Set in a world where eldritch horrors and Appalachian folklore collide, theOld Gods of Appalachia RPG PDFoffers a unique tabletop roleplaying experience steeped in mystery, dread, and ancient power. Drawing from the popular fiction podcast of the same name, this game invites players into an alternate Appalachia where dark powers lurk beneath the mountains and forgotten things whisper in the hollows. The PDF version of this roleplaying game delivers the full content in a digital format, making it accessible, portable, and perfect for both virtual play and in-person sessions. With evocative writing, intuitive mechanics, and deep worldbuilding, theOld Gods of Appalachia RPG PDFis a gateway to immersive storytelling and chilling adventure.
What Is Old Gods of Appalachia?
Old Gods of Appalachiabegan as a critically acclaimed horror podcast, mixing folklore with cosmic horror to create a setting that feels both familiar and terrifyingly otherworldly. The RPG builds upon that foundation, allowing players to create characters and stories within the same dark and mysterious world. Set in a version of Appalachia untouched by modern convenience and steeped in forgotten magic, the game explores themes of survival, resilience, corruption, and redemption.
The World and Its Tone
This alternate Appalachia is not a place of heroism in the traditional sense. It’s a setting of haunted woods, coal mines hiding ancient secrets, and towns that have made unholy bargains just to survive. The tone is somber and atmospheric, filled with moral ambiguity and personal consequences. The supernatural is ever-present, not just in monsters but in the very landscape. Each valley, ridge, and creek holds a story of something best left undisturbed.
Key Features of the RPG PDF
TheOld Gods of Appalachia RPG PDFcontains everything a group needs to start playing. Whether you’re a seasoned Game Master or a newcomer drawn in by the setting, the PDF provides an in-depth toolkit for storytelling and gameplay. Below are some of the core components included in the digital package.
Comprehensive Rulebook
- Includes rules for character creation, conflict resolution, magic, and supernatural threats.
- Uses theCipher System, a narrative-driven ruleset developed by Monte Cook Games.
- Focuses on storytelling, character development, and atmospheric gameplay rather than tactical combat.
Rich Lore and Setting Details
- Dozens of locations fully fleshed out with lore, NPCs, and potential story hooks.
- Factions, cults, and ancient forces that shape the world’s hidden history.
- Supernatural elements like old gods, witches, haunted places, and cursed bloodlines.
Character Options
- Players can choose from thematic descriptors, types, and foci to create unique characters like cursed wanderers, folk healers, coal miners with secrets, and shadow-bound prophets.
- Characters evolve through personal growth, supernatural exposure, and moral dilemmas.
Tools for Game Masters
- Advice on how to create eerie and compelling storylines rooted in Appalachian horror.
- Tables for random encounters, eerie phenomena, and twisted legends.
- Custom rules for dealing with corruption, sanity, and bargains with powerful forces.
Benefits of the PDF Format
The digital version of theOld Gods of Appalachia RPGoffers more than just convenience. It provides dynamic options for both preparation and play. The ability to search keywords, bookmark sections, and zoom in on maps or character sheets enhances usability during sessions.
Accessibility
The PDF format ensures that players and Game Masters can access the game on a variety of devices, including tablets, laptops, and smartphones. This makes it ideal for remote play or on-the-go preparation. No need to carry a heavy physical book just open the file and start playing.
Ease of Sharing
If your game group meets online, the PDF makes it simple to share references, passages, and character options with players. You can copy text, take screenshots of maps, or highlight important rules for quick reference during gameplay.
Environmental and Cost Considerations
Digital formats reduce paper usage and shipping costs. The PDF version is often more affordable than print, making it a cost-effective way to access the complete game while supporting the creators.
Gameplay Experience
One of the standout aspects of theOld Gods of Appalachia RPGis its emphasis on atmosphere and narrative. Sessions often feel like collaborative horror tales rather than traditional dungeon crawls. There’s a strong focus on characters’ pasts, personal connections, and their relationship with the land around them.
Building Tension Through Storytelling
The game encourages slow-burn horror and psychological suspense. Encounters may involve unsettling dreams, eerie omens, or cryptic warnings before any direct threat is revealed. This pacing rewards players who invest in roleplaying and immerse themselves in the setting’s folklore-rich tapestry.
Examples of Adventure Hooks
- A coal mining town loses contact with the outside world after an earthquake awakens something ancient below.
- A child in a quiet mountain village begins speaking in a forgotten tongue, reciting names that should never be spoken aloud.
- A traveling preacher offers salvation to townsfolk in exchange for ritual offerings, but his church may be older than it seems.
Who Should Play This RPG?
TheOld Gods of Appalachia RPG PDFis perfect for players who enjoy slow-building horror, rich narrative, and a unique setting rooted in regional folklore. Fans of the original podcast will find familiar themes, but newcomers can dive in without prior knowledge. It’s ideal for groups that enjoy:
- Cosmic and folk horror
- Story-driven roleplaying
- Character-driven drama and supernatural intrigue
- Exploring moral choices in a dark and immersive world
Expanding the Game
Beyond the core PDF, the game is designed to support expansions and supplements. Additional adventures, bestiaries, and regional guides enhance the storytelling possibilities. While the PDF contains more than enough material for extended campaigns, future releases promise even deeper dives into this haunted Appalachian world.
TheOld Gods of Appalachia RPG PDFis more than a digital rulebook it’s a doorway to a forgotten place where shadows speak and history is written in blood and bone. It captures the eerie beauty of Appalachian folklore and transforms it into a compelling roleplaying experience that lingers long after the session ends. Whether you’re gathering around a table or playing online, this PDF provides everything needed to tell haunting stories of survival, sacrifice, and ancient evils. For those ready to descend into the deep hollers and confront the old things that never died, this game offers the perfect path forward.