April 9th, 1879. The Mayor's Office.

Mayor Bruebaker brooded, his head haloed by cigar smoke. He tapped his fingers on his desk as foul thoughts chugged through his mind. Things were not going according to plan.

There was a discreet knock on his door. It opened, and his secretary poked her head in.

"I am sorry to disturb you, sir. Doctor Ward has arrived."

"Good. Send him in at once."

"Yes, sir."

A well-dressed southern gentleman entered, closed the door behind him, and took a seat.

"Ah. Dr. Ward. Good of you to come." The mayor snorted. "How is the day treating you?"

"I would prefer to skip the pleasantries, Glenn." the man replied. "There is something on your mind, and I believe we both know the reason for my visit today."

"Indeed. You've heard of last night's incident, I take it. And then the disturbance this morning involving the Automaton. I cannot help but assume they are related to certain matters of our interest."

"I have been informed in a general way. A raving madman took to the streets, and then collapsed and died of consumption in the Marshal's jail. And then a strange rogue automaton took it into its head to bury the corpse in the town square, supposedly to keep out demons."

"Have you heard any of the...other rumors?"

"I don't put stock in outlandish things, Glenn. Any wild rumors should be...discouraged."

"Oh, I agree completely. Such rumors are only going to get the attention of The Rangers. And the very last thing we need are Rangers poking their noses into our affairs."

The man in the suit sighed. "If you would be plain about you point, Glenn?"

"The automaton is a problem. A very serious one. I can disregard the rumors of the walking dead, but someone might put two and two together if the thing keeps spouting off nonsense about angels and demons."

The man's face flickered slightly. "Angels? Whatever did it say regarding angels?"

"Only that it believes it is one. The point is, it needs to be...encouraged to move on. Or perhaps dismantled as a threat to public safety. If I may make a suggestion, your workers might be helpful in this regard. They've done remarkable work in the past."

"No, Glenn." The doctor shakes his head. "You do not get to suggest how I conduct my affairs. We've discussed this before. If you are to benefit from this arrangement you must continue to refrain from meddling. Do not worry. I will inspect this matter personally, and deal with it accordingly. But the drive is only a few weeks away, and I have so very much to do before then. So if you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to, and I hope you will be satisfied with my assurances that I will be taking action on this."

"I suppose I will have to be. Very well. Will I see you tonight at the show?"

"Indeed. Give my greetings to your wife."

"I shall. Good day to you, Dr. Ward."

"Good day, Mayor."

The man stood, straitened his suit, and left. The Mayor returned to his cigar smoke and brooding thoughts.

[[OOC: It's been a few hours since you guys chased Nathaniel and his thugs out of the Grand Bull with their tails between their legs. What have you guys been doing/discussing since then?]]

semi-OOC: I assume I earned a few bucks filing a order of retraint so those holligans can be arrested next time they come here.  Other than that, I personaly wouldn't mind a bit of a hint as to what Evans would like us to look into first and I figured we were planning what to do along those lines.

OOC: Alrighty. Evans was most interested in figuring out where the trio of Union Soldiers came from and if there were any more out there. He wasn't very sure on where to begin, though. The corpse that went out ranting didn't have any identification on its uniform, but the other ones might (dog tags haven't been adopted by the militaries of either side yet, but soldiers frequently use pinned paper notes with their names and addresses on them inside their jackets). He suggested that the other two corpses might be places to start (as far as he's aware, they're both still out there).

He also suggested trying to find the local rumor mill, Gabriel Clarke, also known as Gabby, and asking him if he's heard or seen anything about Yankees (he's unaware that you've already met him once). Gabby can usually be found out panning for gold at the creek south of town, and tends to be responsive to strong drink or a few dollars.

[[weighin' in: someone'll likely have mentioned Gabe's apparent ignorance of any other bluecoats hereabouts - it's the sort of thing you mention when you hear one's being buried post-possession...might be better to start investigations with those who frequently go in and out of town, passing the outskirts, or who would know of folk coming in as soon as they did: stablehands, the mailman, washerwomen, any cattlehands that aren't Dust Adders etc. It'd be smart to investigate in pairs in case of zombie attack - someone should definitely go with CB if he's set to investigate any areas where people'll see his skin colour before his jacket.]]

The clank will look for the priest it said it would protect, semi-aware of the Marshall handing out tasks whilst it searches the saloon, still plastered with mud. Upon the idea of "bath" being explained to it in response to a remark, it first imitates Roland's cross-armed annoyance, then removes itself from the percieved threat area into the street, still exclaiming "no bath! no bath!"

Being as yet hopelessly bad at priorities, the automaton will attempt to hail passers-by (explaining, of course, that it's an angel) until it can ask the way to the nearest (hopefully priest-containing) church, but is liable to trundle off down alleyways, drift into any public places and/or open shop doorways, or get distracted by previously unencountered mortal behaviour. It will attempt to inform anyone it hasn't seen before that there is a zombie warning out and "in case of emergency, contact angel, priest, or marshall, do not attempt to engage demon in combat or conversation".

Any loose papers encountered along the way, including badly-posted bills and wanted posters are liable to be eaten. If anyone objects to this, it will freely offer to redraw anything it's stuffed into its chest with little chopping noises and produce a perfect replica.

Providing it hasn't been lynched, stolen, drawn into a game of hopscotch, obliviously co-opted into forging $10 notes etc. etc. and eventually gets there, it will thoroughly explore the church.

The angel automaton gets a great many strange looks as it wanders the town, but no one tries to hinder it. It eventually gets serviceable directions to the church, a small affair that consists mostly of a white-washed box of a building with a bell chapel.

Inside, the place is a mess. Most of the pews have been shoved haphazardly against the wall to clear a space, and though it shows signs of being used (possibly as a public meeting place) the building hasn't been cleaned recently, so trash and dust lurk around the edges. One of the windows has been boarded up. About the only thing not showing neglect is the pulpit, which is because Father O'Rourke is kneeling next to it, scrubbing furiously, a tub of soapy water near his knees.

He looks up at Alouette as it enters, and sighs. "Well. I seem to have my work cut out for me, don't I?" he says, gesturing to the neglected building.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:23, Sat 03 July 2010.

Alouette isn't quite sure what this means, but an affirmative seems wanted.
"Yes."

It walks out into the middle of the floor, shaking itself off like a dog to get rid of some of the drying mud, and brings the priest up to speed on corpses buried and what everyone's doing (if no-one's followed it to speak for themselves, 'course) as it pokes around. The empty area seems to interest it a lot: it goes on hands and toes around the edge and taps the point of its head on the floor to the right of the altar, seeming to listen a moment before straightening up and going to the wall over on the left, where it will start clearing debris double-handful by double-handful of its own accord.

[Private to GM: It needs to be taught sweeping...should I (have) cast Detect Arcana on the floor? (Yes, I've forgotten how) It seems to be reacting to something, but it may just be crazy. Also, what if any papers did it get on the way here?]

The Father sighs at the automaton's reply. "Thought as much."

He grimaces a little as Alouette tracks mud across the church floor. "You look like you could use some work done, too. Would you like me to give you a bath and a polish?"

He watches Alouette's movements, a little puzzled by the interest the automaton shows in certain areas of the largely empty building.

[Private to Alouette: If you want Alouette to search for mystical stuff, you'd roll your Mad Science die (d6) and your Wild Die (d6) and take the higher result, and spend 2 power points.

If searching for mundane stuff, roll your Notice die and the Wild Die and take the higher result. Since Alouette doesn't have Notice trained, you'd have to default, which means rolling a d4-2 (and a -2 penalty on the Wild Die).

Since it seems to assimilate knowledge by eating it, I want you to roll me an Investigation check (Roll your Investigation + Wild die, use the higher result). From that, I can deduce if it wound up eating any useful clues along the way, and from there give you a list of what it might have come across aside from, as you mentioned, "badly posted bills and wanted posters."]

OOC: Still waiting to hear what John Smith and Charging Bear are up to, but in the hours since the last thread, a runner found Robert Micklethwait with the replies to the telegraphs he sent.

Reply 1:

From Sheriff John Bewick Victoria Texas stop To Robert Micklethwait Blackthorn Texas stop confirm Judge Melvin Blume left Victoria stop Will investigate further stop

Reply 2:

From John Smith Houston Texas stop To Robert Micklethwait Blackthorn Texas stop received and understood stop will send experts to advise stop [Private to Robert Micklethwait: translation: I'm sending in some Agents to take over]

Charging Bear will tell Evan's that he'll see about talking with Gabby. He's not sure about trio of Yankees anymore than the rest of the folks around this town but he wants to know what happening.

If given the okay, Charging Bear will start with talking to Roland Frost about Gabby's where abouts.

The automaton sidles away like a dog that's heard the word 'vet', lacking fear or wariness as yet but aware that removing itself from the area worked last time.

"...no bath."

[Private to GM: 9 for Investigation, 1 for Noticing - heh - and 4 for Detecting Arcana...should I modify the sheet thingy? It went up again, I was on 18 from the night before, I swear...also, if it has eaten Wanted posters, let me know if any bandits wander past - it'll greet them like anyone else it recognises]

"Gabby? The drunk?" says Roland thoughtfully. "Hmm. Well, this time of day he is usually out near the creek south of town, panning for silver a ways from the old mine." He draws a quick map on a napkin and hands it to Charging Bear. "You might wish to be cautious approaching him, as he's a bit paranoid these days. The poor man was the one who discovered the mine, but the Wendell people forged a claim and registered it before he could. Gabby is still quite bitter about that, and is looking to make his next big break in secret. He's friendly enough while he's in town, though. He tends to come here in the evenings, usually with enough silver dust to cover a meal, though I've let him scrape by on credit a few times."

"Very well. How about a simple wash, then? You have beautiful scroll work...it's a shame to have it all covered up by muck."

[Private to Alouette: You aren't going mad...I edited it back to 20, since you've had time to regain the points you spent last night. Go ahead and edit it back if you like, or you can wait until you've determined how long you're going to maintain the power (it's free for three rounds, then costs 1 point per round after that).

While detecting arcana, there's a faint trace, like a lingering footprint, of something supernatural about the area. It's a dark magic, but it's month's old, perhaps from the time of the old preacher's disappearance.

Nice investigation. Ok, so Alouette has digested: A few handbills for "The Vanderholt Troupe," a burlesque show starring "The lovely Marina Vanderholt!" and various other vaudeville acts; a poster asking for help finding "mi tine kitte Dandilon"; a signs from a bar reading "No dogs, niggers, or Irish served"; Some wanted posters featuring Nathanial Frost and Gus Shaw, as well as one for "the damn dirty cuckold who needs to die in a fire for touching my Daisy May" (with no other picture or description); various ads for shops around town.]

The automaton considers this. "No bath?"

Beginning to deduce a connection between amount of mud on its person and number of threats to make it bathe, it pads/clicks its way over, circling that bit of floor that fascinates it once more before settling and offering an arm.
"Something watched," it says ominously, then: "Where are kittens found?"

Knocking away most of the mud and scrubbing off dried smears with a brush works best - won't take much brush/polishing after that to bring the brass up to a warm golden shine, a lot of the surface patina coming off with the dirt.

[Private to GM: 100 posts! I don't think there's anything else within these walls that needs detecting arcanely, it was just going nuts over that bit of floor...what're Nate and Gus wanted for?]

The Father begins cleaning. "Aye, no bath. Come to think of if submerging a steam-powered creature isn't a bright idea. Though coal can be dried off and relit, I wouldn't imagine the experience would be a pleasant one."

He looks a bit confused at the kitten question. "Usually with it's mother, I expect, or in the arms of little girls. Why do you ask?" he pauses. "And what do you mean by 'something watched?'"

[Private to Alouette: Yes, they pile up quick, don't they?

According to the posters, Nathanial and Gus (and Gus's brother, Tex) are wanted for "Armed robbery, cattle rustling, and harassment of decent folk."]

Charging Bear looks over the map trying to make sure he won't get too lost trying to find the town drunk. "Thanks Roland." he says to the barkeep with a nod, as he goes to see Evan's before heading out.

The marshal is finishing his lunch as Charging Bear comes up. "Ah! my fine native friend! How have your inquiries been going?"

Charging Bear nods to Evans, "Haven't started yet Marshal... just bout to go see about talking to that Gabby fellow you mentioned. Roland said he was usually out near the creek south of town around this time of day. Figured I'd start there and see if I could find 'em."

