Gunfight at Stodge City

 

Since I'd assembled a set of buildings for the newly-revived Wild West project, it seemed a shame not to have a game with them (even if they are still unpainted).  So, inspired by the classic of the genre, Carry on Cowboy, let's mosey over to the streets (well... street if we're being picky) of Stodge City.

The forces of Law and Order, led by Marshall P. Knutt, have just emerged from the Jailhouse ready to face down Johnny Finger, aka the Rumpo Kid, whose gang has been drinking at the other end of town, in the Saloon (of course).

Carry on Cowboy is one of the better Carry On films which range from classics to terrible as the series progresses.  As a died in the wool 'woke (as the young people say) lefty I ought to disapprove but I am a fan of some of the series (although as I said, some are terrible and have no redeeming features).  

Both sides quickly sent people onto the roofs to try and pick off some of the opposition.  I came of worse in this exchange, quickly losing 2 out of my 5 starting characters...Kenneth Williams/Judge Burke biting the dust.

Everyone seemed to be running out of ammo or dropping their guns in melee  (by rolling a 1), leading to  

A brutal hand to hand broke out behind the Smithy when Little Heap sneaked round the building before charging out, attacking with his dagger.  Luckily I was able to gang up on him and he fell to a flurry of punches and kicks (mainly because we'd run out of bullets again)

I'd managed to level the scores but then the Marshall was hit by a shotgun blast while he was on the roof of the Jailhouse and I was left with one remaining character, Buck: he had no redeeming skills or traits and was a 'lousy shot' so I didn't fancy his chances.  He managed to wound another opponent before taking shelter in the store.

Proving just how despicable the baddies were, they decided to set fire to the Storehouse...in a panic Buck was forced out into the street to get away from the flames and was gunned down as he tried to recover from the smoke... booo!

We used the excellent Fistful of Lead rules which are ideal for games like this... easy to pick up and they really encourage 'cinematic play.  I'd like to have a look at Dead Man's Hand at some point though as they seem very popular