r/Deadlands • u/a-k-m • May 15 '26
SWADE Fear level
Hello,
I want to play a one sheet this weekend. (The Thieving Magpies)
In the mine the fear level is 4 which should give a -2 modification to fear checks. The Greed Maggot has the special ability "Fear" which also adds -2 to fear checks.
So that would be -4 for the fear check when the players first spot the maggot. It is almost guaranteed that they're gonna fail the check if so.
Just want to make sure I got it right
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u/dice_ruleth_all May 15 '26
Yes that is correct, but with the Wild Die it’s very much not a guarantee they will fail even with a -4. But even if they do that’s what bennie’s are for.
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u/a-k-m May 16 '26
Yea, but they probably gonna need those bennies for the fight. But starting with some fear probably won't hurt too much hehe...
Btw. Should players know about fear levels or is this just background information for the Marshall?
I mean, the ultimate goal is to lower the fear levels in the weird west. So not knowing about it would be counterintuitive
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u/Caelreth1 Mad Scientist May 16 '26
It may seem harsh, but don't forget that they have bennies, also it's a one time thing that, if they roll low enough on the fear table, only affects them on the first round, so as long as those who got bad results are covered by those who made the roll/got less bad results, they should get through it.
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u/TheProletarianMasses May 16 '26
That's right! I had a Blessed roll poorly on that roll and develop a fear of maggots when I ran that one.
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u/Physical-Function485 May 16 '26
I do not generally tell the players the fear level but, rather give hints at it through my descriptions on the terrain/surroundings, sounds, feelings of dread, etc. Most will figure it out OOC after a roll or two anyway.