Murder at the Deadwood Saloon

It’s the First Annual Deadwood Poker Tournament!
For weeks, people have been pouring into the small western town of Deadwood
for the biggest poker tournament this side of the Mississippi. From outlaws to
marshals and saloon girls to southern belles, everyone has made this small western
frontier town THE place to be.
As the festivities of the poker tournament conclude, a celebration party
is planned at the Deadwood Saloon to award the prize money for the
tournament and to celebrate what is hoping to be a very financially successful
venture for the saloon.
With a smattering of bandits, bankers, saloon girls, sheriffs, gamblers, east coast
debutantes, and of course a few of the locals, this is guaranteed to make for a very
interesting evening indeed.
You would be a fool to miss this celebration!
We have a virtual version of this mystery that can be played in an online platform!
– Be sure the “Virtual” button is selected when purchasing.
— Download an intro file for the virtual version below in the versions section

Guest Info
Guest Breakdown
For 20-80 guests: 7+ males, 10+ females, 2+ gender-neutral
For 15-20 guests: 6-8 males, 8-10 females, 1-2 gender-neutral
For 10-15 guests: 4 males, 6-8 females, 2-3 gender-neutral
For 8-12 guests: 3-4 males, 3-4 females, 2-4 gender-neutral
** Download an intro file for the VIRTUAL VERSION here.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
For 20-80 guests: 7+ males, 10+ females, 2+ gender-neutral
For 15-20 guests: 6-8 males, 8-10 females, 1-2 gender-neutral
For 10-15 guests: 4 males, 6-8 females, 2-3 gender-neutral
For 8-12 guests: 3-4 males, 3-4 females, 2-4 gender-neutral
Clean versions are void of references to extra-marital affairs, alcohol and/or illegal drugs. Teens and/or more conservative groups often use clean versions for their mystery of choice.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.

The Cast
*Note that the cast listed below is provided only to give an idea of the types of roles available, and not presented in any order relevant to the plot. Not all cast members are included in every version.
-
Harry High-Stakes
Saloon Owner
As the organizer of this grand event, Harry has a lot at stake if it is not successful!
-
Henrietta High-Stakes
Wife to Harry High-Stakes
Spending less and less time at the saloon lately, could Henrietta be into something or someone else?
-
Gambling Jack
Gambler
The best hand in poker either side of the Mississippi, Jack has not lost a major tournament in the last five years. Until now.
-
Anna Belle
Wife to Gambling Jack
Known as her husband’s good luck charm, some say Anna Belle is the reason Gambling Jack never loses.
-
Mitch Maverick
Traveling Businessman
As the winner of the tournament, many question how a businessman could have such great card skills. Could Mitch be the next poker phenomenon?
-
Holly Hickok
Gambler
A real southern belle with a flare for poker, many wonder what a girl like Holly is doing in the Wild West?
-
Clay Coldwell
Gambler
-
Motgomery Money
Land Investor
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Elizabeth Money
Wife to Montgomery
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Minnie Money
East Coast Debutante
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Jesse Wales
Outlaw
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Black Barbara
Outlaw
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Sheriff Sam
Deadwood Sheriff
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Banker Bob
Bank Owner
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Banker Bonnie
Banker Bob's Wife
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Taffy Garrette
Saloon Girl
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Sally Starr
Saloon Girl
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Poker Alice
Poker Dealer
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Billy-The-Bartender
Saloon Bartender and Bookkeeper
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Marshal Dalton
Federal Marshal
Party Tips -- murderatthedeadwoodsaloon.com
Costumes
Click below for some period-friendly ideas on what to wear, how to accessorize, and more!
Cowboys and Sheriffs
Some ideas of what to include in your outfit are:
- Boots
- Spurs
- Shoestring tie
- Vest
- Cowboy hat
- Mustache
- Holster
- Guns
- Bandanas
- Belt Buckle (the bigger the better!)
