Doos shakes his head yes. He is not surprised.
Doos
Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
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Grognardsw
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Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
Paladin’s mind was on the railway sabotage and his checklist…
Get the additional men
Cummins go/no go on the horse and water wagons to accelerate the timeline
Chinese translator
the saboteur lure-crate
…
Get the additional men
Cummins go/no go on the horse and water wagons to accelerate the timeline
Chinese translator
the saboteur lure-crate
…
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
Monday, June 9, 1873. 3:10 PM.
The judge instructs the jury. Gentlemen of the jury. You’ve been tasked with the duty of deciding on the facts of the case. Did the defendant intend to deprive the complainant of her liberty against her will. Was his contact with her person uninvited and unwanted? The defendant has presented his account of what happened, and the witnesses have each presented their own. One witness-- the prime one-- in absentia. By signed letter. The accounts of the facts of the events of that day differ. The jury must decide which are true. If you decide that, beyond a reasonable doubt, the facts related by the defendant are not true and accurate, then this court must convict. Once again: beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury has a reasonable doubt that the defendant’s account is accurate, it must acquit. That is, find the defendant not guilty. He reminds the jury of what constitutes the crimes of assault and battery, kidnapping, and attempted sexual assault.
The bailiff deputy responsible for escorting people in the court room leads the men to a room in the back of the courtroom and closes the door tight.
It’s hot in the courtroom and the air is still. Mrs. Polk has stopped sobbing, but she’s still snuffling and wiping her eyes and nose with a handkerchief. The County Attorney writes notes with a pencil, either for his records about this case, or in preparation for the next. Mr. Polk’s arms are folded, his jaw is set, and his eyes continue to bore holes through the back of the defendant’s head. The deputy with the shotgun keeps as close an eye on him as on the two handcuffed prisoners. The defendant Johns sits at the defendant’s table, leans the forearms of his cuffed hands on it, and sighs with anxiety. His right knee rapidly bounces up and down under the table. His hands go up to chin for some long moments of nervous contemplation. Gideon says casually, Easy to git over-confident when ya think yer sittin at a cards table with a green sucker with no experience, and ya got the upper hand. Ya think with yer experience and their inexperience, ya can have yer way with em. Easy ta git cocky and go fer broke. But... just because a greenhorn… no, a tenderfoot is tender don’t mean he-- er she-- is dumb. And when that’s the case, it might be the more experienced player who ends up holdin the wrong end of the stick. He rolls up a cigarette, lights it, and blows smoke at the ceiling. The defendant wipes his sweaty face with his cuffed hands. His right knee continues to rapidly bounce up and down under the table. Gideon blows one, two, three smoke rings in the direction of just over the man’s head. He continues.
That’s there’s a dumb thang fer a feller to do. But an even dumber thang to do after ya went fer broke and lost is to double down and do the same fool thang again. Like fer instance, instead a choosing to cool yer heels in the calaboose fer some weeks, and then forget all about it and git on with gittin on whar ya was goin… Ya throw the dice and jump on out thar an chirp up “not guilty.” Usually, that is a mark of a gambler who is likely to be wearin a long, unhappy face.
Johns’ knee stops bouncing and looks behind him and snaps, You shut yer piehole, would ya, ya crazy sumbitch! Or I’ll let daylight into yer liver! Gideon takes a slow drag on his cigarette and exhales smoke through his and inhales it through his nostril. He again blows it just over the man's head. He says, Alright. We'll see about that, just as soon as ya have a gun. One that’s designed to be drawed, aimed, and fired with two hands in handcuffs. The deputy acting as court bailiff reacts and says, Y’all settle down and stop yer talkin. We got an hour or more ta wait fer the jury. The other deputy with the shotgun alerts up and shifts his attention from the defendant currently in the dock and the upcoming one to Gideon.
The judge also looks up, taps his gavel on his bench, and says, Be orderly. Excused witnesses awaiting a verdict may converse normally among themselves. They may not converse with defendants, attorneys, bailiffs. Or court clerks. Of which we have none, he grumbles under his breath. Mr. McLaury, you’ve been warned once before, and now twice. Which means that the court has noted you, Mr. McLaury. You seem to fit the type of which there are many men in Travis County, or passing through it. I hope that your next appearance here will again be in a witness or observers’ chair, and not on this side of the bar. I hope you understand me, Mr. McLaury. He stares, and Gideon's adam's apple goes up and down with a swallow.
