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
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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: 2813735" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 102, “Magic Identification“ , Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 2:00 P.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>Harry replies, "Yep. That Miss West sure is a spitfire." Chester says, "You don't know the half of it, Harry." He goes out to the stables where he brushes down his horse. "Let's call you 'Lookout.' How do you like that?" The horse knickers. "I'll take that for a yes." After Lookout is cared for, Chester goes to Gilson's to have a bath. Those explosions kicked up a lot of dirt. </p><p></p><p>Kate let herself in Mr. Gonzales' rooms, found a few books and laid out all the items they had gathered from the Cowboys and cast detect magic. She kept up her concentration, waiting for them to reveal their strength and schools of magic. Kate notes that the items that glow as being the most magical are the leather jacket and the metal rod. Six bullets from one revolver appear to be almost as magical. Five bullets from another revolver appear to be less magical. The twelve rifle cartridges appear to have the weakest magic. </p><p></p><p>She is unable to detect the magic from the cartridges from the other two rifles. Kate set aside the magical rod, since they already knew what that did. She focused her awareness on what type of magic was on each item, making sure the spoon and ring were also in view. With Kate's continued focus the ring glows a medium range of magic while the spoon indicates a lesser degree. </p><p></p><p>Her further concentration shows that the strongest revolver bullets are pyrotechnic in nature. The spoon is transmutation magic. The jacket indicates abjuration with a focus in defensive magic. The rifle cartridges indicate some type of enchantment. Kate focused for another moment on the ring, hoping to get a little more from it. Afterwards, she packed all the things away in a bag and went back downstairs. She kept her eyes open for Ginnie so she could make sure the girl was alright before she went back over to the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>Minerva spends a couple of hours with the newly formed "Church Committee" planning the Festival and getting to know her newfound allies. Everyone unanimously agrees that it is a good idea to kick the festivities off with a Parade down the main street on Saturday April 1st and Sunday April 2nd. Steve Lord agrees to seek out Chumbley as soon as he gets to town to work out the advertising. </p><p></p><p>Al Brower had agreed to donate a weapon to the shooting competition. Hoover agreed to speak to him about it and also speak to Jake about organizing the saloons. Minerva says that she will speak with Ruby and Kate about their part in the festivities and Beatrice enthusiastically volunteer to organize a Blue Ribbon Pie Bake off. When the meeting adjourns, Minerva retires to her room to thank the goddess for her good fortune and make further plans before heading over to the Lucky Lady to share her good fortune. </p><p></p><p>A couple hours go by and Jake wakes up. He attempts to get up without waking Ruby, but can't manage it. "You can go back to sleep if you are still tired, but you'd be more comfortable in bed. I was thinking of visiting Gifford and Rodriguez." Ruby stretches her arms and legs. "No, I feel better actually. I'll go with you." Ruby gets off Jake's lap, but not before stealing a kiss. She dresses herself again and checks herself out in the mirror at length. Finally she turns to Jake, "Ready!" </p><p></p><p>Jake and Ruby head down stairs as Katherine arrives. "Do you have something to tell us?" "A few things, let's go back inside your room." Chester walks back to the Lucky Lady to see Kate, Jake, and Ruby talking. "Afternoon, folks. What's going on?" </p><p></p><p>They tramped back up the stairs and Kate laid out the items. She began pointing things out and explaining. "These bullets have some kind of pyrotechnics, they might explode on contact, or just start you on fire. The rifle bullets have some kind of mind-affecting thing on them, I have no idea what. The jacket is protective, like Jakes. It might be stronger, it might not, I can't tell. The spoon changes things, the ring has a moderate amount of magic, but I can't tell what it does. That's the best I could do." </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "Well, the spoon probably gives food or something like that. I don't know about bullets being mind affecting... that seems strange. I wonder about the ring. You should bring it to Mr. Gonzales, he can tell us." Jake says, "So now we need to figure out how to best use all this. I'm best