks \Iho arc
on'rly talkative. They just can't seem to shul up. ('\'I.:n
whell threatened with bodily harm. WhC!lC\'cr he
ei\lcrs a cOllversation wil h a nothe r character ~, Iht'
cha racter wilh this quirk must make a Wisdom check or
voluntce r any information (thai he knows is nOt alreach
known 10 e\eryone he is in conversation with.
M essy (10 BP): T his charactcr is a pack rat's rn:st
rriend. H e never cleans up after himself. and packs his
kit so ~Ioppil)' that lillic doodad$ and gewgaws pipes.
bullets, shell casings, bits or rope and ~o on) frequendy
fall out. T his cha racter can't properly perroI'm certain
tasks Ih at requi re diligent carc or maintenance, such a.~
looking after rarm or ranch animals. He also rrequent-
Iy loses things in his desk, home or pack (depending on
proression/ locarion .
Nagging Conscience (15 BP): A person with this
quirk is plagued b} a eonsci('nce that won't allow him
peace of mind ir he's eOlll mitt('d certain crimes or acts
or dishonor. H is conscience is a silent willless to his
shame and accuses him constamly, Any time thi~ char-
322
acter commilS an unl:m rul act or loses Reputation or
Reputation Poims. he mUSt make a Wisdom check. If
he rails, he must remedy the , ilUation. Until he docs so,
he ~urrers a _I/_Sn,o penalt), 011 all his die rolls. These
efTects arc CUlllulali\'e. so if the PC committed three
:lCtS he mmt atone for, hl' sufic rs a -3/-15(10 penalty.
and ~o on.
Needy (20 BP): A ehal';:lCler with this persona lit}'
quirk attemplS to have all his emotional needs filled b}
other<;. H e feels a strong ur~t' to be well-liked and
a('cepted, so he constantly aucmpts to please the people
he\ around and rcpeated!} asks them questions regard-
in~ hO\I thc}' red about this or that. He orten ask~ for
help \\ ith thc ~imple~t tash, sometimes just lO ~ee ir the
other person likcs him cnough to agree.
Nosy (10 BP): Thi, pl'r~on i~ the nosiest d:ml hom-
bre you cver sa\\ .. \ character with this quirkjmt has tu
know c\'erybod)'~ 1)l\~illc~~ ~om('thing many rolk don',
take kindly to. l'le's alway;; n!>king e\'c~'one what
they're up to. listcning at keyholes or jusl plain making
a nui~ance of himsclf.
Obnoxiou s (20 BP): This character thinks hc's the
"orlcl'~ rriendlit'<;\ ~I\\ and, ){l'ncrally. he is. Howc\"cr,
hi~ !)ella\·ior m.1kc\ him cxtremely unpopular. He
want~ to be the ecnter or attcntion OIl an) ~ocial Kathel'-
in~, and does \1 haIC\'cl' hc can to get that attention. H('
always drinks too much, and mar perform some t}Ve or
Olllrageolis behavior to gain allcntion. such as stripping
to his long johns andjumpin.1{ into a horse trough. He
loses I point of Charisma becau~e or this anno)'ill~
bt'havior.
Obsessive.Compulsive (35 HP): Thi~ anxicty dis-
order s;;vcs the character recurrent obscssions focLL~ed
on awarene~s or pCfC'ci\'('d alarms or thrcat~. Hence.
the ('haracter ("olllpul~ivd) perrorms certain repctilive
acts in order to rcgain some measure of control o\'er
the perceived threat. For example, a charact('r may bc
ob~e~~ed with dirt and thercror<' reel a compulsion to
con~tantly scrub his surroundings or him~cJf. \1 hile a
t:h;tracter obsessed with patterns Illay be compelled to
linc lip like items into parallel ro\\'~. or a character with
thoLlght~ of ~oc i all~' inapproprial(' bchavior (like shout-
ing in chure h l ma), need to count 25 hats or tap h i ~ knee
100 times. Players may trcatc thei r own obses\ion, or
roll on Table 6.2·": Ob,en/u-(,'o/lljJIIlsiu.
Ornery (25 HP): Pt'fsons with th is qu irk arc ju~t
plain mean. They are stubborn. speak as lillie iI~ possi-
ble except 10 argue ;. sulk "h('n opinion goes al;ainst
them. and arc simply unpleasant to be around. They
ah\ays take every opportunity to a\'enge the ~mallcst
slight against them.
 TABLE 6.2-4: OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE
Roll (dI 2) Obsession Complilsiob
1 .....•.AfTlIIBCItlCbl. order. Of sy mmetry .•••..••..•.....••O'8111;lC5 mulllpic items inlo pClfce! columns or .o..s
2 ......Being o"crwheJmcd ............................... Etch personal iTem belopgs in, pUlieu/u pltet tbd mUSI be kepI ,here
3 ......DoubtslFo.gc:tfullltsS ... ...... . .............Ow:chllg tOO recheckipg III Klion (ckKd "lIIdo... flke! WHlI.loi.dtd gun. (1,-)
4 •..•.. fur of CQm mill'lIg iIOCilll y JupprOprillc behavior ... Repetitious counting or louchlllg
5 ......Feu 01 tommilllDB vio lclIl tCiS .................... FrequellT repullllg of I ulmlllg ...ord
6 ...... Feu o f offending The Lord ....................... ,Consllnl pr,yers I"d/or relIgIous ritutls
7 ......Loss of polcDlully v,lutble ilem ...................Houdl08 everyth,ng. neo worthless Ittms
8 ......Numbcrs/Quiohtits ........... . ..... Couots multiples 0bJttts/iltmS
9 ...... One: putiulu ,ttm ............................... Eucssivt pur(hlS,ng of Thit ,tern
10 ......Prescoce of dirt......... . ..................ChfOllic dunlPg Illd wIShill8
II ......Securit y ......................•..................CoIISIiO' door/ window / lnil WiTth,Pg. lock cheek,ng
12 ..... 5urvilJon/ Food III'Hlt .... . ..................Em evtry hil of food bought or offtte:d to him. 'Delud'lIg food kIt by olMr proplc:

Pac k Rat (20 BP): A c-haractcr with this quirk ca n-
not throw anything a\\ay, and cannot keep hirn ..elf from
gathering up just about cw.' rythinq: that i~n 't ckarl)
owncd by ,o;om('one. When a pack rat comt'~ acro\~ a
pile or equipment, he gathers C\'erYlhing he wants,
"hether Ill' can ca rry it all or nol. Cnlike an ohsessivc-
compulsive, a pack rat gat hen items out or necessity.
"pprcciatioo, or financial im·estllwnt. He has no iot('r-
cst in items he pcrcei\'cs to be worthless, bUI ckarlr has
a fear or losing something thai may one day bc valu-
able.
Paranoid (25 BP): Paranoid characters think every-
o ne is out 10 gel them. They trust no one ('ve n their
own partners. The) usually think therc is some plot
against thelll. They do~ely guard themselves ilnd their
goods, findin g it hard to sleep for reM of heing harmed
in some \\'ay (physically 01' financially
Pi cker (10 BP): Thi ~ chara('t('r ('an'l stOp picking
himselr, thaI is. A cha racter with this quirk fn'quemly
digs into his nose, cars or navel like he's mining for
gold .
To det ermine, roll a dU,
rT lr a I or 1, he picks his cars
:T On .. 3-6, he picks his nosc
~ If a 7 or 8, he picks his na\'c\
Persons with this quirk lose a poillt of their Charhma
abilit), score and, likc stin kers, arc ne\'er iTl\;led to
politc social runctions mor(' than OIWC, A choll'acter
have no man" than two picker quirks e.f,;.. ears and
Ill;!)
nO'ie . .
Prejudiced Toward Nationality (40 BP): A char-
a{\er "Jlh thi~ quirk ha ~ an unreasonable hatred for
people or a (ertain nationality. Thi~ hmred has nothing
to do \,'ilh the per<;oo\ race. but i\ ba~ed on ~o m e sligh t
(real o r imagined) that the character ~ u!Tered rrom a
person or that natioll, or Ihat person's go\crolllcnt, in
the past. Roll randomly on 7abl, 6.2-5: Prrjlldirtd Tou.:ord
X(Jlio1l(J1i~)' nOte that a character may in fhc t hatc hi~
ow n nation of ori~n .
If lilt' charactCJ' mu~t work with someone he is preju-
dict'd a~aiml, he ~ulTer~ a ·1/· 5 u 0 penalty on all his skill
roll, deal inc; with that per~on.
Prejudiced Toward Pro ress ion (2 0 BP): . \ cha rac-
ter with Ihi\ quirk has an unn.'asonable hatred toward
all people or a ce rtain occupation, regardless or any
other factor. Like those prejudiced against a certain
nationalit}; thi.s prejudice i ~ ba ~cd on 'lome slighl real
or ima~i ned lila! the charact('r sulTered rrom a similar
person in the past. YOll may choose the profession or
roll random 1) on Tab/t 6.2-6: Prf'jlldictd Toward Profmioll,
If you roll your current prore~sion, ignore and roll
again. Your character cannol become a member' of any
profession he is prej udi ced against.

TABLE 6.2·5: PRSJUlllCEll TOWARll NATIONALITY

Roll (dlOO) NltLOD.dJ'Y
0[·06 ..... .. .Insh
07·12 , ......... , ... ,. £015
13 [7 .................GermiO$
IS-V, "., " ..........Cooftdcwcs
2837 ....... , ........ Mormolls
J8.'IS ................ English
-16·5.] ., ...•• ,', •• " •• Frcllch
54-63 ................ Mui(lns
Roll (dlOO) NU;ooil.ly
64·73 ......TtXKlbS
H-8J .......... " ....&quophs
8'1·93 ................ Yl0kecs
9'1-1}6 .. , .•...........SlII'cdcs
97·98 , .... , ... " ..... lrl li10s
99 ... ...............ChiDCSC
100 ., •••. , ••. " ••.. ,RoIl181JP
(or ehooso:: 1I1liooilil1 1101 OD 1'51)

323

I
 a - 10% penalty on all his skill rolls dealing with
TABLE 6.2-6: PREJUOICES TOWARIl PROFESSION that person.
Roll (dHlO) Profession Roll (dIOO ) Profession
OJ •••••• Apotbcmy S,3·51 ..... L~w yer Scratch er (10 BP): A scratcher is a charanCI"
02 ..... .AnisT 55 ...... Lluodrymlo who constantly seems 10 be scratchi ng himsel f
OJ·O~ .. . .Assassin 56 ...... Livc, ymlP usually a pan thaI isn·t 100 socially acceptable.
05 .....Author 57 ...... ~hso~ Like pickers and boors, persons with this quirk lose
06 ..... Bahr 58 ...... Miller a point of their Charisma ability score and arc off
07 ...... Bloker 59 ...... Millipe,
the bottom of the guest list for social eve nt s.
08 ...... Buber 60·61 ..... Mi~e OWDCr
09 .. . ..Bukctmlktr 6Z ...... Mounllin M.n Selfish (25 HP): This character thinks aboLlt no
10 ...... Bbcksmith 63 ...... NltUlllist one and nothing elsc hut himsclf. He has no idea
II ...... Bouding H ouse Opcmor 61 .. ....Ncwsplper Publisher how anyone d se feels, nor does he carc. He
12 ...... Book Publisher 65 .....Outllw assumes e"el)·onc fecls either attracted to him , or
13 .. ....800lmaktr/Sbocmakcr 66 ...... PhotogTlpher
\4-\5 ..... BouPTY Hunter
jealous of him. He loses I point of Charisma abil-
67 . .... .P.inler/ Bind«
16 ...... Brewer 68 ... . ..Prospector ity because of his attitude.
17 ...... Brickmakcr 69·70 .....Politi~i l n Short Term Memory Loss (20 HP): People
18 ......Bufhlo H UllltT 71 ...... P,elc her with this quirk Illay be able to remember things
19 ...... Business O wner 7Z •..... RiDchcr
20 ..... . Butther
Ihal happened to them as children. but will be
73 ..... .slddler
21 ......Gupco!cr 71 . S l loon Owner unable to tell anyone what they had for dinner.
22 , .....Cook 75 ......~wycr/ Lumh<:rj.lck They Illay forgel things like the fact Ihat they
2J ......Cooper 76 ......School Teicher chccked into a hOlel room and lItey may 11)' 10
H ..... .CO..,hoy 77 ..•...Scout/ Guide check into the room over again. They may forgct
25 ...... DcP,i,! 78 .sigpml ker how they gOl to a particular location, and not
26·27 .•... DCICClivc 79 ......Silvmmllh
l8 .. Diploma,
remember how 10 get back.
80-81 .....Snah Oil S. lesmin
29 .Doclor 82 .soldier This character must make all Imelligence check
30 ., .... Engineer 8J-8~ .... .sPY any time he wants 10 remember something that
JI ...... Eogincer. Rli\to;ui 8S ..... .surveyorlC.trIoguph,r happened within the Iasl -I hours of game time. Jr
32 .... : .EnlcmioCf 86 . . .Selmstress/ T.ilor
the check is ~uccessflLl, he has a good, but not per-
3J ...... E~prcssm .p 87 ...•.Tl nn,,/ Lelthcrworhr
J~ ...... Furner sa. ....Tdegr.ph Operollor fect, recollcction of the thing or event. If the check
3S ...... FanieT 8C) ••• Tinsmith fails. he has no memory or merely panial memory
36 ...... ""feight/ Tu rnslcr 90 ......Tohicconist of the thing or evenl. The same ch eck must be
37 ...... Gambler 91. . ..Tr.ilblllcr made if the character wants to loeate an item or
3&-39 .....Grifter 92 ......Transporler (mge) othcr piece of equipment that they used within the
~O· 41 .....GuP For H ire 93 . . .Tuder last four hours. This check need not be made for
42 .... ,.Gupsmith 91 .. Underuhr
13-11 ..... HllIgmlo 95 .. VetcripU;ID
items that arc carried in lheir hands or on obvious
15 ......Hotd Opcutor 96 ...... W.inw rigbl places on the ir person. or large. rarely moved items
~6 ..... .I ~terpreler 97 ...... Wener used in their profession ,such as 11 priming press for
17 ......Jewder 98-99 . ... Whore a primer, or a d isplay sta('k of can ned beans for a
18. . ...Jo~rpl l ist 100 . .. . .Prejudiced 19liruit 1"'0 shopkeeper \. This laller check can also be a\'oided
19 ......Judge professions. Rolligl in
if the player states aloud that his cha racter records
SO ...... L18d Broker (glio DO .ddilionll BPs)
51·5Z .....U.-mlP the location of the item used. This character has
diOiculty learning from certain past mistakes and
If the character must work with someone he is preju- suffers a -110 his \\'isdom score.
di ced against, he su ffer s a -I /-5% penalty on all his skill So ft Touch (30 BP): Every drifter, beggar and con
rolls dealing with thai PCrsOIl. anisl in town seems to have an eye on this character.
Racist (40 BP): A chara<:tcr with this quirk has an They're always approaching him for cash, aid or some
unreasoned fedi ng of superiority over people of all SOrtof finan cial backing, and he JUSt hates to turn them
other races, regardless of any other fanor. T his imag- away em pty-handed. In every case, there's a 50(1:0
ined superiority may come from his upbringing or some chance he tries to fix their situation as best he ca n, and
slight (real or imagined) that the character suffered the othcr 50% of tht" time he at least gives them a cou -
from a similar pe rson in the past. If the character is pic of bucks to lidc them o\'er.
forced 10 work with someone of another race, he suffers Spendthrift (60 HP): Money seems to burn a hole in
this character's pocket. He spends cw:ry cell t he ge ls

324
that's not nceded lor thc minimum daily food and lodg-
ing. Hcck, if he call go hunting and slc{'p under tht
stars, he spe nds that money too. Booze. bordellos or
bullets it doesn't seem to matter mueh jU~1 :15 long as
he fed~ the thrill of ~pendi n g.
Straight Shooter (40 BP): A charaetcr with this
quil'k is alwars upright and honest. Though this quirk
might ~ccm like a good thing - and, for the most parI , it
is somet imes being able to lic, cheat o r steal ('omes in
prClly darn handy. }\ straight shoote r call't do any of
those things, nOt e\"cn 10 sa\c his life.
Stutler (20 BP): Characters who miller haw' a diffi-
cult time communicating. It takes them 2d20 percent
longe r 10 communicate something. In ~tres\ful ~i\Ua­
tions, such as in combat ur wh('11 bein~ interrogated,
thc extra lime is doubled. Smuners also lo~e I point of
Charisma and arl' OftI'll taunted by blillie~.
Superst.itious (15 BP): The ~(' character" feci they
can (antral \dU\I happ en~ to them b) avoiding cen ain
actions, or performing cenain ritual~. TIl('~e pt'opko put
a lot of faith ill luck and Cll rry a lucky eharm of ~omt·
son this may be a lucky hat that they newr take off.
or a lucky gu n they still carry evc n when it no longer
work:;,
Along with thc luck} charm of Ihe player's choice,
roll titre/' times on Tahir 6,2- 7: Supmliliolls to determine
TABLE 6.2-7: SUPERSTITIONS
Roll (dIZ) ChUlt!cr...
1 .......Takes SIUI rI)ks on Ibe di)' of h,s luck\' number
(roll I dZQ 10 dttcrmi~c ).
2 ......AhrlYs puIS h,s hi! on perfcclly sluiSh1. for luck.
J ...... Always ...eus differeDT colored socks OD nch fOOl.
for luck.
~ . .... .Nevel pUIS bis hi! OD I bed . be mighl he scriou.sly
IPJured OT kIlled.
S ......Avo ids Ihe color ydlo. "brings bid luck.
6 .....•AIII"y5 sh,ves before going ;nlo I fiSht. for luck.
7 ...... Thinks dud !hillgs ue unlucky. AVOIds a:melcueJ.
coffins. corpses. elC.
S ......Thinks blllck CU$ Ite un lucky. eoc., 0111 of hisw,y
10 "'old lhern.
9 ......Thinks bruking I mltror UU5C! K\"Cn yursof bad
luck.
10 ......Avold, ..,.Ik,ag vDder 1 bddcr.
11 ...... Tlkes no tlsk~ 011 Friday Ihe IJlb.
12 •.. .•. Tlkes DO risks olllbc dly of blS uu lucky lIumber
(roll 1 dZO 10 dC lermillC).
what superst itions the characte r has. If you roll a
superstition the chamcte r "I ready has, roll again until
he gets a new onc.
Talker (20 BP): Charac1('rs with this quirk just ca n't
seem 10 gct a handle on their voiccs. The)' either talk
too loud, too i'oft, or mumble. O ther~just can', ~ce l1lto
close the lid on their voi(:(;box when they '1'0 to sleep.
Roll a d I.
rT On a I , Ihe character is a "loud wlkcr."
~ On a 2. he's a soft talker.
: ? On a 3, he's a mumbler.
rT On a 4. he talks in his ~lccp.
This last one is especially dangerou~ if he's the kind
of hombrt who like~ or needs to keep secrets.
There i\ a 50(10 chance that a sleeptalker rc\'t' als
thin~~ Ihat norma ll ) he wou ld not \\<lnt anyolle 10
know. He mav declare his love for the local dance hall
girl. He may ,pout the location of hi s ~ liIs h of goods.
or let it out thai he 's the one who swipcdJedidiah 's der-
ringer. T he thin ~ a cha racter sayll in his sleep, howev-
1' 1'. are questionable as 10 their act'uracy. Thos{' listen -
in~ arc unablt" to tell if Ihe character is talking about
something real. o r ~umethin'l' in ;t dream.
Thick Acce nt (10 BP): Th i~ character ha~ a thit'k
acct"nt that immediately identilic~ him a~ a per~on of a
p<lrticular region or nation. Th ough his 5pl'ech may be
proper, ot lwr folks ~ till judge him bas(' d on hall' he talks.
For example. a Northerner may as~ttme a ch:lraCler
with a Southc rn accent is less cultured, or that a char-
acter from an Indian tcrritory is an ignorant primitive.
Tinhorn (20 BP): ,\ character with this quirk i ~
about as cheap and nash~ as you can get. He always
prctend~ to he much better at his profession than he
actually is. ,Inel fakl' ~ what he doe$n't know. Sueh a per-
son makf"s friends quickly ir they'rc looking to make
friends with dudes that hal'e it lot of money " but the)"
usually don' t stick around once they rcalize the truth.
Touchy (25 BP): :\Iaybe it was the wa)' they werc
raised , or just so methin~ in their nature, but characters
\\ith this quirk are O\'crly se nsitivc and prickly
·'touchy". Such a pcp-;on Illay trash a room bccau:./'
his bed was lumpy or the person in the ncxt room madc
too much no i ~c. He may cvc n turn uve r a table and
storm 01T if he loses a g:ll1le of ca rds.
Yellow Belly (40 BP): A character with th i\ quirk
doesn 't have a ~ingk brave bone in hi ~ body. H is COIll-
panions ca n', count all him in extreme situations. and
he alway ~ han~s back in a fi ght probably firin g blind-
ly around a corncr, provided he didn't already sneak
awa)'. An)' wound (cven a graze) in a gunfight ur bmwl
callses a yellow bell)' charaeh.T to hide under cover, sur-
rl'nder or to flee the situation in the quickest and safcst
po~s ibl c mannel: When determining fli nehing. the
character suffers a +j pcnait) to his roll.
325
 Furthermore, a yellow belly character receives only
nine Reputation Poil11 s ror every ten Reputation Points
gained, and loses on(' additional Reputation Point ror
every 10 Reputation Points lost. Por o:ample, lei's Sq)' (/
J'el/ow btfly lIame(1 Jakr has 3 i?epulalioll I~illls" Jakr gaills -I
/llOrt poillis i'l Ollr. gam/llg SfSS/OIl" and 3 mort points Ihe IIt>:/.
gll'lng hjlll (I {o/lIl d 10 RC/Jlllfitio/l PO/llis. Siller hr Ita:. rrar/ltd
a lolal of 10, Jake losl's onl' poilll of Repll/atioll and drops dOll'lI
/0 9 Replltalioll Poinls. Whenever Jake r.arns 10 mort poinls
(plI/lillg his SCOff. a/ /9). lit again 10UJ ont point (droppillg!Jim
dO/t'il /0 18)"
* FLAWS *
Acorn Calf (35 BP): A per~on known as an '"acorn
calf,"' or the ""rUI1l or the litter,'" seem!> scrawny and
weak to most rolks. Characters with this fla\\ suffer a I
penalty to their Strength A;'\D Constitution ability.
Albino (15 BP): Characters with this flaw han' a lack
or melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes giving them an
extre mely pale complexion, light blue eyes, and on
some occasions pink eycs and pure white bail'. Some
Indians call albinos "ghost pcoplc"' because or their
somewhat ('eric appca ran("e.
326
Addit ionally" the e>e~ or such a characte r arc \'ery
~emil i \'e 10 ~un l iltht and othe r bright light. These cha r-
acters mu~1 co\"("r .1 11 paris or their skin any limc Ihe>
arc out in the ~lln, u~c \\ ide-brimmed hats or \'eils to
~ ha de their eyes, and protect their heads rrom harsh
~lLn.
An albino character that fail s to protcel himsdr sti r-
rers a se\'e re sunburn and a 5°'0 penalty to all rolls ror
the next 24 hours ror cvcry ;ncremeIll or + hours or
exposure. T he)' also tempo raril y lose I point of Looks
b<" causc or the bli~tering. For cvcr), five serious burns,
this abi lity loss is permancnt.
Animal Antip a thy (variable BP): Characte rs with
this fla\\ somehow gained Ihe enmit), or a specific t}l)e
or normally domesticated animal. These animals ca n
sense somet hing about the character that disturbs them
and arOllses their primal instincts. They may auad the
charaetel" ir cornered, but prerer to flee when possible.
Oddly, O\'CI' time this flaw seems to get worse" For
e\'cry year a character possesses th is flaw, olher animal
types begin 10 ~cnse the negati\'e vibcs e manating rrom
the PC. l\ lake a )<,arly C harisma chec k, beginning \\'i th
thc second ycar. A failed result means you should roll
again on Tablt 6.2-8. Your character gelS no eXIra UPs
ror additional flaws gained ill this manner.
 TABLE 6.2-0: ANIMAL ANTIPATEY Buffal o Mange (15 BP): Characters with this flaw
su ffer from an infestation of head lice. ~10 matter how
Roll (d8) ADilild BP ma ny baths he takes or clothes he changes, it seems like
I .......Burro. Ooakty i Dd Mole ...... .30 the darn crilters arc JUSt atlracted to him.
2 ......ell ....................... . ....... .5
Consequently, his head often itches and he seems like
3 •.. .• ,ChickCD lIId ROOSTer ............... .15
'I ......Co ................................25
he's ah\ays scratching it. This irritation also increases
5 •...••Dog ............•.................. 20 the c hance of infection frOlll other diseases +-1- penalty
6 ......Cnu ............................. .15 to rolls when determi ning whethc r charactcr catches
7 .. .. .. Horsc· .............. , ............ .50 the discase .
8 ..••. Sheep .•••..•••....•. •...•.•..•.•.. 20
Bushed (25 BP): 1'\0 Ill.llter how much sleep this
charactcr gCl.~, he ahlays fecl s tired. C ha racters with
this flaw yal\11 fn:queml)", and often lose track of con-
BHnd in One Eye (40 BP): . \ character with thiS \·ersations. \ \'or~e, they suffer a constant I penalty to
nail' has hinde red \'i~ion, /-'';\'ing them a -2 penalty to Speed.
Accuracy with ra nged weapons, lind 2 on To-Hit rolls Colorblind (5 BP): Unable \0 distinguish betll'een
when brawling or using melee wea pons. colors, thest' charactc rs li\'(., life wi th little problem,
Roll a d4. H owcl'cr, there arc times IIhen such a condition can be
9r On a result of I or 3, the nail' is in the left eye. frustrating. D istinguishing between anything with di f-
ferent color type~, ~uch as plants or the red light signi-
:::iT" On a 2 or .~ . the flaw is in ril(' ri ~ht crc. fying a bordello, can be hazardous. In addition, ther
The penalty 10 Accuraq with rangcd weapons dou- cannot correuly di,tin~ui~h the color~ used in signs and
bles to + when r.rin~ a I\('apon in this left or right arc. othcr importam information a big problem if the
character is illiterate.
C ons umptive (60 BP): This eha raCler suffers from
consumption tubereulosis~, If not a n:Hi,'c of the wcst,
this character probably traveled out west hoping the dry
air would improve his condition. The character coughs
frequc ntly, sO llletim e~ coughing up small amounts of
blood. and often has fCl'crs and night sweats. \\'orse.
yet, he 's cOlltagious. Tho~c who frcquemly associate
with thi~ characte r ha\'C a 10 0 chance per week of
catching the disca~(." with a latent period of d20 month s
before the symptoms prescnt themselves.
Each time the cha racter fi nishes a stre nuous activity
(such as running or sprillling , he must make a
Constitution check. If he fails, he must rest (and do
nothing else) lor a I Q-second COUIlI per second of stren-
uous aeli,·ity. If he refuses to rCSt, he suffers severe
chest pain and shortness of bl'eath, losing I hit point
pe r 2 scconds he continues to st rain himself.
The player shou ld ask the Ci\1 or another player to
secrctly roll a d 100.
'3r On a roll of 01 -50, the character dies of con-
sumption afte l' the next 3d6 months have passed.
~ On a roll of 51 -80, the charaCler dies in d4+ I
years.
9r On a roll of 81 -100, Ihe character dies of CO Il-
sumption in 6+2d6 years.
Dumb (50 BPJ: Dumb characters can communicate
only with gestures, or b)' writing. Sometimes mutes
anger olhe l" people because they fail 10 understand why

327
 TABLE 6.2-9: EPILEPTIC
Roll (dll) Type Erfw
I ........ .s,mpleiSensory ............Sees lighls
2 .........S,mpk/ SeB50'Y .... ...... ..Hem ~ buUlllg sound
3 ........ .s,mpleiSeIlSO'Y ............Tull:S ISlnagc um
'I ........ .s'mplelSeuofY ........... .smells ~ strngc smell
5 ........ .s,mple/ Molor .............Coavu lsivc Itllts ,a kg (uanol Yllk)
6 ....... .simpk/ ~ loIOt .............Convu lsivc Itlks ,n um (ClnPOI use urn )
7 ....... .s,mpk/ Molot .............Coawlsivc ,erk, ,n hCld {unBoi uke .\(I,on)
8 .........SimplclEmohOnil .......... Rollld6: iDgcr (I). fur (2-4)./oy (5). $.Idncss (6)
9 .........COmplclC/ Psychomotor ..... Bbnk look/sTire {d4 m,n) .• hnl confllsion (2d~ mIn)
10 ........ ..Aton,C/Drop .............. Lose co~ioll$nc$S. (olllpse OdS !leconds)
II .........Absence/Pc'"t Md ......... Blink look/mrc (d4+1 seconds). then npid blinking. bmlhiag or che y,ng ( d~+1 seconds)
12 .........Cncn l/Cnnd Mil ......... Unconsciousness. thcn lTuJOr 'on~u ls,ons (IICC1('(1)

th .. charaC{(T i'i not al1Sw("rin ~. In addition, the player
of a dumb charaCtcr canllOt communicate \l~rball\ "itll
other players al tht' table durins; important "imaliom
such as combat.
Epileptic (10 BPJ: Thi~ character has ~ome type of
organic brain di~('ase or damage. cau~ing him to ha\'e
se i zure~. :-:0 one i~ ~ur(" what triggers such auack:;, and
they seem to be completely random. Therefore. each
day, the player must ask Ihe G~ I or another player 10
seneti)" roll a d 10. On a roll or G or lower, the cha rac·
ler sufTt'N a seizure: the G~I or other player must nO\I
secret!) mil a d 12 and a d4 . This delermines the hour
of Ihe day ill Ilhil"h thl' ~t'izure occur, d12: hour: d·l:
]·2=am, 3-I::pm. If nt'cc~~ary, roll a d6 and dlO 10
determine Ihe exaCI minlile as Ilcll d6-1 for lOs di£il
and cliO·] for milluu:s ..
The (;;\. 1 or other player will not inform the aOlicted
play('r of the result, bUI inSlead should interrupt the
game when and if tIlt' hOLlr of lhe character's ,cizure
comes around. \ \'hell it occurs, the pbycr himself
~hould roB a d 12 Oil -Titbl, 6.2-9: t.)il'/I/I('
Should n Cnmd ~Ial se izure: occur and no one is
around to hdp, the c h"rncter ~wallows his tongue and
nlay sufTocate after a number of minutcs eq ual to his
COlHtilution dil'ided by 3: make iI CO:;\! c heck Ih ree
tilUes; failure on all three means his lOng-lie remained
lodged in his Ihroat .mel he dies. The characler ~hould
en~l1rl' his panner\ a rc \\ell informed aboUl hi~ condi-
or(krill.'!: from a mcnu. they might have to strain and
hold their citrcl~ or pOl])('r at arms-length.
Glass J a w (2 0 BP): Thi~ cowpoke's 11011h<: best guy
to hal"(' Oil your ~idl' durill~ it brawl. If he loses 2011'11 or
more of hi~ hi\ point~ ill a bloll to the head, he pass('s
Out for d20 minutes minus half hi\ Constitution ability
score ignore zero or Jlcgati\'e results.
H am-Fisted (2 0 BPJ: Thi~ charac ter is unusually
dum~y. He often f: .I1 ~ off his horse. trips Ol'er rucks and
drops hi~ gun al tlte WOht pos~ible limes.
:T On a ~kill dleck. tht· characte r has an accidcm
on a roll (If q I-lOt).
; r On an ability check. he fumbles on a 19 or 10.
'3r If running or dodging, this character mll~1 suc-
ceed 011 a Dexterity check or slUmble and fall.
: ? If ga lloping, the c haracter must ~lIeceed ;11 a
Ride ~ k ilJ check or fall ofT hi, horse.
Br When brawling, he fumbles 011 a I or 2.
:T WI1('n in a ~ IH)olout, ht' has a mishap or failure
on a roll of I or 2 :on a roll of '2, roll a d'20+80 inslead
of dlOO on the ;\Ii shaps and Failures table.
Hard of Hearing ( 1.5 BP): A characte r with this
na\' has a hard time hearing. Olher folks must re peat
tltemsc1l-es st'I'era] timC's l,.Jlell trying to communicale
wilh a IWilring impaired c haraclc r. The hard of hear-
in~ charartf'r ha~ trouhle in a c rowded or noisy place,

tion JUSt in case. beinl-: unable 10 pick OUt thc cOIl\'ersation of a friend
from the din of Ih(" ("rowel or the sound of gunfire, In
Facial Scar (25 BP): Somcthing awful happened to
Ihe heat of battle, such an impa.irmelll might prove
thi~c haracter. Ht, ,ufTe r' from a hideous scar thnl he
falllL During key times such as this, the character muSI
cannot hide. Such 1I chnracter suffers -2 10 Looks,
make a n Intelligence check 10 sec if he was able 10 piek
Far_sighted (20 BP): Filr·si~ ht ed people can ~ec up the illl(:ndcd commu nication.
obj(·ns far away justlin(" bUI haw lrouble seeing thing~
Impotent ( 10 BP): Some men and women, no mat~
thai art' ntar. A~ sudl, they suffer a -I penalty 10 brawl-
tcr h011 hard Ihcy u'}·, J USt can'l scem to perform in the
ing: and hand-Io-hand atlack rolls. For mOSt othe r pur·
sack. This leads 10 I'rustralion and frequem self-chas-
poses, they suiler very liule ill e!Te(""\s, but when doing·
tisement. \\'orse, olher folk frequently make fun of th is
lhings such ,h playing poker, reading a wanted poster or
(·hal'actcr when the ~cc ret becomes known. Because of

31H
their O\ln ~dr-hatred and/or lack or selr-esteem . impo-
tent rhrtracters hegin the game with a I penalty to
Chari,ma.
Lisp (20 HP): 'fh c per~on \I·ith a lisp ~uffer~ little in
the Ilay or damage bccause or this nilll. lI ol\cver. a
li~ping per~on loses a point or Charisma du(' to ~oci('ty's
perception or this speech impediment. Additionally,
others may h.we a hard time understa nding tht' ~pt.'edl
of a pcr~on who li~ps. People ortrn make fun or those
who talk runny, so li~pers may find them~eke~ in morl'
br:lIIls than usual.
In noisy or stressful ~i tuation s, an} character attempt-
ing to understand the lisper must make an illlelligcllcc
check. Ir the ciu'ck ron equals or cxcced~ tll·ict.· the
checking character's Intel1 igt·nte, he bdien'S the li~ per
is telling him the oppo~it(' thing intl'nded.
him to mil dice also incllr~ a one-point or 3°0 penalty.
Once a week, a person with migraines i~ out of com-
mission duc (() migr.. inc pain .
.\ s defined on Tah/, 6.2- /0: .\/!:r:raillf Omlfrallu. roll .1
dS for each week of gan1(' limc 10 determine thc da}'
I=Sunday. 2=~lol1da}~ 3=-Tue ~day, +=-\\'edne~day. 5=-
Thursday, 6=Frid;l), 7=-Sallm\;ly ;lnd 8=no migraine
that IICt'k and so on. Roll a d 12 alld d ~ 10 determine
exaCt hour and am/pm respectively. d12: hour; dol: 1-
2=am, 3-I=-pm. If llCO',sal). roll a d6 and diD to
delt'fmine the exact minutc a ~ well (£16-1 ror lOs ami
dlO-1 lor minutes::1 r~sult Or;) and fi =- 56'.
Missillg Digit (variable HP): ,\ person \lith thi~
nail is missin~ onc finger or thumb. This nail may be
rolled 0 1' cherry-picked multiple limes ror additional
mi~~ing digi15. Roll a d I 0 lor less for multiple occur-

Low Pain Toleration (35 HP): .\ charactrr with thi~
naw recls pain mor(' strongly than other~. A per,oll II ith
Llrr is unable w stand even the smallest pain. H('
\1 inn's and romplains ju~t rrom ~etting a ~pliJller in hi~
!"t'llees to determine the missinl{ digit. Place your hands
nat on tht., tahle. palms dmrn. ;mci count the digit~ rrom
\eft to ri~lll. Thc numhn rllu rolled detl'fmines the
mi~"in~ die;it. Refer to 1nMi' (j.:1-/I: .Il1ulIIg /Jlgit BP

finger. Those \Iith L ilT 10::'l' a point of Reputation
l'very time they react (0 pain in public. In addition.
characters with LPT are unable (0 r(' ~i::.t torture and
quick to lell an inqlli~ilOr anything he wants to knOll.
For every point of damage.- suncrcd. the effeni"e hit
pointS losl itre doubled untillhc persall reaches zero or
rewer hit points. However, once the combat i, O\'l'l; a
person with this malady bnllncc~ back, ~ll n·nin~ onl}
aclual damagl' hair that recorded. In bra\1 I~, the
character loses twice the requircd chips, but rcgaim
chips at t\lice the standard I':U(,.
Migraines (15 HP): Characler~ who hal'e this na\1
suffer rrom cxcruciating headachc~ on a regular hasis.
When a migra ine ~ Irikes a cha ranel; he will be unable
to runction. He must reSI ror the entirc da) before
rcsuming any acti\·it)'. Ir hc OptS to continuc whiil' ill
pain, all Accuracy and hand-to-hand damagt" roll s sur-
frr a -I penalty. . \nything tlsc h(' docs which cau~es
Blml/_' rol' ~pccilic BP bonu"e, gained.
TABLE 6.2-11: MISSING DIGIT BP BONUSES
Cumuln,vc D'gil u"s BP bonus
H fillllcr5 (no morc .b~p 2 from ncb bud) I
.humb OR 3 fipgen OP ,pdil· ,du~1 h~Dd Zl
.humb PLUS 3 ~ddi"OD~1 fipgcr! ( I h.lld) 30
thumb OR 3 fiagc" on iDd,~idu~1 b.nd. 1·2 fiDgers 011 o.lIer b~nd 30
.humb PLUS 3 ~dd,.iollll fillgC1S (I h.lld), 1·1 fingeu on o.her h~Dd 31
thumb OR 3 f,lgcrs on both h'lIds 1O
.humb PLUS 3 ~dd,.,on.1 {'lIgm (bolh huds) 60
.\ dlaraCtcr mi~sin~ hi'i thumh cannol properly grip
mOSt thin~ and cannot Ust' a pistol with that hand.
Likcwi~c, a charar'l'f llIis~ing more than 111'0 fingl'fS
cannot fire a gun II ith that hand but ca n grip mo~t
01 her thin~ .
For (\fIlI/pll. I('t j 1t!)I thai SlulI 'I 'hitl' j- plu)'rr rolls thr
.lli.l-\illg Digit jl(lu'. Ilf rolls a d J0 (for (/ mllll of I) alld /((lrlll

TABLE 6.2-10: MIGRAINE OCCURRENCE

Rol~~dSJ Dly RolJ~~12 J Hour Rol! !~4) Hour RoJJ~JO IJ M,DUlt ( Olla )
01 ........ SundlY OJ •••••. , •• .1:00 0102 .........AM 00 ...............: 0
02 .......... Mond~y 02 ..........UKI 03·04 ......... PM OJ .••••••••••••• ~ I
03 ..........Tlltsd.y 03 ......... ,3:00 02 ...............: 2
04 .......... WedDescby 04 .......... 4:00 RoJ~d6.1 ) Minut~ l' tlls) OJ ...............: 3
05 ..........Tburs~hy 05 ......... .5:00 00.. .........~ 04 ...............: 4
06 .......... Fridly 06 ..........6:00 01 ........... :J 05 ...............: 5
07 ..........S,curd~y 07 ..........HIO 02 ........... ~1 06 ............. _ 6
08 .......... No m'lIulI.e this wtek OS, .........8:00 03 ............:3 07 ................ 7
09 ..........9:00 04 , ...........:4 08 ........ , ...... : 8
10 ......... .10:00 05 ............:5 09 ...............: 9
IJ ......... .11:00
12 ..... , ... .11:00
 ftc is missing his liftllillky. This is w(}rth 5 BR As (hallce wo1i1d
/WVt it. ftt roll.! Ihis flaw three addiliolla! limel witll Ihc addi-
tiOllalloss f!/ his lift rlllgjillger, righl pillkv alld right middle fin-
ger (ma)'be he was a plil/cli pms operator hark east .. .) ThtSe
Jour indi;:idllal./laws, as a whole. still Ollly )'ield 5 BP sina Ihe
ClllI/ulalit't digit loss does nol cross (Iu Iflres/lO(d alld so wammf
additiollal BPs.
~ote: During character c reation , subseque ntl y gain -
ing the ~ l i ss ing Limb Flaw (specific to the limb on
which the missing digit was once found , supercedes this
flaw and negates an~' bu ildi ng poin ts gained.
Missing Ear (20 BP): T his n:lw affeCls only :I per-
son's appearance and his abi lity to wl:<lr ce rtain types of
hats. T hose who are mi ssing an car su tTer no loss to
hearing except in noisy or stress ful (' irc lll1l ~ta n c es (i.c.,
comhat). In this case, they mUSt make an Intelligence
check to understand anything said 10 them at a di~ t ant'e
greater than 15 feet, on the side of the mi~sing car.
Looks is also affected. Those mi~sing an car lose \
point per car from their Looks abi lity score.
Roll a M.
"Gr If 1 or 3, th e left car is missing.
gr If a 2 or .~ , th e right ear is missing.
Th is Oaw may Ix' rolled or c herry picked 1W1ce for
both cars missing.
Missing Eye (45 BP): T ho ~e Imssmg a n eye lose
some vision, c;\Using them 10 suOe r a -2 penalt y La
Accuracy with ranged weapons. and -2 o n To- H it rolls
when brawling. Looks also ~ uffers, with the charact er in
question losing 1 point from this attribute.
Roll a cli.
rT On a I or 3, the left eye is missing.
r3r O n a 2 or .~, Ihe right eye is missing. The penal -
ty to Accuracy with ranged \\eapons doubles to 4
when firing a weapon in this (left or right) :lrc.
Mis s in g Lilllb (variable BP): Characte rs with this
Oaw arc missing eithe r an a r m or a leg. This flaw may
be rolled 01' c herry picked multiple times for additiorml
mi ssing limhs.
Roll a d4 to detc rmine th e mi ssing limb.
9r On a I, the left arm is missing.
rr If a 2, the right arm is missing.
V#r If a 3, the left leg is missing.
'Gr O r if a +, the righl leg is missing.
Roll a d% (d I 00) 10 sec how muc h is missing.
@'" 50% or less indicates the limb is seve red nca r the
wrist or ankle. The clbow or knee is srill functional.
(value 35 BP)
330
~ 5\ % or more indicates I.he limb is seve rcd near
the shoulder or hip. (\'aluc 50 BP)
How such <In e\'cll! tOok place should add a colorful
SLOry \0 a character's past. \ Vhatc\'er the ca use, such a
dlamcter sutTers signifi cant problems. A character with
a missing arm cannot use t\\'o weapons al Ollce, and
they certainly may nOt usc bO\I·s. T hose with a func-
lional clbO\\ may. howe\·er. usc long guns (Wilh a -2
accuracy penalty). ,\ Iany ot her limitation s exist. most of
which should be ~clr- cvid e nt. fortunatel y, most people
who lose the use of one limb compensate for the loss by
dew'loping extremely st rong muscles in the other.
T herefore. amputees missing an arm lose no Strength
bonuses.
Charaeters who lost a leg ha\'c compromised mobili·
t)' options as detailed in Tab!, 6.2-12: M issillg u g
.\lot'tlllmi Effiels.
TABLE 6.2-12: MISSING LEG MOVEMENT EFFECTS
E:tleD! of D ,s~hj[iry Effee l aD ;\'Io''e menl
Q ne kg bela ... knee ... .•. .sprinting, Running or Jogg io g Da r possible
Qoe k g l00"e knee ...... . .spriOhDJ!. Runoiog or Joggi ng 001 possiblc
Ch~u"n our ooly ... dk wilh clurches
Both Le gs (10Y c_~lent ) .. . . Chu~c l er ml) ooly move ...ilh lid of whe d chm
Near-s i ghte d (25 BP): These characters ca n see
objects that afe near, but have trouble seeing things that
arc fa r away. T herefore. Ihey suffer a -\ penalty Oll
Accuracy rolls pc\' t'very tllO range increments to the
target.
Nervous Tic (25 BP): This flaw causcs a character
to twitch in all un controllable way, espccially in stress-
ful situatio ns s.uch as gunfights or card games. Usually
such twitching: is limited to the face or neck. Someone
with a tic may ha\'(~ one> eye that winks involuntarily, or
11 muscle on one side of his neek tightens. ca using his
head to bob to thl" ~i d e. ~ l ost of the time, this condi-
tion causes no problems. H owever, imagine what would
happen, sa)" if a per~on who has an cye tic is thought to
be winking at the wife of some big, burly soldier.
Nervous tics can also affeet a character's a bility to aim.
There/ore, charactcrs wit h this naw suITer -I penalty to
Accuracy with firearms and other ra nged weapons.
No D e p t h Pe rception (3 5 BP): A character with
this lIaw is unable to distinguish whether objecls arc far
a\\'ay or Ilea!'. T his character suffers a -2 penalty to all
Accuracy rolls with firearms or othe r ranged weapons.
PluInb Blind (90 BP): Blind characters ha\'e lost
their vision. A player whose character has this devas-
tating physical loss should invent an interesting back-
ground stOI)' to explain this. Remembe r that there arc
\'arying le\'els of blindness . Some who arc considered
blind can sec light and colors. as wcll as movement.
However. e\erything appears as a blur, with little, if any.
ability 10 distinguish clewiL Some blind characters can
see light, but nothinl{ else. Others arc consigned 10
constlln! darkness.
In either case, blind charactCl'S suffer a ·8 penalty 10
Accuracy rolls wilh firearms or other ranged weapons,
but only a -4 on ;m<Lck rolls while brawling. Aitholll{h
!tllch a dlaracu:r cannot sec, his other se nses arc hci~llI.
encd, especially hearing and lOuch. (Characters sta rt·
ing off blind can hear twice as well as a normal per~on
(they gain their first purchase or their Listcn int.!; skill for
rree). i\lany who arc hlind have lillie difficulty getting
around, but their movemt'ut is cu t in hair because they
must \'elllure forth carcrullr
Severely Maimed (variable HPJ: A person who is
majmed has some sort or grou.'sque il1ju~ or malady
that deci mated his appearance. They may he ca lled
"freak.. " or "monster<;.'· Children Ont'n run .lway \\hen
they sec a maimed person, or they may taullt him,
Bullies often pick on the c hara(ler. Theft is a. SOu (I
chance that the public reacts with rear \Ihen first
encou ntering a maimed person . Failing that, the~ will
certainly be disrespectful. Players shou ld roll on TobIt
6.2·13: Sevtrt(r M aimtd to dct ermi nc hO\1 thc character
has been affected.
Sleepwalker (20 BPJ: Those who walk in thcir sleep
often find them sel\'e~ in danger. This tlaw can bring a
compktely new meaning to the phrase' "he dif'd in his
~h:cp.'· This characler may walk out or a high \Iindow,
into the middle of a cilmpfire o r into an outiaw
encampment. Fricnds or Ihis character may find them·
selves being asked 10 tic the character down at night.
Sterile (5 HPJ: ~ I aking habies i~ impossible for CO\\ ·
pokes with this Oall , though there's nothing stopping
them from t~'ing, While somc may find this flaw ben·
dicial. there's stil1lhat nagging voice inside land a few
grinning rolk outside) that implies the sterile character
is less than Ill" should be, This character slarts Out with
a I penalty to Reputation.
Stone Deaf (variable BPJ: Those who arc deaf can
li\·(' k.irly normalli\'es despite the loss of thcir hearing.
Howe"er, life is a bit mOrt' difficult. Most deaf charae·
teTS 7So/a' arc deaf from birth, :ami havc a further 100 0
chance to ha"e a deaf parent (rollll'Q ror each parcnt l.
Thc othl'r 25°0 are dear a~ a result of some 'iO n or
ocntrrent'C later in life, H ow ~uc h an e"ent tonk place
should add a colorful ~tO I)' to 11 character's pas\.
If the ch:1facter was born deaf (60 BP), roll \10. FCII'
each deaf parent, there is a -30% modifier to this roll.
On a result of 01·10, the characU'r does nOl know how
to speak ta ke the Dumb 03\\ and its additional BPs.
Charaners who become deaf later in life (30 BP)
know how to spt'ak, but do 'iO loudly takt, the Talker
loud quirk and its additional BPs).
Those who arc deaf and dumb ha\'e trouble commu·
nicatillg with anyone Ilho doesn't knoll' some 'ion of
sign language, or cour<;c, if the clwracter can write, he
can lise lH)tCS to communicate. provided the person he
wi~hes to com municate \Iilh can reild. Thi ~ call also be
.. rolc·playing challen~e ~i nce the player ~hou ld ;woid
acting on information his cha racler mighl not have due
to his condition, Deaf charactcrs an' una\I'are of any·
thilll:t happening outside their line of s i~h\.
Dt',lfne~, doe~ ha\'e an ad\'alllage, in that deaf char·
aCler, are unancued by loud noises. Also, because
Ihc~e charactt'fs havc had to usc their eyes much more
than mOSt people in order 10 compensate for the loss or
their hearine:, thc\ gain a 25" '11 honu~ Oil all visiotH·eiat·
ed rolls.
Strange Hody Odor {20 HPJ: Thi~ l'haracter has a
d istinctivc stench nbollt him, A s tran~e odor ema natt's
from his body; causing him to lose I point or Chari~ma.
H e is unwt\com(' in most social ga t herin~s no matter
how much he bathes. In addition, he lends to attract
u!lIlanted attention.
Tric k Knee (30 BPJ: 1\ pcr~on with a trick kne{' can
be walking along and then \uc1dent)' h,l\'c his knee give
way, The characte r with this na\\ suffe rs a + I penah)
to Speed hecause he is cormantly war)' of falling down.
Whcll climbing, jogging, running, sp rinting or car~" ng
a heavy load, a trick knee gives out on ;J I in 12, caus-
in~ the charactcr to lo ~c his balanct' and fall 10 the
grou nd. Ir Ihe: character makes sha rp, rapid move·
ment~ such as dodging or dancing, the chance illcf(~as·
es to 1·3 on a d 12, Riding a horse is a good option for
this cha racter.

TABLE 6.2-13: SEVERELY MAIMED

Roll (d1) ~1JimiDg [£feci BP Vllb(
I ." .... , . Mi55Ch~pclI hc~d .... ,',., .... , .... ,' ...Trc1t woulld scverity Ic\·d (hud) as OP( level hl!jhtr, -Iro Looks $Core ., ... ZS
2 "',." .. Misslllpcn body , ...... , ...... , ........+1 Speed, ·1 to bn... liag mltk/dlm~gc rolls. ·1 to Looks Kore .. " ... , ... ,;IS
3 , ... .. .. £vere h cil l h"u or IIIICIISC SCl UllIg " .. ,03 10 Looks Kore, . . . . ,., •. , ... " •.•• , ••. , •••• , .. " •••. , •...•..•••.•• ;IS
... " ... , .. Misslng/dislorted nose:, nl ll1d eye .. " .. No SCIl.ou: of smell. Missing Eif ll1d Miss; lIg Eye fbws" (no um BPs) , ... ,75
"Botb eif lOd eve mll.'l1 be 011 the Slme "de of rbe held.

