Old West Templates

[Phantasm]

I'm probably going to be starting an Old West game on IRC after the New Years (assuming I get the players for it). I'd like to give the players some simple 75- to 125-point templates to work from (I'm looking at 150/-75 point characters to start, so that leaves plenty of room for customization). However, I've hit a mental roadblock after doing two of them: a US Army Cavalryman and a Bounty Hunter.

Army Cavalryman [75]
Attributes: ST 11 [10]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 11 [10].
Secondary Characteristics: Dmg 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24; HP 11 [0]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; FP 11 [0]; Basic Speed 5.75 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0].
Advantages: Combat Reflexes [15]; Fit [5]; Military Rank 1 [5] (assuming an enlisted man; officers have at least Military Rank 3 [15], indicating a Lieutenant).
Disadvantages: Duty (US Army) (Freq: 12 or less) [-10]; -20 from the following: Code of Honor (Soldier's) [-10], Compulsive Behavior [-5 to -15], Fanaticism [-15], Intolerance (Indians or ex-Rebels are common) [-5 or -10], Light Sleeper [-5], Overconfidence [-5*];
Primary Skills: Guns (Rifle) (E) DX+2 [4] - 14 ; Riding (Horse) (A) DX+1 [4] - 13; Soldier (A) IQ+1 [4] - 11.
Secondary Skills: Broadsword (A) DX-1 [1] - 11; Guns (Pistol) (E) DX+1 [1] - 13*; Survival (Plains or Desert) (A) Per+0 [2] - 10; Tactics (H) IQ-1 [2] - 9
Techniques: Mounted Shooting (Guns (Rifle)/Equines) (H) def+1 [2] - 11.
* defaulted from Guns (Rifle)

Common Advantages/Perks: Ally (not more than 50%, representing a special horse for that character) [2*]; Gunslinger [25]; Weapon Bond [1].
Common Skills: Animal Handling (Equines); Fast-Draw (Ammo, Long-Arm, Pistol, and/or Sword); Packing; Veterinary.
Common Techniques: Cavalry Training (Broadsword) Tech/H.

Bounty Hunter [100]
Attributes: ST 11 [10]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 11 [20]; HT 11 [10].
Secondary Characteristics: Dmg 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24; HP 11 [0]; Will 11 [0]; Per 12 [5]; FP 11 [0]; Basic Speed 5.5 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0].
Advantages: 30 points from the following: Allies [1 to 10*], Charisma [5/level], Contacts [1 to 4*], Courtesy Rank [1/level], Legal Enforcement Powers 1 or 2 (Informal, -50%) [3 or 5], Outdoorsman [10/level], Reputation [5/level*].
Disadvantages: -25 from the following: Bad Temper [-10*], Bloodlust [-10*], Bully [-10*], Callous [-5], Code of Honor (Professional) [-5], Greed [-15*], Honesty [-10*], Low Empathy [-20], Odious Personal Habit [-5 to -15], Reputation [-5/level*], or Stubbornness [-5].
Primary Skills: Current Affairs (Headline News) (E) IQ+2 [4] - 13; Detect Lies (H) Per+0 [4] - 12; Forced Entry (E) DX+2 [4] - 13; Tracking (A) Per+1 [4] - 13.
Secondary Skills: Brawling (E) DX+1 [2] - 12; Carousing (E) HT+1 [2] - 12 or Streetwise (A) IQ+0 [2] - 11; Criminology (A) IQ+0 [2] - 11; Guns (Pistol, Rifle, or Shotgun) (E) DX+1 [2] - 12; Interrogation (A) IQ+0 [2] - 11 or Intimidation (A) Will+0 [2] - 11.
Background Skills: Area Knowledge (E) IQ+0 [1] - 11; Riding (Equines) (A) DX-1 [1] - 10; Search (A) Per-1 [1] - 11; Survival (Desert or Plains) (A) Per-1 [1] - 11.

