Equipment and Materials of Old Gods of Appalachia

[Consumer]

Currency
Materials
Equipment of the Time
Armor
Weapons
Vehicles

[Consumer]

Currency

There are three main types of currency that characters will have access to: money, company scrip, and barter.

Money is just as you’d expect it to be, with the reminder that this game will be set in the early 1900s and the value of the dollar was much different then. The tables in this chapter offer guidance on general price ranges for common objects during that time, with the understanding that costs will range from town to town and season to season.

Layaway, where a seller reserves an item for you until you complete all the necessary payments, is a popular option for big-ticket items

Company scrip (commonly just called scrip) is a currency issued by companies (especially coal and logging companies) as an alternate way to pay their employees. Scrip is occasionally paper, but more often is made of copper, zinc, nickel, or other metal. It bears the name, logo, and other information about the issuing company and can only be used in stores owned by the company that issued them (and the prices in these stores are often jacked up).

Scrip has many nicknames, including clackers, dugaloos, and flickers. Scrip became illegal in the U.S. under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, but that may or may not be true in your modern alternate Appalachia. Either way, scrip is likely coveted by collectors and historians.

Barter is an exchange of goods, services, knowledge, and other useful offerings. You might barter with your neighbor by bringing them a pie in exchange for their healing skills, offer up a cypher in exchange for a much-needed machine part, or spend a day working on someone’s farm in exchange for a meal. You might even get something now from someone in exchange for a future favor, or vice versa.
The barter value of goods isn’t established by the wider marketplace, but by the people involved in the barter. The perceived value is very important, and there are many social implications. Slighting your neighbor, embarrassing someone with charity, or being seen as someone who can be taken advantage of are all concerns when bartering.

[Consumer]

Materials

In the early 1900s, the logging and coal mining boom brought railroads and commercial stores to the region—and with them, increased access to items and materials from outside the region. However, the majority of materials used for tools, weapons, buildings, and clothing are still made from scratch using resources from the region.

Wood
Local wood, such as white pine, poplar, hickory, black willow, walnut, and buckeye, is used to make everything from houses, fences, and furniture to gun stocks, musical instruments, walking sticks, and cooking utensils.

Metals
Various metals are available locally, including iron, copper, and aluminum. Blacksmiths create all manner of hardware, including nails, hinges, cooking equipment, and farm tools, as well as horseshoes, wagon wheels, wrought iron fences, and candlesticks.

Non-Metallic Minerals
The region has an abundance of non-metallic mineral resources, such as marble, granite, slate, clay, silica sand, and quartz. Many of these are used for structures, roofs, and other building items. Glass made from silica sand is used to create windows, bottles, marbles, mason jars, and more, while clay is used for crocks, jugs, and dinnerware.

Fabric
While commercially available fabric is becoming more widespread, wool is still the more common material for coverlets, tablecloths, rugs, and clothing. Spinning and weaving are important skills and a vital source of social interaction.

Plants
Local plants such as oak slits and honeysuckle vines are woven into baskets, mats, and other useful items. Dyes are made from local and farmed plants like beets, purple cabbage, walnut hulls, pokeberries, marigolds, willow bark, and rhododendrons.
Many plants are also used for healing, creating cyphers and other magical items, and, of course, cooking.

[Consumer]

Equipment
The goods presented here are general examples, not exhaustive lists. Use them as a guideline to get you started; if the characters want to buy something that isn’t here (but that seems plausible to find in the region during the time period), use a similar item and take your best guess.
While everything listed has an approximate dollar amount, they are also broken into five general price categories. These categories are mostly for the GM, who can use them to adjust prices (based on rarity, for example, or the increased cost of something from a company store), quickly figure out the price for an item that isn’t currently included, and get a general sense of how valuable something is for bartering purposes.
Another advantage of using ranges is that you can move your game forward or backward in time, and the general price ranges still apply. An item listed as inexpensive in the early 1900s is likely to remain inexpensive in modern day. Of course, there are exceptions, as some items increase or decrease in availability, popularity, materials, and so on.

