Don your TIN STAR and Lay Down the Law in the West (Choice of Games CYOA)

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Video Games > Let's Play! > Don your TIN STAR and Lay Down the Law in the West (Choice of Games CYOA)

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ultrafilter: Aug 23, 2007; It's okay if you have any questions.

5, 6.

# ? Oct 5, 2018 00:18

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# ? May 18, 2024 17:05

where the red fern gropes: Aug 24, 2011

achtungnight posted:

2 with Hungry Snake, 6 with Hartigan. These responses seem in keeping with how I view our character thus far

# ? Oct 5, 2018 07:41

Darth TNT: Sep 20, 2013

test him and you have your daughters eyes.

# ? Oct 5, 2018 10:51

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Time to put our skills to the test!

quote:

Test him and see what he's got.

You strike and he recoils. When you withdraw, he strikes; fast as his namesake, which is just impressive.

After a time the Indian steps back and holds up a hand. "We could be at this for days, Tahoma. Let me take you to Hartigan now, while there is time."

(Brawling, Resolve, and Stamina very slightly increased) (+1 Brawling, Resolve, Stamina)

Agree to go see Hartigan.

quote:
"Reasonable at last," Hungry Snake notes then rubs idly at his bloodied lip. The Indian falls quiet as he leads the way forward.
Keep after Hungry Snake.

quote:
Hungry Snake gives a gesture and a fierce trio of well armed desperadoes saunter out of nearby tucks of earth with pistols braced and ready.

We go to Hartigan," the Indian says as he rubs idly at his bloodied lip and clearly won't take no for an answer. The Indian falls into step behind you and doesn't say another word.

While he's better at Brawling, our high Resolve convinced him to back down (other options test things like your Stamina or Gunfighting skills). No injuries, and we still got some stats out of it- not too bad.

On to the main event. We're in agreement on this one- inheritance is powerful.

quote:

"You have your daughter's eyes."

"I'd say she has mine, Ruolan. That is the way being a father works. But I do take your meaning," Hartigan replies as he steps closer. (+5 Hartigan)

quote:

Up close and on even footing, Richard Hartigan is a sun-kissed creature with a rawhide worth of rough upon his cheeks. A short beard, trimmed and neat, is set off by a proud mustache that bears a touch of winter within its auburn strokes.

"I see you've somehow managed to get the better of Hungry Snake. Glad to see you were reasonable with my number one lieutenant."

Hartigan casts a glance at Miss Caraway. As their near identical storm gray eyes meet he gives her a fatherly smile that clearly warms her to her toes. (+10 Caraway)

"I have some questions.

quote:
"No doubt," Hartigan allows. "I've not fed you, but you do stand within my hall. So, ask away."

"Shall we get to the heart of the matter?

quote:
"Oh, don't rush," Hartigan protests. "Surely we can let this first meeting linger. After all, I do so wish to be friends."

"Let's just move on."

quote:
"Fine. Have it your way, this time," Hartigan shrugs.
"If you want to talk, let's talk."

quote:
"Yes, lets," Hartigan says.
Just stare at him.

quote:
"Ah, we're to that?" Hartigan considers. "Fine. Let me lay it out for you then."

Despite the very long odds, pull my pistol and go to work.

You could skip the Q&A section with the right dialogue choices, but might as well go through it so we can get to the actual big decision.

quote:

"Who are you exactly?"
"I'm my father's son," Hartigan replies. "Richard John Hartigan. Some also call me 'that Irish Outlaw' but they only know a sliver of the true story."

"Is this your gang?"
"Its called the Hartigan Gang," Hartigan notes wryly, "and so yes, I lead them. Hopefully to prosperity before ruin. That is why I wanted you here."

"How many bandits do you have?"
"Bandits? We're not just thieves, we're outlaws. Beyond the reach of tin stars like yourself. And the dozen men and two women here are as hard as granite under the noon sun," Hartigan says. "There will be twice that number in just a few days. When you mention gold, everyone rides over. Twenty and more, Marshal; can you reckon those odds?"

"You have anything to do with the dearth of law and deaths of marshals around here?"
"Just the once," Hartigan answers with a single finger. "Weren't paid enough for a follow up and besides, marshals is pretty tough sport. Lost two good men, wouldn't do it again."

