Dead Reign Horror;Post-Apocalyptic;Survival;Modern;Campaign;Low Prep
At-a-glance: Post-Apocalyptic • d20/d% checks • 3–5 + GM • Medium prep • Moderate crunch • 2–4h sessions
Theme and Setting
Dead Reign drops your table into the raw aftermath of a world-ending zombie outbreak. Cities are fractured, supply lines are gone, and every sound risks drawing a hungry horde. Sessions revolve around food, fuel, and fragile trust—can you protect your people, and what are you willing to sacrifice?
Core Mechanics and Rules
Built on Palladium classic framework, Dead Reign blends d20 attack rolls with d% skills, hit locations, and escalating threats. Combat is fast and dangerous—ammo runs dry, injuries matter, and splitting the party is a recipe for disaster. The rules reward planning and decisive teamwork over lone-wolf heroics.
What Makes It Unique
Instead of treating zombies as background noise, Dead Reign spotlights them: different undead types, behavior cues, and encounter pressures that force tough calls. Scenarios emphasize scavenging routes, barricades, time pressure, and noise management. Survival is not just a theme—it is the loop.
Target Audience and Player Experience
Perfect for groups who want tense, cinematic survival horror with a tactical edge. If you enjoy resource tracking, base defense, and moral crossroads under pressure, Dead Reign delivers. Players looking for ultra-light rules may find it heavier; groups who like a clear, lethal challenge will thrive.
