"The Shadow attempts to start a fire to scare the cyotes off.
Surrounded by darkness, the Shadow fires into the air. [6] The space around him is briefly illuminated with the light from the barrel, the sound of the shotgun blast echoing through the desert. The Coyotes continue their yapping, though it sounds like they have moved farther away. Satisfied, the bounty hunter continues onwards, and the sun begins to rise.
[10] Finally, he makes it to Ciero! A town with the population in the thousands, it dwarfs New Jamestown. There are legitimate homes and stores here, with the main roads paved and also streetlamps, currently unlit. There's even work being down to create a Railroad Station here. He drives the Wagon to a Depot, unloading the supplies and filling it back up with the Storekeeper's order. And to think this was all for $7.50. The Shadow can head back anytime he wants, though he is pretty tired having traveled through the night, and there are several Inns in Ciero, as well as many other things to do to.
Carter laughs.
"Looks like you to are smarter than I thought. Though I wonder if either of you has a good head for business. You may think you have a lot of money now, but I know of plenty of folks who've gone from rich to bankrupt because they didn't understand tax law or had a bad yield or met with some other unexpected expense. The world of business is hazardous for the uninitiated.
"I, however, have been trained and have a great deal of experience with handling money. I don't want to go into specifics right now, but let's just say if I had been paid a fair share of what I had brought to my employer, I could have easily bought this whole town outright. If you want a good return on your investments, I really do recommend you hear out some of my business proposals or at least hire me on as an advisor. If you really are intent on heading north, though, I recommend you don't buy beef cattle. From the reports I've seen, it's not a good investment in that climate."
"Looks like no more poker tonight amigo."
I fill Carter in on my business plans (the poppy field) and connection with Father Gregor over a glass of whiskey.
"So what do you think amigo? We could use the profits to start some industry or buy out any farms around. Or maybe build an inn. But we will need men, loyal men to protect what we own. *I go into whisper* No need to sully our hands with the real dirty stuff."
I think for a moment, then whisper.
"I also have a plan to bring more customers into town - we spread rumors of a gold vein."
Gale and Hector stop before the door as they listen to Carter Duffield's response and proposal. "...what do you know 'bout raising cattle, city boy?" Hector responds with a sharp tongue. Gale is more open-minded, "You know, maybe we should hire him. He ran a Poker Tournament and made a good profit, we could sure use the help." Hector shrugs and paces back and forth for a few moments. "...Alright fine, but we're gettin' out of this dustbowl to get some real green, so you better pack your things 'fore we head out yonder." At this point, the two men exit the Saloon.
After both of them leave, Josse engages Carter in a discussion of future business....
Michael grabs his gun, whiskey, and any other possessions he might have and heads out, setting off for the mountains. If he happens to hear any rattling noises, he'll stop. Wouldn't do no good to get bit by a snake.
Micheal Shawns gathers his inventory on him and sets out for the mountains, careful to avoid any rattlesnakes or other deadly vermin. [1] There are no snakes in Micheal's way as he comes to the foot of the mountains, but he gets the sense that something is off, like he is being pursued. He turns around, and realizes that his suspicions were true after all. A few hundred feet away, he sees a group of odd-looking people, all hidden in black robes. They each carry something in their hands, a few dual-wielding knives, a couple handguns among them as well. There are about half-a-dozen of them total. When they notice that Micheal has turned around, they don't charge at him, but begin moving at him at a fast jogging pace...
"Hello, sir. Would you happen to know the location of any Hontato tribes in the vicinity? I have been looking for one, you see. I'm Sister Marjorie Swift. And you would be?"
If he doesn't feel talkative, move on in the direction he came from.
Sister Marjorie Swift comes across a white man, but despite calling out to him, he seems not to notice as he disappears beyond in to the tall grass. Swift continues her way, tailing the direction from where the man had come from. She finds herself staring at an expansive Hontato village with many Adobe structures and dozens up dozens of occupants, just as she had wanted! From her current position in the brush, they can't see her.
"Looks like someone really didn't want him getting back up. Overkill, definitely."
