Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Old West => Topic started by: Legionnaire on August 15, 2015, 08:47:49 PM
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As I am slowly but surely repainting my Old West collection, and having bought a few suitably 'evil' miniatures as well, I am drawing upon inspiration from a members mix with the Old West and Strange Aeons (link http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=77248.0).
I have this idea of doing a series of solo AAR's set in a supernaturally tinted Old West, not wholly unlike a 'certain television series' :D. Each 'episode' will most likely feature different protagonists, but I might change that one into a recurrent 'cast', depending on how it goes.
I am 99% sure I will use Two Hour Wargames rulesets SSG (Six Gun Sound) and ATZ:FFO (All Things Zombie: Final Fade Out), as they are very compatible with each other and I have almost exclusively used THW's rulesets for various solo adventures with very good result, I really like the Reaction System.
Off the top of my head, I will expand on the Attributes, and they will look something like this instead:
Grit (Rep and used for Fear checks)
Shooting
Fighting
Horsemanship
Perception
Outdoorsman
A 'normal' person will have 3 in every Attribute, roll a D6:
1 Attribute of 2
2-5 Attribute of 3
6 Attribute of 4
Being a RPG:er for many years, I aim to concoct an entertaining 'yarn' around the AAR with pictures etc and hope that the members will find it entertaining.
Anyone having thoughts/ suggestions on this are of course more than welcome to share their ideas :D.
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Looking forward to reading your adventures. THWs is another system that I like and have played for many years (although not recently since my other endeavour with SA and SoB. Have fun!
Lem
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Looking forward to reading your adventures. THWs is another system that I like and have played for many years (although not recently since my other endeavour with SA and SoB. Have fun!
Lem
Thank you, I hope to have the first one up for viewing in the week to come. Have ideas for the first three scenarios or so mostly sorted out, just need time to set it all up really lol.
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I'd be interested to read your ideas as well!
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I have made a little progress in this project. I think I have settled upon using a lead character from episode one and maybe pick up a supporting cast as I go along. I have carefully picked the mini I want to represent the protagonist, and settled upon the middle one in this picture:
(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2821_zpsifl2uiln.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2821_zpsifl2uiln.jpg.html)
John Thunderfoot: A half breed on the run, caught in the middle between the Old Ways and the Modern, not really belonging to neither. He has always, so far as he can remember, been plagued by unwanted visions, are they glimpses of possible future happenings or are they a sign of madness???
John will at the start of the first episode not be aware that he has strong mystical powers, but the episode should be a catalyst to unlock his potential. So he will be cast as a kind of shamanistic gunfighter in all this.
Today I have put in a small order for these minis that I plan on using in this upcoming project:
http://www.crooked-dice.co.uk/wp/product/corn-dolls/ (the 4 pack deal)
http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_38&products_id=346 (two pack winged fiends)
http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_19&products_id=29 (werewolves 4 pack)
The rules are still going to be Two Hour Wargames Six Gun Sound and All Things Zombie: Total Fade Out, and I am currently working on tweaking it slightly. I want a couple more Stats than having Rep taking care of everything (possibly 5-7 stats), also special rules for Fear and visibility, as most episodes will take place, surprise surprise, in the dark hours :).
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(Deep voiced intro, glints in black and white of people in old west attire, riding, shooting and fighting, interspersed with howls, many tentacles and shrieks and blood and gore)
The Civil War is over, but the four years of bloodshed where brother stood against brother has left scars running much, much deeper. Somewhere a door that was better left locked and bolted opened, and the nightmares and the dark fairy tales became real. In the vast nation, shadows can take on substance and monsters prowl in the night time hours, an almost perpetual dusk reigns and mankind is the prey. THIS is...
TALES FROM THE TWILIGHT TRAIL!!!!! (suspenseful music and fadeout)
Soon at a forum close to you lol
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Bags a seat in the front row!
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Bags a seat in the front row!
