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12:54, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

III - Night Belongs to the Dead.

Posted by MarshalFor group 0
Marshal
GM, 364 posts
W6 R3 B0
Mon 3 Dec 2018
at 04:16
  • msg #1

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Shortly before dark, Renata’s daughter, Patricia Montaño, traveled to the Thornton-Curry Saloon with the makings of chili verde, including fresh New Mexican peppers that she and her brothers had gathered earlier that afternoon. Soon, the barroom was filled with the inviting scent of cooking food. Thornton, keeping her station at the bar, readily served all who sought shelter there for the evening.

Ranger Bryan Lee, Jacinta Castillo, Albert Cooper, Reverend Earnest Allgood, and Tamsin River had all found their way to the Thornton-Curry and gathered at a larger table on the right side of the room. The mustanger, Aileen Kearney, was also in attendance at the saloon, along with Deputy Lena Bauer and the schoolmistress, Valentina Perez. Ava Winter had taken her leave of the gathering, venturing down to the Montaño Store to pass the night with Renata Montaño and her family.

An older man sat a table near the entrance to the saloon, playing soft tunes on a fiddle. Outside, the street had cleared, the windows of most of the businesses dark. Aside from the Thornton-Curry, only Wilson’s Saloon, the Patron House, and the lower floor of the courthouse, showed any signs of occupation. Most residents had made their way to the safety of their homes.

Cloud cover overhead kept the town in deep darkness. If Kansas Kate, the elusive outlaw, had any intent of joining the gathering, she had not yet appeared.
Albert Cooper
player, 185 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Mon 3 Dec 2018
at 17:46
  • msg #2

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Albert removed his hat when he entered the Thornton-Curry saloon, exposing his brown hair that had been flattened and patterned by his habitual hat-wearing. It sat on the table in front of him as he looked around at the gathering of folk that had probably been poking around the town for various reasons and with varying results during the day.

"So, how y'all been? Day's been fairly interstin' fer me so far. What with Jim McDaniels come callin' ta my uncle's ranch this mornin' lookin' fer who mighta returned them kids. Some ruffian apparently killin' Tom in this here establishment, then givin' me the slip. An then findin' tracks from a monster made o' bones out yonder. Course I'm purty sure some green chili oughta take care o' any worry I've developed since I woke, so there that at least."
Bryan Lee
player, 191 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Tue 4 Dec 2018
at 05:45
  • msg #3

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"Well, Coop, I was gonna say that I'd had an interesting day, but it didn't involve trackin' critters. I have apparently attracted some attention while in town; word is out that there's a Ranger around. I was paid separate visits by first Sheriff Brady and later James Dolan and Jim McDaniels. The former was honest and sincere. The latter pair were anything but, though they tried to put on appearances," he said.

"I did hear about poor Tom. I helped carry his body over to Ike Ellis's place, then came here to find out what happened. It's a shame for a man to die young, that's what I say. I thought I saw you givin' chase to the shooter. How close did you get?"
Tamsin River
player, 105 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W3 R2 B0 L0
Wed 5 Dec 2018
at 16:01
  • msg #4

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Tamsin sits quietly, fingers idly brushing through her hair, getting rid of any leaves or twigs before braiding it again. ”My day went about as well as I expected, up until the unfortunate passin’ of Tom,” she says. ”I didn’ realize you were so involved in it, Mr. Cooper.”
Albert Cooper
player, 186 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Sat 8 Dec 2018
at 18:59
  • msg #5

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Albert waited a bit for the others to jump in, but it seemed they were a bit tongue-tied at the moment. He was glad to hear that everyone was okay. "It weren't that I was exactly involved, Flower Power. When whoever allegedly did the deed came runnin' out the door I grabbed Brandy and gave chase. Brandy's my horse." In case that weren't obvious.

"The ruffian that went running had a purty big lead on me and made it ta the trees. Lost us in the woods."

He then looked over at Bryan. "Did Dolan and McDaniels visit ya together, General?"
Bryan Lee
player, 193 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Wed 12 Dec 2018
at 21:47
  • msg #6

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"You were on horseback, and your runner lost you on foot?" he asked, sounding quite nearly surprised - and certainly a bit dubious, even if he didn't give voice to that. He gave a brief pause before continuing.

"I suppose I'd say that's impressive for a runner...as cagey as I've seen. As for Dolan and McDaniels, yes, they seemed to come as a package deal. I admit, I thought McDaniels was his lapdog, but Dolan treated the man with a measure of respect that I didn't quite expect. McDaniels must be higher placed in the syndicate than I would've presumed."


OOC:

Just a check to see if Bryan thinks that Albert is being straight with him on losing the runner, or some such. It's the same die type for Notice, so apply it how best makes sense against whatever secretly rolled aptitude that Coop's using.