If you’re not sure where to categorize something, a good guide is that $1 in 1920 was equal to about $15. Which means that $10 is worth around $150. Spending $100 in the 1920s is the equivalent to spending around $1,500 today. Characters will want to keep track of how much money and scrip they have, as well as any outstanding barters they may have made. It’s probably not worth counting things in terms of cents, since that can make tracking hard. If someone wants to buy stuff that’s under a dollar, consider having them buy a bunch of things at once.

Knowing what your character wears in a historical setting is always a little tricky, but here are some fashion guidelines to help get you started. The game is set primarily in the 1920s and 30s, during a time of fairly significant changes for clothing in style, function, and manufacture. Since we’re dealing with these changes over two decades of time and a vast geographical area, the suggestions here are just that—suggestions. During that time, most fashion was gender-specific, so we’ve included options for men and women, but there’s no reason you can’t mix and match and make them your own.

There are a few types of clothing that are probably in every average person’s closet: workwear, casual outfits, and clothes for more formal events (celebrations, church services, and ceremonies). These clothes are likely a mix of homemade items and mass-produced clothing from department stores or through mail-order catalogs such as Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Typically folks dress up when going to work, to visit a friend across town, to attend school, or to do the shopping. Essentially, anytime they leave the familiarity of their dwelling place, they put on a nice outfit. Not doing so is considered rude and inappropriate, unless you’re visiting with family or your very best friend who lives nearby.

Breathable fabrics, such as cotton, rayon, and linen, are popular during the summer. Wool, chambray, corduroy, and flannel are popular winter fabrics. Materials like silk, satin, taffeta, velvet, and lace are used to make or accent formal wear.

For casual events, men wear collared shirts and trousers with a belt or suspenders. More formal events call for suits. Men usually wear hats outside the home—fedoras and derbies for business, and boater hats and flat caps for leisure. Men are expected to remove their hats when indoors and to tip their hats to women and people of note.

Woman wear dresses or skirts with blouses for both casual and formal events. Dress and skirt hemlines fall mid-shin to knee-length. Sleeveless blouses and dresses are popular. Knee or mid-thigh stockings made of silk, wool, or cotton are de rigueur outside of visiting a beach or doing tasks that would risk tearing them. Women’s hats can seem more of a large hair adornment than a hat, with options like the cloche, faille, and decorated turban. Women don’t have to remove their hats indoors and aren’t expected to tip their hats to anyone.

Clothing for children and young adults reflects the sensibilities and style of adult fashion of the time. Like their parents, they wear a mix of homemade, hand-me-down, and store-bought clothing. Hats are typically worn only during formal functions. Babies are often clothed simply in gowns and wear cloth diapers covered with wool or rubber shells to stanch leakage.

Typical workwear for someone doing manual labor, such as a coal miner, railroad worker, or farmer, is thick cotton or dungaree pants or overalls, a cotton button-up shirt, and a jacket or coat; the emphasis is on protection from the elements and the environment. Just like today, people with specific jobs, such as police officers, wear uniforms. And those who belong to a cultural or religious group with specific clothing obligations dress within the norms of their group.

Many small items that you can hold in your hands—like cigarettes, a cup of coffee, a candy bar, and so on—cost less than a dollar. Often sometimes much less. If your character needs a small item that costs less than a dollar, they can probably afford to purchase it or already have it in their bag (provided that it makes narrative sense that they were able to buy, trade, steal, or otherwise get ahold of the item). This includes (but isn’t limited to):
• Bottle of pain reliever
• Can opener
• Cigarettes or pipe
• Cup or tin of coffee
• Box of matches
• Eating utensils
• Game items (deck of cards, dice)
• Movie ticket
• Postage stamps
• Snacks (chocolate bar, pop)
• Staples (loaf of bread, gallon of milk, dozen eggs, pound of butter)
• Toys (doll, marbles, stuffed animal)

Inexpensive items are things that people buy regularly. They typically cost a couple of dollars or less. A simple lantern, pocket knife, hatchet, most ammunition, and accessories like gloves or a cap would all fit into this category. Room and board for a night also falls into this category.

