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Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Posted by The StrayFor group 0
The Stray
GM, 1452 posts
The Marshal
'round these parts
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 06:44
  • msg #1

Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

quote:
“Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to light.”

― John Milton, Paradise Lost


September 17th, 1880. Afternoon. The outskirts of Deadwood, Sioux Nations

some mood music

The mixed band of Cheyenne, Sioux, Art Wiley, and Moses make their way along the trail to Deadwood, following old paths used by the Lakota and Dakota in years past. The plains roll by, and the Black Hills grow closer and closer, rising out of the earth like giants. It's easy to see why this land is sacred.

Little Crow hunches down on his horse, glowering at everything. Walks The Night Alone rides near him, keeping a wary eye on the Ravenite. Kills Iron Horse keeps to the middle, eyes alert for danger. Moses and Art ride where they will. It is a strange flock, to be sure.

The path winds through the hills, following Whitewood creek. There's something just a little off. The cool breeze is just a shade too cool to be comfortable, and when it dies down, the sun is just a shade too hot. The birds are strangely discordant, just slightly off-key. The shadows seem to grow longer than they should, even in the afternoon. It should be a nice day, but...it feels more like the calm before a storm.

[Language unknown: "Tihi ome p artom."] Little Crow mutters. [Language unknown: "No noerleri omeichwer e."]

The closer the band comes to Deadwood, the more signs of the white man's passage is visible. Wagon ruts dig into the road. The hoofprints of shod horses and boot prints mark passage. Here and there, a broken tool or a spent shell casing lies discarded on the side of the road. Cookfires from miners in the hills rise up into the air...and, in the distance, one can hear the unmistakable wail of burning Ghost Rock from claims that were not properly ventilated and ignited.

Poles begin to line the road, each holding a rope. The purpose of these poles becomes gruesomely clear as the group passes the first miner body hanging from the poles, neck crooked, grey flesh buzzing with flies. A sign, written in crude English, says "You are warned." Sadly, it is far from the only body strung up on the poles.

The first visible whites, however, are a troop of soldiers in blue, digging trenches and hauling felled logs. It looks like they're building some sort of earthworks. One of the men spots the approaching flock, and signals for his fellows.

A squad of six soldiers with rifles at the ready step into the path, blocking the way forward. A man with Sargent's stripes shouts "HALT!"
Moses
player, 431 posts
A prophet or a lunatic?
P6 T8 W0F0 Cha-2 W0R2B5L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 08:11
  • msg #2

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Moses starts to smile, a broad, jovial smile.

Then he looks up into the sky and nods. Both arms raised to the heavens - which would look more graceful if the huge black man wasn't mounted - he looks at the sergeant and with his deep, rumbling voice answers:

"You may let go of the fear in your hearts soldiers and rejoice! The Lord has sent Moses, his most humble servant, to Deadwood to destroy that which stands against the Almighty!
Union Troops
NPC, 39 posts
Bluebellies
P5 (6) T5 Cha 0 Extra
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 16:36
  • msg #3

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

The soldiers don't quite seem to know what to make of Moses. The Sargent gives him a quizzical look, then looks over at Art. "Is all of you crazy, or just him?"
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 269 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 17:40
  • msg #4

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Art was not amused by the soldier's apparent lack of respect for Moses' proclamation. He may not share the man's religious views, but he had some respect for the fact that he had views. Art shook his head beneath his hood. In his unmistakable Irish brogue, Art replied. "I do no think he be crazy, he just be wanting to spread the word of the Lord, and act on His behalf." Art paused but kept his gaze firmly on the man who had spoken to him. "Do you be a believer in the Lord God, my good man?"
Union Troops
NPC, 40 posts
Bluebellies
P5 (6) T5 Cha 0 Extra
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 17:47
  • msg #5

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

"Oh, sweet Jesus." The Sargent sighs, rubbing his forhead with his free hand. "Three redskins, a religious nigger, and a preachin' Mick. Just what we need today." He points at the three warriors. "They your converts, preacher?"
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 270 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 18:03
  • msg #6

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Art smirked at the response. "Oh, one of them do still to be needing conversion, good sir. The Lord apparently be needing him to see something in Deadwood, as that do be the path He be showing us."
Union Troops
NPC, 41 posts
Bluebellies
P5 (6) T5 Cha 0 Extra
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 18:31
  • msg #7

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

"Uh-huh. And what would that be?" The Sargent asks.

