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The Waste -
Verra fires a shot at the things and it seems to strike the massive bulk of the creature but it does not register that it has been hit!
The group almost as one unite to ride and ride fast in the other direction, luckily, the other direction is in the direction they intended to go. The Acolyte thrown over Oz's saddle is secure. Joseph takes Mira's hand as the rest of the horses have been spooked and scattered.
All non-essential gear is lost but that is a small price to pay for ones life. Luckily, the group is able to catch up to the fleeing horses and most of the gear taken from the Acolyte's men is still with you.
As the mid-day sun bakes the group and their waterskins begin to run dry, the familiar sight of the swinging, creaking sign that reads Last Stop beckons you all. The city is walled in with patchwork fencing, nothing that can stop a determined army but as there are none nearby its ability to keep out the denizens that wander the wastes means that is serves it purpose.
The guard towers, well buildings, at each gate control the flow in and out. Obviously the gate into the Wastes are more heavily manned. One of the guards is a very familiar figure to you all. Mandrake. The man lost an arm and a leg fighting to defend this town and with Prosthetics he continues to do just that.
The gates are opened as you approach, you know he has known of your presence for sometime through prodigious use of spyglasses. He calls out, "Well whaddya ya know. Looks like all y'all ended up findin' that no good killer together! All Seven of you. That's Magnificent!".
Verra softly sighs as they enter the gates of the town. Her shoulders seem to relax, just a bit of the tension easing out of them. She gives Mandrake a friendly wave.
She smiles at Mira, and says, "I believe after we get this crook turned in, I may well treat myself to a bath. Something about being face to "face" with a giant worm makes me think I'd like to appreciate some of the little things in life." She rubs her horses neck affectionately. "I may have to get you a bath as well."
The Last Stand
Mandrake whoops as you all pass through the gates, "Jeremy, show these folk to the Tower. The Mayor'll be pleased as punch to see 'em and the Sheriff can take this criminal off o' their hands".
Jeremy leads you all, on foot, to the Tower. The stronghold at the center of the Last Stand where the Mayor and the Garrison are both located. Dust is being kicked up a bit from the wind as you make your way through the modest homes within the city gates.
The dirt streets are lit up with torches on sticks and it seems the town has some liveliness to it early in the evening, as many townsfolk are out and about. The center of town is certainly lively as you pass by it to the tower as that is where everyone seems to be headed. Some do stop and point and stare at your prisoner who remains incredibly stoic having said nothing all afternoon.
Jeremy explains, "A caravan came on into town today, all the way from Freedom. Seems they're lookin' for some brave folk to head back east with 'em. Not sure what it's all about as I've been at the gate most of the afternoon.
So, whatcha' all gonna do with that reward?"
"Well that depends on how much the reward is, now doesn't it?" Verra jokes with Jeremy. [b]"I believe I'll start with some lunch. Can you point me to a good eatin' spot?"
As she hitches up her horse, she mutters a few things to herself(?) about being more prepared the next time a worm shows up. A little WARNING would be nice, ya know.
"Yes... of course." Ozymandias pauses for a moment, before shoving the acolyte toward Mira with his off hand. The robot shrinks his massive body into his cloak as they head into town, his seven-foot-tall frame having lost nearly two feet as he slouches heavily in an attempt to blend in. "I tire of having this repulsive creature in my presence. It's time for her to meet justice." While the others think about replacing their lost things, Ozymandias just swings down off his horse. He had lost little more than his tent, which was only for convenience more than necessity. The eidolon clutched the small golden pendant around his neck and rolled it between his fingers, a soft buzzing escaping from his body.
"I didn't do it for the reward." Ozymandias leaves the rest of the sentence unfinished, but it's clear what he means; hunting down the acolyte was reward enough for him. He pauses, before his head swivels on his metal chassis. "You mentioned a caravan? Where are they, do you know?"
Alexandr nods at Ozmymandias and Johnny's words.
''Yes, let us see Kharzess off to her fate before anything else. Once our business there is done I would welcome you all to join me for food and drink.''