Evans nods, and pulls a flask. "Here. Give him this as a peace offering. I understand he might be a little touchy while working." Evans doesn't seem to note the irony of him handing liquor over to an Indian...

Robert looks up from his telegram, folding them and tucking them away.  "Mr. ... Bear, do you mind of I tag along.  If this Gabby person seems disinclined to talk, wahl, I kin be a mite persuasive."

Alouette clarifies its feelings on baths. "Do not want, Shepherd."

"In...arms...held? Embrace cats? Why embrace cats?" Of the reason, with great earnestness: "Dandelion is missing from home of Sal Robertson, 8 years old - lost priest goes to church, lost angel goes to people...but self does not know where lost kittens go. Where is mother of Dandelion?"
Of the Watcher In The Corner: "Wickedness happened." It points at the entirely unremarkable bit of floor it was recently obsessing over. "Something watched."

It cranes to look in the priest's bucket. "Is holy water?"

"I suppose not. Very well, I shall mention it no more." He says, lowering his brush. "I think that should be clean enough, at any rate. If I shine you any more you might blind people walking outside."

"Well...er...what do you know of the concept of pets?" He blinks a bit at the recitation of information. "That...is quite specific. You pick up the darndest bits of information, don't you?" he considers for a moment. "Well, if one is looking for a lost kitten, one might find it by searching under porches or in trees. Although it could have been eaten...there are a lot of coyotes out in the plains, and pets can make tempting prey if a coyote is willing to brave a human settlement. As for it's mother...you'd probably have to ask Sal Robertson, or Sal's mother."

He frowns as he listens. "That strikes me as quite odd. And a bit alarming. We've already seen the dead walk. I wonder what else this town is hiding."

He sighs, and looks at his bucket. "No, this is just well water I pumped. It's sanctified by nothing more than hard work and dirt."

With a smile, Charging Bear opens and jiggles the flask to check the contents before closing it and saying, "I'm sure he'll take kindly to it." The native son looks to Mr. Micklethwait as he suggests 'tagging along' and nods, "But of course... it is always best to travel in groups when going into the unknown." With that he heads towards the door.

((In the interests of speeding things along...))

Charging Bear and Robert Micklethwait travel through the town and down towards the creek. It takes about three-quarters of an hour to locate the prospector's camp along the creek. The first thing you notice is the mule, who looks...somewhat high strung.

There's an odd smell about, too, as if something is rotting nearby...

[[OOC: Make Notice rolls for me, please.]]

The automaton looks down at itself. "Shiny."

"Do not know, Shepherd..." It tilts its head. "Yes?" It clearly hasn't quite got the hang of determining rhetorical questions yet. "Also, what is burlehskew dancing?"

The thing ticks, taking in the information on where to find kittens. "Probability of witches, mortal consumption of ghost rock...and despair," it theorises. "Preaching required."
It looks about and rises to start getting the benches in order.

He nods, but makes no further comment on the shine.

O'Rourke sighs. "I thought as much. A pet is an animal kept by a person for companionship...I'm not sure if I can explain the relationship adequately." He blinks. "I think you mean 'burl-esk'. It's a fiddly word, true. As for what it is...it's a show where women tempt men to sinful thoughts through flashes of immodesty. And there are occasionally skits and plays of a ribald nature."

"I certainly agree with you. I just hope I'm up to the task." He says as he helps the construct move furniture about.

Charging Bear slips off his horse, patting the older animal as he ties her to a tree. His horse catches the scent first, which causes the beast to nay and try to move back. The native son's hand shifts to the tomahawk at his side as the smells is processed by his brain. "Robert... you smell that?"

OOC: 10:43, Today: Charging Bear rolled 5,3 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Notice.

Robert dismounts, muttering, "Ah know this is the west, but bathing is still a good idea."  Then the wind shifts, and he realizes that it's more than just unwashed westerner he smells, and he nods at CB's question.  Shifting his cane to his left hand, he draws his pistol.  "Smells like something died."

09:14, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 5,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Notice.

The campsite is a mess. Signs of struggle are everywhere - in the kicked up mud near the creek bed, in the spilled coffee can near the fire, in the hastily tossed-aside gold pan half-buried in the stream.

And then there's the blue-clad body with a pickaxe through it's skull. The stench of decay seems to be coming from it. Not far away, quivering in a bush, is the old prospector, terrified out of his skull, muttering to himself.

Charging Bear moves to the recently re-dead blue-clad. He notes the pickaxe through the suck with a nod, as if in approval. Turning his gaze to Gabby, Charging Bear retrieves the flask from his jacket pocket and moves slowly towards the prospector. "I think you might need this Gabby." he says extending the flask to the obviously disturbed man.

Robert holsters his gun, and says soothingly, "It's allright now, take a drink, you probably need one."

14:16, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 24,9 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+4)20,5. persuation.

"...a drink...yeah...a drink would be good..." He grabs the flask and downs the contents in one long pull. "...it were floatin' in the water, just as lazy as you please...I done fished it out, thought I might give it a proper burial, like that clank in town done...then it got up, eyes all ablaze...shouted things at me, stuff about plagues and death an' all sorts o' biblical things..."

He looks up at Charing Bear. "This was the same sort o' thing you was burying this mornin', ain't it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Thu 08 July 2010.

Charging Bear nods, "Looks like it... Union soldier back from the dead" he says spitting as he says Union. "We'd best see about getting this fellow either back to town or in the ground I suppose..." Walking back to his horse, he retrieves his bladed war club. Glancing at Gabby and Robert he inquires, "Head on ... or head off?"

Robert shrugges.  "I don't rightly know.  Head split in twain with pickax seems to work..."

09:53, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Kn:occult.

Gabby gulps, and then looks from Charging Bear to the corpse. "I hate to say it, but better safe th'n sorry. Give me just a second, though..." he rummages through a pack, then produces a heavily dog-eared bible. "I ain't no kind o' preacher, but I figger we should say a few words. He may have been a Yankee, but, well, war's over, and we're all just folk now."

He flips through his bible, and begins to read.

"The lord is mah Shepard, I shall not want..."

After reading through the passage, he looks at Charging Bear. "Well...Do what ya gotta."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:40, Mon 12 July 2010.

"Logic error, Shepherd...refine definition: "person"?"
Of burlesque and loose women: "Why?"

The clank is an efficient mover of benches, though it won't put anything too near the spot it took against.

"You certainly don't ask the easy questions." O'Rourke smiles. "I suppose I mean individual humans, though with such strange beings as yourself about the definition gets a bit vague. It's not really that easy to refine, as you put it."

O'Rourke coughs. "No, you don't ask easy questions at all. Well, the spirit of man is in two parts - the base animal urges of the physical body, and the divine nature of the immortal soul. The immortal soul wants to be pure, and thus become closer to god, but the needs of the clay that makes him tempt him towards wickedness. Through prayer, good works, and acknowledging the failings of our mortal selves, we can transcend them and rise to heaven, but the base urges of man occasionally win out over loftier pursuits. When this happens, Sin creeps into our lives. The Sins themselves are not evil, but when they grow to define a person's being, instead of being recognized and repented for, then evil is done. A burlesque show speaks to those lower urges, specifically the urge of lust. It also serves as entertainment, though I pray people find loftier things to be entertained by. Sometimes temptation can be good, as it reminds us that we are imperfect beings, but it is only good so long as those failings are recognized for what they are, and not mistaken for virtues. That's the role of the Shepherd...to bring the knowledge of the higher path to his flock through the teachings of Christ The Lord to the side of God."

Alouette ticks, head tilted, taking this all in. When it has moved all the benches and nearly pitched over Jesus (he'd fallen off the wall - it doesn't seem to notice as it straightens for balance) it makes its way right around the inside of the church again and looks out the door, then at the priest in case he has any further instructions for it.

O'Rourke picks up the fallen savior, and sets the statue back in its place. He gives a glance to Alouette as it heads for the door.

"Be cautious, Alouette. There's a danger in this town. You might want to stick close to one of the other new arrivals from last night, in case any of the hidden forces here try to take action to prevent us from discovering the truth behind what's going on."

The automaton just tilts its head at that, not really understanding the idioms, then takes a few steps outside. Static roars a moment as it crosses the threshold, as though something dampens the electrical field within the building and it's been building for a while.

It grips the doorway and looks back, static subsiding to a hiss. "None are in more danger than yourself, Shepherd. Yours is to speak the Name in Darkness...a crow comes, storm-winged. Beware the sin of the Ancient Mariner." It turns to look out and the static shuts off, ill-functioning mechanisims getting it under control. Ignoring all it just said, the clank chirps its usual cheerful
"Fear not! John John Smith has fighting sticks...self will not stray far: primary command: protect."

It potters off to explore the exterior of the church and surrounds, looking for trees and porches along the way.

John had been wandering the town after the goons departed. He kept to the main street mostly trying to get a better feel for the place. Preferring to be about something productive he looked for the Sheriff to see if it might be wise to return to the walking corpse he and August had encountered the previous day.

[Private to GM: Had meant to go with Charging Bear and I swore I posted as much but I think I either forgot to hit "Post" and thought I did or it got eaten.]

Alouette:

O'Rourke gives Alouette a lightly bemused look, then ponders on the mystery

The trees around the church are bare of any feline inhabitants, and the only inhabitant Alouette spots under the three porches nearby is a mangy dog that starts barking at it.

Further down the street, though, Alouette can hear a plaintive mewling, which seems to be coming from the roof of a building bearing a sign reading "Red Eye Saloon".

John Smith:

Marshal Evans is easily found, and, when John presents his idea, he nods.

"I think that's a splendid idea. In fact, I think I should accompany you. I want to get a look at this curious corpse with the biblical bent." He straps on a belt with that curious gyromounted sixgun he waved around last night. "Lead the way, good sir."

[Private to John Smith: Yeah, that sort of stuff happens. It sucks when posts get et.]

Barring a drastic change in the scenery John backtracks towards where he and August found the undead yank hoping the body was still there. He'd hate to have to fight the damned thing a second time.

When the pair reach the spot, there's good news and bad news.

The good news is that John's worst fear, of having to face the undead yankee a second time, prove unfounded. The bad news is that this is because the body isn't there.

"Well, that's certainly an inconvenience." Evans mutters as they poke around the area. "I sincerely hope it hasn't gotten up again. No, wait. Hello, what's this?" He kneels to inspect some ruts in the road. "I'm not an expert on tracks, but I believe these are recent, probably made just after last night's storm." He frowns. "That makes me unsettled. It suggests someone came by here and picked up our corpse. Someone who didn't come and inform me about a body on the road. But perhaps it's an innocent passerby? Is there a fresh grave around here, dug by some good Samaritan? Or is the body just gone?"

[Private to John Smith: Make a Notice check if you want to try and find some other clues, or Tracking if you want to try and learn more about the tracks.]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:38, Mon 12 July 2010.

Charging Bear wastes no time removing the deadman's head. He takes a moment to see if the soldier has an identification, perhaps something on the inside of his coat as he'd seen on other soldiers.

As it happens, there is a cloth tag sewn into the neckline of the man's jacket. Tiny stitches form a name...whoever this was, they had someone willing to take a lot of time and care on it.

The sewn inscription reads:


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:37, Mon 12 July 2010.

OOC: is the body wearing any unit insignia?

"There seems to be an awful lot of dead but ambulatory Yankee's around heah." Robert mutters to himself

[[OOC: He has a single chevron on his sleeve, indicating he was a private.]]

"Yeah, no kiddin'." Gabby takes another pull at the flask, hoping to collect any stray drops he missed the first time. "First the body the tin can were plantin', now this. Wonder where they're comin' from. I heard the Governor o' the state done invited some bluebellies to San Antone fer some big 'goodwill' meetin', to show everyone how we ain't fightin' no more or some such, but that were a month or so back. Might be with the Railroads...I hear Union Blue has actual Yankee troops protectin' their rollin' stock, and there's a Bayou Vermilion line run through San Antone they might strike at, but that's still miles and miles away from us here in Blackthorn. The Railroads ain't been interested in us since the mine closed down, I can damn well guarantee that."

OOC: I means something mike, "1st Missouri Infantry Division" or etc.

"So you haven't heard of any, alive Yankees in these here parts?"

Alouette spends a little while attempting to talk to the dog before it catches the sound of a feline in distress.
"!"
It cranes and backs off, trying to see over the edge of the roof. If no other way up to the source of the noise is apparent, it'll wander into the building and attempt to simply amble on through to the nearest stairs.

