Savage Worlds is a fast-paced tabletop RPG system emphasizing quick gameplay and narrative freedom. Deadlands, set in the Weird West, combines horror and Wild West elements. The Deadlands PDF offers essential resources for players and GMs, including character sheets, quick start guides, and adventure modules. This section introduces the core concepts of Savage Worlds and the immersive Deadlands setting, highlighting the importance of the Deadlands PDF for enhancing gameplay.
1.1 Overview of Savage Worlds as a Tabletop RPG System
Savage Worlds is a versatile tabletop RPG system designed for fast-paced, narrative-driven gameplay. Created by Shane Lacy Hensley, it offers a universal ruleset adaptable to various genres, from fantasy to sci-fi. The system emphasizes flexibility, allowing players to create unique characters quickly. Key mechanics include the use of polyhedral dice, a bennie system for in-game advantages, and a focus on player agency. Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition and the updated Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) provide comprehensive rulesets. Its streamlined design makes it accessible to newcomers while offering depth for experienced players. The system’s adaptability has led to its popularity across multiple settings, including Deadlands, Rippers, and 50 Fathoms.
Deadlands is a unique role-playing game setting that blends elements of the Wild West with horror and the supernatural. Set in an alternate history of the United States, the Weird West is filled with cowboys, outlaws, and mysterious forces. Players take on roles such as gunslingers, hucksters, and shamans, navigating a world where supernatural events have disrupted the American frontier. The setting is rich in lore, combining historical events with dark, otherworldly elements. Deadlands offers a gritty, immersive experience, allowing players to explore themes of survival, morality, and the supernatural in a lawless, eerie environment. The setting’s mix of western and horror elements creates a captivating atmosphere for storytelling and adventure.
1.3 Importance of the Deadlands PDF in Savage Worlds
The Deadlands PDF is a crucial resource for Savage Worlds players and Game Masters, offering comprehensive guides, character sheets, and adventure modules. It provides detailed rules, setting lore, and tools to enhance gameplay. The PDF includes essential materials like character creation guides, magic rules, and equipment lists, making it indispensable for both new and experienced players. Additionally, it features pre-made adventures, allowing GMs to quickly start or expand campaigns. The Deadlands PDF is a cost-effective way to access a wealth of content, ensuring players and GMs have everything needed to immerse themselves in the Weird West. Its accessibility and depth make it a cornerstone of the Savage Worlds experience.
Core Rulebooks and Resources
Core rulebooks for Savage Worlds include Deluxe Edition, Deadlands Reloaded, and SWADE, providing essential rules, character options, and setting details for the Weird West.
2.1 Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition Rulebook
The Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition Rulebook is the cornerstone of the system, offering streamlined rules for character creation, combat, and gameplay. It provides essential guidelines for both players and Game Masters, ensuring a fast-paced and narrative-driven experience. The rulebook is compatible with various settings, including Deadlands, allowing seamless integration of its unique elements. With clear instructions and examples, it empowers players to craft diverse characters and embark on thrilling adventures. This edition is a must-have for anyone exploring the Savage Worlds universe, including those venturing into the Weird West of Deadlands. The PDF version is readily available, making it accessible to a global audience.
2.2 Deadlands Reloaded Rulebook
The Deadlands Reloaded Rulebook is a comprehensive guide to the Weird West setting, blending horror, western, and post-apocalyptic elements. Published by Pinnacle Entertainment Group, it serves as the core rulebook for Deadlands within the Savage Worlds system. Released in 2004 as a PDF and later in print, it details character creation, magic, equipment, and setting-specific rules. The book is fully compatible with Savage Worlds, offering unique twists like the use of Bennies and the inclusion of supernatural elements. Deadlands Reloaded is essential for both players and Game Masters, providing the tools to craft immersive stories in the Weird West. The PDF version remains popular, available on platforms like DriveThruRPG for easy access.
