Bad Moon over California

[Committed Hero]

Michael Sun-Hand-High

My name is Michael Sun-Hand-High of the Chumash. I have worked for the Great Chief in Washington before, but my price was dear. If you have need of my tracking skills and none other, your problems are bigger than you think.

 

[synecdoche]

John D'Artois

The man from the poker table smiles broadly and introduces himself.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, gentlemen. My name is John D'Artois, late of Ferriday, Louisiana. As for what I do? Well, I suppose I'm an adherent to the last true religion on the frontier-- the luck of the gaming table. I'm what you might call a professional rake."

 

[The Shaman]

Dakota sips his beer, nursing it. “Howdy. Name’s Dakota Turnbow. Cowhand, late of Nebraska.”

 

[Max]

Riley McClean

"Nice to meet you, gents. My name's Riley McClean. I've been a deputy marshal in a few cow towns. Lately I've been riding shotgun for a stage line."

 

[знаток]

Marshal Colburn

"Alright boys, our mission involves Deepwood, an aptly named village in the Sierra Nevadas. We're going there foremost to investigate the murder of the local preacher, but the situation in the village is a bit more complicated. There've been some uncommon rumors about the case, and I need your help in sorting 'em out. With luck, the lot of you will be an overmuch of skill and strength, but experience tells me there's a good chance you'll earn your two hundred dollars.

"The rumors are fantastic enough that I'm gonna refrain from layin' 'em out for you just yet, as I'd like y'all to keep a clear head about this and let things reveal themselves first-hand. For the fee you'll be paid, I'll expect y'all not to be harassin' me for details. I'm bettin' you'll be figuring out what you need to know in due time.

"If you're interest ain't worn out yet, we'll be meetin' at the stables across the street at first light tomorrow, ready to hit the trail. If you need any further supplies tonight, there's a fella I know who keeps late hours and fair prices. Any questions?" He pulls a wad of cash from the inner pocket of his overcoat and holds it in folded hands in front of him.

 

[synecdoche]

John D'Artois keeps his eyes on the money.

"I accept your terms, sir. And I believe I'll take advantage of your offer of a friendly supplier. I expect I shall need a horse and a decent firearm."

 

[The Shaman]

Dakota nods and says nothing, follows the other men out into the early San Francisco evening. After stabling Thunder with Lightning and seeing that the stable boy gives both horses extra oats and a good brushing, the wrangler and Lucky head off in search of a soup bone for Lucky, a restaurant for Dakota, and a drover’s hotel for both to spend the night.

The next morning finds Dakota, Lucky and the horses ready and waiting in the street across from the Rosewood as the first blush of the new day touches the eastern sky over the bay.

 

[Max]

Riley McClean

Riley listens carefully to what the Marshal is saying - and what he isn't saying as well. He also takes note of the apparant caliber of men that has been assembled. "Must be something serious Marshal. Looks to me like you've rounded up a tough group to fix the problem," Riley Comments.

"I'll take you up on your advance money and see you in the morning. Staring at the hind end of a team of horses day after day ain't so interesting that I'd pass up a chance at $200," he says with a grin. "Any of you gents know a good place to put up my horse and room for me for the night? I'm new in town," he asks everyone, generally.

Riley will use the advance money to buy a Remington Double-Derringer, and use slight of hand to conceal it (+4 for Tiny, -4 for able to use quick draw).

 

[hobbit_killer]

Bear Trap

"Well sir, I appreciate the advance. But I think I'm good with what I done brought. Never had much use for a pistol anyway. Ol' Ellie and this here Elk horn knife is all I have ever needed---well there was that time that hombre needed a whack with a shovel... I don't feel right takn' payment before a job's finished, anyways. You just hold onto my share Marshal, and I'll see you and the rest of these here gents in the morning."

Bear Trap follows Dakota out, "Hold up there pardner, I'm a bettn' you know where to put a horse and mule for the night, so if ya don't mind the company, I'll come with ya."

 

[знаток]

"I accept your terms, sir. And I believe I'll take advantage of your offer of a friendly supplier. I expect I shall need a horse and a decent firearm."

The Marshal doles out two crisp ten-dollar bills to each taker and gives them directions to his man. "I told him I might have some fellas stoppin' by, so just make sure he knows I sent you, even if he's closed. Just get there as soon as you can."

"Must be something serious Marshal. Looks to me like you've rounded up a tough group to fix the problem."

"Well, like I said, with any luck it'll be easy money. Just make sure and keep your guns clean and your wits sharp."

"Any of you gents know a good place to put up my horse and room for me for the night?

"If it's all the same to you, you can set your horses up at the rendezvous across the street and grab a room upstairs, that's my plan. Mr. Hadfield runs both businesses, so you can trust yer horses'll be shiny and warm bright and early."

"Half-hour after sunup boys!"