Sheriff Sam

Although you are the official “ruler” of Deadwood, it tends to rule you. Because you live in a time and place where the law is tremendously disrespected, there is no harmony in Deadwood. The town’s justice system is dictated more by vigilantes and outlaws than by your badge. Since your past efforts to uphold the law have failed, you have decided to receive bribes in order to maintain a stable environment. Your philosophy has become to let bygones be bygones as long as the town remains in a somewhat peaceful state. Although being the sheriff of Deadwood does not pay very well, it does have its benefits. Besides trying to enforce the laws, you do earn a hefty sum by taking bribes. Among the people who have gotten in the habit of bribing you is Harry High-Stakes, the saloon owner. When Harry High-Stakes wanted to establish the Deadwood Saloon, you were aware of his outlaw background and questionable amounts of money. However, Harry offered you a good sum of money to overlook his unlawful past and suspect amounts of money. In return, you granted him a deed to open the saloon. And the bribes did not stop there. Three months ago, Harry High-Stakes started paying you to have an affair with Henrietta High-Stakes (his wife). Even though you are confused by Harry’s motives, you continue to romantically see Henrietta in secret for the sake of the income. Even though you are not emotionally attached to Henrietta, she has confessed that she is starting to fall in love with you. Henrietta has also brought up the subject of marriage and indicated that she is ready to leave her husband for you. You have temporarily stalled Henrietta by giving Henrietta a fancy necklace which she has taken for a sign that a marriage proposal is on it’s way. Of course, you have no intention of marrying Henrietta, you simply want the payments from Harry to continue on as long as possible. Despite the normal quiet nature of Deadwood, this week has been quite the opposite. With the Deadwood Poker Tournament being run at the saloon, the federal government has sent in a U.S. Marshal to oversee the happenings in town. With the Marshal here, you need to be on your best behavior since they will be overseeing you and how you perform your job. In addition to the tournament, there was also a bank robbery in town this week. Banker Bob (the bank owner) has been pressuring you to find the bandit who robbed his bank, but you have yet to discover any leads. With the Deadwood Poker Tournament Party coming up, you are excited to attend. At the party, you are determined to identify and apprehend the bank robber in order to prove to the Marshal that you are an effective sheriff. If you were to lose your job as sheriff, you would lose your financial security.

Acting and Dressing Your Part:

As the sheriff of Deadwood, your authority is being questioned by the Marshal being in town. Don’t be afraid to act like you are in charge, even if you are not. Be sure to remember your badge, guns and holster.