Chapter 5 - Prince Frederick's Town

[redwarrior]

I am. I don't think we want to take the livestock with us. Either sell it or donate it works. Would much rather have rations in my saddle bags that try to figure out what to do with a cow.

[Thumper]

Yep. But I’m pretty sure the only livestock we have are horses.

And dogs…

[Thumper]

Nimitz replies, If you can find out what happened with the fifth robbery, and present evidence to prove it, the company will pay a $200 reward. Or the same, if you can recover the passengers' personal effects. We can provide you with more specific information about the robberies and their locations at the company office.

The $35 to claimed at the Austin office is from Paladin returning his share of the reward/wages money.
The bounty hunters guess that the horses and guns would sell at a better price in the bigger market of Austin. But they could be wrong.
DT is staying in Fredericksburg to wait for the trial, which might be in about a week. Other PCs' actions?

DT looks at his friends then returns his look to Mr Nimitz:

”That is an interesting offer, Mr Nimitz. From my previous statement about that robbery you can see we are interested. But we have some open items to close out related to our contract with Mr Holtzclaw. Specifically, we were required to report back to him in Austin to receive the remainder of our per person payments…specifically the remaining half of our contracted pay and the $10 timeliness performance bonus. Please see these sections, here, here, and here. We have to make a run into Austin, or at least some of us must travel to Austin and back…which we can do and still meet our obligation to testify in a week. As this job was performed at great personal risk of bodily injury or death, I for one have have interest in closing our contractual terms in a timely manner.

However, should you and Mr Holtzclaw agree to amend our contract to make said payments on behalf of Welks Fargo here in Fredricksburg, we would be able to dedicate our time and full attentions to this endeavor.

Is that possible? If so then let’s get to work. If not, we will probably be forced to delay the start of this investigation.”

[jemmus]

That's correct, the PCs don't have the cows and chickens. There are 4 dogs (mom and three surviving pups). Wells Fargo will take the passengers' clothing, as well as the watches, jewelry, suitcases, etc. Many of the passengers filled out claims for them. (Clothing was valuable in the Old West).

I posted a list of the loot items in the OOC thread. As people take things (guns, horses, ammo), we can keep a tally.

[jemmus]

The Wells Fargo agent replies, I believe it can be arranged for the funds to be transferred to Frederickburg, so that you may collect them here. But it vould take some time. Ve cannot deplete the local office's funds, until ve know that the stages from Austin are running safely and reliably again. The main office in Austin vill decide vhen to make a test.

I vould not recomment that you leave Frederickburg before the upcoming trial. If you vere to encounter... difficulties along the vay... and miss the trial, the town would declare you outlaws. And then vould the county also. And the Vells Fargo company has had enough of violent trouble over the past few veeks. Two of you are vounded with gunshots. I believe I can safely say that the company vould rather be patient and wait for your investigations, rather than to risk more tragic disturbances.

I am sure that Mr. Larson here can recommend good places to stay, and several good places in Fredericksburg to dine. Perhaps you could even find some temporary employment in town. The people of Fredericksburg are very enterprising, and they always can use the assistance of two more strong hands or a man with a skill.

[Thumper]

“Well then, gents…if you are with me on this, I think we should take a day to rest and recuperate after speaking with Mr Nimitz. Those of us able and ready should go at the investigation tomorrow morning.

Why don’t you lead us to your office where we can discuss the details of this fifth robbery Mr Nimitz.”

After the meeting with Nimitz, DT will be interested in securing a room at a good hotel, get well fed, see if we can find a good deal on selling the horses, and try to make friends with one of the pups…preferably a less yappy one. If he can, he would see about keeping the dog and selling any other the PCs don’t want.

[ateno]

Doos would take the shotgun and have a horse scabbard made for it.

Take one of the clasp knives.

He would want to trade in his excellent horse for one other excellent horse, cause his has a shady brand, probably a stolen us army horse top branded.

[jemmus]

I'll update the inventory list in OOC about the shotgun. The sheathe will cost $2. Wells Fargo claimed the knives for the original owners. Doos can buy a knife for $1. Please roll for the new horse's traits or tricks.

[Thumper]

I'll update the inventory list in OOC about the shotgun. The sheathe will cost $2. Wells Fargo claimed the knives for the original owners. Doos can buy a knife for $1. Please roll for the new horse's traits or tricks.

I thought there were 4 rifle sheaths with the bandits’ tack. Perhaps one was a shotgun sheath?

[jemmus]

Oh, you're right. Doos doesn't have to buy one.

[jemmus]

The meeting with the magistrates done, the riders set out to find lodging in the town, and perhaps buyers for their surplus firearms and horses. Andreas points out two places for lodging: Grubers christliches Gästehaus (Gruber's Christian Boarding House) and Hotel Prinz Friedrich (Prince Frederick Hotel). William, Doos and Andreas see a familiar sight.

It's Charlie, whom they last saw in San Marcos. He and "Sarge" Ezekiel were setting out for a fort in western Texas to offer their services to the U.S. Army fighting Apaches. That was 15 days ago, before the ride to Austin, Doos and DT meeting, William and Gideon's ride to the Duncan rustlers house with the Rangers, the ride to Burnet, and yesterday's fight at the Shepherd hideout. The part Anglo and part Comanche scout recognizes his friends from San Marcos, but not their companion DT.

Unlike in the image, Charlie has only one horse.

[cybersavant]

Andreas Larson bids his companions a good night. Spotting Charlie just before leaving , he waves and waits to see what brought the man to town.

[Rex]

Charlie

"Hello Mr Larson, good to see someone I know. It always makes visiting a town a more pleasant experience."

