Duel

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//click//, //clack//, //clank//, //tink//, //tonk//, //ping// You're Sheriff Buck. And Sheriff Buck doesn't miss. [[Next|Intro 2]]

You police a small town in Sharepoint, Arizona - a little cluster of buildings in the desert. With all the trouble brewing in the Wild West, Sharepoint needs a protector. Every morning in the fields on the outskirts of town, you practice at your makeshift shooting range. The bottles resting on the top of the fence don’t stay there long. When your tin of bullets empties, it signals your return to town before your daily patrol. [[Next|Intro 3]]

A warm breeze dusts the trail with the desert’s golden sand. The gusts stop your skin from frying under the heavy sun. The still morning brings a thick silence. It leaks from the horizon and spills out onto the desert plains. As the trail winds further into town, something feels odd. The morning bustle is missing. [[Next|Run or Walk]]

Sharepoint’s stillness feels different. You stop walking and point your ear to the town. Not a single chirp or laugh echoes up the valley. You decide to: <<choice [[(Run into town)|Run into town]]>> <<choice [[(Continue walking down the trail)|Continue at a normal pace]]>>

While holding onto your holstered gun, you sprint into town. The denim jeans prevent any long strides down the trail. With a free hand, you reach behind and hike up the back. The pullup loosens your legs and you hurry along the path. Once at full speed, you plant your right foot into a small ditch. The ankle buckles. Momentum sends you flying face first into the desert sand. You bounce along the trail like a stone skipping on water. Needles burst from your ankle and shoot up your shin. [[Next|Ankle roll]]

You stroll down the trail. If something happened in town, you’ll address it when you arrive. Few people walk this trail. Little holes and rocks litter the path, so you skip around them. A downward slope carries you to the bottom of the hill where a giant boulder rests off to the side. In the top of the boulder, a little divot carves a perfect seat. For mornings like these, you sit and enjoy the quiet. [[Next|Snake bite]]

It doesn't feel too bad, until you put a little pressure. Needles shoot up your shin again. You hobble around the landing area beside the ankle-destroying hole in the trail. Regardless of the pain, you continue forward into town. [[Next|Town entrance]]

A hysterical laughter erupts from your gut. You roll around on the ground, eyes closed to the sun above. No amount of ankle-clutching relieves the pain. When the laughing stops, the sprain materializes. A slight foot twitch radiates soreness. Still on the floor, you dust off your vest and reach for your hat. You roll up your pant leg to your shin and sit a while longer. After a few deep breaths, you try to stand. [[Next|Ankle roll 2]]

You angle your face to the sky and let your legs dangle. The perfect breeze rushes past. A slight rattle rings off to the right. When you look down, it’s too late. A snake lunges at your ankle, then recoils back to the ground. Two little pricks radiate above your foot. Even with your jeans, the rattlesnake got a taste. You pull your legs up to your chest and away from the floor. The rattlesnake slinks away under the rock’s shade. [[Next|Snake bite 2]]

The dirt trail leading into town winds left onto the main road. By now, shutters and windows would open above the busy road below. Horse drawn wagons and carriages would rumble along, kicking up a whirlwind of dirt. Instead, the horses stay tied to the hitching railings. The rest circle inside the nearby corrals. Doors, windows and shutters remained closed at every building and home. The silence screams a problem. [[Next|Cowboy spotted]]

The in-town doctor handles bites all the time, but he’s not with you. A few hundred yards separate you from the town entrance. You unlace your right boot and tie the lace around your right ankle, just above the bite. If the venom travels, forget about walking. To prevent the denim from scratching the bite, you roll up the pantleg to your knee. The bite purples and grows with each moment. It burns hotter than the sun above, but you feel confident enough to walk on it. On the first step, you almost collapse. The vacant feeling will soon overcome any sensation left in your leg. [[Next|Town entrance]]

Down towards the saloon, about one hundred feet away, the doors swing open. A man follows his foot through, then marches down the dirt road. His hat blocks his face. He carries a charcoal coloured bag over his left shoulder. Its weight pulls down his shirt under the black and green vest. When he lifts his head, you see his face. He cocks a slight smirk to the side, as if he enjoys your attention. You know this man. Everyone knows this man. Maxwell Webster makes his living ransacking towns on horseback. He travels light and alone, which makes him a hard person to find. After a robbery, he goes into hiding and disappears for weeks. With the hundred posters plastering his face on any wall, you won’t forget his smirk. He earned his $20,000 bounty. Charges of murder, robbery and jailbreaking cause an endless amount of problems. Although never arrested himself, Webster’s sympathy for fellow criminals doesn’t make sense. He risks his own life to protect people he chooses to ignore. As he approaches, you: [[(Rest your hand on your holstered revolver)|Hand on gun]] <<choice[[(Pull out your weapon and point it at his chest)|Dead 1]]>>