Roll up, roll up!!!! Hope to launch this little project in the week to come, I'll keep you notified mate lol. Thanks for the interest.
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I've had some musings today and think I have solved most of my tweaks of the rule set, here's a brief low-down on them.
Visibility: per definition the episodes are mostly taking part in the darker hours of the day (early evening onwards), so instead of full visibility I think a standard 24" at the start of the scenario as a general rule, with drops by 1D6" each time the protagonist fails to activate down to 6" visibility.
This will of course NOT affect most of the abominations the protagonist/-s will encounter as they might be able to sense the LifeForce, have Darkvision etc.
Attributes: rather than just having Rep, I have decided on multiple ones:
Grit: activation, Fear Test, spell casting, Draw!
Shooting
Fighting
People: any social Tests, Meet and Greet
Horsemanship: to deal with horses, teams and riding.
Outdoorsman: tracking, stealth, vigilance Tests etc.
Abilities: Some will be changed to fit in with the theme, below a couple of examples:
Sorcery: You may cast spells up to Grit times per episode, they can be of Enhancing, Offensive or Defensive character. To succeed you need to pass 2D vs Grit, each attempt subtracts one use. It is the ONLY action the character is able to take this round, as it requires great concentration and only a 2" movement may be.
Enhancing: For 1D3 turns you can increase ONE ability, except Grit, by +1. Alternatively you can expand your senses to get a full 24" range of visibility (Bat hearing, Infrared vision etc)
Offensive: A bolt of energy or a mind frying blast, you don't need to roll to hit and it ignores all forms of cover and bypasses any defences (such as a Werewolf's immunity to anything but silver weapons). You still need to roll for the effect and it counts as a Shotgun blast from 6" for all purposes.
Defensive: You can shroud yourself in an invisible layer of mystic energy. It lasts 1D3 turns OR until you get hit. Effectively it absorbs the impact of that and disperses. A Defensive spell cancels out an Offensive .
Marksman: Choose Handgun or Longarm, your Shooting is +1 with that type of weapon.
Brawler: Fighting counts as +1 and you can never get less than 1 success in hand-to-hand.
Mountain Man: Outdoorsman counts as +1.
Night owl: You have exceptional night vision, it's always a minimum 12" visibility for you.
Iron Will: Grit counts as +1 for Fear and casting spells test. NOT for activation
Fear: Another very closely attached tweak to the theme, almost any abomination/ monster the protagonists will encounter ARE horrific in nature (unless they are essentially human, such as a deranged mass murderer...). So they will either have Fear or Fear X, where X is at what penalty to Grit they take it (something mind fryingly horrific is 3, something really scary 2, a werewolf/ghoul 1 and some uncomfortable critters are at no penalty).
Pass (2D vs Grit) Result
2D Absolutely fine and can continue without breaking the stride.
1D Slightly shaky and upset, penalty of -1 to all actions until next turn.
0D You scream in horror and are Stunned, test again next turn at Grit -1 as your mind is shaken at it's foundation. A friendly figure may snap you out of it by spending an action in base-to-base contact.
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I'll grab another seat in the front row, but near an isle please.
I like your adjustments and think they will work well for your theme.
Lem
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I'll grab another seat in the front row, but near an isle please.
I like your adjustments and think they will work well for your theme.
Lem
Cheers mate, and you will also be featured in the credits as the inspiration with your SA/SoB hybrid, which I have enjoyed a lot to read.
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(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2852_zps0urxa0v1.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2852_zps0urxa0v1.jpg.html)
Some monstrous spiders prepared for the first episode!!! They are Halloween decorations bought last year for £1 which I thought would be a nice simple touch. The small ones are based on cut 20mm square cardboard from a cereal box, held down with blu tack, the big ones have a 50mm base!!!
Small Spiders
Grit 3
Shooting N/A
Fighting 1 per spider in base to base contact, up to a maximum of 6
People N/A
Horsemanship N/A
Outdoorsman 4
Special rules:
Due to their small size, they are always counting as if they have Light Cover.
