Some mood music

Late Afternoon, April 11th, 1879. The entrance to the Wendell Mine. Good Friday.

Dr. Ward was extremely generous with Augustus Spotswood. Not only did he suggest a place where the gentleman of science could hide from that disagreeable bounty hunter, he magnanimously allowed Augustus to takes some equipment from his carriage house to tinker with to pass the time.

It was late afternoon now, and there was a heavy rainstorm outside the mine entrance. Augusts had set up a makeshift workbench from the remains of the mining equipment and the supplies he'd gotten from Ward, and had been merrily tinkering all day. The mineshaft was secluded enough that he could test his sonic devices without undue fear of discovery, though the echoes made his project slightly troublesome...he didn't hear the footsteps or the voices until they were right at the cave mouth.

"So this is it?"

"Yup. We can get out o' the rain here, wait 'til Gus gets back with the rest. Then we can go after yer friend."

"How long d'ya figure that'll take?"

"Shouldn't be more than ten, fifteen minutes..."

People! Intruding on his hiding spot! What to do? What to do?

((OOC: I'm setting you a bit back in time from the others...not too terribly far. have at it!))

Augustus retightens a screw on the new clockwork rotator under the tuning forks of his Interruptor.  His quiet muttering to himself no doubt made it difficult to notice anything, especially given the falling rain.  "What's that?  Rubbish.  Dr. Ward said I'd be perfectly safe heah.   Stop it, you don't hear anything and neither....."  He sits up, straining to listen for the voices.  Gulp.  "Oh dear...."

He quickly glanced around and thought about and doused his lamp.  Annoyingly there still seemed to be plenty of light coming into the cave for him to see and be seen by.  Quietly, he begins turning the key on his weapon and retrieves his Evocator as well.  Whispering to himself, "I refuse to go quietly anymore.  Yes, I am still whispering.  It's just a turn of phrase.

A pair of figures appear in the light of the mine entrance. They're backlit, so it's difficult to make them out except as general shapes. One is tall and lean, the other slightly shorter but carrying himself straighter.

The lanky one peers into the cave. "Yup. Looks clear. We'll just wait 'till Gus an' the rest o' the boys get here, then we can go and rescue your friend." he apparently didn't notice Augustus crouching about...but that could easily change as his eyes adjust to the dimness. The lean one rests against the wall, grunting. It looks like he might be injured.

The more well-dressed man follows the lanky one in cautiously. "If you say so. I really hope Doc Franklin's alright. You think they snatched him for ransom?"

"Don't rightly know what's goin' on in an Injun's mind." The lanky one grunts as he slides down the wall. "How 'bout this? Let's get a fire goin' and dry off. Keep busy, and it'll help keep your mind off that which it can't do nothin' 'bout." He points deeper into the mine, right near where Augustus is! "There outgha be a few dry logs stored there down that-a-way."

The better dressed one nods, and begins walking right towards Augustus...

Augustus finishes settling the Evocator's ear harness onto his head just as the man begins to head towards him.  Taking a breath, trying desperately not to cough, he takes a firm step forward, "I can do this.  Yes I can.  That was just one time....  Okay two...  Oh hush."  He taps the arming switch on the Interruptor, which immediately whines into an ominous triple-toned hum.  Hefting it up to his shoulder, he shouts, "Stop right there!  I have a Sonic Neurological Interruptor aimed!  You may not know what that is, but I assure you it is quite effective!  Nonlethal, but /very/ uncomfortable!"

"Whoa there!" The well-dressed man says, raising his hands. He looks a bit like a gambler, with that pack of cards he's got in one hand. "Now, we don't want no trouble, sir. just looking for a place out of the rain."

"Aw hell." The other one says. "I plumb forgot...Mr. Spotswood? Is that you there? It's me, Mike Bennett. I'm one o' Ward's boys." Now that he's deeper in and Augustus' eyes are adjusting, he can see it 's one of the Dust Adders that was with the posse that tracked down that outlaw, Nathanial Frost.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:26, Thu 05 July 2012.

Augustus pauses for a moment, though he doesn't lower his humming weapon just yet.  "Ward....  Ward....  Bennett...  Oh... Oh!", recognition slowly dawns and he thumbs the switch again, spinning down the hum, "How wonderful.  The Doctor finally sent for me?  The bounty hunter is gone then?"  he starts to say more, but is forced to grab for his handkerchief and cover a wracking cough.

The man scratches the back of his head in embarrassment. "Well, he's gone, yes, but that ain't why I'm here...you're welcome to come back with us when Gus an' the rest o' the boys come to fetch us, but we got some larger problems than bounty hunters sniffin' around. The Comanche seem to be a bit riled about Ward rescuin' that chinaman from 'em...they're startin' to get antsy." He looks over at the device Augustus was waving earlier. "We got some time before they get here, I reckon. Why don't you tell me an' Mr. Lazarus here what that fancy thing o' yours does?"

"The Interruptor?" offers Augustus, putting his stained handkerchief away again.  He quickly seems to forget about all the news that has just been brought to him.  Afterall, the nice gentleman did just ask about his invention.  A subject he enjoys immensely.  He steps more into the light and holds the weapon up for review, "I was working with the effects of harmonic tones on neurological functioning and discovered quite a few interesting effects.  The Sonic Neurological Interruptor produces one of these tones in a directionally focused way.  The tone....hmm...interrupts the autonomic signals from the brain, causing the target's body to begin seizing."

"That sounds awfully unpleasant," the gambler (Mr. Lazarus, was it?) remarks. "But it might come in handy when we go to rescue Doc Franklin from the Comanche."

Mike looks at him crossly. "Now wait a moment! Mr. Spotswood here's already had enough trouble, and I done told you our boys 'll help you out gettin' your friend back. You don't need to go draggin' him into this!"

"The Comanche?  Again?" returned Augustus in surprise, "I was quite sure I had seen them off yesterday.... Or was that the day before...  No matter!"  He turned the key of his weapon a quarter turn to give it a full wind again, "Dr. Ward has done so much for me, I would return the favor.  I've heard tales of the awful things those Apache do with their prisoners.  No, I must help."

"Thank you sir!" the man beams.

Mike groans and leans against the wall. "Wonderful. Well, I can't stop ya'll, but can we at least wait 'til the boys get here before we done go rushin' off to get shot?"

"Hmmm," ponders Augustus, "You imply that we will get shot whether we wait or not.  Now, since we all know these Comanche are well-known for mistreating prisoners, it would be more sensible to leave sooner rather than later.  Being that the odds of being shot don't seem to change."  The scientist pauses again, the says aside, "True...  More "boys" would provide a wider range of targets and reduce our probability of getting shot /in theory/.  But, this man is a gunhand and therefore more of an expert."

"Thank you, sir! You won't regret this!" Mr. Lazarus beams.

Mike sighs. "Well, I reckon we can at least scout the camp out..." He trails off as he looks behind Augustus. "No..." he whispers. "No...you can't be here...you're dead..."

"Yeah, I'm dead, alright," replies a whisper from right behind the scientist. "I got you to thank for that, Mike Bennett. So I reckon it's high time I returned the favor!"

Augustus straightened up and went quite still as he realized he had been snuck up on....in his own cave.  But, something the voice uttered struck him strangely.  Strangely enough to knock him right back out of surprise.  Turning about, he interjected, "How can you be dead if you are speaking?  Further, not being dead, what favor are you returning?"

Turning around answers at least one of Augustus' questions, because standing behind him is the spectral form of Nathanial Frost, the villain Augustus had seen shot dead not two days ago!

The ghost still had the bloody hole in his forehead from where he'd been shot. Black blood dripped from beneath his wide-brimmed hat, and the hat itself sat oddly, as if there wasn't a full skull to perch it on. He was pale and silvery, as if he'd just stepped out of a photograph, except for his burning green eyes which were slitted like a snake's.

"There's more things in heaven and earth, Doc Spotswood, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." The ghost whispered. He levels a phantom sixgun at Augustus.

((OOC: I don't think you were here for this, but I made a change to the Guts rules. I folded Guts into Spirit, so all Fear checks are Spirit Checks now. You had a d6 in Guts...you can use those points for other skills if you like.

Speaking of Fear, Roll Spirit, -5 for the local Fear Level, + Grit, -1 for Ol' Snake Eyes' Fear ability, and -2 for your Doubting Thomas hindrance. }:D ))

It takes but a moment for the scientist's muddled mind to register the form and detail of the wraith.  His eyes then widen, shock coursing back through him as his scientific cognition reuses to process the only....horrible....answer....