"Why did you attack Frank and Andy on the road to Salt Lake City?"
"Because I had to send a message. Two messages, two men. It fit perfectly and I am not about to pass up a bit of cess when it comes my way. I take it both riders got where they were going?" Hartigan asks.

quote:
"I'm here, aren't I?"

quote:
"You've got a rather high opinion of yourself. I like that," Hartigan says, "but the messages were intended for both Preston Springs and Albion falls. A warning, and an offer, to both. And you too."
"Andy died not long after reaching Albion Falls."

quote:
"Too bad for him," Hartigan says, "but what is important is that he must have told someone what happened else you wouldn't be here."
"Frank Spears nearly died, and you are worried about your message?"

quote:
"I didn't know whoever this Frank Spears was and I don't care," Hartigan says with a shrug. "What is more important is that you are here."
Just stare at him.

quote:
Hartigan stares back. There is no give in his gaze, only promise of terrible things to come.

"You have got rather striking gray eyes."
"Don't I? Its a family thing, he says then glances meaningfully toward Miss Caraway.

Her own storm-storm tossed gaze meets Hartigan's own and it is impossible not to see the similarity between them. (+5 Hartigan)

"Let's talk about what comes next."

quote:

"Let's talk about what comes next."

"So, here's the deal. Or at least, my deal," Hartigan begins as he eases out a cigar from a breast pocket and idly taps it. "There's this special stagecoach that's coming in. Now, it ain't much for riding but its got springs and struts that can carry a heck of a lot. A lot of gold is what he's got in mind."

The words sink in and he lets them go deep. The soft fall of water from the nearby spring dribbles distantly while the sides of the colorful tents snap in a big of breeze.

Hartigan scuffs a boot as if trying to clean off the heel while he runs a finger along the still unlit cigar, "Preston made a contract with them desert people out in Salt Lake. Some kind of swap I suppose. But that don't matter much because it ain't happening. What is gonna happen is me and my boys are gonna hit that stagecoach and fill our pockets to the brim. Now, I know a little about you. Its certainly a pity we haven't had so much as a chat before now."

Hartigan eyes you up and down as he puffs absently on his cigar, "Now, from what I've heard you know that people got to be people. No law can bind those who ain't given their word. So, I'll ask you what it'll take to give your word on the fate of that stagecoach."

quote:

"What exactly are you asking of me?"
"Well, that there is a question," Hartigan nods slowly. "At the very least, I'd need you to step aside. Oh, if you want to look the part of a marshal we'll trade shots all heroic like, but when my riders come in for the kill, you'll pull up stakes and head on out instead of fighting to the bitter end. Now, if you want to take a hand in things, cap the driver or the like, I'd be willing to offer you a bigger slice to account for that."

"Why are you gunning for this stagecoach?"
"The stage is gonna be packed to the buckboards with gold," Hartigan grins wide at the very thought. "Not many strikes like that round these parts. Me and the boys... we're gonna be set up for months after this, maybe years depending."

"Do you have something against JT Preston?"
"Nah," Hartigan waves away the very thought. "I mean, he can be worse than a duded up paper-collar easterner sometimes. Always fussing. But he's done fine by me these past months. Trouble is, a man can't be beholden to anyone and JT, well, JT wants the world in his pocket. That's why we went our separate ways."

"Do you have anything against Bishop Hancock?"
"The desert people..." Hartigan sighs, "they won't listen to reason. All they want to do is talk about their bible and their saints. Nothing wrong with that, but its all south wind blowing hard if you take my meaning. I had to send them a message the way I did or they'd have just brushed me off like trail dust.",

"If I were to agree, could I place some limits on your conduct?"

quote:
"Limits?" Hartigan rubs his chin lightly. "I suppose I could tell the boys to pull back on some. Or would you want them to be on the best of their worst behavior?"
A. "I'd want you to take the reins with killing people and what not."
B. "What could they do that would be excessive?"

"What exactly would I get out of this arrangement?"
"What do you get? Well, that depends on what you want," Hartigan points out, "a share of the gold or a favor seems about right. Personally, I'd take the favor because you can always use it to get gold if you need. So, how about it?"

quote:

1. "I'm willing to negotiate with you."
2. "I know I don't want what you are selling."
3. "I can't abide by scum like you."
"I can't do this."

quote:
"Can't, or won't?" Hartigan inquires far too mildly.
4. "It would be highly illegal."
5. "It just wouldn't be right."
6. "It would set a bad example."
7. Pull my pistol and get to work.