After only 20 minutes, the door to the jury room opens and the men return to their chairs. The judge looks up, his face showing surprise. And then, not that much surprise. The judge says, I presume that the jury has reached a verdict. The foreman holds a paper, but he doesn’t need to refer to it. Guilty of every crime, except kidnapping. Johns lets out an involuntary yelp-moan. We wasn’t sure he meant to hold her prisoner. Nobody told us for how long he’d need to plan on doin that. The attorney lets out an exasperated grunt. When a jury has questions about the law, they’re supposed to ask the court for instructions!
Nobody said anything about that, the juror replies. Well, it’s just common sense! It's a serious legal proceeding! When more information is needed to make an informed decision, the jury asks for the information! the attorney says. The man replies, Nobody on the jury was a lawyer, mister. Next time you tell us how to be jurors, and if ya ask, one of will tell ya how to breed cattle, sell hardware, run a sawmill, er preach a sermon.
The judge clears his throat and says, That's enough, gentlemen. The jury's verdict is final, and the court acknowledges. And now, to sentencing. Due to the unavailability of the first-hand witnesses, being Mr. Garza, Mr. Martinez, and Miss Polk herself, the court imposes these sentences. For the crime of assault and battery: six months imprisonment. For the crime attempted sexual assault: 10 years. The court will let the sentences run concurrently. The already on-edge Johns breaks down and sobs into his hands. Bailiff, please see to escorting the prisoner to immediate confinement within the county to await transportation to long-term incarceration. The witnesses are excused. Thank you, ma’am, gentlemen. He taps his gavel and starts writing notes, presumably about the next trial. For the first time since they witnesses encountered him yesterday, Edna's father John Polk smiles.
The two deputies come over, grab Johns’s shoulders and elbows and start to frog march him out of the court. He turns his head on says to the witnesses-- all of them, including the parents-- You muckers! Ya lyin sacks a sh*t! Ten muckin years! I’ll get ya! Before it’s done, I’ll get ya all. I know yer names, they were read loud and clear during the trial. I’ll finish ya! I’ll murder you all!
The two court deputies lift the man off of his feet and drag him boot tips to floor through a door at the back of the courtroom. John Polk says to his wife, He didn't git the hangin he deserved, Mrs. Polk, but the law done well enough, I guess. The door closes, and the loud sobs of Mr. Henry Lynn Johns-- until yesterday as free as bird to wander the roads of Texas, with hardly a care but for the next meal up ahead-- are heard receding down a hallway.
The judge instructs the jury. Gentlemen of the jury. You’ve been tasked with the duty of deciding on the facts of the case. Did the defendant intend to deprive the complainant of her liberty against her will. Was his contact with her person uninvited and unwanted? The defendant has presented his account of what happened, and the witnesses have each presented their own. One witness-- the prime one-- in absentia. By signed letter. The accounts of the facts of the events of that day differ. The jury must decide which are true. If you decide that, beyond a reasonable doubt, the facts related by the defendant are not true and accurate, then this court must convict. Once again: beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury has a reasonable doubt that the defendant’s account is accurate, it must acquit. That is, find the defendant not guilty. He reminds the jury of what constitutes the crimes of assault and battery, kidnapping, and attempted sexual assault.
The bailiff deputy responsible for escorting people in the court room leads the men to a room in the back of the courtroom and closes the door tight.
It’s hot in the courtroom and the air is still. Mrs. Polk has stopped sobbing, but she’s still snuffling and wiping her eyes and nose with a handkerchief. The County Attorney writes notes with a pencil, either for his records about this case, or in preparation for the next. Mr. Polk’s arms are folded, his jaw is set, and his eyes continue to bore holes through the back of the defendant’s head. The deputy with the shotgun keeps as close an eye on him as on the two handcuffed prisoners. The defendant Johns sits at the defendant’s table, leans the forearms of his cuffed hands on it, and sighs with anxiety. His right knee rapidly bounces up and down under the table. His hands go up to chin for some long moments of nervous contemplation. Gideon says casually, Easy to git over-confident when ya think yer sittin at a cards table with a green sucker with no experience, and ya got the upper hand. Ya think with yer experience and their inexperience, ya can have yer way with em. Easy ta git cocky and go fer broke. But... just because a greenhorn… no, a tenderfoot is tender don’t mean he-- er she-- is dumb. And when that’s the case, it might be the more experienced player who ends up holdin the wrong end of the stick. He rolls up a cigarette, lights it, and blows smoke at the ceiling. The defendant wipes his sweaty face with his cuffed hands. His right knee continues to rapidly bounce up and down under the table. Gideon blows one, two, three smoke rings in the direction of just over the man’s head. He continues.
