Based on the popular rural horror podcast‚ Old Gods of Appalachia RPG offers a chilling tabletop experience set in an alternate early 1900s Appalachia‚ blending eldritch horror and supernatural mysteries.
1.1 Overview of the Game
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is a standalone tabletop roleplaying game set in an alternate early 1900s Appalachia‚ blending eldritch horror and supernatural mysteries. Inspired by the critically acclaimed podcast of the same name‚ the game offers a chilling narrative experience. Players explore a dark‚ eerie world filled with beings of immeasurable darkness and incomprehensible desires. The game is powered by the Cypher System‚ known for its fluid‚ story-based gameplay and intuitive character creation. Available in both hardcover and PDF formats‚ the 400-page corebook provides complete rules for character development‚ gameplay mechanics‚ and a uniquely atmospheric setting. Priced at $69.99 for the hardcover and $22.99 for the PDF‚ it is designed to immerse players in a haunting‚ story-driven adventure.
1.2 Origins and Inspiration
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG draws inspiration from the award-winning podcast of the same name‚ created by Steve Shell and Cam Collins. This rural horror anthology podcast has garnered over 9 million unique downloads since its debut in late 2019‚ earning 14 Audioverse Awards and the title of Best Overall Podcast in 2021. The RPG adaptation‚ developed by Monte Cook Games‚ faithfully captures the podcast’s eerie atmosphere and eldritch horror themes. Set in an alternate early 1900s Appalachia‚ the game immerses players in a world of dark folklore‚ supernatural mysteries‚ and cosmic dread. Its unique take on horror is deeply rooted in Appalachian culture‚ blending personal‚ intimate terror with incomprehensible cosmic forces.
1.3 Key Features and Selling Points
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG stands out for its immersive blend of eldritch horror and Appalachian folklore. Built on the Cypher System‚ it offers fluid‚ story-driven gameplay with intuitive character creation. The game’s GM-friendly design emphasizes narrative focus‚ making it accessible for both newcomers and experienced players. Set in an alternate early 1900s Appalachia‚ it combines dark‚ personal horror with cosmic dread‚ creating a unique atmosphere. The PDF and print versions are available‚ with a 400-page hardcover and supplementary materials like character portfolios and resource decks. Its standalone nature ensures no prior Cypher System knowledge is needed‚ while its deep roots in Appalachian culture provide a fresh‚ evocative setting for horror fans.
Gameplay Mechanics
Powered by the Cypher System‚ the game features fluid‚ story-driven mechanics with intuitive character creation and fast-paced gameplay. Its GM-friendly design emphasizes narrative focus and adaptability.
2.1 The Cypher System Engine
The Cypher System powers Old Gods of Appalachia RPG‚ offering a flexible and narrative-focused framework. This critically acclaimed engine‚ also used in Numenera and other Monte Cook Games titles‚ emphasizes intuitive character creation and fluid gameplay. Players use cyphers—unique items or abilities—to influence the story and overcome challenges. The system’s simplicity allows for deep storytelling‚ while its adaptability ensures a dynamic experience. With a focus on GM-friendly design‚ the Cypher System enables seamless narrative pacing and encourages collaborative storytelling. Its elegance and ease of use make it ideal for the eerie‚ atmospheric world of Old Gods of Appalachia‚ where horror and mystery unfold in an alternate Appalachia.
2.2 Character Creation and Development
Character creation in Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is intuitive and narrative-driven‚ allowing players to craft unique characters tailored to the eerie setting. The system emphasizes fluid storytelling‚ with character development centered around descriptive traits‚ skills‚ and the innovative use of cyphers—unique items or abilities that enhance gameplay. Players can choose from a variety of roles‚ each with distinct abilities‚ ensuring a personalized experience. The game’s focus on concept-driven creation empowers players to shape their characters’ identities and growth‚ blending seamlessly with the atmospheric horror of Appalachia. This flexible approach ensures that every character is integral to the unfolding narrative‚ making each story unique and immersive.