After wiping off his war club on a scrap of cloth, Charging Bear draws his knife and removes the patch of inscription with every intention of having it sent to the deadman's kin. A grim look washes over the native's face as he says, "Best get this to his kin... I know they'll want to know he fell in battle." he then slips the cloth into his jacket pocket for safe keeping. "Let's get the body on the back of my horse..." taking a moment to look around, Charging Bear hopes to locate a bad to put the poor soul's head in.

Robert:

[[OOC: not on the jacket. The hat, however, has a regimental badge, company letter, and a bugle indicating infantry service. According to this, the man was a member of C Company, 24th Missouri Infantry.]]

"That would be news, certainly. Heck, if there were any live bluebellies in there parts I'd have heard o' Doc Ward goin' off on on o' his rants. He served at Gettysburg, you know, and lost his family to Sherman's March, so he never has anythin' nice to say about those on the other side o' the Mason-Dixon Line. You should o' heard him goin' off on the Governor's 'goodwill gesture,' I tell you what."

Charging Bear:

Gabby provides a sack from the back of his mule for the head, and helps Charging Bear load the body on as best he can. "Is there anythin' more I can do to help you folks out?"

In reply to Alouette (msg #50):

Alouette travels around the Red Eye saloon, looking for a way up. There doesn't seem to be one. The automaton heads towards the saloon entrance, and passes through the swinging doors.

This saloon is a rough place, much less clean and less well-lit than the Grand Bull. There are bullet holes in the wood near the door, and one spiderwebbing the mirror behind the bar. A badly-tuned player piano sits in the corner, mindlessly playing "Camptown Races."

There aren't that many patrons at the bar, but the ones that are there don't seem to be friendly. Three of them peel away and stand in front of the clank, barring any progress it might make further inside.

"Well, well, well." One of them mutters. Alouette might recognize him as one of the thugs that was with Nathanial Frost this morning. "If it ain't Roland's tin can angel. What's a matter? Didja git lost?" He eases his hand down to the pistol in his holster.

"Howdy, cattlehands!" Alouette chirps at the nice men who want to talk to it, and corrects their confusion: "Angels belong to God, not Roland Frost, barkeep."

"Self is not mislaid angel - self is looking for the tiny kitten Dandelion, who is lost from the home of Sal Robertson, 8 years old. Also, protecting town from forces of Darkness and delaying apocalypse."

Then something occurs to it and it explains in case they were worried:
"Fear not! Have found priest."

The three thugs eye Alouette as it tries to correct them, lips curling.

"What was that about the priest?" the one on the left squawks, but the one in the leads stomps his heel hard on the squawker's boot.

"Shut up, Luke." he growls, then turns to Alouette and smiles. It's one of those smiles that's more about showing teeth than cheer, though the Automaton might not know the difference. "Well. Ain't that nice o' ya. Found a priest, lookin' fer a cat. Where might you have found this priest, I wonder?"

Tying the body down as best he can, Charging Bear looks back at Gabby and says simply, "Stay alive and keep that pickax handy. You mind coming to tell the Marshall what happened?" Yes or no, he takes the horse's rein then Charging Bear turns to Robert, "We'd best be going... Marshall will want to know about this."

"Yeah. Might as well...I ain't gonna get any more work done today anyhow." Gabby begins collecting his things together. "Wish I had more to show for it, though. Do ya think Evans'll pay a bounty for taking out such a dangerous thing?"

Robert shrugges. "Kain't hurt to ask.  But there's been more than one lately..."

"You mean more than this one and the one the auto-man in town were platin'? Tarnation. Looks like we got ourselves a reg'lar epidemic on our hands. You hear about that incident in Nacogdoches a couple o' years back? I heard the dead there all started risin' out o' the cemetery. Think they wrote a dime novel out o' the thing. Night of the Living Dead, they called it. Published by the Tombstone Epitaph people, and ya know how they like to make stuff up. But I tell you what, I'd sure like to get my hands on a copy o' one now. Might be a grain o' truth in it after all. Mebbe we could figger out how to stop it from happenin' here..." And Gabby continues to talk in that vein all the way back to town. It seems he earned his nickname well.

Charging Bear adds his story of encountering the walking dead, "I ran into another outside of town..." as the group heads into town.

"The one Alouette was burying, I ran into him outside of town.  Alive, delerious.  He expired right after we met.  Had a lump of ghost rock on him..."

Charging Bear:

[[OOC: I'm assuming Charging Bear is summarizing his tale for Gabby]]

Gabby listens as the Indian tells his tale, and nods, frowning. "Hmmm. Those boys sound like Doc Ward's posse. They're a mean crew. Call themselves the Dust Adders, though I got no idea why. Doc Ward calls 'em stock inspectors, which is a polite term fer guards who shoot anyone caught tresspassin' on his property or harassin' his herd. Had a sheep rancher try to set up shop last year, puttin' up lots o' barb wire fences an' whatnot. That didn't sit well with Ward, so we had a bit of a range war. The sheep rancher was later found tangled up in one of his fences...well, more like strung up, really. The Marshal ruled it an accident, then lit out o' town -- this were the Marshal 'afore Evans, mind. Bad, bad business. I'm glad to hear you made it out of a tangle with them alright, sir. You say they seemed to be after this feller? hmmm. That's a mite odd. A mite odd indeed."

Robert Micklethwait:

At the mention of Ghost Rock, the talkative old man suddenly clams up.

"You don't say?" He finally mutters after a long pause. "You don't say?"

OOC: Sorry, yes Charging Bear will summarize the events that happened to him, figured I'd gloss over it to keep things moving.

"Perhaps they know more than it would appear... who is this Doc Ward?" Charging Bear inquires.

"Th' savior o' Blackthorn. Or at least that's what most folk think. I ain't got quite so rosy a view o' him, but you don't need to hear my bellyachin' about that. He's from Back East. Georgia, I think. Folk call him 'doctor' because he used to be one, and still does some small amount o' doctorin', but these days he's traded his medical bag fer a ranch. He swooped in when the Mine went bust, bought up most o' the land around the mine fer grazin' pasture, and hired on many o' the miners what had no work no more as ranch hands. Fer the last five years his cattle have kept the town afloat, though it still ain't as big as it once were when the mine was in full swing. He's managed to avoid the plagues o' Texas Fever and prairie ticks that have shut down most other ranches around here, which means he's made a pretty penny with the price o' beef bein' so high. " he drops his voice conspiratorially. "And that ain't the half o' it, believe you me. Why, there's a whole passel o' strange things goin' on, and I'd bet my biscuits Ward has a stake in some o' them. You ever heard o' the Enlightened Society o' the Weepin' Moon? He's the one who runs the local chapter hereabouts. There's been strange lights out on his range, and activity near the closed down mine, and people seein' things they ain't wantin' to talk about. You 'member how I mentioned old mayor Bruebaker done sold his soul to the Devil? Ward is that Devil, I tell you what."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Wed 14 July 2010.

The automaton remains quite oblivious to the atmosphere of impending doom, chatting on despite not quite understanding the question:
"Lost priests return to churches, cattlehand," it informs the most talkative Dust Adder. "He came from another place when the sky was falling, very wet, and fought a demon that was using stolen clay of a Union Soldier, with a big gun."
It ticks a moment. "Rifle. Other demons have been seen - self has been warning townsfolk to find priest, self, or Ambrose if Yankees are sighted."

Then, helpfully: "Priest will be in church, Sunday: much preaching is needed in town, Texas." It looks at the ruffians. "Y'all will bring your friends, children, relatives?"

Then to the one that spoke to it first, in case he doesn't know: "You have a plus plus pleasant voice."

The three thugs listen to the automaton rattle on. They don't seem to have quite fully grasped all the things it says, but the leader of the bunch does his best to sum up for the benefit of the others.

"So there's a new preacher in town, then. Yeah, I do think we ought to pay the new preacher a visit, thank you kindly." he grins that not-really-a-smile. "Oh? You like my voice, then? Well, I can't tell you just how very much your opinion means to me, thank you kindly." The sarcasm just rolls, but might be lost on the machine. "Now, why don't we all just mosey on out back to the street, and you can tell me more about this cat yer lookin' fer. Because I can help get it fer ya." he chuckles nastily, and the others, with dawning comprehension, also begin to chuckle.

The automaton is unfortunately ignorant of even the concept of sarcasm - it assumes it must be doing the right thing, though, since the nice man keeps thanking it. They must be very merry fellows, they laugh so much. Alouette wonders what they're laughing at.
"What is mosey?"

The Dust Adders begin to guffaw at this question.

"Well, to mosey is to walk around all leisurely-like." the lead one says. "Like this." He begins an exaggeratedly bow-legged walk towards the saloon doors, then pauses and waits. "Now you try it."

The tin can angel obediently moseys across the floor space like its Shetland pony just ran out from under it.

PM

[Private to Robert Micklethwait: The name "Ward" stirs a chord in your memory. It's a faint one, something about a case you were involved in a long time ago, before the war. Make a Smarts check with a +2 bonus to recall more, and tell me a bit more about your practice before you threw your lot in with the union.]

In reply to Alouette (msg #69):

The Dust Adders continue to laugh as the clank tries to imitate their leader's walk. They follow the two outside.

outside, the mewling of the kitten can be heard. The talkative man looks up, shading his eyes. "Aww...look there. That must be the kitty yer lookin' fer!"

"Hey kitty!" he says in a sing-song voice. "Here, kitty kitty kitty!"

The kitten, an orange tabby, pops its head over the top of the sign and lets out a pitiful meow.

"Hold right there, kitty! I'll git'cha!" The talky man says...then pulls his pistol and snaps off a couple of shots at the poor thing.

There's a screech of feline terror as the bullets plow into the sign facade. Shards of woods fly as it ducks back down.

"Aw, shucks!" The talky man says, still smiling that not-smile. "I missed it. Well, don't worry none, my tin can friend. I'll surely git it next time it shows itself."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:58, Thu 15 July 2010.

In reply to Gabby (msg #64):

"Won't expect such a small place to have so much going on... but as it is out of the way and hidden compared to a larger town, I can see why things are as they seem to be." Charging Bear muses as the trio head back to town.

"Well padner, it's Texas, the place so big things git lost in it...even things that'd be front page news in a smaller state."

The groups has reached the town by now...all that's left is moving through it to the Marshal's office.

"Let's move quickly through, we don't need much more attention." Charging Bear says picking up his pace.

Charging Bear, Robert Micklethwait, and Gabby pass through the town. They get a few odd looks and dark mutters from people who notice the headless Union soldier on the back of Charging Bear's horse, but aside from the fearful glances no one bothers them.

Unfortunately, when they arrive at the office, they only find a note pinned to the door:


You have no idea when he wrote the note, and you've been gone from town a couple of hours yourselves. he could be on his way, or just arriving at his destination.

[[OOC: I'll give John a day to post, before I drag him an Evans back from their jaunt to keep the story moving. Other characters might be showing up soon...the new character thread has just about run it's course, and they'll be wanting to see the Marshal, too.]]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Thu 15 July 2010.

The clank follows happily, talking about Dandelion as requested. At first it thinks the drawn pistol's at it, as usual, and starts to give its normal warnings on the consequences. As the shots fade, however, the machine isn't talking any more. It's very still. There's a muffled *thunk* somewhere around the word "shows".

"..."

Horse screams are worse than human ones. This scream has the same terrifying inhuman pain, but it's tempered by a vast white-hot inhuman rage, like an expletive from the mouth of God as the "angel" moves and throws itself at the shooter with all the violent grace of a plunging hawk. Brass hands held like talons find marks at throat and groin before they hit the dirt - the man's probably too distracted to notice what an awful lot of metal the thing's head is until he finds himself looking up at a heavy point a finger's width from the thin bit of the skull directly between his eyes. It seems to be frozen.

"Hail Mary..." *hsssss-tok*

In reply to The Stray (msg #75):

"Take the body to the undertaker?" Robert suggests?

[Private to GM:
11:43, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 14,12 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,(6+4)10. smarts.

14

he practiced law from 48 to 60, so about 12 years.  Since he's father was a sea captain, I figured he probably did a few cases involving maritime law, import/exports, more business type things, not so much criminal law

 ]

"I suppose so... don't expect the fellow to be moving much any more, and Evans can see him there." Charging Bear says in agreement.

