Difference between revisions of "Deadlands"

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[[Reuben McRotch]] An ornery old cuss of a prospector who cant seem to keep his mouth shut about how he doesnt trust people, or his ex partner, or, well, anythin' really.
 
[[Reuben McRotch]] An ornery old cuss of a prospector who cant seem to keep his mouth shut about how he doesnt trust people, or his ex partner, or, well, anythin' really.
  
−
[[Jonah]] A huckster from back east.  Or at least he dresses like it.
+
[[Jonah Benton]] A huckster from back east.  Or at least he dresses like it.
  
−
[[Miranda Valentine]] A two-gun gal from parts unknown.  She doesnt say much, she lets her six guns do the talkin'.
+
[[Miranda Valentine]] A two-gun gal from parts unknown.  She doesnt say much, she lets her six-guns do the talkin'.
  
 
==Other Available Characters==
 
==Other Available Characters==
 +
Most likely, any new character would be an Agency operative.  But just in case, or for one off purposes, I will keep these guys here.  Who knows when you might need a priest?
 +
 
[[Wandering Bear]] A Shaman of the Peiute tribe.  His entire tribal group was wiped out just a few months ago, leaving him their sole survivor.  Even though he is only 13, he is determined to complete his visionquest and reunite his tribe and return them to their former glory.
 
[[Wandering Bear]] A Shaman of the Peiute tribe.  His entire tribal group was wiped out just a few months ago, leaving him their sole survivor.  Even though he is only 13, he is determined to complete his visionquest and reunite his tribe and return them to their former glory.
  
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=The Setting=
 
=The Setting=
−
It is the world of 1873.  Things are pretty much as you might see in a history book, with a few exceptions.  The Civil War rages on, seemingly endlessly.  Every time one side or the other seems poised to make a telling strike, something happens to prevent the conclusion from occurrin'.  People are a little on edge; things are a little unnerving everywhere.  Nobody knows why, but somehow they all know.  The superstitious whisper about devils, or monsters, or things that cant be described.  But nobody has any proof, nobody of any respectability has seen them, and no serious intellectual considers it anythin' more than wives tales.
+
It is the world of 1873 (its 1874 now, the game began December 1873).  Things are pretty much as you might see in a history book, with a few exceptions.  The Civil War rages on, seemingly endlessly.  Every time one side or the other seems poised to make a telling strike, something happens to prevent the conclusion from occurrin'.  People are a little on edge; things are a little unnerving everywhere.  Nobody knows why, but somehow they all know.  The superstitious whisper about devils, or monsters, or things that cant be described.  But nobody has any proof, nobody of any respectability has seen them, and no serious intellectual considers it anythin' more than wives tales.
  
 
=Current Recap=
 
=Current Recap=
−
After a little bit o' wrap up from last time, including a good, thorough search of the scene of the final battle, our posse returned to Denver to collect their bounties.  Once they had a spell to settle their minds and enjoy the Christmas holiday they received a visitor.  Lucky for them he was bearing job offers, instead of something, well, ornery.
+
After acceptin' the Agency's offer, the posse begins trainin' back in Denver.
  
−
==Wells Fargo==
+
==The Mission==
−
The man goes by the name of Lewis Hutchens, and he works for the Wells Fargo line, in charge of transportation of metals between towns.  It seems that after the previous job, word got around that the posse was capable o' handlin' themselves in a pinch.  Seems he needs a few handy individuals to ride shotgun on this operation.  Mr. Hutchens was even willing to offer the handsome sum of $10 a day plus expenses for the players services.
+
Its a warm afternoon when Agent [[Andrew Sykes]] invites the posse into his office.  He is pleased with their progress, and is ready to offer them a job to do.  Seems one of their field agents has been out of contact for over 6 weeks.  They need to find out why.  His last known whereabouts was somewhere in eastern Arizona, and he was investigatin' some religious outfit.
  
−
Pack 'em up, stagecoach leaves tomorrow!
+
Wait, Arizona?  Aint that Confederate territory?
  
−
==Miles a way==
+
Damn right pardner, damn right.  This is gonna take a good cover story and some undercover work.  But be careful, if'n the Confederates get wind o' what yer doin', its espionage, and that is punishable by hangin'.
−
After a spell o' travellin' down the bumpy road to Pawnee Rock (the first stop), night begins to fall.  Its dusk, and a couple o' hours of travellin' is possible, but seein' as how there is a way station right there, hell we might as well stop and have a dry roof over our heads.
+
  
−
Jonah and Lewis stow the horses while Miranda and Reuben step inside for a look. Strangely, there is a pan o' beans sittin' on the stove and a plate on the table. Its all cold.  Reuben heads into the  bedroom while Miranda takes a gander at the kitchen and front room area.  The log books seem to indicate no one has been here for a few days, and an open window and scratches on the floor suggest foul play o' some sort.
+
Now that we have that out of the way...
  
−
Mr. Miles Ketchum, keeper o' this way station, where they hell are ya?
+
==The Trip==
 +
After some conversin', the posse decides that religious folk is the best cover story. They can be on some sort of pilgrimage, and it makes sense to visit other religious establishments along the way.  Yep, that works all well and proper.
  
−
==This Harrowed Ground==
+
So the posse hits the trail, and for the next three days makes their way to the missing agents last known whereabouts.   
−
Much as they would like to turn around and get this reported, they know they got a job and it aint waitin' for the marshal to show up and investigate.  So after makin' some quick notes and leavin' 'em where they can be easily found, they all hit the sack.  Next mornin' right on time, they head out for the first stop on their trail.
+
  
−
Two days later, they arrive in the dusty, far away town o' Pawnee Rock.  This thrivin' metropolis boasts a population of at least 40, maybe even a few more! Lewis finds his way to the mayor's place, seein' as how they are acquainted and such.  Reuben high-tails it to the sheriff, just to make sure they know about the missin' man at the way station.  On the way everyone notices the town is all spruced up in its Sunday best.  Hell, it aint goin' nowhere; must be preppin' fer a celebration!
+
==Pueblo Viejo==
 +
Its nothin' but a tiny, one-horse town of maybe 50 folks. They make their way to the local roomin' house and saloon and secure themselves some lodgin's.  After checkin' in, they proceed to gently probe the barkeep about the missin' agent.   
  
