Upon a Pale Horse [Deadlands]

[ybn1197]

Spring 1877

Captain Jake Johnston and Private James Piltsen
It was a long, difficult winter. Not because of the weather, it hardly ever falls below 45 degrees in Austin. No, it was the training. Both Captain Johnston and Private Piltsen were pulled up from the regular army ranks to join the elite, the Texas Rangers. But nothing ever truly prepared either for the training they endured at brigade command. It was thorough, now you know why the Rangers can boast the claim, "one riot, one ranger." So it was with some surprise you learned you were being teamed together on your first mission.
Major Donaldson, a gruff weathered man who looked older and grayer than his years should, met you both in one of command's briefing rooms. "Current intelligence indicates there are some odd occurances in northern Nevada," he said with a voice that grumbled likes rocks rolling down a mountain-side. "Normally, we try to stay away from that part of the map, and let the yankees handle their own. But command wants to get a heads up on the situation before it becomes our problem. So we're sending you two in to take a look around. Don't try to get in too deep. If there's trouble, its the yanks who should be dealing with it. We just want some information, nothing more. Oh, and try to keep your heads down. The locals may not take too kindly to us interfering in their business."
With a nod, the major dismisses you to collect your gear and start on the trail. Jake finds a map of Nevada has been included amongst his gear, most likely by the Major's assistant. A portion of the north-eastern part of the state has been circled. At its center, a small settlement by the name of Paradise Valley.

Lone Raven
Rumors of dark, unnatural evils have brought Lone Raven to the Paradise Valley area. He has shunned away from contact with the local white men however. Hearing of the hostilites that have occurred between the settlers of Paradise Valley and the native Paiutes, Shoshones and Bannocks, Lone Raven has been reticent to wander too close to town. Though there has not
been any hostilities in the last five or more years, there have been incidents of violence between the tribes and the white folk.
Most of the problems have occured over the pollution caused by the mines in the nearby hills, but as the mines played out and activity slowed, the wounds between the two groups healed and the fighting stopped. There is still the occasional incident, but nothing in comparrison to the way things were.
Still, dark dreams haunt Lone Raven's sleep. Something is amiss in the valley.

Father Adam Guiteau
It has been a long, tiring journey. The last leg of the train ride was on the Denver Pacific and it dropped Father Guiteau off at Battle Mountain, a small community whose only claim to fame is as a railroad supply center to the neighboring mining camps. It was also the closest community with a stage coach connection to Paradise Valley. The driver, one Webster Scott (call him Web or Scott, he answers to either) informs you the coach will take two days to reach Paradise Valley as it travelled north. "On account of dem indjun tribes 'round Paradise Valley, Barny's gonna be sittin' shotgun wit me. But he don't say much, do ya Barny," he adds. Barny meerly moves his head from side to side in a disgusted manner. You soon learn that Barny (Barnabas Frassica) is a greek immigrant who came to the states with his family at a very young age. He speaks little english and keeps to himself most of the time.
Sharing the ride in the coach are two others, both of whom you vaguely remember seeing on the train. One is a woman, barely out of her teens by her looks. She wears clothes of moderate means and carries herself in the manner of someone who has received some schooling. The other, a man in his late 30's, keeps to himself. His clothes show him to be a man of means, as does the leather satchel always at his side.

Fate Chips
Captain Jake Johnston 1R, 2W
Private James Piltsen 1R, 2W
Lone Raven 1B, 2W
Father Adam Guiteau1R, 2W
Joanne Hearst 1R, 2W

[technophile]

[ooc]I'll take green as my color. Jake, let me know if I'm taking too many liberties with my intro. ;)[/ooc]

Jim exits the barracks that's been his home this summer--well, as much as you can call it a home when you only get to sleep two hours a night, near enough. Ranger training was as hard as farming, some ways, and much harder, others.

Stretching weary muscles and squinting up at the blue Texas sky, he notes his new partner, Captain Jake Johnston, standing nearby. Jake Johnston--now there was a name to conjure with. Hero of the Confederacy, dashing Ranger, experienced lawman; hard to believe Jim would be spending his time with such a fellow right out of boot camp, as it were.

