Over the last couple of months, Doug, John and I have been really enjoying learning Too Fat Lardies, What A Cowboy Western Skirmish rules.

We have played some great games set in the Old West. The mechanisms work well and are a lot of fun.

I’ve started thinking about the idea of adding a pinch of ‘Horror’ into the mix, maybe traditional vampires, ghosts and werewolves, something from the Cthulhu Mythos like Deep Ones or Ghouls or maybe something from the excellent Dracula’s America supernatural old west range.

I have put some ideas together, inspired by the Horror rules from Pulp Alley (which is a top skirmish game that handles horror as well as solo and co-operative play really well). You can click here to download Free copy of Horror Rules & Cards as a PDF

The idea is that if you are charged, or within the zone of influence and line of sight of a creature or event causing horror at a level equal to or greater than your characters level you take a horror check. If you pass there is no effect, if you fail you draw a horror card or effect that stays with your character until you manage to overcome it by testing at the end of the turn. Most effects are negative, for example ‘Big distraction’ means you all spotting attempts need one more dice until you get your act together and overcome it on a turn end test. Some effects are positive, for example ‘Rage’ adds ‘+1’ to your brawl rolls.

The rules are a work in progress. I’d really appreciate if you could give them a go and leave some feedback by commenting on the post. The items that need most testing / feedback is the relative level that I have assigned to different horrors. It’s just my starting guess! and whether your characters check when confronted with horrors of a higher level or whether its best to check when confronted with horrors equal or higher. This can only really be tested by playing some games and seeing what feels right.

Click here for Free Download of Horror Check Rules & Cards PDF

John and I are giving the Horror rules a try this Friday, so will post an after action report next week.

The scenario outline is that a group of misguided cultists are attempting to turn some of there congregation into Deep Ones & Hybrids. The posse needs to stop this diabolical activity before it’s to late.