- Facial Hair
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- Adult Plus Size Rodeo Cowboy Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Cowboy Duster Costume Coat
- Price: $44.99
- Plus Size Rancher Cowboy Costume
- Price: $64.99
- Sexy Mens CowBoy Costume
- Price: $19.99
- Gunfighter Western Costume for Adults
- Price: $49.99
- Western Cowboy Costume
- Price: $47.99
- Halloween Men's Cowboy Costume
- Price: $32.99
- Deluxe Dark Spirit Western Cowboy Costume,
- Price: $77.99
- Men's Rodeo Cowboy Costume
- Price: $70.99
- Men's Fringe Cowboy Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Men's Fever Male Ride Em High Cowboy Costume
- Price: $44.99
- Adult Cowboy Costume - Rawhide Renegade
- Price: $48.95
- Men's Brown Costume Chaps and Vest
- Price: $39.99
- Men's Western Shirt
- Price: $24.99
- Rawhide Renegade Costume
- Price: $44.99
- Renegade Men's Costume
- Price: $19.99
- Gunfighter Mens Costume
- Price: $39.99
- Men's Authentic Western Sheriff Costume
- Price: $76.99
- Adult Wild West Cowboy Costume
- Price: $44.95
- Western Cowboy Costume, Yellow
- Price: $60.99
- Unisex Ride Em Cowboy Inflatable Carry me Costume
- Price: $76.99
- Men's Curves Sheriff Costume
- Price: $79.99
- Men's Sheriff Costume
- Price: $39.99
- 80s Sheriff Costume, Beige
- Price: $62.99
- Western Sheriff Gun Holster
- Price: $29.99
- Western Cowboy Hat - Black
- Price: $12.99
- Authentic Western Gunslinger Cowboy Hat
- Price: $21.99
- Cowboy Tash
- Price: $16.99
- Cowboy Bandana
- Price: $13.99
- Indestructible Cowboy Hat
- Price: $12.99
- Cowboy Bandana, Blue, Western Design
- Price: $11.99
- Black Cowboy Hat
- Price: $19.99
- Adult Cowboy Costume Hat
- Price: $24.95
- Adult Black Felt Cowboy Hat
- Price: $32.95
- Suede Look Cowboy Hat
- Price: $19.99
- Brown Junior Cowboy Hat and Bandana Set
- Price: $12.99
- Blue Bandana
- Price: $2.99
- Yellow Bandana Accessory
- Price: $4.99
- Police Badge
- Price: $12.99
- Sheriff Star Badge
- Price: $10.99
- Metal Police Badge
- Price: $12.99
- Sheriff Star Badge
- Price: $7.99
- Wild West Sheriff Badge
- Price: $3.99
- Texas Ranger Badge
- Price: $6.99
- Functioning Belt Buckle Flask
- Price: $14.99
- Adult Tall Brown Boots
- Price: $54.99
- Men's Brown Boots with Straps
- Price: $64.99
- Adult Black Superhero Boots
- Price: $54.99
- Tall Black Costume Boots for Men
- Price: $59.99
- Solo : A Star Wars Story Han Solo Cosplay Shoes Boots
- Price: $51.00
- Spurs
- Price: $17.99
- Western Spurs
- Price: $18.95
- Bank Money Bag Prop
- Price: $9.99
- Western Water Pistol, Holsters & Belt
- Price: $22.99
- Kids Toy Revolver
- Price: $9.99
- Deluxe Nevada Style Pistol
- Price: $38.99
- Jesse James Holster Set
- Price: $24.99
- Pump Camouflage Shotgun
- Price: $29.99
- Toy Pump Action Shotgun
- Price: $19.99
- Faux Leather Whip
- Price: $19.99
- Leather Indiana Jones 6ft Whip
- Price: $8.99
- 4ft Indiana Jones Whip
- Price: $7.99
- Long Bull Whip
- Price: $16.99
- Mustache Kit
- Price: $3.99
<<Click on tabs to the left for more ideas<<
Saloon Girls
You can always accessorize with:
- Feather boas
- Long beads
- Fake eyelashes
- Fishnet leggings
- Other stockings
- Saloon girl dresses
- Beaded headband
- Feathers
- Garter (gun optional)
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Find your perfect dress or accessory below
- Women's Sassy Showgirl Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Women's Authentic Western Saloon Girl Costume