OOC - That'd be a nope!  -1 was my highest on that there d6-6 roll.  Maight just finally be the undeniable event that switches out that hindrance.  I'll thin on it.

08:05, Today: Augustus Spotswood rolled -2,-1 using D6-6,d6-6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5. Fear!

((OOC: Wheeee! It'll at least shake him. Let's see, what happens to Augustus? Ol' Snake Eyes has a Fear Penalty, which adds to the Fright Table roll...

12:26, Today: Ol' Snake Eyes rolled 20 using 1d20+1, rerolling max with rolls of 19. Fright!

19-20 The Mark of Fear: The hero is Shaken and also suffers some cosmetic physical alteration—a white streak forms in the hero’s hair, his eyes twitch constantly, or some other minor physical alteration. This reduces his Charisma by 1.

Go ahead and describe the mark, and then draw a card for Initiative.))

---

Turn Order:
Augustus Spotswood: not drawn yet
Mike Bennett: KD (need to roll Fear)
Harry Lazarus: 7H (need to roll Fear)
Ol' Snake Eyes: 4H

His mind's inability to rectify reality with scientific fact forces his left eye to twitch....quite a lot...  It may stay that way...

OOC - This town has really broken him. ;)  5C

08:45, Today: Augustus Spotswood drew the single card: 5C using the Deadlands system. Initiative!

Mike also seems unable to take the specter's presence. He shouts inarticulately and stumbles back towards the mouth of the mine, out into the rain, fumbling at a cross beneath his shirt and moaning prayers to Jesus.

Mr. Lazarus, on the other hand, seems hardly fazed at all. Sure, he gulps a bit, but that pack of cards in his hands suddenly glows with a pale green fire. He draws a hand, consults it, and grins. "Right. Back to the aether, spirit!" he says, flinging three of the cards at the ghost. All three cards glow with an unnatural light and streak towards the specter. One of them strikes the ghost, who hisses in confusion and pain, but the other two veer off and loop back around at the huckster, much to his astonishment. He raises an arm to sheild himself but the force of his wayward magic blows him off his feet.

"ow." The ghost mumbles. He didn't seem overly hurt by the glowing cards, but he seem irritated nonetheless. "That hurt. Guess I have another fuckin' idiot to plant today."

((OOC: 23:09, Today: Mike Bennett rolled 0 using 1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Fear! That's a fail. He's an extra, so he Panics and runs out into the rain as fast as he can (his Pace is halved because he's hurt).

Harry has a much better roll, as he's a Wild Card, Seasoned, and has the True Grit edge, so he has a total Grit of 3. 23:12, Today: The Stray, on behalf of Harry Lazarus, rolled 4,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4. Fear! Awesome, he's scared but not terrified.

He's going to do what he does best...Soul Blast! He's going to call up 3 bolts with his Soul Blast, so he needs to hit 3 pp on a Deal With The Devil (Pair of Jacks or better)

Deal with the Devil (5 cards +3 Grit +1 high Roller = 9 cards): KS, 8S, 7S, 2H, 4C, KH, QC, 7H, JD. 2 pair. The Hex is powered. 23:20, Today: The Stray, on behalf of Harry Lazarus, rolled 1,7,1,2 using d8,d8,d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,7,1,2. Spellcasting. ooooo. Ouch. That's Backlash. He gets one shot in, but is Shaken. It's not Backfire, since he didn't draw any jokers or fail to get the PP, but it still hurts.

Still, he gets Damage on Ol' Snake Eyes: 23:23, Today: The Stray, on behalf of Harry Lazarus, rolled 5 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Damage. Not actually enough to hurt Nate, who has Toughness 7.

Cards for next round:
Mike: KD
Harry: 7S))

---

Augustus is up next!

Augustus stumbles back from the apparition, eye twitching uncontrollably, "But...but....but...  D-d-dead..."  Not at his most eloquent.  Bolts of glowing energy streak past him to punch through the ghost.  Somehow, this snaps him out of it.  Just a bit.  The scientist swings his weapon up slowly, the triple hum ramping up threateningly.  Before its quite level, he pulls the trigger and fires a rippling blast of harmonic dissonance past the ghost.

OOC - Unshaken, but can't act.  Over to you! KD for next Init.

14:08, Today: Augustus Spotswood rolled 5,4 using D6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4. UnShake!
14:15, Today: Augustus Spotswood drew the single card: KD using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

EDIT : A 1 on the Shooting roll.   Thanks for the chance though.  Interesting rule.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Sat 04 Aug 2012.

((OOC: Actually, I added a house rule that allows you to take an action at -2 if you unshake, to help speed up fights and keep people from feeling useless all combat if they wind up getting into a Shaken-Unshaken loop (Alouette mentioned this in the OOC). So if you have an action you'd like to try, go ahead and attempt it.))

The ghost grins as the ripple bounces off the wall and down the mineshaft. "For a man o' science, you really are dumber than a bag o' hammers, ain't ya? Got a hankerin' to bring this whole place down on your ears, save me the trouble? I can oblige ya. But I ain't gonna let you off that easy, Spotswood. One ill turn deserves another." he stalks toward the scientist, his pistol raised.

"You read the bible, Spotswood? Well, I got this passage memorized. Sort o' fits the occasion." The ghost sets the phantom gun against August's temple. "If you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain." The hammer cocks back. "For he is the minister of GOD, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil!"

The gun screams like burning ghost rock, and Augustus can feel the phantom bullet snap his head back...

((OOC: Ol' Snake eyes attempts to curse Augustus!

Touch Attack: 18:52, Today: Ol' Snake Eyes rolled 8,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. doom touch! Hit and Raise vs. Augustus' pathetic Parry score. Since this is not a damaging attack, though, the Raise doesn't do him much good.

Curse: 18:53, Today: Ol' Snake Eyes rolled 11,8 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+1)11,(6+2)8. Curse! ouch. That's high.

Still, it's an opposed roll. Augustus, make a Spirit check vs. 11, or else suffer the slow wasting curse that will ultimately kill you a second time. You get a +2 bonus because your "spirit pal" can help resist. Oh, and make a Dominion check as well...this is the sort of thing that prompts a fight or flight reaction from the manitou.

Ol' Snake Eyes's card: QH, AC (level headed).))

The scientist's head snaps back....for a moment his mind is filled with blackness.  A hissing darkness.  Then, quite surprisingly, something pushes it out.  Very little other way to describe it.  Blinking, Augustus brings his head back forward and stares at the vengeful spirit uncomprehendingly....

OOC - Anti-curse total 11.  Spent Red Chip to do it.

Still have a Blue and a White.

The other roll totaled a 7.  So I gain 1?

21:24, Today: Augustus Spotswood rolled 4,7 using D6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+1)7. That other thing!
21:23, Today: Augustus Spotswood rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Red Chip Add to Anti-Curse!
21:20, Today: Augustus Spotswood rolled 12,33,7 using D36,d36,d36, rerolling max with rolls of 12,33,7. Chips!

But the spirit is already moving toward Mike, ignoring the scientist. "And you know what the Good Book says about false friends, don't ya? 'Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors, but in their hearts they set traps for them.'"

He sets the barrel of the phantom gun against Mike's head. Mike starts whispering the Lord's Prayer beneath his breath in short, terrified bursts.

The gun screeches again...Mike's head snaps back...

((OOC: It's an opposed roll that I make in secret, so that may or may not be enough. Fortunately, though, the Manitou didn't beat 7, so you do, in fact, gain that point of Dominion.

Ol' Snake Eyes doesn't realize his curse didn't take, so he's going on to hit his next target, which is Mike.

10:32, Today: Ol' Snake Eyes rolled 4,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. doom touch!

10:33, Today: Ol' Snake Eyes rolled 1,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Curse!

Mike rolls Spirit to resist the curse: 10:34, Today: Mike Bennett rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Resisting Curse. I'm going to chip it with the Red I got from Adrian's spending a Red Chip in another thread. 10:36, Today: Mike Bennett rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8. red chip. Nice. Mike also resists the curse, though he's still Shaken from the initial Fear check.

Card: 4S, 3C))

---

up next: Augustus Spotswood!