Charging Bear and Robert Micklethwait:

The conversation is cut short by the sound of gunfire, a horrendous, anguished, unnatural scream coming from down the street a ways, followed swiftly by very panicked, much more human ones.

"The Clank's gone loco!" someone screams from down the way.

[Private to Robert Micklethwait: I'll get to what you learned after this incident is resolved.]

Alouette:

The man lets out a horrified scream as Aloutte leaps onto him, and then he begins twitching and convulsing, before his eyes roll back into his head and he stops moving entirely.

The other two start shouting in horror, as well. One of them takes off down the streets, shrieking "The Clank's gone loco!" at the top of his lungs, while the other whips out his pistol and points it at the automaton.

"You kilt him! You fucking metal freak! You kilt him!"

[[OOC: Congrats, you've forced them all to make fear checks, as well. Since they have no guts, that means they default...The Dust Adders rolled 1,0,5 using d4-2,d4-2,d4-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2,(4+3)7. guts checks.

Ouch. One panics, and I'm going to roll on the Fear table for the one you grabbed. The Dust Adders rolled 21 using 1d20, rerolling max with rolls of (20+1)21. fear effects for the gabbed adder. That's a Heart Attack (!). Rolling vigor...The Dust Adders rolled 0 using 1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2. heart attack survival.

Alouette has just scared the man to death.

I'm going to move into combat rounds just for ease of figuring out how things break down from here on out. Remember to post your next round's initiative when you post. The new players will get dealt in if they get involved in the ongoing situation.

The Stray drew the 5 cards: AD, 6H, 10S, 9C, JH using a deck of 54 cards. Initiative.]]

Alouette: Ace of Diamonds
The Dust Adders: Jack of Hearts
Gabby: 10 of Spades
Robert Micklethwait: 9 of Clubs
Charging Bear: 6 of hearts

[Edit: Added in the noise of gunfire, which probably should have been noted before.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:46, Sat 17 July 2010.

Augustus Spotswood, Gangatsu, Katy Devon:

The stage coach containing three passengers and one foul-tempered prisoner rolls into the town of Blackthorn. It's not a large town, by any means, and looks like it's come on hard times, judging by the occasional boarded-up building on main street.

The driver nods. "Well, here we are. I can drop you off at the Stage office, then take that pile o' trouble we caught to the marshal myself, or you all can come along and hand him over to the marshal personally. What do you say?"

" I caught him, i'm stickin with the ballsy bastard." Gangatsu started, watching the man. He might be angry, but Gatsu been eyeing him for hte last twenty minutes. Another few wouldn't kill her.

Ironically, the clank's safety mechanisims have kicked in and it's not moving much either, though occasionally it twitches as though lightning were caged in its lanky body. It carries on praying, frozen and apparently oblivious to the world around it.
"...pray for the sinners, now and in their hour of death..."

A different voice, scratchy and clearly an aetherotpe recording, starts playing over the soft string of prayer. It's well-spoken, good at projecting and slightly accented: "Dear Miscreant...the angel must have caught you abusing a child, whipping a mule to death or otherwise tormenting an innocent to have overridden the powerful safety mechanisiims in place, so you probably deserve this...still, after what it did to Mr.Delane I...could not in good conscience let that happen to another human being. This is the best I could do: you have ten Hail Marys to run as far away as possible and hope it calms down enough for normal safety protocols to resume function. Do not agitate or attack the angel whilst its limbs are in lock: believe me -*hem*- you want that metal shell intact." The clank is still twitching, perhaps trembling slightly if looked at closely, and still praying.

"If you cannot get away, I am afraid I can only advise you to try and make peace with God, and pray."

If anyone's still listening, the message is repeated in Spanish and a couple of native languages, including Cherokee, ending with a "...you have six Hail Marys left. God have mercy on your soul."



[[OOC: attacked by the gods of irony - consider it out of the fight. >_< ]]

In reply to Alouette (msg #82):

[[OOC: In that case, make a Persuasion check against the Dust Adder pulling his piece on Alouette to see if the message is convincing. Alouette has a d6 persuasion, so good luck. Oh, and as it turns out, the dead guy can still be revived as long as CPR is applied in 12 rounds.]]

In reply to Gangatsu (msg #81):

Augustus, at first, starts to agree with the general sentiment of taking the prisoner in.  But, he seems to remember something and his face darkens just a bit.  Though only the Driver would notice from where the scientist currently sits.  He attempts to cover his change of heart by checking his pocketwatch, "Oh dear, look at the time...  I should be getting to the hotel."  With this perfectly well thought out explanation he clambers down and starts to retrieve his bags.  A few nasty hacks and coughs along the way.

In reply to Augustus Spotswood (msg #84):

Katy bounded excitedly out of the coach, stumbling and almost falling headlong as her feet caught in her long skirt. She looked about her.

"This is Blackthorn? Wow!"

Hearing Augustus's remark, she nodded. Hotel first, General Store second.

"Do you know where the hotel is?" she asked Augustus.

Augustus Spotswood and Katy Devon:

"What yer lookin' fer is the Grand Bull Saloon." The driver says, even though Katy's question wasn't directed at him. He points to a building along Main Street. "That there. The marshal's office is actually past that, up the cross street. The Grand Bull's also a restaurant, and has some o' the best food in town.  Oh, and the Marshal will probably want to take statements from both o' you, once you get settled. Thank you for riding with The Great Southwestern Stage Company, and again I'm sorry fer the inconvenience."

Gangatsu:

He waits for them to disembark and grab their bags, then drives the coach on towards the marshal's office, passing a trio of horses (well, two horses and a mule), one of which has a body over the back of it.

"Alright, ma'am." He says to Gangatsu. "We're here. Looks like we ain't the only ones with business here, neither." He glances over, then sucks in his breath. "Hey...is that a dead Yankee?"

Then there's a commotion from further up the street. Someone rounds the bend, shouting his head off. "The Clank's gone loco!" he screams as he runs past...

[[OOC: It's up to you if you want me to deal you in to the ongoing incident..what do you want to do?]]

OOC: so we here the yelling about the loco clank but can't see what's going on (there is a building in the way) and someone is running at us, I assume he doesn't have a gun out.

My action depends a bit on what Charging Bear does.  if CB goes around the cornder, Robert will try to calm down the panicing one (persuasion?)  if CB deals with the panicing one, then Robert will move up to the corner of the building on the corner and look to see what's going on.

Next round init:
10:20, Today: Robert Micklethwait drew the single card: 6C using a deck of 54 cards. init card.

In reply to Robert Micklethwait (msg #87):

[[OOC: So you are On Hold until Charging Bear acts? Alrighty then.

No, he doesn't have a gun out. You could certainly calm him with enough time, but doing so in the time frame combat rounds cover is dicey, so take a -2 penalty on your Persuasion check (easily canceled out by Robert's bonuses to Charisma) if that's the route you wind up going.]]

In reply to The Stray (msg #83):

[[OOC: 5 - sucess. sorry, wasn't sure quite what it counted as there.
Hah, any volunteers for that here? Maybe if Doc Ward's still in town and nearby, but yeah...]]

In reply to The Stray (msg #88):

OOC: Opps, I thought I went after him by cards.  In that case I'll try to calm down the panicking guy

Robert moves to the terrofied Dust Adder, saying loudly, but soothingly, "Whoh there fella.  Just calm down and explain it, I'll buy you a drink.."

11:11, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 5,8 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. persuasion.

Robert Micklethwait:

The gibbering man clings to Robert like a drowning man to a piece of driftwood. "We was just funnin' it, havin' a bit of a laugh, when the damn thing when crazy and shrieked loud enough to make the Devil piss 'is pants! Then it leapt on Bill and started stranglin' him!"

[[OOC: With the -2 circumstance modifier, that's a success but not a raise. His attempt to recover from Shaken fails, so he's still a gibbering wreck, though a slightly more coherent one.]]

Alouette:

The man takes the warning to heart. While he doesn't lower his gun, he does back away a few paces. He instead takes aim at the automaton's head.

[[OOC: The Dust Adder moves his pace and Aims this round. The one at Alouette's feet is still dying. 11 rounds left.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 08:51, Mon 19 July 2010.

In reply to Katy Devon (msg #85):

Augustus would offer a hand to help the missus down from the coach as she decides to head to the hotel as well.  Whether or not she accepts, a gentleman must try.  He only has to look confused as regards the hotel location for a moment before the Driver offers directions.  To the helpful coachman, the scientist tips his hat, "Thank you, suh.  It was an adventurous journey to be sure."

Gathering up his bags, he turns to Katy, "Shall we to the Hotel then, miss?"

"Yes, let's."

She picks up her bags and heads in the direction the coachman indicated. But she hasn't gone far when she sees the sights and sounds of the altercation in the street.

"This looks exciting!"

She stops to watch.

Info for later

[Private to GM:

Dust Adders: Black Joker!
Danny Boy: Jack of Hearts
Robert Micklethwait: 6 of Clubs
Alouette: 6 of Clubs (funky)
Gangatsu: 2 of Hearts
Charging Bear: On Hold
Gabby: On Hold]

Gangatsu had no interest in straying from her path. The petite asian maiden reached across the coach and snagged Danny, pulling him out of the Coach and slung the fucker to her shoulder. she spared a moment's glance to the slumped Yank on a horse, yet her interest was in seeing the marshal's office just a little way ahead. That was her business for now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:53, Sat 17 July 2010.

Alouette:

The Dust Adder finally makes a decision. "No damn tin can gonna kill Bill an' get away with it. Eat lead, fucker!" He steadies his pistol and snaps off a shot at Alouette's finely-worked head, scoring a long scratch across the construct's birdlike beak.

Robert Micklethwait and Charging Bear:

Another shot rings out from around the corner. "That's Dave!" The fellow shaking in Robert's arms says. "God damn it, he's still over there with that thing! We gots to help him! Come on!" He starts yanking at the gun in his belt as he starts staggering back towards the corner.

[[OOC: The Dust Adder near CB and Robert recovers from Shaken, and moves half his pace.

The second Dust Adder shoots at Alouette, making a called shot for the head. he spent the last turn aiming, and he has a black joker, so he cancels out the Called Shot penalty. As Alouette is a construct, however, he'll do no extra damage from the Called Shot. He still gets the extra Joker damage.

The Dust Adders rolled 9 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9. Shot at Alouette's head. With no range penalty to speak of, that's a hit with a raise, so +1d6 damage. Ouch.

The Dust Adders rolled 11 using 3d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,2. damage. That beats Alouette's toughness of 8, but isn't a raise. Alouette is already shaken, so that's 1 wound. Alouette may spend a chip to attempt to soak the wound.

The Dust Adders have a 9 of Hearts next round.]]

Initiative:
Dust Adders: Black Joker!
Robert Micklethwait: 6 of Clubs
Alouette: 6 of Clubs (funky)
Charging Bear: On Hold from last round
Gabby: On Hold
This message was last edited by the player at 08:53, Mon 19 July 2010.

In reply to Gangatsu (msg #95):

The aisan makes it to the door, but it's locked, with a note pinned to it reading:



The boy over her shoulder laughs. "Whew! Seems to be me lucky day, don't it? Think he's gone fishin'?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Sat 17 July 2010.

In reply to Katy Devon (msg #93):

Augustus attempts to gently re-direct Katy down to the safety of the Grand Bull and away from....whatever...is going on down the other end of the street, "Miss, this is really no place for you.  It looks and sounds quite dangerous.  Ricochets, think about ricochets!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:50, Mon 19 July 2010.

The clank doesn't try to save itself or react to being fired at, merely continuing to pray. Its head snaps back/aside as the bullet slams into it.

*tink-snap*

The prayer is overwhelmed by a crackling roar of static as the automaton starts to move again with that murderous grace it shouldn't have.

It lets go. The head twitches to fix the man firing at it with a blank-lens stare and it reaches to lay a brass hand flat on the ground. Out of the static tears a cry like a furious, wounded hawk.

[[GM OOC: Rules stuff

Alouette rolled 3,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3. soak roll. Fail. Alouette still has 1 wound.

Alouette rolled 01 using d6-1,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. safety mechanism check. Fail. Release the Kraken!

Alouette rolled 4,6 using d8+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5. Recover from shaken. Success. Alouette is now unshaken, though the attempt takes up most of its turn.

Alouette drew the single card: 6S using the Deadlands system. initiative for next round.]]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:19, Sun 18 July 2010.

