(Gorgon Trail) TROIKA! Backgrounds - DRAFT

11 �Agency Detective .........................................................................................
1
12 �Barbed-Wire Ley-Line Winder .................................................................2
13 �Cattle Rustler ...............................................................................................3
14 �Chuckwagon Gastromancer ......................................................................4
15 �Coyote Raised ..............................................................................................5
16 �Dry Crusader ...............................................................................................6
21 �Frontier Veterinarian .................................................................................7
22 �Gospel Sharp/Book Thumper ...................................................................8
23 �Hangin' Judge Run Outta Town................................................................9
24 �Herd Whisperer/Stampeder....................................................................10
25 �Hobo Prospector ........................................................................................11
26 �Horntoad Cursed .......................................................................................12
31 �Itinerant Lawyer, Tarred & Feathered...................................................13
32 �Just Hanged ................................................................................................14
33 �Mail Order Husband/Bride......................................................................15
34 �Mine Salter .................................................................................................16
35 Moonshine Alchemist..................................................................................17
36 Mule Skinner ................................................................................................18
41 Partially Petrified.........................................................................................19
42 Rattlesnake Handler ...................................................................................20
43 Relay Rider....................................................................................................21
44 Reluctant Deputy.........................................................................................22
45 Rhinestone Cowboy.....................................................................................23
46 Road Agent ...................................................................................................24
51 Rune Brander ...............................................................................................25
52 Saddle Tramp ...............................................................................................26
53 Sawbones/Barber.........................................................................................27
54 Sharpshooter ................................................................................................28
55 Snake Oil Seller............................................................................................29
56 Sodbuster ......................................................................................................30
61 Soiled Dove....................................................................................................31
62 Sometimes Successful Rain Maker...........................................................32
63 Spore-Blighted .............................................................................................33
64 Undertaker....................................................................................................34
65 Veteran of The Minotaur Wars .................................................................35
66 Wandrin' Star ...............................................................................................36
TROIKA! Gorgon Trail Backgrounds (Draft) d4caltrops.com
11
BANK ROBBERS!
Spell-SLEUTH FROM THE EAST – GETS RESULTS!!!
ROAD AGENTS!
WANTED OUTLAWS!
POSSESSIONS: ADVANCED SKILLS:
1D6 WANTED POSTERS 2 Criminology
BROCADED DRESSING GOWN 2 Disguise
(as LIGHT ARMOR) 1 Eastern Fencing (Rapier)
2D6 CALLING CARDS 2 Shadowing
EASTERN-MADE RAPIER 1 Sneak
COLD-IRON HANDCUFFS 1 Spell - Bloodhound
DISGUISE KIT 1 Spell - Skeletal Counsel
As a spell-sleuth for the most well-regarded
Detective Agency throughout the Promised
Lands (even if your employer is based back
East, locals would be hard pressed to argue
with the Results), you’re often called in to
investigate crimes that stymie and perplex
most of the more practical investigatory
methods.
Your skills are far too valuable to waste on the odd Horse Thief or Mine Slater,
you’re usually called on to fry the bigger fish: Road Agents, Bank Robbers, and
Wanted Outlaws. Pocketing a portion of the price on their heads, and with a sigh,
begrudgingly sending the remainder back to Headquarters.
ASK YOURSELF:
“Who was the last high-profile criminal you brought to justice with your
diligent sleuthing, and why do they seek vengeance?”
“What is the slogan embossed on your very fancy Calling Cards?”
“Which of your relatives is featured prominently on one of your Posters?”
1
Feeding and Stringing that thirsty wire

