Deadlands : The Wierd West Player's Guide [﻿Best books by Shane Lacy Hensley]

Deadlands Reloaded Marshal's Handbook (Savage Worlds, S2P10205)

Shane Lacy Hensley's genius truly shines in the **Deadlands Reloaded Marshal's Handbook**. This isn't just a collection of stats and monsters; it's the definitive guide for any Marshal looking to breathe life into the Weird West. Hensley masterfully weaves together the lore, the grit, and the supernatural horror that makes Deadlands so unique, providing Game Masters with an invaluable toolkit. From detailed setting information and advice on running a campaign to new abilities, equipment, and a rich bestiary packed with classic Deadlands terrors and new abominations, this book equips you with everything needed to create unforgettable adventures that will have your players on the edge of their seats. More than just a sourcebook, the **Deadlands Reloaded Marshal's Handbook** is a testament to Shane Lacy Hensley's exceptional ability to innovate within established genres. By seamlessly translating the beloved Deadlands setting into the flexible and dynamic Savage Worlds system, he created a version that is both accessible to newcomers and deeply satisfying for long-time fans. This handbook is a prime example of Hensley's talent for world-building, his understanding of what makes a compelling game, and his skill in presenting complex rules in an engaging and usable format. It's an essential piece of his work, solidifying its place among his best contributions to the gaming world.

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Deadlands: The Weird West Roleplaying Game

The year is 1876, but the history is not our own. The American Civil War rages on, neither side able to establish a clear advantage. Most of California has fallen into the sea. The Sioux Nations have reclaimed the Dakotas. And the dead walk among us. In *Deadlands: The Weird West Roleplaying Game*, players step into the boots of grizzled gunfighters, arcane hucksters wielding eldritch power, brilliant but unhinged inventors with their steampunk contraptions, courageous Native American warriors, and wise shamans who commune with spirits. This is a world irrevocably altered by the 1863 unleashing of the manitous by the vengeful Last Sons, a cataclysm that birthed a nightmarish reality where the veil between life and death is tattered and a constant struggle for survival is the norm. *Deadlands: The Weird West Roleplaying Game* rightfully belongs on any list of Shane Lacy Hensley's best works due to its groundbreaking synthesis of Western tropes with supernatural horror and steampunk aesthetics. Hensley masterfully crafted a rich and terrifying setting that felt both familiar and utterly alien, injecting a potent dose of the uncanny into the dusty saloons and vast prairies of the American West. Its innovative Savage Worlds system, streamlined and adaptable, allows for fast-paced action and dramatic storytelling, perfectly capturing the gritty desperation and extraordinary encounters that define the Weird West. More than just a game, *Deadlands* is a testament to Hensley's imaginative vision, offering a truly unique and enduring experience that has captivated players for decades.

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50 Fathoms (Savage Worlds; GWG10004)

Embark on a swashbuckling adventure with **50 Fathoms**, a Savage Worlds setting penned by the inimitable Shane Lacy Hensley. This is a world where the familiar meets the fantastical, a potent brew reminiscent of "Pirates of Dark Water" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," all powered by Savage Worlds' signature Fast! Furious! Fun! Players are thrust into the Devil's Cross, a treacherous portal spitting sailors from our own Earth into a realm utterly transformed. The malevolent Sea Hags have plunged the old world beneath 50 fathoms, leaving behind a sprawling archipelago known as the Thousand Isles. Here, a vibrant, dangerous new society thrives, populated by a dozen unique races and governed by a volatile mix of historical pirates like Black Beard and the zealous Inquisitors, who hunt down and punish elemental mages as heretics in their quest for divine approval. Shane Lacy Hensley, a titan in the tabletop RPG industry, consistently delivers settings that are rich in lore, mechanically robust, and brimming with imaginative potential. **50 Fathoms** is a prime example of his prowess, offering a meticulously crafted world with new Edges and Hindrances, enhanced ship combat rules, and a narrative that begs to be explored. It belongs on any list of his best works because it perfectly encapsulates his talent for blending disparate genres – maritime adventure, fantasy, and a touch of historical flavor – into a cohesive and exhilarating experience. Hensley’s ability to create settings that are both deeply thematic and eminently playable is on full display, making **50 Fathoms** a standout addition to his impressive catalog.

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Deadlands: Hell On Earth (PEG6000)

In *Deadlands: Hell On Earth* (PEG6000), the world has been irrevocably shattered, a desolate wasteland stalked by the terrifying Reckoners. Yet, amidst this apocalyptic ruin, your hero stands ready to forge a path to survival. Whether embracing the psionic prowess of a syker, the tactical might of a soldier, the arcane energies of a technomage, or the radiated faith of a radiation priest, players will delve into the irradiated plains of this grim new reality. This core rulebook provides all the essential tools to craft your posse, detailing character creation and combat, while also offering rich lore on factions like the Doomsayers, junkers, Templars, and the enduring Harrowed, ensuring you're equipped for the unforgiving challenges ahead. This entry rightfully belongs on a list of Shane Lacy Hensley's best works due to its pivotal role in expanding the beloved *Deadlands* universe. *Hell On Earth* masterfully transitions the popular Weird West setting into a post-apocalyptic future, demonstrating Hensley's versatility and foresight in world-building. It not only showcases his talent for intricate lore and compelling character archetypes but also his ability to reinvent and evolve established franchises. The game’s success cemented the *Deadlands* legacy beyond its original setting, proving Hensley's capacity to create enduring, captivating narratives across different eras and genres, solidifying his reputation as a visionary game designer.

