"Me either," she agreed with Jake, though her attention was on Albert and the magic bullet.  "But there's no point in stopping if the man's dead.  Lucky that only one of our number was taken down by those wolves.  If they were dead and someone was conjuring them, that same someone could conjure more.  Stopped, we'd be an even better target for wolves.  Better chance of making it to Lincoln alive if we keep the stage moving."

Satisfied that his passengers have made their will known, Murdock urged his team into a fast gallop, the stage quaking with renewed force as its wheels sped over the rock strewn bed of the arroyo. In a short time, the right bank of the wash grew level with the rest of the trail and it veered through a clearing in the tall pines, rejoining the main route to Lincoln. Soon, the incline turned steep, the air becoming noticeably cooler, as the coach climbed into the high country.

The air grew heavy with the scent of pine as the sky finally gave up its rain, at first a gentle sprinkle, but soon a steady fall, the drops beating an uneven rhythm on the stage’s roof. The canopy of trees became thicker, their tall forms casting long shadows across the well traveled road. The path wound a serpentine course until the ground became level and it entered a valley, a wide river visible to the north. After the passage of another two miles, the rain softened to a gentle drizzle, and a row of buildings came into view.

Much of Lincoln was gathered along a central street, which seemed to follow the gentle bend of the valley itself. Some of the structures showed the passage of decades, simple buildings fashioned from thick timbers and adobe. Others were newer, built with the sensibilities born of the larger cities of the South. Although all of the passengers were aware of Lincoln’s recent reputation for being a lively center of travel and trade, the thoroughfare struck them all as especially quiet, even in light of the recent rainfall. Almost subdued. Only a handful of people were visible making their way along the road.

A few of the structures drew the passengers’ attention: the stately, two-story courthouse; the earthen brick tower, clearly constructed for defense; an especially well constructed home on the street’s southern side, its appearance a clear suggestion of wealth; a vacant church house, with a pair of individuals dutifully sweeping its steps and clearing its yard of weeds. Having already slowed his team to a trot, Murdock steered the stage through the town, passing Jake McGraw’s shop, before bring the horses to a halt in front of the last collection of buildings on the eastern end of the row. A simply painted sign identified the place as the Ellis Store and Livery. To the left of the store was a tall, well maintained stable, and a wide, tin roofed shed from which the sound of a hammer pounding metal could be heard.

Climbing down, the driver opened the door so his riders could depart. A balding man with a long, white beard and spectacles approached the stage. ”Name’s Ike Ellis,” he said, by way of introduction, ”Welcome to Lincoln.” He gave a nod of greeting to McGraw and Cooper, then frowned as he noticed the injured horse. Approaching the animal, he added, ”Looks like you may have had an eventful trip.”

OOC: I need to ask that each of the stagecoach passengers provide me with a Notice roll.

Ellis will happily talk with any of the characters that wish to speak with him. He is well acquainted with Lincoln and the Rio Bonito Valley.

If anyone has any errands they want to take up immediately, let me know and I can set up a thread for those undertakings.

Once the coach had settled back into its cruising speed, Albert went back to paying attention to the bullets from the ladies. With a bit of concentration and his sharp tool, Al finished his work with plenty of time to yap about nothing in particular during the remaineder of the ride.

22:05, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 7,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Hexslingin' (LFB, KK).

22:04, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Hexslingin' (LFB, J-Lo).

Once finished, he returns the bullets to Jacinta and Kate. "These'll pack a little more punch'n normal. Use 'em well, ladies."

OOC: Each does an extra die of damage. Don't miss!

When the stagecoach finally rolls into town, Albert frowns at what he saw.

22:10, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice.

Before the stagecoach came to a stop, Albert repeats his offer from earlier. "Any of you nice folk wanna quick tour of the town, I'm happy to oblige. Just gimme a minute ta unload my stuff, an we can be off."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:15, Wed 21 Feb 2018.

Jacinta squinted at the modified bullet that Albert had given her, but couldn't discern any difference from her other bullets except for his fancy scratchings.  Still, she gave him a nod of thanks and tucked it into her belt.  Once they reached Lincoln proper, she jumped down from the stage, boots hitting the muddy earth with a splash.  After slinging her rifle holster over her back, she waited on her turn to collect her pack.

