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Huckleberry: A Wyrd West RPG

Created by Huckleberry RPG

Huckleberry is a TTRPG about tragic cowboys in a world doomed to calamity… unless you save it. Take on the profession of a Maverick: a grizzled bounty hunter who rides out beyond the bounds of civilization with nothin’ but a big iron on their hip.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

STRETCH GOALS! Expanding 'A Season of Avarice' & New Playing Card Reveal!
12 months ago – Thu, Oct 16, 2025 at 01:44:47 PM

I've got to be honest with you. 

We already passed my "pie in the sky" dream for Huckleberry and this campaign isn't even halfway over! I'm so excited that you joined us and your overwhelming support allows our team to go into overdrive. Games are meant to be played and our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get Huckleberry to the table. Even before the game's debut back in August of 2024, we were already hard at work creating a full slate of scenarios.

The goal is for a Trailboss to pick up the game and immediately have stories to tell. 'A Season of Avarice' was envisioned as the complete collection of that first wave of Huckleberry bounties released in 2025. We originally planned for our next set of bounties to go into 2026's Season bundle. But now... Well, we don't want to make you wait! 

At $45,000, $50,000, and $55,000, we are spurring our horses and accelerating the timeline. Each goal will add an all-new Bounty to 'A Season of Avarice'. We can potentially pack this book with a total of 10 Wyrd West scenarios! Critters, Folk, and everyone who's pledged for the physical 'Avarice' book will also receive digital versions of the new Bounties.

$45,000 Stretch Goal - New Bounty by Eren Ahn

Eren [they/she] writes things, sometimes for games. They can be found ill-advisedly jumping off of walls and reading the latest book off of their Libby holds somewhere in Chicago. You can find their full body of work online at erenahn.com.

$50,000 Stretch Goal - New Bounty by Jaime Reyes Mondragón

Jaime [he/him] is a game designer, editor, and creative writer based in Mexico City. He has done freelance work for publishers such as Paizo and Renegade, and contributed to many indie TTRPGs, having even created some of his own. You can find his portfolio and social media at https://jaimerm.carrd.co/

$55,000 Stretch Goal - New Bounty by Jeff Baker

Jeff [he/him] runs the ttrpg actual play channel Adventures in Lollygagging, dabbles in game design with his own We're in Danger, and spends his days teaching writing to college students. You can find all things lollygagging here: thelollygaggers.com

Each of these writers have worked on Huckleberry before and are committed to delivering their scenarios within this campaign's development time. These new stretch goals won't require us to push back our estimated schedule. I love when projects have a quick turnaround and I'm committed to delivering Huckleberry to you as quickly as I can!

As is Huckleberry custom, each bounty will be complete with Bounty Board posters in print and VTT options, along with a full suite of art by George Sellas, downloadable handouts, and all-new loot and hostiles. This book already has enough content packed inside to jumpstart an entire campaign, but three more scenarios will create an abundance of choice for all those greedy Trailbosses out there. Avarice is the sin of the Season, after all!

Much obliged, pardner
- Steven

Red Sleeve, the Jack of Clubs

When Red Sleeve was young, a swarm of undead threatened to overrun her clan’s camp. She nearly succumbed to defeat after one of the Horde mauled her right hand. Instead of retreating to perform the cleansing rituals, she swiftly amputated her hand and forearm. Red Sleeve continued to fight, lashing a machete to the remains of her forearm. The shirt sleeve of her right arm turned a deep crimson as the blood from her wound stained the garment, yet she still led her people to victory that day.

The Making Of: Huckleberry's Art & New Playing Card Reveal!
12 months ago – Tue, Oct 14, 2025 at 12:15:05 PM

Howdy!

I have got a very special update for you today. George has offered to take us "behind the scenes" of how he creates Huckleberry's art! He's walking us step-by-step through the process he used to create our Consumptive Sanitarium two-page spread. But first, let's reveal the playing card you voted for. 

Much obliged,
- Steven

Bartholomew, the Jack of Hearts.

As a young infant, Bartholomew was laid low by disease. The doc said it was rabies and that Bart's father should start diggin' the grave. The disease didn't kill Bart but instead warped his features and stunted his growth. His short stature leads many to call him "Bat Boy", but the last man to do it in ear-shot now lies under Boot Hill. And Bartholomew has excellent hearing.

Who do you want to be revealed next? Poll attached below!

The Making of Huckleberry's Consumptive Sanitarium by George Sellas

Let’s look at the process that went into the Consumptive Sanitarium illustration.  In the lore of Huckleberry, the Consumptives are living dead who have died from tuberculosis and come back somewhat….agitated.  Their swollen bellies are filled with acidic blood and bile, and they use it to attack your Maverick!  For this illustration, Steven asked me for an homage to zombie movies, set in an 1800s consumption sanitarium, with our Devil Maverick keeping the horde at bay with his pistols.  He asked for the Devil to be in some sort of elevated position too.