−
==What For?==
+
It seems that no one has seen him or anyone from the mission in weeks.  Thats a mite strange too, considerin' they used to make it to town every two weeks or so for supplies and such.  Its almost a two day ride out there, but the posse decides they had better hit the mission pronto.
−
It seems that 10 years ago this Friday, a small collection of locals, together with a company of Union soldiers, stood their ground and drove out some Confederate marauders who were terrorizin' the town and stealin' the money o' the good citizens.  Just hearin' this story is kinda makin' me festive.
+
  
−
After sharin' some drinks with the populace and otherwise socializin' for a spell, the posse gets word from old mr Hutchens that they will be stayin' on 'til Friday, since thats when the miners will be bringin' in their hauls for them to safeguard.  Nothin' like a little new years shindig to warm the spirit on a cold Colorado night.  They hole up in a local bar called the Crazy Buffalo, while Lewis finds company with his friend the mayor and his family.
+
==Finally, They Arrive==
 +
Its an uneventful day and a half ride to the site of the mission.  When they arrive, around one, the scene is still and serene.  Deadly serene.   
  
−
==Decoratin'==
+
Cautiously they approach, guns drawn, alert on high.  The compound is surrounded by an adobe, 8 foot wall, with a thick, log gate in the front.  Lucky for them, its wide open.  Did I say lucky?
−
In a once in a lifetime gesture o' hospitality, ol' Reuben finds himself a'helpin' the local busybody spruce up the joint in preparation fer their big day.  Miranda spent some time meetin' the locals at the snazzy as hell local hangout, The Cackling Crow.  Why hell, even Jonas had to admit that this shack was the equal of any high class bar in New York City.  Thats a whole lot o' loot.  Where did it come from?
+
  
−
==There's gold in them there hills?==
+
Scattered around the inside of the compound are bodies and plenty of them.  Old and picked, with some arrows stickin' in 'em all nice like.  The compound itself consists of 5 buildin's, one of 'em a church.  The others, well, we will see soon now wont we?
−
Turns out, soon after their heroic deeds the lord hisself smiled upon those great heroes, and blessed them with a rich strike o' gold.  After a short talkin' with the crotchety old assayer, the posse learned not only that, but also where their claim sits, as well as the interestin' fact that he cant remember another gold strike within 30 miles.  This is a silver town, plain and simple.
+
  
−
That struck our intrepid heroes a little peculiar, so to speak.  In keepin' with the curiosity bent they have been so famous for cultivatin', they tack up their animals and head for the hole in the mountain responsible for these stories.  One look and its clear this mine hasnt been worked in years, though that fits with the stories.  A big fence and rusty lock block their path, but of course, that aint nothin' to this posse.  It only takes a minute er two of jury-rigging, and voila (as the French say).
+
==Mission, Proper==
 +
Once inside the posse splits up and investigates the buildin's.  They quickly determine that they consist of a mens and womens dormitory, a rectory, a church and a dining hall.  Each of them seems to be also full of bodies, and the dormitories have a selection of beds; some slept in, some not.
  
−
Once inside Reuben spends a few minutes inspecting the antiquated minin' equipment litterin' the floor, and comes to the not-so-surprisin' conclusion that this mine aint been worked in years.  He also fails to find any trace o' gold here.  Not one flake.  On the way back, they ponder what this means, and generally come up empty.
+
Jonah finds hisself in the church, lookin' through every nook and cranny all by his lonesome.  He inspects the pews, enters the prayer room, and even hits the bell tower for a spell. But by far the most interesting discovery is somethin' found in the confessional. 
  
−
==Cemetery Man==
+
On the floor he spies a gold double eagle, wedged between a chair and the wall, and partially under the wall itself.  Behind the priests chair a concealed panel hides the entrance to a tiny room.  After opening it, he finds what was likely a treasury of some sort.  Now, however, its only home to $120 and a torn bag.
−
Later that afternoon, while the intrepid (accordin' to them) posse sits enjoyin' a fine meal at the Crazy Buffalo, a sure-fire ruckus breaks out in the street.  No less than 6 kids are runnin' and screamin' their lungs out, and this aint some kind o' new fangled game.  No sirree, seems they saw somethin' up at the cemetery.
+
  
−
Naturally the sheriff heads on up there, and the posse tags along.  When they arrive, starin' 'em strait in the face they see the corpse o' Claude Lemley, local handyman and smith.  Now theres a tragedy, werent he one o' them there heroes theyre honorin' this Friday?  
+
Reuben is in the mens dormitory, futtsin' around with this and that.  He counts bodies and beds, and finds that the members of this sect had little for personal effects.  He also notices a collection of scratches near the base of a pot bellied stove and that gives him an idear or two.  He gives it a fine shove and it moves revealin' a passageway.  
  
−
Bein' as how they got nowheres to go, the posse stick around for a spell so they can query the local doc.  Yep, seems old Claudes heart just gave out.  Oh, that look o' horror on his face?  Thats nothin'. Can ya give me a hand movin' him back to my office?
+
==The Star of the Desert==
 +
Armed with this new discovery, he makes his way to the courtyard and signals the others.  After a few minutes of waitin', the posse is reunited and alerted of the system of tunnels residin' just a few feet below.  This leads to a resumed search of the others, and discovery o' four more tunnels: one in each buildin'.
  
−
Sure, Reuben agrees, but Miranda has somethin' else on her mind.  Where is the grave o' the leader of the Union soldiers?  The sheriff indicates the general direction, and this upsets her.  How can he not know right where it is?  Why isnt there a memorial.  After a little examinin', she finds it, as well as another strange coincidence.  Among those Union graves is a Mr Tom Hapgpood, but also, the newest grave (since they are arranged chronologically, not familial) is of a Tom Hapgood.  Must be junior.
+
Together, the posse descends into the depths below.  After a thorough investigation and some cogitatin' they determine that the maze of tunnels creates a pentagram.  They all seem clear, well, except the one beneath the church.
  