2.3 Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE)
Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) is the latest iteration of the Savage Worlds system, introducing streamlined rules and enhanced gameplay mechanics. Released by Pinnacle Entertainment Group, SWADE builds on the core system while maintaining compatibility with existing settings like Deadlands. It offers improved character creation options, updated setting-agnostic rules, and expanded tools for Game Masters. Players benefit from refined skill and combat systems, making gameplay faster and more narrative-driven. SWADE ensures backward compatibility with previous editions, allowing seamless integration of Deadlands content. The PDF version of SWADE is widely available, providing a comprehensive resource for both new and veteran players to explore the Weird West and other Savage Worlds settings.
Character Creation in Deadlands
Character creation in Deadlands involves choosing roles, assigning attributes, and selecting Hindrances. The PDF provides essential resources, including unique character sheets and setting-specific rules, enhancing customization.
3.1 Steps to Create a Character in Deadlands
Creating a character in Deadlands involves several key steps. First, players choose a role, such as Gunslinger or Huckster, which defines their abilities. Next, attributes like Strength, Agility, and Spirit are assigned. Skills are then selected based on the character’s background and role. Hindrances, unique to Deadlands, add depth and challenges. The Deadlands PDF provides detailed character sheets and guides to streamline this process. Players can also customize their characters with gear and supernatural abilities, such as magic or shamanism. The PDF resources include quick start guides and setting-specific rules, ensuring a seamless and immersive character creation experience tailored to the Weird West setting.
3.2 Unique Hindrances in Deadlands
Deadlands introduces unique Hindrances that reflect its Weird West setting, adding depth to characters. Examples include “Yellow Belly,” where a character hesitates in dangerous situations, and “Wanted,” making them a target for enemies. These Hindrances provide narrative hooks and mechanical challenges, enhancing role-playing opportunities. The Deadlands PDF outlines these setting-specific Hindrances, ensuring they align with the game’s tone and themes. Players can choose from a variety of options that tie into the supernatural and gritty nature of the setting, making each character uniquely flawed and memorable. These Hindrances are detailed in the Deadlands PDF, offering players and Game Masters a rich resource for character development.
3.3 Magic and Shamanism in Deadlands
Magic in Deadlands is a powerful yet dangerous force, tied to the setting’s supernatural elements. Characters can wield arcane powers as Hucksters, making pacts with mysterious beings, or practice Shamanism, using Tribal Medicine to heal or curse. The Deadlands PDF details these systems, offering rules for spellcasting, spirit interactions, and magical risks. Shamanism is linked to the Spirit attribute, requiring investment in skills like Tribal Medicine. Players must balance power with the risks of corruption or backlash, adding depth and tension to magical roles. These mechanics are fully explained in the Deadlands PDF, providing a comprehensive guide for integrating magic into adventures and character builds.
The Weird West Setting
The Weird West blends Wild West history with supernatural horror, featuring dark magic, steam-powered technology, and eerie landscapes. The Deadlands PDF details this haunting setting, rich in lore.
4.1 Historical and Mythological Background
Deadlands merges the gritty reality of the Wild West with dark, supernatural elements rooted in American folklore. The setting reimagines the 19th century, where historical events are intertwined with mysterious forces and mythical creatures. Drawing from Native American legends, gothic horror, and steampunk aesthetics, Deadlands creates a unique narrative. The PDF resources provide detailed lore, outlining how the Weird West diverged from history, introducing elements like the “Reckoning,” a cataclysmic event that unleashed supernatural entities. This blend of history and myth defines the setting’s tone and offers players a rich backdrop for exploration and adventure.
4.2 Key Locations and Regions in Deadlands
Deadlands is set in a reimagined American West, where iconic locations like the Sioux Nations, Texas, and California are transformed by supernatural forces. The Weird West spans diverse regions, each with unique themes and dangers. The Sioux Nations are plagued by ancient evils, while the Maze, a shattered version of California, is a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Bayou Verde evokes a gothic, swampy atmosphere, and the Great Plains hide mysterious ruins and roaming monsters. These regions, detailed in the Deadlands PDF, provide a rich backdrop for adventures, blending historical landmarks with eerie, supernatural elements to create a compelling and immersive setting for players to explore.