One of the privates squeaks, "Maybe they're Mennonites, like them folk that came through the other day? They had an Injun with 'em, too."

"I don't remember askin' you a goddamn thing, pirvate!" The Sargent turn and shouts back at the man. "In fact, I distinctly recall you is on latrine duty!"

"Since when?" The private shoots back, indigent.

"Since right the Hell now, that's when!" The Sargent shouts, his face growing more and more red. "And if you don't like it, well, then I'm gonna hog tie you to one o' these here poles and whip ya 'till you squeal like a pig! I will flog you until you fucking die! I'll flog you until your asshole is sucking buttermilk! You had best unfuck yourself or I will unscrew your head and shit down your neck! Is that clear?"

"Sir yes sir!" The private squeaks, saluting hurriedly.

"Now get the fuck out of my sight!" The Sargent shouts, and the private just runs back to the barricades being erected. The Sargent turns back to Art. "Pardon that. Discipline problem. Now, what did you need in Deadwood?"
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 271 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 18:41
  • msg #8

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Art calmly watched the back and forth between the sergeant and his underling, and winced briefly at the yelling. Being able to hear well had its ups and its downs. Kira paced back and forth briefly as the man yelled, but then stopped to sniff the ground before returning her attention to the man speaking with Art.

Once the sergeant's attention was back on Art, he gestured toward Moses. "The Lord do make it known to Moses here, that the key to our one non-coverted fellow's salvation lies within Deadwood. That being the case, do there be any news from the town? Anything we should be knowing about before we pay our visit?"
Union Troops
NPC, 42 posts
Bluebellies
P5 (6) T5 Cha 0 Extra
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 18:59
  • msg #9

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

"Well, the first thing you should know is that the place is under General Custer's direct control, after a renegade attack left part of Deadwood on fire. Custer's vowed to bring those, and them injuns as killed those miners, to justice. I don't think your flock is going to get on well there. I'm going to have to hold you here until I get clearance for them."

[Language unknown: "T sanhouwit men evesanhou. N un ne thuentati icaoulithugh om, verlo n ent ere."] Kills Iron Horse mumbles. [Language unknown: "Chson ichek m din wh eraomeany nosaul, atst, ofine illo saha aveatesetthu? Stiom ous ni en eikor en tic aststiman?"]

The Sargent frowns. "What did your squaw say?"
Moses
player, 432 posts
A prophet or a lunatic?
P6 T8 W0F0 Cha-2 W0R2B5L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 19:24
  • msg #10

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

"She praised the Lord for Custer being here. In her own tongue, her true feelings are unhindered on their way to the Lord."
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 272 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 19:27
  • msg #11

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

"It be on fire? That do be unfortunate. There do be no killers of miners here, though." Art squinted at Kills Iron Horse as she asked her question and made her comment. He then returned his gaze to the man seemingly in charge with a shrug.

"I do no understand much. The Lord gives Moses the ability to understand all that people say. As for going to Deadwood - this has always been a free country. At least since the English were soundly beaten, turned tail, and ran back home." Art involuntarily smiled at that. There were few things he despised more than the English.
Moses
player, 433 posts
A prophet or a lunatic?
P6 T8 W0F0 Cha-2 W0R2B5L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 19:39
  • msg #12

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Moses looks at the NCO with his dark eyes, then briefly back up into the skies.
"Will you grant Moses the wisdom to answer this lost soul's questions, Lord?"
He smiles and nods.
"Thank you.."

Oh, for Pete's sake... two blue chips and one red... Not sure if the skill die being a one triggers an automatic crisis of faith... I'll take the original roll +10 for a total of 12, or success and raise, bringing my Persuasion skill to d10. Minus Charisma, of course.