−
==Breakfastis Interruptus==
+
==The Tip of the Starberg==
−
The next morning, Claudes death is the talk o' the town.  Well, that is, until a collection o' cowpokes come tearin' in to town, bearin' news.  Mr Lemley aint the only one whos dead.  Seems someone shot good, ol' Clovis Garmin in the back in the wee small hours of the mornin'
+
Under the pulpit sits an altar, a horizontal, blood stained, symbolically engraved abomination of an altar.  Reuben and his sharp old eyes notice spigots leading down the corners into blood stained grooves on the floor.  Everyone is disgusted.
  
−
Quickly, they mobilize and head out there to inspect the scene.  Seems he owns a ranch, and employs 20 or so hard workin' men, and supports a wife and two youngins.  A look around reveals that the only thing missin' is an old army revolver, heck, even the $800 cash he kept around for expenses (in the same drawer no less) is still there.
+
But Jonah, as focused as he is, begins contemplatin' exactly what they are findin'.  After reflectin', he comes to the conclusion that some sort of summonin' ritual is goin' on here.
  
−
Now, bein the upstandin' gentleman that he is, old Reuben spends a few minutes talkin' with the widow Garmin, and tells her that since the town was gonna be honorin' her husband, aint no reason they cant honor his sons instead.  It would give the little men a great way to remember their old pa, as well as keep his memory alive in town.  She readily agrees.
+
Its been a nice hard first night, so the posse decides to make camp here.
  
−
==Back in the Rock==
+
==Little Indian Girl==
−
After seein' two bodies in two days, Reuben needs a drink, and that fancy Crow place is just the place to get one.  Or six.  While lubricatin' his pipes, he notices a saber hangin' over the bar.  That seems interestin', so he starts quizzin' old Karl the barkeep about it.  Seems this belonged to Harmon Linkous, the yankee captain who led his troops in defense o' the town.  That seems damn important, so he insists on seein' it up close.
+
During the second watch, a little something happens.  Something I am sure at least one of the posse wishes they could forget.  But between you and me, I doubt she ever will.
  
−
Happy to oblige, stranger.
+
Jonah is up, keepin' watch on the posse as they sleep. Everythin' seems to be goin' pretty much as they would expect.  Miranda starts to become restless; tossin' turnin' and other evidence of less than ideal sleep.  Then, suddenly, she bolts up and mutters:
  
−
On the way out, the posse runs in to Mrs Poole, and they strike up a little conversation. Aint much to tell, 'cept that the show must go on. Oh, and while they were away, someone paid a visit to the sheriff and his cronies right here at the Cackling' Crow. Someone mean, and stern, and with two hombres at his side. Some say it was Slate. Nobody is confirmin', however.
+
Dream, girl, crazy...laughing, doll, blood...AAAAAAHHHHHHH!
  
−
==La la land==
+
Immediately she is in hysterics.  Reuben and Jonah do their best to calm her down, but it takes a while.  Eventually its clear that she had a nightmare, and a particularly awful one at that. After some calmin' and a little proddin' from the others, she relates her tale o' horror.
−
Its been a rough night, so Miranda turns in early.  After a few generous hits on the opium pipe, of course.  Reuben and Jonah on the other hand, spend some time reflectin' before they hit the sack.  But little do they know, their slumber wont last long...
+
  
−
==Shot in the dark==
+
She found herself wakin' up in one of the dormitories to the sound of a gigglin' child, and when she walked into the courtyard she could see fires burnin' all around.  The shadows are eerie, and occasionally a dark figure darts from one to another.  She can never make 'em out, but somehow she knows these are the ones who killed the disciples.
−
Awakened by shots in the still of the night, followed by the hysterical screams of a barmaid, Reuben and Jonah skedaddle down the street towards the Crow.  Hysterical, and clearly scared as hell, she rambles a story that even after the past events is, well, hard to swallow.
+
  
−
Seems she heard a shot, and she let her curiosity get the better o' her sense, so she investigated.  Standin' there in the doorway o' Bernards door, is a ghostly figure, wearin' that sword from over the bar and the gun from Clovis' place.  In his hands, still smokin', is Bernies own shotgun, both barrells emptied into poor Bernies chest.   
+
And speakin' o' the disciples, their mutilated bodies, fresh and bloody, litter the compound in front of her.  Again she hears the laughin' and she turns to find a little Indian girl runnin' away clutchin' a doll.  Somehow she keeps pace ahead, and even finds time to stop next to a gruesome corpse and touch the blood, still bein' all giggly-like.   
  
−
But that aint all.  Not only has he written a message on the wall in the newly deceaseds blood, but he also threatens the whole town if they keep honorin' traitors and the like.  What that means, nobody knows.
+
That was it.  Miranda couldnt take anymore and ran full steam up to the lil' gal and grabbed the back o' her dress.  She pulled her away from the body and turned her around to face her.  And when she did, it was clear her throat had been violently slashed.  Blood drained down the front of her dress.  Oh, and that doll, well its neck was cut so deeply that its head lolled back and forth as she moved.  She was still gigglin' all right.  Clear as day.
  
−
==What Now?==
+
==Cleanup==
−
Now the whole town is abuzz with opinions.  Gather a posse and go after whoever did this.  Cancel the celebration.  Set up guards around the town.  Pack up and move away.  There aint no consensus to be had.  Nobody knows who to believe about this ghostly apparition, neither.  Is it Linkous?  Is it Slate pretendin' to be Linkous?  Is it somethin' else?  Hours and hours o' bickerin' pretty much leads them all nowhere.  Well, some guards get posted.  Thats about it.
+
After everyone finally calms down a bit, they get a little rest.  But not much.  Reuben makes his famous biscuits for breakfast the next day, but the conversation is sparse and light.  Eventually they decide to split up their duties slightly.  Jonah and Reuben will pile up the dead and make a bonfire, while Miranda does some searchin' outside the compound.  Its a tedious days work, but it has to get done.
  