Due to their small stature, a hit is enough to take one out, don't bother to roll for damage.
Nightvision: They have a full LoS visibility at all times.
Large spider
Grit 4
Shooting 3
Fighting 4
People N/A
Horsemanship N/A
Outdoorsman 3
Special rules:
Web: Roll a D6 each time it fires, on a roll equal to or lower than the number of times it's been fired, the Web is exhausted. Range 12". On a successful hit the target becomes Entangled and may not move until freed. Spending an action and scoring at least 2 Successes on a Melee attack will sort that out. Rate 1
Nightvision: the creature has full LoS visibility at all times.
Carapace: When struck by a bullet, count as if wearing Body Armour.
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(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2853_zpse72a7yno.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2853_zpse72a7yno.jpg.html)
The protagonist in the project, a short background and his stats and equipment.
John Stormcrow: A half breed and a man on the run, he is not welcome neither amongst his Native brethren nor in the White Man's society so has had to fend for himself in whichever way he could to survive. Ever since coming of age he's been frequently plagued by vivid unbidden visions, sometimes even being awake during them. Are they a source of something Unexplained or are they signs of madness?
Grit 4
Shooting 3
Fighting 3
People 3
Horsemanship 3
Outdoorsman 4
Strong Willed: Grit counts as +1 for Fear checks and Sorcery.
Night Owl: John has exceptional night vision, always at least 12" LoS
Gear:
Six shooter
Knife
His horse will have just collapsed underneath him by the start of the first episode so he's hauling a heavy saddle on foot.
Additional rules:
a roll of a 6 on a dice for a Test is ALWAYS a failure, even if the attribute is 6 or higher.
Experience: a very simple system. Each episode will give 1xp, and it'll cost 1 to increase a 3-4, 2xp for 4-5 and 3xp for 5-6. If an attribute is 2 and has been used successfully in the episode, it'll automatically be upgraded to 3 for free.
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Hi again, read this after your game write up, the game makes more sense now, maybe you should have 1 thread so that the next episodes follow on and simpletons like me can follow it easily.
Whatever enjoyed this and look forward to the next game.
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Hi again, read this after your game write up, the game makes more sense now, maybe you should have 1 thread so that the next episodes follow on and simpletons like me can follow it easily.
Whatever enjoyed this and look forward to the next game.
Thanks a lot for the input mate and I think that's a very valid point. I will indeed post the next episodes in the same thread so people can read the AAR's, like a box set :D. Glad you enjoyed it and will let you know when the next one has been played and posted, probably Monday!!!
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Great stuff, mate.
I think that I may 'borrow' a few of your mechanics for my own games.#
A little tweak here and there and they should fit into my rule set.
;)
:D
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Great stuff, mate.
I think that I may 'borrow' a few of your mechanics for my own games.#
A little tweak here and there and they should fit into my rule set.
;)
:D
By all means, be my guest! Usually when I play, whether with friends or solo adventures, there's a 'Special Rule' or two in play to make it more interesting.
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Thanks a lot for the input mate and I think that's a very valid point. I will indeed post the next episodes in the same thread so people can read the AAR's, like a box set :D. Glad you enjoyed it and will let you know when the next one has been played and posted, probably Monday!!!
A boxed set sounds a great idea - you could try for a mason epic !!!!
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A boxed set sounds a great idea - you could try for a mason epic !!!!
That'd be the equivalent of 'Directors Cut' lol.
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Great idea! I keep planning to do some small-scale character-centered adventure gaming like this, but I keep forgetting to get it done... :)
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Had a spurt of productivity, painted up four of Westwind's Wolfmen.
(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2905_zps5nz6b5ns.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2905_zps5nz6b5ns.jpg.html)
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Looking good and not a green hat between them. lol
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Looking good and not a green hat between them. lol
Indeed they are.