Tame the range!!
12
Even if the range
don’t like it much!
2D6 WIRE SAMPLES 2 Infernal Negotiation
HAT 2 Fencing (Barbed Wire)
TOUGH DENIM TROUSERS & 2 Spell-Pass Without A Snag
REINFORCED SLEEVES (as 2 Spell-Everybody’s Talkin’
LIGHT ARMOR) 1 Spell-Ride Devil’s Rope
ROLL OF BANDAGES 1 Spell-Summon Wire Devils
NO FINGERPRINTS
Stretched through powerful sorceries, the
Barbed Devils don’t exactly like baking in
the sun day in and day out. It takes a clever
type of Wizard to harness their latent
magic with a pricked finger, drop of blood,
and a stretch of fence. Try as they might
though, it seems The Range has a way of
making things it don’t like disappear, and
this includes large sections of fence.
You help repair these vital communication and transportation links that
jaggedly stitch themselves across the Promised Lands.
ASK YOURSELF:
“The last time you talked through the wires, you heard a plea for
help. Who was it from and what did they want?”
“Your last bargain with a Wire Devil went poorly, what happened
and what do you now owe them?”
“What’s the longest distance you’ve rode the Devil’s Rope?”
2
13
Cattle ain’t
A strategic scorch turns an “r” into a “B”
exactly nailed
down after all
1D6 Running Irons 2 Branding
Stolen Horse 1 brand forgery
A semi-Reliable False 1 hagglin’
Identity 1 herding cattle
11d6 Head of Stolen 2 horseback ridin’
Cattle 2 layin’ low
1 sneak
There’s always those what be takin’ what
ain’t there’s, and you’ve done and found
yourself one of them. Whether it’s by picking
off an unbranded calf here and there, or
simply getting’ creative with burning a few
extra lines onto an existing brand, you’ll
have your own motley herd if you don’t get
hanged first.
ASK YOURSELF:
“The last brand you altered was a Rune-Brand and the release of
magical energy had an unintended side effect. What was it?
“What do you call your horse and why does it still sometimes
respond to it’s old name?”
“Your last run in with the Bull Folk left you selling for a loss, what
do you plan on doing next time to make up for this?”
3
Save your fork, there’s whistle berry pie!

Coffee so strong
14
It walks right
into your cup!!!
2 LB. DRIED BEANS 1 Accountin’
FIGHTIN’ SKILLET 2 Campfire Cookery
IRON POT & LID 1 Headshrinkin’
SHAKERS OF ENDLESS SALT & 1 Knife Fightin
PEPPER 2 Skillet Fightin’
TIN MESS KIT FOR SIX 1 Recipe -Pork & Beans
1 Recipe - Johnny Cakes
1 Recipe - Sonofabitch Stew
Now gustatory hankerin’ is a right
powerful thing here in the Promised Lands
as well, and as with anything powerful,
you can bet dollars to donuts that some
clever Wizard’s found some innovative
way to harness and tack it. Just remember:
It’s okay to eat with your fingers. The food
is clean.
The victuals you cook up sometimes have that secret, sorcerous ingredient that
makes ’em Spells.
ASK YOURSELF:
“You’re known to many for your tasty Bean Recipe. What magical
effect does it sometimes impart on the diner?”
“What Fresh Ingredients are you always on the look out for?”
“There’s one Recipe you just can’t seem to wrap your head around
and it always comes out wrong. What is it and why can’t you cook
it?””
4
15 Oh miss nancy, i’m sorry ‘bout yer chickens

The range made You’re not too good with
‘memberin’ too far back, but
more sense than winters were awful cold for a
furless, naked pup such as
towns ever will yourself. You stayed warm in the
den, and your ma still learned you
well.
HAND-ME-DOWN CLOTHING 1 Clawin’ & Bitin’ It wasn’t until you were forced to
strike out on your own that you
LONG, WILD HAIR 2 Identify Smell realized there were other naked
A VERY KEEN SENSE OF SMELL 1 Night Howlin’ pups like you. It was painful but
YOUR FOUR-LEGGED SIBLING you learned how to walk upright
2 Scroungin’ and even picked up a handful of
2 Sneakin’ their weird barks and yips. That
2 Tracking kindly Godsworn even gave you
some clothes just for sprinkling’
you with some water, so
hopefully next winter won’t be so
bad on ya.
ASK YOURSELF:
“What’s one smell that makes you right and proper terrified?
“You buried something’ far out on the range that might come in
useful later. What is it and where was it buried?”
“Your sibling still doesn’t quite trust the Tall Walkers, and still
yearns for you to follow them back into wilder lands. What are you
doing to keep them at your side?”
5
Temperance is a virtue, taught by hammer