Augustus was never what one might think of as the bravest soul.  Rational to the core until this town had begun to shake that sturdy foundation.  The sight of this cold, deliberate spectral gunman is almost too much to bear.  But, self preservation is a powerful thing.  His strange weapon is lifted to his shoulder, to brace against the shakiness of his hands.  This time, more careful aim is taken...

OOC - Aim action.  Black Joker for next round!

Mike curls into a ball, still muttering the Lord's Prayer, over and over like a mantra. Ol' Snake Eyes turns his attention to Mr. Lazarus. "And now it's your turn."

"Yup." The gambler agrees, and flings another glowing card at him. It hits the ghost square in the chest, exploding in a shower of multicolored sparks.

The ghost howls. It doesn't exactly stagger like a living person would, but it seems faintly diminished. It definitely seems to be in pain as it flickers in and out of view for a few seconds.

((OOC: Mike gets to go next, then Harry.

Mike attempts to unshake. He got spared the curse, but he's still terrified. 10:33, Today: Mike Bennett rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3. unshake. nope. He remains Shaken.

Harry is still suffering from the Backfire. He attempts to Unshake as well. 10:36, Today: The Stray, on behalf of Harry Lazarus, rolled 9,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+1)9,3. unshake. Success and Raise! He gets an action without penalty.

He's going to do a single Bolt this time around, and needs only a Pair to pull it off.

Deal with the Devil: 8D, 2H, 3C, 7C, 8S, 4D, 5D, KC, QD. That will do it.

He casts: 10:41, Today: The Stray, on behalf of Harry Lazarus, rolled 3,16 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+6+4)16. Spellcasting. Nice. Raise.

Damage: 10:41, Today: The Stray, on behalf of Harry Lazarus, rolled 10 using 4d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2,1,3. Damage. That makes Ol' Snake Eyes Shaken.

Cards:

Harry: 9H
Mike 8D))

---

Next turn:
Augustus: BJ! (+2 to all trait rolls and damage)
Harry: 9H
Mike: 8D
Ol' Snake Eyes: 4S (oh that's all manner o' bad for him)

Augustus takes a quick breath....and pulls the trigger.  A whirling triple-toned harmonic pulse sings out from the strange weapon rippling towards the spectral villain!

OOC - Entangle.  Got a 7.  Resist?  Does it even have an effect?  It's what he has, so it's what he uses.

And...hmm...  Red Joker for next initiative.  Interesting.

The blast ripples through the air, striking the ghost, who screams in agony as the burst of concentrated sound rips through him. The ghost seems to dissolve into mist as the burst passes through him, and vanishes. his screams still echo in Augustus's mind.

((OOC: Ol' Snake eyes will attempt to resist. It does affect him, because it's magic (not that Augustus would accept that as such). He gets an Agility roll to avoid it, but because you have a Joker and this is a non-damaging effect, instead of +2 damage I'll provide him with a -2 penalty to avoid the initial burst.

10:38, Today: Ol' Snake Eyes rolled 0,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Resisting Entangle. That's a fail. Moreover, Augustus gets a Raise. Heck, it would have been a Raise even without the penalty

now, since he's not totally corporeal, here's what happens: the sound waves disrupt his ability to manifest. Until he recovers from the effect, he discorporates. He's still technically "there," but he's back to being invisible and intangible.

Congrats, ghostbuster. this fight is over until he escape the restraints.))

Augustus slowly, cautiously opens his eyes wider and peers around for the specter.  His left eye continues to twitch even so, especially as he starts to think through everything.  "Interesting...  While I've never believed in ghosts, it becomes apparent that energetic aetheric resonances of our biological impulses can continue as Professor Wilhelm posited..."  He glances at the cave walls, "Perhaps some mineral...and the storm...focused the resonance...  Very interestin...umm... phenomena..... indeed."  His scientific babble does seem to make him feel better, but with that twitch it makes it difficult to tell wether he truly believes it.

Mike pulls himself to his feet and rubs his forehead. There's no trace of the spectral gunman's shot, but he continues to rub his head as if making sure nothing was damaged. "Spotswood? How're...how're ya feelin'?"

"A little shaken," offers Augustus with a wan smile that he hopes seems brave, but the twitch ruins it.  He just looks a bit mad really.  "And you, sirs?"  he asks more out of politeness than any real concern as he presses right on without waiting, "Perhaps...  We should go...  Whatever causes this resonance seems quite focused here and we could have yet more post-corporeal bioelectric resonances attached to us.  As much as I would like to investigate the phenomena..  There was someone to save, yes?  Um...whoever was it..."  The scientist begins muttering to himself as he tries to remember and heads for the cave mouth.

"I reckon I'll be alright." Mike says, absently rubbing his cross. "Seems I really do have a friend in Jesus. Nate came for Carl yesterday. Poor man's been feelin' like he's got one foot in the grave since."

"Wait, you knew about our specrtal guest?" Mr. Lazarus says aghast.

Mike nodded. "I'm sorry. I thought he'd come for me sooner or later, but I thought he'd come at me alone. Didn't think he'd put anyone else in danger." he looks up at August. "You're right, though. Can't stay here. I wouldn't bet my granny's wooden teeth that he won't be back, all the meaner for gettin' blasted the first time."

"Well, if we can get to my friend Dr. Franklin...he knows all manner of things about ghosts and spirits. It's why the Lodge sent him here in the first place. We've got to rescue him now...not just 'cause he's my friend, but because he'll surely know a way to stop this horrible thing."

The two follow Augustus to the cave mouth. It's still raining, but it's become a light drizzle.

Mike sighs. "I reckon you're right. I don't like it, though. I don't want to tackle a whole Comanche warband just by ourselves. We oughta at least make for the ranch, get the boys riled."

The two look at Augustus, apparently expecting him to be the tie breaker.

The scientist, standing at the mouth of the cave, was busy muttering to himself, "Of course I remember how to get back there....What?  That's just silly...  They said we were going....um..."  He looked out through the wide rainy expanse out in front of the old mineshaft.  It, quite frankly, looked like almost every part of Texas he had seen.  He never was very good with directions.  Maybe the other two gentlemen knew.  Turning back around, he caught the tail of the discussion and the expectant looks.  So, he went with whatever was last said.  They'd think him rude if he admitted he wasn't listening, "Yes.  Right.  Let's go....rile some of the boys....  Which way is it again?"

The trio make tracks east, away from the mine. The rain beats down on them, but the thought of the ghost waiting for them keeps them moving.

After about an hour of hoofing it next to the swollen stream, Augustus spots a trio of dusty riders heading their way through the rain, leading a couple of extra horses behind them.

Augustus stops in his tracks at the sight of the riders.  The stress of the past few days has been getting to him, his instinct NE to wind up his Interruptor at the first sign of trouble.  Hissing between his teeth, somewhat quietly, he warns, "Ware!  Comanche!"

One of the riders, a black man in cowboy gear, looks around. "Comanche? Where?" he asks nervously.

Mike looks at Augustus, then back at the riders, then laughs. "No, it's alright! It's just Nick and Ned and Eddy. We're saved!"

"Some savin'." Another rider, an older man, says between chomps of chaw. "Whole ranch is up an' riled. Gus come back, said you an' some fancy pants been shot at. Then Carl went an' run oft to town, an' Gus lead a whole bunch o' the boys there. Said somethin' about Comanche comin' to attack the place. Been all hectic e'er since. Ward wants to see the fancy pants right away. Says he was expectin' 'em, wahts to know the score."

Mr. Lazarus pales. "But...but my friend Dr. Franklin! He's still in the Indian's clutches!"

"Reckon that's his problem." The older chap says. "Ward says now, we do it now. Gotta get prepared in case them Comanches come here next." He indicates the horses. "We only brought the two...on o' you is gonna be on the heel-toe express. Which is it?"

Augustus relaxes upon realization that the riders were not, in fact, Comanches.  Though he leaves his weapon wound....just in case.  There were actual Comanche out here after all.  As he peers out into the mist, a wracking cough overtakes him and he just manages to catch it with his kerchief.  He does manage to hear about Dr. Ward's request.  A very fine idea.  He'll know what to do.  Bringing himself under control, he is able to answer the question, "I'll...ahem...  I'll take the express, thank you.  Time is of the essence."

The "Heel-Toe Express" turns out to be walking, as Augustus learns to his shock when both Mike and Mr. Lazarus mount and he himself is left to hoof it. It's another 20 minutes before they reach the ranch because they have to go slow to keep pace with him.