- Price: $82.99
- Women's Burlesque Glamour Costume
- Price: $62.99
- Women's Sultry Saloon Girl Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Sexy Speakeasy Saloon Girl Costume
- Price: $95.00
- Plus Size Women's Sassy Showgirl Costume
- Price: $54.99
- Sexy Parisian Showgirl Costume
- Price: $44.99
- Women's Saloon Gal Costume
- Price: $30.95
- Plus Size Roaring Roxy Flapper Costume for Women
- Price: $54.99
- Women's Burlesque Dancer Costume with Corset
- Price: $26.99
- Women's Grotesque Burlesque Pin Up Costume
- Price: $42.99
- Women's Plus Size Curves Sassy Saloon Costume
- Price: $72.99
- Women's Burlesque Instant Kit
- Price: $16.99
- Plus Size Burlesque Babe Costume
- Price: $114.95
- Women's Grotesque Burlesque Corset
- Price: $42.99
- Women's Roaring Roxy Flapper Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Women's Burlesque Kitty Costume
- Price: $52.99
- Plus Size Purple Fringe Flapper Costume for Women
- Price: $34.99
- Women's Burlesque Dancer Costume
- Price: $52.99
- Women's Saloon Girl Wig
- Price: $21.99
- Country Music Star Wig
- Price: $19.99
- Costume Wig Breakfast at Tiffany's Holly Golightly
- Price: $16.99
- Adult Dirty Blonde Afro Wig
- Price: $12.99
- 40s Vintage Wig
- Price: $24.99
- 40s Vintage Wig
- Price: $22.99
- Gold Flapper Headband
- Price: $4.99
- Flapper Jewel Headband
- Price: $21.99
- Flapper Headband with feather
- Price: $12.99
- Silver Flapper Headband
- Price: $6.99
- Fever Mini Top Hat on Headband
- Price: $13.99
- Red Glitter Mini Top Hat for Women
- Price: $8.99
- Hot Pink Glitter Mini Top Hat
- Price: $8.99
- Fever Mini Top Hat
- Price: $18.99
- Black Fascinator Headband
- Price: $9.99
- Womens Jeweled Black Flapper Headband
- Price: $7.99
- Cleopatra Beaded Snake Headband for Women
- Price: $14.99
- Women's Deluxe Mossy Oak Garter
- Price: $3.99
- Gangster Garter Flask for Women
- Price: $9.99
- Glitter Bride to Be Garter
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- Hen Night Plush Willy Garter
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- Mossy Oak Garter
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- Women's Bride to be Garter
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- Garter with small Gun in Holster
- Price: $11.99
- Women's Crystal Lace Top Thigh High
- Price: $12.99
- Women's Red Nylon Fishnet Thigh High Tights
- Price: $5.99
- Women's Black Garter Tights
- Price: $14.99
- Women's Sparkle Thigh Highs
- Price: $14.99
- Nylon Black Fishnet Thigh Highs
- Price: $5.99
- Police Badge Thigh Highs
- Price: $9.99
- Women's Rainbow Net Tights
- Price: $9.99
- Adult White Fishnet Stockings
- Price: $5.99
- Plus Size Ripped Tights
- Price: $9.99
- Black Thigh High Stockings
- Price: $5.99
- Black Spandex Plus Size Fence Net Thigh High Tights
- Price: $9.99
- Black and Silver Glitter Eyelashes Accessory
- Price: $6.99
- Black Eyelashes
- Price: $5.99
- Dramatic Black Wing Eyelashes with Glue
- Price: $6.99
- Silver Glitter Top and Bottom Eyelashes Set
- Price: $5.99
- Silver Metallic Eyelashes
- Price: $4.99
- Seaweed Boa
- Price: $9.99
- White 80 Gram Feather Boa for Women
- Price: $8.99
- Black 80 Gram Feather Boa for Women
- Price: $8.99
- Royal Blue 80 Gram Feather Boa Accessory
- Price: $8.99
- Fuchsia 80 Gram Feather Boa Accessory
- Price: $8.99
- 80 Gram Purple Boa for Women
- Price: $8.99