Common Skills: Animal Handling (Equines); Boxing; Fast-Draw (Ammo, Knife, Long-Arm, or Pistol); Knife; Packing.
Common Techniques: Mounted Shooting (Guns/Equines) Tech/H

I'd like to give the players templates for "Barmaid", "Cattle Rustler/Horse Thief", "Cowboy/Rancher", "Gunslinger", "Indian Warrior", "Lawman", "Journalist", "Preacher" (with potential lenses for "fire and brimstone" and the more pacifistic types), and a "Saddle Tramp/Drifter", in addition to the ones above. Anything to help would be appreciated.

[Gold & Appel Inc]

Plucky Barmaid (Mildly Cinematic) [50]:

Attributes: ST 9 [-10]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 13 [30].

Secondary Characteristics: Dmg 1d-2/1d-1; BL 16; HP 9 [0]; Will 12 [10]; Per 10 [0]; FP 13 [0]; Basic Speed 6.0 [0]; Basic Move 6 [0].

Advantages: Alcohol Tolerance [1]; Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Hard to Kill X1 [2]; Plus 15 from the following: Combat Reflexes [15]; Contact Group (Local Underworld: 12, 15 or Less, Somewhat Reliable) [15]; Danger Sense [15]; Serendipity X1 [15];

Disadvantages: Duty (Job, 9 or Less) [-5]; Social Stigma (2nd-Class Citizen) [-5]; Status -1 [-5]; Plus -25 from the following: Addiction (Tobacco or Opium) [-5 to -20]; Alcoholism [-15]; Bad Temper [10*], Compulsive Behavior [-5* to -15*]; Debt [-1 to -25]; Lecherousness [-15*]; Overconfidence [-5*]; Pacifism (Reluctant Killer) [-5]; Reputation -2 ("Tarnished Woman," Upright God-Fearing Folk, Always) [-5]; Stubbornness [-5]; Wealth (Struggling or Poor) [-10 to -15];

Primary Skills: Carousing (E) HT [1] - 13; Housekeeping (A) IQ [2] - 10; Savoir-Faire (Servant) (E) IQ+2 [4] - 12; Sex Appeal (A) HT [2] - 13;

Secondary Skills: Brawling (E) DX+2 [4] - 13; Current Affairs (Local) (E) IQ+2 [4] - 12;

Techniques: Knee Strike (Brawling) (A) Def+1 [1] - 13;

Common Advantages: Ally (Lover, Admirer, or Coworker) [Various]; Fit [5]; Voice [10];

Common Skills: Area Knowledge; Current Affairs (Any); Dancing; Diplomacy; Fast Talk; First Aid; Gambling; Guns (Pistol or Shotgun); Holdout; Observation; Streetwise;

Notes: For a mildly cinematic Plucky Barman, simply add +2 ST, subtract -1 DX, convert 2 points of Savoir-Faire to Pro Skill (Bartender), convert Sex Appeal to Intimidation OR Diplomacy, and eliminate Appearance, Social Stigma, and Knee Strike.

[Gold & Appel Inc]

High Plains / Dusty Desert Drifter (Realistic or Mildly Cinematic) [75]:

Culture: Familiarity: Western [0]; Plains OR Southwest Indian [1]; Languages: English (Native / Broken) [-2]; Plus any 2 from: Indian Languages or Spanish (Broken / None) [1/Each];

Attributes: ST 10 [0]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 11 [20]; HT 12 [20];

Secondary Characteristics: Dmg 1d-2/1d; BL 20; HP 10 [0]; Will 11 [0]; Per 12 [5]; FP 12 [0]; Basic Speed 5.50 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0].

