Broken Wheel County

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The Peppercorn Settlement Election

Our Public Participation game

for 2008

Wappinshaw

Carronade

Claymore

SKELP

Peppercorn Settlement in the 1859 Wild West has just suffered a severe blow. The Patches Injun’s Empty Bottle and No Laugh, have stolen a wagon load of Bourbon spirits destined for Colonel Hiram Chepe and killed the Sheriff Last Seen! Colonel Chepe died of a heart attack at the news. Getting to him in a sober moment, Madame Marie Selest nagged Judge Watt Easel into setting an instant election for a new Mayor. Peppercorn had been plagued by trouble between four out-of-town factions, until the Mayor allowed only one faction into town on set days. Judge Easel realises that for the good of the Settlement, one of the Factions must take over decisively. Since the Colonel had left no will and no known legitimate heirs, the Judge thought that his estate should become Settlement Council property. It included the Palais Dance Hall, an out of town Mansion and stakes in several local businesses. The Council had rarely met and comprised of men deemed eligible to vote, relying on the Mayor, Sheriff and Judge to run things. Thus the new incumbent would attain both power, money and the right to appoint his own Sheriff. Following nominations, the Judge wrote to the leaders of the four factions inviting them to stand for Mayor. The election to be held at high noon inside the Peppercorn Palais Dance Hall. Only four out-of-towners to come from each faction and weapons were to be handed in at the door to Madame Marie and her girls. The factions are Karl Heston of the Double Cross Ranch ++, Sage O’Gorrah of the Brand X Ranch BX, Master Flint Driver of the Quick Silver Mine QSM and Makepeace Mudde, Chairman of BAH. (Border Association of Homesteaders)

So each player will arrive at the settlement with a party of four and a list of possibly friendly or certainly hostile voters. They will all arrive early and decide on any means of electioneering that they may wish, on horseback or on foot! The vote will be taken in the Dancehall by the Judge at noon sharp! Deputies will shoot anyone firing from the Palais sidewalk!

Code of the Wild West

This is the code of behaviour followed by the racist, sexist and classist white settlers (Gringos, Palefaces, Whiteys or White-eyes) in the Wild West border lands of the 1850’s. In fact the code was liable to considerable variations from time to time and place to place. However on Code of the West decisions, the umpire’s word is final!

Classes

Gentlefolk: the rich plus persons of authority

Decent Folk: Tradesmen, shopkeepers, homesteaders etc of moderate wealth

Honest Folk: Employees, Labourers, cowhands, sodbusters, etc

Low life: Bar bums, roughnecks, Saloon girls, half-breeds, soldiers etc

‘Lesser’ ungodly races: Mexicans. Blacks and Injuns hostile or friendly!

Offences

Hanging Offences, Horse Stealing, Murder (shooting the unarmed or armed in the back),

Claim stealing,

Jailing Offences, Cattle rustling, Manslaughter, Fraud, Extortion. Selling guns to Injuns,

Boundary marker moving

Lockup Offences, Drunkenness, brawling in public, cheating at cards, Killing

accidentally, Making threats of violence. Stealing a woman.

Ostracising Offences, consorting with or being a dancehall girl, public indecency,

Keeping sheep! Shooting a dog. Foolin with a respectable woman, Selling licker

to Injuns.

Frowning on Offences, shooting someone, brawling spitting or profaning in the presence

of ladies. Un-American activities, working on the Sabbath.

Brand X Ranch BX

You are Sagacious O’Gorrah leading the Brand X Ranch Faction, starting beside White’s Apothecary. Of the other factions you hate the Heston’s Double Cross Ranch the most. Your known supporters are Padre O’Finnegan of the Curia who nominated you and Will of Will’s Provisions. Known hostile voters are Luke Lyke, Manager of the Sage Brush Hotel, Dave Hydeman of the Telegraph Office and the Rev. Providence Brimstone of the Ministry.