When you place your hand on your gun, the outlaw freezes. He responds with the same action. Both of you stand about twenty feet away with nothing in between. He squints at you, but not at your face. [[Next|Morning]]

Hand on your gun, you slide your right foot back. The stance shoots fire up your ankle and it buckles under your weight. You take out the gun anyway, pull the trigger, but nothing happens. It’s empty. The outlaw reacts in an instant. Bag still on his left shoulder, he flicks up his pistol. Three bangs echo throughout the town. The shots ram you in the chest and send you flying backwards. You gasp for air, but you breathe in nothing. Instead, you spit out blood. It fills your mouth. [[Retry|Cowboy spotted]]

<<if hasVisited("Run into town")>>The outlaw squints tighter. To stop his stare, you put more weight on the sprained ankle. A lopsided stance will make him suspicious. You don’t need another disadvantage. What he doesn’t know is your empty gun. It’s all that keeps you alive. <</if>><<if hasVisited("Continue at a normal pace")>>His wide-eyed stare amplifies the bite’s burn. With a pant leg rolled up, shoe lace tied tight and snakebite swelled around, he knows your discomfort. He knows you can’t function much longer without treatment. He knows about his climbing odds to leave this duel alive and rich. What he doesn’t know is your empty gun. It’s all that keeps you alive. <</if>> @@.cowboyRed;"Mornin' sheriff. Great way to start the day, ain't that right? Nothing better than a test of man's sack to wake you up."@@ <<choice [[Sometimes, you need some excitement in your routine.|Excitement]]>> <<choice [[I prefer a quiet morning.|Quiet]]>>

<<if hasVisited("Run into town")>>@@.cowboyRed;"See, why are you lying to me? What have I done to you? "Come on, sheriff. This is not how you start a friendly relationship. You are clearly keeping pressure off your right foot. Do you think I’m stupid? “Do you think I would kill a limping man? I would never. A lying man however, I will kill. Your heart starts pounding. You turn to run. [[Next|Dead 4]] <<else>>@@.cowboyRed;" That looks like quite the bite you got there. Standing on it probably not the best remedy. Am I wrong? "Now, this morning's only getting worse standing under this here blazing sun. I’m sure we’d both like to get out of each other’s way, but that’s not an easy thing to do, right sheriff? "What do you suggest we do to end our little spat?"@@ [[(Pull out your weapon)|Dead 5]] [[Let's strike a deal. If you carry me to the doctor, I'll let you go. No questions asked. (Take hand off your weapon. Potential to steal his gun)|Dead 6]] [[Let's strike a deal. If you carry me to the doctor, I'll let you go. No questions asked. (Keep hand on your weapon. Potential to steal his gun)|Carry to doctor]] [[I'll let you go. Just take what you have and leave our town.|Let him go 3]] <</if>>

<<if hasVisited("Continue at a normal pace")>>@@.cowboyRed;"See, why are you lying to me? What have I done to you? "Come on, sheriff. It just pisses me off when people like you do dumb things in a tough spot. I can clearly see a snakebite on your ankle. Do you think I’m stupid? You can barely stand straight. You look like a drunk."@@ You vision wobbles when you look behind Webster. You can't tell if your sweat drips because of the heat or the bite. <<choice[[Next|Dead 2]]>> <<else>>@@.cowboyRed;"That looks like quite the sprain you got there. Standing on it probably not the best remedy. Am I wrong? "Now, this morning's only getting worse standing under this here blazing sun. I’m sure we’d both like to get out of each other’s way, but that’s not an easy thing to do, right sheriff? "What do you suggest we do to end our little spat?"@@ [[Before we leave, I have a question. Why risk yourself to help other outlaws? (mid-story interrupt. Pull out your gun and bluff)|Interrupt 1]] <<choice [[I'll let you go. Just take what you have and leave our town. These people need me.|Let him go]]>> <</if>>

