Old Gods of Appalachia delves into a dark fantasy world rooted in Appalachian folklore, offering a unique role-playing experience.
The official Old Gods of Appalachia PDF and physical books provide a gateway to this haunting realm, brimming with ancient powers and forgotten lore.
Explore a setting where the mountains themselves hold secrets, and the echoes of the past resonate through the hollers, awaiting discovery by brave adventurers.
What is Old Gods of Appalachia?
Old Gods of Appalachia is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) steeped in the rich, often unsettling, folklore of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s a game about family, survival, and the terrifying power of the ancient beings that dwell within the hollows and shadowed forests; The core experience centers around characters grappling with a world where the veil between the natural and supernatural is dangerously thin.
The game’s foundation lies in its evocative setting, drawing heavily from regional myths, ballads, and historical accounts. Players take on the roles of individuals caught between the traditions of their ancestors and the encroaching darkness. Access to the game begins with the Old Gods of Appalachia PDF, a comprehensive resource detailing the world, rules, and lore. Physical books expand upon this foundation, offering further depth and immersive experiences for players and game masters alike. It’s a journey into a uniquely American gothic horror, where every choice carries weight and the mountains are always watching.
The Core Concept: Hollows, Haints, and Lore
At the heart of Old Gods of Appalachia lies a trinity of core concepts: Hollows, Haints, and Lore. Hollows are supernatural places, pockets of ancient power woven into the very fabric of the mountains, often guarded by dangerous entities. Haints represent the restless spirits and monstrous creatures that haunt the region, born from tragedy, malice, or the influence of the Old Gods. The Old Gods of Appalachia PDF meticulously details these elements.
Lore encompasses the accumulated knowledge, traditions, and beliefs of the Appalachian people, serving as both a shield against the supernatural and a pathway to understanding it. Players navigate this complex web, uncovering forgotten rituals and confronting the consequences of past actions. The game emphasizes the importance of family ties and the weight of ancestral burdens. Understanding these core concepts, readily available within the game’s resources, is crucial for survival and unraveling the mysteries of the mountains.
Gameplay Mechanics
Old Gods of Appalachia utilizes a narrative-focused system, detailed within the Old Gods of Appalachia PDF, emphasizing player choices and collaborative storytelling in a grim setting.
The Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) System
Old Gods of Appalachia is Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA), a system renowned for its narrative focus and player agency. The core rulebook, available as an Old Gods of Appalachia PDF, details how this functions within the game’s unique setting.
Unlike traditional RPGs with rigid rules, PbtA emphasizes fiction-first gameplay. Players describe their actions, and the Game Master (GM) interprets them through the lens of the game’s mechanics. Moves – specific actions with defined outcomes – are triggered by player choices, driving the story forward.
The system utilizes 2d6 rolls, with results dictating the narrative consequences. Success, partial success with complications, or failure all contribute to a dynamic and unpredictable story. Character stats aren’t about raw power, but influence how moves are triggered and resolved. This approach fosters a collaborative storytelling experience, where players actively shape the world and its unfolding events, as thoroughly explained in the core Old Gods of Appalachia PDF.
Character Creation: Heritages and Professions
Creating a character in Old Gods of Appalachia, detailed within the Old Gods of Appalachia PDF, begins with selecting a Heritage and a Profession. Heritages represent your character’s ancestral ties to the land and its supernatural elements, influencing their starting abilities and background. Options evoke the diverse cultural tapestry of Appalachia.
Professions define your character’s skills and role within the community – are you a Coal Miner, a Preacher, a Hillfolk Healer, or something else entirely? Each Profession grants unique moves and expertise, shaping how you interact with the world and overcome challenges.
The Old Gods of Appalachia PDF provides extensive guidance on crafting a compelling backstory and personality. Character creation isn’t just about stats; it’s about weaving a narrative that connects your character to the heart of Appalachia and its hidden dangers, preparing them for the trials ahead.
Skills and Attributes in the Appalachian Setting
Old Gods of Appalachia, as outlined in the core Old Gods of Appalachia PDF, utilizes a streamlined skill system reflecting the practical expertise valued in the region. Attributes aren’t numerical scores, but rather descriptive qualities that inform your character’s approach to challenges.