Decisions? Do you go to ensure the safe arrival of your supporters or will you try to bribe or intimidate those of your opponents? (See plan on back.) Will you go afoot hitching the mounts to the rail or will you start on horseback risking trouble as horses do not like gun fire? Of course you will abide by the Western code of honour but that includes defeating enemies in fair fight!

Sagacious O’Gorrah (Sage) LEA Has Hvy revolver, bowie. Speaks Yank, Spanish, Plains (P) 22$ 50c

Veteran +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0, pistol Bst –2 Bowie Pst –1, Can Vote

Hvy revolver 3” 4+ Pst +1, 6” 5+ Pst +1, 11” 6+ Pst +1, 18” 7+ Pst 0, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Baderil O’Gorrah (Bad) (son) has carbine, Mm revolver, bowie, cord. Speaks Yank Spanish 4$ 25c

Rookie +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 3/5/5, Melee +1, carbine Bst –2 Bowie Pst –1, Can Vote

Carbine 3” 4+ Pst +1, 6” 5+ Pst +1, 11” 6+ Pst +1, 18” 7+ Pst 0, 28” 7+ st –1, one shot 1 round reloads

Mm revolver 3” 3+ Pst 0, 6” 4+ Pst 0, 11” 5+ Pst 0, 18” 6+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Eduardo Cadiz has carbine, revolver, machete & tinderbox Speaks Spanish, Plains, Yank (P) 2$ 75c

Veteran +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/5/5, Melee +2, carbine Bst -2 Machete Pst 0

Carbine 3” 2+ Pst +1, 6” 3+ Pst +1, 11” 4+ Pst +1, 18” 5+ Pst 0, 28” 7+ st –1, one shot 1 round reloads

Mm revolver 3” 2+ Pst 0, 6” 3+ Pst 0, 11” 4+ Pst 0, 18” 5+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Mickey Phin has carbine, revolver, bowie, cord, Lariat on horse, Sp Yank, Spanish (P) 1$ 50c

Frontiersman +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0, carbine Bst –2 bowie Pst -1

Carbine 3” 4+ Pst +1, 6” 5+ Pst +1, 11” 6+ Pst +1, 18” 7+ Pst 0, 28” 8+ Pst –1, one shot 1 round reloads

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Double Cross Ranch ++R

You are Karl Heston leading the Double Cross Ranch Faction, starting beside Greasy Gwen’s Lodgings. Of the other factions you hate the O’Gorrah’s Brand X ranch the most. Your known supporters are Luke Lyke, Manager of the Sage Brush Hotel who nominated you and Will of Will’s Provisions. Known hostile voters are, Reverend Providence Brimstone of the Ministry, Dave Hydeman of the Telegraph Office and Padre O’Finnegan of the Curia.

Decisions? Do you go to ensure the safe arrival of your supporters or will you try to bribe or intimidate those of your opponents? (See plan on back.) Will you go afoot hitching the mounts to the rail or will you start on horseback risking trouble as horses do not like gunfire? Of course you will abide by the Western code of honour but that includes defeating enemies in fair fight!

Karl Heston LEA has Carbine, Mm revolver, bowie, Lariat on horse Speaks Yank, Plains 22$ 50c

Veteran +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0, pistol Bst –3, bowie Pst –1 Can Vote

Carbine 3” 4+ Pst +1, 6” 5+ Pst +1, 11” 6+ Pst +1, 18” 7+ Pst 0, 28” 7+ Pst –1, one shot 1 round reloads

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Gideon Heston (son) has two Mm revolvers, bowie, cord, tinderbox Speaks Yank 4$ 25c

Rookie +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 3/5/5, Melee +1 pistol Bst –3 bowie Pst -1 Can Vote

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Gryke Westwood has Hvy revolver, bowie, Speaks Yank, Spanish (P) 2$ 75c

Veteran +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 3/5/5, Melee +1, pistol Bst –2 bowie Pst -1

Hvy revolver 3” 2+ Pst 0, 6” 3+ Pst 0, 11” 4+ Pst 0, 18” 5+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Ishmael Late has Mm revolver, knife, cord, tinderbox Sp Yank, Plains (P) 1$ 50c