Respectfully, he approaches the older Ranger. "Well, Cap'n, what's our first move? I doubt a podunk little town like Paradise Valley's goin' to have a real train station, so seems like horse or stage is our best bet." He tries hard to hide his nervousness, speaking as he would to any other Ranger.

[Ceridan]

[ooc] We are all here to have a good time, so not to worry.I'll take Grey, just to stay in character :) [ooc]

Jake had been up since an hour before dawn. Like any good officer he would say that he was up so early because he wanted to set an example for the others and get a jump on the days work. In truth he had always liked the cool, calm, quiet of the predawn gloom. It was the closest thing to privacy an officer was likely to get.

The training he had gone through since his transfer to the rangers had been the most rigorous of his life. It was almost as instructional as actual combat, but then Jake had seen his fare share of that out in California.

The young ranger, James Piltsen walked up as Jake finished what passed for a cup of coffee around the barracks. He pitched the contents of the cup as Piltsen asked about the travel plans.

"Your right about that. We'll catch a train to Yuma and then make for the City of lost Angels. There we will pick up some union green backs, I do not think they would take kindly to confederate script up in Nevada. Remember not to pack anything like a uniform, the won't fancy that either. Nevada just joined the union a few years ago so most of the civvies may not have been brain washed yet, so we will show them good southern manors so they can see what they are missing. Understood?"

[Leshan]

Lone Raven

Lone Raven rises from his sleep; grateful to be free of the terrors of the Hunting Grounds if only until he rests again. Walking over to his horse, he takes some rations out of a saddle bag nearby. Squatting on the ground he slowly eats as he considers his next move. "The white men will be suspicious, and there could be trouble. But it is their ways that invite the spirits; incite them to anger. I will travel to them first."

Finishing his meal, he takes the saddle and puts it carefully on the horse; making sure everything is perfect. He winces as he swings himself up; the leg protesting the strain put on it. Judging by the position of the sun he determines where north is, and from there the correct direction to Paradise Valley. Gently urging his horse on he travels at a trot towards the town.

[technophile]

"Your right about that. We'll catch a train to Yuma and then make for the City of lost Angels. There we will pick up some union green backs, I do not think they would take kindly to confederate script up in Nevada. Remember not to pack anything like a uniform, the won't fancy that either. Nevada just joined the union a few years ago so most of the civvies may not have been brain washed yet, so we will show them good southern manors so they can see what they are missing. Understood?"

"Yessir, makes perfect sense."

Jim's right hand twitches once in the beginning of a salute before his brain overrides his Army training--he's going to have to get used to pretending not to be a soldier or a Ranger. Just when he was getting attached to that gray duster, too.

"I'll see to my gear, then, Captain." With a final nod, Jim heads off to see if he can draw his month's pay from the paymaster ($43) and a brown duster from the quartermaster to replace his gray one. Pulling the duster on, he pins his shiny new Ranger badge on the inside lapel, where even a chance gust of wind won't show it unless he wants it to, and heads back to the barracks to grab his already-packed trail bag, rifle, and gun belt. He then rejoins Captain Johnston outside.

[Ceridan]

Jake nods as the young ranger walks away. Jim had managed to stop himself from saluting, but he had still twitched. It was a start, but such a slip could give away more than was healthy in the field.

Jake set off to gather his things and then went to see about those train tickets.

[ybn1197]

[OCC] Sorry, was hoping to hear from GimliFett. He has not been online since his last post. We will continue on and he can rejoin us in progress, hopefully everything is alright. Also, Ditto and DigestionDamage have completed their characters; I will be bringing them in as well.[/OCC]


Captain Jake Johnston and Private James Piltsen
As the two of you prepare to leave, a young man, barely old enough to be a cadet, runs over to you. Pulling up short, he slaps a hasty salute to Jake and nod towards James. "Sorry sirs, just run over from command. Major Donaldson sent me. Told me to change ya out, he says." He holds up a leather attache case and pops the clasps for you. Inside are small denomination bills, all in Union script. "He says to change it out with what ya got, and that should leave you enough to get ya where ya need to go." He shrugs as he tries to make sense of the words but obviously is unsure.
[OCC]There is enough union bills there to change out most of your current dinero. What is not changed out is enough to get transport into Nevada.[/OCC]
After taking the union script, you also notice a folded letter on the bottom of the attache case. Pulling it out and unfolding it, you see it is a note from the Major.
Take the Bayou to El Paso. You can get a lift there to Santa Fe. From there, a stage will get you Denver. From there, the Denver Pacific will get you to Nevada. Keep your heads low and your eyes wide.