331
 Chapter 6.31 Skill Descriptions
kill~ acq uired during char,lll a creation rcprcsrlll kmw,l-
S rdgt lIml your chilrrtclCr :u:;(luil"c(1 in YCilrs I);I~L Skills have
:1 I'ilsi 'L1TJ.> of IISI'S ;llld int"ludc surh things as BOI:II1~.
llro!\c Bust ing, Gamblin!{. Ilunting, Oral ion, and ,0 on. ChW'l'
skills Ih.1I best oompkml'!ll the Ch:U<lCICr )'t)U haw in mind. For
l'xamplt, do 1101 choo~(' I\lining lUI a ~('huo!teachcr or
EngiuN'rilll( for a fur [r;lder unless you elm arl icul:il(' a "cll
thought-out rt'allan tx:hiud it.
* MASTERY AND DIFFICULTY *
:\ loSI ~ki ll s indudr I,,,) tablrs - a :\la51('1"\ (,Ibl(> and a Difficult\
table. The ~ I a'ler\ tahle defines "hal ~our character fan do with
this skill; it ~hnw~ you r character's Iimil:lliol\' ba'il'll on his cur-
rent le\lel of l1\aSICI). "1:,1.:(' the the Animal Lal'''' ~kill. for ex.un·
pit. :\ '\"o\"lc("" dlllnH:lcr can rt"cogni/e a lH)(' of ,ulimal b) s i ~hl,
I, hil ... 11 ~ l ilstl'r can determine t!w 10("atiol1 of 11 water holt, ani Ina!
h("rd~. pl"('daIO I"~. nr impending danger (5110"11 as a fornl firt') sim-
ply from obscrvin~ an animal'~ signs and beh:tviOl·'. '\"me I hat I he
~ l asHTY table is nnl all-inclu~ i\T - such <lIable would he bigl{cr
lhall this book! - bUI "'rI'e~:ls a guideli!lr for a charaelcr's skill
lIsrs "nd rrS l ri("tinn~.
The l) ilTIeuh~ lab!.: pro\~d('~ somc cx:lmpl!-s of whal might
mall· a skill mure dimelill \() u~c (such a~ da ,·kllt·~~, exccsshe
Ilois(', angry atlil1ll1ls or hosl ile Ch:1 raCll'rs, etc). I<"<w our c:<:,Hnplc,
* THE SKILLS *
ACCOUNT ING
Reh~"llI1t Ability: Intelligence
Cost: 3 BP
Uni ve rsal: No
Prcrequisite: Mathematics 850/, Of better
Mastery Die: ld8
This skill alln,,·s 3. charnctcr (usually a busill<'SS owner) 10 audit,
m,lint,lin ,Iud procrss financial information, mosII) with II double-
enln bookkccping s~<lern (ko:eping a d ebil enlr) and a credil
em!"\" for i'vcry lr;mS,\tlion). Wilh this 'rsto:nl, lhe character can
[he,'k It:)!" errors and keep his business r<"tmd.~ tiCal and lidy.
Clmra\ters \dlh 3. bu~itH'sS ,hnuld altempt this 5ki ll check once
per monlh. Failure HI usc this ~kill means thaI the c!laf:lcler is
using- eitlwr no medlOd, or 11 "<:1")' primilive mel hod, of managing
his bu~illc~s. Lack of Accountin~ d)~tS Ihe business a Id12% loss
pcr momh in profits.
r\ sucr essful skill check (perrormed monlhl~ for business o\,n-
l'r~) I]ICan5 thaI the charact cr can monilor prolilabilit),. det("cl (01"
add) irregularilics, creale nel' financ ial records, and sn 011. A
f:liled mOlllhl)'skill check indicales lhal the records are nawed in
~OIl1C way and Ihe LlUsine~s suffers a Id3% loss per monlh in pror-

kt's lise the Animal Lore skill :11';::1in. I! would be Trivial (%) 10 its. Thnc loss,'s arc Ihe result of JlOCIf in,etrlory management
i<kntil) an animal "hen il is o.:a,l:ed, eorr;tled or I,ilhin [Q fert i)f (~tlch 'IS spuiled. darnagnl. Hul -of-dale Uf mismaldred paris), dis-

d ll" character, bm it ,hnuld he \'cry Difficult (%) 10 idenlif~ ,U[ hOlleSl \'endllr~. failure 10 pav bills on lime, failure 10 send proper
.winwl al nigh I in lhe middle ofa dH!Ildl.'r~lurm. The Difficult, i11\nin' ~, ,11' "HilI' ')llwr h~' lor t h,ll dues nlll hccornc apparent due

Ir\'cl is usually sel bl the G~I or olher plalo.:n. to inlUrretl books and recurds. ,.\ I.. lel" SUCCt'~srll l check revcals
,Ul\ imbalallCl'S and 1I1eir c;\uses. btll Joes nOl relurn profits

* TIME AND FAILED CHECHS *

Since the skill uf'seription cannOt defille hOI, long II lakes to
already lost.

Le\'el The character CIlII •••

perform e\el") concei\'abic action, simph usc VOIil' common Sf'nse Unskilled Not use this skill.
judgment HI";' grullp conSi:nsus. Fur e.\ample, <I pla)1'1" lan'l 0"0111- Novice '\Iaintain an accurate inventory
IXlSf' an ope,'a lhat will be reh-v,Hlt for gcne ral iOlls in just une d:I'. Average Accurately monitor profitability of a small business
bUl he mighl be abk 10 wr it .. a simple 1)Q!'I\l ill 30 minules.. On venture
Ihe other hand, sume thillgs (such a~ recu~ni7.ing an animal b\ Advanced Accurately monitor profitability of a large business
sil;-llI with Animal Lurd may b.. nearl\ inst3ntaneous. such as a gold mine
Expert Accurately monitor profitability of a complicated
YOIl slrould ,tl~n usc ~our common ~rnse 10 determine "helher financial trust involving numerous related business
VI" not a d,a raCler ma) n'-altempl Ihe same skill dleek ancr" ventures
fai led result. For ".~ampk. the charaCler knows when he has Mllster Manage the financial affairs of a nation-state
faikd a Car pI'nU) (ur similM) ch("tk \0 create an it("m. since the
ilem i, \"i,ibl~ btl1dwd or l1awf'd in some ""} .md till" rdulting Difficulty E:<:amples
piece i~ I"urthles~ excepl as kindling. [fhe still wam,; to build the Trivial Determining what inventory is moving fastest
ilem, hI.' ma~ try "Kain, but "ilh nc" tmucriftl~. '[0 give anuther Easy Detecting losses due to theft or employee ])iifer-
example. a ph)'e !" should not l}"picallv rc t l") a fai led Accounting
che("k. sinet' lht' character ~ef'~ no cr!"or~ "lid has no reasun to A,'erage '.'
Auditing a business' books
rl'(hcc k hi~ fir;ures. Difficult Engaging in (or discerning) sim'ple financial
fraud
Apply a CUll1tilati\c 15% IWnall) lu each n'peatcd skill ch('ck w Very Difficult Engaging in (o r discerning) complicated finan·
'lccornplish lhl:' S:lI1U; task. (This p<"llally don nOl apply \\"h("ll cial fraud
using the <,line skill 10 alll'mpt a dilTen'rH t3.sk.) If lhis Ilt'nalt)
aC<"iUlluialCS lu thr point I,h .. n' til(" dlar .. clcr ean1l011)()~5ibl~ ~uc­ ADM[NISTRATION
!'I'cd, he mIlS! improvc his ma~IO:') lewl in Ihis skill twfnn'
attempling the sam .. lask agaill. Releva nt Abi lity: Intelligence, Wisdom o r Charisma
Cost: 5 BP
Unh'ersal: Yes
Prerequisite: None
Mas tery Die: IdG

332
 S" Wilt hll)il/(<Jmllll fQn ~ ..pt
1Il1~quQ/t "l/tllliQn I" 001"
A charactl."r IIses t his skill 10 unders tand lhe basics of how go,-
errllnental, private and ci"k organiLalions ol)!."taIC. lie can use
such kmmlcdge to hi! ad\'anl:\ge "lIl."n he "anU to funct ion II ell
,.it hin a known go\'crnrn("ntal !)'Stem, nMnage 1m olliee, business
or organi~;tl i on. T he character knows ho" to hire staff, ketp ,I
budget and pf()\ide for san it,lIion and ~~'n'i erabl(> roadways.
A sucensful (month l) skill dl('d: ml."ans tlw character is doing
well, and the people under him arr rea.)Qnabl~ content. A railed
skill check indic.. te that the char'lct("r has no id("a hOl\ his sub-
ordinates f("d, Additional ~kiJJ chcck~ ma~ ~ n::<luired withiu a
mon t h for unusua l situations Ix)'Ond th (" standard monthl,
adm i ni~l ra t ion (for e"ampl(", tltt· local dam breals. or the railroad
sur\'q1lfs an' choosinJ;' II lo\\n or a Ill'" business opens th .. t ofT("r'l
higher wages Itl rom cmplo)!'es, etc.),

Le,'cl The thllrllrt er eun ...

Unskilled Manage an eml))oyee or two
Novice Manage a small group of employees or subordillates
Average Rlln a fair-!ized pnvate business with many employ-
ees (such a8 a cattle ranch)
Advanced Administer a medium-sized town
E xpert Administer a large city or state
Master Administer a nation-state (Presidential cabinet oCficer)

Difficulty Example!
Trivial ASSign someone to complete a minor task and
mOllltor performance
Easy Assign someone to complete! major task and
monitor perrormanee
Average Achieve organizational goals in situation that
presents few challenges
Difficult Achie\'e organizational goals in situation with
active opposItion
Very Difficult Achie"e organitational g oals despite extreme
conditions such as war or natural disaster
· Min.# in -.m.text'i UI'troU j<JJ rtlptnl8Wility. TtJ '1 )lu,'i~l', ant farmers or hired hands.
mahng BUrt 8'}))ltvnl' unptit8 tlie fJ'lrOO.[Jf nlf1Y he '1 'Ill"i""r t'lsk. Master ~Ianage the agricultural economy of a nation-state.
Fur a Master JI'/i'J8i! jih ill Se"relary 'if Stat€, a min'})' task
'YItiyht he Iltyvti'ltillg a trade dupule u:itlt Denmark. Difficult) EXam lJII'8
··A!11'il1, maj"r 18 i,l ..,miext ..j "veMU j,lI resp'!I1sihility. Trivial Performing minor farm chores
Easy Ensuring success (sufficient food to live off of
ACRICULTURE fllr a small farmer, profItability for a cash crop
plantation) in II year blessed with good weather
Re le"a nl Abi li ty: Wisdom Average Ensurmg success (sufficient food to live off oC
Cos t: 2 BP for a small farmer, profitability for a cash crop
Universa l: Yes plantation) given average IJrevailing weather
condItions
Prerequ isite: NOlie Difficult Ensuring success (sufflcient food to he off of
Mas tery Die: 1d10 for a small farmer. profitability for a cash crop
Materials/Tools Required: Yes Iliantation) despite drought, poor weather, or
moderate insect infestation
T his character understands planting. har.esllng and slOring \-ery Difficult Ensuring success (sufficient food to )j"e off of
crops, te nding farm anima ls and similar chon'~, .. \ dl .. racler can [or a small Carmer, profitability Cor a cash crop
at temptloll'Ofk a traci or land to produce the 1I10S1 crop~. and he plantation) despite severe drought or massive
can "ark at managing a f,tflll a~ ifit \lere .. business, \lorking \l ith insect plagues
li\estock. 5upcni$ors and farm hands. The dlaraucr must ha"e
too ls app ropriate to his lask (an a,,(· for chopping ,,"Ood. a bucket ANIMAL EMPATH Y
for milkinJ;;\ COIl. ('tc).
RelC1'an t Ability: Wisdom or Charisma
Le"el The chllrader can ~. Cost; 2 BP
Unskilled Han'est food crol)S. Ullil-ersai: No
Novice Manage a small plot or land 8ufficlent to feed his Prerequisite: None
familr·
A\'e r age Maste ry Die: IdlO
.Manage a small farm III) to 40 acres with a few
slaves or hired hands. "\ C'har;tct("r II ilh lhi~ skill has Insight into an animal's emOlions
Advanced Ru n a large farm with up to 20 slaves or hired - 111' III") bl' able to dc tnm in(' ir il i~ hUllJ;n'. frightcned, lIIad-
hands,
de ncd, defCII,i"c. "nti so on, and Iry 10 shllll any anim:1 l lhal 11l'
Expert Run a huge plantation with hundreds of slaves, ten- dcsJrc~ " illwr frit'lld-;hip or e n mity. I It' can somc l imes allempl If)

333
\lS~ his ski ll 10 placalC angry animals or ta u nt t hcm in to attacking weather, and potential hazards (natural or human)
him, as he sces iiI. \Vild or rabid animals ca nnOl be ca lnl(~d.
although they l;<ln be taunted or frightellClI. A sillgle .~uccc~sru l
Difficulty Examples
skill rheck indicates thaI the characte r succeeds in his lask. On a Trivial Herding under perfect conditions (daylight,
failed check, the charaCH'r docs nOI unde rstand the anin13I's good weather, ample forage)
mood , 01' the au imal does 110t understand or 1'ea<:1 in the wa> the Easy Herding under favorable conditions
characler hopes. Average Herding ill poor weather
Difficult Herding excited or agitated animals, herding in
Lel'el The character CH Il ••• a storm (heavy rain, etc)
Unskilled Not use this skill. Very Difficult Herding angry or U]lSet animals, herding in a
Novice Show animal that the character desires enmity violent storm (dust. hail. etc)
A\'erage Taunt animal into attacking the character, frighten
domestic animal into fleeing from the character ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (SPECIFY ANIMAL TYPE)
Advanced Determine animal's mood (hungry. frightened,
Rele\'a nt Ability: Wisdom
angry, defensive, etc.)
Expert Show animal that the character desires friendship; Cost: 1 BP
frighten hungry carnivore into fleeing from the Universal: Yes
character
Pre requ isite; NOlle
Master Calm angry animals
Mastery Die: Id10
Difficulty Esam ilies Mate rials/Tools Required: Yes
Trivial Empathizing with docile domestic \.)east This character und~r~t<lnds tIll' care .1Ild hrceding of nne 'ype
Easy Empathizing with domesticated animal (dog. olli\'cSlock. such iI~ Call1t, chidens, duck." gCl!so.:, go:tts, horscs,
milk cow) mul~s, pig" ,he~p or turke~~ (declarl'd 111lt'n the <kill is cho~en).
Average Empathizing with docile nondomesticated ani- A character nlll attempt to brerd hi, animals \0 produce the bcst
mal (range cattie, deer) stock. and can work at impro\'ing produoioll (i.c. eggs and nlilk)
Difficult Empathizing WIth wild, hostile \)east (bison.
whcre appropr iate 10 I he animal.
\)ear, cougar)
Very Difficult Empathizing with rabid animal The cil'u·aCler can also i[](; rea~e t he quantity of his ~Iock
throngh brceding. as note{l on the chart (chc(k cvery Ihree
ANIMAL HERDING (SPECIFY ANIMAL TYPE) months for ]lOuin:. anlliial check for olher animals). If siock
increases \0 a point !l;l"c,lt<,r than he can manage- al his curren t
Relevant Abilit y: Wisdom
master. 1,' \"('1. he tllU~1 rid himself 01 .111) olt'rstock (sclL shlllgh-
Cost: I BP tcr. etc) within Id2 \\eeb or automatieall) los,' Ihe over<toci.: to
Universa l: No tlll'ft. ('(wote :ltt,llks, ,·It.
Prerequisite: None On II bilcd cheel.:. your stock d~pIeH's b, " pertenwg"e equa l to
Must ery Die: 1dlO the difference bell,cen ,he rollcd rt'suh and ~our Animal
Husbandr), mastcry.
Skill in this arca enables a character to exe rcisc a great cr lh:ln
normal degrec of colHrol ovcr herds of c:Ittle, sheep or horses The character must have appropl'iatc tools (., buckd for milk-
(d eclared when the skill is cho,en). Each t),pe of animal h:ls dif- ing co,""s, <I ~ho\'("1 for cleaning out siables, ("I C,).
ferent characte ristics - for examplt·, c:lI! le lend to Slick togclher,
while shecp SC:lII('r, and horses havc a marc indcpende11l nato1"e Le" el The charucter can ...
tllOt makes Thcm hardcr 10 control. \ ViM horses cannot b.: herded. Unskilled Milk cOII's/goats, collect eggs from Iloultr~·.
Novice Manage (feed. house) up to two animals.
A charact er Wilh Ihis skill also knows mller dewils about herd-
Average Manage (as above, plus breeding) up.to a dozen ani-
ing, regard lo.:ss of Ihe specifi c anim;11 chooell. Fllr (·sample. a mals: increase quantity of stock through breeding
hrrde r mi~hl ride ahcad tOSCOU I Ollllh(' trait and thCll return to (for poultry - quarterly check improves quantity x4;
rel ay the information 10 th e tra il hand~. This is Oflo.:ll done from for others - annual check adds +20% stock),
a distance, by using a ~>"Slcm of hand signals to rela) the infor- Advanced Manage up to 100 animals with a slave or hired
matiun ($i ning on a hurse fa cing right or left I,hik waving a hill hand; increase quantity of stock through breeding
means 10 lurn Ihc herd ill tltal direction). (fo r poultry - quarterly cheek improves quantity xl>;
for others - annual check adds +25% stock),
Expert Manage up to 1.000 animals with a few slaves or
Le\'el The character can",
hired hands; increase quanti ty of stock through
Unskilled Not use this skill.
breeding (for poultry - quarterly check improves
Novice Guide the herd in a specific direction using constant
quantity 1'8; for others - annual check adds ~30%
personal supervision; understand the hand signals
stock).
conveyed by other riders
Master Manage thousands of animals with several slaves or
AI'erage Guide the herd in a specific direction with some per-
hired hands; increase quantity of stock through
sonal supervision; correctly convey hand signals t o
breeding (for poultry - quarterly check impro\'es
other riders
quantity :<10; for others - annual check adds +40%
Advanced Find the best grazing land along the trail; reconnoi-
stock).
tering best places to ford streams
Expert Guide the herd in a specific direction using little
personal supcrvision; manage all aspects of a large Diffieully Examples
cattle dril'e and act as trail boss Trivial Keeping animal healthy with unlimited access
Master Plan a cattle drive ahead of time that maximizes to high quality food. water and housing in a dis-
profit given the variables of trail forage, water, ease and predator-free area of ideal temperature

334
Easy Keeping animal healt hy with access to good T his _ki ll ,11 10\\5 \" IJaracters to itllilall' lIo i ~cs made b~ various
food, water and housing in area where disease animals. \\'hilt- a succcssful che(k mimics Ihe noise preciscl~. a
and predators are infrequent with mild temper· Lliled chcck means 111:11 the sound di lfl'rs from the corn'CI nois,'
ature changes in sOllie slight war. though Ihis does not ml:"an Ihat ;111 creaturcs
Average Keeping animal healthy with accest to average heafing the noise Imo\\ Ihal tilt' sound is rake. \\'hile crcalUre~
quality food, water and housing in an area with lind p{' rsons f;lIlliliar \\ it h 1he noiSI:" kno\\ I his "U lull1;11 ira!I), olher
common disease, predators and temperature crcaturt~ or dmr.tclers HI earshot rC(luire Wi<dom ( hed:s 10
changes dl'tc rmim: if they dl·tl:ct Ilw fak(·. assuming Ihey know :Hl)thin/(
Difficult Keeping animal healthy with little access to al a ll ,cbout thr aelll<ll !<lunds. Thos(' cluclc~s .IS 10 thac p;lTti(u.
food, water or shelter in an area where disease
lar b('a.~1 arc slill dupt·d. Banditus, Ilalil'('~, and S{·Oll t ~ sometimes
and predators often appear and temperature is
debilitating usr t hi~ abilit) to communicalr signah.
Very Difficult Keeping animal healthy with barel)' any access
to food, water or shelter in a n area saturated l.ewl T he character ean._
with disease and predators and subject to Uns killed ,';Iimic noises that sound a little like the real thing
intense e)imatlc vanatlons NO\'jce Mimic noises that sound close to the real thing
Average Duplicate sounds With a reasonable degree of accuracy.
ANIM.J, L LO RE Adl'anced ,';lImic cnes to fool experienced listeners
Expert ~ilmic sounds 10 that olher animals are fooled
Relevant Abilit y: Intelligence Master Duplicate sounds so that other animals of that type
Cost: I BP are fooled
Un h·ersal: No
Prereq uisite: None Difficulty Examples
Trivial Imitating an animal sound common to charac-
Mas te r y Die: IdlO
ter's background (pigs (or pig farmer, etc)
Tllb ~ki!l gilcs 11>(' charactcr knO\\lcdgc of ~nill1ills and hOI, to Easy ~Iimlckmg the sound ot character's animal
IIItl:"rpr('t Ih['i .. aCl ions. Wilh a su['cessful ~kilJ dlcck, Ih[' (har:u;-· companion, or common animal (dog, cat)
ter knows t lit' animal's !Wl1cral _ill'. coloml ion. ils prderrrd food, )limicking an uncommon animal the character
and habltal. hn\\" danl;"erou~ Ihe creatufe' is, and ~o un, ..\ ~uccu,· has heard (or heard imitated) at least once
f,,1 d lrck mCllIIS dl(" charaetcr i"l'lncmbe['cd his knowledgc of thl:" Dicticult MimIcking a specific animal (s uch as the sher-
animal. A fa iled rhcck means Ihal du.' rh.lraCler dOf'sn'l knO\' or ier's guard dog, Rex) or tyl'l! of bird call
Ju~t can'l secm to rcmembcr a ll),thi ng a bo ut I hi5 ani mal.
Very DiHicult Imitating an animal sound the character has
never heard.
In addition, a successfu l Animal Lore check givu a 10% bonus
to an IJlllllcdialCI) fnllowillK Set Tr" ps rheck \\hcn sfttilll;" a Imp
ANIM .... L TR AININC (SPEC IFY ANIMAL TYPE)
lor th,,' animal.
Re lcvant Ability: Intelligence o r Wisdom
Lm l The cha ra~t l' r can_ Cos t: 10 BP
Unskilled Not use this skill. L" ni \"e rsal: No
Novice Recognize a type of animal by sighl Pre requis ite: Ammal Empathy 490,4 or better
Average Recognize a tYlll! of animal by description
Rec(lgnize a type of animal by trllcks (lr a vague and Animal Lore 49'1. or better
Advanced
description: know animal's preferred foods and Mas ter y Die: ldlO
habitat: know how dangerous animal is Char4(\C r~ wi t h Ihis skill G i ll Irain 0111' tYPI' of animal to pt'r-
Expert Recognize a type of animal by its d roppings,
form f('ats or to follO\\ spccilic Oldl:"rs. A charlner ilia) purchase
scratches on a tree, etc.
Master Know the locatIon of II water hole, animal herds, Ani mal Training l11uluplt' lillle~ if he wishes 10 t rain othcl' types
predators, or impending danger (such as a forest ofall imals as "dl. A Irainl'r can \\o .. k \\ilh onl) one animal al:l
(ire) from obsen'lng an animal's signs and behal'iors l ime, and t('ach il 10 fllllo\, general orders or petfOl'Ill specilic
frats. lit can also dimil1at .. I·ic('~, suc::h as tho~e in iOOie hor;e.!l
f)j (ficully Exa mples (~('c CJI!lPII'1' .'I.6I Hur.ltJ). f\n anil1l:l 1 can learn Hn} .!Iimple order 01
Trivial Viewing the animal in a cage or corral, or with· simple feat. plus up 10 2do{ gcncr:ll orders or .pecific feats.
in 10 feet
It takt's 1+ Id3 "reb of work 10 train the :ln ima l lO fo llo\, a
Easy Seeing the animal within 100 feet
Average Viewing the animal through a fog l>l mple order 0[' perform J simple fea t. out tr'lIning for a general
Dirticult Seeing the animal at night order lal es th r"l:" monlll~. Training fo r a ~pcc i lie feal l·clll1il'e.
Very Difficult Seeing the animal at night and in bad weather Z+2dO{ "ecls ..\ t Ihe elul uf Iht' t r;Lining lime, make a skill check.
(hea\'Y rain, etc ) If successrul. the animal learns tlw order or fl:" a l. If the (heck
f,lils. tht' animal does not ic;crn the ord('r or fCll1.
ANIMAL M IMICRY
l..e~'e l The cha rader ra n...
Rc1e"a nt Abili ty: Wisdom
Unskilled Not use this skill.
Cost: 1 BP Novice Within 1+-ld3 weeks: break horse of a stalll'ice
Un h·ersal: Yes (through daily exe rcise); train domestic pet (cal, dog )
Pre requisite: None a Simple order for indoor behal';or (scratching at the
door when it needs to go outside, 110 jumping on
Maste r y Die: ld8 furniture, etc.)
Average Within 1.1d3 weeks: break horse of a flight vice;
teach animal a simple feat (bear a yoke, come, sit,

335
 stay, fetch, heel, speak, roll over, etc.) that it per- Experl Estimate the worth of the subject lI'ithin d20% of its
forms UPOD the character's nO!ll'erbal or verhal com· true value
mand ;\1aster Estimate the worth of the subjeet within d20·10% of
Advanced Within 3 months: break horse of an aggressive vice; its true value,
teach animal a general order (guard, attack, track,
hum, etc) that it performs with verba) coaxing from Difficu lty Exnmplcs
the trainer Trivial Appraising an inexpensive common item
Expert Within 3 months: each animal a general order Easy Appraising an item for which there are many
(gua rd, attack. track. hunt, pull, etc) that it performs 110tential buye rs and sales of similar objects are
for a third party (not the trainer) common
Master Within 2+2d4 weeks: train animal for specific feat A\'crage Appraising an item for which there are several
(attack specific person, retrieve specific item) potential buyers and sales of simila.r objects are
uncommon
Difficulty Examples Difficult Appraising a rare item for which the pool of
Tl'ivial Training an animal you already successfully potential buyers is very limited
trained in the same task/action category Very Difficult Appraising a one-of-a·kind or extremely
Easy Training a bright, eager and friendly animal unusual item
Average Training a newly acquired animal
Difficult Training a frightened or abused animal
Very Difficult Training a wild animal ARTISTIC ABILITY (SPECIFY TYPE)
Releyant Ability: Dexterity or Wisdom
APPRAISAL (SPEC IFY TYPE) Cost: 1 BP
Rele"ant Ability: Intelligence or Wisdom Ulli" e rsa\; Yes
Cost: 1 BP Prerequisite; None
Universal; No Maste ry f>i e: ld6
Prerequisite; None Materials l1'ools Required: Yes
Master y Die: IdS Characters us~ t he Art is1i1' Ahility sl.:ill fo r \'a riol.is form. of till'
Characlcrs \\'idl lhi~ sl.:i ll have thc nbilil~ 10 f'~linwtr l he \~llIe nns, and mllst select one categol) in Ilhiclt tire) arc proficient.
of ilf'ms in C('rlain calf'gvr) t)pe~: animab, bu.irwssl's/land, min- Thesc call'gor)- l )'pn illdude such thing~ as: composition (,;ong.
crab (including mint,s, ~t."lJlS, 1"I,dry) or lither itl'lnS. (T h(' " 'rilurg), painting, jlcrfol'1nan('c, pol· t r")~ prose ... lid sculpl ure.
"other itellls" c;.tcgory l~pe irrcllldt."~ old I)(){,l~ ..1IlIiqu<", "'urI.:, of' An iSl~ "ho choose lhc pcrformnnce ciIlq;ul")' mILst fun hIT speci.
art, and Ilrat ~Orl oflhing.) T he} ,1fl' ",-II \I'r~t'd in tllt'ir rC_pl'(" r, 'lltinl;!:. smg-rrll;-, or pl.l~in~ a sp1'("ifi(" l1ul>ical in~trurnerrl (OftC Il
live fields. l'rlOugh 10 be abk 10 SpOI sid animals, poor gralinii banjo. guilar or pi,mo).
hurd or lhe besl SpUI for;l new uus i l\e~s, .. ~;!IICd rnin('. 1,11' ral.:l? An iSh can al1cnrpt tu crcall' "orh ,)f ,ITI \,i\l, ,1 iuucssful
works of an, for I'X;ll11pll', A char.1l'1cr lhat wants 10 c~t j mate I he Artistic Abilil} skill Chff'!.:. SUC(' CSS detl'rminl'S IhI:' quality of the
",.Iue of somel hin(\' needs 10 bc null" to propcrl r f'x:1.m in(' lhe ilf'rl!. worl.:, "hile a failed cheel.: indicille~ lhal lhe arthl ('allllOl m('CI his
Tire met hod of inspection depends on III!: nill un' of t hl' item being art istic id l'al, or othcrwisc become~ fnl~lr,ll ed :rnd tltr(MS his
appraised, Establ ishing llrc prite for; . gold mine \,ould I'nu,il;\ failed altt-mpt in Ihe trnsh. Charact('1'S lr1U~ 1 h:.rve tools "lUI mat.:·
lenglh> on·sile tour I,herea~ apprai~ i n.':' a piece oljcwclr) can be rials appropriate 10 t hl'iT dlOsen art; a painler musl hal c painl and
;\Cf:mnplislred in l hc appraiser's affiec "ilh the aid of a jc\\('lcr·s bm,hes, a sculp10r mu~r have SIOlle and chisel, and so nn.
kits. A failed dwel.: rl!eans that lht." appraist."r has no ilka 01 thc Ani~lie Abilill a lso confers a 5% bonus (per lewl abo\'('
objcct's tnlt." I'alue, T his docs nOI, ho\\"e\er.limil him from fabri· L'nskillt"(1) 10 ,\ppraisnl checks un ObjfCls of a rl rclated 10 lire cho-
caling a "alue, ~en an fUTm,
Difficu ll ), h'vels reneel l hc number of similar IranS;tCl ion~ t n).
ieall)" occurring for lil.:!." ilcms. For a mine r'll appraiser lil'inJ; in 1..eH'1 Tire character can ..,
1\'C\\ \'orl.: City, ('stimaling thc valuc of;llarge dillnlUud would be Unskilled Draw stiel.: figures,
,I Tril'i;.1 cheel.: bccause I;u'ge num bers of g'l'!TIslOnCS arc sold daily Novice Make a lumpy clay ashtray,
. Ihc rehy establishing .• wry good h".is on Id,idr to j udge tilt' Average Sculpt a simple bowl; paint an abstracllandscape,
Kcmslone'~ \'<lluc, A fafe 1>1.101.: dcalcr I'fc<cnted wi l h an origirr:tl Adl'anced Paint an attractive figure; compose a catchy rhyme.
COP) of the Dcclar:1.1ioll of Independence would race ;1 Ver") Expert Create a photorealistic painting; write a I)oem in
Oi!1icult check 10 estimale its I'aillc, ,\ Iosl re,,1 cstate appraisals perfect meter.
Master Write an opera; paint a masterpiece.
fnll in the Avcr-age \0 Difficult fnngc based upon lhe sii;c of lhc
lot, bUI can be easy in arCas with largc nurnbt'rs of simila r sales.
DiHieulty Examples
It" fraud is involl'~d. faise lhe Difficu lt y drrel.: b~ one t;atcgor) Trivial Replicating work already in common usage
(to a maximum of Very Difficuh). Easy Producing work that is only a minor variation
on artistry currently in vogue
Leyel The character can ... .o\verage Producing innovative work that appeals to a
Unskilled Not use this skill. small audience
Novice Estimate the worth of the subject within d20.30% of Difficult Producing innovative work that still appeals to a
its t rue value mass audience; completing a commission on
Average Estimate the worth of the subject within d20.20% of time when patron is constantly inquiring as to
its true value the status of the project
Advanced Estimate the worth of the subjeet within d20+10% of Very Difficult Producing ground breaking work that will still
its t rue value be relevant a generation hence

336
 lbSJi'uilr,( arlisliC' abi'i!)' d~J nal illlNrthal on~ iJfrif/,

BLACKSMITHING/ METALWORKING (SPECIFY TYPE) Expert Craft compilcaled or simple multiple-pIece

Releva nt Ability; Strength o r I ntelligence objects (sabers, hinges, etc)
Cost: 7 BP ;\Iaster Craft complex or complicated multiple-piece
objects (gun barrels, triggers, chambers. print·
Un iversal: No ing press typesets, gears, etc).
Pre requisite: None
lUas ter y Die: ldS Difficulty Examples
Materials/Tools Required: Yes Trivial Repair broken implements
Easy Craft simple tools
A (h3 raCI(~r "ilh 111(" Blacksmilhing ~ki l1 can Rllempl 10 make Average Fa!m~ate mechanical parts based on sample
simpit' lools ,md olher il~ms from iron and Sled, It I.. kes ;lIlcasl part
Ihree hours 10 creal'" Eas~ ilems, 'IX hours for .\\'I·r<l/o;e ilems. DiHicult FabrIcate mechanicall)arts based on drawings
nine ho un for Di fficult items. and at it-;LSt 1'2 hour~ of \\or k lor Very Difficult Fabricate mechanical parts without drawing or
\'rry Difficult items. Only aflrT Ihis time does the smith makc his samples
skill c h ~ck. With R suce~ssfu l skill check, the eh:Haltt'T crafts tht'
item. A failed rl'Sult indicates the ,,'ork ",as bolchcd or n;med in BOATING
some "ay ,md th~ resultin~ piece is worth no more than Ihe ori~· Relevant Ability: Wisdom
ina lmaterials.
Cos t: 2 BP
Characters may a lso purchase t his skill to work with o\l1("r nWI-
Uni\'ersal: Yes
als. such as sil,er or lin. Ho\\en"r, sueh skills (sudl as
Sikcrsmi lhing or Tinsrnithing) musl lx- purehast·d sep"ral,·l). Prerequis ite: NOlle
(lools arc required 10 do any bbcksmith or olher melalwor kinl\' Mastery Die: IdS
t"sks.) A dw.rallt'r u~ing the Hont inl:' skill can attcmpl 10 guide
A forge, be llows, tongs, "n,; I, a nd hammer arc common tools of canoes, ka>:Iks .. nd SIII,, 11 bollS, amI "ell ,IS II) to pr{'vcnt capsi/-
the blaC' ksm ith. ing in rough "alers, A ~uccessful ~ki ll chC'ck me"ns Ihal the char·
acte r guid,·~ thl" C'raft "hen' he dcsires, \,hik a railed skill check
l...e\'cl The chara~ler can ... indicales th:ll Ihe craft cap~ i zes, runs a'l'TOund, and sO on.
Unskilled Not use this skill. XOle Ihatlhis skill is used for small er:Lft such as those u ~ed on
Novice Knol\' how to operate blacksmithing tools and smaillakcs, largC' ponds, and rin:rs. The Engineerin~ (SIC'amoo.lt)
equipment; cralt simple round or rectangular skill is rt<luirt'd for' sudl ships.
objects (balls, wedge. piton, ~hisel, etc).
Craft simple objects with some curves (cl"1)w·
bars, horseshoes, nails, etc ). Lewl The character can ...
Advanced Cralt straight or curved bladed objects (scythes. Unskilled Guide a raft to follow the current
plow blades, bayonets) Novice Paddle a canoe downstream
Average Paddle a canoe upstream

337
Advanced Use canoes to transport goods A character Ihal succeeds OIl a Botany skill check has .. knowl-
Expert Safely navigate a heavily laden barge on a large edge of pla nts and how Ihey grow, whi le a failed check indicates
river that I h(' character eil her does 110t know or cannot remembrcr any·
~Iasler Safely navigate. heavily laden ba rge (including thing about t haI pl:1II1. This kno" ledge is more ext('tlsive Ihan
livestock) on a large river that provid('d under IIt(' Agriculture skill, as il also ex t('nds to
plants "ithOlll ob\iolls ftXld or ttxtile uses.
Ditriculty Examples
Boating in calm water Botan~ a lso cOllfcu a 5% bonus (per Icvel abo\'c Unskilled) 10
Trivial
Easy Boating In slow or steady current Agriculture eht"cks rrlatcd to crop5 or plants.
Average Boating In average current with occasional
minor hazards Dirfi('ulty t:xamplel
Difficult Bosting at night or in rapids Trivial Plant is in bloom
Very Difficult Boating 1II rough water at mght Easy Plant is whole
A\'erage IdentIty plant by fruit, lea\'es, tubers or seeds
Difficult Parts of plant incorporated into mixture or food
BOOKBINDING Ide ntIfy plant from charred remains
Very Difficult
Releva nt Ability: Dexterity or Intelligence
Cost: 1 BP l.e\'el The ( harader can...
Unh'ersa l: No Unskilled Not use this skill
Novice Recognize various species of common plants
Prereq uis ite: Leatherwo r king 85% or bWel and Average Know under what conditions common plants gro\\'
Seamstress/Tailor 8W. or hemr best; recognize common IlOisonous plants from com·
Maatery Die: IdlO mon non' lloisono us plants.
Adva nced Recognize various species of common plants from
Mate rials / Tools Required: Yes
vague descriptions
Thc charaCle r wilh this skill c,m repair and bind books (with Expert Recognize variouB specIes of rare or exotic plants.
clOI h. paper or Il"al her backin g~). or COUT$C . I he charactcr mUSI ~Iaster Know under what conditions rare or exotic plants
havl' tools (se,,·ing rrame, book press, glue, bruJhes, hammer, gro ..... ben; recognize rare or exotic plants from
knire. needle, thread, measuring lape, saw. scissors. elc.) and vague descriptions or pictures; tell poisonous rare or
malerials (doth, paper or Iralhcr) 10 do so I,·ilh proficiency. As a exotic plants from non -poisonous varieties
general ruk, il lake~ Id3 hours 10 repair a book, and 3+ Id3 hours
10 bind or rebind a book. Onl)' after Ihis lime does the bookbinder BREWINC (SPECIFY TYPE)
make his skill check. On a JUcccssrul skill chcck, Ihc characlI'~r Relenn t Ability: Intelligence
manages 10 rep'lir, bind or otherwise usc his Bookbinding skill to
Cos t; I BP
full ('ffect. A failed result indieat('5 Ih(' work "as botched or
nal> ed in rome W8)' and tht bind('r must begin again from scralch. Unh·ersa): No
Prerequil ite: }l'one
L<rel The character can ... Maiitery Die. Id12
Unskilled Not use thIS skill. Mate rials / Tools Required: Yes
NOl'ice Replace a loose page or signature (a 4·page group-
ing); bind a Bmall pamphleL (less than 20,000 words) T h(' character krlol> s the art of either brewing beer, produdng
Average Repair a torn Ilage or loose hinge; bind a short boo k \\11\1:or dis till ing s \li ri l~. Each of Ihese is a separ.uc skill, and Ihe
(up to 40,000 words) character mU SI indicate I>hich specialt} he is pursuing. As a gen-
Advanced Repair a broken hinge; repair damaged or worn cor- e ral ru le, brewing one ,;-"allon b'llch lakes one day, a lt hough fer-
ners: repair wo r n spines; bind a book of 90,000 .. ment ing one balch of b('('r takts 1+ Id2 weeks. fe rrnenting 0 11 ('
words batch of wine takc~ 5+ ldl wcds. and frrmcnting a batch of spir-
Expert Repair broken spines; bind a book of unusual size or iu take$ 1+1£14 da~'5. 01 course, multiple J.,."ltches mar be fer·
shape mentcd simultaneollsll. and agtd for longer periods. A skill check
Master Rebind or rellair a severely damaged book to look must be perform ed after each batth has fe rmented. Success indi-
new again
calt·s a successful balch (the amount by "hich one exceeds the
minimum gtnerltlh indicating qual it»). while failure indicates an
Difficulty Examples
unpa tatabl(' product.
Trivial Working with aceus to II full range of
bookbmding tools and extra materials Aftcr it has be('n d('t('rminC'd that the balch is palatable, prop-
Easy \\orking in dim light; working tn a noisy e r aging to enhance nal'or require~ anot her 1+ Id3 weeks for stan-
enl'ironment dard beers, 6+ ld2 monlhs for \,hiIC wines, I yea r ror reds, and
Average Working WIth poor tools 30+ Idl2 Inonth, for the hard st uff. f or spc"cialt}' beers (doubk5,
Difficult Working with makeshift tools (e.g., a stack of dunkds, etc.• ). double the lime in all slepli cxcepl brcwing. f or
brIcks instead of a book press, or upside-down red \,incs and spiriu, t xt emkd agmg for a like period ma}
chair instead of a sewing frame) increase \alue \,rlh another s uce~sful Brewing skill check (with
Very Difficult Working with makeshift tools in dim light
t h(' value iner!"a!irl,!; by a I)('centage equal to the margin by which
the skill eheek \,;1.'1 successfu l).
BOTANY
Bre"ers nCl'd untellsils and tools !Ilch as oak kegs, boltles.
Rele\'a nt Ability. Intelligence pans, bowls, mixi llg ~ I)(l{/IIS and ra\, ma terials such as hops, yeas t,
Cost: 1 BP grapes, malt ed barlc}~ ~ug .. r, clean wa ter, elc. The alcohol must
Unh·eraa l: No a lso he storrd ina conI rolled cnl'ironmcnt du ring aging (usual ly a
Prereq uisite: None ce llar) 10 help it a\'Oid extreme temperatures and exposu re 10
Mastery Die: IdS sunlight.

338
 [.e,'el The character call ... BRONC BUSTING
Unskilled Not use this skill,
Novice Can brew olle balch of beer or wine per day Rcle\'lInl Ability: Strength, Wisd om, or Charisma
Average Brew two batches of beer or wine per day; build a Cust: 2 BP
still {or brewing spirits; brew one batch of spirits Unil-ersal: Yes
per day; produce a drink capable of attracting a
ilx:al audience Prerequis ite: Riding 80% or better
Advanced Produce beer/wine/spirits unfamiliar to the region Mas te r y Die: ld6
(sake, aquavit, etc.); brew three batches of beer or This .kill ,,1101,$ a dl,lracU'r In bn'ak or busl " wild or orncry
"'ine (or t"'O batches ot spirits) per day; manage an hor~e (i.I' .. nlak." lilt' hurse suhmjl III a sadd lr and rider), Busljug
Olleralion capable of supplying a standard saloon .1 bronco gene ral!) requirn :\1 k"~1 Ihrrc eharaclcl'> _ an anchor,
(provides at least SIX batches per day); produee a
;1 mu~qeranJ Ihr nder, T he andlOr (or anchors) Irjc1 10 hold Ihc
drink callable of auraeting a county-wide audienee
Expert Manage a local or regional brewery, wine ry or dis- honf', while III<' mugl{ct' 'land, 1\1 froni and allclllpu 10 disl raCi
tillery (Ilrovides at least (iO batches per day); produce it. Irho l h Ihrs~' c!t .. raclers ~uC(rrd Itl Ih(' Brollc BU$ling checks.
a drink cal)able ot atlraeting a state-wide audience Ihe rider \,j l h lilt' Brnn( BlI~lillg skill ma kes a Riding ched 10
Master Produce beer, wine or spirits capable of attracting a ,:uldk and moun! Ihe horSt'.
national audience Once t he lidn i~ Ill()Ullled. Ihc anchor H·lcases the horst· .llld
il u' nllU;lo(c r rll n ~ oil, lea\'ing Ihe rider on his own, "sulec"rul
Difficulty Examplcs "'·eragr. Dinku ll nr Vcry Dimeu ll Bro n,.. B U~ l ing skill check :II
Tr ivial Taste testing
Easy this poin t indica1t·s Ih.1 l, an t'\' some bucking. Ihe Iwrsc tina Jl )
KnowlIlg hoI\' to operate apprllpriate equipment. aC(t'ph Ihr ridl' !' <Iud ~el il cs dOl.n.
Average Producing beer. wine or liquor (rom standard
formulae
Difficult Diffieull ), E:l:llmplcs
Produeing beer. wine or liquor from non-Illdige- Tri"ial
nous plants the charaeter is unfamiliar with Horse prel'ious]y busted or ot Quiet tempera-
Very Difficult ment
Producing trom very marginal saurees sueh as Easy
wild grasses Horse IS young, small or weak, or of Interested
temperament
Average Horse is Il{ Nervous temperament
Difficult Horse is ornery or wild, or of E:l:tremely
Nen'ous temperament
Very Dift!eull Horse IS ornery and wild; horse is of Stubborn
or Treaeherous temperament

~ - -- ~-
--~

-. ;:,Al-

339
lA.wel The cha rll ~ le r ~a n ... AI·erage Write II long letter; make II small sign with some
Unskilled Act liS the mugger to distract the horse flourishes
Novice Act sa the anchor to hold the horse Advanced Write a complex document: make a medium or larg-
Average Bust a horse thst already lets one (and only one) er sign with 10Ui of flourishes
~haracter TIde it Expert Prvduce a work so admired that members of the
Advanced Bust a mare local audience come just to look at it
Expert Bust a Slallion Master Produce a masterwork so attractwe that It will still
Master Bust any horse (including previous abused horses, etc.) be admired a generation hen~e

CAlliGRAPHY/ SIGNMAKING Diffieulty Examples

Trivial COPling letter or sign (rom sample
Rele,'anl Ability: Dexte r ity
Easy Making new leuer/sign from pre-existing tem-
Cost: 1 SP plate
Unh'ersal: No Average Creating an innovath'e way of making a
Prerequis ite: Reading Comprehension/Penmanship letter/sign
Difficult Signl1etter 111 foreign language
90% or better Very Difftcult Signlletter uses non -Gree k characters and
Maslery Die: ldH) character cannot read the language (such as
Ma terials/ Tools Recluired: Yes Chmese)

Cl ", rac' eu wi ,h t his ski ll ~all make jus, about an) letll-Tor ~igl\
CA{\'IOUFLAGE
look rca I n in'. [, I ,L k('~ ,I( II'a~1 Ollt minut., 10 cre:lle Ea~\ it"m~,
3U minule_ fo r .\ I'el'a/{e iH'ms, IWU h{ju r~ for Diflicult items. and Rclentnl Ability: Wisdom
alleas t 12 hou rs of wor k for V\"I) Di nie uh ittms. O nly after thi~ COilt: (l BP
lime d~~ t he c:,lIigr.lpher/1igntnaker ma k ~ his skill check. ,\ sut- Ullh-e rsai: Yes
tl'ssful Call i ~ r<l"h}!S i l{nm"k i n'l' check means thai thl' styl,' uf P re requisite: None
each ~i\'tn k it er ur .. )rnbol is Ihe ~anll', ur.1 ~ i gtl is compleh,J.
Mas tery Die: Id10
T he rfleet of the arl i§ brgcl) 1Il('anl to be eXI>crienced a ll ,II
oncl', rathe r li k(' a paint rng. ,-\ fa i1c<tlheck indicates thaI t he cal- I~y u~ing t hi~ ~k i ll, Ihe lh.lractcrcan allempt to a id in COlleeal-

lij{raph~ /s ign is difficuh to rf'ad, (,ithcr because the writing is inl{ him~clr. hi~ t;nll1panions and inanimate objects b~ using Iialu-
poor, th(' I,ri ter fo'1(01 a lelttr or word. or 'hc ind i\'idualleltt'rs r:c1 or lLl .. n-nl.lde m;Ht·rials. In fon·sls. chc cha racte r can use
a rt' too e.'.:tr<tI,u(;ulIh embellished to be ca$ih rt'ad. ~hrubb....... mud ;lntl mhrr n· adil~ a\"il;tble rcsources. Des('ru or
~illlil.1r11 harrrn lerrain~ u,ualh rf'quirl' spt'cia l clol hing. p..1ints

u>wl The character ca n ... or ulht'r ,lrtiIiClallll;'lH'fi.ll~ (;llthou'\"h -di~~ing in- IS an old trick
Undolled Not use thill skill. th31 ma\ 1>1. ,IPl'lkabl(> m \uch Icrr.lin). h lakes a character a suc-
NOlice Wnte a short note: make a nny sign or simple smaIl sign ees~ful ~kilJ cherI.. plus a hall-hour 10 camouflage himself or all}
 ollwr pef$OIl, Id'i hour~ II> C0I1<:t';11 a carl Uf inanimate objt'ci of
Average Craft a broom or a basket; build siml)le shelVe! or
comparabk sil.t', and a half-d,l~ 10 hick a sma ll building. ,\ failed
chec k indie;\I,·" th.ll Ilwre "a~ ~onl(" O,m. or that the object sim- similarly sized objects: build a simple outhouse, cabl'
net. table or similarly sized object
pi) ca nnot Ut c.unnOilgul·d Il illl tl1(" ,1\;Lilable matc ri al~. Advanced Build a simple shed or one-room cabill; craft decora-
Succ~sfLLII~ camuuflal:'ed cumlXlllIQUS alw go Unnoticed: olll~ tive cabineu. chairs, tables, or similarly sized
OIlC skill ehed, is rt'Cju ired lor I he ('llI ire .l:roup. I hOlll:'h each C.XI ta vbjeeu; sUI)trvise up to a dozen other lesser skilled
pt'r~on or <\rca 10 Ix" (,unou fla l:'ed JIIrrca~{·s Illc tim r IIcccssa!) for carpenters
Ihc <lIICm pl . Cllnluullagillj{ has no clTect on prrdators Ih:n locate Expert Build a large house. with plans.
Master Build a large house, Without plans.
pre~ by 'l("Cnt or otht'r keen scn~r~: ,I grial~ ~au sti ll sniff OUI a
(:amounagcd hunter. ,\ t'amoull.lgrd Il<.'uon h:ls no protection
aga insl a p:\$serbl "ltu ae,idenl ally bru,hcs a!l:ain_1 or bumps into Difficulty Exa mple.
Trivial Sawmg a board; hammering a nail
him. Uke\\isr, a GlnJuu nag"d lW'nun Illily rCl'cal himself if he
Easy All parts pre-measured and CUI: fixmg a broken
~mTI.CS, ctit's OUI or I1l.1!.:'·~ ,In) other wu nd.
table or chair
:\utc 11"'1 camuun:H(i llg is on I) nrn·~.~<I'i for pafliolJ~ or e ntl re_ AI'erage Building with poor equipment
I) c.\po~cd l:lCrsons or (,hjnl~. A person hidin!.; bthind a SIOIU' wall Difficult Building with no specialized tools al'ailable
doe~n'l Uee(iln he c:lmoulln.':eti lo (11'oid ti('l ccl ion, nor would iI (measurlllg device, miter liox, etc)
cOlilpl e lcJ~ hurifd ol~j('n !l<'cd ;tn ) SI>cciallrt'auncnL Very Difftcult Building with no carpentry tools available
(using a rock for a hammcr, etc.)
Level The character C8n ...
Uns killed Camouflague in an area with a large amount of nat- CARTOGRAPHY
ural cove r (lush forest) Helel"ant A b i i it ~,; Intelligence
Novice Hide in an area with lots of natural COvet
Average Conceal in an area With some natural cover Cost: I BP
Adva nced Camouflague in an area with little natural cc,ver UlliL-ersal; Yes
Expert Use material uneommon to the em'ironment; carnou- P rerequisite: Reading <Ampf'l!nension/F\!nmanship 9O'1t or better
flague in a mustly barren area
Master Use material foreign to the area (h:ly m a desert); Mas te r y Die: IdS
camouflague in a barren waste Ma te ria l ~ /Too i s Itequ ired: Yes