@@.cowboyRed;"That's fantastic, but I have to ask, what happened to your leg?"@@ He circles his finger at your ankle. [[I fell.|Ankle explain 1 fell]] [[A rattlesnake bit me.|Ankle explain 2 bite]] <<if hasVisited("Continue at a normal pace")>>[[It's just a snakebite. Since I'm dying anyway, let's do something more exciting. How about we take our chances with Russian Roulette?|Ankle explain 3]] <</if>><<if hasVisited("Run into town")>>[[Don't worry about my leg. How about we make this duel a little more traditional. Let's reset and start with ten paces.|Ankle explain 4]] <</if>>

@@.cowboyRed;"Sheriff, I have to disagree. This lifestyle of mine gets the chest pumping real fast. I ain’t no doctor, but all that excitement can’t be good for living long. "Now, these here standoffs cut my chances of survival in half. That’s just something that I bet neither of us want."@@ With the right hand still on his gun, he drops the bag behind him. @@.cowboyRed;"It’s a beautiful day, and I’m just interested in leaving here with my survival chances back at one hundred. Is that not a fair? "Given the condition of your leg there, that shouldn’t be a problem, no?"@@ [[I'm sure we can work something out.|Ankle question]]

@@.cowboyRed;"Couldn't argue that, sheriff. See, every single day it’s: stick up this place and that place. It all gets too hectic for my tastes. Then this happens. But you hear that?"@@ Right hand still on his gun, he pauses. He sets down his bag and cups his hand around his ear. @@.cowboyRed;"Nor do I, sir. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m just interested in leaving here quietly. Is that not a fair? "Given the condition of your leg there, that shouldn’t be a problem, no?"@@ [[I'm sure we can work something out.|Ankle question]]

@@.cowboyRed;"I carry you to the doctor and I walk away with what I got? I can do that. Where’s this doc?”@@ @@.sheriffBlue;"Down behind you. About a hundred feet away.”@@ @@.cowboyRed;"We first get rid of your gun. It’s not really a surrender if you still have a weapon.”@@ When you start inching out your revolver, Webster shouts over at you. @@.cowboyRed;"Stop! Let it go. Right hand in the air and reach over with your left, then drop it.”@@ Right hand in the air, you reach over with your left hand and pull out your weapon. When it hits the floor, Webster removes his hand from his holster. @@.cowboyRed;"Let’s go,”@@ he waves. @@.cowboyRed;"I’m not exactly welcome here.”@@ [[Next|Carry to doctor 2]]

@@.cowboyRed;"I’m real sorry about your partner there a few weeks back. "But you sheriffs don’t get it. You try to be heroes and pay for it. You know these outlaws love pistol whipping and gun slinging anything in sight. How many people need to die before you give it up? "Now, I hear you’re a great shot, better than your partner at least, so what’re going to do? What have you learned today?"@@ [[(Pull out your gun and point it at Webster)|Before dead 3]] [[(Surrender)|Let him go]]

@@.cowboyRed;“Fantastic! Now, slowly toss aside your gun and I’ll come to you. I’m a man of my word.”@@ He lays his free hand on his chest. You pull out your weapon, eyes trained forward. When you toss your gun aside, Webster draws his revolver from his holster. With two fingers, he pulls out one bullet from the cylinder. After he wiggles it in the air, he flashes a smile. Webster then turns over the gun and shakes the revolver until the rest of the bullets rain to the ground. @@.cowboyRed;"See? Just one.”@@ Webster inserts the bullet, snaps the cylinder in place and spins it. [[Next|Russian roulette 6]]

@@.cowboyRed;“Eight!”@@ Once past the horse, you notice your heartbeat. It punches you from the inside of your chest. @@.cowboyRed; “Nine!”@@ To your left, a building’s porch rises about three feet above the ground. [[(Continue walking)|Dead lost duel]] <<choice [[(Run and dive behind the porch)|Run away]]>>

@@.cowboyRed;"Russian Roulette? Why would I leave my life to chance? I’d rather die shooting you than myself.”@@ @@.sheriffBlue;"I’d only play, not both of us. One trigger pull and that’s it.”@@ Webster scratches his chin with his free hand. During his long pause, his grip on his holstered gun remains unchanged. @@.cowboyRed;"Alright, fine. I’m not much into gambling, but I know I’m a little lucky. What’re the rules, sheriff?”@@ [[Next|Russian roulette explain]]