We've got a minor question about limits, but also it's Big Decision Time. Noted outlaw Richard Hartigan wants us to help his gang rob Preston's stagecoach. What is Marshal Shen Ruolan going to do?

# ? Oct 5, 2018 16:38

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

I debated this for a while- long term investment of helping Preston vs short term windfall of helping this guy. Two things decided me- one, we may not like some of our allies much, but we are a person of honor. Two, Andy died by the hands of this gang. It worries me that we�re in the outlaws� lair with his daughter as our only companion, outgunned and outnumbered. But Shen ain�t the type to betray someone who died holding her hand. So I�m going to say no to his offer. Specifically response #5- it wouldn�t be right.

# ? Oct 5, 2018 19:04

CourValant: Feb 25, 2016; Do You Remember Love?

LightWarden posted:

What is Marshal Shen Ruolan going to do?[/b]

Vote:

A. "I'd want you to take the reins with killing people and what not."

6. "It would set a bad example."

We're not abiding by any of these characters, not JT, not Hartigan.

This here will be Ruolan County.

# ? Oct 5, 2018 20:42

ultrafilter: Aug 23, 2007; It's okay if you have any questions.

A and 1.

# ? Oct 6, 2018 00:43

wedgekree: Feb 20, 2013

5 It Ain't Right

We're a person of honor following up teh death of a friend. If this is the way we go down..

# ? Oct 6, 2018 03:49

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

We clarify our position on the raiders' conduct with Hartigan.

quote:

"I'd want you to take the reins with killing people and what not."

"Well, if you deliver me the stagecoach all pretty like, then there wouldn't even be a need for that," Hartigan notes. (+5 Hartigan)

For better or for worse, it's time to take a moral stand against Hartigan's raid, whatever the consequences may be...

quote:

"It just wouldn't be right."

(Honor greatly increased) (+8 Honor)

"You wear the badge. You determine what is right and wrong," Hartigan points out then immediately waves away those words. "Ah, forget it. If I can't work with you, I'm not about to let you work against me."

"Hold on a moment," Miss Caraway speaks up at last. "I've taken a liking to Ruolan here."

"Have you?" Hartigan asks. "Well, if you have then its for a good reason I expect."

The air of tension readily dissipates as Hartigan holds up a hand. Rifles are set down and hands drift away from pistols. In but moments you are all just travelers in a canyon.

"That's that then," Hartigan says then glances to his daughter. "You take care now, Missy. Don't be getting into trouble you can't handle."

"I'd have to sail to China to find that," Miss Caraway replies.

With a final wave, you and she depart for Preston Springs. Needless to say, it is a quiet ride all the way back.

It is a long, slow ride out from Echo Canyon. Right now, Preston Springs seems so far away.

1. I can't believe I got out of there in one piece.
2. I must work with my rifle more to take things at range.

Fortunately, Hartigan likes his daughter, and his daughter likes us. He's not going to stop with his plans, but he's at least letting us leave without a fight. Since we survived the encounter at Echo Canyon, the game gives us the opportunity to reflect on our character's skills and weaker areas. Since we're pretty well-rounded we only have one skill sub-standard enough to be focused on.

quote:

Miss Caraway seems a little distant. It is almost as if her father were lurking nearby.

1. "Carrie? I need you with me for what comes next."
"I needed you to back my play, and you really didn't."

quote:
"I can't go against my father," Miss Caraway says simply. "You've got to understand that."
2. "Then I can't trust you, not right now."
3. "I get you, but we need to keep our wits together on what comes next."
4. "I can't ride with you if you are going to betray me.

Then there's the question of how we want to respond to Caraway.

quote:

Miss Shen Ruolan:
Traits: Chinese.
Current Companions: Miss Caraway, gunslinger.
Health: Healthy and vigorous.
Wealth: Barely enough for a bed and breakfast.
Values:
Order: 56% Freedom: 44%
Honor: 78% Arbitrary: 22%
Law: 44% Individuality: 56%
Notoriety: 2% Anonymity: 98%

Skills:
Gunfighting: 49%
Sharpshooting: 37%
Brawling: 37%
Riding: 37%
Survival: 38%
Legal: 27%
Engineering: 14%
Explosives: 25%
Persuasion: 41%
Intimidate: 45%
Stamina: 33%
Resolve: 41%

Influence:
Influence Carson: 68%
Influence Schmidt: 74%
Influence Caraway: 107%
Influence Preston: 97%
Influence Hartigan: 65%
Influence Albion: 60%
Influence Marshal James: 55%
Influence Yiska: 93%

# ? Oct 7, 2018 02:42

ultrafilter: Aug 23, 2007; It's okay if you have any questions.