Difficulty Exa mples This skill allow~ a charaCIt'r 10 aurmpt Ihe cr~alion of rcla-
Tril'ial l il el~ "CtlLfalr and ,1I1I ;\Clil(' map!, \\ilhoUI Ihe use or surH')"
Camouflag111g a coin sited o>bject
Easy Concealing a watermelon-sized object equ ipmrllt (.llthou~h illfll') C(luipment such as a compass.... hain
Average Concealing a pers,," ilnd 1t'lr~wl>C !{i\r~ a dtaract('r a 20'\. bonus 10 his Carlugraph)
Difficult Concealing a cart or inanimate object of compa- ."ill (/teek). I k can dra\\ o\'erland roUlI'S, local a nd rt'gional
rable size n\;lps, ,lnt! ~o '1(1. prmid,'d Ill" r;1II I'i,il Ihe local ion or has ac('css
Very DIfficult Hiding a small building 10 Ihe Ill', ''\\.In Inlorma l lon,
II lak., ,1I Ira~1 fIIW minu1(' to dr.\\\ Ii-inal maps, ~ +2d4 m;n-
CARPENTRY lilts It) tlr<ll\ t_,,~ nl.lp~. W+2dJO minules ror .\I'cragr m.lps,
Itelevant Ability: I ntellige nce 1+ Ilil da)~ fill' Dinkuh nll1lh. and al Ir:hl 1+ ltH \,eek~ or work
Cos t 2 BP ror " r.-r\ Difficult map ... Onl) ;lftrr I hi ~ limc dot's Iht' cort0Mm-
phcr 1ll.lke his sk ill dlr<". f\ 'urc('~sflll ~ "ill check indieillCS thaI
Universal: Yes
lh r charaCIt'l' corl'(,d l) dra\\'~ Ihc map, whilt a fail ed eltet k Illcnus
Prerclluigite: NOlle lhat Ih r map h \\lIdl)' inarrlll'tll<'.
Mas tery Die: ldlO
Mate rials / Tools Required: Yes 1.£11.'1 The charac ter CIlI1 ...
Unskilled Draw a rough. simple map (not to scale)
t\ characle r witlt Ihe Carp<"1H1) ski ll i, famili'lr "ilh mam Novice Draw a fairly accurate map with prominent terrain
,lspcrls of wooch,·orking. It lakes al Il'a , 1 1+ Id4 hours 10 crt'.lIe reatures noted
EaS) ;I ems. H+2dl hOllr~ for AI" Tag'· itrms, 1+ld~ da~, for Average Create linearly accurate small map such as II plat of
Difficult il,·ms, and a1 It'ilsi 2+ Id I lIer ks of work for \ 1:1') survey; use sll r vey equipment
Difficu lt ilems. Onl ~ .111l'\' Ihi~ lime dOC'~ the carpenter makr h i~ Ad\'anced Create linearly accurate map of any size
s"ill c he!.:!.: . A ~ u(:(:c~sful chc<-" intil!.:ah'1 Ihal Ihc charaCll'r suc- EXIJert Create linearly accurate map of any size with rough
ccc(b at buildin~ till' objrct. I\hilr .1 filil l·d result illdicalcs Ihe topographical information
work "~lS botLll t d or fla\\ cd HI 50mr I\al ,mel the rcsult ing pitcc i$ _'l aster Create an accurate topographical map to any scale
wnrl hl e~) (':l.cept ;I~ l.iu(lIllIg. I lous('s and uther large or cumplt'.x
items nerd a "haratln with the Ent; inetri ng De~ign ~ "ill It) fint Ditfirulty EX. mlllell
prepa rc lilt pia liS. Trivial Terrain is perfectly flat (plains, salt !tau) With
no distinguishing fealUres
Common 100ls of .L ~'a!-pe m('t arl' " ilammrr. sail. nails, alld Terrain is fairly flat with one distinguishing
mC;lsut'ing devier. alt hough rnorr ~1:H:ci'lliJ:rd Iools mal be need.'d feature (rIver, hill, etc)
dt'J>cnding upollihe jub in (11U' ~ li (ln. Average Terrain is va ried with a few distinguishing fea-
tures
u-,'cl The r haracte r Clln... Difficult Tetrain IS rough and varied with sel'eral distin,
Uns killed Use carpenter'S tools and handle materials with gUishing features
su pervisioll Very Difficult Terrain is very rough and I'atied Ivith many
Novice Use carpenter's tools and handle materials without distinguishing felltures
s uper vision

3+1
CHEMISTRY Advanced Climb a sheer cliff with rope or pitons
Relevant Ability: Intelligence Expert Climb a sheer cliff without rOI)!! or pitons
Cost: 4 BP ~laster Climb a smooth brick wall
Unh'ersal: No
Difficultr Examples
Prerequisi te: Mathematics S5'Y. or better Trivial Using a ladder
Maste r y Die: ldG Easy Using a knotted rope
Average Using an unkllotted rope
Materials / Tools Requ ired: Yes
Difficult Climbing at night or ill rai nstorm
A chemis! gtne rall y s ludics maller and how it ill1rracts wid! Ver)' Difficult Climbing at night in blizzard or rainstorm;
"'hcr mallcl; and the distinctions lwtl,'een inorganic and ul1{anic climbing a greased surface
substances, Wilh a successful check. he can tal k knol,kdgc!lbll
about different chemical compounds and their propertil'S. A COBBLING
failed skill check indicates Ihat the chem ist simpl~ cannot recall
Re leva nt Ability: Dexterity
the illrormation hc needs at tlw moment, 01' that his lab test pro-
duced an inaccurate result. Cost; 1 BP
Universal: No
Level T he character can", Prerequ isite: Leatherworking 851/ . or better
UnskiHed Not use this skill. Mas ter)' Die: Id12
Novice Operate chemist's equipment; identify common sub-
stances and compounds in their pure state Materia ls/Tools Req uired: Yes
Average Perform routine chemical analyses The character with Ihis skill C,Ul try 10 repair and des ign boots
Advanced Set ulwmanage a small scale batch chemical process and other footwear. Of coufSl', the characte r must have leather-
(e.g, mercury amalgam gold extraction) working lools (awl. hammer, knife. thread. needles and ~o 011) and
Expert Set up/manage a continuous process (to produce sul- rn:Heriah (leather) to do SU with proficiency, It lakes up to ldl
furic acid or potash, etc,)
hours to work on E<I~I items . .J + hl4 hours for Average itcms, one
Master Identify and determine properties of compounds or
elements currently unknown to science d;1I for Difficult itcm~. and 4+ ldl days ofl,ork for Vi:r: Diflicult
items. Onh arter Ihis time dors the cobbh:r make his ski ll check.
On a ~uccessful skill {heck, tht, ch;lractcr managcs to repa ir. craft
Difficulty Exam ples
Trivial Analyzing common compound in a proper or otlwrwi~(' usc his Cobblln~ ~kill to full eITect. A failed result
chemistry lab indicates Ihe work ,,'as botched or fial,ed in some lIa) ami the
Easy Analyzing rare compound in a proper chem- rcsuhing piece is worthless.
istry lab
Average Identifying common compounds in a field envi- Le"cl The character CIIIl",
ronment Unskilled Not use this skill.
Difficult Identifying rare compounds in a field environ- Novice Use leatheTlI'orking tools and handle materials; shine
ment shoes and boots; repair minor scuffs and scrapes
Very Difficult Analyzing compounds currently unknown to Al'erage ;\Iend broken soles; replace heels and straps
science Advanced Repair a severely damaged boot or shoe; make
shoeslboots from rail' materials
Expert Design a style of shoe or boot that varies slightly
CLIMBING
from an eXisting style
Releva nt Abilit y: Strength or Dexterity Master Design and craft a completely new style of shoe or
Cost: 2 BP boo<
Un h'ersal: Yes
Difficulty Exam illes
Prerequ isite: None Trivial Performing repairs in fully stocked cobbler's
Mastery Die: ldS shop
Easy Crafting footwear with aid of pre-existing pat-
Characters use [his skill to climb [rces, buildings and fences, as
tern
wdl as c,'ell larger obstacles. With a successful C li mbing skill Crafting footwear without pre-existing pattern
Average
chn·k. the character succ(.>cds in climbing his targft. I l owc\'cl~ if Difficult Crafti ng footwear from unusual materials
the target changes si~nifit"ntly (such as a cl iITface changing from (snakeskin)
st urdy rock w loose shalt,) or tht' character changcs direction. he Very Difficult Crafting footwear with only improvised tools
II1USt make anotlu: r Climbing skill check for th is 111'11 task. 011 available
<Illy f,!iled skill chcck, 1Ilf' character ("al1 climb no further [han
one-fou rth his intended di5IaIlC('. A second failed skill check (fol. COOKING
100dng ,! flna failed check) mcan~ thai the character loses his grip
;lnd falls. Relel'ant Abi l it~': Wisdom
Cost: 1 BP
Characters may need rope or climhing pitons, llcpendillgon the
obstacle l'limlx-d. Unh'ersa l: Yes
Prerequisite: None
Le,'cl The character clln ... Mastery Dic: ld12
Unskilled Climb trees; climb ladders Mate ria lslTools Req uired: Yes
Novice Climb the side of a standard building that has win-
dows or a flagpole With his pots and pails and a successful Cooking skill check. a
Average Climb a steep hill with many roek handholds and cook tan make last}' dtlights out of just ab,-,U1 any ed ible suI...
footholds

342
 5lan('c, :lnd can produce hOi mcals on Ihe tl":lil. A failed check Easy Recalling well· known customs
Uleans that thc charactl' r's foexl is disgusting and inedible. Average Remembering common customs
Cooking a meal gene.rall) takC5 no morc t han an hour, ahhoufl'h DirIicult Recalling little-known customs
the prep<Hal io n of inl\"rcdients and di ~ h es may lakc sevcral. Out Very DiiIicult Recalling obscu re tradttions
1111 thfO rangc, tlic unspoken rllk is thai nobod)' app roachcs t hc
chuck w:lgon without perm ission, and the range cook is generally CURRE NT AFFA IRS
"'ithin his rights to shoot such a man.
Releva nt Abi lity: Wisdom
Cost: 2 BP
L.wl The character can._
Unskilled Boil water; peel potatoes; chop vegetables; wash pots Un h-ersal: Yes
and pans Pre requ is ite: None
Novice Perform basic frying, roasting and cooking Mastery Die: Id6
Average Make cakes or cobblers; bake bread
Advanced Properly preserve fruit and I'egetables This skill helps a character know Ihe goings-on in th~ world
Expert Prepare gourmet meals fit for royalty a rou nd him. Ill' tries to krep informed of aI/the la test develop.
Master Run a cooking school that trains world·class chels ments in an) region. Th~ informat ion obtained is ah,ays publici)
avai lable kn owledge and new!r secret or d :usifi ed inform.llion.
Difficulty Exa mples With a successful Current AlTain s kill check, the character suc-
Trivial Preparing a meal in a proper kitchen with a cessful!) ash questions .md fintJ~ (or knows) ansl'en about the
well stocked pantry local af(lt. On a failed check, people refuse to answer the char-
Easy Preparing a meal on the trail with adequate ;u; ter'~ questions or he can't seem to remo:-mbe r the kn OI\ ledge
food stores himself .
Average Preparing a meal from game and locally gath·
ered root! and berries The charllcter knows ...
Difficult Preparing nutritious and tasty meals from ~I.jo r development! (wars, well·publicu:ed events)
unfamiliar wild sources ocurring in his local area
Very Difficult Preparing nutritiou! and tastr meals from ver· Novice Names and faces of prominelll loeal c)tjz:ens, major
ffim (rats. Insects)
developments county· wide
Average With lI'hom local eitizens associate and how fre·
CULTURE (NATIONALITY OR TRIBE SPECIFIC) quently; major de\'elopmenu state· wide
Releva nt Ability: Intelligence Advanced Politicalleaningsialliancel of prominent local citt·
z:ens; major developments nation·wide
Cost: I BP Expert Politiealleaningslalhances of prominent/powerful
Ull h'ersal: No citizens th roughout the st&telterritory; major devel-
Pre requis ite: None opments continent· wide
Master Politicalleanings/allisnces of prominent or powerful
Master}' Die: td12 citizens throughout the civilized world; major devel·
Characters "'ilh this skill knO\\ the customs and traditions of opments world-wide
one specific n;.liOlllllit) or tribe hUl.:h liS Apache, Cherokee.
British, Confederate, f re nch, and 50 on). The player characU'r Difficult,. EXlimplu
must sdect tht' lIat iOllalit),or tribe he is a n expert on, thuugh he Trl\'ia\ Asking about obvious facta: character has spent
can purchase this skill multiple times for multiple ru ltures. over I month in the srea
t\mongother t hings, the character with this skill is able to I·ecog· EalY Asklllg about common kni>wledge; character
nize (wilh a successfu l skill chcek) aspec\S of tllfO national ity or has only lpent 3 to 4 \\'eeks 11\ the area
tribe about which he is an expcrt. With a Euled skill check, t he Average Seeking detailed (though not purposely con-
e haraetct· is unfamiliar with that part icu lar aspect of the cuhure cealed) knowledge; character has only Spellt 2
- dther hc nt'ver Jearned about it, or he has temporaril) forgot. to 3 weeks in the area
DiffH!ult Seeking detailed knowledge about someone who
ten it.
is actively trying to conceal their actions; char·
·.'\11 characters are considercd ~ I a.'ltcrs (12% ski ll mastery) in acter has i>nly spent I to 2 weeks in the area
rega rds to th t' ir 0"11 cu lture. Very Difficult Seeking detailed knowledge about a secretive
character known by very few persons; charac·
The ehllracter can ... ter has spent less than I week III the area
Le"eJ
Unskilled Not use this skill.
Novice Remember famous persons of that culture DECEPTION
Average Recognize famous legends, folk tales and songs Rele"a nl Ability: Intelligence or Char isma
from that culture
Adl'anced Know common slang and stereotypes Cost: 4 BP
Expert Recognize major aspects of craftlmanshlp (such as Unh'ersal: Yes
pOllery painting or metalwork designs); know the Prerequis ite: None
current fashion styles
Master Know obscure regional folk songs and folk tales; Mas te ry Die: ld6
recognize minor aspects of craftsmanship (stencil · This characte r is smooth. He can practically talk a miner into
ing on the bottom of cla y pots, etc); know various bdieving tlMt giving away gold is a good thing. He can even tell
fuhion $lyles untruths in such a cotwincing manner thai those who don'l
believe him look like idiOls. A succcssful Deception skill check
DiIlieully Examples means people bel it·ve his "stories." If the check Eli Is, tho:: lie i ~
Trivial Remembering Ob\;OU8 facts SImply too outrageOlu or unbelievable in some way. Review the

3-13

I
same mo<lifiers described fOI Fast Talking in 7abft 6.3-1: Fasl un- indicates th,~ possibility of an IIllexpectt-d ('xplosion. Aft er a
To/king .lIodifirrs, basn\ on the Intelligence and Wisdom of the sub- failed ched when using dynamite paste or rods, or creating or
ject and modify further by the beliel'abilit} orthe slOry. using gunpowd er explosive devices, roll IdIO. On a I, the cxplo-
si\",~ detonates (often dlle to mish;,ndling or an unexpec ted
Len'l The character can". spark). A failed chcck I, hen handling liquid nil roglyel"rin (SlIdl as
Unskilled Deceive a stranger "hen creating dynamite) is always an explosion.
Novice Deceive an acquaintance
Average Deceive a close friend or ally
Adva nced Deceive a guard L(wel The character ean ...
Expert Deceive a member of a hostile tribe or nation Unskilled Detonate prepared explosives
Master Deceive a sworn personal enemy Novice Handle and move explosives lI'ilh no danger of
explosion
Difficulty Examples Average Affix blasting caps and fuses to dynamite rods or
Trivial Telling a very likely untruth ("A new hardware paste for safer ignition.
store is opening next week") Adl'anced Estimate the blast radius of any explosive within
Easy Telling a plaUSible lie ("J heard the local bandits 50%; cylinder shape dynamite paste for dynamite
are on their way here") rods.
Average Telling a possible, if unlikely, lie ('The President Exper~ Estimate the blast radius of any explosh'e within
is coming to town to see one of his relatives") 30%: mix proper quantities of liquid nitroglycerine
Difficult Telling a very unlikely he ("The bank is gil>ing with silica to turn it into a paste (dynamite).
away $10 to all customers!') ;\iaster Estimate the blast radius of any explosive within
Very Difficult Telling an absurd lie ("Feed a co ..... fruit and 10%: determine the exact quantities of explosive
their cow pies will be tasty") material for the job (e.g., a small amount for crack·
ing a safe or a larger amoull~ for blowing up a
building).
DEMOLITION
Releva nt. Ability: Jntelligence Difficult)· Examples
Cost: {) BP Trivial Working with eXIICriellced helpers in laboratory
conditions
Unh'ersal: Yes Easy Working with experienced helpers in field con-
Prereq uis ite: None ditions
Mastery Die: ld4 Average Working alone
Difficult Working at night or in poor weather
Materials/Tools Required: Yes Very Difficult Workl1lg with explosives while moving/riding
The Demolit ion skill involves handlin~ explosives (c.~. gun-
powder, d~namit("" paste or rod. and nitroglycerine). Cn'ating or
using any explosivc material requires a successful check . . \ fail-

3'1-1
DENTISTRY Advanced Convince one or more enemiu to join in a slightly
Relevant Ability: Intellige nce beneCicial agreement
Cost: 5 BP Expert Convince one or more enemies to join in an agree-
ment lhat favors one person or group oyer another
Uni vcrsal: No Master Comilletely swindle an avowed enemy
P re requisite: None
Masler}' Die: IdS Dirticulty Exam ilies
Trivial Negotiating Cor a very likely result
1\t:lterials/Toola Req uired: Yes
Easy Negotiating for a plausible result
Thc characlCT "ilh th i ~ _kill knows lum to pull t('eth. creale Average Negotiating for II possible, if unlikely. result
false leel h, ('Ie. I ll' kno,,'S the corren usr-s of anC~lhr-sia (usua ll ~ Difficult Negotiating for II \'ery unlikely result
e ther) 10 keep the p:ltienl s till during Illl' operation, :lIld the nee- Very Difficult Negotiating for a ludicrous or outlandish result
l'SSM) tools (pHtn, scalpels, liles. and ~\I UIl). A successful sk ill
d1(~("k i~ nn:essal) for till' proc"dun' (but nOI fo r the annthetic). DISGUISE
If a pallent requires multiple prOCl'dure~, make II \ki ll tht'tk for
Releva nt Ability: Intelligence o r Charisma
c .. c h. A failed c h('ck indlcaln that Ill<" proccdurr "a, un~IICt'l'~'­
ful. Cost: <) BP
Unh'ersa l ~ Yes

Lew l The chll racter can_ Prerequ isite: None

Unskilled Not use this s kill. Mas tery I)ie: ld(i
Novice Pull front teeth
Average Pull molars Mate rials/Tools Req uired: Yes
Adva nced Use correct amounts of anesthesia to keep patient Whilr am ('har.lul'r r:1Il U<l' this , kill, ,I tharacter wdl \ CI'srd
still in th(' art of' dis~i,c can alter his ;lppearant:(' 10 be tOI .. II> unrec-
Expert Create false teeth: cap tooth \\;th gold or silver "t.:llllable, Thrrr ,He. {If lOllr~t'. common sen~(' lim it~ lu thi, skill.
Master Drill and clean ca\'ities ,\ hair., middlc-'l'l'rd ~I .. >;ilan r,Hldll'ro is goilll; 10 ha vc 0 11 (' hct:k
I.j .J. timc pulling l,n di'l,'1.lisin~ hirmdl";h ,I 17-~t'ilr-01d sa loon girl.
IJiflieully Example!!
In ge na3!. Ihc following limitatiurh appl~':
Tri'lial Performing operatiun in full y stocked operating
room with special dental chair :E' Height: +1-25% of actual height
Easy Performing operation in fully stoc ked operating r:ir Weight: +/·50% of actual weigh t
room wi thout special de ntal chair '3r Sex: Male or female
Average Performing operation in field condItions 'IT Hair: Any color
Difficult Performing ope ration with faulty or mining
dental equipment '3r E yes: Any color
Very Difficult Performing the <)peration with with only imprQ- :2i'r Complexion: Any color
vised tools or materials available :T Facial features: Highly mutable
A ,U{l:C~~ mrans that lhe t:h:trart('r's dis,l:u isr- is aCcural(:, "hilr-
DIPLOMAC Y ;Jfailure n1l'.1113 Ihal the charactrt' belieH's th.ll Ili~ dis~lIisl' is
Re le\'ant Abi lity: Intelligence or Charisma pl'rfl'lt - I,hl'n afluall~ it IS no\.
Cost: <) DP Looks cannot ilr- ait en'<1 up" ard~ I" 111('3ns (.f thi~ skill (I hou~h
Unh'ersal: Yes a hil;h Looks abilit) SCOft ' ma~ be cQllceakd). Ob\'iou~ I ~, Ihl: ahil-
It) to speak Ihc 1,lIu~uage of til\' prr,(ln )OU HII!*r.wnatc is not
Pre requ iSite: None
granted either.
Mas ter y Die: IdS
T he character mal r1('ed \0 purchas,' special clolhes or othcr
A character can use th is slililo a ttempt to negotiat e treaties, rlMterill ls (padding for slum.leh, f:lls(' IdK~' CII' dq)Cllding on his
condull rel!l tions ht'I"(,"n I)()lilical enti t il'~ , rmlions andlor tribes, disguise.
and cS l ab li ~ h trade bet\\cell ~ u ch !!f OUpS. He is abk to dr,ll effec-
tive!) "ith pcoplr. Hc kno\\ s \\ht: 1I to com promise ;\nd "hen 10
tale a h.. rd lint: in order 10 get "ha l h.. W:lIlIS. A ski ll check is I.A!·, t"1 The character ca n",
required, nf rour~c,,, het1c,cr a charael e r w:tntS t o t'stahli~h diplo- Unskilled Appear as a relatIve of the same race, sex and age
matic re!:lIions "ilh a m per$Oll or g roup. category
NOlice Appear as another indh'idual of the same race, sex
A ~uccessfu l roll means the pt'rson being ncgol iat"11 \.ith I'caCb and age category
fa\'or;l bl ~to the ('haraller .lIld his nITer. . \ skIll check IS alsn A\'erage Alter one's apparent sex or apllIIre nt age
rr-quircd e\'Cr) )'car' afle r' rclallo ns hall' hecn r.~lablisltcd. A suc- Advanced Aller one's apparent race,
ccssfu l chcck me.lllS th'1I relation ~ are still f:l\'orablr. A failrd Expert Perform multiple combinations of above
check, n:1IuI':I II)', mcans Ihat the c har :lc t er'~ dipkunnlir ..rfort~ Master Impe rsonate a specifi c individual
we re IIn~II{'t;CSSrllJ.
Dimculty EXam l)les
Le,'el The character Cln_ Trivial Fooling someone totally ignorant of the race
Unskilled Convince one or more friends to join in a greatly you are impersonating (e,g. I)retending to 00 a
beneficial agreement Sioux Indian to a group of recent German
COlJl'ince one or mo re friends to join in a slig htly immigrants)
beneficial agreement Easy Fooling someone who does not approach closer
Average Convince friends or enemies to make a n agreement than 30 feet
that does not favor any person or g roup o'ler another Average Fooli ng someone wit h casual contact

3,t5
Difficult Fooling someone you must interact with at Lc\'e! The character can.~
length Unskilled Handle a cart or wagon
Very Difficult Fooling someone from the same race, social sta- Novice Handle the reins, friction brake and whip of a
t us and geogra phical background stagecoach
Average Determine the shortest route between two locations
DISTRACTIO N in a familiar area
Advanced Perform routine maintenance or repairs on a coach,
Releva nt Ability; Charisma including its twin thoroughbraces (rawhide springs)
Cost: 1 BP Expert Determine the shortest distance or travel time
Unh'ersal: Yes between two 10eatiOlls
Master Perform major repairs on a coach. including its twin
Prerequis ite; None thoroughbraces (rawhide springs); use alternative
Maste ry Die: idS materials to make minor (Average) repairs
\ Vith" sllccessful s kill dlt:ck, ewryonc "ithin ~O fect must look
at the d istracting ('haractt'r and suITer a Speed penalt) to tlll'ir Difficulty Examples
curre nt action. O ther charactcrs that kno" about a particular Trivial Driving between two towns on a very familiar
distrac tion IH-fore it OCCll rs ma)' ignore it with a succcsslul road
Easy Drivlllg on a road
Wisdom check with a -I bonus to the roll. On a fai led s kill check,
Average Driving off-road
the char:teltT fails to distr:tct his targets. lfhe fails his check b) Difficult Driving in an unfamiliar area
50 or morc, hc unfortunat ely distrac ts those" ho cxpected the dis- Very Difficult Driving in 3 heavy thunderstorm
traction in adv311CC (if allY).
Using this skill creatcs a loud spel·tade, T he itldi"idualusing
this skill may not be engaged in a light or chase. ENGINEERING DESIGN
Rclcl'8nt Ability: Intelligence
Levcl The character can ...
Unskilled Make others glance at him (they suffer a +1 Speed Cost: 7 BP
penalty) Unive rsal: No
Novice ;\Iake othe rs look at him brieIly (s uffer a .ld2 Speed Prerequisite: Mathematics 60'1. or better
penalty)
Average Make others look at him for a few moments (s uffer Maste r y Die: Id4
a +ld4 Speed penalty) This skill allow, Ihe cha racttr 10 dcsign complex or simple
Advanced Make others stop what they are doing and look at items or nc~arJ) any size imaginable. It lakes at least eight hours
him (sufrer a +ld4 .. 2 SlICed penalty) to dr3fl Easy plans, 16 hours for A\'crage plans, 32 hours fo r
Expert Make others focus only on him (suffer a .. 1114+4 Difficul l plans, aud &1 hours of work for Very Difficult plans. On I)
Speed penalty) after the plans are drafTcd docs an engineer make his
Master Temporarily engage someone's undivided attention Enginecring Df'sign skill chcck, A successful chcek at this point
(suffer a +ld4+6 Speed penalty)
means Ihat t herc are no error~ in thc pla ns, whi le a fai led check
indicates tha t the cngin('er spots one or mort errors, If he finds
Difficult)' Exa mples
errors, he mar spend half the pre\'ious design time checking his
Trivial Distracting a single person in a quiet environ-
plans for more errors and correcting any he finds. After corrcc-
ment
Easy Distracting multiple persons in a quiet em')ron · tioilS, he must again make his skill chcck. If successful, he has
rnent rcmo\cd all the errors. If failcd, he must r('pcat the rC"ie"
Average Distracting a single person in a noisy enVIron- proo' " until he finds no errors in his plans.
ment T he Locomotivc Engin('cring or Ste.lmbom Engineering skills.
Difficult Distracting multiple persons in a noisy em'irotl- on the other hand, focus on operation instead of des ign, and are
ment scparat e skills. FUJ thcrmorc, note that this skill docs not auto-
Very Difficult Distracting multiple persons in a fight or chase matically provide com pete nt workmen to build the device,

DRIVING. STAGECOACH/ WAGON Level The character can ...

Relevant Ability: Wisdom Unskilled Not use this skill.
Cost: 3 BP Novice Read and draw up plans; remember engineering
abbreviations, nicknames and jargon
Universal: Yes Average Prepare plans for a simple item or structure (shed,
Prerequisite: None outhouse) with no moving parts, supervise and man-
!IIas tery Die: ld20 age workmen carrying out the character's plans
Advanced Prepare plans for a large item or structure (man ·
A driver hauls mail. cargo nr passcnger~ through trt'"acherous sion) with no moving parts
tcrrain ;;lIld often II.l?ardous "cat hel: i\ character uses this ski ll Expert Prepare plans for a complex item or structure with
much like he uses the Riding skill, but with the rider silt illgon.! several moving parts (mills, river locks)
cart or coach, rather than on horscbaek. A successfu l ski ll check Master Prepare plans for a complex item or structure with
indicatcs t hat the charactcr succeeded in his Dri\'ilJg <lllenlpt. many moving parts (locomotive. watch)
wh ile:l failed check means that he was unablc to accomplish the
desi red ta~k for one reason or anot her. Notc that minor mainte· Difricully Examples
nance gcncrally takes [£14 hOUTS, wh ile major rcpairs may take up Trivial Designing a tiny or small object wit h no mov-
10 a fu ll day, providing the character has Ihe corrcct replaccment ing Ilarts
pans. Easy Designing a medium object with nQ moving
parts

346
 Average Designing a large object with no moving parts check meall\ lh;u IIH' chat'actt'r succeeds in his a HempI, "hile a
Difficult Designing a complex object
Very Difficult faikd check ind ica le"! Ihal Ih(' engineer makes a miss t ep,
De!iglling a novel and complex object (a new becomes dist raCled, ,lIld so 011,
invention)
r.c" el The character can_
ENGINEERING, LOCOMOTIVE/ STEAM BOAT Unskilled Not use this !kill.
Re levant Abi lity: Intelligence Novice Start up the locomotive or steamboat; know engi-
Cost; 3 BP neering abbrel'iations, !Iang, jargon
Bring the locomotive or steamboat to a halt: super-
Unh'ersa l: N o
vise and manage workmen
Prerequisite: Engi neering Design 80% or better Adva nced Bring the locomotive or stea mboat smoothly to a halt
Mas tery Die: ldlO at a precise location (platform or dock); operate the
locomotive or steamboat under normal conditions
T he charauer wilh this skill is t rai ned to operate stearn loco- Expert Attempt raster than usual speed increases or
moti,'cs or steamboa ts (c hoose ont'), lie knows ho" to manage decreases
til(' pressure in the boi lt'r by operating t he safet)" "aives, monitor- Master Operate the locomotll'e or steamboat normally while
ing the ,, :n er level 011 th e fi rebox, and so on, lie also kllows hO\\ !luHering mechanical problems
to speed up and slow do" 11, ho" to watch Ihe ga uges, ho" much
fuel (coal or wood) is requ ir<:d to remain a t a certain spt:ed , and Difficultr Ex.nl lllea
othe r such details of l'nginf'l'ring for this mode of travel. T he Trivial Operating in poor lighting
e ngineer must still haW' COlllpe u 'rn workm('n (firescokers, Easy OllC r ating in poo r weather (rain)
mechanics, condu c tor~ and so on) to wor k under him, but Ire is Average OllCrating at night or in rog with working lights
Difficult OllCrating old and worn machinery or with a
trai ned to supervise ,Hld manage llreir' work, A successfu l s kill
few lazy workers; ollCrating in darkness or fog

347
 with no lights; operating in severe storms with
working lights TABLE 6.3-1: FAST TALKING TARGET MODIFIERS
Very Difficult Operating with broken machinery or with lieI" THge,'s INT Modifier T~rgc' "s WIS Modifier
erallazy workers; operating in severe storms 3 or Jess .... .f~ilb rc ......... J or Jess ....+15%
with no lights
'1 -5 ....... hilure ............45 ........ +15';'
6-8.. .. ..+5% ... .6-8... .+5%
ESCAPE A RTIST 9-12 ......+0..... .. ..9·11 ....+0
Releva nt Ability: Dexterity or In telligence IllS .........% ........... .12·15 ..·5%
Cost: S BP 16·17 .......-100/, .16·17 ., ...... ·ISo/,
18 ........ ·IS% .. .18 ... ..-15%
Unh'ersal: Yes
J9 .....-20% ... .19 .. .. .·35%
Prerequisite: None 20 ........-15Y, ..... 20 .........-45%
JUastery Oi!'; 1d6 21+ .... ,' .hilure . ...21+ ... .hilure
This skill "nablcs a t:haractt:r to cscapt: from shackles or Olht:r
conlim:ment, including handcuffs. ropes ~Ind ~n nil. This is usual- Le'; cl The character can ...
ly accomplished hy lIsing deep inhalal iOIl~ or muscle I (,1lsing \\ hen Unskilled Increase difficulty of Listening or Obserl'ation
confincd (so tha I the ropes l oo~cn "hen the Ixx.!} is relaxed), tcm- checks by 5%
porarily dislocating ajoiu t. rcmoving a l;onl;l;alcd lod:pid: frolll a NQvice Increase difficulty of Listenhlg or Obserl'ation
hoot. or similar al;tion. \Vhl;tl performing this task. till' !'scape checks by one level
artist requires 2dl2 minutes of uninterruplcd concentrat ion. Average Increa se diHiculty of Listening Qr Observation
After this, widl a slIcl;cssful skill check. thc charat:tcr escapes hb checks by two levels
bouds. On a failt:d check, the dmra.::ter remains trapped. Advanced Increase difficulty of Listening or Observation
checks by three levels
Lc\'el The character can... Expert Incrcase difficulty of LIstening or Observation
Unskilled Escape tied ropes checks by four ICI'els
Novice Escape tightly tied ropes Master make successful Listening or Observation checks
Average Escape with both hands and feet expertly bound impossible
Advanced Remove manacles. chains or handcuffs
Expert Remove multiple manacles, chains, cuffs Difficulty Examples
Master Remove multiple manacles. chains or handcuffs Trivial Fast talking for less than 1 minute
while locked in a chest Easy Fast talking for 1 to 2 minutes
AI'erage Fast talking for 3 to 5 minutes
Difficulty Examples Difficult Fast talking for 5 to 10 minutes
Trivial Escaping from confinement with hands and Very Difficult Fast talldng for 10 to 20 minutes
feet free, and using prolll'r touls
Easy Escaping from confinement with hands and FIRE·BUlLDING / EXTINGUISHING
feet free, and using makeshift tools Rele\'ant Abi lity: Wisdom
Al'erage Escaping while bound and using makeshift
tools Cost I BP
Difficult Escaping while bou nd and confined with lIO Universal: Yes
tools Prerequis ite: Nonc
Very Difficult Escaping while bound and underwater with no
tools Mastery Die: 1d6
t\ char,H·tcr lIilh the Firc-Buildin¢::"I.tinguishing sk ill knoll''!
FAST TALKING ~e\"O'~ral\,ms 10 start :1 fire. cycn lIitho ... t matches. In fal; l. with
sOIO,· thing 10 ~et al ight and a fcw Slicks of dry 1I"00d (plus a sue-
Rele\'ant Ability: Charisma
ccssful skill check), he can start a file in 2d 12 m;nulcs (3d 12 min-
Cost: 1 BP utes for Dimcult or hi~hcr chccks). A failed check indicates the
Unh'c rsa l: Yes characler docs not have the knuwledgc he nceds, Qr is unable 10
Prerequisitc: None stan a firr.
Mastery Die: IdS De tcrmining information about putling Ollt a firc al~o r('(]lIires
~\ characl cr with Ihis s kill knows hOI\" to overwhelm someonc
a succcssful skill clwck, butlhc charactcr must act 10 put Qut the
will} a torrent of \lords. If Ihe faSI lalker $lIcceeds al his skill fire if he chooses 10 - slIcc('c{ling at Ih l" ~kill check does nut aulU-
check. the ta rgCI rl"lnain~ to hcar him ~pcak, and has mO)"1; dim- maJically ext inguish th e (in'.
cult)' slIcI:l;ding at a Listcning or Obs~'r,"ation chcck \"hile the fast
talke r rambles on. On a failed chcck, thl' targ ... t is unancctcd J.,~ !..erel The character cu n ...
fast ·r:1Iking. :-'Iodi!i('rs to the skill died an' based un the Unskilled Start a fire with matches or Qpen flame; detel'mine
Intt]ligencc and \Visdolll of t he target. as shown on Tabk 6.3-1: how long a stove will burn; know how to best extin·
Fast Talking Targct ,\·Iodifiers. guish a stuve ur lamp
Novice Start a fire with burning embers ur coal; determine
:-'Iodificrs arc cumulat ive. CharaCH:n of Inlclligcnce 5 or Il'ss
how long a campfire will burn; know how to best
arc so dim lhat aucmpts to fa~1 talk them fail automatically extinguish a campfire
because the} caliliOl fo llo\\ what is being said. Targets Ililh an Determine how long a man-sized bonfire will bUrn;
InH'lIigcnce or Wisdom scorc of 21 or higher :In' impcrvious to determine how best tu extinguish (water, dirt, sand.
Fasl Talking, etc) or halt (dig a firebreak. use water at key loca-
tions, and so on) a large (house.sized) fire's progrcss

34"
Advanced Start a (ire (with sticks) without any ad\'erse condi- Very Difficult CatChing fish in steadily or strongly movtIJg
tions; determine hall- best to extinguish or halt a water
forest fire (mansion or town-sized)
Expert Start any fire with an adverse condition (e_g., high fORGERY
winds or wet wood); determine how long a large fire
will burn Relevant Ability: Dexterity or Intelligence
Master Start any fire with two adverse conditions (e.g" high Cost: 10 BP
wind! and wet wood); determine how long a Corest Unirersal: Yes
fire will burn
Prerequisite: Reading Comprehension/Penmanship
Difficulty Examples 65% or better
Trivial Extinguishingllighting a stove or lamp Mastery Die: Id4
Easy Extinguishingllighting a campfire Mate rials / Tml]s Requ ired: Yes
Average Extinguishing a bonfire: starting a fire with
two sticks Thi~ s kill enablt-s th(' o:haracu: r 10 detrct rorKcrir~, as \\cll as
Difficult Extinguishing a large fire; starting a fire in duplicatc documt'nts ,lIId handwriling 011 his Olin. On a success-
high winds or \\-et wood fu1 5ki ll chetk, a .;rcatt:"d fo'l!"("(} pas~cs as ~t:"lluinc exccpt b) olher
Very Difficult Extinguishing a forest Cire; sta rting a fire in dlaracler~ II hu an' intimalCI} f;lmiliar \I il h t ht, gcnuinc art Illc. or
high winds and wet wood
I» oth!'r pasons wilh lhe J-o rgc l'Y ~ kill (~ee below). On ,I /:liled
dlt'ek. the forger'~ work is so ~hodtl\ that it eannot 1J,;I~s examina-
FISHINC tion 11\ :l.mOlle. Forging":t Si)o:ll:ttl1l"1' gencrally take~ 1<14 hours ur
Re levant Ability: Wisdom ptactin'_ "hile 1011rin~ a JUIl~ dOCUlllcnt t:tkes 1+ Id6 houn.
Cost: I BP I"orgin\:( ,. d,j(:unwnl "ilh ont or more St:tmp~ and ~ .. als Iflkes
Unh'ersal: Yes .J ... .Jdf, hour, pJu~ ,Ulothu fI hUnr, for.-adl nc\\ ~ t al11por seal that
Pre requisite: None tlC('d~ 10 1)(' traftnl. [,Ich ~t,IIIlP or _tal :tlso re(Iuires ils own

Mas tery Die: IdlO I"nn:c,", ~kill dltd.:.

;-';(,IC that pnWlh "llh llll' Forgcl"\ ski ll m,,~ cxamint:" a dot:u-
The Char,KiCr "jlh lhc- fi shing skill is a gocxJ !;ompnnion tu
have a looL;" "henc\er b•.,dil:~ of"atl'r an: nearb). Roll a Fishing melli 10 learn if it is a [on;en . .-\1,0, this ~killllln\ be CQlllbillCd
check for evcry til hour~ spe nl fishing. If successful. compal"(- thr "ith Artisli!; Abilil> to Cft:"alt:" lorgaies of artllork (a suc<.:cssful
difTcn'l1cc betwcen the roll and tlu:: ~k ill scon: 011 1ablr 6.3-2: eheek h (C{luired for buth skills).
"-,shifll(.
A lI('t CaldlC~ Ihree lim(-s Ihr amoulI1s liSll'd 011 Tablr 63-:!:
w 'el The character can_
Unskilled Identify common forger's tools (false ~eals and
Fllhifllr Of cou n t', the bod~ ufw;l(t:"r InU'1 he populatcd "jth {i_h
stamps. sets ut pen nibs, etc)
for an}' hope: of succcss. :-;r1lv1ce Operate forger'S tools: ascertain the authenticity of
any document if there is any ba5is to do so (sueh as
TABLE 6.3-2: FISHING having seen the ortgmal 01' knowing facts about ill;
forge a signature
Rcsult Cucll Average Forge a short document (such as military orders)
<-20'1. ..........Old brlnch_ ""ood or Olher Imh where the handWriting is not speeific to one person
·10'/,. 0 .. __ .. _. _lIothilig Advanced f orge a shurt document where the handwriting is
slleciCie !.v one perSall: forge a simple seal or stamp
01·]0% __ . _..... _d3-] fish Expert Forge a long document where the handwriting is
11-2()'11. ... _.. __ ..d4 I fish not specifIC to one person; forge a eomplex seal or
2]-30% .........2d4·2 fish stamp
31-40% _.. _.. _..3<14-3 fish Master Forge a long document where the handwriting is
Bllecifie to one person: (orge a highly detailed seal or
4150"1. ... _.. _. Ad4-4 [ish staml)
51Y&+ .••..••.•• _5d4-5 fish
Difficulty Examples
Trh'ial Forging with proper tools and handwriting
Level The character CIUt_._ sample available
Unskilled Bait a hook and drop the line in the water Ea.sy forging with makeshift tools and handWriting
Novice Cast the line out into lhe water sample available
Average Determine the spawning seasons in familiar areas Average Forge a simple seal or stamp with a sample
Adl'anced Determine the spawning seasons in unfamiliar areas Difficult Forgmg a comp!ex or highly detailed seal or
Expert Create new lUres and tackle based on existing stamp with a sample
designs Very Difficult Forging handwriting, seal or stamp without a
Master Create innovative new lUres and tackle sample (musL have seen the original at one
time)
Difficulty Examples
TriVial Catching fish in a barrel FORTUNE TELLING
Easy Catching fish in a small pond recently stocked
RelC"allt Abilit)'; Charisma
wilh fish
AI'erage Catching fish in a river or pool during Sl)awn- Cost: I sr
ing season Ullh'ersal: Yes
Difficult Catchmg fi sh in II rIver or 1)001 outside of Prerequisite; None
spawning seaaon Mastery Die: IdB
319
 This skill cover~ knowlrdgr of a varict) of met hods of ciivinat ion
- all fak e. The chal"acter with tlJ(> Fortune Tcllingskill is familiar
with tarol cards, palm rcadin){. interpreting Ihe flight 01 sparrows
the arrangemcnt of a sacrificed animal's e nt rails, and so on. The
charac H~r is f:llniliar enough with these praCliccs 10 make him
appear authen ti c. Evcn if Ic~itim.ltc fonune tclling exists, this
skill docs not aliow a character to mako:~ accurate I1rcdi(:lio11s: the
charanc r invents the pre{liclion he wishes.
A successful ehcck indicatcs thaI I he CUSIOtHer or clie nl bdie\'es
th e fonune 10 be authenlic. Iflhe chcck fails, the sham is disco\·
ercd, or the prcdinion is simply 100 unbelievablc in some wa)
(Characler: ''Your siSler willmarr)" soun." R (-SI)<l!l.~C: " ~I y sister's
hl'cn dt:ul fur years!"). I{eview the same modifiers in 1hhlt 6.3-/:
Fasl 7idkinj! '/or!!,d '\/odifim. bascd on the subjects' lntelligencc and
Wisd01ll, and modil1td by thc bclie\'abilit} of the fOl"lune. Tdling
an igno r'ant, middk·aged mine r thaI he will be President is some-
what ludicrous. hUI he will want to helieve th:u hi~ ne\\ born son
lI"ill ant day be wealthy.
A cha raC lc r can attempt to cheat with a successrul G;\1nin~ ~ki ll
check; success gh-t·~ .t 10% honus to the check thaI indicates vic·
tory or dffclI\.
Leve! The character knows ...
Unskilled Games with almost no rules or no experience needed
(coin tossing, kick the can, tag)
Novice Games with few rules or little experience needed
(checkers. house va ria nts of Unskilled games)
Average Games with few rulu and little experience needed
(billiards, Chinese checkers, dominoes. house variants
of Novice or lower games)
Adl'anced Games with several rules or some experience needed
(Mah Jongg, house variants of Average or lower
games)
E:xpert Games with many rules or mnch experience needed
(chess. hOuse varrants of Advanced or lower games)
Master Games with many rules and much experience need ·
ed (house variants of EX!'l'rt or lower games)

Difficulty Examples
Level The eharadcr ca n ... Trivial Playing a game that the character invented
Unskilled Have the listener !Jelieve a fortune that already has E:asy Pla~ing a game common to the character'S
some basis ill fact childhood
Novice Have the listener believe a very likely fortune Average Pla)ing a Ilopular game in the region
Average Ha ve the listener believe a plausible fortune Difficult Trying a new game for the first time
Advanced Have the listener !Jelieve. a possible. it unlikely, fortune Very Difficult Trying a new game from another culture for
Expert Have the listener be.lie\·e a \'ery unlikely fortune the first time
Master Have the listener believe a ludicrous or oUllandish
fortnne GEOLOGY

Difficulty Examples ReJeyant .-\bility: Intelligence

Tril'ial LIstener wants to !Jelieve in furtnne Cost: 4 BP
Easy Listeller is uncertain whether or not to believe Uni versal: No
in rortune telling
Prerequisite: None
Average Listener is somewhat skeptlcal
Difficult Listener is very skeptical Master y Die: idH
Very Difficult Listener does not want to believe in fortune Materials/Tools Required: Yes
Characters wil h Ihe Geolog) skill are cxt remcl~ knolllcdgeahle
GAt-1BUNG abmH Ihe Earth :wd ils properties. ~I('st orten, lIu'") arc hire(llo
Relevant Ability: Wisdom or Charisma hunt out valullble orc, but tite> also slmh' \"1IIcall0('s and ('anh-
Cost: 7 BP quake~. or hum for gemSIUllC~. TIlt'~ can anclIIpt to idcntiry rock
I}lX·'. their nature and structun', :lIld rccommcnd til(' best min-
Uni versal: No
ing and dil!ginl; sites. A ~ueeessful skill dwck means Ihe geologisl
Prerequisite: None ~\lccf"cds in his Illsk.llhilc a r.'liled eh('ck Indi(:atcs Ihat he cannot
Mastery Die: id6 quill' grasp the knoll ledge he nceds at the moment.
Th~ ' charaet~'r knows mosl common games of chance and skill, ;:\ot(": delermining gcnlogical informal ion reqllire~:1 successful
such as blackjack, fa ro lind poker (also kn own as "bluir). This skill chtck. hut tlH." characte r must act to mine Ihe c;.nh if he
skill uses special rules instead of the normal masl('lY and difTit'ul- chooses to - slIccceding at the skill check does not automa!icall~
ty tables. See the gambling ruk ~ in Ch(lpltr 5.1IG(lmblillg ror mon· provide the ch:,Tacter with gold and get1lslO!lt's.
inror mation. H:lmmers. chi~,~1s. picks. ~lIIa ll sacks and a m:lgnirying gl:lss arc
I}'picaltools of the geolol-;i~t,
GAM ING
Lewl The character ca n__ .
Relevant Ability: Dexterity or Intelligence
Unskilled Not use this skill.
Cost 1 BP Novice Operate lab equipment and geologIst tools
Unh'e r sal: Yes Average Identify rock types; notice signs of past water or
Prercquisite: NOlie ancient lile
Advanced Locate are bodies, veins, or (coal) seams
!\Iastery Die: id8 Expert Determine direction and depth of established are
The eharactcr is ratnili;)r with gam~s such as bil1iard~, checke rs. veills for mining and digging; estimate time oC next
chess. and so on, \\hcrc gamhling is nOl usually a ra<:tor. A suc- eanhq uake based upon de finite time schedules and
cessful Gaming skill check indicates viclory, unless the pla}'en inspection of the earth
choosc \0 actuall y pla~ outlh,~ game in n'allilllc in~tcad of using Master Determine direction and depth of unseen are veins;
estimate time of earthquake based on unconfirmed
the ski ll. If IWO characters Iha ! both have the Gaming skil l play
secondhand reports
each olhel; each pla)'cr rolls 5d20 and adds his Gaming ski ll -the
highcst roll wins. Rc-roll any lies.

