DeadlandsFactionLawDog

The Law Dogs The Pride of Gomorra | Back to Main Page |

LAW DOGS HISTORY Led by venerable geezer JP Coleman, Gomorra's chief law dog came as something of a surprise to the people of Gomorra. A former foreman for Sweetrock, the town's sheriff had a reputation for fastidiously towing the company line. After he was 'voted in' by Sweetrock, he quickly changed his tune. He fired the company men Sweetrock had installed as deputies in Gomorra, bringing in relative unknowns with former experience on both sides of the law. He also brought in a bonefide judge from San Francisco, who tried criminals on the basis of evidence, law, and testimony. (Something completely unheard of inside the Maze.) Judge Warwick made something of a splash himself - the first miner he sentenced to hang for claimjumping drew a pistol, killing his deputy before Warwick gunned him down with a double-barreled shotgun. The skull of the deputy now sits on Warwick's bench, as a reminder to remain vigilant. Coleman turned the town around - and many in Gomorra view him as a hero. One of his first arrests in Gomorra was of Max Baine, on a drunk and disorderly charge, and the newly appointed sheriff held the Vice President in custody for the maximum thirty days. Since he's taken office, Gomorra has gotten a reputation that passes for law-abiding, at least in the Great Maze. The continual thorns in JP Coleman's side have been the Maze Rats and Blackjack's Raiders. His inability to apprehend the leaders of either gang has made the last two elections considerably closer than previous years, but Coleman continues to hold the reins. After the demise of JP Coleman, Nash Bilton was elected Sheriff. RANK Faction Rank Rank Title 1 Armed Volunteer 2 Posse Member 3 Deputy 4 Senior Deputy 5 Sheriff IMPORTANT FACTION MEMBERS Sheriff J.P. Coleman Sheriff J.P. Coleman, RIP Gomorra's own law and order is now all but a fixture in Gomorra. While his early years were fraught with accusations of corruption and acting as the 'Hand of Sweetrock,' J.P.'s dedication to fairness and integrity in his dealings has earned him a reputation and the respect of the people of Gomorra. J.P. is not a kindly man - he tips his hat and minds his manners around the ladies, but he'll throw a criminal in jail regardless of gender, race, or religion. JP's own past is something of a mystery. A teetotaler, aloof and naturally reserved, he views most people with equal amounts of suspicion. The only men he seems to trust are his two senior deputies, Nash Bilton and Nathan Hunter. The former is a reformed outlaw, a man who changed his ways and hunts Gomorra's lawless element with unmatched zeal. The latter is a New York lawyer turned lawman, and also the chief prosecutor for the city of Gomorra when it comes to a criminal trial. Both men are also well known in Gomorra, and both raise troubling questions as a potential heir apparent upon JP's retirement. Nash is viewed as a hothead, a bit too much of a thug for the role of Sheriff, and Hunter is believed to be a bit too soft for the job, a 'pretty boy' who handles the drudgery of law enforcement, and not much of a deputy himself. Thankfully, JP shows no signs of retiring imminently. He's on old wolf of the west, canny and dangerous, with plenty of teeth left in his bite. JP Coleman was murdered on May 2nd, 1876. Rest in Peace. Nash Bilton Sheriff Nash Bilton Bilton is a hard man to pin down - many accuse him of being a thug, but he’s shown sophistication and intelligence when it suits him. All manner of rumors circulate about him - that he was previously an outlaw, that he’s on Sweet Rock’s payroll, and that he’s committed no small amount of atrocities during his time as a deputy. What is known is that he’s a quick draw and a lethal aim, and his prowess as a bounty hunter provided a sizeable stipend to his own income. Those who mistake him for a simple-minded toady underestimate his expertise for survival and his toughness at their own peril. Nash Bilton has been injured dozens of times on the job, and while he’s a late riser with a penchant for booze and cheap whorehouses, he’s a very dangerous man. Nash Bilton despises Black Jack, and is eager to go mano-a-mano with the legendary outlaw. Rank: (Sheriff) 5, Tough as Nails, Thick Skin, Level-Headed, Hankerin’ Tobacco, Hankerin’ Whiskey, Senior Deputies Judge Warwick Judge Warwick Judge Warwick has been a staple in Gomorra for so long that his first name is all but forgotten - he answers to ‘Judge,’ and most folks willingly address him as ‘your honor.’ Well read, well educated, finely mannered and courteous, he is very much a gentleman who’s accepted concessions upon necessary behavior by the savagery of the west. He believes deeply in the rule of law, and resists all attempts to make a mockery of it. Criminals of all stripes were given fair trials in his courts - though Judge Warwick has been known to defend himself with a shotgun when threatened by a defendant. Seven attempts have been made on his life over his tenure as a judge. Judge Warwick has publicly clashed on multiple occasions with Mayor Cochran and Sheriff Bilton on the role of the Law Dogs, and J.P. Coleman counted him a close friend. John "Townsend" Templeton John "Townsend" Templeton Once widely loathed as violent and unpredictable, Townsend’s been a loyal fan and friend of Nash Bilton for some time. Ever viewed as a loose cannon, he was reigned in by the promotion of Nathan Hunter and J.P. Coleman. There are a number of citizens concerned he might return to his former erratic behavior. Townsend thrills at a fight, and has never shied from one; he’s often the first to skin his smokewagon, though he begrudgingly uses non-lethal methods when the situation calls for it. John "Townsend" Templeton was attacked by "The Beast of Gomorra" on May 20th, 1876. Rest in Peace. Deputies Charlie Flatbush Charlie Flatbush Charlie Flatbush’s past is not a mystery - he tried his hand at mining before deciding life as a deputy was less back-breaking and lower risk. He enjoys his position, is relatively well-liked, and even his skirt-chasing is tolerated with rolled eyes by most of the town. Charlie is relatively well spoken and persuasive, and is usually used as the soft-touch of the Law Dogs. He prefers to resolve situations without violence, but on multiple occasions has proven he’s no coward. He’s not the most talented combatant of the Law Dogs, but his presence is usually welcome in any tense confrontation as a voice of reason. Cordelia "Corky" Hendricks Cordelia "Corky" Hendricks Corky’s something of the mascot of the Law Dogs - normally known for being perpetually sweet and cheerful, she’d disarmed more criminals with a ‘c’mon, please?’ and a smile than Townsend’s ever managed with a gun and a grimace. Corky’s a sweet little angel, with a rosy hued view of the world - though that view has been tarnished of late by the deaths of J.P. Coleman and Nathan Hunter, and she chafes under the direction of Nash Bilton. Posse Members No noteworthy posse members at present. Armed Volunteers Avery Burnham Avery Burnham A very recent addition to Gomorra, it's still a bit too soon for the residents to have gotten a good measure of the English transplant. That he's a High Falutin' Ferner is rather clear though from his fancy talking and even fancier dressing, and it’s obvious he has the manners of a cityslicking Tinhorn rather than a true born and bred rough-and-tumble westerner. He's rather Purty for a fella though, a regular dandy, and seems to have the Gift for Gab, striking up conversations with local merchants in his genteel sophisticated way that’s apt to charm some and rub others wrong from the very get-go. Rumor has it he used to be some kind law officer back in Merry Olde England where he earned a degree of Renown as a talented detective with the London Metro police. The framed London Herald articles on his office wall seem to give credence to that claim, although what’s he doing all the way out here then some might wonder? Opening a business it seems (Belongings 4), offering his service as a private investigator and troubleshooter to local residents. The ads he's placed in the Gazette boast the Most Modern Methods of Scotland Yard with the Utmost Discretion for Clients; Fact Finding. Missing Persons. Security. Conflict Resolution. Misc. Although whether anyone will actually be willing to pay for the eccentric foreigner's services remains to be seen. The local law has supposedly given him leave to operate for now, his services as a volunteer Law Dog provided in exchange. So far though he seems to spend most of his time at the local gambling establishments or lingering around the Chinese tent encampments in Soddom for whatever reason. | Back to Main Page |