At the static-filled shriek, Gabby snatches up his pickax. "Jumpin' Jehoshaphat!" He mutters, and starts moving cautiously up the street, following the terrified cattlehand. He looks back at Charging Bear and Robert Micklethwait. "Well come on! we gots a sitiation here! Whatch'a waitin' fer?"

[[OOC: Gabby comes off hold, drawing his pickax, and moves behind the Dust Adder.

Gabby drew 2C for next round's initiative]]

OOC: I'm sorry folks, wife was sick Friday, and I hardly touch my computer on the weekends... so I'm back now

Charging Bear pulls one of his tomahawks and follows after Gabby, "Strange things just seem to happen all the time..." he mutters to himself.


OOC: 10:52, Today: Charging Bear rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4. Running.
10:53, Today: Charging Bear drew the single card: 8D using a deck of 54 cards. Initiative.
That should put me beside Alouette

In reply to Charging Bear (msg #101):

[[OOC: I hope she's doing ok!

That's plenty to move up near Alouette...more than enough, in fact, as Alouette moved a bit during it's turn, a little closer to the guy shooting at it.]]

Robert's first thought is that this Dust Adder was likely the cause of all the ruckus, but had to see first.  He runs up to the corner to see what's going on.

OOC: I assume I see one guy with a smoking pistol pointing it at Alouette?  If no

"Drop it!  There's no call for any shooting, and you will be liable for damages to that device!"

09:56, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 3,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Persuasion test of will.

hmm, snakes eyes.  bennie, since I don't want to convince him to shoot me.

09:56, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 8,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. bennie.
8, that's more like it

EDIT:
11:05, Today: Robert Micklethwait drew the single card: 2S using a deck of 54 cards. next round init.
it would have been a white, I'll adjust my bio to cover it

[[GM OOC: What color chip? I ask only for bookkeeping purposes (you have 1 white, 2 red, 2 blue). Also, see my PM.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Mon 19 July 2010.

[[OOC: 10:35, Today: The Dust Adders rolled 15 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+3)15. Thug Dave, resisting Test of Wills.

O_O

What. The. Hell.

And here I was thinking, "Oh, he's just an extra, he'll never roll high enough to beat that unless he aces..."

I've been RPing for 15 years now. You'd think I'd learned not to make predictions like that.]]

Either the Dust Adder (apparently named Dave) isn't listening to Robert, or (more likely) he can't hear him over his gun. either way, the Dust Adder raises his pistol again.

Summary of Events:

Dust Adder Dave shoots Alouette while moving away. He hits for 1 wound, which Alouette fails to soak. Dust Adder Luke recovers from Shaken and moves towards the battle. Dust Adder Bill is still dying of a heart attack (10 rounds left).

Alouette recovers from Shaken, goes all Carrie, and moves closer to Dust Adder Dave. It has 1 wound.

Gabby pulls his pick and follows behind Dust Adder Luke.

Charging Bear lives up to his name, overtakes both Gabby and DA Luke, and reaches Alouette's side by running while drawing both his tomahawks.

Robert Micklethwait moves up to see what's going on. He shouts at DA Dave to stop shooting (Test of Wills), but DA Dave ignores him (succeeds on his opposed roll).


Next Round initiative:
The Dust Adders have a 9 of Hearts
Charging Bear drew the single card: 8D
Alouette drew the single card: 6S
Gabby drew 2C
Robert Micklethwait: 2S
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Mon 19 July 2010.

[[OOC: Only about a square, wot? It's still crouched near Billy Corpse.]]

The automaton isn't looking its usual innocent self with the gouge of a shot to the head and a body at its feet. It actually flinches like a bird about to take off when Charging Bear runs at it, but then looks up and speaks a word to him from amidst the static. In his own language.

[Private to Charging Bear: 'Help me.' CB'll note it has something of a Chumash accent]

Dave, the Dust Adder doing all the shooting, continues to run back, slapping down rapidly on the hammer to unload his gun at Alouette. Most of the shots go wild -- carving chunks from signs, smashing windows, zipping through empty air -- but one of the errant bullets hits Alouette on its boiler, then ricochets and hits Charging Bear just above the eye. The ricochet doesn't hurt the doughty Cherokee any, but a sudden wailing fills the air as steam vents from the dent on the automaton's side.

Meanwhile, Luke (the closer Dust Adder to everything), hearing Robert's admonishment against his partner, finishes pulling his gun and turns to spit in the lawyer's direction. "You know what, tinhorn? They can fucking bill us! After we turn this thing to scrap! Now either help or shut up and get out o' the way!"

[[OOC: DA Dave moves his pace backwards (putting him just out of short weapon range) and Fans the Hammer at Alouette.

The Dust Adders rolled -4,-3,9,-2,-3 using d6-6, d6-6, d6-6, d6-6, d6-6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,(6+6+3)15,4,3. Fanning the hammer. He hits Alouette with a raise, and hits Charging Bear as per the Innocent Bystander rule (modifierd by his Fanning the Hammer stunt). He is now out of shots and must reload before he can fire again.

Damage Alouette: The Dust Adders rolled 12 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,4. damage for Alouette. That's a hit and a raise against Alouette's Toughness...Alouette is shaken and takes 1 more wound.

Damage Charging Bear: 12:39, Today: The Dust Adders rolled 3 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Damage for Charging Bear.

DA Luke: Pulls gun and tries a Taunt Test of Wills against Robert Micklethwait (-2 for multiple action penalty). The Dust Adders rolled -2 using 1d4-4, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Test of Wills. Don't even bother rolling to resist, Robert...you succeed.]]

2S

Robert replies to Luke, "You idiot, I've been deputized.  Stand down or you'll be arrested for contributing to public endangerment"

to add emphasis to his words, Robert whips out his Peacemaker (free action)

13:36, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 12,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,1. Test of will vs luke.

13:37, Today: Robert Micklethwait drew the single card: 4D using a deck of 54 cards. card. 

Charging Bear doesn't have time to think on the happenings about him as bullets are flying. Touching his cheek, the warm blood greets his fingertips. Turning to see who shot at him, Charging Bear sets his eyes upon Dave. He moves with grace and ease of movement much like a big cat. His twin tomahawks act as claws.

OOC: Moving to Dave and attacking (if possible)
16:37, Today: Charging Bear rolled 1,5,4,1 using 1d8,1d6,1d8-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,6,3. Fighting .
16:39, Today: Charging Bear rolled 6,5,3,3 using 1d8,1d6,1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5,3,3. Damage.
Results
Fighting Roll #1: 5 for 11 damage
Fighting Roll #2: 4 for 6 damage
Note this doesn't include the unarmed defender modifier.


16:41, Today: Charging Bear drew the single card: RJ! using a deck of 54 cards. Initiative.

In reply to Charging Bear (msg #108):

OOC: To reach him, you'll need to Run, which cancels out the Unarmed Defender bonus. Are you doing lethal or nonlethal damage?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Mon 19 July 2010.

In reply to The Stray (msg #109):

OOC: Gotcha, didn't see the new map... but that works. I'll be going non-lethal. Which is a -1 fighting

"Ack!" Dave cries, ducking and weaving to try and avoid the raging Charging Bear's wild swings. The razor-sharp tomahawks come dangerously close to him. "Git out the way, you crazy redskin! What the hell are you doing!?"

[[OOC: With the -1 nonlethal penalty, neither attack hits his Parry of 5, but you have him in melee combat, which is not a place he wants to be.]]

Meanwhile, Luke gazes dumbfounded at Robert. "Deputy? We gots deputies now? When the hell did that happen?"

[[OOC: he Dust Adders rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Thug Luke, resisting Test of Wills. That's a hit and 2 raises. The next action against him gets a +2 bonus against him and he's Shaken.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:02, Mon 19 July 2010.

In reply to Augustus Spotswood (msg #98):

Katy sighs.

"I suppose you're right."

She still continues to keep glancing in that direction until they round the corner.

The automaton shakes itself, internal mechanisims cutting off the leak of steam. It's still for a heartbeat. Then pale light flares behind its lenses; it shifts back and slams a hand onto the fallen man's chest, staring straight up as though for instruction. Static murmurs and fluctuates.

Billy's ribcage moves under its hand. The construct looks at what it's done a moment, then seems to internally shrug it off and wanders back into the saloon whilst everyone's busy, unearthly grace quite vanished.

[[Gm's OOC: Rules stuff:

Alouette rolled 5,11 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+3)9. soak, white chip't. Alouette removes the wound and shaken conditi0n.

On Alouette's, it attempts a Mad Science version of a heal check (with special GM permission)

Alouette rolled -2,-1 using d6-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Smoke signals to the vultures.

Alouette rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. red chip'd.

Alouette rolled 1,-2,4 using d6-4,d6-4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,4. Spending last chip for a reroll. Finally, a success. Bill is no longer dying, though he remains Incapacitated.]]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:22, Tue 20 July 2010.

Augustus Spotswood and Katy Devon:

Augustus gently pulls Katy into the building.

The interior of the saloon is wooden and lightly populated. Wagon wheels festooned with candles form chandeliers above the tables half filled with men and women taking an early dinner. Behind the bar, above the rows of liquor, is an impressively wide mirror, reflecting the whole room back at visitors. In one corner is a compact piano, with a negro piano player plinking out a medley of songs, starting with "Camptown Races" and winding up on "Oh Suzanna!". There's a stairwell heading up to the Saloon's rooms for rent on the left.

A man with curly brown hair wipes glasses and fills orders, while a busty blonde swirls around the crowd delivering drinks and meals and skillfully avoids errant hands.

The barkeep looks up at the new arrivals and smiles. "Welcome to the Grand Bull!" he says in a soft Creole accent. "How can I help you today?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:11, Tue 20 July 2010.

While the ruckus is going on, Gabby sidles up to the downed Dust Adder. He contemplates going after the contraption, which has just walked into the Red Eye, but decides against it. He wasn't sure what the thing was doing, thumping the man on the chest like that, but it didn't look healthy.

But as he checked the man over, he saw the man was breathing, and he let out a groan when Gabby moved him on his side to rifle through his pockets. Hastily pretending all he was doing was checking on the man, Gabby called out "Hey! This feller aten't dead yet! Looks banged up, but I think he'll pull through!"

Meanwhile he surreptitiously pockets the three dollars the man had in his wallet...

[[OOC: Gabby rolled 8 using 1d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7. Notice. Success and raise. Not only does Gabby notice the man's alive, he finds a few bucks and pockets them because, let's face it, living in a stable isn't fun and it would be nice to have a roof over his head for once.

Initiative for next round: KH]]

Round Summary:

DA Dave Fans the Hammer, spraying lead everywhere and hitting Alouette in the boiler (he hits Charging Bear, too, but only on accident and not enough damage is dealt to cause any problems)

Meanwhile, DA Luke attempts to match with with Robert Micklethwait...and fails horribly. Robert is not amused.

Charging Bear lives up to his name and charges DA Dave, swinging wildly (but missing). Still, the sight of a raging Cherokee causes Dave to fill his boots pretty quick.

Alouette's wound isn't serious (it soaks) turns its attention to saving the life of Bill. Through a supreme amount of luck (and blowing all it's remaining chips in the process) it manages to call the man's spirit back to its body and get the heart pumping again. Then it wanders off into the Red Eye Saloon.

Gabby rushes over to check on DA Bill (and rifle through his pockets). He discovers the man's still alive.

Meanwhile, Robert stares down DA Luke and tells him to stand down in the face of the law. Dumbfounded, the man does so (Robert gets a +2 bonus on his next action against Luke, and Luke is Shaken).


Charging Bear: Red Joker! (May go anytime, +2 to all trait tests and damage next round)
Alouette: Ace of Hearts
Gabby: King of Hearts
Robert Micklethwait: 4 of Diamonds
The Dust Adders drew the single card: 4 of Clubs

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:04, Tue 20 July 2010.

The dented "angel" is looking for stairs again, one brass hand pressed against the injury in its side to stop a thin dribble of pale oil going everywhere. It'll ignore the people inside (possibly wondering why the're all lying flat/behind things) unless halted/hailed, seeming slightly dazed from lost pressure.

Alouette gets to the stairwell, but the way is barred by a man with a shotgun, He doesn't have it pointed at Alouette, but he certainly has it at the ready.