350
Oirfieulty Examples Very Difficult Gleaning information f rom a s worn personal
Trivial Deter mining a common rock with access to enemy, gleaning information from someone
textbooks and lab eq uip ment who speaks a foreign language
Easy Determining an uncommon gem with access to
textbooks and lab equipment
GRACEFUL ENTRANCE/ EX IT
Average Determining a common rock without access to
textbooks and lab eq ui pment Relevant Ability: Charisma
Difficult Determining an uncommon Slone without Cost: i BP
access to textbooks and lab equipment Uni\'crsa l: Yes
Very Difficult Determining a rare gem based on vague sec-
ondhand descriptions Prereq uis ite: None
Mas ter y Die: Id(i
GLEAN INFORM_.4,TION A " haracte r can u~e lhis skill to ma ke :In cntranc(' (o r exil). lie
Re leva nt Ability: Intelligence, Wisdom or Charisma kno,,~ hOI' to Irale a room JO thai people will t alk about him
artrnl-:.rds. li e leaves a n impresston in mos t sod :11 siluatiolls.
Cost: 2 BP
\\' hen t his ~kill is sueccSiful, Ihe characrr rec iews a specifil.: ixInus
Unhersa l: Yes w hi! Reputation (nOI Reputalion Points) in that soci:.1 ~i luali on
P r uequisite: None (~ee the r;"ample table) .. \ , ~oon a< he leaves the room. his
Maste r y Die: ldS Repul.llion drop~ back 10 normal. On a failc(l dtrek. the cha ra~­
te r lI!ains no te mporar-. Rrputation OOnu<. s ince no onr not ices or
A charaC\l"r using this skill can listcn 10 OIhu~ talkifl~ and
home in on secret i\'e informat ion. Hc can d.) this by Illkinr.; is impressed \,ith hi~ Ihcatrin. T his.'> kill is useful I,hen in ~ocial
gatherin'l:~ and th .. p"ekin~ ordcr i~ bc i l1~ e~ tablished.
directly to the penon he wou ld like to ~el inrormallon from, or he
can lislen to cOll\ersations being held ~ othcr pcople. H e i~ abk
10 pick up clues that liMy Itt'lp him fi nd OUI such Ihin.l."S as I,hcrc
The cha ra cter Cltll_
Impress one person in a quiet environment (.5% to
an outlaw is hidinl!: OUi. Ilhat Secrel roule the stagecoach u~es. or
Reputation)
the weaknesses of a parl icular mi lit ary rorl. The pos~ihililirs arc Impreu people in a qUiet enl;ronment ( .. 10% to
Novice
c ndlus. A i kill check needs to be made l,hellCVer thc clJ.lracler Reputation)
wishes to find out Some spt'cific seerelS or rumurs. Average Impress people in a standard emtironment (.2~ to
Si nce this ~ kil1 depends on a network or inlormants and COIl- Reputation)
laelS. tltc character suffers a disad\'ant<ll{e when in an area other Advanced Impress a single person in a nois)' en\tironment
than his own territory. "Ter rilOl')'~ refers to his n:gul.. r b..1se or (.30% to Reputation)
operal ion - a 10\111. one ne ig hborhood of a city, or evcn ,\ whole E xpe rt Imp ress people in a noisy environment (+50% to
Reputation)
coun l ~. "-illa ll), any l im" a character needs to make a Glean
Master Impress a lar ge group or persons so that they stop
Informa t ioll skill check, he must make a <mall itl\'(,'~tmcnl of their social aeti\'ity snd look at the character (. t()t.)%
mOlle)' for drinks, uri be and so forth, or he sulTefll an additional lQ Reputation)
15% penalt ). A typical effort lasts ld-J. hours and eO'15 Idll) dol·
lars, and this money mus t be spent IIhether or 1101 the desired Oifficulty EXRm l,les
mform ation is found . (Ir thc illrormation is st ill unknol\n, the Tri\;aJ Impressing a close friend or slly
characte r C:lIl cont inue his search the next day, spc nding more Easy Imprening an acquaintance
11101lC)' and making anot he r chec k.) Average Impressing a stranger
Difficult Impressing a member or a hostile trtbe or
For unmple. Jot Bob iJ III his l()Col sa/cl(m l(htll he htaTS rumors of a
nation
rwmlly dOIll miatr 10 Ihe "orlh. The corp$( J uen:1 mi"e rtmOlll.J ulldiuolJ- Very Dtfficult Impressing a 8wor n personal enemy
tTfd. bUI JOllie bragg;", bandllOS fl!)' /hal Ihe;·jouml a mop lucked in his
bools. Jot Bab opproachtilhr btlltdilos, lolh /tith them, allfi probnb(.' bup
/htm str"al r/Tinb. Ht thtH matts a Glea" II/lonna/lOll ,h,d 10 I,orn 0/ GUNSMITHING
tilt map find millt. ljhtJoils. he IIIf!.V approach oflo/htr ptNO/l or group n"d Relenn t Ability: Dexterity o r Intelligence
ITptaltht e:cptritnre, or [('I1i/ U/ltt! Ihe nul dOJ' (llId fry lire bondi/os 0'(0111. Cost: 8 BP

"".,
Unskilled
The cha racter eall_
Glea n facts well-known to mos t locals
Unh'ersal: No
Prercquis ite: None
Novice Glean vague rumors ('a town official has a secret Mastery Die: Id6
viee") Mate r ia ls/ Tools Req u ired: Yes
Average Cather general rumors ("the sheriff i~ a drunk")
Advanced Gather more specif ic information ("the sheriff often This skill c nabk~ a eha ra Cler to engrave, rel'~l ir or modif)' a ny
gets drunk in the jail") type of firearm. Use or this skill requires " unsmithing tools
Expert Gather verr specific information ('the sherill gets (scre\Hlri\'er, "rench. pliers and 50 0 11), and such a character usu-
dru n k in t he jail every Tuesday at 11 pm") ally Oll'IIS and operateS a gun shop.
Master Glean general ru mors in hostile areas with vastly
The eha r,letCr cannOI make gU lls from 5cralch (since doi ng su
different language and culture
requires the aS5i~laliCc uf a blacksmith and woodwo rker), bU I can
Dirncult,. Examl)les perfor m all SOrts of modi fications. These include: shortening lhe'
Trivial Gleaning information from a family member b;lTrel ~, add in wadjustin g a si1;\'ht, removing Ihe trigger guard_ and
Easy Gleanmg information from a close friend or ally _0 on.

Average Gleaning information f rom a Btranger or guard Wit h a successful skill check, the character makes the adjust-
Difficult Gleaning informatIOn f rom a member of a men ts to Ihr gun. On 11 fa iled check. l he cha racter is unable to dn
hostile tribe or nation

35 1
~o, and damagl's an~ modifications (like a sighl) he was addi llg ll) HISTORY
lhe g U ll. He mUSI purchase or craft ;l nell modificatioll (if any). Relevant Ability: Intelligence
Cost: I BP
Le,'el The character can ...
Unskilled Not use this skill. Unh1!rsa l: No
Novice Recognize gunsmithing tools and equipment; recog- Prerequisite: Reading Comprehension/Pellmanship
mze all types of guns manufactured or commonly 80% or better
used in the territory; make one specific type of mod-
ification (choice of type is permanent) Mas tery Die: 1d12
Average Recognize all types of firearms; make two specific /\. charact("l' Ili l h th is skill is a real history bufT. I Ie's studied all
tYlXlS of modification (choice of type is permanent) of I hc maj or historical e\"ent~ thaI occurred in the world. lI e can
Advanced Make all types of common modifications usually recount stories of 1he rist.· and fall of man)' kingdoms and
Expert Make improvements or unusual modifications to an nat ions. He ol"ten possesses detai led knowledge about major wars
existing design (particularl), tilt' ' Var Between the States) and llsuall) knows
Master Design a new model of firearm sOllll"thing aboul tile hislories of major ci l ie~ around the world.
III.' rna\ even knOl' t he life storics of major hisloric.d fi.l(urcs. A
Difficulty Examples
succes~ful Hi,to1"Y skill check indic;\l es t hal the c:;hanlt·tcr remem-
Tri\;al Repairing a firearm with access to a fully
stocked gunsmith's shop bers the kn(II,lt·dge lit" st'cks, Ilhile a failed check means Ihat he
Easy Modif~;ng or engraving a firearm with access m'ver kncw it. or c:;almot pre~ently r("call pcn ina nt details.
to fully stocked gunsmith's shop
Average Working on a firearm in dim light, in a noisy Level The character can ...
environment. etc. Unskilled Not use this skill.
Difficult Repairing a firearm with makeshift tools Novice Remember the opposing nations of a war (such as
Very Difficult Modifying or engraving a firearm with the War Betweett the States): recall knowledge from
makeshift tools a personal history hook
Average Recall the rulers or the opposing nations of a war;
remember the most famous army leaders: recall
HIDING
knowledge read several times
Releva llt Abi lity: Dexterity or Intelligence Advanced Remember each state/territory and which side of
Cost: 3 BP the war they supported; know the major battles
Universal: Yes Expert Remember every battle; recount oral history or
knowledge read once
Prerequ isite: None ~Iaster Recollect every regiment and its nickname (if any);
Mas tery Die: td6 recount obscure oral history
.\ character lIse~ lhis skillw hide' behind or lIilhin v<lriou, types
of coru.:ealmCIl(, ~\lch as Ctrrt<lirh. door"'. sagcbru~h. ~hadO\,~ . .rod Djrficuttr Exam ples
Trivial Recalling a well-known historical el'ent with a
~o on. He cannot rno\"e. and C<ln nCI"cr initiate hicling from ~nmc·
personal significance to the character
onc IIh ilc thaI person is oh..crving. A successful skill check con-
Easy Recalling a well-known historical event
vcys a 10% pe n ah~ lU;m oPlx>ncnl's SCllJ"ching ski ll check, or a Average Recalling an obscure historical event
111% h<mlls 011 the hiuingdl;lraete r"s H unting skill ch{'Ck..-\ failed Difficult Recalling an obscure historical event from
chcck gives a 20% bonus to an opponent's Searchinl\" skill check. another culture or language
Very Difficult Recalling an obscure historical event while
Le,'el The character can ... being fired upon O}r otherwise under severe distress
Unskilled Hide in total darkness; hide behind complete cover
(huge boulder, etc)
HUNTIKG
Novice Hide behind curtains
Average Hide in an unlit room at twilight Relevant Abilit y: Dexterity or Wisdom
Advanced Hide in a large shadow on an overcast day Cost 5 BP
Expert Hide in a man-sized shadow in daytime Ullivt'rsal: Yes
Master Hide in a small shadow in daytime; stand directly
behind another person or similar size and mimic Pre requisite: None
their movements lIlas ter y Die: IdG
T his skill allows the Char<ll'lcr to hUlll game in the wild out-
Difficult y Exam illes doors. The hunlcr must make a H unting skill check (with a -5%
Trivial Hiding in complete darkness penalty 10 til.' roll for <"vcry non-skilled hUllter in the group).
Easy Hiding in twilight; hiding behind a large boul-
d" If the die roll is suct:essful. the hunter (and those wit h him. ir
Ave rage Hiding in daylight with cover that does not nec- any) man: within a ("(' rlain range of his pre), as nOled 0111he mas-
essarily obscure the character completely (bar· tC!) lable below. If the hunter chooses lu mOl"c closer, he must
rei, tree, etc) succeed at anothe r Il unting , kill check to cQme liD fcet closer. If
Difficult Hiding in daylight with lillIe cover (horse successful, t hc game docs nut not ice lhis movement. Any faile{l
trough, small bush) check means the game becomcs aware of the hunter's presence.
Very Difficult Hiding in daylight with almost no cover
Xatura llr, Ihis skill docs not automatically move the character
ovcr ol):;ladc$ (such as a bcK:ly of water). He must find a wa), to
cross Ihe ob~lades himself.
A successrul Hiding or Stwaking check impal'h a lU'lb bonus to
an imnwdiatt.'ly following Hunting skill chrck.

,.
3 "?
 AI'erage Lower urget's Reputation by Id3 poinu
Advanced Lower target's Reputation by ld4 poinu
Expert Lower target"s Reputation by IdG I)()ints
Master IAwer target's Reputation by Id8 IlOints

Diffil'ulty Examples
TriVial Telling very likely rumors
Easy Telling plausihle rumors
AI·erage Telling possible, if unlikely, rumors
Difficult Telling very unlikely rumors
Very Difficult Telling ludicrous or outlandish rumors

TABLE 6.3-3: IDLE GOSSIP TARGET MODIFIERS

Tugc!"! INT Modiflcr Tuget'. WIS Modi(ier
3 or Its!! .....f.ti lure ......... .J or less ......+25%
1-5 .......bi lurc .. ......... :4-5 . .+15%
6-8 ........+5% . .......... ..6-8 .........+5%
9·ll ........ .+0 ..............9·11 .........+0
1J·15 ........-5%.. . . ...... .12-15 ........·5%
16·17 .......-10'.4 . .16·17 . .. .....·15%
18 .........-IS'!. .......... .18 .........·ZS%
19 ....... . ZO';' ...... .19 .........-35%
Lel·el The character can ... !O ......... !S"'•............ .20 .........·45%
Unskilled Corne within 303-600 ft (300.3dl00) of prey ll+ ....•. .fll lurc ...... . .... 11+ ........f.ti lurc
Novice Come within 243-540 yds (240.3dll)tJ) of prey
Average Come within 183·480 ft (180.3dl00) of prey
Advanced Come wIthin 123·420 ft (120.3d100) of prey INTERROCATION
Expert Come within (ig·360 ft (6O.3dl00) of prey
Master Come within 6-300 ft (3.3d100) of prey Re levan t Ability: Strength or Wisdom
Cosl: 5 BP
l)iHitulty Exampl1l8 Unh'ersal: Yes
Trivial Walking over soft prairie gran at mght and
Prerequis ite: None
ul)wind of the animal
Easy Adl'ancing over soft prairie grus in daytime Maste ry Die: Id{l
and upwind of the animal t\ rharaclt'r u~e~ lhis skill to persuade uncooperative I~opll' to
Average Walking on dry ground in daytIme with chang- rr\"(',11 informal ion aK,l inst thl'ir will. Thi~ gt·nl·nt11) involvcs lhc
ing winds use (If lhrl'ats. cocrlion. ur other such IlIl'lhods. A $ucce.'Ssful skill
Difficult Moving across a twig-strewn forest floor while
check i~ necn~an, modi lied bl thl' I"il'tim's Wisdom ~<;ore as
downwind of the animal
dlo\.1l on TaMI 6.3--1: IfllrlT!l~ol!On .Ilotiijitrf.
Very Difficult Walking acron dry crunching leal'eIl at high
noon while downwind of the animal II Ih t roll ii suu'cssful, thl' 1)("I",on tells I,hat Lhe character
WlInh to knOl,. lhat is, if he alluall> kll o'H. A failed check indi-
IDL£GOSSIP cat cs thaI the larget refu~cs to Icllthe character \lhm he knows.
Onh one allempl mol) l>c: madc per target, pl' l" day.
Relevant Ability: Charisma
Cust: t 81'
U nil·ersal: Yes TABLE 6.3-4: INTERROGATION MODIFIERS
Prerequisite: None V;, tim·s WiJdom Modifier
Master)' Die: td12 3 or b.'S ...............+9O'A
4·5 .............. .+50%
A IlCrson use$ lhis ~ killlO spn'ad rUlTIor~ about a ll ulhe r person 6-7 .................+25%
and h:wc those rumors bdi('ved. A charaCtere;ln use Ihis ~killto 8·9 .................+10%
ruin the dlame tc r of SOlllconf, tliere!'), lowering lhal p.uson's 10 II ........ , .........+0
Reputation. The skill chcd: i.'S modified by the larget's 12·13 .........•........·5%
Repulat ion (i.e .. deduct llll' Rl'Jlutation ~cu re from the roll). Ifil li-15 .................-10%
is succe.'Ssfu l, the rumors he .'Spreads arc bdiclcd alld p:!.~5cd on 16 ....•...••••••••..·250/,
dO\\11 th l' line. If the ch('ck fai ls. the rumor is simpl) too OUlf:!- 17 ........••......... 5(lt.4
geous or unbelievable in $Orne wa)- 18 . .................-701;'
:\ Indificrs to the ski ll cheek are b..'l.Sed on till' lruel1igfl1c(' and 19 .............-BOt;,
Wisflom of Ihe target. as ~ ho\\n 011 1ablf 6.3-3: Idle Gomp 1a~~'f 20+ ........ _.........90%
.lfodiJim. This skill check rna} onl>· l>c: performed once I)("r "e('k
on.j particular larg('1.
l ,e\-el The cha racte r can_
Unskilled Determine that the target knows something and
Le\"f.~ J Thll character can ... refuses to tell
Unskilled Lower target's Reputation by I point Novice Convince target to tell a secret with no conse-
Novice Lower target's Reputation hy Id2 points quences (or hllnselr

353
Average Convince target to tell a secret with almost no con- consequences for himself
sequences for himself Average Convince target to back down when there are almost
Advanced Convince target to telJ a secret with inconvenience no C0nsequences folr himself
for himself Ad"anced Con\;nce target to back d\1wn even though It means
Expert Convince target to teU a secret with major incon,'en- incoJll\'emence for himself
ience (death and torture) for self Expert CQn';nce target to back d\lwn even though It means
Master Convince target to tell a secret with major inconven- maj<lr inconvenience (such as death and torture) for
ience for himself and family and/or friends himself
Master Convince target to back down even though it means
Dirticult y Exa mplcs major inconvemence for himself and his
Trivial Target is bound in the darkness family/friends
Easy Target is incarcerated
Average Target is alone [)irticult y Exam illes
Difficult Target has a higher Reputation than the char- Trivial Target is boulld in the darkness
acter; target is in IlUbhc location surNullded by Easy Target is incarcerated
tough lleers Average Target is alone
Very Difficult Target is in Ilublic location surNunded by Difficult Target has a higher Reputation than the char,
emllloyees or underlings acter; target is in public location surrounded by
tolugh peers
INTIMIDATION Very Difficult Target is in public location surrounded by
emllloyees or underlings
Rele\'ant Ability: Charisma
Cost: 2 BP
JEWElER
Universal: Yes
Rele\'a nt Ability: Intelligence
Prerequisite: None
Cost: 9 Bf'
Mas te ry Die: Id4
Ul1h'ersal: No
Charactcrs usc this ~killto caus~' othero; to back <lOll n in a can,
Pre req uisite: Appraisal (minerals) 90% or better
ICSI of wills. III' can makt, olhers afraid 10 fi~hl him or use his
skill to help in interrogalion. A ~ucc('ssful skill check is ncccssarl, Mas ter ), Die: ldG
modified b~ Ihe vittim's Wisdom aeon' as ShOl,11 on Tahlt 6.1-./: Materia ls / Tools itequiroo: Yes
illl(1TD(aIiOll.llrxiifins, abmc. If l hc Irllimidal iotl ~kill chcck is suc- Ch,lraelers wilh Ihi~ skill knO\, hO\, 10 apprabe, design and
cessful. Ihe d\;\racll'r gain~ a 10% bonus to his i rllerrogal ion skill, wor k "ilh Jl'I,e ll) :lIld jCI,elr.' lools (Vlkrs, lweeze rs, and so on).
If unSlIccessful. no bon us i~ 'Iddnl. T hcy can cn'ale ring~, nt'lkl;lCes and olher ornamenlaJ jewell)'.
T heir wo r k can f'l'leh price$ up lu len limes Ihe COSIS of t he raw
Len:1 The character can.., m;llrriills used (nlt hough a buyer mUSI sl ill be found), A success-
Unskilled Convince target to temporarily back down when rul ~kill check nH~mlS Ilml Ihe wor k is Icry well done. a nd wOl'lh
there are no consequences for himself I he \' XPCI'l cd ;1111111111 1 as $ho\\11 in 1abl( 6.3-5:Jewtlu ReSt/lis.
Novice Convince target to back down II'hen there are no

354
 Expert Tell a joke that is only similarly related to the crowd
TABLE 6.3-5: JEWELER RESULTS or requires similar knowled ge (a botany joke to a
Modifier VIJU( Time Spent group of geologists); tell a joke that makes {un o{
Tr;\'ui ........ Rtpws onl y .....f>.haulcs \0 hour,
(+90'~) the listener's friends
E.uy (+80%) ......... .... 1.5x .... .. ... .. ..One dly Master Tell a filthy joke with an unexpected twist of social
A"crlge (+40%) ...........3x .............Two dIp commentary; tell a joke that does not fit the listen-
Difficult (+0'.4) .•........ .sx.. . ... Fou r dlYs ers or their general knowledge (a chemistry joke at
II gathermg of farmers); tell a joke that makes fun
Ver y DIffICult (-40%) .... .. \Ox ........ .. ..ScVCII (bys
of the listeners or their families
A failed resu It indic-"tes 'he work "a~ bmchcd or na\\cd in some Difficulty Exam ples
"'n) aud Ihe resulting piece is worth no more than the original Trivial Making a dose friend or ally laugh
mau~rbl~. J ewell) al~o confers a S% hom,s (per level alxl\'f' Easy Making an acquaintance laugh
Unskilled) to Appraisal checks in\'ol\'in~ gem and jcwdl) (craft- Average Making a stranger or guard laugh
ed b) OIher jewelers). Difficult Making a member of a hostile tribe or nation
laugh
Very Difficult :\1aking a sworn personal enemy laugh
Le\'~l The churllcter can
Unskilled Not use this skill.
Novice Operate jeweler's too ls and handle materials; finish JOURNAlIS ~I/CO:-'IPOSITION
rough gems; cut gems Relevant Ability: Intelligence
Average Repair minor damage to jewelry (usuallr replacing
clasps and pins) Cost 2 BP
Advanced Mend broke n jewelry (uaually crafting replacement Unh-e r sal: No
pieces); copy an existing piece of jewelrr (WIth sam· Prerequ isite: Reading Comprehension/Penmanship
pie in hand)
Expert Repair a se\'erely damaged pIece of jewelry; desig n a 80% 0 r bette r
piece of jewelry based on an existing st~'le (without Mas len' Die: idS
a sample) A charaCI(~r ,,--ith Ihis skill is familiar with t hc an of journalism
Master Design II completely new style or pIece o{ jewelry and dislribuling ne\\s 10 othcrs. or course, he may a lso rhoos!!' 10
acclaimed as a work o( Irt
abuse hiS 1)Q\\'!!'r fOl' propagandit or disinformalion, possiblr lower-
ing a person's Repulalion by ld6 polnn. A skill chrrk is rcqull'ed
Difficulty Exa mples
modified by the targct's Repu la t ioll (i.c., deduci the Rcputation
TriVIal Repairing an Item with access to a fully stocked
score from the roll). If il is succusful, a Illajont) of readers
workshop
be licve the story, If the check rails, the sto~' is simply 100 outra-
Easy Modifying an item with access to a fully
stocked workshop geous or unbelie\'able for mOSI readers, and th e jnurnalis t (and
Average Wor king on an item in dim light, in a noisy his paper) ma\ suITer 11 lack of credibility in I he fUlUre because of
enVIronment, etc, it. Thi~ $l:;tI onl) com'C)'S the abilit} 10 craft a (Oll\ineing ncws
Difficult Working lI'ith bad tools anide: it docs not mean thai the gramma r and punctualion ;5
Very Difficult Worklng with makeshift tools or inferior mate- perfeel or filled wilh allracu\'c prose or poclry.
rial!
A S\lcce~~fIlI J ourna li 5rn check em plor" a 10% bonus to a char-
acter's immediately following Glean In fo r mation check.
JOKETELUNC
Relevant Ability: Chamma L.",
Unskilled
The character can...
Not use this sklll.
Cost: i BP
Novice Conduct interviews.; verify reports; wnte up infor-
Universal: Yes mation about current e\'ents (including trends,
Pre requisite: None issues and people)
Mas tery Die: ld4 Average Publish a story where all facts can be verifIed
Advanced Publish a plausible story where some facts can be
A I;haract er uses this skill to become the life of the pa rt ~: I-Ie \'erified
can tc ll a good joke Ihal can help him gel a good reaClion from Expert Publish IIll unlikely (but possible) story where few
folks and entertain ot hers. Ro ll aJoke Telling ski ll check when- bcts can be verified
en'r a cha raC lcr wants to tell ajokc, Master Publish a very unlikely story where no {acts can be
A successfu l check means Ihe joke is ,cry funn y and everyonc venfied
laughs. On a failed check, no unc "gets" the j oke, or they jU ~ 1
Diffic ul ty Exampltll
don', find il funn r
TrIvial Multiple witnesses/interviewees all leU the same
T he Gamc~laste l' determines the elTeel a successful joke has un story
an) XPCs. Easy Multiple witnesses/interviewees telling slightly
varying storIes
i..e'1'1 The eharader can .., Average Multiple witnesses/interviewees telhng greatly
Unskilled Tell a joke dirte r ing stories
Novice Tell a joke that makes fun of the listener's enemies Difficult No witnesses; working WIth no sleep
Average Tell a joke tha~ makes fun of a g roup that occasion- Very Dilfieult No hard facts are available
ally comes int.o conflict with the listener
Advanced Tell a joke that requires no special knowledge of the
subject (Ywhy did the chIcken eross the road?")

355

I
JUGGLING Average Speak and understand a few common sentences
Relevant Ability: Dexterity ("my name is Billy," "how are )'ou," "thank you," etc)
Advanced Speak and understand most sentences and normal
Cost: 2 BP
topics of conversation ("tra\'el three miles south
Uni\'ersal: Yes along the river", 'the bandits went into the bank,"
Prerequisite: None etc)
Mastery Die: idS Expert Speak the language like a native; converse about
complicated (cultu ral religion and politics, etc)
Characters onen use lhi~ skill tocrealC diversions, as I,ell as for topics; understand idioms
the enjoyment of ot hers. With a successful skill check, lhe ch:u- Master Speak ihe language !J.etter than a native; converse
aeter juggles all the objcct5 without an ClTor. Failing a check about complex (scientific and lechnical) topics, with
means the juggler drops the objec l ~. If he fails while jug-gnn!.;" proper grammer, syntax and subtleties
bbded objects, t here is a 10% cha nce for each dropped object (roll
separately) to deal normal damage a5 il ~trikes him. Oifrkuliy Examples
Trivial Understand a person speaking clearly and
A successful check also allows a character 10 calch ~malJ items concisely
(dans, pebbles, ele.) thrown in orde r to harm him - I,ith a ~uc­ Easy Unde rstand a person speaking with mouth
cessful ski ll dl('ck, of {:OUTse. Howel'er, the juggler ~till suffers covered
half damage (rounded up). On a failure. IhejuggleT sufTer~ full Average COl\versing in 11 noisy environment
damage. Difficult Understand a person speaking with a thick
accent
Level The character can .. Very Difficult Multiple djfficulties (persoll speaking with a
Unskilled Cateh items thrown to (not at) the juggler thick accent in a noisy saloon)
Novice Juggle 2 objects in a Simple pauern
Average Juggle 3-4 objects in a simple pattern: juggle 2 LAW
objects in a crossing pattern Rebant Ability: Intelligence
Advanced Juggle 5-6 objects in a simple pattern; juggle 3-4
objects in a crossing pattern Cust: 6 BP
Expert Juggle 7-8 objects in a Simple pattern; juggle 5-6 Unh'ersal: No
objects in II. crossing pattern: juggle 3-4 objects in a Prerequisite: Reading Comllrehension/Penmanship
complex pattern
Master Juggle 9-10 objects in a simple pattern: juggle 7-8 600;' or betic<
objects in a crossing pattern; juggle 5-6 objects ill a Mastery Die: Id6
complex pattern :\ charatll."r "ith this skill (an recall COl'" la\\ accuratcly and aCI
a.s plaimilT's atlornc\. rro~ecutor or dcrense in a (rial. No te that
Difficulty Exa mples
bceau~c or the di~tan(1." between 100,·ns. <I frontier l:t .... )·l."r musl be
Trivial Juggle small round objects
Easy Juggle small objects with corners pn:pared 10 "ridf' circuit," ml."3ning to spend hours or days on the
Average Juggle pointed objects trail between W\H1S, taking what cases hI." can. The same is true
Difficult Juggle flaming objects for judges, " 'ho travel throughout their jurisdict ion to :'ippear in
Very Difficult Juggle bladed objects, catching an jtem thrown court Oil certain days. Judge~ ;1fe often for11ler lawye rs.
al (not to) the juggler Characters \,ith this skill gain a 25% bonus to their OraliOll
skill checks "hen rela!l'd to la\\, such as dcfl."Jiding a client.
LANGUAGE (SPECIFY TYPE)
Relevant Ability: Intelligence Le\'el The character can ...
Unskilled Not use this skill.
Cost: 5 BP
Novice Conduct basie legal research
Ulliversal: No AI'erage Prepare standard legal documents
Prerequisi te: None Advanced Try a case (serl'e as defendlllg or prosecuting
attorney)
Mastery Die: IdS
Expert Prepare COml)lex transactions; write constitution
The charactrr "'ilh lids s kill has leanH""d to speak a particular Master Argue a case based on first impressions before the
languagc. The firS I time he buys (hi~ s kill, ho"'c\"(~ r, he must hllvc Supreme Court
a teachcr. This could be ..mother pla)cr cha ract cr. a traveling
Indian, or simply a local schoolmarm. Difficulty I:: xam ples
Trivial Researching major legal cases that set prece-
A successful skill check indicalcs that the character is ahlc 10 dents throughout North America and England
speak and understand Ihc language, whilc a railed skill ch~'ck in a well stocked law library
means Ihat he has forgotten Ihe corrcct words - or cannot under- Easy Researching documented legal cases in a well
s tand t he words. stocked law library
Universal fo r the character's n<llil'e langu:lge. All ch aracler~ Average Remembering \\'ell-known legal cases without
rc ceive skilllllaslcry c<loal to 37% - (OX, e<lllal to Intelligence scort' access to law books
x2) - Id20%, ill regards to theirOlHl I:mguagc. Difficult Researchmg a case with foreign laws; remem-
bering obseure legal eases without access to
law oooks
Le" el The character cnn ... Very Difficult Trying a case using foreign laws in a foreign
Unskilled Not use this skill. court
Novice Speak a fe w common words correctly and u nder-
standing what they mean ("hello," ' goodbye."
'outhQuse," "water," etc.)

356
 LEATHERWORKI NG Dirticulty Examples
Hde,'ant Ability: Dexterity or Intelligence TrivIal Working with access to a rull range of leather-
Cost 1 BP working tools and extra materials
Easy Working in dim light; working in a noisy envI-
Uni\'ersal: No ronment
Prerequisite: None A... erage Working with poor toob
Ma ste r y Die: IdS Dirricult Working with makeshih tools (a nail instead of
an awl, tor example)
Materials/Tools Hequire<i: Yes Very Difficult Working v.ith makeshirt tools in dim light
T he cllIlraClcr with Ihis skill can treat kalher to craft clolhing
and ot her itcms (backp.lck~, reins, saddles, saddlebags, elc). or LISTENING
cour~e. Ihe Characler mUSI ltaH: Icatherworkinlj: tools (;.,,1. ham·
Reh!\'ant Abi lity: Wisdom
me r~ knifc', llcc'dk, Ihread, measuring lape. elc) and malerials
(kalher) to dosowith proficiency. II lakes up to Id·' houn loere· Cost: 5 BP
ale Eas) items, 1+ Ill" hours for Ave r'age ilcms. one da) for Universal: Yes
Dilliwlt iU:ms, and 1+ Id 1 days of work for \'el")' Difficult ileITIs. Pre requisite: None
O nl) after Ihis tim~' docs Ihe JcalhCl"worker m"ke his skill check, Mas te ry Die: ldll
011 a sI.lccts5fui skill check, the eh.lracter manages 10 repair, craft
or Olherwise u~ .. his Lea t hef ... urking s kill 10 full cITec!. A faill'd Clmracl('rs usc this skill 10 focus Iheir se n ~c of hearing. Any
result incl ica t t~ Ill(: "ork "as bOlchcd or Oa\\ed in sonl!: ... a) and lilllt a ch.lractcr ha.s an opponunil) 10 "h('ar something," he gt: l s
t he resuiting piece is wo r'lh no more Ihalilhe original malerials, a .$k ill ch('d to do $0. For example, a characler mighl he .. r ..... his·
pt' r in Iht darkne~s, or Ihe lo ne of spoken words become lighter or

J.A,,·el The character ellnm harder (possibly ind icating the speaker's emot ional slalc). A G ~I
Unskilled Not use this skill, may also roll Ihis skill ch('ck lUI) lin1(' Iht:re is sonl(, subtle noise
Novice Operate leatherworking toob and equipment; tan lhal a eharaell'r migh t Iwar (cvell if Ihe char .. cter did nOl speeif·
and treat leather. icall) stale Ih.1t he is usi ng Ihis skill). Iflhe character succeeds al
Average Crart simple leather objects (straps, bands) his ~ k ill check, he hean the noise. Ifhc fails. he hears not hing.
Ad .... need Craft standard leather objects (bags, saddlebags,
etc); craft small pieces or clothmg (hats, etc) Le,'el The character ca n_
Expert Craft complicated leather object! (backpacks, har- Unskilled Listen normally
nesses, etc); craft medium pieces of clothing (vests, Noviee Discern subtle changea in tone, pitch, and inflection
etc) of musical notes
Master Craft complex leather objects (saddles, etc); craft A... erage Hear sounds as if they were 5 ft closer; discern sub-
large pieces or clothing (dusters. etc) tle changes m tone, piteh, and inflection or animal
sounds

357

I
Adva nced Hear Bounds as If they were 10 ft closer; discern LOCKSM ITHINC
subtle changes in tone. pilCh, and inflection of the Relevant Ability: Dexterity or Intelligence
huma n voice
Cost: 4 BP
Expert Hear sounds as if they were t5 ft closer; discern
very subtle changes in tone. pitch. and inflection Uniw rsa); No
Master Hear sounds as if they were 20 ft closer; hear Prerequisite: NOlie
outside normal human ra nge (high tones, e.g., a dog Maste ry Die: ld6
whistle)
Mate ri als / Tools Required: Yes
Difficult)· Examplell This ~kill allnw! a char:lrter to fashion or re pair padlocks and
Trivial Listening in a quiet room combinalion locks. !\ succl'ssful $kill check accounts for the fash.
Easy Listemng over light wind or murmured conver- iOl1i n ~ of the lock ItSeir. wh il(' a fa iled rcsult indicates Ihe Jock wa~
sation botched or f1:mcu in ~omc wa~ and Ihe resu lti ng piecc is un usable.
Average Listelling in a small talking crowd or bustling An add ilional LCM' ksmilhing skill check is required to placc th e
street
lock in an ul1usual object.
Difficult Listening in a strong wind
Very Difficult Listening in a noisy crowd or storm A cha ractcr Ilith the Locksmithing skill gains a 10% bonus to
Lock Picking ski ll ch!'cks. I-l ~· needs ldlOs 10 minutl's, a success·
LOCK PICKING ful Loc k ~ mithingskill chcck and th e propcr tools (fo r padlocks) to
ma k(' a Lock Pickin g liItcmpl. ~ c<;au sc of his t raining ,\ith prop-
Relevant Ab ility: Dext e r ity or Intelligence
er \Ools and such, his dimcuh y level (or working II'i1h improvised
Cost: S BP tools incrcaS!'$ frolll Average to Dimcult (sce th e Lock Picki ng
Unh'e rsal: Yes <kill).
Prerequisite: Listenillg (for combination locks ollly)
90% or better LeI"l!I The character can_.
Unskil!ed Not use this akill.
Mallte r y Die: IdG
Novice Craft/repalf a Sh<Jddy leek
Maleriala/ 'foola RI,.'<Iuired: Yes Average Craft/repair a Good lock
Th is skill a llow! a rharaclu 10 open loek$ withou t use of a kC) Advanced Craft/repair a Very Good lock
Expert Craft/repair an Excellent lock
or romb ina lion. It takes Id I 0 minutes of uninterrupted concen-
Muter Craft/repair a Superior lock
tration to pick a loek. l'ieking a padlock 3 1«0 requires lockpicks or
imprtWised tools (a bil ofl,ire. a Ihin knife.Qr soon), I,hile open-
Difficulty Examples
ing a OOll1hill:ltiol1 Jock u\!tead n:quiru a Listen ch('ck (Easy) for
Trivial Repairing a lock viith access to a fully stocked
a characler wi lh Ih(' Lock Picking skill. Both IVpt$ of lock.s ;"I,n
workshop
require a successfu l Lock Pickin/( chcck Easy Creating a lock with access to a. fully stocked
On a fa iled Lock Picking clu:ck, the lock is ~impl~ too difficult workshup
to ope n and t he churaCler ('allliot II) 10 pick thi$ parlicular lock Average Working on a leek in di m light; working in a
again until hI' improves tillS skill. noisyen"lronment
Difflcult Crafting or repairing a lock with poor tools
[.e,·el The character can._ Very Difficult Creating or repairing a lock With makeshift
tools or interior materials; working with poor
Unskilled Pick a Shoddy lock that he has previously observed
(the same brand/m odel of) someone picki ng tools in a dim light or noisy environment
Novice Pick a Shoddy lock
Average Pick a Good lock LOGGING
Advanced Pick a Very Good lock Re levlllI l Ability: Strength or I ntelligence
Expert Pick all Excellent lock
Master Pick a SU llerior lock Cost: 3 BP
Unh·ersa l: Yes
Dirfieulty Example8 Prerequis ite: None
Trivial Working with a full set of lockpicks on a .Mastery Die: ld20
padlock and caring nothing about making noise
Easy Working with a partial set of lockpic.ks on a Male.r ialslTools Required: Yes
padlock; opening a combination lock; maki ng A charact er with Ihis skill has a basic kno\\kdgc of trc('s and
some noise while opening a lock under wha t condltl01ls the) gro\\ best. Lo~gers knOll II'hat trees
Average Working with improvised tools (such as a bit of a re con~ id r red suitable for felling (ge nera ll y t hose wil h a si raight,
wire or a thin knife) on a padlock; making only most!,· branchlrss trunk SOIllC 3 to:; fcet ill diameter). T he) also
a little noise while opening a lock knO\I hoI', 10 1110\'(' them 10 the ri ver for the log d rive, and hOI\ 10
Difficult Working in poor light (padlock); working in a
guide them down it.
noisy enviNl nment (combination lock); picking a
damaged padlock or combination lock; making On a successful skill check. t he logger knows his beSI oou rsc of
almost no noise picking a lock aelion or re members his kllo\\ Icdge, I\hile a fai led check indicates
Very Difficult Working in darkness (padlock); unable to hear t hm h(' docs not.
(combination lock); picking a rusted padlock or
A logger should ha \'e an axe or saw 10 cut down trces. a nd ropes
combination lock: picking a lock without making
any no ise; multiple combinations of Difficult or ( hnins fo r pulling and dragging.
(sueh as quietly picking a dama ged padlock in
poor light)

358
 l.e'-cl The charader can ... (mosl l, found ha,k L l\I), tit> can USU;IJl~ c\'t"n repair inoperal iH'
Unskilled Cut down a tree and dama"t-d tllarhitl('ry. A sucel'~srul ~k i1t cherk i~ required 10
Novice Distinguish between various types of trees; t>crfel-II)- Ol>c rat " or to repair such m,Kh ine .... , ex(:cpt on cert:lin
determine which trees are Buitable for fetling OC(:llsio ns" ht"rt" common Sl'nse di. lales 01 herwise_ (Simpl) drop-
Average Determine best path to move trees overland (usually ping.l coin into ,j pbH'I' pi,ltIo is tHough to opcratl' il. and need~
to water) no ~k ill cht"tk, bU1 repa iring it is somel hin/{ el~t, tnt ircly.)
Advanced Guide trees over calm water on a log drive
Expert Guide trees over Bteady currents on a log drive
Master Guide trees oYer rapids on a log drll'e Lel'el The character can perform.",
Unskilled Not use this skill.
Novice Remember knowledge of machinery type and how to
Difficulty Examples
operate It
Trivial WorkIng with good tools
Replace gears and miMr missing pieces of
Easy Logging in dim light
inope rative machinery
Average Logging in I)OOr weather (rain) or steady Make minor repairs on inoperative machinery
Advanced
currents; working with dull tools
Expert Make major rellairs on broken machinery
Difficult Logging in bad weather (fog) or strong Piece together and repair severely damaged
~laster
currents machine r y
Very Difficult Loggmg in severe weather (sto r ms) or rapids:
working with makeshift tools
Difficult~ Exa milies
Trivial Making minor repairs on inoperative machinery
MACHINE OPERATING/ REPAIRING (SPECIFIC BUSINESS) in a fully stocked workshop
Relevant Ability: Intelligence Easy Working in poor ligbting; working on broken
machinery
Cost: 2 DP
AI'erage \\ orking with poor tools: working on severel y
Unh'erslll: No damaged machinery
Pre requisite: None Difficult \Iurking on machinery similar to (but outside
Mus ter y Die: IdS vn chvsen field: using ma keshift tools
Very Difficult Working on machinery very dIfferent from
Materials / Tools Required: Yes chvsen field: using makeshift replacement parts
A (: haraetrr wi lh Ihis <k ilt knows 111m to op'l'ralc IH)eS of
l1lac hil1(~ t) comlllon 10 his bll~inr~~ ur tMckg rou nd. ~uch .lS prim -
ing prcs5ri, plaH' r pi:H\t)s, and other \VPCS of factory machinrs

359

I
MATHEMAT ICS Average Extract bullet from limb; anesthetize patient
Re levant Ability; Intelligence Advanced Extract bullet from chest eavilY
Cost: G BP Expert Perform advanced surgeries; extract bullet from
head; attempt to remedy internal bleeding
Unh'ersal; No Master Perform advanced surgeries using asepsis to reduce
P rerequisite; Reading Comprehellsiou/Penmanshil) the potential of bacterial infection: treat internal
90% o r better hemorrhaging
Mastery Die: ld8 Difficulty Examples
A characler ,,·ith this sk ilJ has studic<1 m:uhematics. Trivial Working in a fully stoekell, quiet and well-lit
Dcpending on his skill master),; he mOlY a lso be familiaf Ilith dir- doctor's office
ficult malbemalics such as gcomCI r) ,Ind I rigOllomcl ry or integral Easy Working in a fairly quiet and well-lit area
calculus, and be able 10 calculal e eompk.\: equ;.tiolls, The Average Working in dim light: working in a noisy
:<. Iathcmatics skill also confers a 5% honlls (pe r le\'l:I abo\'e- environment
Difficult Working with poor instruments or materials;
UlISkilled) w Carpenlry, Cartography, Engineering (all tYl)<'~)' or
working on moving platform (e,g.. a train or
Stonemasonry skill checks. ship)
Very Difficult Working with makeshift tools or materials;
Lewl T he character C81l ... working on a violently moving platform (e.g., a
Unskilled Not use this skill. train or ship); working under severe distress
Novice General math (addition. subtraction, division, multi- (such as gunfire)
plication)
Average Algebra (area , circumference. equations, fractions,
variables. etc); geometry (lines, perimeters. points, MILITARY £NGINE£Rlr\G
angles. polygons, coordinates, etc.) Rele'-a nt Ability: Intelligence
Advanced Trigonometry (sines, cosines, tangems, triangles, Cost; 2 BP
etc); advanced math (probabilities, etc.)
Expert Calculus (paradox, differential equations, etc.) Unh'e rsa l: No
Master Advanced calculus and new theories Prereq uis ite: Engineering Design 80% or better
Mastery Die: Id4
Difficulty Examples
Characters "ilh Ihi~ skill arc esprT\s in designing forlS.
Trivial Work a math problem with no time limit and
bl'id~l's. road~, and mher offensil'e and dl'fenshe emplael'nu'nh.
access to reference texts
Easy \Vork a math pI'oblem With no time limit TI1l'Y kill'" Ih., toul~ <lnd ll'ehni<ltH'S of engineeri ng under COlli bat
Average Work a math problem with a reasonable time condilions Jnt!, in an cnH'r~en'l' can quickly creet some S01'l of
limit makeshifl prolcCiion .IS I,ell.
Diffieuk Work a math problem in head (Without access to It tdkes ld I hours for TrI\'ial emplaU'Ulcn tS. ! + hI I hours for
writi ng instrument or paper, 1'11'.) Eas) cmplacements. at least tI+-Jd4 hour~ for :\\'crage l'lllplace-
Very Difficult Work a math problem under severe distress n1('nts, at least 16+4d4 hours flU Ditllcult emplacements, and al
(such as gunfire) ll'ast 24+&14 h(')urs of work for Ve l;" Dimcult emplacements, A
successfu l check mcans t hat Ihcre arc 1)0 errors in thl' dcsign,
MEDICINE while a failed check indicates thai Ihl' character SpOIS one or more
Relevant Ability: Dexterity or Intelligence erron. If he finds errors. he mar h,n'c his workmen spend haIr t hl'
Cost 10 BP prc\'ious lime correel ing: any prohlrlll~. Afler cOl'reclions, he
must again makl' his ~ki ll chct k. If surcr.sflll, hl' has r,-.mo"cd all
Universa l: No
the problems. Ifl;.iJed, lie has not removed alllhl' problems. bUI
Prerequisite: None is unawal'e orproblcms thai may be ""ploiltd by his enemy.
Maste r y Die: Id4
Although this character can construct simple. temporary struc-
Materials / Tools Required: Yes tures him~ clr, he nccd .. talenlcd workmen 10 compktc :my major
A character I,ilh Ihis skilllilis It'amcd common med ical proce- project. He ha~ the 'killw super\'ise and manngr a cre" of slIch
dures. Howel'e r, tile procedurl's ill' i~ able to perform afe h i ghl~ workers sueh thai th., pmjcct is cOlllpleled prope rl y and in the
dependem on thl' skillle\'el he has oblained in t his field. Use Ihe shortest :l1llOUIll of lime possible.
table belo\> as a guide.
Le,·et The character can ...
" lost, though certainly nOI all, doctors Ii;\\'e all a\'erag!' ~ki!l UIlskilled Not use this skill.
lewl. :<.Iedical knowledge is not, hOll'el'er, limit ed 10 th is profes- Novice Design a simple emplacement (ditch, moat, pit)
sion, There ;ln' many people in the Shallf'red )-' ronller 111.11 have Average Design a small emplacement or shelter; supervise
fudillll:nl;ll)' medical skills, induding a numb\'1' of Ind ian medi- and manage workmen carrying out the character's
cine men capable of' pCl'forminl:" tasks of up to Avcrage m:l.~tel-r plans
Advanced DeSign a large emplacement (simple fort, road) on
SoU: AI/(Slhtlizillg patinlls is ('1(I1Ii(l110 proddillg 11r, ksl challer iif
solid ground; design a small emplacement needing
SllectH II'lrm prljOmlinl!, Ju rgeo'. A,V' At/[taIlWI or 1I((h" IIIft/ieal fulrniqllt
supporl (sma)! bridge)
fJliformtd Ilpoll "(llIIseit)us poliml lIiffm a ~2()% pel/alty It) Ih .. JJ..ilI (hut Expert Design a large emplacement needing support (large
bridge); design a complex emplacement (fort with
Level The charader can", multiple towers and othe r defensive fortifications) on
Unskilled Not use this skill solid ground
Novice AmpUlate limbs; set broken bones; dress wounds; Master Design a complex emplacement needing suppOrt
apply pressure bandages to severely bleeding and with moving parts (such as a large relractablel
wounds: diagnose injuries raisable bridge)

360
Difficulty Examples [.e,,·cl The character can_
Trivial Ideal conditions (unlimited project funding, Unskilled Not use this skill,
expert workmen. optimal soil eonditions) Novice Command a cornl)any
Easy Project adequatelr supported (surricient budget, Average Command a regiment
competent workforce, realistie timetable) Advanced Command a division
Average No more than one detrimental condition Expert Command an army corl'S
impinging on project complellon (governmental Master Command a field army
interference, untrained labor, uncoo perath'e
workers, inadequate lunding, severe time con - Difficulty f:xamp les
straints or other similar impediments) Trivial Veteran or elite troops
Dirricult Multiple challenges to project completion (see Easy Regular troops
examples al>ove) Average Green troops
Very Difficult Bridging a river "'ith green troops under a Difficult (see below)
withering artillery barrage \' ery Difficult (see below)

MILITARY STR ATEGYITACTICS Situa tion Modifier

Routed or poor morale + +1 difficulty
Relennt Ability: Intelligence
Night or llIclement weather +1 difficulty
Cos t: 5 BP Inadequately supplied ( food or ammo) +1 difficulty
Universal: No Over ..... helming odds +1 difficulty
Prerequisite: None
Notl: If modifl(f"'; go btyond Vuy Difficult. Iht lroops /0,111 not obey
Mastery Die: ldG ordu'S from any commandu, For uamp/c. grun troops thai Mt)f not
Ch;lrarten I,ith this skill knol' ho" 10 organize a military onit. bun rectivmg adcquatc ration~ and I4ho art ordertd 10 a/laCK a L~ry
keep troops properl)' ~upp li ed , and conHlland ;1 unit in ball It' . Slrong position (oL~rlChtiming odds) Iltal tMy ha~ bun bloodily
The) a lso kncrn hOI, to train their ann. 10 Kr' th(' bt-SI OU I of repu/'itd from prevIOusly. would not obtylht al/acK Older tun If II
Ihem. They art el't'li expert ill the I;lclkal emplo\mcnt .,r came fro m Napolton Itimulf
" 'caponr) as~illned to Ihc unit.
M IL LINERY
Surn:ssi'ul liSt' of Ihi~ ~ k ill allOl's a chMaCtcr 10 cllceli,,' I, (om-
mand his unit. In bailIe, Ihi~ cnsurc~ Ihal his rOlmnand~ arc Glr- Rele\'an t Ability: Intelltgence
ried om , F:li lure meallS t hHt his Ir\.IUps do not heed his command, Cost: I BP
This rna} I,lke ,'ariou$ form:! ~urh as improl}{'r l~ ,'xe{uling ,ut Unin'rsa \: No
nll nd:, dda y in contlllt·tillg a llIovelllt'nt. I'rlrealin~ trom an P re requisite: :None
assigned position or ('\,cn 5l1rrendt-rillg,
l\laste ry Die: ldlO

361
 Materia ls / Tools Required: Yes lived among speakers of that dia lect for a few
years
A ~har,Klel' with Ihis skill 'lwd:llilcS in designing and m:lking
Very Difficult Mi mic effectively enough to fool a native speak-
Iw[:; . Gktn ~onw material and tht' apprupriatt' \l.>ols, a sut:t:essful
er of that dialect
skill check a IJO\, ~ Ih ~' milliner 10 (ksign, rut, lit. :llto'r and se"
alllloot allY sort of hat. .'\ failed n'~uh indicates the \\ork W:lS
botched or fta"'t'(i in ,;onl!' way lll1d th(' rl'~ulting piece is worth- NURSING
le~s. Relevant Ability: Wisdom
A milliner nr('d~ tool~ ~ueh as needles/ pins and thre'ltL scissors, Cost: 3 BP
a thilllblt:, tape m ed~un·. wax and pktlty of matrrial (doth). A Unive rsal: No
taule or ooanl (large enough 10 b y the entire pallern upon) as Prerequisi te: None
well as paper. ~harp shear. and Ileighh art .Ibo ,l(ood tu h:wc.
Mastery Die: Id8
T his ski ll allows the character to properly tend 10 the sick and
L, .. I The character can ... injured. Whil l" some uasic medical knowledge is inhercnt in rhis
Unskilled Not use this skill. skill , the nurse's role is to provide an opt imal en,.ironnwnt \0
Novice Operate milinery tools and handle materials: fiL hats
rncilitale the body's 011'11 recu ptf;J tivt au ilities. This is ao::eOIll-
for customers
pli~hed h} closely monitoring I he pat ien1 :H1d tending to his needs
Average Alt.er hats: rel)air minor ril)S and tears
;t~ required. Tilt: Illost basic Heed for any pal icl'l is food and drink.
Advanced Mend damaged hats
Expert Repair a severely damaged hat: design a pattern vI A nur~e wi !l "nsure that the injured pany is drinking sufficicn t
hat that va ries slightly from an existing style tluids and provickd \\ilh food that he cun keep down and in fm;t
Master Design and craft a completely nO\'e] hat d(>(·~ SIl_ Additional rC'pollsiiJili ti("s include changi ng barJ(i<lges,
kt"cpinl:"" atch for i nfectiou~ auJ c xcts~ivc utl"cding, and appl} ing
l>ifricully Exan1p]e~ eotd o::()mprc~~!'s to rdklt· kwr.
Trivial Fit a hat with access to a fully stocked Hi ghl~ sk illed nurses arr ,lblc to perform uasic medical proce-
milliner's workroom dures and orr cn scn'c as rhe only ~ouree ofmedic;rl cart in remO l e
Easy Alter or mend damaged hats with access to a loca ti ons.
fully stocked workroom
Average Working in dim light; working in windy eondi·
Le\"(~1 The eharacte r ~an ...
tions
Difficult Repairing a hat with makeshift too ls Unskilled not use this skill.
Novice Properly nurse a patient with a mino r wound
Very Difficult Working on a hat with makeshift tools
Average Properly nurse a patient with a major wound
Advanced Function as a midwife to deliver children; diagnose
MIMIC DIALECT injuries
Re levant Ability: Charisma Expert Properly set broker) bones; amputate limbs
Master Extract bullets from limbs
Cost: 1 BP
Universa l: Yes
DiUitully Examples
Prerequisite: NOlle (but see text) Trivial Ensure that a patient is properly hydrated and
Mastery Die: Id8 fed; dress wounds
Easy Ap ply pressure bandage to a severel~' bleedi ng
1\ dmractcr uSO's this skill to pass himsf"lf on' as a member ot a wound
community wit h a diITerent style nf sllI'a kin g t han his OIl n, uut not Average Set broke n bones
a dilTerent 1:lIlguu'\"e. For c)<ampte, "ith u suc("cssful check, a SCt· Difficult Diagnose injury
Iler from 1 1-X.18 tall pass himsdf (lIT as it :'\t'W Yorkn. Virgiuian, Very Difficult Remove bullets from wounds
Eugl ishman, etc.. but not a Frenchman unless he .:an ,pc<1k
French. If II(" fails his check. I he listcner not iccs somct hing II rong
OBSERVATION
"ieh the mimicked dialect. In order to usc this ~kilL a elw.racter
Relevant .'\ bil ily: Wisdom
must havc had heard the dialet:l lo be mimickl'd.
Cost: 6 BP
Le\'el The character can... Unh'ersal: Yes
Unskilled Mimic a dialect the character lived among for rears Prerequisite: NOlle
Novice Mimic a dialect the characler heard many times
AI'erage Mimic a dialect the character heard a few times Mastery Die: ld8
Advanced Mimic a dialect the character heard once Characters usc t his skill to rocus certain powcrs or obsen'alion
Expert Mimic a dialect the character heard descrIbed by a - ~ ighr. smell. rnste and touch. An} tim .. ,lIr 0ppul· tunit y [() no tice
native speaker of that dialect nonconformit ies with one of thcsc scuses occurs. rh e character
Master Mimic a dialect the character heard described by a m:"lkes th e s kill check. J\ charac te.r also uses thi s ~kill to not let'
non-nath'e speaker trap~. J\ G~I 111:')" rull an OU~tr\'a tion skill dH:c k an y lime th ere
i ~ sOffie\hill l[ su btly askew rhat a ch:mll"tcr might not icc, cven if
Uifficu lty Examples
h(' did nor spcci fi ca ll y stat e Ihar he is sCl"utinil'ing his su rround-
Trivial Mi mic effectively enough to fool someone who
never heard thai dialect before ings. A failr'd dH:e k indicares rha t the cha rac ter is oulil'iuus until
Easy Mimic effectively enough to fool someone who tht thing is point!'!] out to him.
heard that dialect a few times before N)r r.ramp(t, C5.-\ spy joshua Rad qlltJ/iollS a suppwtd carptll/tr.for Ihr
Average Mimic effectively enough to fool someone who Clli0/1 copilOt buildillg. cif which J oshua is Jukillf( kl1ow(((fl~f. Joshua J
heard that dialect mallY times before p/o)"tr rolls a Jllccm(lI/ Obsin'alion check (1"1)' })i(fiCIIII) !/Ird nolim Ihol
DIfficult Mimic effectively enough to foo ! someone who

362
 hiJ halldJha~t iJ smOOlh and Jrif/. rnlirr{I'lacJ;ill~ ral/um. From IhiJ. ht may
dtduu Ihallht lIIall if nrlual{r /lQJiI1,( aJ a rar/l'lIl"- 11t could bt a (on lIIan
laking ndl'alllagt of afiUI", drinA-J, or ht m,!~ bt Q l. 'nion Jpy.
Obscr..uioll rel'cals onl) Ihe faels, nOI Ihe 1ll00il:llion.
"""
Uns killed
The charade r can".
Notice obvious details (lltrong smell, bright colors,
excited movement, object weighing a great deal
less/more than expected, etc)
Novice Notice mlljor details (distinct smell, large temperature
change, unsubtle movement, (ootprint.s in mud, etc)
Average Notice small details (picture frame askew, slight
movement, footprinll; in dust, loose floorboard, small
temperature change, etc)
Advanced Notice minor details (tiny splash of mud on boots,
mild smelt, object weighing barely more or less than
ex]>ected, etc)
Notice minute details (smooth surface on expectedly
rough texture. absence of dust in a particular shape,
etc)
Master Notice miniscule details (objects arranged in a non,
customary way but not askew or otherwise unusual )
Difficult,. Exam]lle8
Trivial Observing in more than sufficienllight while
undistracted by su rroundings and without
worry of being noticed or needing to hurry
Easy Ob3erving in dim light (visual); observing in
busy surroundings
AI'erage Observing in noisy, chaotic surroundings
Difficult
Observing while ill; making qnick observation
(e.g., sneaking a fast peek around a corner)
Very Difficult Observing while intoxicated; making instant
obse rvation; or at night (visual)
Ohun.'alioll CUI, IN I"ry' IISifll1 ill ol'oidillg alllhllJhts.
OR ....TION
Re levant Ability: Intelligence or Charisma
Cost 2 BP
Unh'ersa l: Yes
Pre requis ite: None
Mastery Oil": ld8
A chanl(cl'r wilh maSCl'r) in chis ,kill is a l)(ml'rful spcak(,T with
the abilitl co hold chI.' aU('ntiun of,~ crowd and swa~ public opin_
iou. Wich;1 ~1I(ccssful skill chl'cJ.:, Ihc characccr holds Ihe aU en-
lion of III(' crowd ,md .,"a\~ Iheir opinion or emOlion in a desired
direccion. Dl'llendinl{ on Ihl' difficuhl>; a d1<lraCler mOl> "'''y a
Howd one or mort "~I(,pS:' In ur<!I.'I·, Ihese sleps arc: OUlrat:"l'd,
An,:,r:~ .·\nnolt'd. (;"Im (Amhil'aknl), Amiable, AUracled, and
LOlin!o;". ,\ f:tikd dInk indical"S Ihal !Ill' spl'aker is unab le w
'"al 111(' t'f(l\\tl', ft'('lint:"s 011 the suhject.
For flomplt .. 11,!)'Qr I ar~a IJ al/flllplin.!!. 10 lum 011 OUlragrd rroZJ:d il110
a Cnlm alit, Ijht did 1101 a/r('(u/.)' kno/(' Iht Jub)(cl riflht CT"Oll-d, al/ger (him-
,,(ft, hf m'!) lIIa~f a Nil-inl d"d luj/lld oul. Ill' I/OU' haJ 10 II/O/'t Iht (rollW
Ihrrt ~J/(PJ ~ (Ol1t jlrp jrom Olllra,!!.td 10 .111.!!.~)', olle jlrp from AII.(ry' 10
. Inn~)rd. alld IInfl/f/! jmm . 1/1II~)yd to Calm) alld lIIusl su((ud 01 0
Diffirull (huk 10 do la. 1/ II/((m/il/, he (om illas the cTQl.d Ih(lllhty hau
btrll lIIiJ/rd. alld Ih'.)' callll dOI('I1_ lj lit 1dslln 10 plllihe blnmt Oil $Omrollt
tiSt, lit III!.!)' mdf UI/Olhrr Oralion chrrA 10 mQ~r Ihrm .lnnf!lyd. .411t:I)' or
Oillragrd al somtollt ,1st,
u,'e l The charader can
Unskilled
Learn target of audience's anger/affection
No\'ice Know the words to calm or inflame the crowd
Al'erage Sway a crowd by one step
Adva nced Sway a crowd by two steps
Expert Sway a crowd by three steps
Master Sway a crowd by (Qur steps
363
 t\ photograph" fl'cord~ th~ f.uwlioll ojklloU"1I horst thiats.

