South o' the Border is the sourcebook for Mexico for
Pinnacle's Deadlands game. It is a well-written and organized book with many illustrations.
The book begins, like many other Deadlands sourcebooks, with information for players in the form of the Tombstone Epitaph's Guide to Mexico. A summary of the region's history is given first. The Indians are listed: Mayans, Olmecs, Toltecs and Aztecs. The Aztecs are given several more pages: structure of their society, government and the priests, warfare, religion and their gods, and human sacrifice. Cortes landed in Veracruz in 1519 and ruined the Aztecs' fun. The Indians were enslaved and Spain ruled the region for 300 years. During this time, the Spanish and Indians mix to produce the modern day Mexicans. Then, France conquered Spain in 1808, but the Mexicans decided to declare independence. The republic lasted for a time, with Santa Anna as President eleven times. Texas, which was part of Mexico, declared independence in 1835 and this started the Mexican-American War. The French come back in force in 1861 and defeat the Mexicans. Napoleon III, Emperor of France, made Maximillian the Emperor of Mexico with the French Foreign Legion to back him up.
This brings us to the time of the Weird West. The Epitaph further describes the French Empire of Mexico: the imperial government, state government, the Rurales and the Mexican military, the French Foreign Legion, Santa Anna's special army, two rebel groups (Juaristas and Porfiriatistas), the Catholic Church, relations with the Confederacy and the Union, as well as descriptions of various important individuals.
More detail about the land, the creatures, the cities and towns, and strange occurrences make up the final part of the Epitaph's Guide.
I have a small complaint to make with the Epitaph's Guide. There is only a half-page map of Mexico listing eleven towns and nothing else. No rivers, regions, mountains or volcanoes are named. Perhaps the Guide can do better next time.
Chapter Two discusses how to make Mexican characters. The main thing to consider is what is your character's class and race as Social Class can be either an Edge (if you choose to be a Mestizo, Criollo or Peninsulare) or a Hindrance (if you want to be a Campesino). There is the new Macho Hindrance and Fuero Edge as well as notes about old Edges and Hindrances. Two pages list Spanish names, both male and female, for players to use. The chapter ends with two sample archetypes: the Mexican Rebel and (Legionnaire) Deserter.
I have another complaint to make at this point. On page 46, "Mestizos have…their own type of arcane powers. See City of Lost Angels, for information on mestizo Anahuac magic." That information should be in this sourcebook.
Chapter Three is about making Aztecs. That's right, players can be Aztec priests and warriors. Priests must buy the arcane background: Aztec use rituals and favors in much the same way as other Indians. However, they worship gods and do not have guardian spirits. New rules for using old rituals and favors are given to reflect Aztec beliefs. The chapter has new Hindrances (Bad Birth Omens, Blood Sacrifice, Opoche), the new Good Birth Omens Edge and notes on old Edges and Hindrances. Tables for choosing an Aztec name and weapons and armor are given. The chapter concludes with two archetypes: Quetzalcoatl Priest and Renegade Jaguar Knight.
To research Aztec culture and history and boil it down to six pages essential needed for game play takes quite a bit of work. It is an excellent chapter. No complaints from me.
The Marshal's section makes up the last half of the book. Organizations are given more detail and individuals are quantified with game stats and we learn who's good and who isn't. I won't bore you with the details.
The real interesting part of the Marshal's section is the Secret Empire of the Aztecs. Led by a certain priest and the Lords of the Obsidian Blade, they have many villages and spies throughout Mexico. The priests use Aztec blood magic, which is essentially black magic as it uses faith. New blood magic spells and Aztec relics are listed. Opposing the Lords are the priests of the Feathered Serpent. In other words, the good guys and an Aztec player's character would be part of this group. These priests use regular rituals and favors.
Then we have two appendices: Abominations and Aztec Abominations. Lots of weird critters here.
The book ends with the Deadlands Dispatch #6. It is an update on the events in the Deadlands universe and is a waste of four pages, as it is about the Great Rail Wars and the Doomtown card game. Perhaps these pages could have been used for describing Anahuac magic?
In conclusion, the book has a lot of material and provides the Marshal with the essentials needed for game play. If you plan on taking your posse to Mexico, this book is worth every peso.
Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)