The Ranch is busy. It looks like the Dust Adders are setting up barricades and digging trenches. Ward is there, supervising the preparations. He looks up at the arrving riders.

"Ah. Excellent." He says. "It is good to see you at last." he looks at Mr. Lazarus. "I assume you are the representative from the Dallas Lodge? I was expecting you some days ago..."

"I'm afraid we got unavoidably detained. Train Robbery outside Edna." Mr. Lazarus says, stepping forward to shake Ward's hand. "I'm Harry Lazarus, Walker in Dusk. My traveling companion, Dr. Oswald Franklin, was captured by the Comanche. If we hurry, we can..."

Ward shakes his head and cuts him off with a curt wave. "No, I'm afraid that's impossible at the moment. As much as I grieve for your friend, we have a very serious situation on our hands, and while normally I would not for an instant hesitate to assist anyone in the clutches of the vile heathens on our doorstep, time is not on our side. I'm calling an emergency meeting of the Lodge here in Blackthorn, and you are invited to lend your insights to it, but I cannot leave the grounds at the moment. They will be here within the hour, with any luck, and I must be here to greet them."

"But...!"

"Mr. Lazarus, I will help you save your colleague if I can. But now is not the time. At the very least, I can help you divine his conditions. Do you have a personal item of his? Something with sympathetic resonance?"

The gamble nods, and pulls out a pair of crushed and twisted spectacles. "Found these after our fight. He's half-blind without 'em."

Ward takes the spectacles, examines them, and nods. "This will do." Then he looks over at Augustus, and starts. "OH! Dear me, Mr. Spostswood! Forgive me, I didn't see you standing there. I trust nothing has gone awry with your, ahem, emergency accommodations?"

The scientist in question was a bit busy trying to regain control of a coughing fit.  No doubt exacerbated by his trip on the "hell-toe express."  which is not an express at all.  Wiping at his lips, Augustus straightens, "Ahem..  Excuse me..  No, no Dr Ward.  It was quite nice, under the circumstances, although the aetheric resonance was a bit of a surprise."  Eye twitch.  "No, I've come to assist in...um...  Dr...something-or-other's rescue from the Cherokee."  He looks to Mr. Lazarus expectantly, hoping /he/ recalls the name.  The captive is his friend after all.  Glancing around, he takes note of the fortifying and inquires, "But...  You may need my assistance here...  Cheyenne war party?  Or...?"

"Aetheric Resonance?" ward asks quizzically.

"He means the ghost that attacked us." Mr. Lazarus says.

"Ghost?" Ward says sharply, then stares hard at the trio. "Mr. Bennet, was it Frost?"

Mike looks aghast. "You mean you knew he was back?"

"Not until this very day. He attacked the young Bradshaw."

"Percy!?" Mike squawks. "Where is he? Is he alright? What did that bastard do to him!?"

Ward sighs. "Sadly, he is not all right. I'm still trying to figure out what it was the specter did to him." He looks at Augustus. "Did he attack you as well?"

"He tried to get all 'o us." Mike says. "I was saved by a prayer to the lord...He attacked Mr. Spotswood here, too, but it didn't seem to stick fer some reason."

"Come inside. We need to discuss this further, and we shouldn't do it in front of the rest of the men. There's no sense in alarming them, not with the dangers we're already facing." He looks at Augustus. "I'm afraid that this matter supersedes that one, at least for the time being. I will try to divine the whereabouts of...what was your colleague's name again?"

"Franklin. Dr. Oswald Franklin."

Ward nods. "Yes. Dr. Franklin. I shall divine his location presently, but first we need to get to the bottom of our specter phenomenon."

He leads the trio into his mansion, up to the library. "Please. Sit." he says once they are there. "Mr. Spotswood, I'm going to need you to tell me everything you remember about your encounter with the late Nathanial Frost. It is vitally important that you spare not even the smallest detail."

Augustus was grateful to be back under a roof again and, of course, Dr. Ward's library was a wonder.  His inventions are settled safely by the wall.  He himself is settled into a comfy chair, as long as others are sitting as well.  At the Doctor's urgent inquiry, he concentrates.  Should be simple, but things are getting so...muddled... These days.  He mutters to himself back and forth for a minute, before offering, "Well...  An aetheric resonance, an echo if you will, of the late Mr. Frost was made manifest in the cave.  No doubt due to some interesting mineral quality in the area.  My hypotheses is that this mineral brings focus to bio-electric resonances trapped in ther aetheric wavefront surrounding each of us.  Based, of course, on Dr...um...  Well, it was a paper I had read...  I forget, but, it would explain so-called hauntings."  He pauses again, eye twitching as he thinks through, muttering still more, "Yes...ghosts would explain it as well...  But such spirits don't exist...  Hush...nothing but fancy..."  Looking up again, he adds, "So...  Minerals resonanating with residual bio-electric energy.  Further experimentation will confirm that."

Dr. Ward shakes his head. "I'm afraid you're quite wrong, Mr. Spotswood. Remember our discussion on the nature of Aether? Spirits, or rather aetheric entities, DO exist. It was my intention to demonstrate this for you by capturing one and forcing it to manifest, but, alas, the situation got out of hand and no opportunity for this demonstration in safe conditions presented itself. But for you to understand the very grave nature of the danger, you must accept this premise: discreet entities within the aether exist. Sometimes these entities are created when a person dies. It has the likeness and personality of the former human who birthed it, and perhaps even the memories, but it is a whole and separate being, devoid of whatever mortal thought processes may have been possessed by the original. And it is out to kill us."

He pauses, stands, and heads over to a small caraffe of brandy. He pours himself a glass, then offers one to his guests. "Drink?"

Once accepted (or declined), he continues. "I have spent the last ten years of my life studying aetheric entities, Mr. Spotswood. Most of my research is based on on contacting, calling up, and bind to my will various entities. I have had some success, but I have also learned just how dangerous these beings can be. You're right about certain places having more aetheric resonance than others...locations tied to places with strong emotions strengthens the Aether, makes it easier to contact such entries." He takes a sip of his brandy and considers. "Your mineral theory is an interesting one--we've made a discovery in the deeper reaches of the mine that supports it--but the reason Mr. Frost's specter visited you there was because the mine had an emotional resonance conducive to manifestation. Fifty people died in the cave-in in '74. The town still grieves for their loss. That resonance is what allowed him to manifest there, and for that I am sorry. I inadvertently put you in harm's way. Had I known Frost would be retuning from the dead bent on vengeance, I would never have sent you there. Tell me, how have your own studies been progressing?"

Augustus looked a bit perplexed as the Dr. Ward began to explain, trying to sort it out.  He did recall something of the conversation on aetheric entities.  Had that been Dr. Ward?  No matter.  He did in fact accept a drink, perhaps it would calm the nerves and give his mind focus.  He had been so terribly distracted of late.  Mention of his quick theory coinciding with the Doctor's own brought a small, relieved smile.  The good Doctor's theory did seem to be plausible.  His mind strays along those lines further, trying to reconcile scientific fact to theory to evidence.  It's a moment before he realizes he was asked a question, "Pardon?  My studies?  Well...  A cave is hardly a proper laboratory, but I did stumble upon a method of momentarily focusing my sonic tone into a semi-sonic waveform pulse."  A pause, a slow realization, "Oh!  And I did discover that the resonance allowing for the manifestation of your aetheric entities is interruptible through application of a sonic dissonance.  A burst from my Interruptor effected the entities immediate dissolution.  Presumably back to the aether."  A thoughtful sip of brandy follows.

"Excellent." Ward says, pleased. "That may prove very useful indeed in the hours ahead. And I suspect the mine may have had more use to you than you suspect. We were talking about mineral resonance before. Our discovery, well...it seems to affect many of scientific bent. It seems to make certain aetheric manipulations easier. It brings more ideas to the surface. And, of course, it has similar effects on those who manipulate energies but do not know the scientific underpinnings of what they do. What do you know of witches? Warlocks? Indian Shamans? Those who profess to gain 'magical' powers through entreaty with the spirits? And, as a corollary, what do you know about Ghost Rock?"

Augustus seems quite taken aback by the rapid escalation of occultism.  Warlocks?  Witches?  Shamans?  It would be easy enough to see that he was retreating to the safety of scientific act again, losing ground on his acceptance of D. Ward's theories.  So, reasonably, he settled on the only question to which he had much ability (or care) to answer, "A complex carbon mineral of high density.  It's formation under great pressures left porous channels within, which produce a rather keening whistle as the material is burned.   Some uneducated sort felt the whistle was somehow ghostly.  The name caught on...like....well...  Like a ghost rock fire.  You don't mean to say that ghost rock is the minerall-of-resonance?"