Diffic ulty Examples pushing a button. Instead. the photographer mu~t coat the plate
Trivial Orating from a platform to a quiet audience "ith collodium (cotton soaked in nitric ami sulphuric acids, thor-
that came specifically to hear the character oughly washed and dried and then dissolved in ethcr and alcohol),
speak quickly load the plateholder, take the pict ure (exposing the plate
Easy Outing from a platform to a fairly quiet gath- for 2+ Id3 minutes), and {levclop the image in a darkroom by dip-
ering ping it into ninate of silver before the collodium can dry.
Average Orating without a platform to an audie nce that Furthermore, ht, must perform all of the above tas ks within
cares little about hearing the character -l+2d6 minutes, as I'arying weather, temperature and ligln all
Difficult Orating inside a noisy crowd that cares nothing aliect 110'" fas t th(" collexlium dries. [f the photographer is dis-
about hearing the character
Very Difficult tracted from completing these tasks within tha I amount of time,
Orating inside a noisy crowd that hates the
character the photograph is ruined.
Only after developing the image does the photographer make
PHOTOGRAPHY his Photography skill cbeck. Wi1h a successfu l skill check, the
photograph is clearly visible. Afta the plate dries completely
Relevant Ability: Intelligence
from Ihe silver nitrate hath (anothe r 2dl2 hours), the photogra-
Cost: 1 8P pher eau make a print by placing tlte nt·gatil'e on top of photo
Universal: No paper, laying it !lat in a glass frame, and allowing the print to
Prerequ isite: Chemistry 85% or belle. develop in sunlight for approximately 2 minutes.
Master y Die: ld8 A failed result indicates the photograph was botched or !lawed
Mater ials / Tools Required: Yes in some way and the resulting photograph is worthless. Glass
plat es can on ly be used once and are usually around 9"' x 10" in
A charactcr with the Photography sk ill can operate a camera to
size ("ith photographs that sil.e or smaller) . .\ Iost metal plates
take photographs. ;\[05t photographns in the Shattered Frontier arc of simi lar size, bu t can be used for up to ciglH 4.5" x 2.5" pho-
usc a "wet plate" camera that imprints a positive image on a thin
tographs, then cut into individual plates. A failed check or delay
plale of glass or metal. Howeyct; taking a photograph with such
a camc ra rc([uires much more than simply aiming the lens and

36+
in del'clupmc nt rUIllS the full g l.15s pla,e, hut onl~ the used por. Difficulty Examples
lion of Ihe me ta l plale, Trivial Victim is asleep
Easy Victim is dru nk
LcIl.'1 The chllrllcter cau", Average Victim is all'a ke but distracted; victim is in a
Unskilled Not use this skill large and bustling crowd
Novice Know hOIl' to operate a standard wet plate camera DIfficult Vic tim is awake; victim is in a small and allen
Average Take a pIcture and develop its photograph within 12 gathering; victim knows character is there
mmutes Very DiffIcult Victim is ale rt and expecting trouble; victim can
Advanced Produce a photograph so attractIve that local per· see character
sons come simply to Vlell' it
Expert Produce a photograllh so admired that it become.'! POTTERY
nationally famous
MaSler Produce a I)hotograph so attracU\'e that it will still Re lenult Ability: Dexterity or Wisdom
b(l admired a generation hence Cost: I BP
Unin!TSaI: No
Difficulty ESam l)les
Trivial Taking II clear photograph with excellent light. Prerequisite: NOlle
ing and motionless subjects in a photographIc Mastery Die: IdlO
studio Mate rials / Tools Requ ired: Yes
Easy Taking R clear photograph with gOod lightmg
and motIOnless subjects indoors with access to a ",h;1ractt'" U\l" thl' Poltl'n ~ki li lO creat!' {'onta ltH'rs or d t'co-
darkroom rat In' nhjects" l "pon.1 ~un:r~~ful skill (hcck, Ihe dwractcr suc-
AI'erage Taking a clear photogra,)h with al'erage light· c('~ full~ (; r;lfl~ 'he ill'm, c\ Lliir<1 rcsu h indicates thl' wI)rk \\,;I~
ing and living subjects indoors or outdoors with bolched or llm'ed in 'orne wa\ <I nti th .. r('su ltitl~ pi('Le is ruincil.
access to a darkroom It I,lkcs four houn In t rt'Jlt' ,In il em 1,,\, titan :i fC('1 1,111, si,\ hours
Taking a clear photograph with di m lighting In cr('al(' an itt'm :).[ ro:-el 1,111, and ",1."11'(' hour~ 10 crratt' larger
and liloing subject! in lleld cotldithlllS (uutdoors) itrnl~" Each pi,', .. tIlII't th l'1I bt, fin'll ;n chr kilt1 fo r apprn,-.:j·
and with a makeshift darkroom m,Hdl IJlll' d,H, brfnn' il i~ u~"bll',
Very Dirricult Taking a clear Ilhotograph 1I'Ith poor lighting
and moving subjects in noisy field conditions )' J"kinlt P(lII('1"\ n'quir('~ Ihal thl' (h,lraLler h:1\'1' a kiln and a
(outdoors) with make·shilt darkroom and POllt'T\ \.111'1'1, ;IS \,,,11 ,\~ ;I ~urpll of m;lt,'ri al~ (w. uall) d:IY),
improvised supplies
Lc,"el The (harncter cau,~
PICK POCKET Unskilled Not use this skill
Novice O]lerate ]Iouer's tools and equillmenl
Relel'ant Ability: Dexterity Average Cralt plain, small objects (bowl, plate, etc)
Cost: 9 BP Ad\'anced Craft plam medium objects (vase, 110werllot, etc);
Ullin!rsa l: Yes craft decorative small objects
Expert Craft plain large objects (large vase, etc); craft dec-
Prerequisite: None orative !mai! and medium objeets
Mas ter), Oil': Ide; .'.Iaster Craft dec"rati\'C large objects: cralt very decorative
A chJ r:tucr can USl' I hr l'id., Pocket ~k i ll 10 Sira l itt"ms or plam
small and medium objects
(place ~o rnl'thit1 l{on someone Clsl') thclIl,li kc a nOll" ur a poison-
ous Sliake, t\ ~ucc("5s ful roll indicalu Ihal Ihe cha raclcr ,1ccom' Difricult y Example!!
pJis hed his t:l ~ k, ",hill" a fail .. d alteml)\ tIlcan~ Ihat IIH' character Trl\'ial Working in a fully stocked, (Iutet and well·lit
large workroom
<lid not gCt or pian: an item (but dot's nOI mean Ih;1I Il1r larget Easy Working in a lully stocked , quiet and well-lit
deteetcd thc ,lIt cmpt ), tiny workroom with little space to move around
\\'ll(' tl l<'r SU('l'rssful or nut. if lilt, tJ!'):;el's \\'bdom ,'hilit} SC(l l't' ;"
is cqlLalw or gn:atc r , han Ihe ski ll chel-k, then Ihl' t;I~(,1 n<1l itcJ Average Working in dim light; in a noisy envIron ment;
th t" character" atlcmpt, A Chafaltcr tall attempl 10 ptLk hi~ lar· too hot or cool room, etc,
gl'I'5 pocket (or saJdkbag, ur backpack, or so on) ll1uhipll' limn, Dirlicult Working with poor tools or materials: working
Oil mOloing platform (e,g .. a train or ship)
"hethct hc succced~ or faik
Very Difficult Working With mnkeshiCt tools or replacement
materials; working on a violently moving plat·
LcI'CJ The character can""" form (e,g", a table in a minor earthquake)
Unskilled Pick an item from another character's
clothing/item~ lI'hen t he character i! not wearing
them or anywhe re in sight PRIMITIVE RANCED WE APON USE (SPECIFY TYPE)
No\oice Pick an item from the backpack another character is Relevant Ability: Dexte rity
wearing
Cost: 4 BP
Average Pick an item from a character's pouch; plant SQme·
thing in a character's backpack Uni\'ersul: No
Advanced Apply -I tu target's Wisdom sCure; pick another Prerequisite: NOlie
character's outside pocket; plant li n item in a char· Mas tery Die: ld12
acter's pouch
Expert Apply ·5 to target's WIsdom score: ])ick another This charactf'T b 'kilk,1 in th t' 1'll1plo)'lIIcnt Hf c;i11f'r :l knire,
character's inside pocket; plant somethtng in a cha r· a..:c or sprar as a hurlrd pToljC!;liic, I-it" m'l} a l ~o opt 10 USC.I hOI',
acter's outside pocket L·s., of ,Ul> of Ihesl' wl'ap(ms dl'mand~ :l g rC llt dcal mo rc train·
Master Apply ·10 to ta rget's Wisdom score; plant an object ing eh;ltl ~;mpl} usin'I them m hand· to-h:md combat. As SU('h.;1
in a character's inside pocket

365
pl.I)".T Ihat has 1101 reached [xpen rmls ler), musl succeed ,H a Prerequis ite: None
ski ll check bclore he can allcmpl ,1 "'lo-l1it" roiL A f<l il<::J skill
MllStery Die: ldG
chtck in(licaleS;HI ,.ulomalic mi~~ed allad.
Materials / Tools Required: Yes
Addilionall~, knives and throwing .I.>.:e, IllUSI Ix· 'pecificall)
designed fOl Ihis runt'l ion. Such weal)QIlS arc sptci<llly w,"ighll'd This skill co\'(:rs t he basics of prospecting, and uses special rules
for tlight. Thcy.:;all be used in hand-to-hand combat a~ a normal instead of rht norm:rl m:rslery ,111d difficul ty t:rhles. Set' Ch(lPIeT
1,'C,IIX)I) but 'normal' knil'es and axes cannot Ill.' rfTcclivcly thf(l\\n 5./11'rosjlt'C/ill,g for information.
illlO comb.lI unl il I he char.u;tcr rcacJlt"S Advanced mastnr
RE ADlKG COMPREHENSION/ PENM ANSHIP
Le,'el (SPECIFY LANGUAGE)
The charade r can."
Unskilled Not use this skill Rel evant Ability: Intelligence
Novice Use a spear as a ranged weaPQI1 Cost 4 BP
Average Use a bow, balanced axe or balanced knife as a
Uni ve r sal: No
ranged weapon
Adva nced Use 'normal' knives and axes as ranged weapons Prerequisite; None
Expert Use a primitive ranged weapon without needing a Mastery Die: ld6
skill check ('To-hit" roll slill required)
T hl." dlarac tt'f l'an re:rd and wrile a single language. T here
Master Use makeshift objects as ranged weapons
must be '01111.""11" ,LI';Lilabir 10 Icac h Ihe chara cter for him to earn
his fir~l ta.lh. A ~ucccs,ful skill rlLcd givcs a character Ihe :rbili-
NOle: There arc no ~ped;\1 Difficull\ Il'wb for (.ISl· \\ilh thl' I) to\\'rit(' I,dl ('nough 10 be undrrslOotl. 10 r..,ad and \\'rile 1cllcrs

Primitivc Rnul{ed W~apoll Us.., ~kill. ~imply -,pph anv modif1l"r~ .tnu ~UdL, but doe~ not m..,,1Il Ihat his \lords persuade everyone
If) Spe,..d ami At:rurat:) :l~ ((ormal. who reads dwm. ,\ failt'u skill ch..,ck indicates that Ihe cha racler
do..,s nOI trul) comprch..,ud the mc,l11ing of tlu." Ilords. l'w n if he
can r..,ad tlll'm, or ha~ m.ldl' such a mistake in his pCI11Ili.nship
PRIMITIV E WEAPON MA KING Ihall", mus t begin his "riling again.
Rel eva nt Abi lity: Dexterity :\. characler a tt empting 10 wrilC a longer documen t or swry can
Cost: G BP write 2.000 words per da), bl' spendi ng 8 hUllrs writing" followed by
Unh'ersal: No a successfn l ~kill check. On a r.tilcd ( heck, lire char aClcr is dis-
Pre requisite: None s,Hisfied \lilh hi~ wr iting :111d d es lroys his d;,y"s work or Il t'cds to
le-"r!le it the nl'xi d'l).
Mast ery Die: ldS
Mate riliis/ Toois Required: Yes Lel'e) The charact er ca n.~
f\ dmr;lctcr \Iith rhis skill knOl'S hOI, ro fashion bo", land Unskilled Not use this skill.
,lrrol's), tomah;l\\k~ ;lnd other ~Imilar I'eapons, providr·tllw has Novice Read and print common one" to three-letter words
("to," "dog ," elc.)
apprOpriilll" Inalcrials. A succc~srul chrt:k means Ih;ll t hc I,e;lpon
Average Read and print II short one-page lelter
i~;ln average version of Ihc same wcal)Q1l as listed in thl" equip-
Advanced Read and print or write (longhand) letters and sto-
me lll lis t , while a faikd check indicates thai rhe we,ll)Q1l is pood}
ries
crafred and u~elcss. Read and print or write flowerly prose (I)Oetry)
Read and print or write technical or obsc ure papers.
Le\'el Thc character can", or 11lspiring poetry
Unskilled Not use this skill.
Novice Repair simple dose quarter weapons Difficult}' Examples
Average Craft simple close quarter weapons (clubs, toma- Trivial Reading well-lit and excellent penmanship
hawks. knives); repair ranged ammunition (including typewritten) Wilh simple words and
Advanced Craft ranged ammunition (arrows. darts); repair grammar (such as a children's boo k); writing
ranged weapons with good materials in a quiet and well-lit room
Expert Craft ranged weallons (bows) Easy Reading excellent penmanship with common
MaSler Design a new type of primitive weapon words and grammar (s uch as a newspaper);
reading exccllent penmanship in dim lighting;
Difficult y Examples writing with good malerials and lighting in a
Trivial Repairing a weapon with access to plenty of room wilh minor backg round noise
tools and materials Average Reading a nOl'el; reading good llenmanship in
Easy Crafting a weapoll with access to plenty of dim light; writing with average materials and
tools and malerials lighting in a room II'ith obvious baCkground
Average Working on a weapon in dim light; working in nOise
adverse weather Difficult Reading material nOl parl of everyday speech
Difficult Repairing a weapon wilh makeshift/inferior (such as Shakespeare); reading dimly lit andlor
tools or materials poor penmanship: writing with poor materials
Very Difficult Crafting a WeallOI1 with makeshift/inferior tools and dim lighting in a noisy room
or materials Very Difficult Reading complex writing (such as a technical
manual); reading IlOorly lit and waterlogged or
otherwise badly damaged penmanship: writing
PROSPECTING with makeshifl materials and bad lighting in a
Relevant Ability, Wisdom very noisy environment
Cost: 9 BP
Universal: Yes

366
 READING LIPS (SPECifY LANGUAGE)
Dirrie-ully EXall1lllee
Relevant Ability: Intelligence TrIvial RecrUiting for a job with no hazards
Cost: 7 BP Easy RecrUiting for a job with one or two hazards
Un h'ersal: Yes Aversge RecrUiting lor a job with several hazards
Difficult RecrUiting tor a job with many hazards:
Prerequisite: None
recrUlllllg where imprisonment is likely;
Mas ter y Die: Id4 recruiting where death is a slight possibility
Very Difflcult
The r haracter can lell ,,11:11 01hl!r rharaClnlo art: ~a~ HI~, I!\cn if Recruiting lor a jolb where imprisolnment is
hr rannUl Iwar IhclII, On a succcssful skill chcck, Ihe cl!arat:lrr very likely: recrUiting where death is a strong
I)()uibitity
di.scerns pari of Ihr lOlwcr_:uion (lJ('e;llIse 'KIm..- sounds an: lUuch
like 01 hrr'l!. lip rraders I1c\'e r IIndenl and a full 100%). 11le speak,
cr IIIUS' be mos. I) facing Ihe li p rrad~'1 (al II!:ls' a Ihrce-qU<lflCT RELIGION (SPECIFY FAITH)
vir,,), Iflhe skill check fails, norhing is Ir arned, Relevant Ability: Intelligence
Cust: 5 BP
w 'el The eharadcr can",
Uns ki lled Unhersa l: Yes
Determine a wo rd or two
NO\'ice Read 10% of Lhe conversation PrerCtjuisite; NOlie
Average Discern 20% of the conversation Mllslery Die: Idl:!
Advanced Read 50% of the conversation
Expert Establish 70% of the cOllversaliiln Char,I(\('. ~ kmm r h.. h,.~i~ b('lid$!lf'1 ITlig-ion commOI1 10 1heir
Master Determine 90% of the conl'ersation hUIlWlo"ll "nd 1;lmilr, illl)l1g I>ill! 11llwr orrlinary inforrn,lliOIl
(t\']>('ol r('lil{iou, ~\mbol 1I,('d, basil' .... ihlue uf the fa ilh. l·te),
Difficulty EXamples ':ow.:h Imll\"('dg~' i~ 11I\~hh u~dull" pl~'.l<hcn I,hcn Ihc) nt'l'd In
Trivial Reading the Itps of a well lit character facing dl!al I, il h mt'ml"" ~ "I 0PI)!,slll't t:lilh~, UI It';lch rncml.x:r5 of 1hcir
you about 5·(i feet away 01'" ra.ith, On.1 "In'e\~lul dln-L, tht' rh ... ra.ctrr kn(}l;s lhc iurur,
Easy Readmg a well lit character facing you 7-9 feel m:lliol1 111' dc,irf'~, On.l lail,·d (herk. Ihe lh ... rat'!('r "idler JUS1
away e,l l1'l SCCI11 10 r'·m~'mh.' r il ;]1 Ihr mOI1l~nl ur 11(','('r kne\\ it.
Average Reading a well lit character facing ytm 1lI-12
feet away I..e-'el The rharacler ean_
Difftcult Reading the lips of someone frequently movlIlg Unskilled Recognize well known persons and holly symbols or a
or with a peculiar paltern of speech (e.g" mum - religion commoln to the eharacter's family and home
bling, lisping, slurring, shouling); reading a tvwn
character occasionally obscuring his mouth NG\'lce I\n,,1\' common beliefs and writings of lhe charac-
(e.g" hands, cigaT!): reading a well lit character ter's faith
facing you 13·20 feet away AI'erage Recall obscure lIliormalion about lhe character's
Very DIfficult Reading some<Jne whose face you can barely faIth; kn ........ e'JmmO!l '->eltefs of other religions tyPical
see (20-S0 feet away; \'ery poor lighting, etc): of the character's place of angm
reading It character frequently obscuring his
mouth

RECRUITINC
Releva nt Ability: Charisma
Cost: 4 BP
Unh'e rSIl!; Yes
Pre requ is ite; None
.Maste r y Die; Id8
Character~ uw tlus ski ll 10 recruit au ;.rmy. g-... ng or posse, Of
coursc, all arlll y or ga ng musl be p.1id, so il doe~ nOI d l' prnd sole ly
oll thc character's skill, lIo\\c \'e r, iflhe pa) IS good a,ul tcrms a rc
fair, .hj~ charaCler is ablr to recruit 'he be.'!l men for his arm~ or
gang, and con, inec thelll 10 ",car an oath of lorah} to him, PO!S$es
arc ICmporar) and lI<'eo lIot ~\\ear an 0.11h of 10ra11Y, bot tlIa) need
HI be deplHilcd, A ski ll chrck is required, If 5Ul'Cl!ssfu l, Ihe char_
acter oolwinccs a particular pcr'lOll to $ign on with him, A r.,ill!d
check means Iha\ parltcular pcrson rcfuses, Th is sLill chceL Illay
onl) be performed OIlC(' ller week Ull a part ie-u l'lr targe!.

un' The character eall_

Unskilled Recruit among open SUPI)()rlers in home terrItory
NOVIce Recruit in home te r ritory
Average Recruit in neutral terrltorj'
Adva nced Recruit in enemy terntory
Ex perl Recruit among openly hostile persons
Master Recruit among ollenly hostile persolls in enemy territory

367
Advanced Remember obscure beliefs Qf other religions prac-
ticed in the character's place of birth; know common
information about religions fo reig n to the charac-
te r's homeland
Expert Ide ntify obscure information on religions not typi-
cany practiced in the character's homeland
Master Recall rarely known facts or rumors about any reli-
gion, off shoot or cult
]\Iaster y Die: IdS
Characters use th(' Riding ski ll both for riding and for handl ing
horses. Success mcan~ that th (' character i~ ahl(' to perform his
desired act.
On a fa iled check. the hors(' resists, and the c h,II'acte r must
make ;mothcr Riding ski ll check w sec \, he th cr hc retains his scat
- or fa lls tQ 1he ground.

Difficulty Examples
Trivial Recall information with no time limit and access 1..e\'C1 The ('haracle r cal1 •••
to reference texts Unskilled Ride lI'ithout obstacles
Easy Recall information with no time limit Novice -"lake the horse walk over 2-foot- tall obstacles; lea p
Average Recall in formation lI'ith a reasonable time limit across up to 4-foot-wide gaps
Difficult Recall information II'hen distracted by sur- Average Make the horse jump over 3-foot-ta1l obstacles; leap
roundings across up to 6-foot-wide gaps; vault onto the saddle
Very Difficult Recall information under severe distress (such of a stationary horse
as gunfire) Advanced Make the horse jump over 4-foot-tall obstacles; leap
across up to 8-foot-wtde gaps; guide horse with
knees 30 character can use two-handed weapons
RESIST PERSUASION (e.g" long guns, 'oows); vault onto the saddle or a
Rel evant Ability: Wisdom walking horse
Cost: 2 BP Expert .l>lake the horse jump oyer 5-foot-tall obstacles; lea p
aero~s up to I.Z-foot-wlde gaps: vault onto the saddle
Uni\'ersal: Yes of a trotting horse; leal) from the horse's back onto
Pre requ isite: None any creature or object within 5 feet
Mastery Die: ld8 Master Make the horse jump over G-foot-tall obstacles; leap
across up to L6-foot-wide gaps; vault ont() the saddle
This skill measures ;1 I;haraclcr's dbilit) 10 n 'sis l th e inti mida- of a loping horse; leap from the horse's back onto
ti on, orati ons, parleying or other persuasive efTorts of a n oppo- any creature or object within 10 feet
nent. Auy lime such persuasion wou ld altr:r the charact~r's a tti.
tud e (such a~ a ~ucc(, S'iru [ O ration sk ill check), hI; can make a Difficulty Exa milles
Resist Persuusion check. If succcssful, he is una(fe(·tcd by this Trivial Handling a horse with a Quiet temperament;
persuasion. If fail ed . hc is affec ted by the persuasion. riding in daytime with fine weather and clear
\'isibility
A successful Res ist Persuasion check adds a [0% p.>nalty to a
Easy Handling an Interested horse; riding in dim
contested Fas t -lal kin1,\" or Slick Talke r ~ki ll check. light
Average Handling a Nen'ous horse; poor weather (rain)
U!\'el The chanCier t all ... vr darkness
Unskilled Resist llersuasion that obviously leads to immedtate Difficult Handling an Extremely Nen'ous horse: riding
death; resist persuasion that migh~ harm family or in bad weather (fog)
friends Very Difficult Hand[ing a Stubborn or Treacherous horse; rid-
Novice Resist persuasion that might lead to speedy imp ris- ing ill seve re weather (storms)
onment; resist jl(!rsuasion that would harm acquain-
tances
Average Resist persuasion tliat seem s to have no conse- ROPE USE
quences Relevant .I\ bility; Dexterity
Adva nced Resist persuasion that seems to lead to a minor ben- Cost: 2 81'
efit
Ulliversal: Yes
E xpe rt Resist persuasion that seems to lead to a major ben-
efit Prerequisite: None
;\iaster Resist pers uasion that seems to lead to something Mastery Die: ld8
the character greatly desires With th is ~ kiJl , thl' character bccomes progre~sivcI)" more ade p1 at
the usage of rOpl·. Initiall) [his involve~ simple cart~ and main h'-
Oifricult y Exa mples nance (such ,.:s identifying compromi~ed streng th and 'whipping'
Trilrial Target is bo und in the darkness rope ellds) as \\('11 as a bro..1.d knowledge orknot~ and th eir appro-
Eas y Target is incarcerated priate employment.
Average Target is alone
Further advallcemcllt allows tb e f1nployment of a lariat fOr" rop-
Difficult Target has a higher Reputation than the char· ing cllll l.,_ This ropc "aries in le ng th from 35 lu 50 ft. At onc end
acter; target is in public location surrounded by
of the rope is ,I runnin'O( knot by lIIt:ans of which a loop or t) oo~e is
peers madc. Tht: loop is throWII, from as far aw;,y as 30 feet, ;.wund [he
Very Difficult Target is in public location surrounded by homs 0 1" th e fec t of an animal and drawn t ight. -10 us c il on horse-
employees or underlings bad n'qu ires adva nced skill uf th e rider " lid his horse-the pull
of th (' laptu rell ;tnimal mn) throw th e rid t r's horse. or the hurse
RIDING or ride r may become cntangkcl in Ih(' rop-l:. Trul y skill ed cha ra c-
Relevant Ability: Dexterity or Wisdom ters a re ahle 10 perform ama zing showman feats and stunt s with
Cost: 3 BP rope The Rop·c Usc skill also conveys a 5% bonu~ (]wr le\·(·1 ;\00'1'1'
Unskilled) to a characler's [ seap!' Artist checks inmlving ropes,
U nh'ersal: Yes
such as whcn he i~ ticd up with rupe.
Prer equisite: None

368
t oe"" l The character canH' Expert Obtain beSt P<lssible terms a buyer/seller is lVilling to
Unskilled Untie knots orfer
Novice Tie knots, including hItches, bends, loop knots and Master Sell ice to an Eskimo
frIction hitches
Average Utilize a catch lariat (lasso, or la reata) for pIcketing mtricuh y Exa mples
or tethering animals TrIvial Conclude a sale in Ivhich the client receIVes
Advanced Use a catch lariat (lasso, or la reata) on horseback terms betler than the norm
Expert Design and supervise the construction of a rope sus- Easy Conclude a sale in which the client reeeh'es
pension bridge terms comparable to which he might receive
Master Yea rs of working with a lasso have made the char- elsewhere
acter an outstanding roller and showman, His trick Average Conclude a sale which favors the seller
roping 5kill~ include lIat loops, butterflies, zig-zags, DiIflcult Conclude a sale decidedly in favor of the seller
spoke-jumping, rorward and reverse ocean wal'es Very Difficult Convince individual to grossly overpay for
with jump-throughs, a giant big loop sllin and final- something he has no use/desire for
I)' the spell-binding "Texas skip"!

I)irficulty Exumilles SE..... MSTRESS/ T AILOR

Trivial USing skill with essentially unlimited time and Relevant Ability: Dexte r ity
with personal rope Cost: 1 fip
Eas~' Using skill in average conditlons with personal
Universal: No
mi'
Al'erage Using rope the character has not perst)nally Prerequisitc; None
selected and broken in Maste r y Die; ldl2
Ditricult L'sing skill in darkness; using skill in \'ery poor
weather; using makeshift roi*s (vllles, etc,» lII nlerials / Tools Required: Yes
Very Difficult Using skill in darkness; using skill in I'U)' POM Th .. dl,lracttT ,,"11 Ihi. <kill ha~ ~lUdied ho" to ~C\" mend ,.nd
weather with makeshift ropes (vines, etc,) d ... il:'l1 dmhillj(, ,-\ "u,:cl'"lull h .... " m""lIs Ih r dKlraner su ..eet'd-
.. d ill th(' la~", A r.lilrd H'suh indi{ ..,t .. ~ Ihe work II,I~ bUl ehni or
SALESM ANSHIP naw<,d In ,om!.' lIa\ and Iht 1 h.lrallrr musl Jxj;!"in ,llpin, Ir the
Relc\'ant Ability: Intelligence, Wisdom or Charisma th,lf,lct!'! ra ikd whik ~!f,1tiIlK a nrll Plt'('(", til(' fI',ultinj{ pifcI' is
fuilW(L
Cost: 7 BP
A SC;lInSlrt'S~or lailor needs In.,b ~lJt.:h as ncedl"~/fl i l1~ and
Unive rsa l: Yes
I hr.'ad, 8( i ,~ors,
a thimble, lal>l: measur,', II "X, dOl hillg pall .. rns
Prerequisite: None and pklll\' of matrrial (clOlh), A tablr or board (lal'g" rllough 10
Mas tery Die: ldG I"y Ihe 1"'lIun 11]1(111) a~ well a~ 1).'11lf'r, ~harp shcau :ul{1 II('ighl~
Salesm:tn.ship is Ih,' i.lrl of Ihc {knJ. Whilr ,orne mn, di~mi~­ arl' al~o I;'ood 10 haH',
sin'ly cn~1 il;'al4' adroil sal!'\mf'1I as di~rcpulabl(' ~nakh \\ho dr ~in'
1I01hill£ btU thc nc('ring of tlU' ir \'inim\ l)O(;kN', Ihi ~ i, a myupll Level T he character can..,
aSSf'S~lnl'I1I, While an l'a5~ mark i~ ,ddDml~ IUrlll'd aW3\, til(' I,;nskiJled Nvt use thIS skill.
~k i llcd opf'ralOr i~ kccu ly awan Ihal ~uclc~,full~ brokcrillt.: Ir,ln,-
NOVIce Operate seamstres!ltallvr tools: handle materials;
actions is his brrad and hultcr, The profil gamered from a "<'lit'S sew bUUons
Average Aller elQthing; repair mint'lr rips and lears
of dcals, nonc (If \.tlith on its 0\, n ~ ields a 5tcll;lr tnMgin, can f'a,-
Advanced Mend or patch slightly damaged clothing: fit cloth-
il)' uvrn,hdm a ~in"ula r ~ llIld) dl'a1. mg for customers
As sueh, Ihf' saluman', inlf"rc.1 lies in gauginl;' \\hat h is cus- Mend severely damaged clothmg: designing a item
tOllll'r i~ wi ll ing pa~ for an ilcm and providl'd il "d,'quall:" co\'us of clothing based on an existing style
his cosu, dosing Ihe deal. Whilr tlla,~imii:lIlg his prufit i, all,a)s Master Design al\d sew a new item of clothing in an origi-
Ihl' ideal rl'su ll , a s:l 11' lost h} a lil.'nating a r uSIOtul'f nut unl) nal style
results III 10SI I'f'\'('nue l oda~, bUI also Ihl' loss of opportunilY for
rc pnlt b.. ~incs~, Dirriculty Exa mples
Trivial Rel)8.irlng clothing with access to a fully
Thc sun:essfn l sale-small can ingrall,tle himself, pUll in,!: hIS cus- stocked workroom
IOlller al ,'a~e and hf'ncc lowl'ring his dtfellsf'~. l ie f',stnls thr Easy Alter or mend damaged clothes with access tv a
virtues of his produci \1 hilc {'Ic,,{'r l) hrushing nqidt, or cuncealing fully stocked workroom
atl~ inadNIUadt,s t hn>u~h hi~ surl("rior kno\\kdgr of lilt' iU' nJ Working in dim light: working in adverse condi,
\\h ile cv;tlualing hi_ t arg('l's rc~po n ~f'S hdorc ueginn ing nt'I,'U1 i:t- lions
tion" Difficult Wt)rking un clothing with \>'lor tools
Very Difficult \\orking on clothing with makeshift tools
T his ~ k i l l covers I h(' ba~ics of haggli ng and u'aneriuJ; bUI can 1)1'
('xtemlcd 10 h;wdl{' an) sun of nl'!;OIialion~ in "hich itcms ur
SE A RCHING
services of value an: e,'(changed,
Relevant Ability: Wisdom
Le\'el The charader ca n'H Cost: 5 BP
Unskilled Engage in haggJillg at his own fisc!!l !lCril Unh'el'llul: Yes
Novice Recognize a skilled salesman and opt to avoid nego-
tiating with him Prcrequis ite: None
Average Be relatively assured of the gross parameters of an l\1aste ry Die; IdS
offer (complete rip-orr, relatil'ely fair, total steal) Any time a dlar:lI,:le r 3Hernpts 10 locaif some t hing s]X'cific. he
Advanced Generally obtain favorable terms from a buyer/seller makrs a 5l'archiug skill check 10 do so, Thi~ ~" i ll USfS a {"(Hobin,l'

369
lion 01 a ch,lrarlf'r'~ iufcrrrd knold .. dgf, c;>.;pcricllcc, sense of Expert Seduce a character into giving away a large amount
direction and liO on. a~ h~ aCl ilfl) works to find ~ome lh ing. Tlw of money
charaCler lIIust ~Ilelifieall) 'lall' tl1<Il hc is using this ski ll, a" well Master Seduce a target into altering their last will and
as "h:ll he i~ ,cardlin~ for. Afler Ill" spends an appropriate testament
amount of t ime s.. archiIiK. ifhis roll succeeds. he find5 il (pr{l\"id.
cd it ili there 10 find). If hf' fails, hf' finds nOlhillg, DiHkulty )o;xampl('t
Trivial Seducing a friendly character with lesser Look!
:'\olC th,lI this ~kill eannOl 1)1' u~ed in "Ietital comb.lt (sllch as
and Charisma; seducing a character in an
Hill) Hoh attl'lIIpting 10 l(Xatl' b.I\lJit~ \\,utin~ 10 ambu~h him}.
unhappy relationship
Easy Seducing a friendly character with lesser Looks
Le\'el The t hllrade r (an ... or Charisma
Unskilled Fmd a lIny lhing in a small area (e.g., ring of keys Average Seducing a stranger or acquaintance
in a room) Dlrficull Seducing a Mstile pe rson ....ith greater Looks or
Novice Fmd a big thing in a medIUm area (e.g., trail on a Charisma
hillside) \' ery Difficult Seducing a sworn enemy; seducing a hallpily
Average Find a small thing in a medium area (e.g .. shovel on married character with greater Looks and
a hill!ide) Charisma
Ad vanced Fmd a big ~hing in a huge area (e.g., herd of wild
cattle on the plains)
Expert Fmd a sizable thing in II huge area (e.g .. cabin on a SET TRAPS
mountainside) Re levlI nt Abil ity: Dexterity
Master Find a medium thing in II huge area (e.g .. corpse in Cost: 1tJ BP
a lorest)
Cnht'Tlal: ~v
lJiff iculty Examples PrerC«u isite: Nolne
Trivial Find something in 1)lain sight ....ith good bghtmg Mas te ry Die: IdS
Easy Find something partially obscured by other Materials/Tools Required: res
object!
Average Fi nd something that IS camouflaged (e.g .. chest Tlu' dl:lr;\(lt·ro.:;uI ~l'l Irap, .lIId makt' 'IIIMrs to catch /ojamt' ani-
covered with blanket. cave cO'rered with branch· mal$. II r generalll reqUiTes "ood, rolle. or other matt· rials Qr
es, ('lc.), or in dim light I ()(ll~ nerdc" In eO IlSlnU-l I hat p.lfl il;lIlOlT Irap or snarr. Thc t rap-
Ditricult Fi nd some~hing that ia well· hidden (e.g .. docu· ller mu~1 roll a ~kill check ,,),('11 building Ihe trapor snare, ,lI1d an
ment hidden in a book, gold nugget under a pile additional ~kill ( h('(k any time 11l' ~els il. If sucrC'ssful, tht' IrapoT
of rocks) ~na l'r \\ork~ "ht'\I tri;:li\'l·rcd. i\ failed check "hen constrllnin~
Very Ditricult Pind something secreted in an unusual location rndk.llr·~ IluI lilt' ~n.lrr or trap is usele~s. A failrd check "hcn
(e.g., inside Mlluw table lell'), among nearly ';('\lint: it IIldit,III" Ihal lilt' Ch:ITJCler sprill~5 Ihe trap, n('crssi-
Identical objects (e.g., B particular gold nugget
lallll" :1 1)1;)( t:hed.. i.lIlurr ;udie.llt'S that tht' charaClct ha.s
in a pile of gold nuggets). ur 111 darkness
iprlln~ Iht trap lUI himself!

It lake~ I!l+:!dlll 1f11IIUle<, to ~et or conSl rU CI J small trap or

SEDUCTION. ART OF
snare. L.lrgt·r 1I'.lp' 11('I'U ,ulO\her p~:rwn to a~~isl. and lake an
Relel'a nl Ability: Charisma or Looks addit iUllal :21' 1d·' hour~ of \lnrk.
Cost; I BP
Cllal;Ktc,.~ 11 ..11 ~uccced al "n Anim::rl Lorc .• kill check K"in ::r
Un iV(!rIllll: Yes I 0'\, btll1U~ tn .tn ,m 1111'ui:lld) lol l/')\\ inl{ !':let Traps skill cht'l:k whcn
P re requisi t e: None .ellinl('a Ir<tp or ~na r'e (10 caplure anima ls on ly).
Maste r y Oil': ldfl
Le\·et The chll racler can._
A cha raC l rl' u~cs Ihi~ ~killio "scduce" mhcr ll-cr'<Ons in order In
Unski!led Not use this skill.
run) f:l\'ol' or gel help trol11 Ihf'111 III sonl(' WilY- For inSlann',;I Recall beat trailS ~o catch certain animals
Novice
lelllalt: char3(.(.'r mi'lln tl1 hf'r skill on a b..lnk gu:u-d in order 10 l.(rl Average Set snares and tral)s to catch small game
her and hl'r C01111h1uiu1IS inside, 01 01 malt: t:harancr mighl charm Advanced Set snares and traps to catch medium game:
;\ lond} widO\\ in hopc~ ofrecellill"o; somc oflu~r la'll'e fortur1\'. recognize small game snares al1d traps
Seduction can \\'or1: in lIIall\ \\:I~·S. It can a!;t eit her as a di~­ Expert Set pits Ind net sua res for large creatures;
traction. al1mdnq olher o:haril{'I"rs to perform actions \\itholll recognize medIUm game Snares and traps
Master Set man-traps and deadfalls; recognize large game
heing nOliccd, or aS;l11 altrmpl to ",al Ihe will of a person . . \
snares and traps
char:lelt'r canllo t tall.. SOI11COIll' inlo killin\; himsdr. of course. no
ma il er hOI, per~lIasil't IIr .tli ran i\'!' he or she i~. and he COlnnot us,'
Uirticullr EXlmplCB
Ihis s kill in eOlu h.'11 or hilh anollll'r rhar;lC1l'T il1\'oh-ed in COlflbat.
Trivial Setting a tral) with excellent tools and materi-
als in good lighting and ,vith no distractions
w'el The character can... Easy Setting a tral) in dim light or with some dis-
Unskilled Seduce ~he target into IM!r[orming a simple favor tractmg noIses
(looking out a windo ...." paning a message to a Average Selling a trap with little light or Wlth many
friend, etc) distracting noises
Novice Seduce a character into loaning a small amount of Difficult Setl111g a trap with poor too ls and materials;
money setting a trap in darkness
Average Seduce II character into giving away a small amount Very Difficult Setting a trap with makeshift tools and
of money malenals
Advanced Seduce a character into having sex

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SKINNING/ TANNING Maste ry Die: IdW
Releva nt Ability: Strength or Wisdom Mate rials/Tools Required: Yes
Cost: 3 81' T he chal'arter kno\\s Ih(' proper proc('dur(' to slaughte r lil'c-
Unh"ersal: Yes ~toc k or gam(' ;lIlimab, and to ClI! up lhe careas< to pro\'id{' the
Prerequis ite: None roost mral. !-Ie knous itO\\ \0 trim a\\:1) the fat, if duin:d. and ge t
Mastery Die: IdS rid or (·\"el)·thing thai is inediblc. lie must have a sharp kuire
(and tht 'Hlima!. of coursd in o rd er to lX'rfor m this skill. I.arge
Mate rials / Tools Required: Yes
01" Huge anilll:tl~ aho rn[lLir(' a brge hammer or simi lar tool.
This ~kill involv("s n:ln<J\ing Ihe s\.;in from lin :lIlimal willi a \\';th ;\ successful skill dlfCk. thr dl<tractcr Cilll sbuglHer IIlf ani·
minimum amoun l of {];Image. A faikd cht,d; indifalcs Ihal Ihe mill or lise his other knO\.Icdg'·. On a failed skill Chftk, hf docs
s\.;in is tOO badl) damaged or mangled, and cannot be used for nOI rCl!ltrnber the kn cm led~f ht nenk ur 11<' dec n:ascs the yield
making Ulher items or fOI" taxidermy. TIlt dwracler must hale a of ediblf tlll'at 11) half.
sharp knife ,111£1 a dead gallic animal or Iile~ l od in order to per-
for m Ihis skill. A character using this skill C;III also tan animal Lo.-wl The character u n ...
hidfs. A failed chl'ck tllfanS tIll" hid,' is ruined. Unskilled Recall how to slaughter animals and handle tools
Nuvice Remember which parts of the animal are edible
Lewl The character can .., Al'erage Increase the >;eld or edible meat by 5%, recall what
Unskilled Tell whether a skin or hide is too badly damaged or uses inedible parts of common animals ha\'e
mangled Advanced Increase the yield of edible meat by HI96; recall what
Novice Work with eommon Tiny animals (squirrel, etc.); uses inedible parts of unusual animals have
Small animals (rabbit, etc.) and fish Expert Increase the yield of edible meat by 2t}11f,
Average Work with eommon Medium animals (sheep, ete.) ~!aster Increase the yield of edible meat by 30%
and fish; or Large animals (cow, deer, etc.) and fish
Advanced Work with common Huge animals (buffalo, etc.) Difficulty Exam ples
Expert Work with fish and olher non·mammals (amphibians. Trl\'ial Slaughtering an animal
lizards, etc.) Easy Slaughter a common animal for the first time
Master Work with unusual creatures (jellyfish, etc.) Average :ilaughter an unusual or eXOtic/foreign animal
for the first time
Oitficulty Exa mples Difficult Slaughter an animal with poor tools
Trivial Skinning/tanning an animal with pro~r tools Very Difficult Slaughter an animal Wilh makeshift tools
Easy Skin/tan a common animal for the first time
Average Skin/tan an unusual or exotic/foreign animal SLEIGHT OF HAND
for the first time
Rele"lllt Ability: Dexterity
Difficult Skin/tan all animal with poor tools
Very DifCieult Skin/tan an animal with makeshift tools Cost: 2 BP
L" lIh'ersal: Yes
SLAUGHTER Prerequisite: None
Relevant Ability: Strength or Intellige nce Mastery Oil'; Id6
Cost: 2 BP Thf praniliOller of thi~ ~kill {;In ,lltcmpl minor fl'ats of i1ppar-
Unh'ersal: Yes till illusion by deftly hiding it~'rns and di~traCling obser'\"ers. On
Prerequisite: None a successful ski llehecl.: , Iht· char;tttrr SUl·rr('ds, and no ohse1"l'ers
qu ile sl'e how hI' did it.