The Last Stand
The Tower stands three stories high making it the tallest building in the town. As you get closer you see a handful of guards on the battlements, instead of watching the city proper though, they watch the horizon with spyglasses. As you recently saw with that desert worm, few dangers in town can rival what the Waste can blow in with the wind. Thus, the greatest vigilance is reserved for the known unknowns.
The Tower has several doors on the lower level reinforced by steel gates. In and of itself, it is a marvel of architecture and defense. Milling about outside is Deputy Dunstin, second in command to the Sheriff. He and one of his subordinates see your group approach. He tips his cap, "Well, that's something I've never seen before and reckon I'll never see again. We send out seven bounty hunters and all seven come back an with the same quarry!
Come on in folks. Merv, you take the Acolyte here to the finest room we've got!" The under deputy nods and removes a pair of manacles from his belt slapping them on Kharzess and leads her away into the building. Dunstin smiles, "Follow me".
He leads and you all follow while Jeremy tends to your horses trying them all up to the available posts. The inside of the complex is spartan though the various gears and winches to lift and lower the gates that protect the wide open architecture of the tower are interesting to look at, even in passing.
To the second floor he leads you up a spiral staircase where several small rooms are separated by doors from the open layout of the second floor. He takes out a set of keys and opens a door. This room has several chests scattered around the room along with odd works of art. He grins, "This is the vault. We'll pay ya' in what currency ya want or objects if that suits yer fancy.
The reward if I was not mistaken was 1,000 gold dead and 2,000 gold alive right? Well, as there's seven of you, looks like you'll have to split it yourselves. Truly, that was a Magnificent feat. Did uh, she put up much resistance?"
Although she seems a bit distracted by the engineering of the place, Verra whistles low and long at the reward. "Don't mind sharin' one bit. 285 gold is nuthin' to sneeze at. And it's harder to spend the whole two grand if yer dead." She sighs to herself softly. "Yea, yea, and 71 coppers."
Verra shrugs at the sheriff's question. "Really, it was more her guards that put up a struggle. 'sprobably why they aren't still livin'. SHE was more the cowardly type. Not too surprisin'."
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Johnny ambles into the vault and sees if he can get two 100 gp gems and 85 gold and then he will say I need to send these gems on to my family to start rebuilding it. Is there a service in town? Also we heard of a caravan looking for guards. You know anything about them and if they are good to work for?
''As Verra has indicated she was not much trouble.''
Alexandr will see about getting paid in 100 gp gems much like Johnny, placing the remaining coins in a pouch in one of the pockets from his robes.
Remembering the bugs and his ineffective bullets, Alexandr will turn back to the deputy.
''Who in town who sells not-standard ammunition? I would like to buy some alternate types of bullets in case we encounter more monsters resistance to standard rounds.''
Ozymandias just shrugs as Alexandr's offer. His huge form shuffles under the cloak as he does so, and it nearly slides off his massive shoulders. "I need neither food nor drink, but I suppose celebrations are not out of the question. However, I agree in looking for specialty ammunition. Killing the creatures of the Wastes proved difficult without it. If we might be guarding a caravan, having such things would be important..."
"THAT is a down-right sensible suggestion."
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The Last Stand
The Deputy nods, "Doc Brown the Gnome's got all sortsa' wacky inventions includin' ammunition of the type yer lookin' fer I'd wager.
Ah the Caravan, I'll give ya' what they handed ta' me ta' post. They're lookin' fer a group ta' help wit' problems. Based on yer performance out there, I would imagine some woods'ed be little trouble for you folks! From what I understand, only the original has force o' law an this is a magicked up copy
The passage back ta' the east is fer free.
They're stayin' at an Inn called the sinkhole. Not tha' nicest place but then no place is nice in this town!
A courier service eh? Truth be old, none I trust enough with the kinda' coin yer lookin' ta' hand over" He chuckles at his own joke.
He hands you a scroll.
Joseph shakes his head, "Not for me. I've got some place to be. Still, fine fightin' with you folks good luck in whatever else you plan to do".
Erissa appears non-committal to the idea the deputy puts forth.