−
==Thursday, Bloody Thursday==
+
Outside Miranda finds a path to the east that leads to an outside pulpit and pews up on a hill.  There is a grove of trees and a sparse collection of underbrush.  Its interestin', so she comes back and shares her discovery with the rest of the posse immediately.  Jonah and Reuben take a welcome break from their grim task and venture out there for a looksy.
−
Its the day before the big celebration, and the word around the campfire is this here shindig needs to be canceled.  Mrs Poole will have none o' that, however.  No sirree, no murderer with a grudge is gonna spoil the towns devotion to their heritage.  Today was a day for talkin'  The posse knew they needed to determine what was really happenin'.  They dont want to stand and defend this godforsaken place if they people dont deserve it.  Somehow they know evils a'comin'.  Both Miranda and Reuben talk to the sheriff and his cronies.  Then they both take a trip out to the mine, and reaffirm what they had previously believed.  And, feelin' guilty about tellin' Mrs Garmin to send her sons in for the celebration, and now believin' it to be a possible bloodbath, they stop by out there and convince the grievin' widow to keep her kids at home.
+
  
−
==Voices From the Past==
+
Immediately Jonah notices somethin' aint right.  At first the others dont see it, but when its pointed out, its clear as day that the pews and pulpit are facin' the same direction (the mission).  That means that whoever did the preachin', did it with his back to the flock.  Mighty strange if you ask me.
−
While those two reconnoiter the mine, Jonah talks to the locals for a spell.  He gets an accurate list of who is still here from before the tragedy, and uncovers the name of widow Hapgood.  She lives right next to the Crazy Buffalo, so hell, thats right next door!
+
  
−
Wearin' his Sunday best 3 days early, he strides right up to her door and knocks.  She seems pretty hesitant at first, but given his talkin' ways, he finds a way to ingratiate himself to her.  After a cup o' joe and some reassurin', she tells him a story that raises an eyebrow. It seems her son died in a curious way. But really only curious when you consider that anyone who disagrees with the sheriff seems to have an accident. 
+
When they return Reuben and Jonah get back to work, and ol' Miranda circles around and looks for anythin' else she can muster outside.  Eventually she finds some tracks, and follows them all the way to a cave on a small mountainside. Inside she finds some shackles secured to a wall.
  
−
She also relates her story of the battle.  It seems Tom sr was up early that mornin', and was about to head out to their mine, when he heard quite a ruckus in the town.  Gunfire, yep, thats for sure, and from just down the street.  He told her to sit tight in the bedroom, and he grabbed the family shotgun and went outside.  As soon as he did, Slates men came roarin' into town.  The Union soldiers tried to form themselves up and mount a resistance, but they were no match.  Hell, Slate himself even shot old Tom dead while the widow watched.
+
What the hell was that?
  
−
One more thing.  She dont remember seein' the sheriff, mayor, or any o' those supposed heroes even once during the battle.  When the dust clears, Slates men just rode away.  Well, after setting fire to the town that is.
+
==Another Night in Paradise==
 +
And so it begins, another night on the trail.  Sure is a glamorous life our agents lead, eh?  At least they have roofs over their heads.  O' course, those roofs are inside a spooky compound littered with nearly 50 bodies. Now thats a vacation!
  
−
==Pow-wow==
+
Miranda knows whats comin'.  Yep, but there aint nothin' gonna prevent it.  Nope, no siree.   
−
Seems high time for the posse to meet up for a spell, and since they are all finally back in town, and its around dinner, they do just that.  While enjoyin' their meal at the Buffalo Jonah relates what he just learned.  Reuben puts somethin' together that Jonah somehow missed.  The gunfire started before Slates men came to town, and the Union soldiers were easily defeated partially because they had no officers.  And since no one saw the towns fine, upstandin' citizenry, it seems likely that they killed 'em.  That also explains something that had been stuck in his craw ever since he heard it.  Why did that ghostly apparition call the town traitors?
+
  
−
The first person to die was old Claude Lemley, and he was the local smith.  The posse decides thats a good place to start.  They head over and talk to Clarence, the new smith.  Seems he has a gold nugget he keeps as a good luck charm, and he found it in the smithy years back.  After searchin' around they find three molds, one of which looks a lot like that gold nugget.
+
When she drifts off into la-la land, it all begins in the same place, and continues just as before.  But that aint all.  It goes on, and I dont rightly know if thats any better or not.
  
−
While the others poke around inside, something in Reubens head leads him outside.  He finds a well, but its long dry.  He calls Jonah out and they fashion a contraption to lower himself down there.  Lo and behold, buried under 10 years worth of muck he finds 2 gold bars and a piece of wood.  By golly if that wood doesnt have 'Property of US Army' stamped on it.  Seems that column o' Union troops was a gold convoy!
+
This time, after she turns the little girl to face her, she wrests herself free from Mirandas grip and skips away toward the church.  Miranda yells to stop, but she aint listenin', almost like it were her ears cut instead o' her neck.  Once she reaches the front steps of the church she kneels and begins to play in the dirt while hummin' some kind o' song or rhyme.  As Miranda approaches it begins to become clear.
  
−
Right about then Clarence shows up, but with some quick wits, a subtle hex and a little bluffin' he decides to head to bed.
+
'This is the church, and this is the steeple...' She then reaches back and flings open the door. 'Open the door and see all the people!'
  
−
==A Bluff of Another Color==
+
Inside, the room is ablaze with light distilled red through the stained glass of the churches windows.  Unnerving as that is, it is just the beginnin'.  Impaled on hooks from the ceilin' are at least 10 bodies, still writhin' with life.  Their agony is clear and disturbin', and Miranda starts awake.
−
The posse immediately heads over to the Poole household.  Reuben is determined to get this infernal gatherin' canceled.  No more lives need be sacrificed.   
+
  
−
Of course, its 10pm, and they dont answer.  That is no hindrance to these cowpokes, they keep on bangin' away.  Eventually Mr Poole comes to the door, but he doesnt want to let them in.  Whatever they have to say, it can wait until tomorrow.  Of course, our intrepid posse doesnt agree, and they craft a ruse to get inside.  Once their, the bars o' gold and evidence o' the US Army are enough to convince 'em that wrongdoin' is rampant.  Something has to give.
+
==Frenchy 'n Friends==
 +
The next day Reuben and Miranda are tryin' to figure out the best way to git into the well while Jonah is investigatin' the chapel.  Its mid-mornin', and the sun is startin' to get warm.  Just as the two prepare to drop dynamite down into the abyss, they notice a couple o' gentlemen approachin' on horseback.  He hails the two and they begin a discussion.
  