"Most of the people here don't use swords, but people from out of town wouldn't have a reason to kill him..."
As Dawn comes to fruition, the inevitable crowd begins to form around the body. Much of them express surprise and concern, and even willingness to help with the investigation. "We'll find the son-of-a-bitch who did this and hang 'em high!" cries one fellow, the others quickly concurring. The Sheriff shakes his head, "You can't help, but we need him alive. If any of y'all kill him, that's gonna' be a heap of trouble on yourselves." As the way of New Jamestown went, suddenly the same crowd that had tried burning down Tuypo's brothel last night were now willing to avenge his murder.
Cudraldo isn't close by, I think. And the going back to the Army is out of the question. Guess I'll go to the Sheriff, see if he's got anything I could do.
Find the Sheriff, ask if he has anything I could assist with. For a price, of course.
John Ashwood finds the Sheriff handling a crowd outside, and asks him about paid help. "With all that's been going on, I haven't had time to focus outside of the town. Could you head up to the Homestead and see if you can find out what the Hawkson Boys are up to? If you can give me a good report on their position and/or doings, I'll pay you ten bucks. Just don't get too close to them, they're a real nasty bunch."
Animalcrush walks into town, looking for someone who needs muscle, and offers food and/or money.
Jimmy Johnson looks for any offers of employment relevant to his skill. Most of the work in town has been taken up, but he meets an older woman on the outskirts of town named Lady Victoria. Despite not being an elderly woman, she supports herself with a cane. She greets him warmly, and offers him food and board if he could repair her roof, after it was damaged in a dust storm. "Do you think you could help me out? If only my husband was still around to help me, God rest his soul...."
Blood Opal, disappointed once again, heads outside and eventually discovers the murder scene. She then begins to search the town for people with swords or spears; Guilty or not, feeding suspects to mob justice might be fun.
Blood Opal seeks more chaos and looks around for someone to pin for the murder of Tuypo. As she looks around, she finds two Cudralian laborers taking a break outside the Saloon, each of them having a sheath containing a Machete. Not only are they tough looking men carrying big knives, but they are foreign as well! That would only serve to boil the pot even more...
Father Gregory looks over his obtained land, acres of fertile ground now to him. It was beautiful, and what was even more beautiful was how much opium it would soon be supporting! Before long, his admiration and planning was cut off short by the sound of hoof-beats. The Priest looked towards the horizon to see a row of horsemen riding towards his position, their clothes adorned with sloppy green, their Revolvers and Shotguns firing into the sky, hoops and hollers coming from them in a barbaric tone. Father Gregory wearily picked up his Repeater, pointing it towards the horde.....
Father Gregory has vanished.-----
Alrah Vanness arrives to break tradition for newcomers to New Jamestown, as he does not immediately enter the town's premises, but instead heads for its outskirts and perimeters. It's a good thing too, as most of the townsfolk would be offended at his looks and scent, but he didn't care, as he was out here to get rich! [9+1] Within a few minutes of searching around in the desert, he finds a gold nugget, just sitting there! What luck! He could take it right now. I mean, after all, how could there be any bad consequences to picking up something immensely valuable that just happens to be on the ground?
The Shadow. (kj1225)
Gender: Unknown
Age: Estimated to be about twenty. Could also be a large teenager.
Perk(s): Elusive Enigma
Brief Bio: It's a bounty hunter who has been said to never miss their man.
Inventory: Trench coat, hat, bandana, six shooter pistol with a box of ammo, small teddy bear. Wolf Knife.
Money: $25.00
Status: Normal.
Greg Whiskey (Salsacookies)
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Perk(s):Drunken Warrior - Alcohol fuels the fire in your blood, +2 to Close-Quarters Combat when Drunk.
Unarmed Specialist - Practice for years has honed your skills with a particular weapon, +1 to Unarmed
Detriment: Drunkard - You can't put down the bottle, if you don't consume Alcohol at least every 5 Turns, you will receive penalties to all rolls.