15:42, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Smarts.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Thu 13 Dec 2018.
Marshal
GM, 367 posts
W6 R3 B0
Thu 13 Dec 2018
at 03:09
  • msg #7

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Desiree Thornton steps over to the table, providing refills for any that require them, before quietly returning to the bar, where she resumes a conversation with Lena Bauer and Aileen Kearney.

Outside, only a sliver of purple light remains on the horizon. Lincoln’s Main Street has fallen eerily silent.
Albert Cooper
player, 190 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Thu 13 Dec 2018
at 06:24
  • msg #8

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"Sure thing. Like I said, I had ta go fetch Brandy - weren't jus' sittin' atop her waitin' fer murderers ta come runnin' outta someplace. Ain't exactly common occurrence 'round these parts." He made a swirly motion to help with the visual of 'these parts'.

"And then they made the trees. Great equalizer between those on foot and those that ain't."

Albert rubbed his chin as he considered the information about McDaniels. "If McDaniels is placed within an organization to which Dolan is subservient...hm. That changes the math there, don't it?"
Bryan Lee
player, 195 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Thu 13 Dec 2018
at 20:44
  • msg #9

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"That's fair. It's true that sometimes a horse isn't as much of an advantage as you think it'll be, and that's certainly true when it comes to forested areas. And there's luck. Some folks got all of it. Did you happen to get a better look at the runner, at least?" he asked.

"Well, I don't know that Dolan is subservient, per se. I just meant to say that McDaniels may be an enforcer, but he's a highly placed one. Not a lap dog."
Albert Cooper
player, 191 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Sat 15 Dec 2018
at 20:05
  • msg #10

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Albert nodded. "Of their back, sure. I could prolly place whoever it were if they was facin' away from me."

OOC: Technically not a lie. He knew who it was when they first burst out onto the scene. But he didn't get a better look while chasing them.

"McDaniels is trouble. That feller seems like the cold-blooded murderin' type. Also tried ta bribe Deputy Bauer - she says she declined. I believer her."

Albert shrugged. "So in addition ta all that, seems the old Reverend mighta gone missin' after takin' a ride out toward Angus. Thinks somethin' suspicious mighta been happenin' out there. I told the Deputy I'd try ta gather a few folk ta go take a look on behalf o' the law."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Mon 17 Dec 2018.
Kansas Kate
player, 218 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W4 R0 B0 L#
Sun 16 Dec 2018
at 23:44
  • msg #11

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

As if to accentuate his claims, the sound of a match striking could be heard behind Cooper, its warm glow lighting up the criss crossed knife scars on the smoker's cheek and casting a ruddy glow on the long dark hair which framed her face.

Kansas Kate entered, though missing the outer layer of her apparel.  Her steps made the floors creak, she did not attempt stealth.  The lack of the duster showed off the fine tooling of her gunbelt, with the Celtic knot detailing on the holster.  Taking a long drag off the cigarillo, she unceremoniously exhaled the smoke not bothering with a sightly ring, cloud or other formation.

She hadn't heard it all, but she'd heard that last bit.

"If'n yer a gatherin' fer th' law, ya might want to head to th' courthouse.  But ah'd go now, an' one at a time."
Albert Cooper
player, 192 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Mon 17 Dec 2018
at 17:49
  • msg #12

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Albert turned a little and gave Kate a half-smile before returning his face toward the others. "Not sure it's exactly gatherin' fer the law. More like...investigatin' the weird what the law don't necessarily have time, manpower, or inclination ta investigate. Was thinkin' more like this here group might have interest."

Albert let his gaze drift over the other before he thought to add a simple courtesy. "And how ya doin this evenin', double-K? We was all just tradin' a few thoughts on happenins."
Bryan Lee
player, 196 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Mon 17 Dec 2018
at 22:21
  • msg #13

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"Kansas Kate, I'd say you've missed an eventful day, but I wouldn't be surprised if yours was as eventful as anything I could tell you about. Feel free to join us," he said, gesturing to an empty chair at their table.

"Coop, any idea why the Reverend was headin' out to Angus, or any specific rumors as to why he mighta disappeared?" he asked.
Kansas Kate
player, 219 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W4 R0 B0 L#
Tue 18 Dec 2018
at 03:10
  • msg #14

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"Ah ain't pissin' on yer leg cowboy, somethin's going down over there an' unlike me, yer the types who care.  Look folks I don't have a lot of time, the old okey doke has a short lifetime as it is.  McDaniels and his gang are doing something in the courthouse tonight, I'm supposed to take up a spot by the Torreon and ice anyone what comes 'a runnin' out of there.  Also..."