Frontiersman +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0, pistol Bst –3, knife Pst-2

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Quicksilver Mine QSM

You are Flint Driver leading the Quicksilver Mine Faction, starting beside I. Dugget’s Undertaker and Carpenters. Of the other factions you hate the psalm singing Homesteaders the most! Your known supporters are Dave Hydeman Carrier & Printer who nominated you and Will of Will’s Provisions. Known hostile voters are Luke Lyke, Manager of the Sage Brush Hotel, the Rev. Providence Brimstone of the Ministry and Padre O’Finnegan of the Curia.

Decisions? Do you go to ensure the safe arrival of your supporters or will you try to bribe or intimidate those of your opponents? (See plan on back.) Will you go afoot hitching the mounts to the rail or will you start on horseback risking trouble as horses do not like gunfire? Of course you will abide by the Western code of honour but that includes defeating enemies in fair fight!

Flint Driver Owner LEA has rifle, Mm revolver, knife. Speaks Yank, Patch, Plains 22$ 50c

Veteran +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0, rifle Bst –1, knife Pst -2 Can Vote

Rifle 3” 4+ Pst +2, 6” 5+ Pst +2, 11” 6+ Pst +1, 18” 7+ Pst +1, 28” 8+ Pst 0,1 shot 2 rounds reload

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18”7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Chete Sharper Manager has rifle, Mm revolver, knife, Speaks Yank Patch (P) Spanish (P) 4$ 25c

Frontiersman +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/5/4, Melee +1, rifle Bst –1, knife Pst -2 Can Vote

Rifle 3” 4+ Pst +2, 6” 5+ Pst +2, 11” 6+ Pst +1, 18” 7+ Pst +1, 28” 8+ Pst 0,1 shot 2 round reload

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload

Aces Bullpipper has Carbine, Mm revolver, cord. Speaks Yank, Spanish (P) has tinderbox 2$ 75c

Veteran +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 3/4/4, Melee +1 carbine Bst –2,

Carbine 3” 2+ Pst +1, 6” 3+ Pst +1, 11” 4+ Pst +1, 18”5+ Pst 0, 28” 6+ Pst –1, one shot 1 round reloads

Mm revolver 3” 2+ Pst 0, 6” 3+ Pst 0, 11” 4+ Pst 0, 18” 5+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload

Jelly Joe has Mm revolver, bowie, cord, tinderbox. Speaks Yank, Spanish (P) 1$ 50c

Frontiersman +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0 pistol Bst –3, bowie Pst -1

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Border Association of Homesteaders BAH

You are Makepeace Mudde leading the Border Association of Homesteaders Faction, starting beside the ruin next to the Cantina. Of the other factions you hate the immoral Godforsaken Miners the most! Your known supporters are the Reverend Providence Brimstone of the Ministry who nominated you and Will of Will’s Provisions. Known hostile voters are Luke Lyke, Manager of the Sage Brush Hotel, Dave Hydeman of the Telegraph Office and Padre O’Finnegan of the Curia.

Makepeace Mudde Chairman of BAH LEA has Mm revolver, knife. Speaks Yank, Plains (P) 22$ 50c

Veteran +1, Move 6” Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0, pistol Bst –3 knife Pst –2 Can Vote

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Takeheart Thynne Secretary has Mm revolver, bowie, cord, tinderbox. Speaks Yank, Patch (P) 4$ 25c

Frontiersman +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 2/4/4, Melee 0, pistol Bst –3 bowie Pst –1 Can Vote

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Shotgun 3” 4+ Pst +2, 6” 5+ Pst +1, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –2, 2 shots 1 round to reload each

Sergeant Raven has Carbine, Mm revolver, bowie tinderbox. Speaks Yank, Plains 2$ 25c

Veteran +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 3/4/4, Melee +2, pistol Bst –3, bowie Pst -1

