[HoE] M3, some thoughts

[The Baron Samedi <baron11@netmcr.com>]

For player types: There is finally a book on monsters out their your PC can 
access, unlike the one in RVC.  Its much shorter, tho.
But do read about the Charnel Hounds.  Trust me.
Also, as promised, rules for animal sidekicks...and they are more complete 
then before.
One last thing for all eyes...I hope you like The Weird West's watermark 
backgrounds...they are now part of HoE too.
and now, for the Marshals...

Spoilers

























OK, that should be fine.

Overall, this book was not bad.  Look for a LOT of info on Critter 
sidekicks.  This is not a re-hash of RVC, but rather a notable expansion 
that is useful to WW as well as HOE players.  I liked it, even if I would 
not be inclined to use it much.  My one gripe:  No mutations!
I liked the Posse guide, and I liked the fact that, unlike RVC, it is 
actually possible for non-Pinkertons to get ahold of it.  any player can 
have that useful packet.

and speaking of that, the Vampire on Charnel Hounds is absolutely 
priceless.  "my Nos named Igor..." I was in stitches.

My biggest complaint about the monsters was singular:
Unkillable monsters.  The Sob sister is Unkillable, the Fate eaters are 
Unkillable...its disgusting.  To me, this betrays some trust the Posse has 
in the Marshal.  The Fate Eaters seem ripe for abuse.  If I use either of 
these concepts they will require heavy heavy modification.

Speaking of Modification, I liked the Ningyo, but I took issue with their 
flesh turning one into a Ningyo.  I would tend to follow the Mermaid's 
Forest mythology a little closer, and have you turn into 
something...else.  I like the degree of chance involved, but think it 
should be an easier draw then 2 Jokers in 7 cards.  It has to happen 
rarely, but often enough to tempt those in the know into hunting.  I liked, 
however, part of the addition of Mermaid lore into the mythology.

I question the inclusion of Mojave Rattlers and Dust devils in the 
book.  Both are in The Wasted West, and most Marshals will pick that up 
before M3.  I am all for a little redundancy to better make the recourses 
useful, but they were fine in TWW.

I also noted a lack of Coups in among all the horror.  IIRC, there are two 
monsters with Coups, and one is the Night Haunt from WW.  The other, well...

The other has to be my favorite Monster from the book.  The Night Stalker 
is something I reacted to with a mix of pure horror and childlike 
glee.  That...thing...I cannot say enough good about.  I cannot wait to 
spring them on Posses in WW and HOE.

speaking of Monsters I liked, the Charnel Hounds are right up there.  They 
were an excellent addition to the setting. definitely evolution at it's best.

Third place would go to the Mind Biters.  Good for cocky Sykers.

Honorable Mention goes to the Glamor Puss, the Spider Head, and the Sand 
Spiders because they made me giggle.

Overall, not a bad book.  In places, it creeped me out.  In places, it just 
made me cock my head and wonder what he was thinking.  I am sure I missed 
some jokes.  Still, overall, I approve.

Jason,

The Baron Samedi