Basic Information
The Fastest Gun In The West is a title only one Gunslinger has the right to claim at a time. It refers to the Character who has the ultimate Quick Draw. Nobody can draw and fire a gun faster than this guy. As a result, he wins every duel he ends up in, and others tend to be reluctant to fight him.
However, this fearsome reputation tends to bring unwanted attention. Every two-bit varmint in the state wants to take a piece outta this guy to make themselves more badass. Hence, the Fastest Gun In The West tends to have to keep traveling to try and find a place where nobody wants to fight them.
This character can be a hero or a villain. The heroic type won't bring out his guns unless absolutely necessary, and then only to bring down an outlaw or bandito. The villain version is a sneaky bastard who just loves shootin' an' killin', but may be brought low by the resourcefulness of heroes.
If this character ever loses a duel, his mantle passes on to the one that killed him, who must then endure the same curse that the former fastest gun put up with.
See Also: Reputation and Legend.
Sources
Game and Story Use
- If you're looking to have a real exciting game, ask your GM if you can play this character. Just don't get too attached to the character, okay?
- Could make a good The Dragon. Probably not the Big Bad Evil Guy, that'd be the dude who's hired him or is pullin' his strings.
- Have one of the PC's mistaken for a notorious gunfighter. The fame and the adulation will be sweet. For a while. And then the real Swifty Morgan rides into town…
Building This Character
- It's all about initiative. If there's something you can take that increases your initiative, do so.
Level
- Should almost always be a very high level character. If he's not, it's for comedic effect, or because he took this title unjustly.
Attributes
- Physical Attributes are probably the most important category for most variations on the Gunslinger.
- In particular, traits representing hand-eye coordination, reaction speed, and quick thinking.
Skills
- Quick Draw is the main concern. (In some systems, might not be a skill, but a Feat, Edge, or Power instead). Any and all related abilities to act faster should be taken.
- Marksmanship comes in a distant second. You don't need fancy shooting as much as quick shooting.
- Intimidation
- Awareness / Notice / Intuition / Spot Hidden / etc. - whatever your game system calls it.
- Riding - at whatever level is needed to shoot from the saddle competently.
- Survival - because you're always traveling, trying to stay ahead of challengers.
- Gunsmithing, Repair, or some similar skill. You need to keep your gun in it's best possible condition, so it never fails you. The best gunfighters in the real world cleaned their gun twice a day. You may also want to modify the gun, giving it a faster draw or lighter trigger.
- Reputation - which is both a blessing and a curse.
