Set in an alternate Appalachia steeped in supernatural horror, Old Gods of Appalachia RPG invites players into a dark and mythic version of the American mountains. Inspired by the popular horror fiction podcast of the same name, this tabletop role-playing game combines folklore, cosmic horror, and deep storytelling in a setting shaped by ancient evils, forgotten rituals, and eerie mountain secrets. Using the Cypher System as its core mechanic, the RPG version allows players to explore a world where coal mines dig too deep, nature hides forgotten gods, and generations live with the price of bargains made long ago. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the podcast or a newcomer drawn to gothic horror, Old Gods of Appalachia RPG provides a rich and chilling experience.
Setting and Atmosphere
The game takes place in an alternate-history version of Appalachia a region that already holds mystery and myth in real life. But in this world, the stories whispered in backwoods hollers and on front porches are terrifyingly real. The Appalachian mountains are ancient and alive with eldritch forces. Communities are isolated, and survival often depends on knowledge passed down through generations, warded charms, and cautious dealings with strange beings lurking in the dark.
A World Touched by Darkness
In Old Gods of Appalachia RPG, the land itself is both a source of life and a wellspring of danger. The forests conceal hidden cults, spirits of vengeance, and ancient slumbering gods. Abandoned mines echo with voices long thought dead. Towns thrive or fail based on bargains with mysterious entities. This setting is perfect for fans of folk horror, where atmosphere, tension, and the unknown drive the experience.
Game Mechanics and the Cypher System
The role-playing system behind the game is the Cypher System, originally created by Monte Cook Games. It emphasizes narrative freedom, player-driven storytelling, and simplicity in mechanics. The Cypher System is known for its versatility, making it an ideal choice for a game rooted in mystery and character depth.
Core Mechanics Overview
- Descriptors, Types, and Foci: Characters are built using these three defining traits. Descriptors add personality, Types define their role, and Foci offer unique abilities or specialties.
- Effort and Pools: Players have three resource pools Might, Speed, and Intellect which they can spend to improve rolls or take actions.
- GM Intrusions: The game master can introduce unexpected complications, adding drama and tension in exchange for experience points.
- Cyphers: One-use abilities or magical artifacts that provide unpredictable but often powerful effects. These could take the form of old relics, potions, or whispered charms in this setting.
The simplicity of the Cypher System lets the story shine, making Old Gods of Appalachia RPG highly immersive and adaptable to various play styles from investigation and horror to survival and heroism.
Creating a Character
Character creation in Old Gods of Appalachia RPG goes beyond picking stats. It’s about building a person who belongs in the eerie, shadowed valleys of this world. Background, motivations, and ties to the land all play crucial roles in who your character is and how they interact with the supernatural.
Elements of Character Design
- Origin: Where your character comes from a coal town, a backwoods community, or a traveling folk healer influences their knowledge and connections.
- Beliefs and Fears: Fear shapes the tone of the game. Is your character cautious, defiant, or curious about the strange happenings?
- Affiliations: You may be part of a secret society, a family bloodline with a duty, or an outsider drawn to the region’s myths.
This depth allows for dynamic storytelling and character growth as your group uncovers ancient truths and confronts horrific forces.
The Role of Horror and Mystery
Unlike action-heavy RPGs, Old Gods of Appalachia thrives on atmosphere, slow-burn tension, and psychological fear. Horror here is more about what you don’t see than what you do. The unknown is a constant presence whether it’s an abandoned church in the woods or a stranger who never casts a shadow.
Types of Horror You’ll Encounter
- Cosmic Horror: The old gods are unknowable, uncaring, and vast. Interacting with them often comes at a cost.
- Body Horror: Some transformations and curses affect the mind and flesh in disturbing ways.
- Folkloric Horror: Witchcraft, hexes, ghosts, and forest guardians all play roles grounded in Appalachian folk belief.
This horror is deeply personal and often tied to family, land, and legacy. It’s not just about monsters it’s about the choices people make in the face of darkness.
Running the Game as a Guide (GM)
In this RPG, the game master is called a ‘Guide,’ reflecting their role in leading players through the winding trails of Appalachia’s supernatural world. The Guide doesn’t need to plan out every encounter, but should be ready to react to the players’ choices and keep the world feeling alive, dangerous, and mysterious.
Tips for Effective Guiding
- Focus on atmosphere. Use sensory details to bring settings to life.
- Build suspense over time. Let players feel safe before pulling back the curtain.
- Encourage character backstories that tie into local folklore or mysteries.
- Let horror grow from player decisions, not just from pre-planned scares.
The Guide’s role is as much about storytelling as it is about rules, creating a shared space where every session feels like a new chapter in a southern gothic legend.
Sample Adventures and Campaign Themes
From short sessions to long campaigns, the game offers a variety of storytelling possibilities. Many published scenarios tie directly into the lore of the podcast, but the system allows for endless homebrew options.
Popular Themes to Explore
- Unearthing Forgotten Places: Mines, crypts, or sunken towns can hide old secrets and eldritch threats.
- Cursed Bloodlines: Families bound to dark bargains must confront the cost of their legacy.
- Witchcraft and Hexes: Magic in this world is real but dangerous, often tied to moral ambiguity.
- Forest Guardians: Ancient spirits protect the land from intruders or punish those who disrespect it.
Each story thread gives players the chance to explore moral dilemmas, face creeping horror, and ultimately decide whether they will stand against the darkness or become part of it.
Community and Expansion
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG has quickly developed a passionate community of fans and creators. Players share stories, custom adventures, and character builds, expanding the world beyond its core materials. The game continues to evolve, with new supplements and lore deepening the horror and expanding the setting.
Future expansions may introduce other regions of the alternate Earth, new gods, and darker mysteries allowing your group to explore even more chilling tales in this beautifully haunted universe.
A Folk Horror Experience Like No Other
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG offers something rare in the world of tabletop games a genuinely unique setting, emotionally rich characters, and horror that lingers long after the dice stop rolling. Whether you’re hunting witches, unearthing old relics, or making a desperate pact beneath the light of a dying moon, every session immerses you deeper into a world where old things never truly die. It’s a place where folklore becomes fate, and the shadows are always watching.