2, 1

# ? Oct 7, 2018 02:52

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

2, 1 sounds good to me as well. Too bad we missed the Echo Canyon shootout but what�s coming because we missed it is fun too.

# ? Oct 7, 2018 05:21

Dong Quixote: Oct 3, 2015; Fun Shoe

ultrafilter posted:

2, 1

# ? Oct 7, 2018 05:50

Rockopolis: Dec 21, 2012; I MAKE FUN OF QUEER STORYGAMES BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO WITH MY LIFE THAN MAKE OTHER PEOPLE CRY

I can't understand these kinds of games, and not getting it bugs me almost as much as me being weird

21

Darn, I was hoping to do the Yojimbo thing.

# ? Oct 7, 2018 05:51

wedgekree: Feb 20, 2013

ultrafilter posted:

2, 1

Edit: And after this chapter is over is it okay to get spoiler on what the shootout would involve?

# ? Oct 7, 2018 06:42

Slor The Destroyer: Aug 4, 2012

Darn, I was hoping to do the Yojimbo thing.

Well, with a less honorable character, I think we could work both sides in some fashion. But as things stand...

2, 1.

# ? Oct 7, 2018 07:12

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Only one real weakness, so it's the obvious one to patch.

quote:

I must work with my rifle more to take things at range.

(Sharpshooting increased, Gunfighting slightly increased) (+5 Sharpshooting, +3 Gunfighting)

Caraway didn't help us in a fight, but she still did a good thing for us.

quote:

"Carrie? I need you with me for what comes next."

"Hmm?" she asks then turns to you. "I get you. I'll do my part, even if it tugs at my old man's elbow. He knows you got to stand by your friends." (+10 Caraway)

There isn't much left to say the whole ride back to Preston Springs.

Preston Springs is far quieter than you left it. The days pass as you prepare for the coming of the stagecoach. Then at last a veritable plume of dust rises in the distance and signals its approach.

The wagon clatters to a halt before you. At first glance it seems an ordinary mud coach with the usual spartan cab for passengers. The buckboard for baggage is only a broad slat and the top board for the driver is much the same. But the man atop it seems almost a child as he climbs down. Driven by six powerful horses, this is an ungainly tub hewn from mighty trees. The thorough-braces are of layered leather, must have been stripped from two full cows to cushion the jolts. With doubled wheels, thick axles, and hand thick doors, it is the kind of wagon that almost deserves to have sails.

JT Preston swaggers out of the Mother-Lode saloon and eyes the stagecoach of unusual size that lies before him, "Finally. Tell me, is Hancock around?"

Bishop Hancock eases forward of the riders, "I'm here, Preston."

"Good. My boys will get this thing loaded while yours can ride on ahead to see if�" Preston begins.

"I have orders pertaining to delivery of the gold-coach, nothing more," Bishop Hancock replies. "No man's life is worth giving up for worldly weights. Not even yours."

"Wait, wait, you're pulling out on me?"

"We have fulfilled our end of the bargain by building and delivering this beast. That is all I am required to do," Bishop Hancock states then motions to his riders and sends them off. When they are gone, he looks to you. "Good luck Marshal."

With that, Bishop Hancock takes up the reins of his steed and heads off to join his fellows.

Preston glowers all the while after him, "Typical. When things get a tiny bit rough, off they go."

"What kind of bargain did you have with the Bishop?"
"Nothing spiritual. I thought I had his and his brethren's help in getting this to Salt Lake City. But apparently I was misinformed," Preston says wryly.

"What's so special about the stagecoach, besides the obvious size and such?"
"Its not what you see, its what you don't," Preston says, "because the underside is all tricked out to carry a very heavy load a long way."

"What exactly is the cargo?"
"Gold. Raw gold. The kind people mint into shiny coins," Preston explains. "There's a lot of it and its heavy as hell."

"We're going to need a driver."
"You volunteering?" Preston asks. "Cause I'd prefer it that way."

quote:

1. "Yeah, I'll drive your stagecoach."
2. "No, but I'll ride shotgun for it."
3. "No, but I'll ride alongside as escort."
"I'm not going out on this one. It is your stagecoach, you protect it."

quote:
"I think you're forgetting something," Preston says and idly flicks at a silver cuff-link.
"This falls well outside of a marshal's bounds."

quote:
You and Preston argue for a time about the proper duties of a marshal in a county.
Give in and ride with the stagecoach.
4. Go back to my office, have some coffee, and let Preston work things out for himself.
"Fine, fine. I'll go."