She gave Ellis a nod as she slung her pack over her shoulder.  "Came to pick up my horse, but also looking for work.  You know anyone hereabouts that's hiring?  Seems a bit quiet from last time I was here."   She gave the quiet street another glance.



Notice: 16

00:38, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 16,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,3.  Notice.

05:49, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 4,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Notice.

Kate grunted and slid the cartridge back into its loop.  Jacinta's question wasn't the first thing Kate wanted to know, but what she truly wanted to know wouldn't make any sense to ask as a question.  She'd be here a while, and eventually would be moving on, but it was necessary to procure the means to do so.

She sighed and looked down at the tooled leather of her holster.  It would come to that.  It always did.  There was always someone that needed to be shot, even if a lot of the people who were shot shouldn't have been.  What a sorry world.

04:31, Today: Tamsin River rolled 5,2 using d6,d6 ((5,2)). Notice,


"How is my Lydia doing?" Tamsin asks Ellis of her horse. "And Mister Cooper, I'll take a tour if there's something new in town to look at. Otherwise I'm just heading to the herbalist,

"Howdy, Ike." Jake waved to the man as he got down off the stage and headed to the back of it to get his things. First, he pulled off a large, much-patched dufflebag that rattled around as he dropped the Sonic Panic Cannon in it. Securing that, he regarded a wooden crate labeled TOOLS. "Reckon I'm going to need some help," He mutters. "This thing's too heavy to carry by my lonesome." he looked at Jacinta. "I can offer you a couple bucks to help me haul this thing to my shop. It ain't long-term, but it's enough fer a meal at least."

((OOC: 09:08, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 2,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Notice.

I see nothin'.

Jake wants to get his equipment stowed away, as that's why he left town in the first place. Then he's going to want to check to see if anyone's been looking to hire him while he was away.))

Bryan seemed a bit distracted as they entered town, attempting to see what his first line of inquiry in town would be. He had been through Lincoln before, so a tour wasn't the first thing on his mind at the moment.

"Mr. Ellis, its been a bit since I been through these parts...could you recommend to me a good place to stay? A clean place, reasonably priced."

Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.

As for his plans, he will head to secure a room and then go to Montano's store
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Wed 21 Feb 2018.

Garrett collected his pack, slinging it over one shoulder while propping his rifle on the other. ”I think I’m going to go find a drink, see what I can find out about the hunting west of here,” he said. Nodding to his fellow passengers, he added, ”Good to meet you all.”

With that, the tall man headed down the quiet street.

Ellis glanced out toward the street, then back at Castillo. “If you’re lookin’ for work, you might head over to the Assay Office. Mike Kibbee runs the newspaper, the Independent, out of the back of it. He moved his press there a couple months back when a fire took his old building. He’d know where you might scare up some employment. I know he mentioned there were some mustangers and a prospector looking for some help when I saw him a day or two back.”

“Mrs. McSween is looking for some help running the Tunstall Store. I think she’s in need of ranch hands too, if that’s to your taste. Judge Wilson deputized some of her help a few days back and left her without anyone to watch her stock.” He looked down at the ground, then back up at Castillo. ”Thing is, there’s been some pretty serious range disputes up here lately. The kind that get solved with iron, if you take my meaning. So you might give it some thought ‘fore you go to work out there.”

“You might also talk to Desiree Thornton over at the saloon across from the Courthouse. I think she was needing for someone to help tend bar over there. She might also know of other folks in the area offering work.”


Ellis grinned. ”She’s doing just fine, Miss River. A little feisty lately. Dutch has let her run the back pasture a time or two this week.” He gestures across the street. ”If you’re looking for Miss Winter, she’s over at the Montaño Store.”


”Glad to see back, Jake,” Ellis answered. ”There’s been a young fella come by your shop a couple of times this morning, looking for you. I’m thinking he might need something fixed.”


”Well, if you’re just in need of a room, I might could help you out.” Ellis gestured over his shoulder with one hand. ”My brother built a house on this property, then up and moved to Colorado about a year back. There’s three reasonable sized rooms in it and its got a wood burning stove. It’s simple, but it’s clean. And right now, there’s not a soul in it. If that sounds like it’d suit you, we can work out a fair price.”