Skills, known as “Moves,” are actions your character can take, triggered by specific situations. These Moves aren’t simply “succeed or fail” – they often involve trade-offs and consequences, mirroring the harsh realities of Appalachian life. Examples include “Hunt,” “Track,” “Charm,” and “Wrestle.”
The system emphasizes narrative impact over rigid mechanics. The Old Gods of Appalachia PDF details how to interpret Move results and weave them into a compelling story. Success isn’t guaranteed, and even failure can lead to interesting developments, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the mountains and the forces within.
The World of Appalachia
Old Gods of Appalachia, detailed within the core Old Gods of Appalachia PDF, presents a hauntingly beautiful and dangerous region steeped in ancient folklore and shadowed history.
Regional Breakdown: Key Locations and Their Lore
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG, extensively detailed in the official Old Gods of Appalachia PDF, presents a richly layered world. Key locations aren’t merely geographical points; they are imbued with potent lore and the lingering presence of the Old Gods.
The mountains themselves – the ancient, weathered peaks – whisper tales of forgotten settlements and primal powers. Hollows, often hidden deep within the forests, serve as gateways to other realms, places where the veil between worlds thins. Towns like Blackwood and Havenwood, though seemingly ordinary, harbor secrets and are often at the mercy of local haints and powerful entities.
Each region possesses a unique character, shaped by its history and the specific Old Gods that hold sway. The Karatau and Chu-Iliyskiy mountains echo with the spirits of the land, while the dense forests conceal ancient rituals and forgotten paths. Exploring these locations isn’t simply about mapping terrain; it’s about uncovering the stories etched into the very fabric of Appalachia.
Hollows: The Supernatural Heart of Appalachia
As detailed within the Old Gods of Appalachia RPG PDF, Hollows are far more than just geographical depressions; they represent the supernatural heart of the region. These secluded, often mist-shrouded valleys are where the boundaries between the mundane and the monstrous blur, acting as focal points for otherworldly energies.
Hollows aren’t simply places but rather states of being, where the influence of the Old Gods is strongest. They are often guarded by haints and creatures born from the land’s dark history, making exploration incredibly perilous. The thin corridors of dark brown earth, surrounded by dense green forests, conceal ancient secrets and forgotten rituals.
Entering a Hollow is to step outside of normal reality, where time flows differently and the laws of nature bend to the will of the Old Gods. They are places of power, danger, and profound revelation, central to the mysteries at the core of the game.
Haints and Monsters: A Bestiary
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG PDF unveils a terrifying bestiary of haints and monsters deeply rooted in Appalachian folklore. These aren’t simply creatures to be slain; they are manifestations of the land’s history, trauma, and the lingering power of the Old Gods. From vengeful spirits tied to specific locations to monstrous beings born of the hollers, each encounter presents a unique challenge.
Haints often represent the restless dead, bound to the land by unfinished business or violent ends. Others are twisted reflections of humanity, corrupted by the influence of the supernatural. The game emphasizes understanding the origins and motivations of these creatures, rather than simply resorting to brute force.
Prepare to face creatures born from the dark heart of the mountains, each with its own unique abilities and weaknesses, detailed within the game’s comprehensive bestiary.
Magic and the Supernatural
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG PDF details potent magic systems, like Rootwork and Granny Magic, intertwined with the land’s spirits and the Old Gods’ influence.
Rootwork and Granny Magic
Rootwork, as detailed within the Old Gods of Appalachia RPG PDF, represents a deeply ingrained tradition of folk magic, drawing power directly from the land itself. It’s a practical, often secretive, art utilizing herbs, roots, minerals, and personal charms to influence events and interact with the spirit world.
Granny Magic, a closely related practice, is typically associated with elder women in Appalachian communities, possessing extensive knowledge of herbal remedies and spiritual lore. These practitioners act as healers, counselors, and intermediaries between the living and the unseen;
Both Rootwork and Granny Magic aren’t about flashy spells; they’re about building relationships with the spirits, offering respect, and understanding the delicate balance of nature. The RPG PDF emphasizes that success relies on proper preparation, respectful offerings, and a genuine connection to the Appalachian landscape. Misuse can invite unwanted attention from Haints and the Old Gods themselves, leading to dire consequences for those who disrespect the ancient ways.