That’s there’s a dumb thang fer a feller to do. But an even dumber thang to do after ya went fer broke and lost is to double down and do the same fool thang again. Like fer instance, instead a choosing to cool yer heels in the calaboose fer some weeks, and then forget all about it and git on with gittin on whar ya was goin… Ya throw the dice and jump on out thar an chirp up “not guilty.” Usually, that is a mark of a gambler who is likely to be wearin a long, unhappy face.
Johns’ knee stops bouncing and looks behind him and snaps, You shut yer piehole, would ya, ya crazy sumbitch! Or I’ll let daylight into yer liver! Gideon takes a slow drag on his cigarette and exhales smoke through his and inhales it through his nostril. He again blows it just over the man's head. He says, Alright. We'll see about that, just as soon as ya have a gun. One that’s designed to be drawed, aimed, and fired with two hands in handcuffs. The deputy acting as court bailiff reacts and says, Y’all settle down and stop yer talkin. We got an hour or more ta wait fer the jury. The other deputy with the shotgun alerts up and shifts his attention from the defendant currently in the dock and the upcoming one to Gideon.
The judge also looks up, taps his gavel on his bench, and says, Be orderly. Excused witnesses awaiting a verdict may converse normally among themselves. They may not converse with defendants, attorneys, bailiffs. Or court clerks. Of which we have none, he grumbles under his breath. Mr. McLaury, you’ve been warned once before, and now twice. Which means that the court has noted you, Mr. McLaury. You seem to fit the type of which there are many men in Travis County, or passing through it. I hope that your next appearance here will again be in a witness or observers’ chair, and not on this side of the bar. I hope you understand me, Mr. McLaury. He stares, and Gideon's adam's apple goes up and down with a swallow.
After only 20 minutes, the door to the jury room opens and the men return to their chairs. The judge looks up, his face showing surprise. And then, not that much surprise. The judge says, I presume that the jury has reached a verdict. The foreman holds a paper, but he doesn’t need to refer to it. Guilty of every crime, except kidnapping. Johns lets out an involuntary yelp-moan. We wasn’t sure he meant to hold her prisoner. Nobody told us for how long he’d need to plan on doin that. The attorney lets out an exasperated grunt. When a jury has questions about the law, they’re supposed to ask the court for instructions!
Nobody said anything about that, the juror replies. Well, it’s just common sense! It's a serious legal proceeding! When more information is needed to make an informed decision, the jury asks for the information! the attorney says. The man replies, Nobody on the jury was a lawyer, mister. Next time you tell us how to be jurors, and if ya ask, one of will tell ya how to breed cattle, sell hardware, run a sawmill, er preach a sermon.
The judge clears his throat and says, That's enough, gentlemen. The jury's verdict is final, and the court acknowledges. And now, to sentencing. Due to the unavailability of the first-hand witnesses, being Mr. Garza, Mr. Martinez, and Miss Polk herself, the court imposes these sentences. For the crime of assault and battery: six months imprisonment. For the crime attempted sexual assault: 10 years. The court will let the sentences run concurrently. The already on-edge Johns breaks down and sobs into his hands. Bailiff, please see to escorting the prisoner to immediate confinement within the county to await transportation to long-term incarceration. The witnesses are excused. Thank you, ma’am, gentlemen. He taps his gavel and starts writing notes, presumably about the next trial. For the first time since they witnesses encountered him yesterday, Edna's father John Polk smiles.
The two deputies come over, grab Johns’s shoulders and elbows and start to frog march him out of the court. He turns his head on says to the witnesses-- all of them, including the parents-- You muckers! Ya lyin sacks a sh*t! Ten muckin years! I’ll get ya! Before it’s done, I’ll get ya all. I know yer names, they were read loud and clear during the trial. I’ll finish ya! I’ll murder you all!
The two court deputies lift the man off of his feet and drag him boot tips to floor through a door at the back of the courtroom. John Polk says to his wife, He didn't git the hangin he deserved, Mrs. Polk, but the law done well enough, I guess. The door closes, and the loud sobs of Mr. Henry Lynn Johns-- until yesterday as free as bird to wander the roads of Texas, with hardly a care but for the next meal up ahead-- are heard receding down a hallway.
PCs
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
"Well Mr. Paladin, we have some work to do? Could be go to dinner and you explain the plan?"
Doos will walk out slowly and welcoming in case anyone wants to talk to him.
Doos
Doos will walk out slowly and welcoming in case anyone wants to talk to him.
Doos
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
Gideon says, Yeah, let's git outa here. That's enough judges, lawyers and lawmen for me for one day. Fer not so much in return as a bowl a beans er a how do you do. By the way, Mr. Paladin, ya didn't mention what the railroad is payin Mr. Moore and me. They got to have lots a money, I hope they ain't stingy.
