Legends of the Khurst Riders
A downloadable game
Welcome to Legends of the Khurst Riders
All sales will go towards a future edition with art! (and updated rules after much more playtesting)
Introduction Video
Learn About Legends of the Khurst Riders
How to Make a Character Video
Legends of the Khurst Riders Actual Playtest - Session 0 'Character Creation'
Updated to v1.1 Includes
- Haunt and Curse prompts
- Map of the Khurst Territories
- Bounty Hunting Rules
- Transportation Rules
- Equipment List
- Cleaner Formatting and Reorganization
This was my submission for the Wound by Tension 2024 game jam. A tabletop role playing game inspired by my love of Tombstone and Penny Dreadful. But, plays more like Bone Tomahawk, Burrowers, and Old Gods of Appalachia. Just an aside, why aren’t there more werewolf cowboy movies?!
Concept
The characters are immigrants from the old world whether fictionalized or based in reality in an American alternate weird west 1831. They are both cursed from their motherland’s folklore and haunted by a heinous act they committed. A mysterious woman only known as the Baroness offered them escape from persecution and safety in the New World as long as they serve her to the price of 10 souls. As a stroke of kindness the Baroness further removed certain memories that would surely drive the character mad if they knew them without first finding redemption.
The characters have become Khurst ‘Cursed’ Riders, obligated to form a posse and carry out tasks on the Baroness’s behalf until their debt is paid.
Aim
The characters are in a race to pay off their souldebt to the Baroness before either their curse or haunt consumes them. Tasks range from tracking down beastly outlaws, solving a territory dispute between demonic land barons, or even using the good word to salvage someone’s soul. If the souldebt is paid in full, the player narrates a suitable redemption arc or descent madness. Do they decide to remember what they did? Do they break the curse?
Tone
Legends of the Khurst Riders skews more towards action adventure steeped in horror. Magic exists in the form of strange dark mysticism or miracles from a higher power. The damned walk the earth in desolate and abandoned areas. Stories are told around a campfire at night about larger than life folktale characters wrestling for their very soul.
The Wound by Tension system is very flexible to accommodate mysteries, heists, or competing riddles.
Subject Matter
Narratively I imagine the pristine frontier of the Khurst Territories to be framed as a clash of Old World beliefs, New World teachings, Native traditions, and forgotten mythos. Not always at odds with each other but a warring undercurrent of alienation. It is paramount to be respectful of real life cultures and belief systems.
Purchase
In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $2.99 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Comments
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“Legends of the Khurst Riders” plunges you into a haunted, weird west that is both captivating and chilling and perfect for this time of year. The game, uses the Tension Engine SRD and its d6 pool system to create a dynamic and immersive experience. In this variation of the system, the Tension mechanic triggers Haunts and Curses which adds an unpredictable layer to the gameplay, ensuring that every session is filled with unexpected twists. These triggers allow for some great roleplaying moments utilizing character backstories and tie the mechanics into the lore wonderfully.
One of the game’s standout features is its flexibility. Whether you’re unraveling mysteries at the Baroness' request or fighting back against powerful robber barons, Legends of the Khurst Riders' use of the Tension Engine adapts to action and intrigue with ease. The game encourages players to integrate their characters’ backstories into the ongoing narrative, enriching the world-building and deepening the sense of immersion. These characters, deep in debt and fighting their own natures easily create the campfire tale feel that Jerod is shooting for.
nice