Ruthless: The Fastest Rules in the West

Ruthless is a free, fast-paced tabletop miniature wargame set in the American Old West. It is a card-driven system intended for small-scale, 2-5 character skirmishes that can be completed in a single evening.

Key Features and Mechanics:

Card-Driven Turn Structure: Each turn, players are dealt 5 cards from a standard poker deck. Players simultaneously reveal a card to determine initiative, with the highest card going first. Cards are also used to trigger special actions like “Snap Shots” or “Get Your Courage Up”.
Fast-Paced Gameplay: The rules are designed to be simple and beginner-friendly, fitting on only two pages.
Combat and Damage: The game features a “Darn I Been Hit” table for determining wounds, with specific locations (Leg, Arm, Chest) affecting future actions. Fisticuffs (melee) is resolved by comparing card values.
Scenario-Based: While designed for quick play, it supports linked, narrative-driven scenarios and campaigns, such as Riding Shotgun or I Rode with Custer.
Open Toolkit: It is highly customizable, allowing players to create their own characters and scenarios.
“Skedaddle” Rule: At the end of each turn, players check if their crew becomes “Lily Livered” or flees based on casualties, ensuring games do not drag on.