Last edited by jemmus on Thu Aug 31, 2023 12:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
PCs
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redwarrior
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Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
William stops by Mr and Mrs Polk and leans over to speak to them quietly. At least some justice is being done. after a few moments' pause It's not my place to advise, but I'd make sure to know when that man gets out of prison and I think a daughter of mine should be handy with a wheelgun. He squeezes the man's shoulder, then hurries to catch up with the group. Along the way, he swings toward the Bailiff Bailiff, is there any word on when the horse thieves, excuse me the accused horse thieves, will go before the judge?
After that answer, he'll lengthen his stride to catch up with the group.
After that answer, he'll lengthen his stride to catch up with the group.
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
The bailiff answers, You mean them horse thieves that was brought in from Hays County or Comal County? No, I haven't heard anything? That'll be a Texas state court trial, we county sheriff's office men don't hear much about them. But it'll be in this same courthouse, but with a different judge.
PCs
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
“At least one of the criminals we brought in got some justice” said Paladin after the trial. He wondered what the status was of the horse rustlers with confessions they brought in.
“What’s the latest with the horse rustlers with confessions we brought in?” Paladin asked Doos and William, thinking the judge and lawyer would be better informed on legal next steps.
“Yes Doos, with Gideon and William I’ve done some initial investigating at the N&W Fredericksburg rail spur construction site,” replied Paladin to Doos. He explained the situation (please read page 5 in the Paladin - Have Gun Will thread)
“Let’s talk as we go to the Silver Bullet Saloon to pick up some men, then do some shopping for a saboteur trap.”
“We’ll ride back to the rail camp after dinner. That’s where we’ll do our work. Though tomorrow at 8:00 I have a meeting with Cummins.”
Paladin discussed what was needed from an equipment and tactical perspective.
- three pumps, the extra in case the of sabotage
- the saboteur lure-trunk, weighted contents, a tent for it
- more men
- a Chinese translator
- water tanks, big wagons, horses. Exact numbers to be determined. Get Cummins okay tomorrow at 8:00.
- telling Cummins the current situation, wagon vs train water option, cost analysis, and worker pay model recommendations
- when back in camp, talk to foreman who got beat up by Chen
- talk to the other foremen
- look into Marlon Smith more
Paladin asked for amy theories or other ideas from William and Doos, and later Andreas at the hotel over dinner.
“What’s the latest with the horse rustlers with confessions we brought in?” Paladin asked Doos and William, thinking the judge and lawyer would be better informed on legal next steps.
“Yes Doos, with Gideon and William I’ve done some initial investigating at the N&W Fredericksburg rail spur construction site,” replied Paladin to Doos. He explained the situation (please read page 5 in the Paladin - Have Gun Will thread)
“Let’s talk as we go to the Silver Bullet Saloon to pick up some men, then do some shopping for a saboteur trap.”
“We’ll ride back to the rail camp after dinner. That’s where we’ll do our work. Though tomorrow at 8:00 I have a meeting with Cummins.”
Paladin discussed what was needed from an equipment and tactical perspective.
- three pumps, the extra in case the of sabotage
- the saboteur lure-trunk, weighted contents, a tent for it
- more men
- a Chinese translator
- water tanks, big wagons, horses. Exact numbers to be determined. Get Cummins okay tomorrow at 8:00.
- telling Cummins the current situation, wagon vs train water option, cost analysis, and worker pay model recommendations
- when back in camp, talk to foreman who got beat up by Chen
- talk to the other foremen
- look into Marlon Smith more
Paladin asked for amy theories or other ideas from William and Doos, and later Andreas at the hotel over dinner.
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
"I think I could help with talking to people and making notes and looking for inconsistencies,. Your lead, tell me if you want me to guard or whatever. I'm willing to try it..
Doos
Doos
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cybersavant
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Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
Andreas Larson "I am no gunman, but i vhas a scout. I kan take on guard duties. Probably better if i vhas paired mit someone. Vhe'll see vhat your plan ist."
gaming since 1980
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Carter Stone; Lore of the Plains <1e/OSRIC Weird Wester>
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
Austin, 3:50 PM
John Polk replies to William, We'll keep an eye out, sir, thank ya. I don't expect that Johns fella can do much for the next five years from behind bars. But when I'm in Austin I'll check with the county about his current whereabouts. He might not end up serving the entire time. Mrs. Polk says, Thank you and the other gentlemen for your help, Mr. Moore. It might cheer Edna up some when she hears that that man is goin to prison.
