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Unlike the character class books such as Smith & Robards, Book o' the Dead, or Hucksters and Hexes, Ghost Dancers covers an entire culture and multiple nations by covering Indians. An incredible amount of research went into this book and it shows; however, it does make playing an Indian more complicated. In this case, though, more complicated is not a bad thing - it is the best possible thing.

There are three sections in this book - the War Party, Sacred Ground, and the Chief's Words. It seems the oh-so-white guys at Pinnacle mistitled them before. Fortunately, Mr. Beakley fixed that situation.

The first section covers the basics of Indians - both their history in the Deadlands universe, up to the present and their nations (the Sioux Nations and the Coyote Confederacy), but also how to make an Indian character and some examples of Indians.

There comes out a lot of new information to round out your Indian characters in this section. New edges and new hindrances are just the beginning - shamans have more powers and rituals, braves have more options, guardian spirits can help protect you.

Sacred Ground features a section on Indian relics. The Indians have been on the continent longer then anyone else, and their relics reflect that.

The Chief's Words end up with the truth behind certain aspects of Indian society, plus sections on secret societies and the Hunting Grounds. As for the true background of Indians, only one thing has to be remembered - an Indian started the Reckoning. The Hunting Grounds are confusing and unclear, but that's how they were intended. It's not a solid place like mortals are used to dealing with.

This is one of the supplements that it seems many people are cautious about picking up at first. I was, and gave in when I realized that I had never been ripped off by Pinnacle, and I found this supplement to be worth probably twice its price. It's a definite must-have for just about anyone interested in Deadlands, whether as a player or a Chief.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)