Lone Raven
Lone Raven follows the lay of the land through gently rolling hills and fertile ground to the northern end of town. A beaten trail winds its way into town and given its use, could easily be called main street. From his vantage point, Lone Raven sees a number of buildings (about 20) in the small valley below. He has also passed a number of farms along the way, farmers trying to eke out a living from the soil.
As he enters town, reaction to his presence varies. Man stop and stare at him, women cover their faces with their handbags or fans, mothers grab their children and lead them away. It is almost a foregone conclusion (at least in their minds) that trouble is brewing and headed this way. None of the men have made a pass for their weapons, but all eyes do seem to be on Lone Raven and his intentions.

Joanne Hearst
Things have been quite in the sleepy little town of Pleasant Valley. Some days that sits right with Joanne. A quiet town. Neighborly people. No one asking too many questions. Then there are other days where it don't sit right with Debit. Too quiet, too peaceful. No excitement. No oppurtunity to practice her flair. No chance to spread her wings. But Jessie Sutherly, the owner of the Paradise Hotel where Debit has been staying, has been good to her. Not a chatty woman, but one who knows the right thing to say at the right time.
This morning started like any other in town, quiet. The higher class folks meandered into the hotel in the morning for breakfast. Others tended to use one of the two salons in town. After breakfast, folks went about their business, ordering or purchasing supplies from the general store, getting stock from the backery, or checking some of the latest fashion from back east. But business was destined not to be usual this morning. A stir was being caused in town, something was catching the attention, and maybe ire, of the some of the townfolk towards the northern edge.

Eldemar Huntsinger
Its been just over a month since the horror that took Eldemar's family away occurred. A little over two weeks since he finally said goodbye to what remained of the settlement. Two weeks of travelling across the great state of Nevada. He had heard snippets of talk about the little town that lay before him. Pleasant Valley was a quiet town. There were the occassional problems with Injuns in the area, seems they didn't take a liking to the mining operations that were going on. They didn't mind the farming so much, and as the mines played out and the miners moved to more profitable climes, the Injuns bothered with the townsfolk less. Once in a while someone would get themselves in tizzy over something, like missing cattle or stepping on sacred ground; but these things were far and few between, or so the talkings go.
The town had about twenty buildings all told, arrayed in a north/south pattern for the most part. A well beaten trail ran through the town and most of the buildings were built up on either side of it. There were a handful of buildings along two side streets, but it was obvious that most commerce was done on Main. Eldemar had even seen some farms and ranches as he made his way here. So here was a community bound to stay, and far enough away from the rail lines to not draw any attention from those barons.
As Eldemar made his way in, something was obviously causing a stir. Many of the townfolks' attentions were drawn up the street, as if something unusual was going on.

Fate Chips
Captain Jake Johnston 1R, 2W
Private James Piltsen 1R, 2W
Lone Raven 1B, 2W
Father Adam Guiteau 1R, 2W
Joanne Hearst 1R, 2W
Eldemar Huntsinger 3W

[Ditto]

Joanne "Debit" Hearst

She isn't sure if there was just a cold going around because of the sudden influx of folks looking a bit off-color and unsettled, but when her mule starts braying Debit knew something queer was afoot outside. She wipes her mouth lightly with a rough cloth napkin and nods in acknowledgement to Jessie as she heads out into the street.

Moving out into the morning sunlight, Debit steps over to the post where her mule and indefatigable companion, Topper, is hitched. "What is it? What's all the fuss about?" she asks, stroking his mangy muzzle. Topper breaks free of the pleasant massage and turns to look up the main drag and sees a swarthy stranger stalking into town. "Ah. Yeah. That might do it..."

[Ceridan]

Jake

After trading up the script and reading the letter Jake follows the instructions, as a trip to Lost Angels is no longer necessary. All things considered going north in civilian clothes was the last thing Jake wanted to do.

[GimliFett]

Father Adam Guiteau

Adam Guiteau smiles and looks at those who accompany him in the stagecoach. "So what brings you folks out to the wild west?" he inquires of them amicably. "I am Father Adam Guiteau," he offers by way of introduction.