• Accessories, simple $3 Handbag, scarf, gloves, cap, and so on
• Baking set $2 Includes bread pans, pie plates, cake pans, measure, flour sifter, rolling pin
• Bedroll $3
• Book $1
  Provides +5%-+10% bonus to any roll made concerning the subject of the book as long as the character has the book in their possession, can read it, and can devote half an hour to the task (or twice as long as normal, whichever is greater).
• Bottles, glass $1
• Cast iron pan, kettle, griddle, or Dutch oven $2–5
• Copper-plated tea kettle or coffeepot $1
• Compass $1
• Clothing, simple $3 Trousers, shirt, swimsuit, vest, and so on
• Diner meal $1
• Fishing outfit $3 Includes rod and reel, line, sinkers, tackle
• Flashlight $1
• Haircut, men’s $3
• Hammock $3
• Journal and pencil $1
• Lantern $3 Includes oil can
• Lodging, basic $1–2 Per night
• Lodging, basic $3–5 Per week
• Medical items, simple $1 Hot water bottle, bandages, and so on[/b]
• Miner’s carbide lamp or lantern $4 Burns 4 hours with one charge of carbide[/b]
• Carbide refill (10 cans) $1
• Ouija board $1
• Rope $1 per 50 feet
• Rope ladder $2 per 25 feet
• Shaving set $1
• Shovel, grain scoop, or spade $1
• Small animal trap $2
• Vacuum bottle or thermos $1 Keeps liquids hot for 24 hours or cool for three days

Moderate items are things that people buy, but not too often and not in great quantities These items typically cost between 5 and 10 dollars. A miner’s tent, portable camp stove, hunting coat, dress, and .22-caliber rifle are all moderate items.

• Bag of heavy tools $10 Contains a selection of tools useful for carpentry and other items
• Boots $5 Rubber or leather
• Camp stove, portable $6
• Clothing, fancy $5
• Dictionary or encyclopedia $7
• Doctor’s bag $10 Leather
• Groceries $5 A week’s worth for a couple of people
• Haircut, women’s $5
• Hospital care $5 Basic daily rate, per day
• Lodging, high end $5 Per night
• Miner’s tent $5 Up to two people
• Travel pack $5
  Contains 50 feet of rope, rations for three days, three spikes, hammer, water-resistant clothes, sturdy shoes, and a flashlight.
• Wagon, kid’s $5
• Wheelbarrow $5

An expensive item is something that would strain a common person’s finances. They typically cost between 20 and 50 dollars. A bike, pony cart, double-barrel shotgun, commercial sheepskin-lined coat, wool suit, and nice watch would be in this category.

• Bicycle $20
• Camera $20
• Flat-bottomed boat $30
• Moonshine $25 per gallon
• Overcoat $30 Wool; commercially made
• Pony cart $30 2-seater, ponies not included
• Saddle $20
• Suit $30 Wool; commercially made
• Watch $20

A very expensive item is probably out of the reach of most people except in very special circumstances. These are usually at least $100. A good saddle horse, a radio, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a couple of acres of land are examples of very expensive items.

• Land $100 Couple of acres
• Refrigerator $150
• Horse $200
• Piano $150
• Radio $200
• Washing machine $100
• Wedding ~$400

An exorbitant item is something only the very rich can afford, and costs at least $500. A one-carat diamond ring, a car, a barn, and a house are all in this category.