with a pistol, and I wouldn't mind setting Mr. Ringo on fire if he causes any trouble." </p><p></p><p>He looks at all the others, "Someone was wearing the ring, and so it can't be bad can it? Couldn't someone just put it on and see what happens?" Ruby says, "Sometimes you need to know a word." Jake is looking at Ruby like she is crazy so she grabs the ring and puts it on. "I'm not sure that's the best idea, Ruby...." Kate said even as Ruby slipped it on. "Bullets don't do much good with me, and I don't get shot at much so someone else should use the jacket." Chester says, "I'm with Ruby. Mind-affecting bullets seem really odd.” Jake says, "They probably blow your brains out." All three of them turn and look at Jake . </p><p></p><p>Chester interrupts this awkward moment by asking “As far as the jacket, could I try it on?" Jake says, "Um, ya, try the jacket on." He says to Jake, "Very funny. Maybe we should just fire one outside of town." Jake says, "No don't waste them, we'll find out when using them. But good idea about trying to remember what happened at the shoot out." </p><p></p><p>Chester snaps his fingers. "Did anyone notice anything strange during the gunfight? Like being unusually scared?" Kate replies, "Maybe they make you afraid? Of course, bullets make me afraid without any magical help. You can try the jacket as far as I'm concerned, Chester." Nothing happens when Ruby puts the ring on, so she takes it off and inspects it, casting detect magic fully, also looking for inscription. "Maybe I'll keep it on for the heck of it and find out what happens." </p><p></p><p>Chester slips the jacket on. "So, how's it look? I don't feel any different." Ruby replies, "Chester you are as handsome as always, it looks good on you. And it will probably only make you feel different when you see the bullet going straight for your heart bounce off. Just remember the jacket doesn't cover your head. I think I have to get one of those for me." He blushes. "Thanks, Ruby. Sure you don't want this then? I'm probably more in danger of getting captured than shot." </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs. "I'm sure that isn't true, Chester. You've been in plenty of gunfights with us. I just don't know if the jacket will fit me. I mean, I have to admit, the thought of not getting shot again," she reaches up and touches her shoulder, "Does appeal to me. But I have these," Ruby says and runs her hands over her hips, "And I bet this jacket doesn't." He replies, "Yeah. That's true. The cowboy we got this from sure didn't look like you. Maybe that ring can protect you." </p><p></p><p>Ruby replies, "Of COURSE he didn't look like me, silly, he was a man and he was dead. I'll keep the ring on unless someone wants to take it to find out what it does. Hope it's not something bad!" Ruby fixes the collar on the jacket on Chester. "I told you it looks good on you. </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "Chester, you'll still want to avoid bullets if you can. I don't think that will stop a well-aimed shot. I'll hold on to the metal rod. We already know what that does, but unless someone heard the word that activates it, it's just a club at the moment. I'll take the spoon as well, we can decide what to do with it once we know it's purpose for certain." Chester gives a comforting smile. "Don't worry, Kate. I'll still remember to duck when I'm under fire." Kate looked at the rifle ammunition. "I don't remember anything odd happening during the shooting, but then the Cowboy's didn't get many shots before they were down." </p><p></p><p>Ruby comments, “Now, Jake, you wanted to go somewhere?" "Yes, we'd better get going if we are going to get to see Rodriguez and his prisoner." Jake nods to Ruby "Let's do this for now..." Jake grabs the pyrotechnic rounds, one other revolver round and two rifle rounds. "Since Katherine doesn't need the bullets you take the rest of these Chet and share with Nanuet and Minerva if you all want some. I don't think Nanuet often uses a pistol so give him four rifle rounds, you and Minerva take two pistol and two rifle each." </p><p></p><p>While Jake is talking he empties the five rounds from his long barrel Colt and puts in five pyrotechnic rounds. "Remind them to save them for when they are really needed, like against somebody who is protected somehow from regular rounds and tell them what we know about them. Keep the jacket for now, and talk with the others and see if they agree to how we distributed this. We can always move items around if we need to later." Chester says, "OK. That makes sense. I'll leave the jacket in my room for now. Nanuet's at the grove, right?" "That's where I left him," Ruby replies. </p><p></p><p>Jake turns back to Katherine, "What were those cloth patches? Should we split those up too?" </p><p>She