Inventory:
Money:$0.00
Status: Nose Broken
Addiction: Withdrawal [Nausea, Headache]
'Blood Opal' (Weirdsound)
Gender: Female
Age: 29
Perks: Shotgun Specialist, Femme Fatale
Detriment: Elephant Step
Brief Bio: A brash, brazen, ballsy, and bloodthirsty Quian robber and murderess who escaped justice in her homeland. She has come to new Jamestown in search of trouble.
Inventory: Shotgun, Ammo, Travel Outfit, Ornate Mask, Traditional Quian Formal Robes, Three sticks of dynamite
Money: $41.50
Status: Mildly Drunk
Drew Whiteford (Alev)
Gender:Male
Age:32
Perks:Healing Touch
Detriments:N/A
Bio:Drew came out West to seek his fortune as a trained doctor, few and far between in these lands. He is hoping to get a cart or something so he can set up a stand.
Inventory: A satchel full of various medical supplies, like bandages, medicine, etc.; a flip-knife; a somewhat formal trenchcoat; button up shirt; slacks; leather boots. Length of Bandage Tape; 10 Dried Apples. Guyomba Root.
Money: $0.00
Status: Normal
'Michael Shawns' (Beirus)
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Perk(s): Handgun Specialist, Casanova
Detriment: Elephant Step
Brief Bio: 'Michael' came here to make his living as a gunslinger. Whether you needed someone to protect your cattle on a long drive or you needed someone shot with no questions asked, he was the man to see. He often challenges his targets to duels first, so that the Law won't get involved as often. Rumor has it he may or may not have also been fleeing a girlfriend who caught him cheating. He has no comment on the subject. Some also say that 'Michael Shawns' is a fake name he took when he moved here. Those people end up buried in the desert with a bullet in their head.
Inventory:
Money: $11.50
Status: Normal
Name: Sister Marjorie Swift (Harry Baldman)
Gender: Female
Age: 32
Perks: Femme Fatale, Hontato Speaker
Detriment: Running Turtle (left leg missing beneath the knee, has a wooden leg in its place)
Brief Bio: Sister Marjorie Swift is a traveling nun of sorts, fresh off from two years of missionary work among the Hontato tribes in this general area, in fact, though maybe not the ones around New Jamestown, exactly. She's grown to really like the desert, and hopes to establish a monastery around here.
Inventory: Horse
Money: $27.00
Status: Normal
Keld Cenek (Beneviento)
Gender:Male
Age:23
Perks: Rifle Specialist, Rabbit's Feet,
Detriment:Weakling
Bio: Keld was a light infantryman in the army of Seugden, a nation across the sea. However, a duel with another another man over some insult left the other man dead and Keld running for his life, as the other man's friends declaimed him as a murderer. Thankfully, he's always been able to run rather fast. He's come to New Jamestown looking for work, and to find men for a group of vigilantes he seeks to build.
Equipment: tattered Seugden uniform and greatcoat, rifle and ammo, Knife, Rope.
Money: $39.00
Status: Normal
Jonah Clay (Yoink)
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Brief Bio: Until recently a skilled knife-thrower at a traveling carnival, Jonah lost his job of several years when a tragic "slip of the hand" killed his female assistant, Valerie, mid-show.
Now, consider the fact that he and Valerie were lovers, and had been quarreling loudly before the show, and you'll understand why few, if any of his fellow carnies believed it was an accident.
Jonah decided it was time to seek greener pastures and fled, taking only what cash he could scrape together, his beloved knives, a bottle of grain whiskey and some travel biscuits.
He hitched a ride on a wagon that night and has been drifting ever since, racking up an array of minor charges ranging from vagrancy and disturbing the peace to petty theft and indecent exposure.
Description: Around average height, with scruffy, lank blond hair, ruddy, sunburnt complexion and a scowl like a cat's arsehole. Wears battered Levis, simple shoes and the threadbare, stained remnants of what was once a finely-made shirt of pink cotton.
Perks: Knife specialist, Steel skin
Detriments: Ugly
Inventory: Brace of bowie knives in a bandolier under his shirt, traveling clothes, faded photograph of his dead girlfriend and his "lucky" knife on his hip- the one that killed her.
