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Red Markets

Quickstart Guide
Post-apocalyptic zombie economics — the dead are everywhere, but rent is still due
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horrorpost-apocalyptic
HorrorGrittyResource ManagementRoleplay-HeavyCharacter-Driven
Languages: English
Dice2d10
System FamilyStandalone
Cost$$
LicenseProprietary
PublisherHebanon Games
Year2017
Complexity Medium
Accessibility Low
Community Low

Core Mechanic

Roll 2d10 — one black (skill), one red (threat). Black higher than red means success; doubles are critical results. Characters track economic resources via Bounty (currency), gear with limited charges and upkeep costs, and a negotiation system using a Sway Tracker. Humanity erodes through Trauma, Stress, and Detachment tracks.

Best For

Groups who want a zombie RPG that's really about economic survival — negotiating contracts, managing resources, and deciding what you're willing to sacrifice to keep your dependents alive.

Highlights

Economic focus makes every job feel high-stakes, negotiation mechanics add tension before combat even starts, humanity/trauma system creates character arcs, zombie threat serves a story about capitalism and survival

Considerations

Heavy bookkeeping with multiple resource tracks, relentlessly bleak tone, steep learning curve for the Profit system, limited availability of the full rulebook