2.3 GM-Friendly Design and Narrative Focus
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is designed with the Game Master (GM) in mind‚ offering a fluid‚ story-based system that prioritizes narrative over complex rules. The Cypher System’s flexibility allows GMs to craft dynamic‚ atmospheric encounters‚ ensuring each session is distinctive and immersive. Tools like pre-made scenarios and optional rules empower GMs to adapt the game to their group’s style. The focus on cosmic horror and intimate storytelling enables GMs to weave personal‚ unsettling tales that delve into the mysteries of Appalachia. This GM-friendly approach ensures a seamless and engaging experience‚ making it easy to create haunting narratives that leave a lasting impression on players.
Setting and Atmosphere
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG transports players to an alternate early 1900s Appalachia‚ a haunting realm of eldritch horror‚ ancient evils‚ and mysterious phenomena‚ immersing players in its eerie‚ isolated world.
3.1 Alternate Early 1900s Appalachia
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is set in an alternate early 1900s Appalachia‚ a haunting and isolated world filled with ancient mysteries and eldritch horrors. This reimagined version of Appalachia blends folklore with cosmic horror‚ creating a unique and immersive atmosphere. Players explore a dark‚ eerie landscape where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. The setting emphasizes isolation‚ with remote communities facing unimaginable terrors. Drawing inspiration from rural horror traditions‚ the game crafts a chilling narrative that feels deeply rooted in its Appalachian heritage. This alternate history offers a fresh take on the region‚ blending historical elements with terrifying‚ otherworldly phenomena.
3.2 Eldritch Horror and Supernatural Elements
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG delves into the realm of eldritch horror‚ featuring ancient‚ incomprehensible beings that defy human understanding. These entities‚ known as the “Green” and the “Inner Dark‚” inhabit the shadows of Appalachia‚ bringing forth unspeakable terrors. The game masterfully weaves supernatural elements into its narrative‚ creating an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. Players encounter unsettling folklore‚ eerie rituals‚ and otherworldly phenomena that challenge their sanity and survival. The fusion of cosmic horror with regional myths crafts a unique‚ bone-chilling experience that keeps players on edge. This blend of psychological terror and supernatural mystery makes the game a standout in the horror RPG genre‚ offering unforgettable encounters with the unknown.
3.3 Unique Take on Cosmic Horror
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG reimagines cosmic horror through a deeply personal and intimate lens‚ set in an alternate Appalachia. The game explores existential dread and the unknown‚ blending regional folklore with eldritch elements; Its unique approach focuses on the incomprehensible nature of cosmic horror while grounding it in relatable‚ human struggles. Players confront ancient‚ otherworldly forces that defy understanding‚ creating a sense of overwhelming vulnerability. The narrative-driven design emphasizes atmospheric tension and psychological terror‚ making the cosmic horror feel both expansive and hauntingly personal. This fresh perspective on the genre immerses players in a world where the unknowable looms large‚ yet the horrors are deeply tied to the setting’s eerie‚ mystical landscape.
Availability and Editions
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is available in hardcover and PDF formats‚ priced at $69.99 and $22.99 respectively. Supplements like resource decks and character portfolios are also offered.
4.1 Print and PDF Versions
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is available in both print and digital formats‚ ensuring accessibility for all players; The hardcover edition‚ priced at $69.99‚ features a sturdy 400-page design‚ perfect for tabletop use. For those preferring digital convenience‚ the PDF version is available on DriveThruRPG for $22.99. A premium edition with foil-stamped cover art is also offered for collectors. The PDF version is fully hyperlinked and bookmarked‚ making it easy to navigate. Additionally‚ a 32-page Players Guide is available in softcover or PDF‚ providing essential setting details and rules for players. Both formats ensure an immersive experience in the eerie world of Appalachia.
4.2 Pricing and Distribution Channels
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is affordably priced across its formats. The PDF version is available on DriveThruRPG for $22.99‚ while the hardcover edition retails at $69.99. A premium edition with enhanced cover art is also offered for collectors. The game is distributed directly through Monte Cook Games’ website and major online retailers like DriveThruRPG‚ ensuring wide accessibility. Additional resources‚ such as the Players Guide ($2.99 for PDF) and character portfolios‚ are also available. This pricing strategy makes the game accessible to both new and veteran players‚ providing options for every preference and budget.