@@.cowboyRed;"What? Why? We are already spaced apart. Let’s leave it to quick draw."@@ [[We’re at a stalemate. Let's even the odds and start back-to-back. (Try to knock him out)|10 pace explain]] [[You’re already too late. (Draw revolver)|Dead quick draw]] [[Forget the duel. Take what you have and leave our town.|Let him go 2]]

@@.cowboyRed;"Why help other guys bust out? You know, no one has ever asked me that. "I’ve broken out maybe something like fifteen guys, yet not one of them asked why. They usually give me a hat tip and leave with the next horse they find."@@ [[(Pull out your gun and point it at Webster)|Before dead 3]] [[(Let Webster talk)|Interrupt 2]] [[(Surrender)|Let him go]]

@@.sheriffBlue;"I've had enough. Please just go."@@ You take your hand off the gun and raise both arms into the air. @@.cowboyRed;"You; you are smart.”@@ Webster slings the bag over his shoulder. @@.cowboyRed;"This isn’t your stuff, so why die for it? I like how you think. “See you soon, sheriff.”@@ [[Retry|Ankle explain 1 fell]]

@@.cowboyRed;"The way I see it, you either die right here or die right here. There’s no chance you’re leaving alive, so let me take care of that leg for you."@@ Webster whips out his revolver with a lightning fast flick. Three pops punch you in the chest. The blasts knock you onto your back. You can’t see. You open your eyes over and over, but nothing happens. [[Retry|Ankle question]]

@@.cowboyRed;"That’s fine with me, really. I’m not doing it to make myself feel better; I do it for the freedom. "We spend so much time bustin’ our asses for a decent meal in this dusty desert. If I go somewhere else, that freedom goes away. There ain’t many places familiar with the occasional raid. Aside from wimpy sheriffs like you guarding these sand pits you call home, there ain’t much to stop me."@@ [[(Pull out your gun and point it at Webster)|Before dead 3]] [[(Let Webster talk)|Interrupt 3]] [[(Surrender)|Let him go]]

@@.cowboyRed;"I prefer to do things quietly, but not these other outlaws. These guys are loud and break things for the sake of breaking. It makes my job a little harder because now you guys want to shoot it out for a couple of dollars. Don’t be a hero. "See this here bag?"@@ Webster reaches for the bag on the ground and lifts it with both hands in front. @@.cowboyRed;"Is it worth dying to stop me from getting this?"@@ [[(Pull out your gun and point it at Webster)|Before dead 3]] [[(Let Webster talk)|Interrupt 4]] [[(Surrender)|Let him go]]

@@.cowboyRed;"No, it’s not."@@ Webster again drops the bag. @@.cowboyRed;"So, back to your original question. I set these guys free to help me. They hit up whatever towns they want and I follow closely behind. When they thin out the defences and spook the locals, I come in and clean up the rest. "Not such a great month for you guys, ain’t that right, sheriff?"@@ [[(Pull out your gun and point it at Webster)|Before dead 3]] [[(Let Webster talk)|Interrupt 5]] [[(Surrender)|Let him go]]

You pull out your revolver and point it at Webster. He doesn’t move, but his expression stays the same. @@.sheriffBlue;”Hands in the air!”@@ Webster shakes his head. @@.cowboyRed;"So that’s how it ends, sheriff? Did you not listen to what I just said? All this time wasted trying to make you understand the mistakes every sheriff makes. “Just do it. Pull the trigger, sheriff. Kill me or I’ll kill you.”@@ [[Next|Dead 3]]

As Webster approaches you with the full bag over his shoulder, his size surprises you. He stands a whole foot taller with shoulders wide enough to seat two people. To match your height, he hunches over and takes your right arm over his shoulder. With ease, he carries you down the road. You peer over at his holster. It holds a gold embezzled revolver with a wooden handle. Given his torso width, you won’t reach it stretching across with your left arm. You can't feel your right leg. Instead, the road below spins and your stomach churns with every step. @@.cowboyRed;"I’d like to think this makes up my previous crimes. How about it, sheriff? If I save someone, that’s got to make up for killing a couple people.”@@ [[Next|Carry to doctor 3]]