There's a stage coach here that needs some support, what are we going to provide?

Also, since I haven't posted it in a while, here's our story-based description of our skills. We're getting up there.

quote:

Miss Ruolan Shen:
Traits: Chinese.
Current Companions: Miss Caraway, gunslinger.
Health: Healthy and vigorous.
Wealth: Barely enough for a bed and breakfast.

Honor: You are only as good as your word.
Law: Things go smoothly when people aren't hindered.
Order: Hold the reins firmly or the horse will kick you off.

Skills:
Gunfighting: Your draw is as smooth as a serpent and far more lethal.
Sharpshooting: You can readily strike your target when called upon.
Brawling: Hand-fighting is not your trade.
Riding: Your Grulla knows what to expect.
Survival: You never go hungry when riding a long way between towns.
Legal Understanding: You could head your own law firm.
Engineering: Never build on sand. Never.
Explosives: Gunpowder has a wonderful smell in the morning.
Persuasion: Persuasive, very persuasive.
Intimidate: When you are angry, people steer clear.
Stamina: You are accustomed to difficult days and short nights.
Resolve: Your spine might as well be made of steel.

Influence:
Ben Carson: The two of you are friends.
Dan Schmidt: The two of you are fellow travelers.
Miss Caraway: The two of you could not be closer if you were a bottle and cork.
JT Preston: He would call you a friend like none other he knows.
Richard Hartigan: He doesn't mind you being around. You owe each other no favors.
The people of Albion Falls: Bishop Hancock is still uncertain about you.
Marshal James: He is still uncertain of how you will turn out.
Yiska: He knows that Tahoma will always be his friend.

# ? Oct 8, 2018 01:31

Dong Quixote: Oct 3, 2015; Fun Shoe

3. Ride escort being mounted gives us more flexibility.

# ? Oct 8, 2018 01:59

ultrafilter: Aug 23, 2007; It's okay if you have any questions.

Dong Quixote posted:

3. Ride escort being mounted gives us more flexibility.

# ? Oct 8, 2018 02:41

sebmojo: Oct 23, 2010; Legit Cyberpunk

Dong Quixote posted:

3. Ride escort being mounted gives us more flexibility.

Yeah, this

# ? Oct 8, 2018 03:22

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Ride alongside. I assume Caraway is also riding escort?

# ? Oct 8, 2018 05:19

Darth TNT: Sep 20, 2013

I'll be riding shotgun, underneath the hot sun feeling like a someone.

# ? Oct 8, 2018 07:10

Avalerion: Oct 19, 2012

ride alongside as escort.

# ? Oct 8, 2018 07:10

wedgekree: Feb 20, 2013

Ride along

# ? Oct 8, 2018 07:16

CourValant: Feb 25, 2016; Do You Remember Love?

Vote: 3. "No, but I'll ride alongside as escort."

If only because I�d like Ruolan to knock off this here Gold Stage herself, or at the very least, line her pockets when the opportunity arises.

@ LightWarden: How would Echo Canyon have played out if we didn�t select Caraway as the chapter NPC? Just a straight up fight??

# ? Oct 8, 2018 19:51

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

I'll explain more about how Echo Canyon can play out after we get through this chapter, but for now, let's get mobile.

quote:

"No, but I'll ride alongside as escort."

"Fine by me," Preston agrees, "I've already found a driver."

A steady stream of laborers heft up sacks and lug them out to the stagecoach. One by one, those are placed inside until the wood frame begins to groan from the weight of the unrefined gold.

Amidst them you catch sight of a familiar figure; Frank Spears. Though the man's bruises haven't faded and his cuts are still stitched, he ambles to the stagecoach with a small arsenal of guns strapped to his chest and lays a hand on the driver's buckboard, "Hey there Marshal. I'm ready to do my part."