[Leshan]

Lone Raven

As Lone Raven rides into town his eyes scan the townsfolk; keeping an eye out for any hostile movement. He makes sure to keep his hands clearly visable and away from his rifle, not wanting to start any trouble. He looks at the various buildings and their signs; taking it in and keeping an eyeout for anything that seems off.

[DigestionDamage]

Eldemar Huntsinger

It's hot. Too hot. All I want is a drink, and some fresh smoke.
But it looks like somethin's brewin up ahead. Looks to be a long day already.

Eldemar clucks his horse forward toward the disturbance to see for himself. He sets a leisurly trot, and guides with his knees while languidly rolling a cigarette.

[ybn1197]

Lone Raven
Women continue to scurry as you guide your horse further down what passes as the main street in the town. Man continue to watch you like a hawk watches its prey but, like yourself, none make a move for their weapon; no one wants to be the first to make a hostile action. By the time you are nearing the third or fourth building (the one boldly proclaming itself as Bank), a man is approaching you. He is wearing a light brown hat pulled up to his brow to give himself an unobstructed view, a dark brown hipster coat, and about his waist is a gun belt (complete with sidearm). Upon the coat is a metal badge, a star to be more precise. "Mornin' chief," he says looking you over with a practised eye. "What brings you inta town?" His tone is neither friendly nor antaganistic.

Joanne Hearst.
The indian continues his trek into town, obviously unconcerned by the stares of the town folk. The woman are moving off the street and into the buildings, obviously fearful of the outcome of his visit. The man are standing their ground, waiting for the stranger to make the first move. As if aware of the rising tension that has suddenly engulfed the town, you notice Sheriff Justinger walking out of the jailhouse, intent on intercepting the indian before he has the oppurtunity to stray too far into town. Crossing in front of the hotel, you see raise the brim of his hat, as if to make sure he has the best view possible before trouble can start. Before the indian can even get to the hotel, the sheriff stands before the horse and rider. "What brings you inta town?" you hear him ask.

Eldemar Huntsinger 3W
You languidly guide your horse into town, curious as to what could cause the commotion this town is experiencing, especially without gun fire. As your horse trots up main street, you notice a man exit the jailhouse. He is wearing a light brown hat pulled down over his brow to protect his eyes from the sun, a dark brown hipster coat, and about his waist is a gun belt (complete with sidearm). Upon his coat, he has a sheriff's badge. Just before the door to the jailhouse can slam shot, you see another man, a younger man, step out into the doorway. Unlike the sheriff, this man is not wearing a coat or hat. He has a bandana tyed around his neck and he carries a rifle in his hands. He stands in the doorway, attentively watching the drama unfold up the street.

Captain Jake Johnston and Private James Piltsen
The trip by train and stage takes a couple of days. It is both tiring on the body and taxing on the soul, but no one ever told you being a Ranger was an easy job. You soon find yourselves in the mining supply town of Battle Mountain, Nevada. You have learned there are no rails line going any further north so you are forced to purchase a couple of horses.

Spoiler

Show

Ceridan, you already purchased your horse so this is where he comes from (I need to know his exceptional trait.) Technophile, you can get an older surley horse and used gear for the remainder of your dinero. That will still leave you with your month's pay.

A quick guarded conversation with some of the local townfolk points you in the north-western direction to take in order to reach Pleasant Valley in a few days time.

Father Adam Guiteau
"How do Reverend, my name is Alice Waller," the young lady says. Her accent places her as a northerner, most likely one of the middle northern states as it doesn't carry the tone of someone from New England. "I'm visiting some of my relatives in Pleasant Valley. I haven't seen them for a number of years and my folks said that I could once I was finished with my schooling."
The man meerly clears his throat and extends his hand. "Arnett Robelar, Father. I have some business to attend." It is obvious the man is uncomfortable with conversation; whether from in lack of social abilities or by being in the presence of a man of the clothe, you aren't sure.
"What brings you to these parts Reverend?" Alice asks.