Andreas and Doos agree to join Paladin, William, and Gideon in the investigation of the Waco & Northwest Railroad's troubles constructing a rail line to Fredericksburg to the west. Andreas knows that the town was founded by German settlers around 25 or 30 years ago, and that German is spoken more than English there. He also knows that the town made a treaty with the Comanches early on. They leave the town in peace, and in exchange they can enter it at any time. The people of Fredericksburg trade grain with the Comanches for game, honey, and bear fat. This is a little controversial among other Texans, because it's seen a helping vicious enemies become healthier and more prosperous.
William, Paladin and Gideon are hungry, having worked and ridden during the dinnertime hours, then sat through a trial of almost tour hours. The men collect their horses from in front of the courthouse, ready for their next course of action.
Actions? Please remember to state whether you do it on foot or mounted, and how you are armed.
John Polk replies to William, We'll keep an eye out, sir, thank ya. I don't expect that Johns fella can do much for the next five years from behind bars. But when I'm in Austin I'll check with the county about his current whereabouts. He might not end up serving the entire time. Mrs. Polk says, Thank you and the other gentlemen for your help, Mr. Moore. It might cheer Edna up some when she hears that that man is goin to prison.
Andreas and Doos agree to join Paladin, William, and Gideon in the investigation of the Waco & Northwest Railroad's troubles constructing a rail line to Fredericksburg to the west. Andreas knows that the town was founded by German settlers around 25 or 30 years ago, and that German is spoken more than English there. He also knows that the town made a treaty with the Comanches early on. They leave the town in peace, and in exchange they can enter it at any time. The people of Fredericksburg trade grain with the Comanches for game, honey, and bear fat. This is a little controversial among other Texans, because it's seen a helping vicious enemies become healthier and more prosperous.
William, Paladin and Gideon are hungry, having worked and ridden during the dinnertime hours, then sat through a trial of almost tour hours. The men collect their horses from in front of the courthouse, ready for their next course of action.
Actions? Please remember to state whether you do it on foot or mounted, and how you are armed.
PCs
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
"So is food included in your contract? We should eat, if you have a long trip planned."
Later.
"About the rustlers, my guess is they are waiting to see if they might say more about their situation or try to get someone up the chain. About the job, I feel a bit out of my bailiwick, but I am willing to try. You have a agreement to buy all that you mention? I was thinking that I might be well known in the African American community, I might be able to break their wall of solidarity, but I will have to respect their wishes.
If newbies are there they will know something is up.[/dialog]
Doos
Later.
"About the rustlers, my guess is they are waiting to see if they might say more about their situation or try to get someone up the chain. About the job, I feel a bit out of my bailiwick, but I am willing to try. You have a agreement to buy all that you mention? I was thinking that I might be well known in the African American community, I might be able to break their wall of solidarity, but I will have to respect their wishes.
If newbies are there they will know something is up.[/dialog]
Doos
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redwarrior
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Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
William will find a place to get a nice meal and a paper. Over the meal and while reading the paper with his coffee afterwards, he will attempt to unobtrusively listen to the chatter going on amongs the staff and patrons, listening especially for any gossip about the horse thieves or the railroad's troubles.
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Grognardsw
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Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
“You’re on the payroll immediately, $3 a day plus food, and I have $20 to spend on equipment today,” Paladin said to Doos, William and Andreas.
“I need to pick up some more men at the Silver Bullet Saloon, so we can eat there. Before that though, before the shops close, I need to pick up a crate and things to set a trap for the saboteurs.”
Being that the shops were in walking distance, Paladin walked and kept his guns holstered.
He went to the nearest provisioning shop and bought a crate, roughly 3’x3’; a tent; glue; and paper and ink pen.
Then to wagon shop to get a small one-horse wagon. He arranged to pick it up with his horse after dinner.
Then to Silver Bullet Saloon for dinner. He went to the bartender. “I have your tip if you have my men.”
Over food and drink he discussed with the others ideas and plans.
“I agree Andreas. You could pair up with Gideon here.” Paladin privately thought that would be a way to keep an eye on the sometimes-ornery Gideon.
“Yes Doos, maybe you can get the African Americans to open up.”
“William, I still want to do that shoot-out derby contest in a few days, that you pointed out in the paper yesterday.”
“Gideon, can you gather up some big rocks while I get the wagon.”
“After dinner, I’ll get the wagon and we’ll head to the rail camp.”
After dinner, Paladin took his horse to pick up the wagon. Then to the hotel, where he checked to see if there were any messages from Mrs. Potter.
