Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"They Rode to Perdition" starring Arcade's Gang (D&D/Boot Hill)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2036547" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 76, “Jumbo”, February 16th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>The London Zoological Society first opened its doors to the public in 1847 and quickly became one of the most famous Zoos in the world. Situated in northeastern corner of Regent’s Park, which ironically began as a private royal hunting ground for King Henry VIII, the park now protected animals from being hunted to extinction. Arcade’s Gang walked this cold damp day the three miles to the northwestern part of the city, a short distance beyond University College, to their destination. </p><p></p><p>They had been forewarned that there would be protesters waiting outside of the Zoo, objecting to the removal of this ‘National Treasure’. The expectations and fears were raised. The gang had been familiar with heated and violent protests that had taken place in recent years within the United States, including the 1874 Thompkins Square Riots in New York City, the 1875 Anthracite Coal Strike and the Anti-Chinese Riots. But what awaited them ahead they had not anticipated. </p><p></p><p>As they rounded the bend to the Zoo’s main gate, weapons at the ready, they saw that the full extent of the protests were a pair of well-dressed English gentlemen politely stopping passer’s by and handing out leaflets. “That’s it? That’s the protest?” Hank exclaims. “Good thing they want a group of armed gunmen for this,” Arcade sarcastically comments. Morgana says, “I don’t know. They might get more people if we actually try to take the elephant out of the zoo.” </p><p></p><p>They enter the Zoo and ask where the elephant is kept. They are given directions to the Elephant House. When they arrive Morgana explains that Barnum has sent them to plan out the logistics of moving the elephant. They are introduced to its lifelong trainer and caretaker, Matthew Scott. Before heading inside Scott explains, “The elephant was captured in the African jungles back in 1861. It is estimated that he was born in the Sudan in 1859. He was first taken to Cairo and then was told to the zoo in Paris. He was then acquired by the Royal Zoological Gardens in London who swapped a rhinoceros for it. He was tiny and in poor health when he first came to me, but now some twenty-years later he is the largest known elephant in the world, the largest creature in captivity for that matter.” </p><p></p><p>They enter the room and get a look at the pachyderm. It stands over eleven-foot high. Mr. Scott says that it weight six-and-a-half tons. Hank comments, “Sam, you wouldn’t even be a snack for that thing. Scott points out that “He doesn’t eat meat, only hay and vegetables.” He also points out that “Jumbo is harmless, during the last twenty years he has carried thousands of children on his back for rides.”</p><p></p><p>“Jumbo?” Louie comments. Scott says, “Yes, an African word. Most people believe it to translate as ‘elephant’ but the name actually is derived from the Swahili word ‘Jumbe’ which translates as ‘Chief’. A player comments “I figured he was called Jumbo just because he is so big. The DM points out that the player actually has that backwards, that in 1882 there was no word ‘Jumbo’ in the English language and the term became a synonym for big as a result of Barnum’s promotion of this elephant. </p><p></p><p>Arcade comments, “We heard there is trouble resulting from the sale.” Scott says, “Yes, the sale of Jumbo has caused a great uproar throughout England, with people asking Parliament and Queen Victoria to act to stop it. The Zoological Society, on the other hand, was more than happy to accept Barnum’s offer of $10,000 for him. The truth is that the Society is having financial difficulties, due in no small part to the vast amount needed to be spent each day to feed Jumbo.” </p><p></p><p>Morgana asks Scott, “How do you feel about him going away?” Scott says, “Fine by me, since I’m going with him. That was part of the deal. What the Society has not made publicly known is that lately Jumbo has become irritable and downright nasty at times, with an occasional temper tantrum. They fear a possible accident, so they are anxious to have him gone.” Sam exclaims “Hold on, you’re saying he could go on the rampage!” </p><p></p><p>Scott answers, “No, he’s a gentle giant. The truth his that his bad moods are only the result of the Zoo having cut back how much they feed him in order to save money. He’s hungry, that’s all.” Arcade says, “Let’s make sure that we stock up on lots of food for this trip.” Hank sarcastically comments, “Damn, I left my Wagon of Endless Hay back home.”