Typically, when it’s something I’m not super familiar with, the first thing I do is start collecting reference material.  Here it helped me to understand what an 1800s sanitarium looked like, how it was laid out and what kinds of details should be included.  I also wanted to find out what nurses at the time would have worn, because a nurse in 1880 doesn’t wear the same uniform as a nurse in 1960, or 2025.


Since this was a pretty crowded scene, I started with a quick and messy thumbnail sketch to establish the general layout and start deciding where I want to spot some black for visual impact and balance.  I wanted to make sure we see that the Devil is isolated and totally surrounded to create some tension and excitement.  At this point I’m not worried about drawing anything nicely.  It’s a very rough framework that helps get what I envision in my head onto the page.  It’s like one step up from stick figures.

This image will appear in the Huckleberry book as a double page spread, so I had to set it up with that format in mind.  The red box shows where the image will eventually be cropped for the book, and the red line down the center shows where the book will fold.  When composing a double page spread like this you want to make sure not to put anything important, like a character’s face, on that fold line.  The light gray box in the top right shows the general area where text will be overlayed on top of the image, so nothing important should go in that area either. All of these factors help to determine how I can compose the picture, and how I can’t.

Steven liked my initial scribble, so I moved forward drawing a cleaner rough.  At this point, it’s time to do the real work, establish the perspective, and draw solid anatomy and interesting poses and forms.  I’m a big believer in getting all that stuff figured out in the rough sketch stage because it makes the rest of the job easier.  I don’t want to get to the stage of doing the final line art and still be working things out.  So I usually spend the most time on this stage of the process.  

I work digitally, and the program I use (Paint Tool SAI) has some really handy perspective tools that let you set your horizon line and vanishing points, allowing you to draw naturally while keeping things in the correct perspective.  They’re great for scenes like this. 

I worked on the cleaner sketch in two phases, since it was a crowded scene. First I locked down the angle and perspective of the room and then sketched in the Devil.  He’s a flashy, dramatic gunslinger so he’s pulling off some behind-the-back trick shots to take out his adversaries stylishly.  He’s got a bit of Dante from Devil May Cry in him.

Next I tackled the Consumptive crowd. One special request Steven had was to include a bunch of cameos of real life players, depicted as Consumptives.  So I had some fun zombifying them for inclusion in the scene.*

I wanted to make sure to vary the poses, expressions and details to keep the crowd interesting, and leave room for some anchoring black shadows.  They help to balance the black vs white, draw the eye through the scene, and also simplify any areas where you don’t want an overwhelming amount of detail.  In the end I have a sketch that’s really well figured out and could almost pass for finished line work.


But it’s not the finished line work.  I now drop the opacity of my sketch layer way down, usually to around 20%, and start drawing the clean, finished lines on new layers on top of the sketch.  I’m not going to say I totally turn my brain off for this part, but it’s always the phase where I can put on a podcast or music and partially zone out, just enjoying drawing over the sketch because I know nothing major needs to be changed at this point.


Finally comes the color stage, and working digitally, this is typically the stage where I end up with dozens of layers so I can keep everything separate for easy manipulation.  For example, I kept all the Consumptive’s clothing and the bed sheets on the same layer since they’re basically the same dirty white color.  The Devil’s red skin is its own layer.  All the shadows get their own layer too so I can control the lighting and change it on the fly if need be.  Work smarter, not harder! I’ll sometimes do a color thumbnail, but usually not.  Even if I don’t, I typically have an idea of what I want to do with the color before I start on it.


And that’s the final result!  I hope you enjoyed this look at the process and if anyone has questions, I’ll do my best to answer them.  Thanks for coming to my Huck Talk!

-George

Steven here again. If y'all liked this peek behind the scenes and want to hear more about Huckleberry's production process, give this update a thumbs up or let us know in the comments. And thank you to George for sharing!


Bundle of Holding Details
12 months ago – Mon, Oct 13, 2025 at 11:13:55 AM



Have you backed at the PDF only level? 
Would you rather receive your PDF now and save money while you're at it?
If yes to both, read on!

I know this is weird timing, but Huckleberry was given an opportunity to be offered as a Bundle of Holding! I've used BoH a ton in the past to get steep discounts on entire lines of games, so it was an honor to receive the offer. However, I was a bit hesitant. Is it fair to offer such a steep discount on our entire digital line, while people are backing the PDF right now on our crowdfunder? My first concern is being fair to you, the people who are making this wyrd west dream come true.

