Western Smack Down
Historicon 2003

Introduction

by Matt Fritz

HEDLEY LAMARR: "Men! You are about to embark on a great crusade to stamp out run-away decency in the West. Now, you will only be risking your lives, whilst I will be risking an almost certain Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor."

"Western Smack Down" is an every man for himself Wild West fight set in a large saloon and gambling hall. The scenario attempts to recreate the goofy comedy of the film "Blazing Saddles." Have a few laughs with your fellow gamers then ruthlessly shoot them in the back. Each player controls a team of four outlaws and competes to accumulate the most victory points. Stealing various items, killing opponents, and accomplishing different tasks will score points for your team. Opposition comes from rival players, the saloon employees, and other law and order organizations.

This scenario was run for the first time at Historicon 2003. It works best with 6 - 10 players. The game can be completed in three hours. The action takes place in a 24" x 28" saloon and gambling emporium. Check out the Saloon Construction section of this report for information on how to build it. The scenario is based on a Pirate tavern brawl game I created called "Caribbean Smack Down," which was based on a similar game run by Buck Surdu using his "Blood & Swash" rules. Development of this game was greatly assisted by Mark Niedwick, who played in my pirate game and provided many good ideas for this western version. All quotes are from the movie "Blazing Saddles."

Hedley Lamarr: "I want rustlers, cutthroats, murders, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con-men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bushwhackers, hornswogglars, horse thieves, bull-dykes, train robbers, bank robbers, ass-kickers, sh**-kickers, and Methodists!"

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© Copyright 2003 by Matt Fritz.
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