</p><p></p><p>Morgana casts a Speak with Animals spell to talk to Jumbo and ensure that he is willing to leave. She has a hard time getting past his primary concern, namely that he is hungry. Only after promises of food soon does he begin to understand what she is asking. Since he doesn’t appear to remember living anywhere else he doesn’t quite understand the idea of leaving, although as long as his keeper is going with him he is agreeable. </p><p></p><p>She tells the rest of the Gang that he is willing. Arcade tells Scott, “Stick around when they close up the Zoo and let the managers know we’re coming tonight for him. We’ll have all of the paperwork.” Scott replies, “Then I’ll head home now to pack. Be sure to bring at least a wagon full of hay, otherwise we’ll never be able to get him to move.” He then adds, “Jumbo also enjoys eating gingerbread.” “We’ll be sure to look for a bakery,” Louie comments. </p><p></p><p>They flag down a cab to take them back to the Savoy Hotel, along the Thames near the Waterloo Bridge. They discuss how much to charge Barnum. Louie suggests a full $ 10,000, the same price he paid for the animal. Sam says, “Too much, we’re not paying for the ship and crew, just working security.” “And bringing it to the ship, that’s no small task,” Hank comments. </p><p></p><p>They continue to discuss whether to take the assignment or not. Hank says, “Let’s not rush into this. I think there’s more here than meets the eye.” Louie says, “We have to go back to America anyway. Why not get free passage and money for the trip?” Morgana says, “No, Hank’s right. Let’s find out everything that Barnum wants from us before we agree to anything. </p><p></p><p>They meet up again with Phineas T. Barnum, and say that they saw the elephant. Arcade presses him, “What exactly are you looking for from us?” He replies, “To help get the elephant from the zoo to the ship and then provide security.” Arcade replies, “And you don’t mean just security for the elephant?” He replies, “Well, obviously not. You are expected to help protect the ship is well. If it sinks, Jumbo will drown. And so would you, I might ad.” “Sink? From what?” Louie asks. </p><p></p><p>Barnum replies, “From potential trouble on the high seas. We have no idea if the British Government might try to use the Royal Navy to get his back.” Arcade comments, “They would start a war over an elephant?” Barnum replies, “Hopefully not, but that’s part of why I hired the Captain and ship that I did. He should be able to bypass any ships attempting to block his passage, that’s what Wilkinson does best.” </p><p></p><p>They start to discuss Price. Barnum starts with an offer of $ 2,000 but they are able to talk him up to their asking price of $ 3,000. The fact that he quickly agrees to that causes both Morgana and Arcade cause to be concerned that there is more going on than they know. Sam asks, “What port in the United States is the ship going to? New York?” Barnum replies, “No, it is sailing to Galveston.” Upon hearing the name of the Texas port, and without bothering to check with any of his companions, Hank immediately grasps Barnum's hand in a firm handshake and exclaims “You got yourself a deal!”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2036547, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 76, “Jumbo”, February 16th, 1882:[/B] The London Zoological Society first opened its doors to the public in 1847 and quickly became one of the most famous Zoos in the world. Situated in northeastern corner of Regent’s Park, which ironically began as a private royal hunting ground for King Henry VIII, the park now protected animals from being hunted to extinction. Arcade’s Gang walked this cold damp day the three miles to the northwestern part of the city, a short distance beyond University College, to their destination. They had been forewarned that there would be protesters waiting outside of the Zoo, objecting to the removal of this ‘National Treasure’. The expectations and fears were raised. The gang had been familiar with heated and violent protests that had taken place in recent years within the United States, including the 1874 Thompkins Square Riots in New York City, the 1875 Anthracite Coal Strike and the Anti-Chinese Riots. But what awaited them ahead they had not anticipated. As they rounded the bend to the Zoo’s main gate, weapons at the ready, they saw that the full extent of the protests were a pair of well-dressed English gentlemen politely stopping passer’s by and handing out leaflets. “That’s it? That’s the protest?” Hank exclaims. “Good thing they want a group of armed gunmen for this,” Arcade sarcastically comments. Morgana says, “I don’t know. They might get more people if we actually try to take the elephant out of the zoo.” They enter the Zoo and ask where the elephant is kept. They are given directions to the Elephant House. When they arrive Morgana explains that Barnum has sent them to plan out the logistics of moving the elephant. They are introduced to its lifelong trainer and caretaker, Matthew Scott. Before heading inside Scott explains, “The elephant was captured in the African jungles back in 1861. It is estimated that he was born in the Sudan in 1859. He was first taken to Cairo and then was told to the zoo in Paris. He was then acquired by the Royal Zoological Gardens in London who swapped a rhinoceros for it. He was tiny and in poor health when he first came to me, but now some twenty-years later he is the largest known elephant in the world, the largest creature in captivity for that matter.” They enter the room and get a look at the pachyderm. It stands over eleven-foot high. Mr. Scott says that it weight six-and-a-half