"Quick recovery."

quote:
"I've had worse," Frank chuckles as he settles in, stows a shotgun on a rack beneath the seat, and sets the reins somberly in hand. "What've you heard about Andy? Did he make it?"
"Glad to have you along."

quote:
"I'd say the same, but let's see how this goes first," Frank notes then gives a little cough as he settles in, stows a shotgun on a rack beneath the seat, and sets the reins somberly in hand. "What've you heard about Andy? Did he make it?"
Nod and let him settle in.

quote:
Frank does just that. As he settles in, stows a shotgun on a rack beneath the seat, and sets the reins somberly in hand. "What've you heard about Andy? Did he make it?"

At this point you can tell him about Andy.

quote:

"We can't dwell on that now."

quote:
"You're right," Frank says after a long moment. "I've told plenty of people that. I guess its my time to hear it. Doesn't sound as reassuring as I had thought it would be."
"No."

quote:
Frank sags against the backboard and lets out a long breath, "He was a good friend. Loved these stagecoaches. To him they were always going somewhere important, carrying strange things and interesting people. I swear, I'll make those Hartigans pay for what they've done."

Nearby, Miss Caraway whistles softly to herself.
"He was pulling through last I heard." [Lie]

quote:
"Yeah?" Frank perks up. "Great. I can't wait to see him again."

"Could be sooner than you think," Miss Caraway puts in with a grin.

quote:

Preston steps over as the last bags are loaded and the doors shut and says tersely, "Don't lose my gold."

With a snap of the reins you are off.

For the whole of the first day there is nothing to see but the distant mountains, the open valley, and the rutted road. Boredom is the main enemy and several times you suppress the urge to nap despite the constant jostle of the stagecoach.

Frank grunts in annoyance as the bottom nearly scrapes after a low rut, "Andy and I were supposed to fix the worst of this. Thought we did, but it looks like there is always something more to do. Wish we could pave this over, like them macadamized stretches they've got back east."

As dusk starts to creep in you pull the wagon over for the night. Only two days or so to go, if the horses can take the pace.

quote:

There is no campfire, of course. That'd mark the stagecoach too clearly. And you'll have to set a watch so that no one can sneak up on you.

After Frank turns in, Miss Caraway sidles over to you and plops down onto the same log as you.

"If they come, they'll come like a storm," she says with her gray eyes strangely subdued and voice quiet. "I'll do what I can, but my father is going to press hard on this. I won't be shooting to kill, that's all I can promise."

1. "I'll keep that in mind."
2. "I didn't ask for your advice."
3. "Well then, good night."
4. "You are awfully talkative tonight."

We have the opportunity to catch up with Caraway.

quote:

The sun burns down as the wagon rolls on through the dusty day.

"...and that's why there's really only two topics you can't talk about on your average stagecoach," Frank explains, "Indian uprisings and stagecoach robberies. Now, I actually think we're exempt from that last on account of..."

A rifle shot splits apart the stillness of land, sends a host of crows perched on a nearby tree wheeling into the clear blue sky. Another shot. Something zings near the hooves of the foremost horses and sends one to rearing in fear.

1. Ignore the horse and ready my rifle.
2. Ride up alongside the panicked horse and calm it down.

3. Use the distraction to shoot Frank.
4. Use the distraction to knock Frank out.
5. Have Miss Caraway shoot Frank.
6. Have Miss Caraway knock Frank out.

Any of those last four options that involve knocking Frank off/out will hand the stagecoach over to Hartigan. Otherwise he'll want a word with us.

quote:

Do I have your attention?" a voice booms out across the open land. A moment later six riders emerge from scrub cover a long ways off. As they grow closer you can see that it is Hartigan alright. Hungry Snake rides close by his right side with a ready grin.

"How do you want to play this?" Hartigan asks.

1. "Come and fill your hands with my lead."
"Just take the stagecoach and go."

quote:
"That we will," Hartigan agrees.
2. Let them take the stagecoach peaceably.
3. Open up on them when they get close.
4. "I'm going to ride off and forget to take the coach with me."

Moment of truth here, is Marshal Shen going to hand the stagecoach over to Hartigan or defend it from the outlaws?

# ? Oct 9, 2018 02:09

ultrafilter: Aug 23, 2007; It's okay if you have any questions.

421

# ? Oct 9, 2018 04:56

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

4,2,1 for me as well. I like how our �fill your hand� line homages the classic John Wayne line.

# ? Oct 9, 2018 05:17

wedgekree: Feb 20, 2013

ultrafilter posted:

421

# ? Oct 9, 2018 05:41

sebmojo: Oct 23, 2010; Legit Cyberpunk

ultrafilter posted:

421

This.