says, "They heal. I don't think they'd be good for a large wound, but one of the Cowboy's put one over his wound and it healed, at least somewhat. We should all have at least one." Katherine gives Jake, Ruby and Chester one each. "I will make sure Minerva and Nanuet each get one." </p><p></p><p>Jake hands Ruby the remaining rounds from his hand, one pyrotechnic, one other revolver and two rifle rounds. "OK, Katherine you will try and learn about the other items. Depending on how busy everyone is, we may not see you before we leave for Tombstone tomorrow morning. I'm taking Ruby there for a little entertainment. We will also find out first hand what happened to Morgan. We should be back Wednesday night." </p><p></p><p>Jake reaches for his duster, "Oh, and is anybody short on living expenses? The Cowboy gang donated a small amount of cash." Chester says, "Yeah. I'm a bit strapped for cash. How much did they have? I'll consider it payment for taking me hostage. I can give some to Nanuet, too." Jake reaches into a pocket of his duster and pulls out a pile of bills and coins. He stuffs them into Chester's hands. "Here, look after Nanuet, Katherine and Minerva. I don't know who needs it. I'm set." Chester replies, "Thanks. I'll get it to them." </p><p></p><p>"I've already learned everything I can about those items. If you want more information you'll either have to wait until I get smarter, or my teacher returns," Kate answered. The finish talking, Chester offers to escort Katherine back to the El Parador, while Jake and Ruby head over to see Rodriguez at the jail. </p><p></p><p>After Chester dropped Katherine off at the El Parador, she went upstairs to her room and fetched paper and her pen. She stowed the magical items she still had away in Mr. Gonzales' rooms and went downstairs to have lunch and write. Ruby had not believed her, if she hadn't seen Tom herself the night before, Ruby probably wouldn't have even believed Kate had seen him at all. </p><p></p><p>It would probably be the same with anyone she tried to tell. Poor Katherine, finally gone off her rocker. Mr. Gonzales might believe her, she'd have to feel him out about his feelings about gods first. There were a few questions she needed answered. It would be easier if he understood why she was asking, but that might not be possible. </p><p></p><p>She ordered a late lunch and sat writing, making sure to carefully date the document and include enough details of the day that it could not be doubted she had written it in March. After the baby came she would let them see it; that she had known impossibly early that she was pregnant, that it would be a boy. It was the best she could think of at the moment to convince them. </p><p></p><p>Chester walks to the grove, jingling the bullets in his hand. He finds Nanuet meditating. "Hey there. Sorry to bother you." Nanuet says, "No bother, Chester. What brings you to the grove? I don't think you've been here before. Are you here to learn more about meditation?" </p><p></p><p>Chester laughs. "I wasn't planning on it, but now that you mention it, that's a good idea. But, the original reason I came by was to give you your share of what the cowboys were carrying." He counts out four rifle bullets and $23. "Here it is. Kate said the bullets were magical. Something about enchantments. So about meditating. How do we start?" </p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Well thanks for the items, I am sure they will come in useful eventually. As for the meditating, as you call it, first you must get comfortable, easier for some more than others, but you can't have something like that distract you." Chester and Nanuet settle down and get a comfortable spot. "Now, the next part is the tricky part. You have to basically close yourself down to the outside world, block out the sights, sounds, smells, and touches. You have to be able to focus those things inward. Closing your eyes helps." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet gets up and stands next to Chester as he clenches his eyes tight and holds his breath. "You have to relax Chet, you are trying to hard. Take a good deep breath and then try not to think about anything for a moment, or maybe picture a blank slate or a cloudless blue sky. Nod to me when you have that image." It takes a few moments and Chester fidgets a bit but then nods his head eventually. </p><p></p><p>"Good, now what I usually do is re-live the events of the day in my mind. I look for things that I may have missed, details you might say. Work on that for a few minutes, try and recall everything exactly as it happened. Try not to skip over anything as you never know what details may prove important another day." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet settles back down near Chester and refocuses his reverie also. After a few moments, he gets a startled look on his face. He gets up and nudges Chester, who may or may not have fallen asleep. "Chet, snap out of it! I have to go find Jake and the others, there is something I forgot to tell them. You can stay here if you want, but I am going to try and find them now." </p><p></p><p>With that Nanuet walks at a brisk pace over to the Lucky Lady. As he enters he scans the room for Jake or Ruby quickly and then the kitchen and stock room. He bounds up the stairs two at a time heading up to their room and knocks. There is no answer but he puts his head to the door and listens carefully. "Dang, not there either he says." after a few silent moments. I guess I'll just wait a few minutes to see if they come back. He then heads downstairs and finds something to keep him busy. </p><p></p><p>Kate finished her document, absently nibbling at the lunch until it was gone. She had avoided thinking about it so far, but Ruby had brought Conrad up this morning, and Kate's mind was clear enough to begin to think about the difficulties that would be coming. The first being to tell Conrad she wouldn't be going to the Long Branch tonight. </p><p></p><p>She had expected to see him come in for his late breakfast, but perhaps she'd missed him already. A note seemed such a cold thing, but she wasn't sure what else to do. The Shaws would be by with their horses later and she had no idea where she might end up. She sighed and began writing. </p><p></p><p>After an while meditating, Chester gets restless. He ducks into the Lucky Lady. "Nanuet, have you seen Miss Florencia? I wanted to know if she'd chaperone Miss Townsend tomorrow night." </p><p>He says "Sorry, Chester. She's not here. Have you tried the boarding house?" Chet replies, "Not yet. Thanks." </p><p></p><p>Chester walks down Allen Street to the Comstock House. He knocks on the door and is answered by Beatrice Lee. She says, "Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?" "Afternoon, ma'am. I'd like to talk to Miss Florencia, please." "Have a seat in the parlor and I'll fetch her for you." </p><p></p><p>Minerva is busy assembling her loom when she is interrupted by a soft knock on the door. "Miss Minerva, there is a handsome young gentleman waiting for you in the parlor." Gracias, Senora Russell, I will be but a moment" she replies tightening a bolt. Minerva enters the parlor to see Chester sitting on the edge of his seat, his calloused hands restlessly twirling his hat between his knees. </p><p></p><p>"Buenas Tardes Senor Chester. This is a pleasant surprise! She smiles brightly as she moves briskly across the room to greet him. " You are looking much refreshed!" To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" </p><p>Chester gets up from his chair and waits for Minerva to sit before he does. "Good afternoon, Minerva. I wanted to ask a favor. Um, I'm dating a young woman. Her name is Clarisse Townsend and she sometimes sings at the Lucky Lady. Anyway, I wanted to ask her out tomorrow night. She needs to be chaperoned and I was wondering if you would do that for me." </p><p></p><p>Ah, and here I thought you had come a courting' " Minerva says with a twinkle in her eye. </p><p>"Si, I do recall meeting Senorita Townsend. You were sitting with her at the Lucky Lady. Were you not? You appeared quite smitten with her." She teases. "She strikes me as a lovely young woman. " I have never been a duena before Senor" She laughs "and you being such a gentleman, it hardly seems necessary but if she is agreeable to it I would not be adverse to chaperoning the two of you." </p><p></p><p>Chester appears relieved. "Thank you so much, Minerva. I guess 'duena' is the Spanish word for chaperone. I haven't asked her yet if she's free tomorrow. I wanted to have someone in place, before I asked. Last time I had to run around looking for a chaperone. Heh. I'll see you later." </p><p></p><p>Chester strolls, whistling, to the Promise City Hotel. "Good afternoon, Mr. Smith. Can I speak with Miss Townsend, please?" Mr. Smith says, "Sure, Mr. Martin. How are you?" Chet answers, "I can't complain. How's business been?" Smith says, "Not too bad. Let me see if Miss Townsend is in." </p><p></p><p>Clarisse comes down the stairs with her cousin, Julia Barbeau. "Good afternoon, Mr. Martin. What brings you here today?" Chester replies, "I wanted to know if you would accompany me to the Alhambra tomorrow night. I've asked Miss Florencia, the new Minster, to chaperone. If that's OK." She replies "That would be fine, except I'm scheduled to sing for an hour starting at 9:00 PM over at the Comique. Would we be finished by then?" </p><p></p><p>Chester says, "Yeah. That'll be fine. I'll come get you here around 6 o'clock. Hopefully nothing happens tomorrow. Not sure if you heard, but we found Miss West safe and sound. She was staying with Mrs. Gilson for the night and didn't tell anyone." Clarisse says, "I'm glad she's well. Everyone was so worried about her. It even made the front page of the papers. Has the Marshall released poor Mr. Eastman?" Chester replies, "Once we figured out what had gone on, he got cut loose. Not sure if he went back East yet or not. Where will you be tonight?" Clarisse is about to answer when a rifle shot rings out.