Dealing with the Old Gods
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG PDF cautions that interacting with these ancient entities is rarely straightforward, and almost always carries significant risk. These aren’t benevolent deities offering aid; they are powerful, capricious beings with agendas beyond mortal comprehension.
Negotiation, as outlined in the RPG PDF, often involves offerings – not necessarily material wealth, but things of personal significance, promises, or even sacrifices. Understanding a specific Old God’s domain and desires is crucial before attempting any interaction.
Direct confrontation is almost always a losing proposition. The Old Gods possess immense power and influence over the land and its inhabitants. Cleverness, respect, and a willingness to compromise are far more effective than brute force. The PDF details various methods for divination and seeking guidance, but even these are fraught with peril, as the Old Gods rarely reveal their intentions clearly.
Rituals and Offerings
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG PDF extensively details the practice of rituals and offerings as a core mechanic for interacting with the supernatural. Rootwork and Granny Magic frequently involve carefully constructed rituals designed to appease or influence the Old Gods.
Offerings aren’t simply gifts; they are contracts, exchanges of power. The PDF emphasizes the importance of understanding what an Old God values – it could be a specific type of harvest, a song, a memory, or a service rendered. Improper offerings can be seen as insults, provoking wrath.
Rituals often require specific components, timing (tied to lunar cycles or seasonal events), and precise wording. The RPG PDF provides examples and guidelines, but encourages players to create their own, reflecting the unique character of Appalachia. Failure to adhere to these details can lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences, as detailed within the game’s rules.
Resources and Supplements
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG PDF is the primary resource, but a thriving community creates supplementary materials, expanding the game’s dark and haunting world.
The Official Old Gods of Appalachia PDF and Physical Books
Old Gods of Appalachia began as a successful Kickstarter campaign, culminating in a beautifully illustrated and meticulously crafted core rulebook available as a PDF and in physical editions.
The core book is the essential starting point, providing players and Game Masters with everything needed to navigate the treacherous landscapes and unravel the mysteries of the region.
Within its pages, you’ll find detailed information on character creation, the unique Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system adapted for the setting, and a comprehensive bestiary of Haints and monsters drawn from Appalachian folklore.
Supplements, also available in PDF and physical formats, expand upon the core rules, introducing new Heritages, Professions, and regions to explore. These additions deepen the lore and offer fresh challenges for players seeking to confront the ancient powers lurking in the mountains.
The official materials are considered the definitive source for the game’s rules and setting, ensuring a consistent and immersive experience for all involved.
Community-Created Content and Resources
Beyond the official Old Gods of Appalachia PDF and books, a thriving community has blossomed, generating a wealth of supplementary materials for players and Game Masters.
Online platforms host a diverse range of fan-made content, including new Haints, expanded lore for specific regions, alternative character options, and even complete adventure modules.
Many creators share their work freely, fostering a collaborative spirit and enriching the overall gaming experience. Websites and forums dedicated to the RPG serve as central hubs for discovering and discussing these resources.
While unofficial, these contributions demonstrate the passion and creativity of the fanbase, offering unique perspectives and expanding the possibilities within the game’s world.
Players can find everything from custom character sheets and map assets to detailed campaign settings, all designed to enhance their journey into the heart of Appalachia’s dark folklore.
Online Tools and Play-by-Post Platforms
Enhancing the Old Gods of Appalachia RPG experience, several online tools and platforms cater to both traditional and play-by-post gaming styles.
Dedicated websites offer character sheet management, dice rollers tailored to the Powered by the Apocalypse system, and collaborative worldbuilding spaces.
For those preferring asynchronous gameplay, various play-by-post forums and platforms provide a space to weave intricate narratives over time, fostering deep roleplaying and community interaction.
These platforms often feature dedicated threads for Old Gods of Appalachia campaigns, allowing groups to connect and embark on adventures together, regardless of geographical limitations.
Digital tools streamline game management, while play-by-post options offer a unique and immersive way to explore the dark and haunting world inspired by the official Old Gods of Appalachia PDF.