@@.sheriffBlue;"I suppose you’re right.”@@ @@.cowboyRed;"Do you suppose this makes up for your dead partner a few weeks back? I didn’t do the shooting, it was them dirty cowboys always strolling through towns. “That’s actually why I came today, because I knew you’d be alone.”@@ @@.sheriffBlue;"If you didn’t kill sheriff Spears, then I guess it doesn’t make up for it.”@@ @@.cowboyRed;"Well, I’m going to count it. From what I’ve heard, he wasn’t a real sharp guy anyway,”@@ he says, pointing to his head. @@.sheriffBlue;"He left behind his family.”@@ [[(Let Webster carry you)|Carry to doctor 4]] <<choice [[(Punch Webster and steal his gun)|Webster gut punch]]>>

The doctor’s building came into view. Like the other buildings, its windows and doors remained shut. Scattered chairs littered the deck where patients wait for Doctor Barney to open his doors. He opens early every day, so you know he hides inside. @@.cowboyRed;"Good thing you’re smarter, sheriff. If you were like your partner, you’d leave a family behind, too. “Maybe one day I’ll come visit the wife and kids, how does that sound?”@@ @@.sheriffBlue;"Maybe.”@@ [[Next|Doctor arrival]]

@@.sheriffBlue;"Let’s keep the rules simple. This bite is going to kill me soon, so let's make this memorable. “I take a gun, load one bullet, spin the chamber and pull the trigger. If I die, you leave here a little bit richer and with a great story to tell. If I survive, you drop the bag and leave this town. “But, you can’t ever come back. You need to leave for good. Can we agree on that?”@@ [[Next|Russian roulette explain 2]]

Webster stands still, hand on his gun, looking side to side. After a head shake and a chuckle, he snorts. @@.cowboyRed;"Alright, sheriff. Let’s roll the dice. How do we start this?”@@ [[You stay there. I’ll empty my gun and you just watch.|Russian roulette 3]] [[You stay there. (Pull out your gun and point it at him)|Dead 7]] [[Actually, I changed my mind. Just leave our town.|Quit russian roulette]]

@@.cowboyRed;"Wait, what? No, no, no, no, no. Something’s not right here,”@@ Webster says, waving his hand at you. @@.cowboyRed;“You’ve got to be insane to follow through with this. Sheriff, I’d love to trust you and all, considering you’re the law here, but I can’t. So instead, I’ll load my gun and you use my weapon for our game. Just so it’s fair. “How’s about that?”@@ [[If I’m pulling the trigger, I want to die by my own gun.|Russian roulette 4]] [[I’m already risking so much, but fine. We’ll use your gun. (Leave it up to chance!)|RNG explain]] [[Then it looks like we can’t come to an agreement. (Pull out your gun and point it at him)|Dead 7]]

@@.cowboyRed;"No, sheriff. It’s gotta be my gun. I’m handing you my only weapon, so you could easily turn it around on me. That’s a fair trade. You got balls, so I’ll take your word for it. “How's about it?”@@ [[Fine. We'll use your gun.|Russian roulette 5]] [[Forget it. I’m not letting you near me with a loaded gun. Just take your stuff and leave.|Quit russian roulette]] [[You're not getting anywhere close to me with that gun. (Pull out your weapon) |Dead 7]]

@@.cowboyRed;"You’re right, sheriff. I’m not sure how we get out of this, so let’s do it your way. I’ll count the ten paces then we turn and fire. I heard you’re a good shot though, so go easy on me,”@@ Webster says, pointing at you with his left hand. @@.cowboyRed;"First, on my count, we lift our hands in the air. Ready? 3, 2, 1 and …”@@ Webster raises his hands and you follow a whole second later. @@.cowboyRed;"Not a great start, sheriff.”@@ [[Next|Webster description]]

The ankle sprain weighs you down like an anchor. Webster doubles your strides towards the centre, so he walks the rest of the way for you. @@.cowboyRed;"Looks like a nasty sprain you got there, sheriff. You sure you can even walk back?"@@ You step towards him and your ankle buckles again. Even without your lopsided stance, Webster stands a whole foot taller. On his right forearm, a straight line of seven skulls tattoo his skin. @@.sheriffBlue;"Why the skulls?"@@ Webster looks at his arm, the lowers them to his side. You drop them too. @@.cowboyRed;“It’s my personal counter. It keeps track of my duels. I’m trying to hit double digits.”@@ He turns his back to you and shouts, @@.cowboyRed; “Ready? Guns up.”@@ You turn and put your back to him. [[Next|Back to back]]