• Barn $1,500 Commercial, includes pre-cut materials but not labor
• Car $2,000+
• House $3,000+ Commercial, includes pre-cut materials but not labor

[Consumer]

Armor

Armor Name
Armor Type
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features: •
Book Reference:

Leather Jacket
Light Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features: •
Book Reference:

Hunting Coat
Light Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:• Made of Canvas.
Book Reference:

Oil Slicker
Light Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:• Rain Resistant.
Book Reference:

Overall Jacket
Medium Armor[/u]
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:•
Book Reference:

Sheepskin-Lined Coat
Medium Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:•
Book Reference:

Make-Shift Metal Armor
Heavy Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:•
Book Reference:

Reinforced jacket
Heavy Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:•
Book Reference:

Steel breastplate
Heavy Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:•
Book Reference:

Simple ballistic armor
Heavy Armor
S.D.C.:
AR:
Weight:
Modifiers:
Features:•
Book Reference:

[Consumer]

Weapons

Melee Weapons

Code: Select all

[b]Melee Weapon's name[/b]
[size=85][list][*]Range: Close Combat
[*]Damage:
[*]Weight:
[*]Features:
[*]Modifiers: 
[*]Book Reference:[/list][/size]

Crowbar or wrecking bar $1 Light weapon
Hoof parer $2 Light weapon
Pen or pocket knife $1 Light weapon
Sheep shears $1 Light weapon
Whip $2 Light weapon
Shield, simple —
Axe $5 Light weapon
Dagger $5 Light weapon
Hatchet $5 Medium weapon
Hunting knife $7 Light weapon
Machete or scythe $10 Medium weapon
Sledgehammer $15 Heavy weapon

Ranged Weapon

Code: Select all

[b]Ranged Weapon's name[/b]
[size=85][list][*]Range:
[*]Damage:
[*]Rate of Fire:
[*]Payload:
[*]Weight:
[*]Features:
[*]Modifiers: 
[*]Book Reference:[/list][/size]

Blowgun $5 Light weapon; short range
High-powered spray gun and compressed air sprayer $10 Medium weapon; short range
Throwing knife $5 Light weapon; can be thrown a short distance
Bow $15 Medium weapon; long range
Light crossbow $10 Medium weapon; long range
Light handgun $10 Medium weapon; long range
Rifle $25 Medium weapon; long range
Shotgun $25 Medium weapon; short range
Heavy handgun $30 Heavy weapon; long range
Heavy rifle $30 Heavy weapon;

Ammo & Explosives
All ammo, including bullets, arrows, and crossbow bolts $1 20 count
Hand grenade $7
Dynamite $3

[Consumer]

Vehicles

Vehicle Name
S.D.C. by Location:
• Main Body:
• Windshield:
• windows (??): each
• Doors (??): each
• Wheels ??): each.
Statistical Data:
Maximum Speed:
Range:
Crew:
Class:
Dimensions: Height: , Width: , Length: , Weight:
Cargo:
Power System:
Features of Note:

I will add vehicles here as they become relevant, no sense in stating out every vehicle imaginable.

1919 Dodge Bros 4 door Sedan
S.D.C. by Location:
• Main Body: 600
• Windshield: 10
• windows (5): 10 each.
• Doors (4): 100 each
• Wheels (4): 50 each.
Statistical Data:
Maximum Speed: 65 mph
Range: 200 miles
Crew: 1
Class: Automobile
Dimensions: [Height: 5'6", Width: 4', Length: 9.5', Weight: 2810 lbs]
Cargo: up to 500 lbs.
Power System: 35 horsepower Combustion Engine.
Features of Note: None.

Code: Select all

[b]1919 Dodge Bros 4 door Sedan[/b]
[size=85][u][b]S.D.C. by Location:[/b][/u]
• Main Body: 600
• Windshield: 10
• windows (5): 10 each.
• Doors (4): 100 each
• Wheels (4): 50 each.
[u][b]Statistical Data:[/b][/u]
Maximum Speed: 65 mph
Range: 200 miles
Crew: 1
Class: Automobile
Dimensions: [Height: 5'6", Width: 4', Length: 9.5', Weight: 2810 lbs]
Cargo: up to 500 lbs.
Power System: 35 horsepower Combustion Engine.
[u]Features of Note:[/u] None.[/size]