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813735, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 102, “Magic Identification“ , Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 2:00 P.M. [/B] Harry replies, "Yep. That Miss West sure is a spitfire." Chester says, "You don't know the half of it, Harry." He goes out to the stables where he brushes down his horse. "Let's call you 'Lookout.' How do you like that?" The horse knickers. "I'll take that for a yes." After Lookout is cared for, Chester goes to Gilson's to have a bath. Those explosions kicked up a lot of dirt. Kate let herself in Mr. Gonzales' rooms, found a few books and laid out all the items they had gathered from the Cowboys and cast detect magic. She kept up her concentration, waiting for them to reveal their strength and schools of magic. Kate notes that the items that glow as being the most magical are the leather jacket and the metal rod. Six bullets from one revolver appear to be almost as magical. Five bullets from another revolver appear to be less magical. The twelve rifle cartridges appear to have the weakest magic. She is unable to detect the magic from the cartridges from the other two rifles. Kate set aside the magical rod, since they already knew what that did. She focused her awareness on what type of magic was on each item, making sure the spoon and ring were also in view. With Kate's continued focus the ring glows a medium range of magic while the spoon indicates a lesser degree. Her further concentration shows that the strongest revolver bullets are pyrotechnic in nature. The spoon is transmutation magic. The jacket indicates abjuration with a focus in defensive magic. The rifle cartridges indicate some type of enchantment. Kate focused for another moment on the ring, hoping to get a little more from it. Afterwards, she packed all the things away in a bag and went back downstairs. She kept her eyes open for Ginnie so she could make sure the girl was alright before she went back over to the Lucky Lady. Minerva spends a couple of hours with the newly formed "Church Committee" planning the Festival and getting to know her newfound allies. Everyone unanimously agrees that it is a good idea to kick the festivities off with a Parade down the main street on Saturday April 1st and Sunday April 2nd. Steve Lord agrees to seek out Chumbley as soon as he gets to town to work out the advertising. Al Brower had agreed to donate a weapon to the shooting competition. Hoover agreed to speak to him about it and also speak to Jake about organizing the saloons. Minerva says that she will speak with Ruby and Kate about their part in the festivities and Beatrice enthusiastically volunteer to organize a Blue Ribbon Pie Bake off. When the meeting adjourns, Minerva retires to her room to thank the goddess for her good fortune and make further plans before heading over to the Lucky Lady to share her good fortune. A couple hours go by and Jake wakes up. He attempts to get up without waking Ruby, but can't manage it. "You can go back to sleep if you are still tired, but you'd be more comfortable in bed. I was thinking of visiting Gifford and Rodriguez." Ruby stretches her arms and legs. "No, I feel better actually. I'll go with you." Ruby gets off Jake's lap, but not before stealing a kiss. She dresses herself again and checks herself out in the mirror at length. Finally she turns to Jake, "Ready!" Jake and Ruby head down stairs as Katherine arrives. "Do you have something to tell us?" "A few things, let's go back inside your room." Chester walks back to the Lucky Lady to see Kate, Jake, and Ruby talking. "Afternoon, folks. What's going on?" They tramped back up the stairs and Kate laid out the items. She began pointing things out and explaining. "These bullets have some kind of pyrotechnics, they might explode on contact, or just start you on fire. The rifle bullets have some kind of mind-affecting thing on them, I have no idea what. The jacket is protective, like Jakes. It might be stronger, it might not, I can't tell. The spoon changes things, the ring has a moderate amount of magic, but I can't tell what it does. That's the best I could do." Ruby says, "Well, the spoon probably gives food or something like that. I don't know about bullets being mind affecting... that seems strange. I wonder about the