Fate Chips
Captain Jake Johnston 1R, 2W
Private James Piltsen 1R, 2W
Lone Raven 1B, 2W
Father Adam Guiteau 1R, 2W
Joanne Hearst 1R, 2W
Eldemar Huntsinger 3W

[GimliFett]

Father Adam Guiteau

Remembering the prepared cover story he and Archbishop Perche had decided upon, Adam smiles at Alice. "Records update from the Paradise Valley parish. Boring, but necessary, I'm afraid. At least I get to travel because of it." he adds cheerily. "I've been couped up inside handling clerical duties -- that is the paperwork kind," Adam chuckles at his pun.

[ybn1197]

Father Adam Guiteau

Alice chuckles at your pun, the kind of laugh that tells you she understood the pun and not merely laughing along with you. "You are too funny Reverend," she says smiling. She then pauses and blushes. "I.. I meant that in a.. a complimentary manner, of course." She quickly turns and gazes out the coach window at the passing landscape, unsure of how to take back the words she uttered.

[GimliFett]

Father Adam Guiteau

Adam's face reddens slightly at Alice's embarrassment, and he tries to banish his own in order to make her feel more secure. "No need to worry, Miss Waller. I understood the intent. And it is appreciated. Nothing says I'm not allowed to be entertaining, right?"

[technophile]

James sighs as his ugly, surly, brute of a horse -- the best he could afford, unfortunately, and an insult to all other equines to be related to him--crowhops again, crushing another of his vertebrae into dust. At least, that's how it feels.

"You are the cussedest, mangiest, stupidest hoofed creature I ever laid eyes on, damn you," he informs it, in tones of infinite disgust. Even while he curses the horse, his eyes never stop scanning the horizon--he'd learned that a long time ago, that the price of surviving out in the bush was constant vigilance. As the horse settles--more or less--into a trot again, James rests his rifle across his saddlehorn and shifts, trying to find an unbruised patch of behind to rest his weight on.

To take his mind off his rear, he raises his voice and addresses Captain Johnston. "So, Captain, what's our first move when we get where we're going? I assume we can't just stroll into town and ask if anything weird is going on, so how do you usually approach this sort of thing?"

[ybn1197]

Father Adam Guiteau

Alice turns back to Adam, but keeps her eyes cast down. "I'm deeply sorry Reverend. Where I come from, one simply does not make light of a man of the clothe. You are doing the Lord's work, and I am merely a sinful woman." She pauses again and a look of frustration crosses her face. "I'm sorry Reverend. I didn't my say I was a sinner," she points to herself, "but that we all are sinners. Well, not you. Because if we weren't sinners, then God wouldn't have sent his only begotten son to bear our sins upon the cross."
Alice looks to Arnett and back to you. "I'm sorry Reverend, I've said too much. I should have listen to my mother's words. A woman is to be seen not to be heard."

[Leshan]

Lone Raven

Looking down at the man, Lone Raven nods in greeting. "Good morning. I am here to calm spirits. Have found many restless spirits in the towns of white men before. Looking to see if it is same here."

[ybn1197]

Lone Raven

The man looks at you and gives a half chuckle as if at some joke that only he heard. "Well chief, we got decent folk here so you ain't gonna see much spirits running wild till the miners come down with their pay. You're welcome to have a look around town. But I don't cotton to disturbin' the peace.Ya sure you wouldn't be likin' better out with the others like yourself?"

[GimliFett]

Father Adam Guiteau

Adam smiles as he shakes his head gently. "Miss Waller, please don't belittle yourself. You've a sharp mind, from what I can tell, and God gave us mouths to speak, did he not? He also gave us two ears, to double our capability for listening. However, the Lord doesn't punish us for speaking with one another, especially to pass time on such long journeys." He begins to stretch out a hand for a reassuring pat, but decides against possibly embarassing the girl further and stops after only the barest hint of a twitch.

"You mentioned that you finished your schooling? What do you plan on doing now?" he asks, trying to change the subject to something more comfortable for Alice.

[Leshan]

Lone Raven

A haunted look enters Lone Raven's eyes when the sheriff mentions the local Indians. "Maybe. I have strayed from the Old Ways." Looking around for a moment, Lone Raven then asks the sheriff, "Where can I find the place you talk to the man Jesus?"

[Ceridan]

Jake

After he and the rookie get situated they head out for the mission.

Spoiler

Show

Traveler will be Brave. It would look silly if my horse went wild in the middle of a rescue or some such.

