Just wanted to make a post about Old West wargaming. I recently just purchased Aces and Eights Reloaded by Kenzer & Company kenzerco.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_134&products_id=1417. I have been wanting this for awhile, but it has been out of print for so long. Well they made a new cleaned up version. I bought it. It is awesome. It functions as a really nice sourcebook, but also has RPG/combat rules. I think the combat rules would slow things down since they are so detailed, but maybe it'd be a nice slower change of pace. I am planning to try them out. But, in case anyone else has been waiting they're here… on the expensive side for the hardcover ~70$… to me it was worth it. Just an FYI for any interested parties. They have an unboxing link on their site and I am really impressed with the book.
I also bought another book. It has not arrived yet. It is called Encyclopedia of Western Gunfighters by Bill O'Neil. I bought it used off Barnes & Noble. Only 2 bucks. Shipping and handling was more haha. Here is a preview: books.google.com/books?id=5KLrfdOrI78C&printsec=frontcover&dq=encyclopedia+of+american+gunfighters+bill+oneil&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiw2MDaxYzkAhWEm-AKHdiBABkQ6AEwAHoECAEQAg#v=onepage&q&f=false. What I like about this one is that it puts things into perspective (at least from what I could glean from the preview). It captures and describes 587 Old West gunfights. Just start reading from the preview and you will see what I mean. Looks good but time will tell when I actually have it in my hand. =)
Also, I found this post regarding running Old West campaigns with an old rpg system called Boothill. I think the writer really gives us a good read and an interesting perspective. Trust me it is worth a read if you're into to Old West gaming: chocolatehammer.org/?p=5773. It's deadly. it has political intrigue. It's a finely orchestrated balancing act of not lighting off the powder keg. "After all, a powder keg's more thrilling when it hasn't blown up yet."
So where has this all gotten me? I dunno but I have been going crazy with the Old West gaming lately. I am now approaching ~20 Old West town buildings that I built and have been doing about 30+ gunfights. I ended up customizing Rules with No Name with some inputs from 6 Gun Sound Devils Elbow to give me a quick fun time. Now that I have the Aces & 8's book I think I will be able to go into another direction & may end up incorporating some of these rules too; in any case that giant sourcebook will keep me busy for awhile. Lastly, with the Encyclopedia of Gunfighters book I have realized that some of the most famous gunfighters have been in only a few gunfights and have not killed as many as legend has told us. So I am now trying to find a balance with history and hollywood and am having a hell of a time.
Anyway, that's my story as of late. Anyone please chime in if you would like to discuss any of this. Take care.