Newbie looking for Pulp alley

[JackCarver]

Dear all,

thanks for being part of the community!

I am from Germany and not familiar with tabletop on Skirmish Level. During my study time (now 15 years ago...) we played 40k a lot.
However, today due to family and business there is no time for that huge games at all.
I searched for a Skirmish tabletop game and found Pulp Alley. It seems to fullfill all my requirements: located in the early 20th century, group level, adventure like Indiana Jones included, room for own character creation - seems very fine!

On YouTube I also found the videos from the founder of the game. But, honestly, the videos do not show me the game on the level I need as a total new rookie.
Years ago there has been an own forum for the game on the website from Pulp alley, but now it is not existing. Therefore I try to place my questions here and looking forward to your answers.

First of all, for me it is a little bit confusing, what I really need to start. Is it just the rule book and the starter deck?

Are the adventures from Pulp alley just fight against each other or are other things also playing a major role like find treasure, solve puzzles which are integrated to the scenario,...?

Next: we are not guys like the D&D players who create the whole scenario in their imagination. Do the available scenarios include the story at all? And I mean not only the introduction to the adventures. Or is it just like: you and your group are looking for an treasure at and old pyramid. Unfortunately some other groups had same idea...let's fight until only one group is remaining.

Thanks a lot for your answers and best regards!

[FifteensAway]

There are options besides Pulp Alley - though those rules certainly have a following here on LAF.  No doubt others who like the rules - and perhaps even the author - will be along shortly.

This may be the earliest on-line 'pulp' gaming you will find - at least with photos: https://web.archive.org/web/20081220230900/http://www.zeitcom.com/majgen/index.html.  The site is long abandoned but still much cool stuff to explore.

If you are stuck on 28 mm, absolutely start here: https://pulpfigures.com/rugged_adventures/.  This may be where Pulp got its name - and definitely where the spin-the-wheel concept came from and certainly a stalwart of the genre for 28 mm miniatures, some very cool figures.  Their rules are interesting - I have them as an alternate and a resource for ideas.  Of course, there is a lot more out there in 28 mm but I'm a 15 mm person.

And if you are open to 15/18 mm miniatures, you need to go here: https://oldglory25s.com/15-18mm-deep-dark-africa-figures/.  And search the site for other than Africa - or other Africa settings.  Also check into Peter Pig figures (smallish 15 mm) and Irregular Miniatures (larger 15 mm and more compatible with the Bluemoon from OG25).

I looked into Pulp Alley but decided to use Fistful of Lead instead, you can use these rules for anything from the earliest pre-history all the way through to the farthest future - and every step in between, historical or otherwise.  They use a unique card driven system that is fun to play.  Go here: https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/fistful-of-lead-western-game.  You can order the rules as a PDF and print yourself.  I would recommend getting both the Reloaded and the Big Battles options - and any other sub rules that interest you and fit your financial situation.  Fun rules, like them a lot. [You need the rules, tape measures/rulers, mostly d10, but some d8 and d12 dice too, and a plain deck of cards (or order the special decks from the link) - and then miniatures and terrain to suit your tastes and budget].

I will let others fill you in on Pulp Alley.

Whichever way you go, you will have fun along the way! 

My German is 'sehr schlecht' so best for me to avoid even trying to use it! 

[NickNascati]

Jack,
         First of all, all of the Pulp Alley books and even cards are available as PDFs making it much less expensive for someone overseas.
         Second, it is a terrific set of rules.  I’ve been playing it off and on since it came out 10 years ago.  The basic rules include 5 or 6 scenarios that can be endlessly replayed, even in different settings.  I would highly recommend getting the Vice Alley and Tomb of the Serpent campaign books, both loaded with great scenarios.
         As to figures, yes, Pulp Figures has a very large range as FifteensAway mentioned. Also look at Copplestone minis. Also, if price is a factor, consider the new multi part plastics.
         For a starter order, I’d suggest the latest edition of the core rules, the fortune deck or the solo deck if you are gaming solo, and one of the campaign books i mentioned.

[pauld]

Hi

You can download the free starter rules here

https://pulpalley.com/downloads

and this video from the Pulp Alley youtube site explains the basics



It is my favourite miniatures skirmish game - every game will tell a story  ...   and it's cheap to get into, just a handful of miniatures and the free or full rules and cards.

[blacksoilbill]

Pulp Alley is a great game. The free starter rules give you a taste of the game. Games are defienitely more than just killing each other: there's lots of room for treasure seeking and other objectives.

[snitcythedog]

I have played a few different systems and keep coming back to Pulp Alley.  A fist full of lead is fun but in most cases it is more force on force and for me misses the pulpy feel.  7TV pulp is fun too but that is geared to be played like an action scene in a movie or tv show.  Both of those systems allow for building up a group or league.  Pulp alley allows for all of that but really does get the pulpy feel.  You can add perils that the parties encounter on the table and when you stop at a plot point there is a challenge mechanic that you need to take into account.  For me it is quick, fun and has the right feel.  I have not played in a campaign setting but it is possible. 

My best suggestion would be to watch as many play throughs on You Tube as possible to see how the mechanics of each game works and decide from there.  If you have a local club where they play that is another option so you can play and see for yourself.

[Michi]

Hello from Germany!

Have a look at my blog and click the Pulp Alley tag on the right (web version  if browsing by mobile). You‘ll find a couple of AARs - one even in German.
I admit that we make our own adventures though…

[JackCarver]

Thanks a lot to all replies!
Helps me a lot!
One more question, @nicknascati: you recommend the fortune deck for starting configuration. I have not find any product even shipping product nor download file on the Webshop. Is the fortune deck the same or included in the starter deck, which is available for free download?

Thanks a lot!

[Dubar]

From a previous post I made:

From the Solo Rules instructions I have:

Our 40-card Pulp Alley Solo Deck is specifically designed to replace the Fortune Deck when playing single player scenarios.

The Fortune Deck is included in the Starter Set:

https://store.pulpalley.com/product-p/0001-ss.htm

Hope this helps!

[Dubar]

Here's the previous post:

https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=142362.0

[blacksoilbill]

One more question, @nicknascati: you recommend the fortune deck for starting configuration. I have not find any product even shipping product nor download file on the Webshop. Is the fortune deck the same or included in the starter deck, which is available for free download?

The Fortune Deck is the same thing as the free download Starter Deck.