You draw your gun and point it to the sky. @@.cowboyRed; “Ready?”@@ [[Yes.|3 paces]] <<choice [[(Swing your gun at Webster's head)|Webster hit]]>>

@@.cowboyRed;“Four!”@@ The distance between you and Webster grows. @@.cowboyRed;“Five!”@@ His voice becomes fainter, but the end approaches sooner. @@.cowboyRed;“Six!”@@ To your left, a horse stands tied to a hitching rail. @@.cowboyRed; “Seven!”@@ [[(Continue walking)|9 paces]] <<choice [[(Run to the horse)|Run away]]>>

@@.cowboyRed; “Ten!”@@ You turn, ready your gun and watch Webster lag behind you. His eyes bulge, but he doesn’t stop. He squeezes off two shots. The first clips your left arm. The second hits dead centre in your chest. The blasts knock you onto your back. A shadow covers you as thin clouds roll over the sun. The break from the heat, the short moment of cool, disappears. The sun returns and shines a spotlight on you; Webster’s next tattoo. [[Retry|Back to back]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

With all your strength, you wind up and swing at Webster behind you. Your revolver handle digs into his skull and knocks off his hat. He flails his arms, wailing after every breath. Your spin knocks you off balance, but Webster tumbles along with you. On hands and knees, you crawl to his revolver. He reaches it before you. Blood pours down his cheek. [[Next|Webster brawl 1]]

@@.cowboyRed;"Not a good idea,”@@ he says through his teeth. Webster grabs the revolver and kicks you in the nose. Standing over you, he points the barrel at your face. @@.cowboyRed;"I’m going to count this as number eight.”@@ [[Retry|Back to back]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

You slouch back in the chair, gun still pointed at Webster. You lower your aim and hold the gun by the barrel, offering him the handle. @@.cowboyRed;"It seems like a great idea to be a hero, but it’s not. Maybe I’ll come by again one day. Great to know I’m welcome by the fine folk in Sharepoint.”@@ He knocks on the doctor’s door and heads down the steps. You watch him walk down the silent road, the bulging bag swaying from side to side. [[Retry|Stolen gun]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

@@.sheriffBlue;"Drop the bag and I’ll let you go.”@@ He stares down at you, head titled to the side. @@.cowboyRed;"We were doing so well.” [[Next|Bag swing]]

As you ready your aim, Webster sidesteps and rams his shoulder into the building’s door. The top hinge breaks, but the bottom hinge holds on and the door swings inside at an angle. As Webster tries to climb over, you unload the revolver into his back. The bottom hinge breaks under his weight and it slams onto the deck with a thunderous clap. Webster lies face down on the flat door, blood pooling on his back. [[Next|Doctor dead]]

@@.cowboyRed;"I’m excited! Are you excited? "Before we start, toss your gun away real slow. Then I’ll bring you mine. I’m a man of my word.”@@ He lays his free hand on his chest. As you inch out your weapon, Webster walks towards you. When he draws his revolver from his holster, your gun slips from your fingers and tumbles to the ground. In front of you, Webster pulls out one bullet from the cylinder. He then turns over gun and shakes the revolver until all the rest of bullets rain to the ground. Webster inserts the single bullet, snaps the cylinder in place and spins it. He grips your shoulder and hands you the revolver. @@.cowboyRed;"Make it count.”@@ [[Next|RNG trigger]]

@@.sheriffBlue;"I can’t do it. Please just go."@@ You take your hand off the gun and raise both arms into the air. @@.cowboyRed;"I was really looking forward to this.”@@ Webster picks up the bag and slings it over his shoulder. @@.cowboyRed;"Maybe next time, sheriff.”@@ [[Retry|Russian roulette explain 2]]

You draw your revolver and point it at Webster. His eyes widen. When you don’t shoot, he smiles. Webster whips out his revolver with a lightning fast flick. Three pops punch you in the chest. @@.cowboyRed;"What was the point of that?”@@ [[Retry|Russian roulette explain 2]]

Your heart explodes in your chest. Gold embezzle decorates the revolver. The wooden handle, worn and smooth, gives the weapon perfect balance. Webster grips your shoulder tighter. @@.cowboyRed;"No cheating, sheriff. Let’s get moving.”@@ He gives you one last squeeze and steps back. @@.cowboyRed;"Good luck.”@@ <<set $rouletteRNG to random(1,6)>> <<if $rouletteRNG eq "1">> [[(Pull the trigger)|RNG dead]] <<else>> [[(Pull the trigger)|RNG Alive]] <</if>>

