[[OOC: Nice Raise.]]

Cautiously scouting the trail ahead, it doesn't appear as if anyone's waiting behind the rock to leap out at travelers. However, Robert does spot a pair of legs on the trail, as if someone is using the boulder to rest. His old ears are still keen enough to pick up some mutters over the whistle of the wind, as if whoever is there is talking to someone.

And, oddly, the pant legs he spies are Union blue...

Being a polite, friendly type follow, Robert calls out as he rides up.  "Hellow their friend."

There's no immediate reply. And when Robert turns the corner and sees the man in full, he can see why: The poor sod isn't long for the world.

Dressed in the uniform of a Union corporal, the man lays against the rock, staring out at the gathering storm clouds and muttering. His skin is an unhealthy ashen color, and his eyes have sunken deep into his head. Flecks of foam ring his mouth as he speaks, apparently to the thin air. One thin, claw-like hand is curled up against his chest, clutching something dark.

"...won't go back, no...damned herd...the Devil's own beeves...the whispers, I heard 'em...the plague! Paint a cross in blood over the door, spare the firstborn children...God's wrath...mine eyes have seen the fury of the coming of the Lord...trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored...He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword...His truth goes marching on..."

Robert listens, trying to make sense of his words.

OOC: were I Heroic, I'd have to help him, but I'm not.  I am Loyal, which might count.  Does it look like he'll survivie, if I put him over the back of my horse?

11:58, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 2,6 using d4,d6. Kn:occult.
11:59, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 10 using 1d6, rerolling max. reroll mx.
that's a 16!!
also
12:00, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 70 using 3d35 with rolls of 3,34,33. chips.
WC, BC, BC

[[OOC: Nope. He doesn't look like he's going to make it, not without immediate medical attention, and probably not even then.]]

Listening to the man's rambling words sends a faint chill up the spine. References to the Bible, particularly Exodus, the Ten plagues of Egypt, God's Wrath against the Pharaoh. He also mentions something about "The Devil's own herd," which is a legend in cattle country about a herd of Satan's own cows, and of the damned cowboys forced to chase them for eternity. Then there's the segue into "The Battle Hymn of The Republic," one of the more popular marching songs used by Union troops. There's a common thread--sickness and Divine Vengeance. The man's voice falters.

For one moment, the man's eyes clear, and he stares straight at Robert. "Please. Don't let them..." he says, then slumps. His glazed eyes stare at nothing, and the hand he had clasped against his chest curls open. A small, dark stone tumbles away from him.

Robert stares for a moment at the dead man.  His thoughts flash to his son, who hadn't seen in years.  This boy could've been his.  He leans forward and checks to see if the man has any papers, a letter, something to identify himself with.  he also picks up the rock to see what it is, why the man was clutching it so closely.

OOC: how mach lee-way do I have to get to town for court?  I think robert would want to bury this fella, or bring the body in if he can.

[[OOC: The circuit judge wouldn't hold court so late in the evening after a long ride, so you're good at least until morning. It's the fading daylight and the storm Robert would have to worry about.]]

The man's clothes are torn and there are some bruises to indicate that any valuables or papers this man may have carried were already forcibly removed from him. From the signs of malnutrition and ill-treatment, this boy could have escaped from some sort of POW camp, though why one would be operating this deep into Texas is anyone's guess.

The rock turns out to be a 4 ounce lump of coal, flecked with shiny white flakes.

[[OOC: Make a Common Knowledge check]]

"Looks like I'll be hauling you to town."  Robert will try to get the body up behind the saddle.

13:55, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 5,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max. CK.

The body is light and still warm from the fever. The horse is not happy about the corpse being hauled up on it, but it doesn't do more than whinny in complaint.

That only leaves the mysterious rock chunk, which Robert identifies as a lump of Ghost Rock, to occupy his mind as the rain starts to fall.

OOC: i know that expose to ghostrock is dangerous, and I assume Robert does as well, but also that this little bit won't be that big of a deal.  What would this little piece be worth?  Not much I assume.

OOC: about how far is town?  If it looks like I won't make it I'll look for some shelter.

[[OOC: A lump of Ghost Rock is only dangerous after long exposure to it's vapors, so as long as you're not packing a pipe with it you should be fine. A lump this size would be worth about $25, not an insignificant sum these days.

As for shelter, The sign he passed said the town was 5 miles, and that was roughly fifteen minutes ago. A good, hard ride should bring him to the place in about 15 minutes, 10 if he really pushes it, but that would take a Ride check.]]