Though he knew he had not been addressed personally Alexandr decided to chime in at Mira's suggestion.
''Would you mind terribly if I joined you? I could use a drink myself.''
Alexandr will head in the same direction as Mira whether she wants him to join her or not, deciding that new ammunition could wait until the morning and that alcohol and clean water were a higher priority.
The Last Stand -
The Seven, now Six, make their way to the building that is supposedly owned by Doc Brown. On the way, the few townspeople not involved in the town center activity all point towards your group as it passes by. All looks are ones of admiration at least as far as any of you can tell.
You arrive at the building that seems more barn then building and before you can reach the doors a loud, erupts from within. The doors are flung open by the pressure and smoke rushes out as well as the sound of coughing.
Verra smoothly moves to the side to avoid the worst of the escaping smoke. "What in tarnation do you have going on in there?" she exclaims. Behind the surprise, there's also an obvious hint of delight and curiosity.
Still lost in his thoughts, Ozymandias doesn't avoid the blast of smoke and stumbles backward. He still doesn't cough, considering he doesn't have lungs, but he shakes his head and grumbles. His hand reaches reflexively for his pistol, but he doesn't draw it.
Ducking his head to the side and shielding his eyes to avoid the dust, Alexandr can't help but let out a whistle at the force behind the blast.
''If that could be focused that would be a devastating weapon.''
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Never one to refuse that sort of invitation from a lady either Johnny will tip his hat with a rakish grin and then mosey on to Doc Brown's shop. He grabs Mira and tries to leap them out of the eay when the boom goes off.
hey any one in here? Doc Brown? Everyone ok?
Johnny takes a moment longer then is necessary to move his hands from Mira smiling down to her and tips his hat with another grin waiting for an answer.
The Last Stand -
A female gnome, covered head to toe in soot stumbles out the front door! Her soot darkened hair is going is 1.21 thousand directions "That... that was a great success! Why, I've managed to make that powder non-lethal. Now it can used for other stuff, stuff you wouldn't believe possible.
Howdy folks I'm Doc Brown, Emma to my friends, well, if I had friends I bet that's what they'd call me. What can I do you for?"
"Emma it is, then," Verra says, clearly excited to see what exactly that non-lethal powder is. "My compatriots and I were hoping you could fill an order for some special loads, silver, cold iron, that sort of thing. And, uh, if you need any help around here with that thar powder you got, you jess let me know." She tries to give the gnome her most friendly smile, clearly meaning every word.
Ozymandias shakes his head to clear the smoke away, before looking down at the small gnome. "We've been out in the Wastes, and without cold iron we had a tough time with the creatures that make their home out there. Considering it's likely we'll be headed back out soon, it seemed prudent to take care of it now."
"The dirt doesn't bother me." Ozymandias shrugs, a bit of the dust on his body tumbling off with the motion. "It keeps the sheen of the metal down, if anything. All we need is supplies, miss, and we'll be on our way. You can continue your... experiments."
The Last Stand -
She grins at Mira and replies,
She listens to the requests, "Well now, I can make ya' whatcha' need but I've nothin' on hand. Mind you, the bigger the order the more time I'll need. Now, give me some specifics".
She turns to Johnny, "I've a handful of older models on hand, I can sell 'em to ya' for a discount".
The Last Stand -
Mira, along with Alexandr and Erissa, head to the Inn that the Deputy stated the Caravan from Freedom was staying at. Indeed, the place is a bit of a dump but then it's the Waste. A handful of Deputies are on hand, it seems that something took place somewhere in town for law enforcement to be here on duty and carrying sidearms.
Several people mill about on the streets and the front porch. A piano can be heard from inside and it's clear that the place is full of Caravan members, there's a lightness in their demeanor that the hardy folk of the Wastes can't afford to have.
The Last Stand -
You see a few Deputies at another Inn in the city, the Sinkhole. Several people mill about on the streets and the front porch. A piano can be heard from inside and it's clear that the place is full of travelers, there's a lightness in their demeanor that the hardy folk of the Wastes can't afford to have.