- Turquoise 80 Gram Feather Boa for Women
- Price: $6.99
- Flashing Bachelorette Boa
- Price: $13.49
- Dainty Black Onyx Chain Necklace Gold
- Price: $67.00
- Dainty Black Onyx Chain Necklace Silver
- Price: $67.00
- Pearl Necklace
- Price: $14.99
- Flapper Pearl Necklace
- Price: $4.99
- Pearl Link Necklace with Heart Pendant
- Price: $75.00
- Pearl and Brooch Necklace and Earring Set
- Price: $19.99
- Dicky Charms - Penis Candy Necklace
- Price: $3.29
- The Women's Toy Cowboy Costume
- Price: $44.99
- Women's Glitzy Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Women's Annie Oakley Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Women's West Girl Costume
- Price: $34.99
- Wild West Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $39.99
- Women's Shoot 'Em Up Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $54.99
- Adult Rhinestone Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $39.99
- Pink Country Cowgirl Adult Outfit Circus Costume
- Price: $40.99
- Women's Annie Oakley Costume
- Price: $34.99
- Western Cowgirl Costume, Yellow
- Price: $56.99
- Adult Rodeo Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $39.99
- Women's Lasso'n Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Jessie Glam Plus Size Costume
- Price: $64.99
- Women's Plus Size Bad Bandit Costume
- Price: $24.99
- Round Em Up Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Women's Plus Size Bonnie the Bandit Costume
- Price: $54.99
- Adult Sexy Pinto Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $29.95
- Toy Story Women's Jessie Classic Costume
- Price: $39.99
- Women's Bad Bandit Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Women's Glitzy Cowgirl Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Bonnie the Bandit Women's Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Adult Cowgirl Boots
- Price: $49.99
- Womens Brown Cowgirl Boot
- Price: $49.99
- Girls Pink Cowgirl Boots
- Price: $34.99
- Women's Wonderful Woman Costume Boots
- Price: $49.99
- Adult Tall White Boots
- Price: $54.99
- Star Wars Padmé Amidala Boots Cosplay Shoes
- Price: $61.99
- Fever Wild West Cowboy Hat
- Price: $18.99
- Straw Cowboy Hat
- Price: $5.99
- Suede Cowboy Costume Hat
- Price: $20.95
- Toy Story Jessie Hat
- Price: $19.99
- Blue Bandana
- Price: $2.99
- Yellow Bandana Accessory
- Price: $4.99
- Golden Rope Accessory
- Price: $4.99
- Light Up Wonder Woman Lasso Accessory
- Price: $16.99
- 4ft Indiana Jones Whip
- Price: $7.99
- Long Bull Whip
- Price: $16.99
- 8 Shot Die Cast Pistol
- Price: $14.99
- Jesse James Holster Set
- Price: $24.99
- Pump Camouflage Shotgun
- Price: $29.99
- Toy Pump Action Shotgun
- Price: $19.99
- Kids Toy Revolver
- Price: $9.99
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Some ideas for accessories include:
- Hats (bowler, derby, slouch, gambler and more)
- Vest and Coats
- A Timepiece
- Mustaches
- Ascot Ties
- Suit Coats
- Bow Ties
- Suspenders
- Men's The Gambler Costume
- Price: $39.95
- Steampunk Adventurer Costume for Men
- Price: $79.99
- Men's Vintage Gangster Boss Costume
- Price: $61.99
- Adult Davy Crockett Costume
- Price: $29.99
- Indiana Jones Men's Premium Costume
- Price: $104.99
- Men's Western Pioneer Costume
- Price: $39.99
- Gunfighter Mens Costume
- Price: $39.99
- Gunfighter Western Costume for Adults
- Price: $49.99
- Roaring 20s White Costume for Adults
- Price: $54.99