"I do indeed. The cave-in in '74 was a horrible disaster, but it also uncovered some seams of the mineral which lay untapped and unknown to the Wendell Mining Corporation when they abandoned the site. They threw away a potential fortune." He leans back. "Now, I have not had the resources to fully exploit this. Most of my fortune is bound up in my cattle stock, and I purchased the land around the mine strictly for access to the creek--water resources are important for cattle herds. Still, I purchased the mine itself with the intention of clearing it and returning it to prosperity. Blackthorn did not deserve to be so cruelly tossed aside, and the people here deserved better. I made some initial explorations of the site...and chanced upon one of the area affected by the cave-in. Whatever happened on that day opened seams heretofore glimpsed. Now, there are several problems with the mine itself, which is why I have been moving cautiously these years. But the fact remains. There is Ghost Rock in Blackthorn, and a lot of it. So I have been able to obtain samples to use in my other experiments."

"Now, it is my theory that those who profess to have 'Magical' powers are simply able to acts that modern science has not yet managed to replicate. Aetheric Theory is an exciting new branch which may explain the abilities of these people. They contact Aetheric entities, entreat them for boons, and layers of mysticism are draped over the details that occlude them from the rigors of the scientific method. Are you with me so far?"

"One of these mystic trappings is often the burning of offerings in order to 'appease the spirits.' In reality, this is nothing more than releasing the aetheric resonance of specific elements, resonance which allow the entities the ability to manifest in our realm. Ghost Rock is one of these substances. It is heavily resonant with the Aether. The energy produced by burning Ghost Rock is immense. A pound of unprocessed ore will burn for over a week at temperatures that will liquify most metals. This is what makes it a fantastic fuel source. However, it also aids in many so-called 'mystical' rituals because it releases not only physical energy, but aetheric energy. This release draws Aetheric entities to the sites where ghost rock is present, which is why many scientists who work closely with the mineral report haunting, hearing voices, or sudden flashes of inspiration from beyond. Have you ever experienced anything of this nature in your work?"

As the Doctor went on, Augustus did his best to maintain his composure.  Though that eye twitch only got worse the more he tried to be impassive.  Perhaps more brandy would do the trick.  The last inquiry brought him up short though.  Short of breath even as his coughing once more took hold.  Covering with his handkerchief yet again, he rode out the fit while his mind whirred.  He /had/ experienced such things, but...  No.  No.  Clearing his throat after a few moments, the scientist shook his head, "Um.. No...  Not...um...no, of course not."  terribly convincing.

Dr. Ward sits back with his brandy. "Would you kindly tell me again how the ideas you had in the cave came to you? This is very pertinent to the discussion, so please...be honest."

Augustus glances around the room.  Damn that twitch., "No, they are logical scientific progression... Right?  But...  I told you so is beneath you..."  Taking another larger sip of brandy, he attempts, "I was performing simple maintenance and...noticed how to create not only greater efficiency, but to generate a more powerful sonic pulse.  It was logical scientific thought and work...  Though...it did occur to me...rather suddenly."

Dr. Ward nods. "I thought as much." he leans back, offering more brandy. "I believe, sir, that you have a muse, an aetheric entity that has attached itself to you that assists you in your creative endeavors."

What if he's right?

What if his genius is really just the whisperings of some unknown entity?

It was getting harder and harder for Augustus to find refutations for Dr. Ward's theories.  And the things he had seen.  And his sudden sparks of inspiration.  The scientist, tired and worn from these long strange days, seemed to grow somehow smaller (though not by any true measure of mass.)  Just....diminished as his long held fears seemed to be coming true.  With a twitch in his eye and a shaky hand, he offered out his glass to be refilled.  Quietly, no longer looking up, he muttered apparently to himself again, "Fraud....sham...  Yes, you were right...  Don't be rude.  I...I concede..."

Dr. Ward, caught up in his explanations, notices Augustus's sudden crestfallen nature. He frowns. "Fraud? Why, whatever makes you say that?"

The downcast scientist downs another, perhaps too large, sip and just shakes his head, "No no...I was..speaking...um...  Never mind."  Taking a deep stiffening breath, he straightens up a bit, "What does all this gave to do with the Cherokee?  Are they coming here?  Can I help in some fashion?"

"Comanche." Ward corrects gently, then continues. "It has to do with the mine. More specifically, what's buried at the heart of it. There is an aetheric entity of great power that is, for lack of a better word, 'trapped' beneath the mine, possibly where the greatest concentration of Ghost Rock lies. This entity, which calls itself Tezcatlcoatl, is trapped in a quiescent state. I have managed to contact the entity's sleeping mind, and draw some power from it for my own experiments, but I believe the Comanche intend to do much more than that. I fear they mean to wake the entity entirely, in some vain hope that it may be turned to their service. Put simply, they intend to free the Serpent and set it on the white man they despise."

Augustus' eye twitches at all that, but he decides, for the moment, not to get back into the uneasy discussion of "spirits."  Instead, he concentrates on the spirits at hand, downing more brandy.  It just dosn't seem to be fixing his problems the way everyone talks about.  "Well...  That can't be a good thing.  Ahem.  How do we intend to stop them?  Should we not be securing the mine against their...um...intentions?"

"Indeed." Ward says, and can't help but chuckle at the understatement. "Not good at all. But yes, I do intend to secure the mine against them. However, I must also make sure the townfolk are safe, and I must protect the ranch and the herd. All of these targets are valuable to the Comanche, and they may decide to strike at any of them, perhaps as a distraction to cover their attempt to reach the center of the mine. It would take them hours, perhaps days, to clear the rubble that blocks access to the deeper reaches, and I suspect they would want to keep us busy during that period. So I have called for a meeting of my fellows in the Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon, to discuss the situation and plan a strategy of defense. And I would like very much to have you...and you, Mr. Lazarus," he says to the very quiet man beside Augustus, who had been absorbing all this talk of spirits in silence up until now, "to participate. Mr. Lazarus is a member of the lodge, but I would have to initiate you into the Society in order for you to be privy to this meeting. Are you interested?"

Twitch.

Augustus eyed the good doctor as the offer was given.  It was society he has never heard of.  But, there /were/ so many societies these days.     "I take it this....Society...studies these Aetheric entities and their attendant phenomena?  I admit...a certain...curiosity..."  He trails off, glancing to the side a moment, "I /meant/ curiosity...  Though...fear...might also be a cause...  I must know...."  His eyes, twitch and all, return to the Doctor again, "But of course, given my current...situation..  I am uncertain of my ability to meet the requirements of joining a society at any rate...  Though, of course, I would be more than happy to lend my meager expertise in whatever fashion you need. You have been a most gracious host..."  it's obvious that, given a bit of pressure, the scientist would eagerly join a group of scientific peers again.  Even one focused on hocum.

"Among other things, yes." Ward says. "Our society investigates the mystic and occult, to seek the truth behind superstition and turn those discovers to the benefit of mankind. We follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Dr. Darius Hellstromme, Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, or Helena Blavatsky. We are the scientists of the occult, as it were. Pioneers in the subjects of theosopy and aetheric theory. And as for you current circumstance, pay them no mind...initiation entails not commitments nor impositions on your time. Of course, I would hope that you pursue full induction into our society should your circumstances change, and I will do my utmost to assist you with your present circumstances. But for now, simply initiation is all that is required for your participation. Do you accept?"

Truth behind superstition.

It did seem a fine scientific pursuit, especially given Augustus' experiences of late.  Such knowledge and experimentation could also help him understand...other things.  Maybe, given that there might..../might/... Just be an Aetheric muse attached to him, he might just be the perfect scientist to persue the matter.  Muttering along his train of thought as usual, he adds, "Well of course...  If it is just hocum and nonsense then it hurts nothing I suppose...  Doctor Ward has been ever so helpful...  No, that would be rude..."  After a few more moments of muttering, he gives a nod, "Yes...  I accept the offer.  Thank you."

Dr. Ward nods, stands, and heads over to one of the bookcases. He selects a couple, then looks at Mr. Lazarus.

"Mr. Lazarus, I know you are not a member of this lodge, but would you be willing to perform the function of witness and Tyler for this initiation?"

