Cheins Sanch-
ez

Last night I was thinking about my new GURPS Dark Sun campaign, and it struck me that westerns might make a good source of game hooks. After reading the wikipedia entry for westerns, the similarities became even more apparent:

Outside of the big cities are isolated communities in a tough arid wilderness.

The average protagonist is a semi-nomadic wanderer, usually a fighter or adventurer. They fight numerous villains, and are not bound to any fixed social structures but only to their own innate codes of honor.

Honorable men turn away from personal power and ambition, and instead foster hope and unity in the people around them. In contrast, it is easy for people of low morals to lie, cheat and steal their way to power, either through strength of arms or cunning.

Weapons are the most common form of tool, and violence is the most common way of resolving conflict.

Locations include isolated forts, farms, tribal villages and small “frontier” towns.

Recurring themes include treks and groups of bandits terrorising small towns.

Law and order exists in the big cities, but is unjust and ignore the needs of honorable men. The wilderness is a purer place, where justice is direct and

where one’s skill in a weapon can restore order in an environment plagued by ruthless bandits which prey on caravans and travellers.

Savage tribes roam the land, which seem just as likely to work with you as to kill you.

Merchants travel the land, plying their wares, bilking the innocent, or needing rescue from theives or “natives”.

Etc.

After reading that list, now I really want to find any good western gaming resources for my Dark Sun game. While I’m searching, I figured I’d ask if anyone had any suggestions of any good books (preferably in PDF) that will useful additions for plotting adventures my campaign.

Keep in mind that I’m interested in adapting material to Dark Sun, so I’m primarily looking for inspirational material. I don’t want to spend too much time and energy cutting specialized settings and metaplots out a game book and end up with little in return.

Any advice would be appreciated!