"Oh man oh man I tell you what man," he says in a rapid stream of words that is almost, but not quite, unintelligible. "Dang ol' machine thing come all in here like clank clank clank clank! and git tol' once to move on out and then it all get upset and done scare a man half to death and that just ain't right so why don't you just clank clank clank right on back out the door cause I tell you what you done caused enough damage here today and I swear I'll done blow you to the dang ol' moon if you cause more trouble or my name ain't Peter Boomhauer you hear what I say?"

Charging Bear shifts his weight slightly and swings his tomahawks flat side first at the Dust Adder. "You don't shoot at deputies!"

OOC: Modifieres +2 Joker, -1 Nonlethal, -2 Off Hand
09:08, Today: Charging Bear rolled 4,6,2,4 using 1d8+1,1d6+1,1d8-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5,3,5. Fighting.
09:08, Today: Charging Bear rolled 3,7 using 1d8+2,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+1)7. Damage (Str, Tomahawk).

Results
Fighting: 6,4 (One hit)
Damage: 10

The flat of the tomahawk hits Dave in the jaw, knocking a tooth free. The Dust Adder goes sprawling in the dirt, out like a light.

[[OOC: Spending a chip for a Soak roll...The Dust Adders rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3. soak attempt. Ouch. Dave is down.]]

4D

Seizing the advantage, Robert grabs Luke's pistol and tosses it into a nearby watering trough.  "Now GIT!"  He turns to see what else is going on, but the fight seems to have died down.

OOC: not sure if I need to roll anything here?

10:15, Today: Robert Micklethwait drew the single card: 9D using a deck of 54 cards. injit.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Tue 20 July 2010.

Luke watches his pistol fly away, takes a look at Robert, and skedaddles into an alleyway.

[[OOC: Normally I'd have you roll to disarm, but combat's pretty much done now, so we can just handwave it. We can drop out of Combat Rounds now.]]

Aside from the unconscious body of Dave, the equally unconscious body of Bill (being dragged out of the street onto the boardwalk by Gabby), and Alouette (only notable because the clank is nowhere to be seen), the only thing of note Robert can spot is a quiet Asian woman with a serious expression and one hand on the hilt of a sheathed sword standing near the door of the Marshal's office, with a half-naked man bound and gagged on the ground next to her.

"Hey Bear, think you could find that there clank?  The Doc should be along soon to take care of the injured."  He holsters his (unfired) pistol and walks over to the Asian woman.

"Morning ma'am." He says with a tip of his hat.  "Can I help you?"

"Was about to do that very thing..." Charging Bear says with a nod to Robert then he goes back to where he last saw the clank er Alouette. As the machine isn't standing about, Charging Bear looks for signs of it.

OOC: not sure if these are needed but rolls always seem ncie
13:48, Today: Charging Bear rolled 4,4 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. Notice.
13:48, Today: Charging Bear rolled 4,5 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5. Tracking.

Charging Bear looks around, and sees the doors of a saloon, right across from where Alouette was, swinging as if they'd just been opened. Tracks in the muddy ground that could only have been made by the clank's feet lead right up to it.

He also hears a pitiable meow from somewhere up on the roof of the saloon. Sounds like a cat got itself stuck up there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:11, Tue 20 July 2010.

The clank tilts its head at the stream of words, doing its best to pick up what he's on about and dripping the odd spot of oil on his floor.

"Self requires stairs, Ain't Peter Boomhauer; cannot reach roof minus ladder outside. Will not damage."

she had watched the scenes unfold infront of her. Robert and Charging bear wasn't far from her when it all started. Gangatsu wouldn't have mind to help, but she couldn't trust her prisoner would stay soujourn for long. He was too much trouble when he should have some common sense, but she supposed that fear did things to people. Hmmph, like they know about fear...

 The sounds fo guns blaring off was enough to make her grimace, the hand on her sword tightening as one of the Adders near robert started to shoot and the deputy took him down. Damn good...

As everything quieted, Robert moved up with a congenial tip of his hat and a word. " Eh, maybe not a good mornin, but eventful.." Gatsu might have been born in Shan Fan, but she had the slight drawl of a western born. She removed her straw hat from her head, the woman was very unassuming in stature just over five foot four. She looked like a regular woman of orient, only she looked to him with green half lidded eyes and a sort of monotone given her wary state. " Yer a deputy." She said matter of factly, her eyes turned to the yank beside her. " He needs to be taken into custody. Given my coach ride 'ere a lot of trouble. I'll tell ya about it if we can get him in now.. Prolly not good ta talk about it in the open neither, considering all that lead spewin' and da dead yank on dat horse.."

Robert tries the door to the Sherrif's office...

OOC: didn't want to post that I opened it, as it might be locked

In reply to Alouette (msg #126):

The man blinks once at Alouette's plea, then shakes his head. "I tell you what man I don't think so man I don't want no machine clanking around up the dang ol' roof droppin' down on my dang ol' head man and asides I don't rightly see what you want up my dang ol' roof anyhow there's nothin' up there but dang ol' birds and droppin's I tell you what so why don't y'all just step right back out the dang ol' door there and go back where you came man."

In reply to Robert Micklethwait (msg #128):

The door is, in fact, locked.

Alouette gamely tries to decipher/answer all this: "Self is not man, Ain't Peter Boomhauer, not flesh," it points at the wound in its casing, in case Pete hasn't noticed.

"- self is Alouette, angel. There is a small kitten on your roof who is stuck: high probability kitten is Dandelion, missing from home of Sal Robertson, 8 years old."

It looks back at (/beyond, if he's not come in yet) the swing doors on hearing the plural. "Howdy, Called Charging Bear!" it chirps, as though it hadn't seen him two minutes ago.
"Called Charging Bear is also leaking," it notes, seeing the ex-sergeant's face bloodied by the bullet-graze.

In reply to myself (msg #128):

... "hmm.  The Sherrif is out, and I've only been an acting deputy insce this mornin'.  We can probably haul your prisoner to m'hotel room, and discuss things there."  He prods the prisoner.  "On your feet."

(weird, my post was eaten)

Charging Bear half-smiles at the automaton as he moves transitions from the street to the bar and is reminded of the nick on his cheek, "Indeed I am. What bring you here Alouette?"

In reply to Robert Micklethwait (msg #132):

The boy glares at Robert, then his body shakes as he tries to cough through the gag in his mouth.

He mumbles something that sounds a bit like "Guh jumph hin uh lhake, hRev." and nods to the ropes tied around his legs. "hnot goin' hanna war lhik hiss."

"Looking for the tiny kitten Dandelion, who is missing from the home of Sal Robertson, 8 years old - cattlehand said to mosey on outside and they would help get kitten from roof, but he...pulled a gun and...and... *tik* retrieval error."

The clank shakes itself again, but more cautiously, as though aware of damage. "Ain't Peter Boomhauer says he 'don't want no machine clanking around up the dang ol' roof droppin' down on my dang ol' head man', but kitten is stuck..."
It looks to Charging Bear in the hope he will know what to do.

In reply to Danny Boy (msg #134):

Robert unties the ropes around the prisoner's feet, lifts him up with a grunt, and prods him in the direction of the hotel.

Robert, make a notice check (with a -2 penalty) for me, please.

[Private to Robert Micklethwait: Oh, and just so you know, working on the restraining order for the Grand Bull against the Dust Adders netted you $15. Thank you Inflation Calculator!]

Augustus did his best, trying to be reasonable and keep the lady out of harm's way during the short scrap.  These western towns can be so dangerous.  But, at some point during it, the scientist's brain would piece together various out of place sounds coming from the general direction of the fight...

"Really, miss.  We should be....getting...." He trails off and turns, to really try and get a good luck.  And what wonder to his eyes should appear?  An Automaton!  Here!?  Good Lord.

Coughing a bit into a handkerchief, Augustus mutters some attempt at politeness to the young lady.  After which, he grabs up his case and carpet bag and hurries off to the Red Eye after the mechanical marvel.  To do so, he has to hustle past his former conveyance.  As well as the sheriff's office and those in discussion there.  But he pays little mind.

There's Science afoot!

The thin scientist makes it across the street with little trouble, passing Asians, lawyers, a dead, headless Yankee on the back of a horse, a rather more live Yankee of his unfortunate acquaintance, and an old prospector lugging unconscious men out of the road (and going through their pockets for loose cash) with hardly a glance.

He reaches the swinging doors where the voice of the Automaton can be heard, apparently speaking with someone about a missing cat...



[[OOC: Behold, the power of SCIENCE! Warning: may cause tunnel vision. :D ]]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:22, Tue 20 July 2010.

John looks around for clues but seems to be particularly unobservant as he searches the area. "Damn." he says and spits. "I think it either got back up and wandered off or someone came and took the body." he said frowning. "And I ain't no tracker."

[Private to GM: John Smith rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Notice.]

Evans sighs. "Well. That's inconvenient. But all hope is not lost yet." He reaches into his jacket and withdraws that boxy red-and-blue meter device he was messing with last night. "Behold! My patent-pending AEtheric Disturbance Detector! Hopefully with the interference from the storm gone I can pick up some clearer readings than before, and that may yet provide us with insight." he fiddles with some knobs, and the machine starts whirring and clicking.

Evans does a sweep around the area, looking at a readout on the device with a deepening frown. "Hmm...that's odd..." he mutters once or twice. He occasionally gives John a puzzled look.

Eventually, he finishes his scan, and walks back to John. "Well. I'm still getting some odd readings, but the oddness may bring some clarity to a few matters. I'm detecting three distinct patterns. One of them, I believe, came from our dead man, as it's very similar to the one I detected on our yelling guest in the cell last night. It's faint, many hours old. It's all around this area, but doesn't extend any further, so I don't think it got up and lurched around again. I can't be certain of that, not without visual confirmation of the corpse, but I theorize that whatever aetheric entity brought our friend to a second life departed again shortly after its shell was rendered unusable."

"The second pattern," he continues, "is one that I've seen quite often before, though that fails to lessen its worrisome nature. It's one that's woven itself in and around Blackthorn often in the six month's I've observed it. I believe it indicates the presence of a person or persons who have studied a form of ritual that taps into scientific principles as yet not fully understood to contact aetheric entities and compel service from them. To the layman, this would appear to be a form of black magic, if they were to see it performed. I've had unfortunate encounters with these sorts before, which tends to make me cautious. Students of Hoyle are a dangerously unpredictable lot."

"Which brings me to the third pattern." This time, he looks straight at John, and his free hand moves to rest lightly on his gun. "The third pattern is the strongest in the area, and it's coming from you. I thought it was interference from the storm when I read it last night, but there can be no mistake now...there's a trace mixed in with the first pattern over where you said you fought the walking dead man, and that trace is the same age. But the very same reading is coming from you now. Is there something you'd care to explain to me? Now would be the time, I assure you."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Sat 24 July 2010.

In reply to Alouette (msg #135):

Charging Bear thinks for a moment and slides his tomahawks into loops on his breeches. He says, "I'll see to this Alouette, I'm sure Peter Boomhauer will allow me use of a ladder." He pats the clank on the shoulder and steps into the bar.

"Peter Boomhauer?" he inquires as he walks in, with a neutral tone

In reply to Charging Bear (msg #142):

"That'd be me man." An old fellow with a shotgun held warily in his wizened hands, eying the Cherokee with as little enthusiasm as he was the clank just moments ago. "I tell you what I ain't a friend of dang ol' Indians nor dang ol' machines so speak yer piece real quick man or I tell you what they'll be picking pieces o' you both out the dang ol' walls and floors and the dang ol' ceiling man. What'cha want man?"

[[OOC: Time for a Persuasion check as you make your case! And remember the outsider penalty...]]

Charging Bear notes the weapon but looks at the old man, "I won't suggest shooting a deputy, nothing good'll come of it." he pauses to let that idea sink into the older man brain before continuing, "I was simply wishing to borrow a ladder to rid you of that dang ole machine as it has a one track... whatever it has in it head. So if I remove the cat from your roof, the machine will go away."

OOC: Oh the fun of untrained skills
09:39, Today: Charging Bear rolled -3,-1 using 1d4-4,1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Persuasion (untrained, outsider).
09:39, Today: Charging Bear rolled 6,0 using 1d4-4,1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of (4+4+2)10,4. Persuasion (white chip).

