Wild West Showdown

A powerful railroad tycoon visiting Dust Gulch to determine if the town is worth including on the new railway line. Coal presents himself as a sophisticated businessman, but he worked his way up from being a laborer and isn't above using intimidation to get what he wants. He's particularly interested in acquiring the Big Strike Mine, believing there's more than just gold in those hills. Coal carries a walking stick with a hidden blade and has two bodyguards who follow him everywhere—except tonight, as they were mysteriously called away on urgent business.

A shrewd businesswoman who struck it rich five years ago and now owns half the town, including the newly opened Golden Nugget Saloon. Despite her wealth, Goldie hasn't forgotten her humble beginnings as a prospector. She's known for her sharp tongue and sharper business sense. Recently, she's been receiving threatening notes regarding a disputed claim from her early days. Goldie keeps a loaded derringer in her garter and isn't afraid to use it if crossed.

The town's lawman for the past decade, Sheriff Justice has seen Dust Gulch transform from a small mining camp to a proper town. He maintains order with a firm hand and unwavering principles, though he's not above bending the rules when necessary. Recently, he's been investigating a series of gold shipment robberies and suspects someone in town is the mastermind. Justice is torn between his duty and his growing feelings for Goldie Diggs, which he tries to hide behind his badge.

A charming outlaw with a reputation for stealing hearts as easily as valuables. Despite numerous accusations, Billy has never been convicted of any crime, always having a perfect alibi or a silver-tongued explanation. Secretly planning one last big score before retiring to Mexico. Billy arrived at the Golden Nugget's opening with an invitation that no one admits to sending and has been asking suspicious questions about the saloon's safe and security arrangements.

A grizzled old prospector who's been searching for the motherlode for over thirty years. Most folks dismiss Dusty as a harmless eccentric, but beneath the rambling stories and disheveled appearance lies a keen mind and encyclopedic knowledge of the region's geology. Recently, Dusty has been claiming to have found a map to the legendary Lost Dutchman's mine and has been trying to secure investors. Despite appearing poor, Dusty somehow always has enough money for whiskey.

The mysterious new performer at the Golden Nugget with a voice like an angel and the aim of a sharpshooter. Pearl arrived in Dust Gulch three months ago and quickly became the saloon's main attraction. Rumored to have been educated back East, Pearl's refined manners slip sometimes to reveal a rougher background. Has been taking a keen interest in the town's wealthy patrons, particularly those who like to drink and gamble. A distinctive playing card—the queen of hearts with a bullet hole through it—serves as Pearl's calling card.

Once a respected physician in Chicago, Doc fled west after a scandal involving a wealthy patient's death. Now serving as Dust Gulch's doctor and undertaker, Doc has a fondness for gambling and whiskey that borders on dependency. Despite shaky hands in the morning, Doc is still the best—and only—medical professional for a hundred miles. Recently, Doc has been researching native plants with medicinal properties and has developed a mysterious tonic that supposedly cures various ailments but has some strange side effects.

The Golden Nugget's charming but ruthless croupier and pit boss, with ties to gambling syndicates back East. Roulette can calculate odds faster than most people can think and never forgets a face or a debt. Behind a pleasant smile lies a cutthroat business sense and knowledge of everyone's vices. Roulette keeps a detailed ledger of who owes what and has recently been pressuring several prominent citizens to pay their gambling debts. Rumored to have fixed more than a few games, though no one can prove it.

A former cavalry scout turned bounty hunter who's arrived in Dust Gulch tracking a wanted criminal. Sue is known for always bringing in targets alive—but not necessarily in good condition. With an almost supernatural ability to track and a collection of scars from previous hunts, Sue has a reputation that makes most outlaws surrender without a fight. Currently staying at the Golden Nugget while investigating recent activities in town. Sue carries wanted posters for several individuals but won't reveal who the current target is.

The newest dealer at the Golden Nugget, hired just two weeks before the grand opening. Chip claims to have worked at gambling houses across the West but is suspiciously vague about specific locations. Extraordinarily skilled with cards and able to remember every card played in a game. Chip has been asking questions about the town's history and showing particular interest in old land claims and property records. Wears distinctive silver cufflinks shaped like playing cards that seem too expensive for a simple dealer's salary.

The Golden Nugget's meticulous bookkeeper with a reputation for being able to account for every cent. Penny presents as prim and proper, always dressed immaculately despite the frontier setting. Behind this facade of respectability, Penny has a talent for creative accounting and has been skimming from businesses for years without being caught. Recently purchased an expensive property outside of town, raising eyebrows about where the money came from. Carries a small pistol in a hidden pocket and knows how to use it.

The town's master carpenter who built most of Dust Gulch, including the Golden Nugget Saloon. Will knows every building in town inside and out, including all the secret passages and hidden rooms that weren't in the official plans. Despite being instrumental in the town's development, Will feels unappreciated and underpaid for his craftsmanship. Recently, Will has been working on a mysterious project in an abandoned mine shaft, refusing to tell anyone what it is. Carries a set of precision tools that could double as weapons if necessary.