20:27, Today: Moses rolled 10 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10. red chip on top.
20:26, Today: Moses rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. one more blue for re-roll.
20:26, Today: Moses rolled 1,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5. Blue chip, reroll.
20:26, Today: Moses rolled 2,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Faith for Boost Trait Persuasion.


Then the prophet turns his eyes back to the soldiers.
"You are with Custer then, standing against the darkness that gathers on this land. The Lord is pleased by your good intentions and your souls shall add tremendous weight to the scales of justice when the Day of Reckoning comes!
But today... is not that day. Moses has come to tell the people of Deadwood what they need to hear. A great storm is coming. Against this darkness, against this force, what matters the ill intents of some drunk miners against indians and negroes? The Lord shall protect us, and Moses shall protect his flock. We are not trouble makers, but bringers of peace and counsel. Look deep within yourself, sargent... will you not let us pass for the sake of the poor souls that wait to hear the word of the Almighty?"





Man, I'm bleeding chips here... again, I need to look up the rules about backlash. So it's either 14 or 7.

20:37, Today: Moses rolled -1,9,5 using d10-2,d6-2,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+5)11,5. blue chip, re-roll the whole thing..
20:37, Today: Moses rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. red chip on top.
20:36, Today: Moses rolled 6,6 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 8,(6+2)8. Persuasion, negative Charisma.

Union Troops
NPC, 43 posts
Bluebellies
P5 (6) T5 Cha 0 Extra
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 19:53
  • msg #13

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

"Huh. Injuns for Custer. Never thought I'd see the day." The Sargent says. Kills Iron Horse just gives him a glare that would peel paint.

"The fires are all out, but everyone's still on edge. You wait here a spell while I send word to the higher-ups." The Sargent says. "Because as the Sioux have made clear, this part o' the country ain't free. At least until Custer learns 'em otherwise."

He called up another one of the privates. "You go on and tell Lt. Haverford about these here pilgrims, and ask him what he wants to do with 'em."

"Sir yes sir!" The private says. He begins running back up the road.

"Until he gets back, why don't you folks rest your horses a spell?" The Sargent says to Art.

Then Moses calls on the Lord to boost his persuasive abilities.

The Sargent smiles at Moses. "Good to know the Lord is on our side. And I believe ya, but I have my orders. I'll let you pass as soon as the Lt. okays it. Shouldn't be more than half an hour, tops. Hell, maybe you can preach to the troops here. Boost their morale a bit. I got me some discipline problems that could use sorting out. A holy roller-type lettin' 'em know God's with them might smooth things out."

((OOC: A 1 on the spellcasting die is a Crisis of Faith, regardless of the Wild Die, so it's better to use the one without the 1. The 14 on the persuasion roll stands.))
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 273 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 21:14
  • msg #14

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

It didn't seem like taking a short break would cause much harm, so Art dismounted and let his horse rest a bit. "I think we can wait for your higher ups. Do there be a trough where me horse can be watered while we wait?"

Whether there was or not, Art retrieved his walking stick and crouched down to give Kira a good petting. He made sure to get behind her ears for some solid scratching, smirking as the dog's eyes closed halfway while she leaned into the scratch ever-so-slightly. After finishing with a good belly rub, Art returned to his full height and regarded the sergeant again. "It be good to hear the fires be out. Were any hurt by the arson? And is there anything else that be out of the ordinary for the town?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Fri 20 Feb 2015.
1st Sargent James Butler
NPC, 1 post
7th Cavalry Soldier
P6 T8 W0 F0 Cha -2
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 23:08
  • msg #15

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

There is, in fact, a hastily set up water trough here. It looks like this was the beginnings of a permanent checkpoint being set up. There are about a dozen soldiers, give or take, doing trench work, setting up breast works out of earth and timber. None of the soldiers are especially eager to go near the poles that line the road, grisly remains still twisting in the growing wind. Some of the bodies look distressingly fresh, only days old at most, and at least one is a soldier in Union blue.