Advantages: Absolute Direction [5]; Plus 30 from: Charisma [5/Level]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Destiny [5 to 15]; Extra Cultures/Languages [Various]; Extra Perception [5/Level]; Fit [5 to 15]; Luck [15/Level]; Pitiable [5]; Serendipity [15/Level], Talent (Outdoorsman) [10/Level];

Disadvantages: Status -2 [-10]; Plus -25 from: Addiction (Tobacco) [-5]; Alcoholism [-15]; Clueless [-10]; Destiny [-5 to -15]; Enemy [Various]; Intolerance (City Slickers) [-5]; Laziness [-10]; Loner [-5*]; Odious Personal Habit [-5 to -15]; Pacifism (Self Defense) [-15]; Secret [-5 to -20]; Short Attention Span [-10*]; Unluckiness [-10]; Wealth (Struggling or Poor) [-10 to -15]; Xenophilia [-10*];

Primary Skills: Area Knowledge (Any) (E) IQ+2 [4] - 13; Naturalist (H) IQ-1 [2] - 10; Navigation (Land) (A) IQ [2] - 11; Riding (Equine) (A) DX+1 [4] - 11; Scrounging (E) Per+2 [4] - 14; Survival (Plains OR Desert) (A) Per+1 [4] - 13;

Secondary Skills: Guns (Pistol, Shotgun, or Rifle) (E) DX+2 [4] - 12; Hiking (A) HT-1 [1] - 11; Plus one of: Diplomacy (H) IQ [4] - 11 OR Intimidation (A) Will+1 [4] - 12;

Common Advantages: Ally (Unusually Intelligent Horse, Mule, or Dog) [Various];

Common Skills: Brawling; Camouflage; Fast Draw (Any); Knife; Occultism (Plains or SW Indian); Packing; Prospecting; Stealth; Swimming; Tracking; Wrestling;

[NastyGuns]

If you have access to GURPS Space, there are plenty of templates (starting on p. 226) that you can raid for useful information. Two examples follow:

Gambler [75 points]
Attributes [50]: ST 10; DX 11 [20]; IQ 11 [20]; HT 11 [10]
Secondary Attributes [10]: Dmg 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs; HP 10; Will 11; Per 13 [10]; FP 10; Basic Speed 5.50; Basic Move 5
Advantages [34]: Attractive [4]; Charisma 2 [10]; Eidetic Memory [5]; Smooth Operator 1 [15]
Perk [1]: Weapon Bond (Derringer)
Disadvantages [-40]: Addiction (Cheap; Tobacco) [-5]; Greed (12) [-15]; Overconfidence (12) [-5]; Trickster (12) [-15]
Primary Skills [14]: Gambling (A) IQ+1 [4]-12; Sleight of Hand (H) DX+1 [8]-13; Streetwise (A) IQ [2]-11
Secondary Skills [3]: Guns (Pistol) (E) DX [1]-11; Savoir-Faire (E) IQ [1]-11; Sex Appeal (A) HT-1 [1]-10
Background Skills [3]:Carousing (E) HT [1]-11; Law (region) (H) IQ-1 [2]-10



Doctor [75 points]
Attributes [60]: ST 10; DX 10; IQ 13 [60]; HT 10
Secondary Attributes [0]: Dmg 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs; HP 10; Will 13; Per 13; FP 10; Basic Speed 5.00; Basic Move 5
Advantages [25]: Comfortable Wealth [10]; High Manual Dexterity 2 [10]; Status 1 [5]
Disadvantages [-35]: Code of Honor (Doctor's Oath) [-5]; Honesty (12) [-10]; Pacifism (Self-Defense) [-15]; Workaholic [-5]
Primary Skills [16]: Diagnosis (H) IQ+1 [8]-14; Physician (H) IQ [4]-13; Surgery (any) (H) IQ [4]-13
Secondary Skills [4]: Pharmacy (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Physiology (H) IQ-1 [2]-12
Background Skills [5]: Biology (any) (H) IQ [4]-13; Research (A) IQ-1 [1]-12


.....
Also, there is an appendix in High-Tech designed specifically for the use of guns, both realistic and cinematic. Hope this helps.