- Adult Chip the Bartender Costume
- Price: $31.95
- Black Top Hat for Men
- Price: $19.99
- Black Cowboy Hat
- Price: $19.99
- Authentic Indiana Jones Adult Hat
- Price: $64.99
- Adult & Child Adventure Hat
- Price: $19.99
- Bowler Brown Hat
- Price: $19.99
- Black Velour Bowler Hat for Men
- Price: $15.99
- Tales of Old England Derby Bowler Hat
- Price: $11.99
- Bowler Hat
- Price: $18.99
- Derby Hat Brown
- Price: $14.99
- Derby Hat Black
- Price: $14.99
- Adult Felt Derby
- Price: $58.95
- Bandit Moustache for Men
- Price: $3.99
- Mustache Kit
- Price: $3.99
- Real Hair American Mustache
- Price: $23.95
- Real Hair Italian Mustache
- Price: $27.95
- Assorted Mustache Card
- Price: $24.95
- Real Hair Spanish Mustache
- Price: $27.95
- Adult Super Troopers Mustache and Sunglasses Kit
- Price: $12.99
- Gold Monocle
- Price: $4.99
- Tales of Old England Monocle
- Price: $12.99
- Adult Joker Gloves
- Price: $12.99
- Adult Darth Vader Gloves
- Price: $22.95
- Black Costume Adult Gloves
- Price: $4.99
- Adult Star Wars The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Gloves
- Price: $14.99
- Adult Grey Gloves
- Price: $4.99
- Walking Cane Accessory
- Price: $7.99
- Voodoo Walking Stick Cane, with Snake
- Price: $22.99
<<Click on tabs to the left for more ideas<<
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Debutantes and Southern Belles
Ideas on what to wear and how to accessorize!
- Extravagant dresses
- Hoop skirt
- Petticoat
- Umbrella
- Fan
- Lace gloves
- Big hats
- Victorian style dresses
- Ruffles and bows
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Check out these dresses and accessories!
- Plus Size Deluxe Southern Belle Women's Costume
- Price: $54.99
- Adult Sexy Southern Belle Costume
- Price: $31.95
- Lovely Southern Belle Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Deluxe Southern Belle Costume for Women
- Price: $49.99
- Women's Bell of the Ball Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Prairie Lady Costume for Women
- Price: $49.99
- Women's Hoop Skirt
- Price: $24.99
- Women's Plus Size Hoop Skirt
- Price: $24.99
- Deluxe Long Hoop Skirt for Women
- Price: $19.99
- Adult Blonde Southern Belle Wig
- Price: $19.95
- Women's Saloon Girl Wig
- Price: $21.99
- Victorian Top Hat - Unisize
- Price: $14.99
- Black Lace Fiesta Fan 1892
- Price: $6.99
- Lace Ruffle Parasol
- Price: $24.95
- Nylon Ruffle Parasol
- Price: $24.95
- Women's Oriental Parasol Accessory
- Price: $12.99
- Lace Gloves
- Price: $12.99
- Fingerless Lace Gloves
- Price: $12.99
- Women's Lace Gloves Pink Fingerless
- Price: $5.99
- Womens Long Black Lace Gloves
- Price: $14.99
- Pink Fingerless Fishnet Gloves
- Price: $5.99
- Lace Gloves for Women
- Price: $9.99
Other Accessories
- Suede Cowboy Costume Hat
- Price: $20.95
- Fever Wild West Cowboy Hat
- Price: $18.99
- Toy Story Jessie Hat
- Price: $19.99
- Country Western Diva Wig
- Price: $12.99
- Instant Kit Wild West Male
- Price: $27.99
- Mustache Kit
- Price: $3.99
- Moustache Giant Handlebar
- Price: $4.99
- Western Skies Bolo Tie
- Price: $9.99
- Western Sheriff Gun Holster
- Price: $29.99
- Blue Bandana
- Price: $2.99
- Yellow Bandana Accessory
- Price: $4.99
- Adult Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Shakers
- Price: $17.95
- Golden Rope Accessory
- Price: $4.99
- Light Up Wonder Woman Lasso Accessory
- Price: $16.99
- Leather Indiana Jones 6ft Whip
- Price: $8.99