After consulting with a few friends and industry mentors, it ended up being a unanimous agreement to accept the offer. Bundle of Holding has a HUGE following- being featured by them could bring hundreds or even thousands of new eyes to our campaign. Even if the majority of those people don't want to back the project (they are looking for cheap PDFs after all), it could still bring hundreds of new digital-only players to Huckleberry. And that benefits everyone here.

A few extra dollars to put into stretch goals is nice, but it's more important to me that we build a community of players for Huckleberry. I want y'all to easily find fellow players online, share homebrews and hacks, join in game jams, and whatever else we can think of. Regardless of this campaign's funding total, I'm overwhelmed by the support and am wholly committed to supporting Huckleberry for the long haul. We've got so many great plans for y'all. This is just the beginning!

So you've got two options.

The first option: Cancel your pledge here and go purchase the Bundle of Holding. You'll save $12, while also receiving the three paid scenarios and two bundled scenarios that we have to offer. You won't have to wait until November for delivery, either. The PDF is finished now and there's no need for you to wait to start playing. If you have the VTT assets or another add-on, you can reduce your pledge level to the $1 add-on tier to keep them with no issues. Of course, you're always welcome to come back and pledge for a physical book after you're enamored by the PDF... ;)

The second option: Keep your pledge as-is. The extra money is greatly appreciated and continues to help us unlock stretch goals to make the game even better. Furthermore, as a thank you for your generosity, we have updated your pledge to include all of the PDFs from A Season of Avarice at no extra cost. This includes the scenarios in the Bundle of Holding, two upcoming scenarios not offered in the Bundle of Holding, and any new scenarios unlocked by stretch goals. You won't miss out on any content by choosing to stay aboard the hype train. We're glad you're riding for the brand, pardner.

It's important to note that all corebook stretch goals will be delivered to PDF owners, regardless of where they purchased their PDF. We unlocked the new Hole-in-the-Wall chapter this morning. You won't miss out on this or any other corebook unlock by choosing the Bundle of Holding.

I'm incredible grateful for your support and I'm very excited for you to get your hands on Huckleberry, regardless of the source.

Much obliged,
- Steven

Get FREE Playing Cards Added to Your Pledge & New Playing Card Reveal!
12 months ago – Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 09:56:07 AM

Howdy, pardner!

Our Huckleberry marathon starts RIGHT NOW with three streams tackling bounties in the Wyrd Frontier. Two of these streams are hosting giveaways, adding a free deck of playing cards to the winners' pledges (S&H still applies). There are multiple chances to win- for every 25 people that join each stream, we'll be giving away another deck! Come hang out and celebrate Huckleberry's success with us. :)

12 PM Central - Garblag Games is kicking us off on YouTube Live as you read this! Aaron is running his Mavericks through our free Showdown at High Moon scenario, blazing through from start to finish in a rip-roaring session. Aaron knows how to keep his players on their toes and you don't want to miss it.

3 PM Central - Jump over to Twitch with Tales of Myth and Mayhem! Marc is finishing up his run of Showdown at High Moon that he started last week and buildings are gonna burn. Tales of Myth and Mayhem is hosting GIVEAWAYS! If you've pledged to the BackerKit, you can win an extra deck of our Huckleberry themed playing cards. This is a great way to pad out your Aces and allows you to "stack the deck" if you want to tinker with the odds. S&H still applies.

5 PM Central - Stick with the raid for the marathon's finale with Adventures in Lollygagging! Jeff (Huckleberry's editor) is running Veils & Vengeance with the same team of Mavericks from Lolly's run of The Divine Comedy last year. They may have survived their trip down the Huckleberry river, but will they survive their journey deep into the mountains of Pemberlee Ridge? Adventures in Lollygagging is hosting GIVEAWAYS! The more people in chat, the more cards we'll give away!

I will be in chat during all three streams, talking about the scenarios, answering questions, hyping our Mavericks up, and making sure y'all get plenty of free loot! Come join us and see how three master Trailbosses run the system. :D

Major Ignacio, the Queen of Clubs

For a long time, Major Ignacio Salazar struggled to find a way to return to the Fourth World. But as the years went by with no progress, he had to acknowledge it was a foolish errand. Now nearing sixty, Salazar doesn't know how much time he has left. He is determined to lay the foundation for Fort Águila to one day become the center of the Fifth World’s first federal government

Huckster Spotlight!

Nathan D. Paoletta, Huckleberry's layout designer, is funding a reprint of World Wide Wrestling, for the first time ever in a hardcover format! NDP has a true passion for helping new indie designers (like myself) break into the industry. When working on the mechanics that would go on to become Huckleberry, I was listening to his and Will Hindmarch's Design Games podcast on repeat. Both of his RPG Design zines live within arms reach of my desk for easy reference. Nathan continues sharing his game design experience on another favorite podcast of mine- the Unwritten Earths Symposium with Epidiah Ravichol (creator of Dread).