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 :T If he fail s a eheck by 10% or le$5, an) observer actively Difficulty Examples
looking to SCI: how "thc Irick i. donI"" can make a Wisdom check Trivial Slick talking a close friend or aUy
to figure it ouL Easy Slick talking an acquaintance
Average Slick tal king a stranger
:T On a failcd roll by 11 % 10 25%, the pract itioner of the DiCCicult Slick talking a guard
Sle ight of Iland simply fai l ~ 10 do what he wanled. Very Difficult Slick talking a member of a hostile tribe or
r:T' On a roll of 26% o r more, someth ing has gone seriously nation
and noticeably wrong (he drops all the coin5, the do\'c niu awa~ ,
ctc,). SNEAKINC
Relenn l Ability: Dexterity
The characte r can_
Make a coin-sized object seemingly disappear under Cost: 8 BP
Icrutiny Uni\'e rsal: Yes
Novice Make a coin-sized object see mingly rematerialize Prerequis ite: None
under scruti ny
Mastery Die: ldf>
Average Work with a palm ·sized object or 2·3 coin-sized
objects The Snr-ak ing ~ kill leIS 11 cll:lracter movc quietly. A charactcr
Advanced Work wIth a tiny hvmg creature (dol'e, mouse); v.'(Irk 111:11 ma ~ cs a successrul ~neaking c heck knows when 10 move and
with two palm-sized objects: work with 3·4 coin· \,hen to stand contrktcl~ stili, and whetlu:r 0 1' not the grou nd or
sized objects Ooor unde r his reet is apt tu makc noise \,'I]("n he moves. A suc-
Expert Work with a fi st· sIzed object (apple. bsll, orange); cessful ~kil1 ched rorees a pe nalt)' to an observer's Listen skill
work with two tiny living creatures; work with three check ('qual to the amount th;1\ the successrul Sn('aking check
palm · sized objects; work with 5·6 com· sized objects
exceeded the character'~ Snea kin l{ skill score.
Master Work with a backpack· sized object; work with two
fist·sized objects; work with SIX palm·sized objects: ..\ S UC(:l'~s ful Sn;:aki ng skill chtc k employs a 10% bonus 10 thc
work wIth 10· 12 coin·sized objects characlt'r's Illlnliul{ skill check.

omicult,.
Trivial
Examples
Puformmg sleIght of hand when no one is
...", The cha racter can_
Unskilled Sneak through a room WIth loud noises a nd a crowd
looking of people moving a bout
Easy Performing sleIght of hand in very little light: Novice Sneak th rough a room with several people talking
performing for one person and walking about
Average Performing sleIght of hand in good light; per· Sneak through a room with a few people talking and
forming lor 2· 3 persons occasionally moving a round
Difficult Performing sleight of hand ",th little c{l\'er; Ad\'lneed Sneak through II room where noise occurs
performmg (or multiple persons infrequently
Very Difficult Performing sleIght on ha nd III an open space Expert Sneak through a quiet room
with no cover; performing for a very attentive Master Sneak through a qUIet room WIth a creaky rloor
crowd
Difficu lty Examples
SUCK T.-\LKER Trivial Sneaking in a noisy crowd or storm
Releva nt Ability; Intelligence or Charisma Easy Sneaking m a strong wind
Average Sneakmg in a small talking crowd or bustling
Cost: 4 BP street
Unh'ers ul: No Difficult Sneakmg over light wind or murmured conver·
Prerequisite: None satton
Very Difficult Sneakmg in a qUIet room
jUal:l tery Die: Id4
A c haracter able to t:mploy this skill speaks with s ubt l~ SOCIA L ETIQUETTE
nuances, tact ieal ]lall SC~, and ;1 511100t h, lilting \'(lC.ll tone 10 lure a
Relc\'ant Abilil)': Charisma
person int o rt\'ealing himselr. With II successful skill check, Ihe
character coax('S a nd clllicc$ his conve r5111ionai partner 10 reveal Cost; 4 BP
fa r mort than he had e\'~r jnt~ndcd. On a fa iled check, Ihe tar- Unire rsal: No
get d(H::s not di\'UIgc the desired inrormation. Prerequis ite: None
A ~ u(:(:e 5s rul Resist Pcnua.sion ehtck adds a 10% penalty 10 II Mastery Die; 1d6
contestcd Slick Talke r skill check.
This skill gi\<cs the characttr a corn:ct unders landing of titles
10 use "'htl1 addressi ng a duke,judgc, chief, scnator or president.
Le\'el The character can_.
thc proper steps of cerc nto n) 10 grccl visiting diplomats, gestur('s
Unskilled Not use this skill.
10 a\'Oid in the pr('scl1I'e of ho! tilc nationalities, CIC. To kllQ\\ Ihe
Novice Tel! whether his subject i! lying
Average Tell the person's general intent; find out roughly proper ~oc ial l· ti(IU I:I1C in 11 situation, Ihe charaCle r must succced
what his s ubject plans to do next al the Social EliquclIc skill chcck. On a failurt', the citaraO:ler
Advanced Know the names of all the subject's com panions docs not reed I the desired information .
Expert Know how much wealth the subject has
Master Know where subject keeps his wealth, maps; know Le\'C1 The character can,_
the location to any important sites Unskilled Not use this s kill.
Novice Avotd making obscene or hostile gestures

372
 Average Use the correct tableware; know the proper clothing simple atone carvings like leuermg and columns
to wear Master Build a very attractive section of wall I-Coot-thick, 8
Advanced Recall obscure rules of etiquette speCIfic to own teet long, and 6 feet high in one day; build attractive
state section! in 8 hours; build nice-looking sections in (;
Expert Recall standard rules of etiquette specific to another hours; build plain sections in 4 hours; craft beautiful
stale carvings, flourishes, etc,
Master Recall obscure rules of etiquette specific to another
st.ate or closely related country DiUieulty Examples
Trivial Building Iln a strong stone roundMion
Dirrieulty Example! Easy Building on packed earth
Trivial Understanding of the proper forms of behavior Average Building on loose earth
and address required in character'lI social class Difficult Building on a slope
Easy Understanding of the proper forms of behavior Very Difficult Building on unstable ground (marsh)
and address for SOCIal class one or two steps
away from character's social class SU RVIVAL
Average Understanding of the proper forms of behavior
and address (or social class three or four steps Rele\'lInt Ability: Constitution, Intelligence, or Wisdom
away from character's social elass Cost. 7 BP
Difficult Understanding of the proper forms of behavior Unh'e r8al: Yes
and address for social class five or six steps
away (rom character's sllcial dass Prerequis ite: None
Very Difticult Understanding of the proper forms of behavillr Mas tery Die: Id6
and address for sllcial class seven or eight steps
This ~kill 3llol'> a lharilctcr HI h:l\"( a chance ofsurvh'al in hos-
awa)' from character's social class
tile environments. He knows the dangcrs each envirolUllenl pres-
" or t-t'amplt, It'ttI/lll)- ranth ou:n" jo,t Soncht<. (1M Lppn _1J,ddlt Clau enb_ parlicul:ui) the \\eJ,thcr. He also kiWI'S the proper ~te ps to
rharOl/") ml!)' nlokl' 0 d;iif e",d, 10 rt(of{ propn sociol (liqU(11r I<'''m mUI- lesUllthc risk of expo~ure and the methods to locat .. and gathe r
ing a duu (a" l"ppn L"ppn Clau dlara"l'ri. &<au~ L'.IIG iJ Ihru ~'ll'ps ~ potable I'ater and hO\. to find basic food (whcther II is ap pctizing
Ol('o;Ironr (,.'(:C (O llt j/rpfrom £.:.I IC 10 Lce. on' dtp fivlll LCe 10 .\ICC, is nol guaranteed). Furthermore, a ChJrdfler with Ihis skill ran
ami 0111' J/tpfrom ,IICC 10 CCC),jfJJt' lfIus/lPloh an AUfclg( ."nt. St"t' ililtruCI and aid others III till' samc ~it ll :lIion. When using thi~
Tablt 6.-I-8;SoclfIl CloJJ in Chap/tf 6.-1 IDl/ullrtl ChQrn(/a Bcld:grouuds skill to forage ror food or watl'r, thc charaCler OIIlSI roll a skIll
for cljullliJ/jl1A ojnK;Ql t/lW '"Sltps. ~ check. ,.\ succcssfu l check means Ihat the cha!":lC h-r was succc8s-
Keep in mind that the dlaraCter shou ld still rolcplay any social ful in hi5 task. If he fa i l~ his check, he can nlake no more Survival
cm:ounten_ A suoctSsful skill check only gil'es him the knowledge checks t hai da).
- he ilia) sli ll conduct himsdf hOI'clef he sets fit.
w "el The character CBIl. __
STONEMASONRY Unskilled Remember typical weather and dangers oC
~nl'ironmenl (s wamp, desert, high mountains, etc)
Relevan l Ability: Strength or Intelligence NOVIce Determine approXimate time of day and direction
Cost: 2 BP (N_ S_ E, W) by viewing sun, atars, mos& on tree!,
Ullh-e rsai: No .,,-
Prerequisite: NOlie Average Forage enough food and water for one
character/day
Mastery Die: IdlO Advanced Avoid natural hazards (qUIcksand, ]loison ivy, etc)
MateriulslTools Required: Yes Expert Forage enough food and water for two
characters/day
A characte r uscs the Stoncmasollry ~k ill to prepare and lay Forage enough food and water for 3· :;;
Master
hard a nd soft SlOne, marble, concrete block/dab and an)' othcr characters/dar
mason ry rnau; rials, fo r building 01' repairing stone strUC1Ure~,
walls and monumental ma.'lOnry (~lOn c work for cemeteries). A Difficulty Example.
succf'ssful skill check mcans tilat the stoncmason completes his Trivial Sun'i\;ng in lush, game-filled forest with
task, "hile a failed skill check ind icates tha t the m;"lsonl) lak..;s several water sources
III icc as long n, normal 10 complete. Sunil-ing in Corest or plaills with abundant
game and few water sources
~ote t ha i unusual and morc complicated items (a house, for
Average Surviving in region with occuional game and
examplr) require plans prepared b) a character "ilh Ihe
at least aile water source
Engineering Design skill . Difficult Survive in region with little food or water
Very Difficult SUrl'ivmg in a region of extreme cold or heat
u.we l Tile chan'cler can _ WIth I-ery little food and water (e.g., Death
Unskilled Not use this skill Valley)
Novice Cut stone; operate mason's toots; handle mate rials
Average Build a plain section of waB I-foot-thick, 8 Ceet long,
and 6 feet high in one day SWIMMING
Advanced Build II nice-looking section of wall I-foot-thick, 8 Relevant Ability: Str ength or Constitution
feet long, and 6 feet high in one day; build plain sec- Cost: 1 BP
tions in 8 hours
Build an attractive section of wall I-Coot-thick, 8 feet Ul1h'e rsai: No
long, and 6 feet high in one day; build nice-looking Prerequisite: None
sections m 8 hours or plain section! in 6 hours: craft Mastery Die: Id12

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 Thi, ~kill pro,iurs th,' ciWr;u. lrr "ilh basi( and adl~mcl·fl Expert Transmit or receive a complicated message of 50
knm\lnlgt 01 1'01\ IO-'.I,im. Wilh a ~uccc~$ful ~kill chcck, lhc char-- words or less; transmit a standard message of any
actc-r ~lIccc~ds in his aile-mill. On a f,ultd ch~ck, Ihe characler length
makes.1 bad dile. ~al1l1ot relli"\e ,111 object. or ulhcl"lIi"e mmt Master Transmit and receil'e a complex message of any
immedi;lI r ly ~\(Ip .l.1I~ dirc-("\inn;11 11l0wmcnl. If. afltr a failed length
cherk, thr char.lctt'r i~ uII:.blr to imlll("diald\ "alk OUI of Ihl'
Wal("l; III' must .lItempl ,11101 her ~wll11l11in~ ,:herk ch~ck 10 noal or ()iffitulty Examples
tread \\all'r. If Iht' charaut"r 1.lils Ihis ,<,cond check. or had Trh'ial Working with equipment y\JU built from scratch
alre'lll) failed a clin k fOI llo.lling'tH·;I(.tiu\,\, Ill: he.;im 10 uro\,n. Easy Reaching a telegraph operator )'Qu contact
lakins;: 1d3 ,JOim, 01 dalllilgt' for cn'l"I 6 second~ he remains of len
undcr.,";l\t·'" Average Working with ramiliar equipment
Difficult Undentandlllg shorthand (abbreviated) Morse
"",I
Unskilled
Tht t'harade r (8n_.
Not use this skill.
code menages from a familiar telegraph opera·
tor; piecing together broken transmIssion
Novice Tread water (l min): backfloat; use floatation (log, Very Difficult Understanding shorthand (abbreviated) Morse
etc.) t o sWIm 25 ft on stomach code messages from an unfamiliar telegraph
Aveuge Tread water (5 mm); front/back crawl or OIICral(lr: piecing together garbled transmission
breaststroke IOU ft at crawling speed; underwater
swimming 25 ft at crawling speed TRACKING
Advanced Tread water (20 min); front/back crawl or Re lel'a lll Ability: Wisdom
bl"eaststroke 500 yds at crawling speed; breaststroke
50 yds at walking speed: underwater swimming 75 Cosl; 9 BP
n at crawling speed; cannot drown in Average Unh'ersa l: Yes
difficulty condItions Prereq uis ite: None
Expert Tread water (I hour); frontlback crawl or breast·
stNke 16SU yds at crawling SlICed: breaststroke IOU Mastery Die: ld-l
rds at walking speed: underwater swimming 2QO ft Chaf.K\t'rs U~I-
Ihi, ,kill \1110110" the Irail of anima ls and Olhl'r
at crawling speed: cannot drown unless two or more pcrson~. ~impl)- put.;t \1I~u·~,f\l1 Tra(kinl{ skill check meaus Ihe
Difficult/Very Difficult conditions exist ,-haracct'"r found a Irail. whilt"" railurr m('all~ he did no\. If thl'
Master Tread water (~ hrs); front/back crawl or breast· charaner fails lhi ~ initial skill dleck. 11(' can make another
stroke 6,0l.I0 yrda (I nautical mile) at crawling speed:
Tr:.cking ~kill check· prondcd that hc spc'nds al ka~1 30 minUln
breaststroke 250 yds at walking speed; underwater
swimming SW ft at erawling speed: cannot drow n altt'mpling to pick up Ihe lrail again. If ht fails lhi~ ~erund ~kill
unless two or more Very Difficult conditions exist (I!l·ck. ht' e:.nnOl 1Il.lke an) mure Tracking skill rhed(J!; 10 fimllh.ll
p.1rlilulJr trail
nitfic-ull y Eumples OnH· th~
Ir;oi1 hit, bn'lI found. funhrr Tracking skill I;hcck~
Trivial Swimming in a shallow pond 111;1\ b4' llt"lr~',11'" dqX'lI{lill~
on Ihe .iluation. Dilrkness, fa.llin~
Easy Swimlning in a calm lake
r"in ~II" ,n"".,1 dUll 'IOrm, moving frolll one terrain 10 anOlher
Average S\\'imming in a ~Iow-moving rIver
(.udl .J.~ from s;lIId III nJolk). one trail ~pli \ling ofT 10 form 11m
Difficult Swimmmg I!I chllPPY water: s\\'imming in street
clothing Ifail,. 01" fr,)"ing a ~Irf"am or nH"T ,Ire allt·xarnplrs "h~ a ~hHr­
Very Dirticult Swimmmg in frigid water: in crashing waves; aCler mi~llI n('1"(1 \0 r1l.1kt" auulltl"I" Tr,\Cking ~kill check.
against 5trong current: moderately laden
Lc"el The charac ter CIlI1 •••
Unskilled Roughly identify the number of creatures being fol-
TEU:GRAPH OPERATING
lowed
Re ltlYa nt Ability: Intelligence Novice Determine the awroximate weIght/size of the crea-
Cost: 4 BP tures being tracked
Average Determine the approximate height of the creatures
Uni\'ersa): No
being tracked (based on the length of their stride)
Prerequisite: Reading Comprehension/I\mmanship 90% or better Advanced Determine phYSical attributes (weak leg. worn horse-
Mastery Die: Id8 shoes, etc)
Mate rials / Tools Required: Yes Expert Exactly identify the number of creatures being fol -
lowed, recognize tracks or prmts of a spedfic crea·
:\ eharacll'r wilh chi~ skill kno,,~ ~Iors(' cooe, and C'.I1l opt'r:lCI' lure or indIvidual seen at least twice before
tdc!:,ra ph cquil>meru, :lUrmpt 10 transmit and rectivc mcs~ages :l.laster Recognize tracks, fooqlrints or bootprints of a crea-
(b\ key and by ear. re~IJl'cti\"(~h), ami l'\'cn 11"1 IU repair l'U\ or ture or indil'idual seen only once before
downed Idcl;raph 11I11'~. Brfau.r trilins arc dlsp;ueht'(1 by It'lc~
Di(fit'ultr EXAmples
graph. lrainf'd Irlf"gr.lph olX'ralon <Ir(' required \() manag(' 0111\
Trivial Trackmg the tracks of a large groull through
teif"graph officI'. 01' ro lli~ion " lIliHoutl'd packagl's or olher prob- the snow
ltms can .. ,lsi II rt'~lIh . .\ succe~~fu l skill cheek is required II) pn- Easy Tracking through thick brush. vines or reeds;
Icc!l~ sl'nd or 10 rl'ct'ill';1 1,'lt'"graph IIltS"U~('. tracking on soft ground
Average Tracking \\"Ith occasional signs of passage (011
Le\'e l The character t'a n ... dust. dIrt, etc)
Unskilled Not use this skill. Diffieult Tracking on hard ground or wood floor; \Vlth
Novice OIICrate telegraph equipment; understand Morse poor lighting (moon or starlight): O\'er 12 hours
code. since the trail was made
Al'erage Tran smIt or receive messages of 10 words or less. Very Difficult Tracking.a single penon over rocky ground;
Advanced Transmit or receive messages of 50 words or lessi tracked party atte mpts to hide trail, over 2-1 hrs
knolV how to repair cut or downed telegraph lines. since trail was made

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VENTRILOOUI$M w 'el The character call...
Relennt Ability: Intelligence l:nakiUed ~!ake a \'utce come from a puppet on his lap, but his
lips move
Cost: 8 BP Novice llake a voice come from a large crowd of people
Unh'ersa l: Yes A\'erage Make a votce come from a handful of people
Prerequis ite: None Advanced llake a single IJerson (PC or NrC) appear to !peak
E:qJerl llake an animal aplJear to speak
Mastery Die: Id4 Make an obviousl~' inanimate object (a book. mug,
Master
The character using t his skill has learned the secrets of"thrO\I- etc.) talk
inK hi~ \-oicc.~ Although not aetuall) making sound eOllle from
some\lhere cls(', the <;haLlclt:r can d('cl'in- others into bdicving Difficu lty Exnmplca
this to be so. Wht'n using v~'lltriloqn i sm, Ihe 5UPI)()sed source of Trivial Target has a Wisdom of 2 or less
11ll' sound must 1>1.' r~lativel> dOSt' to thl' ch"ractcr, Th(' nature of Easy Target has a Wisdom of 3,5
the spea kin gobj~ct and ti lt" \Visdom of t hose wa~ehing<;an modi- Average Target has a Wisdom of 6-8
f) the ch"raCler's c/);t nCl' of succcss. Thc obSt'n'('r's Wisdom mod· Difficult Target has a Wisdom of 9-16
ifics thi~:., shown in the difficult> cx;unple table. Very Difficult Target has a Wisdom of 17+

A succes~ ful skill cll('ck mean, the charactcr sliccessfulJ>

dcccil"t:d his audicnce, Onl' cheek must be made for C'\-ery sen-
lence or responsl'. 11ll' charatter is limited to sounds he could
normalh mak(' (Ihu~, tIlt" rO:lr of a lion is somewhat Ix-yond him).
lie is also limitcd to sl>caking onh languages he kno"s.
Sillee vclllriloquism relics on deception. people's knowledgc of
~1)Cech, :md assumptions :lbou! "h:l! should :lnd should not talk,
it is not (,ffecti\c UII anim;lls. r urthennore. the audience must be
walching Iht ch:lraCler ~inC"(' IMTI of t h~ dccepl ion is visual (-I ley,
his lips tlon't mo\Cn.
Usi ng IIll' \\.-ntriIO(luism ~ki ll 10 gC I )omeon~ to look behind
him don nUl work. sinc(' the voice is not actually behind him, .,\11
but those \lith tilt' gullibilit) of children or Ihe extremely foolish
rcalil.t"' "h:1I is trul) happt'ning in tht"' C:ISC of animals or inan i-
mate objccts. T hey may be :lIliuscd - or Iht) may not be.
WEATHER SENSE
Rclc\'a llt Ability: Wisdom
Cost: 3 BP
Un h'crsa l: Yes
Pre requisite: None
Mas tery Oie: ld4
'nlis skill t'ni.OIt'S tilt' rharactt"'r 10 makt"' imelligtlll guesses
about upcoming I,eather contli, iolls. A successfu l skill check
mt'ans tht, character has corn:ctl> guessed thc general \Ieatlwr
condit ions in Iht next six hours ...\ f:liled check me:lllS that he h:ls
no i<lt';1 .. ha t the future IH'mher \\i ll be like.
For (;\('1) ~ix hou rs 01 obsen'ation, the charaCier gains a 5%
bonus to his Wt'ather Sen~e ~k ill check (as he \.:\tches the "<::llh-
cr change, tilt' Chi'lraCtc r gclS a bener SCllse or\lha, is coming).
T his 1Il00!ific l" is cumulativc Ol'er multiph- six-hOllr periods of
obst:r\"ation, :1!though sleep or other acti\'ity ~hat occupies thc

376
 llttell\ ion of the character for a [oug period negall'S any aeeumu- Lewl The I!haracler can",
lau'd bonus, Unskilled Not use thIS skill.
Novice Operate a loom and spinning apparatus; handle
Le\"e[ The chllracle r clln determine,_ materials,
Unskilled Current or obvious wenher (feel rain falling, see A\'erage Create a half square yard of materiaVday
great tornado funnel lening across the plains) Advanced Create one square yard of materiaVday; weal'e a
Novice I mminent weather (note mass of dark storm clouds eopy of a garment/rugletc with an example in hand
on the horizon) Expert Create tWO square yards of materiaVday: design a
Average Looming weather (spot a gathering of a few storm garment/rug/etc based on drawings
clouds) Muter Create four square yards of maleriaVday; design II
Advanced Impending weather (feel change in winds) nOl'el garment/rug/etc, of your own design
Expert Approaching weather (notIce slight drop/increase in
temllerature) Difficulty Exanlples
Master Forthcoming weather (notice slight drOp/increase in Trivial Weaving with access to a fully stocked work-
pressure) room
Easy Working in dim light; working in II noisy envi-
Diffkulty EXllmplcs ronment
Trivial Character is outdoors in the middle of a wide A...erage Working with poor fabric
open platn: on a mountain top Difficult Weaving with ]lOor tools and equipment; work -
Easy Character is outdoors under a tent ing with makeshift fabric
Average Character in a building with few windows Very DifCicult Wearing with makeshift tools and equipment
Difficult Character in a building with no windows
Very Difficult Character is underground

WEAVING
Relevant Abi lity: Dexterity or Intelligence
Cost I BP
Unh-enal: No
Prerequisite: None
Mastery Die: IdS
Materials/Tools Required: Yes
A characte r ust's 11ll' \\'cavinl{ skill 10 crt'ate garments, rugs and
so forth from wool fir rollOIi. Tht' ehara('ler rt'qui re~ a spinn illg
I'lleel and:. loom. Wt'a\"('r~ ofIt'll "ork Ililll millincr~. On a suc-
cessrul Wca\ing check, the (harartl'r ~"ccct'ds in the task. A
failed result indicale~ Iht' "ork "<IS botched or na"t'd in some \\;1\
and I lie resulting pirn' i, IOorthlns,

377
 Chapter 6.41 Talent Descriptions
he following tatellt d escr iption s arc
T arranged ;:l lphabctically by name.
bo ld h eading for cadi tal e nt gives the
name of the talent and t he Building Point COSI.
Th e
Th e descrip ti on Text g ives a general outline o f
what a character with that panic ular talent
knows a nd can do. FUr! hcrmorc. some talell!
descriptions include rul es to cover specific lISCS
or si tuati ons , or exact in st ructions on the effects
of the talent if sliccessfu ll y used.
ADVANCED SIGHTING (70 BP)
Those with th is !al en! possess an uncanny sixth
se n se with regards to marksmanship. Through a
combination of intuiti on and natural anlnilY,
these rare individua ls ca n shoot at a level wholly
unexpected from someone wilh their physical
skill s, training and experience.
A charac te r thal is off target wi t h a shot 1101"-
mallydraws o ne card lOdelennine hit location. A
character with this talent maydra\\" two cards and
choose what he thinks is the beller of Ihe two.
ASTUTE OBSERVATION (SO BP)
Characters with tbi s talent notice what's going
on around them, and are quick 10 spot details
lhat could be importan t. V\'here other cha racters
only "sec," he "obse rves." A c ha racter with this
lalelll ca n s pot ajournalist by th e imprints in hi s
sleeves and the ink stains on his fillger, a pugilist
by his cau linower ca rs, a miner by his calluses
and upper bod y muscles, :lJld so all.
He also noti ces strange odors, tastcs and tex-
tur es with no need for a s kill chec k. H e has a I
in 3 c han ce \0 noti ce traps and concealed doors.
A GM informs the ch a rac ter any time th e re is
some thing su btly askew that a c haracter might
notice, even if he did not s pecifically s tate that
he is sc rutini zing hi s s urroundings.
BLIND-SHOOTING (45 BP)
A charact e r with a talent for blind-shOaling IS
capa ble of adequate marksmanship in conditions
of poor or no li ght. Th e character surfel's only
half p e n alties ( rounded down) for shOa l ing in
poor lighting con dition s.
378
Furth er more, th e character retains the capa-
bility to usc s kills that would normally be lost in
darkness (e.g. Tracking) although th e effective-
ness of these a rc reduced by one-half (s kill
chec ks arc made at half the no rmal score, e tc.).
Blind -sh ooting d ocs not grant any s pec ial prot ec-
tion from altacks.
COURAGE (10 BP)
Courageous characters have the ability to bel-
ler cOl1lroltheir "right or nighl" response to d a n-
gerous situations. Such a characte r receives a-4
bonus to avoid ninching or duck in g bac k behind
cover.
Those with Ihe Courage lalel1t are neve r forced
to nee a gunright due to wounds regardless of I he
c haractcr's Re putation.
CRACK SHOT (50 BP)
C rad shots sim pl y have a good eye for preci-
sion shooting and receive a + I bonus to their
Accuracy. This talel1l docs not encompass a
broad knO\dedge or marksmanship, however, and
so the bonus is lost \'crsus targe ts o\'er 30 feet
awa}'.
DAMAGE BONUS (75 BP)
Characters with thi s talent havc a distinct abil-
ity to make any injury they cause count. A punch
to the face becomes a punch to Ihe nose \dlile a
shot to the chest invariably manages {Q s trik e
close r to a vital organ or artery. None of this is
planned, the c hara c t er simply ge ls uncanny
resulls from his weapons.
Th e cha racte r receives a + I bonus 10 d amage
in all circumstances (brawlin g. hand-t o- h and
com bat or with firearms).
DEAD EYE (50 BP)
Throug h a combination of keen eyesight and
prac ti ca l knowled ge oflraj cc torics, the Dead Eye
charac ter can mit igate th e disparaging effects of
distance on Accuracy. Any targct over 30 feel
away is treatcd as if one range grouping closer.
For exam pl e, a ta rge t 3 1-50 feet away (-4 penal-
t y) is treated as 21-30 fect (-2 penalty), a target
5 1-90 ree t awa y (-8 pe nalty) is treat ed as 3 1-50
rcc t awa y (-4 pe nalt y), and so on .
DEADLY SHOT (50 BPj
Th e Dea dl y Sh o t , unlike d10se with the
Da mage Bo nu s ta lc nt , is consc io usl\' aware of
a na tom y and can e mp loy th a t kn owl edge to hi s
ad va nt age. All wo und s ca used by thi s c haracte r
in cre ase by on e in Seve ri ty Level as he is a bl e to
be ll e r hit his target 's more vuln e ra bl e po rti o ns.
Kotc th a t lhc rc is no corres pondi ng inc rease to
I-I Ps of dama ge , just seve rit y leve l o r I he wou nd .
DODGE (25 BPj
C ha rac te rs with th e Dod ge talent possess an
ac robat 's fin esse and agili ty when a tt e mptin g to
cam oun age t h e ir move me nt u nder fi re. \Vh e n
ac tivel y dod g ing, th ei r moves a r c so une x pec ted-
ly quick that ShOO ll'/'S suITe I' a -4 pe na lt y to th e ir
Acc uracy in st ead of the sta ndard -2 aga in st
dodging dara ct e rs , II c mu s t be ac t ivel y dodgi ng
to ga in th e defe nsive bOllll s provid ed by his fa nc}'
foot\\ork, (.\'o te tha t thi s ta le nt docs no t imbu e
th e c ha ract e r with th e abilit y to aC lu a ll y d od ge
bull e ts.)
As usua l, t he Acc uracy pc nalt y fo r thi s dod gin g
cha rac te r co mpo und s Wilh a n)' o lh e r ACf.:uracy
modifi c r fo r mo\'c mc nl. Fo r exa mpl e , a dod gin g
c harade I' wilh thi s lat c nt (-4- to hil ) moving a l a
run (-I 10 hi t) has a co mbin ed pe na lt y of -8 to
Ih e shoo te r's Acc ura cy, Of co urse, if I he dod ging
c ha rac tcr is movin g direc t I)' towa rd 01' .a wa y fl'om
t 11(' s hoo tcr. t he -4- fo r ru nni ng does not a ppl )'
si nee t he r un nc r is movin g a I less I ba n 3 0
degrees rela ti \'e to th e s hoo t e r.
ENDU RANCE (15 BPj
A c harac ter wi t h t hi ~ ta lent ha s e nh a nced
res ist a nce 10 fa li ~ lI c, Whe t her thi s is Ihroug h
m e ntal to ug hn ess o r j usl beca usc hc's on t lo ugh
so n-of- .. -bite h is not ele"I', but .l ehu:lc t e r wilh a
I:tl e lll fo r e nd ura nce ca n last longe r in a fi g ht,
tra\'cl longt'l witho u t res t ing. requ ircs less food
and \\:llt'r and so on.
379
 Wi t h respect to a ll fatigue-related actIVItieS,
th is characte r 's Constitution be haves as if it
we re 4 po ints highe r.
FAN FIRING (35 BP)
A characte r with the fan firing talent has thor-
oughl y mastered th is difficult (and usually whol-
ly inaccura te) fir ing technique. As such, he suf-
fe rs a mere -3 pena lt y to his Accuracy ins tead of
the standard -6 whe n performing this ma nellver.
FAST HEALER (10)
T he fast healing ind ividual is blessed with a
body capable of heali ng faste r than normal. He
regains hit poin ts a t a fas ter rate than normal.
Each wound point hea ls, except the final point.
one day faster than normal. T he final point
hea ls in just 12 ho urs instead of one day.
For eHlII/ple, a 3 lip 11'011lld 10 /lit arm I/ormally ,aku
six (3+2+ /) days 10 heaL, Ihreeftr liJefml point healed.
Iwoftr Ifle l/e,\'1 alld olle/or the lasf j)oilii. A characler
with Fast H ealer would recover illjus( three and a half
dap (2+ I +0.5).
FORGETTABLE FAC E (25 BP)
Something abOllt this c hara cte r's appt'a ran ce
simply l)l'e\'e nts him from st icking in people's
minds. Unless he engages in rnenningful co nver-
sation \\'ilh someone, other pe rsons only have a
10% cha nce 10 recall specific dctails about the
character's face.
If a c haracter d id have a meaningrul conve rsa-
tion , h is base chance to remember spec ific
detai ls about t hai "rorgettable'· fa ce is 85%.
Th is chance ca n be modified by circumstances,
as noted here:
rJr H ig h motivation +5%
:T Each prev ious encou nt er +5 %
tT' Eac h week s in ce last meeti ng -1%
GREASED LIGHTNING (20 BP)
T his c haracte r is ex t ra quic k. T his talent gives
him a - I Speed bonus ro r one spec ific weapon
class: pistol, shotgu n, rifle, knire, bow and arrow,
and so on. T h is ta lent may be purchased mulLi-
pie times fo r difre re nt weapons.
3811
GREAT AMBIDEXTERITY (25 BP)
A charac ter wit h th is tn le nt can usc either his
left or rig ht hand equa ll y well fOl" weapo ns, writ-
ing, etc. He does not receive the + 1 Speed
penalty common to other ambidextrous cha rac-
te rs. Ambid ex trous c haracte r s no rma ll y sufTer a
+ [ Speed pe nalty. as they often hesitate 1'01' a
fraction of a second, as t houg h choos ing whi ch
hand to use.
GRIT (50 BP)
A character wi t h this talent halves all Speed
and Accuracy pe nalties from wounds, rounded
down . For examp le, a characte r who has suffered
26·50% of t heir HP in wo unds normally has
penalties 01' 3 Speed and -2 Accuracy. A cha rac-
ter with Grit who has suffered 26-50% of t heir
HP in wounds hns pe nalt ies of I Speed and -I
Accuracy.
GUARDIAN ANGEL (30 BP)
T h is ta lent has nothing 10 do with being a god
fearing person. In fac l, as Texa s ~..\ cGraw says,
';.l1ostfolks aill't selJoot in a ch urch since the da)' they
beell dUl/ked. What 's plain as lite nose oll)'erJace is Ihal
WlIll'l/flt"f keeping all eye 011 'em - 1101 100 dose an lJ'e
mil/(/ )·a. hut all eye regardless. Seems as Ihough lltar
eu~)'lhil!g bad 'af coulda hap/Jelled (0 'em JUre ell/if!
couida helm l!'orSl' afltr'1/ )'a hearf/lhe lale."
All injuries susta in ed by the characte r are
redu ced by one in wound severity leve l. For
cxnmple, a character who sufrers 7 points of
dam age st ill takes that amount of damage, but
suffe rs only the \"rou nd Severity penalt ies listed
for 6 point s of damage.
HEARTY (50 BP)
A c haract e r with this talent takes one less
poilll of damage when struck by a ranged attack .
For example, a character who wo uld normally
suffer 6 poin ts of dnmage takes only 5. He uscs
th e \-Vound Sever ity ta ble column for the actual
damage he suffered (5 ins tea d of 6).
HIP SHOOTER (25 BP)
A charac ter with th is ta lent is prac t iced a t hip
shooting . He red uces his Accu racy penalty fo r
hip shooting 1O -2 ins lead of -4.
HIT POINT BONUS (10 BPj
A charac te r with (hi s tal e nt receives + Id 4 to
hi s s ia ning hi t point s.
HOLD YOUR L10UOR (10 BPj
Some folk s juSt hold their liquor beller than
othe rs. Th e)' don ' , gCI morc or ne ry afler a few
belts o f whi s key, 1101' do they pa ss OUI 100 quick.
T he charac l t:r is far less susceptibl e to intoxi-
cat io n. For purpos es of resistance 10 alcohol. Ih('
c ha rac ter gains a +2 bonu s o n ro ll s ::against the
,,
drin k's Tole ra nce Factor. Sec Chopin 5.7 ]Dr;Tlki ll '
& Drugs for more informal io n.
IMPROVED ARC OF FIRE (IS BPj
The cha racter \\ ilh this talent is more capa bl e
of Irick sh ots (accurat e ly firi n g in another dirce.
lion ). '-Ir s uffe rs no Accura cy penalty for li rin g
in Arc B, a - J Acc ura cy penalty for fi ring in Arc
C, and a -3 Acc uracr penall ), for firing in Arc D.
INHER ITANCE (10+ BPj
SOIll{' ch aracl c rs were born wilh a s ilver spoon
in their moulh . Fo r each BP spell l 10 purchase
th is lal('111 ( minimum 10 81'), th e c ha ra cter
re(eiws an additio nal 10 of sla rting money,
lACK RABB IT SPEED (10 BPj
1\ ( haraelt' l hilh thi s ta le nt is more fleet
foot~d than mos\. li e can Sian at a run
( rather than at a jog), and l:an halt a run
ur "'pr int ",ice a" fa1!t as normal (5 feel
1)\'(' , ' a:> CO U llt),
KENTUCKY WINDACE (45 BPj
"Ke ntucky windage," or s impl~
"windage," is a m e thod of firin g where
Ihe shooter delibe ratel y a im s arT-target
to com pe nsat e for a ll1o"ing targe t,
\\ ea tlwr condition s, or jllst a bad sig ht
on th e rinc,
When s hOal ing, a c haract e r no rmall y
draws 011(' ca rd 10 de te rmine hit location.
A character wil h t hi s ta le nt may choose to
redraw thi s ca rd , but if he docs so he I11l1st
use the seco nd ca rd drawlI - \\het hc r it is be t-
l e r 0 1' worse than Ilw fir st.
MOUNTED MARKSMANSHIP (40 BPj
Charant'rs wilh Ihi s talent reduce penal-
Iits for ~ hoo tin g on ho rse back, H e suffers
a nI ) a -I Accural:Y penalt) when moutHed
o n a wa lkin g horse, <J ( pist o l) or -5 (lo ng
gu n) whell trO ll ing, and -2 (p istol ) or ~4-
(lo ng gun) \\ he n lopi ng or gallopin g,
PERCEIVE TENDENCY (10 BPj
A c ba racle r wilh t hi s la lent gains a -I bonus
10 Ini li ativt ro ll s in a s howdown o r due l. No te
3!::1 1
that the gunfight must involve the character an d
one othe r opponen t where each is about LO take
ac t ion suc h as when one c ha rac te r realizes the
othe r has chea ted in cards or in a classic street
fight.
QUICK AIM (40 BPJ
Thi s talent arro rds the characte r th e ability ror
quick er aiming. He reduces th e lime it takes 10
Aim a weapon by half. Thi s talent applies on ly to
standard Aiming, not 10 Fir ing Delib erately or
ta king Carerul Aim, ro r example.
QUICK THINKING (10 BPJ
Quic k thinke rs arri\'e at conclusions and
understanding more errectively than most. This
gives them an errective + I bonus on all
Inte ll ige nce and Wisdom checks, Though it docs
not arrect their actual Ability Scores.
RAPID RELOAD (10 BPJ
A c haracter with this talent is skilled at re load-
in g firearms. He can reload twice as fast as a
normal c harac ter.
REPUTATION BONUS (35 BPJ
Something abo ut thi s character just inspIres
folks to talk about him. H e gains an additio nal
+ I to Reput at ion ror every 10 poin ts ga in ed.
RESIST DISEASE/ INFECTION (10 BPJ
T he cha racter has an unusually erfect ive
immune sys tem. Any H ealing chec ks performed
on this cha ract e r for th e purposes offirs t aid are
made a s Eas)' difficulty H ealing ski ll checks
(instead o r Average difficulty).
SHOT ON THE RUN (50 BPJ
A character wi t h this talent is espec ially tal-
ented at shooting while on t he move. Hi s penal-
ties for shOali ng a ll th e rlln arc reduced by o ne
ca tego ry. For examp le, a characte r firing while
jogging suffers o nl y penalti es for riring while
walk i ng, a run nin g c haracter surre rs only jogging
pena lti es, and so on. He surrers no penalties for
firing whi le walking. only a -I Accu racy penalty
1'0 1' firing while crawling, and only hair pe nal ti es
fo r firing when dod ging.
382
SPRINTER (30 BPJ
T his lal e lll means a charac ter is capa bl e of
amazing bursts of speed . H e can sprint for 10
secon ds (100 COUllt) per hOLir. All o th er rules for
sp rintin g apply.
TOUGH AS NAILS (15 BPJ
Thi s character just seems toughe r than his
comrades. Attempts to SlOp internal bleeding
arc mad e with a (D irficult) H ea ling c he ck
(instead of Very D ifficult). Even if he rails, the
character's Consti tu tion chec k is made at a
penaity correspo ndin g to only hall' t he severity or
the wOLlnd (roun d up).
Furthermore. ror e\'ery 5 points or illlcrnal
bleeding a character surfers, t he cba racle r
makes his Constitution check ve rsus hi s Con
score (instead or haIr his Con score, as is nor-
mal).
VETER AN GUNFIGHTER (10 BPJ
YOllr charac tcr's been involved in a gun fight at
some point in his pas\. The cxact details or this
scume ain't rightly imponanl, 'except th at yo u
sun'ived the arrair. This character begins play
with one gunfight survIwd and any rurther gun-
fighTS adds to that total. A player that c hooses
this talent for his cha racter must create a back-
story detailing the prio r gunfighl.
WEAPON BONUS (50 BPJ
This character's II bit s harper than most when it
comes to using his prererred weapon type. There's
them Tha! Caval' the pistol, ot hers t he lon g guns,
and then there's the varmint WiTh a bowie knife
ready to discuss that lucky st reak you been havin g
at th e table. \Vhat eve r t he weapon, you can be
da l'll sure hc's a bit betle r'n you I' average cowpoke
aT using it.
The characte r ga ins a + I Accuracy bonus when
using a speci fi c weapon type (p istol, rifle, shot -
gun, primitive hand-to-hand weapon, 01' prim i-
tive ran ged weapon) c hosen by t he player. T his
talenl may be tak en mu lti ple times an d the
efrects arc cumu lative.
 6.51 Detailed Character Backgrounds
As WC\·C sia led , your character's ahility scores provide
only basic in~ighl into the characte r. .\ nd though you
may know your characte r's plan~ of origin, do you really
kno\\' where he came from? What was hi s life likr in
thOse earty days? Did he comes from a small f:uuily or a
large one? Did he live in luxury or suffe !' in puverty?
This section pW\'idcs \uch background material for usc
during character creation. If you decide 10 usc th is
optional material, do so afu,"" calcu lating you r c h ara("lcr'~
height <Ind weight, but before dClcrmininl.'; sta rtin g
money, following tlJt' order prese nted in Clmpler
3./IOwrtt((tr eTta/iOIl. Some rcsulls in Ihi~ sect ion ma)
affect later aspects of char;tctcr creation. such as s lartill ~
money or quirks and Oa\\s.
* FAMILY *
Rf'ga rdless of what you might hear around the camp-
fire. that wild de~p('ra d o e\"e rronc'~ gQ~siping ahout isn't
rea lly the son of the dl·\·il. Lih e"cryolIl' c1~e, he's the
product of counties, ge nerations of ch,mlClers that came
bclore him. The following tahles \,till hrlp you ~l'1 a
hroad idea o f yOW" cha racter's f:unily.
C ircums t a nces of Birt h : Gt'lle r all~, binh ('in tim-
stances have little effect on a ehamCler, except in the <:a~c
of illegitimacy. T h{'se "basta rd" children find it more dif-
ficult to allain o r hold po~itiollS of power, if their \C("fet
comes QUt. To determine your charac ter' ~ ,talU5. roll 011
Table 6.5·Ja: Cimlllutanm if Btrfh. If you don't like the
TABLE B.S·IA: CIRCUMSTANCES OF BIRTH
Ro ll (dlOO ) Result
01·92 U:g;t imlte. PUtOIS WClC mimcd il rhc timc o f Ihc
ehlneler'! birth.
93-00 II legitimuc. Puen ts ....cre Do t mUTicd it the limc of
Ihe ehuicICT', birth. Qlle .. ok peoihy to
Tablt 6..5-8: Socicl C/ass (i.e. U LC becomu M LC).
Also. roll on Tobit 6.5·/b: IIftgitimau Birth.
TABLE 6.5-IB: ILLEGITIMATE BIRTH
Ro ll (dlOO) Rcsult
01·03 Chlutler ....u lbll1doncd U blrtb. H IS ~ren l S ife
unk nown. GM rolls chlrictcr", ol her puclI!illlld
sibling "bb ill $Ccret.
".{)8 MOlher wn 1 pros litutc. Fuher uoknowo.
09·12 Mother W"U I prosti tutc. Fnber kaOWII.
IHJ Birlh was Ihe result of JeX before murilgc.
Fuhcr ullknowlI.
24·56 Birth wn Ihe result of sex before mUriigC.
F nhCT kao ... o.
57..fJ7 Binh wu thc rC5Ult of iO idu lt erou5lfhir.
Fuher ullkaowlI.
68-100 Bi rt h wu Ihc rcsult of ~II idu lt crous l fhir.
r nher kaO... II.
results, you tan spend 1 HP to purchase it re-roll. You
may purchase as many rc-roll, as )Oll like, ~s long as you
h",'c HPs to spend.
Statu s of Pa r e nts: Now, discovcr whetlier you r char-
acter'~ parent s ar{' itli\e or dead, and e,'en if one of th{'lll
is a relcbri ty of sorts. A rolJ of 91 or hic;:her on Tablt 6.5-
2: Partn/a/ S/a/uJ indicatcs that the ch:lracte r is an orphan .
TABLE 6.5-2: PARENTAL STATUS
Roll (dlOO) Ruult
01 Puen! if 1 cclebu!y (ie!rcss. gUllfigh ter. rellO .... lled
m,liur y ofliccr. elc ). ChUlCler receivC5 1 +d20
bouw; 10 his mrling f 1fIlC SCOTe (Ihe d20 score
lodiclll ug Ihe rcb",·c F~me of thc I»reol. 20 beillg
~rv hmoUl lIId I being kllOlI"lI 10Cllly). Roll igirp
02·50
to delerm,ne SUlwr of Ihc puent. (A furlher roll o f
-or 011 Ihis !ible cuns lllOlber +<fZO MOUl lIId
co rrespooding Illcreuc III FImc. CIC.)
Bo!h pirellls I,,·ing
51·70 f i ther deceued
7J.8O MOlher d«encd
81·90 Bolh pUenl! 1fe d"usc:d If!er ChUle!er rc~ehcd leell
yens.
9],]00 BOlh puenrs 1fe decusc:d. Chlf1CICf If ill orphlll.
Redu ce ehmcler's roll OD Tablt 658: Social Cla!;5
by !II"O focil1 ebsscB. Apply -50 jlCDl lt y 10 rolls OD
Tablt lJ.l6: Characler Slarlillg MOllt!! (igllOr<
beredituy deb! result lIId roll Jglill).
If onl} one parent is dc-cea\ed there i~ tilt" chance Ihat
th(' character ha~ a step-parent. 1\ re~l1lt of 15 or more
on a d20 iudieates that tht" parenl remarried. If )"011 don't
like tlw result~, you can spcnd I 131' to purchase" re- roll.
You Illay )lurcha .~e as mall) fe-rolls as ~ou like, a~ long as
yo u have BPs to spt'nd.
Sta tu s o f Si blings: . \ ~ \\'ith parents, siblings (or the
lack of them . arc imponatll to a ehamcter\ backg round.
Although they are non-player charactl'fS under the C(l ll-
trol of Ihe C)'I, they ma) be able 10 help when the char·
acu.: r need s something, such as financial or emotional
suppurt. T he) also tend to be loyal.
Tht"rt" arc se\'e ral Meps involved in determining a char-
actcr's s iblin~s. ~ol1()\\' each step in order.
I) Fir~t. rou nced to roll on Tobit 6.5·:]: .VUlIlbtr qf
SiblinJp to learn ho\\ many .. iblings your cowpoke has.
2 "Ow that you know ho\\ many childre n your folks
had, you need to determim' their sex. Roll a d6. On a I-
3, the sibling is a bro ther. On a 4-6. it 's a ~istc r.
3, III the 19th centur), many childn'n died as infants
from ~ickn('ss o r as children from ~ome ot her ailment or
injury. Death from infecl i ou~ di sea~es was common ('ven
amongst adults, especia ll y in the crowded cities where
363
 TABLE 6.5-3: NUMBER OF SIBLINGS TABLE 6.5-5: ORDER OF BIRTH
Roll (d20) 5, b1Jl18' Order of Ball, EffccI
OJ ••••••••.••.•••. .. ...0 fi rs l +10 bonu, 00 Tablt J/·I6: OIDrocler Slarli1l9 Momy
02 .................... .I Sccoad +5 boau, oa Tablt J.I·I6: Character S rIJrtin!I Monc!J
03 .................... .z Olhcr No Cffetl.
04 ...........•........ .3
05-06 ...................4
07·09 .................. .s
TABLE 6.5-6: SIBLING RIVALRY
1O·[i ....................6 Roll (2dIZ)' RcbllOD,hlp
1.>17 •..•••......... .... ] 1 or Ie,. Bmcl Eoemy. Thc.sc ""lis hold u ialcDSC hue for
18 .......... ...........8 $Ome P-'-" offeDs(: - le,1 or im,giDed.
[9 .....................9
20 •..•••..••..•...... .10 "
10-16
ArgumCILhll\·e. for $Orne relson. Ihe ChUl(lcr lad
his $ibi'Dg IUU (;Ia'l gel liong wilhoul bltkering.
Nuunl. The ch1r1tler ind sibling Ire d()$C. wilh
good hm,ly lies. but few intenS(: fecliags except
TABLE 6.5-4: SIBLING STATUS during spceilllimes of hurl or cckhr1t ioD.
Roll (dlOO ) Smul (tity) 17-21 Very CJ()$C. The si bling ud chultlcr (OmmUniC1lc
01-26 Died In iohBCr from Infectious d;S<: ~$c often. ,od l lwlyS Iry 10 help the other io times of
(meuks. surlcl fevcr. 'Whoopinll cough or dipthcril) need.
27·3J Dled III childhood ftom Dilffhc, Zl 01 more Devoted. /In cXlremcl)' dose: bond cxists between
3'1·39 DIed from Pncumollil IhcS(: IWO. lDd one would euil)' by down h,s life for
'10·41 Died from SrrulJpo~ thc other.
42-'U Died from TubcrcuJ.ru.s 'Add flo, (M,,,.ftr; stilrfi"J &plitllfit,n m""ifU'r pm a,ri,ma '" t/),
4S-49 D,ed from TyphoId fncr ",,./t
"'·53 Died from inrl ucD21
54 S7 Died from Cbolm
66 Died from "cldcllu[ ClU~S I r }"OU dOIl'[ like ,tll~ rc~lIh from (h(',(' tables. you may

.7+ [,vlnll spend I UP to purchase a fe·roll. You may pUlTha~e as

Roll (dlOO) SlUgS ( rurd ) Ollln} rl'-rolli as ~ou lik("', as long a' ~ou haw BP... to
0122 Died 10 iahllCYfrom Illfcclious d,S(:U(: spend.
(musks. $Urlel fever, whoopiag tough or diplheril) Extended Fam ily : ,\ side from mother, rather, brotht"I'
l.l-2. D,ed ia thi ldhood from Dlmhu and ~i~ter. a cliara( tt'r may aho hal'c an extended family
" .J/) Died from Paeumoall
reprewlltcd h~ a \(l'pf:uher or stepmother. aunts. unci('i,
JI·Jl Died fr om Sm'lIpox
COU~ill" /.(randpaf('nt~. and pnhaps c..-en great·grandp'lr·
33·37 Died from Tuber(u losis
38 Died from Typhoid fevu
ems. Ct'lleralh. onh ,\ G~I needs this [n·eI or dewil.
39·12 Died from IRflucnl1 Howe\,er, if you Ilant to ttaet.' your ancestry back a gen-
13-47 Died from lttideOI,1 t 'Ll5CS eration or tll"O, simpl> roll on the tables ill this chapter ror
<8+ L,,,i og the character\ mother o r rather. T he resuits refer 10
th e ir parem~ and sihling~. instead of the characte r's.
typhus, T I! and cholera were rampant. Check 7able 6.5~
4: Siblillg SlatuJ for each sibling's status.
-~) For each sur..-i,·ing ~ibling, roll a dOo dlOO or twO TABLE 6.5-7: UPBRINGING
d lOs .. A roll of 99·1 00 indicate~ that this sibling is your Roll (dIOO) P1ICnuIOu,lil),
twin. If the sibling is the ~ame ,ex as the charaCler, roll 01-12 ...•...Elflnord'blf), PueDts. Childgrcw up txlrrllldy
a dB. On a I, [he ~ib lin g is an idemical twin. Will nurlurtd pn' propn-/y carrdfor.
5) If tht: characler has al least one ~ib lill g, roll ran~ Eff«t: F;t~ (5) BP bcnuJ.
dom1r 10 delermine his place (roll a dol for the character IJ-N ., .... l,o"iag PUCbls.. Child grt'W up W<'lI "urlurrd arid
pfflprrly (artd-Jor. E.ff«t: Thrtt (3) BP &11IUJ.
plus three siblings, roll a d5 [il dlO, di"iding results by
l>Y1 ....../I,·cuge PueDls.. Partnt did IJI/ adtquauj~b.
two] for the character plus four siblings, etc. and consult
EjJ«t: Ont (1) BP BGnus.
Tabk 6.5·5: Ordtr oj 111ft". Thc firstborn male is usually 5>76 " ... .IJHqulppcd. E.ff«t: ParmI 'WIll 'IJ.-dl inlmtionrJ.
heir to his father'~ ('state or po~sc~siolls. "ut poor al raismg Ihis (hild
6 Of course, just becausc rour character has .'lome 77-87 ....../lbus,,·e. Chiltl a/JUud "y parmI. Ejj(et: RQlI M
brothers or sistcrs doesn't mean that they necessarily likc Tahlt 3./-/9: QuirAs (Quirh. Mmtal) and ruord
him. The \ibl ing ma>' think h e'~ a IOII·down I'armim, or only hi/If BPs 1;1/fdf".,- 1M Quirk.
that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. For each sibling, 8S+ ...... .Indifferenr. Purent {ritwtd this child as a hlmim.
roll on Tablt 6.5 6: Sibliflg Rit·al':.}'. Childgrcu' liPJetting inpd(({uatt and IlIIlfJWd Effiet:
/Wlon Tahlt 3.1-19: Quirks (Qllirks, Intrtnmtd)
(md m".,-d ~1I1y halfBPJ lisltJfor tlu Quirl.