He pointed across the street. ”Now, Ms. Montaño runs a boarding house next door to her store, the Patron House. Their rooms are comfortable and they’ll feed you over there. I sneak over there for breakfast sometimes, when I’m on Renata’s good side. I know she’s got a few unoccupied beds. She and her family treat their guests right.”

“Course, if you’ve got a little extra to spend, there’s always the Wortley Hotel, just down the street apiece.”

The rain gained a hint of strength, the whisper of the falling drops audible in the surrounding trees.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:14, Thu 22 Feb 2018.

Jake nods. "Know where that fella might be right now? I can check things out once I get these supplies squared away."

Albert nods at Jacinta's comment about how quiet it is. "A bit too quiet, if ya ask me." Not that she did.

The ranch hand smiled over at Tamsin. "New ta look at? Don't think so, Flower Power. Herbalist'll be tickled ta see ya, though."

He then nods at Patrick. "Hunter, if ya wanna get a drink, head ta the Thornton-Curry Saloon. Desiree Thornton treats folk well, and don't tolerate foolishness."

He then turns his attention over to Bryan. "If yer gonna be spendin' time with Missus Montaño, ya'd do well ta just get her talkin' 'bout the history of this place. Might hear somethin' useful, General."

Finally, Albert regards Ike. "Ike, what is goin' on with the school? Today a school holiday? Jefferson Davis' birthday or somesuch?"

"Much obliged t'ya, for the advice and the warning.  Reckon someone will have something that'll suit me."  She touched the brim of her hat to the livery owner and joined Jake.  "Happy to help with your crate, if you need it.  Would like to see this shop of yours.  You been open long?"

She glanced back at Albert at his mention of the school and frowned again as she looked down the road to the building.  "Pardon, but never seen a school chained up and locked simply on account of a holiday.  Usually it's overflow from the jail.  Or something or someone is trapped inside.   That lock ain't been on there long enough to rust."

Kate didn't have much stowed in the stage, but what she did have was important to her... "trade".  She reached in and pulled out a long slender rifle boot with the butt of the Winchester protruding from it.

"Problems that get solved with iron often call for a dealer in lead."  She placidly remarked as if articulating an inner thought carelessly.  Kate knew she'd wind up involved, it was all she knew.  But at least she'd try to suss out who was in the right first.  Talking to McSween was on her agenda, though she might make a little stop off first.  Kate, when she could help it, never went anywhere without a few dollars in her pocket to last a little while, otherwise you wound up siding with the first outfit that showed you the money and that was often a mistake.

"Thornton Curry eh?"  She remarked idly.  That was as good of a first stop as any.

Tamsin's eyes narrow, as they do when she's trying to figure something out.

"Well, that lock is something new."

Miss Winter would still be there when she got back.

"Off to the schoolhouse," she mutters. There is no one waiting on her (it's not like Lydia knows she's here), no one she needs to reassure as to why she's leaving- still, she remembers being scolded for wandering away without a word because she had to see what was going on, so it isn't even a thought to not quietly announce it.

”He said he was gonna get a cup of coffee, maybe something to eat over at Ramsey’s,” Ellis answered, ”That was maybe half an hour ago. I told him I expected you back this afternoon. He’s supposed to come back by after he’s done.”


”Appreciate that,” Garrett called back to Cooper as he left.

Ellis looked at the ground, shook his head. ”I”m not rightly sure, Albert,” he replied, ”Been quite a few years since my boys had to be in school. But...something happened there. Whatever it was, no one in town’s talking much about it. Not sure who put the lock on the place. It was there this morning when I was first up and about.”

“I know Miss Perez, the schoolteacher, she had a few of the young uns over at the San Juan Church around the middle of the morning. Looked like they might be holding class there, but I’m not sure why. I’ve kinda wondered if it had something to do with things being so quiet around here today. Whatever it is, no one’s talking about it. I asked Mike Kibbee about the schoolhouse when I saw him. He seemed to get real upset. But if he knew anything, he sure didn’t tell me.”