Augustus steps into the bar with eyes only for the automaton.  Wide, happily surprised eyes at that.  His bags are set down absent-mindedly.  He attempts to walk a small circle around the machine, to see it from all angles, "Marvelous...simply marvelous...  What a wonder...  How does it manage to stay upright and in balance...  I had heard Dr. Hellstromme had been working on such things but...  And it even plays recordings as though it could talk!  What a wonderful toy..."  He isn't really speaking with anyone but himself.  Barely even acknowledging that there are even other people around.  No thought at all is given to the notion that the automaton could be sentient or interactive.  Clockworks, steam, and player-piano paper instructions can't think or feel.  That's simply preposterous.

Charging Bear:

The old man curls his lip. "Dang ol' Evans made you a deputy? Well I tell you what that's some dang ol' horseshit right there man." Still, he grudgingly lowers his shotgun, then putters off to a back room. He returns bearing a ladder over one shoulder, his shotgun clutched in the other. "Well here's your dang ol' ladder man. Don't you go choppin' it up for no dang ol' fire wood or tepee sticks or nothin' now you hear?" He hands the ladder over with poor grace. "I swear to god dang ol' town's going to Hell I tell you what. Dang ol' savages bein' made deputies. What's next dang ol' nigger git made sheriff?"

[[OOC: for the record, I in no way endorse or sympathize with Crazy Ol' Pete's racism. I'm just trying to play the character according to my image of the bigoted old coot. I truly hope none of you are offended by his ignorant intolerance and foul language.]]

Augustus Spotswood:

The old coot stops speaking with the brawny Cherokee brave when he notices a thin man wandering around the automaton. "Hey now! Oh man I tell you what man you be careful 'round that dang ol' machine man. It done near kilt a man not ten dang minutes ago man!"

Alouette truly is a marvellous machine: the automaton's hands alone would bring the average mechanist near tears, clearly as articulated as any mortal bone, but the attention to detail and genius of the workings continues over the whole object. Most of the brass casing is finely tooled and finished. It makes the mind reel to try and imagine the hours of work and dedication put into this thing, to make it an object of beauty as well as function.

No attempt has been made to make it look overly human, however, as though its creator appreciated it for what it was and knew it would see less perfect if it appearaed to imitate live flesh. Despite the femminine name the Cherokee just used to it there are no ornamental breasts, nor is it wider and man-shaped at the shoulders. Its head is birdlike, almost, or like some strange ancient helmet, coming to a point with large dark lenses in place of eyes. There's a nasty gouge out of the top of the "beak" at present, and its golden-polished fingers are held to a dent seeping fluid.

"Not toy, Spinning Man," it corrects him mildly "-self is angel. Self has internal spirit level, gyroscope and counterbalance system."

Then, to Pete: "Town, Texas, will not go to Hell."

[[Gm's OOC: Here's a rough draft I was asked to link to, with the caveat that this is only a rough draft:]]


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Wed 21 July 2010.

In reply to Crazy Old Pete (msg #146):

Charging Bear accepts he ladder, doing his best to keep his face and manner neutral as the old man definitely didn't care much for him. "Thank you Mr. Boomhauer, you're property will be returned as you gave it."

Stepping outside with the ladder, Charging Bear looks to Alouette, "Come on Angel let us see if we can't rescue that kitten."

Alouette's a little confused by the grammar, but having learnt a little of (dis)trust recently, it decides it trusts Charging Bear and follows obediently at heel, gently moving Mr.Spotswood out of the way if necessary.

PM.  sorry, I missed this

[Private to GM: 12:47, Today: Secret Roll: Robert Micklethwait rolled 3,-1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1. notice. ]

Charging Bear walks to a lowpoint in the buildings roof and sets up the ladder. He takes a few moments to look for the cat in question before giving Alouette instructions. "Alright, I need you to hold the ladder so it doesn't fall when I climb it. I'll find the kitten and see about getting it down. Understand?" Charging Bear waits to hear if the automaton understands.

[Private to Robert Micklethwait: s'ok. With all the posting going on, it's sometimes easy to miss the little things. That's why we have the OOC thread. I'm thinking of start a "Who's waiting on whom?" thread for the purpose of people posting who they are waiting on...thoughts?]

The first thing Robert notices is the smell of damp earth around the boy as he unties the rope. Puzzling, but not overly so, as there was a storm last night.

The other thing he notices is that the ropes around the boy's legs are quite brittle from age, almost falling apart as he unties them. The question of why anyone would tie a man up with such a bad material blinds Robert to the sudden jerk of the boy's hands as he finishes standing, which part the ropes tying his wrists together with a *SNAP!*.

"Suhphrize!" He shouts through his gag as he kicks for Robert's groin. The shot connects, and pain shoot through the old man.

Taking advantage of his fleeting surprise, he bulls past the pair and dives into the water trough where Robert threw Luke's gun, apparently intent on arming himself.

[Private to Gangatsu: You notice that for someone who was nearly brained half an hour ago, the boy is moving with astonishing speed...]

[[OOC: Danny boy gets The Drop on both Robert and Gangatsu. He tries an unarmed attack against Robert, with a called shot towards the unmentionables and a Wild Attack, which will lower his Parry by 2 until his next action. his total mods are: +4 (The Drop), +2 (wild attack), -2 (multi-action penalty), -4 (Called Shot to the Vitals)

The attack: Danny Boy rolled 1,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Attacking Robert's unmentionables.

Danny spends a blue chip for a bonus: Danny Boy rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4. blue chip. Combined, that's 8, which is enough to hit Robert but not enough for a raise.

Damage: Danny Boy rolled 8 using 1d6+6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Robert is Shaken and takes 1 wound, which he may attempt to soak.

Danny then moves 4 squares to the water trough.

We move into normal combat round now. Drawing initiative for everyone:]]

Initiative for next round:

Gangatsu: Red Joker! (you may go at any time during the round, and you have a +2 bonus to all trait tests and damage this round)
Robert Micklethwait: King of Clubs
Danny Boy: 2 of clubs (Parry 5 3, Toughness 5)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Thu 22 July 2010.

"Yes - hold the ladder, in a manner not condusive to falling, when Called Charging Bear climbs it." It may still be a good idea to show the literal-minded thing exactly how to hold the ladder, but it seems to get the general idea.

Spend WC to soak
13:45, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 2,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. saok.

Robert twists, managing to catch the brunt of the blow on his theigh instead of his unmentionables.

KC

Knowing what is in the trough, Robert skins his smokewagon and fires two shots, both of which drill Danny boy in the chest.


13:47, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 6,3 using d6+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. double tap.
6 = hit
13:47, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 24 using 2d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+6+3)21,1. damage.
24 damage = ouch

The bullets slam into him, dropping him into the trough face first. He still twitches, though...the shot wasn't enough to actually kill him, but it doesn't look like the boy is going to last long.

[[OOC: Danny spends a GM chip to soak...Danny Boy rolled 4,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. soak attempt. That soaks 1 wound of the 3 that were dealt. Danny has 2 wounds and is shaken.]]

[Private to Robert Micklethwait: Remember the -2 multiaction penalty for drawing and firing in the same action without Quick Draw...you still hit him, but keep it in mind for the future]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Wed 21 July 2010.

Gatsu watched, noticing that the deputy was going to untie his legs. What had she just said. He was trouble, he shouldn't be untied, but lugged off like luggage. She was about to voice this concern in knowing what Danny would try to run, when the rope suddenly turned to threads. How?! It was strong when the driver handed it to her. Then the gagged asshole gave Robert a swift kick, one which  the older man  shifted his weight as to cushion the blow.  THe boy moved like a demon and plowed past the pettie woman.

" What trickery is dat." She growled, starting to move when the deputy shot off and danny slumpped against the trough. She followed. " How much pain ya gotta have to learn.." She growled, her katana pulled from the wooden sheath and then brought down on danny's thigh.


Gangatsu rolled 6,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2. Call shot. [[Gm Note: +2 for Prone, +2 for Joker, - 2 for called shot to limb, no multi-action penalty due to Quick Draw edge]]
 Gangatsu rolled 14 using 2d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+3)9. Damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:47, Wed 21 July 2010.

The blade bites deep, and dark blood oozes from the wound. The boy flops out of the trough just enough to get his head above water, but collapses, unconscious, from the strike. It looks like he's out of the fight, and will probably be limping for weeks if he does recover.

[Private to Gangatsu: Gatsu, that's oozes, not normal bleeding. That should strike you as a mite odd...]

[[OOC: Spending a GM chip to soak: Danny Boy rolled -1,3 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5. soak attempt. That deals another wound and incapacitates him.

Danny Boy rolled 01 using d6-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4. Incapacitation roll. Checking over his sheet, I notice I gave him Hard to Kill, so he actually doesn't take the wound penalty to his vigor roll. oops. So his total is 4. He'll be out for an hour (unless healed first) and will have the Lame hindrance until all his wounds are healed.

That was a short fight.]]

"Did you use that old rotten rope to tie him up?" Robert asks.  Keeping an eye on Danny, he reaches past him and pulls the pistol out, slipping it into his belt.

Looking around, he finally hollers, "Will someone fetch the doctor?  I'm to old to haul this bleeding prisoner around."

[Private to GM: I have a quickdraw holster]

" Nah. It was solid when we bound him.." Teh woman started, backing away  for a moment to look the man over.

" Dammit.." She mumbled with a narrowing of her eyes, yet she withdrawls her sword in noticing the queer ink coloring of blood.. Black blood. She looked at it on the tip of her sword.

" Deputy.. When you can, I would take a look at this.. I don't think he's gunna bleed out all too fast, neither." She murmured, holding the yankee's jacket, she wiped the blood off on the dusty blue fabric. " I reckon ya seeing a hell o a lot going on in this town. The driver said it's normally all quiet like, but I arrive to gun show blazing down. I also found some ghost rock on this fellow, just an ounce, but still enough to blow me ta hell. You can bet he was damn scared to the point he bubblered about not returning here. You got any clue what the hell be goin on, Mister?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Wed 21 July 2010.

Robert reloads his Colt, replying, "I'm not from around hear, but this is the second fella I met with some ghost rock.  First one died, of some sickness.  Or seemed to, he got up later, things got a mite unpleasant at that point."  having vinished reloading his pistol, he holsters it, and points to the headless corpse on the horse.

"One of the local miners claimed that was a dead man who attacked him, despite alread being dead.  What did this one do, anyway?"

The call for a doctor is taken up, and travels from person to person through the streets of Blackthorn, until it reaches Town Hall, where a well dressed gentleman has just settled into a carriage.

He listens to the cry, then pulls out a small flask and an equally small silver dish. "Hold for a moment, driver." He says, then pours a measured amount of water from the flask into dish, then dangles a small silver pendant over it. Images flash across the surface of the water - faces, images, still frames of events recently passed. He nods. "Yes..." he murmurs to himself. "I see. This is most certainly something I should concern myself with."

With a flick, he empties the silver dish into the street, then pockets both dish and pendant. "Driver! Take me to the Marshal's office. It seems my services are needed."

The driver switches the horse, and the carriage rolls off, speeding towards its destiny.

Her eye twiched slightly at the mention of dead men, sheathing her sword for a moment as she looked from the the dead man she seen earlier to the yank on the ground. THe deputy asked what he did and she shook her head.

" Well, starters.. He knock out our coach man, held us at gun point, said he was looking for a mail coach. Attemptin robbery, threaten ta kill a girl travelin with me, chucked a gun at my face, tried to escape me.." She idly touched her nose, being very lightly. " I noticed he had no bullets in his gun, so I took him down, we tied him up and made him talk. " Gatsu sniffed a little, going over some of the deputies' words.

" A miner told ya that dead man walked... Dat's some funny bussiness. This yank told us a interestin little story about some men, one with giant hands, and another with something like dark magic. Kept him and his comrades prisoner. Mentioned a fella named, 'Billy', told them all to rile up ta escape and keep some ghost rock on them. Dun't know why fer. He said they all got seperated too, some didn't make it out.. But Danny boy and a friend made it out, but the other one had a busted ankle and died.." Her eyes returned to the dead man on the horse. " Mind if I check him out?"

"Go ahead."  robert tries to remember if fello who died on him has a busted ankle.

PM

[Private to Robert Micklethwait: No. But Charging Bear mentioned that his walking dead man had a broken ankle, and he wasn't sure how the man got so far from everywhere. see here]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:16, Thu 22 July 2010.