Robert decides to take it easy, his horse is carrying two, and he's still not the best rider in the world.  Plus with this rain coming down, he didn't want to risk a fall.

After fifteen soggy minutes, the lights of the town come into view. It's dark and rainy, so the glow of lanterns is welcome.

[[OOC: Where are you heading first?]]

OOC: whichever comes first: undertaker, doctor, sherrif

Riding into town, Robert looks about for a Sheriff or a Doctor, but he passes a building with a row of coffins of different sizes set proudly on display first. There's a thin man in a swallow-tail coat closing the door as he rides up. He turns and looks at Robert, then glances at the figure on the horse behind him. He grins.

"And here I was thinking tonight would be boring. What can I do you for, sir?"

Robert swings his leg over his horse's neck and dismounts.  "How do, sir.  I found this poor lad out on a rock, he expired even as I dismounted.  Didn't have anything on him with a name, but i figured he deserved more than buzzards."

The undertaker nods sagely. "Indeed. Poor soldier." He goes up to examine the corpse. "If you don't mind helping me? I'm not quite as spry as I used to be. Oh, and I take it you'll be the one paying for the interning of this poor man's mortal remains?"

"I know all about that.  This rain is getting into m'joints somethin' fierce."  Robart unties the man and helps the undertaker get him inside.  "Doesn't the town have a fund for that sort of thing?  How much is it anyway?"

OOC: could I sell the chunk of ghost rock?  Although much more importantly, where there is some, there might be more, Robert is definitly thinking of that.

[[OOC: Certainly, provided you can find a buyer. That would be a Streetwise check, though you'd probably need to make it at a place with more people.]]

The undertaker gives Robert a wheezy laugh. "Sure do, for townsfolk. But for a Yankee soldier who's not where he ought to be? Ain't no way the town would pay for that. S'damn shame, to be sure--we're all equal in God's eyes once we're before him. most folk won't see it that way, though." He shrugs. "So what else can you do? A decent burial runs $5, and I can get to it right after this rain lets up, if you're in a hurry to be rid of him."

Robert grimaces.  "I don't have that on me, but I'm here for work, so I'm good for it."

15:29, Today: Robert Micklethwait rolled 5,9 using d8+4,d6+4. Persuation.

EDIT: figured that about the ghostrock.  I wasn't sure if I could get somthing for it at the bank, like folks could for gold, maybe 1/2.  maybe I could find a buyer for full price with a raise on a streetwise check?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Mon 09 Nov 2009.

"Well, I wish you luck finding any, but I'll take your word on it. Don't wait too long, though. Doc Ward might have some mighty interesting questions to be asking, and I'd have to point him your way."

[[OOC: The bank would e a good place to check, certainly. It would be closed now, though. finding a buyer for full price on a raise is certainly doable.]]

"No worries there, I have some lined up.  Now I'm off for a hot meal, good eve'nin" With a tip of his hat Robert heads for the livery to get his horse out of the wet, then to and then to some place warm and dry to arrange for a room and meal

OOC: So how does this usually work?  I assume the Judge is here already or arrives tomorow.  Would Robert check with the sherrif about cases, or jsut show up in court and see who needs a defense?  Is there anyway I would know already what's on the docket?

[[OOC: I'm not an expert on this sort of thing...the most information I have is from the Deadlands book and what I can dredge up on the internet. I'd say that you'd check in with the town Marshal, meet with those who are in need of defense, and meet with the clients, with whom you'll discuss the details. I figure you'd have about a day or so to prepare your case, more if you reach town before the judge arrives. As for knowing what would be on the docket, you'd probably need to have access to a local newspaper of have spoken to the Marshal via telegraph, and with Blackthorn being as overlooked as it is, that's not very likely.]]

There is a stable near what looks like a saloon. The smell of fried sausages and grits wafts from the saloon, which seems to double as an inn and restaurant. All of this under a sign with a large Texas Longhorn skull over the words "Grand Bull Saloon." The place seems oddly quiet, though you're sure there's people inside, you can see them through the windows.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:27, Tue 10 Nov 2009.

Robert get's his horse inside, and finds the stable boy.  "Lad, give Bighead here a good rub down and a blanket, and I'll give you a nickle to match this one."

He slings his saddle bags over his shoulder and heads into the saloon, finding a table and ordering a (cheap) dinner and a hot coffee.



OOC: Ok, that sounds good.  I don't know if it will matter for anything more than roleplaying, I just wanted to make sure you and I are on the same page.

[[OOC: Please continue posting in The Grand Bull thread.]]