And that's not even getting into just how damn fun World Wide Wrestling is. I'm not even a pro wrestling fan, but still loved every moment of the game. WWW walks you through the kayfabe, requiring no knowledge of the sport, while still delivering a great experience. I honestly can't recommend it enough- a top tier game from a top tier designer. You've only got 2 days left to back it, so go show NDP some love!

World Wide Wrestling on Kickstarter.

Playing Card Reveal, Huckleberry Marathon, & New Stretch Goals :D
12 months ago – Fri, Oct 10, 2025 at 07:34:15 AM

Tomorrow, October 11th, we're holding a marathon of Huckleberry sessions! We have three amazing casts of Mavericks and Trailbosses, each ready to tackle the Wyrd.

Garblag Games will kick us off on YouTube at high noon. Also known as 12pm Central time. Aaron will be running his Mavericks through our free Showdown at High Moon scenario! They'll be blazing through from start to finish in a rip-roaring session. Aaron knows how to keep his players on their toes and you won't want to miss it.

Next, we're jumping over to Twitch with Tales of Myth and Mayhem at 3pm Central. Marc is finishing up his run of Showdown at High Moon that he started last week and knowing each of these Trailbosses, it'll be fun to see how wildly different each scenario ends. Buildings will be burning at the very least. Tales of Myth and Mayhem is also hosting GIVEAWAYS! If you've pledged to the BackerKit, you can win an extra deck of our Huckleberry themed playing cards. This is a great way to pad out your Aces and allows you to "stack the deck" if you want to tinker with the odds. S&H still applies.

And finally, we're raiding into Adventures in Lollygagging at 5pm Central for the marathon's finale. Jeff (Huckleberry's editor!) is running Veils & Vengeance with the same team of Mavericks from Lolly's run of The Divine Comedy last year. They may have survived their trip down the Huckleberry river, but will they survive their journey deep into the mountains of Pemberlee Ridge? Adventures in Lollygagging is also hosting GIVEAWAYS! The more people in chat, the more cards we'll give away! S&H still applies.

I (Steven) will be in chat during all three streams, talking about the scenarios, answering questions, and hyping our Mavericks up. Come join us and see how three master Trailbosses run the system. :D


STRETCH GOALS!

Y'all cracked $35,000 already! With this overwhelming support, y'all are turning Huckleberry into the best possible version it can be. Tons of new hostiles are unlocked, new player traits, and now we're going to be adding all new interior art! And not just spot art, but the high-end full page spreads. Y'all deserve the top shelf and that's what y'all are getting. George is going to be busy for the next few months, that's for sure.

$36,000 - UNLOCKED -  New Hostile: Alebrije.
Living hallucinations pulled out from a bad dream. Chimeric creatures that feed on people’s minds when they are sleeping. Their presence causes people to get drowsy and may even overtake entire towns, where the villagers go to sleep and never wake up, succumbing to hunger and thirst eventually.

$37,000 - UNLOCKED -  New Hostile: Bruja.
Women with bird legs they keep hidden with long skirts. They brew potions, weave curses, and turn into large birds or fireballs to fly through the night sky. They feed on children and torment young women to make them join their ranks.

$38,000 - UNLOCKED -  New Hostile: Anklebiter.
A crustacean that shelters in the sun bleached skulls found scattered in the wilderness. The Anklebiter’s claws contain a toxin with a strong numbing effect. Once snipped, you may find yourself stumbling over an unresponsive limb for the better part of an hour.

$39,000 - UNLOCKED -  New Hostile: Sanguine Swarm.
The fluttering of hundreds of leathery wings fills the air, followed by deafening sonic screeches and the gnashing of sharp fangs as this bat colony descends on you.

$40,000 - UNLOCKED -  New CHAPTER: Holes-in-the-Wall
A Maverick's Hole-in-the-Wall is almost sacred ground. It's where they rest, where they train, and where they call home. At $40,000, we'll be expanding the book with a whole new chapter dedicated entirely to Holes-in-the-Wall. Generating them, expanding them through play, and how they change with each Bounty the Mavericks complete or ignore. This chapter is being designed by Dylan Grinder and Kienna Shaw, two fantastic game designers that I'm very excited to have on board!


PLAYING CARD: Jacqueline the Queen of Hearts

Pejoratively known as "Rattlesnake Jake", Jacqueline is by far the most refined of her gang and resents the hard camp life she is often forced into after a heist foiled by an outfit of Mavericks.


Much obliged, pardner.
- Steven