Deadlands: Disarmament (Learn to play Savage Worlds! One Shot)

About the adventure

The year is 1873... the history is not your own. Howdy, cowpokes! The American Civil War is but two years done, after the Confederate surrender in 1871. Don't let that fool you, though, there's rebels out there still skirmishing with the Union, and the fighting's worst around Kansas. Now guess where the Union's sending you? The War saw any number of mechanized horrors. You probably saw some yourself, pardner. Gatling weapons, flamethrowers, ironclads not only on sea but land, gyrocopters in the skies, and that's just to name a few. Out in Kechi, Kansas, there's a whole minefield left from the Battle of Wichita. That's where your guide is taking you. And trust him about it, that field is where he lost his arm. Course, some of you know already that those infernal contraptions weren't the only horrors released during the War. There's the other kind, too. Dead men who don't stay in their graves, witches that throw cards that cut clean through flesh and bone, and ornery monsters going bump in the night, are all rumored to haunt the West. Now, not every rumors true, but you'd better believe some are. Maybe you've seen some yourself, pardner... or maybe you're about to...

Additional Details

How to prepare

You'll need a mic, I don't generally do cams. No need for rules, and I'll try to get everyone's character to them before the first session so you can get a feel for them. You'll need Discord and a Roll20 account (both of these are free). It wouldn't hurt to poke your nose into some real world Civil War era history, just to get a feel for the setting. Given Deadlands' deviation from history, watching a Western or two might be better prep. Or The Mummy (1999), which is probably the most Deadlands movie out there despite not being in the American West. No pressure, though, they just help set the mood.

What I provide

I've got the rules, the characters, the adventures, and the enthusiasm to show off this cool game to new players! For those who may be curious, this will be using Savage Worlds: Adventures Edition, presently the latest version of the game.

Gameplay details

The session will introduce new players to the Savage Worlds rules system and the Deadlands setting with an approach designed to ease everyone into the mechanics while still delivering the action, investigation and horror that make the system and setting truly shine. Deadlands is a horror game, so expect to see rough violence, a splash of gore, questionable morality, supernatural forces, and adult themes. As an alternate history setting set in 1871 issues of racism and sexism are also likely to emerge, but as a pulp game they will not be overemphasized or focused on too closely. Lost Cause apologia will not be tolerated at the table. As a one shot nothing should be too heavy. All the same, we'll be using the X card system, and I'll be asking about Veils and Lines before we start the game proper.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

(none)

How will character creation work

I've got a roster of premade cowpokes for players to choose from, including classics like the intrepid reporter, the hardbitten agent, as well as Deadlands' classics like the magical Huckster and Mad Scientist. If a player with more familiarity with the Savage Worlds system would like to join they're free to make their own character in advance, just get it to me at least 24 hours before the game so I can review them and work them into the story!

Players can expect

• Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
• Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
• If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.