[Language unknown: "Ill he ivndncpodi ortsheous n ntat un."] Little Crow growls at Moses. [Language unknown: "Ndleetun whek atarlawe ectionvor oulil repro ainnc ionevetra."]

[Language unknown: "Tr ear cacant ant ng ven hakor urere revir om echaes."] Walks The Night says, pointing to the dangling pole men. [Language unknown: "Wi t ou larnotsan i evmo."]

[Language unknown: "Liwa ecur teli ng i il ilnc memoes any ntierevir ers thprch set ratlatnde, etfor theectnde, str ine plinli acli."] Little Crow retorts. He waves at the soldiers. [Language unknown: "Nd tho Ess Venithoer! Sti stiintard ect ere Hiin Pawape der ic isec tonot essnc tinc! Voroneart hiinta oswe o eiil rutardson n usloit o peng anyin pre!"] He points at the dangling soldier on the pole.


The Sargent (who introduces himself as James Butler), is talking with Art during this exchange.

"There were about a dozen casualties, I think. The injuns burned down a saloon and shot at the folks tryin' to escape, then blew up a steam wagon filled with some sort of experimental fire-fightin' stuff some Mad Scientist was workin' on. That's what I heard, anyhow. Truth be told, I wouldn't know what's odd for Deadwood or not."

The Sargent frowns as he spots Little Crow pointing at the soldier on the pole. "Oh, now, what the hell is this?" he mutters, and unlimbers a whip on his side. He snaps it threateningly.

{Crack!}

"Hey! Injun! What's got you all bothered, eh? Admirin' your friends' handiwork?"
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 274 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 23:33
  • msg #16

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Art kept one ear on the conversation between the Cheyenne and Lakota, and another on the words of the soldier. "You hear the injuns be burning a saloon? That do be strange. I do no ever hear of such an attack by them on Deadwood."

Art looked over at the Union soldier that Little Crow is pointing at before again returning his gaze to the sergeant. "I think he be wondering why you do no take down the body of your countryman. You do all be from the Union, yes? If you be wanting to bury that body, I think Moses be able to say the proper prayers for a burial. I be knowing a few hymns meself."
1st Sargent James Butler
NPC, 2 posts
7th Cavalry Soldier
P6 T8 W0 F0 Cha -2
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 23:50
  • msg #17

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

"Yeah? He don't look like that's what he's sayin'!" The Sargent growls. "Hey! You want me to tan your red hide? You want me to cut it to shreds? You step away from there right the Hell now or I will give such a whippin' your momma will feel it!"

Little Crow whirls, balling his hands into fists. [Language unknown: "Ntur ofver wi niitul k, Icaorehislar? Ur lar yinprotra cende unwaec intri ch nerea evhila!"] He shouts back.
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 275 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Fri 20 Feb 2015
at 23:59
  • msg #18

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

Art raised an eyebrow at the Sergeant's outburst. He calmly responded to the sergeant trusting Moses to deal with Little Crow. "Peace, peace be with you, sir. You be finding which one of them do be still needing to be converted. Once he be discovering the truth, he will no be so feisty. But please give him the chance to come to this on his own. A soul that be discovering the truth on its own be so much more likely to follow the right path than one that be coerced."
The Stray
GM, 1458 posts
The Marshal
'round these parts
Sat 21 Feb 2015
at 00:07
  • msg #19

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

((OOC: Gonna need a Persuasion roll (-2) from you, please.))
Art C. Wiley
Finally Listening, 276 posts
Speckled brother
P6 T5 W0 F0 Cha0 W0R2B4L1
Sat 21 Feb 2015
at 00:25
  • msg #20

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

OOC: Persuasion of 12 after the -2 (i.e. rolled a 14)

16:24, Today: Art C. Wiley rolled 12,3 using d12-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (12+2)14,5. Persuasion.

The Stray
GM, 1460 posts
The Marshal
'round these parts
Sat 21 Feb 2015
at 00:35
  • msg #21

Re: Chapter 5.2: An Occurrence At Deadwood Gulch ((Moses, Art))

((OOC: Nice, now let's let Moses react to the situation.))
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