[Gold & Appel Inc]

Cowboy / Rancher (Realistic) [75]:

Culture: Familiarity: Western [0]; Languages: English (Native / None) [-3];

Attributes: ST 11 [10]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 12 [20];

Secondary Characteristics: Dmg 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24; HP 12 [2]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; FP 12 [0]; Basic Speed 5.50 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0].

Advantages: Fit [5]; Talent X2 (Animal Friend) [10]; Plus 30 from: Animal Empathy [5]; Extra Animal Friend [5/Level]; Reputation [5/Level]; Very Fit [+10]; Wealth (Comfortable to Very Wealthy) [10 to 30];

Disadvantages: Duty (Job, 9 or Less) [-5]; Plus -20 from: Addiction (Tobacco) [-5]; Alcoholism [-15]; Compulsive Behavior [-5* to -15*]; Enemy (Rival) [Various]; Hidebound [-5]; Honesty [-10*]; Incurious [-5*]; Intolerance (Farmers or City Slickers are common) [-5]; Lecherousness [-15*]; Pacifism (Reluctant Killer) [-5]; Reputation [-5/Level]; Wealth (Struggling) [-10]; Xenophobia [-15*];

Primary Skills: Animal Handling (Cattle, Horses, Pigs, or Sheep) (A) IQ+3* [4] - 13; Area Knowledge (Grazing Ranges / Drive Routes) (E) IQ+2 [4] - 12; Riding (Equine) (A) DX+3* [4] - 13;

Secondary Skills: Carpentry (E) IQ [1] - 10; Hiking (A) HT-1 [1] - 11; Knot-Tying (E) DX [1] - 10; Lasso (A) DX+1 [4] - 11; Veterinary (H) IQ+2* [4] - 12;

* - Includes +2 for Animal Friend.

Background Skills: Carousing (E) HT+1 [2] - 13; Survival (Plains OR Desert) (A) Per-1 [1] - 9;

Common Advantages/Perks: Alcohol Tolerance [1]; Ally (Coworker) [Various]; Patron (Employer) [Various];

Common Skills: Animal Handling (Any not chosen above); Boxing; Brawling; Gambling; Games; Guns (Pistol or Rifle); Hobbies; Leatherworking; Naturalist; Navigation; Packing; Sex Appeal; Teamster; Tracking; Whip;

Common Techniques: Hands-Free Riding (Equine); Quick Mount (Riding/Equine); Staying Seated (Riding/Equine);

[knarf]

Didn't Old West have templates? The second edition, anyway. If not, GURPS Deadlands had templates that you might use.

[Pmandrekar]

Originally Posted by knarf

Didn't Old West have templates? The second edition, anyway. If not, GURPS Deadlands had templates that you might use.

I'm guessing that Old West might have pre-dated the use of Templates, but it's possible that they were added in to later versions. My copy is *extremely* old, being held together with packing tape, and probably dates from the early 1990's (or 1990 itself). I purchased it used in the mid-90's.

I have a copy of Deadlands, and I think you are right (but don't have my book handy just now).

-P.

[younglorax]

Attributes: ST 11 [10]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 11 [10].
Secondary Characteristics: Dmg 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24; HP 11 [0]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; FP 11 [0]; Basic Speed 5.75 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0].

Minor thing, but I think one of those entries has an error. Maybe accidentally had Fit give a Spd increase?

[Phantasm]

Originally Posted by younglorax

Minor thing, but I think one of those entries has an error. Maybe accidentally had Fit give a Spd increase?

More than likely, I'd had either DX or HT at 12 at one point, and reduced the stat to get more skill points but forgot to adjust Basic Speed.

[Phantasm]

Thanks for the help so far, guys.

Unfortunately, I don't have Old West or Deadlands to work from; most of my sources are actually movies such as Unforgiven, Young Guns, Tombstone, and The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly, with a healhy done of stats from High-Tech.

When I give the players a listing of available guns, I'll probably leave off the damage ratings until after they select their guns.