Beer & brandy
16
Make bad
bargains!!
KEG SMASHIN’ SLEDGE HAMMER 1 Bar-Room Fisticuffs
ZEALOUS RELIGIOUS TRACTS 1 Drunk Wranglin’
ZERO ALCOHOL TOLERANCE 1 Keg-Killin’
(both by policy and person) (When no-one’s lookin’)
1D6 DOSES OF MRS. MOFFAT’S 1 Legalese
SHOO-FLY POWDERS FOR 2 Spell- De-Splificate
DRUNKENESS 2 Spell - Wine To Water
2 Street Sermonizing
The Evils of Drink taint and corrupt the
Promised Lands. Like others, you came out
here looking for Clean Living made
virtuous by hard work and sweat, only to
see weaker men and woman falter and
stumble, drunk in the saloons and gutters,
enslaved by strong-drink.
The deluge of the damnable Demon-water can be staunched and defeated, one
smashed barrel and broken bottle at a time as the case may be.
ASK YOURSELF:
“When was the first time liquor touched your lips?”
“Most Dry Crusaders hear their calling at a young age, when did
you first learn about the soul-shattering perils of intoxication?”
“When was the last time you fell off the wagon?”
6
21
Without your
there's critters what need tendin’
stock or trusty ox
you’re lost
1TONGS, RASPS, HOOF KNIFE 2 Beast Soothing
TWO CHANGES OF CLOTHES 2 Diagnosis
DOCTOR’S BAG 1 Farriering
2D6 MEDICINES FOR COMMON 2 Horsemanship
ANIMAL AILMENTS 1 Normal Medicine
2 Veterinary Medicine
‘Round these parts an ailin’ steed or ox can
really mean the difference between life and
death. Those that knows how to fix ‘em can
be right handy to have ‘round.
You’re one of these Critter helpers, you’ve
seen and dealt with The Strangles, Hoof Rot,
and attended your share of calvings and
foalings. Even some of the more exotic
Critters of The Range might even seek out
your ministrations.
ASK YOURSELF:
“What is the one critter you’ve never been too keen on treating?
“A Horse Disease has been growing more common, recently. What
is it called and how do you treat it?”
“Though most people pay pretty handsomely for your services,
you often find yourself broke. Why?”
7
Savin’ wretches from utter tarnation

Hellfire!!!
22
BRIMSTONE!!!
CATFISH FRYS!!!
HOLY BOOK 1 Cudgelin’
3D6 PAMPHLET TRACTS 2 Healin’
SMITIN’ CUDGEL 1 Lawyerin’
LARGE WOODEN SOAP BOX 1 Random Spell (SEE Worship Table)
FREE ROOM & BOARD ON 1 Random Spell (SEE Worship Table)
HOLY DAYS 2 Sermonizin’
2 Theology (SEE Worship Table)
Call ‘em what you like, Godsworn, Sky-
Pilots, Book-Thumpers, Sin Busters, Gospel
Sharps, Stump Croakers, or even Clerics.
You’ll bump into these folks periodically in
the Promised Lands, heck you might even
hear the callin’ yourself.
All of them think they’re the biggest toad in the puddle, and that the sermonizin’
they get up to on Church is best. Most is so crooked they could swallow nails and
spit out corkscrews.
1D6 Deity Spell 1 Spell 2 Taboo
1 Ma Weather Hurricane Helping Hands Lettin’ anyone talk down to you without repercussions
2 White Hat WIlly Farseeing Presence Settlin’ down, Not participatin’ in a rodeo
3 Sam Hill Assume Shape Ember Breakin’ an agreement/reneging on a deal
4 Ol’ Cotton Eye Invisibility Find Sleepin’ in the same bed twice, spilling alcohol
5 Omala The Forgoten Coal Resolve Sentry Surrenderin’ or Sleeping on Watch
6 The Great Steer Banish Spirit Peace Abstain from eatin’ Beef
“How and when were you first stung by the Sacred Bug?”
“What were the circumstances surrounding the last time you broke your
taboo?”
“How do you feel about the Godsworn with other devotions?”
8
23
Fines and jail time
ain’t much that pleases this court
won’t bring order

to the range
1D6 HEAVY LAW BOOKS 2 Criminology
ROBES OF OFFICE (AS LIGHT ARMOR) 1 Etiquette
POWDERED WIG 2 Law, for these Parts
THROWING DAGGERS (3) 1 Horseback Ridin’
2 Throwin’ Daggers
2 Run
Justice is swift and tends to be meted out
“unofficially” most times in the Promised
Lands. The few times we can get an angry
mob to hold their horses long enough for a
trial, there’s a right good chance that
someone’s bound to be not too keen on the
consequences.
That’s where you come in, or rather why you left. Sure, towns will often welcome
your stern and perspicacious judgments, but it’s always only a matter of time
before you make a pronouncement that pisses everyone off.
ASK YOURSELF:
“Your last stint as a local magistrate didn’t end too well, did it?
What happened?”
“Who was your most high profile defendant, what did they do, and
what sentence did you pronounce?”
“What obscure legal loophole are you saving for an emergency?”
9
Horses, cows, bison, as long as it’s herds