- 4ft Indiana Jones Whip
- Price: $7.99
- Faux Leather Whip
- Price: $19.99
- Long Bull Whip
- Price: $16.99
- Sheriff Star Badge
- Price: $7.99
- Wild West Sheriff Badge
- Price: $3.99
- Texas Ranger Badge
- Price: $6.99
- Functioning Belt Buckle Flask
- Price: $14.99
- Bank Money Bag Prop
- Price: $9.99
- Pump Camouflage Shotgun
- Price: $29.99
- Toy Pump Action Shotgun
- Price: $19.99
- Jesse James Holster Set
- Price: $24.99
- Kids Toy Revolver
- Price: $9.99
- 8 Shot Die Cast Pistol
- Price: $14.99
- Unisex Wild West Gun Set
- Price: $19.99
- Girls Pink Cowgirl Boots
- Price: $34.99
- Adult Cowgirl Boots
- Price: $49.99
Guest Info
Everything you need to know from who's coming to the proper slang to use at it!
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The Usual Suspects:
Harry High-Stakes—Saloon Owner. As the organizer of this grand event, Harry has a lot at stake if it is not successful!
Henrietta High-Stakes—Wife to Harry High-Stakes. Spending less and less time at the saloon lately, could Henrietta be into something or someone else?
Gambling Jack—Gambler. The best hand in poker either side of the Mississippi, Jack has not lost a major tournament in the last five years. Until now.
Anna Belle—Wife to Gambling Jack. Known as her husband’s good luck charm, some say Anna Belle is the reason Gambling Jack never loses.
Mitch Maverick—Traveling Businessman. As the winner of the tournament, many question how a businessman could have such great card skills. Could Mitch be the next poker phenomenon?
Holly Hickok—Gambler. A real southern belle with a flare for poker, many wonder what a girl like Holly is doing in the Wild West?
Clay Coldwell—Gambler. A once known poker-great, Clay may no longer be lucky in cards, but he may be proving to be lucky in love.
Montgomery Money—Land Investor. Arriving just this last night, word is Montgomery has his eye on purchasing the saloon and is using this traveling opportunity to seize it.
Elizabeth Money—Wife to Montgomery Money. Although Elizabeth has been here scouting land prospects for her husband all week, she is still not used to the rough and rugged ways of the West.
Minnie Money—Debutante. As the sheltered daughter of Montgomery and Elizabeth Money, Minnie’s first trip out west has been an adventure that has taught her a lot about the wild ways of the West and the people it breeds.
Banker Bob—Bank Owner. After the Bank of Deadwood was robbed earlier this week, Bob suspects the culprit is someone in need of ante money for the poker tournament. Will Bob take justice into his own hands to punish the bandit?
Banker Bonnie—Wife to Banker Bob. Desperate for Bob’s attention, Bonnie will do anything to get it. Anything.
Jesse Wales—Outlaw. Is Jesse here to meet up with old acquaintances or is this purely a business trip?
Poker Alice—Poker Dealer. Alice makes her living dealing cards at the saloon, but could she be hiding more than her love for her favorite bartender?
Sheriff Sam—Deadwood Sheriff. Although Sam is considered the law enforcement of this town, it has been said the only way to get anything ‘enforced’ is by padding Sam’s wallet.
Marshal Dalton—Federal Marshal. The Marshal was assigned to Deadwood to insure that there is no unlawful activity at the poker tournament. With outlaw rule becoming the way of the West these days, it is time the federal government put some order into place.