3B4
 Quality of Upbring ing: HoI\' the character's parents
acted tOwards him had a huge impact on hoI\' he turncc)
OUI. A cilrin~, 'Iltemi\'!.' parent bctter equips his child for
adulthood dum an uncaring, abu~ive or abscnt parenl.
Roll on Tobit 6.5-7: L/lhringmg, adding a +1 for each sib-
ling the character had. If you dOll't like the results, you
can spend I Ill' t(l purchase a re-roll. You may purchase
as many rc-rolls as you likc.:, as long as you havc BPs to
spend.
* SOCIAL CLASS *
Now th:\I you kno\\ all about your character's family,
the lIext ~ lep is to determine the character's upbrinh<ing.
Was his name spoken in the hous("S of the rirh , or did ht,
grow lip on the wrong side of town? To cit-terminI' your
cha l'acter's social da!>~ a~ hI" ~Te\\ to adulthood. roll on
Tab/I 6.5-8: Social CiaH.
TABLE 6.5·S: SOCIAL CLASS
Roll Soci,! Sluhng F'lffiC RcpuUlioo StHling $
(dlOO) Chss Modi(ier Modi(icr' Modifier
<01-OS .. Sclow Lo'", Clus (DLC) ......0 ..........·10 .......·40
09·20 .. Lowcr LoII/cr Clus (LLe) ......0 ..........·5 ....... ,·20
21·50 ... Middk Lower Clus (MLC) ....0 .......... 3 ........ 15
51·80 .. Uppr;r Lowtr CIl,s (U LC) .....0 .......... -1 ........ 10
81-87 .. Lower MIddle Chss (LMC) ....0 ...........0 ......... -5
88·92 .. Middle Middlc Clus (MMC) ...0 ...........0 .........0
93-97 ..Uppr;r M,ddle Cbss (UMC) ....0 ...........0 ........+5
98 ....Lower Upper Clu5 (LUCI .....+1 ............. I .......+10
99 .... f'. t.ddle Upper Cbss (MUe) ... +5 , ........+5 .......+15
100 ...Upper Upper Cbss (UUC) .... +10 ... ......+10 ...... .+W
•.... pply only r;-'Mn a chararltr ~ Io:lthin h~ Plare 0/ Origin (~e Table 3./·11).
It 's important to remember that this is not your char-
acter's current social class, but thaI of his fa mil) and his
background. Out \\"e ~ l , ht' has 110 social class. He's just
one of man~. and his background is more important in
knowinq: where he camt' from, rather than how people
react to him.
Note: European immigrams are all at leas' \ l iddk
Lower Class (\ '1LC) as illlllligration agents weed out
soc ially undesirables. European immigrants of high
social st,IIUS arc mually fleeing domestic political insta-
bility instead of seeking economic opportunities.
"':ow, roll a dlOO on TaMt 6.5-9: Rural or l'rban
Backgrollnd 10 determil)!' h'hethcr your character comcs
from a rural or mban background. Certain backgrounds
arc more common ill urban tl1<In rural areas, and \'ic('
\·c rsa. If you don', like an)' result from these wbles, you
may spend) BP to purrhase a re-roll. You may purchase
as many 1'(:-l'OlIs as )'ou like. as long as you have BP~ to
spend .
I
TABLE 6.5·9: RURAL OR URBAN BACl!GROUND
Roll (dIOO) (dependillg 011 cbmcters Pbcc of Orlgll1)
Rcsu l! CSA/~ USA Tuu Dtxret Mc;uco EuJ.OpC
Runl .... 01-87 ....01·55 ....01-92 .....01·95 .....01·95 .....01·6(1
Urbla ... 88-IOO .. ..56-100 ...93·100 ...96·100 ....96-100 ... .6HOO
Remember, JUSt becau~e your char<ICler came from a
rural background docs not necessari ly mcan that he is of
poor or humblt, origin .. \ fter all, the mansions and plan-
tations of the rich arc nOt oflen located within cit}, limits.
BELOW LOWER CLASS (BLC)
'\ l"l!lher, of thi~ class typirally include escap('d sla\es.
military d('~ert"r~. and II anted felons. Ir your clwracter
i~ part of this dd~~, roll on Tahfl 6~5-fO: Bdou; Lm('tr Class
Characfrr Sta/UJ, usill~ thl' column hased on your charac-
ter's place of ori~n.
TABLB 6.5·10: BELOW LOWBR CLA!! CHARACTER ilATUI
Roll
(d6)· CSA USA Teus Desertt Other
I ..EK'pr;d Sbl·c ... D~rlCT ... D~rler .. BlIILshed ... FdoD
2 ..£Klpr;d Slave ... DC!lcTIcr ...DCKrler .. B~aishcd ... Fdoa
3 .. Esclpr;d Sbvc ... D~rter .... Felon .... BJalshed ...Felou
.. . .EJupc:d Sb\'c .... Feloa ......FdOli •••. Blaisbcd ...Fdon
S ....DeserICr ...... f cloa . , .... f elan .... BlIIishcd ... felon
6 ...... Feloa ..... Feloa ...... Ft/oll ....Blnished ... FeloD
'Su t~xt for durriplion and sfni,,' ru'~s.
Deserter
Such a character is unlikel~ 10 h<: sou({ht h) authorities
outside of home, but there's alwaY' the possibilit} of con-
Ilicls with milititr}' :tuthoritic~ if cli~co\'ered.
Roll a d6. On a result of I--J, this character /led CI)II-
scription. On a rc~u1t L)f 5-6, he ned the militat·) after
enrollment.
Roll again on TaM, 6.5·8: S()rial (;lass 10 determine your
character's former back~rolilld beforc banishment, deser-
tion or imprisonnwnl. If you roll HLC again, the char-
:lcter's hackground is that of a tramp or \'agnml.
Escaped Slave
Thi~ chararter's first purchase of the Reading
COl1lpr('hension/ P(~nmanship skill has a base cost or 12
Ill' Instead of -I BI'" due to thc f.'le t thitl leaching slaves
to read is illegal under Confederate law. Subsequent pur-
chase,! Mt' treated normally.
Roll on TaMI 6.5-//: E{((tPfd alld I'fud SIal'( Charar/m to
determine this character's pa~t ·occupa tion'. [Characters
receive their first twO Iililies in the typical a~~()ciated skill
if an) , for rree.J If the character is not black, 111' ca nnOt
385
be an escaped slave. In such a case, he is a deserter on I-
3 and a fclon on a 4-6. Use the appropriate background
detail.
TABLE 6,5·11: BSCAPED AND FREED SLAVE CHARACTERS
Roll (dlOO) Result Typi"J A5soci ~led_ Sk ill
OI.(Ja. . .... Cook .. .Cooking
09-79 . .... F~rm bOOrer; Fum bInd .. Agricu lture
80·100 . ... . bOOrcr (genml) . .... . . . . (no specific skill)
E!1on
This hombre is wanted for a serious crim e committed
in his place of origin. T he re is a ! in 8 chance that the
crime is so bad that wanted posters may extend out West.
This character has no tracie, but gains onc free tally in
one of th e following skills: Disguise, Esca pe Arti st,
Forgeryl, Lock Picking:! or Pick Pocket.
I Charoelermuslhm'r Rrading Comprth(//.$Ion/Pmmaluhip 0.1 63% o.r
btU" (pllfchastd st/mmlt/y) 10. choost Ihls o.pllOll.
lCharocltr IIlllslhaL"( LiS/flung 0.1 85··. o.r btlltr rpurdlfludltpom/,·
Iy) 10 ulifi<.t Ilus o.plion on combinallOn fo(/;.s.
Banisb,d
The character has committcd some gra,'c blasphemy
against the Church of Latter Dar Saints that has resulted
in his expulsion from Dese re\. T hc naturc of said heres\'
is for the characte r to de"elop and dinllge if at all. The
character should reroll on the social status table with a
10% pcnalt y to dctermine the position he form erly held
in the community prior to expulsion. T his second rol! wil!
not vindicatc his social status it merely serves to provide
background.
LOWER LOWER CLASS (LLC)
This is mostly beggars. freed slaves, pelt y criminals and
OIher vagllbonds. If your char<lcter is pan of this cia,s,
roll on Tobie 6.5-} 2: uwu Lower CloJS CltaToclm, usi ng the
column for your character's place of origin .
TABLB 6,5·12: LOWER LOWER CLASS CHARACTERS
Roll
(d6)" CSA US.AlC.mdl IexJJI De$CJe.1 Qlh£.r
I .Fn:cdShve . .Frtt<lShve . .Fr<edSI..·c ..Vlgrrnl ..Fn:cd5hvc
2 . .. .Fn:cd Shve . .Fr<ed S4v~ . .F,<ed SIne .. V.agrrnl .. ..Vagnln
3 ... ..F,ccdShve . .Fn:cdS4,·c . .Fn:cdS4ve .. Vagrrnl .. ;.Vagnnl
~ .... .FrccdSh,'C . ... V~gnnl .... .Vlgrrnl .. .. V.agrrnl .. .. VlPlnl
5 .. .Vlgrrnl ... .Crimifl11· . ..CrimlluJ" ..CrimiD.lI· ..CrimLlU.r
6 ......Cr,miD.li" . ..Crimifl11· . ..Crimirui* ..CrimiD.li" ..CrimiD.lJ"
•CluriIClcr h.rs ooly commirtcd petry critMS.
386
need Slave
Bigotry, and fear of competition in the labor market.
conspire to place most newly freed slaves in the lowest
ranks of the social order. Because a freed slave is born
into s[a\'e ry, this character's first purchase of the Rellding
Comprehension/ Penmanship skil! has a base cost of 12
BP (instead of 4 BP). since teaching slaves to read is ille-
gal under Confederate law. Subsequent purchases are
treated normally. While the character may originate from
outside the Confederate States of America, assume he
was released from bondage there. Roll on TobIe 6.5-1 I:
ESUlprd alld Frud Slavt C!wraclers to determine his former
slave role. This category is only applicable to black char-
acters. Th o~(' of other races are equally divided bCl" 'een
vagran ts and pctty criminals.
Vagrant
The cha racter lived a meager life on the fringes of soci-
ety (most likely as a 'street urch in, ' if urban). While many
individuals and families ostracized as 'vagrants' work
unskilled jobs wht:n opportunities present themselves,
they haye a tendency to freque ntly relocate anel often
resort to alms or begging.
Petty Criminal
Such individuals resemble vagrants in their lifestyle.
HO\,'ever, they are willing to engage in minor theft and
other illicit activity to suppOrt themsch-es. Man}' rind
themseh'es forced to drift between communities due to
the efforts of local officials.
MIDDLE LOWER CLASS (MLC)
T his social class is comprised of the same occ upations
as their Upper Lower Class betters with the exception
that many members of this class arc socially isolated
immi.l.(rants readily identifiable by thei r accents. T hese
arc predominantly Europeans but may include french
Canadians (('settled in the Shattered Frontier. loo r ru ral
characters. roll on Toble 6.5-13: Rum! Prrifessions.
Ch aracters from urban areas should roll 011 Toblt 6.5-14:
Urblln Pr~tssions . Characters receive their first two tall ies
in the typical associated skill (if any) for free.
tiPPER LOWER CLASS (tlLC)
This is mostly sod busters, ranch hands, laborers, ped-
dlers, actors and unskilled industrial ,,'orkers. For rural
characters, roll on Toble 6.5-13: Rural Prqftssions.
Characters from urba n areas should roll on Toble 6.5-/4:
Urban Profmiolls .
Characters receive their first two tallies in the typical
associated skill (if any) for free.
 TABLE 6.5·13: RURAL PROFESSIONS
Roll (dIOO) Result Typicd AJ5OC;ned Sk,ll
01·02 ..... ,.Cook ........ ...... .•..Cooking
OJ·04 ......Drover ................. DroviDg
05·6'1 .. ....Fum!Won:r; Fum Jw.d •••• Agriculture
.,.8< ......Fumc • . .•.... ..... .... .Agriculture
85-86 ...... Fidlcrm~D 0. S,iio. . .... Fishing or 8ou;1I8
87-88 ......endellc' ............... .Agriculwre
89·'" •••••. H ulllcr ...... ........... H u1IIJII8
91·92 .... .. . b bo.Cf (se nenl) .. . ..... (no spc:ciflc skIll)
93·94 ......Mill Hud ......•••.••.•(110 5pCcif" skIll)
95·96 .. .... Miner ...•••...•••.....•ProspccIIDB
97-98 ...... Rul.<);Id Hnd •......•.. (110 speCI fi c skI ll )
99·100 ...... lumberjlck ............. LoBsing
TABLE 6.5-14: URBAN PROFESSIONS
Roll (dlOO ) Result
. Typi,,) Asso<:ialcd Skill
01·20 .... .... Anlun . ... . • ••••••• ( VUlOUS)"
2130 ... ... . .COOk .... .. . ........CookIDS
JI35 ...... . .CudcDcr ... .. .........Asriculture
J6-65 .. ... . .bborcr (suen!) ...... (DOspec,f,c skill)
66-85 •. .... .Scn'~t. domesllc .. .. bo specific sk,ll)
86·95 .. ..... .$crv'nt. other .... .. ••• (110 specif" skill)
%·100 ........ WUhllls/lroD'IIS .. .•• • ( 110 specific skill)
- roll 011 r,ble 6.5-15: Atli11llf
LOWER MIDDLE CLASS (LMC)
:\I embcrs or thi~ cla~~ typically include rlerh. leac h {'r~
and minor gow'rnmcnl workers. Ir your chara("\('r i~ part
or Ihis clas,. roll on Tahlt 6.j· 16: l-AluV'r .II/ddl, Cla ss
Chorae/trs. Charact('rs rccf'il{' lIlt'ir first 1<1l1y in the typi.
cal associated skill ror free.
MIDDLE MIDDLE CLASS (MMC)
.\lcmbers of Ihis c la ~s I} pi c all~ include such people as
engineer'l shniffs, sho p owncrs ancl skillcd artisans. Ir
your character is pan of this class, roll on Tablt 6.5·17:
.lIiddlt .Ihddlt ClaIl Chararlm. Ju ~ t as \\'ilh LoI\ ('r :\Iidclle
Cla ss cil izcns. characters receil'e their fir,t wily in the
typical a~socialed ~ kill for free.
UPPER MIDDLE CLASS (UMC)
A member of Ihe Upper .\ Iiddlc Class is oflen a lawyer,
retired military oflic~ r. pro~perous merchant. b;1I1kcr.
large ranch owne r or si milar person. The character is a
son or d aughter of such a prominent individual.
However, this character docs not inheril his rathe"'~
business, (·,·ell ir prior wits indicate thaI th e character i~
Ihe firslborn .mcl the falher is dead. The playcr and G~I
sho uld explain this with a reason that adds more dewil to
Ihe character's background. For example. his ralher\ will
left e\-cr) thin ~ to a you nger sibling, business associate or
I
TABLE 6.5-15: ARTISANS
Roll
(d IOO ) Result Typicd As5oci~ted Skill
01·02 .... Anist •. . . ........ Anisti t Abili ty (c hoos, onc )
OJ.tJi .... Blker ... . .CookIIlS
05·{)6 .... BI~kct mlker .... ... .. ..CUpeIlUY
07-09 .... BJ"ksmlth ....... ... .. Bllcksm'th'lIs/ Mellh..orkillg
!O •...• I:lTlckm~ktr ........... .5ton~muo~ry
11·15 .... Bud. muon ••. .•• •. ..• .510acmuonry
16·17 .... Broom m~ker ..........Cupenuy
18·19 .... Butcher .....Sbushler
10-21 . .. .Cahlnet M~ker .........Cupelluy
n26 ... ,Cupc:olcr ..............c.'peOtry
U .....C.rrilgucOKh m~ke •. ..c.rpenny
28·Z9 ....Cooper ...............Cupelltry
JO·JI ....Dr~mlkcr ............Snmslress/T,ilor
J2·Ji ....Found"e. . ........... Bbcksmithllls/ MculworkillS
35 .. . ..GuDSmll h .............Cuum'thIlIS
J6..J7 .... Huliessm~ kCf/S~ddler .LcJlhcrworklllS
38-39 ....Hmer ............... Mllllnery
-to .....L'Sblll'IIS lod IDlkcr ... _Bbcium"hlog/Meulwork,ns
4H5 .... Llvery suble worker .... AII,m,1 Empuh y
16-4; .... \hcb,nlil ............ MdIlIlC OpelillDs /Rep~lTIngl
48 ..... MuICT urpe~lC •.. .....Cupelltryl
'f9 .....MUICI nusoo ..........StoocmlSonryl
50 51 ....fI.·lethaic ............•M,ch,oc Opcw'lIg/ ReJU"'DS
52·54 ....Miller (Grist miller) ... i'.STICu hurc
5S-.)6 ..•.MilhDel .............. Milllllery
57·58 .... Molde. (Moulder) ......Cupenuy
59·61 ....Pl,nl,r. eommcrcid ..... .'\rtist ic Abilily (JU'III,ns )
62·6J .... Pll1eloIDlkc, .......... Mllhoery
~ .... Plamru .............A'llShe Ablln y (pIHlCflDS)
66--6] ....PolICr .... . .......... PoltCry
68 .. ... Pflllicr ............... fl.ht hIDe OpcrnlOs/ Rcpmlng
69·70 .... Rock drCS5l:.•..... ......StoDeml50Dty
71·]J ... .51 ... YC' (Wood SoIwycr) .Cupenl'Y
74-7S ... .5eunstrc:SS .............$clmmcss/Tlilor
76·77 ....Shocm~kcr/ Bootm~ker .CohblioS l
78·]9 ....S,olleculler ............SloDemuonry
80-81 ... .5'ooemuoo ... . ....... .5,ollemuoory
82·8J ... .T,ilol ....... . ..... ....$clmSlre55/T,ilor
84·86 ....T ,oocr ................SkioIlIOg/T nll,ns
87·91 ....Tex!,]e millwork,r .....Sclm~tre"/Tli1or
92-9J .. . .T,nDer tT,"smlth) ...... BbcksmllhlDs/ MculworkiDS
94·95 .... W1sonmlkcr.. . ...CupcnlTy
96·97 . ... Wencr .. .. .. ..WCJ vlng
98-99 .... Whccl ... r;sbt .... .....c.rpcolly
100 .....Whlle".sher .. ... .......\""'IC Ability (pIIDhDS )
I ~~ c/w",crm rtuivt 1/610 I/JI/ies lor fru Inlhtir typically a:;.rociatt
.rJI11
!S/Iocm.)Jt~BootmJJtf"$ a/so rrctliV! 1M l t atkrworlmg .dlll at 8..5'
3M7
 TABLB 6.5·16: LOWBR MIDDLB CLASS CHARACTBRS TABLB S.5·17: MIDDLE MIDDLB CLASI CHARACTERS
Roll Roll
(dIDO) Rtsull T ypied Associmd Skill ("00) Result Typitd Associmd Skill
01-02 ....AgCDI •.. . .DjpJom~ty 01-10 ..• .. Ci"j] engioeer (bridges. CIC) ..Engineering Design!
03-{)4 ... ,Auc'JOntCT .....SllesnulIsh,p 11·18. ..... Clock rep.ir; Wllthm.kcr .. · .. Engineering Desi801
05·06 .... Blnking ..... ..... .AttouDling l 19·27 . .... · Dentist .. .... ...... . ..... . ..Dentistry
07·08 .... Buber ......CJe~n lnformllioll ZB-JI. ..... Engineer ........... ..... . ...Eogineering Daign]
09·10 ....BUltlldcr ..CIe,n Jllform "ioll 32·35 .. . . Engloeer. Loc'/SIc.rn. .... . . . .Engineering (Loc./SIClm.)Z
11-12 ..... Bouding house: keeper ...Clt<lO inform"ioll 36·13 . ... Jellleler .. ........ ...... ..../e,,·de,.)
\3-14 .... Bookkeeper .AccouDling! 11·51. ..... Millcr. SIClm ... . ....... M'IChille Oper'!Repliri ng
15·17 .... Clerk ............ Rc,dio8 Comp./Pcomlllship 52·59 .. .. Nurse .............. ..... . ... Nursing
18-19 ....Coofwiollcr ...Cooking 60·68 ..... Phpicilll; Doctor ... ........ . t-.ledicinc
20·21 .... Dru88is! ....Chemistry' 69-76 ... · Rl;irOld boss ....... .. . .....AdministUlion
22·23 ....Edilor .......... .Rc,diog Comp./Pcnm'lIsh,p 77-8~ ..... S,lversmith ... ....... ... · ..8bcksm ith.!MeuJ ... ork .
N·lS .... Fa.oilure Slorc .... . ..CUpCDlry 85-92 ..... Slclmbo., t'p"in ...... . ....Bo,atiolj:
26-29 .... Grocer ......... . .A(CQullling l 93-100 ... · Surveyor ......... .... ..... C'r1oguphy1
30-31 .... Hosllcr ............... AOHlU! Empuhy
1TheM Ch<1NCters also reClli't' the Afathematics si-III at 6(11
32·33 ... .insuTlnte '8cIII ... . .Apprlis,] (c hoose onc)
2Theu cMractus also nctlW the /If,,fbem.Jtics si-ill at a/lib (In(
J~ ·35 ... .Keeper of hold ......... Gl~~n lnform~tjon Englit.:cring Design at 8/J'
36·37 .... Keepor of poor house ....Gle~n Inform~tjoD 3 TAw~ characters a/~o reccitY' (he Appraisal (minerals) skill at ~
38·39 .bnd ~gcnt ... Appr~is.ll (businesses or bod) ~.rtse c/wrac(eF"$ also receive the HeaC/ing Camp./Pcnmallfhip slull q(
40-'U .... ulldlord ..Gluo loform~tjon
43+1 . . .Lightning rod seller .. Accounting l
t)"~6 .... Lumber merduM .. Accounting l TABLE 6.5·1S: UPPBR MIDDLB CLASS CBARACTBRS
~7·.'i~ .... Merch~nt. Othe •........ Accounl;ng l
55-57 ....Clc'gym.lI: Prncher ..... Rel igion Roll (dU)()) Result T ypicd rusoc.jued Skill
58 ..... Mus;c IClchcr .. . .. Alllslic Ability (musIC) 01·10 ....... Bloker ....... .......... ...Accounting l
59-60 .... Peddler ...S,lesm'D5hip 11-20. ..... ,,,...c1cr .. ..... .......... .. .Je ..der l
61-62 .... Produce dClltr ... . .A"ounllng l 21·30 .... · .L~nd o... ner ... .... .. ....· .. Admin;s tnl'ob
63-66 ... .sellIng liquo•.......... .Ihe ... illg 31-40 .... · .L..... ycr ....... .. ....... . .. L~w3
67·68 ....SpecuJuo •............. Appnis'l ~1·50 .... · .f\ IC TCh~DI .... ..... . ..... . .. Diplomlcy
69·72 ....Tob"conisl ............ Accoulltiog l 51·60 .... Miliury officer (retired ) . ...,....,iliury SITmgy/T Jc,jes
73-74 ....T,vero/s,looo keeper .... Accountiog l 61·70 .... · .Mille owoer . ....... . ... ...AdmioislruiOD
75-80 ... .Tt.cher; Schoollucher .. (u5u.lly M"hem"ics Or 71-80 .... · .PhysiciJn; Declo1 ....... . .. Medicine
Ruding Comp./Pcnm,nship) SI-9O .... R.neh owner ............ .. .Admill;,ltUlion
CoyernmeM Workcr 9[·[00 ...... Rli]ro.d shucholdcr ..... .. .Admin;stntion
81·82 ....Consublc ..... . . .InleTlog"ion
1These c/ioracter5 0150 receive the Afathema(lcs skill (I( 8J\l

-
83-S~ .... Express Agent ...Droving
85-86 .... Firemn ....F ;.e·Build;ng/ E ~li ngu;5hing
! Thue c/!arocters also rrcelve (he Appraisul(minerals) sit/I at 9fA
3 These characters also nCf!t'e the Reading Comp./Penmal/ship siill a(
87·88 ....Justice of the Puce .... .lnle.,og";oll or O,.lion
89·90 .... M~;l Cur;er ... .Idle Gossi p
91·92 .. Nonty Public .......... ForgCfYZ LOWER UPPER CLASS (WC )
93·91 .... PO)Stm ~sler; The head of this fam ily is usually a retired admiral or
Deputy Poslm.sler ....Admi nislruion general, a "nl'\\' money" industrialist, or political leader
95-96 .... R.ilro.d Agent ... .Diplom.cy
(no higher than a gm·crnor). T he character is a loon or
97·98 ....Sheriff; Deputy Sherif{ . .10""°8";011 daughter of Ihis individual. He gaim his first two tallies
99·100 ... .5lTCet InspeCTOr .........Administruion
in Reading Comprehensionl Penmanship for free as well
1 Tk~( ch~rac(ers aha recd,)( the A/athematics siall ilt J!5~ as ,mot her IWO tallies in a skill chosen from the following
2 These c/wracurs also receive the Heading Camp/Penmanship SJ·Il. lisl: Administration. Culture, Current Affairs. Gaming,
a(6J4 History l, L1.llguagc (an y major European: usually French
or Latin, or Social Etiquette.
mher rdative. If your character is pan of lhis class, roll
on Table 6.5- 18: C/JPfl" Middle ClaM CIl(ITac/trs. J USI as wilh IRa;.), Reodiag CompJP(llmflllJhip JkilllQ 80% ;/1 Iht ulllikf{)' (llal/a
:\ Iiddle ;"liddlc Class citizens, charatters receive their it 15 /W/ high (IIQ/1/;".
first tally in the typical associated ~kill for free. However, this character ducs not inherit his father's
business (if OIlC exisa), c\'cn should prior rolls indicate

388
Ihat the character is the fir~tborn and the father is dead.
The player and G'\I ~hould t'Xplilin thi, wilh a rea~on
that adds more detail to Ihe character's bat·kRTolllld.
MIDDLE UPPER CLASS (MUC)
The head of this family was the OWlle r of a large plan~
tat ion or estate. The character is a son or daughtcr of
this weahhy indi\·idual. Hc ~;"lin~ I\~') lililies in Reading
Compreh('llsion/ Penmanship for frec as well as anOlhcr
two tallies III any skill ill Ihe following list:
Administration , Culture, Currellt .\ITairs. Gamill~,
History l, LlIlguage {any major European; usuillIy French
o r 1...lIin , or Social E.tiquelle.
I Haist Rfl/ding {,'(lIIlp./PC/lmflnship Jti{f 1(1 80";. in Iht Ul/likt(I' rha,,({
ilB "01 high ttW/lgh.
Thl' character d oe~ not inherit hi~ fath('r\ wealth. {'\'{'n
if prior rolls indicilt!' that the character j, til(' fintborn
and the father is dead. The player and C).I should
explain this with 0\ r!'a~on that adds more detail to thl'
character's ha('k~round. For example, an enemy ~et a fire
Ihat swept ac ro~s the plantation, destroying the field, and
the house itself
UPPER UPPER CLASS (UUC)
This character comes from I':,'cat wealth, political inOu-
(,Hee, and "old mOtH')'." ~Icmbcrs of his f:uuily sec them-
sel\'("s as a ~ract' of schola rs" with a natural aptitud!' for
learning. compared 10 the "common COUltu') bumpkin'"
who arc fit oul} for manual labor. They ofte n lound cul-
tural institutions sudl as sc hool ~ and mlhcum ~. and fre-
quently illlCnnalT) among th eir kin to k('('p Ihe bloodlitH'
pure.
The dlllracter is a member of this filillil). He gains
three tallic~ in Reading Comprt'hen~ion/Pellmanship for
free. He also may rhoos(' Ihree fret' tallies in ,Lny of the
following skills: Artistic .\bility, Calligraph), Culture,
Cuncnt AtTain. Diplomacy, Graceful Enlrance/Exit ,
History, L"nguage French , Language Latin, or Social
Etiquette.
F'or some rcason, this charactcr doe~ 110t inherit hi:;
father's w('alth, ('\'I'll if he is the fir.'Stborn and Ihe f;nher
has passed on. The pJaYlT ;llld C,\I should discuss thi s
and create an explanation that adds more det:!.il to the
character's bal'kground. For example. the character's
fatiler casl him all! of his will when the charnel!'r pur,ucd
a girl from the poor side of town.
* NAMES *
Ko"', rou ought to pick you r own name, but if you lIeed
10 roll i\ HaOle for it pislOicer, this s(,ction is Iht" place to
start. E"eh (If the following tables prO\ld('s a li ~t of
names for Ihe average cilil.en in liI(' Shaller('d Frontier
during this period in its hi~lorr Tahles arc ba~('d 011 the
TABLE 6.5-19: SAMPLE NAMES (EASTERN)
Roll (dlOO) 1'-lIlc Fcnuk SurQ,mc
01-17 ..... . ...Joho ............ ~hrr... . .. Smith
IB-J(l. .. . .. Will;lm .......... .smh ........... M,lIcr
31·40 .... .........Jlm" .......... fliubelb .... ... ... 01V;S
41-16 ............Ceorgc ..........Muglftt ......... Johllsoll
17·52 ............Tbomn .........Cltbcrinc .......... JOOel!
53-56 ...........Chulcs .......... MUlhl ........... Browb
57-60 ............. Henry ........... Nlney ........... T'ylor
61·6.] .............Joseph ............ADo ............ While
64·66 ............S,mud ............Jue ............ Moore
67--69 ..........•.. 01Vld ...•........ flil' ........... W,lsall
70·72 ............. Rober! ...........SUUII ........... Mutio
73·7'1 .............Jtcob ........... HIIIDlh ......... Thompsoo
7>76 .............O.lbicl ........... Hmiet ............ H.l1I
77-78 ............Ed.-ud .......... Rcbeeu .......... Thomu
79-SO ........... IkIlJ1mia .......... Mui.l .......... .'\ndcrsoll
81-82 ....... ...... Peler ...........CtroloDc .......... Le ... 's
SJ-81 ............ .lUte ............. Ellell ........... Wllkel
S>S6 ............Aad"... . ......... Loulu ........... Cook
87-8S ............ RIChud ............'ulil ............ YOUDg
89-90 ............ MICh,e! ........... Lncy ............ Cluk
91·92 ............ FrIDeis .... Rltbd ............ Hill
9394 ............. u ... is •.•••..•.••. Lydl.1 ..... .. Ph,ll,ps
95·96 ........... Pmick ........... t:mllv .......... HUTlJ
97·98 ............. Alber! . . ...... AIIII1 .......... Robll1SOD
99·[00 ........... Frcdcmk ......... Fnate! .......... W"ght
TABLE 6.5-20: SAMPLE NAMES (WESTERN)
Roll (dlOO) Mde Fcm1lc SUTolme
01·01 .... . .Joha. John), ... Muv... .. Smith
0>08 .....•..Bll1. Billy. Will .. 5mb ........... Ctssidy
09·12 ..............Jlm ......... Belh. Eliubelh ....... CurcI!
1J..16 ..............J.lck ............ 1'-1I881e ........... J, mel!
17·20 .............. Tom ..........Cllhulbe .......... HooDe
21·21 ............Chull' .......... ~hTlhl ........ Wuhill8l011
25·28 ............. HIDk ............ Belle .....•..... JltkSOb
29·32 ..............Joe ................ DIIC ........... C.lTsoa
33·,36 ............ .slm .............J.lne ............ MOrgiD
37-40 .............Adlm ............ E1;u ............ Jones
41·1~ .............. SOb ............. LIPU ........... Bulloek
1>'18 ..............Ilke ............ HnD.lh ........... Hlle
ot9·52 .............. On ............C,rTle ............ $cOl!
53-56...... . .Roy ............. Oi101 ........... bile
57·6(1 .............. BcD ............. Lesl,e......... .. Lee
61·M .............. Pctc ............ Ll11un .... Yucs
65-68 ............. .Ike ............. Emml ........... Rogers
69·72 .............Jesse: ............Netllc ............ Sbde
73-76 ........ .. ...Dick .. ... ... .. .Amcl" ........ ... Fisher
77-80 •............. Hll . .........Cemude .......... Sllrr
8HH .............Fnnk ........... i\lUlie ........... Cody
S>8S ............. Buck ............ Willl ............ Cny
89·92 .............. P" ............ t.1.udc... ...... Wlia wrigbt
93-% .............. AI ............. AIIIIIC ........... Colby
97100 ............ Wym ............ lucy ........... Donov.lll
3H9
 TABLE 6.5·21: SAMPLE HUES (CUEA. IEXICO. WEST !BIAS) TABLE 6.5·23: SAMPLBPBMALBCHEROKEB NAMES
Roll (diDO ) I\bJe Fem,k SUfD<lmC Roll (dlOO) Englisb EquivlleDt IP rollulICIllioll]
0117 .........Jose ........... M.. " .......... MminCI 01·04 .......... Muy ....Mel' fM1Y Icc]
\8-30 ........ IUID ..•Gu<lddupc •. . .Cudl 05-08 .... , . ,Smh .... Scgi [S,y gc]
31-'10 ...AblODio . . . ... Au .... . ..Ch;lvtl 09-12 ........ Elizlbtrh ....... Ahsl'lucti [A lee u kWly Ii]
4146... .Albeno ......... Romio .. . .. .5nchcz 13-16 ... . ..... MuglTet ....... 1\118' y"i [I\hh glh YClIC}
47·52 ....... Rohmo .. .Iubel ..........CoDlllcs 17·20 ........C,thcrille .......Gen .. i(n.) [C,y u ..eeoJ
SJ-56 ........ Luis ... Luiu .......... Romero 21·24 .........Muthl .... 1\11d, [Ml h d,]
57-60 ........Jorge ... . ...... Ron .. . .... Molltop 25-28 ...•••.•• N,O'y ......... Ne(oi)si [NlyO sec]
61·63 ....... Miguel .. .. .... .Culi .....T fu,illo 19-32 ...........">on ., .......T5(lse .... i [10 51Y we I
6'1-66 ...... F'IOC'$<;O. • ••.•••. EVi ...... Lopez )3·36 ..........Jlne ..... . .Jcoi lJ~y ote}
67·69 ...... Pedro .......... MarT1 ........ Lu tero 37·40 .... Elin ... .E1iu [E Icc 51]
lo·n ......Culas .......... Eleol ............. Bitl '4H4 ......... .suuo ... .sU5'( OO) {SueSlo]
73-7<1. . ..Ji,·itr ........ .CumcD. . .... Clllcgos '45·'1B . . •. HIDUh ........ H'01 [HI 011
7~76 ...... Rodflgo ....... .. Lupin ... P,dill1 ~9·52 .... , .... Hmic! ........ Hcqulli IHly k.... llC]
77-78 ....Julio ... E5pIDI .•••.••••.•• Vigil )3·56. . .. RehccCl ....... ,QUCqUCgl [Kw.y k.. ,y g,1
79-8() ......J o~qulm .... l upc ..........Cullinrcz 57-60 ..........Mui~.. .M.qui, [mlh kw, I]
81-82 ...... Domingo .. P~loml ......... 5~Qdo"d 6l-6~ .......CnoJinc ........Qequob(ni ) lG1Y kwo 11 lie]
8J.S4 ....... Vuco ....JUIOIU ........ RodTlguez 65-6B ..........Ellell .. . ... Elco; [A by oee]
85-86 ...... .JgllJeIO ........ Espc:Tlllz~ . . ..Hernndez 69-72 ........ LouJ51 ......... lu .. isIILou .. eu]
8],88 .. .... .!knito .......Consuelo ....Torres 73·76 ..........Julil .....TsulillJe.. Icc IJ
89·9(J .......C.spar .........Cluiu .. . ..Jmmi/lo 77-80 .......... lucy ......... l usi [lou sec]
91·92 ......Akl,ndro ....... Alellodn .. . . .. Vddez 81·8'4 .........RlChc1.. . ..Oumc1i [Kwly Ily lee]
9J9'4 .....Guillermo .. . .TcrC5~ ............ Drliz 85·88 ..... Lydi, .. l idi, [l e de lh]
95-96 ....... Mmeo .. Adchi.:b ..Slluu 89·92 ... Emily ..£mel' [A molY Icc]
97·98 ..... Rodolfo ......... Novi~ ...... Herrer, 93-% .......... Anu .........£ nll A Ill]
99·100 ......EotJ'Iue .. Pit, . ..........Cordon 97·100 ......... frlllccs ,.W'qucsi [WI k... y see]

"Whit.. thert are mallY Indian tribes. Sequoyah is the only

lountry a$ understood by Europeans and IImerilans, and the
TABLB6.5·22: SAMPLE MALE CHBROKEB NAMBS Scq uoyans hold th~ mosl political, industrial ond financial
pow~r of all th~ tribu. Ch~roJ:u is thr rifJiciallanguflg~_O)
Roll (dlOO ) English Equivllcn! [PJonuoci,tionJ S~qlloyah, alld IIIOst Sequoyans in the Shattered Frolltier
01 0'4 ..........John... .. ..TUb' [JaceJ /lOW t rallSlalt an English Ilam~ into Ch~roku, translate the
05-08 .. WiJli,m .Wilihml [We Icc h, mil meallillg of their nafi'Ut name into the English equivalent
09,12.. . ... Jlmes. . ...Tsemi Uiy mel alld take English SIIrnames, or choou romplerel] English
13-16 . ..Gcorge . __ .TUlsi U,h jil given names (md JllrllameJ.
17·20 ......Thomls Domui [Doc mlb ~eeJ
21·N .........Ch~rlcs .... ..Tnli fJI leeJ
25-28 ..... ....Heory ..... He(oe)",i [Hlyn we]
19·32 . __ ..... .Joseph ..T5(lse .... i [10 uy ....el
TABLE 6.5·24: NICKNAMBS
33·36 ........ 5,mucl . 5,mi lS, mel Roll (dlOO ) N.me EnmJlle
37·'40 ... . .Dlvid ..... De .... idi [Oly .. e deeJ 01-20 .....[bolSCd Oil pilec of birthJ ... Mexicolo Bob
'4H'4 ...... Robl::rt .........QUlqUl [Kw, kW1J 21-40 . ... .[bISCd 00 lo .. est Ability Score] ...Slo .. fool Jlke
15-'48 ......... Jlcoh .... .Tscgoqui nlY go kwe] '41·60 .... .[b,scd 00 higbCSl Ability xo,,) ..Bull T.tylor
49,52 .........Duid ... . .. Denit. [Oly OC lecl 61·80 .....[b~sed 00 Quirk or Fbw. if lOY] ..Luy Ike
53-56 ......... Edwud ......... Ediwldi [A de .. ,h del 8HOO .....[blSCd 00 clothing or gurl .......Wiochester Lucy
5].60 ........ Beol,min .......Que(ni )tSlmi [Kwlyn)1 me)
61·6'4.... . .. Pmr ... . ...Ouidl [K..'e dlJ
65-68 ...... .In,' ... . .E51gi [A sec lie I character's place of origin. Th ese lists are by no mc;ms
69·72 .. . ....Aodre..... . .. E(oi)diu [AiD di OlJ cxhaustiw:. and players may choose or roll randomly Oil
73-76 ... R'chud ........ ,Quih,di [Kwe hl de] these tables, or simply usc them as a place to SIart Iheir
77-80 ........ Mich,el ....... , .Mlgl!! [I\hh 8' Icc] own research. You do not hm'e to spend a HP 10 rc·roll
81·8'4 .. Fnncis .. . .....Gdv(oi)s' [Glh luhn sceJ on thc name (or nickname) tables.
85·88 ......... Le .... is.. . ... l uyi [Lou yel
89·92 ... , ... , .Pmkk .........Qulquigi [KWI k....c gc]
93-96 .... , .... Albert ....E(li)qUl tl [A I k....,tCj
97-100 ....... Frederick .......Cuicqucgi [G,h dly kwc ge]

390
 Chapter 6.61 Frontier Slang
Wan l to imroduce SOtnl' Shattcn.'<i Frontier slang inlO your
game? This section gives ),ou some basic words and phrases, along
with defmitions for Ih05(" terms you might not be tOO familia r .....jlll.
Ace in the H o l e: T his is the secret you'\'(' ko:-eping from C'o'Cf)+
bod)' - the one that's gonna ~a\"C you r haco n when yO\L usc it. Or,
if you're playing: poker. it's I,hen the lint card the "holt: card"
you're deah is an Ace.
Adobe: You'll find mO~1 adobe buildings in i\ ic;o;;co, but tllty
ain' t unheard of in \\'yoming or ,\ Iontan:l, either. Adobe is JUSt
sun-hardened brick madt." outta clay, straw ;ll1d waler.
Aim: T his can mean Ihal )"Ou're gelting ready to Shool, or that
you intend to do wmclhing. t\ s in, "I aim to amble dm.,'n 10 Ihe
~aloon and gct myself a dri nk."
Amble : If you' re ambling, rou're s\I'Oliing casually at a sluw
walk,
Amigo: The l\ lt'xican " 'ord for "friend," IJut vou ,\Iready kne',
tllat , right amigo?
Ante: \\'hen you .mte, \'ou hand 'IOIUNhinl{ o\'er \0 \QmeOlle
else, o r pa)' them. " Bill owes me S2. but he ain't allied up \'e\." In
gamblin~ terms, it means 10 make a bel.
Artillery: Depending all context. this tall mean a cannon. or
any sorta firearm.
Badland: T his IS land that's no good for ra nching: Badlands
ha\'e little or no I't:getation, and lots of bi!:; rock formations, like
bunes and mesas,
Bandito: This is what we call a l\Jt-xicall bandi!.
Barking Squirrel: If you're riding out in the prairie, you just
might sec one of these v:H'1ninu. Some lolks eall them "prairie
d~."
Baron: Generally, a man that OWIIS .1 lot of cattle "cattle
h:lron ") or land {"land haro n "),
Bean Eater: T his is ~lang fo r a i\ lexican.
Bible Puncher: A penon who's ah,'aYS quoting Ihe Bible,
I"hether he's a preacher or nOl, is a " Bible puncher,"
Blowups: T hese 3 1'(' qU:lrtZ formations jlllting through the
ground, exposing their vein-streaked ~ urfaces,
Blue Back: T his nickname refers to paper monC'l from the
CSA,
Blue Belly: Anybody from the North, 'specially if the) foug ht
in the Wa r.
Bone Orchard: T his is wh;1I we caU the cellleu~ry,
"Boot Hill."
Boot Hill: This is a special kinda (emetal') - one ...·here the
occupa nts a rc mostly co\\'boys, or othrr boot-wea ring folks,
Bosh: Another term for "nonsense:' As in " He's lalking a lot of
bosh."
Brave: This is another name for an Indian fighter.
Bro nco: Any wild homb re or unbroken horse might be eall('d a
bronco, or J. bronc,
Buckboard: This here', a two o r four-person not cargo ,
wagon, wilh a springboard noor a nd sealS ~il1i\lg 011 sp rings. It
makes rour lrip across bumpy territor,), a little 1<.:5s painful.
I
Bug Juice: Thi~ is slang for alcohol.
Bunk H ouse: This is "here the rallch hands sleep. usuaJl)' in
box beds, or bunks. No female~ allowt'd,
Bushed: If you say you're bushed, it JUSt means you're tired.
Cantina: This he~'i what Ihe :\lexicans call a $.1100n,
C hue k H o u s e: :\ Iiniug eamps and ranehe( muall)- maintain a
small building Ilhert' the cook works, and this is il.
C hu ck Wagon: This is the cook'~ ... ,Igon. It c;lrri('s himself
and his I{car along on callie drives,
C laimJumper: If)'Qu claim ~omcthillg that ain't yours, you're
a claim Jumper. Folks that usc this term are grnerall) talking .II)Out
land or mines.
Color: This is another tcrlll for gold a~ found in lhe "ild.
C OITlpadre: :\1 051 folks u~c thi~ :\ lexic,LI) wo rd to mean a dosc
friend or partn('r "pardner"
C owpoke: You C<ln find dll'se lellcN Oll cattle dri\"e~. t;\ki ng
thrir ho~~'~ cow~ to ~dl.
C yprian: This htI'C" a fancilicd way of ~y;ng "',hon::'
Dealing froITl the Botto ITl: If you're
dealing from Ihl' bottom (Of tlle deck, it
means you'rt a cheal.
Digge r : T his is anOthcr ternl lor a
miner.
Diggings: \'our di)!:~ng~ are II here
you're II'orkin,: <II, if you're ,1 miner.
Din e ro: This here\ ,,!tm the
:\icxican, call mOTl~·.
Dodge r : This is a primed pi~e of
p.lper tlmt t!'lls )'OU abolll OUt];l\\1; and - ,,-
OIher folb: II allied by tht, ta\\,
Dogie: t\ calf with no mother is callcd a "dogie,"
Drag: This is the heavier black sand thaI TI'1llains in a prospec,
tor's pan after the lighter ",-'dimcnts run ofT.
Equalizt:r : Thi~ i~ another name for )'our firearm.
Fandango: ,\ fandango is a big 01' party, or dance wilh loIS of
folks celebrating
FeUe r : This is another word for man, or fello\\, Somctim~ abo
pronounced "fella,"
Fill)': If you're talking about a fill}', it'~ a young femalt: either
See also horse or human,
Firewater: l'lere's anothcr 1I,lIne for \\hiske}',
Fixings: Your fixings arc sort of like your personal posse!lSion$,
though some folks u'e it 10 mean food.
Flea Trap: This h('re'~ anothc-r term for your bedroll. or sleep-
in,': bag,
Float: L.1rgC pieces of (Iuartz snap off and lumble down slopes
"here thc)' rOl11e to rest among bcrb of broken rock and gr.wd.
This i~ called a 'f]m!'.
391
 Flood Gold: These an:: small particles of gold dust found In
streams and ril'ers, that are fa r away (sometimes miles) from their
original souree.
Foreman: The foreman·s the feller who's in charge of some-
thing usually a bunch of rallchhalld~.
Gallery: If you're lucky enough to own a hou<e, the gallery is
)'Our front porch.
Gangue: Here's another tcrm for qU:lrtz.
Gee: T his is the geneml comnl!lnd to Illilke your herd or team
turn light. Sec alsu "haw."
Git: This is sIanI\' for the word "go" or "gel,"
Green horn: .-\ greenhorn is a feller who's IllW 10
He's sometimcs just callcd a "grecner."
Gringo: T his i~ the t\iexican's slang te r m for a whitt, man, o r
some other kinda foreigner,
Horn: This is lhat round bit that sticks lip in the front of your
saddle. Also an "apple" or "pommel.·'
Horning In: If )'ou're horningin, you're pushing in ~ome\\ hcre
that YOli ::lin'l suppnscd to be, or where folks ain' t happy to set' YOll.
"S;\]Jr <lnd I were trying to l1:\\'c a nice quiet lalk. but Pete kept
horlling in."
Indian Broke: For SOIlIC reason, il seems like most Indians
mount lheir horl'e~ 011 thc righ!. A horse !h<ll'~ "Indian hroke·'
dOl'sn't like to be mOlll1\c<1 011 the left.
Iron: If you're OU! on the trail, thi~ refers to your dining warc
(fork , ~p()on and knife,. t\ " branding iron" i~ \I"ed for branding,
natul1lll). while your "dlootin.e; iron" gener:tll~ refers to your pi ~to1.
the 'Vest. Java: Thi ~ is slang for colTt'e,
Jes' : T his i~ a shortened form of 'just."
Jigger: If rou jiggercd your horse, it meam you t.ired i! out.

Grub: Your grub is rour food, If )'ou'n: silting down for grub, Kin: Be,idcs it~ nOl'mal1l1eanin~ for lamil), this is also slang for
you're <ilting dowll for a meal. "can."' For e;o.:ample, ··1 think I kin 'Ce." him (In tOP of that ridge."

Grubstake: If you loan money to somebod) '0 the), can stan Kit and Caboodle: This is slang for "eleryuling.'· For e;o.:anl-
up ,I 1.IU<incs>, you're !,ol\"ing them a grub<take. Thi< /l:em'rally pie, "1 left my horse, pam, and lOols in camp. but somebody came
refers \(I a loan to a miner. alon~ alld stok Ihe "hole kit and caboodle:'

G y pped: j\ fella "ho drink~ gypsum-contantinated water, and Lad.ies of (he Line: T he$<: ··la<li('s'· arc whores who set up
gelS hisself a sl omachach~. hasjust gotlen "gypped," Folks usc this thcir business along the trails outside of camps and cowto"n5.
term to refer to gel!in~ che;'lIed. too, As in. "Dang! Thai store- Leather: Besides the." olwio us usc, you might I1se "icatller" to
keeper b'YPpcd me!'- reft'r to )'Our saddle 01" your pislOl holSkr. Drawing" a gun is '·,lap-
Hac ienda: Thi. is what the :\Ic;o.:icans call a hi~ rauch building, ping lemh.:r:'
usually owned by a wealthy <umbitdl. Line Boss: This i~ the fdi<'r in ehargc of a group of cowhors,
Handle: .\ fdler's naml", or ,~hat~\'er hl"~ callin~ himself: i~ his when thev're a"a, from the." ranl{e." boss. such as 011 a lille camp.
handle. Line Camp: Thi~ i, "here a ranch might k(""ep a few ranch
Haw: Thi~ here's the 1':e."I1e."ral command to makc your herd or hand, to make." sur("' Ihat their cattle don't ,,<tllder awar0/" 10 make
le,\Ill tunl left. St'e also ",,:(ec:' Sllre his nei~hbor'~ cattle don't u,c hi.. grazing land l.

