Legends of the Khurst Riders

This is my submission for the Wound by Tension 2024 game jam. Mechanically I’m exploring the idea of the characters themselves keeping track of their own tension to trigger a tribal curse. [This did not happen however, it did lead to the idea of using the Tension Table as a way to trigger curses AND haunts which could end the character as an external timer.] Narratively I imagine a new, largely unexplored, land chock full of new beliefs, old traditions, and forgotten mythos that will cause all the conflicts you’ll need.

This is the no frills , only art is the cover ashcan version.

33 Pages

Complete Rules

Short Bestiary

One Saga Included

Concept

The characters immigrants from the old world (this counts as any other non-American culture) who are cursed. They have fled to the newly formed Khurst Territories with the aid of the Baroness who now demands payment of 10 souls from each of them. The characters are haunted by what they have done before coming to America and are (hopefully) finding redemption on the frontiers of an alt-history weird west.

Aim

In order to pay back the Baroness they have taken on the role of Khurst Riders and do her bidding as a way to pay down their souldebt. The characters are obligated to form a posse and carry out tasks on her behalf until the debt is paid. Tasks can be tracking down a wanted/dangerous beast, solving a territory dispute, or even converting someone to her side.

But, the real danger might be themselves the whole time. I want the players to bring their past into the present either by telling stories, introduce world building, or have their curse affect the current saga. Each character will have a redemption arc available to them if they wish. Right now, I just want to explore this strange land.

Tone

I’m leaning towards action adventure that dips into horror. I want the stories to be a bit larger than life being told around a campfire as millions of stars shine down. Magic exists on the form of strange dark mysticism or miracles from a higher power. The damned walk the earth in desolate and abandoned areas. I want the dust to settle in players eyes as they track down a wayward sinner. 

One nice thing about this system is it can translate just as easily into mysteries (seances and creepy buildings) and espionage (train barons are getting too close) as well. From a brief brainstorm session I’ve come up with ideas for a territory dispute between families, showdown with a corrupted preacher, and a bounty that leads them to the mouth of hell.

Subject Matter

Being respectful to other cultures and religion is a premium. The clashing and understanding of cultures is an essential conflict.

Inspiration

It’s tough not to cite favorites like Tombstone and Penny Dreadful. But, I think the feeling is going to be darker like Bone Tomahawk, Burrowers, and Old Gods of Appalachia. Why aren’t there more werewolf cowboy movies?!