Then Paladin filled the crate with rocks to the weight indicated by Marlon. Then he wrote up a label, marking it “important equipment delivery” and “c/o Marlon Smith”, and glued it to the crate. Then he loaded it on the wagon with the tent.
“I need to pick up some more men at the Silver Bullet Saloon, so we can eat there. Before that though, before the shops close, I need to pick up a crate and things to set a trap for the saboteurs.”
Being that the shops were in walking distance, Paladin walked and kept his guns holstered.
He went to the nearest provisioning shop and bought a crate, roughly 3’x3’; a tent; glue; and paper and ink pen.
Then to wagon shop to get a small one-horse wagon. He arranged to pick it up with his horse after dinner.
Then to Silver Bullet Saloon for dinner. He went to the bartender. “I have your tip if you have my men.”
Over food and drink he discussed with the others ideas and plans.
“I agree Andreas. You could pair up with Gideon here.” Paladin privately thought that would be a way to keep an eye on the sometimes-ornery Gideon.
“Yes Doos, maybe you can get the African Americans to open up.”
“William, I still want to do that shoot-out derby contest in a few days, that you pointed out in the paper yesterday.”
“Gideon, can you gather up some big rocks while I get the wagon.”
“After dinner, I’ll get the wagon and we’ll head to the rail camp.”
After dinner, Paladin took his horse to pick up the wagon. Then to the hotel, where he checked to see if there were any messages from Mrs. Potter.
Then Paladin filled the crate with rocks to the weight indicated by Marlon. Then he wrote up a label, marking it “important equipment delivery” and “c/o Marlon Smith”, and glued it to the crate. Then he loaded it on the wagon with the tent.
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cybersavant
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Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
Andreas Larson looks to Gideon, "ZInce vhe vill be verkink togedder, i vill help you mit der rocks."
gaming since 1980
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Asxerthsis ; In The Year 62,062 <SWN>
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Asxerthsis ; In The Year 62,062 <SWN>
Rehtai Khtao ( Rehleh Tharee Dar ); Shadow of the Storm <Traveller MgT2e>
Carter Stone; Lore of the Plains <1e/OSRIC Weird Wester>
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
"I think we can all help, none of us are special."
Doss will help as needed.
Doss will help as needed.
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
William reads the Austin Statesman over a late lunch.
Susan B. Anthony Convicted for Illegally Voting in the 1872 Presidential Election
Fined $100, not sentenced to jail time. Many angry letters to the editor from outraged women and men.
Col. Ranald S. MacKenzie Raids into Mexico
A secret mission into Mexico was made to punish a band of hostile Kickapoo and Lipan Apache who had rendered life and property on the Texas frontier untenable. The constant attacks and looting by the Indians had cost local ranchers about fifty million dollars in property losses, to say nothing of the murders and kidnappings which accompanied the raids. MacKenzie’s regiment, the 4th, provided six handpicked companies of experienced Indian campaigners. Also included were the famous Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts.
Wells Fargo Stage Service to Burnet, Fredericksburg & Llano Suspended
Continuing stage service deemed “imprudent” due to violent robberies by the criminals known as the “Kansan Gang” and “Kerchief Gang.” Unknown whether they are separate gangs, allies of each other, or just one gang.
(Advertisements)
U.S. Postal Service Seeks Couriers for Mail to Fredericksburg, Burnet, Llano & Points in Between
The Hays County Cattlemen's Association is hiring herd guards. $90/month. Must provide own mount and firearms and be willing to ride night herd.
Wells Fargo Stage Passenger Delivery Company requires drivers and guards. $130/month, starting salary. Inquiries to Wells Fargo, Abilene, KS & Austin, Tx.
The U.S. Army is Recruiting Volunteers! Good Pay and 3 Square Meals Per Day!
Andreas and Doos agree to join Paladin, William and Gideon in the Waco & Northwest Railroad construction investigation. Paladin walks around western Austin and purchases a crate, a tent, glue and pen and paper. He inquires about buying a small wagon. The price for a used one is $25, or it can be rented for 50 cents a day and a $25 deposit.
The Silver Dollar Saloon is pretty populated at supper time. Men sit at tables drinking whiskey and beer and play mostly faro, some poker.
Faro
Paladin approaches the bartender Dunston. “I have your tip if you have my men.” Dunston points to a table. That’s them three playing penny ante poker over there. An African American man in his 40s, a Latino man in his 20s, and an Anglo boy in his teens sit at a table. A shotgun leans by the boy’s chair and a revolving cylinder rifle by the older man’s.
Susan B. Anthony Convicted for Illegally Voting in the 1872 Presidential Election
Fined $100, not sentenced to jail time. Many angry letters to the editor from outraged women and men.
