Welcome to Dead Man’s PassWelcome to Dead Man's Pass, a bustling city in the American West, born in the heart of the late 19th-century Gold Rush. Here, nestled in the rugged mountains of Northern California, what was once a simple stagecoach stop has in just a few short years become a hotbed of ambition, wealth, and danger. Fearless prospectors, audacious criminals and powerful businessmen cross paths, making the city a vibrant and explosive microcosm, its balance constantly threatened. Dead Man's Pass attracts all those who dream of quick riches or a fresh start, but doesn't forgive any missteps. In its dusty streets, danger lurks around every corner, from the constant threat of outlaws and the manipulations of the rich and powerful to the occult mysteries hidden in the mountains. |
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Sheriff John "Lame" Carter embodies local justice with remarkable integrity but an immense weight on his shoulders. A former soldier scarred by the Civil War, Carter fights relentlessly to maintain order in a town where arrest warrants are plentiful but resources are scarce. Despite a leg scarred by a war wound, his authority and determination make him an indispensable pillar for the precarious survival of law and order in the region.
At the heart of the city lies the Silver Spur, firmly controlled by Mary Whitmore, a mysterious woman with undeniable influence. This saloon is not simply a place of relaxation but a true hub of local news and intrigue, where every drink served can conceal a secret or seal a fate. Mary, the undisputed mistress of the establishment, skillfully manipulates the powers that be, possessing secrets capable of upsetting the city's balance.
In the shadow of this apparent prosperity, Dr. Harold Mayfield, a medical genius plagued by alcoholism, tries to drown his demons in whiskey while providing near miraculous care in critical moments. Renowned as much for his exceptional surgical skills as for his tragic excesses, he battles daily against himself as much as against the wounds of his patients.
Ezra P. Wilkinson, an influential and manipulative banker, is the embodiment of boundless ambition and subtle corruption. Behind the closed doors of his imposing bank, he carefully orchestrates a complex network of influence and debt, extending its reach into the highest spheres of power, including the dreaded agents of the Pinkerton agency.
In the surrounding lands, Chogan Black Bear and his Paiute tribe watch with growing concern as their territory shrinks inexorably before the insatiable appetite of settlers and railroad companies. The old shaman, guardian of ancient mystical knowledge, warns those who will listen of the supernatural dangers unleashed by the greed of white men deep within the region.
Near the town stands Fort Eldridge, a military stronghold ruled by the rigid Captain Thomas Eldridge. Tasked with maintaining order and protecting trade routes, the fort is both a symbol of authority and a constant source of tensions. Eldridge, obsessed with imposing absolute discipline, frequently clashes with the local population, particularly the Paiute Native tribes. Ominous rumors circulate around the fort, speaking of secret operations and mysterious discoveries brought back from the mountains, adding an aura of mystery and unease to this austere place.
The residents of Dead Man's Pass maintain complex relationships, woven with rivalries and fragile alliances, evolving in a tense atmosphere where every gesture, every word, every silence has consequences. Behind the facades of the buildings and the forced smiles, clandestine organizations operate discreetly but with intent, secretly shaping the future of the city and its inhabitants.
This frontier town at the crossroads of civilization and wilderness awaits you, ready to confront your ambitions, your fears, and test your moral compass. Do you dare cross the gates of Dead Man's Pass and face its challenges? The fate of this rapidly changing town may well depend on your choices and your audacity. It's up to you to decide if you'll rise to the occasion in this unforgiving Wild West.
Physical copy - delivered to your home
(Print On Demand Paperback)
Stand alone : Contains the Insta-Role® rulesbook and the Dead Man's Pass Universe.
Digital Copy - Available:
(PDF File)
The Dead Man's Pass PDF is FREE!
We decided to offer the PDF of Dead Man's Pass to allow everyone to try the Insta-Role format®.
Click on the logo to download:
You can also read the PDF directly on this page.
The stand-alone file contains the Insta-Role rules® and the complete Dead Man's Pass universe.
However, we recommend that you download it and keep it on your device, ready for an opportunity to play!
Insta-Role® – Role-playing without preparation
Insta-Role® is designed for players who want to play more often and more spontaneously, without planning. Everything is designed to get you playing in fifteen minutes: incredibly simple character creation, concise rules, and a scenario structure designed to support and facilitate improvisation.
The Storyteller doesn't need to invent a world: they have a complete and familiar universe at their disposal, with a cast of characters, influential organizations, iconic locations, and a solid background. They can focus on improvisation, storytelling, and pacing. Narrative authority is nonetheless shared as all players actively participate in shaping the story.
Each scenario is designed to last two hours. It's the perfect format for a weeknight, a break between campaigns, or an impromptu session during a weekend with friends. The scenarios are designed to be played independently, but you can easily link them into a small campaign. The universe supports continuity through its coherence: each session allows you to discover different facets of Dead Man's Pass.
This stand-alone Universe book includes:
- The complete rules of the Insta-Role® game
- The Dead Man’s Pass universe, for a western experience where adventures, gold, gunpowder, lead, and Indian legends are intertwined.
- A gallery of characters, places and influential organizations to give substance to this universe.
- 50 two-hour scenarios, ready to play, varied and exploring various archetypal situations of the western.
With Insta-Role®, it only takes a few minutes to start playing, and the short format allows for more play opportunities. Take it everywhere, in paperback or as a PDF on your tablet or phone!
Insta-Role® is available exclusively in digital and print-on-demand formats.