tons. Hank comments, “Sam, you wouldn’t even be a snack for that thing. Scott points out that “He doesn’t eat meat, only hay and vegetables.” He also points out that “Jumbo is harmless, during the last twenty years he has carried thousands of children on his back for rides.” “Jumbo?” Louie comments. Scott says, “Yes, an African word. Most people believe it to translate as ‘elephant’ but the name actually is derived from the Swahili word ‘Jumbe’ which translates as ‘Chief’. A player comments “I figured he was called Jumbo just because he is so big. The DM points out that the player actually has that backwards, that in 1882 there was no word ‘Jumbo’ in the English language and the term became a synonym for big as a result of Barnum’s promotion of this elephant. Arcade comments, “We heard there is trouble resulting from the sale.” Scott says, “Yes, the sale of Jumbo has caused a great uproar throughout England, with people asking Parliament and Queen Victoria to act to stop it. The Zoological Society, on the other hand, was more than happy to accept Barnum’s offer of $10,000 for him. The truth is that the Society is having financial difficulties, due in no small part to the vast amount needed to be spent each day to feed Jumbo.” Morgana asks Scott, “How do you feel about him going away?” Scott says, “Fine by me, since I’m going with him. That was part of the deal. What the Society has not made publicly known is that lately Jumbo has become irritable and downright nasty at times, with an occasional temper tantrum. They fear a possible accident, so they are anxious to have him gone.” Sam exclaims “Hold on, you’re saying he could go on the rampage!” Scott answers, “No, he’s a gentle giant. The truth his that his bad moods are only the result of the Zoo having cut back how much they feed him in order to save money. He’s hungry, that’s all.” Arcade says, “Let’s make sure that we stock up on lots of food for this trip.” Hank sarcastically comments, “Damn, I left my Wagon of Endless Hay back home.” Morgana casts a Speak with Animals spell to talk to Jumbo and ensure that he is willing to leave. She has a hard time getting past his primary concern, namely that he is hungry. Only after promises of food soon does he begin to understand what she is asking. Since he doesn’t appear to remember living anywhere else he doesn’t quite understand the idea of leaving, although as long as his keeper is going with him he is agreeable. She tells the rest of the Gang that he is willing. Arcade tells Scott, “Stick around when they close up the Zoo and let the managers know we’re coming tonight for him. We’ll have all of the paperwork.” Scott replies, “Then I’ll head home now to pack. Be sure to bring at least a wagon full of hay, otherwise we’ll never be able to get him to move.” He then adds, “Jumbo also enjoys eating gingerbread.” “We’ll be sure to look for a bakery,” Louie comments. They flag down a cab to take them back to the Savoy Hotel, along the Thames near the Waterloo Bridge. They discuss how much to charge Barnum. Louie suggests a full $ 10,000, the same price he paid for the animal. Sam says, “Too much, we’re not paying for the ship and crew, just working security.” “And bringing it to the ship, that’s no small task,” Hank comments. They continue to discuss whether to take the assignment or not. Hank says, “Let’s not rush into this. I think there’s more here than meets the eye.” Louie says, “We have to go back to America anyway. Why not get free passage and money for the trip?” Morgana says, “No, Hank’s right. Let’s find out everything that Barnum wants from us before we agree to anything. They meet up again with Phineas T. Barnum, and say that they saw the elephant. Arcade presses him, “What exactly are you looking for from us?” He replies, “To help get the elephant from the zoo to the ship and then provide security.” Arcade replies, “And you don’t mean just security for the elephant?” He replies, “Well, obviously not. You are expected to help protect the ship is well. If it sinks, Jumbo will drown. And so would you, I might ad.” “Sink? From what?” Louie asks. Barnum replies, “From potential trouble on the high seas. We have no idea if the British Government might try to use the Royal Navy to get his back.” Arcade comments, “They would start a war over an elephant?” Barnum replies, “Hopefully not, but that’s part of why I hired the Captain and ship that I did. He should be able to bypass any ships attempting to block his passage, that’s what Wilkinson does best.” They start to discuss Price. Barnum starts with an offer of $ 2,000 but they are able to talk him up to their asking price of $ 3,000. The fact that he quickly agrees to that causes both Morgana and Arcade cause to be concerned that there is more going on than they know. Sam asks, “What port in the United States is the ship going to? New York?” Barnum replies, “No, it is sailing to Galveston.” Upon hearing the name of the Texas port, and without bothering to check with any of his companions, Hank immediately grasps Barnum's hand in a firm handshake and exclaims “You got yourself a deal!” [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"They Rode to Perdition" starring Arcade's Gang (D&D/Boot Hill)
Top