[Thumper]

What time is it now?

DT:
”Well, a hotel named after the Prince that the town is named for just has to be outstanding! I think I’ll try that. We have money coming. Worth a good spend.

I’m thinking about dumping my things in a room, getting a soak in a bath and a shave, a big mid-day dinner, read the paper. I’ll also restock on my used medical supplies.

Then we should go meet with Nimitz for the further details he promised.

What do you all think about selling the horses and weapons here in Fredricksburg? By taking Nimitz’ job, we’re here another week. Rough numbers: Stabling them for a week would run us $2 apiece maybe. We could net about $8 more per good horses and $13 for the unspoken excellent one in Austin. The weapons would be worth more in Austin as well. Anybody good at bargaining? Perhaps can negotiate for closer to Austin value prices? I can come along this afternoon.

We should speak with Nimitz about the horses. They’ve lost 18 horses in the past couple weeks. Maybe they need to buy ours.

And what about these dogs. That little pup seems friendly with me. Maybe I’ll see about how trainable he is. Maybe I’ll keep him. What do y’all want to do about these dogs rest?”

DT will stand quietly and touch his hat brim in greeting to Charlie as he and Andreas speak.

Aside from DT’s stated intentions above, he’d dress his wounds then spend remaining time making a connection with the pup and begin training it to sit, stay, and come while enjoying the shade offered by the many live-oak trees in which Fredericksburg sits.

[ateno]

I really meant to do this a while ago:

Doos makes a appointment with the magistrate in the future regarding Wells Fargo wanting the money back and wishes to contest it, he has a presentation That I have worked to long on. And also ask his compatriot to assist if he wishes

I rolled a separate law for each argument, it felt right

Law [1d20]=13 [1d20]=5 [1d20]=7 [1d20]=2 [1d20]=19 [1d20]=15

1. Lack of Evidence Linking the Loot to Wells Fargo’s Claim
Primary Argument: Without clear evidence tying the goods to Wells Fargo or the passengers, ownership is ambiguous, favoring the finders.
While this is a practical argument, it depends on the inability to identify or trace the goods, which may not apply to all items.
Supporting Points:
Emphasize that many recovered goods are generic or lack distinguishing features and that we have allowed Wells Fargo ownership of personal items already.
Argue that ownership cannot be established without proper evidence.

2. Emphasize Contractual Ambiguities
Primary Argument: The lack of a clear contract specifying ownership of recovered goods creates a legal gray area that favors us.
In legal disputes, ambiguity in contracts is often resolved in favor of the non-drafting party. Without explicit terms, Wells Fargo’s claim to the recovered goods weakens significantly.
Supporting Points:
Highlight the absence of provisions transferring ownership of recovered property to Wells Fargo.
Emphasize that we acted in good faith during employment.

3. Finder’s Keepers Principle
Primary Argument: The goods were stolen by the robbers, and since the passengers were indemnified, our possession is legitimate.
This argument leverages common law principles of possession and the severing of ownership through reimbursement, making it a solid legal claim.
Supporting Points:
Stress that reimbursement extinguished any claim the original owners had.
Argue that we are the first legitimate possessors of the items after the robbers were captured and did not claim anything belonged to them and are present in prison.

4. Goods Found Outside the Scope of Employment
Primary Argument: We were hired to stop highway robbery, not recover stolen property.
This argument directly challenges the foundation of Wells Fargo’s claim by separating our actions from the scope of their employment. If recovery wasn’t explicitly part of their job, the goods can be argued as independent finds.
Supporting Points:
Stress the lack of a contractual obligation to recover property.

5. It happened due to our independent actions, not Wells Fargo’s planning or directives. Moral Argument—Justice for the People
Primary Argument: Returning the goods to Wells Fargo or the passengers, who have already been compensated, would be unfair.
While this argument appeals to fairness and equity, it lacks a firm legal basis. Judges are less likely to be swayed by purely moral reasoning.
Supporting Points:
Emphasize the double compensation issue for passengers.



6. Possession of Stolen Property—Lack of Clear Ownership
There is no definitive ownership of the items, making us the rightful possessors by default.
Why it’s Strong: This argument appeals to the principle that possession often trumps unclear or ambiguous claims of ownership.
Supporting Points:
Invoke the principle of abandonment: reimbursement dissolved original ownership.
Highlight that Wells Fargo cannot definitively prove they own the recovered goods or gave a list of anything particular to recover.

Doos

[Thumper]

Wow Ateno. Well thought out!!

[cybersavant]

Charlie

"Hello Mr Larson, good to see someone I know. It always makes visiting a town a more pleasant experience."

Andreas Larson "Vhat bringt you here to Frederickburg?"

[Rex]

Charlie

"I had been traveling with Sarge, an ex army scout. We were trying to find work as scouts and came upon some settlers who needed our help. We were able to help them but Sarge ended up getting hired by the Army and they wouldn't hire me cause I am half Comanche. Not the first time something like that has happened to me so, this was the closest town. Back to looking for work. Would you need a scout by chance?"

[Thumper]

DT nods to Andreas-
”Very likely. If he’s a friend of yours then he’s trustworthy. ”

Turning to Charlie: ”we need you, especially if you’re any good with that rifle. We just took down one gang of stage coach robbers and horse rustlers. We’re on the trail of a second group. Could get violent again, and I’m wounded…so is Doos here. We sure could use another hand.

For what it’s worth, Andreas; I support bringing your friend on.

[ateno]

So does Doos.

Trying to decide if I ride with you, a liability perhaps

Doos