You can’t control your hand. It shakes, so you grab onto the revolver with both. Webster’s open mouth stare reveals his yellowing teeth. He can’t stop smiling. You look away towards the jagged mountains. The last view before you close your eyes. You bring the barrel to your head and take a breath. Teeth gritting, you squeeze the trigger. //Click// [[Next|RNG Dead 2]]

As Webster takes large strides forward, you take a step back. Your ankle buckles again, but you remain standing. You wiggle your toes and feel nothing. His broad shoulders and thin waist give a triangular shape to his torso. Up close, he stands at least a foot taller than you. His smirk returns. He hands you the revolver with both hands. @@.cowboyRed;"Anything you’d like to say?”@@ [[Wish me luck.|RNG trigger]] [[I hope this works.(Take the gun and shoot Webster)|RNG Webster]]

//Click// <<set $rouletteRNG to random(1,6)>> <<if $rouletteRNG eq "1">> [[Next|RNG Webster dead]] <<else>> [[Next|Webster pummels you]] <</if>>

@@.cowboyRed;"You shouldn’t have done that.@@ Webster charges forward, shoulder into your gut. Your lungs refuse to breathe. You try to punch, but your fist flails at the air. Webster then drives his elbow down into your nose, cutting off any control of your limbs. You lay there, arms flat. You lose consciousness. [[Retry|RNG Webster]] [[Return to the beginning of Russian Roulette|Ankle explain 3]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

The shot paints Webster in the forehead. Like a statue, he falls back and slams the ground. You exhale and almost collapse. The ground spins beneath your feet, but you still push yourself forward. Nothing will stop you from reaching the doctor now. [[Retry|RNG Webster]] [[Return to the beginning of Russian Roulette|Ankle explain 3]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

Webster whips out his revolver with a lightning fast flick. Three pops punch you in the chest. The blasts knock you onto your back. You can’t see. @@.cowboyRed;"What about your 'traditional' duel, sheriff?"@@ [[Retry|Ankle explain 4]]

@@.sheriffBlue;"I can’t even stand. Just go."@@ You take your hand off the gun and raise both arms into the air. @@.cowboyRed;"It was a lost duel, sheriff.”@@ Webster picks up the bag and slings it over his shoulder. @@.cowboyRed;“See you next time.”@@ [[Retry|Ankle explain 4]]

@@.cowboyRed;“One!”@@ As Webster counts the paces, you hop along to his rhythm. Everyone remains in the buildings. No one watches. Every hop drains you. @@.cowboyRed;“Two!”@@ To your right, about ten feet away, you spot a tight alley between two buildings. @@.cowboyRed;“Three!”@@ [[(Continue walking)|7 paces]] <<choice [[(Run for the alley)|Run away]]>>

You bolt for cover. The second step fires pain up your shin, so you fall straight to the floor. @@.cowboyRed; “Ten!”@@ You try to recover, but the ankle refuses to cooperate. @@.cowboyRed; “Big mistake, sheriff.”@@ A bullet digs into the ground beside you, kicking up dust into your eyes. The second and third shots dig into your back. You lay face down, breathing in the warm sand. @@.cowboyRed; “I was thinking of getting a different colour for this special tattoo. How does that sound?”@@ [[Retry|Back to back]]

@@.sheriffBlue;"I've had enough. Please just go."@@ You take your hand off the gun and raise both arms into the air. @@.cowboyRed;"You; you are smart.”@@ Webster picks up the bag and slings it over his shoulder. @@.cowboyRed;"This isn’t your stuff, so why die for it? I like how you think. “See you soon, sheriff.”@@ [[Retry|Ankle explain 2 bite]]

Although the world feels slanted, you take a chance. You wind up and uppercut Webster in the gut. He lets out a growl and falls forward, dragging you down by the arm. His body hides the gun. When you try to reach over his back, he grabs tight around your waist. Still holding you, he rolls onto his back and smashes your face into the floor. Like a wrestler, he climbs on top of you and pins down your hands with his knees. [[Next|Beat to death 1]]

@@.cowboyRed;"You were so close, sheriff, but you had to be a hero.”@@ Webster takes out his revolver and lifts it into the air, the butt facing downwards. The first hit breaks your nose. The second hit smashes your eye. You can’t see, but it doesn’t matter. You lose consciousness. [[Retry|Carry to doctor 3]]