4.3 The Role of Supernatural Elements
Supernatural elements are central to Deadlands, blending horror and the Wild West. The Weird West is haunted by malevolent spirits, cursed creatures, and mysterious phenomena. Magic, known as “hexes,” is wielded by hucksters who gamble with infernal powers. Shamans commune with spirits, while Mad Scientists unleash steam-powered horrors. The Reckoners, ancient evils, shape the world’s fate. These elements create a chilling atmosphere, where danger lurks in every shadow. The Deadlands PDF details these supernatural aspects, offering rules for magic, spirits, and arcane skills, enriching the game’s immersive and spine-chilling narrative. These elements define Deadlands’ unique identity, making it a standout setting in the Savage Worlds system.
Expansions and Supplements
Expansions enhance Deadlands with new adventures and mechanics. Notable ones include “Deadlands: The Weird West” and “Blood Drive,” offering fresh scenarios and rules. These PDFs expand gameplay depth and options, available on platforms like DriveThruRPG for players seeking more content.
5.1 Deadlands: The Weird West Expansion
Deadlands: The Weird West Expansion is a 192-page PDF that immerses players in a gritty, horror-infused Wild West. Designed for Savage Worlds, it offers new mechanics, adventures, and character options. Available on DriveThruRPG for $19.99, this expansion enhances the core game with detailed setting lore and rules for magic, shamanism, and supernatural elements. Players can explore iconic locations and face terrifying foes, while GMs gain tools to craft compelling narratives. This PDF is a must-have for fans of the Weird West, providing a wealth of content to deepen their Deadlands experience. It’s a comprehensive resource that expands gameplay possibilities while staying true to the setting’s unique tone.
5.2 Blood Drive Adventure
Blood Drive is a thrilling adventure set in the Deadlands universe, designed for Savage Worlds. Created by John Goff, it offers a gritty narrative filled with supernatural threats and moral dilemmas. Players embark on a perilous journey, navigating the horrors of the Weird West. The adventure introduces new mechanics and scenarios, enhancing the core Savage Worlds system. Available as a PDF, Blood Drive provides GMs with detailed encounters and NPCs, ensuring engaging gameplay. It’s a must-play for fans of horror and Wild West settings, offering a unique blend of action and atmosphere. This module is a standout addition to any Deadlands campaign, delivering unforgettable experiences for players and GMs alike.
5.3 Other Savage Worlds Settings (Rippers, 50 Fathoms)
Beyond Deadlands, Savage Worlds offers diverse settings like Rippers and 50 Fathoms. Rippers is a gothic horror RPG where players hunt supernatural threats in the 19th century. 50 Fathoms, meanwhile, is a pirate-themed setting in a world where the seas have drowned the land. Both settings utilize the Savage Worlds system, ensuring compatibility and ease of play. Rippers and 50 Fathoms expand the Savage Worlds universe, offering unique genres and gameplay experiences. Players can explore horror, piracy, and post-apocalyptic adventures, all powered by the same flexible rules. These settings, like Deadlands, are available as PDFs, making them accessible for fans of the system. They showcase the versatility of Savage Worlds in crafting immersive worlds.
Gameplay Mechanics
Savage Worlds combines fast-paced combat, intuitive rules, and narrative storytelling. Players use Bennies to influence outcomes, while the system blends Wild West action with supernatural horror seamlessly.
6.1 Combat System in Savage Worlds
The combat system in Savage Worlds is fast-paced and action-oriented, designed to keep players engaged. Battles are resolved using a combination of skills, attributes, and dice rolls, with an emphasis on quick resolutions. Characters can use a variety of weapons, from six-shooters to supernatural abilities, adding depth to the gameplay. The system also incorporates the use of Bennies, which allow players to influence outcomes, adding a layer of strategy. This approach ensures that combat is both thrilling and narrative-driven, fitting seamlessly into the Weird West setting of Deadlands.