Movin’ mighty
24
herds of critters
Across the range
COWBOY HAT 2 Fisticuffs
MESS KIT 2 Horseback Ridin’
TRUSTY STEED 1 Language Choose Kine/Equine
SHINY SPURS THAT NEVER TARNISH 2 Rope Tricks
KNUCKLEDUSTER 1 Spell - Calm Herd
LASSO 1 Spell - Spook Herd
1 Spell -Protection From Rain
Equal parts feared and desired, a Herd Whisperer can be a powerful ally or
deadly foe out on The Range. Their ability to control large amounts of Critters
with a simple whisper means that moving a few hundred head could be either a
song or the most terrifyin’ thing you’ve ever witnessed.
You are one of these Whisperers, you can find easy work among other
Cowhands, but you’ll always have that naggin’ feelin’ that most other folks don’t
fully trust you.
ASK YOURSELF:
“When did you first realize you could speak with Cows/Horses and
what was your first conversation about?
“What’s the best way to pick out a Judas Steer from the Herd?”
“Who was the last person that died from one of your Stampedes?”
10
25
Hardest part of
Now there goes one dapper tramp
sleeping rough is
pressin’ shirts
BINDLE OF HOLDING 1 Claim Forgery
GOLD PAN 1 Etiquette
SCALES 2 Evaluate
TOP HAT 2 Hobo Sign-ology
FANCY DRESS 2 Swimmin’
2 Prospectin’
Always-a-hitchin’ and itchin’ for the next big
strike, chances are you’ll never settle down. It
all ways seems that the motherload is just
down the road apiece, and while you may not
be the first to get there, you’ll likely be the
first to know when it’s time to pick up stakes
and move on to the next one.
It’s not an easy life, so your kind tends to find comfort in the smaller things.
Tailors in the big cities just love it when you come a-trampin’ through.
ASK YOURSELF:
“You made a good friend on your travels, who you can call on for
food and board, who are they and how far away do they live?”
“How far away is the next claim and how do you intend to get
there?”
“What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever pulled out of your Magical
Bindle?”
11
Covered in thorns and cryin’ bloody tears

Every mornin’ when the hot, hot
Sun goes ashowin’ Her face, and WHY You should
26
every night when She slinks down
below the horizon, there’s a one-
Never cross a
in-six chance that you’ll turn into
a mighty big Horned Toad until the
sagebrush witch
next sunrise/sunset.
About the size of a small dog, youThorny scales
can still speak in this form, but(as medium armor)
2 Desert Camouflage
manipulatin’ tools and weapons 2 Distractin’ Eye blood
proves mighty difficult. Might beClaws & Horns 1 Dowsin’
considered wise to go ahead and
carefully stash yourself a spare
change of clothing some place
nearby as well else you’ll be
wearin’ your birthday suit
when you change
on back.
IN HUMAN FORM
Military Uniform 1 FISTICUFFS
Cowboy Hat 1 Military tactics
Old military Sabre 2 SABre Fightin’
1 Witch Lore
ASK YOURSELF:
“What was it you ended up doing that got that Witch so curse-
spittin’ mad?
“Your lizard-life ain’t all bad. What do you like best about livin’ in
that form?”
“Ants are a mighty tasty snack in both of your shapes, how do
others react when they see you munchin’ on them?”
12
31
How was I to know
replete with a few sticky tufts
the defendant was

so well loved?!?!
1d6 Tomes of Law 2 eastern law
A fancy eastern case 1 frontier law
Tar-covered clothes 1 grandiloquent speakin’
1 horseback ridin’
3 pain TOLERANCE
2 runnin’
You may have been a tinhorn from the East, or
simply just fresh out of schoolin’ and just
passin’ through. When you took on the case it
really seemed like you had it in the bag, until
three surprise witnesses, a xenophobic judge,
and an opposing attorney who seemed to
personally know each and every member of
the jury.
Needless to say, the rest of the case didn’t go so well for you, and it seems the
locals were still itchin’ to mete out some form of justice on you for your part in
the matter.
ASK YOURSELF:
“What is the name of the town that ran you out, and why do you
still need to go back there?”
“How did the Sagebrush Witch that found you salve your wounds
and prevent most of the scarring?”
“You saw the Defendant again just the other day, but they didn’t
see you. They were up to their same old tricks, which are?”
13
Sure is Strange that the rope didn’t take