"Of course!" Mr. Lazarus says. Augustus might have forgotten he was even there. "But when..."

"I shall look for your friend once the ceremony is complete. I swear upon my honor. But this must be done first."

Mr. Lazarus nods and stands next to the doorway. Dr. Ward returns to his seat, bearing his books. One of them is an almanac, the other is a thick tome with the words "The Yellow Truths" embossed on it in gold leaf. Ward opens the almanac.

"To begin with, I will need to know your birth date. To the hour, if you know it. I need this because I need to know what moon you were born under. Certain parts of this ceremony will change depending on your moon-sign."

Twitch.  Augustus gave a wary eye to all that, obviously feeling it smacked of a nit too much ju-ju or whatever they call it.  But, he had agreed to it.  Best to just get it all over with.  Secret societies did love their rituals.  He had known some Masons back in Richmond.  All sorts of rites they said.  Standing and straightening his jacket (which really fixes nothing as it has become rather scuffed and dirty), he offers, "I was born on...um....  That's strange....  Let me see....  Oh!  That's it.  February 14th, 1846.  No...  4th.  February 4th."

((OOC: Sorry it's taking me so long to get to this...It's been a busy day and I'm trying to figure out all the rigamarole involved in this))

Dr. Ward checks his almanac and nods. "Nascent moon. Interesting. I would have though Absent or Balance, but such is the way of things. You are on the cusp of Balance and Nascent, according to this."

He flips through the Yellow Truths next. "We gather from the moon's lucent bounty," he reads, "A host of harvested boons:

The Absent Moon offers wisdom and insight both forgotten and unknown.

The Horned Moon offers the spirit ways and the paths of apportation.

The Balance Moon offers judgement and the triumph of intellect over emotion.

The Nascent Moon offers silver-tongued grace.

And the Harvest Moon offers strength and prowess.

These we pledge for the betterment of men. These we pledge to use against those who occlude our goals. These we pledge to use as the stars hang low in the sky and the coarse howl of devils are heard from the hills.

A brotherhood are we! For only standing united against our opposition can we hope to attain prominence!"

He looks over at Augustus. "Raise your right hand, place your left hand over your breast, and repeat after me."

He waits for Augustus to do so.

Augustus listens to the poetic descriptions of the moon phases and his mind begins wandering down the store of knowledge he possess about the moon.  Not a great store, but a few oddments and facts.  A collection of which he begins absently muttering.  As the pledge begins and instructions are given, he places his hand over his heart and hopes he didn't miss anything terribly important.

"I, Augustus Sportswood, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and this Worshipful Lodge do hereby most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will ever conceal and never reveal any of the secrets, arts, parts, point or points of the Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon to any person or persons whomsoever, except that it be a true and lawful brother of this Society, or an initiate thereof."

"I furthermore promise and swear, that I will stand to and abide by all laws, rules, and regulations of the Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon as set forth in The Yellow Truths, and of the Lodge of which I may hereafter become a member, as far as the same shall come to my knowledge; and that I will ever maintain and support the Constitution, laws, and edicts of the Grand Lodge under which the same shall be holden."

"Further, that I will always aid and assist all poor, distressed, worthy Enlightened Brothers, their widows and orphans, knowing them to be such, as far as their necessities may require and my ability permit, without material injury to myself and family."

"Further, that I will keep a worthy Enlightened Brother's secrets inviolable, when communicated to and received by me as such, murder and treason excepted."

"Further, that I shall respect and accept as a worthy and equal member any person initiated into the Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon, without exception, regardless of gender, marital status, race, religious creed, or personal beliefs."

"Further, I will not cheat, wrong, nor defraud an Enlightened Society Lodge, nor a brother of this Society, knowingly, nor supplant him in any of his laudable undertakings, but will give him due and timely notice, that he may ward off all danger. Further, that I will not knowingly strike an Enlightened Brother, or otherwise do him personal violence in anger, except in the necessary defense of my family or property, or if his actions would bring ruin to the Society as a whole."

"Further, as an initiate born under the sign of the Nascent Moon, I pledge to do my utmost to assist my fellow Moons in their endeavors, using my talents of expression and persuasion to stir others into motion and seek new avenues of expansion in line with the Enlightened Society Lodge of which I am a member."

"All this I most solemnly, sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steady resolution to perform the same, without any hesitation, myself, until Luna herself descends from the sky to wash the world in her purifying tears, under no less penalty than that of having my body severed in two, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered before the four winds of heaven, that no more remembrance might be had of so vile and wicked a wretch as I would be, should I ever, knowingly, violate this my Enlightened Brother's obligation. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same."

Augustus, hand over heart, repeats the oath with as much solemnity as he can muster.  However he might really feel about all the pseudo-mysticism, it is important to the Doctor and might just lead to some very interesting findings.  And, of course, connections.   These societies were always connected and he could use the support of course.  All in all, not a bad place to find himself.  Even if the trappings of it all are a bit vaudevillian.

"So help me....God...and keep me...steadfast....in...due performance of the same."

"Welcome to the Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon, Augustus Spotswood." Ward says with a smile.

Then he turns to address Mr. Lazarus. "Now. I believe we have an unfinished matter to discuss. Please, hand me that platter." Ward points to a silver dish set next to the brandy snifter. Harry Lazarus does so. Ward, in the meantime, heads to the opposite wall, and brings forth a pitcher. He takes the platter from Mr. Lazarus, then sits down and measures out some water into the dish.

"Now for your first glimpse into the aether, Mr. Spotswood." Ward says, pulling for a small silver medallion of a five pointed star set into a circle. He pulls out the pair of spectacles athat Harry had given him before, then begins chanting in Latin, holding his pendent over the still water.

some mood music

The pendant is still at first, then begins to swing back and forth like a pendulum. A quick glance at Ward's hand reveals that he's holding it absolutely still...it's as if a phantom grip has seized the pendant itself and has begun moving it. Ward's chanting falters, and a look of consternation crosses his face, but he resumes his chant.

The water ripples, then goes perfectly still, then ripples again. In the bottom of the silver dish, shadows play as the water moves and then, impossibly, form into recognizable images! A pair of men on horseback form in the interplay of light and shadow in the bottom of the dish, like a photograph that moves. the two riders on horseback run across a plain, with a distant figure in hot pursuit. One of the riders fires a pistol, and the image ripples as the water splashes of it's own accord. The pursuing figure falls behind the horse as it takes a flying leap over a rushing creek. The image fades.

"We are in luck." Ward says. "It would appear that your companion has already mounted a successful escape, and will shortly be in Blackthorn. I shall have to dispatch some one to fetch him..."

There's a knock downstairs, which shatters everyone's concentration.

"Ah." Ward says, picking up the dish and pouring the water into a nearby basin. "It begins. Mr. Spotswood, would you be so kind as to get the door? I need to make this space ready for your guests."

Augustus smiled and politely thanked in recognition of his acceptance into the Society.  Quite glad the mysticism was over and they could get back to science.  Nodding politely to Mr. Lazarus, who he had quite forgotten about, he followed the pair over to the table.  Observing the pendant and the platter, Augustus was just about to ask the purpose of it all when the chanting began.  "More?  Yes I know he said that their purpose was to see the science behind the magical...but...  Chanting...  Oh hush, I do not chant while I work.  Talking to yourself is different...  It helps me think...."  Once more though, his thought train is derailed as imagery becomes visible in the surface.  Without thinking, he kneeled down to examine the underside of the table to determine how the trick is done.  But, for the moment, no simple solution to its working presents itself.  About to ask, he is interrupted by the request, "Oh?  Yes...of course..."  Still trying to think it through he sees to the door.

Augustus, his head still on the demonstration, opens the door and finds himself face-to-face with a dapper but rail-thin man with wavy raven-dark hair, a bushy mustache, and an intense green stare. He looks a lot like an undertaker, despite his gray suit. He's handsome, but there's something...off about him. Perhaps it's the ponderous tome he has clutched beneath one arm, or the handkerchief he has pushed under his nose, a handkerchief soaked with blood. Or it may be the way he limps, with obvious bullet holes in the knees of his otherwise pristine suit.

"Wha!?" The man crows in surprise at seeing Augustus standing in front of him. "Who ba debil ah ou!?" His voice is muffled to near incomprehensibility by the kerchief he has stuffed under his nose. "Wha's ba nigge? Wha's Ward?"