6.2 Magic and Arcane Skills
Magic in Savage Worlds Deadlands is a powerful and volatile force, with characters able to wield arcane abilities through specific skills like Huckster or Shaman. These skills allow casters to perform spells, summon entities, or manipulate reality, using Power Points as a resource. Shamanism, for instance, relies on the Tribal Medicine skill, linking it to the Spirit attribute. Magic can be unpredictable, adding a layer of risk and excitement to gameplay. The system balances flexibility with structure, ensuring that arcane skills enhance the narrative while maintaining game balance. This makes magic a key element in shaping both characters and stories within the Weird West setting of Deadlands.
6.3 Bennies and Their Role in Gameplay
Bennies are a unique mechanic in Savage Worlds, serving as a resource for players to influence gameplay. They can be earned through role-playing, completing tasks, or as rewards from the Game Master. Players use Bennies to modify dice rolls, soak damage, or gain advantages in critical situations. In Deadlands, Bennies also allow players to activate specific abilities tied to their character’s hindrances or backstory. This system adds a layer of strategy and narrative control, making players feel more invested in their characters’ success. Bennies balance luck and skill, ensuring dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experiences in the Weird West setting. Their role is central to maintaining the fast-paced and exciting nature of Savage Worlds adventures.
Deadlands PDF Resources
Deadlands PDF resources include character sheets, quick start guides, and adventure modules, providing essential tools for players and Game Masters to enhance their Weird West experiences.
7.1 Deadlands Character Sheets
Deadlands character sheets are essential tools for players, providing structured layouts to record abilities, gear, and backstory. Available as PDFs, these sheets support both Deadlands Reloaded and SWADE systems. They often feature form-fillable fields for convenience and printer-friendly designs. Optional sections cater to specific roles like Hucksters or Shamans, allowing detailed tracking of magic and supernatural abilities. These sheets ensure organization and immersion, making them indispensable for both new and veteran players. Their availability in digital formats enhances accessibility, while customizable options let players tailor them to their characters’ unique needs, enriching the overall gameplay experience in the Weird West setting.
7.2 Quick Start Guides for Deadlands
Quick Start Guides for Deadlands provide an excellent introduction to the game, helping new players and Game Masters grasp the core mechanics and setting. These guides are available as downloadable PDFs, offering concise rules, character creation basics, and an overview of the Weird West. They often include pre-made characters and sample adventures to jumpstart gameplay. Designed to be user-friendly, these guides streamline the learning process, allowing players to dive into the world of Deadlands without the need for the full rulebook. They are ideal for newcomers, ensuring a smooth transition into the unique blend of Wild West and supernatural horror that defines the setting, making them a valuable resource for enhancing your Savage Worlds experience.
7.3 Adventure Modules and Scenarios
Adventure modules and scenarios for Deadlands are essential for driving engaging narratives and immersive gameplay. The Blood Drive adventure, available as a free PDF, introduces players to the eerie and action-packed world of the Weird West. It incorporates new rules from the Savage Worlds Horror Companion, enhancing the supernatural elements. Other modules, such as those found in the Deadlands Reloaded series, offer diverse storylines that blend Wild West themes with horror and fantasy; These scenarios provide pre-designed encounters, NPCs, and plot twists, allowing Game Masters to craft thrilling experiences. With a focus on player agency and dynamic combat, these modules ensure countless hours of excitement, making them indispensable for both new and veteran players exploring the Savage Worlds universe.
Conversions and Compatibility
Deadlands seamlessly integrates with Savage Worlds, allowing easy conversion of characters and adventures. Compatibility with other settings like Rippers and 50 Fathoms enhances gameplay versatility and storytelling potential.