"Much obliged, Ike." Jake says.



"Not terribly." Jake replies. "Maybe three, four weeks now. Just gettin' settled in, honestly. Before I came here, I was a mechanic and engineer for Dixie Rails. Didn't care for the new management that bought it out." He picks up one end of the crate. "Still, fer as new as I am, I sure get plenty o' business. Seems everyone needs somethin' mended."

He didn't mention that some of the things he'd been fixing up had damage that didn't strike him as accidental. The folk that brought him things had been tight-lipped about the whole thing, and Jake didn't want to stir up any trouble spreading rumors. Still, he had to wonder. He hadn't noticed the new lock on the schoolhouse until it had been pointed out, but now that it had...he shook the thought away. Ain't much he could do about things, anyhow.

"Yes ma'am. And if yer still there when I'm done takin' care of...things, I'll buy ya a drink. Fer old times' sake." Al pulls his hat off his head then sets it back down, as a way of wishing Kate well until he saw her again.

His attention then returned to Ike. "Don't wanna bust inta the middle of class, but damnation, I'm curious. Mike Kibbee ya say? Hmph. Know where he's at, Ike?"

Albert then looked over at Earnest. "How 'bout that tour, Rev? I'll end with yer new chapel, an we can take a look at what kinda work it needs."

In reply to Marshal (msg # 147):

"Well, I appreciate you apprising me of my options, Mr. Ellis. I rather like the notion of bein' fed and I was fixin' to go over to the Montaño store in any case to do a little shoppin', so I might inquire with her, but I may follow up with you if that doesn't work out," he said, tipping his hat to the man.

Bryan quietly listened to the questions and answers about the schoolhouse, making a mental note to look into the matter out of curiosity. Oddities were often important to the Rangers, and helped foretell bigger problems to come.

"Been a pleasure ridin' with the rest of you fine folks. Maybe I'll find some o' y'all over at Thornton Curry today or afterwards. Mr. Murdock, let me know when you're goin' back out there. I'd like to come along for the ride." Making his polite farewells to the others, he headed across the street towards the Montaño store.

"Thank you, Mr. Cooper, it would be nice to stretch my legs and get some idea of the town.

"Ranger Lee, am I correct that you'll report our encounter to the local authorities?""

He gathers his baggage from the coach's boot, a portmanteau, a saddle and saddlebags, and a bedroll with a shotgun stuck through the center.

"Mr. Ellis, could you hold onto these things for me until I find some lodgings? Also, can you tell me where I might find Reverend Benton?"

He turns to the others, tipping his hat to Kate and Jacinta and Tamsin: "Thank you for your company and your protection, folks. I expect we'll see each other around town."

”Yessir,” Ellis answered with a nod. ”He was at the Assay Office this morning, setting type for this week’s paper. Should still be there, I reckon.”


Ellis took the luggage from Allgood with nod. ”Certainly, Reverend. I’ll keep it all behind the counter in the store, so I can keep an eye on it. You can come get it whenever you’re ready.”

He frowned. ”Well...about Reverend Benton. No one’s seen him around town for about a week. No one’s certain where he went off to. Some folks thought he might have travelled to Santa Fe, but he never told anyone he meant to leave, which is unlike him, truth be told.”

“I know some folks brought the whole thing up to Sheriff Brady, but if he’s looked into it, I haven’t heard.”

In reply to Marshal (msg # 158):

Allgood blinks at the news of Benton's disappearance.

"Thank you, I'll try to get my things out from underfoot as soon as possible.

"Was Reverend Benton staying at the parsonage? Has he a family? I don't know him, you see, I just had a letter of introduction."

Ellis shook his head. ”Best I know, Reverend Benton is a bachelor. He’s been staying at the parsonage. It’s just a little bit west of town. Nothing fancy, but a well built little house, way it looks.”

Allgood thanks Ellis.

"Mr. Cooper, I am prepared to tour Lincoln."

Albert smiled at the Reverend and gestured for them to start walking. Albert was a bit of a slow-walker, which made keeping up with him an easy task for Earnest. "Sure thing, Rev. Right this way!"

-->Tour is posted in the 1E - Lincoln's Main Street thread