ring. You should bring it to Mr. Gonzales, he can tell us." Jake says, "So now we need to figure out how to best use all this. I'm best with a pistol, and I wouldn't mind setting Mr. Ringo on fire if he causes any trouble." He looks at all the others, "Someone was wearing the ring, and so it can't be bad can it? Couldn't someone just put it on and see what happens?" Ruby says, "Sometimes you need to know a word." Jake is looking at Ruby like she is crazy so she grabs the ring and puts it on. "I'm not sure that's the best idea, Ruby...." Kate said even as Ruby slipped it on. "Bullets don't do much good with me, and I don't get shot at much so someone else should use the jacket." Chester says, "I'm with Ruby. Mind-affecting bullets seem really odd.” Jake says, "They probably blow your brains out." All three of them turn and look at Jake . Chester interrupts this awkward moment by asking “As far as the jacket, could I try it on?" Jake says, "Um, ya, try the jacket on." He says to Jake, "Very funny. Maybe we should just fire one outside of town." Jake says, "No don't waste them, we'll find out when using them. But good idea about trying to remember what happened at the shoot out." Chester snaps his fingers. "Did anyone notice anything strange during the gunfight? Like being unusually scared?" Kate replies, "Maybe they make you afraid? Of course, bullets make me afraid without any magical help. You can try the jacket as far as I'm concerned, Chester." Nothing happens when Ruby puts the ring on, so she takes it off and inspects it, casting detect magic fully, also looking for inscription. "Maybe I'll keep it on for the heck of it and find out what happens." Chester slips the jacket on. "So, how's it look? I don't feel any different." Ruby replies, "Chester you are as handsome as always, it looks good on you. And it will probably only make you feel different when you see the bullet going straight for your heart bounce off. Just remember the jacket doesn't cover your head. I think I have to get one of those for me." He blushes. "Thanks, Ruby. Sure you don't want this then? I'm probably more in danger of getting captured than shot." Ruby laughs. "I'm sure that isn't true, Chester. You've been in plenty of gunfights with us. I just don't know if the jacket will fit me. I mean, I have to admit, the thought of not getting shot again," she reaches up and touches her shoulder, "Does appeal to me. But I have these," Ruby says and runs her hands over her hips, "And I bet this jacket doesn't." He replies, "Yeah. That's true. The cowboy we got this from sure didn't look like you. Maybe that ring can protect you." Ruby replies, "Of COURSE he didn't look like me, silly, he was a man and he was dead. I'll keep the ring on unless someone wants to take it to find out what it does. Hope it's not something bad!" Ruby fixes the collar on the jacket on Chester. "I told you it looks good on you. Kate says, "Chester, you'll still want to avoid bullets if you can. I don't think that will stop a well-aimed shot. I'll hold on to the metal rod. We already know what that does, but unless someone heard the word that activates it, it's just a club at the moment. I'll take the spoon as well, we can decide what to do with it once we know it's purpose for certain." Chester gives a comforting smile. "Don't worry, Kate. I'll still remember to duck when I'm under fire." Kate looked at the rifle ammunition. "I don't remember anything odd happening during the shooting, but then the Cowboy's didn't get many shots before they were down." Ruby comments, “Now, Jake, you wanted to go somewhere?" "Yes, we'd better get going if we are going to get to see Rodriguez and his prisoner." Jake nods to Ruby "Let's do this for now..." Jake grabs the pyrotechnic rounds, one other revolver round and two rifle rounds. "Since Katherine doesn't need the bullets you take the rest of these Chet and share with Nanuet and Minerva if you all want some. I don't think Nanuet often uses a pistol so give him four rifle rounds, you and Minerva take two pistol and two rifle each." While Jake is talking he empties the five rounds from his long barrel Colt and puts in five pyrotechnic rounds. "Remind them to save them for when they are really needed, like against somebody who is protected somehow from regular rounds and tell them what we know about them. Keep the jacket for now, and talk with the others and see if they agree to how we distributed this. We can always move items around if we need to later." Chester says, "OK. That makes sense. I'll leave the jacket in my room for now. Nanuet's at the grove, right?" "That's where I left him," Ruby replies. Jake turns back to Katherine, "What were those cloth patches? Should we split those up too?" She says, "They heal. I don't think they'd be good for a large wound, but