−
==Going Bump in the Night==
+
Then, outta nowheres, the men come chargin' into the mission, guns a'blazin'.  All the while two other men are climbin' the fence and makin' their way into the courtyard.  The posse is surrounded!
−
On their way out, the posse cant decide what their next step is.  After a couple o' booms outside o' town, their hand seems forced in another direction.  Quickly they mount and head out past the guards toward the commotion.   
+
  
−
After a half hour or so, they come upon the camp o' Major John Slate.  He and his men lie scattered around the campfire and everywhere, dyin' o' wounds.  He wakes briefly when they arrive, and he relates the story of how the confrontation with Captain Linkous went.  Seems they shot him.  Many, many times each.  Nothin' they have did a damn thing to him.  He also promises them that if that pretty boy Linkous could come back from the dead, he would too, and his vengeance would be harsh.
+
The leader charges past Miranda and Reuben as Miranda stands dumbstruck.  Reuben, thinkin' quickly, jumps on top o' her and covers as the leader rains shots down upon them.  Two of them find their mark, but he is only grazed.  Two men dismount and head into buildin's for cover, one of them shootin' shotgun blasts all the while.  Reuben fires at the leader as he rides on by, but it is wide left.
  
−
Nobody understands why, but Reuben slings Slates body over his horse, and they head back to town.
+
Now things get interestin'.  Reuben rolls off of Miranda and takes a shot at the leader, grazin' him.  Jonah steps into the doorway of the chapel and the leader blasts him with two pistols.  He is seriously injured.  Rifle and shotguns blaze from the doorways from the invadin' henchmen, but Miranda finds cover behind the well and blasts one of 'em with both pistols.  He stumbles back inside.
  
−
==Uh, Howdy?==
+
Utter chaos reigns as guns blaze from everyone, everywhere for what seems like forever.  Some henchmen are hit, Jonah takes on another wound, and Miranda has her dress ripped to shreds by shot.  Reuben gets all crotchety and impatient, and lights a stick o' dynamite and throws it into a buildin'.  The henchman inside has no choice but to run out towards the other buildin', but Miranda gives him a generous gift of lead. In the middle of it all an injured man crawls over the fence to his waitin' horse.
−
As they approach the guard, he calls out and asks them to put down their weapons.  The party readily agrees and informs him who they are and what they found.  He is shocked, but agrees that talkin' to the sheriff is probably the right solution.  On they go, his house is just a block ahead.
+
−
 
+
−
When they arrive the posse parks their horses right in front, and stroll on up to the front door and knock.  From inside, the sheriff asks who is knockin'.  For some reason, there is confusion over who should answer, so they stand there dumbfounded.
+
  
 
BOOM!
 
BOOM!
  
−
A bullet flies through the door right past Mirandas ear.  Nobody shoots at her without reprise, so she draws and fires back.  Reuben, starts yellin' 'Its Reuben McRotch!'.
+
Everybody keeps their head down for a minute, but Reuben is busy lightin' another stick.  The single mounted dude (the leader), gains control of his horse just as the other stick flies in his direction.  He tries to get away, and squeezes off a shot or two, but the inevitable comes.
  
−
The sheriff, confused, yells back, 'Why the hell are you shootin' at me?'.
+
BOOM!
  
−
Tension returns, as every stands uneasily, with guns in hand.  Everyone that is, except Reuben, who is holding the corpse of Major John Slate.  Nobody says a word, until finally the sheriff fires again.
+
Unbeknownst to Reuben, behind him two other henchmen have entered the chapel and begun shootin' it out with Jonah, and unfortunately, it aint goin' so well.  A flurry of shots sends Jonah to the floor, but one of the invaders gets wounded in the process.  Miranda finds her bearings and opens fire.  Reuben gets her back and blasts the last henchman on his side with a shotgun.  Finally, the last remainin' one heads for the fence and a safe getaway, but when he wont stop the posse is forced to gun him down too.
  
−
Reuben drags that ol' corpse to the right and heaved it at the window.  For some damn reason it slams into the wall instead, and falls lifelessly to the ground.   
+
==Aftermath (or After French, if you prefer)==
 +
When the smoke clears Reuben and Miranda know they need to find the missin' invader.  They split up and head outside, but its clear that he aint gone far, since his horse is still tethered to the fence.  Before they embark on a long, drawn out search, they decide they should make sure Jonah will be ok.
  
−
'Hell!', he says, and he picks it up again and finally tossed it through the window.  'Major Slate is dead.'
+
He looks terrible, but fortunately, he should be ok.  After a little R 'n R, the posse commences a search.
  
−
This quiets the sheriff.  Reuben can see him through the window, and the sheriff is fixated on the body in his front room.
+
==Right Under Their Noses==
 +
And their feet as well.  Eventually, the search leads down into the catacombs, where lyin' on the main altar they find the mutilated body o' the escaped desperado.  Blood is everywhere, but organs seem to be gone.  Grisly though it is, the posse spends the next few hours doin' a thorough search.  Still no perpetrator.
  
