,After seeking inspiration from binge-watching all three series of HBO's "Deadwood", I tried a simple gunfight using TRWNN (only slightly modified) and my own characterisation ideas.
[The Bounty Hunters]The setup was quite straightforward, four a side, Bounrty Hunters versus Outlaws.
A D20 would give their status, a result of 1 to 4 gave a civilian whilst only a '20' would give a "Legend". Rolling for each side gave identical results, two gunmen and two shootist each. I gave each of the characters three characterisitcs, a Hand to Hand abilty, a Pistol ability and a Shoulder Arm (rifle) abilty. I used the method explained in my last post, a D6 for each 'level', Rolls of 1 to 3 gave no improvement, whilst 4, 5 gave +1 and a 6 gave +2 - with a maximum of '5' allowed for any characterisitc. Gunmen would roll twice for each and Shootists would roll three times, as if they had all gone throught the various lower levels.
[The Outlaws, at the other end of the street, just about visible in the top photo]
For cards, I borrowed an idea from "Shoot n Skeddatle", allocated each character a card (Diamonds for the Bounty Hunters and Spades for the Outlaws) . To keep track on the table, as a visible aid, I gave each character a counter with their initial on, yellow for the Outlaws and Red for the Bounty Hunters. (Can you spot them?)
The cards, (it's a French Deck btw), the court cards were action cards the Queen (Dame) for the Shootist's action card and the Jack (Valet) for the Gunman's action card. As no-one could use the Legend card, it was ommitted. There were also no civilians to be involved so rightfully or wrongly, I also ommitted the Civilian action card. (On reflection I probably should have included it)
A simple sheet of paper would record each figure's characteristics, their card and any wounds
[Detail on "Abe". Note his Nerve value of '3', I set these as a standard. His activation card is the 2 of Spades - bottom left]
Here's the photos:
[With a carefully aimed shot then using an action card, George nails Del with a Flesh leg wound]
Charlie, who hasn't activated at all. finally decides to rush forward and join in, he gets a measly 2" with his 2 D6 and is Knocked Out with a serious chest wound !The game was over and it was obvious that the Bounty Hunters had won,.
The game had good points, such as the skill system working well and easily to figure out; few serious wounds, but a lot of 'grazes abounding'; cover rules worked well, the single shot at Abe caused him to Duck back; Charlies 2" run was unacceptable imo and will be under review.
Did I enjoy the game ? Yes, despite not knowing the rules well enough , nor having a QRS to hand, it went much more smoothly than anticipated. The Activation system meant poor Charlie didn't move for all but one turn and when he did...well...
Another bout of thoughts on rules is in order, but I will be playing again!
Thanks for taking the time to visit, hopefull there was something of interest.
That's it then for another week, as always your comments are always welcomed and appreciated.
Seems like a straightforward and intuitive type of game, also sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks Iain, it was pretty straight forward the way I played it as it was my first game and I did have a lot of fun, feeling frustration for both sides at some point.
DeleteGreat play test Joe, and can see your thinking on what rules worked and what needs tweaking, good to hear you enjoyed it, and look forward to seeing how this develops
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave, my mind is ticking over all the time with any new set of rulesm not averse to changing what I don't like!
DeleteTo me no rules are written in stone, after all authors of rules are only using their own opions.
I'll be thinking this game's idiosyncracies trhough this week and taking another look at the rules.
Good to see you playing with your toys.
ReplyDeleteThanks Douglas, it was a battle of will, on my part, just to set it all up, but well worth it in the end, from my viewpoint.
DeleteGreat to see you getting some action in Joe & really like the idea for building the 2 sides.
ReplyDeleteI noticed there was a Joker in the the cards & can't seem to fine any refence to what it does, or did I just miss something ?
Thanks Frank, I'm still working on the character generation, but it workedwell at least.
DeleteI probably omitted the joker's purpose somewhere alongthe lint. The joker is shuffledinto the pack to determine when the turn ends, at which stage, action cards must be used then or lost and another turn starts with a newly shuffled deck. With this method, it's quite possiblethat not all characters don't get to activate adn happened in this game several times.
Also, in the above game the Jack (v) and Queen (d) were the action cards giving a character of at least their 'level.
Looks like a fun game Joe! Glad to see you getting a game in.
ReplyDeleteThanks MJT, I have agreat fondness for Western skirmish games, having had many games along time ago. This game was fun, even if played solo.
DeleteThat's amazing! Great to see that stuff on table!
ReplyDeleteThanks you Michal, i's really just us boys playing with our toys - we never really grow up.
DeleteGreat stuff Joe! Always fun to get the old west models on the table 😀
ReplyDeleteThanks Ivor, you're absolutely right, but I wish I'd done it years ago !
DeleteNice to see the guys on the table, it sounded a bit one sided but that's the way it goes somtimes. Glad you enjoyed the game because that's what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vagabond, if I'd used rifles then the OUtlaws would have definetly had the advantage, but the sides were fairly even imo.
ReplyDeleteThe game flowed a lot quicker than I thought it would too, evenhaving to llok at rules, moving around the table to reach the bad guys and the general "bookkeeping".
Look good Joe. I am hoping Crooked Dice expand their Pulp ruleset to encompass Western's.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brummie, knowing how well recieved their pulp rules have been, I'll be looking forward to their Western Rules.
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