@@.cowboyRed;"'Maybe' is not a 'no.'”@@ Webster carries you up the deck stairs and turns to face you, your arm still around his shoulder. As he lowers you onto a chair, his holster moves within inches of your left hand. You decide to: [[(Reach for Webster's gun)|Stolen gun]] <<choice [[(Do nothing)|Let Webster walk]]>>

You slouch back in the chair, exhausted from the walk over. @@.cowboyRed;"Nice to me you, sheriff. I’ll come by again and say hello to the wife and kids.”@@ Before you can respond, he knocks on the doctor’s door and heads down the steps. You watch him walk down the silent road, the bulging bag swaying from side to side. [[Retry|Doctor arrival]]

You snatch the revolver from Webster’s holster and point it at him. He throws his hands into the air, holding onto the bag with his right hand. @@.cowboyRed;"This is what I get for helping you out? You’re no better than I am. "If you don't shoot, we can forget about this. I understand."@@ Sights on his chest, you decide to: [[(Shoot Webster)|Kill Webster]] [[(Let him go without the bag)|Let him go without bag]] [[(Let him go with the bag)|Let him go with bag]]

@@.sheriffBlue;"Doc,” you shout, “he’s dead. I need your help.”@@ The same silence from before fills the air. You wait. @@.sheriffBlue;"Doc?”@@ You struggle to keep your head straight. As you stand, you fall onto the deck. On hand and knees, you crawl towards Webster’s body. @@.sheriffBlue;"Doc, you can come out now.”@@ To the left of the door frame you see Doctor Barney. The wall holds him up as blood pours from two bullets holes in his chest. [[Next|You die from poison]]

As Webster lowers the bag, he stops and swings it forward. The bag slams into your face, whipping your head to the side. The gun slips out of your hand. You reach with your limp arm. Inches away from it, Webster steps on the gun’s handle. @@.cowboyRed;"You were so close, sheriff, but you had to be a hero.”@@ He pushes you back into the chair and picks up the revolver. Bag in one hand and gun in the other, he blows on the gun's barrel. He points the gun at your face. @@.cowboyRed;"Is this worth it?"@@ [[Retry|Stolen gun]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

You crawl back to the road, eyes cloudy and limbs like anchors. [[Retry|Stolen gun]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

You turn to run, but tumble on the second step. Again, you bounce off the floor and skip across the sand. Three pops follow three blasts to your back. Unable to move your mouth away from the floor, you inhale a small breath of sand. [[Retry|Ankle question]]

@@.sheriffBlue;”I can’t do that.”@@ @@.cowboyRed;"Do it, sheriff! Kill me or I’m going to shoot you.”@@ Webster waits for your shot, eyes bulging from his skull. @@.cowboyRed;"Fine then.”@@ Webster whips out his revolver and fires three bullets into your chest. The blasts knock you back. You gasp for air, but nothing happens. He stands over you, holding his hat as he looks down. @@.cowboyRed;"Was that worth it, sheriff? No, it wasn't.”@@ [[Retry|Ankle explain 1 fell]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

When you begin to lift both hands, Webster reacts in an instant. He draws his weapon before you can explain. Three pops punch you in the chest. The blasts knock you onto your back. [[Retry|Ankle explain 2 bite]]

Webster whips out his revolver with a lightning fast flick. Three pops punch you in the chest. The blasts knock you onto your back. You can’t see. You open your eyes over and over, but nothing happens. [[Retry|Ankle explain 2 bite]]

@@.cowboyRed;"No way.”@@ You exhale and almost collapse. The ground spins beneath your feet. You hold the gun by the barrel and wait for Webster. Webster picks up the bag, drops it beside you and takes his gun. The gun claps against his leather holster. @@.cowboyRed;"Wow. You actually did it. You’re crazy, sheriff. Just insane.”@@ Webster walks past empty handed. You bury your head in your hands and shamble over to the doctor. [[Retry|RNG trigger]] [[Return to the beginning of Russian Roulette|Ankle explain 3]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

//Dead.// [[Retry|RNG trigger]] [[Return to the beginning of Russian Roulette|Ankle explain 3]] <<click "Restart story">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>>

!!<center>Empty Draw by Andrea Castellano</center> !<center>[[PLAY|Intro 1]]</center>