As you consider whether to approach and ask if they know where the Sheriff is, you see a trio approach the Inn.
They've a look of people who can take care of themselves.
As much as she wants to get clean and take a rest in a bed where she doesn't feel like she has to watch over her shoulder, Verra can't help wanting to watch a professional like Doc Brown work. "Of course, I'll ask permission. You don't go pokin' around someone else's stuff without askin'."
"Emma, I gotta a couple of helpful tricks I'd like to put together while you're working here. Any chance I can borrow a corner to mix up a couple of surprises?"
Herman removes his greatcoat and suit jacket, tucking them under his right arm. He looks up to the sky.
What have you gotten yourself into? These lands, these people are to be dominated. This is the way of my people, maybe there is a way we can control this world with little to no life lost.
That's when he caught something from the corner of his eye.
They look well armed, must be mercenaries. Wait, could be they the Magnificent Seven that the locals have been talking about?
Herman walks up to the trio slowly,"I hate to be a bother to you fine bunch but perhaps you can answer my queries. Would you happen to know where I could find the Sheriff's office? The old fellow gave me a job offer, on account of me being a Shield Marshal and stopping a duel in town, I say it sadly didn't end as well as I wanted it to. How could I forgot, you wouldn't happen to be part of a group know as The Magnificent Seven? the Locals around here have been bringing them up of late."
The man addressing them is wearing fine white clothing, save for his once white bloodstained dress shirt, with a single bullet hole through the center of his shirt. Pinned on his waist coat above his heart is his Shield Marshal badge
Alexandr cocks his head at the strange newcomer. He jerks his thumb at his bloody and ruined shirt.
''Stranger, did anyone not ever tell you that there are less dangerous ways of stopping a fight than taking a bullet to the chest.''
He smiles a little at his awkward joke before pressing on.
''I don't know exactly where the Sherrif's office is, but it is in that tower back there. You will have to ask someone inside where to actually find the Sherrif. Oh and I am Alexandr by the way.''
He gestures at the tower when he mentions it and when he is done speaking he then gestures to his companions back towards the inn, Silently asking them if they wish to continue onwards.
What a strange fellow, he dresses so finely for someone out here in the wastes.
Herman removes his hat and places it on his chest to cover his wound.
"Hmph, I assure you it was merely all in the line of duty. It worked and he's going in a pinebox. How rude of I, the name is Herman Oswalden. Charmed to meet you."
The Last Stand -
Emma grins, "Heck, I can't day no to a compliment like that. I'm usually by myself so I'd be glad for the companionship!"
She turns back to Johnny, "Fer you cutie I've a Pistol I can part with. How's about 75 gold?"
Emma is truly a Master Craftsman, rounds most would deem acceptable she throws back in for re smelting and those are few and far between!
The Last Stand -
The Sinkhole caters to everyone, unlike the Oasis which seems to keep a slightly higher class of clientele. Still, the Sinkhole is cheaper and more readily available so this is where the caravan from Freedom will remain, after all, they plan to have recruited and been gone by then.
You can see the representatives clearly as their tables are pushed together in the middle of the room and they are surrounded by bodyguards to keep the worst of the local element away.
The place is raucous bawdy music, intense gambling and drinking give this place an edge to be sure. None seem over eager to say hello to you all, after all your reputation is more word of mouth than by sight alone considering your celebrity has been abrupt and only a few hours old!
You also all know that your seven has been reduced to six. Now where could a suitable seventh member of your "team" be found?
Beside the barkeep is a small desk manned by a man with half of his face masked, you imagine that this may be the gent you wish to see to get rooms if clean up is the short term goal.
The Last Stand -
The two smiths work with the Doc to produce more rounds for their journey. A wise decision, after all, if the Charter is to explore unexplored territory, there won't be any places readily available to reload!
"This is a nice setup you have here, Emma. Very impressive. Girl could get used to a setup like this."
"Fine, I'll ask him." She turns to Johnny. "Johnny, we've noticed you mixing some extracts. Care to compare notebooks?" Turning to Emma, she adds, "I'm happy to share if you're into that kinda thing as well, of course."