# ? Oct 9, 2018 06:16

Dong Quixote: Oct 3, 2015; Fun Shoe

421

Hoping this isn't RIP Marshal Shen

# ? Oct 9, 2018 10:48

Deadmeat5150: Nov 21, 2005; OLD MAN YELLS AT CLAN

421

Come get some, boyo.

# ? Oct 9, 2018 11:30

CourValant: Feb 25, 2016; Do You Remember Love?

LightWarden posted:

"Could be sooner than you think," Miss Caraway puts in with a grin.

Wait, what? Is this out of context, or is she in fact a little bandit sociopath like her Father? I thought she was on 'our' side?

Vote:

4. "You are awfully talkative tonight."

1. Ignore the horse and ready my rifle.

1. "Come and fill your hands with my lead."

I wish there was the option of 'I'm defending this here stage because I want it for myself'.

# ? Oct 9, 2018 21:54

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

CourValant posted:

Wait, what? Is this out of context, or is she in fact a little bandit sociopath like her Father? I thought she was on 'our' side?

She is, yet it's the default response. Frank is a loyal employee of Preston, though, and a witness. He may need to disappear before this is all over for a variety of reasons. It may not even be us who do him in. We can still surrender the coach to Hartigan at this point, and kill Frank. The game keeps that in mind. And Caraway, well, if she turns against us, we may need to deal with her too. But right now we're pardners. We'll see if that changes.

quote:

I wish there was the option of 'I'm defending this here stage because I want it for myself'.

Do we want to just announce that, though? We may be able to get it for ourselves later, I think there's a way. But right now we have to eliminate the competition, who may also be useful as patsies should we need someone to take the blame for a missing coach.

# ? Oct 9, 2018 22:30

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Looks like the votes are pretty much in agreement here.

quote:

"You are awfully talkative tonight."

"Yeah, maybe I am," she agrees. "But tomorrow will be another day."

If we hadn't already had the conversation with Caraway earlier this would have been another opportunity to trigger it.

quote:

Ride up alongside the panicked horse and calm it down.

Between you and Frank the animals are swiftly brought back under control. The rifle fire continues though thankfully to little effect. Frank winds the reins about a wrists, tosses over his thanks.

With that settled, it's time to square off with the Hartigan Gang.

quote:

"Come and fill your hands with my lead."

"Fair enough," Hartigan replies.

(Law and Order increased) (+3 Law, +3 Order)

Three of his riders come a whooping in at a gallop while the others steady their rifles and begin to ply them at range.

"Take the front riders. They're new hires and liable to be crazy," Miss Caraway notes.

1. Hit the three riders coming in.
2. Try and pick off one of the marksmen.
3. Hold my fire for now.

Multiple problems inbound. We've got three riders heading in and we're taking fire from enemy rifles. What are we going to turn our rifle on?

LightWarden fucked around with this message at 06:10 on Oct 10, 2018

# ? Oct 10, 2018 06:06

Dong Quixote: Oct 3, 2015; Fun Shoe

1. Hit the three riders.

Miss Caraway probably knows her stuff.

# ? Oct 10, 2018 06:41

wedgekree: Feb 20, 2013

Is Miss Caraway gonna deal wtih the riflemen? The folks on horses if they /are/ crazy are probably just goin gto be shooting their pistols everywhere as they randomly charge and not an immediate threat so long as our horses don't panic. I'd be more worried about the folks who are taking thier time to line up their shots at range when we're a big, fat target sitting up on a trotting horse.

# ? Oct 10, 2018 07:29

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Each of the three companions has their own fighting specialty. Caraway has two pistols, Carson has a rifle and Schmidt has a pistol and is good with his bare hands. Enemy rifles are out of pistol range.

# ? Oct 10, 2018 08:02

Darth TNT: Sep 20, 2013

I think we should follow Caraways advice. She must have a plan.

Hit the three riders.

# ? Oct 10, 2018 08:11

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Hit the incoming riders. The riflemen have not hit anything yet, so they may just be trying to scare our horses. Closer enemies have priority. Our Gunfighting is also higher than our Sharpshooting.

# ? Oct 10, 2018 09:30

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# ? May 18, 2024 17:05

Avalerion: Oct 19, 2012

1. Hit the three riders coming in.

# ? Oct 10, 2018 12:45

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Video Games > Let's Play! > Don your TIN STAR and Lay Down the Law in the West (Choice of Games CYOA)

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