8.1 Converting Deadlands to Savage Worlds
Converting Deadlands to Savage Worlds is streamlined due to shared system mechanics. The Deadlands Reloaded rulebook and Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition provide foundational rules. Characters, skills, and hindrances translate seamlessly, with minor adjustments for setting-specific elements. Magic and shamanism rules from Deadlands integrate smoothly into Savage Worlds’ arcane system. Adventure modules and NPCs require minimal conversion, preserving the Weird West atmosphere. Players can use character sheets and quick start guides from the Deadlands PDF for easy transition. This compatibility ensures a smooth experience for both players and Game Masters, allowing for immersive storytelling in the Savage Worlds framework.
8.2 Compatibility with Other Savage Worlds Settings
Deadlands seamlessly integrates with other Savage Worlds settings like Rippers and 50 Fathoms. Players can merge characters, such as a Rippers vampire hunter joining a Deadlands posse. Settings like 50 Fathoms’ pirate-themed adventures can incorporate Deadlands’ supernatural elements. The flexibility of Savage Worlds’ system allows for cross-setting campaigns, creating unique narratives. Optional rules from the Horror Companion enhance compatibility, enabling shared gameplay experiences. This adaptability makes Savage Worlds a versatile platform for diverse storytelling, ensuring players can explore multiple worlds without system conflicts. The Deadlands PDF resources, including character sheets and quick start guides, support this cross-compatibility, enriching the overall Savage Worlds experience.
Advanced Topics
Diving into advanced gameplay strategies, complex character builds, and utilizing Savage Worlds expansions to enhance the Deadlands experience for seasoned players.
9.1 Using the Horror Companion in Deadlands
The Horror Companion enhances Deadlands by introducing eerie mechanics, perfect for its Weird West setting. It adds Fear Levels and Corruption, deepening the horror theme. Players face psychological strains, while marshals gain tools to craft terrifying encounters. This supplement is crucial for adventures like Blood Drive, which rely on its rules. By integrating these elements, the Horror Companion elevates Deadlands’ immersive storytelling, blending Wild West action with supernatural dread seamlessly.
9.2 Advanced Character Builds
Advanced character builds in Deadlands leverage unique hindrances, arcane skills, and supernatural abilities to create complex, nuanced characters. Players can craft specialized roles like hucksters, shamans, or mad scientists, blending magic with Wild West grit. Hindrances like “Wanted” or “Cursed” add depth and narrative hooks. Magic and shamanism offer versatile powers, while bennies provide strategic advantages. By combining these elements, players can design characters that stand out, driving compelling stories in the Weird West. Advanced builds often require careful balancing but reward creativity, ensuring each character is memorable and integral to the party’s success in Deadlands’ eerie frontier.
Deadlands: The Weird West, powered by Savage Worlds, offers a unique blend of horror and Wild West adventure. The Deadlands PDF is a vital resource for players and GMs, providing character sheets, quick starts, and adventures. With its flexible system and rich setting, Deadlands continues to captivate fans, ensuring a bright future for the Weird West in Savage Worlds.
10.1 Summary of Deadlands in Savage Worlds
Deadlands, a setting within Savage Worlds, combines Wild West and horror elements into a unique tabletop RPG experience. The Deadlands PDF provides essential resources, including character sheets, quick start guides, and adventure modules, making it a vital tool for both players and Game Masters. The system emphasizes fast-paced gameplay and narrative freedom, allowing players to explore the Weird West with customizable characters and immersive storylines. The PDF format ensures accessibility and convenience, offering everything needed to dive into the world of Deadlands. With its rich setting and flexible rules, Deadlands remains a beloved choice for fans of horror and western genres in Savage Worlds.
10.2 Future of Deadlands and Savage Worlds
The future of Deadlands and Savage Worlds is promising, with ongoing support and new content releases. Pinnacle Entertainment Group continues to expand the setting with updates like Deadlands: The Weird West, offering fresh adventures and rules. The PDF format ensures easy access to these resources, catering to both new and veteran players. Savage Worlds’ versatility allows seamless integration with other settings, fostering a growing community. As the system evolves, fans can expect more immersive storytelling tools, new character options, and expanded lore for Deadlands. This dynamic approach ensures Savage Worlds and Deadlands remain vibrant and engaging for years to come.