Chase Sequence
Chases are a staple of action movies, where one character desperately flees while another pursues. In the wasteland, chases can be just as intense—whether you're escaping a pack of hungry wolves, outrunning raiders in a jury-rigged vehicle, or racing against time to stop a critical event. While an optional mechanic, the chase sequence system adds dynamic, high-stakes moments to your game.
Setting Up the Chase
Chases take place on containers (playing cards, sticky notes, etc.), arranged in a sequence to represent movement. You will need twelve containers placed in a straight line.
- Chaser Placement – The chaser begins in the leftmost container (Container 1).
- Escapee Placement – The escapee starts 3 or 4 containers ahead, determined by [(d4/2) + 2].
- Race Setup – If this is a race, all participants start in Container 1.
Additionally, each container may contain obstacles—crowds, rugged terrain, or other hazards—that make maneuvering more difficult. These are determined with a d12 roll before the chase begins.
Initiative is rolled as usual, but if you're a passenger in a vehicle, your movement is tied to the driver's actions.
Actions During a Chase
Each participant has several action options, but some can only be performed once per turn.
- Maneuver – Attempt to move forward on the chase track (once per turn).
- Bump – Try to force an adjacent target Out of Control, removing them from the chase.
- Fire Weapons – Attack pursuers or escapees. Drivers can fire vehicle-mounted weapons, while passengers and on-foot participants can fire personal weapons.
- Boarding Action (vehicles only) – Jump between vehicles.
- Tackle (on foot only) – Grapple an opponent to end the chase.
Each action has its own challenge, making every turn a tactical decision.
Escaping, Catching, or Winning
- Escaping – If the escapee moves six or more containers ahead of their pursuer, they successfully slip away.
- Catching – The chaser can tackle the escapee (if on foot) or force them Out of Control (if in a vehicle).
- Winning a Race – The first participant to reach the twelfth container wins.
Chase sequences add thrilling cinematic moments to your game, whether you're sprinting down a ruined street or speeding through the wasteland in a rusted-out vehicle.