[ybn1197]

Lone Raven
If the sheriff were in the middle of drinking something you are sure he would be spitting it out in a cloud of liquid and vapor, such is the look of surprise on his face when asked the question. "Uhmm," he stammers with an incredulous look on his face. A twitch seems to appear between his cheek and eye. "Down main," he points. "Last building on the right before you leave town."

Map to the Town of Pleasent Valley:

Spoiler

Show

Father Adam Guiteau
Alice's demeanor perks up, obviously glad to get away from the current line of conversation. "The town doesn't have a school. I was hoping that, with the help of the elders of the town, I could set one up for the children. Those that do receive some form of education are taught at home. And that's awful burden on their mothers who could their time in some other way. I was hoping that I could open a school house and start teaching."

[GimliFett]

Father Adam Guiteau

Adam smiles brightly at Alice. "Very admirable, Miss Waller. Education is very important, especially out here at the frontier, hm? Good luck to you."

[ybn1197]

Captain Jake Johnston and Private James Piltsen
((OCC: Sorry for not reply to yours earlier. I had a limited amount of time and it was either post what I had ready or post nothing. I figured post what I had and come back to it as soon as I could. Unfortunately free time became very limited.))
The ride from Battle Mountain to Pleasant Valley takes a good part of three days. You are sure you could have made it in two days but giving your origins and the nature of your trip, you decide to make a low profile of yourselves and take extra percautions in your journey.
As you approach town, it is obvious something major has occurred by the amount of commotion going on.

Spoiler

Show

You actually arrive a day after the events currently experienced by the other posse members. So what is currently happening is not causing the commotion you are witnessing. I'm working to get everyone in sync timeline wise.

Father Adam Guiteau
The remainder of your journey is passed in idle conversation with the young Miss Waller with the occasional expletive thrown in by Web as he notices things outside the carriage (these are typically followed by 'apologies Reverend' as he remembers his passengers.) Conversation with both Barnabas and Robelar is practically nonexistant.
You arrive in town of Pleasant Valley near the end of the afternoon. The sun is starting to sink in the west and the heat of the day is beginning to loosen. You hear Web up front yell down, "We're entering Pleasant Valley folks. The station up yonder on the north part of town. I'll let ya'll out thar." The coach continues up the main street before turning onto a side street before the end of town. Web stops the horses outside a decent sized building and climbs off. He opens the door on the left side of the coach while Barnabas does the same on the right. "Ya'll have a nice stay," Web remarks as you disembark from the coach.

Spoiler

Show

You actually arrive 8 hours after the events on main street.

[GimliFett]

Father Adam Guiteau

Before hefting his travel trunk and heading to the boarding house, Adam looks at Alice. "Do you need any assistance, Miss Waller? I can give you a hand before I get my own things to the boarding house and head over to the church."

[ybn1197]

Father Adam Guiteau
Alice takes her two small bags from Scott and smiles at Adam. "No thank you, I can handle themself. They are quite light," she says with a smile. "I appreciate the conversation, reverend." With that, she begins to walk towards main street and, presumably, her destination.

(OCC: We are going to fast forward here in order to move the game along. I have not heard replies back from Leshan and DigestionDamage, hopefully they will be rejoining us shortly.))

ALL
It is early the next morning. Most, if not all, of you are asleep in your hotel rooms, bedrolls, etc. when the sound of gun fire rips you from the blessed warmth of sleep's embrace. There are a number of shots fired, followed by the sound of horses being ridden hard.

[GimliFett]

Father Adam Guiteau

Adam bids Alice a good night, then continues to the boarding house and checks into his room, where he lays down to sleep soundly, with the intent of looking in at the church the next morning.

The next morning, awakened by the ruckuss, Adam rushes to the window to see what caused the commotion, opening them wide and looking out and around quickly. Not able to help himself, he had not had a chance to put a shirt on, remaining only in his longjohns.

[Ceridan]

Jake

Jake had been up for a few minutes admiring the cool stillness of the early morning as he was want to do, when his revere was broken by the bark of gunfire and the thunder of hooves. He pulled his Rifle from its scabbard and moved to take what cover he could find.

"Piltsen." he said loud enough to draw the sleeping man out of the rather fond dream he was having by the contented look on his face. "Looks like we are having company for breakfast."