Money: $14.25
Status: Fine
John Ashwood (Hawk132)
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Perk(s): Rifle Specialist, Eagle Eyes
Detriment: Marked by Hontato
Brief Bio: Was a sharpshooter in the Army. Killed a lot of natives during that time. Discharged from the Army for reasons. Became a bounty hunter.
Inventory: Hunting Rifle, Revolver, Knife, Clothes.
Money: $17.50
Status: Liquid Courage [+1 to Strength, Toughness and Charisma]
Jossé Rojillovarón (akkudakku)
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Perk(s): Dealmaker, Queen of Diamonds
Detriment: Glass Man
Brief Bio: Jossé Rojillovarón - a dashing rogue and opium salesman. He has his own secret blend - the Chilli P.
Inventory: Poppy seeds (to start a small plantation, hopefully in a secluded area), Cudraldian clothes (sombrero and all that), hidden knife (easy to take out from a sleeve or something like that), carriage lab, Revolver, Repeater
Money: $12.50
Status: Normal
Jim Henson [Long Arm] (Playergamer)
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Perk: Handgun Specialist, Saving Grace
Detriment: Marked by Hontato
Brief Bio: Jim is the son of a sheriff, and when he was just 16, he became a sheriff's deputy. A year later, his father was shot in a firefight, and Jim moved on from his old town, taking his father's hat with him, arriving in New Jamestown. He talked to the nearby sheriff, and managed to get himself a position as deputy. In his two years as deputy, he has gained the trust of the locals, at least the lawful ones, and is likely next in line for sheriff.
Items: Clothes, Sheriff's hat, Six-shooter, Deputy badge.
Money: $7.75
Status: Normal
Carter Duffield (Kadzar)
Gender: Male
Age: 25
Perk(s): Dealmaker, Queen of Diamonds
Detriment: Weakling
Brief Bio: Carter loves money, and he's heard there's a lot of it to be made in the West. He's come to New Jamestown and, through money, deals, and other means, he hopes to eventually own the whole town.
Inventory: Bowler Cap, Fancy Vest, Tie, Shirt, Pants, Pair of Double-Barreled Derringer Pistols in vest pockets, Record Book & Pencil, Poker Chips
Money: $188.75
Joe Baxter (Execute/Dumbo.exe)
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Perk(s): Saving Grace, Queen of diamonds
Detriment: Strong scent
Brief Bio: growing up as a child in a family of unremarkable farmers and cattle ranchers gave Joe a unique unquenchable thirst to be important, in some way, in any way would be fine to him because to him, anything would be better than obscurity and everybody who knew him would say it from the fire in his eyes when he really got going, and the gods seemed to like him too as every time he was cornered, every time he got blindsided by someone or something, he would always get out of it with another scratch to his collection, he really felt himself lucky and dangerous.
Of course, being around so many grass eaters do give some creatures funny ideas...
Items: Lasso, Worn Six shooter with a round of ammo, and wide brim Hat.
Money: $15.00
Status: Normal
Jimmy "Animalcrushrailroad" Johnson (Shadestyle)
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Perks: Ox build, steel skin
Detriment: Strong scent, (big appetite too between you an' me)
Brief Bio: Awesome from birth, Jimmy "Animalcrushrailroad" has been as tough as it gets, working on the railroads all his life, he comes to the frontier town in search of uses for his incredible strength, his softspoken nature easily shattered by bad people and animals, which don't like him either.
Inventory: Large steel sledgehammer, Mustache, Pocket pistol.
Money: $0.00
Status: Normal
Name: Alrah Vanness
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Perks: Eagle Eyed; Demolition Expert
Detriment: Strong Scent
Brief Bio: In his young years, Alrah experienced many discomforts due to his destitute family. Now, he is fueled by the need to find gold, the thing that will make him rich.
Inventory: Tattered clothes, a shovel, and one last stick of dynamite, but no matches to light it.
Money: $0.00
Status: Normal
Author
Topic: \Legends/ - Simple Freeform Wild West RPG - Back to the Action (Read 53040 times)