Carbine 3” 2+ Pst +1, 6” 3+ Pst +1, 11” 4+ Pst +1, 18” 5+ Pst 0, 28” 6+ Pst –1, one shot 1 round reloads

Mm revolver 3” 2+ Pst 0, 6” 3+ Pst 0, 11” 4+ Pst 0, 18” 5+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

Soldier Hearken has Carbine, Mm revolver bowie cord, tinderbox. Speaks Yank 1$ 50c

Frontiersman +1, Moves 6”, Rides 9”, Fatigue 3/5/4, Melee +1, carbine Bst –2, bowie Pst -1

Carbine 3” 4+ Pst +1, 6” 5+ Pst +1, 11” 6+ Pst +1, 18” 7+ Pst 0, 28” 8+ st –1, one shot 1 round reloads

Mm revolver 3” 4+ Pst 0, 6” 5+ Pst 0, 11” 6+ Pst 0, 18” 7+ Pst –1, 5 shot 1 round to reload each

List of eligible Voters as on Judge Easel’s roll

Colonel Hiram Chepe DEAD

Sheriff Last Seen DEAD

Judge Watt Easel, Convenor has the casting vote

Doctor Rayne Foster Away!

Karl Heston Owner of the Double Cross Ranch

Gideon Heston his son

Sagacious O’Gorrah Owner of the Brand X Ranch

Baderil O’Gorrah his son

Flint Driver Principal shareholder in the Quicksilver Mine

Chete Sharper Manager of the Quicksilver Mine

Makepeace Mudde Chairman of BAH & owner of the Mudde Bank

Takeheart Thynne Secretary of the Border Association of Homesteaders

Luke Lyke Manager of the Sage Brush Hotel

Padre O’Finnegan of the Iglesia Santa Dolores

Reverend Providence Brimstone of the Evangelical Church

Dave Hydeman Owner of the Printer & Telegraph Service

Will Woolworth owner of Will’s Provisions shop

Dunstan Dalton Owner of the Last cent Saloon

Jebediah Longtooth Owner of the Livery Stable

Jaun Robar y Santandar Owner of the Cantina

Matt Tumbleweed Owner of the Hardware & Dry Goods shop

Silvo Tanner Owner of the Saddler’s & leather Goods shop.

OoT Franco Robar Mexican Hacienda Owner

OoT Heavy Thumb Water Mill Owner

OoT Frank Heston Agent Ohno Indian Reserve

OoT Daniel Pale Trapper and Interpreter

Election Procedures

Two moves before noon the bartender Boil rings a bell outside the main door of the Palais. He warns that anyone firing from the Palais sidewalk will be shot by Snakebelly or Madame Selest! Anyone on the Palais sidewalk may be let in but anyone beyond it will be barred. The swing door will be blocked and assuming more than one candidate has arrived, the election will be held. If no candidates have arrived the election will be postponed a day. If only one candidate has arrived he will be declared elected, with the right to appoint his own Sheriff.

The voters will include the five ‘At the Palais’ ones, any ‘Out of Town’ or at home ones brought by the factions, the voting members of the factions, plus Judge Easel, a neutral who has the casting vote. (Spin of a coin?) The Judge will open the election.

“My friends we are here today to elect a Mayor for our splendid settlement. I am sure that the late Colonel Hiram will hope that you will choose wisely from amongst these outstanding contenders. I now ask them to say a few words in turn!”

{‘Vote for me!’ ‘No Me!}! After the candidates have spoken members of the audience may speak bearing witness to good or evil deeds done. The witnesses to the skulduggery and hard campaigning en route to the Palais. If there have been glaring breaches of the Western Code thought unseen by those present the Faction must dice D6 2- the deed will be reported by an unknown witness. Minus and Plus demerits (Dms) are totted up for each candidate. Then each non-faction Voter throws a D10 for each candidate, applying the Dms and any bias number (Nominators +3). He will vote for the one which has the highest score. If Faction Leader has been killed his deputy can take his place at Dms-2.

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