4.4 Additional Resources and Supplements
Beyond the core rulebook‚ Old Gods of Appalachia RPG offers a range of supplementary materials to enhance gameplay. The Players Guide‚ available as a 32-page softcover or PDF ($2.99)‚ provides an overview of the setting and key rules‚ perfect for new players. Character portfolios‚ available in print ($22.99) or PDF ($2.99)‚ offer organized play aids for tracking characters. Additionally‚ Monte Cook Games has released resource decks‚ such as the Old Gods of Appalachia Resource Deck and XP Deck‚ which expand gameplay mechanics and narrative depth; These supplements ensure players and GMs have everything needed to immerse themselves in the eerie world of Appalachia‚ enriching the storytelling and horror elements of the game.
Community and Reception
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG has garnered a dedicated fanbase‚ with backers praising its immersive storytelling and horror elements. Its successful Kickstarter and positive reviews highlight its resonance within the tabletop community.
5.1 Player and Reviewer Feedback
Players and reviewers have praised the Old Gods of Appalachia RPG for its immersive storytelling and chilling atmosphere‚ with many highlighting its unique blend of eldritch horror and Appalachian folklore. The game’s ability to craft intimate‚ personal horror experiences has resonated deeply with fans. Reviewers commend the fluid‚ narrative-driven gameplay powered by the Cypher System‚ noting its flexibility and ease of use. While some find the dense 400-page rulebook overwhelming‚ the wealth of ideas and setting details is widely appreciated. Overall‚ the game has established a strong following‚ particularly among fans of cosmic horror and rural terror‚ making it a standout title in the tabletop RPG community.
5.2 Kickstarter Success and Backer Rewards
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG achieved remarkable success on Kickstarter‚ attracting over 2‚300 backers and raising $236‚873. The campaign offered various pledge tiers‚ with backers receiving rewards such as the PDF copy for a $25 pledge and the hardcover edition for $70. Premium tiers included exclusive content‚ like the Players Guide and resource decks. The project’s funding success was a testament to the strong community interest in blending the podcast’s narrative richness with tabletop gameplay. Backers were also promised additional resources‚ including character portfolios and adventure supplements‚ enhancing the game’s depth and replayability. The Kickstarter’s achievement solidified the game’s place as a highly anticipated release in the RPG community.
5.3 Awards and Accolades
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG and its source material have garnered significant recognition. The original podcast won 14 Audioverse Awards and was named Best Overall Podcast in the 2021 DiscoverPod Awards‚ with over 9 million unique downloads since 2019. The RPG itself has been praised for its unique take on cosmic horror and its use of the Cypher System‚ which earned it a strong following and critical acclaim. Its success on Kickstarter and positive player feedback further highlight its impact in the tabletop RPG community‚ solidifying its reputation as a standout title in the horror genre.
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG offers a unique blend of eldritch horror and immersive storytelling‚ making it a standout title for fans of atmospheric tabletop experiences‚ available in both print and PDF.
6.1 Final Thoughts on the Game
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG is a masterful blend of eldritch horror and atmospheric storytelling‚ offering players a unique tabletop experience. Its setting‚ an alternate early 1900s Appalachia‚ is rich with dark mysteries and supernatural elements‚ creating an immersive world for players to explore. The game’s use of the Cypher System ensures intuitive character creation and fluid gameplay‚ making it accessible to both new and experienced players. With its focus on narrative and GM-friendly design‚ it stands out as a compelling choice for horror enthusiasts. Available in both print and PDF‚ the game provides flexibility for fans of the genre‚ solidifying its place as a standout title in the RPG community.
6.2 Future Prospects and Expansions
The future of Old Gods of Appalachia RPG looks promising‚ with Monte Cook Games hinting at upcoming expansions like Dig Your Own Grave and Come Hell or Highwater. These supplements promise to deepen the game’s lore and mechanics‚ offering players new adventures and challenges. The success of the Kickstarter and positive community feedback suggest strong demand for additional content. Fans can expect more resources‚ including character portfolios and scenario decks‚ to enhance their gaming experience. With its dedicated player base and critically acclaimed foundation‚ Old Gods of Appalachia is poised to expand its reach and continue thrilling players with its unique take on cosmic horror.