Col. Ranald S. MacKenzie Raids into Mexico
A secret mission into Mexico was made to punish a band of hostile Kickapoo and Lipan Apache who had rendered life and property on the Texas frontier untenable. The constant attacks and looting by the Indians had cost local ranchers about fifty million dollars in property losses, to say nothing of the murders and kidnappings which accompanied the raids. MacKenzie’s regiment, the 4th, provided six handpicked companies of experienced Indian campaigners. Also included were the famous Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts.
Wells Fargo Stage Service to Burnet, Fredericksburg & Llano Suspended
Continuing stage service deemed “imprudent” due to violent robberies by the criminals known as the “Kansan Gang” and “Kerchief Gang.” Unknown whether they are separate gangs, allies of each other, or just one gang.
(Advertisements)
U.S. Postal Service Seeks Couriers for Mail to Fredericksburg, Burnet, Llano & Points in Between
The Hays County Cattlemen's Association is hiring herd guards. $90/month. Must provide own mount and firearms and be willing to ride night herd.
Wells Fargo Stage Passenger Delivery Company requires drivers and guards. $130/month, starting salary. Inquiries to Wells Fargo, Abilene, KS & Austin, Tx.
The U.S. Army is Recruiting Volunteers! Good Pay and 3 Square Meals Per Day!
Andreas and Doos agree to join Paladin, William and Gideon in the Waco & Northwest Railroad construction investigation. Paladin walks around western Austin and purchases a crate, a tent, glue and pen and paper. He inquires about buying a small wagon. The price for a used one is $25, or it can be rented for 50 cents a day and a $25 deposit.
The Silver Dollar Saloon is pretty populated at supper time. Men sit at tables drinking whiskey and beer and play mostly faro, some poker.
Faro
Paladin approaches the bartender Dunston. “I have your tip if you have my men.” Dunston points to a table. That’s them three playing penny ante poker over there. An African American man in his 40s, a Latino man in his 20s, and an Anglo boy in his teens sit at a table. A shotgun leans by the boy’s chair and a revolving cylinder rifle by the older man’s.
PCs
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redwarrior
- Ranger Lord
- Posts: 2654
- Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2019 1:07 am
- Location: Sumner, WA
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
William pays close attention to the Wells Fargo story, and shares it with the others. It seems that finding these stage robbers, once we are done with helping the railroad with its difficulties, might be the way to go. A bit later in the day, having realized that the west is deadlier than he had expected, he decides to go on the hunt one of those new lever action rifles that can hold 15 shots & will purchase a brand-spanking new one and 100 rounds for it. He's curious if he can find a way to make quick money per OOC thread comment from Spearmint and keeps his eye out for that. Deducted full cost, meaning I'm poor again! 
Observation target 15 [1d20]=3
Observation target 15 [1d20]=3
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 12949
- Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:30 pm
- Location: ImagiNation
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
At the provisioning shop, Paladin’s suspicions that the cheapskate Cummins' $20 was not enough were confirmed. He wondered if the industrialist had an account here.
“I’m an agent of Christian Cummins of the W&N Railroad,” Paladin told the proprietor, showing him Cummins personal letter on company stationery. “Does he have an account here? I’d like to put these items on it.”
(If not, Paladin paid for the items and the rental option on the wagon, and revised the timing of his plans.)
If the shop account was used:
At the Silver Dollar Saloon…
Paladin approached the men.
“Good evening gentlemen, my name is Paladin. Dunston told me you’re for hire. It’s a guard job at the Fredericksburg rail spur of W&N Railroad. We leave tonight at 8:00.”
“I need good men who recognize the value of this job. Cummins runs a lot of operations in town and Texas. Do well, and you may have a source of continuing work.”
If Paladin had to use the cash at the shop….
Paladin, short of cash, revised his plan to have the extra men at the rail camp tonight. He’d tell Cummins how his penny wise pound foolish approach was slowing down the job, hopefully collecting the additional money at his 8:00 am meeting tomorrow.
Paladin approached the men.
“Good evening gentlemen, my name is Paladin. Dunston told me you’re for hire. It’s a guard job at the Fredericksburg rail spur of W&N Railroad. We leave tomorrow morning at 9:00.”
“I need good men who recognize the value of this job. Cummins runs a lot of operations in town and Texas. Do well, and you may have a source of continuing work.”
“I’m an agent of Christian Cummins of the W&N Railroad,” Paladin told the proprietor, showing him Cummins personal letter on company stationery. “Does he have an account here? I’d like to put these items on it.”
(If not, Paladin paid for the items and the rental option on the wagon, and revised the timing of his plans.)
