Macabre Volume 1

Macabre is a new series of zines by Wolfe Manzella and Primitive Screwhead Productions. DCC and horror is the name of the game. A unique aspect of Macabre is that it doesn't focus on one type of horror. All varieties are welcome and will be included at some point. This week I received Volume 1 and it's a howling good time. Physically the zine is sturdy. It uses a thick stock cover and paper. The whole thing is black and white and it has artwork by some extremely talented folks, including my friends Diogo Nogeuira, Bradley McDevitt, and Carmin Vance. Like I do with most reviews (especially zine ones), I'll give a little overview and some thoughts on the different sections.

Welcome To  Your Doom

This short piece introduces the macabre setting of Nekrovania. It's a horror setting that embodies the spirit (pun intended) of the zine. In this setting slashers, exorcists, space leaches, and robotic vampires all exist. 

New Horrific Rules

Several new rules are introduces to add dread and doom to your typical DCC game. New rules (and a chart) for permanent injuries is included, as well as settings specific healing rules. The are new options to makes infernal deals and risking catastrophe for another chance. In this setting death corrupts even the best and there are rules for this as well. Some fantastic resurrection rules inspired by Pet Semetary and other horrific sources is also included. Of course you can use some, all, or none of these rules in your game.

The Tarot Deck

Macabre games make use of a tarot deck and the Judge needs to have one. For now I'll use my Zombie Tarot. These decks should be used for drama as well as actual mechanical abilities. All new class presented in Macabre will utilize Tarot decks.

Oh The Horror!

This discusses how you can add horror to games that include classic DCC elements. Just because the characters have fantastic abilities and magical steal, doesn't mean you can't put the fear of death in them. Four useful tips (with minor rule effects) are suggested. I won't spoil it, but the Bonus Tip is my favorite. 

Castle Nekrovania  

This monolith is the center of evil and monsters in Nekrovania. It's definitely inspired by Castlevania and I love that. The rule are physical appearance isn't set in stone. The Judge can and should tailor it to their game. This section includes some world building charts and discusses how to make Nekrovania your own. 

The Deathstalker

Have you ever wanted to play a Belmont? If you've played the Castlevania games (or seen the Netflix series) the answer is obviously yes! The Deathstalker allows you to do that. These brave (suicidal so) heroes know that they will be embraced by death, but they will make sure to kill as many creatures of the night before they do. This is a true love letter to the games. The class has a sub-weapons feature that mimics the power-ups you get in the game. Like future Macabre classes, it also uses a Tarot deck.

Monster of the Week

Who wants boring monsters that are the same? This doesn't really fit the DCC unique monster vibe. This feature is full of random tables that let you break out your funky DCC dice and customize your werewolves, wolfmen, and manwolves. There are 15 different charts, including a new critical hit chart. I can't wait to see the vampire version of this article.

From Beyond

Another conceit of this setting is that each session or campaign should be influenced by ancient evil. However, one should be a Prime Evil that has slithered its way into Castle Nekrovania and influences things overall. We are given an example, the Walpurgis Nachternia. This entity seeks to wrap the world in eternal night and can use an evil hive known as the Notctis to inhabit anything and make it a tool of ultimate darkness. The feature discusses how this Prime Evil affects Castle Nekrovania and the surrounding lands. It also provides locations with adventure hooks. Its servants, the burlap nightmares, are given stats and the Noctis is described a bit more.

Bottoms Up

The final feature gives the recipe for a werewolf themed drink, The Moon Beast. Sounds tasty!

I absolutely LOVE this zine. Y'all know I love horror and DCC. This is the perfect blending of the two. All of the content is entertaining and practical, even if you aren't playing a Nekrovania game. I don't think this one is available to the public yet. I'd keep your eye out on the Goodman Games store though and order a copy as soon as their in stock.