−
'You put down your guns, sheriff.'
+
=Past Recaps=
−
 
+
−
'You put yours down, first.'
+
−
 
+
−
'Our guns are down sheriff.'  He puts up his hands, and the sheriff acknowledges by setting down his pistol.
+
−
 
+
−
Just then, Charlie, one of the town guards, arrives on his horse.  Jonah opens the door, and the sheriff asks what the hell they are doing.  Reuben accuses him of thievery, seein' as how they found gold in a goldless mine, and there were molds for nuggets and stolen US Army gold in the well behind the livery.  After some wordplay, its clear that the sheriff is guilty.
+
−
 
+
−
Reuben insists that the sheriff go to jail, the sheriff responds that the best course is for him to just leave town, and let bygones be bygones.  Of course, they are havin' none of that.  Once all of the cards are on the table, Charlie puts his hand on his pistol, but does not draw.
+
−
 
+
−
'Vic, I am gonna need you to come with me to the jail.  I am sendin' Bill over to get Earl too.'
+
−
 
+
−
Once he is back in the station house, he admits very little.  Bill returns with Earl (the mayor), and he is shocked to see Victor in jail.
+
−
 
+
−
==The Plot Unfolds==
+
−
After the dust settles, the story is that Bernie and Claude killed the Union officers and while Earl and Victor dispatched the guards and moved the gold.  Slate came in and finished the job, presumably with no knowledge of the gold.  Once he left, the others got the gold, melted it and cast it into nuggets.  They then preceded to bring them in and sell them over the next few months.
+
−
 
+
−
==A Disturbing Nights slumber==
+
−
Everyone knows Linkous is comin' back tomorrow, yet the posse aint sure what to do.  From Slate they learned that normal weapons cant do a damn thing against 'im.  What the hell will they do to dispatch this hombre?
+
−
 
+
−
Everyone retires, yet the rest is uneasy.  Jonah is shackled with the worst night of them all.  Eventually, he wakes in a cold sweat.  He remembers his days back in St Louis, and what he learned from the ol' shaman who opened his eyes.
+
−
 
+
−
Seems these restless spirits return when they cant find their way.  But when they do, something is left undone, good or bad.  The only things which are material to them are things which either belonged to them in life, or were important.  This means his guns, his saber, and the shotgun that killed him.
+
−
 
+
−
The posse assembles and discusses the possibilities.  Linkous may have had another revolver, so they go and ask the sheriff.  After some convincin', he tells them he has it back in his safe.  The posse quickly recovers this.
+
−
 
+
−
==Endgame==
+
−
So now what?  The posse has a big problem.  All that have is this simple 1863 Colt Army revolver.  Its an old cap and ball rig, Miranda is gonna have to make these six shots count.  Reloadin' could take an eternity with a dead killer bearin' down on ya.
+
−
 
+
−
Jonah gives her a stern look and assures her that should be enough.  'You just make those shots count.  Aim for the head and such.'
+
−
 
+
−
The posse holes up in the sheriffs office and waits for dawn.  Its not long comin', but it seems like a lifetime.  Charlie and Bill are armed to the teeth, ready for whatever comes.
+
−
 
+
−
Just as the first light peeks its way in the window, the posse hears a cracklin' from down the street.  They rush to the window, and to their shock, not only is Captain Linkous comin' down Main Street, but so are 30 of his soldiers!
+
−
 
+
−
Bill and Charlie hesitate, but Jonah and Miranda sprint outside.  Jonah starts doin' something no one can comprehend, and Miranda draws a bead on the 'ol Cap'n. 
+
−
 
+
−
BLAM!  Make it count she did.  That old ball went straight into the brain pan and blasted a big chunk out of the skull.
+
−
 
+
−
'Nice shootin'!', declares Reuben as he hobbles out the door, shotgun in tow.
+
−
 
+
−
Then discretion was left behind, as Jonah unloaded a bolt of white light into Captain Linkous.  'What the hell was that?'  Reuben shouts, but the query falls on deaf ears.  'Why didnt you do that earlier?'  Again, no response.
+
−
 
+
−
Shamblin' forward, Linkous struts right up to Miranda, and draws his gun.  'That gun belongs to me'
+
−
 
+
−
BOOM!  Turnabout is fair play, I suppose, as he blasts her smack in the guts.  Its a grevious wound, but though she staggers, she doesnt fall.
+
−
 
+
−
In a fitting coup d'etat, Jonah raises his arms and stares skyward.  His shriek echoes across the street as another bolt of white energy flies from his hand, oblideratin' what was left ' Linkous' head.
+
−
 
+
−
==Past Recaps==
+
 
[[Deadlands Recaps]]
 
[[Deadlands Recaps]]
  
 
=What's Next?=
 
=What's Next?=
−
Next Sunday: 'Round the Mountain
+
Next Sunday: A trip to Salt Lake City (The City o' Gloom) and a walk down The Road to Hell.
 +
 
 +
Now that the posse are agents of the Secret Service all right and proper, the whole world is different.
  
−
After a few months convalescin', the posse heads back to Denver on a fancy steam locomotive.
+
=Status=
 +
This game is active and weekly.

Latest revision as of 23:26, 6 July 2008

Here is the wikipedia link [1]

If I ran a Deadlands game it would be much less overt than the standard setting. Magic and all those things would exist, but they would not be common knowledge. From the first glance the world would look exactly as ours did in 1873.

Rules Snafus

Hey, look what I found! http://www.sonic.net/~dkjedi/deadlands/

The Posse

Reuben McRotch An ornery old cuss of a prospector who cant seem to keep his mouth shut about how he doesnt trust people, or his ex partner, or, well, anythin' really.

Jonah Benton A huckster from back east. Or at least he dresses like it.

Miranda Valentine A two-gun gal from parts unknown. She doesnt say much, she lets her six-guns do the talkin'.

Other Available Characters

Most likely, any new character would be an Agency operative. But just in case, or for one off purposes, I will keep these guys here. Who knows when you might need a priest?

Wandering Bear A Shaman of the Peiute tribe. His entire tribal group was wiped out just a few months ago, leaving him their sole survivor. Even though he is only 13, he is determined to complete his visionquest and reunite his tribe and return them to their former glory.

lil' Tim McKenzie A wanderin' muckraker who just might be the one who writes that book about what is happenin' that nobody'll speak of. The tales livin' in this brain pan might curdle a double whiskey.