Heeler: If you r dog's trainf"d to hcrd Catlll", yOll gOI yefllclf a Line Riders: Thes~' are the ranch hands of the line camp.
heder. Lucifer: .\nOlher term for a match.
Hemp Fever: If you ju~t got yeNdf hung, you caught hemp Maverick: If you've gOt a bunch of unbramkd COW<, )'Ou\'e
fc"cr. gOt yerse1f ~om.: m'1\'crich. Slealin~ mal·cricks ain't illcgal. I 1"('o.::k·
011 because if you'n: fool e/lough 10 not brand your herd, )'OU
Hen Fruit: This hcrc'~ what "e call egg".
de~erye \, hat YOll get.
Hidalgo: T his is the ~lexican term fur a land b:lron. IIsually or
his own race. Mex: This i< a <honelled lerm for a :\Ic.xie<tn.

High Lonesome: This mean< going out and getting yer~lr

Me xicano: Here's ilnother term for a i\ lexican.
drunk. '"T hat fdlcr's on a high lonesome." Mite: This is ,lang for ·'liule."" FOI" e;o.:ample, '"That fellt'r looks
Hisself: :\Icaning "his self" - slang ro r "himself." a mite upset."
Hitching Post: You lie y01l1" horses to this, amigo. B lIslnc~scs Mo rmon Brake: T his is a log you can
or houses with lOIS of " isitol"S u'lially have their own hile."hing p0S\.\. use to slow down your wagon, if
you're speeding downhill a mite
Hoedown: At thi. pany, folks come to dance. too fast.
Hogleg: This i~ slang for JUS t about any long-barreled n!'·olvcr. Mother Lode: P rospeclOr~
Hole Up: If you need 10 hole up, you're hiding from ,olllclhin~ often 11") to '01101, traces of gold
or somebody. for example, "The marshars looking for mc. I need back to the mother lode." the
to hole lip for a fcw days," or "Let's hole up in thi~ cave until the original (a11<1 hopcfully large)
S110\\ SlOpS. source.
Hombre: ' n lis j ll ~t means ··man.·' Muleskinner: A feUcr who
Hooraw: If rou're causing a hooraw, [tmeans you're probably dri\"e~ a mule-pulled wagon is
shooting up the lown, or at least riding rOllr hONe somewhere ya called it llluleskinller.
sllOuldn't be -like on the sidewal k or into the saloon. Mutton Punc her: This Idler
Hoosegow: Thi, is a ~1ang word for the jail. herds sheep.
Necktie Party: \ Vhen twO or more
folks hang a feller by his ncck until hc's

392
 dead, thc(re h:wing a .lbow doillg mlll('thi n ~, :"1(1 tht')" re telling y01l1O do II or quit talk-
nelktie party. ing about it.
On the Peck: A felkr Signs: Quar'tl, bl;tci; \and and gra\eI bed.~ an: oft('ll preselll
"ho'.; "0 11 the peck" is \\ hell pb{"cr gold is fOllnd, and wizencd prO~[)cclors recogni;({'
sornrbody who',> OUI look- ttW$(' '~igm' in their qllc~t for Ihe du~il"t yellow l1Ietal.
ing and hopinlit for trouble.
Sin Buster: This is 'lI1other term for a preacher.
Owlhool: .\11 ollihoOl
is allot her term for .1 Skinned: \\11CII 1101 rererri",:\" to eUlting up allirna", this lIleallS
dnmk, or "n outlaw ridill,!; "alen:' A~ in. " Keep your f')'{'~ skinned. I think I ht'ar ~Ollleun('
coming.··
at nil;hl.
Sodbust~r: nli~ here's a nother t(,TlII fo r a r.1rmc[".
Palaver: If you and an
hombre are hal-in~ OJ Squltwznan: T hi~ is "hat ,Ollie [olk.s call a while man who's
palaver, you 'I'(' hal<ill~ a married !In Indian,
discus~ion.
Strung Up: If ,I ii:lk r\ /.:Ol1lm be stru ng up, it llleallS he\ going
Pardner: Your pardller, III' pard, is YOllr comrade. to he hUll,i:,
Persuade r: il loil fiJlk~ usc this word to refer to a reluln'T, ur Stud),: r hi< i, a noth er trnn for think ing, or eoneemrating nn
sOllletimrs a whip. ,gm(,thini{- For ('xample, " Fift)' dollars a hl'ad? I r('c koll I 'll have
P lacer Go ld: T his guld appl'ars in the leiI'm of dust. flake, or to ~tud) on that:'
nuggct~. It ·~ prOlll1utlccd "plath-air" in its mother lon~ue Sum bitch : r hi, h a ,how'lIed,lan!; in~lIh for "son of :t bi tch."
Spanish. but "plas,-er"' all1ol1~ En~Ji_IHpt'.,kill~ folk. It may ••hu 1l1' 'pt'llcd ",om bitch:'
Played OUI: [I' ~lJmethillq i'i "played out." it\ worthIes" or Tenderfoot : Like .':"fecnhuru, Ihi~ nlLllle rerl'rs 10 soml'one 11('11-
the re's nOlle It·ft. For e>.arnple. a mine II;th no mo~ I;old in it i, to the We,l.
played out.
Te xican: ;\ Idlt'r lronl the R"public nr Tt"xas.
Plumb: Thi~ is a ,\bll~ lIord thilt's wrta like "colllpleteh'"" or
Throw Down : If you "dl(01I dOI,-n" Oil a feller, it means \'Ou'r(.'
"('x:teu}." Fo r ex,ullpll\ .. , k ~hOl th.lt hornbrt'" plumh in th .. cell'
drawing }uur gUll ,lIIeI IJOinting it .11 him.
ter of his forehea{I.··
Trail Boss: Thu i~ the feller in charge of getting a herd from
Poke: This is gem.· mll),.t t{' I'm for sex ," 1'111 goin~ 10 th e "hon-- one place to anothf;r.
houS(' to hlL\"e a IJOkt':' , but also means a ~maJl hal;: Ihat hold~ a
fcllcr'~ golrl du~t. Vaquero: Sometimes spt'lled vacqllrl"O. thi! is dlC te rm for a
:\ It'xi.;an cOIII)(l\_
Polecat : Herf;'§ another te rm for a -kunk. dlthouC'h folks <11'0
use it to o:fer 10 !omeOl1r thC\ don't like. \Vhoop: ,\ 1-IlOlIp I, a \h'llIl, ,HId ""hoopin,~ it up" llIeam
1~IU'rt:' ha\ ill~ a ,ll:ood lillll" r-p"('jalll if thl're 's dlinking and ~hoUl­
Prairie Strawberries: .\n(l!h('r tcrmllir bcall~.
in~ im'olwd. ,\n Indian nli!!;hl IIhoop 1.]1(:11 he takcs a scalp, :1
Pull Leather: If you 'n° ridilll;: a hllckin~ horse. \'ou milll\! II ant pfo~jX"clor lIli,t{ht \,hoop IIhrl1 it 'trike\ i1 rich, 'lIld!KI on.
to pull leather hang on 10 the , .. ddle ,
Wish Book : Thi~ is tl1l' teflll I(u' jtl~t about an)' mail.o rd er cat-
Quart:c Gold: Thi, is gold tllat's st ill c llcapsulated in sto ue. and alog', ~ ill (O: tlwn"s lllll;ly' sOIll('thill.'!; in it that you II"j.h you had,
requirt's :\I1 CIlOfmous amount o f brute laLor. ('xpe nsi\'(' ma ch inery but can't ani wd,
and ca pital to mine properl y, It'5 ;II~" known aSl(old ore.
Yer: Th is is a ,hortetlcd form of '')"our'' o r "you're:'
Range Boss: Thi ~ feller lIlak t 's su rt' 1L1I thc chores Otl! on the
Yerself: This i~ , Iall$: for '"}'Our,dr,"
r.mgc gel done,

Reach for the Sky: If you hear' this. it 1lH':IIH 'otllcbody wants
~uu to
put )uur hand~ up in thc air,
Reckon: This is a ~1;lIlg 1I'0rd for "think ," "or example.
'" I'('ckon the SlagI' noghlta grt here tOlllorm"."
Red Eye: H l'r("s another te r m for "hiskc\,
Riding H e rd : If ~"u'rt' tidill'C herd, it means you'r('
herdinll: cattle. or that you're gua rd ill'C something:
Rub Out: If yfm 11.111110 nth <;omeOIlt· Out, it means ~UII
waitt 10 kill thelll.

Saddle Broke: If your hoI'\{" let~ )uu pllt a saddle 0 11 hi~

back, it lIle:1II5 hc's Sltddle hrokc.
Scrub: A S('m b i\ a hor'>(' o r CO" that's of ;;ueh poor qual.
it) lhal nn om' \Iants to hrec'd Ie.
Shindig: A _hindig is'1Il nil-night harn dal)('I'.
Shoot or Give Up the Gun: If soml'iloc\Y tells you to
"dlOot or givt' up th(' gUll," it mean~ yo u'v{' Iwen talking a lot
Pmirit Jlrm{'btl'rifS are a (0111 111011 meal Ollt 011 the Tallgt,

393
 6.71 Index
A Brief O \,C";CI\ of the Shattered Frontier Ruhe r ......... . .......... 195 Character Generation ............... J 7
............. . .. 1·1-0 Basic Shooting ,\ ctiolls Explained ... 9 Charisma.. . .................... 22
A T:llc of Threc Town •.. ... 157 Uasketmakt:r ......... . . [95 ChaSt:, Ending the. . . . . . . . . . .135
Ability Clwcks .23 Uallles for Independencc _ . _29-1 Cheating, Detailed Example of . . .. 252
Ability Scores. 18 Beforc you Iwad out .. ........ 225 Chemi~try .. . ... 342
.\bilily ScOTtS, Creating. ... 24 Ike;inning Play. . .132 Ch"rry Pic king ............ . .30
Abili t)' Scores, Rolling. .... 24 Bch~\'ior and ·lcmpl."ranW111 .. [26 Cholera ........................ . .87
Accidental Shots ......... . ...52 Bdo\\ Lower Cia,s rBLC1 ..... 385 Chuck·a-Luck .................. 248
.-\clion Order ................ _ ... 10 l~elling ............ . .... 93 Climbing .. .342
Addiction .......... . ... 277 Big Troublc COIll(,S in Big l'acbges ... [16 Close Q uarter Accuracy l\·lodificrs ..... 54
Adjusting Abilit} Scon:_ .... 24 Binh of thl." u:me Smr Republic. . ... 292 Close Q uarter Combat ............. 53
. \dminist ration .................... 332 BI ~ck Hol"1C _ . . ... 153 Close Quarter Wounding .... 55
I\ dv;"mccd Aetion· Hased tl lodilicr8 ... 57 Black Horse, H istOIY of . .153 Clothing & Equipment . . . . . . .. 128
j\ dvanccd Penetration Dice. .. 59 Black HOl"lw Town O il"<"t:IOI) ........ 155 Clumsin("S.s . . . ......... 52
Advanced Rules fmort ...j7 lilacksmith ............... I95 Cobbling ........................ 342
Advanced Sighling f70 BPI 37H Blacksmithillg/;>' ]('lal"orking .337 Collabonuj,"C Effort. . . . . . . . .. .37
A<h'anecd Weapon-hased ~ I odifien; .... 57 Bleeding Dama~c and H ~alin~ T illlt: ... 69 Color ........................... 124
Adventure Hooks. . .............. 146 Blind·,hooting (45 IU' ........ .378 Colt 1867 Lightllillg ... J 04
Ag<' . . . .. . . ..................... 27 Boarding House Operator ......... 196 Colt 186t1 ........................ 109
Age and Sex IHtJrscs ............ 125 Boating _ ......... 337 Colt nisler .. . . . . . . .105
Agrieultun' . . ................ 333 Body tl lass Index. . .............. 28 Colt Dragoon ......... .. . . ...... 101
Amcrican Arm~ Den ingcr ........... 99 Book Publishe r .196 Colt Flattop Target .105
American War. PI. 1: 1851·]fD2 ..... 30i Bookbindin~ . . . . . ... . .... 338 Colt :'>Iavy ............ • ... . .102
Indian 'Icnilory Transformed ......309 BootmakerlShocnl<lker. . ........ 196 Colt ~e" Line. . . .99
Afterm:nh of thl." B."l.ttle of ~ I u"k~ .310 BOlany .. . .3:~8 Colt Pat("l"wn ..................... 102
Elccuon of 1852 ........... 310 Boulu) Hunter ..... 19ti Colt SA-\ .. 106
An Arml."d Camp ........ 3ll BI~lin Fl"\'er ... Rti Common Di"ea,es ..................86
Southern Diplomacy ............. 311 Brn\\ling ...94 Competition J.nd Claim Staking. . .243
!\ mcliC:1rJ \\"ar, PI. II : 1854-1855 .... 312 Brt"akin\:i a Hor""c . . .1:'10 Conslitution............... . .... 21
A i\l'W All) .......... 313 Brtcrls Horse ..... 122 ComulUtiou Bonu~ and Pc!!,!!lic. . .70
The La~t 1·luzz.:lh ........ 311 Brewer..... .197 Consumption .. 87
Afte rmath ........•....... 315 Brewing .338 Cook ... 198
Ammo Failure .............. 51 Brickmakcr ...................... 197 Cooking ......................... 342
Animal Emp:dhy .... 333 Bmnc Busting .................... 339 Co-op Gamemastcring ........ 144
Animal Herdiug ....... 331 Bronchitis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 CooI>cr ... 198
Animal H ushandry .334 Buft""l.lo H unter ................... 197 Courage 10 Bl') .378
Animal Lon: ........ _ ........ .335 Building Point Awards. . ..... 1fl9 Cover and \ 'isibi[ity .... 44
Animal ~li micry .......... . ... 335 Building Poims . . ................. 18 Co" boy .199
Animal Training ............ 33.') Bmincs. owner cafe. hardware ".)re. Crac k Shot (50 BPJ ... 378
Animas Valley, Historr of ...... 155 gener-II store, ele . ................. 197 Cradk (Rocker Box) _239
Apotheca,:' .. . ........... 193 Butcher ........ . ... 197 Craps ................. 248
Apprai<al .. 336 Caliklrnia Q ucst ion .... 306 Croup .88
Argumt:nts. Closing (Trial l ........ 271 California Rcpub[ic . . .299 C ultUrt (nationa[ity or tribe sp<!eific) ... 343
.\rl,(umctlts. O pening Tria[ __ _269 Calligraphy/Si~l!llaking ............ 3010 Current Aft,irs .. 343
Aroostook \\"ar .. 303 Camouflage .... 340 Daily Grind .. 226
Arsenic. . ..91 Campail;l1. Challenge of Running a Western Damage Bonus (75 BP) .. 378
Artillel')' & Explosi\"(,s ...60 .......... _ . l olO Dangers ................... [33
Ani~t .193 Campaign E,ems ................. 150 Dead Eye .50 BP) .. 378
Artistic. \ bilit) ........ 336 Campaign, Impact of Timt' on the .144 Deadly Shot (50 BPJ .............. .379
As,assin ... 19~ Campaign. O n.Goiul:" ........ [39 Deception ......... . ...... 343
ASllll~" Observation (50 BPI .... 378 Campaign. Ph. ying tIll" _ .. [76 Dehydration, Eflcc\S of ............. 228
Author.......... ........ . .[9·1 Campaign, RUllllillJpJW ............ 141 Demolition .................. . .... 34-1-
Background ......... 6 Cannons ... 61 Dentist ...................... I~
Bait and T;ICkk™ .. 116 Card ganws .249 Dt:ntiSlT), .......... 345
Baker. . . . ......... . ...... 19-1 Carpt'l\lC"r ............. . ...... 198 Deseret . ...... 300
Baker D rilling ............. . ... I U9 Carpenll)' .............. . ...... 341 Deserter .......... 385
BaHard·Crccdlllorc ................ 1 12 Cartogmphy .341 Detailed Example of a G un fight .63
Banished ............... 386 Casua[ties. .230 D["tailed Example of Complicated Wounds
Banker .................. . 19-1 Cattl,· Uusin<c:ss, TIll" .. .220 ..... 72

39+
J)('u,.-ti\1· .. I~l Felon 386 HoN.: Bf{'t"cb. Light ................ 122
Outen!,' .. 211 Fidd G"ar ....... ....... . .2M HoN', Catching a \\ild .. , ., .. 129
Di{:c Game' ... · .... :lI8 Finding Wurk . . . , .1 iA 1'101":;1' Ranching ... 12Q
Diphtheria ..... 88 rirt.Buil{ling/l~)[ti nl{Ui"h inl!; ......... 3 1B Horws, DI,lft . . . . . . .123
Diplnm;u.)' ...... 345 Firing thl' First Shot .........9 Hor<Cs, Hertl")' Harnc:~~ or Coach .... 121
Diplomat ............... . .200 First Step Pb )in~ th\.' Crtmpaif~n ... ,1;6 Hol"\\"s. :>ample. . .......... 1].1
Di.ca.<e§ ........ . ...... 86 fishing. . . . . . . . . . , ,:1oI9 Hotd Operator .... 203
Disea~.·s. C.,tdli1U; . .. 86 na\\ s ..... . .. 326 Ho\\ Awards Work ................ 1fIR
Di>l{Uist ........ ,. . 345 Flinchin~ , . ... , .45 Huntinl\' .... ... 352
Distractioll ... . ..... . 346 1'0'1;('1"\ .... ... :H9 HunLinll;' mid Fishing . . . , . · .2M
Doctnr . .100 Forl;t"lIahle Fa('.' ,'25 HI' .. .11l0 Id1.: Gossip .. ... 353
Dodg(' 25 BP . . . 379 n lnunl' Tl'Ilinll; .. ... :HI) Impmvcd.\rcofFire 15B P , ..... 3S1
Dri\'e . 224 Fl't'M SI;tH.' ' . .186 Indian Rd; ltioni .. , . ...... :299
Driviu!/; the Herd frdl(itt /lI'anmer .. . .. 101 InfectiolUi. , .. 70
OO\'ill1:", st.""lgl'('oa('h /w,"~oll . .. . 346 Fri('nds and :\lIil." .. ,I ili In/hl\'llza ....8R
Drug, · .... 27li C;lits .. l2i Inheritanco: 10+ BP ....... ,.. . ..381
1)1"\' Di~~in~ aka CO)"Otil1~ .239 G"mbkr .. .:11)2 Inili.ltilc ,\lId Spl'ed. . . . ....... 8
Election uf I Ris: Dc.nh Krtdl of the G.II11blinl( ... .3:)0 11~llli"~. ~1)('{'i6c . . . .. . .. 71
Rcpublit .. Game Tim(' Imdlig(,IKI" .. _ .19
EnCClll11t.·rs ...
... :105
· ..... '231 Caminl{ "'
350 Intl'rpretcr ....203
Enu,unter'<. Spet:i.,1 .:131 Gatlin!!; Gun_ .till Inu:rmg;lIi.,1l ... . . . . . . . . . ..... 353
En{lur.ll1ce 15 BP , .379 Gt·itf Failur(" . ..., I InLimidativn .........354
Englncl"r ... , .. , . ..... 200 GooI~ UO Imroducinll; the I'LI}'Cr< to the S;U1dbos .145
Enginccring Dcsil;ll .. .,:Hlj Gil,\ ;\lolls\{"r .ctl j.tck Rabbit 'pt'ffl 20 BI' .31l1
Engineering. I,OCOllloti,l' /Steamboat .3-ti Gkan Inlorm;,tiun :t'll j ewd('r .. . :W·I, 35,1
Erncnaincr . . . . . ........ , . , .200 Gold . ...... .~36 j uke Tcl1i1l).": . . . .355
I~ap... r\nist ..... , . .. . .348 Cold, Genin~ thr .... :H2 J ournalism/Composition. . .355
E!;("aped 51;,\'c ......... . .385 Gold Sltikt- .. 151 journalist ... . ... 20'1
Cxample of " Coulllrr . \('tion .... . .97 Golden Opponunity 116 .Jud1:"c .. ......... . ..... 201
Examplc of a Hcad Bult ... 98 Grnn'fi ,l E11I1'311CclEs it ... 3')1 jud~t"5. Crooked ... ,... . ..... 268
Examplr of a Ralc , ............. , .~5 Gr.1U'S and Li'lht \\'ound~ .....67 ,1ulI;'1!;lillg ..... . .. 356
Example of ., Tim(' Out .. 95 Cr;ll.int.: .. 2'27 Juror roilll ~ . . .... 267
Example of Iktting .md tl1(' Fir,t !'unch 9-l Gn.-;L'\.'d 1..i\!"hlllin'l :WIIP 'UUI .Jun ..... 266
E.:'(ample of Spurom; ,Ill OPpOlll'n! ., -<HI
E..\amplc of Stunllin~ , . . .. .. . ... 96
Grt·.lI .\mhidt);.I\'rit\ 2j BI'
Grifter
'.0
.:!n'2
Jury Ddii>l'I'ati(j1l
./ur\ Llmpl'fin~
.. 271
.. ,268
Examplo' of Using a Weapon ,... .9i Grifl,old & Gunnison . Ill;! Kcepinl; Dcath;1\ \rms' Ll'1H(lh ...... 1in
Exper1tllce ,\w"nb ....... .188 Grit ,50 liP ....... . .3BO KCI1IUcl, \\inda'lc 4.') SI' .. 381
E.\I>cricnces .. . ....... , . .46 Orubst;\king . . . . . . . . . . .:H I Knu cklcdu_tcr . . . .1 DO
E.\plo~il1"'~ ........ '....... . ......61 Gu,lnlian Anltd 130 BI' , .. ,J8U L.C. Smith .... , .. ,. . ..... , . . 110
Explosil't."!i Dama).,'C ..... . .. 6'2 Gun ror Hin.- .............. 203 L1 Rt'rt!;l ... ;,9
Explosivc's, J)l'1l'rnlinin!!; Locatioll of Il uried Guniil;ht Procedure. , ...... , . . .8 I ~'\lld Bruktr .... 20 1
.. ,61 Gunfighu .. ,S I..:lI1d Grah .. . II~)

Expn'~'man .. . .... 201 Gun"mith ,. .203 Langua~ ... . ... 356

Fa('in~ ....... . .... .42 Gunslllithing ..... 351 1_1udrt[\um , .. 276
F.lcin~ (Illd Cngel At"qutsiLion .... .'13 Handt..-dness .27 Lao.mdn . . . . ...205
Fame . . . . .. . . . . ... 23, IR) Hrtn~,Ul ... _ • ...... 203 I..;", · .356
Famc. Cakul(lting Staning .. ,25 Hal.an;l, .. ,. . .. I 33 I.aw. Rullo of · .265
Famt. Cau:gorirs of ........ , . .ISli He.ding and Hit Poin'" ......... 69 IAtl1 man. · .'20.'!
Filme EO("<:ts on Scr.tpes ......... .42 H l"alill~ Time ,. . ...tiC! I,.'\\\\t'r .. · .205
Fame: Gainin!!; and Losinfl; ..... 18i Hcarin q Tnrtl ... . ... :!ti6 IA,\zanh .. 15.'"1
rame: Individual, Group ,lIld F;mlily .. 186 I-kll"lY ,:jO BP ... '580 J.':lzaru, and the On-Going C:unp.'\i1:l1 .ISIl
Famt Poim$. A\\~trding ..... 188 Hl"i!.(ht rtlld Wei~ht ,n Lazarus. ht'llls of Intcn.-~t Conel'rnill!~ .1 jlc!
F,wlili:orTr.lil .... ,.. . ......... 133 Ht'nl)' Rille .112 Lcatlwmnrking .. 35 i
r:'\mih ".. . .383 Hiding . . . , ..... .352 Lc;\ 1:11 two.barrcl .103
Famil) & Sod;11 Cla.,s ............ 28 Hi~h Diet .. 218 Let CommOn SeIl)C I'rcl':lil .. 139
Filmil} Lo~t ... 14S Hindrallcc ...52 Linc of Sight .11
Em Firing 35 HI' .......... 380 Hip Shoot!"]" ,'25 HI' ... 38u l oistl'l1illg .... . .... 357
f~trrul'r ., . , .... 201 Hired Help, TIlt' ... . ... :.!:B Uveryman .. 20b
Faro .249 History. , ..... , . . . . . . . , ..352 l.ock Pickinlt .358
Farrin . . ... 201 Hit I'oim Bonus 20 IW ....... 3S1 Lockl;mithill~ ...... 35M
F.lst Healer' 10, .......... . . , .380 Hit Points ..... , . . . ...6 Lodgt"d Bullet, . , .. , . . . .. .,. . .;2
Fast ' I:tlkin.'l ... .. 34R Hilting tho: Trail , .... ,. . ... 226 Logging , . . . . . . . . . . .358
F~lSt Trrtckl; 10 Trouble .. .... 149 Hold Your Uquor !O 1.\ 1'). . • .'i81 L,{Jn~ -Ium ................... , ... 239

395
 Looks ...... 21 Opiulll ....... 277 Ranch. Growing the ............... 222
Lowe r Lower Class LLC) . . .386 Oration ....... . · .363 Ranch, Staning'l ................. 220
l..Qwer ~ I iddl" Class 11..,\1C) .. 387 O lher Qualities (Horses) .125 Ranch, Swcking a .......... 221
Lower Upper Clas~ (LUC) .388 Oulla" ....... . · .20B Ranch, Working Ihe .... 22-1
~ Iachinc Operating/Repairing ....... 359 Pa nn iug .238 Rancher (horse, cows, shcep. pig, etc! .210
1\ laking your Own Opportunitit.'S .... 180 [';lIming a site OUI . . . . . . . . • . .243 Ranching, Economics of ............ 22-\
,\l alari:. .................. 88 Pa rker .......... 110 Random Quirks and Flaws ........... 32
~I arkings ............ . .12·' Partial Skill Failun:: [t\dvanc~d Rule] ...37 Rapid Rdoad (20 BP) .. .382
J\ la rkings & Coloralion .. . ...... 123 Pcnctration Dilmag(' ... 13 R£;lding Cmnprehensioll/Penlnanship .366
~la rlil1 Stunewall DCl"llnger ......... 100 Pcrcl""ivc Tcndcnc~ 120 BPJ .. 381 Reading Lips .................... .367
.\ Iason .... 206 Pcrsonal Go.'!l, . . . . . . . . . . .. . .19 I Real Tillie .................... 144
~ I astery and l)iflicultv ........ 332 Pctty C riminal .................... 386 Reasons to Go \\'C~( .. 28
~ l athemalic~ .. . .............. .360 1'(")l)le ......... 277 Recording Game T ime ...... 14-1
i\ la.ximull1 Distance. ..... 62 Phase l)ur:ltion and Gaining 01cI' C hips Keco,""!:ry fi"Om Dehydration ......... 228
i\ kal Planning .. . .............. 225 ...................... 135 Rccmiling ... %7
i\ !cals and Lodging ...... 178 Phowgraplll:r .................... 208 Religion ......................... 367
Measles .... 89 Phowgraphic F'<luipmclIt ....... 264 Remarhble En'nl~ ... I92
i\lcchanic";ll Failure ... 19 Photograp h}· ............ . . 364 Remington ............... . ....... 11 1
i\lcdicinc ............... 360 Pick Pocket ... 365 Remington 1865 .. I06
~ I iddlc l..Qwer CIa:... 1i\ ILC) ......... .386 Placc of O rigin .................... 26 Remiub>10n Derringe r .............. 100
i\liddlc ~ [ iddlc Class (i\L\I C' ........ 387 I'layin' Chm:k·A- Luck . . ........ 248 Remington ~c" Army ... 10·\
~ liddk Upper Clas; (}. 1l}C ) .389 I'la>~n' Craps ............ 248 Kemington Pcppcrbo.x .............. 10 I
i\ lilil<lIy Engilwering .. 360 I'layin' Faro ......... 250 Remington Revolving Rill... . .113
i\ lilimry Smllegy/Tactiu ... 361 Playin' Poker . . . . . . . . . .. 251 Remington Rolling Block ........... 113
i\ liHe r . . ............... 206 Playill' Roulcllc ......... 233 Reputation. . .23, 181
i\ lillincr . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ...... 206 Pla}lll' Thrt"c Card ~I ont~ ....... 254 Reputation and :'>IPCs ............ ! B-1
.\I illillcr.... · .361 Playin' L"ndcr and Ol'er ......249 RcplIIation Bonus ·. 35 BPI ... 382
.\I imie D ialect .................... 362 Pll~ulllonia ..... .B9 RcpUlation, Calcul.tl~ Staning ...... 25
~ line Owne r .......... 200 Poison Oak .........91 Reput.ltion. CaH"gories of ..... 182
'\ Iining l)istricl'l .................. 241 Poi.<;on; . ...90 Repul;nion Effects on Scrape~ ..... Al
.\liscellaneou;; G,lIncs .............. 253 P.... k,'r · .250 Reputation, Family. 132
.\ Iisccllancous NOles Goods l ........ 26·1 Pok~r H ands ..... .. . . .250 Reputation, Gainin>: and Lo~ing .. 184
Mishaps & Failures ......... ..19 Political Uphe;lI'al ....... 150 RepUlatioll. Gmup .. 181
i\ lodifim ... 12 Politit"ian · .209 Reputation, Indilidual ........... 181
i\ lodular Rule System .........R Posse Forming Up · .147 Reputation Poinl'l, Awarding ....... 188
MOllct;'lry Awards ........ 188 POIICI) .......... . ....365 R.i.pul.ation Score and RL-putation IbinlS .183
i\ loonseed ....................... 91 I'n::adw r ...... 209 Resist Disease/ Infection (20 HI' .. .182
i\ lorphinc ............. 276 i'rescl1Iation of E\'id~nc~ ....... 2iO Resi.t Pcrsuasion ................ 368
Mountain .\ Ian ................... 208 Pre~idl'nlial Polilics ....... 302 Rr~ults of the Fir<t I\lnch and a Counter .94
i\lou11led Marksmanship <In BP ..... 381 PI;mitivt· Ran~('d Allacb ............ 59 R ichmond Armory .\ Iusket .114
.\ Iovemcnl and Shooting, Combining .. ..19 I'limilil"C Ran~d Weapon Usc ...... .365 Rive r Cros!ing . .229
i\ loI<t:ffictll. Doub1c-T illll· ........... 227 Primitive Ran>;rd Weapons ..... 11 Ri\'l.'r Damming. . . ....... . .240
1\·!o,·cmeHi. Normal. · .227 Primi1i"c Weapon ,\ b king .366 Rope esc .368
~ t o\~ng and Special Actions .......... 96 Plimer/ Binder. .209 Rouleltc ......... . ...... 253
.\ t o\~ng T,lrgclS .............. A·B I'liming Equipmt"nt . . ......... 261 Round-Up. The . .2N
i\ Iustangs ...... 122 Priors and Pan iculars ...... . . . .25 Rumors of War ... 150
1\ IYSlcryon tlw Ranch ... 149 Proression Paths. . ........ 189 S&W 44 0 .'\ .... 107
~I yths and i\lining Companit"s ... 241 Prospt"<:ting .............. . .. . .. 366 S&\\' DA Second i\ todd ............ 108
Names .389 Prospt"<:ting E\'cnt~ .......... 2H S&\\' R U5Si;1Il • .107
Naturalist ............. .20B Prospecti ng For Gold. . .......... 241 S&\V Scholield . .... 108
Newspaper publisher. · .208 I'rospecling Techniqucs .. . . . ..... 238 Saddler .210
NOll- Weapon It~uries · . .52 Prospector ....................... 209 Salesmanship. ..... 369
Notoriety .. · .184 PUllishmcl1lS .......... 274 Saloon O,,'ncr ..... 210
N PCs, sample ......... 166 Quality of Beef. . . . . . . . . ..... 227 ~awycr/Lulllbcrjack .211
Nursing ........ . .362 Quality of Bcef; Determining Ini tial .. 227 Scarlel Ih-er ... 90
:'>Iursing ..... 70 Quality of Beef. i\ lanaging .......... 228 Schonl'lcadlt:r .......... . . .... 211
Oaths ... · .18-1 Q uic k Aim (40 lW) ................ 382 Scorpion. Ilark........ . . .. 91
Observation .. . ................. 362 Q uick T hi nking (10 BPj .. . . .3R2 Scorpion, Olher ...................91
O bstad~s .13·1 Quirks ........... 316 Scout/Guide ..................... 211
OlTellses, Hangable. . ... 274 Q uirks and Flaws ................... 30 Scouting Ahead ................... 230
Olfenscs, J ailable (i\ t anr Years! ... 214 Q uil"ks and Flaws, Earning Bt> for ..... 30 Seamslress/Tailor ............. 2 I I, 369
OlfclIscs. :'Il illor (Fines or :'Il illimal J ail Raise the Colors ..... 148 Searching ........................ 369
Time) . . . . . . . . . . .27-1 Rake (H ra"ling! .. . .9'1 Seduction, An of .................. 370

396
 &~king Kt"t;ognition .... , .......... 295 Swimming ......... . ... 373 \'"inchestc r 1863 Carbine · .. 1 I 7
Sel Traps. .. . . . .., ........ 370 ' i:1Clicai ~ Iountcd .\ Io\'cm('nt .... , A7 Winchester 1863 ~ 1 1I. kel .. .118
Settling In .... " .............. 176 Tactical i\ IO\ement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 "'inc heste r 1863 Rifle ... · .. 117
Setup ......... , ..............93,131 Taking Ac tion ....8 \\'inche\ll'r 1866 Carnine .. ..... 11 8
Sn't"re Weather ................... 228 Tale nts. . . ......... 38 \\'illchc~M r 1866 II1mkel ..... .... 119
~'t"n: Wounch .................... 72 l anner/ Lcatherworker . . .......... 2 13 Wjnrhe~tcr 1866 riflt.' ' ... 119
Sha'l" C a rbinI' COIwC'"r<;ion . . . . . . . . 11-1 Telcgraph Equipment ............ 26-1 Wisdom ...... .. ...... 20
Sharps Long RanltC ••... .115 lClcgra ph Opcm tinl!; . . . ....... 37-1 Wo ulld rfli'("ts ...•.. ....... 67
Shallcred Frolllier, -1 1H~ . . . . . 1-10 Telegraph Opt-ralor ........ . .... 2 1:3 \\'ounding ....•.... 13
Shooling Action~ . . . ... 9 'Ii'rrain ........ 13 I \\'rt'$tiinl!; .... ... 55
Shooting D} nanIJI!' ....... . .63 Texas l..onl!;horn ... ,218
Shooling Procedure .... , . . ..... 10 Thrtt Card ~l o1l1e .:!.ll
Shot Clock ElCu'alXllation .... A I Thrown rrom the Saddll' . . . .... 18 TABLES
Shot on Ihe Run (.')() HI' ...382 Thundering Rails .. 150
Shotgun Shootin.g Procedure ........ AD Time .......... . ' hilit) PoinL<, G~nf"r,l te (Table 3. 1-9J ..24
.<l)
Sign maker .............. 211 Time and Failed Checb .\ t.'lion Ba~d ~ I odifierl< p:\blc 3.2-18J .58
· ... 3:t2
Silver. . . ..... 238 Timc and th .. Call1paii!;11 Addic-lions (Tahle 6.2.1] .. .31 G
.1 II
Si)"';l"!imith . .212 Timing I~"u e~ . . \ wng LOr-CL, p :1ble 3.1-12J ... . .... '27
.ti2
Sitl' Jcil'nion ........... 129 Tinsmith ....... . _ .211 ,\ nilllal. \ mi palh)· pahle 6.2-8J .... . 32i
Skill B<lsics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .:12 Tobacconisl . \m m.d Ph,)lJi'h pable ti.:?-2] ........ 317
.213
Skilll..carning ~ I odifier . . . . . . . . . . .35 Tools and uther Hardware ,\r~menl I'oinu, O p,'nin); (Table 5.6-til
.:.!b-I
Skill ~ l a~lrrv . ... . .36 Toll'rance . _ .... 269
.. li5
Skill i\ lasll'l"") Lc\'d~ . . .30 -Iollgh ~ .\'ails '25 HP ''"is-1m rr.lblt- 6.5-15] . . ..... 387
· .. 382
SkiUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,32. :t12 lown Ruildcroc .... B,ISic CI,,~e Q uant'r . \ctioru. p:1blct2-151
.. 151
Skills, A("quirin ~ and ImplToml'l .35 T owns & lhe Campaign ............ I 53 .53
Skills. Acq uiring \\ith Iklnus Building Poirm; l"racking ....... . ....... 131.314 Ba.,je ShootinK Aetiom r rabie 2.2-21 · .. If)
...... 35 Tmdcr Lin:slock. Fur. Dry goot"ls, elc. 21-1 1\(-10\\ l..o\\ cr CI;ISlI character _talUS
Skill.$. 811);nq .\cklitional T."1l1i(1 or
L:lli\1'"rsal Trail .22t> r fablc 6.5- 10) .. 385
............ , ... , ..... , .......... 36 Trailblazer ... nod) ~ I a.>!i Index labll.' .............. 28
.2 13
Skills, Puttinq to \\'ork ror \ uu ....... 179 Translxmation slage Hrt'aking An Oa th {Tabl.:- -I.2-IJ ... 185
.:!I'!
Skills, t.:si ng .......... ,.... . .37 Trial. Pla~ in e: a .21)6
IJI"f"Cd ~ lodiliers r fablt' 3.6-3J. . ..... 130
5kinninl{rTarmillll; . . 5iU T rial i'roct""S5 . Huildin~ Po ints. Spend Startilll\
• .26.'1
Slaughter . . . . . .'H I rrabk 3.1-101
Sleight or Hand .371
rri a!. The. .2bll
c'1.rd Di_tanH' Rl'pl"f",;t'nl"tiOlh
· •• ~:;J
'"
rroubll' from the 1'11.<1 • 1-I')
Slick Talker.. . . . .3i2 Typ('~ of Gold. . . . .. . . .237 ("lahl(' 3.;-21 ...... 133
Sluic( . . . . ... 2-10 Typc~ of Se",,(ons. ......... .138 C.tse ~Irru r Llbll' 5.n-l) .. . .... 266
Smallpox .... . . . . . . .. .90 L'nder and Ol"l:r ............ 2-1R Chari_ilia rrablc :U -7] ... . ... 22
Snake oil salc~nlilll ...... , .......... 212 undertaker.... .215 ChaS('~, DClerminin q J>ha'>Cs n'able 3. 7- IJ
Snake, C opperhead ..... 9! Uni\"Crsal Skills ............. 37 ...... 131
Sn3ke, Cor-II ................ 91 Upper Lower Class (U LC) Clreatin~, Cllillwe 10 nOlicl' ["I able 5.4- IJ
· .. :"186
Snake, CotionmOUlh ........ . .... 91 UP!>tT ~ f iddl e Clas~ (U,\ IC) . . . .387
.................... ... . ... 253
Snake, R a[\lt'~l\akc ... . .... •. ...... 92 Upper Upper Class vuel Chl'rokct' Samc!;, F.. m,.Jt·, Sampk
· .. ... 38C!
SncakinK . . . . . . .. . ... 372 \~1.I!;Tam (Tahle 6..1-'21] ..... 390
.......... '186
Social Cla$S ...................... 385 Vemriloquism Cherokf"e Xame~, ~ I ak, Sample
· .... .::lit)
Social Eliquene ...... , .•........ 372 \rtcran Gunfillhtcr '20 Br pable 0.5.221 .. 390
· .382
Soldier . . . . . . . ..... , ... 212 Vices H al"'\(" .. Cif(ulmt . mces of Birth f1ilble 6.S-la] .383
.126
SPO:'M and Accuracy ................. 6 \ ,gilante juslice .. Cr)1II1l10n J)i o;c.'ascs ['I:1.bll' 3.3"1 J .. .. ...86
....... .2b.)
Spencer C..uilint' ..........•....... 115 Wain wri~1 ..... Condili(>nal i\ l od ifi e~ p :1ble 3.3-SJ .... 86
......... 215
Spider, Blac k Widow ... , ............ 92 \\'anted ;\Ian .. Corhtitution r nlbl.. 3.1 -5J ............ 21
........ H8
Spidcr, IJrm\ 11 Reclu~ ...............92 Waler ..... . Con$lilutiolial Adjusllllent' to Healing
.... 228
Springfield RoJljI1 ~ I:Ilock ... . I 16 Wt'apon Bon us 50 BI' [Table 3.3-2J . . . . . . . . . . .. . iO
· ,382
Springfield Tr.lpdoor Rifk ., ........ 11 6 " 'capon Damagr . l)('hydration rr'lblc 5.2-61 .. 228
....91
Sprimer 30 UP ................... 382 \\'eapolll") Firearms, Dcxlcrit\ JTable 3.1-4) ....... . .... 21
..... , ...... 264
SIl) ........ , .................... 212 Weapons .................... . ... 6 I)oublc-:lime ~Jo.,~m('1ll rrable 5.2-2) 227
Stampede!; ...... , ....... , ........ 229 WCat her Sen51' Drinks (Tablr 5.7-1] .......... 275
· .376
Slartilllj( '\ Iolle) ... ,... . ... 28 Wr aver . .. . . . . .. . ....... , ..... 215 Dru ~ [Table 5.7.2J .216
Staying Ali\1'" ... . ..... 180 D)·namitc i\ ldXimurn Ranges
\\'ea\;ng ........ . .... 377
Slaying OUI of !-Iarrn's \\a) ... 180 Whal is a Role-Playing Game?' . . . . . . . . 3 (Table 3.2-20 J ......... . .. .61
51Ol1em:I.-;onl) .... . .......... 373 What ' 011 KCL-d 10 Pia} .......... 3 D YlI;unitc, Sp"ed of !-Iuned [,L1blc 3.2-22J
Stn:ngth ...... 18 \\11cre Thcl"t!'s Smoke T here's Fire .. 147 ........ 61
Siunning ... 95 Epilep tic Pabll>6.2-9) ..328
Whore ........ . ..... 21.'1
Surv~)'()r/Car10grapher .. . .2 I 3 Why do it?' . ........ ... . Esc;'ped and Freed Shl\'(' characters
· .... 225
Su"~val .... ... .. . ........... 373 \ \'illehesll'r p :lble 6.5-11] ........... 386
...... 111

397
 Evidrnce ROlting [TOlble 5.6.7] ..... 270
Experience .\ Iodifiers rnth!!: 3.2-7J ... .46
Explosive Distance from TalW'l
[Tabk 2.3-241 ,........ . ..61
Explosh'es Dmnagt· & Effects
[ rable 3.2-2IJ ................. 61
Fasl Talking T.1rgel .\ Iodilicrs .......... .
r rable 6.3-rj .......... . ... 348
Firing Arc ~Iodifiers lTablc 3.2-3] .... .'13
Fishin~ [rable 6.3-2J ............... 349
Flaws tTablc 3. 1-20J ................ 31
Gold Fidd delail, rn,hle 5.3-3J ...... 2-43
G razing P :1bir 5.2-3J ...... '127
G unli,l:lu procedures r rahk 2.2-11 ..... 9
Handedncss [Table 3,1-131 , .......... 27
Hardness Values p:1ble 3.2-5J .4-1
I-I a'lard and Ob~tade Rang<.>s
[Table 3.7-3J ......... . .. 133
H azards lTable 3.7--4J .............. 133
Height, Characler [Table 3.1 -14J .27
Horse Slalistic.~ r rahk 3.6-2J .. 130
Horse Viet·s rrahk 3.6-1] ,.127
Hurled Explosivc Disl:ll1cc "Iodili!:'r;
P ":lble 3.2-231 . . . . . .. . . .61
Idle Gossip Targf'l '\Iodi(j ('r~
[T able 6.3-3[ ................. .353
lIIegilimalC Binh lTable 6.5-1b] ...... :m3
Indin:(l Fin: tTable 3.2-19] ...... .59
Inldligence [Table 3.1-2J ........... 20
Interrogation ~Iodi(j<.>rs {Table 6.3-4J . .35:1
J ("Wclcr Iksultll [1":lbk 6.3-5J ... 355
J udge Severity [T able 5.6-2J ... 266
J uror Personality [Table 5.6-5] .267
J uror Saving Throv, s [Table 5.6-(IJ .273
Law Skill Check lTabl<.> 5.6-8] .270
1....><:0 P:1blc 6.2-3J ......... , ...... 322
Looks r rable 3.1-6J ................. 22
Lower Lowcr Class chara(l rrs
[Table 6.5-12J .386
Lower .\ Iiddl(" Ct.ISS chara(tcrs
(Tahle 6.5-16J ............. 388
~brkct Pricc or Beef [Tabk 5.2-4J ... 227
~lcchanical Failures [Sul)'I:1ble 3.2-13aJ 50
~liddle ;"I iddle Class (hara(ten.
rrable 6.5-17[ ... 388
~Iigrainc Occurn:nce [Table 6.2-IOJ .. 329
~ I ishaps & Failures [Table 3.2-131 .... .50
39B
;-" l.is.-;ing Digit HI' bonLl.'i~ [Table 6.2-111 Reputation Adjustment hearing
,.......... . .... 329 (Table 5.6-1] .................. :.16b
;" Iissing Leg ~ IOH:menl cffectll Repulation A<Uustment (trial
p-aIM 6.2-12] .................... 330 [Table 5.6-'1] ...... 267
;"lonC); Charactt:r Staning p -able 3.1-1 GJ Reputation Awards, Samples
.............. 29 Crimes rrabJro 'l.2-·11 ............. 186
.\ lounted .\ [o\'emcnt Action Ral,·; ramil} & Group r('lated [T1ble 4.2-8[ .186
P:,bk 3.2-9J ......... . ... A7 Nrc: & 1'L1)~r rtlm('{1 rr;tb!c 1.2-7] ... 186
'\[ounted Turns [Table 3.2-10] . A7 Personal.khieveLllcnts & FailufCS
~ I o\'t'mcnt Action Ratts [Table 3.2-8] . .46 rrable 4.2-5] ...... 186
~Iovcment ;"[odiliers to Shooting Professional [Tabk -l.2-tiJ 186
[Tabk 3.2-12J ......... A9 Scrapc~ [Table 4.2-2] .. . .. 185
~ l o\"CmenL Normal [Table 5.2-1]. .227 !;ol"iaJ/ Enc()ulltcrs r l"abk 4.2-31 .. ,185
Names. Fcm:lle. Quick [Tabh' 2.1-2] .... 7 Rrputation Effects on Scr.ll)es [Tahle 3.2-2]
Names. i\ 1alc. Quick [Tabk 2.1-3] _7 .... .42
"ames. Sample Cuba . .\it:xil·o. \\e,t Texas,
[Table 6.5-21] , ........ 390 Ruml or Urb:1ll bllckgroulld [T:lble 6.5-91
Name~, Sample \\'("~tl'rn {T"hle 6.5-20J ............................ 3H5
.......... 389 Rural Prt,fcssions lTable 6.5 13[ . .387
~icknam~ [Table 6.5-2-4[ . . .390 ~alllple ;'\':lrn,~ !'a~tcm (T;,hl~ 6 ..'>-19] .. 389
~on-\\'t'apon Injury Location Sample personal /,'oal, [1ahh: 4.3-1 J . , .191
[Ta ble 3.2-14J .53 Severe Weather (T,Iblc 5.2-71 .... 229
OIN's.<he-Compulsivc r n, ble 6.2-·1] ... 323 Severel\ ~Iaimcd [l;lblc 6.2-13J. _331
Order of Birth [Table 6.5-5J .. 384 Shooting Pmcedurt· [Table 2.3-3J ...... 11
Outsidc .'Jorth America subtable ...... 26 Sibling Rivalry [Tahk 65-6] .. 31l I
P~u'CTllal Status [Tablr 6.5-2[ ........ :{R3 Sibling Status r Fahle 6.5--4] . . . ..... 3fN
Personal Weapon ;"lodHiers [Tabk 3.2-17J . Siblings, Numbn of [Table 6.5-3J .31H
........... , .57 Skill Check "Iodifiers [Table :1.l-231 .. .3i
Pistol Dis(harge D Illing Wrcstlin~ Skill List !hblc 3.1-211 ... , .... 33
(Table 3.2-16] ................. 56 Skill.\ laslcr;.' L.....'Cls r rahle :1.l-:l2] ... .36
Place of migin/hirth p:1ble 3.1-11] .... 26 Social Cla>s [Tallie 6.5-8] .. 385
Poison- and \'cnom~ [Tabk 3.3-6] .91 Rupcrltiti()n~ r rable 6.2-7[ .......... 325
Pn;judin'd to"<lrd nation<llity [Table tl.2-3J Talem;; r rabl<:- 3.1-2IJ . , ... 38
........... 323 T<lrget .\fqui.~ition Penalti,'S p:1b[e 3.2-41
Prt'jurliced to\\Md prore<.~ion ["i"dblc (i.2-GJ . .. .43
........................... 324 Targ,·t ~Io\'{'m('nt rrable 3.2-11[ ..... A8
Profe:>.,ions, Quick [rable 2.1-"1 .... 7 Tracking Sluwdowm [Table 3.7-5] .. 13·'
Prospecting honu~es [Table 5.3-2] .... 242 Upbringing rJ:1ble 6.5-7] .38-4
Prospecting diflkulty [T"l>lc 5.3-IJ .. 242 Upper ;"lid<He Class charaClC~
Quirks & Flaws [Table 3.1-18J ........ 30 (Table 6.5-181 ..... .388
Quirks [Table 3.1-19J , .. 31 Urban Professions r l'a bk 6.5-14J , ... 387
Ran eh Hand RCfJuirt'menl'! p:1blc 5.1-1J . \,i~ibilil) ;"Iodifi('rs p:1hle 3.2-61 ..... A5
. ........ . ......... . ..... 223 W~tcr. Chantt {jf' Finding [Table 5.2-5J .228
Randonl EIJ(;ounle~ b)' TerrailL dlOOO Weight. Character pable 3.1-15] ...... 28
[Table 5.2-8J ,.............. . .. 231 \\isdolll [1'ahle 3.1-3J ............... :.10
Reasons to go WeSl pable 3.1-17J .29 Wound .\i()(li!iers to Shootinl: [Table 3.3-1 J
Repu tation [T~blc 3.1-8] ........... , .23 .................................67
\\'uund &"l,rily T hreshold r r;lu!t 3.3<{! .. 70
399
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o Copyrion! 2007 Kenzer and Company. All righls reserved. Aces & Eigtlls, the Aces & Eights logo and Shot Clock ale trademarks or Kenzer and Company.