If the shop account was used:
At the Silver Dollar Saloon…
Paladin approached the men.
“Good evening gentlemen, my name is Paladin. Dunston told me you’re for hire. It’s a guard job at the Fredericksburg rail spur of W&N Railroad. We leave tonight at 8:00.”
“I need good men who recognize the value of this job. Cummins runs a lot of operations in town and Texas. Do well, and you may have a source of continuing work.”
If Paladin had to use the cash at the shop….
Paladin, short of cash, revised his plan to have the extra men at the rail camp tonight. He’d tell Cummins how his penny wise pound foolish approach was slowing down the job, hopefully collecting the additional money at his 8:00 am meeting tomorrow.
Paladin approached the men.
“Good evening gentlemen, my name is Paladin. Dunston told me you’re for hire. It’s a guard job at the Fredericksburg rail spur of W&N Railroad. We leave tomorrow morning at 9:00.”
“I need good men who recognize the value of this job. Cummins runs a lot of operations in town and Texas. Do well, and you may have a source of continuing work.”
Re: Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns
The wagons seller replies, The W&N Railroad? Nah, they never buy anything from us. They don't buy hardly anything in Austin. The bring it in by rail. My cousin works for that outfit. Says they got one part a the office that just keeps track a what's in use in difference locations and what ain't. Managers gotta send in weekly reports. If, for instance, an old wagon ain't being used in Lufkin, and one's needed in Tyler, it goes from Lufkin to Tyler. If an old wheel ain't bein used in Bastrop and one's needed in LaGrange, it'll go to LaGrange. That company would sooner bust than spend a nickel buyin anything.
Paladin approaches the three men at the table. Paladin approaches the men. On closer inspection, not one of them looks especially prosperous or like he's been having a run of good luck.“Good evening gentlemen, my name is Paladin. Dunston told me you’re for hire. It’s a guard job at the Fredericksburg rail spur of W&N Railroad. We leave tomorrow morning at 9:00.”
“I need good men who recognize the value of this job. Cummins runs a lot of operations in town and Texas. Do well, and you may have a source of continuing work.”
The middle-aged African man says, The Waco? I've worked for them before. The pay is low, but they do have plenty of work. Hard, back-breakin work, 10 hours a day and 12 on Sunday. But for guard work I expect I'll be usin my eyes, ears and rifle, not my back. I'll take the job, mister.
The Latino man in his 20s simply says, Yes, I'll do it, mister. He seems depressed about something. Or maybe that's just the way he is all of the time.
The Anglo boy looks like he's either trying to grow a mustache, or figures that the hairs are so sparse that spending money on a razor isn't needed just yet. Sure, mister, I'll take the job. They gonna feed us, right? I sure do hope so.
Not spoiler-ing this one, to make sure everybody sees it. All PCs please deduct $1.85 for yesterday's meals and lodging (which I almost forgot, but didn't
). By the way, staying at a boarding house would be cheaper ($1 per day, meals included). But you'd have to pay by the week.
Noted about William's purchase of a fine new lever action rifle (15 rounds magazine) and 100 rounds of ammunition ($50 +$2).
Paladin approaches the three men at the table. Paladin approaches the men. On closer inspection, not one of them looks especially prosperous or like he's been having a run of good luck.“Good evening gentlemen, my name is Paladin. Dunston told me you’re for hire. It’s a guard job at the Fredericksburg rail spur of W&N Railroad. We leave tomorrow morning at 9:00.”
“I need good men who recognize the value of this job. Cummins runs a lot of operations in town and Texas. Do well, and you may have a source of continuing work.”
The middle-aged African man says, The Waco? I've worked for them before. The pay is low, but they do have plenty of work. Hard, back-breakin work, 10 hours a day and 12 on Sunday. But for guard work I expect I'll be usin my eyes, ears and rifle, not my back. I'll take the job, mister.
The Latino man in his 20s simply says, Yes, I'll do it, mister. He seems depressed about something. Or maybe that's just the way he is all of the time.
The Anglo boy looks like he's either trying to grow a mustache, or figures that the hairs are so sparse that spending money on a razor isn't needed just yet. Sure, mister, I'll take the job. They gonna feed us, right? I sure do hope so.
Not spoiler-ing this one, to make sure everybody sees it. All PCs please deduct $1.85 for yesterday's meals and lodging (which I almost forgot, but didn't
). By the way, staying at a boarding house would be cheaper ($1 per day, meals included). But you'd have to pay by the week.Noted about William's purchase of a fine new lever action rifle (15 rounds magazine) and 100 rounds of ammunition ($50 +$2).
PCs