Hung From The
32
Neck Until (Mostly)
Dead!
Irremovable Noose 1 Cattle Rustlin’
Undigested Last Meal 1 Pickpocketin’
A Funerary Outfit 2 Gamblin’
Death Certificate 2 Fisticuffs
Undead Nature 2 Sneakin’
A Powerful Urge for Vengeance 2 Spell - Suffocatin’’ Touch
Whether your last words were a curse or a plea, stretchin’ your neck didn’t end
your life. You woke up slightly sore with two silver coins on your eyes and
startled the tar out of the Mortician/Carpenter who was putting the finishing
touches on your plain pine box.
You know that somethin’ ain’t quite right. You haven’t eaten anything in weeks
but ain’t really hungry, at least not proper hungry for honest victuals. You ain’t
been sleepin’ either. You caught yourself forgetting to breathe the other day and
got plum scared off by a Godsworn wavin’ their symbol in your general
direction. Some horses are mighty nervous ‘round you these days.
ASK YOURSELF:
“The mere thought of devouring what unnatural and taboo
substance makes your stomach gurgle?”
“How have you managed to skillfully hide the noose that still
hangs around your neck?”
“What was your crime and why do you feel you were wrongly
condemned to the gallows?”
14
33
One Long coach ride
Plucked off the pages of the catalog
later, you’re still

unmarried
Wedding finery 3 Homemakin’
Hope Chest/Dowry (worth 1d6x10) 1 Eastern Etiquette
Ornate knife (Engagement present) 2 POISON
Small Memento box 1 Horseback Ridin’
Collection of Engagement/ 1 Knife-fightin’
Wedding Rings (2d6) 2 Run
Selected sight-unseen from Madame Mayve’s
Matrimonial Magazine, you grit your teeth and
ventured out to the Promised Lands in hopes
of finding True Love.
For whatever the reason True Love just didn’t
find you suitable, or perhaps you just didn’t
find them altogether amenable.
All those tintypes of you in Eastern Paper Obituary pages may show you in
Widow’s Weeds under a different name, but no one out in these parts need to
know too much about your past.
ASK YOURSELF:
“How did your special day just not come to pass?”
“Who was your betrothed before they met their untimely end, and
which of their family members is the most suspicious of you?”
“What steps have you taken to throw the Agency Detective (11) off
your scent?”
15
You sure gotta nose for findin’ rich claims

Buy claims cheap
34
and sell ‘em dear
Caveat emptor
COWBOY HAT 2 prospectin’
MESS KIT 2 mule packin’
Judgmental Mule 2 trackin’
Gold Pan 2 evaluate
1d6 “genuine” gold nuggets 2 Sneak
2d6 “genuine” silver nuggets
2d6 deeds to busted claims
The riches of the Promised Lands ain’t exactly exaggerated, but if there were a
bonafide mother-lode for each Eastern Greenhorn who makes their way down
here to strike it rich, why there wouldn’t be much room for much of anything
else, now would there?
The way yous see’s it, you’re providin’ a service that the Land Office ain’t. Why,
you’re keepin’ those dreams alive and makin’ sure that them there Gold and
Silver Fevers never break. Ain’t no cure for ‘em any how.
ASK YOURSELF:
“How do you know when a claim’s been right and proper busted?
“Your Mule ain’t exactly approvin’ of you fleecin’ folks like this,
how does he or she show it and what do you call ‘em?”
“The Fever makes people do the darnedest things. What’s the
worst thing you ever did for a shiny nugget of genuine sunshine?”
16

(Gorgon Trail) TROIKA! Backgrounds - DRAFT

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

(Gorgon Trail) TROIKA! Backgrounds - DRAFT

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

11 �Agency Detective .........................................................................................

Feeding and Stringing that thirsty wire

Save your fork, there’s whistle berry pie!

15 Oh miss nancy, i’m sorry ‘bout yer chickens

Temperance is a virtue, taught by hammer

Savin’ wretches from utter tarnation

3 Sam Hill Assume Shape Ember Breakin’ an agreement/reneging on a deal

5 Omala The Forgoten Coal Resolve Sentry Surrenderin’ or Sleeping on Watch

won’t bring order

Horses, cows, bison, as long as it’s herds

Covered in thorns and cryin’ bloody tears

the defendant was

Sure is Strange that the rope didn’t take

later, you’re still

You sure gotta nose for findin’ rich claims

You might also like