Augustus was quite taken aback by the brusque manner of the guest.  Not to mention the tatterdemalion appearance ( not that Augustus was doing much better).  Self-consciously, he straightens his jacket, "I am Augustus Spotswood, sir.  Guest of /Doctor/ Ward.  I suppose you are expected...."  He motions off towards the library wherein Dr. Ward awaits.  Then something seems o register, "My God, man!  You are bleeding!  Have you been shot?  Come in!"  Louder now, back towards the library, "Doctor!  This man is injured!"

"Yu powa u obserbation id truly astoundib." The man grumbles as he limps toward the stairs. "Bordeib ahn clairboyant."

Ward appears, black medical bag in one hand, a concerned look on his face. The concern melts away, to be replaced by a curious wry grin. "Why, Mr. Whateley!" Ward says, voice dripping with mock concern. "Whatever happened to you?"

"Ward, you sob ub a bitch!" Whateley growls. "Look whad your ibdiot errand boy dib to meh!"

"Why, whatever did you do to provoke him so?" Ward asked, clearly grinning now at the man's discomfort.

"Nothinb!" Whateley growls. "I dismisseb hib an he trew a boog in mah face! Then Marsha Ebans shot me in buh knees!"

The grin vanishes. Ward scowls at Whateley. "And why, pray tell, did the Marshal get involved in this?"

"He'z gone berzerg! Dat's why!" Whateley screams. Blood pours down his face as he removed the kerchief to yell at Ward. "He and that Ranger bitch are stirring up the whole town! Glenn's there, trying to put a lid on things, but it's total anarchy right now! I warned you about Evans, Dexter! I told you he wasn't to be trusted, and now he's whipping up a mob! Probably going to storm the ranch at any moment!"

Augustus does his best to follow along with all this, but obviously he's missing quite a bit of the story  Which really isn't all that unusual for him.  Scrunching his brow, he steps a bit closer, "Terribly sorry..  The Matshal shot you...and now he's forming a...Oh, what's it called..  Not a gang...  Something Latin..  Oh yes..  A posse comitatus I think...."  Looking back up again from his muttering, he continues as though there was no segue, "A posse comitatus to storm the ranch?  Whatever for?  Perhaps you are mistaken and he is coming to assist in fending off the Navajo war party?"

"He shot me, you blithering idiot!" Whateley yells. "Shot me!"

"Arthur, you are going to have to calm down." Ward begins, but Whateley waves his hand furiously at the man, flicking drops of blood everywhere.

"I will not! This is all your fault, you know. He must think you sent Nathanial Frost to attack him, then had him killed to cover up a loose end!"

"My fault?" Ward roars, losing his composure. "If Nathanial had actually listened to me and left Evans well enough alone, he'd still be alive! And if you had listened to me and allowed me to initiate him, we could have avoided all this mess in the first place!"

Augustus remained more than a little confused and it was readily apparent hat the gentleman was in shock from his wounds.  Becoming unreasonable.  This would of course get them nowhere.  Clearing his throat, he offers politely, "Do you need anything Doctor?  Should I wait in the library?  Perhaps step outside and see if the Sherrif is coming and speak with him on your behalf?"

((OOC: sorry about the infodumpy nature of all this...))

Ward sighs, and turns to Augustus. "I apologize. It seems that I have yet another crisis to deal with..." he massages the bridge of his nose as if trying to ward off a headache. "Arthur, would you kindly head into the den? I will look after your wounds there, and we can discuss this matter without alarming our guest."

Whateley frowns, then sighs. "Very well. But we shall have words. Oh yes." he limps stiffly into the adjoining room, slamming the door as he leaves.

Ward sighs again once the man is gone, and takes Augustus into the kitchen. "It's all unraveling...This is another distraction. I should have seen this coming. It's the Serpent, you know. Tezcatlcoatl. He's the one flaring up tensions. Keeping us all pinned down and at each other's throats while his servants move in secret. I wish I could explain more. Everything I've built here, every plan i had for the future...it's all in danger of collapse. He built his traps very cunningly indeed, and now they are being tripped at once." he sighs again. "You don't know how much your offer of help means to me, Mr. Spotswood. And I wish you could, but I don't even know myself what to do. And I don't know if I can, in good conscience, ask you to endanger yourself on my behalf."

Waving the Doctor's concerns away, Augustus counters with, "Did not the oath I just took include provision for aiding other Society members in need, hmm?  Did you not offer me sanctuary and comfort before you even knew me?"  With a smile, the scientist stands straighter and tugs at his coat and starts to say ,ore, but gets distracted a moment, "Yes...  The cave...  It was not comfortable per say, but it was still comfort in the sense...  I don't have to explain myself to you..."  Straightening again, he carries on, "Please allow me the honor of assisting you.  Let me recconoiter with your men outside and assist them should the feared Arapaho war party arrive.  My inventions have proven efficacious before, you know.  Should the Marshal arrive, I can speak with him as well."

"Very well. You should speak with Mr. Michael Bennett, as Mr. Shaw has gone to town with several of the other men to plan a defense there. Once I've dealt with this situation and the rest of our Enlightened Brothers have arrived, we can plan a more effective strategy to deal with the multitude of dangers we face."

"Mr. Bonnett.  Right,"  Augustus gave a nod and began heading for the study to gather jis inventions, "Never fear, sir."  He went through the door, then came out again quickly.  He could have sworn that was the study and not the dining room.  Walking quickly back across the foyer (trying to look like that never happened), he steps into the real study.  To the gentlemen therein, he offers a polite nod and gathers up his inventions.  It isn't easy and in act takes slightly longer than it should.  But, he does finally get everything set and heads for the door again.

...and he has to backtrack a second time, as the study (on the ground floor) was not where he and Ward and Mr. Lazarus had just been discussing spiritual matters. That had been the library (on the second floor). But eventually, he manages to get his bearings and retrieve his belongings, just as another knock on the door signals the arrival of someone new.

Augustus gives everyone a sheepish grin as he backtracks and crisscrosses the house.  Finally, all his equipment settled again he is able to head for the front door to assist the ranch hands.  Reaching for the handle, he pauses at the surprisingly coincidentally timed knock.  With a shrug, he tugs openhe door and does his best to look welcoming, "Yes?"  His welcoming demeanor is somewhat thrown off by his array of devices, headgear, and the very weaponish trumpet gun.

The rotund, well-dressed man with the fluffy white pekingese clutched under his arms gives August the most baffled of looks. The little dog begins yapping at him. "Um, ahem!" The large man says as he adjusts his ascot. "Pardon me, but...do you know where Dr. Ward is at the moment? I'm expected."

There's a moment of awkward silence, punctuated by the barks of the little dog beneath the fat man's arm.

Then there's a shout from the den. "You blithering idiot! Do you realize what it is you've done!?" comes Ward's voice, roaring through the walls.

The fat man frowns. "Ah. I see Arthur has arrived and is explaining his part in that little debacle in town." He gives Augustus the most apologetic look. "Forgive me for not introducing myself, but I believe I must intervene. It is apparent that there are some ruffled feathers that must be smoothed with haste, if we are to have any chance of mitigating the difficulties that beset us. Would you kindly step aside?"

Augustus feels the strangest compulsion to do exactly as he asks without question or hesitation...

((OOC: Mayor Bruebaker rolled 12,5 using d12+2,d10, rerolling max with rolls of 10,5. Mystic Persuasion! Augustus, if you wish to resist the command, please make a Spirit Roll.))

Augustus steps aside lightly and opens the door wider to allow entry, "Yes, do come in.  You seem to be in-the-know as it were and the Doctor was expecting others...."  He pauses to glance into the house, "He is...um...  in the study, I believe?  Or was it the library?"  Trailing off, he mutters to himself, "Well...it is a big house...  No, not the kitchen...or the dining room...  True, I haven't eaten in a while, but there's hardly been time...  No not now either...."

There's another bout of shouting. The large man gives Augustus a thin smile that doesn't reach his eyes.

"I believe they will not be difficult to find, sir. Thank you." He says and steps past Augustus. He opens the door to the study and steps indise, speaking to the arguing men within. "Gentlemen! Gentlemen, please! Would you kindly settle this abominable row? We have..." Then the door closes, leaving Augustus alone in the hall once more.

((OOC: Moving this thread forward...))

Augustus is left to his own devices, and wanders out to find Minke Bennett, Bonnett...whatever his name was. Mac says that they're expecting a bit of a fight with the Comanche/Apache/Kiowa menace, and Augustus asks if he can help.