Indeed, Augustus does require being nudged out of the way.  He got a bit distracted when the machine responded to him.  "How on earth...  It responds to sound!?  Marvelous!"  In fact he was attempting to study the side of its head when it was forced to move him out of its path.  "Oh, terribly sorry...  What am I doing, apologizing to a machine as though it cares...  Ha!"  He is quite happy to follow this curiosity though, perhaps noting the Indian man in some not-nearly-as-interesting kind of way.  He observes the exchange, noting again how the machine actually responds to the other man's words.  He brushes a hand up his forehead, knocking loose his bowler, "Simply amazing!  It /actually/ responds.  No pre-set responses could do that...  Astounding!"  It still doesn't quite occur to him that if it can respond in such a way then it might be sentient and might, in some robotic way, be annoyed by its new "fan."  At least he stays out of the way of the ladder business.

" Ain't heard o no one else putting up with blue bellies?" She started, heading over to the ddeda headless horseman, she checked out the body, looking for the condition and the liftign the pants legs slightly to look over the ankles and if any of the blood was like the reddish black ooze that came from Danny.

Gangatsu rolled 21 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,(6+4)10

In reply to Gangatsu (msg #166):

This body was soaked, possibly for some time (the clothing is still damp). The ankles on this corpse don't seem damaged from what Gangatsu can tell, but the blood has the same sort of congealed look that Danny's does (as if the head of the corpse had been removed quite some time after the body had died).  Checking the jacket for a name, she finds a space where a patch had been sewn (though the patch itself seems to be missing)...and there's a lump in one of the pockets. A four ounce lump of familiar, white-specked coal...

" What day hell, he bin soaked ina river er sumptin?" She murmured, looking  through the clothing, she found  there was a missing name, the blood was oddly congealed in a manner the made her scowl... Yet the most interesting thing.. She dug int othe jacket pocket and pulled out a piece of ghost rock.

 " Just like Danny..." She ploped the four ounce lump into the blue pocket he had cut out of danny's jacket earlier and placed this into her holding. This was one serious little lady. " Think it'd be bad ta break into the marshal's office? I'd feel better if he's on a stretch in his cell. Seems that corpse had a chunk of ghost rock, no tags.. But I reckon Danny here might recognise the body.. Or the head.. Which ever.."

As Gangatsu and Robert are speaking, a on open-topped carriage pulls up along side the marshal's office, and a well-dressed gentleman in a suit and top hat steps out, a small black bag in one hand. He tips his hat to Gangatsu, then looks at Robert.

"I understand, sir, that someone requested a doctor." he says in a slow Georgia drawl. "I am Dr. Ward. How may I be of service?"

In reply to Alouette (msg #153):

Charging Bear nods, "Yes you hold it like so," he then demonstrates how to hold the ladder which he set against the roof edge. Once he sees the mechanical angel seem to get it, which he's not sure how he'll know as it doesn't really have the normal indicators, he'll begin to ascend.

The top of the Red Eye is flat. A small orange tabby cat watches Charging Bear appear over the edge and mewls at him before scampering to the edge opposite the side he's coming up.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Thu 22 July 2010.

Clearing the ladder, Charging Bear takes a few small steps onto the roof and has a seat, not wanting to scare the little kitten. Reaching into his coat, the native son pulls out a small strip of jerky to try to entice the beast to him.

The kitten eyes the jerky warily, but after a few minutes moves in to sniff the jerky, then gnaw at it hungrily.

A light touch and a bit of trust is what is required, Charging Bear slowly reaches over and begins to pet the kitten as it eats the jerky.

The kitten flinches a bit, but eventually allows the Cherokee to pet it and begins to purr a little as it eats.

With a smile, Charging Bear gently picks up the kitten hoping for the best

Being gently picked up and cuddled seems to work, as Dandelion continues to purr as Charging Bear climbs down the ladder back to the street, though the kitten does playfully nip at the Cherokee's thumb once or twice.

Alouette holds the ladder exactly as shown with zen-like mechanical patience.

The automaton shows no sign of being annoyed with Spotswood, not having learnt that context for annoyance yet. Indeed, from its movements, interactions and the way the native fellow shows no wariness of it at all it seems about as murderous and aggressive as a stunned butterfly, despite Ol' Pete's warnings.

It is starting to wonder why Augustus is paying it attention without talking to it, though. Perhaps it's because it hasn't greeted him yet.
"Howdy, Spinning Man!"

It's easily moved out of the way when CB's far enough down.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Thu 22 July 2010.

With kitten in hand, Charing Bear descends the rooftop. "Where does this kitty go Alouette?" the native inquires in a quiet tone. He keeps the cat in his arm, allowing him control and allow it play without leaving him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Sat 24 July 2010.

The automaton addresses the cat first, to be sure they've got the right one:
"Dandelion?"

The cat gazes up at Alouette. Charging Bear can feel it tense a bit at the approach of the automaton. "Mew?" it says, apparently in reply to Alouette's question.

This seems to satisfy the clank - it straightens up (still gripping the ladder in one hand) and answers Charging Bear with confidence:
"Dandelion is un-lost in the home of Sal Robertson, 8 years old," it informs him, clearly having not the faintest where this is. "House on the edge of town past the laundry, The One With The Sunflower."

"Which direction out of town is that Alouette?" he asks.

There's a long, ticking pause.
"Not that way," it points churchwards, where it's just been. "A different way."

More ticking. "Perhaps Ambrose knows where the laundry lives, to determine direction."

Smiling as though he half-expected such an answer, Charging Bear says, "Perhaps we can return the ladder before we locate laundry and then the Robertson place."

Alouette processes this, looks at the ladder, then at the door.
"It can be done!" it declares. It even manages to get the ladder down and through the doorway without decking anyone, though heaven help anyone not paying attention in the gloom of the saloon beyond as it goes striding in.

The old coot who runs the bar is far from thrilled to see Aloueete again, and most of the patrons have filed out of the place by now.

"You done with the dang ol' ladder then man?" He says. "Good. Drop it and git and don't drag your dang ol' metal behind in here again you hear?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:17, Thu 22 July 2010.

 She sniffed a little, looking around for a moment, but nothing in particular. This suddenly struck her as a bit queer.

" You happen to identify the dead man on the horse? Seems to be a friend  the near dead Yankee by the water trough.. I guess you could patchin him up, if yer able. But his blood is weird.. It's like this dead man's, it's all.. Congealed like.. Almost black.."

In reply to The Stray (msg #114):

It was just as she expected, with the distant shouts and gunfire! So exciting!

But Katy was a little taken aback when Augustus suddenly dashed off without explanation, and peered briefly in the direction of the door to see if she could see what had caught his eye. With a frustrated shrug, she turned back to the barkeep.

"I'd like a room, please."

On the other hand, the absence of Augustus was like losing another chaperone. Once she'd got rid of her luggage, she'd investigate the town.

She felt a little disappointed when the sounds of shooting died down.

"Identify a headless corpse? Oh ho ho, how charmingly quaint." The man says, stepping out of the carriage. He takes off his overcoat and top hat, lays them on the seat of his conveyance, then rolls up his sleeves and goes to examine Danny in the trough. He pulls the boy out of it with some difficulty, then lays him flat on the ground and begins to examine him.

"Yes...I see what you mean. I suppose such a thickness of the blood would seem strange to those who haven't worked extensively around the sick and injured. It is a symptom of the later stages of consumption. What was this gentleman doing that warranted being stabbed, shot, and partly concussed, I wonder? Attempting to cough on you?" He gives Gangatsu a withering stare before continuing. "No, don't answer that. I frankly don't wish to know. All I can tell you is that you've done a remarkable job finishing what nature started. This boy does not have long to live. A few hours at best. I will do what I can to make his last hours on this earth comfortable, but then I shall have to consign him to Mr. Underhill."

He opens his bag and begins to work, cleaning the wounds with swabs of alcohol, stitching them closed with needle and thread, and anointing them with bandages. Once he's finished with these tasks, he motions to his driver, who springs out of the coach and grabs the boys torso while the doctor holds the feet. Together they start lifting him into the carriage, apparently intent on spiriting him away somewhere.

In reply to Katy Devon (msg #189):

"Of course! That will be $2 per night. We also serve meals to order...Dinner is at seven, and you can take spirits at the bar all day, though I can't imagine a lady such as yourself would be interested in that." He smiles charmingly at her. "So, what brings you to Blackthorn, miss...?" He pauses, waiting for a name to fill the gap.

The scientist steps back a bit, most of his attention still on the automaton in his thoughts...but curiousity begs the question: Why is an Indian climbing up on the roof?    Before he can begin to consider the possibilities, the machine again speaks.  "Spinning Man...  Hmmmm...  Oh!  No no, quite wrong," offers Augustus in return.  He slows his speech down and increases the volume, as for a child or foreigner, "My...name....is....AUG-US-TUS."  He then awaits the machine's response.  Fascinating!

By this point, the Indian has returned with...a kitten.  Augustus begins now to simply be confused.  Especially as he listens to the conversation about where the kitten should go.  He begins to inquire about it all, but is momentarily distracted by a wet hacking cough, which he covers with a handkerchief.  By the time he is done, the machine-man is walking into the saloon with the ladder.  At which point, he looks over to the Indian, "I am very confused, sah.  Very confused indeed."

In reply to Augustus Spotswood (msg #192):

Charging Bull smiles and slaps the new comer on the shoulder, "Don't worry so, I'm sure it will continue to make absolutely no sense." He looks to the tin-can angel, "Which way?"

To gangtsu, "No, he was dead when we found him.  Went after a local... character, Gabby."

"He went for a gun, doc.  Say, could you take a look at that headless fella?  Did he have comsumption as well?"

In reply to Roland Frost (msg #191):

"Katy... Brown."

At the last moment, Katy remembered not to give her real last name. People might come looking.

"Oh, I'm just visiting."

[Private to GM: If he's expecting to be paid in advance, Katy will pay for a week.]

The automaton obediently drops the ladder when asked and comes out, gently replacing Augustus' hat on his head (it hasn't occured to it that the bags might also be connected to him). "Self responds to 'Alouette', AUG-US-TUS," it informs him, assuming the pronunciation - kitten-worrying volume included - is correct, then looks at Charging Bear.

"Find Ambrose? Theory: Ambrose will know where laundry lives."

"Who's Ambrose?" the native son inquires of the angel.

The automaton clicks a couple of times, logging the extent of retrieval errors caused by alcohol.

"Doctor Ambrosius Botticelli Evans, late of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - last night, said 'From now on, my metallic friend, I would take it as a kindness if you referred to me as Ambrose.'"
It does a frighteningly accurate Evans impression.

"I missed his first man... alright, then to the Marshal's office then..." Charging Bear notes that he was just there before all the crazy gun play started.

In reply to Robert Micklethwait (msg #194):

The pair finish leveraging the boy into the carriage.

"A gun, you say? Hmm. Well, that would be a mitigating circumstance, I suppose." Ward says in response to Robert's explanation. He nods. "I will see what I can determine, though it is harder to diagnose such things from the dead without a microscope, as there are fewer symptoms to observe." He and his driver remover the corpse from the horse, and he begins his examination.

Eventually, he sighs, and stands. "Well, it's impossible for me to determine with absolute certainty what killed this man without further examination and more tools than I have access to. I can confidently state that he was decapitated after his death, and that he may have had a form of consumption prior to it, but the actual cause is obscure."

He looks at Robert, then cocks his head quizzically. "Tell me, have we met? You seem passingly familiar."

Roland nods, and accepts her payment for a week's stay. He arches an eyebrow at the slight hesitation, but does not comment except to say "Well, Miss Brown. Welcome to Blackthorn. It seems to be the time of year for visitors...we have quite a few new faces in town this week, which is something of an event. This is a quiet town..." He frowns. "Well, mostly quiet. I heard some gun fire not long ago, so there may have been some excitement after all."

[[name?]]

The self-declared angel heads off, looking back at it crosses the street to check Charging Bear (and Dandelion) are following, fingers pressed to the dent again and static-crackling a bit with the activity.

Gangatsu, Dr.Ward and his driver will see a golden, inhuman being bearing down on them, flashing bright a moment in the early afternoon sun (Mr.Mickelthwait will just see that the dang clank doesn't seem too messed up from being shot). Followed by a serious native fellow with a very small kitten.

"Howdy mule!" Alouette greets the first creature it meets, then seems about to step in on the knot of folk around the body, until static murmurs strong mid-step and it sees Danny's boots.

"Albatross!"

And on that note, I'm going to end this chapter. Resume posting on the thread "Chapter 4: Storm Clouds Rising ((IC))"