Father 'Silver' Hank O'Keefe A travellin' preacher who resolves to drive the devils back to hell by force of his faith and will, alone if necessary. He's seen 'em, but he has enough sense to keep to himself about it.

The Links that Fasten 'Em

All of the characters, as well as potential characters, have direct knowledge of the supernatural evil thats pointin' its bony finger at the world. All of 'em are damn sworn to do whats necessary to stop it, too.

The Setting

It is the world of 1873 (its 1874 now, the game began December 1873). Things are pretty much as you might see in a history book, with a few exceptions. The Civil War rages on, seemingly endlessly. Every time one side or the other seems poised to make a telling strike, something happens to prevent the conclusion from occurrin'. People are a little on edge; things are a little unnerving everywhere. Nobody knows why, but somehow they all know. The superstitious whisper about devils, or monsters, or things that cant be described. But nobody has any proof, nobody of any respectability has seen them, and no serious intellectual considers it anythin' more than wives tales.

Current Recap

After acceptin' the Agency's offer, the posse begins trainin' back in Denver.

The Mission

Its a warm afternoon when Agent Andrew Sykes invites the posse into his office. He is pleased with their progress, and is ready to offer them a job to do. Seems one of their field agents has been out of contact for over 6 weeks. They need to find out why. His last known whereabouts was somewhere in eastern Arizona, and he was investigatin' some religious outfit.

Wait, Arizona? Aint that Confederate territory?

Damn right pardner, damn right. This is gonna take a good cover story and some undercover work. But be careful, if'n the Confederates get wind o' what yer doin', its espionage, and that is punishable by hangin'.

Now that we have that out of the way...

The Trip

After some conversin', the posse decides that religious folk is the best cover story. They can be on some sort of pilgrimage, and it makes sense to visit other religious establishments along the way. Yep, that works all well and proper.

So the posse hits the trail, and for the next three days makes their way to the missing agents last known whereabouts.

Pueblo Viejo

Its nothin' but a tiny, one-horse town of maybe 50 folks. They make their way to the local roomin' house and saloon and secure themselves some lodgin's. After checkin' in, they proceed to gently probe the barkeep about the missin' agent.

It seems that no one has seen him or anyone from the mission in weeks. Thats a mite strange too, considerin' they used to make it to town every two weeks or so for supplies and such. Its almost a two day ride out there, but the posse decides they had better hit the mission pronto.

Finally, They Arrive

Its an uneventful day and a half ride to the site of the mission. When they arrive, around one, the scene is still and serene. Deadly serene.

Cautiously they approach, guns drawn, alert on high. The compound is surrounded by an adobe, 8 foot wall, with a thick, log gate in the front. Lucky for them, its wide open. Did I say lucky?

Scattered around the inside of the compound are bodies and plenty of them. Old and picked, with some arrows stickin' in 'em all nice like. The compound itself consists of 5 buildin's, one of 'em a church. The others, well, we will see soon now wont we?

Mission, Proper

Once inside the posse splits up and investigates the buildin's. They quickly determine that they consist of a mens and womens dormitory, a rectory, a church and a dining hall. Each of them seems to be also full of bodies, and the dormitories have a selection of beds; some slept in, some not.

Jonah finds hisself in the church, lookin' through every nook and cranny all by his lonesome. He inspects the pews, enters the prayer room, and even hits the bell tower for a spell. But by far the most interesting discovery is somethin' found in the confessional.

On the floor he spies a gold double eagle, wedged between a chair and the wall, and partially under the wall itself. Behind the priests chair a concealed panel hides the entrance to a tiny room. After opening it, he finds what was likely a treasury of some sort. Now, however, its only home to $120 and a torn bag.

Reuben is in the mens dormitory, futtsin' around with this and that. He counts bodies and beds, and finds that the members of this sect had little for personal effects. He also notices a collection of scratches near the base of a pot bellied stove and that gives him an idear or two. He gives it a fine shove and it moves revealin' a passageway.

The Star of the Desert

Armed with this new discovery, he makes his way to the courtyard and signals the others. After a few minutes of waitin', the posse is reunited and alerted of the system of tunnels residin' just a few feet below. This leads to a resumed search of the others, and discovery o' four more tunnels: one in each buildin'.

Together, the posse descends into the depths below. After a thorough investigation and some cogitatin' they determine that the maze of tunnels creates a pentagram. They all seem clear, well, except the one beneath the church.

The Tip of the Starberg

Under the pulpit sits an altar, a horizontal, blood stained, symbolically engraved abomination of an altar. Reuben and his sharp old eyes notice spigots leading down the corners into blood stained grooves on the floor. Everyone is disgusted.

But Jonah, as focused as he is, begins contemplatin' exactly what they are findin'. After reflectin', he comes to the conclusion that some sort of summonin' ritual is goin' on here.

Its been a nice hard first night, so the posse decides to make camp here.

Little Indian Girl

During the second watch, a little something happens. Something I am sure at least one of the posse wishes they could forget. But between you and me, I doubt she ever will.

Jonah is up, keepin' watch on the posse as they sleep. Everythin' seems to be goin' pretty much as they would expect. Miranda starts to become restless; tossin' turnin' and other evidence of less than ideal sleep. Then, suddenly, she bolts up and mutters:

Dream, girl, crazy...laughing, doll, blood...AAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Immediately she is in hysterics. Reuben and Jonah do their best to calm her down, but it takes a while. Eventually its clear that she had a nightmare, and a particularly awful one at that. After some calmin' and a little proddin' from the others, she relates her tale o' horror.

She found herself wakin' up in one of the dormitories to the sound of a gigglin' child, and when she walked into the courtyard she could see fires burnin' all around. The shadows are eerie, and occasionally a dark figure darts from one to another. She can never make 'em out, but somehow she knows these are the ones who killed the disciples.

And speakin' o' the disciples, their mutilated bodies, fresh and bloody, litter the compound in front of her. Again she hears the laughin' and she turns to find a little Indian girl runnin' away clutchin' a doll. Somehow she keeps pace ahead, and even finds time to stop next to a gruesome corpse and touch the blood, still bein' all giggly-like.