Mike looks at the professor. "I dunno...no offense, but you ain't exactly the fightin' type. If'n you got some suggestions on defenses, I'm listenin', but otherwise I ain't that sure o' what you can do to help."

"Many things, Mr.  Bonhomme!" offers Augustus with a bit of pride in his voice.  Looking about at the preparations, the scientist began offering suggestions, "I might be able to put together a few Sonic Waveform Pulse Generators to bolster some of the positions.  A single pulse could scatter a group of crowded indian braves."  Turning again, he sees a few other places that spark ideas, "Or perhaps a Stabilized Waveform Emitter, placing an almost unbreachable barrier at a weak point....  Of course the duration would be quite short due to power requirements....  Or perhaps a weapon that induces horses to run away...  I did find that quite effectuve afainst the Choctaw previously..."

"How long you figger it would take to make all them whatsists?" Mike asks. "I ain't sure we got a lot o' time...and we ain't sure if they're comin' straight for the ranch or they're gonna go after the livestock. We still don't know what they're after." He thinks for a bit. "Say...you think you can build us somethin' that would give us a clue? Ward knows some kind o' trick that let's him figger stuff like that out...forewarned would be forearmed, and all that."

"Of course...  One of my inventions allows for communication with animals at some distance.  With a bit of extra power, I'm certain tat I could increase the range.  Augustus offers this explanation almost flippantly, as though such child's play wasn't really worth considering.  Having said all that, he carries right back into explaining his weapons ideas, "I think I could create at least two defensive emplacements rather quickly...  But, the problem is determining exactly where the Chumash braves will attack....."  The scientist trails off a bit, then glances to Mike, "Which is why I should instead try to boost the power of my device and get you that information, hmm?"  He actually looks a bit sheepish at missing the point.  Again.

OOC - Here's my thought.  Using Beast Friend gizmo as the base idea, he'll rig up a boost to the system via the expedient of a handcrank generator (from parts in the workshop, a ranchhand to crank, and the lightning rods on the house as antennas.  Basically Gadgeteering a short-term, animal only, Mind Rider effect.  Cool?

"Well, let's get you workin'" Mike says, and leads Augustus to the workshop. "I think I got soemthin' that might help, too...Ward keeps it for the experiments he does in the barn."

He leaves, then returns with a fist-sized nugget of white-specked coal...Ghost Rock!

"Don't tell Ward I done gave you this." Mike says. "Can't afford to have the cost deducted from my pay."

((OOC: Alrighty. normally, Gadgeteer doesn't require a roll to create the item, just to use it. The base effect will be a horse-only Beast-Friend that will affect all the horses in a Medium Burst Template (thanks to the limitation of the trapping). I will allow you to increase the effects with a Weird Science Dramatic Task, though.

Roll Weird Science 5 times, at -2 for the conditions of working in the field. Each Success and Raise will allow you to increase the potency of the effect. (to a maximum of 5 enhancements)

You can choose to increase the range or the area. Horses cost 7 pp to control.

Range:

1 success: Double the range. (Smarts x 200 Yards)
2 Successes: Quadruple it. (Smarts x 400 Yards)
3 Successes: increase it eight-fold (Smarts x 1/2 Mile, Duration lowered to 5 minutes)
4 Successes: Increase it 16-fold (Smarts x 1 Mile, Duration lowered to 25 rounds)

Area:

1 Success: Large Burst Template.
2 Successes: Large Bust Template + 2" (Adds +1 PP to the cost of activation)
3 Successes: Large Burst Template + 4" (Adds +2 PP to the cost of activation)
4 Successes: Large Burst Template + 8" (Adds +3 pp to the cost of activation, basically making the device one-use, all-or-nothing).

OOC - Wow.  Cool.  I might try that...  But, I was just going to use Gadgeteer to spin off the Beast Friend gizmo he has and create an animal-targetting Mind Rider effect.  Basically trapping is boosting and tuning his device to recieve signals over a wide area.  Basically listening in on animal chatter to find the Comanche warparty.  He could extrapolate direction and distance by triangulating the received signal through his reciever and another cobbled together receiver set up across the ranch?  Again, just trappings for Mind Rider was the idea.  If you prefer, I'll do it your way and get more power!  Bwhahaha

((OOC: Oh, going for Mind-Rider? Sure, you can try that, too. I'll have to figure out new things for all those successes, if you want to do the mad science boogaloo there...I'll let you attempt 2 Gadgets this time only.))

Augustus accepts the piece of Ghost Rock almost reverently, understanding its unique properties and how they expand his options.  "My thanks, Mr. Benoit...  I'll get right to work..."  Turning away, he hustles to the workshop, muttering as he goes, "I agree, in part, that defensive weaponry is useful...  But he does make a fair point...  Just think of the applications if this works....  No...what would the military want with a secret long range detection and ranging device?  Don't be silly..."  As he reaches the door, the scientist turns anout suddenly on a bootheel, "An assistant would be helpful!  Someone...um...not skittish...  Unmarried too."  With that, Augustus slips into the workshop and begins gathering tools and parts for his newest ideas....

OOC - 2 Gadgets.  Alrightie.

1st Gadget - An animal targetting Mind Rider.  Normally it requires line of sight or a resonance object.  Can I escape that clause by limiting the machine to tuning in on birds?  Basically scanning through and listening in through local birds to find chatter about the   Then triangulating speed and position as noted before?

2nd Gadget continues to spin off the Beast Friend idea.  A horse targetting Fear gizmo.  Basically setting up the system to generate an aimable pulse of panic towards a group of horses in range.  As a spare defensive measure along the same mental lines he's currently thinking on.

"Yeah...I got someone in mind, then." he heads over to the door of the workshop. "TEX!" he shouts. "HEY, TEX! GIT ON OVER HERE!"

Augustus notices the floor shaking a little...and then a giant crouches low and steps into the shop.

The...man(?) is huge, topping seven feet tall, and wasn't so much hit with an ugly stick as beat near to death with it. He's a massive slab of muscle, built like a brick shithouse and colored like one), with reddish-grey patches all over his hide. He looks like he was flayed...his "skin" looks more like wetly-shining muscle tissue. His mashed-in face regards August, and he gives the scientist a vacant, gap-toothed grin.

"I reckon there ain't nothin' you can do that'll make Tex here so much as blink, Doc." Mike says, stepping outside.

Very suddenly, Augustus is all alone with the giant.

The giant looks at Augustus. He doesn't blink. Augustus might wonder if he even can. He smells faintly of rotting meat. A glob of drool grows at the corner of his mouth.

((OOC: Make a Fear Check! -4 for the local Fear level, + Grit))

Augustus had remained busily engaged in his current bit of work as Mike explained and exited.  The scientist offered only the vaguest grunts of positive acknowledgment.  Only when he finished his careful filing of the repurpised gear did he start to turn around, "Mix was it?  Strange name....  Dear God Man!"  The very image of the monstrous man threw a wrench in his thoughts and he openly gawped for a moment.  "Pardon me...  Its just, well, it was a surprise..."  Standing he moves in  bit closer to examine the strane patches and stanger glistening skin, "What on earth happened?  I assume The Doctor is the cause of your survival from what mst have been horrendous...  Perhaps I could try..."  He paused again, "No! There are urgent enough matters and you seem fine for now..  Never fear, I will consult with the Doctor on your case after the crisis.  How are you at pulling wire?  I need quite alot...."

OOC - Surprisingly, Fear Check a 9.

18:51, Today: Augustus Spotswood rolled 2,9 using D6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+5)11. Fear!

The giant watches Augustus babble a bit, mutely, before saying, "N-No. My brother Gus done this. Saved me from damn dirty Injuns." His voice rumbles like thunder. "How much wire? From where?"

Augustus pauses again, glancing back again at the scarred ranchhand, "Oh...  Well...  We'll still see what we can do, hmm?"  Standing he gathers up some small gauge stock metals and another flat metal piece with a series of differently sized holes punched in it.  "Its quite simple really.  Apply some heat via this stove here and then pull the metal through these holes until you can get it to this size..." He indicates a particular hole in the wire tool "It isn't easy mind and a stove is hardly a proper heat source, so it may take some pulling.  Do your best."

The giant nods, and does as Augustus asks. His hands sizzle as he touches the hot metal...he hasn't put on any gloves. He yanks on the metal and pulls them through the gauges without much apparent effort...he must be incredibly strong.