Originally, a sheriff was going to be one of my six playable archetypal characters, but through some rough gameplay and testing, this character was outdated in version 1.3 of Last Chance Saloon. Instead, the sheriff changed from being a playable character to a game mechanic: becoming an interchangeable role that any player could assume during gameplay, similar to the way a dealer chip moves around a poker table.
This also made sense in terms of historic accuracy, as anybody could be deputised or appointed sheriff in the Old West as long as they could defend themselves.
Unfortunately, a backstory had already been fully created for the sheriff, as well as a rudimentary character design, and all of the existing information had to be datamined.
Because the Sheriff lost a playable role, an entirely new character had to be created, with a new backstory and design.
I had a fairly lengthy team meeting, and the decision was made to create a Native American character instead. What follows is a general brainstorm of ideas from that team meeting on what we wanted to include for the Native American.
All physical work can be found on page 8 of the black sketchbook.
NEW CHARACTER IN PLACE OF SHERIFF (09/02/2020)
NATIVE AMERICAN SHOSHONE
What kind of relationship do they have with the 'working world'?
What tribe are they from? Shoshone tribe
1884 (when the game is set)
Native Americans are one of the stock characters of the time, they're more iconic than others
They are born survivors and are very capable
Characters must:
Have a viable and flexible backstory
Be iconic
Story is set in Montana. This means that the Native American is going through his trade route.
Traded with the U. S. from 1820 to 1870, when industry saw to it
I need:
A character backstory
Their tribe
A character design
Their motive
Because the sheriff is now a game mechanic (and can be appointed to anyone) I have to change both his character and his backstory.
We have decided to change it to a Native American, a member of the Shoshone tribe. The Native American, along with the gunslinger, gambler and lawman, is another stock character of the American frontier. They are born survivors and typically trade with anyone. GAME IDEAS TO CONSIDER
Using successes as bargaining items
Catchy titles for characters - 'sharpshooter', 'marksman'
Can I add items into the game? (Currency, bullets, beer, whiskey)
Include statistics for characters where applicable
'Emotional' rewards
Shooting statistics, constitution statistics (how well they shoot etc.)
09/02/2020