one of the Cowboy's put one over his wound and it healed, at least somewhat. We should all have at least one." Katherine gives Jake, Ruby and Chester one each. "I will make sure Minerva and Nanuet each get one." Jake hands Ruby the remaining rounds from his hand, one pyrotechnic, one other revolver and two rifle rounds. "OK, Katherine you will try and learn about the other items. Depending on how busy everyone is, we may not see you before we leave for Tombstone tomorrow morning. I'm taking Ruby there for a little entertainment. We will also find out first hand what happened to Morgan. We should be back Wednesday night." Jake reaches for his duster, "Oh, and is anybody short on living expenses? The Cowboy gang donated a small amount of cash." Chester says, "Yeah. I'm a bit strapped for cash. How much did they have? I'll consider it payment for taking me hostage. I can give some to Nanuet, too." Jake reaches into a pocket of his duster and pulls out a pile of bills and coins. He stuffs them into Chester's hands. "Here, look after Nanuet, Katherine and Minerva. I don't know who needs it. I'm set." Chester replies, "Thanks. I'll get it to them." "I've already learned everything I can about those items. If you want more information you'll either have to wait until I get smarter, or my teacher returns," Kate answered. The finish talking, Chester offers to escort Katherine back to the El Parador, while Jake and Ruby head over to see Rodriguez at the jail. After Chester dropped Katherine off at the El Parador, she went upstairs to her room and fetched paper and her pen. She stowed the magical items she still had away in Mr. Gonzales' rooms and went downstairs to have lunch and write. Ruby had not believed her, if she hadn't seen Tom herself the night before, Ruby probably wouldn't have even believed Kate had seen him at all. It would probably be the same with anyone she tried to tell. Poor Katherine, finally gone off her rocker. Mr. Gonzales might believe her, she'd have to feel him out about his feelings about gods first. There were a few questions she needed answered. It would be easier if he understood why she was asking, but that might not be possible. She ordered a late lunch and sat writing, making sure to carefully date the document and include enough details of the day that it could not be doubted she had written it in March. After the baby came she would let them see it; that she had known impossibly early that she was pregnant, that it would be a boy. It was the best she could think of at the moment to convince them. Chester walks to the grove, jingling the bullets in his hand. He finds Nanuet meditating. "Hey there. Sorry to bother you." Nanuet says, "No bother, Chester. What brings you to the grove? I don't think you've been here before. Are you here to learn more about meditation?" Chester laughs. "I wasn't planning on it, but now that you mention it, that's a good idea. But, the original reason I came by was to give you your share of what the cowboys were carrying." He counts out four rifle bullets and $23. "Here it is. Kate said the bullets were magical. Something about enchantments. So about meditating. How do we start?" Nanuet says, "Well thanks for the items, I am sure they will come in useful eventually. As for the meditating, as you call it, first you must get comfortable, easier for some more than others, but you can't have something like that distract you." Chester and Nanuet settle down and get a comfortable spot. "Now, the next part is the tricky part. You have to basically close yourself down to the outside world, block out the sights, sounds, smells, and touches. You have to be able to focus those things inward. Closing your eyes helps." Nanuet gets up and stands next to Chester as he clenches his eyes tight and holds his breath. "You have to relax Chet, you are trying to hard. Take a good deep breath and then try not to think about anything for a moment, or maybe picture a blank slate or a cloudless blue sky. Nod to me when you have that image." It takes a few moments and Chester fidgets a bit but then nods his head eventually. "Good, now what I usually do is re-live the events of the day in my mind. I look for things that I may have missed, details you might say. Work on that for a few minutes, try and recall everything exactly as it happened. Try not to skip over anything as you never know what details may prove important another day." Nanuet settles back down near Chester and refocuses his reverie also. After a few moments, he gets a startled look on his face. He gets up and nudges Chester, who may or may not have fallen asleep. "Chet, snap out of it! I have to go find Jake and the others, there is something I forgot to tell them. You can stay here if you want, but I am going to try and find them now." With that Nanuet