Gunslinger: Desmond Hardway

Though highly intellectual, there is nothing pompous about Desmond Hardway.

Illustration by Steven Lambert

When choosing this week’s artwork reveal, it was easy. Desmond Hardway is one of the coolest looking characters in the game.

Early on, we thought Desmond was going to be a challenging character to illustrate because of his pinstripe suit and sophisticated look but, once again, Steven crushed it! There are so many things about this image that I love. The cleft chin, hidden behind a prominent mustache, the fit and look of his suit, and the flowing burgundy tie. Desmond is a man that stands out against the gruff and unfinished background of The West, down to his gold pocket watch and calm, but confident, demeanor. And then there is that look. I can imagine an Outlaw scouting out town and being unsettled as they notice this large man quietly watching them from across Town. They try to blend in and nervously duck around corners, only to find Desmond casually waiting for them as he checks his pocket watch. Never saying anything, just watching. He is always there, and he is always watching. One step ahead.

Unlike the suited weasel bankers and businessmen featured in many Western films, Desmond is both a practical and intellectual defender of the people. In fact, he was even once a Dartmouth professor before moving Out West, and it is because of this he has a unique ability in the game. While all Outlaws steal cards after successful Raids, Desmond is a Lawman that gets you a Building Card after winning. So, Desmond not only sets up your next Building project (for a free Action), but the Aspen Grove School is a rather spectacular strategic advantage if you can pull it off.

Instead of using an Action to trade out a Hired Hand, the School allows you to do this for free. And instead of discarding said Hired Hand, you can put them back in your hand. This saves you TWO Actions AND lets you construct multiple single-resource Buildings (like the 4 Horse Resource Gallows) MUCH faster. And faster Buildings usually means winning (unless there is a Tornado, but I’ll let you discover that one for yourself 😉).

Card: Lawman

Ability: After a successful Shootout, take the School into your hand (unless it is a completed or current Building Project).