Clay Coldwell

As a local gambler, you are competing in the tournament at the Deadwood Saloon to earn yourself a healthy paycheck. In the past, you were known as one of the top poker players in the West. Unfortunately, with the popularity of poker and the rising stakes for the game, a number of players have emerged that are far more skilled than you. These days, you often find it hard to even make a living by gambling. When you first heard about the Deadwood Poker Tournament, you were expecting to be able to sweep the local tournament hands-down. However, after seeing some of the big names that have traveled to Deadwood to also participate in the tournament (Gambling Jack and Holly Hickok, to name a few), you started to doubt your chances of winning. With these feelings of doubt, you were happy when Mitch Maverick approached you earlier in the week. Mitch claimed to be a businessman from the East with a few tricks up his sleeve and he offered you half of his winnings from the tournament if you would help him to cheat. Knowing that the chances of winning the tournament yourself were slim, you took Mitch up on the offer. To you, this seemed like the perfect scenario because if Mitch was caught cheating it was his neck on the line, not yours. Regardless, you helped Mitch to cheat without getting caught and Mitch won the poker tournament without suspicion. Now it is just a matter of collecting the money from Mitch and getting him out of Deadwood without anyone suspecting your immoral and illegal affairs. After Mitch is awarded the money tonight, you have plans to meet him at the train stop where you plan to split the money. As a regular of the saloon, you enjoy gambling at and spending your money on dancing with the saloon girls, in particular, Sally Starr. After countless hours of dancing with Sally, you have found yourself in love with her. However, this week you noticed Sally soaking up a lot of attention from the other visitors in town and you question if Sally has any true feelings for you or if you are simply another one of her clients. Sally has even refused you dances for more high-paying customers - something she has never done in the past! Because you question Sally’s true feelings, you think it is time to concentrate on winning the affections of another woman. Minnie Money (a debutante who is visiting from the East) has certainly caught your attention this week. Although Minnie has spent much time with Mitch Maverick this week, Mitch has assured you that he ended his romantic relationship with Minnie and has absolutely no intentions of pursuing Minnie anymore. Furthermore, Minnie comes from a family with wealth, a trait you find appealing. You plan to focus your attention and affection on her.

With the Deadwood Saloon Poker Tournament Party approaching, you find it will be the perfect place to get to know Minnie better, as well as see if Sally’s feelings for you are genuine or money-driven. Until you are awarded your share of the profits, you plan on enjoying the Deadwood Poker Tournament Party to its fullest!

Acting and Dressing Your Part:

As a resident of Deadwood and a cowboy at heart, you dress with a flare for the West. You may wish to wear cowboy boots, spurs, chaps and a shoestring tie or you may wish to have a more distinguished wardrobe which may consist of a button down shirt, vest, tie and hat (bowler, derby, slouch, gambler or other). Popular in the time period, you may also consider adding in facial hair.