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Deadlands: Perdition's Daughter

In *Deadlands: Perdition's Daughter*, Shane Lacy Hensley plunges readers back into the grim and supernatural Wild West with the introduction of Ronan Lynch. Scarred by a shadowy event at Gettysburg, Ronan has become a drifter and hired gun, his past a constant, haunting presence. His solitary existence is shattered when he ventures into the treacherous, snow-laden Rockies. Here, amidst the biting cold and the looming threat of an ancient evil, Ronan finds himself drawn into an unfolding destiny, meeting allies who will redefine his understanding of courage and survival, and facing a foe that has endured for ages. This thrilling narrative marks the debut of the *Deadlands* Dime Novel series, laying the groundwork for iconic characters like Bad Luck Betty and Velvet Van Helter, and is richly enhanced with all-new artwork. Shane Lacy Hensley is renowned for his ability to weave compelling narratives within the unique and terrifying tapestry of the *Deadlands* universe. *Perdition's Daughter* exemplifies this mastery, not only by reintroducing a compelling protagonist like Ronan Lynch but by expertly establishing the core elements that make the series a standout in the weird west genre. The novel's blend of historical grit, supernatural horror, and Western action, coupled with its role in launching a beloved series, firmly cements it as a must-read and a testament to Hensley's creative vision, making it a prime example of his best work.

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City by the Silt Sea

**City by the Silt Sea** plunges players into the heart of the forgotten metropolis of Giustenal, a sprawling ruin choked by the treacherous Silt Sea. This locale isn't merely a backdrop; it's a character in itself, a labyrinth of crumbling temples, buried palaces, and whispering sands that conceal both untold riches and unspeakable horrors. Ancient secrets lie dormant beneath the shifting silt, guarded by the remnants of a lost civilization, savage desert tribes, and a burgeoning, ancient evil. As the very fate of the burning world of Athas hangs in the balance, the answers—or the doom—may well be found within these forsaken stones, where a psionic entity known as the Caller in Darkness and a primordial terror as ancient as the Dragons themselves vie for control. This supplement is a quintessential example of Shane Lacy Hensley's mastery in crafting rich, perilous settings for the Dark Sun campaign setting. Hensley excels at weaving together intricate lore, compelling threats, and opportunities for high-stakes adventure, and *City by the Silt Sea* embodies these strengths. It provides GMs with a fully realized environment ripe for exploration, filled with unique encounters, challenging factions, and a pervasive sense of mystery and danger that is the hallmark of Dark Sun. For fans of Hensley's work, this delves deep into the atmospheric and often brutal nature of Athas, offering a compelling reason for its inclusion on any list of his best contributions to the genre.

For fans of gritty adventure and visceral storytelling, *The Savage World of Solomon Kane* is an indispensable addition to Shane Lacy Hensley's bibliography. This book masterfully translates Robert E. Howard's iconic, grim Puritan adventurer into the Savage Worlds RPG system, known for its fast, furious, and fun gameplay. Hensley's keen understanding of the Savage Worlds engine shines through in the faithful yet dynamic adaptation of Kane's world. Players are thrust into perilous journeys across war-torn Europe and exotic, untamed lands, facing down supernatural horrors, ruthless bandits, and their own inner demons, all while embodying the unwavering, often brutal, resolve of Solomon Kane himself. The book provides GMs with everything needed to bring Kane's morally complex and action-packed adventures to life, making it a standout example of how well a beloved literary character can be translated into a compelling tabletop experience. What truly elevates *The Savage World of Solomon Kane* as a "best by Shane Lacy Hensley" selection is its exceptional quality as both an RPG supplement and a tribute to its source material. Hensley and his team have not just created rules; they've captured the very *essence* of Solomon Kane. The lore is rich, the monsters terrifying, and the scenarios designed to challenge players' courage and moral fiber, mirroring Kane's own struggles. This book is a testament to Hensley's ability to blend mechanical ingenuity with thematic depth, offering a gaming experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling. It’s a clear demonstration of his talent for crafting immersive worlds and providing players with the tools to forge their own legendary sagas within them, solidifying its place as a must-read for any fan of his work.

Savage Stories of Necessary Evil: Fallen stands as a compelling entry in Shane Lacy Hensley's bibliography, showcasing his adeptness at weaving together intricate narratives within the Savage Worlds framework. This collection delves into the grim realities and desperate struggles of a world teetering on the brink, featuring tales that are as emotionally resonant as they are action-packed. Hensley's signature blend of high-stakes adventure and character-driven drama is on full display, exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and the enduring flicker of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness. For fans seeking immersive, gritty, and thought-provoking roleplaying game adventures that explore the darker corners of human (and inhuman) nature, this book is an essential addition. The inclusion of Savage Stories of Necessary Evil: Fallen on a list of Shane Lacy Hensley's best works is a testament to its quality and impact. It represents a peak in his ability to translate the core mechanics and spirit of Savage Worlds into engaging, standalone stories that can be enjoyed by readers and gamemasters alike. The collection not only provides a rich backdrop for Savage Worlds campaigns but also stands on its own as a collection of gripping speculative fiction. Its consistent quality across multiple stories, coupled with its ability to evoke a palpable sense of atmosphere and consequence, solidifies its place as a standout piece of Shane Lacy Hensley's creative output.

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﻿Best books by Shane Lacy Hensley

﻿Best books by Shane Lacy Hensley