Dusthollow RPG is a fantasy adventure game set in the post-Civil War American West. 

You and your companions play as Gunslingers, Bounty Hunters, Outlaws, Native Scouts, Preachers, or other characters looking to collect bounties, capture rustlers, search for lost treasure, or keep law and order.  Or maybe you hold up stagecoaches, pull off bank heists, or train robberies.

Dusthollow is currently over 200 pages of Rules, Mechanics, Classes, and Encounters.  The book contains a fully stocked Dakota & Wyoming based Adventure setting with multiple Quest hooks, NPCs, and other useful information to allow you and your players to get right into the action with minimal prep.

Dusthollow is a rules light RPG based on d20 mechanics with a gritty adventurous, Old West feel. 

The game captures the arid desperation of the environment with a Water timer whenever the players venture beyond the town limits and introduces unique Grit and Reputation mechanics.

When the going gets tough, PCs have to dig deep and spend Grit points to pull off moments of greatness, like rapidly recovering from near-death injuries or exhaustion or facing the BBEG in a high noon gunfight where “calling a shot” or “fanning the hammer” is the difference between life and death. 

Meanwhile, Reputation is built or lost on the back of a player’s deeds and is a measure of their standing in the territory.  Gain Reputation for Good deeds like saving a stagecoach or lose Reputation points for stealing a horse!  What nickname will the townsfolk bestow on you?

Dusthollow rulebook is available in both hardcopy and downloadable pdf, both containing 200+ pages of rules, mechanics, classes, and encounters.

Enhanced d20 Core Mechanics

Locations including Towns, Saloons, Wagon Trains, Railroads, Mines, etc.

Gameplay reference tools for Gambling, Navigation, Weapons, NPCs, and more

The Dusthollow campaign features a small set of stretch goals designed to expand the western RPG experience without altering the core gameplay.

As stretch goals are unlocked, backers will receive access to the community reward outlined below.

 

 

Cowboy boot dice tower, leather dice tray, and bullet dice revolver are available as Dusthollow add-ons to enhance the gritty, Old West atmosphere at the game table.  Follow our socials (@dusthollowrpg) to see these items in action.

Whether you are tenderfoot discovering the game for the first time or a grizzled veteran continuing the story, you’ll have what you need for the high noon showdown!

Note: Funds raised through this BackerKit launch will be used to commission illustrations and artwork for the Rulebook and future project expansion Zines, reference books, etc.  We are currently commissioning work with several very talented artists who have contributed to other major RPGs and we are excited to feature their artwork and illustrations. 

Shipping estimates: $10 USA | $30 CA | $20 UK | $25 AUS | $20 MEX

Shipping will be charged after the campaign through BackerKit based on your location and selected rewards. Shipping is not included in the pledge prices shown on this page.

Fulfillment will be handled through direct shipping and regional partners, depending on order volume and destination. VAT will be collected through BackerKit at your country’s applicable rate. Shipping is currently available only to the destinations listed for this campaign.

After the campaign, all backers will receive a survey to confirm shipping details and finalize their orders. Quickstart guide PDF is available starting mid-October 2026, PDF rulebook is available starting January 2027 and hardcopy books and add ons available starting March 2027. Fulfillment timeline subject to change and any updates will be communicated to backers. We are excited to share the world of Dusthollow with you!

A year and a half ago on my way back from hunting with friends in Wyoming we stopped for lunch at Deadwood, SD.  I began to reflect on the characters that were part of the annual hunting party and our hosts who are 4th generation ranchers in eastern Wyoming.  True cowboys and cowgirls!  I started to think… what Old West RPG was out there? Boot Hill had been a game in my youth, but it was clunky like a lot of the original games (apologies to the loyalists!). I started to do a bit more research into 1870s in Wyoming and the Dakotas and became convinced that its history provided a lot of really interesting storylines!  Railroad expansion, the Oregon Trail, the beautiful and sacred Black Hills stolen from the Native Americans when gold was discovered. Technology advancements (telegraph had long since replaced the pony express), innovations in firearms (Winchester ‘73 rifle and Colt revolver). Law and order wasn’t widespread so sheriffs and marshals were busy guys.  The occult and spiritualism were growing in popularity.  Note: Weird West settings and elements are something we’ll lean into in future modules (or Zines if you’re a youngster!)

All of the historical elements of 1870’s+ Wyoming and South Dakota made for a very interesting stepping off point for an Old West game that could be grounded in history but not necessarily bound to it.  Every game table can decide where to take the stories!  Are you and your party a gang robbing a train carrying gold from a mine town (the hook for Iron Horse Heist - Quick Start Guide adventure) or are you Native Americans fighting to protect sacred sites in the Black Hills?  Maybe you’re a slick gambler taking down a rich and corrupt cattle baron or a bounty hunter leading a posse to bring One Eyed Dan to justice at the gallows?

There are so many great characters in tv, movies, books, etc. I loved reading the responses to the poll: What’s your favorite western movie/scene? So much material to borrow from!  If you love RPGs and the western genre, like I do, I think you’ll enjoy Dusthollow!  I know we have enjoyed test playing it; my girls actually requesting to extend our original test play into a longer campaign. 

Lastly, a special thanks to my brother, Morc the orc, who is a professional writer/editor and has been a tremendous help in brainstorming and testing ideas, editing my drafts, and encouraging me along the way.  While he’ll probably never make a cent from this project (the reward is bringing it to life and sharing it with all of you) Morc admitted to me a couple weeks ago that it’s a labor of love.  Yes it is!

Hope you buy the book and enjoy many hours of creating cinematic moments and playing with your posse!

- Gregalaus