That was it. Miranda couldnt take anymore and ran full steam up to the lil' gal and grabbed the back o' her dress. She pulled her away from the body and turned her around to face her. And when she did, it was clear her throat had been violently slashed. Blood drained down the front of her dress. Oh, and that doll, well its neck was cut so deeply that its head lolled back and forth as she moved. She was still gigglin' all right. Clear as day.

Cleanup

After everyone finally calms down a bit, they get a little rest. But not much. Reuben makes his famous biscuits for breakfast the next day, but the conversation is sparse and light. Eventually they decide to split up their duties slightly. Jonah and Reuben will pile up the dead and make a bonfire, while Miranda does some searchin' outside the compound. Its a tedious days work, but it has to get done.

Outside Miranda finds a path to the east that leads to an outside pulpit and pews up on a hill. There is a grove of trees and a sparse collection of underbrush. Its interestin', so she comes back and shares her discovery with the rest of the posse immediately. Jonah and Reuben take a welcome break from their grim task and venture out there for a looksy.

Immediately Jonah notices somethin' aint right. At first the others dont see it, but when its pointed out, its clear as day that the pews and pulpit are facin' the same direction (the mission). That means that whoever did the preachin', did it with his back to the flock. Mighty strange if you ask me.

When they return Reuben and Jonah get back to work, and ol' Miranda circles around and looks for anythin' else she can muster outside. Eventually she finds some tracks, and follows them all the way to a cave on a small mountainside. Inside she finds some shackles secured to a wall.

What the hell was that?

Another Night in Paradise

And so it begins, another night on the trail. Sure is a glamorous life our agents lead, eh? At least they have roofs over their heads. O' course, those roofs are inside a spooky compound littered with nearly 50 bodies. Now thats a vacation!

Miranda knows whats comin'. Yep, but there aint nothin' gonna prevent it. Nope, no siree.

When she drifts off into la-la land, it all begins in the same place, and continues just as before. But that aint all. It goes on, and I dont rightly know if thats any better or not.

This time, after she turns the little girl to face her, she wrests herself free from Mirandas grip and skips away toward the church. Miranda yells to stop, but she aint listenin', almost like it were her ears cut instead o' her neck. Once she reaches the front steps of the church she kneels and begins to play in the dirt while hummin' some kind o' song or rhyme. As Miranda approaches it begins to become clear.

'This is the church, and this is the steeple...' She then reaches back and flings open the door. 'Open the door and see all the people!'

Inside, the room is ablaze with light distilled red through the stained glass of the churches windows. Unnerving as that is, it is just the beginnin'. Impaled on hooks from the ceilin' are at least 10 bodies, still writhin' with life. Their agony is clear and disturbin', and Miranda starts awake.

Frenchy 'n Friends

The next day Reuben and Miranda are tryin' to figure out the best way to git into the well while Jonah is investigatin' the chapel. Its mid-mornin', and the sun is startin' to get warm. Just as the two prepare to drop dynamite down into the abyss, they notice a couple o' gentlemen approachin' on horseback. He hails the two and they begin a discussion.

Then, outta nowheres, the men come chargin' into the mission, guns a'blazin'. All the while two other men are climbin' the fence and makin' their way into the courtyard. The posse is surrounded!

The leader charges past Miranda and Reuben as Miranda stands dumbstruck. Reuben, thinkin' quickly, jumps on top o' her and covers as the leader rains shots down upon them. Two of them find their mark, but he is only grazed. Two men dismount and head into buildin's for cover, one of them shootin' shotgun blasts all the while. Reuben fires at the leader as he rides on by, but it is wide left.

Now things get interestin'. Reuben rolls off of Miranda and takes a shot at the leader, grazin' him. Jonah steps into the doorway of the chapel and the leader blasts him with two pistols. He is seriously injured. Rifle and shotguns blaze from the doorways from the invadin' henchmen, but Miranda finds cover behind the well and blasts one of 'em with both pistols. He stumbles back inside.

Utter chaos reigns as guns blaze from everyone, everywhere for what seems like forever. Some henchmen are hit, Jonah takes on another wound, and Miranda has her dress ripped to shreds by shot. Reuben gets all crotchety and impatient, and lights a stick o' dynamite and throws it into a buildin'. The henchman inside has no choice but to run out towards the other buildin', but Miranda gives him a generous gift of lead. In the middle of it all an injured man crawls over the fence to his waitin' horse.

BOOM!

Everybody keeps their head down for a minute, but Reuben is busy lightin' another stick. The single mounted dude (the leader), gains control of his horse just as the other stick flies in his direction. He tries to get away, and squeezes off a shot or two, but the inevitable comes.

BOOM!

Unbeknownst to Reuben, behind him two other henchmen have entered the chapel and begun shootin' it out with Jonah, and unfortunately, it aint goin' so well. A flurry of shots sends Jonah to the floor, but one of the invaders gets wounded in the process. Miranda finds her bearings and opens fire. Reuben gets her back and blasts the last henchman on his side with a shotgun. Finally, the last remainin' one heads for the fence and a safe getaway, but when he wont stop the posse is forced to gun him down too.

Aftermath (or After French, if you prefer)

When the smoke clears Reuben and Miranda know they need to find the missin' invader. They split up and head outside, but its clear that he aint gone far, since his horse is still tethered to the fence. Before they embark on a long, drawn out search, they decide they should make sure Jonah will be ok.

He looks terrible, but fortunately, he should be ok. After a little R 'n R, the posse commences a search.

Right Under Their Noses

And their feet as well. Eventually, the search leads down into the catacombs, where lyin' on the main altar they find the mutilated body o' the escaped desperado. Blood is everywhere, but organs seem to be gone. Grisly though it is, the posse spends the next few hours doin' a thorough search. Still no perpetrator.

Past Recaps

Deadlands Recaps

What's Next?

Next Sunday: A trip to Salt Lake City (The City o' Gloom) and a walk down The Road to Hell.

Now that the posse are agents of the Secret Service all right and proper, the whole world is different.

Status

This game is active and weekly.

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