walks at a brisk pace over to the Lucky Lady. As he enters he scans the room for Jake or Ruby quickly and then the kitchen and stock room. He bounds up the stairs two at a time heading up to their room and knocks. There is no answer but he puts his head to the door and listens carefully. "Dang, not there either he says." after a few silent moments. I guess I'll just wait a few minutes to see if they come back. He then heads downstairs and finds something to keep him busy. Kate finished her document, absently nibbling at the lunch until it was gone. She had avoided thinking about it so far, but Ruby had brought Conrad up this morning, and Kate's mind was clear enough to begin to think about the difficulties that would be coming. The first being to tell Conrad she wouldn't be going to the Long Branch tonight. She had expected to see him come in for his late breakfast, but perhaps she'd missed him already. A note seemed such a cold thing, but she wasn't sure what else to do. The Shaws would be by with their horses later and she had no idea where she might end up. She sighed and began writing. After an while meditating, Chester gets restless. He ducks into the Lucky Lady. "Nanuet, have you seen Miss Florencia? I wanted to know if she'd chaperone Miss Townsend tomorrow night." He says "Sorry, Chester. She's not here. Have you tried the boarding house?" Chet replies, "Not yet. Thanks." Chester walks down Allen Street to the Comstock House. He knocks on the door and is answered by Beatrice Lee. She says, "Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?" "Afternoon, ma'am. I'd like to talk to Miss Florencia, please." "Have a seat in the parlor and I'll fetch her for you." Minerva is busy assembling her loom when she is interrupted by a soft knock on the door. "Miss Minerva, there is a handsome young gentleman waiting for you in the parlor." Gracias, Senora Russell, I will be but a moment" she replies tightening a bolt. Minerva enters the parlor to see Chester sitting on the edge of his seat, his calloused hands restlessly twirling his hat between his knees. "Buenas Tardes Senor Chester. This is a pleasant surprise! She smiles brightly as she moves briskly across the room to greet him. " You are looking much refreshed!" To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" Chester gets up from his chair and waits for Minerva to sit before he does. "Good afternoon, Minerva. I wanted to ask a favor. Um, I'm dating a young woman. Her name is Clarisse Townsend and she sometimes sings at the Lucky Lady. Anyway, I wanted to ask her out tomorrow night. She needs to be chaperoned and I was wondering if you would do that for me." Ah, and here I thought you had come a courting' " Minerva says with a twinkle in her eye. "Si, I do recall meeting Senorita Townsend. You were sitting with her at the Lucky Lady. Were you not? You appeared quite smitten with her." She teases. "She strikes me as a lovely young woman. " I have never been a duena before Senor" She laughs "and you being such a gentleman, it hardly seems necessary but if she is agreeable to it I would not be adverse to chaperoning the two of you." Chester appears relieved. "Thank you so much, Minerva. I guess 'duena' is the Spanish word for chaperone. I haven't asked her yet if she's free tomorrow. I wanted to have someone in place, before I asked. Last time I had to run around looking for a chaperone. Heh. I'll see you later." Chester strolls, whistling, to the Promise City Hotel. "Good afternoon, Mr. Smith. Can I speak with Miss Townsend, please?" Mr. Smith says, "Sure, Mr. Martin. How are you?" Chet answers, "I can't complain. How's business been?" Smith says, "Not too bad. Let me see if Miss Townsend is in." Clarisse comes down the stairs with her cousin, Julia Barbeau. "Good afternoon, Mr. Martin. What brings you here today?" Chester replies, "I wanted to know if you would accompany me to the Alhambra tomorrow night. I've asked Miss Florencia, the new Minster, to chaperone. If that's OK." She replies "That would be fine, except I'm scheduled to sing for an hour starting at 9:00 PM over at the Comique. Would we be finished by then?" Chester says, "Yeah. That'll be fine. I'll come get you here around 6 o'clock. Hopefully nothing happens tomorrow. Not sure if you heard, but we found Miss West safe and sound. She was staying with Mrs. Gilson for the night and didn't tell anyone." Clarisse says, "I'm glad she's well. Everyone was so worried about her. It even made the front page of the papers. Has the Marshall released poor Mr. Eastman?" Chester replies, "Once we figured out what had gone on, he got cut loose. Not sure if he went back East yet or not. Where will you be tonight?" Clarisse is about to answer when a rifle shot rings out. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
Top