She approached Lee and reached into a rather... delicate place in her shirt, pulling out a wad of scrip which she offered up.

"That there is the dinero they paid me to kill that feller.  I reckon that's evidence, ah seen a man hang fer less evidence than that just cuz he porked th' sheriff's wife."

Naturally she didn't tell the Ranger about the half she took in gold and ghost rock dust.  Kansas Kate was cooperative, not stupid.

"There's more, but you'd think I were plumb loca."  She cradled a strange new accessory she was wearing, something that looked like a bird skull necklance.
Albert Cooper
player, 193 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Tue 18 Dec 2018
at 03:26
  • msg #15

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Albert nodded at Bryan. "Yup, I got an idea. Can't say it here, though."

The ranch hand looked over at Kate as she provided a bit more information, quirking an eyebrow at her final proclamation. "I doubt that, madam. As ya well know. But seems like we got a few things a bit more pressin' that chattin' 'bout even more weirdness round these parts."

Albert slid his weapon slightly out of its holster and checked to be sure he was full up on bullets in his pistol. Apparently satisfied, he slid it back into its place. He looked at Jacinta then back to Kate. "You lovely ladies use them special bullets I gave ya? If we gotta few minutes, I can replace 'em."
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 120 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W4 R1 B1 L#
Tue 18 Dec 2018
at 15:44
  • msg #16

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"I thought we were all gathered here because the streets were unsafe due to the imminent passage of the Ghost Train?"
Lena Bauer
NPC, 31 posts
Wed 19 Dec 2018
at 01:23
  • msg #17

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Deputy Bauer’s attention is drawn from her conversation at the bar by Allgood’s comment. Venturing over to the table, glass in hand, she asks, ”Sorry to interrupt, but...um...have any of you actually been here in town when the wagon train comes through?”
Tamsin River
player, 106 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W3 R2 B0 L0
Wed 19 Dec 2018
at 09:55
  • msg #18

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"I haven't," Tamsin says. A part of her is grateful for the change in topic- she's not the best liar, and there's only so much talking around a subject she can do, and if they asked about Tom...
Bryan Lee
player, 197 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Wed 19 Dec 2018
at 16:45
  • msg #19

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"Most of us here at this table came in on the stagecoach yesterday, Deputy Bauer, and are a bit new to town," he said, standing up to extend his hand to her in greeting, giving her a smile. "Bryan Lee of the Texas Rangers. Sheriff Brady spoke quite highly of you. I can speak only for myself, but I'd be rather interested in anything you might could tell us about this so called Ghost Train."
Albert Cooper
player, 194 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Wed 19 Dec 2018
at 19:49
  • msg #20

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Albert looked up at the Deputy as she approached, and raised an eyebrow at the question. "Like in town in town? Or just, y'know around town?" He shrugged. "Mostly I spend evenin's and night at the ranch. Bein' a ranch hand, and all."
Lena Bauer
NPC, 32 posts
Fri 21 Dec 2018
at 04:05
  • msg #21

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Bauer shakes Lee’s hand. ”Heard a little about you too, Ranger. Sheriff’s pretty relieved to have you here. Feels like you’re the kind of man who’ll ask the right questions.”

She glances toward the batwing doors and the dark night beyond them. “I’m not gonna tell you that the wagon train’s some kinda hoax. I’m convinced it’s real enough. And I understand why people want to avoid it. The dead ain’t meant to be keepin’ company with the living.”

“But...in all the time I’ve been here, I’ve never heard tell of anyone who got hurt by wanderin’ outside when it rolled through. Scared, sure. Plenty scared. But never harmed.”


She shrugs. ”Just always makes me think it’s a good night to do whatever you want kept secret from your neighbors.”
Albert Cooper
player, 195 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Sun 23 Dec 2018
at 22:07
  • msg #22

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

Albert tipped his head slightly to the side. "Have y'all deputies ever watched the town ta see who might be wanderin' 'bout durin' Wagon Train time?"
Lena Bauer
NPC, 33 posts
Wed 26 Dec 2018
at 23:02
  • msg #23

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

”Those of us willin’ to volunteer to venture out,” Bauer answers, ”That amounted to three of us, along with the sheriff.”

She nods in the direction of the street. ”We noticed a lot of activity at the Murphy Store, but I’m afraid Deputy Bell got himself seen. Those that were gathered there were able to lose us when they headed north out of town.”
Bryan Lee
player, 198 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Thu 27 Dec 2018
at 16:52
  • msg #24

III - Night Belongs to the Dead

"I heard a rumor that there's something that might be goin' down at the courthouse tonight. Would you be interested in accompanying me there to see what's afoot, Deputy?" he asked.
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