8) 8)
They have been to the pink trousers shop, though....
;)
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Looking good and not a green hat between them. lol
That's because they ate them, bloody bastards lol lol!!!
They have been to the pink trousers shop, though....
;)
Yep, you really DON'T want to mess with that guy!!!! :D
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(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2906_zps11ydgksa.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2906_zps11ydgksa.jpg.html)
Flying Fiends from Westwind.
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Cool miniatures. You put a lot of character into those minis. Especially the wolfmen with red eyes and blank teeth look intense. I like the colourful clothes. In combination with the greyish fur make a very nice and decent overall look 8)
The flying fiends are great, too! I like the face of the left one. What a mean and grim looking Demon :-* The colours you have chosen to paint the minis finalise their evil presence.
Thanks for sharing :)
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Cool miniatures. You put a lot of character into those minis. Especially the wolfmen with red eyes and blank teeth look intense. I like the colourful clothes. In combination with the greyish fur make a very nice and decent overall look 8)
The flying fiends are great, too! I like the face of the left one. What a mean and grim looking Demon :-* The colours you have chosen to paint the minis finalise their evil presence.
Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks as always for your kind input. In truth, the wolfmen were supposed to be werewolves, but you inquired about native Indian myths, so I decided on making them Wendigo(ish). Very quick paintjob, white undercoat, teeth & claws in GW Bleached Bone, red eyes and colourful trousers, about 20 min/ mini and then the usual Armypainter Quickshade over them.
I wasn't too impressed with the Flying Fiends, they are a bit 'bland' in sculpting and slight pain to clean up, still missed some minor irks, but again, very quick paintjob. Most of them with Vallejo red colour, then horns, claws, hooves, teeth and beard in GW Bleached Bone with Armypainter Quickshade for good measure.
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In the continuing epic series of Twilight Trails, I hope to have two episodes done in the week to come. I will most likely incorporate the THW High Moon rules in the setting and pick, choose and tweak the ones I want.
I have also decided to add two characters to the 'cast', who they are and what they can do will all be revealed in the week to come ;).
Stay tuned lol!!!!
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(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2929_zpstjrqzr6e.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2929_zpstjrqzr6e.jpg.html)
Corn dolls from Crooked Dice
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Beware the Homestead with the cornfield crop and empty scarecrow posts. Looking cool.
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In my latest episode in the ongoing solo gaming of Twilight Trails (link here: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=82110.0), I tried out several ideas of magic usage. I have purchased the Two Hour Wargame rules High Moon, which are for an old/ weird west setting. They have been updated and slimmed down frdom previous Reaction System rules, so I decide to embrace some, tweak some and totally ignore others. In main I have decided to adapt these rules:
1) The new damage system (basically roll 1D6, and the higher roll, the more damaged you are. OD at 6+), which makes ANY weapon potentially lethal.
2) I will retain the 'Draw' result in melee. Don't like to have to have a 'winner' by the end of the round.
3) The magic system as a whole is good, very good indeed. But I have decided to add 'flavour' by arbitrary deciding that some spells are more suited for certain users, and less suited for some. For instance, Esmeralda is a Healer/ Nature user, so those spells that I feel might fall outside her expertise (Damage, Trickery etc) will be used at Grit -1. Likewise, John has learned to enhance his abilities but had to try Invisibility at a further -1, due to the extra effort of including Esmeralda in it (Grit -2 in total!!)
4) With the new magical powers, I decided to trade his Night Owl attribute (LoS 12" minimum always, even in pitch blackness) in. I replaced it with Spirit Sense instead, and considering he can cast Enhanced Senses and have a 24" LoS I found Night Owl a bit redundant now.