Sally Starr—Saloon Girl. Because of Sally’s strong allegiance to both Harry and Henrietta High-Stakes, Sally will see to it that the saloon thrives at all costs—but what price is too high?
Taffy Garrette—Saloon Girl. Taffy is the eyes and ears of the saloon, someone who might know a little too much about what is about to go down.
Black Barbara—Outlaw. Barbara has been in town all week and no one knows quite why.
Billy-The-Bartender—Saloon Bartender and Bookkeeper. Billy knows the saloon life from every side of the coin and has his own suspicions about who is holding the saloon back from succeeding.
<<Click on tabs to the left for more information<<
More Tidbits about the Wild West You May Want to Know…
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WHAT SALOONS SERVED:
In those hard scrabble days, the whiskey served in many of the saloons was some pretty wicked stuff made with raw alcohol, burnt sugar and a little chewing tobacco. No wonder it took on such names as Tanglefoot, Forty-Rod, Tarantula Juice, Taos Lightning, Red Eye, and Coffin Varnish.
Also popular was Cactus Wine, made from a mix of tequila and peyote tea, and Mule Skinner, made with whiskey and blackberry liquor. The house rotgot was often 100 proof, though it was sometimes cut by the barkeep with turpentine, ammonia, gun powder or cayenne.
The most popular term for the libation served in saloons was Firewater, which originated when early traders were selling whiskey to the Indians. To convince the Indians of the high alcohol content, the peddlers would pour some of the liquor on the fire, as the Indians watched the fire begin to blaze.
But the majority of western saloon regulars drank straight liquor — rye or bourbon. If a man ordered a “fancy” cocktail or “sipped” at his drink, he was often ridiculed unless he was “known” or already had a proven reputation as a “tough guy.” Unknowns, especially foreigners who often nursed their drinks, were sometimes forced to swallow a fifth of 100 proof at gunpoint “for his own good.”
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SALOON GIRLS:
The saloon or dance-hall girl’s job was to brighten the evenings of lonely men starved for female companionship.
Contrary to what many might think, the saloon girl was not a prostitute. Their job was to entertain the guests, sing for them, dance with them, talk to them and perhaps flirt with them a bit – inducing them to remain in the bar, buying drinks and patronizing the games.
Most girls were refugees from farms or mills, lured by posters and handbills advertising high wages, easy work, and fine clothing. Many were widows or needy women of good morals, forced to earn a living in an era that offered few means for women to do so.
Earning as much as $10 per week, most saloon girls also made a commission from the drinks that they sold. Whiskey sold to the customer was marked up 30-60% over its wholesale price. Commonly drinks bought for the girls would only be cold tea or colored sugar water served in a shot glass; however, the customer was charged the full price of whiskey, which could range from ten to seventy-five cents a shot.
In most places the proprieties of treating the saloon girls as ladies were strictly observed, as much because Western men tended to revere all women, as because the women or the saloon keeper demanded it. Any man who mistreated these women would quickly become a social outcast, and if he insulted one he would very likely be killed. While they might have been scorned by the “proper” ladies, the saloon girl could count on respect from the males.
And as for the “respectable women,” the saloon girls were rarely interested in the opinions of the drab, hard-working women who set themselves up to judge them. In fact, they were hard pressed to understand why those women didn’t have sense enough to avoid working themselves to death by having babies, tending animals, and helping their husbands try to bring in a crop or tend the cattle.
In the early California Gold Rush of 1849, dance halls began to appear and spread throughout the boomtowns. While these saloons usually offered games of chance, their chief attraction was dancing.
The customer generally paid 75¢ to $1.00 for a ticket to dance, with the proceeds being split between the dance hall girl and the saloon owner. After the dance, the girl would steer the gentleman to the bar, where she would make an additional commission from the sale of a drink.
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Decorations
• Place real hay bales outside the entrance. If you have a saddle, put them on or around the bales of hay. |