John Stormcrow (Spirit Warrior)
Grit 4 (5)
Shooting 4
Fighting 4
People 4
Horsemanship 4
Outdoorsman 4
Sorcery (can cast magic spells)
Strong Will (Grit +1 for casting spells and Fear tests)
Spirit Sense (can perceive Tainted and magic within 12", even if hidden)
Six shooter
Ghost Winchester (ignore Out of Ammo result, but is not counted as Magical weapon)
Knife
Jade Spear (+2D in melee, can kill beings only susceptible to Magic weapons, will always count as 1 success in melee, even if fail on all dice, can use Grit/ Strong Will instead of Fighting if that is higher)
Esmeralda Santoro (The White Witch)
Grit 3 (4)
Shooting 3
Fighting 3
People 4
Horsemanship 3
Outdoorsman 3
Witchcraft (can cast spells)
Strong Will (Grit +1 for spellcasting and Fear tests)
Nerves of Steel (immune to Fear)
Satchel of herbs and potions
Knife
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Hi there - the corn dolls look good, have you seen west winds pumpkin heads ghs0001 and their ghs0002 don't know their name but they look to be a good fit with the corn dolls.
Take care
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Hi there - the corn dolls look good, have you seen west winds pumpkin heads ghs0001 and their ghs0002 don't know their name but they look to be a good fit with the corn dolls.
Take care
I was actually umming and ahhing about which ones I should take, but knowing the crisp clean quality I get from CD they won out. I have a few Westwind assorted minis but always found them in need of a bit of cleaning up first. I might get some of the pumpkin heads at some point still though :D.
Did you see that episode four is up now?
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Just read it. Thanks ;)
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I have those very same corn dolls lined up for cleaning just behind my WestWind scarecrows (both sackhead and pumpkin heads).
The WestWind stuff does need some cleaning, but I think especially those particular ones are worth the effort; they are going to make wonderful additions to horror themed games in many settings! :D
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These stuffed dolls are amazing. I like the sculpts and your paintjob. This is quite an interesting range of models. I might buy one or another for some upcoming Strange Aeons games 8)
It is very interesting to read about the basic game mechanics and gamish backgrounds you are using for your Tales From The Twilight Trail!!! topic. Please keep up your work. This is very inspiring!
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These stuffed dolls are amazing. I like the sculpts and your paintjob. This is quite an interesting range of models. I might buy one or another for some upcoming Strange Aeons games 8)
It is very interesting to read about the basic game mechanics and gamish backgrounds you are using for your Tales From The Twilight Trail!!! topic. Please keep up your work. This is very inspiring!
Thanks a lot Yggdrasil!!! I mostly do the write ups and rule tweaks for my own amusement but glad you like to read my ramblings lol.
The Corn Dolls from Crooked Dice are excellent and I can recommend them. The service is excellent, they paint up real nice and the casting quality is superb. Have heard from an 'inside' source, that if the casting is not up to scratch they will re-cast before shipping, so can heartily recommend Crooked Dice.
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For the THREE episode Halloween special extravaganza, I have outlined the scenarios in my head. Basically, each of the three protagonists will have a SOLO feature in it and I hope to play them 27 or 30th so stay tuned.
If I had some soldiers I would do an 'undead' army chasing Robert for his sins and atrocities, but I have modified that one, will also feature a twisted witches coven and a headless horseman with scarecrows doing his evil biddings lol lol!
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Maleficious! ;D
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Newly painted stuff, all Reaper Bones and also used for the upcoming Strange Aeons 2nd edition.
(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2972_zpsuhofxfk3.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2972_zpsuhofxfk3.jpg.html)
(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2973_zpsdgxn75nw.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2973_zpsdgxn75nw.jpg.html)
(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2974_zpsdj1b1l7u.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2974_zpsdj1b1l7u.jpg.html)
(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2975_zpslvvzs8gw.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2975_zpslvvzs8gw.jpg.html)
(http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r530/Hangvar/Wargaming/SAM_2976_zpsfpsltk3l.jpg) (http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/Hangvar/media/Wargaming/SAM_2976_zpsfpsltk3l.jpg.html)